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INDUCED RESISTANCE: PRIMING PLANTS FOR DEFENSE DM Gayakwad, MD Prajapati, SA Rathod… - Advances in Plant … - researchgate.net Thursday 26 December 2024 This enhanced state of resistance is effective against a broad range of pathogens and parasites, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, parasitic plants and even domain : www.researchgate.net

Most recent 'Parasitic Plant' publications

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  1. Challenging the 'Immunity Hypothesis': Primary or secondary parasitism as different survival strategies for the harlequin mistletoe Lysiana exocarpi (Behr) Tiegh Marina Corrêa Scalon, Davi Rodrigo Rossatto Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, volume 323 Monday 13 January 2025 The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epip... The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epiparasitism). In theory, these epiparasites should show even more specialized physiological functions to be capable to withdraw water and nutrients from the hemiparasite, such as maintaining even lower water potential and dealing with stronger nutrient imbalance. Here we studied leaf morpho-physiological responses of the Australian harlequim mistletoe (Lysiana exocarpi) and box mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) acting as hemiparasites on pink gum (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) and Lysiana exocarpi as an epiparasite on A. miquelii parasitizing E. fasciculosa. We explored the water and nutrient use and partitioning between the different plants involved (host–mistletoe–epiparasite). We found that L. exocarpi showed physiological and morphological differences that represent a more acquisitive strategy of resource use with higher stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, specific leaf area and K and Mg leaf concentration when growing as an epiparasite compared to the same species growing as primary parasite. Amyema miquelii traits remained constantly similar irrespective whether as primary parasite or with an epiparasite sharing its resources while the effect of the epiparasite is mostly depicted in its host's host species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that by adjusting some traits, epiparasitism is an alternative option for the harlequin mistletoe. Moreover, regardless of the host–parasite association, the primary host is the most affected by the epiparasitism.
  2. Functional traits of Ziziphus mucronata below mistletoe-infected trees in a semi-arid African savanna Tsitsi S. Maponga, Hilton G.T. Ndagurwa, Ed T.F. Witkowski South African Journal of Botany, volume 176, pages 241-247 Monday 13 January 2025 Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the differ... Mistletoes are increasingly associated with elevated leaf litter, soil nutrients, and soil moisture, resources which influence variations in plant functional traits. Despite this recognition, variations in the functional traits of understorey plants with overstorey (host) tree mistletoe infection are yet to be examined. Here, we measured the different functional traits (height, stem diameter, canopy area, leaf area, specific leaf area, whole-leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content, and chlorophyll content) of Ziziphus mucronata, a dominant woody plant beneath mistletoe-infected Vachellia karroo trees in semi-arid savanna. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare host size, mistletoe infection intensity, and trait variables between low and high mistletoe-infected trees. The relationships between Ziziphus mucronata functional traits vs. host tree diameter and the number of mistletoes per tree were explored using regression analysis and visualized using a regression biplot based on a redundancy analysis (RDA). Host tree height, canopy area, and canopy volume were strongly positively (r > 0.7, p < 0.05) related to mistletoe infection intensity. While most of the traits did not vary with mistletoe infection, the chlorophyll content and leaf area of understorey Z. mucronata increased with host tree size, being greater beneath high than low mistletoe-infected trees. These variations are linked to changes in limiting resources such as light, soil nutrients, and soil moisture due to accumulation of mistletoes and increase in size as the host tree ages. As a result, the understorey plants shifted from being resource conservative to being acquisitive as limiting resources increased. The general lack of trait plasticity in understorey Z. mucronata suggests that plastic allocation responses may not be a general consequence of mistletoe infection.
  3. Mistletoes have higher hydraulic safety but lower efficiency in xylem traits than their hosts Yun Bing Zhang, Xian Yan Huang, Marina Corrêa Scalon, Yan Ke, Jing Xin Liu, Qin Wang, Wen Hua Li, Da Yang, David S. Ellsworth, Yong Jiang Zhang, Jiao Lin Zhang New Phytologist, volume 245, pages 607-624 Monday 13 January 2025 Both mistletoes and their hosts are challenged by increasing drought, highlighting the necessity of understanding their comparative hydraulic properties. The high transpiration of mistletoes requires efficient water transport, while high xylem tensions demand strong embolism resistance, representing a hydraulic paradox. This study, conducted across... Both mistletoes and their hosts are challenged by increasing drought, highlighting the necessity of understanding their comparative hydraulic properties. The high transpiration of mistletoes requires efficient water transport, while high xylem tensions demand strong embolism resistance, representing a hydraulic paradox. This study, conducted across four environments with different aridity indices in Yunnan, China, examined the xylem traits of 119 mistletoe–host species pairs. Mistletoes showed lower water use efficiency, indicating a more aggressive water use. They also showed lower hydraulic efficiency (lower vessel diameter and theoretical hydraulic conductivity) but higher safety (lower vulnerability index and higher conduit wall reinforcement, vessel grouping index, and wood density) compared with their hosts, supporting the trade-off between efficiency and safety. Environmental variation across sites significantly affected xylem trait comparisons between mistletoes and hosts. Additionally, the xylem traits of mistletoes were strongly influenced by host water supply efficiency. The overall xylem trait relationships in mistletoes and hosts were different. These findings stress the impact of host and site on the hydraulic traits of mistletoes, and suggest that mistletoes may achieve high transpiration by maintaining high stomatal conductance under low water potentials. This study illuminates the distinctive adaptation strategies of mistletoes due to their parasitic lifestyle.
  4. Mistletoe in Tumour Therapy - A General Survey Rainer Scheer Zeitschrift fur Phytotherapie, volume 45, pages 267-274 Monday 13 January 2025 The use of mistletoe in tumour therapy dates to Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) and Ita Wegman (1876-1943). Today mistletoe is one of the best-studied medicinal plants. Mistletoe preparations are among the best known and most widely used medicines in complementary oncology in Germany. Mistletoe preparations from five manufacturers are approved for this ... The use of mistletoe in tumour therapy dates to Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) and Ita Wegman (1876-1943). Today mistletoe is one of the best-studied medicinal plants. Mistletoe preparations are among the best known and most widely used medicines in complementary oncology in Germany. Mistletoe preparations from five manufacturers are approved for this application in Germany. Patients benefit from mistletoe therapy in all phases of cancer. Mistletoe therapy is used individually and mostly as a supplement within the framework of an integrative oncological therapy concept, confirmed by a wide range of therapeutic experience and numerous preclinical and clinical studies. The intention of mistletoe therapy is to support conventional therapies as well as their tolerability, tumour control, strengthening of the entire organism and improvement of quality of life. Based on the position of mistletoe in oncology, this survey provides an overview, starting with the mistletoe preparations available in Germany, the main features of their production and application, their effects and clinical research and the results. For some time now, the entire field of oncology has been undergoing major changes, within which mistletoe therapy is continuing to develop. Basic and applied research in all the areas mentioned here is in progress. In this way, mistletoe therapy will continue to have its place and contribution in oncological therapy and for the benefit of patients in the future.
  5. Efficacy of Ma'aljobon Aftimouni (Cuscuta Reflexa and whey) on HbA1c and blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial Fatemeh Mehrabi, Ali Safdari, Azam Moslemi, Mehdi Salehi, Ali Agharazi, Mohammad Reza Rezvanfar Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, volume 43 Sunday 12 January 2025 Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized,... Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized, controlled, and triple-blind trial study was conducted from November 2021 to August 2022 on 102 diabetic patients referred to the diabetes clinic in Iran. In this regard, patients with inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups Ma'aljobon with Aftimoun (n = 34), Ma'aljobon without Aftimoon (n = 34), and the control group (n = 34). The control group received a placebo of medicinal salt, light calcium carbonate, lactose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. In contrast, the treatment groups received 25 g of drug powder (in 250 cc of lukewarm water) on an empty stomach for 8 consecutive weeks. Patients' fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and HbA1c were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing paired t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests for comparison between groups. Results: Data analysis was conducted on 90 patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The findings revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels post-intervention in the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (134.27 ± 21.79 vs. 152.3 ± 31.37, mean difference 18.03 ± 5.63, 95 % CI: 6.53 to 29.53, p = 0.003). Additionally, a significant difference in HbA1c values was observed post-intervention in both the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (7.88 ± 0.77 vs. 8.09 ± 0.73, mean difference 0.21 ± 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.03 to 0.39, p = 0.031) and the Ma'aljobon without Aftimoun group (7.97 ± 0.84 vs. 8.25 ± 0.78, mean difference 0.28 ± 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.11 to 0.45, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings showed that daily consumption of Ma'aljobon supplements on an empty stomach before breakfast may have a beneficial effect on the glycemic indices of patients. However, further studies seem to be necessary in this regard.
  6. Mistletoes benefit from initiating cascading effects in a cactus–stem borers–arthropods system: A positive feedback Patricia C. Guerra, Víctor M. Escobedo, Ernesto Gianoli Ecological Entomology, volume 50, pages 17-23 Sunday 12 January 2025 Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthr... Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthropod community. We evaluated whether those cascading effects initiated by Tristerix generate a positive or negative feedback loop on this parasitic plant. A positive or negative feedback loop would occur if the mistletoe-elicited indirect effects on arthropod community result in increased or decreased mistletoe fitness, respectively. Specifically, by way of field sampling, experimental manipulation of number of brood chambers, and structural equation modelling, we assessed the indirect impact of number of brood chambers on Tristerix fitness mediated by its influence on the abundance of arthropod trophic guilds (omnivores, nectarivores, herbivores and predators). We found that the number of brood chambers had a positive indirect effect on mistletoe fitness, likely mediated by the increased abundance of nectarivores. The number of brood chambers was positively associated with the abundance of predators, nectarivores and herbivores. However, nectarivores were the only trophic guild showing a positive association with both number of brood chambers and Tristerix fitness. This positive feedback loop, together with the known pattern of specific disperser-mediated cyclic reinfection of cacti by Tristerix, would indicate that mistletoe infection may ultimately threaten cactus survival.
  7. Predicting the current and future distributions of Australian Loranthaceae mistletoes Carol A. Wilson, Kenneth Trang Global Ecology and Conservation, volume 57 Sunday 12 January 2025 Mistletoes are branch parasites of trees and shrubs, occur world-wide, and are considered keystone species in many forest communities. They have complex interactions with seed dispersers, pollinators, and animals that use them for shelter, and contribute to community productivity and biotic diversity. Current understanding of mistletoe occurrence l... Mistletoes are branch parasites of trees and shrubs, occur world-wide, and are considered keystone species in many forest communities. They have complex interactions with seed dispersers, pollinators, and animals that use them for shelter, and contribute to community productivity and biotic diversity. Current understanding of mistletoe occurrence largely attributes host availability and preference to patterns of distribution. Using occurrence records, climate data, and climate modeling, we investigated current distributions and modeled contemporary and future distributions of Australian mistletoes in the Loranthaceae by haustorial type. Although Loranthaceae mistletoes are distributed throughout Australia, our results show distributional differences among haustorial types across biomes and identify their actual and predicted ecological niches based on temperature and precipitation. Epicortical roots, which are considered plesiomorphic in Australia, are mostly associated with mesic ancestral habitats while derived types are associated with drier habitats. Combining the results of all analyses we show that mistletoe distributional patterns, similar to distribution patterns in other angiosperms, are correlated with climate and are susceptible to climate change with expected loss of habitat, primarily in interior arid regions of Australia.
  8. Multiple genotypes of Phelipanche ramosa indicate repeated introduction to the Americas Adam C. Schneider American Journal of Botany Sunday 12 January 2025 Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that has been reported in North America since the late 1800s. While this species comprises a variety of genetically distinct host races in its native range, the genetic composition of adventive populations in the New World remains unexplored. On the basis of morphological and e... Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that has been reported in North America since the late 1800s. While this species comprises a variety of genetically distinct host races in its native range, the genetic composition of adventive populations in the New World remains unexplored. On the basis of morphological and ecological variation, some have suggested that the closely related P. nana may also be present. Methods: Genome skimming was used to assess the relationships of 30 populations of Phelipanche spanning the geographic and host ranges in North and South America, plus one P. nana reference population from Lebanon. Results: Phylogenetic analysis indicated four distinct genetic groups, though plastome and nrDNA data supported conflicting signals of relationships among them. First, specimens from Chilean tomato fields were nearly indistinguishable genetically from the reference P. nana. Second, a pair of samples from Virginia showed similar nrDNA as the first group, but divergent plastomes. The remaining 24 samples sorted into two groups, one which parasitizes cultivated plants, especially tomato, and the other on roadside weeds in different parts of the United States. Conclusions: The geographic and ecological cohesiveness of four distinct genetic groups supports a hypothesis of multiple introductions to the Americas, presumably from Eurasia, followed by little to no subsequent gene flow among them. However, such groups do not align with existing morphological or ecological species concepts for P. ramosa and P. nana. In practice, threat assessment of Phelipanche populations to agricultural settings should be evaluated regionally given the phylogeographic and ecological heterogeneity.
  9. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics to uncover key metabolic mechanisms of mistletoe parasitism on diverse hosts Zhaoxiang Zeng, Xiaoliu Hu, Xueyan Zhao, Xingliang Xiang, Lijun Zhang, Shan Cao, Yurong Zhang, Cheng Chen, Rongzeng Huang, Shuna Jin, Chengwu Song Environmental and Experimental Botany, volume 229 Saturday 11 January 2025 Mistletoe (Viscum coloratum (Komar.) Nakai) is a parasitic plant with medicinal and culinary uses, yet its parasitic mechanisms on host species are largely unexplored. In this study, we performed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of mistletoe branches and leaves parasitizing on Tilia amurensis Rupr., Ulmus pumila L., and Populus... Mistletoe (Viscum coloratum (Komar.) Nakai) is a parasitic plant with medicinal and culinary uses, yet its parasitic mechanisms on host species are largely unexplored. In this study, we performed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of mistletoe branches and leaves parasitizing on Tilia amurensis Rupr., Ulmus pumila L., and Populus ussuriensis Kom., investigating the potential molecular and metabolic mechanisms of mistletoe influenced by these hosts. Our results revealed notable differences in the transcriptional information of mistletoe branches and leaves across various host species, which was also reflected in their metabolic profiles. At the transcriptional level, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were the main pathway influenced by various hosts. Flavonoids and lipids were the primary differential components in the metabolic profile of mistletoe. Combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that glycerophospholipid metabolism comprising lipids, was a vital pathway for the activities of mistletoe parasites on their hosts. In this pathway, most metabolites, such as LysoPC, and the majority of genes, such as LYPLA2 and DPP1, exhibited the highest expression levels in Tilia amurensis Rupr. Mistletoe parasitizing Tilia amurensis Rupr., whether on branches or leaves, exhibited very significant differences compared to those parasitizing Ulmus pumila L. and Populus ussuriensis Kom. The findings provide key insights into the molecular mechanisms of mistletoe's parasitic activities and how different hosts affect its transcriptional and metabolic profiles.
  10. Leaf traits of the mistletoe Erianthemum dregei and its host tree Sclerocarya birrea vary across a rainfall gradient and levels of hemiparasite infection Tsitsi Sithandiwe Maponga, Hilton Garikai Taambuka Ndagurwa, Dave Ian Thompson, Justice Muvengwi, Wayne Twine, Ed T.F. Witkowski Journal of Arid Environments, volume 227 Friday 10 January 2025 Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of ... Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of the mistletoe, Erianthemum dregei, and Sclerocarya birrea host trees along a rainfall gradient at three levels of mistletoe infection. We measured seven leaf traits across five mistletoe-host pairs at low, medium, and high rainfall sites. Rainfall had significant effects on all measured traits, except host leaf succulence. Hosts were more resource-acquisitive at intermediate rainfall, but more conservative at high rainfall. The reverse is true for mistletoes. Mistletoe infection only had an effect on host leaf area, specific leaf area, and stomatal conductance, but most mistletoe leaf traits were significantly influenced by infection intensity. Uninfected hosts were more resource-conservative, but highly infected hosts were resource-acquisitive. Conversely, mistletoes on low-infected hosts were associated with high resource acquisition, while those on high-infection trees were resource-conservative. Therefore, the antagonistic response of host trees and mistletoes to infection and rainfall suggests the potential for resilience to environmental change.
  11. Integrating network analysis and experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis lam. Extract in the treatment of IgA nephropathy Xianlong Zhang, Mingjie Liang, Ziyang Lin, Minyi Li, Tingting Duan, Yun Han, Lanqing Meng, Mengqiu Li, Guixuan Lin, Tao Xia, Ying Lai, Boen Liang, Bingqiong Li, Minhua Li, Fengxin Kang, Quan Zhu, Zhenghai Li, Junzheng Yang Journal of Functional Foods, volume 124 Thursday 09 January 2025 Purpose/aim: IgA nephropathy represents a prevalent form of the common kidney disease globally, accounting for the majority of cases of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Cuscuta chinensis Lam has been shown to nourish the liver and tonify the kidney, consolidate essence, and arrest polyuria, However, whether Cuscuta chinensis Lam has the pr... Purpose/aim: IgA nephropathy represents a prevalent form of the common kidney disease globally, accounting for the majority of cases of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Cuscuta chinensis Lam has been shown to nourish the liver and tonify the kidney, consolidate essence, and arrest polyuria, However, whether Cuscuta chinensis Lam has the protective effects on IgA nephropathy and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: A network pharmacology analysis was employed to examine the interactions between the active ingredients and core targets, with a view to elucidating the possible potential mechanisms in Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extract (CCLE) in the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with bovine serum albumin (BSA) with a dose of 800 mg/kg−1 every other day for a period of 12 weeks to obtain IgA nephropathy model. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected through the tail vein at a dose of 0.05 mg at the 6th week, 8th week, and 10th week; 0.1 mL of CCl4 and 0.3 mL of castor oil were injected subcutaneously once a week for 12 weeks; the rats were gavaged with CCLE for 6 weeks from 13th week. Biochemical analysis, tGFR analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence staining were employed to evaluate the impact of CCLE on IgA nephropathy in rat. Western blotting was utilized to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results: The results demonstrated that a significant decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, accompanied by a notable elevation in biochemical indexes in rats in model group, including the ratio of total protein to creatinine in urine, sCr, BUN, TG, AST, ALT, IL-1β and TNF-α; additionally, the rats in the model group exhibited substantial histopathological alterations, characterized by the presence of many IgA deposits; CCLE has been demonstrated to enhance the glomerular filtration rate, downregulate the levels of sCr, BUN, TG, AST, ALT, IL-1β and TNF-α, reduce the IgA deposition, and ameliorate the histopathological changes in IgA nephropathy rats; Western blotting demonstrated CCLE can suppress the expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-IKK, p-NF-κB, and p-IκB in IgA nephropathy rats. Conclusion: CCLE demonstrated superior protective effects on BSA + LPS + CCl4 + castor oil-induced IgA nephropathy in rats by regulating the PI3K-AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CCLE has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of IgA nephropathy.
  12. Occurrence and life cycle of broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers.) on mustard (Brassica campestris L.) in Northeastern regions of Rajasthan Sarita Kumari, Ridhi Joshi, Rishi Kesh Meena, Preeti Mishra Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, volume 13, pages 169-176 Sunday 05 January 2025 Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has in... Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has increased in many regions of Rajasthan. Field surveys were conducted to investigate the occurrence of broomrape in mustard-growing areas of northeastern Rajasthan. Field studies were also carried out in the extensively broomrape-infested mustard fields in the Nawalgarh region of Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan, India) (27°51'0.00" N 75°16'12.00" E) to evaluate the life stages and severity of broomrape infestation. Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers. (Egyptian broomrape) was found infesting the fields of Brassica campestris L. Field experiments were conducted to record all the underground and aerial life stages of P. aegyptiaca. Among all the visited plots, the Mukandgarh region exhibited the highest incidence and severity of P. aegyptiaca during the emerging, flowering, and fructification stages, whereas the Nawalri region displayed the lowest incidence and severity at each stage. Mustard yield and quality were severely affected by the Phelipanche infestation. With an average of 50% disease incidence in most of the plots, flowering and fructification stages of broomrape are the most difficult to control and cause 100% infestation to the crop. The interrelationship of P. aegyptiaca and B. campestris is not studied extensively, especially in Rajasthan. To date successful control of this weed is not achieved. The present investigation will help understand the histological interactions of P. aegyptiaca on B. campestris about days of sowing (DAS). These interactions will certainly help to design cultural and biological control strategies by determining the most effective timing of control concerning the timeline of germination and infestation of P. aegyptiaca.
  13. Nanocomposite based slow release atrazine effectively controlled Striga asiatica incidence, and enhanced sugarcane yield Thanka Mahil E. Iyarin, B. N. Aravind Kumar, Ramesh Babu, P. Jones Nirmalnath, N. S. Hebsur, Hanamant M. Halli, Prabhu Govindasamy, E. Senthamil, Manjanagouda S. Sannagoudar, D. R. Palsaniya Scientific Reports, volume 14 Sunday 05 January 2025 Sugarcane is a major industrial crop highly susceptible to parasitic weed (Striga spp.), causing a 38% reduction in cane yield due to a longer lag phase of 20–40 days, and wider spacing. Herbicides with a longer retention and slow-release nature could allow Striga seeds to germinate and be killed before attaching to the host. Therefore, a graphen... Sugarcane is a major industrial crop highly susceptible to parasitic weed (Striga spp.), causing a 38% reduction in cane yield due to a longer lag phase of 20–40 days, and wider spacing. Herbicides with a longer retention and slow-release nature could allow Striga seeds to germinate and be killed before attaching to the host. Therefore, a graphene oxide based nanoformulation loaded with atrazine was synthesized and evaluated under controlled and field conditions for its release kinetics, Striga control efficiency (SCE), and cane yield for two years (2018–2019) at two locations. In-vitro assays on release kinetics showed that the release rate of active ingredient (a.i.) from the nanocomposite loaded with atrazine (NCA) was slower (64.5%) than conventional atrazine (82.1%) on the 30th day in water. Similarly, cumulative release percentage of a.i. with NCA was 4.4% compared to atrazine (16.2%) at the initial 0–3 days in soil. Further, field evaluation (deep application in 12 cm furrows) of NCA at 1.25 kg a.i./ha at 95 days after planting (DAP) found superior in delaying Striga emergence by 18–20 days over atrazine. Furthermore, NCA recorded the highest efficacy (∼ 21%) across two locations owing to reduced Striga density (66.7–68.2%) and dry weight (39.3–48.9%). Consequently, NCA at 95 DAP produced higher cane (30.6–31.0%) and sugar (30.7–36.7%) yields. Therefore, carbon-based graphene oxide with a greater surface area and low production cost would offer an environmentally benign and alternative option in controlling Striga before its haustorium attaches to sugarcane roots. This formulation represents a novel direction for developing herbicides with enhanced performance and reduced environmental impact.
  14. The first macrofossil record of parasitic plant flowers from an Eocene Baltic amber Weijia Huang, Wenzhe Liu, Xin Wang Heliyon, volume 10 Saturday 04 January 2025 Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses ... Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses related to its evolution untested. Here we report a fossil corolla and stamens of a probable schoepfiaceous flower (Schoepfiaceae, Santalales) from late Eocene (37.8–33.9 Ma ago) of Kaliningrad, Russia. Unlike previously reported flowers, the new fossil is characterized by its five fused petals bearing adnate stamens. This character assemblage points to an affinity of Schoepfiaceae. This is the debut of schoepfiaceous flower in the macrofossil record, shedding a new light on the evolution of this poorly understood family. Its unexpected occurrence in Russia adds information to the discussion on the history of Schoepfiaceae.
  15. Image Analysis and Untargeted Metabolomics Reveal Potential Phytotoxins from Fusarium venenatum Against Major Parasitic Weed Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel Ana Bendejacq-Seychelles, Lisa Martinez, Anaïs Corréard, Jean Chrisologue Totozafy, Christian Steinberg, Jean Bernard Pouvreau, Carole Reibel, Grégory Mouille, Samuel Mondy, Lucie Poulin, Stéphanie Gibot-Leclerc Toxins, volume 16 Saturday 04 January 2025 Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel), an obligate parasitic weed with a wide host range, is known for its devasting effects on many crops worldwide. Soil fungi, notably Fusarium sp., are described as pathogenic to broomrape, while the hypothesis of the phytotoxicity of fusaric acid produced by F. verticillioides for parasitic weeds of... Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel), an obligate parasitic weed with a wide host range, is known for its devasting effects on many crops worldwide. Soil fungi, notably Fusarium sp., are described as pathogenic to broomrape, while the hypothesis of the phytotoxicity of fusaric acid produced by F. verticillioides for parasitic weeds of the genus Orobanche has been proposed. Using image analysis and untargeted metabolomics, this study investigated fungal metabolites phytotoxic for P. ramosa and produced by the F. venenatum MIAE02836 strain, isolated from symptomatic broomrapes and identified as a promising candidate for broomrape biocontrol. Phytotoxicity tests of crude extracts from the fungus alone or in interaction with broomrape on P. ramosa microcalli and quantification of necrosis by image analysis confirmed the phytotoxic potential of F. venenatum MIAE02836 metabolites towards the early developmental stages of P. ramosa. Data analysis of a non-targeted metabolomics approach revealed numerous metabolites produced by F. venenatum MIAE02836. Four of them, accumulated during interaction with the parasitic plant, are known for their phytotoxic potential: maculosin, cyclo(Leu-Phe), phenylalanyl-D-histidine and anguidine. These results suggest that combining image acquisition of the microcalli screening test and untargeted metabolomic approach is an interesting and relevant method to characterize phytotoxic fungal metabolites.

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