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Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) is a medicinal plant in Chinese folk culture, known for its famous medicinal components such as plantagomain. In this study, we conducted genome sequencing of P. major using Illumina sequencing technology. The assembled complete chloroplast genome had a length of 165,044 bp, comprising a large single-copy regions (82,963 bp), a small single-copy regions (4,633 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (38,724 bp). A total of 140 genes were detected, including 94 CDS, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close genetic relationship between P. major and P. rigida. These findings provide valuable data for a comprehensive understanding of the biological characteristics of P. major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Elm Decline (ED), is a marked reduction in Ulmus recognised in pollen diagrams from across north/northwest Europe c. 5-6000 cal BP, the causes of which have been much discussed for over half a century, partly because of its broad chronological correspondence with the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. We present a formal statistical analysis of the ED chronology in Ireland, analysing its association with early Neolithic anthropogenic activity as indicated indirectly by palynological evidence and directly through radiocarbon dated cereal macrofossils. The results derived from pollen records regarded as sufficiently robust for Bayesian modelling indicate the date for the ED ranges from the later Mesolithic to middle Neolithic. Different palynological 'expressions' of the ED are identified, and comparison of the ED date range and increases in Plantago lanceolata indicate that although correlation between anthropogenic activity and the onset of the 'Elm Decline' can be identified at several sites, this is not consistent. Comparison with the cereal macrofossil record demonstrates that generally the ED occurred prior to the onset of Neolithic cereal cultivation as defined by these data. We discuss implications for understanding the patterns and processes that may underlie the ED and question whether the 'Elm Decline' continues to merit the definite article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago is a large genus with a worldwide distribution characterized by three basic sets, x = 6 is the most common and is considered the ancestral set from which x = 5 and x = 4 derived following mechanisms of descending dysploidy. Advanced molecular cytogenetic methods are important for understanding evolutionary relationships but in Plantago their use has been rather limited. In this study the karyotypes of Plantago lanceolata L. (2n = 12), Plantago major L. (2n = 12) and Plantago coronopus L. (2n = 10) were characterized by using rDNA FISH, GISH, fluorochrome banding and chromosome morphology to obtain markers useful for evaluating their genomic affinity. The rDNA FISH mapping produced three distinct patterns but with evident similarities such as the chromosome position of 45S rDNA sites and the colocalization of 45S and 5S rDNA. Reciprocal GISH showed a low level of genome affinity between P. lanceolata and P. major and a total absence of homology between them and P. coronopus. This result supports the exclusion of the 2n = 12 species as possible ancestors of P. coronopus. This study confirms that a systematic use of in situ hybridization techniques, and in particular GISH, provide valid information for understanding the origin of species and can resolve many taxonomic and phylogenetic problematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the total phenylethanosides (TPS) were extracted efficiently by an innovative extraction technology––deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) from Plantago asiatica L. Ten diverse types of DESs were synthesized as alternative extraction solutions. The extraction efficiency of DES-3 (constituted by choline chloride and lactic acid) was much higher than those of other DESs. On the basis of single factor tests and Box-Behnken design (BBD), the optimum processing parameters of DES-UAE as follow: DES-3 with molar ratio of 1:3, extraction temperature 51 °C, solid/liquid 22.5 mg/ml, water content 30%, ultrasonic power 65 W, extraction time 23 min. The extraction efficiency of TPS from Plantago asiatica L. was 8.395 mg/ml, which was more superior than those of organic solvents (water, methanol, 50% methanol, ethanol, 50% ethanol). The extraction kinetics experiment results showed that water content had a significant influence upon the extraction efficiency of TPS. At the same time, AB-8 macroporous resin column was used to efficiently isolate TPS from DES extraction with a recovery rate of 88.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differences in viability, root length, and pro/antioxidant features of Plantago major seedlings identified in seed progeny formed in areas of radioactive and chemical contamination can persist in subsequent generations after the elimination of the stress. The seed mixtures of F1 generation were collected from P. major natural populations (P plants) growing for a long time in the East Ural Radioactive Trace, the Karabash Copper Smelter zone, and background area. The seeds of F2 generation were obtained from F1 generation plants grown on experimental plots with 'clean' agricultural background; F3 generation was grown from F2 generation on the same plots. The viability of seed progeny was estimated by survival rate and root length. Pro/antioxidant features were determined spectrophotometrically by malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and total content of low molecular weight antioxidants in seedlings. The hypothesis about the persistence of effects from chronic exposure to ionizing radiation and chemical contamination in the generations' sequence of P. major after the removal of stress was confirmed only partially. The data obtained indicated that changes in the prooxidant and antioxidant features of plants in response to low doses of ionizing radiation can persist for at least in two generations after the stress removal. In the case of long-term exposure to chemical contaminants, we observed the persistence of the effect in a succession of generations only on the morphological indicator of root length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional herbal medicinal products (THMP) with Plantago lanceolata L., folium (Ribwort Plantain Leaves) are well-known and very popular among the European population. The aim of our study was the toxicological risk assessment for adults of Pb impurities in THMP with Plantago lanceolata L. obtained from pharmacies in Poland. The estimations of Pb impurities in the single dose (22.1 − 50.7 ng/single dose) and in the daily dose (ng/day) were based on the worst-case scenario (WCS), i.e. based on the posology recommended by manufacturers. The estimated daily exposure (ng/day) meets the standards of the ICH Q3D (R1) guideline on elemental impurities (5.0 µg/day) according to the Pb levels (all results were below 250 ng/day). It can be concluded that all investigated THMPs with Plantago lanceolata L., folium available in pharmacies from Poland should not represent any health risk to the adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesised using Plantago major seed extract through an environment-friendly, economic, and easy procedure. The nanoparticles were characterised by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET surface area analysis, and VSM. The Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 MNPs were investigated as a nanoadsorbent for removal of reactive blue 21 (RB 21) and the results showed that the nanoparticles were effective for adsorption of RB 21. More than 93% of RB 21 was removed by the nanoadsorbent after a short time of 10 min (60 mg of nanoadsorbent dosage at concentration of 20 ppm for RB 21). The effect of initial concentration of RB 21 and nanoparticle dosage on dye adsorption were investigated. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models used for adsorption equilibrium of RB 21 on Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 MNPs. The isotherm studies showed that the Langmuir model (KL = 2.76 L/mg, qmax = 18.08 mg/g) provides more compatible than the Freundlich model and thus RB 21 adsorb on the surface of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 MNPs by a mono layer adsorption. The adsorption kinetics studies for the adsorption of RB 21 on Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 MNPs were conducted using the pseudo first-order, the pseudo second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion models and the results indicated that the pseudo second-order model (qe = 15.19 mg/g) provides more compatible than the other models for the adsorption of RB 21 on Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 MNPs. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 16.65 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perceived failure of glyphosate and paraquat to control plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) has led farmers to hypothesise evolved multiple resistance to both herbicides. The objective of this study was to confirm glyphosate and paraquat resistance in putative resistant (R) populations of plantain collected from various farms, orchards and vineyards. Dose–response experiments were initiated in 2019 and repeated in 2020 using known susceptible (S) and (R) plantain populations. The results showed that, for some R populations the herbicide rate causing 50% mortality was higher than that of the S populations. Resistance to both glyphosate and paraquat was thus confirmed. However, further research on the mechanisms of resistance is necessary to better understand basic plant biochemical processes and their adaptation to xenobiotic chemicals. This will facilitate the design of novel control strategies for the herbicide resistance challenge. Other non-chemical control strategies will be necessary to control plantain R populations collected in those orchards and vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to establish the hairy root (HR) culture of Plantago major to evaluate the accumulation of apigenin, catalpol and gallic acid after elicitation and investigate the biological activity of its methanolic extraction. The highest transformation frequency was obtained by Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4, 0.5 mg/L 6-Benzylaminopurine in pre-cultivation medium, 150 µM acetosyringone in co-cultivation medium (1/2 MS), and immersion method for inoculation of leaf explants. The production of apigenin, catalpol and gallic acid compounds were significantly affected by treatment of 1.18 mM AgNO3 at 24 h which yielded 4.30, 8.24 and 2.89-fold increase, respectively. The assessment of anti-bacterial activity showed that the methanolic extracts of the HRs elicited with 1.18 mM AgNO3 were significantly active against Proteus vulgaris (PTCC 1182) (MIC = 25 mg/mL and MBC = 25 mg/mL). Furthermore, the MTT assay revealed that the methanolic extracts of the HRs were cytotoxic on the SW-480 cell (IC50=337.56 ± 1.82 µg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare the nutrient composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation values and microbiome in the ruminal fermentation of herbage and silage of the Plantago media, P. major and P. lanceolata species. The lactic acid (LA) content of P. lanceolata silage was higher than those of other plantago silages (p < 0.05). The α-linolenic, w-3, polyunsaturated (PUFA), medium chain (MCFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) of plantago silages were lower than those of plantago herbages (p < 0.05). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) contents, total gas and methane production, metabolic energy (ME) and organic matter digestion (OMD) values and ammonia-nitrogen concentration in the in vitro fermentation fluid of P. major silage were lower than those of other plantago silages (p < 0.05). The in vitro ruminal methane production and community of archaea Methanobrevibacter in the microbiome of P. major herbage were higher than that of P. media and P. lanceolata herbages. The ensiling process significantly increased the in vitro total gas production, acetic acid concentration and Prevotellaceae bacteria of P. media and P. lanceolate compared their herbages. As a result, P. lanceolata and P. media silages provided high-quality silage fermentation; the nutrient composition was not lost to a great extent in the silage environment and the ruminal fibrolytic bacterial composition was positively affected. Plantago major silage could not provide a good silage quality and the in vitro ruminal fermentation and ruminal fibrolytic bacteria community value were negatively affected. The crude protein (CP) and very long chain fatty acids contents of P. major herbage were higher than those of P. media and P. lanceolata. However, the P. major silage had high silage CP and ammonia-nitrogen concentration, low in vitro ruminal digestion (total gas production, ME and OMD), and plant cell wall substances. The ensiling of P. lanceolata and P. media positively affected the ruminal fibrolytic bacterial composition (Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Oscillospiraceae_UCG-002 and Prevotellaceae). The in vitro ruminal methane production and community of Methanobrevibacter in the ruminal microbiome of P. major herbage were higher than those of P. media and P. lanceolata herbages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time inflorescences of a plant species from the genus Plantago (Pantaginaceae)—Plantago lanceolata L. (Ribwort Plantain), a known medicinal plant, were subjected to studies of phenolic compounds, which resulted in an isolation of two new compounds: a flavonoid—isorhamnetin 3-O-α-L-4C1-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-4C1-glucopyranoside) (1) and a phenylethanoid glycoside—2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→2)-[α-L-1C4-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)][E-caffeoyl-1→4]-β-D-4C1-glucopyranoside (14), along with fourteen known compounds—eight flavonoids (2–9) and six phenylethanoid glycosides (10–13, 15–16). The chemical structures were established by 1 D and 2 D NMR and HRESIMS spectral methods. The known phenylethanoids were the same as reported for leaves or aerial parts of P. lanceolata or other Plantago species. The flavonoids appeared to be only flavonols, mainly isorhamnetin 3-O- and 3,4'-O- glycosides, and thus completely different from flavones, mainly luteolin and apigenin glucuronides, previously reported in the leaves. The possible medicinal and chemotaxonomic relevance of the phenolics found in P. lanceolata inflorescences were taken into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the phytochemical analysis of the seeds of a new Iranian Plantago ovata Forssk. population exemplar is reported. This phytochemical analysis was carried out by means of hydroalcoholic maceration, column chromatography, NMR and MS analyses and led to the isolation of sixteen compounds belonging to five different classes of natural compounds. After comparison with previous analyses, a clear difference about their whole phytochemical patterns could be observed in some terms. A possible explanation of this was generally given, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pot experiment was carried out to investigate the efficiency of plant rhizospheric microorganisms (PRMs) to counteract salinity stress in Plantago ovata. The treatments included soil salinity (2.5 (as control), 5 and 10 dS m−1), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Control, Glomus mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Control and Pseudomonas fluorescens). The highest amount of growth and yield parameters, relative water content (RWC), potassium (K+) and phosphorus (P) concentration, photosynthetic traits (chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid, maximal efficiency of PSII (fv/fm), variable fluorescence to initial fluorescence (fv/f0) and stomatal conductance (gs)), antioxidant enzymes and the lowest sodium (Na+) concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage were observed in the plants treated with mixture of Rhizophagus intraradices and Pseudomonas fluorescens under all salinity levels. Although all previously mentioned traits significantly and severely decreased under salinity stress, mucilage percentage, electrolyte leakage and Na+ concentration were increased under salinity levels. In conclusion, the results suggested that inoculation of AMF (particularly Rhizophagus intraradices) in combination with Pseudomonas fluorescens by the accumulation of proline along with decreased electrolyte leakage, maintenance of relative water content in leaves and selective uptake of K+ ions could overcome detrimental effects of salinity stress in isabgol. Abbreviations AMF: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; APX: ascorbate peroxidase; CAT: catalase; Chl: chlorophyll; CAR: carotenoids; ECe: electrical conductivity of soil saturation extract; EL: Electrolyte leakage; Fv/Fm: maximal efficiency of PSII; gs: stomatal conductance; Fv/F0: variable fluorescence to initial fluorescence; K+: potassium; MDA: malondialdehyde; Na+: Sodium; PGPR: plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria; P: phosphorus; PRM: plant rhizospheric microorganisms; PSB: phosphate solubilizing bacteria; RWC: relative water content; SOD: superoxide dismutase [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago princeps var. princeps is an endangered native Hawaiian plant, and part of the recovery plan includes repopulation using plants grown in a nursery. However, disease pressure from downy mildew is hindering repopulation efforts. The organism associated with the downy mildew was determined to be a Peronospora species with brown, ellipsoid conidia measuring 21 by 16 µm on average, which was morphologically different from validly described species of Peronospora that infect Plantago species, but it was morphologically similar to the invalidly published species Peronospora lanceolatae (Art. 40.1). Comparison of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1), mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit II (cox2), nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and nuclear 28S rRNA D1–D2 (28S) loci revealed the unknown Peronospora to be molecularly divergent from Peronospora alta and Peronsopora plantaginis, but very similar to Peronospora from Plantago lanceolata, the type host of P. lanceolatae. Phylogenetic trees inferred with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference from a concatenated alignmaent and individual gene trees confirmed the divergence of the unknown Peronospora from P. alta and P. plantaginis and its similarity to P. lanceolatae. However, attempts to inoculate Plantago lanceolata with the strain from Plantago princeps var. princeps were unsuccessful, which, in conjunction with divergence in ITS, suggests that the unknown Peronospora is specific to Plantago princeps var. princeps. Herein, the Peronospora strain on Plantago princeps var. princeps is described as the new species Peronospora kuewa based on morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and host specificity. In addition, Peronospora gaponenkoae is described here to honor Nina Ivanova Gaponenko on the basis of her description of P. lanceolatae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phytochemical investigation on the whole plant of Plantago maxima Juss. ex Jacq led to the isolation of a new and rare chlorinated iridoid glycoside named plantomoside (1), along with three known compounds, geniposidic acid (2), 10-deoxygeniposidic acid (3), and viteoid II (4). The structure of 1 was determined through 1 D and 2 D NMR spectroscopic data analysis, HR-ESI-MS, and acid hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairy root induction in Plantago lanceolata was optimized to take advantage of transformed root cultures. The highest frequency of transformation was achieved using leaf explant, A4 strain, pre-cultivation of explant, 150 µM Acetosyringone, 5 min inoculation, half-strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium as co-cultivation, and half-strength Gamborg′s basal medium as a selective medium with 3% sucrose. Among the studied compound encompassing gallic acid, catalpol and apigenin, only the production of gallic acid in hairy roots was affected by 20 mg L−1 AgNO3 and 100 mg L−1 chitosan at 24 hr which yielded 7.63, 4.76-fold increase in its content, respectively. The methanolic extracts of hairy roots elicited by 20 mg L−1 AgNO3 exhibited anti-bacterial activity (MIC and MBC = 25 mg mL−1) against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella typhi and anti-bacterial potential of non-elicited hairy roots of P. lanceolata (MIC = 25 mg mL−1 and MBC = 35 mg mL−1) were more active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and P. vulgaris than other bacteria. The methanolic extracts of the P. lanceolata hairy roots demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity on colorectal carcinoma cell line (SW-480) with IC50 = 250.65 ± 6.8 µg mL−1 in comparison to human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) with IC50 = 5263.65 ± 4.6 µg mL−1. Plantago lanceolata hairy roots showed important biological activity explaining its role in traditional medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorpyrifos and the metabolite 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) are widespread contamination of aquatic environments especially freshwater fish. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the contribution of using Ficus zero-valent iron nanoparticles supported on adsorbents (F-Fe0 ad) as green nanotechnology and Plantago major as phytoremediation for removing chlorpyrifos and degradation product TCP polluted water. The shapes of F-Fe0 were circular, with sizes from 2.46 nm to 11.49 nm. Wheat bran (WB) showed the highest extent of removal of chlorpyrifos, while Rice straw ash (RSA) showed the lowest extent of removal. F-Fe0 supported on adsorbents has demonstrated faster removal toward chlorpyrifos compared with tested adsorbents or F-Fe0. Chlorpyrifos was removed more quickly and effectively by P. major L. plus F-Fe0 supported on different adsorbents (nearly 100%) than that by P. major (43.76%) or F-Fe0 (81.69%). The degradation product TCP was more greatly accumulated in water treated with F-Fe0 than that P. major alone or F-Fe0 supported with adsorbents and combined with P. major. Furthermore, TCP significantly accumulated in P. major roots and leaves in the water treated with F-Fe0 supported with adsorbents plus P. major more than that in the P. major roots and leaves alone, this is attributed to the role of F-Fe0 adsorbents for the degradation of chlorpyrifos to TCP, Which strongly accumulated in the P. major roots and leaves. It can be concluded that the contribution of using F-Fe0 supported on adsorbents, especially WB as green nanotechnology and P. major as phytoremediation would be a major role for the complete removal of chlorpyrifos from the water with a significant reduction in the toxic degradation product TCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to find out the suitable dose of fresh plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) supplementation for optimum growth, serum antioxidants status, liver health, and meat quality in broilers. A total of 1152-days-old Cobb-500 broilers (average weight: 45 ± 0.7 g) were randomly assigned into four dietary treatments, including (i) control (CON): corn-soya based basal diet, and plantain (PL) supplemented groups (ii) PL40: CON + 40 g fresh PL/kg diet; (iii) PL80: CON + 80 g fresh PL/kg diet; and (iv) PL120: CON + 120 g fresh PL/kg diet. Improved growth efficiency (p <.05) was observed in PL supplemented groups compared to CON, where PL80 and PL120 groups had the highest value. Serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were comparable in the PL80 and PL120 groups, but higher (p <.05) than other groups. The lowest concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were found in the PL80 group, while alkaline phosphatase was the highest in the PL40 group. Furthermore, the PL80 group exhibited the lowest (p =.001) abdominal fat content and the highest (p =.002) breast meat yield. Meat linoleic acid content was nevertheless improved linearly with PL supplement levels, and the highest value was found in the PL120 group. Furthermore, the maximum meat redness (a*) was observed in PL80 and PL120 groups, which was approximately twice that of the CON. Overall, the growth and health responses of both PL80 and PL120 groups were similar, while the latter had improved the meat fatty acid profile. Supplementation of 80 g plantain/kg diet showed optimum growth performance, health status, and plasma antioxidants level in broilers. 120 g plantain/kg diet might be supplemented with the purpose of producing value-added broiler meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidacloprid is known to induce soil pollution. Herein, we improved phytoremediation of soil contaminated with imidacoprid using Plantago major plus effective microorganisms (EM1) and peat-moss under laboratory conditions for 14-days and using P. major inoculated with EM1 in tomato field for 10-days. Concentration of imidacloprid in soil, roots and leaves was determined. Concentrations of Chlorophyll in leaves were also determined. Our results showed that lower imidacloprid degradation rate was observed in amended soil with peat–moss, while higher imidacloprid degradation rate was observed in soils vegetated with P. major, P. major inoculated by EM1, and P. major amended with peat–moss, respectively. However, degradation rate was high in the case of interaction between soil planted with P. major plus both of EM1 and peat-moss. Concentration of imidacloprid in P. major roots amended with EM1, peat–moss and both was significantly lower than that of P. major roots alone within 1–14 days of treatment. EM1 plus P. major and peat- moss plus P. major had increase of Chlorophyl content in leaves. Cultivation of P. major next to tomatoes crop and inoculated with EM-1 was found to be the most effective process for removing imidacloprid from the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen morphology of 19 taxa of the genus Plantago was studied and documented in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pollen grains are small to medium-sized (P = 18.7‒44.0 µm, E = 13.7‒34.2 µm), prolate-spheroidal to prolate (P/E = 1.05‒1.54 µm) in shape and pantoporate. Based on SEM observations of tectum ornamentation, three groups of taxa can be distinguished: the Ovata group with scabrate tectum, the Major group with coarsely verrucate tectum and the Lanceolata group with finely verrucate tectum. Multivariate analyses indicate that, the pollen morphology is not taxonomically significant at the subgenus and section levels, but it is useful for delimitation at the infraspecific level, and also for understanding the morphological diversity at the species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia officinalis L. and Plantago lanceolata L. are plants found in Romania's natural flora. They have been used for a long time in folk medicine due to their beneficial properties based upon their phenolic compound content. This study compared these hydroalcoholic extracts of these plants separately and in a 1:1 mixture and determined the concentration of several compounds that possess antioxidant properties. Nine phenolic compounds, including (+)-catechin, syringic acid, cinnamic acid, resveratrol, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rutin and quercetin, were determined by use of an optimized high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) method. The aim of the study was to validate this method and to highlight the benefits of the mixture of extracts. The total concentration of phenolic compounds determined for S. officinalis L. was five times larger than for P. lanceolata L. In the extract of P. lanceolata L. several compounds, such as (+)- catechin and chlorogenic acid were not detected, while the extract of S. officinalis L. had all of the analyzed compounds. Even though the analyzed compounds were found in both plant species, the mixture of extracts showed an increased concentration of these compounds, thus enriching qualitative and quantitative properties of the resulting extract in comparison to the individual isolates. The analyzed extracts may be used for their health benefits due to the above-mentioned compounds that possess antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emulsifying and foaming properties of the Plantago major seed (PMS) gum were investigated in O/W emulsions and whey protein concentrate (WPC) solutions, respectively. By increasing PMS gum concentration from 0.3 to 1% w/v, Z-average and poly dispersity index (PDI) values of the emulsions were reduced from 769.5 to 619.3 nm and 0.45 to 0.23, respectively. Also, the Zeta potential increased from -19.9 to -43.8 mv and emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability (during various conditions) were considerably improved. On the other hand, the foaming stability and foaming capacity of the WPC solutions increased (from 25.88 to 50.22%) and decreased (from 23.36 to 15.78%), respectively. Adding of 0.5% w/v PMS gum decreased the surface tension value of the solutions from 81.23 mN/m to 43.34 mN/m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive nitrogen (N) losses, and in particular nitrous oxide losses, from dairy grasslands on peat soils are generally high as a result of relative high soil organic matter contents, potential N mineralisation rates and shallow groundwater levels. Effects of the inclusion of the temperate forage species plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) (PL), which produces secondary compounds with biological nitrification inhibition capacity, on the fate of soil mineral N were studied in a combined mesocosm and field experiment. The experiments comprised four treatments differing in intentional herbage share of plantain versus perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (100%PL, 66%PL, 33%PL and 0%PL). Potential nitrification in the mesocosm experiment was significantly lower at 100%PL versus 0%PL (p = 0.018), but soil nitrate concentrations were not. Nitrous oxide fluxes reduced by 39% (p = 0.021) in the presence of plantain in the field experiment, without an obvious link to the quantity of plantain. N use efficiency of plantain tended to increase with the quantity of plantain in the sward in the mesocosm experiment (p = 0.098), but not in the field experiment. Our results suggest that the presence of plantain can affect the fate of soil mineral N of dairy grasslands on peat soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminant urine patches are nitrous oxide (N2O) emission hot-spots and compounds that inhibit nitrification in urine-affected soils, a key step in soil N2O production, can significantly reduce N2O emissions. Aucubin, a potential nitrification inhibitor found in plantain (Plantago lanceolata) was assessed in two field trials for its efficacy in reducing urine patch nitrate (NO3−) accumulation and N2O emissions. Plantain leaf extract or commercially derived pure aucubin was added to urine, alongside a control and urine only treatment, and applied to standard gas chambers and monitored for 35 days. While there were some daily differences between treatment soil nitrogen and N2O emissions, there were no overall significant differences between cumulative N2O emissions. Aucubin, applied as a one-off dose, seems to act as a nitrification inhibitor for a short period after application onto soil, but it's inhibitory effects are not sufficient to produce significant reductions in overall urine patch N2O emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock urine deposition onto grazed New Zealand pastures drives soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Urine patch N2O emissions can be reduced by inhibiting nitrification, a key urine patch nitrogen (N) transformation pathway. Aucubin, a secondary metabolite found in the pasture herb species plantain (Plantago lanceolata), is a potential nitrification inhibitor and could be excreted in urine by animals grazing plantain. In this laboratory trial, three rates of aucubin application (10, 50, and 100% of the highest theoretical aucubin excretion rate from cows grazing 100% plantain pasture) were added to urine and assessed for their potential to inhibit nitrification and subsequent N2O emissions. Significantly reduced N2O flux and soil N O 3 − concentrations, aligned with significantly increased soil N H 4 + and soil surface pH, indicated that aucubin inhibited nitrification from 5 to 17 days after urine application. However, this period of inhibition was not sufficient to reduce overall N2O emissions during the 35 day experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presented a complete chloroplast genome of a new species candidate of Plantago depressa, Willd. named as Plantago wonjuenesis sp. nov, which is 164,946 bp long (GC ratio is 38.0%) and has four subregions: 82,985 bp of large single copy and 4,647 bp of small single-copy regions are separated by 38,657 bp of inverted repeat regions including 94 protein-coding genes (PCGs), eight rRNAs, and 38 tRNAs. Number of variations between P. wonjuenesis and P. depressa can be considered as interspecific variations. Bootstrapped phylogenetic trees constructed with conserved 78 PCGs of eleven Plantaginaceae chloroplast genomes present that P. wonjuensis is clustered with P. depressa, P. fengdouensis, and P. media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment aimed to characterise the concentration of secondary compounds aucubin, catalpol and acteoside in plantain (Plantago lanceolata) herbage and determine if harvesting at different times or nitrogen (N) fertiliser inputs alter concentrations. Herbage of plantain was harvested each season over two years from plots fertilised at 180 or 450 kg N/ha/yr. At each harvest date, samples were taken in at 0700 h and 1600 h. The concentration of secondary compounds in plantain herbage was greatest for acteoside (range 1.77-36.0 mg/g DM), intermediate for aucubin (range 0.566-5.85 mg/g DM) and lowest for catalpol (<0.390 mg/g DM). Compound concentrations were unaffected by N fertiliser and showed limited diurnal fluctuation. There was a strong seasonal effect on all secondary compounds with peaks in concentration occurring in spring for aucubin and acteoside. This experiment suggests environmental factors other than soil N fertility and diurnal patterns influence the concentration of secondary compounds in plantain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karyotype characters, mitotic metaphase chromosomes, and haploid ideograms of six species of Plantago L. species. Analysis of somatic metaphases showed that the chromosome numbers of these species were 2n = 8 for P. ovata, 2n = 10 for P. albicans, P. amplexicaulis, P. ciliata and P. psammophilia, and 2n = 12 for P. lanceolata. The karyotype formulae were nsm (+), nsm (–) and nm. According to TF% and Syi index, and according to A and A1, P. ciliata may be considered the most symmetrical and P. lanceolata may be had the most asymmetrical karyotype. There are 63 total bands and 11unique bands resulting from RAPD; 23 total bands and 3unique bands resulting from both ISSR and 23 total bands in addition to 2 unique bands generated from SCoT markers. Perceptual mapping (Bilpot) and cluster analysis based on cytological and molecular attributes gave the same results that distinguished the studied taxa into two main groups; P. ovata and the other taxa also classified into two subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two native geometrid moths, Scopula rubraria and Epyaxa rosearia, have emerged as major pests of narrow-leaved plantain, a forage plant that has grown in popularity in summer-dry regions of New Zealand. With little known about these two moth species, laboratory studies were undertaken to gain greater understanding of their oviposition and development. Both species have a strong preference for ovipositing on hairy rather than smooth foliage, and are therefore likely to target young leaves. S. rubraria has five instars, while E. rosearia has five or six, with the latter more prevalent at 18°C and below. S. rubraria has a higher temperature threshold of 13.3°C for egg hatch and a lower degree day requirement of 459 to complete development, compared with 6.3°C and 1117, respectively, for E. rosearia. The results suggest both species would start hatching in mid-spring and have three generations by mid-autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased use of narrow-leaved plantain Plantago lanceolata as forage in New Zealand has led to the emergence of two native moths, Scopula rubraria and Epyaxa rosearia, as significant pests. Plantain is known to contain defensive compounds against insects and a laboratory study was undertaken to compare the growth and development of both moth species on four plantain cultivars and one breeding line. Larval feeding and development was found to vary with plant line and leaf age, with Ceres Tonic and especially SF Boston the most favourable plantain lines for both pests. No E. rosearia completed larval development on mature foliage from Luisetti Tuatara or the breeding line JC Upright. While the differences between plant lines appeared to be related to foliar digestibility and metabolisable energy indices, rather than glycoside levels, the results indicate that narrow-leaved plantain has attributes that could be exploited to achieve better resistance against these pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of tungsten on the uptake and translocation of essential elements (B, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Zn, and W) of Plantago holosteum around the abandoned tungsten mine works on Uludağ Mountain, Turkey was evaluated. Open-wet and Kjeldahl digestion procedures were applied to the samples before elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Accuracy was evaluated using standard tea and spinach leaf and soil-certified reference materials. The novel approach of this work identified P. holosteum as a possible candidate bioaccumulator species, which was widespread in the tungsten mining area and provided overall, realistic evaluations for many elements, particularly W. Thus, the specific behavior of the selected species separated this species from the others in this damaged ecosystem. The W concentrations in soils and plants were in the range from 6 to 2591 mg kg-1 dry weight and 0.6 to 85.3 mg kg-1 dry weight, respectively. The concentrations of elements in soil samples from the waste removal pool were higher than those from the unpolluted sites, and all elements except manganese increased in plant samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Plantain fruit pulp has been used as a natural remedy to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) in traditional medicine. However, the potency of the peel has not been examined with respect to ED management. Objective:This study investigated and compared the inhibitory potential of unripe (UPP) and ripe (RPP) plantain peels on some enzymes associated with ED and Fe2+-induced oxidative stress in albino rat penile homogenatein vitro. Materials and method:Aqueous extract of the peels was prepared and the effect on phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), arginase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) and Fe2+-induced malonyladehyde in isolated albino rat penile homogenate were investigated. Phenolic constituents of the peels powder were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Result:Extract from UPP had higher PDE-5 (IC50 = 3.10 μg/mL), arginase (IC50 = 0.96 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 = 6.30 μg/mL) and ACE (IC50 = 0.41 μg/mL) inhibitory ability compared with RPP (PDE-5, IC50 = 4.33 μg/mL; arginase, IC50 = 1.34 μg/mL; AChE, IC50 = 8.64 μg/mL; ACE, IC50 = 0.63 μg/mL). The extract from UPP also had higher inhibition of Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that gallic and caffeic acids, rutin, quercitrin and quercetin were abundant in UPP, while catechin, kaempferol, chlorogenic and ellagic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in RPP. Discussion and conclusion:Inhibition of enzymes associated with ED and lipid peroxidation could be linked with the phenolic compounds. However, UPP appeared to be more potent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agricultural crops from plantain produce a significant amount of wastes and they are currently considered worthless. Accordingly, in this study, non-wood fibers from pseudostem of plantain plants were extracted through mechanical processing to be used as reinforcing material in polyester composites. Bio-based composites were obtained using a 4% wt. of lignocellulosic reinforcement and were prepared after the fibers underwent alkaline and acetylation treatments in order to enhance the compatibility of organic loads with the polyester matrix. The higher cellulose content of plantain fibers indicates that they can be used to reinforce composites with a polymeric matrix. The plantain fibers have bast fiber bundle of around 120 µm; single fibers of around 5 µm; and mesofibers with a diameter between 0.5 and 1 µm. The results showed that plantain fibers can be used as a filler material to obtain an alternative polymer composite. The flexural strength of composites (polyester with acetylated plantain fibers) was improved 28% when the properties are compared to control composite. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study seeks to compare daily and hourly airborne pollen concentrations at eight different stations in Castilla-La Mancha (central Spain) and Extremadura (south-western Spain) and assess pollen distribution sources. Sampling stations were located 69–440 km apart in a straight line in Albacete, Toledo, Talavera de la Reina and Ciudad Real in Castilla-La Mancha, and in Badajoz, Plasencia, Santa Amalia and Zafra in Extremadura. Airborne pollen was collected using Hirst-type volumetric spore traps.Quercuswas the most abundant pollen type at all stations except for Ciudad Real, whereOleapollen predominated. Comparisons of daily data between pairs of stations revealed statistically significant positive correlations in all cases for Poaceae andOlea. Comparisons of hourly data between stations indicated greater differences than daily data. Analysis of correlation coefficients and straight-line distances between stations revealed a strong negative correlation. Analysis of total airborne pollen data for the eight sampling stations suggests that airborne pollen concentrations decrease from west to east and from south to north, partly reflecting dominant wind patterns. A clear correlation was observed between airborne pollen concentrations and the surface area covered by olive crops in a 50 km radius around the sampling stations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the course of the pollen season of selected allergenic taxa (Rumex spp., Plantago spp., Urtica spp. and Chenopodiaceae) in two towns with different degrees of urbanisation (urban, the city Szczecin, and rural, the village Gudowo in Western Pomerania, northwest Poland). The study was conducted in the years 2012–2014 with the volumetric method. The pollen of allergenic herbaceous plants was present in the air from early May until the end of September. From among the taxa studied, the genusRumexis characterised by the longest pollination period, while the genusUrticaby the shortest. The highest percentage contribution of pollen grains to the total pollen count in the air reaching over 90% is from nettle. The pollen seasons determined for the majority of taxa are longer in the city, however the mean pollen grain counts in the air are higher for the rural area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atriplex (Atriplex patula) and plantago (Plantago lanceolata) species are commonly found in grasslands which have arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. The aim of the study was to make comparison of atriplex, plantago and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) herbages in terms of nutrient matter content, gas kinetics, methane production, estimated digestion parameters, ammonia-N, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total bacteria count and numbers of protozoa.In vitrogas production was carried out for up to 96 h by using thein vitrodigestion technique. The molar total VFAs, metabolic energy (ME), net energy lactation (NEL), and organic matter digestibility (OMD) levels, count of total bacteria, number of total ciliate and number ofDasytricha sp., DiplodiniinaeandEntodiniinaedid not show significant differences between alfalfa and the alternative forages (p >.05).In vitromethane production of atriplex herbage was higher than that of plantago herbage (p <.01). The ruminal ammonia-N concentration of plantago herbage was lower than those of atriplex and alfalfa herbages (p <.001). The individual molar proportions of propionic acid of alfalfa herbage were higher than those of the other forages (p <.001). The results of the present experiment confirmed thatA. patulaandP. lanceolata,which are appropriate for the flora of the Mediterranean region, can be used as alternative good quality forage plants to alfalfa hay for grazing animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The data concerning the influence of Plantaginaceae water extracts on bacterial growth are contradictory. Objective: This study investigates the influence of Plantago maxima Juss. ex Jacq. , Plantago lanceolata L. , Plantago major L., Veronica teucrium L. , Veronica spicata L., and Veronica incana L. aqueous extracts on growth of Escherichia coli K12 culture and the relation to antioxidant, reducing, and iron-binding activities. Materials and methods: Aqueous extracts were prepared from the dried leaves with the final concentration of 1/10, 1/15, 1/20, 1/25, 1/30, 1/35, and 1/40 (w/w). Comparative analysis of total flavonoids, iridoids, and tannins in Plantaginaceae species was performed. Iron-binding, antioxidant, and reducing activities of plant extracts were analyzed spectrophotometrically. The influence of plant extracts on E. coli K12 growth was studied in vitro by estimating the bacterial growth in the extract-containing medium. Results: Total tannin content in plant leaves positively correlated with iron-binding activity ( r = 0.641), whereas total flavonoids correlated with antioxidant activity ( r = 0.687). In an in vitro model, it is estimated that water extracts of studied Plantaginaceae species stimulated bacterial growth. Prebiotic activity significantly of 1/20 and 1/40 plant extracts positively correlated with antioxidant ( r = 0.589; r = 0.576, respectively) and reducing activity ( r = 0.721; r = 0.620, respectively) of plant aqueous extracts at 6-24 h. Negative correlation was observed between iron-binding activity and bacterial growth ( r = −0.503 and r = −0.534 for 1/20 and 1/40 extracts, respectively). Conclusion: Aqueous Plantaginaceae extracts possess prebiotic activity depending on the phytochemical content of plant leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culled plantain pulp starch, peel starch, and peel flour were characterized for their value-addition. Scanning electron microscopy articulated the smooth irregular with elongated and spheroid shaped granules of both culled plantain pulp and peel starch. Culled plantain pulp starch has the highest purity and contained ash (0.1 g/100 g), fat (0.02 g/100 g), protein (0.9 g/100 g), and crude fibre (0.1 g/100 g) with 98 g/100 g whiteness (L* value). The culled plantain contains 40 g/100 g amylose and 77 g /100 g resistant starch. Similar type of viscosity values were found in culled plantain pulp and peel starch with same pasting temperature (84.9°C) measured by Rapid Visco Analyzer. But, very low viscosity values were obtained in peel flour. Highest amount of swelling was 17.4 g/g in culled plantain pulp starch whereas highest amount of solubility (14.6 g/100 g) was recorded in peel flour at 90°C among three samples. Maximum water holding capacity (14.6 g/g) was found in culled plantain pulp starch, followed by 13.5 g/g in peel starch and 8.8 g/g in peel flour at 90°C. The high value of exudates from starch samples indicated unsuitability to use in frozen foods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Access trails that traverse native vegetation expose these ecosystems to potential invasion by non-native plant species, facilitated by a multitude of vectors that utilise these trails. This study examined the diversity and distribution patterns of non-native plant species occurring adjacent to forest trails that are also designated for horse riding use in National Parks in southeast Queensland. A total of 39 non-native species were recorded within 20 m of the trail edge. Observed species varied among the National Parks with 21 species recorded at Bellthorpe and 16 species at D'Aguilar, compared to one or two species in the rest of the parks. There was a rapid decrease in number of non-native species with increasing distance from the trail edge. Up to 25 species occurred directly adjacent to trails compared to nine species 5 m from the trails. Among the observed non-native species, onlySonchus oleraceusandPlantago majorare currently known to be dispersed via horse dung, whereas 15 of the recorded species, including these two, are known to be dispersed by vehicles. These results highlight that disturbed areas beside trails clearly support populations of non-native species in protected areas, but relatively few species seem capable of invading adjacent vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cosmopolitan plant genusPlantagocontains species with a wide range of chromosome numbers in its New Zealand endemic representatives. These species are diploid, tetraploid, octoploid, decaploid, dodecaploid and 16-ploid. Using genomic in situ hybridization, we have shown that some of these polyploids contain at least three different genomes, confirming their allopolyploid status. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with 5S and 45S rDNA probes showed a wide variety of species-specific patterns of distribution in the polyploid species, suggesting that polyploidy has been accompanied by genomic reorganization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hippuris vulgaris is an aquatic perennial herb distributed worldwide. In this research, the complete chloroplast genome of H. vulgaris was sequenced and assembled. Its complete genome size was 152,698 bp in length. The typical quadripartite structure was shown, which contained a large single-copy region (82,940 bp), a small single-copy region (18,262 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (25,748 bp). The CG content of this genome was 37.6%. A total of 114 genes have been identified in the genome, including 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. In addition, 18 genes possessed at least one intron. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that H. vulgaris was nested in Plantaginaceae with 100% bootstrap value and was a sister to Digitalis, Plantago, Hemiphragma, Veronica and Veronicastrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantago media, known as the hoary plantain, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae that also was used as one of the Chinese herb in China. In this study, P. media chloroplast genome sequence was 164,130 base pairs (bp) as a circular that had a typical quadripartite structure. It contained a large single-copy region (LSC) of 82,758 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 4,578 bp, and a pair of inverted-repeat (IR) regions of 38,397 bp. The overall nucleotide composition of chloroplast genome is: A (30.7%), T (31.3%), C (19.2%), G (18.8%), and the total G + C content of 38.0%. The total 140 genes were found in this chloroplast genome sequence that included 94 protein-coding genes (PCG), 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes. In phylogenetic analysis, the result showed that P. media is closely related to P. depressa of the family Plantaginaceae using the maximum-likelihood (ML) method in the phylogenetic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), together with liquid chromatography with ultraviolet diode array detector for determination of clofentezine, flumetralin, and kresoxim-methyl in fresh and dehydratedPlantago majormedicinal plant material. Parameters evaluated included the type of sorbent (C18-bonded silica, neutral alumina, silica gel, Florisil, and MIL-53) using dichloromethane as the eluting solvent. The best results were obtained using 0.5 g of plant material, 0.5 g of silica gel as sorbent, and dichloromethane (20 mL). The method was validated using plant samples spiked with pesticides at three concentration levels (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 µg/g). Average recoveries (using four replicates) ranged from 62.2% to 110%, with relative standard deviations between 5.4% and 18.5%. Detection and quantification limits were in the ranges 0.05–0.07 µg/g and 0.15–0.25 µg/g, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Burrowing nematodes (Radopholus similis) are among the most serious nematode pests affecting banana and plantain (Musaspp.). In Uganda, bananas, which are known locally as “matooke”, are the main staple.Radopholus similispopulations collected in four banana-growing locations (Namulonge, Mbarara, Ikulwe and Mukono) were cultured monoxenically on carrot discs, and we compared the variability in reproductive fitness and virulence (as a function of time and inoculum level) of different populations ofR. similisfrom Uganda. Their level of pathogenicity was determined by assessing the nematode reproductive ratio; that is, final population divided by the initial population. Thesein vitroexperiments showed that theR. similispopulation from Mbarara had the highest reproduction ratio, while the population from Mukono had the lowest reproduction ratio. This assessment along with pathogenicity experiments on hostMusaplants provides a means for defining pathogenicity groups amongR. similispopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Species delimitation is challenging in New Zealand Plantago because of a complex polyploid evolutionary history, few taxonomically useful characters due to reduced habit and wind-pollinated flowers, and phenotypic plasticity. To clarify species limits and revise the taxonomy of this group, analyses of novel morphological data were undertaken and evaluated alongside previously published studies of chromosome number, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, molecular phylogenetics, molecular cytogenetics and morphology. All 11 native species of Plantago recognised here are endemic to New Zealand, except Plantago triantha which is also native to Tasmania, Australia. In contrast to previous treatments, Plantago picta is recognised here at the species rank, Plantago masoniae is treated as a synonym of Plantago triandra, and one new 16-ploid species, Plantago udicola Meudt & Garn.-Jones, is formally described. Seed number and shape, scape, bract and sepal vestiture, and number of flowers and spikes are particularly important characters for species delimitation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Plantain grown after forest slash-and-burn raises concerns due to the release of CO2 and the destruction of biodiversity. Plantain yields are presented after forest biomass was burned or retained in combination with sucker sanitation versus traditional planting. Biomass burning did not affect plant crop and total yield. Soil chemical properties were weakly positively affected by burning. Sucker sanitation increased total yield at one site from 6.2 to 9.7 Mg ha−1 (p = 0.015), without effects on root health. In the second site, sucker sanitation had no effect on fresh bunch yield (mean 8.59 Mg ha−1), yet significantly improved root health parameters. Thus, at the first site, sucker sanitation elicited a positive response via a mechanism different from nematode control. At the second site, by contrast, nematode control was not the most important factor in yield formation. These data do not support the notion that retaining biomass increases plantain production. Other factors related to labor requirements and later weed infestation are probably more important in farmers' decision making on biomass management. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A field experiment was conducted for two cropping cycles to evaluate the growth and yield responses of four plantain genotypes (29525, 30456-3, PITA 14 and Agbagba) to fertilizer source (inorganic, organic fertilizer and no fertilizer) in a 4 × 3 factorial in a complete randomized block design. Genotype 29525 flowered and matured earliest, produced heaviest bunches and highest number of hands and fruits per bunch. Agbagba produced the tallest plants, longest, widest and heaviest fruits. Bunch weight was heavier with the application of inorganic or organic fertilizers. There were genotype and fertilizer interactions for bunch and fruit weights and length in the plant crop with genotype 29525 having the heaviest bunches whereas the heaviest and longest fruits were produced by Agbagba when no fertilizer was applied. Bunch yield per hectare increased with organic fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of aucubin in Plantago lanceolata. The analyses were carried out on Zorbax SB-C18 column with an aqueous phosphoric acid and acetonitrile gradient. The correlation coefficient of calibration curve showed good linearity (r > 0.9995), with average recoveries between 96.7 and 104.5%. The developed method was applied for quantification in P. atrata, P. bellardii, P. coronopus, P. holosteum, P. reniformis, and P. schwarzenbergiana. The aucubin content in plant extracts was compared by HPLC, HPTLC, and LC-ESI-MS techniques and no significant differences between the conducted methods were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work, based on morphological and cytotaxonomical information, claimed the independence of Plantago brutia Ten., a narrow endemic of South Italy, with respect to Plantago media L. Here, we present a further evaluation of the systematic relationships occurring between these two taxa as revealed by molecular studies. We sampled P. brutia in most of the known populations and P. media in several European stands, from Sweden to the Iberian Peninsula and Balkans. We then investigated the relationships among the sampled populations by using as molecular markers the internal transcribed spacer regions ITS1 and ITS2. Furthermore, we considered cpDNA to gain further insight into the relationships among P. brutia/P. media populations. Based on nrDNA data, P. brutia appeared to be nested within the P. media complex, but as a well distinct subunit. This is congruent with a subspecific rank for this taxon within P. media. The cpDNA revealed the occurrence of several haplotypes in the studied material. Most of the assessed haplotypes were exclusive for single populations and thus phylogenetically uninformative. Nonetheless, we have found some haplotypes that are shared by different cytotypes or populations throughout the species range, suggesting possible explanations for the phylogenetic relationships occurring between P. brutia and the autopolyploid complex P. media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an additional combination of end-points was applied on the natural populations of the common plantain, previously estimated using morphometric assays. Here, besides measuring developmental instability (DI), by determining the level of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and the total amount of phenotypic variability (PV), we tried to distinguish the three natural populations under contrasting environmental conditions using the morphological data. Results obtained using both FA indices were the same; higher asymmetry levels in the reference than in the polluted environments were detected for leaf width, vein distances within a leaf and lobe length. The one-way analysis of variance results revealed that there were significant differences in PV values among populations analysed for each character. When all leaf traits were considered together, the PV median value was significantly higher in Crni Lug leaves compared with leaves from other sites. The multivariate analysis of variance results revealed the significant effect of environment on both FA4 and PV values. The component scores of first factor (PC1) were significantly different between the Karaburma and Crni Lug populations. Besides, component scores of both PC1 and PC2 were significantly different between the Zemun and Crni Lug samples. The stepwise discriminant functional analysis results allowed us to identify a set of four variables, with a sufficient discriminating ability (75%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]