Horticulturae

Research

14 pages, 4895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the In Vitro Propagation of Tea Plants: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models

by Taner Bozkurt, Sezen İnan, İjlal Dündar, Musab A. Isak and Özhan Şimşek

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070721 - 9 Jul 2024

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In this study, we refine in vitro propagation techniques for Camellia sinensis using a machine learning approach to ascertain the influence of different shooting and rooting conditions on key growth metrics. This was achieved by applying random forest (RF), XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron [...] Read more.

In this study, we refine in vitro propagation techniques for Camellia sinensis using a machine learning approach to ascertain the influence of different shooting and rooting conditions on key growth metrics. This was achieved by applying random forest (RF), XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models to dissect the complexities of micropropagation and rooting processes. The research unveiled significant disparities in growth metrics under varying media conditions, underscoring the profound impact of media composition on plant development. The meticulous statistical analysis, employing ANOVA, highlighted statistically significant differences in growth metrics, indicating the critical role of media composition in optimizing growth conditions. Methodologically, the study utilized explants from 2–3-year-old tea plants, which underwent sterilization before being introduced to two distinct culture media for their micropropagation and rooting phases. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences in growth outcomes between media, while machine learning models were employed to predict the efficacy of micropropagation and rooting based on various growth regulators. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the model’s performance in simulating plant growth under different conditions, leveraging metrics like R², RMSE, and MAE. The findings from this study significantly advance the understanding of tea plant micropropagation, highlighting the utility of machine learning models in agricultural optimization. This research contributes to enhancing micropropagation strategies for the tea plant and exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating machine learning into plant science, paving the way for improved agricultural and horticultural practices. This interdisciplinary approach offers a novel perspective on optimizing in vitro propagation processes, contributing substantially to plant tissue culture and biotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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18 pages, 5315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Organic Waste Derived from Vitamin C Industry Increases Yield and Bioactive Constituents of Medicinal Food Plant Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

by Mingfu Gao, Zihui Zhang, Weichao Yang, Hao Sun and Hui Xu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070683 - 27 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the [...] Read more.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the impact of low-molecular-weight organic carbon on medicinal plants. This study evaluated the influence of the residue after evaporation (RAE) from industrial fermentation of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ASA), which mainly consists of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs), on the growth and bioactive constituents of purslane. Cultivation with different doses (2.7, 1.35, and 0.675 mL RAE per kg of soil) of RAE exhibited the highest levels of enhancement in the ASA, dopamine, total alkaloids, and total phenols content by 103.28%, 118.38%, 32.43%, and 27.64%, respectively, while promoting purslane’s growth. Furthermore, there was a dose–effect relationship between the dose of RAE and purslane’s ASA, total phenols, dopamine and total alkaloids. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the effects of RAE on pathways related to ASA synthesis, glycolysis, citrate cycle and amino acid synthesis contributed to the bioactive constituent accumulation in purslane. These findings suggest that RAE can effectively modulate the primary metabolic processes, thereby enhancing the yield and bioactive constituents of purslane. It is a valuable source of LMWOAs for the cultivation of medicinal plants. The resource utilization of RAE will enhance the production of medicinal plants, thereby contributing to satisfying the demand for bioactive natural products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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22 pages, 2338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response to Various Water Regimes of the Physiological Aspects, Nutritional Water Productivity, and Phytochemical Composition of Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) Grown under a Protected Environment

by Muneiwa Rumani, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Maanea Lonia Ramphinwa, Anza-Tshilidzi Ramabulana, Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala, Lembe Samukelo Magwaza and Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau

Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060590 - 4 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of [...] Read more.

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of the study was to determine the physiological aspects, including leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition of bush tea under varying water regimes. The tunnel experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments consisting of three water regimes: 100% of crop water requirement (ET_a), 30% of ET_a, and a control (no irrigation), all replicated three times. The morphological aspects were recorded on a weekly basis. However, yield, nutrient content, nutritional water productivity (NWP), and phytochemical composition were determined at harvest. The phytochemical analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled with visualization of the detected chemical spaces through molecular networking, indicated Athrixia phylicoides DC. to be rich in various bioactive compound derivatives, including methyl chlorogenate, flavonoids, tartaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and glutinane. The results showed that 30% ET_a enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, and nutritional water productivity compared to other water treatments. Nevertheless, 100% ET_a yielded more (95.62 kg ha⁻¹) than 30% ET_a (60.61 kg ha⁻¹) and control (12.12 kg ha⁻¹). The accumulation of chlorogenic acids was higher under 30% ET_a compared to 100% ET_a and control. Therefore, this study is the first to determine the accumulation of various bioactive compounds in bush tea leaf extracts under varying water regimes. This confirms that in areas with low water availability, bush tea is well adapted for production without limiting nutrients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 1442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Matabolomic Changes Induced by 6-Benzylaminopurine in Polygonatum cyrtonema

by Xincheng Liu, Huidong Yang, Bin Guo and Zhongdong Hu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040327 - 27 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (family Asparagaceae) is an endemic plant in China that is valuable for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that can regulate plant development and metabolism effectively. To explore potential applications of PGRs [...] Read more.

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (family Asparagaceae) is an endemic plant in China that is valuable for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that can regulate plant development and metabolism effectively. To explore potential applications of PGRs for improving the yield and bioactivity of this plant, four PGRs, including gibberellic acid (GA₃), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), were used in this study and sprayed on the growing seedlings of P. cyrtonema. All of these PGRs did not significantly affect the growth rate of P. cyrtonema, but they had varying effects on the polysaccharide and saponin content in the rhizome. NAA and 6-BA positively affected the polysaccharide content, while most PGR treatments negatively affected the saponin content. Widely targeted metabolomic analysis based on UPLC-MS/MS was conducted and revealed 101 differential metabolites in response to 6-BA, most of which were flavonoids, steroids and lipids. Most of the significantly changed flavonoids decreased under the 6-BA treatment. The study provides insights into the potential use of PGRs for improving the quality of P. cyrtonema, particularly in regulating the content of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 3870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of UV Stress on the Antioxidant Capacity, Photosynthetic Activity, Flavonoid and Steviol Glycoside Accumulation of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

by Natalia A. Semenova, Alina S. Ivanitskikh, Nadezhda I. Uyutova, Alexander A. Smirnov, Yuri A. Proshkin, Dmitry A. Burynin, Sergey A. Kachan, Alexander V. Sokolov, Alexey S. Dorokhov and Narek O. Chilingaryan

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030210 - 23 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Lighting conditions are an important controller of plant growth and development, and they affect secondary metabolite synthesis. In this research, we explored the effect of additional UV irradiation of various ranges in addition to the main one at PPFD 160 µmol m⁻² [...] Read more.

Lighting conditions are an important controller of plant growth and development, and they affect secondary metabolite synthesis. In this research, we explored the effect of additional UV irradiation of various ranges in addition to the main one at PPFD 160 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ on the accumulation of some secondary metabolites of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). The fresh weight of leaves was slightly higher under additional UV-A and UV-B irradiation compared with the control variant, and the leaf surface area was significantly larger, respectively, by 23.3 and 20.7% than in the control variant, while the rate of photosynthesis did not decrease. Plants under additional UV-B and UV-C irradiation were under the greatest light stress, as evidenced by a decrease in antioxidant capacity by an average of 30% compared to the control and UV-A. The total flavonoid content was significantly higher (by 74%) under UV-B irradiation. The highest concentration of steviol glycoside was observed during budding and flowering under UV-B and UV-C irradiation (by 13.2 and 11.3%, respectively). Analysis of hyperspectral images, chlorophyll fluorescence, and vegetation indices showed light stress increasing under UV-C irradiation, which caused an increase in the relative chlorophyll content, scorches, leaf morphology changes, a CO₂ absorption rate decrease, and plant growth inhibition. UV-B irradiation can be used as an optimal type of irradiation based on a set of indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 14431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Botanical Biometrics: Exploring Morphological, Palynological, and DNA Barcoding Variations in White Kwao Krua (Pueraria candollei Grah. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat.)

by Wannaree Charoensup, Aekkhaluck Intharuksa, Suthira Yanaso, Suthiwat Khamnuan, Sunee Chansakaow, Panee Sirisa-ard, Pensak Jantrawut, Charan Ditchaiwong and Kesorn Chaemcheun

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020162 - 9 Feb 2024

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Abstract

White Kwao Krua, a crucial Thai medicinal plant, contains various phytoestrogen substances used to alleviate menopausal symptoms in estrogen-deficient women. It originates from two species, namely Pueraria candollei Wall. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat. However, there exists morphological variation, [...] Read more.

White Kwao Krua, a crucial Thai medicinal plant, contains various phytoestrogen substances used to alleviate menopausal symptoms in estrogen-deficient women. It originates from two species, namely Pueraria candollei Wall. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat. However, there exists morphological variation, and the taxonomic status between both species is ambiguous, making discrimination challenging. In this study, we aim to clarify and differentiate the morphological characteristics, palynology, and DNA barcoding of both species. The morphological results showed the stipule size is a phenotypic marker for the differentiation of both species during the vegetative stage. The palynological results, however, exhibited similarity. Through an examination of nucleotide sequences and neighbor-joining tree analysis, it was determined that the DNA barcoding of the matK region has the capability to distinguish between P. candollei and P. mirifica at nucleotide position 702. Specifically, P. candollei manifested a G base, contrasting with the C base observed in P. mirifica. This study concludes that stipule size and the matK gene in DNA barcoding serve as a distinctive characteristic for distinguishing between P. candollei and P. mirifica. These methodologies prove valuable for ensuring the accurate identification of white Kwao Krua for horticulturists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 3959 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing EST-SSR Markers for Identifying and Evaluating Asparagus Germplasm Resources Based on Transcriptome Sequences

by Dan Liu, Feili Yan, Changmei Liu, Aimeng Chen, Jiahui Wu, Ma Yu and Xiangyang Lyu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020121 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 944

Abstract

Radix asparagi is the dried root tuber of the Liliaceae plant Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., which is a major Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal and edible value in China. The planting area of A. cochinchinensis is extensive, and there is blind introduction [...] Read more.

Radix asparagi is the dried root tuber of the Liliaceae plant Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., which is a major Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal and edible value in China. The planting area of A. cochinchinensis is extensive, and there is blind introduction in various regions, leading to confusion the origin of Radix asparagi and impure germplasm. This study conducted morphological and karyotype analyses on cultivated Asparagus resources from seven main production areas in China and developed SSR molecular markers suitable for the identification of Asparagus germplasm resources based on the transcriptome sequencing results. The morphological results indicate that in addition to A. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, there are also A. taliensis Wang et Tang and A. lycopodineus (Baker) Wang et Tang cultivated in China. All the tested Asparagus resources were diploid and had 20 chromosomes. A total of 8841 single genes containing SSR loci were identified using transcriptome sequencing of Neijiang Asparagus, including 761 SSR loci with trinucleotide repeat units. One hundred pairs of SSR primers were randomly designed from the trinucleotide repeat loci for PCR and polymorphism verification, and ten pairs were selected for identification of Asparagus germplasm resources. The genetic diversity results of ten pairs of primers in seven Asparagus-producing regions were consistent with the morphological identification. This study provides technical support for the comprehensive evaluation and utilization of Asparagus germplasm resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 11369 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Floral Biology of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng

by Bin Wang, Guangyao Ma, Suxian Lin, Xin He, Bo Chen, Haoling Li, Liangming Huang, Yun Yang and Jianhe Wei

Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010109 - 22 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1158

Abstract

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is a known medicinal plant producing agarwood. To date, studies on the floral biology of A. sinensis have been limited. In this study, the floral micro- and ultra-structures, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and artificial pollination of A. sinensis were [...] Read more.

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is a known medicinal plant producing agarwood. To date, studies on the floral biology of A. sinensis have been limited. In this study, the floral micro- and ultra-structures, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and artificial pollination of A. sinensis were investigated. The results show that the flower’s development can be divided into five stages, including the flower bud differentiation stage (2–7 d), the flower bud stage (7–13 d), the flowering stage (14 d), the pollination stage (14–15 d), and the fruiting stage (15–25 d). The floral organs mainly include: 4–6 split calyces, 10 petals, 10 stamens, and 1 pistil. The anther is oblong, with four pollen sacs the pollen is round, with maximum viability 6 h after flowering; and stigma receptivity is at its best 6 h before flowering. Artificial pollination is successful in the field. These findings will provide useful information for producing and breeding A. sinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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