Standard microscopic slide preparation technique as a new and useful tool for analyzing mucilage content in marshmallow root

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) root is used as a drug in medicine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic as well as in food products, due to the content of mucilage with a broad range of physicochemical properties. Since mucilage content in roots depends on genotype and growing conditions, the quality control is, therefore, one of the major tasks in the rational use of the drug. In this paper we compare data for mucilage content in roots obtained by standard procedure which implies measuring of swelling ratio in dried samples, with anatomical features of roots obtained by different methods for anatomical analysis, and we have shown that anatomical method could be used for determination of mucilage content in marshmallow root

Značaj funkcionalne anatomije u istraživanjima transporta vode i asimilata u plodove u razvoju

The yield of crop plants and fruit growth depends, to a large extent, on the efficiency of the vascular tissue, in optimal conditions, as well as in stress conditions. Most of the material on which fruit growth depends is transported from the stem into the fruit through the fruit pedicel, by the xylem and phloem, so the anatomy of fruit pedicel is an important factor in understanding water transport from stem to fruit. This paper provides an overview of micro-morphological research of the tomato fruit pedicel using various methods in the Laboratory for Functional Anatomy of Crop Plants at the Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade University. Such an approach is important for understanding transport mechanisms as important physiological processes occurring during fruit growth.Prinos gajenih biljaka i rast plodova u velikoj meri zavisi od efikasnosti provodnog sistema, kao u optimalnim uslovima, tako i u uslovima vodnog deficita. Većina materija od kojih zavisi rast plodova, transportuje se u plod kroz peteljku ploda ksilemom i floemom, pa je tako anatomija peteljke važan faktor za razumevanje transporta vode i asimilata. U ovom radu dat je pregled mikromorfoloških istraživanja peteljki plodova paradajza primenom različitih metoda. Ovakav pristup je važan za razumevanje transportnih mehanizama kao važnih činilaca fizioloških procesa značajnih za rast i sazrevanje ploda

Morfologija semena odabranih vrsta korovskih biljaka

In order to cope with all the natural phenomena and survive on different types of soil and in different climatic conditions, plants have perfected their means of propagation. Weed seeds are characterized by high diversity in all segments, both physical and chemical. Knowledge of the morphological characteristics of seeds and fruits of weed plants (mass, size, shape, colour, luster, odor, appearance of surface structures) is of great importance in the planning of weed control measures. The subject of this study were the seeds of the species Chenopodium album, C. hybridum, Anagallis arvensis, Veronica hederifolia and Amaranthus retroflexus, which were isolated during the weed seed bank assessment in the soil. After the physical extraction from the soil samples, the seeds were separated from the admixture, determined and then photographed with a stereomicroscope. The dimensions (length, width, seed thickness and length of the navel) were measured and any changes in the seed coat produced as a result of physical damage were monitored. The aim of this research was to expand the database, which should contribute to a more efficient determination of weed seeds. It was found that the seeds of the species studied in this paper were often broken and damaged, although in most cases with similar morphological features, as indicated by the literature data. The seeds of the species C. album were an exception, with dimensions significantly different from the data available in the literature. This occurrence can be explained by the diversity of seed anatomy in the Chenopodiaceae family and also by the fact that during their stay in the soil, permanent changes in the seed surface structures are possible.Da bi se izborili sa svim pojavama prirode i opstali na različitim tipovima zemljišta i različitim klimatskim uslovima biljke su usavršile svoje načine širenja. Seme korova se odlikuje velikom raznolikošću u svim segmentima, kako fizičkim tako i hemijskim. Poznavanje morfoloških osobina semena i plodova korovskih biljaka (masa, veličina, oblik, boja, sjaj, miris, izgled površinskih struktura) ima veliki značaj u planiranju mera za suzbijanje korova. Predmet istraživanja ovog rada bila su semena vrsta Chenopodium album, C. hybridum, Anagallis arvensis, Veronica hederifolia i Amaranthus retroflexus izdvojena tokom procene rezerve semena korovskih biljaka u zemljištu. Nakon fizičke ekstrakcije iz zemljišnih uzoraka semena su odvojena od primesa, urađena je determinacija semena a zatim su semena slikana stereomikroskopom. Izmerene su dimenzije (dužina, širina, debljina semena i dužina pupka) a praćene su i eventualne promene na semenjači koje su nastale kao posledica fizičkih oštećenja. Cilj ovog istraživanja je proširivanje baze podataka koja bi trebalo da doprinese efikasnijoj determinaciji semena korovskih vrsta. Ustanovljeno je da su semena vrsta koja su bila predmet proučavanja u ovom radu često bila polomljena i oštećena, mada u većini slučajeva sličnih morfoloških osobina kao što ukazuju podaci iz literature. Izuzetak su bila semena vrste C. album, čije su se dimenzije značajno razlikovale od podatka dostupnih u literature. Ova činjenica se može objasniti raznolikošću anatomske građe semena vrsta iz familije Chenopodiaceae ali i saznanjem da je tokom boravka semena u zemljištu moguća trajna promena površinske strukture

Dissecting a wheat QTL for yield present in a range of environments: from the QTL to candidate genes

Previous studies with 95 bread wheat doubled haploid lines (DHLs) from the cross Chinese Spring (CS)xSQ1 trialled over 24 yearxtreatmentxlocations identified major yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in homoeologous locations on 7AL and 7BL, expressed mainly under stressed and non-stressed conditions, respectively. SQ1 and CS contributed alleles increasing yield on 7AL and 7BL, respectively. The yield component most strongly associated with these QTLs was grains per ear. Additional results which focus on the 7AL yield QTL are presented here. Trials monitoring agronomic, morphological, physiological, and anatomical traits revealed that the 7AL yield QTL was not associated with differences in flowering time or plant height, but with significant differences in biomass at maturity and anthesis, biomass per tiller, and biomass during tillering. In some trials, flag leaf chlorophyll content and leaf width at tillering were also associated with the QTL. Thus, it is likely that the yield gene(s) on 7AL affects plant productivity. Near-isogenic lines (NILs) for the 7AL yield QTL with CS or SQ1 alleles in an SQ1 BACKGROUND: showed the SQ1 allele to be associated with > 20% higher yield per ear, significantly higher flag leaf chlorophyll content, and wider flag leaves. Epidermal cell width and distance between leaf vascular bundles did not differ significantly between NILs, so the yield-associated gene may influence the number of cell files across the leaf through effects on cell division. Interestingly, comparative mapping with rice identified AINTEGUMENTA and G-protein subunit genes affecting lateral cell division at locations homologous to the wheat 7AL yield QTL

The Morpho-Anatomy of Nectaries and Chemical Composition of Nectar in Pear Cultivars with Different Susceptibility to Erwinia amlylovora

The topography and morpho-anatomical characteristics of floral nectaries and the chemical analysis of nectar have been studied in seven pear cultivars with different susceptibility to Erwinia amylovora. The susceptible cultivar Williams, the moderately resistant cultivars Bella di guigno, Poire de Cure and the low susceptible cultivar Alexander Lucas originated from Pyrus communis, while highly resistant cultivars Chojuro and Nijisseiki from P. pyraster and Kieffer as interspecies hybrid P. communis × P. pyraster were included in this experiment and studied for the first time. Large differences in size and structure of the nectaries were observed in these seven pear cultivars. The epidermal cells were with cuticle being more or less striated in Alexander Lucas, Kieffer and Williams. Resistant cultivars had a narrow, elongated cell shape of epidermal cells while those susceptible had an isodiametric. Stomata were mesomorphic in all cultivars except in Poire de Cure and Williams, being slightly xeromorphic since they were situated in deep hollows. Guard cells of the modified stomata were much larger in resistant cultivars. Hypanthium cells were larger in resistant compared to susceptible cultivars. The most abundant sugars were glucose, fructose, sorbitol and sucrose in nectar of all studied pear cultivars. The resistant cultivars (Chojuro, Kieffer and Nijisseiki) had a ~2-fold higher level of sorbitol and galactose, ~2.2-fold higher isomaltose, ~2.7-fold turanose, ~3.35-fold maltose, ~4.4-fold melibiose and ~12.7-fold higher melesitose compared to susceptible cultivars. The sum of quantified phenolic acids varied from 0.049 (Williams) up to 4.074 µg CAE/mL (Kieffer), while flavonoid glycosides levels ranged from 1.224 (Williams) up to 11.686 µg RE/mL (Nijisseiki). In the nectar of the resistant cultivars, rutin, apigetrin, together with patuletin and luteolin glycosides were detected but not in susceptible cultivars, which could be considered as the markers of resistance. © 2023 by the authors

Anatomical research on Potentilla indica (Rosaceae)

Introduction: Potentilla indica (Jacks.) Th. Wolf commonly known as Indian Mock Strawberry or false strawberry, is native to eastern and southern Asia (Himalayas, China, and Japan), but has been introduced worldwide and commonly grown as ornamental. P. indica is very tolerant to different environmental conditions including high-altitude habitat, areas with low/high temperatures, sun/ shade or drought. Objectives: The aim of the research is to contribute to the ecophysiological study of the plant by analyzing the anatomical characteristics that could be involved in response of plants to environmental stimuli and the adaptation to abiotic stress. Materials & methods: For light microscopy fixed plant material (petiole, leaf blade, stem, stolons, rhizome and adventitious root) was dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. Sections were cut by sliding microtome and stained with Alcian Blue-Safranin. Observation and photographs were done using a light microscope (Leica DM2000). Results: Leaves are dorsiventral and amphistomatic (Fig 1a). Two types of trichomes are identified, non-glandular and glandular present on both leaf surfaces. Non-glandular trichomes are unicellular, while glandular ones have uniseriate stalk and globular head, usually made up of four cells each (Fig 1b). Palisade parenchyma is composed of two or three layers of elongated cells while spongy parenchyma is composed of a few layers of cells with prominent intercellular spaces. In stolons subepidermal collenchyma is followed by one or two chlorenchyma layers and large cortical parenchyma cells (Fig 1c). Pericycle is composed of continuous ring of sclerenchyma cells (Fig 1d). Vascular bundles are open collateral, separated by parenchyma rays between. Peridermis, cortical parenchyma and collateral vascular bundles are observed in the cross section of the rhizome and pith parenchyma occupying the large area in the central part (Fig 2a, b, c). In adventitious roots diarch, triarch, tetrarch or polyarch radial vascular bundles occur depending on the stage of development (Fig 2d, e). Older roots have typically developed secondary xylem and phloem, and in external parts of roots are visible rings of secondary meristem (Fig 2f). Cubic crystals, probably of calcium oxalate, are randomly scattered predominantly in pith region of stem and in leaf mesophyll. Conclusion: Some of anatomical features of P. indica are quite common but it also has some specific performances, especially in roots, what will be discussed. Considering the ability to withstand high-temperature and low-temperature stress, additional physiological studies are also required

Anatomske karakteristike korena belog sleza (Althea offcinalis L.)

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Malvaceae, whose flowers, leaves and, especially roots, are used as drug in both folk and official medicine. Due to a high content of mucilage, the marshmallow root predominately serves for respiratory illnesses remedy. Anatomical features of a marshmallow root structure of different zones (root head, taproot and lateral roots) were observed by the analysis of permanent and temporal microscope slides with the additional application of histochemical methods in order to determine the mucilage localization in root tissues and cells. Results of anatomical structure of the marshmallow root showed that parenchyma cells and intercellular spaces of parenchyma of the secondary phloem and the secondary xylem represented a spot of the synthesis and the accumulation of the mucilage, whereas the older parts of the root (root head and taproot) could be characterized by dominance of the secondary xylem zone in difference to younger lateral roots with a more expressed zone of the secondary cork, i.e. the secondary phloem. These findings were confirmed by the application of a specific stain for mucilage with alcian blue. The ray cells are considered as the main accumulators of starch, which was confirmed through the application of the iodine reagent. Obtained results might be of a practical importance for the estimation of marshmallow drug quality, since the structure and the size of secretory parenchyma of the root probably corresponds with the content and the chemical composition of its active substances. .Beli slez (Althaea officinalis L.) je višegodišnja zeljasta biljka iz familije Malvaceae, čiji se cvetovi, listovi i, posebno, koren koriste kao droga, kako u narodnoj, tako i u zvaničnoj medicini. Zbog velikog sadržaja sluzi koren belog sleza se prvenstveno upotrebljava kao sredstvo u lečenju respiratornih obolenja. Anatomske karakteristike građe korena belog sleza iz različitih zona (glava korena, glavni koren i bočni korenovi) proučavane su analizom trajnih i privremenih mikroskopskih preparata, uz primenu različitih histohemijskih metoda, u cilju identifikacije i lokalizacije sluznih materija. Rezultati analize anatomske građe korena belog sleza pokazali su da parenhimske ćelije i intercelularni prostori u parenhimu sekundarnog floema i sekundarnog ksilema predstavljaju mesta sinteze, odnosno akumulacije sluzi, pri čemu kod starijih zona korena (glava korena i glavni koren) se u tom smislu ističe zona sekundarnog ksilema, a u mlađim, bočnim korenovima, zona sekundarne kore, tj. sekundarnog floema, što je potvrđeno i histohemijskim analizama specifičnih bojenja sluznih materija alcijan plavim. Ćelije sržnih zrakova predstavljaju mesta akumulacije skroba, što je pokazano reakcijom sa Lugolovim rastvorom. Prikazani rezultati mogu biti od praktičnog značaja za poznavanje kvaliteta droge belog sleza, utoliko što građa i veličina zona sa sekretornim ćelijama korena ove biljke najverovatnije korespondira sa količinom i hemijskim sastavom aktivne supstance.

Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy of Two Populations of Red-Root Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)

The anatomy of stems and leaves of two populations of the weed species Amaranthus retroflexus L. (red-root amaranth) (pop. AMARE1 having green stems covered in sparse hairs and pop. AMARE2 with green but notably dense stem hairs) was analysed in order better to understand the uptake and translocation of herbicides that could be indicative of the species’ evolving resistance to herbicides. Samples of the two populations (AMARE1 and AMARE2) were collected from arable land of the Institute of Maize Research at Zemun Polje in 2006. Sampling was performed at the stage of full vegetative growth of plants.Permanent microscoping preparations were made to measure and analyze elements of the anatomy of stems (stem epidermis, cortex, collenchyma, central cylinder and diameter) and leaves (leaf epidermis upper surface and underside, mesophyll, leaf thickness and bundle sheath thickness).Both analysed populations of A. retroflexus, morphologically characterized by different density of stem hairiness, were found to have a typical structure of herbaceous dicots. The stem had three distinctive zones: epidermis, cortex and central cylinder. Amaranth leaves have dorsoventral structure, i.e. their upper surface and underside can be differentiated. The results indicated high and very high significance of differences found in stem anatomy between the two analysed populations, while leaf anatomy was not found to display significant differences other than in mesophyll thickness

Uporedna analiza anatomske građe dve populacije štira (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)

The anatomy of stems and leaves of two populations of the weed species Amaranthus retroflexus L. (red-root amaranth) (pop. AMARE1 having green stems covered in sparse hairs and pop. AMARE2 with green but notably dense stem hairs) was analysed in order better to understand the uptake and translocation of herbicides that could be indicative of the species' evolving resistance to herbicides. Samples of the two populations (AMARE1 and AMARE2) were collected from arable land of the Institute of Maize Research at Zemun Polje in 2006. Sampling was performed at the stage of full vegetative growth of plants. Permanent microscoping preparations were made to measure and analyze elements of the anatomy of stems (stem epidermis, cortex, collenchyma, central cylinder and diameter) and leaves (leaf epidermis upper surface and underside, mesophyll, leaf thickness and bundle sheath thickness). Both analysed populations of A. retroflexus, morphologically characterized by different density of stem hairiness, were found to have a typical structure of herbaceous dicots. The stem had three distinctive zones: epidermis, cortex and central cylinder. Amaranth leaves have dorsoventral structure, i.e. their upper surface and underside can be differentiated. The results indicated high and very high significance of differences found in stem anatomy between the two analysed populations, while leaf anatomy was not found to display significant differences other than in mesophyll thickness.U ovom radu je proučavana anatomska građa stabla i lista dve populacije korovske vrste Amaranthus retroflexus L. (štir) (pop. AMARE1 sa zelenim stablom prepokrivenim retkim dlakama, i pop. AMARE2 takođe sa zelenim ali izrazito maljavim stablom) u cilju boljeg razumevanja usvajanja i translokacije herbicida što može biti u vezi sa odgovorima na razvoj rezistetnosti ove vrste na herbicide. Za ispitivanje anatomske građe stabla i lista ove dve populacije (AMARE1 i AMARE2) uzorci su sakupljeni sa proizvodnih površina Instituta za kukuruz Zemun Polje tokom 2006. godine. Uzorkovanje materijala je rađeno u fazi punog vegetativnog porasta biljaka. Pravljeni su trajni mikroskopski preparati na kojima su mereni i analizirani elementi anatomske građe stabla (epidermis stabla, primarna kora stabla, kolenhim, centralni cilindar i prečnik stabla) i anatomske građe lista (epidermis lica i naličja lista, mezofil, debljina lista i debljina ćelija omotača provodnog snopića). Kod obe analizirane populacije A. retroflexus, koje su se morfološki razlikovale po maljavosti (AMARE1 pop. je zelenog stabla prepokrivenog retkim dlakama, a AMARE2 pop. je takođe zelenog stabla sa izraženom maljavošću), konstatovano je da imaju tipičnu građu zeljastih dikotila. Dakle, stablo ima jasno izdiferencirane tri zone: epidermis stabla, primarnu koru i centralni cilindar. List štira je dorzoventralne građe, što znači da se razlikuje epidermis lica i naličje lista. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da se građa stabla dve ispitivane populacije štira statistički značajno ili veoma značajano razlikuje u odnosu na sve analizirane parametre, dok na nivou anatomske građe lista nisu konstatovane značajne razlike, sem u debljini mezofila

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root drying (PRD): The effects on tomato growth and functional fruit anatomy

The experiment was carried out to study the theoretical BACKGROUND: of the effects of new deficit irrigation methods (regulated deficit irrigation -RDI and partial rootzone drying - PRD) on tomato plant and fruit growth. The RDI treatment was 50% of water given to fully irrigated (FI) plants and the PRD treatment was 50% of water of FI plants applied to one half of the root system while the other half dried down, with irrigation shifted when soil water content of the dry side decreased to ca. 20%. Plant and fruit growth parameters were measured as well as functional anatomy parameters (xy-lem and phloem areas in fruit pedicels). RDI significantly reduced plant and fruit growth, though PRD reduced shoot growth while having no significant effect on fruit growth. Anatomy data showed that PRD treatment increased phloem area and reduced xylem area in earlier stages of fruit development, although RDI reduced xylem area at the abscission zone in all phases of fruit development. This could lead to hydraulic and chemical isolation of fruits. Greater hydraulic isolation of PRD fruits from the rest of plant could be theoretical explanation why PRD treatment did not significantly influenced tomato fruit growth and yield