European Journal of Botany

Genus Pelargonium: General Aspects, Potential Pharmacological Applications, Extraction Methods and Applications in Industry

2024-06-03T12:56:51+02:00

Pelargonium is a genus belonging to the Geraniaceae family, found within the Angiospermae division, the Dicotyledoneae class, and the Geraniales order. It is the second biggest genus of the family; it has about 280 taxa. In the past, Pelargonium species were characterized by presenting large and red roots, from which preparations were used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, anemia, and weakness. This article is a bibliographic search carried out in different databases that focus on chemical and physical features of Pelargonium and also some of the extraction methods. Currently, there are a variety of studies that affirm the different properties of the species of the genus Pelargonium, among which the activities stand out: antituberculous, antioxidant, antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and immunomodulatory. Therefore, they are used in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The most relevant species of this genus is Pelargonium sidoides, which has a broad range of biological properties, from which a standardized hydroalcoholic root extract was formulated, known as EPs® 7630, which has been authorized by the EMA and is listed in the European Pharmacopoeia. It is important to continue with the clinical studies to be able to analyze the other properties that Pelargonium has in order to contribute to the pharmaceutical industry.

The Change of Chlorophyll Content and Chlorophyll Efficiency in Epipremnum aureum by Water and pH

2022-08-07T20:08:07+02:00

Epipremnum aureum (pothos) is an herbaceous species and is originated to tropical or subtropical South East Asia and Solomon islands. This study investigated the effect of excessive moisture on chlorophyll content and photosynthesis efficiency on E. aureum. The chlorophyll a, b, and total (chlorophyll a + b) contents were measured by using spectrophotometer. Fluorescence analysis for chlorophyll efficiency was measured with the PAM Chlorophyll Fluorometer. The chlorophyll content increases when moisture increases to 30%, but gradually decreases when it exceeds 40%. When the soil moisture was 80%, the values of chlorophyll a and b were 0.317 mg/g and 0.126 mg/g, respectively. This decreased the chlorophyll a, b, and total contents by 38.1%, 46.6%, and 36.8%, respectively, compared to 30% in 80% moisture. The chlorophyll content was highest at pH 6.5 of the soil. The content for chlorophylls a, b, and total were 0.471, 0.219, and 0.446 mg/g at pH 6.5, respectively. The correlation coefficients were subjected of the chlorophyll efficiency as a function of moistures. The change of chlorophyll efficiency in the quenched state (Fv) was also increased at 30% of moisture and then decreased steeply. The maximal possible value for fluorescence (Fm) was varied from 4310 (40% moisture) to 4220 (80% moisture). The Fm was varied from 4098 (pH 4.0) to 4356 (pH 6.5). The maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) was varied from 0.798 (30% moisture) to 0.810 (60% moisture). The slope factors of Fo, Fm, Fv, and Fv/Fm for chlorophyll efficient indicators were 0.938, -0.806, 0.013, and 0.846, respectively. Excess watering decreased chlorophyll a, chl b, and chl (a + b) contents, and the chl a/b ratio in the E. aureum. The growth of this species was not as sensitive to pH compared to moisture.

Developmental Variations of Soyabean “Nafis” Sort Growing in Low Salinity Soils throughout the Aral Sea

2022-08-01T05:35:32+02:00

In order to develop the optimal sowing time, ensuring high and stable yields of soybeans of the "Nafis" variety in the Aral Sea region, field experiments were carried out on the experimental plot of the Karakalpak Scientific Experimental Station of the Research Institute of Grain and Leguminous Crops. The experience is multi-factorial. Sowing was carried out on three sowing dates: 1st, 2nd and 3rd ten days of April. The results of the study showed that when cultivating soybeans of the Nafis variety in the Aral Sea region, in order to obtain the highest grain yields, sowing should be carried out in the first ten days of April.

Pollen Morphological Study of Some Selected Flowering Plants within Adekunle Ajasin University Main Campus, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

2022-06-23T05:11:56+02:00

On the Adekunle Ajasin University Main campus, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, the pollen morphological study of seven (7) flowering plant species representing three (3) angiospermic plant Families (Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Fabaceae sub-family Caesalpinoideae) was examined, analyzed, and studied palynologically to determine the morphological features and attributes as an aid in the identification and classification of its members within each family. Pollen grains from fresh polleniferous materials were extracted using acetolysis methods. Detailed morphological evaluations were performed at x100 magnification. Results showed similarities and differences between species in the same genera, as well as differences between species in other families. Pollen study of these species revealed several similarities between species within the same family. Aperture type, forms, pollen grain size, sculpturing pattern, pollen dimension, and exine pattern were all studied for differences and similarities. Euphorbia hirta L and Euphorbia heterophylla L, both Euphorbiaceae species, have tricolpate apertures, are prolate in shape, reticulate, and contain small to medium pollen sizes. Asteraceae has tricolporate apertures, prolate spheroidal shapes, spinate, short and long spines, and pollen sizes ranging from microscopic to enormous (Ageratum conyzoides L, Tithonia diversifolia, and Tridax procumbens). Pollen from the family Fabaceae subfamily Caesalpinioideae (which includes Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz. and Senna alata (Linn.) Roxb) were found to be subprolate, coarsely reticulate, tricolporate, and with pollen sizes ranging from medium to large. Aperture measures such as number and diameter, pollen size, and spine height were suggestive in all of the species studied. Because all of the species studied exhibited comparable form and symmetry, they were grouped together and assigned to the same family.

Diversity of Fruit Tree Species in Site II, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

2022-06-05T01:56:22+02:00

This study was carried out with a view of documenting the fruit tree species diversity in the site II of Delta State University, Abraka in May 2021. Sampling for fruits diversity was carried out through direct observation within the study area. Photographs were taken to aid identification; accurate taxonomic references were employed in the process of identification of the specimens collected. Percentage distribution of the fruit tree species and families encountered were documented. From the results of the study area surveyed, a total number of 20 fruit tree species belonging to 13 families were enumerated. The distribution of the fruits based on frequency of occurrence in the visible head count of fruit trees showed that the Indian almond fruit tree species (Terminalia catappa) is most dominant with approximately 90%, followed by the coconut species (Cocos nucifera) and oil palm fruit specie (Elaeis guineensis) with approximately 50%, banana (Musa acuminata), mango (Mangifera indica) and orange (Citrus sinensis) with approximately 30%, pawpaw (Carica papaya), Guava (Psidium guajava), and Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) with approximately 15%. Others recorded very low species with 5% occurrence, respectively. The study showed that fruits are diverse in the premises of site II of Delta State University, Abraka. The species are important in the ecosystem function and services; hence activities which could lead to their depletion should be controlled.