Plants

15 pages, 8924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Description of the Extremophile Reticulonema bolivianum gen. et sp. nov. (Microcoleaceae, Cyanobacteria) and the Review of the Phylogenetic Status of the Genus Capilliphycus Based on the 16S rRNA Gene

by Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Claudia Hoepfner, Daniel Guzmán and Vitor M. Vasconcelos

Plants 2025, 14(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030310 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

Abstract

This article describes a new genus and species of cyanobacteria isolated from Laguna Pastos Grandes in the Bolivian Altiplano. This discovery marks the first described species of this phylum from this extreme environment. Additionally, the phylogenetic status of the genus Capilliphycus is reassessed. [...] Read more.

This article describes a new genus and species of cyanobacteria isolated from Laguna Pastos Grandes in the Bolivian Altiplano. This discovery marks the first described species of this phylum from this extreme environment. Additionally, the phylogenetic status of the genus Capilliphycus is reassessed. The analyses are based on 16S rRNA gene maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenies, identity (p-distance), morphology and habitat comparisons. The new genus is a Lyngbya-like type from a mat at the margin of a brackish–alkaline lake with borax. It is phylogenetically close to Dapis, Tenebriella and Okeania, but compared to these genera, the maximum 16S rRNA gene identity values reached only 90.9%, 91.1% and 92.5%, respectively. The genus Capilliphycus was found to be polyphyletic. The type species Capilliphycus salinus is clustered with C. guerandensis. However, “C. tropicalis” and “C. flaviceps” form a distinct clade, distant from the Capilliphycus type species. Between the two “Capilliphycus” clades, Sirenicapillaria and Limnoraphis are found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Taxonomy of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae)

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24 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ethylene Signaling in Regulating Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Responses

by Xiaoyi Wang, Hongyi Wen, Andrey Suprun and Hongliang Zhu

Plants 2025, 14(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030309 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in coordinating various physiological processes in plants. It acts as a key mediator, integrating both endogenous developmental cues and external environmental signals to regulate a wide range of functions, including growth, fruit [...] Read more.

Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in coordinating various physiological processes in plants. It acts as a key mediator, integrating both endogenous developmental cues and external environmental signals to regulate a wide range of functions, including growth, fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and responses to stress. The signaling pathway is initiated when ethylene binds to its receptor. After decades of research, the key components of ethylene signaling have been identified and characterized. Although the molecular mechanisms of the sensing of ethylene signal and its transduction have been studied extensively, a new area of research is how respiration and epigenetic modifications influence ethylene signaling and ethylene response. Here, we summarize the research progress in recent years and review the function and importance of ethylene signaling in plant growth and stress responses. In addition, we also describe the current understanding of how epigenetic modifications regulate ethylene signaling and the ethylene response. Together, our review sheds light on the new signaling mechanisms of ethylene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Function of Protein Signal Pathways in the Regulation of Plant Growth and Stress)

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30 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Sensitivity and Specificity Enhances Top and Bottom Ranking in Genomic Prediction of Cultivars

by Osval A. Montesinos-López, Kismiantini, Admas Alemu, Abelardo Montesinos-López, José Cricelio Montesinos-López and Jose Crossa

Plants 2025, 14(3), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030308 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Genomic selection (GS) is a predictive methodology that is revolutionizing plant and animal breeding. However, the practical application of the GS methodology is challenging since a successful implementation requires a good identification of the best lines. For this reason, some approaches have been [...] Read more.

Genomic selection (GS) is a predictive methodology that is revolutionizing plant and animal breeding. However, the practical application of the GS methodology is challenging since a successful implementation requires a good identification of the best lines. For this reason, some approaches have been proposed to be able to select the top (or bottom) lines with more Precision. Despite the varying popularity of methods, with some being notably more efficient than others, this paper delves into the fundamentals of these techniques. We used five models/methods: (1) RC, known as the Bayesian Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (GBLUP); (2) R, which is like RC but uses a threshold; (3) RO, Regression Optimum, that leverages the RC model in its training process to fine-tune the threshold; (4) B, Threshold Bayesian Probit Binary model (TGBLUP) with a threshold of 0.5 to classify the cultivars as top or non-top; (5) BO is the TGBLUP but the threshold used is an optimal probability threshold that guarantees similar Sensitivity and Specificity. We also present a benchmark comparison of existing approaches for selecting the top (or bottom) performers, utilizing five real datasets for comprehensive analysis. For methods that necessitate a rigorous tuning process, we suggest a streamlined tuning approach that significantly decreases implementation time without notably compromising performance. Our analysis revealed that the regression optimal (RO) method outperformed other models across the five real datasets, achieving superior results in terms of the F1 score. Specifically, RO was more effective than models R, B, RC, and BO by 60.87, 42.37, 17.63, and 9.62%, respectively. When looking at the Kappa coefficient, the RO model was better than models B, BO, R, and RC by 37.46, 36.21, 52.18, and 3.95%, respectively. In terms of Sensitivity, the RO model outperformed models B, R, and RC by 145.74, 250.41, and 86.20, respectively. The second-best model was the model BO. It is important to point out that in the first stage, the BO and RO approaches train a classification and regression model, respectively, to classify the lines as the top (bottom) or not the top (not the bottom). However, both the BO and RO approaches optimize a threshold in the second stage to perform the classification of the lines that minimize the difference between the Sensitivity and Specificity. The BO and RO methods are superior for the selection of the top (or bottom) lines. For this reason, we encourage breeders to adopt these approaches to increase genetic gain in plant breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Crop Genomics and Breeding)

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12 pages, 1708 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Vascular Flora of Pisa (Tuscany, Central Italy)

by Lorenzo Peruzzi, Brunello Pierini, Iduna Arduini, Gianni Bedini and Jacopo Franzoni

Plants 2025, 14(3), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030307 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

We present the first vascular flora of the municipality of Pisa. The floristic inventory was built on previous literature and field observations deposited in the online database Wikiplantbase #Toscana, integrated by observations from iNaturalist. The established flora of Pisa includes a total of [...] Read more.

We present the first vascular flora of the municipality of Pisa. The floristic inventory was built on previous literature and field observations deposited in the online database Wikiplantbase #Toscana, integrated by observations from iNaturalist. The established flora of Pisa includes a total of 1404 specific and subspecific taxa (594 genera, 123 families), out of which 112 are alien species. Silene subconica is excluded from the regional flora of Tuscany, while Solanum nitidibaccatum is reported as a new regional casual alien, and the regional alien status of Salpichroa origanifolia shifts from naturalized to invasive. Native taxa exceed species-area predictions by 33.3%, attesting for a high floristic richness, and there are taxa of high biogeographical and conservation interest. However, also alien taxa exceed predictions by 34.9%, and there are many invasive species, pointing out a high anthropogenic impact in the territory of Pisa, mostly due to urbanization. The biological and chorological spectra reflect the coexistence of typical Mediterranean and central European habitats in this territory, especially within the Migliarino–San Rossore–Massaciuccoli Regional Park. The vascular flora of the municipality is quite rich, although threatened by anthropic pressures, fostering the arrival and establishment of invasive alien species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flora and Vegetation in Cities: Basic and Applied Scientific Knowledge for Environmental Sustainability)

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16 pages, 6556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Human Activity and Climate Change on the Suitable Habitats for Xanthium spinosum in China

by Yabin Liu, Yuyu Li, Rui Wang, Lizhu Guo, Yu Ji, Yihao Chen, Lifen Hao and Kejian Lin

Plants 2025, 14(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030306 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Xanthium spinosum (X. spinosum) is a highly invasive weed native to South America and distributed in 17 provinces (municipalities) of China. It has severely negative influences on ecosystems, agriculture, and husbandry. However, few studies have reported on the impact of human [...] Read more.

Xanthium spinosum (X. spinosum) is a highly invasive weed native to South America and distributed in 17 provinces (municipalities) of China. It has severely negative influences on ecosystems, agriculture, and husbandry. However, few studies have reported on the impact of human activity and climate change on the future distribution and centroid shift of X. spinosum. This study aimed to investigate the potential geological distribution of X. spinosum in China, as well as the distribution pattern, centroid shift, and key environmental factors influencing its distribution, under four future climate scenarios (SSP1-26, SSP2-45, SSP3-70, and SSP5-85) based on the biomod2-integrated model. The results indicated that the suitable habitats for X. spinosum would expand in the future, mainly in Inner Mongolia, Northeast China, and the plateau regions (e.g., Xinjiang and Xizang). Under future climate scenarios, the centroid would shift toward the northwest or northeast part of China, with the SSP2-45-2050s scenario showing the maximum shift distance (161.990 km). Additionally, the key environmental variables influencing the distribution of X. spinosum, including human impact index, bio5, bio7, and bio12, were determined, revealing that most of them were related to human activities, temperature, and precipitation. This study enhances the understanding of the influence of human activity and climate change on the geographic range of X. spinosum. It provides references for early warning and management in the control of X. spinosum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)

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24 pages, 3039 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interplay Between Phytohormones and Sugar Metabolism in Dendrocalamus latiflorus

by Azra Seerat, Muhammad Ahtesham Aslam, Muhammad Talha Rafique, Lingyan Chen and Yushan Zheng

Plants 2025, 14(3), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030305 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Dendrocalamus latiflorus, a species of giant bamboo, holds significant ecological and economic value. This review delves into the intricate interplay between phytohormones and sugar metabolism in Dendrocalamus latiflorus, emphasizing species-specific mechanisms that enhance its ecological adaptability and rapid growth. By synthesizing [...] Read more.

Dendrocalamus latiflorus, a species of giant bamboo, holds significant ecological and economic value. This review delves into the intricate interplay between phytohormones and sugar metabolism in Dendrocalamus latiflorus, emphasizing species-specific mechanisms that enhance its ecological adaptability and rapid growth. By synthesizing recent research, this work highlights how phytohormones, including auxins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid, regulate sugar metabolism pathways such as glycolysis and starch degradation in response to environmental stimuli. These hormones influence crucial plant processes, including cell division, elongation, stress responses, and sugar metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Geographic variations in these processes are examined, demonstrating their role in environmental adaptation and ecological resilience. For instance, populations in nutrient-rich soils exhibit enhanced cytokinin activity and sugar transport efficiency, while those in water-limited areas display elevated abscisic acid levels, aiding drought tolerance. This targeted focus on D. latiflorus provides novel insights into its potential applications in sustainable forestry and agroforestry systems. By integrating recent advances, this review highlights the critical role of phytohormone–sugar interplay in improving the productivity and stress resilience of D. latiflorus, with implications for agroforestry systems and climate change adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Genetic Architecture of Bamboo Growth and Development)

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22 pages, 4764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Liquids Activated by Plasma Generated with a Microwave Plasmatron and High-Frequency Glow Discharge on Cotton Plant Development

by Sergey A. Shumeyko, Denis V. Yanykin, Mark O. Paskhin, Vladimir I. Lukanin, Dmitry A. Zakharov, Maxim E. Astashev, Roman Y. Pishchalnikov, Ruslan M. Sarimov, Mukhsindjan Kh. Ashurov, Erkindjan M. Ashurov, Dilbar K. Rashidova, Muzaffar M. Yakubov, Aleksei M. Davydov, Victoriya V. Gudkova, Yuri K. Danileyko, Alexey S. Dorokhov and Sergey V. Gudkov

Plants 2025, 14(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030304 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effect of plasma-activated liquids (PAL) on the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth under laboratory and field conditions. We used two types of PAL: deionized water activated with plasma generated using a microwave plasmatron in atmospheric-pressure [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated the effect of plasma-activated liquids (PAL) on the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth under laboratory and field conditions. We used two types of PAL: deionized water activated with plasma generated using a microwave plasmatron in atmospheric-pressure air flow (PAW) and a 1.5% KNO₃ solution activated using plasma generated in an electrochemical cell (PAKNO₃). These treatments differ in terms of their content of long-lived biologically active compounds. PAW contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (150 μM compared to 1.1 μM), while PAKNO₃ is more saturated with NO₂⁻ and NO₃⁻ (1510 μM compared to 300 µM). We found that PAW improved cotton plant growth under field conditions and in a laboratory drought stress. Additionally, PAW increased field emergence and germination of heat-treated cotton seeds in the laboratory. It was revealed that PAW prevents the drought-induced disruption of the partitioning of absorbed light energy in the photosynthetic apparatus. Meanwhile, PAKNO₃ has a positive effect on seed germination. The positive effect of PALs on cotton seeds and plants is thought to be due to the generation of long-lived biologically active oxygen and nitrogen species during plasma treatment of the liquid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)

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15 pages, 2410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Benefits of Antioxidant and Hormone Fluctuations in Wedelia trilobata Under Simulated Salt Stress with Nutrient Conditions

by Hong Yang, Bin Li, Ping Huang, Bin Zhang, Adeel Abbas, Zhiwei Xu, Huilei Yin and Daolin Du

Plants 2025, 14(3), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030303 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Salinity is one of the most significant environmental factors limiting plant development and productivity. Invasive plants could quickly respond to environmental changes, thus successfully achieving invasion. However, there is limited research on the mechanism of salt responses in invasive plants under different nutritional [...] Read more.

Salinity is one of the most significant environmental factors limiting plant development and productivity. Invasive plants could quickly respond to environmental changes, thus successfully achieving invasion. However, there is limited research on the mechanism of salt responses in invasive plants under different nutritional conditions. This study evaluated and compared the impact of salinity stress and nutrient application on physiological responses in the invasive plant Wedelia trilobata and native plant Wedelia chinensis. Mild salinity stress disrupted the growth of these two plants, significantly reducing their leaf and stem node number under a low nutrient condition. W. trilobata showed notable decreases in height and leaf number with high salinity stress regardless of nutrient levels, whereas it was observed only in the low nutrient state in W. chinensis. The negative effects of high salinity on both species were most evident in nutrient-poor environments. Under low salinity and nutrient stress, W. trilobata’s leaves exhibited increased levels of proline, MDA, CAT, and ABA, with decreased GA and IAA content. A low-salt environment favored W. trilobata’s competitive advantage, and nutrient enrichment appeared to enhance its invasive potential, in which process the plant antioxidant system and endogenous hormones contribute greatly. This study provides a theoretical foundation for predicting suitable growth areas for W. trilobata referring to the salt condition, guiding future strategies for preventing and controlling its invasive spread. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants—2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selecting South American Popcorn Germplasm for Bipolaris maydis Resistance at Contrasting Nitrogen Levels

by Yure P. Souza, Gabriel M. B. Gonçalves, Julio C. G. Saluci, Rafael N. Almeida, Juliana S. Santos, Hércules S. Pereira, Rysley F. Souza, Ana Lucia R. Souza, Luana C. Vasconcelos, Marcelo S. Andrade, Jr., Antonio T. Amaral, Jr. and Marcelo Vivas

Plants 2025, 14(3), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030302 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Nitrogen (N) availability plays a crucial role in plant development. However, studies indicate that the pathosystem of pathogenic fungi, such as Bipolaris maydis, which causes Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB) in popcorn, interacts with N availability. Therefore, this study seeks to select [...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) availability plays a crucial role in plant development. However, studies indicate that the pathosystem of pathogenic fungi, such as Bipolaris maydis, which causes Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB) in popcorn, interacts with N availability. Therefore, this study seeks to select popcorn inbred lines (ILs), considering contrasting environments regarding N availability (low N—LN and optimal N—ON). For this, 90 ILs from 16 populations from tropical and temperate climates from South America were evaluated in five experiments using a randomized complete block design (three replications), with four common controls. From the tests, the level of severity of the ILs to SCLB was evaluated. Three trials showed greater severity in ON, one trial had higher severity in LN, and one trial did not show significant differences. However, the genotype x nitrogen level (GxN) interaction was always present. Of the 90 ILs, 73 showed resistance in both N levels, three only in LN, and four only in ON, while 10 were susceptible in both environments. On average, the lines were more susceptible in ON, and the observed GxN interactions indicate that there is a distinct behavior of the genotypes regarding the response to N in the soil, which reinforces the importance of selection in contrasting environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physiological, Biochemical and Ecological Effects of Diseases on Plants)

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16 pages, 2408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth, Gas Exchange, and Phytochemical Quality of Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L.) Subjected to Proline Concentrations and Salinity

by Vitor Araujo Targino, Thiago Jardelino Dias, Valéria Fernandes de Oliveira Sousa, Mariana de Melo Silva, Adjair José da Silva, João Everthon da Silva Ribeiro, Ramon Freire da Silva, Diego Silva Batista, Juliane Maciel Henschel and Mailson Monteiro do Rêgo

Plants 2025, 14(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030301 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Salinity is a significant challenge for agriculture in semi-arid regions, affecting the growth and productivity of plants like Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium), which is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and food uses. Salt stress disrupts the plant’s biochemical, physiological, and anatomical processes, limiting its [...] Read more.

Salinity is a significant challenge for agriculture in semi-arid regions, affecting the growth and productivity of plants like Tropaeolum majus (nasturtium), which is valued for its ornamental, medicinal, and food uses. Salt stress disrupts the plant’s biochemical, physiological, and anatomical processes, limiting its development. This study investigates the potential of proline as an osmoprotectant to mitigate the effects of salt stress on nasturtium’s growth and physiology. A completely randomized factorial design was employed, testing five levels of electrical conductivity (0.0, 1.50, 3.00, 4.5, 6.5 dS m⁻¹) and four proline concentrations (0.0, 5.00, 10.0, 15.0 mM) with six replicates. The results showed that proline application, particularly at 15.0 mM, enhanced growth parameters such as leaf number, stem diameter, and root length. At moderate salinity (3.0 dS m⁻¹), proline significantly improved gas exchange, increasing net photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Additionally, proline reduced the negative impact of salt stress on the fresh mass of leaves, stems, and roots, and increased both the mass and number of flowers. Proline also elevated the levels of total phenolic compounds and vitamin C while reducing soluble sugars, particularly under moderate salt stress (4.75 dS m⁻¹). Overall, applying 15.0 mM proline shows promise for enhancing the biomass accumulation, flower production, and overall quality of nasturtium under saline conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abiotic and Biotic Stress of the Crops and Horticultural Plants)

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19 pages, 3444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maya Vanilla (Vanilla cribbiana Soto Arenas): A New Species in Commerce

by Araceli Pérez-Silva, Eduardo Peña-Mojica, Abimael Ortega-Galeana, Jocelyn I. López-Cruz, Carlos A. Ledesma-Escobar, Mónica Rivera-Rivera and Ernestina Paz-Gamboa

Plants 2025, 14(3), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030300 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Vanilla-producing regions in Mexico and around the world are experiencing declining yields due to global climate change. However, Mexico, Guatemala, and other parts of Central America possess underutilized genetic resources within the Vanilla genus, which can be used to increase their production. One [...] Read more.

Vanilla-producing regions in Mexico and around the world are experiencing declining yields due to global climate change. However, Mexico, Guatemala, and other parts of Central America possess underutilized genetic resources within the Vanilla genus, which can be used to increase their production. One such resource is Vanilla cribbiana Soto Arenas, known as Maya vanilla, which is native to Guatemala and Mexico. This study evaluated some of the physical and chemical characteristics as well as the aromatic and fatty acid profiles of cured vanilla pods of Maya vanilla. A 5 kg batch of cured vanilla pods from Cobán, Guatemala, was analyzed for length, weight, humidity content, and proximate chemical composition and aromatic profile using HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The pod lengths ranged from 6 to 16 cm, and weights ranged from 2.2 to 8.2 g. The humidity content varied between 22% and 38.63%. The main component in the cured vanilla pods was insoluble crude fiber (51.18%). The vanillin, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde concentrations in the cured vanilla beans were 2.13 ± 0.68, 0.105 ± 0.035, 0.38 ± 0.05, and 0.345 ± 0.115 g/100 g dry matter, respectively. A total of 70 volatile compounds were identified with GC-MS—16 acids, 12 alcohols, 8 aldehydes, 15 esters, 12 hydrocarbons, 5 ketones, and 2 furans—among which were compounds characteristic of other commercial vanilla species. Oleic acid and linoleic acid represented over 82% of the total fatty acids. This study provides fundamental insights into the physicochemical and aromatic characteristics of Maya vanilla, highlighting the differences between this species and vanilla species traditionally used in commerce. Vanilla cribbiana Soto Arenas represents an excellent alternative for the vanilla market as a flavoring agent for the food and perfume industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Resources and Ethnobotany in Aromatic and Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 6979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity of Cyanobacterial Genera Present in Cabo Verde Marine Environments and the Description of Gibliniella gelatinosa sp. nov

by João Morais, Pedro Cruz, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Bruna Silva, Flavio Oliveira, Jorge Neves, Raquel Silva, Vitor Ramos, Pedro N. Leão and Vitor M. Vasconcelos

Plants 2025, 14(3), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030299 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2025

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to document the biodiversity of cyanobacteria genera isolated from intertidal and subtidal zones in Cabo Verde. The identification of the strains was conducted using a polyphasic study, comprising 16S rRNA gene maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogeny, [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to document the biodiversity of cyanobacteria genera isolated from intertidal and subtidal zones in Cabo Verde. The identification of the strains was conducted using a polyphasic study, comprising 16S rRNA gene maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogeny, 16S rRNA identity (p-distance), 16S–23S ITS secondary structure, morphological, and habitat analyses. A total of 51 strains were isolated by micromanipulation and by streaking biomass onto Petri dishes with a solid medium. Seventeen strains were identified as belonging to the Salileptolyngbya genus and five to Leptothoe; sixteen strains were distributed across twelve genera. Thirteen strains were grouped into eight distinct clades, but could not be assigned to any cyanobacterial genus, indicating that they could be described as new cyanobacterial genera in the future. The phylogenies also exhibited isolates LEGE 181157, LEGE 181224, and LEGE 181227 clustered with Gibliniella, but in a separate clade from the G. alaskensis type. The 16S rRNA gene identity values among these new isolates and G. alaskensis ranged from 94.4% to 95.5%. The 16S–23S ITS dissimilarity between LEGE 181224 and G. alaskensis was 9.4%. Morphologically, these three LEGE strains differ from G. alaskensis in that they have trichomes that are never coiled and have diffluent mucilaginous envelopes, whereas G. alaskensis has coiled trichomes with firm sheaths. Based on these strains, we describe here a new species of Gibliniella. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microalgae Genomics and Metagenomics)

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Plants, Volume 14, Issue 3 (February-1 2025) – 12 articles

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