2023

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23 pages, 3629 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Micromeria croatica (Lamiaceae), an Endemic and Potentially Valuable Horticultural Species of the Dinaric Alps

by Zlatko Liber, Ivan Radosavljević, Zlatko Šatović, Marija Hodja, Vesna Židovec, Faruk Bogunić, Dalibor Ballian, Danijela Stešević, Sven D. Jelaska and Dario Kremer

Horticulturae 2023, 9(4), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9040418 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Due to climate extremes and limited natural resources, especially water, we can expect increased demand in the future for species that can better tolerate climate extremes such as drought. One potentially valuable horticultural species is the endemic species of the Dinaride Mountains Micromeria [...] Read more.

Due to climate extremes and limited natural resources, especially water, we can expect increased demand in the future for species that can better tolerate climate extremes such as drought. One potentially valuable horticultural species is the endemic species of the Dinaride Mountains Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott (family Lamiaceae). It grows in the crevices of carbonate rocks, extending from an altitude of 150 m to more than 2000 m. This study aims to provide additional insight into the genetic and morphological diversity of this endemic species, focusing on valuable horticultural traits. To achieve this goal, morphological and molecular analyses were performed on ten natural populations. Through STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses, ten M. croatica populations were placed into western and eastern genetic groups, with several individuals from western populations assigned to the eastern group and vice versa. These atypical individuals assigned to the new genetic group by BAPS analysis indicate gene flow between western and eastern populations. Similarly, an analysis of molecular variance revealed fewer genetic differences than within studied populations. Both PCA and CANDISC analysis based on eleven morphological traits largely confirmed the existence of two slightly different genetic groups. Two populations containing plants with the most flowers per shoot, one with white-flowered individuals, one with the roundest leaves, and one with the narrowest leaves proved to be the most horticulturally valuable. The genetic and morphological variability found should be a sufficient basis for the potential selection of M. croatica populations and individuals for horticultural purposes. Full article

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2022

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22 pages, 2216 KiB

Open AccessReview

Strawberry Tree Fruits and Leaves (Arbutus unedo L.) as Raw Material for Sustainable Functional Food Processing: A Review

by Anica Bebek Markovinović, Irena Brčić Karačonji, Karlo Jurica, Dario Lasić, Martina Skendrović Babojelić, Boris Duralija, Jana Šic Žlabur, Predrag Putnik and Danijela Bursać Kovačević

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100881 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3575

Abstract

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is a Mediterranean plant known for the traditional use of its fruits and leaves due to their health benefits. Thus, it has been used for years in folk medicine to relieve various health conditions such as [...] Read more.

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is a Mediterranean plant known for the traditional use of its fruits and leaves due to their health benefits. Thus, it has been used for years in folk medicine to relieve various health conditions such as urological and kidney problems, dermatological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. The fruits are traditionally used for making jams, jellies, and strong alcoholic beverages, while the leaves are mostly used for preparing tea. Since the leaves were more researched, previous results indicated that they have important biological effects, so further research should focus on the fruits. Due to its chemical composition, rich polyphenolic profile and the biological potential derived from it, the plant has great prospects for the production of functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, the plant’s potential is underutilized in terms of processing. Therefore, this review summarizes the properties and the potential of the fruits and leaves of A. unedo and their possible benefits for processing with respect to agricultural, nutritive, biological and economic values. Full article

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13 pages, 2337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fruit Characterization of Prunus serotina subsp. capuli

by Sakshi Pathania, Rachel A. Itle, Carlos R. Chávez, Luis F. Lema, Veronica Caballero-Serrano, Juan C. Carrasco and Dario J. Chavez

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090838 - 12 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Prunus serotina is divided into five subspecies. Among these, P. serotina subsp. capuli, commonly known as capuli, is native to Central and South America. Its fruits are big, sweet, and consumed by locals in various forms, with the Ecuadorian Andes region providing [...] Read more.

Prunus serotina is divided into five subspecies. Among these, P. serotina subsp. capuli, commonly known as capuli, is native to Central and South America. Its fruits are big, sweet, and consumed by locals in various forms, with the Ecuadorian Andes region providing the best fruit forms of capuli. The objective of this study was to characterize a collection of different genotypes of capuli’s fruit, and their endocarps, found growing in the wild in the Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi provinces of Ecuador. The fruits were characterized for weight (11.7–50.3 g), diameter (12.4–21.7 mm), height (11.4–19.7 mm), and soluble solids content (SSC) (13.4–27.6 °Brix) across two years. Similarly, the endocarps’ diameters (7.5–12.2 mm) and heights (8.1–13.6 mm) were measured. Significant differences were found for all the fruit and endocarp variables studied. A multivariate analysis showed that all the fruit and endocarp size characteristics, except SSC, were positively correlated with each other within a season. No clear population differentiation was seen among the genotypes from different provinces, suggesting a lack of clear morphological differentiation. The future breeding and selection of a capuli with superior, commercial, large fruit and a high SSC shows great potential. Full article

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13 pages, 1021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Seed Kernel and Seed Oil of Balanites roxburghii: An Underutilized Species

by Guggalada Govardhana Yadav, Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy and Yaser Hassan Dewir

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090798 - 01 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

The seed kernel of Balanites roxburghii Planch., an underutilized species, yields a substantial amount of oil and has an impressive fatty acid profile. Both seed cake and seed oil have the potential to be rich nutritive sources. With this view, in the present [...] Read more.

The seed kernel of Balanites roxburghii Planch., an underutilized species, yields a substantial amount of oil and has an impressive fatty acid profile. Both seed cake and seed oil have the potential to be rich nutritive sources. With this view, in the present study, nutritive profiling of seed kernel and seed oil including HPLC quantification of tocopherols and phytosterols has been done. Further, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of seed kernel and oil have also been analyzed. The seed kernel showed good proximate composition with 43.20% of oil and 10.96% of protein with a good amount of macro- and microelements. The seed oil possesses 5.36 mg/kg of carotenoids and 7.29, 1.79, and 0.72 mg/100 g of α, β + γ (together), and δ-tocopherols, respectively. The β-Sitosterol is the major phytosterol in the oil with 126.90 mg/100 g oil followed by stigmasterol and campesterol together (40.78 mg/100 g oil). It is also rich in squalene (17.45 mg/100 g oil). Oleic acid (56.38%), linoleic acid (18.77%), and palmitic acid (17.79%) were found to be the major fatty acids. Seed cake and seed oil possess significant antioxidant activities with 2.72 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 8.90 mg GAE/100 g total phenolic content, respectively. Even though seed kernels contain some amount of anti-nutritional factors, they can be minimized by practicing appropriate food processing techniques. Considering all these facts, such as availability, good quality oil, proteins, and elemental composition, seeds of B. roxburghii could be considered a reliable food source to increase the food base of people and to get a variety of nutrients. Full article

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12 pages, 2098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barrelier’s Speedwell (Veronica barrelieri Schott ex Roem. et Schult., Plantaginaceae)—Potential of Free Volatile Compounds for Horticulture

by Dario Kremer, Edith Stabentheiner, Marija Nazlić, Marko Randić, Siniša Srečec and Valerija Dunkić

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090777 - 27 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Barrelier’s Speedwell or Veronica barrelieri Schott ex Roem. et Schult. (syn. Pseudolysimachion barrelieri (Schott ex Roem. et Schult.) Holub (family Plantaginaceae) grows on dry grasslands and rocky slopes in southeastern Europe. Because of its attractive blue flowers arranged in dense inflorescences up to [...] Read more.

Barrelier’s Speedwell or Veronica barrelieri Schott ex Roem. et Schult. (syn. Pseudolysimachion barrelieri (Schott ex Roem. et Schult.) Holub (family Plantaginaceae) grows on dry grasslands and rocky slopes in southeastern Europe. Because of its attractive blue flowers arranged in dense inflorescences up to 30 cm long, this plant has great potential for horticulture, especially in dry climates. As part of studies on biologically active compounds in this species, free VCs (Volatile Compounds) were analyzed by GC-MS (Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry) and micromorphological features were studied by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Free VCs from aboveground plant parts collected during flowering were characterized by a considerably high content of oxygenated diterpene phytol, followed by hexadecanoic acids, pentacosane, and caryophyllene oxide. These compounds are most abundant in the composition of VCs isolates of V. barrelieri from all five Croatian localities studied. Non-glandular and two subtypes of capitate glandular trichomes were detected on the stems, leaves and calyx of V. barrelieri. Veronica barrelieri attracts pollinators with its attractive flower appearance and specialized metabolites such as free VCs, which are environmentally friendly and possible natural botanical pesticides. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

15 pages, 1970 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Neglected Potential of Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum L.)—Specialized Metabolites Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Wild Populations in Relation to Location and Plant Phenophase

by Sandra Voća, Jana Šic Žlabur, Sanja Fabek Uher, Marija Peša, Nevena Opačić and Sanja Radman

Horticulturae 2022, 8(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8010024 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is one of the species widely distributed in Europe and Asia and is often nutritionally neglected, characterized by a high content of various phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential and a range of biological activities. The aim of [...] Read more.

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is one of the species widely distributed in Europe and Asia and is often nutritionally neglected, characterized by a high content of various phytochemicals with high therapeutic potential and a range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds in the leaves of wild garlic populations collected from different micro-locations, and to determine the differences in the content of phytochemicals in the vegetative and generative phases. A significant content of different specialized metabolites was detected in all analyzed leaves of wild garlic populations regardless of the different factors (location and phenophase): vitamin C content with the highest determined value of 63.31 mg/100 g fw; total phenolic content with the highest determined value of 186.18 mg GAE/100 g fw (according to gallic acid in fresh sample); and antioxidant capacity with the highest determined value of 2230.66 µmol TE/L (according to Trolox). Significant differences in all the phytochemicals analyzed were observed depending on both the location and phenophase of the plants, with the most pronounced differences depending on the phenophase. Thus, lower levels of polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C were generally observed before the flowering phase, while the trend toward higher levels of pigment compounds was observed during the flowering phase of the plants. The results suggest that the leaves of wild garlic can be considered a valuable source of a variety of specialized metabolites with high antioxidant capacity, and thus have high production potential for various functional products and food supplements of natural origin, which are important for the promotion of human health. Full article

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15 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Phytochemical Traits and Biological Activity of Eryngium amethystinum and E. alpinum (Apiaceae)

by Dario Kremer, Marijana Zovko Končić, Ivan Kosalec, Iztok Jože Košir, Tanja Potočnik, Andreja Čerenak, Siniša Srečec, Valerija Dunkić and Elma Vuko

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100364 - 05 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2294

Abstract

Eryngium amethystinum L. is a wild vegetable used in Croatia. Both E. amethystinum and E. alpinum L. are decorative plants that can also be used in horticulture. To find out the hidden qualities of these two species, the following biological activities were [...] Read more.

Eryngium amethystinum L. is a wild vegetable used in Croatia. Both E. amethystinum and E. alpinum L. are decorative plants that can also be used in horticulture. To find out the hidden qualities of these two species, the following biological activities were studied: essential oil (EO) composition, analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC, GC–MS); phenolic compound content (PC), analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); total phenols as well as total flavonoids, analyzed by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV/Vis); antioxidants, analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging activity (DPPH), β-carotene-linoleic acid assay, chelating activity and reducing power of the extracts; and antimicrobial evaluation by micro-dilution assay and inhibition of Candida albicans blastospore germination. The major constituents of EO were β-caryophyllene (15.2%), α-pinene (10.2%) and 2,3,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde (9.3%) for E. amethystinum and caryophyllene oxide (27.9%), bicyclogermacrene (13.2%) and germacrene D (8.2%) for E. alpinum. The methanol extracts of both species showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) less than or equal to 1.944 and 1.11 mg/mL, respectively. Full article

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11 pages, 1804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variability and Structure of Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. Germplasm in Sichuan Province

by Hongwen Li, Snježana Bolarić, Aleš Vokurka, Jian He, Dong Wang, Xufeng Li, Aleksandar Mešić, Jianhui Wang and Boris Duralija

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100353 - 01 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1833

Abstract

Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. (wild strawberry) is widely distributed in Southwest China, characterized by stress tolerance and the fruits of a notable peach aroma. So far there is only limited knowledge of variability and genetic structure in this species. Using AFLP markers, we investigated [...] Read more.

Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. (wild strawberry) is widely distributed in Southwest China, characterized by stress tolerance and the fruits of a notable peach aroma. So far there is only limited knowledge of variability and genetic structure in this species. Using AFLP markers, we investigated the genetic variability of 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis sampled in six main mountain areas of Sichuan Province and analyzed their genetic structure. Genetic similarity according to Nei and Li was used for cluster analysis based on UPGMA method and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering. Stratification of plants into more distinctive genetic groups was determined using Bayesian structure analysis. Six primer combinations produced a total of 1302 fragments of which 818 (62.8%) were polymorphic. Bayesian analysis showed the 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis grouped into five distinctive genetic groups. Most of the plants from the same mountain area clustered into the same genetic group, indicating each area as an area with the unique genetic profile. The genetic parameters analyzed here indicate a huge genetic variability of F. nilgerrensis in Sichuan Province. Our results provide reference data for surveying and protecting the germplasm resources of F. nilgerrensis that could be used in strawberry breeding programs. Full article

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38 pages, 48202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Documentation of Commonly Used Ethnoveterinary Medicines from Wild Plants of the High Mountains in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, India

by Pramod Prakash, Radha, Manoj Kumar, Ashok Pundir, Sunil Puri, Suraj Prakash, Neeraj Kumari, Mamta Thakur, Sonia Rathour, Radhika Jamwal, Salena Janjua, Mansoor Ali, Sneh Punia Bangar, Chhatarpal Singh, Deepak Chandran, Sureshkumar Rajalingam, Marisennayya Senapathy, Sangram Dhumal, Surinder Singh, Mahesh Kumar Samota, Rahul D. Damale, Sushil Changan, Suman Natta, Mohamd Alblihed, Attalla F. El-kott and Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim Show full author list Hide full author list

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100351 - 01 Oct 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4107

Abstract

The aim of current study is to provide a significant traditional knowledge on wild medicines used for ethnoveterinary purposes in the rural area of Maraog region in district Shimla. The medicinal plants have played a significant role in the treatment of human as [...] Read more.

The aim of current study is to provide a significant traditional knowledge on wild medicines used for ethnoveterinary purposes in the rural area of Maraog region in district Shimla. The medicinal plants have played a significant role in the treatment of human as well as animal’s diseases. The rural people of the Maraog region were interviewed through a questionnaire and extensive field surveys were conducted from June 2020 to July 2021. The discussion, observations and interviews were conducted in study site and included 96 informants. The information gathered from the residents is presented in a table format and includes scientific and local names, different parts used, diseases treated and mode administration. The most commonly used taxa are calculated with used value. The study revealed 100 plants in which trees (7), shrubs (26), herbs (56), ferns (5), grasses (3) and climbers (3) were identified. The most commonly documented livestock diseases were found to be hoof infections, eyes infections, poisoning and skin infections. In the current study, the Rosaceae family was reported as being the highest number (11), followed by Asteraceae (10) and then Lamiaceae (6). It was found that leaves, roots, flowers and fruits are the commonly used parts for ethnoveterinary medications. The phytochemicals present in the plant, such as alkaloids, sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, lignin, coumarins and terpenoids, etc., may be responsible for their medicinal properties. In this documentation, it was observed that the younger generation does not have good knowledge of medicinal plants as compared to the older ones. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the traditional knowledge of these medicinal plants before their permanent loss. The documentation and conservation of medicinal plants can be a good start for novel phytopharmacological research in the veterinary field. Full article

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24 pages, 1550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Uses of Wild Plants by Rural Inhabitants of Maraog Region in District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

by Pramod Prakash, Radha, Manoj Kumar, Neeraj Kumari, Suraj Prakash, Sonia Rathour, Mamta Thakur, Radhika Jamwal, Salena Janjua, Mansoor Ali, Ashok Pundir, Sunil Puri, Sangram Dhumal, Surinder Singh, Marisennayya Senapathy, Sneh Punia Bangar, Vineet Kumar Maurya, Sushil Changan, Jagan Singh Gora, Mahesh Kumar Samota, Rahul D. Damale, Minnu Sasi, Suman Natta, Deepak Chandran, Sureshkumar Rajalingam, Nadeem Rais and Mohamed Mekhemar Show full author list Hide full author list

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100343 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3446

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to document important ethnomedicinal plants from the Maraog region, located in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 110 medicinal plant species belonging to 102 genera and 57 families were reported from [...] Read more.

The main aim of this study is to document important ethnomedicinal plants from the Maraog region, located in the district of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India. A total of 110 medicinal plant species belonging to 102 genera and 57 families were reported from the study site. All of the species were collected from wild habitats. The rural people of the Maraog region were surveyed through interview methods, group discussions, and participatory observations. In the current study, data were collected from 88 informants through the snowball method. A total of 110 plant species were collected from the study area, including 64 herbs, 24 shrubs, 9 trees, 5 climbers, 3 grasses, and 5 ferns. Most of the plant species, reported from the study area, belong to the Rosaceae and Asteraceae families, each contributing 12 plant species, followed by the Lamiaceae family with 6 plant species. The most used part of the plant in the preparation of herbal medications is the leaves, which have been reported in 62 plants, followed by roots in 14 plants, and flowers and other aerial parts in 9 plants. The ethnomedicinal data were analyzed using “Use Value,” a statistical quantitative method, with Artemisia vestita having the highest use value (1.00), followed by Cannabis sativa (0.79), Rhododendron arboreum (0.79), and Datura stramonium (0.71). Older people were found to have a vast knowledge of wild medicinal plants, while the younger generation’s knowledge was lacking. As a result, traditional knowledge about the use of plants as a source of medicine has decreased day-by-day. Therefore, there is a need to document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. The data could serve as a basis for research by pharmacological and nutraceutical industries for the development of novel drugs. Full article

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20 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Wild Species Veronica officinalis L. and Veronica saturejoides Vis. ssp. saturejoides—Biological Potential of Free Volatiles

by Marija Nazlić, Željana Fredotović, Elma Vuko, Lea Fabijanić, Dario Kremer, Edith Stabentheiner, Mirko Ruščić and Valerija Dunkić

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090295 - 07 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2601

Abstract

Extracts from plants of the genus Veronica have been and continue to be used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases throughout the world. Although often considered a weed, many scientific reports demonstrate that these plants are a source of valuable biologically active [...] Read more.

Extracts from plants of the genus Veronica have been and continue to be used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases throughout the world. Although often considered a weed, many scientific reports demonstrate that these plants are a source of valuable biologically active compounds and their potential for horticulture should be investigated and considered. In this study, free volatile compounds of essential oils (EO) and hydrosols were extracted from two species: Veronica officinalis, which is most commonly used in traditional medicine, and Veronica saturejoides, an endemic plant that could be obtained by cultivation in horticulture. Volatiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC, GC-MS). The most abundant compounds identified in the EOs were hexadecanoic acid in V. officinalis EO and caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides EO. The hydrosols were characterized by a high abundance of caryophyllene oxide in V. saturejoides hydrosol and of p-vinyl guaiacol for V. officinalis hydrosol. The sites where the volatile compounds are synthesized and stored were analyzed using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy); glandular and non-glandular trichomes were detected on stems, leaves and the calyx. Further, to investigate the activity of the free volatile compounds against pathogens, isolated volatile compounds were tested on the antiphytoviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection. The hydrosols of both investigated species and EO of V. officinalis showed significant antiphytoviral activity. To further investigate the biological potential of these extracts they were also tested for their antiproliferative and antioxidant activities. The results indicate that these compounds are a valuable source of potential anticancerogenic agents that should be investigated in future studies. The presented results are the first report of hydrosol and EO activity against TMV infection, suggesting that these extracts from Veronica species may be useful as natural-based antiphytoviral agents. Full article

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