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Preparation of the country's flora is very challenging until baseline information on the flora of all district or upazila is available. The purpose of this inventory was to record angiosperm plant species available in the different habitats of Bagatipara upazila, which is located in the eastern part of Rajshahi district. The traditional taxonomic method was applied for plant sample collection in different seasons of the year 2022 and the identification of the collected samples. This research resulted in the recording of a total of 377 species in 92 families. Among them, 310 species were from Magnoliopsida, and 67 were from Liliopsida. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the leading families of Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida, respectively. One-fourth of the total plant species were exotic, and more than half were valuable medicinal species. Artocarpus lacucha, Bridelia stipularis, Callicarpa longifolia, Eranthemum pulchellum, Oroxylum indicum, Potentilla supina, Sterculia foetida, and Terminalia arjuna were locally found rare. Threats such as climate change, expansion of arable land and pisciculture, use of herbicides, over exploitation, clearing brushwood, and unplanned construction activities have been identified. The present study concludes that the floristic composition of this area is still rich, though the area is facing some threats. Therefore, we strongly recommend adopting effective and adequate measures for sustainable conservation and monitoring of the biodiversity of this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the vascular flora of the Lalmai hill area of the Cumilla district has been thoroughly explored. This study reveals the occurrence of 923 species of vascular plants under 594 genera and 141 families in the study area, which represents 23.75% of the total 3886 plant species reported from Bangladesh until now. About 68.15% of these species are native and 31.85% are exotic to Bangladesh. Pteridophytes are represented by 30 species belonging to 21 genera and 11 families, whilst Gymnosperms are represented by eight species under seven genera and six families. Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) comprises 661 species, including four subspecies and two varieties, from 429 genera and 96 families, accounting for 71.54% of the vascular flora of the study area. Liliopsida (monocotyledons) represents 225 species under 137 genera and 28 families, making up 24.35% of this flora. In Magnoliopsida, Fabaceae with 55 species is the largest dicot family, followed by Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae and Rubiaceae. Most of the species of Liliopsida (68%) are represented by the five families viz., Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Araceae and Commelinaceae. Poaceae with 75 species is the largest monocot family, followed by Cyperaceae, Orchidaceae, Araceae and Arecaceae. The genus Cyperus is the largest in the study area. The species Antidesma roxburghii Wall. ex Tul. of Phyllanthaceae is rediscovered in Bangladesh. Most of the Magnoliopsida and Liliopsida are herbs (59.80%), which are followed by trees (21.02%), shrubs (17.23%), and palms (1.41%). About 64.57% of the species are recorded as wild, but a significant percentage (27.41%) is planted and cultivated (8.02%). The majority of the species are found to grow in eight categories of habitat viz., roadside, fallow land, homestead, woodland, garden, scrub jungle, agricultural field and grassland. Eight plant species, listed in the Red Data Book of Bangladesh including six as Data Deficient (DD), one Not Evaluated and one Endangered (EN) species, are harboured in the study area. We strongly recommend the adoption of a master plan for minimizing all major threats to the vegetation and habitats of this area and sustainable development, utilization and conservation of its plant resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walter's duiker (Philantomba walteri) is endemic to the Dahomey Gap area. Very rare, and very hunted, its diet is very diversified. The objective of this research is to determine the composition of Walter's duiker diet in the forests of southern Benin. Observations using the linear transect method in the natural environment were made. In addition, individual questionnaires were sent to hunters, farmers, and forest agents in villages bordering the forests of southern Benin. Thus, twenty-nine (29) plant species divided into twenty genera and twenty-nine families have been recorded. The most represented family is the Euphorbiaceae with 5 species (Mallotus oppositiliformis, Hymenocardia acida, Manihot esculenta, Alchornea cordifolia). The diet of forest Walter's duiker South Benin is made up of Eight (8) types of plant organs for all 29 plant species consumed. It is mainly dominated by the leaves (29 species, 100%), the bark (72%), the fruits (27%), and the stems (24%) which constitute the most palatable organs. Regarding the chorology of palatable species, taxa from the Guinean-Congolese (GC) regions are the most palatable with a proportion of (20.68%). They are followed by taxa from the Sudano-Zambezi (SZ) and Pantropical (Pan) regions with each a proportion of (13.79%). Walter's duiker eats 58.62% dicot and 41.37% monocot. It, therefore, has a varied diet. It is therefore desirable to deepen research on the diet in order to propose a better habitat restoration method for this species. He, therefore, has a varied diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on a floristic inventory according to an altitudinal gradient following a transect that includes five stations (Yakouren, Taddart, Tirsatine, Tizi Rached, Oued Aissi) located equidistant from the forest of Yakouren to the Sebaou Valley in Greater Kabyliarandom sampling was adopted during the spring season of 2015 by harvesting all the plant species encountered in a comprehensive manner, while focusing on their distribution taking into account environmental factors including climate, precipitation, rainfall, temperature, altitude and the nature of the substrate. The collected species are sorted, identified and counted. The recorded flora is divided into 5 classes (Magnoliopsida, Liliopsida, Pteridophyta, Monocotyledons and Equisetopsida), 25 orders divided into 27 families and 65 species. It shows the apparent impact of altitude and climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Contrasting nutrient-acquisition strategies would explain why species differ in their distribution in relation to soil phosphorus (P) availability, promoting diversity. However, what drives the differential distribution of plant species with the same P-acquisition strategy remains poorly understood. Methods: We selected two Haemodoraceae species, Anigozanthos flavidus and Macropidia fuliginosa, to investigate physiological responses in non-mycorrhizal monocots adapted to different edaphic habitats that vary in P availability. Plants were grown in nutrient solution in large tanks at a range of P concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10 µM P). After seven months, we measured growth, photosynthetic rate, net P-uptake capacity, and leaf [P]. Results: Fresh weights of A. flavidus plants were highest at 1 µM P and lowest at 0 µM P. Fresh weights of M. fuliginosa plants were lowest at 10 µM P compared with those at other P levels. Rates of P uptake by A. flavidus showed a steady decline with increasing P level during growth from 0 to 1 µM P, and then a sharp decline from 1 to 10 µM P. Rates of P uptake in M. fuliginosa did not differ among growth P levels, except between 0 and 1 µM P. Both species showed a drastic increase in the concentration of both total P and inorganic P at 10 µM P. Conclusions: The results support our hypothesis that A. flavidus is efficient in down-regulating its P-uptake capacity, while M. fuliginosa is not. Thus, partly explaining the narrower and wider distribution of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathic potential of Thymus pulegioides L. chemical polymorphism was investigated under natural and laboratory conditions. A field analysis of 127 natural habitats hosting chemotypes of T. pulegioides with different ratios of phenolics, geraniol, and ɑ-terpinyl acetate was conducted. Effects of chemotypes, and their main compounds on seed germination and radicle growth of Trifolium pratense L. and Poa pratensis L. were conducted under laboratory conditions. Field analysis showed that Poa species were more plentiful in comparison with Trifolium species, independent of the chemotypical composition of T. pulegioides habitats. Laboratory tests with plant-acceptors showed a stronger inhibitory effect of essential oils on the germination and radicle growth of P. pratensis but in some instances germination was stimulated. Dissimilar effects were observed for the same allelochemical through air and water on the same plant-acceptor. Significantly, different effects of essential oils on radicle growth occurred in T. pratense and P. pratensis: with sensitivity to the phenolic chemotype via air and the ɑ-terpinyl acetate chemotype through water. This demonstrates that chemical polymorphism can expand communication opportunities of T. pulegioides with associated plant species. Combining investigations in natural habitats with laboratory experiments can help understand the effect of chemical polymorphism on plant-plant ecological interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide-ranging field assessment was carried out with aim to observe the diversity of tree species of Angiosperm in J.P. Nagar (Amroha) district. In this study, total 102 plants species were recorded covering 34 families. Out of 102 species, 97 species were belonged from 78 genera of Dicot families while 5 species from 5 genera of Monocot family. The ratio of family to genus was 1: 2.44; family to species was 1: 3 and a genus to species was 1: 1.22. Family Fabaceae marked as dominant with 24 species in distribution, followed by Moraceae with 12, Rutaceae with 7, while Apocynaceae and Myrtaceae represent with 6 species in the study area. Most of the angiospermic tree species planted for avenue and ornamental purpose, while their parts are used for rural crafts making, fuel, fodder, fibre, timber, dye, medicine, oils, tannin, vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the taxonomic data on 168 plant species belonging to 96 genera and 23 families of Liliopsida (monocotyledons) extant in Narsingdi district of Bangladesh. These species are mostly comprised of herbs (90.48%), followed by trees and shrubs (4.76% each). Poaceae with 66 species under 37 genera is the best represented family, followed by Cyperaceae with 26 species of seven genera, Araceae with 16 species of 11 genera, Commelinaceae with 11 species of four genera and Arecaceae with 10 species of eight genera. Cyperus with 13 species appears as the largest genus, which is followed by Panicum with nine species, Digitaria with six species, and Commelina and Dioscorea with five species each. The six upazilas of this district are 39.77% similar in the species composition of their Liliopsida, but the similarity between the pairs of upazilas varies from 6.45% to 32.31%. Roadside and fallow land habitats share the highest similarity (36.84%) in species composition. Total 117 species are distinguished as economically useful. This study suggests for implementation of necessary measures in order to minimize the major threats to this plant group and to favor its sustainable development in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present here the diversity of vascular plants from the headwaters of the Gocta, Chinata and Yumbilla Falls, Amazonas region, Peru, 2012. 107 families, 279 genera and 509 species of vascular plants were registered. Pteridophyta presents 19 species in 14 genera and 10 families, Pinophyta, one species; and Magnoliophyta, 489 species in 264 genera and 96 families of this last division; 324 species, 194 genera and 80 families are included in the Magnoliopsida class and 165 species, 70 genera and 16 families are in the Liliopsida class. The Orchidaceae family is the most diverse, with 26 genera and 83 species, followed by the Asteraceae families, with 38 genera and 69 species and Poaceae, with 15 genera and 34 species. The most diverse genera are Epidendrum, with 25 species, followed by Peperomia and Solanum, with 11 species each. 54 species are endemic. The Asteraceae family is the one with the highest endemism, with 13 species (24.07%), followed by Orchidaceae, with 8 species (14.81%), Gentianaceae and Melastomataceae, with 5 species and 9.26% each. The species protected by national and international legislation (Appendix II CITES) are 84 species, with Orchidaceae, with 83 species, including the 8 most endemic species, the most representative family, and one species in the Cyatheaceae family. The species protected by D.S. 043-2006-AG are 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Different methodologies were proposed for the detection of silica deposits in plant tissues. These methodologies include dry and wet ashing (which destroy the surrounding tissue), phenol staining (toxic), safranin-crystal violet lactone and fast green-methyl red staining (not specific for silica), fluorescence microscopy, electronic microscopy, EDAX and Raman analyses (which involve expensive equipment). Here we presented an easy and cheap method based on tissue clearing and immersion oil mounting. M&M: We tested the methodology in longitudinal and cross sections of culms, leaves and roots of ten species that effectively accumulate silica. We applied different clearing techniques according to the type of plant material, we mounted in immersion oil and observed under light microscope. We compared the results with the ones obtained by traditional silicophytolith techniques. Results: Silica deposits were observed in all species and organs analyzed, and the observations were coincident with the results obtained by other techniques. It was also possible to identify calcium crystals, allowing the description of the most common biomineralizations produced by plants. Conclusions: The technique here proposed can be used for exploratory as well as for specific studies about the content and distribution of silicophytoliths in almost any tissue, organ and plant species. It can be applied in any laboratory, because it does not require expensive or hardly available equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The floral vasculature aspects of twenty-four species belonging to six monocotyledonous families are dealt with. These selected taxa include 23 horticulture species cultivated in Egypt and the remainders is among the wild flora of Egypt. A great attention has been focused by phylogenetists on the position of the ovary with respect to the other parts of the flower. In this connection, the nature of the inferior ovary is generally discussed on the basis of two theories; appendicular and axial. It is fortunate that the vascular skeleton can still be regarded as the most conservative character and that it may be rather conclusive in the determination of the nature of the inferior ovary. In the present study, the different patterns of floral vascularization are presented in cumulative tables and figures to facilitate the comparative study. Moreover, an interpretation to the observed variations is also tried to reach at the relations between the taxa studied and to determine the nature of the hypanthium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of the Study: We present the first plastome phylogeny encompassing all 77 monocot families, estimate branch support, and infer monocot‐wide divergence times and rates of species diversification. Methods: We conducted maximum likelihood analyses of phylogeny and BAMM studies of diversification rates based on 77 plastid genes across 545 monocots and 22 outgroups. We quantified how branch support and ascertainment vary with gene number, branch length, and branch depth. Key Results: Phylogenomic analyses shift the placement of 16 families in relation to earlier studies based on four plastid genes, add seven families, date the divergence between monocots and eudicots+Ceratophyllum at 136 Mya, successfully place all mycoheterotrophic taxa examined, and support recognizing Taccaceae and Thismiaceae as separate families and Arecales and Dasypogonales as separate orders. Only 45% of interfamilial divergences occurred after the Cretaceous. Net species diversification underwent four large‐scale accelerations in PACMAD‐BOP Poaceae, Asparagales sister to Doryanthaceae, Orchidoideae‐Epidendroideae, and Araceae sister to Lemnoideae, each associated with specific ecological/morphological shifts. Branch ascertainment and support across monocots increase with gene number and branch length, and decrease with relative branch depth. Analysis of entire plastomes in Zingiberales quantifies the importance of non‐coding regions in identifying and supporting short, deep branches. Conclusions: We provide the first resolved, well‐supported monocot phylogeny and timeline spanning all families, and quantify the significant contribution of plastome‐scale data to resolving short, deep branches. We outline a new functional model for the evolution of monocots and their diagnostic morphological traits from submersed aquatic ancestors, supported by convergent evolution of many of these traits in aquatic Hydatellaceae (Nymphaeales). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas present limiting environmental conditions, such as high soil salinity, intense winds, elevated temperature and coastal flooding, which may be related to adaptive anatomical characters. This study aims to evaluate the anatomy of the stems and roots of Restinga plants (eudicots: Blutaparon portulacoides , Canavalia rosea , Ipomoea pes-caprae and Scaevola plumieri; monocot: Remirea maritima ) and their relationship to parameters of the microenvironment. These five species were selected because they are dominant and present great occurrence in Restinga vegetation nearest to the sea. Stems and roots of five species (n = 5) were fixed and submitted to standard techniques for analyzing under light microscope. Wind velocity, air temperature, air relative humidity and evaporation level were evaluated close to individuals and above them. The nutritional conditions from rhizosphere were also estimated. The winds were weak close to individuals, while the temperature was higher than compared to measurements above individuals. Minor differences of the soil were noted between areas close and far from the plants. Seven anatomical characters may be related to adaptability to the stressful conditions, as stem succulence, root aerenchyma, root starch reserves and epidermal cell of the stems with thick outer periclinal walls, however there was little convergence between species. Aerenchyma and water reserve tissue were the most frequent anatomical traits. In contrast, elevated cortex lignification in roots was the lowest occurrence trait, being a specific feature of the monocot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermittently wet meadows of the Molinion alliance, as with many other grasslands of high-nature value, have become increasingly exposed to abandonment due to their low economic value. The potential consequences of land abandonment are the decrease in species diversity and environmental alterations. The issue of land-use induced changes in plant species composition and soil physico-chemical parameters have been rarely studied in species-rich intermittently wet grasslands. In this study we attempt to i) to identify determinants of plant species composition patterns and ii) to investigate the effect of cessation of mowing on vegetation composition and soil properties. The study was conducted in an area of 36 ha covered with Molinion meadows, comprising of mown sites and sites that were left unmown for 10 years. In total, 120 and 80 vegetation plots were sampled from mown and unmown sites, respectively. In these plots we measured plant community composition and soil physico-chemical parameters. The results have shown that the two groups of variables (soil properties and management) differ considerably in their ability to explain variation in plant species data. Soil variables explained four-fold more variation in plant species composition than management did. The content of soil organic matter, moisture, total nitrogen and exchangeable forms of potassium, calcium and magnesium were significantly higher in mown than in unmown grassland systems. The results revealed that soil organic matter was the component of the soil most strongly affected by management, followed by moisture, magnesium, calcium and potassium in that order. Each of these soil parameters was negatively correlated with the abundances of woody plants and invasive species. We concluded that low-intensity, late time of mowing is suitable grassland management practice to ensure high plant species diversity and sustainability of the grassland ecological system while cessation of mowing not only lead to reduced plant species richness and diversity, but also to reduced nutrient levels in grassland soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen grains of 3 species from the genus Chrysodracon and 20 species from the genus Dracaena were examined by light, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy. The basic shape of the pollen grains is subprolate and prolate, but prolate-spheroidal pollen grains may also be found. Pollen of Chrysodracon and Dracaeana is dispersed as monads, rarely as dyads. In terms of size, the pollen grains studied were classified as medium-sized and large. There are two different types of apertures: monosulcate and monoulcerate in Dracaena and monoulcerate in Chrysodracon. The surface of the non-apertural areas is psilate-perforate, irregularly folded, microreticulate and fossulate. Ornamentation of the apertural region is microreticulate, microreticulate-baculate, baculate, psilate-perforate, psilate-perforate-verrucate, granulate and irregularly folded. Irregular perforations are present, and the wall structure is tectate-columellate. Our results suggest that some species of Chrysodracon and Dracaena may be separated based on their pollen grain micromorphology on the distal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveys of palms (Arecaceae) on Samar Island in the Philippines were conducted in view of the island's diverse but extremely threatened forest ecosystems, its old conglomerate geology, its significant biogeography and its poor palm collection history. Inventories of palms were carried out in selected sites between 2013 and 2016. The inventories yielded 50 species of which about 70% are Philippine endemics. Twelve are new island records, and there are 11 probable novel taxa (five in Calamus, and one each for Areca, Oncosperma, Heterospathe, Orania, Pinanga and the Ptychospermatinae) while one is a recollection. Overall, the palm flora of Samar reflects its biogeographic affinity and diverse habitat types. Notes on the observed morphological variations of most species will be utilized in the future taxonomic re-evaluation of some Philippine palm species and their complexes. The wealth of information generated in this study will ultimately be used for the conservation of palms and their habitats on the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While monocots lack the ability to produce a vascular cambium or woody growth, some monocot lineages evolved a novel lateral meristem, the monocot cambium, which supports secondary radial growth of stems. In contrast to the vascular cambium found in woody angiosperm and gymnosperm species, the monocot cambium produces secondary vascular bundles, which have an amphivasal organization of tracheids encircling a central strand of phloem. Currently there is no information concerning the molecular genetic basis of the development or evolution of the monocot cambium. Here we report high-quality transcriptomes for monocot cambium and early derivative tissues in two monocot genera, Yucca and Cordyline. Monocot cambium transcript profiles were compared to those of vascular cambia and secondary xylem tissues of two forest tree species, Populus trichocarpa and Eucalyptus grandis. Monocot cambium transcript levels showed that there are extensive overlaps between the regulation of monocot cambia and vascular cambia. Candidate regulatory genes that vary between the monocot and vascular cambia were also identified, and included members of the KANADI and CLE families involved in polarity and cell-cell signaling, respectively. We suggest that the monocot cambium may have evolved in part through reactivation of genetic mechanisms involved in vascular cambium regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Less than 6% of the worlds described plant species have been assessed on the IUCN Red List, leaving many species invisible to conservation prioritization. Large-scale Red List assessment of plant species is a challenge, as most species' ranges have only been resolved to a coarse scale. As geographic distribution is a key assessment criterion on the IUCN Red List, we evaluate the use of coarse-scale distribution data in predictive models to assess the global scale and drivers of extinction risk in an economically important plant group, the bulbous monocotyledons. Location Global. Methods Using coarse-scale species distribution data, we train a machine learning model on biological and environmental variables for 148 species assessed on the IUCN Red List in order to identify correlates of extinction risk. We predict the extinction risk of 6439 'bulbous monocot' species with the best of 13 models and map our predictions to identify potential hotspots of threat. Results Our model achieved 91% classification accuracy, with 88% of threatened species and 93% of non-threatened species accurately predicted. The model predicted 35% of bulbous monocots presently 'Not Evaluated' under IUCN criteria to be threatened and human impacts were a key correlate of threat. Spatial analysis identified some hotspots of threat where no bulbous monocots are yet on the IUCN Red List, for example central Chile. Main conclusions This is the first time a machine learning model has been used to determine extinction risk at a global scale in a species-rich plant group. As coarse-scale distribution data exist for many plant groups, our methods can be replicated to provide extinction risk predictions across the plant kingdom. Our approach can be used as a low-cost prioritization tool for targeting field-based assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the investigated area, Puna Hills, District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 100 plant species belonging to 52 families were recorded. Among these, single species of family Pinaceae representing gymnosperms, while the rest of the plant species representing the dicot and monocot angiosperms. Ethnobotanical survey of almost all the places of Puna Hills was carried out by interviewing local people on the basis of random selection through a questionnaire during 2014-2015. The information about medicinal plants was collected from people belonging to different professions. The ethnobotanical information includes the local name, recipes of plant usage and part usage. Out of 100 plant species 65(65%) were used as single-usage, 17(17%) were two- usage, 18(18%) were multi-usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Acropetal root branching is a major process which increases the number of growing tips and distributes their growth potential within the whole root system. • Methods Using a method presented in a recent paper, the defined branching traits were estimated in 140 different species, and the branching patterns of monocots (45 species) and dicots (95 species) were compared. • Key Results It was checked that the method also applied to monocots (not considered in the previous paper), and that all traits could be estimated in each species. Variations of most traits were even larger for monocots than for dicots. Systematic differences appeared between these two groups: monocots tended to have a larger range in apical diameters (stronger heterorhizy), with both finer and thicker roots; the diameters of their lateral roots were also more variable; their roots exerted a stronger dominance over lateral branches. Altogether, species exhibited two main dependencies among their traits that were illustrated using two axes: (1) the 'fineness-density' axis separated the species which develop very fine roots and branch densely, from species without fine roots which space out their branches; and (2) the 'dominance-heterorhizy' axis separated the species according to the range in their apical diameter which was positively correlated to the level of dominance of mother roots over their branches. Both axes and correlations were remarkably similar for monocots and dicots. • Conclusions Beyond the overall typology, this study went on to validate the phenotyping method in Natura, and showed its potential to characterize the differences in groups of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small genus Allagoptera (Arecaceae) includes six South American species. Their leaves have several anatomical characters that remain unexplored. We provide a detailed description of the leaf anatomy of Allagoptera, using 128 characters, and an identification key. Given the gradual size variation in the mesophyll cells in some species, a new classification of 'gradual dorsiventral mesophyll' is proposed here. We report for the first time 'subsidiary ledges' in the stomatal complex of Arecaceae. We propose using 'bulliform cell' for the swelling cells along the midvein in Arecaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is causing shifts in the amount and frequency of precipitation in many regions, which is expected to have implications for plant performance. Most research has examined the impacts of the amount of precipitation on plants rather than the effects of both the amount and frequency of precipitation. To understand how climate-driven changes in precipitation can affect grassland plants, we asked: (i) How does the amount and frequency of precipitation affect plant performance? (ii) Do plant functional groups vary in their response to variable precipitation? To answer these questions we grew 14 monocot and eudicot grassland species and conducted a factorial manipulation of the amount (70 vs 90mm/month) and frequency (every 3, 15, or 30 days) of precipitation under rainout shelters. Our results show that both the amount and frequency of precipitation impact plant performance, with larger effects on eudicots than monocots. Above- and below-ground biomass were affected by the amount of precipitation and/or the interaction between the amount and frequency of precipitation. Above-ground biomass increased by 21–30% when the amount of precipitation was increased. When event frequency was decreased from 3 to 15 or 30 days, below-ground biomass generally decreased by 18–34% in the 70 mm treatment, but increased by 33–40% in the 90 mm treatment. Changes in stomatal conductance were largely driven by changes in event frequency. Our results show that it is important to consider changes in both the amount and frequency of precipitation when predicting how plant communities will respond to variable precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C4 photosynthesis is present in approximately 7,500 species classified into 19 families, including monocots and eudicots. In the majority of documented cases, a two-celled CO2-concentrating system that uses a metabolic cycle of four-carbon compounds is employed. C4 photosynthesis repeatedly evolved from C3 photosynthesis, possibly driven by the survival advantages it bestows in the hot, often dry, and nutrient-poor soils of the tropics and subtropics. The development of the C4 metabolic cycle greatly increased the ATP demand in chloroplasts during the evolution of malic enzyme-type C4 photosynthesis, and the additional ATP required for C4 metabolism may be produced by the cyclic electron transport around PSI. Recent studies have revealed the nature of cyclic electron transport and the elevation of its components during C4 evolution. In this review, we discuss the energy requirements of C3 and C4 photosynthesis, the current model of cyclic electron transport around PSI and how cyclic electron transport is promoted during C4 evolution using studies on the genus Flaveria, which contains a number of closely related C3, C4 and C3-C4 intermediate species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are characterized by differing capabilities to accumulate selenium. A model small-scale field experiment was set up to investigate the selenium (Se) uptake by twelve different plant species growing at an uncultivated meadow, as well as the effect of Se foliar application on the uptake of essential elements for plants calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Foliar application of sodium selenate (Na 2 SeO 4 ) was carried out in two rates (25 and 50 g Se/ha), and an untreated control variant was included and the element contents in the aboveground biomass were determined. The results showed that selenium levels actually increased due to application of selenium where confirmed the hypothesis, that foliar application of selenium will lead to an increase of this element content, depending on the plant species. The highest Se contents were determined in Veronica chamaedrys (1.052 ± 0.024 mg Se/kg), Stellaria holostea (0.775 ± 0.064 mg Se/kg), Gallium aparine (0.745 ± 0.027 mg Se/kg) and Urtica dioica (0.720 ± 0.011 mg Se/kg) biomass whereas Cirsium arvense and Carex vesicaria showed the lowest Se uptake. No symptoms of potential Se phytotoxicity were observed at these concentration levels. Among the selenium compounds, selenate and selenomethionine (SeMet) were the predominant ones regardless of the plant species documenting relative low ability of plants to transform the applied selenate to the organoselenium compounds. Regarding the minor organoselenium compounds such as selenocystine (SeCys2) and Se-methylselenocysteine (Se-MeSeCys) the results suggested differences in Se transformation between monocotyledoneous and dicotyledoneous plants where Se-MeSeCys exceeded SeCys2 in monocotyledoneous and opposite pattern was observed in dicotyledoneous plants. These findings as well as the ambiguous changes in other essential element contents in the plant biomass needs to be investigated in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fossil flower in amber from the Dominican Republic is described as the new genus and species Brevitrimaris arcuatus. Its floral and pollen characteristics favor placement in the Monocotyledonae, but assignment to a modern family is uncertain. The flower is actinomorphic, with 3 lance-ovate sepals that are spreading to sharply reflexed and are exterior to 3 ovate petals. The perianth parts are tomentose abaxially and short-pilate and roughened adaxially. Three short stamens occupy the center of the flower, surrounding a short style with a capitate stigma. The sagittate anthers are curved, 4-locular, and latrorsely dehiscent. Pollen is monosulcate. The ovary of the pistil is hidden by the stamens. A tentative relationship to Haemodoraceae is proposed, but other families that might be considered are Arecaceae, Burmanniaceae, Liliaceae, and Xyridaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several plant species emit isoprene, a compound able to protect plants against high temperatures and oxidative stresses, and to affect the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. The emission of isoprene in monocots is much less investigated than in dicots. We explored the emission of isoprene among members of the Poaceae tribe Arundineae, and its potential impact on plant performance. Our results confirm, also in monocots, the existence of a significant correlation between photosynthesis and isoprene emission and further suggest that isoprene inversely correlates to habitat xericity in unstressed Arundineae. Isoprene emission capacity developed rapidly in unfolding leaves, implying some developmental differences in the control of this biosynthetic pathway with respect to dicots. Among Arundineae, marked species-specific differences in several parameters related to plant productivity (photosynthesis, carbon lost as isoprene, water use efficiency, biomass and chloroplast ulrastructure) were observed. Isoprene presence improved structural organization of thylakoid membrane system and decreased the heat dissipation at physiological temperature. Our results demonstrate that, as in dicots, also in monocots isoprene could contribute to improve photosynthesis performance, although this was not necessarily reflected in higher yields, at least in unstressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: An anatomical and developmental study of distantly related fleshy fruits in the monocots was undertaken to better understand the evolution of baccate fruits in the monocot clade as a whole. We studied 14 species with fleshy fruits spanning the Alismatales, Arecales, Asparagales, Commelinales, Dioscoreales, Liliales, and Poales to determine various mechanisms through which baccate fruits attain fleshiness at maturity. METHODS: Flowers and fruits of various stages were collected, sectioned, stained, and examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Three basic pathways for attaining fleshiness were identified within the species examined (true berries, with a uniform pericarp; typical drupes, with an endocarp differentiated by the presence of stony pyrenes; and specialized drupes, involving mesocarp and endocarp differentiated by stone pyrenes). Furthermore, developmental characters differentiating basic fruit types were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Fleshy fruits in the monocots do not develop through a single shared pathway, indicating that fleshiness has evolved multiple times within the clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae species complex (Pssc) causes diseases of hundreds of species of monocots, herbaceous dicots and woody dicots worldwide. On annual plants, reports of disease caused by the Pssc have markedly increased in the last years. Hence, efforts are needed to mitigate the consequences of increasing disease outbreaks and to understand the underlying epidemiological factors. Here, we have reviewed the literature to highlight the salient features of the Pssc as pathogens of annual plant species and to underscore what remains unknown about the diseases they cause. The major points are as follows: (1) Since only the beginning of this century, 72 reports of disease outbreaks in 20 countries have been associated with the Pssc on over 40 annual plant species; (2) disease incidence caused by the Pssc on annual plants ranges from 50 to 100 % in epidemic years; (3) seed infestation is the main cause of long-distance pathogen dissemination; (4) foliar disease symptoms are very common on annual plants although the Pssc causes symptoms on fruits of bean, cantaloupe, cucumber, okra and tomato; (5) environmental factors such as rainfall and humidity have important roles in the Pssc disease epidemiology; (6) several new disease reports contradict the concept of the so-called pathovar, thereby raising the question of whether strains in the Pssc are mostly generalists rather than specialists as currently believed; and (7) disease control of annual plants is frequently based on approaches integrating biological, chemical and cultural measures with available plant resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article features the Ursulaea (U.) tuitensis of the Bromeliaceae family of monocot flowering plants and its habitats in San Diego, California. Topics include their cultivation during the first half of the 1980s and initially identified as Aechmea tuitensis, the morphological differences between U. tuitensis and U. macvaughii, and U. tuitensis' restricted distribution to a narrow elevation band at the transition zone between pine and oak forests and usually in cooler temperatures.

Artificial micro RNAs (ami RNAs) are used for selective gene silencing in plants. However, current methods to produce ami RNA constructs for silencing transcripts in monocot species are not suitable for simple, cost-effective and large-scale synthesis. Here, a series of expression vectors based on Oryza sativa MIR390 ( Os MIR390) precursor was developed for high-throughput cloning and high expression of ami RNAs in monocots. Four different ami RNA sequences designed to target specifically endogenous genes and expressed from Os MIR390-based vectors were validated in transgenic Brachypodium distachyon plants. Surprisingly, ami RNAs accumulated to higher levels and were processed more accurately when expressed from chimeric Os MIR390-based precursors that include distal stem-loop sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana MIR390a (At MIR390a). In all cases, transgenic plants displayed the predicted phenotypes induced by target gene repression, and accumulated high levels of ami RNAs and low levels of the corresponding target transcripts. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling combined with 5′- RLM- RACE analysis in transgenic plants confirmed that ami RNAs were highly specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomenclatural correction in Cryptanthus Otto & A. Dietrich. (Bromeliaceae - Bromelioideae). A nomenclatural correction of the author name of Cryptanthus zonatus, an endemic species of Northeastern Brazil, is provided. A new synonym of this species is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monocotyledonous crops including cereals, sugar cane, banana and cassava make an important tribute to agricultural commodities both in production and value worldwide. Diseases caused by nematodes in monocots are well documented and new data are emerging on interactions of these pathogens with some important monocotyledonous crop species. This review focuses on major monocotyledonous plant-nematode systems describing the biology and genetics of some interactions and highlighting efforts to identify and select resistant genetic resources. Molecular and histological data are presented having in the spotlight sedentary nematodes of the suborder Tylenchina. Histological observations are presented during nematode development and host resistance responses, comparing monocot and dicot plant hosts. Subsequently we focus on the recently published transcriptomics of monocotyledonous plant responses looking at specific metabolic changes and their role during plant-nematode interactions. Insights that may be learned from nematode interactions with dicotyledonous hosts are also discussed. As a final point, we look at nematode effectors during monocots-nematode interactions exploiting de novo transcriptome data produced from root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is an essential nutrient for all plants. However, terrestrial plants often suffer from iron deficiency in alkaline soil due to its extremely low solubility. Alkaline soil accounts for about 30% of all cultivated ground in the world. Plants have evolved two distinct strategies, I and II, for iron uptake from the soil. Dicots and non-graminaceous monocots use Strategy I, which is primarily based on the reduction of iron(III) to iron(II) and the uptake of iron(II) by the iron-regulated transporter, IRT1. In contrast, graminaceous plants use Strategy II to efficiently acquire insoluble iron(III). Strategy II comprises the synthesis and secretion of iron-chelating phytosiderophores, such as mugineic acids and the Yellow Stripe 1 transporter proteins of the iron(III)-phytosiderophore complex. Barley, which exhibits the highest tolerance to iron deficiency in alkaline soil among graminaceous plants, utilizes mugineic acids and the specific iron(III)-mugineic acids transporter, HvYS1. In this study, we established the transgenic plant Petunia hybrida, which originally had only Strategy I, by introducing the HvYS1 transporter gene derived from barley. When the transgenic plants were grown hydroponically in media containing the iron(III)-2′-deoxymugineic acid complex, free 2′-deoxymugineic acid and its iron(III) complex were detected in the root extract of the transgenic plant by electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The growth of the transgenic petunia was significantly better than that of the control host in alkaline conditions. Consequently, the transgenic plant acquired a significantly enhanced tolerance to alkaline hydroponic media in the presence of the iron(III)-2′-deoxymugineic acid complex. Furthermore, the flower color of the transgenic plant deepened. The results showed that iron-phytosiderophore complexes and their transporters can potentially be utilized to overcome the worldwide iron uptake problems to diverse plant species that are found in areas with alkaline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the molecular phylogeny, biogeographic origins and floral evolution of the Costus L., Costaceae Nakai, with expanded taxon sampling, that includes 47 of about 51 Neotropical taxa, and increased character sampling. Topics discussed include melittophilous and omithophilous morphologies, reversal to melittophilous from ornithophilous morphology, and hypothesis of origin and evolution of specific pollination-driven morphologies to contribute to rapid radiation.

The article discusses the study that conducted a phylogenetic analysis within Bromeliaceae subfamily Bromelioideae, using megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine-protein kinase (matK), psbA-trnH, and trnL-trnF chloroplast deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) regions. Topics discussed include relatively early divergence of Ochagavia, Deinacanthon, Fasicularia, Bromelia and Fernseea in subfamily history, Bromelia and Cryptanthus as monophyletic, and 13 other genera as polyphyletic, particularly Aechmea.

Changing agricultural practices have dramatically altered the arable flora of Europe since the Second World War. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available literature to assess the dynamics of species richness and species traits in the arable flora across Europe during this time period. We found a total of 32 publications, yielding 53 data sets with an average number of 252 studied plots per data set. Average species number per plot of arable plants across all data sets declined by about 20%. However, twelve data sets showed an increase in average species number per plot, including all studies starting after 1980. Plant species preferring nutrient-rich sites, neophytes and monocotyledons generally increased since 1980, while characteristic or threatened species of arable weed communities further declined. This temporal development of the European arable flora suggests that the changes happening in agricultural management since the 1980s, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide input, may have helped slow the decline of the arable flora in terms of species number, but not in terms of characteristic or threatened arable weeds. Hence, more specific measures are necessary to stop decline of the latter, making sure that these measures are advantageous for rare and characteristic arable species, but not for harmful weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining molecular cytogenetics and phylogenetic modelling of chromosome number change can shed light on the types of evolutionary changes that may explain the haploid numbers observed today. Applied to the monocot family Araceae, with chromosome numbers of 2 n = 8 to 2 n = 160, this type of approach has suggested that descending dysploidy has played a larger role than polyploidy in the evolution of the current chromosome numbers. To test this, we carried out molecular cytogenetic analyses in 14 species from 11 genera, using probes for telomere repeats, 5S rDNA and 45S rDNA and a plastid phylogenetic tree covering the 118 genera of the family, many with multiple species. We obtained new chromosome counts for six species, modelled chromosome number evolution using all available counts for the family and carried out fluorescence in situ hybridization with three probes ( 5S rDNA, 45S rDNA and Arabidopsis-like telomeres) on 14 species with 2 n = 14 to 2 n = 60. The ancestral state reconstruction provides support for a large role of descending dysploidy in Araceae, and interstitial telomere repeats ( ITRs) were detected in Anthurium leuconerum, A. wendlingeri and Spathyphyllum tenerum, all with 2 n = 30. The number of ITR signals in Anthurium (up to 12) is the highest so far reported in angiosperms, and the large repeats located in the pericentromeric regions of A. wendlingeri are of a type previously reported only from the gymnosperms Cycas and Pinus. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 177, 15-26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rediscovered species Wolffia microscopica (Griff.) Kurz, endemic to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, shows several features that make it unique in comparison to other duckweeds, even to other species of the genus Wolffia . During vegetative propagation, the daughter fronds are produced by budding within a single pouch of the mother frond. Several generations of fronds and their initials exist in union with the parent frond at a given time. Most strikingly, almost all the fronds flower, both in nature and under controlled culture conditions. Thus, in contrast to all other duckweed species, generative propagation is as important as vegetative propagation, which opens the opportunity for artificial breeding. Moreover, flower development on both mother and daughter fronds was observed at the same time. In contrast to all other duckweed species, fronds of W. microscopica often possess a ventral projection of varying length ranging from an almost flat appearance of the ventral surface to a length of 4 mm. Absence of root cap, root hairs and vascular tissue demonstrate that this ventral protrusion is not a root and accordingly we name this special structure “pseudoroot”. The high number of chloroplasts in the pseudoroot may result in higher capacity of photosynthesis without increasing the frond area which covers the water surface. Thus we propose that the pseudoroot serves to be advantageous to W. microscopica in multiplying at a faster rate in comparison to other duckweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs) play a vital role in water transport across membranes. In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis of TIP genes in ten plant species including both monocots and dicots. A total of 100 TIP aquaporin genes were identified, and their relationships among the plant species were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of these genes within the plant species. Based on the phylogenetic analysis results, TIPs were classified into five distinct arbitrary groups (group I to group V), which represented TIP2, TIP5, TIP4, TIP1, and TIP3, respectively. Group I represented the largest arbitrary group, followed by group IV, in the phylogenetic tree. The result clearly indicates that TIP2 and TIP1 are abundant aquaporins and highly related among the species. In the present review, a comparative study of gene structure analysis between dicots and monocots has been performed to analyze their structural variation. Most of the predicted motifs are conserved among the species, signifying an evolutionary relationship. The gene expression analysis indicated that the expression of TIP genes varies during different developmental stages and also during stressed conditions. The results indicated a great degree of evolutionary relationship and variation in the expression levels of TIPs in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct visualization of water-conducting pathways and sap flows in xylem vessels is important for understanding the physiology of vascular plants and their sap ascent. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) combined with synchrotron X-ray imaging technique is a new promising tool for investigating plant hydraulics in opaque xylem vessels of vascular plants. However, in practical applications of AuNPs for real-time quantitative visualization of sap flows, their interaction with a vascular network needs to be verified in advance. In this study, the effect of AuNPs on the water-refilling function of xylem vessels is experimentally investigated with three monocot species. Discrepancy in the water uptakes starts to appear at about 20 min to 40 min after the supply of AuNP solution to the test plant by the possible gradual accumulation of AuNPs on the internal structures of vasculature. However conclusively, it is observed that the water-refilling speeds in individual xylem vessels are virtually unaffected by hydrophilically surface-modified AuNPs (diameter ∼20 nm). Therefore, the AuNPs can be effectively used as flow tracers in the xylem vessels in the first 20∼30 min without any physiological barrier. As a result, AuNPs are found to be useful for visualizing various fluid dynamic phenomena occurring in vascular plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of the study: Aspidistra is a species-rich, herbaceous monocot genus of tropical Southeast Asia. Most species are recently discovered and apparently endangered, though virtually nothing is known about their biology. Species of the genus are primarily distinguished using flower morphology, which is enormously diverse. However, the pollination process has not been directly observed in the center of diversity of the genus (N Vietnam and S China). Indirect and partly direct data on the only widely cultivated species of the genus (A. elatior) placed it among angiosperms with the most unusual pollination biology, though these data are highly controversial, suggesting pollen transfer by mollusks, crustaceans, flies, or possibly tiny soil invertebrates such as collembolans. * Methods: Pollination of Aspidistra xuansonensis in the center of diversity of the genus was studied using visual observations and videos and light and scanning electron microscopy investigation of flowers and their pollinators. Pollinators and their larvae were molecularly barcoded. * Key results: Aspidistra xuansonensis is pollinated by female cecidomyiid flies (gall midges). They oviposit on anthers, and larvae develop among the pollen mass. Molecular barcoding proved taxonomic identity of the larvae and the flies. The larvae neither damage floral parts nor cause gall formation, but feed on pollen grains by sucking out their content. The larvae move out of the flowers before decomposition starts. Carebara ants steal developing larvae from flowers but do not contribute to pollination. * Conclusions: More than one kind of myiophily is present in Aspidistra. Brood site pollination was documented for the first time in Aspidistra. The pollination system of A. xuansonensis differs from other kinds of brood site pollination in the exit of the larvae prior to the decomposition of floral parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachypodium distachyon (purple false brome) is a herbaceous species belonging to the grass subfamily Pooideae, which also includes major crops like wheat, barley, oat and rye. The species has been established as experimental model organism for understanding and improving cereal crops and temperate grasses. The complete genome of Bd21, the community standard line of B. distachyon, has been sequenced and protocols for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation have been published. Further improvements to the experimental platform including better evaluation systems for transgenic plants are still needed. Here we describe the growth conditions for Bd21 plants yielding highly responsive immature embryos that can generate embryogenic calli for transformation. A prolonged 20-h photoperiod produced seeds with superior immature embryos. In addition, osmotic treatment of embryogenic calli enhanced the efficiency of transfection by particle bombardment. We generated transgenic plants expressing Arabidopsis thaliana galactinol synthase 2 (AtGolS2) in these experiments. AtGolS2-expressing transgenics displayed significantly improved drought tolerance, increasing with increased expression of AtGolS2. These results demonstrate that AtGolS2 can confer drought tolerance to monocots and confirm that Brachypodium is a useful model to further explore ways to understand and improve major monocot crop species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identity of the North American xenophyte Scirpus atrovirens in France was critically reassessed. Nearly all known populations (notably those from the departments Aisne, Jura, Pas-de-Calais and Saone-et-Loire) turned out to be referable to a closely related species, S. hattorianus. Distinguishing features for three species from the S. atrovirens complex (i.e. S. atrovirens s.str., S. georgianus and S. hattorianus) are compared and discussed. An identification key and SEM photographs of their achenes are provided. The ecology and degree of invasiveness of S. hattorianus in France are also briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of the Schismatoglottis Multiflora Group of Hay & Yuzammi is presented and the group shown to comprise about 15 species, including that described here. Schismatoglottis iliata P. C. Boyce & S. Y. Wong is described as a taxonomic novelty from forested sandstone riverside bluffs of the Ulu Batang Kayan, Lundu District, Kuching Division, NW Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and compared with the morphologically most similar species, S. mayoana Bogner & M. Hotta and S. nicolsonii A. Hay, with which S. iliata shares leaf blades adaxially matt olive green and abaxially with very fine and dense (c. 2 veins per mm) pellucid secondary venation, and stamen thecae each with two pores. A key to this newly recognized S. mayoana Complex is provided, and all described species for the S. mayoana Complex are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poales represents more than one-third of all monocotyledons ( c. 20 000 species in 16 families) and constitutes a microcosm of the angiosperms. The extreme variation in species richness among the families of Poales is still not understood: Poaceae includes ∼10 000 species, whereas six families have fewer than ten species. Here, using the largest phylogenetic analysis of Poales to date, molecular dating, ancestral reconstructions and diversification analyses, we develop a macro-evolutionary and macro-ecological approach to seek correlates for changing diversification patterns. We show that the poalean families diverged in the Late Cretaceous, a time of high levels of CO2 and high rainfall. Our habitat reconstructions indicate that Poales inhabited open and dry habitats in this environment. We also demonstrate that lineages with CO2-concentrating mechanisms inhabiting dry and open environments exhibited higher diversification rates than C3, shade and wet lineages. CO2-concentrating mechanisms counteract the effects of low atmospheric CO2 and reduce phototranspiration. It is believed that the parallel evolution of C4 and CAM (Crassulacean acid metabolism) photosynthesis in Poaceae, Cyperaceae and Bromeliaceae is an adaptation to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Combinations of extrinsic and intrinsic factors might have played a role in shifts in diversification rates and may explain the variation in species richness in Poales. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 175, 4-16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The studies examined the allelopathic effects of Cannabis sativa L on monocot (wheat, rye) and dicot (lupine, rape) crop species. [•] Hemp extract (HE) decreased the germination of monocots. For rape germination the hormesis effect was observed. [•] Higher amount of HE disturbed growth of rape and disorders in lupine seedlings growth, roots elongation and gravitropism. [•] The increasing extract concentration resulted in species specific increase of wheat seminal root number. [•] HE caused molecular response in lupine roots by increasing the transcription of the isoflavonoids synthesis pathway genes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]