Drought Resistance and Mitotic Instability of Tritipyrum Compared with Triticale and Bread Wheat

This study presents the first data on the drought resistance pattern of seven new synthetic 6x primary Tritipyrum amphiploid linesand evaluates their mitotic instability. The primary Tritipyrum lines were crossed with Iranian 6x bread wheat ‘Navid’ cultivar and theirF1 and F2 progenies were obtained. Two experiments with complete randomized design were conducted under optimum and limitedwater conditions to evaluate Tritipyrum-derived genotypes for drought resistance in greenhouse. Under optimum water conditions,grain yield, numbers of grains per spike and harvest index of Tritipyrum-derived genotypes were significantly lower than bread wheat;however the differences were not significant under limited water conditions. These results showed the better responses of Tritipyrumderivedgenotypes to drought conditions. Evaluation of leaf osmotic and water potentials and drought susceptibility index showedthat drought resistance of Tritipyrum and F1 genotypes was significantly higher than that of bread wheat and Triticale. Cytologicalinvestigations showed that Tritipyrum-derived genotypes aneuploidy was significantly higher than Triticale and bread wheat. Mitotic instability in light grains was significantly higher than heavy grains inparental and F2 genotypes. Aneuploidy has showed a significant negative correlation with fertility, grain yield and 1000-grainsweight in Tritipyrum genotypes. In general, Tritipyrum may complement the role of bread wheat in arid and semi-arid regions; butfurther breeding research is needed to overcome its mitotic instability.

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Influence of Variability of Ryegrass Meadow Soil Conditions on their Natural and Utilization Values

The study presents the findings of research into the effect of the variability of site conditions on their floristic composition providinga basis for the identification of lower phytosociological units. Patches of Arrhenatheretum elatioris described with the assistance ofphytosociological surveys conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method were subjected to multi-criteria evaluation. On their basis, thefollowing parameters were determined: ecological and botanical structure, geographic-historical distribution, the structure of the lifegroupsof the floristic types identified, as well as natural values by the Oświt method and sward fodder value according to Filipek. In orderto determine the causes of the floristic variability observed, the following soil conditions were assessed: moisture content, soil reactionand nitrogen content by Ellenberg’s indicator method, as well as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus content by the appropriatelaboratory methods. Typical forms of Arrhenatheretum elatioris phytocenoses were found to develop on mucky soils in moderately moistsites. Patches of ryegrass occurring in sites with a periodically higher moisture content on organic soils refer to the Alopecuretum pratensisassociation. On the other hand, the sward of ryegrass meadows developed on dryer, mineral soils was characterised by increased numbersof species characteristic for xerothermic swards from the Festuco-Brometea class and sandy plant communities from the Koelerio glauca-Corynephoretea canescentis. More intensive utilization, primarily-fertilisation, was among the causes of the development of species-poorphytocenoses of low natural value but sward of a good fodder value.

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Chemical Composition and Physical Characteristics of Fruits of Two Cultivars of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) in Relation to their Degree of Maturity and Harvest Date

The aim of study was to compare yield, fruit quality, chemical composition and fruits colour of berries of two blue honeysuckle(Lonicera caerulea L.) cultivars of Polish bred ‘Wojtek’ and ‘Brązowa’ collected at the beginning and at the end of harvest season,respectively. On average, ‘Wojtek’ yielded 1565 g per bush, whereas ‘Brązowa’ 1941 g. During the fruit ripening process, considerablechanges were found in the fruit colour. Fruits of both cultivars became darker and their colour changed from green and yellow to redand blue. With the changes in fruit colour, considerable changes in firmness also occurred. Fruit ripening reduced fruit firmness andpuncture resistance. For both genotypes, the berries of late harvest were bigger and richer in soluble solids and total polyphenol, however,they showed decreased firmness, lower acidity, and L-ascorbic acid content. Nevertheless the time of harvest, ‘Wojtek’ berries surpassed‘Brązowa’ fruit regarding soluble solids, titratable acidity and L-ascorbic acid content (for late-crop berries of both cultivars 14.1>12.6%,3.4>2.7 g citric acid 100 g1, and 76>56 mg 100 mL-1. Further, ‘Wojtek’ berries showed higher total polyphenol content (149.30 and183.66 mg∙100 g-1, for early and late ripening fruit, respectively) compared to that of ‘Brązowa’ (125.51 and 175.67 mg 100 g-1). Amongphenolics, anthocyanins made the substantial group ranging from 94.47 mg 100 g-1 (‘Brązowa’ berries of early harvest) to 141.96 mg 100g-1 (late ‘Wojtek’ fruit).

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New Markers for Potato Late Blight Resistance and Susceptibility Using FTIR Spectroscopy

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the 3rd most important crop worldwide, and Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating pathogen to potato crops. In this study, it has identified markers for resistance and susceptibility to late blight using potato genotypes that differ in their resistance/susceptibility to Phytophthora infestans. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, many absorbance bands have been identified as specific to resistant potato plants, and others were specific to susceptible potato plants. For each case (resistance/susceptibility), three bands were identified: 941-1180 cm-1, 1336-1483 cm-1, and 1483-1703 cm-1 and 1056-1294 cm-1, 1442-1585 cm-1, and 1585-1832 cm-1, respectively. As it is a simple, rapid, and inexpensive technology, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy offers an excellent opportunity for studying potato resistance/susceptibility to late blight.

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The Infection Processes of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Basal Stem Tissue of a Susceptible Genotype of Helianthus annuus L.

Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L., is a major oil seed crop widely cultivated throughout the globe. White mold, caused by necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a common and widespread pathogen of sunflower. The infection process of S. sclerotiorum was studied in the stem base of infected host tissues by light microscopy and Hemi-thin sectioning techniques. Host-pathogen interactions were examined at the plant surface and cellular level of a susceptible genotype (C146), 12, 24 and 48 h of post inoculation. The results showed that the appressoria were formed and the hyphal strands branched upon contact of pathogen with the host surface. Moreover a direct penetration of fungal hyphae was observed through the cuticle within 12h of inoculation. Microscopic observation of inoculated tissues after 24 hours revealed that fungal hyphae have developed both inter- and intra-cellular layer. Moreover, the fungal hyphae growth was incremental among and inside the host cells. The host cells were completely colonized by fungal mycelium 48 hour after inoculation, leading to a tissue collapse. The hyphae invaded the dead host tissues and emerged from the host tissue after extensive colonization. The present study has detailed the infection processes and pathogen development both at plant surface and inside the host tissues. The results of this study will be useful for engineering of disease-resistant genotypes and development of markers for screening pathogen resistance individuals.

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Response of Antioxidant Substances and Enzymes Activities as a Defense Mechanism Against Root-Knot Nematode Infection

The organic amendments, composts (1, 2, 3), neem and poultry as well as inorganic fertilizers (NPK compound and commercial, Athree®) and the nematicide nemacur 10 G applied singly were effective in reducing M. incognita number of galls, nematode reproductionand fecundity. The effectiveness seemed to be material origin dependent. Neem, compost 1, 3 (5 g/pot) gave the best results. Yet, achievedresults were less than those of nemacur 10% G. The antioxidant substances content and enzymes activities due to nematode infectionand application of organic and inorganic fertilizers pointed to significant increase of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide as aresult of nematode infection and nemacur treatment. While all organic and inorganic fertilizers reduced such materials with significantdifferences among treatments. Likewise, nematode infection resulted in slight but significant increase in glutathione and ascorbic acidin tomato shoots and roots. All treatments increased antioxidant substances comparing to healthy and infected plants. Glutathione-Stransferaseactivity highly increased in infected roots but the lowest activities were achieved by organic fertilizers. Nematode infectionand nemacur treatment increased slightly phenylalaine ammonia lyase activity but enormous increase was observed in shoots and rootsof treated plants with organic fertilizers followed by NPK treatments.

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Hairy Root Induction in Linum mucronatum ssp. mucronatum, an Anti-Tumor Lignans Producing Plant

Transgenic hairy root system is a promising source of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants with high pharmaceutical value.For the first time, hairy roots were established in different explants of Linum mucronatum, an anti-cancer agent producing plant, via amikimopine type strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, ‘A13’. The percentage of hairy root induction varied from 0 to 60% depended onthe explants and hypocotyl (including cotyledonary node) explants were found to be highly susceptible to A. rhizogenes infection withthe highest (60%) rate of hairy root induction. four different Murashige and Skoog (MS)-based liquid culture media were used for wellestablishment of hairy roots. Hairy root growth medium D (HRGM-D) containing hormone-free MS basal medium with an extra oneday pre-incubation period at 35°C was found to be more efficient for profuse growth (fresh weight; 8500 mg per 25 ml culture medium)of hairy roots. Hairy root system presented in this study may offer a suitable platform for optimization and production of satisfactorylevel of aryltetralin lignans like podophyllotoxin and its derivatives from L. mucronatum.

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Sclerotinia-Induced Accumulation of Protein in the Basal Stem of Resistant and Susceptible Lines of Sunflower

Sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. is a major oilseed crop widely cultivated across the globe. White mold, caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a common and widespread pathogen of sunflower. Changes in a partially resistant and a susceptible sunflower line infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were studied 12, 24 and 48 h after inoculation. Electrophoretic patterns and quantitative changes in soluble proteins were determined in the basal stem region. Soluble proteins were accumulated post infection in the partially resistant line. A rapid accumulation of stress-related, low molecular weight proteins was induced in both lines by different pathways. By 12 and 24 h post inoculation, stress proteins with molecular masses of 27 kDa had accumulated in infected stems of the partially resistant line. SDS-PAGE results showed the accumulation of proteins with a molecular mass of 55 kDa in the susceptible line and the absence of this band in the resistant line. This relatively faster response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum invasion could be partially responsible for the resistance or susceptibility to this pathogen. The differences between lines may also indicate further avenues worth exploring in host-pathogen relations which could ultimately lead to selection and production of new lines with higher levels of resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

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Efficient Axillary Shoot Proliferation and in Vitro Rooting of Apple cv. ‘Topaz’

‘Topaz’ is a modern Czech apple cultivar well accepted by consumers and scab-resistant, providing reasons for the significant spreadof cv. ‘Topaz’ in European orchards, especially in the organic fruit production industry. Growing the apple trees on their own rootsprovides some advantages in comparison with grafted trees. Micropropagation is the method of choice for plantlet production for thispurpose as well as for the establishment of healthy mother stock trees as a source of scions. The efficiency of axillary shoot proliferationwas examined on four media differing in plant growth regulators and their concentrations, and from three explant types: intact ordecapitated and defoliated microshoots placed vertically and one-nodal segments placed horizontally. All media consisted of Quoirin andLepoivre (QL) macroelements and Murashige and Skoog (MS) microelements. Furthermore, rooting efficiency on six different media/treatments was analyzed. Media with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) or BA (0.5 mg/L) + 1.5 mg/L kinetin (Kin) produced similarnumber of microshoots per inoculated one (2.5 and 2.4, respectively). Medium with 1 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) produced significantlyhigher number of shoots (3.6) but they were fasciated. Three different explant types also produced similar numbers of microshoots.High rooting efficiency (68.7%), a high number of roots per shoot (6.6) and the best quality of shoots were obtained in rooting mediumcontaining 2 mg/L of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). An efficient method of shoot proliferation was established, and, since rooting was themost critical step, an efficient procedure for rooting apple cv. ‘Topaz’ was established.

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Propagation of Sedum spectabile Boreau in Leaf Culture in Vitro

An efficient protocol was established for Sedum spectabile Boreau propagation. Various leaf parts were used as explants to regenerate plantlets, the stem segments of which were cultured for shoot proliferation and plantlet multiplication. The results showed that the leaf base was the optimal explant, as compared to both the middle and the top of leaves, for shoot formation. The highest shoot induction of 88.9% was observed on MS medium supplemented with 0.6 mg/l TDZ and 0.1 mg/l NAA. Hyperhydric leaves obtained in primary culture developed first into abnormal somatic embryos 10 days after subculture, and then into hyperhydric plantlets after an additional 10 days. The hyperhydric plantlets reversed to normal plantlets when plant growth regulators were removed from culture medium. Further, stem segments from reversed plantlets were used for shoot regeneration and root induction. Optimal shoot regeneration was obtained in MS medium containing 0.6 mg/l TDZ with 0.1 mg/l NAA. Root induction and root mean number were all higher on auxin-free medium than on medium containing auxins.

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The Influence of Extraction Method on the Apparent Content of Bioactive Compounds in Romanian Allium spp. Leaves

In order to characterize the composition of bioactive compounds in Allium spp., an important source of traditional foods, analysesof their physicochemical properties, total phenols, and flavonoid content were carried out using three of the most popular Romanian leafvarieties (Allium cepa var. ‘Diamant’, ‘Rubiniu’, and Allium ursinum L.). The highest levels of bioactive compounds were detected in theleaves of Allium ursinum L., 7.2730 mg QE/ kg fresh plant and 27.8884 g GAE/100 g dry basis, respectively. This study suggests potentialgood uses of the fresh leaves of Romanian Allium spp. as condiments, ingredients or preservatives in the food industry.

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Oil and Fatty Acid Contents of White Sorghum Varieties under Soaking, Cooking, Germination and Fermentation Processing for Improving Cereal Quality

The changes in lipid and fatty acid contents after soaking, cooking, germination and fermentation of three white sorghum varietieswere studied to improve cereal quality. The results revealed that oil in raw sorghum varieties ranged from 3.58 to 3.91%, respectively and‘Dorado’ represents the highest variety in oil content. As general trend after germination, oil content was decreased. Fatty acid contents ofraw sorghum contains palmitic (12.10 to 13.41%), palmitoleic (0.47 to 1.31%), stearic (1.13 to 1.36%), oleic (33.64 to 40.35%), linoleic(42.33 to 49.94%), linolenic (1.53 to 1.72%), arachidic (0.10 to 0.18%) and eicosenoic acid (0.24 to 0.39% of total lipid). ‘Dorado’ wasthe highest variety in oleic acid while ‘Shandaweel-6’ was the highest variety in palmitic, stearic, linolenic, arachidic, eicosenoic acid andtotal saturated fatty acids. ‘Giza-15’ was the highest variety in palmitoleic, linoleic, total unsaturated fatty acids and ratio of unsaturatedto saturated fatty acids. Fatty acids relative percentage changed after soaking, cooking, germination and fermentation.

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Studies on Activation of Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) by Heterocyclic Compounds Having Azole Groups in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek.

Heterocyclic compounds are known to activate the defense response or resistance in plants. In order to study their effect as activatorsof systemic acquired resistance (SAR), two series of heterocyclic compounds having azole group were used for the present study i.e.,substituted triazolothiadiazoles and thiazolidine thioureas to obtain new compounds with improved biological activities in mung beans(Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek, is an important pulse crop of India. These compounds could be used as a solution to chemically mediateddisease control both at the farm level as well as chemical fungicides. For this polyphenol content, flavonoid content, PAL activity,peroxidase activity and protein content were determined in control and after chemical treatment in mung beans var. ‘RMG-344’. Theresults indicated significant changes and a distinct role of polyphenols, flavonoids, PAL, peroxidase and proteins in the defense responseof mung beans after treatment with these chemicals.

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Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolics and Taxol Contents Response of Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) Cells to Benzoic Acid and Cinnamic Acid

Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) plant has been recently introduced as a plant with the ability to produce Taxol. In the present research effects of different concentrations of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid on the phenolic compounds, Taxol content, and antioxidant activity of extracts of suspension-cultured hazel cells were investigated. The cells were treated with different concentrations of benzoic acid (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) and cinnamic acid (0, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 mM) on day 7 of subculture and were harvested on day 14. Benzoic acid in higher concentrations increased Taxol (4 fold of the control) and antioxidant activity of the cell extract. Cinnamic acid supply did not bring remarkable increase in Taxol content but increased phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of hazel cells extract. Interestingly, the extract of hazel cells showed more cytotoxicity for human cancer cells than pure Taxol. Further investigations may suggest the extract of cinnamic- and benzoic acid- fed hazel cells for treatment of cancer cells.

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Monitoring Lactic Acid Fermentation in Media Containing Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) by FTIR Spectroscopy

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is considered to be a comprehensive and sensitive method for detection of molecular changes in cells and media. In the present study, FTIR spectroscopy was employed as an easy, rapid and reliable technique to evaluate the lactic fermentation of Lactobacillus casei on a model de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) medium with or without the addition of dandelion extract (DE). Dandelion, due to its high content in fructans, can be used as an additional carbon source in lactic fermentation. Lactic fermentation in a dandelion extract, using the FTIR fingerprint as a qualitative and semi-quantitative assay for lactic acid production was monitored. Specific bands of carbohydrates in the fingerprint region (1200-900 cm-1) and their shifts indicated the hydrolysis and metabolism during fermentation. The band at 1336 cm-1 may be considered a sensitive marker for the identification of L. casei during fermentation, while the dandelion extract showed a unique characteristic peak at 1436 cm-1. The results proved that the species were detectable and that significant spectral differences existed between fermented samples in media with or without dandelion addition. Representative peaks of bacteria and dandelion appeared in the spectra of a mixture of bacteria and dandelion. The peaks were evident in the samples taken using the model MRS media from the beginning of fermentation as opposed to at the end of fermentation.

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Efficient Biolistic Transformation and Regeneration Capacity of an EgTCTP Transgene in Protocorm-like Bodies of Phalaenopsis Orchid

An efficient genetic transformation system using the biolistic method and protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) of Phalaenopsis orchidwas established for introducing the EgTCTP gene obtained from oil palm leaves. A pCAMBIA 1302 vector containing the greenfluorescent protein (mgfp5) as reporter gene and the selectable marker hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt) gene under the cauliflowermosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter were used in this experiment. The transformed PLBs were cultured on MS medium containing 20mg/L hygromycin for 2 months. The surviving PLBs with green fluorescence spots were used to calculate a transformation frequency(93.34%). PLBs containing the transformed EgTCTP gene had the highest percentage of regeneration frequency (95.66%) and numbersof regenerated shoots per explant (3.78±1.89 shoots) compared to the control. The time required for initiation of primordial shoots inthe transformed PLBs (55.22±26.56 days) was much shorter than for the control. Evaluation of the regeneration efficiency, determinedthat the status of the EgTCTP transformants was above average: score=4.04±0.88. The EgTCTP gene was detected in the PLBs overa period of at least 6 months with subculturing every 4 weeks. The stability of the transgenes within the PLBs was confirmed by PCRand this indicated that the transgenes had been integrated into the genome of the transformants. This is the first successful report tointroduce EgTCTP gene into PLBs of Phalaenopsis orchid.

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Antioxidant Activity, Polyphenols Content and Antimicrobial Activity of Several Native Pteridophytes of Romania

The aim of this paper was to test the antioxidant activity, polyphenols content and antimicrobial activity of crude extracts obtained from leaves of pteridophyte species commonly found in Romania. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of the investigated ferns varied between 421.90 ?mol TE (Trolox equivalents/g FW (fresh weight) in Dryopteris filix-mas and 128.18 ?mol TE/g FW in D. affinis. Methanolic extracts obtained from leaves of ferns have similar antioxidant activity to that of some medicinal plants. Polyphenols content in the leaves of ferns varies between 2340 mg Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g FW in D. filix-mas and 887 mg GAE/100 g FW in D. affinis. The correlation coefficient between ORAC and the total polyphenol content was R=0.985. This correlation suggests that phenolic compounds are major contributors to the antioxidant activity. The methanolic extract obtained from ferns inhibits the growth of Gram negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NBJMCC1390, Salmonella abony and Gram positive Staphyllococcus aureus ATCC 25093 and Enterococcus faecalis. The highest antimicrobial activity was determined for the Dryopteris extract. The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts obtained from leaves of D. filix-mas and D. affinis is better than the A. filix-femina in the case of Brevibacterium flavum ATCC 14067, Sarcina sp., Bacillus cereus ATCC 1390, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger. The tested ferns could be used as cosmetic ingredients, as preservatives in food or in antimicrobial therapy.

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Investigation of the Biomass and Nutrient Content of Green Manuring Plants as Second Crops in Hungary

The growth, and the development and trends of the nutrient content parameters of three different plant species (Phacelia tanacecifolia,Sinapis alba, Raphanus sativus) grown as secondary crops for green manure, as a function of two different fertiliser doses (0 kg/ha N; 50kg/ha N), was studied under unfavourable site conditions at the Crop Production and Biomass Utilisation Demonstration Centre of theSzent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary. The application of the small, 50 kg/ha dose of nitrogen increased the biomass yield in eachcase, to 2.78-3.11 times that of the control field. The dry matter content of the produce increased only by 2.11-2.66 times, as the watercontent of the green manure plants also increased as a result of the nitrogen supplement. The increased amount of nitrogen boosted theavailability of all of the other macro elements for the plants. In view of the present findings it can be recommend the application of somenitrogen fertiliser in the given site before growing some crop for use as green manure in all cases but where the straw after cereals is left onthe soil surface nitrogen should be applied to alleviate the pentosan effect and to increase the uptake of macro elements.

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Seed and Saponin Production of Organic Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for different Tillage and Fertilization

Field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of tillage systems and fertilization on growth, yield and quality of quinoa crop (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates, two main plots [conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT)] and three sub-plots (fertilization treatments: control, cow manure and compost). The soil porosity (45.5-49.75%) and total nitrogen (0.144-0.173%) were higher in soils subjected to MT system than under CT. In soil porosity, an interaction between fertilization and tillage system was found. The highest leaf area index (4.47-5.03), dry weight (8650-9290 kg ha-1) and root density (1.03-1.21 cm cm-3) were also found in MT. Moreover, there were significant differences between the organic fertilization treatments concerning the LAI, dry weight and root density. The highest seed yield (2485-2643 kg ha-1) and saponin content (0.42-0.45%) were found in cow manure and compost treatments. Also, the highest saponin yield (7.70-12.05 kg ha-1) was found in the MT system. Saponin yield had positive and significant correlation with total N (r=0.866). In quinoa measurements, an interaction between fertilization and tillage system was not found. The present results indicated that MT and organic fertilization increase saponin yield of quinoa.

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Petal and Sepal Epidermal Micromorphology of Six Lathyrus Taxa (Fabaceae) and their Systematic Value

In this study, the epidermal types and their distribution on dorsal and lateral petals, the trichome types and their density on sepals of Lathyrus chloranthus, L. digitatus, L. laxiflorus subsp. laxiflorus, L. roseus subsp. roseus, L. sativus, and L. tuberosus, belonging to sections Lathyrus, Lathyrostylis, Pratensis, and Orobon of the genus Lathyrus in Turkey were investigated using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the systematic significance of these characters was evaluated. These taxa, except L. sativus, are studied for the first time under aspects of the petal and sepal micromorphology. Three major epidermal types were recognized on the petal: tabular rugose striate cells (TRS), areolate cells with more or less striations (AS), and papillose conical striate cells (PCS). TRS and AS were further subdivided into three subtypes. TRS was found on the dorsal and lateral petals of L. chloranthus, L. sativus, and L. tuberosus: the dorsal petals of L. roseus subsp. roseus and the lateral petals of L. laxiflorus subsp. laxiflorus, while AS was present on the dorsal and lateral petals of L. digitatus and the lateral petals of L. roseus subsp. roseus. PCS was found only on the dorsal petals of L. digitatus. Three main types of trichomes on the sepal were observed: peltate glandular, capitate glandular, and nonglandular trichomes. The capitate glandular and nonglandular trichomes were further subdivided into three subtypes. The peltate glandular trichomes were present only in L. chloranthus, but absent in the others. The capitate glandular trichomes were found in L. chloranthus, L. laxiflorus subsp. laxiflorus, L. roseus subsp. roseus, and L. tuberosus. The nonglandular trichomes were always present in L. chloranthus and L. laxiflorus subsp. laxiflorus. The present results show that the petal and sepal micromorphology can be used in delimitation of the taxa based on petal and sepal micromorphology.

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Distribution and Phytocoenotic Context of Kobresia simpliciuscula (Wahlenb.) Mack. in South-Eastern Carpathians

This study proposes a critical analysis of the distribution and habitat requirements of the rare arctic-alpine plant species Kobresia simpliciuscula (Wahlenb.) Mack. in the South-Eastern Carpathians. The species was recorded in this part of Carpathians only from Romania, in Bucegi Mountains. The mention of K. simpliciuscula in Rodna Mountains (Eastern Carpathians) is considered to be erroneous. K. simpliciuscula was found in the Southern Carpathians in a different habitat type compared to the one characteristic for populations in the Arctic and the Alps. The species does not grow in the pioneer phytocoenoses of the Caricion bicoloris-atrofuscae alliance but, on the contrary, in dry calciphilous alpine vegetation included in Oxytropido-Elynion. The plant communities where K. simpliciuscula was found in Bucegi Mountains belong to Achilleo schurii-Dryadetum (Beldie 1967) Coldea 1984. These phytocoenoses are very similar to those described for the species in Belianske Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians, Slovakia).

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Salinity Tolerance of the Hygrophilous Plant Species in the Wetlands of the South of the Iberian Peninsula

The aim of this work is to evaluate (or to study or to gain information about) with the salinity tolerance of the hygrophilous plantspecies recorded along the River Guadiamar (SW of the Iberian Peninsula) and in four sublittoral wetlands of the bay of Almería (SEof the Iberian Peninsula). The first of these wetlands is an Atlantic-type open wetland. The other four wetlands in Almería are closedlagoon-like wetlands. The data of each species are given and grouped in categories defined by tolerance range. The results obtained forthe species found in the two sites are then compared. The salinity conditions of the soils of these two types of wetlands are also comparedto discover any possible cause for differentiation. Finally, the different units of measurement of salinity available and some conversionmodels for them will be discussed. As a result of the present data and analysis, the study proposes a model to estimate total dissolved saltsfrom electrical conductivity.

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Ancient Greek Illustrated Dioscoridean Herbals: Origins and Impact of the Juliana Anicia Codex and the Codex Neopolitanus

The pharmacopeia of Pedanius Dioscorides (20-70 ce), entitled Peri Ylis Ialikis (latinized as De Materia Medica, On Medical Matters)was written in Greek about the year 65. It was destined to be one of the most famous books on pharmacology and medicine but is also richin horticulture and plant ecology. An illustrated alphabetical version of Dioscorides’ manuscript was completed in Constantinople about 512. This magnificent volume was prepared and presented to the imperial Princess Juliana Anicia (462-527), daughter of the Emperor Anicius Olybrius, Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. The bound manuscript stored in Ōsterreichische National bibliothek in Vienna is available in facsimile and is now referred to as the Juliana Anicia Codex (JAC) or the Codex Vindobonensis Dioscorides. The JAC contains 383 paintings of plants including many horticultural crops, many of which can still be recognized in modern day examples. Ananalys is of the illustrations indicates that they were made by numerous artists of varying skills and it is probable that some were derived from an earlier lost version. The Codex Neapolitanus (NAP) (late 6th or early 7th century) which now contains 406 plant images on 172folios resides in the Biblioteca Nazionale, Naples is closely related to JAC, and is also available in facsimile editions. A comparison ofthe 352 common illustrations contained in both NAP and JAC suggests that many of the illustrations derived from a common source,perhaps an illustrated collection owned by Theodosius II, but the possibility also exists that some of the NAP images are direct copies of JAC images. There are 31 images in JAC which do not appear in NAP, 1 is a 13th century addition, 4 are images that can be assigned to2 torn pages. and 26 can be assigned to 11 missing leaves of the NAP. Of the 54 images in NAP which do not appear in JAC, 2 are likely to have been Mandragora included in lost folios in JAC, but the other 52 may include other images that existed in the common source. While common images in NAP and JAC are often very similar, 11.6% show substantially differences including variants of the same plant in different stages. Additional images in the archetypic source including different stages of the same plant could have provided the copyists working on JAC and NAP the opportunity to select different images to fulfill their commissions.

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