Management of Strawberry Grey Mold Disease Using Biocontrol Agents and Plant Extracts

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. poses major constraints to strawberry production and productivity. Grey mold severely impacts fruit quality and quantity, diminishing market value. This study evaluated five B. cinerea isolates from various locations in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All isolates were pathogenic, with isolate SGM 2 identified as highly virulent. Host range studies showed the pathogen-producing symptoms in the fava bean pods, marigold, gerbera, and chrysanthemum flowers and in the fava bean, gerbera, and lettuce leaves. In vitro tests revealed that neem extract (15% w/v) achieved the highest mycelial growth inhibition at 76.66%, while black turmeric extract (5% w/v) had the lowest inhibition at 9.62%. Dual culture methods with bio-control agents indicated that Bacillus subtilis recorded the highest mean inhibition at 77.03%, while Pseudomonas fluorescens had the lowest at 20.36% against the two virulent isolates. Pot evaluations demonstrated that B. subtilis resulted in the lowest percent disease index at 20.59%, followed by neem extract at 23.31%, with the highest disease index in the control group at 42.51%. Additionally, B. subtilis significantly improved plant growth, yielding an average of 0.32 kg compared to 0.14 kg in the control. The promising results of B. subtilis and neem leaf extract from this study suggest their potential for eco-friendly managing grey mold in strawberries under field conditions.

Metabolic analyses reveal different mechanisms of leaf color change in two purple-leaf tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivars

Purple-leaf tea plants,as anthocyanin-rich cultivars,are valuable materials for manufacturing teas with unique colors or flavors.In this study,a new purple-leaf cultivar“Zixin”(“ZX”)was examined,and its biochemical variation and mechanism of leaf color change were elucidated.The metabolomes of leaves of“ZX”at completely purple,intermediately purple,and completely green stages were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF-MS).Metabolites in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway remained at high levels in purple leaves,whereas intermediates of porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism and carotenoid biosynthesis exhibited high levels in green leaves.In addition,fatty acid metabolism was more active in purple leaves,and steroids maintained higher levels in green leaves.Saponin,alcohol,organic acid,and terpenoid-related metabolites also changed significantly during the leaf color change process.Furthermore,the substance changes between“ZX”and“Zijuan”(a thoroughly studied purple-leaf cultivar)were also compared.The leaf color change in“Zijuan”was mainly caused by a decrease in flavonoids/anthocyanins.However,a decrease in flavonoids/anthocyanins,an enhancement of porphyrin,chlorophyll metabolism,carotenoid biosynthesis,and steroids,and a decrease in fatty acids synergistically caused the leaf color change in“ZX”.These findings will facilitate comprehensive research on the regulatory mechanisms of leaf color change in purple-leaf tea cultivars.

Growth,yield and water productivity of dry direct seeded rice and transplanted aromatic rice under different irrigation management regimes

Sustainability of traditionally cultivated rice in the rice-wheat cropping zone(RWCZ)of Pakistan is dwindling due to the high cost of production,declining water resources and escalating labour availability.Thus,farmers and researchers are compelled to find promising alternatives to traditional transplanted rice(TPR).A field study was conducted in Punjab,Pakistan,in 2017 and 2018 to explore the trade-offs between water saving and paddy yield,water productivity and economics of two aromatic rice varieties under dry direct seeded rice(DDSR)and TPR.The experiment was comprised of three irrigation regimes on the basis of soil moisture tension(SMT)viz.,continuous flooded(>–10 kPa SMT),alternate wetting and drying(AWD)(–20 kPa SMT)and aerobic rice(–40 kPa SMT),maintained under TPR and DDSR systems.Two aromatic rice verities:Basmati-515 and Chenab Basmati-2016 were used during both years of study.In both years,DDSR produced higher yields(13–18%)and reduced the total water inputs(8–12%)in comparison to TPR.In comparison to traditional continuous flooded(CF),AWD under DDSR reduced total water input by 27–29%and improved the leaf area index(LAI),tillering,yield(7–9%),and water productivity(44–50%).The performance of AWD with regard to water savings and increased productivity was much higher in DDSR system as compared to AWD in TPR system.Cultivation of DDSR with aerobic irrigation improved water savings(49–55%)and water productivity(22–30%)at the expense of paddy yield reduction(36–39%)and spikelet sterility.With regard to variety,the highest paddy yield(6.6 and 6.7 t ha–1)was recorded in DDSR using Chenab Basmati-2016 under AWD irrigation threshold that attributed to high tiller density and LAI.The economic analysis showed DDSR as more beneficial rice establishment method than TPR with a high benefit-cost ratio(BCR)when the crop was irrigated with AWD irrigation threshold.Our results highlighted that with the use of short duration varieties,DDSR cultivation in conjunction with AWD irrigation can be more beneficial for higher productivity and crop yield.

Effects of light emitting diode lights on plant growth,development and traits a meta-analysis

The various monochromatic Light Emitting Diode(LED)lights are widely used in growth facility for cultivating various plants,particularly horticultural crops because of their higher luminous efficiency,lower radiation and power consumption than the traditional white fluorescent lamp light.However,considerable inconsistent effects have been reported in literature.We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of different colors of LED light on plant growth,development and various traits.Compared to the light from white fluorescent lamps,the red LED light significantly changed 4 out 26 plant characteristics by at least 37%,and blue LED light significantly increased 5 of 26 assessed characteristics by 37%or more.The combination of red/blue LED lights only significantly increased dry weight by 161%among 25 plant characteristics analyzed.Compared to the white LED light,red LED light significantly decreased 2 of 9 plant characteristics by at least 36%,and blue LED light significantly decreased only 1 of 9 plant characteristics,total chlorophyll content,by 42%.In the moderators analyzed,plant taxonomic families significantly influenced the effects of LED lights on shoot dry weight,and plant life cycles and plant taxonomic families significantly affected the effect on stomatal conductance.Through systematic meta-analysis,we found that the effect of LED on plant growth and quality traits was speciesspecific,and the effect was affected by the cultivation conditions.Therefore,we suggest that researchers be more targeted to experiment,and collect traits associated with practical production,especially related to the quality of product data,such as carotenoids,anthocyanin and other antioxidant compounds.This article is to provide more data with practical application,guide the application of LED in horticultural plant factory.

Controlling plant architecture by manipulation of gibberellicacid signalling in petunia

Since stem elongation is a gibberellic acid(GA)response,GA inhibitors are commonly used to control plant height in the production of potted ornamentals and bedding plants.In this study,we investigated interfering with GA signaling by using molecular techniques as an alternative approach.We isolated three putative GID1 genes(PhGID1A,PhGID1B and PhGID1C)encoding GA receptors from petunia.Virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS)of these genes results in stunted growth,dark-green leaves and late-flowering.We also isolated the gai mutant gene(gai-1)from Arabidopsis.We have generated transgenic petunia plants in which the gai mutant protein is over-expressed under the control of a dexamethasone-inducible promoter.This system permits induction of the dominant Arabidopsis gai mutant gene at a desired stage of plant development in petunia plants by the application of dexamethasone(Dex).The induction of gai in Dex-treated T1 petunia seedlings caused dramatic growth retardation with short internodes.

A method for the production and expedient screening of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated non-transgenic mutant plants

Developing CRISPR/Cas9-mediated non-transgenic mutants in asexually propagated perennial crop plants is challenging but highly desirable.Here,we report a highly useful method using an Agrobacterium-mediated transient CRISPR/Cas9 gene expression system to create non-transgenic mutant plants without the need for sexual segregation.We have also developed a rapid,cost-effective,and high-throughput mutant screening protocol based on Illumina sequencing followed by high-resolution melting(HRM)analysis.Using tetraploid tobacco as a model species and the phytoene desaturase(PDS)gene as a target,we successfully created and expediently identified mutant plants,which were verified as tetra-allelic mutants.We produced pds mutant shoots at a rate of 47.5%from tobacco leaf explants,without the use of antibiotic selection.Among these pds plants,17.2%were confirmed to be non-transgenic,for an overall non-transgenic mutation rate of 8.2%.Our method is reliable and effective in creating non-transgenic mutant plants without the need to segregate out transgenes through sexual reproduction.This method should be applicable to many economically important,heterozygous,perennial crop species that are more difficult to regenerate.

Endogenous auxin and its manipulation influence in vitro shoot organogenesis of citrus epicotyl explants

Endogenous auxin is an important regulator of in vivo organ development,but its role in in vitro organogenesis is unclear.It has been observed that the basal end of epicotyl cuttings of juvenile citrus seedlings produces fewer shoots than the apical end.Here,we report that elevated endogenous auxin levels in the basal end of citrus epicotyl cuttings are inhibitory for in vitro shoot organogenesis.Using transgenic citrus plants expressing an auxin-inducible GUS reporter gene,we have observed elevated levels of auxin at the basal end of stem cuttings that are mediated by polar auxin transport.Depleting endogenous auxin or blocking polar auxin transport enhances shoot organogenesis.An auxin transport inhibitor,N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid(NPA),can also enhance shoot organogenesis independent of its action on polar auxin transport.Finally,we demonstrate that the promotional effects of depleting endogenous auxin or blocking polar auxin transport on shoot organogenesis are cytokinin-dependent.Our study thus provides meaningful insights into possible roles of endogenous auxin and polar auxin transport,as well as auxin–cytokinin interactions,in in vitro shoot organogenesis.Meanwhile,our results may also provide practical strategies for improving in vitro shoot organogenesis for citrus and many other plant species.

Plant Communities and Factors Responsible for Vegetation Pattern in an Alpine Area of the Northwestern Himalaya

The study intended to describe the alpine vegetation of a protected area of the northwestern Himalaya and identify the important environmental variables responsible for species distribution.We placed random plots covering different habitats and altitude to record species composition and environmental variables.Vegetation was classified using hierarchical cluster analysis and vegetation-environment relationships were evaluated with Canonical Correspondence Analysis.Four communities,each in alpine shrub and meadows were delineated and well justified in the ordination plots.Indicator species for the different communities were identified.Maximum species richness and diversity were found in community IV among shrub communities and community II among the meadows.Studied environmental variables explained 61.5% variation in shrub vegetation and 59.8% variation in meadows.Soil variables explained higher variability (～35%) than spatial variables (～21%) in both shrubs and meadows.Altitude,among the spatial variables and carbon/nitrogen ratio and nitrogen among the soil variables explained maximum variation.About 40% variations left unexplained.Latitude and species diversity among the other variables had significant correlation with ordination axes.Study showed that altitude and C/N ratio played a significant role in species composition.Extensive sampling efforts and inclusion of other non-studied variables are also suggested for better understanding.

Expanding the application of a UV-visible reporter for transient gene expression and stable transformation in plants

Green fl uorescent protein(GFP)has been widely used for monitoring gene expression and protein localization in diverse organisms.However,highly sensitive imaging equipment,like fl uorescence microscope,is usually required for the visualization of GFP,limitings its application to fi xed locations in samples.A reporter that can be visualized in realtime regardless the shape,size and location of the target samples will increase the fl exibility and ef fi ciency of research work.Here,we report the application of a GFP-like protein,called eYGFPuv,in both transient expression and stable transformation,in two herbaceous plant species(Arabidopsis and tobacco)and two woody plant species(poplar and citrus).We observed bright fl uorescence under UV light in all of the four plant species without any effects on plant growth or development.eYGFPuv was shown to be effective for imaging transient expression in leaf and root tissues.With a focus on in vitro transformation,we demonstrated that the transgenic events expressing 1x eYGFPuv could be easily identi fi ed visually during the callus stage and the shoot stage,enabling early and ef fi cient selection of transformants.Furthermore,whole-plant level visualization of eYGFPuv revealed its ubiquitous stability in transgenic plants.In addition,our transformation experiments showed that eYGFPuv can also be used to select transgenic plants without antibiotics.This work demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing 1x eYGFPuv in studies of gene expression and plant transformation in diverse plants.

Characterization of spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferases from eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and its wild relative Solanum richardii Dunal

Eggplant produces a variety of hydroxycinnamic acid amides(HCAAs)that have an important role in plant development and adaptation to environmental changes.In this study,we identified and characterized a spermidine hydroxycinnamoyl transferase(SHT)from eggplant(Solanum melongena)and its wild relative S.richardii,designated as SmSHT and SrSHT,respectively.SmSHT was abundant in flowers and fruits,whereas the level of SrSHT was remarkably low in all tissues.Heat-shock/drought treatment stimulated the expression of SmSHT in both leaves and fruits,indicating its involvement in plant stress response.Both SHT polypeptides had extremely high identity with just five amino-acid substitutions.Recombinant SmSHT catalyzed the synthesis of mono-,bi-and tri-acylated polyamines.Using caffeoyl-CoA as the acyl donor,SmSHT preferred spermidine as the acyl acceptor.When spermidine was the acyl acceptor,the donor preference order for SmSHT was caffeoyl-CoA>feruloyl-CoA>ρ-coumaroyl-CoA.SrSHT exhibited the same substrate specificity as SmSHT,yet exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity than SmSHT.For example,under caffeoyl-CoA and spermidine,Kcat of SrSHT was 37.3%higher than SmSHT.Molecular modeling suggests that five amino-acid substitutions in SrSHT result in four alterations in their predicted 3D structures.In particular,the conserved Lys402 adjacent to the DFGWG motif,and Cys200 in the crossover loop in SmSHT were replaced by Glu and Ser in SrSHT.These substitutions may contribute to the enhanced activity in SrSHT.Our study provides a platform to generate HCAA rich fruits for eggplant and other solanaceous crops.

Whole-genome,transcriptome,and methylome analyses provide insights into the evolution of platycoside biosynthesis in Platycodon grandiflorus,a medicinal plant

Triterpenoid saponins(TSs)are common plant defense phytochemicals with potential pharmaceutical properties.Platycodon grandiflorus(Campanulaceae)has been traditionally used to treat bronchitis and asthma in East Asia.The oleanane-type TSs,platycosides,are a major component of the P.grandiflorus root extract.Recent studies show that platycosides exhibit anti-inflammatory,antiobesity,anticancer,antiviral,and antiallergy properties.However,the evolutionary history of platycoside biosynthesis genes remains unknown.In this study,we sequenced the genome of P.grandiflorus and investigated the genes involved in platycoside biosynthesis.The draft genome of P.grandiflorus is 680.1 Mb long and contains 40,017 protein-coding genes.Genomic analysis revealed that the CYP716 family genes play a major role in platycoside oxidation.The CYP716 gene family of P.grandiflorus was much larger than that of other Asterid species.Orthologous gene annotation also revealed the expansion ofβ-amyrin synthases(bASs)in P.grandiflorus,which was confirmed by tissue-specific gene expression.In these expanded gene families,we identified key genes showing preferential expression in roots and association with platycoside biosynthesis.In addition,wholegenome bisulfite sequencing showed that CYP716 and bAS genes are hypomethylated in P.grandiflorus,suggesting that epigenetic modification of these two gene families affects platycoside biosynthesis.Thus whole-genome,transcriptome,and methylome data of P.grandiflorus provide novel insights into the regulation of platycoside biosynthesis by CYP716 and bAS gene families.

Plant functional type approach for a functional interpretation of altitudinal vegetation zones in the Alborz Mts., Iran

Mountains are an excellent system for evaluating ecological and biogeographical patterns. The obvious variations of the environmental factors along the altitude create different zones with adapted plant assemblages. However, few studies make use of plant functional type(PFT) for describing the variation of vegetation along altitudinal gradients. A PFT is a group of taxa with similar traits which respond similarly to the environmental gradients. In this study, we used PFTs as indicators describing five vegetation zones in the western Alborz Mt, Iran from 2000 – 4500 m. The plant trait data presented here covers six plant traits including growth form, stemleaf ratio, spinescence, hairiness, leaf consistency and plant height of 297 species. We considered altitude and soil factors to test the importance of environmental variables. We applied a multivariate analysis of three table ordination, i.e. environmental, species, and traits data to identify the PFTs. We further applied fourth-corner statistic to quantify trait-environment relationships. A constrained hierarchical clustering was used to detect five altitudinal zones and two zones of low and high nitrogen concentration. With regard to altitude wediscuss the distribution of species, traits and PFTs. Growth form, plant height and stem-leaf ratio were significantly related to altitude and nitrogen. We identified 19 PFTs from which 18 were significantly associated to one or more altitudinal zones. While the lower altitudinal zones contain a variety of PFTs higher altitudes contain less PFTs with the highest altitude containing only one single PFT, tiny rosette plants with soft mesomorphic leaves. We identified grazing and climatic harshness as well as rockiness as the most important drivers of the distribution of plant functional traits and types across the studied gradient.

Effects of Planting Methods on Root Yield and Nutrient Removal of Five Cassava Cultivars Planted in Late Rainy Season in Northeastern Thailand

The objectives of this study were to evaluate growth, yield and nutrients removal of five cassava cultivars planted by different planting methods in late rainy season of northeastern Thailand. A split plot design was used in this study. The planting methods (vertical and horizontal) were assigned as main-plots. Cassava cultivars (Rayong-7, Rayong-11, Rayong-72, Huaybong-80 and E-dum) were assigned as sub-plots with four replications. Results showed that vertical planting gave significantly higher fresh storage root yield than those of horizontal planting, across five cassava cultivars. The cultivar Rayong-7 produced maximum fresh storage root yield across two planting methods, but not significantly different from Rayong 11, Huaybong 80 and Edum cultivars. Irrespective of nutrient removal, N, P and K removed ranges from 2.9 - 3.6, 0.8 - 1.3 and 5.3 - 7.9 kg per ton fresh root weight, respectively depending on cassava cultivar. The cultivar Rayong-7 removed the highest quantities of N, and the cultivar Rayong-11 removed maximum of P and K in the present study. Regardless of nutrient removal at different plant parts;N, P and K removed maximum quantities in leaf, stem and storage root, respectively. Planting method had no significant effect on N and P removal, but significant effect on K removal. The vertical planting removed K higher than those of horizontal planting.

An optimized procedure for plant recovery from somatic embryos significantly facilitates the genetic improvement of Vitis

Plant regeneration from grapevine(Vitis spp.)via somatic embryogenesis typically is poor.Recovery of plants from Vitis rotundifolia Michx.(muscadine grape)is particularly problematic due to extremely low efficiency,including extended culture durations required for embryo–plant conversion.Poor plant recovery is an obstacle to the selection of improved genetically modified lines.Somatic embryos(SEs)of V.rotundifolia cultivar Delicious(Del-HS)and Vitis vinifera L cultivar Thompson Seedless(TS)were used to identify culture media and conditions that promoted embryo differentiation and plant conversion;this resulted in a two-step culture system.In comparative culture experiments,C2D medium containing 6%sucrose was the most effective,among four distinct formulae tested,for inducing precocious SE germination and cell differentiation.This medium,further supplemented with 4 mM 6-benzylaminopurine(C2D4B),was subsequently determined to enhance post-germinative growth of SE.MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mM 1-naphthaleneacetic acid(MSN)was then utilized to stimulate root and shoot growth of germinated SE.An average of 35%and 80%‘Del-HS’and‘TS’SE,respectively,developed into plants.All plants developed robust root and shoot systems and exhibited excellent survival following transfer to soil.Over 150 plants of‘Del-HS’were regenerated and established within 2.5 months,which is a dramatic reduction from the 6-to 12-month time period previously required.Similarly,88‘TS’plant lines were obtained within the same time period.Subsequently,seven out of eight Vitis cultivars exhibited significantly increased plant conversion percentages,demonstrating broad application of the two-step culture system to produce the large numbers of independent plant lines needed for selection of desired traits.

Planting Date, Seeding Rate, and Cultivar Impact Agronomic Traits and Semolina of Durum Wheat

Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is a market class of wheat subject to price discounts in the marketplace if quality standards are not met. This study was conducted in order to determine how certain agronomic practices might impact durum wheat quality. The effects of planting date (PD), cultivar, and seeding rate on agronomic and semolina quality traits were investigated in field trials conducted near Hettinger and Minot, ND in 2014 and 2015. The interaction of PD and cultivar was significant for many of the traits evaluated. There was a significant PD X cultivar interaction or PD and cultivar effect for yield in all environments. Planting date X cultivar interacted for test weight at all environments. In general, a delay in PD resulted in a significant decrease in yield and test weight for all cultivars. However, Carpio yielded more than other cultivars in high yielding environments while the yield and test weight of Joppa was more adversely affected by delays in PD. Seeding rate did not have a consistent effect on any agronomic or quality trait. Protein content, kernel yellow pigment content, falling number (FN), and vitreous kernels were more dependent on cultivar, regardless of PD and environment. Semolina extraction, gluten index (GI), and wet gluten (WG) values tended to decrease with a delay in PD. These data continue to support cultivar selection as a critical component for obtaining high-yielding, high-quality durum wheat. However, PD and environment can impact certain agronomic and end-use traits, regardless of cultivar grown.

In-Season Side-Dressing of Urea and Ammonium Nitrate to Cotton on No-Till Soils with High Residual Nitrogen and Pre-Plant Nitrogen Application

It is essential to develop innovative approaches that can apply N more efficiently. The objective of this study was to examine in-season side-dress urea and ammonium nitrate (UAN) applications to cotton on no-till soils with high residual N fertility. A field trial was conducted near Milan, TN in 2011 and 2012 with strip plots in a RCB design with three replicates. The following six in-season side-dress fluid UAN treatments were compared: 1) zero N;2) low uniform-rate N application of 56 kg&#183N&#183haǃ3) high uniform-rate N application of 78.4 kg&#183N&#183haǃ4) ordinary variable-rate N application algorithm for each sub plot based on the average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value in that sub plot;5) reversed variable-rate N application algorithm for each sub plot based on average NDVI of that sub plot;and 6) N application rate based on the average NDVI value in each strip plot. All plots received 26 kg&#183N&#183ha&#451 as diammonium phosphate before cotton planting each year. Leaf N concentrations were mostly enhanced with all side-dress N applications ranging from 56 to 78 kg&#183N&#183ha&#451 relative to zero N during early to late bloom although this upland field had high initial soil N fertility and received pre-plant application of 26 kg&#183N&#183ha&#451 across the treatments each year. However, NDVI, plant height, and lint yield were rarely improved with side-dress N application. The three variable-rate N application algorithms consumed 7.8 to 12.3 kg&#183ha&#451 more N than the low uniform-rate application of 56 kg&#183N&#183ha&#451, but 10.1 to 14.6 kg&#183ha&#451 less N than the high uniform rate of 78.4 kg&#183N&#183ha&#451. Our results indicate that the current N recommendations for cotton in Tennessee may be too high on upland soils with high initial N fertility.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants of Semi-Tribal Area of Makerwal &Gulla Khel (Lying between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Provinces), Pakistan

This paper is based on the results of an ethnomedicinal research work conducted in the semi-tribal mountainous area lying between District Mianwali (PunjabProvince) and District Karak (KhyberPakhtunkhwaProvince),Pakistanduring June 2009-July 2011. During field survey, questionnaires were used to interview the local inhabitants of the area. The ethnomedicinal data consists of 131 plant species (2 Pteridophytes, 7 Monocots, 122 Dicots) belonging to 48 families (2 Pteridophytes, 4 Monocots, 42 Dicots). The most commonly represented families were Amaranthaceae (9 spp.), Mimosaceae (8 spp.), Asteraceae and Papilionaceae (7 spp.) each;Solanaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Scrophulariaceae (6 spp.) each, followed by Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Lamiaceae and Polygonaceae (5 spp.) each. Plant specimens were identified, preserved and vouchers were deposited in the Plant Taxonomy Lab. of Department of Biological Sciences,University of Sargodha,Pakistanfor future reference. The data collected through interviews with the local people indicates that these species are mostly used in respiratory tract infections (RTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), digestive disorders, sexual problems, skin diseases, liver ailments, wound healing, blood vomiting, malaria, piles, epilepsy, jaundice, gummosis, round worms, hepatitis etc. in the area. Due to lack of scientific approach regarding harvesting and utilization of this valuable medicinal flora, many plants are quickly going towards extinction;therefore, further work is needed to create awareness in the community conservation of the precious medicinal plants.

Advances and perspectives in discovery and functional analysis of small secreted proteins in plants

Small secreted proteins(SSPs)are less than 250 amino acids in length and are actively transported out of cells through conventional protein secretion pathways or unconventional protein secretion pathways.In plants,SSPs have been found to play important roles in various processes,including plant growth and development,plant response to abiotic and biotic stresses,and beneficial plant–microbe interactions.Over the past 10 years,substantial progress has been made in the identification and functional characterization of SSPs in several plant species relevant to agriculture,bioenergy,and horticulture.Yet,there are potentially a lot of SSPs that have not been discovered in plant genomes,which is largely due to limitations of existing computational algorithms.Recent advances in genomics,transcriptomics,and proteomics research,as well as the development of new computational algorithms based on machine learning,provide unprecedented capabilities for genome-wide discovery of novel SSPs in plants.In this review,we summarize known SSPs and their functions in various plant species.Then we provide an update on the computational and experimental approaches that can be used to discover new SSPs.Finally,we discuss strategies for elucidating the biological functions of SSPs in plants.

Influence of Bavistin and Silver Thiosulphate on <i>in Vitro</i>Regeneration of <i>Asclepias curassavica</i>(L). Using Nodal Explants

The effect of bavistin and the ethylene inhibitor (silver thiosulphate) on shoot regeneration using nodal explants of Asclepias curassavica (L). has been investigated. Among the different concentrations studied, highest number of shoots was obtained on MS media with 200 mg/L bavistin. Among the varying concentrations (10-100 μM/L) of silver thio-sulphate tested, highest number of shoots was obtained on MS medium amended with 60 μM/L silver thiosulphate without growth regulators. This study also establishes the stronger cytokinin like activity of bavistin. Effect of different growth additives like coconut milk, ascorbic acid and casein hydrolysate were tested on direct shoot regeneration. Among the different growth additives tested casein hydrolysate showed better and reproducible result at 0.025% in combination with 3 mg/l KN + 0.5 mg/l NAA. Antioxidants, activated charcoals and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used to remove phenolics. Activated charcoal removed the phenolic exudates completely at 0.025% and prevented the browning of media and thus enhanced the frequency of regeneration (85%). The microshoots developed through in vitro regeneration were transferred to rooting media containing IBA alone and in combination with KN and the highest number of roots was observed on MS medium with IBA 1 mg/L + 0.2 mg/L KN.

Ethnobotanical Study of Wild Edible Plants and Their Indigenous Knowledge in Sedie Muja District, South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia

Wild edible plants have played a vital role in supplementing the diet of people in developing countries. People in Sedie Muja District, South Gondar Zone, consume different parts of wild plants. This study was done in Sedie Muja District, South Gondar Zone to deal with ethnobotanical uses of selected wild edible plants. Field surveys were carried out in 2018-2019. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 84 respondents using semi-structured interview, guided field walk, market survey and field observations. Preference ranking, direct matrix ranking and informant consensus with buyers, sellers, cookers and elderly people of the user groups were used for data analysis. A total of 33 wild edible plants were documented. Of these families, Moraceae, Fabaceae and Solanaceae were the most dominant families that account 3 (11.5%) species each. Fruits are the most edible parts compared to the other edible plant parts that account 18 (54.5%). These species can be promoted for large-scale cultivation and marketing for the benefit of the local communities.