Botanicals and plant strengtheners for potato and tomato cultivation in Africa

This review provides a summary of botanicals and plant strengtheners that have potential uses for disease and pest management in potato and tomato cultivation in African.We discuss their possible use to prevent major diseases and pests which infest potato and tomato,such as early and late blight,bacterial wilt,potato tuber moth,and tomato leafminer.There are several examples of the successful uses of botanicals for pathogen and pest control relevant for different African climatic conditions;however,most of these studies have been conducted in vitro and often lack field verification.Plant strengtheners(substances that induce and improve crop resistance,yield,and quality)are little studied and used in Africa in comparison to North America and Europe.The possible benefits of using botanicals and plant strengtheners instead of conventional pesticides are discussed here in relation to human health and the environment as well as their modes of action and accessibility to farmers.Lack of knowledge of the composition and active ingredients of extracts,environmental concerns,uncertainties regarding stability and formulation,lack of legislation and limited support from governments,hamper the development of botanicals and plant strengtheners for use in sustainable African agriculture.

<i>In Vitro</i>Efficacy of Botanicals against Rice Blast Pathogen <i>Magnaporthe oryzae oryzae</i>

Rice is the most staple cereal crop of Bangladesh and rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae oryzae (MoO) has become a major factor limiting rice yield in Bangladesh and throughout the world. Eight botanicals extracted both in water and ethanol namely Kalijira (Nigella sativa), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Garlic (Allium sativum), Onion (Allium cepa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica) and Aloevera (Aloe vera) were tested against MoO in vitro in the Mycology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. All the botanicals significantly reduced radial growth of the tested pathogen. Maximum mycelia growth inhibition of MoO was achieved with water extract of turmeric (1:1 w/v) and ethanol extracts of neem (1:4 w/v) with 86.57% and 92.62% mycelia growth inhibition at 14 DAI, respectively.

Efficiency of Botanical and Chemical Pesticides on the Control of Field Insect Pests under Cowpea Production

The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpeas are consumable at various developmental stages, from early seedling to maturity. However, the crop faces persistent pest challenges at each stage, leading to substantial yield losses. In Uganda, chemical insecticides are the primary pest control means, but their increased and excessive use raises environmental, health, and economic concerns. This has prompted a quest for alternative and sustainable solutions, prompting an exploration of botanical insecticides. This study, conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three selected botanical insecticides versus four established chemical insecticides for managing cowpea insect pests under field conditions. The treatments included: Carbofuran, Cypermethrin 10% EC, Dimethoate, Pestwin, Pyrethrum ewc , Pyrethrum 5ew, Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC mix, and Untreated, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The significant pests studied were aphids, thrips, pod-sucking bugs, and legume pod borer. Results indicated substantial impacts of the treatments on pest infestation, with Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC being the most effective against most pests. The plant parameter, plant height, was significantly affected by treatments in 2016B, while the number of pods was impacted in 2017A. Pestwin, a botanical insecticide blend (containing Azadirachtin indica, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis extracts) demonstrated superior efficacy against cowpea aphids. Moreover, it positively influenced plant height, number of pods, and pod biomass, surpassing many chemical insecticides. Pestwin’s environmental friendliness positions it as a potential contributor to reducing environmental pollution, making it a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. Overall, the study underscores the importance of exploring botanical alternatives to chemical insecticides for sustainable pest management in cowpea cultivation.

Efficacy of Plant Extracts on Morphology and Cultural Characteristics of Bipolaris sorokiniana, Causing Black Point Disease of Wheat in Bangladesh

Black point of wheat caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Bs) is very destructive disease of wheat in Bangladesh and all over the world. The symptoms of diseases caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana can vary depending on the host plant and environmental conditions. The conidia of Bs germinate from two poles, which differ physiologically as indicated by the rate, growth character, of length, breadth and number of septa on different media. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of selected plant extracts on the morphology and cultural characteristics of the fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana causing black point disease in wheat crops in Bangladesh. The efficacy of fifteen plant extracts on the growth and characteristics of Bs was conducted in vitro in 2019-2020. The treatments were: Untreated control, T1—Black berry Leaves, T2—Guava Leaves, T3—Lantena camera leaves, T4—Eucalyptus Leaves, T5— Turmeric Leaves, T6—Khoksha Leaves, T7—Papaya leaves, T8-Gurlic Bulb, T9—Chili dust, T10—Nigella seeds, T11—Turmeric dust, T12—Cloves, T13— Bohera fruits, T14—Black pepper and T15—Neem leaves. After 15 days of inoculation of Bipolaris sorokiniana, colony color and shapes were Gerrish blackish, greenish blackish, greyish blackish and shapes were round or irregular. In our study, conidia color was dark brown to light brown, conidiophore color was brown, dark brown, grayish brown, dark olivaceous, light brown and conidia shapes were elliptical, oblong or slightly curved. The septation of conidia was 2 - 5 and highest septation was seen in T4 and T14 treatments. The highest conidial length was 17.79 μm recorded in T2 treatment and lowest was 6.62 μm T9 treatment where conidial breath was 8.27 μm in control and lowest was 3.79 μm in T8 treatment. Mycelial growth rate of Bipolaris sorokiniana was different in different treatments in different days after inoculation (DAI) where at 7 DAI, % reduction of mycelial growth over control was highest in Bohera and Neem Leaves treatments respectively.

Ecofriendly Management of Wheat Panicle Blast Caused by Magnaporthe oryzae triticum

In this study, three wheat varieties were tested to determine seed germination and the incidence of Magnaporthe oryzae triticum (MoT). Among these varieties, BARI Gom 24 (Prodip) wheat seed exhibited the highest seed germination rate (93%) but also had the highest incidence (30%) of MoT. To manage blast disease in an ecofriendly manner, seven treatments were employed: T1 = Control, T2 = Garlic clove extracts, T3 = Aloe vera leaf extracts, T4 = Black cumin seed extracts, T5 = Neem leaf extracts, T6 = Nativo 75 WG, and T7 = Provax 200 WP. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) layout with three replications using Prodip wheat variety that exhibited highest MoT infection severity based on laboratory analysis among collected varieties. Data were collected on blast disease incidence (%), disease severity, and various growth and yield parameters of wheat. The experiment’s results indicated that among all the treatments, T7 (Seed treatment with Provax 200 WP) and T5 (Foliar spraying with Neem leaf extract) performed better in controlling blast disease in wheat. The lowest blast disease incidence (%) was observed with T7 (Provax 200 WP), with values of 7.86, 9.86, and 10.19 recorded during the milking stage, soft dough stage, and hard dough stage of wheat, respectively. T5 (Neem leaf extract) also demonstrated a statistically equivalent reduction in blast disease incidence (%). In terms of disease severity, T7 (Seed treatment with Provax 200 WP) showed the lowest values of 1.03, 1.23, and 1.63 during the milking stage, soft dough stage, and hard dough stage of wheat, respectively. Foliar spraying with neem leaf extract also exhibited similar result as of Provax 200 WP regarding panicle blast severity. As a result of these findings, it can be concluded that T5 (Neem leaf extract) is recommended as an ecofriendly management approach for blast disease in wheat.

In Vitro Efficacy Assessment of Botanical Extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum Causing Gladiolus Leaf Blight

An experiment was conducted at the Mycology laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out the efficacy of selected botanical extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum (Bg) causing gladiolus leaf blight. Infected leaves samples were collected from gladiolus farmers’ field and brought to the laboratory for study. Ten selected botanicals were used against the colony growth of (Bg). The botanicals were Mehendi, Chrysanthemum, Basil (Tulsi), Onion, Neem, Bael, Arjuna, Garlic, Aloevera (Ghritkumary) and Turmeric. Botanical extracts were applied at the rate of 5%, 10% and 20%. The radial mycelia growth was found minimum (11.60 mm) in garlic extract treated plate at the dose of 5% at 5 DAI, which was statistically similar with turmeric extract treated (14.00 mm) plate and the inhibition of growth was 60% and 51.72%, respectively. Similar trend was found at 10 DAI and 15 DAI. At 15 DAI, garlic and turmeric extract gave the best result against Bg, which was statistically similar with onion (50.07% inhibition) and mehendi (49.93%). All botanicals showed significantly different results over control and found effective in reducing the mycelial growth at the dose of 10%. At 5 DAI, no radial mycelia growth was found in garlic treated plate, which was statistically similar with onion treated plate, means that the inhibition of growth was 100%. Similar trend was also found at 10 DAI, and 15 DAI but at 15 DAI, onion (30.20 mm) gave the statistically similar results with Garlic (30.10 mm) and the mycelia growth inhibition was (57.70%) and (57.84%), respectively. In case of 20% dose, garlic extract showed the best result at 5 DAI and the radial mycelia growth was found minimum (00.00 mm) which was statistically similar with onion extract treated (00.00 mm) plate and turmeric extract treated plate. The inhibition of growth was 100%. At 15 DAI, the inhibition of fungal growth was found (73.74%), (71.23%) and (66.90%), respectively with treated by turmeric (18.80 mm), garlic (20.60 mm) and onion (23.70 mm).

Toxic and Antifeedant Effects of Different Pesticidal Plant Extracts against Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)

The beet armyworm(BAW),Spodoptera exigua(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)is a highly destructive pest of vegetables and field crops.Management of beet armyworm primarily relies on synthetic pesticides,which is threatening the beneficial community and environment.Most importantly,the BAW developed resistance to synthetic pesticides with making it difficult to manage.Therefore,alternative and environment-friendly pest management tactics are urgently required.The use of pesticidal plant extracts provides an effective way for a sustainable pest management program.To evaluate the use of pesticidal plant extracts against BAW,we selected six plant species(Lantana camara,Aloe vera,Azadirachta indica,Cymbopogon citratus,Nicotiana tabacum,and Ocimum basilicum)for initial screening experiment.Four out of six plant species such as A.indica,N.tabacum,C.citratus and O.basilicum showed promising mortality of more than 50%.Therefore,we selected these four plant extracts for the subsequent experiments.Through contact bioassay,A.indica showed high mortality 66.63%,followed by the N.tabacum 53.33%,at 10%w/v concentration.Similarly,N.tabacum showed the highest mortality rate,66%at 10%w/v concentration,followed by the A.indica 46%through feeding bioassay.Furthermore,the feeding deterrence assay showed that C.citratus had a high antifeedant index(−50)followed by A.indica(−39),and N.tabacum(−28).In living plant assay,the N.tabacum extract showed a low mean damage score 3.6 on living cotton plant followed by C.citratus 4.5 and A.indica 5.5.Hence,extracts of three plant species provided promising results against the BAW,which can minimize the use of synthetic chemicals,particularly for small landholding farmers.Further studies are also required to evaluate the effects of these plant extract against BAW on cotton plants under field conditions to optimize the further use.

Insecticidal Activity and Physicochemical Characterization of Nanoparticles from Foliar Extract of Capsicum chinense

This work was carried out to evaluate the insecticidal effect of mono,bi and trimetallic nanoparticles(NPs)from leaf extract of habanero pepper(Capsicum chinense Jacq.)on the red flour beetle(Tribolium castaneum herbst.)and cotton mealybug(Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley).The results showed that Cu NPs,Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs had high insecticidal effect against T.castaneum(63%-80% mortality after 96 h).The Cu NPs and Zn/Cu NPs showed also insecticidal effect against P.solenopsis,but to a lesser extent(20%–28% after 96 h).With regards to the physicochemical characterization,Cu NPs had a zeta potential of 21.1 mV,whereas Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs exhibited zeta potentials of 200 mV.The polydispersity index(PDI)values for Cu NPs,Cu/Mn NPs,and Zn/Cu NPs were 10.1,29.16,and 14.34,respectively.The TF-IR spectra of the NPs varied from 600 to 4000 cm−1.The EDX weight percentages showed the presence of Cu(0.29%–2.4%),Mn(1.4%),and Zn(2.6%)in Cu/Mn NPs and Zn/Cu NPs,respectively.

Seed Germination and Vegetative Propagation of Promising Decorative Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.), Introduced into the Tashkent Botanical Garden (Uzbekistan)

Seed germination (in laboratory and field conditions) and vegetative reproduction (by cuttings) of a promising decorative species—Lonicera tatarica L. (Caprifoliaceae Juss.) was studied for the first time in the conditions of introduction of the Tashkent Botanical Garden of Uzbekistan. Thus, the optimal temperature for germination of L. tatarica seeds in laboratory conditions is +20°C + 22°C, at which germination was 73%. The germination rate of seeds sown in autumn in the field was 62%, and the germination rate of seeds sown in spring was 71%. It was noted that in greenhouse conditions at an air temperature of 20°C - 22°C and a relative humidity of 49% - 53%, the rootability of cuttings was 75%. It was revealed that the studied species adapted well to the conditions of introduction. Taking into account the effectiveness of vegetative reproduction of L. tatarica, it can be recommended for improving the aesthetic condition and landscaping of cities, landscaping and landscape design.

Enlightenment of COVID-19 Treated by Botanical Drugs on the Development of Drugs for Rare Diseases in China

Objective To study the feasibility of developing botanical drugs to treat intractable diseases and play an important role in dealing with major public health crises.Methods From January 1990 to May 2021,a bibliographic search was carried out on the use of botanical drugs,rare disease drugs,related registration management policies and regulations in PubMed and CNKI.The following keywords were searched in the database:Rare disease policies and regulations,orphan drugs,botanical drugs for intractable diseases,botanical drugs for the treatment of new coronary pneumonia,traditional Chinese medicine,and emergency guidelines for major public health crisis.Other data were obtained from“Chinese Pharmacopoeia”and relevant Chinese government websites for sorting and analysis.Results and Conclusion Based on 39 Chinese corresponding policies and regulations,challenges and opportunities of developing and researching drugs for treating rare diseases were found out after the analysis and comparison.Based on the study of national policies on drugs for rare diseases,the priority review and approval procedures in the drug registration,as well as China’s emergency guidelines and policies for major public health events,some problems in the use of drugs for rare diseases are found out.Therefore,it is recommended to actively adopt the property rights protection system,explore the folk prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine and the potential of hospital preparations,and the registration review strategy of giving priority to the use of botanical drugs for rare diseases.Thus,the international status of botanical drugs for rare disease and the influence of responding to major public health events can be enhanced.

Former Botanical Garden of ORSTOM(Côte d’Ivoire):What Remain after Thirty Years of Abandonment and Forest Restoration

Botanical gardens represent important places for ex situ conservation.One of these botanical gardens has been abandoned in Côte d’Ivoire for 30 years.This is the former botanical garden of ORSTOM.This study was conducted to determine the level of diversity of this former garden in order to assess the opportunity for its rehabilitation.The authors carried out inventories in 18 quadrats of 500 m2 through the vegetation to collect woody species.Dendrometric measurements(height,diameter)were also recorded to assess the structure of the site.A total of 190 species have been identified.They belong to 141 genera and 47 families.This former botanical garden contains important species because of their origin,status or particularity(threatened,endemic,rarity,etc.).A total of 19 threatened species including 2 endangered and west African endemic(Chrysophyllum azaguieanum J.Miège,Placodiscus pseudostipularis)were found at the site.Also,Chrysophyllum azaguieanum is declared extinct from Côte d’Ivoire.Four species are rare in the flora of Côte d’Ivoire:Balanites wilsoniana,Chrysophyllum azaguieanum,Gilletiodendron kisantuense and Loesenera kalantha.The most abundant species is Hopea odorata.Although this introduced species is considered globally vulnerable,it presents a risk of invasion in the forest of Côte d’Ivoire.The diameter and height structures show that all the stages of development are presented indicating a good regeneration on the site.Ultimately,this botanical garden deserves to be rehabilitated and especially urgent management of Hopea odorata is needed to prevent an invasion of this species.

Self-medication with nutritional supplements and herbal over-the-counter products

In recent years,the popularity increased for nutritional supplements and herbal products.Prescription drugs,but not herbal therapies are paid by health insurances.They are sold over-the-counter(OTC)on the patients’own expense.However,there are potential risks of self-medication,e.g.incorrect self-diagnosis,severe adverse reactions,dangerous drug interactions,risk of addiction etc.They are often used by patients at their own discretion without knowledge of and control by their physicians.Certain users are at risk of intoxication.Multiple medications taken by older patients increase the risk for adverse drug reactions,drug-drug interactions,and compliance problems for this age group(polypharmacy).Herbals should be discontinued prior to operations to avoid interactions with anesthetics or anticoagulants.Herbal preparations may also be carcinogenic or interfere with cancer treatments.Pregnant women use various OTC preparations.However,in many cases,it is unclear whether their use is safe for mother or baby.Self-medication with herbals is also largely distributed among anxious and depressive patients,and patients with other conditions and symptoms.The popularity of herbal products has also brought concerns on quality,efficacy and safety.Cases of botanical misidentification,contaminations with heavy metals,pesticides,radioactivity,organic solvents,microbials as well as adulteration with chemical drugs necessitate the establishment of international quality control standards.Hepatotoxic effects have been reported for more than 300 plant species,and some commonly used herbs have been demonstrated to interact with Western medication.Health care professionals have a critical responsibility assessing the self-care ability of their patients.Databases are available for pharmacists with information on action,side effects and toxicities as well as herbdrug interactions.There is a need for established guidelines regarding the correct use of nutritional supplements and herbal OTC preparations(phytovigilance).Physicians,pharmacists,and other health care professionals have to counsel patients and the general public on the benefits and risks associated with herbal drugs.Information centers for consumers and general practitioners are needed,and convincing evidence on safety and efficacy of herbal products has to be demonstrated in placebo-controlled,double blind and randomized clinical trials.

上海城市山林——佘山国家森林公园

文章介绍了上海佘山国家森林公园的自然人文条件,重点阐述其植物景观资源,最后介绍了辰山植物园建设。1佘山国家森林公园地理人文条件及建园历史上海佘山国家森林公园——位于上海西郊松江区境内,占地401hm2,距市中心35km,是上海唯一的自然山林。分为东、西佘山园。

Evaluation of Insecticidal Potential of Capsicum chinense Jacq. and Aframomum melegueta K. Schum. Against Trogoderma granarium Everts(Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in Groundnut

The insecticidal potential of seed powders of Capsicum chinense Jacq. （Solanaceae） and Aframomum melegueta K. Schum. （Zingiberaceae） was tested against Trogoderma granarium （Coleoptera： Dermestidae） in the laboratory at （28±2）℃ and 70%± 5% relative humidity. The seed powders were tested at the rates of 0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% （w/w） of groundnut seeds replicated three times. At the highest rate of treatment, C. chinense caused 56.7% and 76.8% larval mortality at 3 and 7 days post treatment （DPT） respectively while A. melegueta exerted 53.4% and 73.8% larval mortality at 3 and 7 DPT, respectively. Results showed that insecticidal potential of the seed powders against adult mortality of T. granarium and seed damage followed similar trend. The various rates of C. chinense seed powder performed better than .4. melegueta seed powder in causing larval and adult mortality and in reducing seed damage. The activity of the seed powders on mortality of the insect, seed weight loss and seed damage were exposure time and rate dependent. A significant reduction （p〈0.05） in seed weight loss and seed damage was recorded among the treatments and maximum reduction was observed in the seeds treated with the highest rate of C. chinense seed powder. Percentage seed damage significantly （p〈0.05） decreased with increase in the rate of treatment while the highest seed weight loss and seed damage were obtained in the control. The study showed that C. chinense seed powder had higher activity against the test insect pest than .4. melegueta seed powder. The two seed powders had high bio-activity against the insect and therefore could be used in formulating environment friendly plant-derived insecticide.

Assessment of Constraints to the Adoption of Technologies Promoted by the Integrated Pest Management Training Program in Cotton-Based Cropping Systems in Western Burkina Faso

Our study was conducted from August 2008 to March 2009 in the Houet province, western Burkina Faso. It consisted in the assessment of the constraints to the adoption by cotton growers of technologies promoted by the IPM program through Farmers’ Field Schools in cotton-cereals-livestock systems. We did so by surveying a sample of 185 farmers trained in IPM and by describing farmers’ practices before and after the training in IPM. The results showed that the average dose of organic manure, NPK and urea used by famers after their training were respectively 3.8 tons/ha, 163 kg/ha and 65 kg /ha as compared with 2.4 tons/ha, 140 kg/ha and 51 kg/ha before the training. Regarding the use of pesticides, 94.6% of farmers used protection equipment during the sprayings after the training against 21.6% of them before the training. However, the average number of sprays did not vary significantly. It was 6 before the training and only 5 after. The botanical pesticides were used by 31% of farmers after the training as compared with 0% of users before the training in IPM. The training did not affect much crop yields. The constraints identified and classified according to their relative importance included the lack of agricultural equipment, and animals for ploughing, difficulties in inputs access, labor shortage, the lack of organic manure, and marketing problems. These technical, social and economic constraints have been analyzed and recommendations have been made to work them out.

Management of <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i>(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by Nutritional Indices and Botanical Extracts of <i>Millettia ferruginea</i>and <i>Azadirachta indica</i>

The development of hosts that are resistant and evaluation of botanical extracts to H. armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is crucial for sustainable management, yet very limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was done to identify alternative methods to insecticide control through host consumption study and botanical extracts. The performance of third-fifth larval stages of H. armigera on three host plant varieties including chickpea, tomato and faba bean and botanical extracts against the third larval instars and oviposition deterrence was studied under laboratory condition (22°C ± 2°C, 55% ± 5% RH, 12:12 L: D photoperiod). Significant differences were found in the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI%) (F = 80.06;df = 6, 2;p H. armigera reared on the three host plant varieties of the whole larval instars. The minimum relative consumption rate (RCR) (11.271 ± 0.328) and maximum approximate digestibility (AD) (177.9 ± 1.928) values of the whole larval instars were on Dagaga and Koshari, respectively. The values of relative growth rate (RGR), ECI% and ECD% of the whole larval instars were highest on chickpea varieties and lowest on tomato Koshari. Among chickpea varieties, Habru was relatively resistant to larval instars of H. armigera. Botanical extracts at 50% neem oil (NO), 5% birbira seed extract (BSE) and 5% neem seed extract (NSE) (18.4%) resulted superior in larval mortality however, statistically not different. At both 5% and 2.5% concentration level of botanical extracts the minimum larval mortality was recorded from neem leaf extract (NLE). Maximum numbers of eggs were laid on control treatments and the minimum eggs were on 5% BSE. The deterrent effect of 50% neem oil was stronger (ODI = 17.66%) than that of 5% BSE (ODI = 14%) which is statistically similar value with 5% NSE (ODI = 13%). In conclusion, the result indicated that use of Habru chickpea variety with 50% NO was very effective in controlling both the larvae and deterring the adults of H. armigera from egg lying. These measures could be important in the wider managements of H. armigera by integrating host resistance and botanical extracts.

Management of Fusarium anthophilum(Pathogen of Cereals and White Yams)Using Different Measures

Fusarium species(including Fusarium anthophilum)have many insidious effects on mankind,animals,and plants.Their attack may lead to diseases or spoilage,and the production of mycotoxins.This study was conduct­ed to find solutions to the infections by F.anthophilum.Three sub-trials(botanical,chemical and biocontrol sub-trials)were set up using completely randomized design,and each treatment was replicated thrice.The percent­age inhibition of F.anthophilum in the botanicals-alone subtrial(i.e.,Eu­calyptus,Euphorbia,Andrographis,and Melaleuca spp.)at 50%and 100%concentrations ranged from 20%to 100%.At 72,120,and 168 HAI(hours after inoculation),Eucalyptus(all concentrations)controlled the pathogen significantly more,followed by Melaleuca(all concentrations).All the bo­tanicals(at both concentrations)controlled Fusarium sp.significantly more compared to the control.Based on the second sub-trial:the best synthetic fungicide+Trichoderma harzianum treatment was Mancozeb100%,and the percentage inhibition by these combined chemical+biocontrol treatments ranged from 28%to 50%.Mancozeb100%,followed by Metalaxyl+Cu(I)O 100%produced the highest inhibition.All chemical treatments were sig­nificantly different compared to the control(120 hours after inoculation).Based on the third subtrial:the best Botanical+T.harzianum treatment was Alligator pepper100%followed by Tumeric100%.The percentage inhibition of Fusarium sp.by these treatments ranged from 28%to 70%.Alligator pepper100%followed by Tumeric100%,then Tumeric50%,and Eucalyptus100%…were significantly different compared to the control.Combining different agents was effective in controlling the pathogen.However,lower percentage inhibitions were obtained.More research on integrating the control agents is being admonished.

Overview of the phytomedicine approaches against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)successfully colonizes thehuman stomach of the majority of the human popula-tion.This infection always causes chronic gastritis,butmay evolve to serious outcomes,such as peptic ulcer,gastric carcinoma or mucosa-associated lymphoid tis-sue lymphoma.H.pylori first line therapy recommend-ed by the Maastricht-4 Consensus Report comprises theuse of two antibiotics and a proton-pomp inhibitor,butin some regions failure associated with this treatmentis already undesirable high.Indeed,treatment failure isone of the major problems associated with H.pylori in-fection and is mainly associated with bacterial antibioticresistance.In order to counteract this situation,someeffort has been allocated during the last years in theinvestigation of therapeutic alternatives beyond antibi-otics.These include vaccines,probiotics,photodynamic inactivation and phage therapy,which are briefly revis-ited in this review.A particular focus on phytomedicine,also described as herbal therapy and botanical therapy,which consists in the use of plant extracts for medicinal purposes,is specifically addressed,namely considering its history,category of performed studies,tested com-pounds,active principle and mode of action.The herbs already experienced are highly diverse and usually selected from products with a long history of employ-ment against diseases associated with H.pylori infec-tion from each country own folk medicine.The studies demonstrated that many phytomedicine products have an anti-H.pylori activity and gastroprotective action.Al-though the mechanism of action is far from being com-pletely understood,current knowledge correlates the beneficial action of herbs with inhibition of essential H.pylori enzymes,modulation of the host immune system and with attenuation of inflammation.

Botanic gardens should lead the way to create a "Garden Earth" in the Anthropocene

The strength and expertise that botanic gardens bring to conservation are based on their detailed knowledge and understanding of the care. management, and biology of a diversity of plant species. This emphasis on the organism has led to many ex-situ and in-situ conservation programs aimed at protecting endangered species, restoring threatened populations, and establishing living plant and seed collections of endangered species. In China, the scale and pace of change in land and resource use, often leading to environmental degradation, has created a strong emphasis on improving environmental conditions. If done properly, being "green" can be a surprisingly complex issue, because it should encompass and exploit the whole of plant diversity and function. Unfortunately, 'green' often includes a small portion of this whole. Earth's rich plant diversity presents considerable opportunity but requires expertise and knowledge for stable and beneficial management. With the dawning of the Anthropocene, we should strive to live on a "Garden Earth", where we design and manage our environments, both built and natural, to create a healthy, beneficial living landscape for people and other organisms. The staff of botanic gardens worldwide and the living collections they maintain embody the best examples of sustainable, beautiful, and beneficial environments that thrive on plant diversity. This expertise should be a fundamental resource for agencies in all sectors responsible for managing and designing "green" infrastructure. Botanic gardens should actively engage and contribute to these opportunities, from large public infrastructure projects to small private conservation efforts. Here, we discuss several ongoing conservation efforts, primarily in China, and attempt to identify areas where botanic gardens could make a significant and meaningful difference.

Identification and Analysis of Genetic Diversity Structure Within Pisum Genus Based on Microsatellite Markers

To assesse the genetic diversity among wild and cultivated accessions of 8 taxonomic groups in 2 species, and 5 subspecies under Pisum genus, and to analyze population structure and their genetic relationships among various groups of taxonomy, the study tried to verify the fitness of traditionally botanical taxonomic system under Pisum genus and to provide essential information for the exploration and utilization of wild relatives of pea genetic resources. 197 Pisum accessions from 62 counties of 5 continents were employed for SSR analysis using 21 polymorphic primer pairs in this study. Except for cultivated field pea Pisum sativum ssp. sativum var. sativum （94 genotypes）, also included were wild relative genotypes that were classified as belonging to P. fulvum, P. sativum ssp.abyssinicum, P. sativum ssp. asiaticum, P. sativum ssp. transcaucasicum, P. sativum ssp. elatius var. elatius, P. sativum ssp. elatius var. pumilio and P. sativum ssp. sativum var. arvense （103 genotypes）. The PCA analyses and 3-dimension PCA graphs were conducted and drawn by NTSYSpc 2.2d statistical package. Nei78 genetic distances among groups of genetic resources were calculated, and cluster analysis using UPGMA method was carried out by using Popgene V1.32 statistical package, the dendrogram was drawn by MEGA3.1 statistical package. Allelic statistics were carried out by Popgene V1.32. The significance test between groups of genotypes was carried out by Fstat V2.9.3.2 statistical package. 104 polymorphic bands were amplified using 21 SSR primer pairs with unambiguous unique polymorphic bands. 4.95 alleles were detected by each SSR primer pair in average, of which 65.56% were effective alleles for diversity. PSAD270, PSAC58, PSAA18, PSAC75, PSAA175 and PSAB72 were the most effective SSR pairs. SSR alleles were uniformly distributed among botanical taxon units under Pisum genus, but significant difference appeared in most pairwise comparisons for genetic diversity between taxon unit based groups of genetic resources. Genetic diversity level of wild species P. fulvum was much lower than the cultivated species P. sativum. Under species P. sativum, P. sativum ssp. sativum var. sativum and P. sativum ssp. asiaticum were the highest in gentic diversity, followed by P. sativum ssp. elatius var. elatius and P. sativum ssp. transcaucasicum, P. sativum ssp. elatius var. pumilio, P. sativum ssp. sativum vat. arvense and P. sativum ssp. abyssinicum were the lowest. Four gene pool clusters were detected under Pisum genus by using PCA analysis. Gene pool ＂fulvum＂ mainly consisted of wild species Pisum fulvum, gene pool ＂abyssinicum＂ mainly consisted of P. sativum ssp. abyssinicum, and gene pool ＂arvense＂ mainly consisted of P. sativum ssp. sativum var. arvense. While gene pool ＂sativum＂ were composed by 5 botanical taxon units, they are P. sativum ssp. asiaticum, P. sativum ssp. elatius var. elatius, P. sativum ssp. transcaucasicum, P. sativum ssp. elatius var. pumilio and P. sativum ssp. sativum var. sativum. ＂sativum＂ gene pool constructed the primary gene pool of cultivated genetic resources; ＂fulvum＂ gene pool, ＂abyssinicum＂ gene pool and ＂arvense＂ gene pool together constructed the secondary gene pool of cultivated genetic resources. Pairwise Nei78 genetic distance among botanical taxon based groups of pea genetic resources ranged from 7.531 to 35.956, 3 large cluster groups were identified based on the UPGMA dendrogram. Group Ⅰ equals to ＂sativum＂ and ＂arvense＂ gene pools, Group Ⅱ equals to ＂abyssinicum＂ gene pool, and Group Ⅲ equals to ＂fulvum＂ gene pool. The UPGMA clustering results generally supporting the PCA clusting results. There were significant differences among most botanical groups under Pisum genus, with clear separation of four gene pools for genetic diversity structure. The research results partially support the traditional botanical taxonomy under Pisum genus, and pointed out its advantage and shortcoming. In order to broaden the genetic bases of pea varieties, the genetic potentials in the four gene pools should be thoroughly exploited.