Current Botany

Analysis of secondary structure and identification of internal repeats in miRNA precursor sequences of Saccharum officinarum, Saccharum sp. and Sorghum bicolor

Subhadipa Sengupta — 2025-01-28

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that interact with mRNA in a sequence-specific manner. These interactions are primarily regulated by the secondary structural conformation of miRNAs. In plants, miRNAs have always been a subject to extensive research to see their explicit roles in overall development, cell to cell communications, metabolism, responses to stress and pathogen invasion. Here, we aimed to gain more understanding of the secondary structure of all possible miRNA precursor sequences (pre-miRNAs from which mature miRNAs are produced) for Saccharum and Sorghum, the two closest monocot relatives among the domesticated cultivated crops. Using computational approaches, altogether, 240 different pre-miRNAs were analyzed among which three different structural patterns were observed. The structural motifs primarily consist of stem, internal loop, bulge, and terminal loop. The pre-miRNAs of Saccharum sp. were found to have the most stable secondary structure with -193.05 kcal/mol free energy suggesting their resistance to nuclease in the cell. The Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) within the stem region of pre-miRNAs were found to be predominant with many trinucleotides, tetranucleotides and less frequent pentanucleotide repeats. AUG/AUC was the mostly observed trinucleotide in 80 percent of the studied precursors. The occurrence of these repeat sequences at varying level suggests their role in the proper functioning of miRNAs. Likewise, SSRs provide a molecular basis for the structural conformation of pre-miRNAs. All this information is substantially required for identifying miRNA targets and designing additional miRNA-based strategies to increase crop yields and enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses.

Advancements in DNA-based molecular markers to unravel the genetic diversity of endangered plants

Inamul Haque — 2025-01-31

One of the primary requirements to develop effective and practical sustainable management strategies for endangered plant species, is the assessment of genetic diversity. DNA-based molecular markers have proven themselves to be an excellent tool to assess many parameters including elucidation of genetic diversity for the past few decades. During this period, DNA-based marker technology has undergone many changes. From the initial RFLP to the contemporary systems that use high-throughput sequencing or next-generation sequencing platforms that have revolutionized genetic diversity assessment. This review focuses on the application of the molecular markers and, a few of their variants, to evaluate the genetic diversity of endangered plants along with their advantages, limitations as well as future prospects and scope.

Changes in germination, early seedling growth and morpho-physiology of sesame under PEG-induced osmotic Stress

Khadar Basha Shaik — 2025-03-02

The present study investigates the impact of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0 and 25%) induced osmotic stress on germination, growth, morpho-physiological responses and stress tolerance indices of thirteen sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes at an early seedling stage. The experiments were conducted under lab-based controlled cultural conditions with two levels of PEG-6000 (0% and 25%) and thirteen genotypes using diverse seed colours (white, brown, light brown, and black) and twenty-two variables subjected to multivariable analysis. At 25% concentration, the principle component analysis (PCA) biplot classified thirteen sesame genotypes into two groups according to F values. The PCA biplot placed the tolerant (group-I) and sensitive (group-II) genotypes on opposite sides. Group-I contains eight genotypes viz. with black seed colour (IC-132300, GT-10), white seed colour (IC-96229, IC-132171, IC-205471, IC-203962) and light brown seed colours (IC-204966 and IC-131500) Group II contains five sensitive genotypes with brown seed colours such as YLM-17, YLM-66, YLM-11, Madhavi and Gowri, contributed from fresh weight, dry weight, chl a, chl b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and chlorophyll stability index. The present study offers breeders a laboratory-based, reliable, and quick method for screening sesame germplasm to identify and develop drought-tolerant genotypes contributed from the rate of germination, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, root/shoot ratio, seedling length, dry weight, germination percentage stress tolerance index, root length stress tolerance index, shoot length stress tolerance index, seedling length stress tolerance index, fresh weight stress tolerance index, dry weight stress tolerance index, seedling vigour index and chl a/b.

Allelopathic potential of Lathyrus aphaca L. on seedling growth of Triticum aestivum L.

Mohammad Akmal — 2025-03-03

The allelopathic substances released into the environment from plants inhibit various physiological processes. These allelopathic secondary plant metabolites attract or repel and stimulate or poison other organisms. In the present investigation, the allelopathic potential of a common weed, Lathyrus aphaca, was studied on the seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Dara). The seedling growth was monitored under the different dilutions of L. aphaca extract with water. Control seedlings were grown in distilled water only, i.e., without extract. It was found that the growth and biomass accumulation were significantly suppressed. The aqueous extract of L. aphaca was analyzed through LCMS and revealed the presence of several allelochemicals, viz. 2,4,6-tetrahydroxychalcone, 3-iodo-benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, kynurenic acid, fumaric acid, sebacic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid, proving the allelopathic potential of the weed.

Quantification of camptothecin and some flavonoids from Ixora javanica (Blume) DC by HPLC

Dipanwita S. Ghoshal — 2025-03-03

Ixora javanica is a medicinally important plant reported to show anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. The present study investigates four medicinally important phytoconstituents present in various parts of I. javanica. HPLC technique is used to detect the presence and quantities of three flavonoids rutin, kaempferol and quercetin in the leaves and flowers and alkaloid camptothecin in the bark and roots of I. javanica. Rutin was best extracted (43.92%) using 90% ethanol whereas quercetin (0.27%) was best extracted using 85% methanol both from the flowers of the plant. Kaempferol was best extracted from leaves (1.15%) using petroleum ether as a solvent. Alkaloid camptothecin was found to be present in bark (7.34%) as well as root extracts (3.52%) of I. javanica. However, higher camptothecin content was present in the bark as compared to the roots of the same plant. Both 60% methanol or 60% ethanol were found to be equally good solvents for camptothecin extraction from bark and root samples. This is the first report of HPLC quantification of alkaloid camptothecin from the bark and roots of I. javanica.

Phytochemical profiling and FTIR analysis of aqueous extracts from three selected ethnomedicinal plants of North East India

Seema Khakhalary — 2025-03-04

Ethnomedicinal plants have played an important role in natural product research and drug discovery since antiquity. The current study used phytochemical screening and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze the leaves of three ethnomedicinal plants identified in Goalpara area of Assam. The investigation was carried out to characterize the crude extract and identify the functional groups in these plants. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of many secondary plant metabolites in the examined plants, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins and phenolic compounds. The FTIR spectroscopy study revealed the existence of several key functional groups. The presence of various functional groups such as C-I stretch, C=O stretch, C-H stretch, and C-N was confirmed by FT-IR analysis. As a result, the current study provides solid support and a foundation for using these plant species as herbal treatments for a variety of diseases. This study confirms that aqueous leaf extracts of Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum Edgew., Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb., and Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce contains numerous bioactive compounds, in addition to previously reported phytochemicals, which could be utilized in the development of plant-based drugs.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities from leaf and bark extract of Cassine glauca (Rottb.) Kuntze

K. Dhanasekaran — 2025-03-22

Practical knowledge of traditional medicine from ancient times, medicinal plants, often known as medicinal herbs, have an extensive history. Plants produce hundreds of different kinds of chemicals to serve various purposes, such as defense and protection against pathogens, fungi, insects, and herbivorous mammals.The present study investigates the antibacterial and antifungal potential of Cassine glauca leaves and bark extract. The antimicrobial activity was to find out in the extracts by using the agar disc diffusion method. Chloroform, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts were obtained from the leaves and bark. It showed that antimicrobial activity against tested microbes from the four bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 9542), E. coli (MTCC 732), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC 3040) and Proteus vulgaris (MTCC 7299) and three fungal strains such as Aspergillus niger (MTCC 1785), Aspergillus versicolor (MTCC 280) and Candida albicans (MTCC3958). The zone of inhibition of leaf and bark extracts were compared with standards like Ampicillin, Methicillin, and Norfloxacin for antibacterial and Terbinafine and nystatin for antifungal activity. The antimicrobial study result reveals that good inhibition of the bacterial and fungal grown against the tested microbes. The antimicrobial activity showed that to justify the use of their plant in traditional medicine and the practice of supplementary decoction.

Phytochemical evaluation and in vitro antioxidant potential of Cycas circinalis L.

Zoofishan Kazi — 2025-03-22

Cycas circinalis L., a gymnosperm, is traditionally used by tribal people for various medicinal and culinary purposes. This study investigates the phytoconstituents and antioxidant potential of the leaves, bark, and male cone of C. circinalis. Qualitative screening and quantitative analysis were conducted, followed by analysis of antioxidant potential using in vitro assays. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of phenols and flavonoids was carried out to identify active constituents. Various phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, quinones, and sterols, were identified in different extracts. The ethanolic extract of the leaves exhibited the highest total phenolic content (8.169 mg GAE/g), while the male cones showed the highest flavonoid content (2.825 mg QE/g). The bark demonstrated significant radical scavenging activity, particularly in ABTS (IC₅₀ 59.44 μg/mL) and DPPH (IC₅₀ 358.3 μg/mL) assays. In contrast, the leaves exhibited moderate activity across all assays, and the male cones showed relatively lower antioxidant activity, except in the total antioxidant capacity assay (19.25 mg AAE/g). HPTLC analysis detected gallic acid in the bark, along with several unidentified bands. This study is the first to report presence of gallic acid in the extract of bark of C. circinalis. Given the plant’s traditional use in treating swellings, wounds, and ulcers, along with the presence of diverse secondary metabolites and significant in vitro bioactivity, this study highlights the potential of C. circinalis as a natural antioxidant with promising applications in wound treatment.

Genotypic diversity evaluation for nutritional and grain quality attributes in cultivated rice varieties of Assam

Kangkana Thakur — 2025-03-24

A set of fifty rice genotypes mostly of indigenous type and a few improved varieties grown by farmers of Assam were studied to screen for nutritional content, grain characteristics and yield potential. Based on the grain classification system, two cultivars were categorised as small (1.5-2), eleven were medium (2.1-2.5), fourteen had medium slender (2.6-3.0) grain, and eighteen were of slender (>3.0) type; Mahsuri had the highest grain yield per plant (49.64 g). The glutinous type, ‘Bora’ group of cultivars had comparatively the lower content of amylose (2.45-2.76%) with corresponding higher level of amylopectin (97.24-97.55%). A wide variation was observed for protein content, ranging from 3.5% in Amona Bao to 12.26% in Vandana. Manipuri Joha and Badol Sali were found to have the greatest concentrations of iron (466.88 mg/100 g) and zinc (44.8 mg/100 g), respectively. Grain length breadth ratio, volume expansion ratio, iron and protein content showed significant positive correlation with grain yield. High heritability in the broad sense was observed for the traits grain weight, grain length and breadth, length: breadth ratio, volume expansion ratio, iron and zinc. The cultivars were categorized into six clusters based on the Mahalanobis D2 analysis, with cluster VI (739221) exhibiting the highest intra-cluster distance and cluster V with cluster II (27774001) exhibiting the highest inter-cluster distance. The genotypes belonging to the diverse clusters along with the desirable per se performance might be chosen for inclusion as parents in the hybridization program. Comprehensive understanding of the nutrients and grain characteristics and their relationship with grain yield would pave the way for further genetic improvement of quality and yield of rice.

Studies on carbon sequestration potential of trees with epiphytic orchid association

A. S. Deepthi — 2025-03-24

Epiphytic orchids are a fascinating group of plant species that thrive on the branches and trunks of trees, forming intricate symbiotic relationships with their host. They contribute to the vibrant biodiversity of forest ecosystems and play a crucial role in carbon dynamics and storage. The study aims to estimate carbon sequestrations of phorophytes and associated epiphytic orchids by quantifying the above ground biomass (AGB), total biomass (TB), and amount of carbon stored. It has been found that 97 trees from nine different tree species are associated with epiphytes in the study area. Among the nine species examined, Alstonia scholaris exhibited the highest biomass for above ground, below ground, and total biomass, with values of 24,043.35 kg/tree, 6,251.27 kg/tree, and 30,294.62 kg/tree, respectively. In addition, Cocos nucifera had the lowest values. The highest biomass, carbon storage, and rate of carbon sequestration were recorded for the epiphyte species associated with the phorophyte A. scholaris. When the phorophytes were associated with epiphytic orchids, their carbon sequestration rates rose from 1.94% to 15.07%. This study provides empirical evidence and analytical perspectives to create a model that mitigates the consequences of climate change and global warming while maintaining current land usage.

Morphological screening of rice varieties growing in Assam resistance to aluminium toxicity

Runa Rahman — 2025-03-25

When plants are exposed to low pH levels, aluminium, which is unnecessary for plant growth, can be harmful. This experiment was conducted to study the aluminium toxicity induced responses among the 100 rice varieties growing in Assam, India. The rice seeds were grown hydroponically in Hoagland’s solution and 10 day old seedlings were subjected to 50 and 100μMAlCl3 treatment for 7 days and various growth parameters (viz., root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight) were recorded. Based on the overall morphological parameters, the aluminium Stress Response Index (SRI) was calculated. Again, iPASTIC software is also used to calculate various tolerance indices. Our experiment identified the Al-tolerant and Al-sensitive rice varieties based on the growth performance. Our findings lead us to conclude that both the Stress Response Index and iPASTIC can be used as a useful method for sorting among a wide range of rice cultivars to assess each variety’s resistance to a particular abiotic stress.

Structural composition of phytoplankton communities in the tropical Thamirabarani estuary, Southeast coast of India

V. Srinivasan — 2025-04-05

This study investigated the seasonal effects on phytoplankton populations in the Thamirabarani estuary on India’s southeast coast. 49 species from 31 genera, 24 families, and three phyla (bacillariophyte, miozoa, and cyanobacteria) were identified. The number of species, density, and Margalef richness (d’) were high in the pre-monsoon season (43±1 cells/L, 8463±72 ind./m3, 4.64±0.12 ind./m3) and low in the post-monsoon season (35±1 cells/L, 6448±262 ind./m3, 3.84±0.10 ind./m3) with significant serial changes (ɤ-0.43) in species composition between the seasons. However, these parameters did not show any significant variations in station-wise. The phytoplankton relationship with environmental factors (especially temperature, pH, phosphate, ammonia, salinity, silicate, and chloride) indicated the influence of the nutrient dynamics on plankton communities due to anthropogenic discharges and vegetations (agricultural land and mangroves) in the study area. Hence, suitable improvement strategies have been implemented in this area, and its computation demonstrates the link between phytoplankton abundance and the most effective environmental parameters.

Antibacterial evaluation of Dalbergia latifolia (Roxb.) liquid smoke used for the treatment of bovine mastitis

Tej Patel — 2025-04-07

The indigenous people of the area have long utilized medicinal plants to treat bovine mastitis. Traditional ethnoveterinary healers used plant-based techniques to treat diseased cows. Escherichia coli and Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) bacteria infect the udder and cause mastitis, which lowers milk production. In this work condensed smoke of heartwood of Dalbergia latifolia was produced by pyrolysis at 500 °C for 8 hr and filtered with Whatman No.1. The liquid smoke was analysed with GC-MS and found 23 bioactive phytocompounds that have antibacterial activity of mastitis causing bacteria E. coli and CoNS. The antibacterial activity was carried out using disc diffusion methods with three different concentrations of liquid smoke which were 150 μL/mL, 300 μL/mL and 600 μL/mL of distilled water. The maximum inhibition average of 21.00 mm at 600 μL/mL treatment E. coli (S1) and 28.33 mm at 600 μL/mL on E. coli (S2), the positive control average value of 15.88 mm and 0.00 mm in E. coli (S1) and E. coli (S2) respectively. The maximum inhibition of 20 mm of CoNS average value 2 of 4.66 mm was estimated at 600 μL/mL treatments. The Ampicillin antibiotics disc was used to have a positive control for all the treatment. The liquid smoke of D. latifolia has higher antibacterial properties to cure mastitis disease in dairy cows.

Diversity of polypetalae plants in the Bodamalai Hills of Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

S. Nigesh — 2025-04-07

The diversity of polypetalae plants was studied in the Bodamalai Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. The results of the present study revealed that a total of 139 polypetalae plants from 41 families and 103 genera were documented in the current floristic exploration from the Bodamalai Hills. The dominant family in the study area is Fabaceae with 19 species, followed by Malvaceae (14), Rutaceae (11), Caesalpiniaceae (10), Mimosaceae (9), Combretaceae (5 species), Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Cleomaceae, and Rhamnaceae (4 each), Cactaceae, Capparidaceae, Meliaceae, and Menispermaceae (3 each), Burseraceae, Celastraceae, Molluginaceae, Myrtaceae, Passifloraceae, and Sterculiaceae (2 each), and other families with only one. The highest number of species was found in the genus Cassia (7), followed by Acacia (5), Sida and Ziziphus (4 each), Terminalia, Citrus, Cleome, Desmodium, and Cissus (3 each), Cassine, Capparis, Indigofera, Mollugo, and Syzygium (2 each), and the remaining 89 genera (1 each). The findings of this study revealed the diversity and significance of the polypetalae plants in the Bodamalai Hills for the native population’s way of life. Furthermore, baseline data on plant checklists, polypetalae plant diversity status, and plant adaptation to the research area are provided by this study.

Antiviral Potential of Curcumin in Mitigating COVID-19 Effects and Post-COVID-19 Sequelae

T. R. Athira — 2025-04-11

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease resulting from infection with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which may manifest as mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Even after recovering from the disease, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, known as “long COVID”. Curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa L., exhibits diverse medicinal properties including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects. It can potentially be a therapeutic agent for treating COVID-19 due to its ability to modulate the immune response and inhibit cytokine storms. These actions can help prevent severe difficulties like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan failure. Curcumin specifically targets viral entry, replication, and the molecular signalling cascade responsible for pathophysiological effects, making it a potential option for combating COVID-19 and addressing its long-term post-COVID effects on health. Using nanocarriers can overcome the limitations of curcumin’s poor bioavailability and solubility, allowing for more effective delivery to the target cells and tissues.

A survey of medicinal plants used by the inhabitants in Padiyur, Kangeyam Taluk, Tirupur District, Tamil Nadu, India

M. Devasenathipathi — 2025-04-12

In this investigation, the local people were enquired to know about the common medicinal plants and their usage in their day-to-day life. An attempt was made to make a systematic approach to record the local name, binomial name, and mode of administration from the inhabitants of Padiyur, Kangeyam Taluk, Tirupur District. The ethnomedicinal data were collected and documented by randomly planned visits from December 2020 to May 2021. This paper provides the herbal preparations of the medicinal plants which are used till now. A total of 105 species belonging to 47 families were documented. The ethnobotanical work with valid information was analyzed and verified using the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value Index (UVI) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC).

Inhibitory effects of phytoextracts on mycelial growth and conidial germination of the Alternaria brassicae I-6A1y21 isolate causing leaf spot disease in mustard

Shailendra Kumar — 2025-05-06

The study of inhibitory effects of 13 plant extracts such as Lemon, Curry-leaf, Neem, Duranta, Ginger, Garlic, Parthenium, Cinnamon, Asparagus, Zamia, Lantana, Eucalyptus and Datura was taken to observe the effect on mycelial growth and conidial germination of Alternaria brassicae I-6A1y21 isolate. Among these plant extracts, only five plants extracts (Neem, Garlic, Lantana, Eucalyptus and Datura) were used in radial growth and ten plants extracts (Lemon, Curry-leaf, Neem, Duranta, Ginger, Garlic, Parthenium, Cinnamon, Asparagus and Zamia were used against conidial germination. Among the selected plants, the leaf extracts that showed maximum inhibition in mycelial growth was observed with Neem leaf extracts followed by Garlic, Eucalyptus, Datura and Lantana. The chemical Mancozeb fungicide was used at 0.2% level, which caused 100% inhibition in growth of selected isolate I-6A1y21 of A. brassicae. Other plant extracts inhibited the growth of test isolate which varied from 28.24% to 94.97% over control. The radial growth percent inhibition of treatments T3, T5, T4, T1, and T2 was 24.28, 35.45, 51.58, 79.29, and 94.97%, respectively, compared to the radial growth percent inhibition (100%) of treatment with 0.2% mancozeb (test treated, T6). Among the aqueous extracts of ten plants, the aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica, Zingiber officinale, and Allium sativum were the substances that showed an inhibitory effect on the conidial germination of the A. brassicae I-6A1y21 isolate.

Regeneration status of Albizia lebbeck Benth. in different Forest Types of Uttarakhand, Northern India

Anup Chandra — 2025-05-09

The ability of a species to survive in the community under a range of environmental circumstances depends on its regeneration. This study evaluates the regeneration status of Albizia lebbeck across Uttarakhand’s various forest types. The species was found in five different forest types and the overall regeneration was determined to be ‘Good’. The highest seedling density (900 ha^-1) was recorded for West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, while the lowest (100 ha^-1) was observed in the Upper or Himalayan Chir Pine Forest. The highest adult density (70 ha^-1) was found in Ban Oak Forest and West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest and the least (20 ha^-1) was found in Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest. There was a complete absence of sapling stages in the Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest (5B/C2) and Upper or Himalayan Chir Pine Forest (9/C1b) which indicates disturbances in these regions.