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The maintenance of a favorable conservation status of species listed in the Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC, the main European legal conservation framework, is mandatory. However, it is constrained in agroecosystems, where the needs of stakeholders and adequate agricultural management are necessary to guarantee the coexistence between nature conservation and agricultural production. Marsilea quadrifolia L. is an aquatic pteridophyte of wetlands, growing both in natural habitats and in seminatural habitats such as agroecosystems. In the past, it was considered a weed of rice fields but is currently threatened due to changes in agrotechniques. Reintroduction attempts of M. quadrifolia in its natural growing site were only partially successful, but the species can grow in organic rice farms and low-input systems where herbicide application is null or reduced. An on farm cultivation of M. quadrifolia was conducted in an organic rice field for three years (2021–2023) to assess whether the species can be maintained in rice fields through sustainable practices without reducing crop yield. The results are promising but highlighted some constraints such as the need to motivate farmers with training and participatory approach to land sharing for contributing to a more sustainable and biodiversity-friendly farming. Agro-environmental compensations from the EU Rural Development Plan must be further developed to promote species conservation in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining wastewater (MWW) can contain mercury in high concentrations. In this study, four autochthonous aquatic plant species (Eichhornia Crassipes—EC, Marsilea Quadrifolia—MQ, Ludwigia Helminthorrhiza—LH, and Lemna Minor—LM) were identified and tested for phytoaccumulation of total mercury (THg). To better study the accumulation phenomenon and macrophyte responses, this work has been divided into three phases, and pilot-scale reactors have been used to simulate real conditions. The results highlighted that, in case of 15 µgTHg,fed, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significantly higher in EC (19.04) and LH (18.41) with respect to MQ and LM (almost six times and two times higher, respectively). EC granted the best results in terms of THg accumulation (50.90%) and lower evapotranspiration of THg phenomenon with respect to LH. A significant decrease of the BCF (from 23.45 to 21.98) and an increase of the TF (from 0.23 up to 0.73) after 42 d highlighted that a breaking-time in terms of THg accumulation was reached due to the deterioration of the roots. In terms of the kinetics of THg removal by bioaccumulation, an HLT of 69.31 d was found, which is more than the breaking-time of the EC system, proving that a periodic replacement of exhausted macrophytes is required to obtain a higher percentage of THg removal.

Mining wastewater (MWW) can contain mercury in high concentrations. In this study, four autochthonous aquatic plant species (Eichhornia Crassipes—EC, Marsilea Quadrifolia—MQ, Ludwigia Helminthorrhiza—LH, and Lemna Minor—LM) were identified and tested for phytoaccumulation of total mercury (THg). To better study the accumulation phenomenon and macrophyte responses, this work has been divided into three phases, and pilot-scale reactors have been used to simulate real conditions. The results highlighted that, in case of 15 µgTHg,fed, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significantly higher in EC (19.04) and LH (18.41) with respect to MQ and LM (almost six times and two times higher, respectively). EC granted the best results in terms of THg accumulation (50.90%) and lower evapotranspiration of THg phenomenon with respect to LH. A significant decrease of the BCF (from 23.45 to 21.98) and an increase of the TF (from 0.23 up to 0.73) after 42 d highlighted that a breaking-time in terms of THg accumulation was reached due to the deterioration of the roots. In terms of the kinetics of THg removal by bioaccumulation, an HLT of 69.31 d was found, which is more than the breaking-time of the EC system, proving that a periodic replacement of exhausted macrophytes is required to obtain a higher percentage of THg removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are very effective for the cure of various neurological and pathological diseases. Current study was conducted to estimate the Phenolic compounds through HPLC and to perform the anti-Alzheimer activity from two aquatic Leptosporangiate ferns; Marsilea quadrifolia L. and Salvinia molesta D. Crushed leaves were subjected to Microwave Assisted Extraction to prepare plant leave ethanolic extract of plants under study. Aluminum chloride induced Alzheimer's disease model in rats by estimating behavioural and biochemical parameters were measured for ethanolic extract of both plants. Different behavioural tests were performed for neuromuscular coordination estimation and hole board test for exploratory behaviour were performed. The levels of AChE inhibitory activity and antioxidant enzymes were estimated on brain homogenates and Histopathological analysis were also performed. Phenolic compounds of leaf extracts were noted for HPLC chromatograms of standard compounds with Gallic acid (33.76 ± 0.08) higher in M. quadrifolia L. and Salicylic acid (12.45 ± 0.07) higher in S. molesta D. S Mitchel. Histopathological analysis showed that M. quadrifolia and S. molesta reversed the neurofibrillary tangles, degenerative changes, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in the brain architecture. Both ferns at a dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000mg/kg significantly improved the Aluminium chloride induced neurotoxicity by modulating cognitive disabilities and motor dysfunctions, and normalized the biochemical alteration of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, both plants M. quadrifolia and S. molesta improved behavioural and biochemical parameters and therefore will be effective in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders via countless underlying mechanistic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of contagious diseases and the increase in the drug resistance amongst pathogens has enforced the researchers to synthesize biologically active nanoparticles. Development of eco-friendly practice for the synthesis of nanoparticles is growing bit by bit in the field of nano-biotechnology. The present investigation outlines the development of a method to biosynthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by mixing copper chloride solution with aqueous rhizome extract of Marsilea quadrifolia. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by using the UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The UV-vis spectra showed an absorption band at 324 nm. The FTIR measurement revealed the presence of all functional groups having control over reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles. The SEM micrograph depicts the morphology of biogenically synthesized CuNPs with leaf like structure. The X- ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of crystalline nature of CuNPs with an average size of 25.20 nm. Regular gravel like structure of CuNPs was displayed in the AFM image. Additionally, the biosynthesized CuNPs were found to be extremely toxic against two gram positive bacterial strains Bacillus thuringiensis and Streptococcus faecalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsilea quadrifolia Linn is a pteridophyte belonging to Family Marsileaceae commonly known as European water clover. M. quadrifolia is used to treat snake bite, cough, bronchitis, diabetes, psychiatric diseases, eye diseases, diarrhoea and skin diseases. Objective of the study is to identify a dose causing major adverse effects and an estimation of the minimum dose causing lethality, according to regulatory guidelines (OECD 425). Female Swiss Albino mice weighing 25-30 gm, aged 56 to 70 days were chosen for the study. Mice were divided into two groups (n=10/group). Group I served as control and treated with Saline. The Group II received methanol extract of M. quadrifolia orally ranging from 175 to 2000 mg/kg body weight by using oral feeding needle sleeved on to disposable syringe. They were kept in individual polypropylene cages provided with clean bedding of rice husk. There was no mortality or behavioural changes observed in treated animals. All the animals belonging to the treated group survived throughout the 14 days observation period after dosing. The data revealed that LD50 of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg b.w. There was no significant variation found in body weight and organ to body mass index. In comparison with control group, there was significant increase in levels of ALT, AST,Bilirubin, total proteins, globulin levels, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, platelet count, MCV, MCH, WBC count and lymphocytes whereas ALP and MCHC levels were reduced significantly. No significant changes were observed in HB, total RBC, total bilirubin, albumin. The methanol extract of aerial parts from Marsilea quadrifolia Linn had nontoxic effect on the biochemical and haematological parameters studied up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. The lethal dose is therefore over 2000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims mainly to provide an insight and understanding of the effect of glucose utilization efficiency of biogenic gold nanoparticles (GNPs) synthesized through the mediation of Marsilea quadrifolia ( M. quadrifolia) methanol extract on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The biosynthesized GNPs were characterized by UV visible spectrophotometry and FTIR. Simultaneously, the nature, stability, and morphological characteristics were analyzed by XRD, TG-DTA, SEM-EDS, HRTEM, and SAED. The results of characterization studies were used to assess the properties of GNPs. The in vitro cytotoxicity screening indicates that 100 μM of biogenic GNPs were displayed 71.23 ± 1.56% of cellular viability in 3T3-L1 adipocyte cells. Subsequently, increased glucose utilization of biosynthesized GNPs based on a dose-dependent manner on 3T3-L1 has also been demonstrated. The effect of GNPs (30 μg) on glucose uptake was higher than that of insulin and metformin. Moreover, the observed results clearly highlight that the biogenic GNPs have higher efficiency of glucose utilization and cellular viability in 3T3-L1 adipocytes with lower toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In analysing the global decline of macrophytes, a scant attention was generally paid to the direct relations of rooted aquatic plants with sediment eutrophication. Nevertheless, the sediment is a pivotal driver of macrophyte dynamics. In order to add new data about aquatic plant-sediment interactions, a microcosm experiment was performed to gain knowledge on the growth dynamics of the rare aquatic fern Marsilea quadrifolia L. Healthy shoots of M. quadrifolia were grown under an increasing availability of nutrients (N and P) and reducing sediment conditions for a total incubation time of 42 days. The variation in biomass and number of fronds and knots was monitored regularly at intervals of 10-11 days. The results confirm the pivotal role of sediment in driving the growth of M. quadrifolia, which responds rapidly to the increase in nutrient availability up to a moderate excess. M. quadrifolia seems to be a slightly eutrophic-rooted aquatic species, able to tolerate pore-water concentrations up to ~450 and 4 μM of NH and PO , respectively. The present data corroborate the need to consider the short-term dynamics when analysing plant adaptations to sediment eutrophication, as well as a physical and chemical characterization of sediments to evaluate their potential bioreceptivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses aquatic ferns from the genera Azolla Lam., Marsilea L. and Salvinia Séguier, which occur in the Danube Delta, Romania, and comprises a series of anatomical and histological observations of taxonomical, chorological and eco-morphological importance. The research conducted on specimens collected between 2005-2013 from the natural habitats of the Danube Delta, but also from the extra-deltaic artificial habitats have enabled: i) a reconsideration of some chorological aspects regarding the species of the genus Azolla in Romania; ii) a greater understanding of the adaptive plasticity relative to the factor water for the taxon Marsilea quadrifolia L. collected from natural and artificial habitats; iii) the enrichment of the data regarding the structural characteristics of the taxon Salvinia natans (L.) All., particularly around the adaptive elements associated with living on the surface of the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsilea quadrifolia is an edible aquatic medicinal plant used as a traditional health food in Asia. Four new polyphenols including kaempferol 3-O-(2″-O-E-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-(3″-O-E-caffeoyl)-α-l-arabinopyranoside (3), 4-methy-3′-hydroxypsilotinin (4) and (±)-(E)-4b-methoxy-3b,5b-dihydroxyscirpusin A (18) together with 14 known ones (2, 5–17) were isolated from the ethanol extract of M. quadrifolia. Structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses. In DPPH and oxygen radical absorbance capacity antioxidant assays, some compounds showed stronger antioxidant activities and quercetin (9) was the most potent antioxidant in both assays. In a restraint-induced oxidative stress model in mice, quercetin significantly attenuated the increase in plasma ALT and AST levels as well as liver MDA content of restrained mice. Liver SOD activity was also significantly increased by quercetin, indicating a significant in vivo antioxidant activity. As a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant activities, M. quadrifolia may be developed to a product for relieving oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to conserve and multiply the aquatic fernMarsilea quadrifoliaL., in a long-termin vitroprocedure, the effects of different cytokinins, i.e., 6-benzylaminopurine, zeatine riboside, andN6-(2-isopentenyl)adenine, were investigated, varying their concentration and period of supplementation. No clear stimulatory effect on thede novonodes produced per explant was detected when compared with hormone-free (HF) condition. On the contrary, the rhizome explant micropropagation was inhibited, the inhibition decreasing with the decreasing strength of cytokinins, though without reaching any significant enhancement. Since, as a consequence of the tissue culture procedure, the occurrence of somaclonal variation may introduce genomic alterations, genetic stability was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis by comparing eight randomly selected micropropagated plants derived from repeated subcultures, with donor plant. Eighteen different primers generated 189 bands ranging from 100 to 3250 bp, and the same banding profiles were exhibited. No genomic alterations were evidenced in any of the micropropagated plants. Well-developed micropropagated plants were also successfully acclimatized under greenhouse condition. These positive results suggest that thein vitroHF micropropagation could be useful in the development ofex situconservation programs ofM. quadrifolia, even in order to possibly reintroduce the plants in their natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marsilea quadrifolia L. (water clover) is a unique species from Romanian flora that belongs to Marsileaceae family and one of the most vulnerable plants in Europe due to loss of its habitats. In this paper it is reported the demographic evolution of a new occurred M. quadrifolia population in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and its natural and anthropic threats. The aquatic fern M. quadrifolia has colonized a suitable man-made water body. After a decade of monitoring the demographic trend is positive but the support capacity of habitat for the water clover remains limited in the long term. The population is vulnerable due to succession of vegetation and its vicinity with a human settlement. The establishment of a micro-reserve represents a suitable method to protect and maintain this threatened M. quadrifolia population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquatic fern Marsilea quadrifolia L is a rare and threatened species in entire Europe due to wetland habitats destruction and changing agricultural practices. To protect it, in situ and ex situ conservation methods are approached in European Union an in other countries. The in vivo and in vitro collections that were developed in botanical gardens in the last two decades are used for reintroduction and for restoration of M. quadrifolia populations in natural sites as well as in agro ecosystems that are analogous to natural habitats. Natural establishment of several M. quadrifolia populations in its natural range is an evidence that it can colonize new suitable habitats, including anthropogenic habitats. Despite conservation strategies approached within the European Union, its area of occupancy has decreased, thereby this species has become vulnerable at European Union level. The main threats are the small size populations, low genetic diversity and genetic erosion of populations, habitat degradation and chemical pollutions of waters by herbicides and fertilizers used in modern agricultural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of selected European populations of Marsilea quadrifolia L. and to assess the applicability of those genetic resources of Marsilea quadrifolia L. that have been preserved in Polish botanical gardens, for the reintroduction of this species into its historical range in Poland. Three Polish populations that originated from botanical collections (Zabrze, Żarów and Puławy) and four natural populations (two from Slovakia (Slovakia I and Slovakia II), one from France and one from Germany) were analyzed using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers. A very low level of genetic variation was found both within and between the populations in the study, which likely resulted from a genetic bottleneck probably caused by human activities. Plants with the same AFLP fingerprint were found across several populations; however, singleton samples with a unique AFLP band pattern were also present within all of the populations. The presence of singletons led to relatively high values of Simpson's diversity index, which may suggest a considerable effect of mutations and some possibility of sexual reproduction as sources of the observed variation. The partitioning of molecular variance was calculated using hierarchical AMOVA, which showed that a negligible value of only 0.81% of the variation was explained by the category of population, i.e. plants originating from the botanical collections or from the natural habitats. This result indicates that M. quadrifolia populations from botanical collections resemble natural populations in terms of the level of their genetic variation and that the populations that were obtained from the Polish collections could be used for the successful reintroduction of this species into its historical range in Poland, and a similar situation may be given also in other areas of occurrence of this plant that is under threat throughout its area of occurrence in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European species of the genus Marsilea are presented with special regard to the Four leaf water clover Marsilea quadrifolia L., the single species occurring in Central Europe. Based on field research on the Upper Rhine in Germany and the Lower Danube in Romania the ecological requirements of the species and the plant communities in which is leaving the species are analysed and compared with data from other European countries. Due to the decline of the species populations as a consequence of human activities all European Marsilea species are rare, vulnerable, endangered by extinction or extinct in the wild and included in the Red data books of the most European countries. Also all the European water clovers Marsilea strigosa, Marsilea batardae and Marsilea quadrifolia have been included in the Appendix I of the Bern Convention (1979) as strictly protected species and in the Annexe II of the European Flora Fauna Habitat Directive 92/43/1992. After the analyse of ecological conditions, the state of conservation and the Red List categories of Marsilea quadrifolia following IUCN criteria in the countries of occurrence are presented and discussed possible measures for conservation as well as realised reintroduction in the wild of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the anti-epileptic effects of methanolic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. (MQ) in maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced rat models of epilepsy. Method: A total of 84 adult male Wistar rats were used. An acute oral toxicity study was conducted on 36 rats and the remaining were used for other experiments. Each model had 24 rats which were allotted into four groups ( n = 6). Group I (Control) received 1% carboxymethyl cellulose solution, Group II (Positive control) received phenytoin 300 mg kg−1 b.w. in the MES model; sodium valproate 200 mg kg−1 b.w. in the PTZ model, Group III (MQ) received 400 mg kg−1 b.w. MQ extract and Group IV (MQ) received 600 mg kg−1 b.w. MQ extract. Hind limb extension (HLE) time and recovery time were noted in the MES model. Latency for myoclonic jerk, seizures and EEG was recorded in the PTZ model. Results: When compared to control, the phenytoin received group did not show HLE. In MQ pre-treated groups only 50% of rats showed HLE. Sodium valproate and various doses of MQ significantly increased the latency for onset of clonus and seizures. PTZ-induced EEG alterations were significantly attenuated by MQ administration and this was comparable to that of the sodium valproate effect. Conclusion: Marsilea quadrifolia Linn. showed significant anti-epileptic efficacy against various epilepsy models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights: [•] Marsilea quadrifolia is a vulnerable species in W Europe based on IUCN categories. [•] AFLP analyses show low genetic variability among and within M. quadrifolia populations. [•] M. quadrifolia is sensitive to herbicides with different mechanisms of action. [•] The implementation of an action plan for species in agro-ecosystems is outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The typification of the binomium Marsilea quadrifolia L. (Marsileaceae) is discussed. To fix the application of the species name an iconography by de Jussieu is designated as the lectotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maesilea quadrifolia Linn. (Marsileaceae) is a leafy vegetable well known in India. The current study aims to explore the phytochemical profile of M. quadrifolia and investigate its anti-cholinesterase potential. The methanol extract of the plant was subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening (total alkaloidal content, saponin content and phenol content) and its anti-cholinesterase potential was tested by TLC bioautography and other screening methods using acytylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The study revealed that the extract contains various classes of phytoconstituents including steroids, saponins, alkaloids and other polyphenols. Total alkaloid, phenolic and saponin contents were found to be 19.3 mg g−1 and 158.5 ± 1.02 mg g−1 as gallic acid equivalents and 2.63 mg g−1 of the extract, respectively. The TLC bioautography method exhibited the inhibition of both enzymes. In a microtiter plate assay, the IC50 values of the extract for AChE and BChE were found to be 51.89 ± 0.24 µg mL−1 and 109.43 ± 2.82 µg mL−1, respectively. These findings suggest that M. quadrifolia is a potential lead as an AChE and BChE inhibitor, which may be useful in the management of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Marsilea quadrifolia Linn (MQ) extract has been used traditionally as sedative and antiepileptic drug in India. Aim of this study: To investigate the anticonvulsive potential of MQ extracts by using behavior and electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model in rats. Materials and methods: For anticonvulsant effect, 60minutes after administration of MQ, behavior and EEG were analyzed during PTZ (60mg/kg) induced seizures. Changes of EEG power, latency of onset of seizure, seizure severity score, and duration of epileptic seizure were determined. Results: Both the water and ethanol extract of MQ increased the latency of seizure but also decreased duration of epileptic seizure and seizure severity score. This reduction of seizure severity was also observed in EEG recording and EEG power analysis. The effectiveness of MQ ethanol extract is better than MQ water extract. Conclusion: Both water and ethanol extract of MQ were effective in reducing the severity of behavioral and EEG seizures induced by PTZ in rats. This study justifies the traditional use of this plant in epilepsy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hydro alcoholic extract of the entire plant Marsilea quadrifolia (HEMQ) was evaluated for different psychopharmacological actions such as behaviour, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxant activity and phenobarbitone induced sleeping time. The extract was found to cause reduction in spontaneous activity, decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern by swimming and pole climbing test., reduction in the muscle relaxant by traction test. In addition, the extract significantly potentiated the phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time. Preliminary tests indicate that the hydro alcoholic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia in doses of 200-400 mg/kg has significant psychopharmacological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oxidative stress induced by alloxan has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. Hence the present investigation has designed to appraise antidiabetic and antioxidant principle of the methanolic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia (MEMQ). Methods: Hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rat. The oral administration of plant extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight was given to fasting glucose loaded rat with regard to normal control during 1 hr. study period and in alloxan induced (110 mg/kg body weight i.p.) diabetic rat in comparison with reference drug Metformin Hydrochloride (100 mg/kg) during 3 days study period. The antioxidant potential of MEMQ was checked by qualitative method and quantitatively through DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging assay at 517 nm. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity and reducing power activity was also assayed. Results: Considerable drop in elevated blood glucose level was observed in the alloxan induced diabetic (p<0.05 & p<0.001) rat. At a dose of 300 mg/kg the extract showed glucose level reduction of 47.57% in alloxan induced rat while 44.38% was found for Metformin after 3 days. Antioxidant activity using DPPH was found to increase in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of 96.37 ± 3.62μg/ml higher than the standard one, IC50 16.59±0.59μg/ml. Total phenolic content was found 165.75 ± 0.961 mg/g in GAE and the total antioxidant capacity was equivalents of ascorbic acid (224.90 ± 1.42 mg/g). Conclusions: In all ways the extract showed significant antidiabetic and antioxidative potency. The present investigation suggests that MEMQ may be a potential source of natural antioxidant with good hypoglycemic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of metal ions in soil and water represents more pressing threats to resources as well as human health. The present research was carried out to screen the phytosequester plants growing in industrial waste- and wastewater-affected industrial areas of Okhla, New Delhi, India. Accumulation trend of metal Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As from soil and wastewater by plants were collected for study. Among aquatic plants Hydrilla verticillata, Marsilea quadrifolia, and Ipomea aquatica were found to be highest metals accumulator, Eclipta alba and Sesbania cannabina among terrestrial plant were highest accumulator of metals. Among the algal spp. Spirulina platensis and Phormidium papyraceum were the most efficient in accumulating Cd and Hg. The maximum bioconcentration factor (BCF) was recorded in Hygroryza aristata for the metals (Hg, Cd) in M. quadrifolia (Cd, Cr), in E. alba (Cr, Cu), and in S. platensis (Hg, Pb). However, the translocation factor (TF) of metals was found more in M. quadrifolia followed by I. aquatica than other plants. Among all the plants, H. verticillata showed high TF and low BCF values for toxic metals (Pb, Cr) and was suitable for phytostabilization of these metals. Our study showed that native plant species growing on contaminated sites may have a potential of phytosequestration of these metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diurnal phototropism has not been reported in ferns. In this study we found that the four leaflets of the amphibious fern Marsilea quadrifolia are capable of adjusting their leaflet angle and leaflet azimuth in response to changes in the position of the sun’s direct beam, exhibiting more diaphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina perpendicular to incident light) in the morning and late afternoon, and more paraphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina parallel to incident light) at noon. In addition, by cutting off the leaflet lamina and covering portions of leaflets with black tape, the junction between the leaflet and petiole was found to be responsible for light reception. Among the light spectrum investigated, blue light was the most effective at inducing diaphototropism. The role of diurnal phototropism in enhancing carbon return and ameliorating photoinhibition was also evaluated. It was concluded that diurnal phototropic leaf movement represents one of the plastic responses enabling this amphibious fern to grow under terrestrial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the significance of trichomes in an amphibious fern Marsilea quadrifolia. In this study, all statistical tests were performed using the computer software SYSTAT from Statistical Solution to determine the trichomes density. The results show that the trichome density of adaxial and abaxial surfaces has no major difference and reducing the trichome density does not change the average reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance of visible light in M. quadrifolia.

An intensive enthopharmaoclogical survey was conducted among siddha, ayurveda, traditional practitioners, and local people along the coastal areas of Cape Comorin to evaluate the potential of flora in the coastal lands to treat diseases and illness. A total of 40 informants, ranging in age from 60 to 90 years of age, were interviewed using an informal questionnaire. Responses to the survey reported 129 medicinal genera in 56 families used for medicinal purposes in the coastal region. Of these plants, 19 were reported as being used for the treatment or control of livestock ailments. The remaining plants were reported as used to treat human ailments, such as skin diseases (8 species), leukorrhea (6 species), inflammation (15 species), diabetes (5 species), jaundice (4 species), rheumatism (9 species), kidney stones (5 species), and wound healing (6 species). The remaining plants were used to treat other ailments, including migraines, intestinal cancer, scabies, body pain, venereal disease, premature ejaculation, liver disease, malarial fever, cough, worms, chicken pox, dandruff, hydrocele, rabies, abscesses, and teeth and gums. A single plant Marsilea quadrifolia L. was reported as a pteridophytic member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the relative effects of four rice herbicides with different modes of action on the growth of aquatic fern, Marsilea quadrifolia. Such specie is a floating-leaved/emergent fern distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions in Eurasia and in North and South America. During the study, all the herbicides tested inhibited the relative growth rate (RGR) of the total fresh weight of M. quadrifolia, but the degree of inhibition was markedly different among the herbicides.

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) induces a developmental switch in the aquatic fern Marsilea quadrifolia, causing the formation of aerial type characteristics, including the elongation of petioles and roots, a change in leaf morphology, the expansion of leaf surface area, and the shortening of the internodes. A number of ABA-responsive heterophylly (ABRH) genes are induced early during the transition. Using optically pure isomers of ABA, it was found that both the natural S-(+)-ABA and the unnatural R-(−)-ABA are capable of inducing a heterophyllous switch and regulating ABRH gene expression. When dose responses are compared, the unnatural ABA gives stronger morphogenic effects than the natural ABA at the same concentration, it is effective at lower concentrations, and its optimal concentration is also lower compared with the natural ABA. Deuterium-labelled ABA enantiomers were used to trace the fate of applied ABA and to distinguish the applied compound and its metabolites from the endogenous counterparts. In tissues, the supplied (+)-ABA was metabolized principally to dihydrophaseic acid, while the supplied (−)-ABA was converted at a slower rate to 7′-hydroxy abscisic acid. Treatment with either enantiomer resulted in increased biosynthesis of ABA, as reflected in the accumulation of endogenous dihydrophaseic acid. Taken together, these results suggest two distinct mechanisms of action for (−)-ABA: either (−)-ABA is intrinsically active, or its activity is due to the stimulation of ABA biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The seasonal variation in the nutrient composition of Enhydra fluctuans and Marsilea quadrifolia, two edible semi-aquatic plants, was studied in order to promote their consumption as green leafy vegetables. Both plants had a high crude protein content throughout all harvesting seasons. Enhydra fluctuans had a low ash content and was a good source of beta-carotene (3.7 to 4.2 mg/100 g on a fresh weight basis). Marsilea quadrifolia exhibited wide fluctuations between seasons and was not very promising in nutrient composition when compared to other commonly used green leafy vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports some experimental results related to the expression of parental genomes during the development of the water fern Marsilea quadrifolia L., a plant with graduated heteroblastic development. We found a non-random segregation of the original chromatids of the paternal genome, as shown by autoradiography of embryo sections after fertilization of eggs with [H]thymidin-tagged sperm. From the 16-cell stage on, label is mainly concentrated in the sectors where apical cells will differentiate, and later in or near the apical areas of the young organs. Similar results had been found previously in Marsilea vestita. We also observed aberrations in primary organ development after fertilization with sperm treated with actinomycin, ethidium bromide, hydroxyurea, bromodeoxyuridin, or chlorambucil. The growth of the first organs was quite normal, indicating that they develop under the control of the maternal genome. The subsequent organs displayed abnormal development, indicating that they are under the control of both parental genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]