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A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 54504

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Laima Česonienė

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Guest Editor

Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: genetic resources of berry plants; research of biologically active compounds in fruits and medicinal plants; breeding of new cultivars of actinidia, cranberry, blueberry, and snowball tree

Dr. Juozas Labokas

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Economic Botany, Nature Research Centre, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
Interests: in situ conservation of crop wild relatives; medicinal and aromatic plant genetic resources; biological diversity of essential oil-bearing plants and berries in forest ecosystems
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The ever-growing interest in medicinal, aromatic and berry plants is based on the uniqueness of the natural biological resources necessary to maintain our lives. Worldwide, thousands of species are not only directly used for medicinal purposes, as spice, food, dietary supplements, and cosmetics but are also raw materials for the respective industries and trade. Although the naturally occurring genetic, chemotypic, and ecotypic diversity of most of these species is still understudied, it is evident that they present an invaluable potential for our disposal, which, however, requires a sustainable approach to ensure both the needs of future generations and health of natural ecosystems. Globally, more than half of medicinal and aromatic plant resources are being collected from the wild. Forest medicinal plants and berries are valued especially because they are free of pesticides and other kinds of chemicals commonly used in agriculture. At the same time, to satisfy the ever-growing needs of consumers, a lot of introduced plant species, particularly berry cultivars, rich in biologically active compounds, are being successfully cultivated in many countries (and sometimes even found naturalized), which is particularly important for the sustainability of natural biological resources when facing a global climate change. Research into the genetic diversity of natural berry and medicinal plant resources may reveal their ability to adapt to changing climate conditions as well as promote their in situ conservation and development of new cultivars. Particular attention should be given to the study of secondary metabolites found in these plants, as they not only present major quality indicators of new cultivars but are also important in chemotaxonomy. Today, the use of modern laboratory tools and applications allow evaluating the contents of secondary metabolites and implementing a more focused breeding of medicinal and berry plants and production of more diverse medicines, functional foods, and other products. This Special Issue will highlight the advances in understanding genetic, chemotypic, and ecotypic diversity of berry and medicinal plants and will contribute to the sustainable use of their resources.

Dr. Laima Česonienė
Dr. Juozas Labokas
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biologically active compounds
plant genetic resources
genetic diversity
natural and seminatural populations
in situ and ex situ conservation
non-wood forest products
medicinal plants
aromatic plants
berries

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Related Special Issue

Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants Volume II in Plants (17 articles)

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dependence of the Concentration of Bioactive Compounds in Origanum vulgare on Chemical Properties of the Soil

by Asta Klimienė, Ramutis Klimas, Hanna Shutava and Liuda Razmuvienė

Plants 2021, 10(4), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040750 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2191

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the dependence of the total phenolic, flavonoid, and extractive content in extracts of Origanum vulgare L. on the soil pH, humus, total nitrogen (N_total), and plant-available/mobile phosphorus (P₂O₅), as well as potassium (K₂O), total calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) concentrations. Experimental fields were formed in four locations in Lithuania. Soil and perennial O. vulgare samples were taken at three sites of each experimental field. A total of 12 samples of soil and 12 samples of the tested plant were collected and analyzed. The concentrations of bioactive compounds in plants are significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) affected by some chemical properties of the soil: the total phenolic content was reliably correlated with the soil pH, N_total, Ca, Mg, and P₂O₅; the flavonoid content was correlated with the soil P₂O₅, K₂O, Mg, and Na; and the extractive content was correlated with the soil humus, N_total, and Na. The obtained results are useful for the development of the commercial cultivation of O. vulgare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

12 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Harvesting Time on the Chemical Composition of Wild Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

by Aurelija Paulauskienė, Živilė Tarasevičienė and Valdas Laukagalis

Plants 2021, 10(4), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040686 - 2 Apr 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6031

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the effect of different harvesting times on the chemical composition of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.). The leaves of nettle were harvested at the same place once a month in the period of April–September 2019. The analysis focused on the contents of dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ash content, and macro- and microelements. The nettles harvested in April were characterized by the highest levels of soluble solids and some macro-and microelements (P, K, Fe, Zn). The plants harvested in May were distinguished for titratable acidity, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents. In this month, the plants were determined to have the highest antioxidant activity during the entire vegetation period. The plants collected in July contained the highest amount of Mn, but the antioxidant activity of these plants was the lowest during the vegetation period. In August, the plants had the highest levels of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and ash, while the plants collected in September were characterized by having the highest amounts of Ca, Mg, and B as compared to those established in other months of vegetation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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19 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Methodology for Maintenance of Medicinal Plant Genetic Reserve Sites: A Case Study for Lithuania

by Juozas Labokas and Birutė Karpavičienė

Plants 2021, 10(4), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040658 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

In the context of climate change, in situ conservation of plant genetic resources is becoming increasingly important as it supports natural (ecological and evolutionary) adaptations of plants to the changing environment. The aim of this study was to synthesize a comprehensive general methodology for the maintenance of genetic reserve sites of medicinal plants based on the analysis of relevant legal documents, literature sources, databases, and authors’ own experience. A methodology was developed for the application of various maintenance measures for target species populations in genetic reserve sites to ensure their long-term sustainability. It uses a systematic approach to the intervention measures by grouping them into habitat-specific and factor-specific ones, and follows the specific principles of biodiversity conservation, such as the concept of ecosystem, priority of in situ conservation, caution and validity of decision-making, and regional approach. An extensive discussion on major intervention measures is provided. The methodology is intended to be used as a tool for the preparation and implementation of management plans of individual medicinal plant genetic reserve sites by the responsible agencies and protected area managers and is directly linked to the implementation of the EU (European Union) Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 at the national level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 18060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties of Lonicera caerulea Berries: Evaluation of 11 Cultivars

by Laima Česonienė, Juozas Labokas, Ina Jasutienė, Antanas Šarkinas, Vilma Kaškonienė, Paulius Kaškonas, Rita Kazernavičiūtė, Aistė Pažereckaitė and Remigijus Daubaras

Plants 2021, 10(4), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040624 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3220

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate 11 cultivars of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) for bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and the antibacterial activity of berries. Total phenolic contents (TPCs) and total anthocyanin contents (TACs) were established by using ethanolic extracts. For contents of organic acids and saccharides, aqueous extracts were used, and vitamin C was determined by using oxalic acid solution. DPPH^• radical scavenging capacity was evaluated by using ethanolic extracts; antibacterial activity was assessed by using both ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The TPC varied from 364.02 ± 0.41 mg/100 g in ‘Vostorg’ to 784.5 ± 0.3 mg/100 g in ‘Obilnaja’, and TAC ranged from 277.8 ± 1.1 mg/100 g in ‘Čelnočnaja’ to 394.1 ± 8.4 mg/100 g in ‘Nimfa’. Anthocyanins comprised 53.8% of total phenolic contents on average. Among organic acids, citric acid was predominant, averaging 769.41 ± 5.34 mg/100 g, with malic and quinic acids amounting to 289.90 ± 2.64 and 45.00 ± 0.37 mg/100 g on average, respectively. Contents of vitamin C were 34.26 ± 0.25 mg/100 g on average. Organic acids were most effective in the inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. In conclusion, berries of L. caerulea are beneficial not only for fresh consumption, but also as a raw material or ingredients of foods with high health-promoting value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 13919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Pre-Harvest Gibberellic Acid and Post-Harvest 1-methyl Cyclopropane Treatments on Phenolic Compounds, Vitamin C and Organic Acid Contents during the Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruits

by Akgül Taş, Selma Kuru Berk, Erdal Orman, Muttalip Gundogdu, Sezai Ercişli, Neva Karatas, Tunde Jurikova, Anna Adamkova, Sarka Nedomova and Jiri Mlcek

Plants 2021, 10(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010121 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

In recent years, significant portions of the fresh fruits and vegetables produced worldwide have been decaying before reaching the consumer because of insufficient preservation after harvest. In this direction, we carried the study out to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP) applications on phenolic compounds and organic acid contents of the strawberry fruits (cv. Albion) during shelf-life. Gibberellic acid treatments, which prepared in two different concentrations (50 and 100 ppm), were performed by spraying the leaves before harvest. 1-methyl cyclopropane applied after harvest. The results of the study showed a greater decrease in organic acids (except oxalic and succinic acid) in Gibberellic acid-applied fruits during shelf-life. Citric acid was recorded as the most abundant organic acid in the control group. In phenolic compounds, gallic acid (15.22 mg 100 g⁻¹) and ellagic acid (9.38 mg 100 g⁻¹) were recorded as the highest phenolic compounds on the third day. 1-MCP and GA₃ (50 ppm) + 1-MCP treatment reduced the breakdown of vitamin C during the shelf-life of strawberry fruits compared to the control group. As a result, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and organic acids decreased during the shelf-life, and 1-MCP applications slowed down the breakdown of these compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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20 pages, 2788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Variation in Community Composition of Root Associated Endophytic Fungi and Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Abundance in Two Bletilla Species (Orchidaceae)

by Xinhua Zeng, Haixin Diao, Ziyi Ni, Li Shao, Kai Jiang, Chao Hu, Qingjun Huang and Weichang Huang

Plants 2021, 10(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010018 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3410

Abstract

Mycorrhizae are an important energy source for orchids that may replace or supplement photosynthesis. Most mature orchids rely on mycorrhizae throughout their life cycles. However, little is known about temporal variation in root endophytic fungal diversity and their trophic functions throughout whole growth periods of the orchids. In this study, the community composition of root endophytic fungi and trophic relationships between root endophytic fungi and orchids were investigated in Bletilla striata and B. ochracea at different phenological stages using stable isotope natural abundance analysis combined with molecular identification analysis. We identified 467 OTUs assigned to root-associated fungal endophytes, which belonged to 25 orders in 10 phyla. Most of these OTUs were assigned to saprotroph (143 OTUs), pathotroph-saprotroph (63 OTUs) and pathotroph-saprotroph-symbiotroph (18 OTUs) using FunGuild database. Among these OTUs, about 54 OTUs could be considered as putative species of orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF). For both Bletilla species, significant temporal variation was observed in the diversity of root endophytic fungi. The florescence and emergence periods had higher fungal community richness of total species and endemic species than did other periods. Both Bletilla species were dominated by Agaricomycetes and Basidiomycota fungi throughout the whole year; however, their abundances varied between two Bletilla species and among phenological stages. Meanwhile, the ranges of ¹³C and ¹⁵N natural abundance were also highly dynamic across all growth stages of Bletilla species. Compared with the surrounding autotrophic plants, significant ¹³C enrichments (ε¹³C) were found across all phenological stages, while significant ¹⁵N enrichment in the florescence period and strong ¹⁵N depletion during the fruiting period were found for both Bletilla species. We can deduce that both Bletilla species obtained carbon from root endophytic fungi during the whole year. Additionally, the temporal varying tendency of root endophytic fungal diversity was consistent with ¹³C enrichments, which was also accord with the nutritional requirement of plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Changes in Fatty Acids Content in Organic Rosehip (Rosa spp.) Seeds during Ripening

by Jurgita Kulaitienė, Brigita Medveckienė, Dovilė Levickienė, Nijolė Vaitkevičienė, Violeta Makarevičienė and Elvyra Jarienė

Plants 2020, 9(12), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121793 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3548

Abstract

Studies on the determination of the optimal harvest time of rosehips are very limited. Therefore, the aim of this research was to ascertain the effect of the ripening stage on the quality and content of fatty acids of organic rosehip seeds. A two-factor field experiment with two rosehip species and cultivars (Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, and Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Rubra’, Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Alba’) was conducted during two growing seasons (2018–2019) on an organic farm. The fruits were harvested five times per season. The fatty acid composition of rosehip seeds was determined using a Gas Chromatograph with Split/Splitless Injector Liners. The highest amounts of fat were recorded in all rosehip seeds at ripening stage IV. The most dominant fatty acids in the seed samples were polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (73.88–79.52%), followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (14.67–18.89%) and saturated fatty acids (SUFAs) (5.22–7.36%). The highest amount of PUFAs was established in Rosa rugosa cv. ‘Alba’ seeds harvested at fully ripe stage V. It can be concluded that the rosehip seeds may be utilized as a source of fatty acids, especially PUFAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 1173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenols, Antioxidant Activity and Volatile Compounds in Fermented Leaves of Medicinal Plant Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

by Elvyra Jariene, Marius Lasinskas, Honorata Danilcenko, Nijole Vaitkeviciene, Alvyra Slepetiene, Katarzyna Najman and Ewelina Hallmann

Plants 2020, 9(12), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121683 - 1 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3340

Abstract

At present, the consumption of medical plants and functional foods is growing in the whole world. Rosebay willowherb (Chamerionangustifolium (L.) Holub) is an important medicinal plant that has various pharmacological effects (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and others), can improve the state of health and well-being, and reduce the risk of various diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate volatile compounds, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity in rosebay willowherb leaves fermented for 24 and 48 h in solid state fermentation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for polyphenols and the spectrophotometric method for antioxidant activity determinations were used. To recognize and identify the leaves’ fragrances, electronic nose (Alpha M.O.S) measurement technology was used. The results showed that the highest amounts of total polyphenols in dried matter were after 48 h aerobic solid state fermentation (SSF). Antioxidant activity was higher under 48 h SSF compared to the control. The most abundant flavoring compound groups were esters, terpenes, and aldehydes. In unfermented leaves, (z)-3-hexen-1-ol, acetate, hexyl acetate, and trans-hex-2-enyl acetate prevailed, characterized by fragrances of greenery, flowers, and fruits. The undesired esters group compounds, ethyl butyrate and butyl acetate, with pungent odor, were detected after 48 h anaerobic SSF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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24 pages, 2350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Antioxidant Activity, Organic Acid, and Phenolic Composition in Strawberry Tree Fruits (Arbutus unedo L.) Growing in Morocco

by Hafida Zitouni, Lahcen Hssaini, Rachida Ouaabou, Manuel Viuda-Martos, Francisca Hernández, Sezai Ercisli, Said Ennahli, Zerhoune Messaoudi and Hafida Hanine

Plants 2020, 9(12), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121677 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3831

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the main biochemical components and the antioxidant capacity of five strawberry tree fruits using three antioxidant essays within the ecotypic comparison scheme, to find out the most valuable fruit presenting disease-preventing properties. Total phenols, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and β-Carotene bleaching assays), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and moisture content were investigated in five strawberry tree genotypes belonging to several areas in Morocco. Phenolic compounds were also identified using high performance chromatography (HPLC), with a diode array detector (DAD). High significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) were revealed among the examined genotypes regarding their total phenols (25.37–39.06 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g Dry weight (DW), total flavonoids (3.30–7.07 mg RE/g Dry weight (DW), total anthocyanins (0.15–0.64 mg cya-3-glu/100g Dry weight (DW), pH (2.44–3.92), titratable acidity (0.65–1.01 g malic acid/100g Fresh weight (FW), and soluble solids (14.83–18.53%). The average radical scavenging capacity, assessed using three methods, exhibited the following concentration ranges: 3.33–21.08, 2.25–19.58, and 1.08–13 mg Ascorbic Equivalent (AAE/g Dry weight(DW) for the DPPH scavenging test, ABTS, and β-carotene bleaching, respectively. Seventeen phenolic compounds were identified in sampled cultivars. Gallocatechol and catechin were found to be the major phenolic compounds. The correlation matrix revealed significant correlations among investigated variables, particularly ABTS and DPPH. The principal component analysis showed that the first three components formed 90.25% of the total variance. The following variables: chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid derivative, ellagic acid, rutin, and cyanidin−30.5-diglucoside, were the most involved in the total variance. The results revealed highly promising physico-biochemical profiles within the studied strawberry tree genotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variability in the Content of Phenolic Compounds in Plum Fruit

by Mindaugas Liaudanskas, Rugilė Okulevičiūtė, Juozas Lanauskas, Darius Kviklys, Kristina Zymonė, Tamara Rendyuk, Vaidotas Žvikas, Nobertas Uselis and Valdimaras Janulis

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111611 - 20 Nov 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2989

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and content of phenolic compounds in extracts of plum fruit. Fruit of 17 plum cultivars were analyzed. Fruit samples were collected in 2019 from fruit trees with “Myrobalan” (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) and “Wangenheim Prune” (P. domestica L.) rootstocks. The following glycosides of the flavonol group were identified: avicularin, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, and an aglycone quercetin. Compounds of the flavan-3-ol group were identified, such as (+)-catechin, procyanidin C1, and procyanidin A2, along with chlorogenic acid attributed to phenolic acids and a non-phenolic cyclitol–quinic acid. Of all the analytes identified in plum fruit samples, quinic acid predominated, while chlorogenic acid predominated among all the identified phenolic compounds, and rutin predominated in the flavonol group. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that fruit samples of “Kubanskaya Kometa”, “Zarechnaya Raniaya”, “Duke of Edinburgh”, “Jubileum”, and “Favorita del Sultano” cultivars had different quantitative content of phenolic compounds from that observed in other samples. The highest total amount of phenolic compounds was found in the European plum samples of the “Zarechnaya Rannyaya” cultivar, while the amount of quinic acid was the highest in plum fruit samples of the “Jubileum” cultivar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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22 pages, 4241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity of Cranberry Crop Wild Relatives, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and V. oxycoccos L., in the US, with Special Emphasis on National Forests

by Lorraine Rodriguez-Bonilla, Karen A. Williams, Fabian Rodríguez Bonilla, Daniel Matusinec, Andrew Maule, Kevin Coe, Eric Wiesman, Luis Diaz-Garcia and Juan Zalapa

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111446 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3311

Abstract

Knowledge of the genetic diversity in populations of crop wild relatives (CWR) can inform effective strategies for their conservation and facilitate utilization to solve agricultural challenges. Two crop wild relatives of the cultivated cranberry are widely distributed in the US. We studied 21 populations of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and 24 populations of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. across much of their native ranges in the US using 32 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We observed high levels of heterozygosity for both species across populations with private alleles ranging from 0 to 26. For V. macrocarpon, we found a total of 613 alleles and high levels of heterozygosity (H_O = 0.99, H_T = 0.75). We also observed high numbers of alleles (881) and levels of heterozygosity (H_O = 0.71, H_T = 0.80) in V. oxycoccos (4x). Our genetic analyses confirmed the field identification of a native population of V. macrocarpon on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the state of Washington, far outside the previously reported range for the species. Our results will help to inform efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to conserve the most diverse and unique wild cranberry populations through ex situ preservation of germplasm and in situ conservation in designated sites on National Forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 3697 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Variability in the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition and Content of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of Introduced American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)

by Ieva Gudžinskaitė, Elicija Stackevičienė, Mindaugas Liaudanskas, Kristina Zymonė, Vaidotas Žvikas, Jonas Viškelis, Rima Urbštaitė and Valdimaras Janulis

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101379 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3595

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and content of phenolic compounds in ethanol extracts of eight different cultivars of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit using spectrophotometric and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro of these extracts. The highest total amount of phenolic compounds evaluated via Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometry was detected in American cranberry fruit samples of the ‘Bain’ clone, and the highest total amount of flavonoids was found in samples of the ‘Drever’ and ‘Baiwfay’ cultivars. The highest total amount of the individual phenolic compounds (519.53 ± 25.12 mg/g DW) identified and quantitatively evaluated via chromatography was detected in samples of the ‘Searles’ cranberry cultivar. In the studied cranberry samples, the predominant phenolic compounds were hyperoside, quercetin, and procyanidin A2, while the amounts of other compounds were significantly lower. HCA and PCA revealed that ‘Woolman’, ‘Holliston’, ‘Pilgrim, and ‘Searles’ fruit samples had different quantitative content of phenolic compounds from other cranberry cultivars. Meanwhile, fruit of ‘Baiwfay’, ‘Drever’, ‘Bain’, and ‘Bergman’ were similar in their phytochemical profile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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20 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intraspecific Variation in Nectar Chemistry and Its Implications for Insect Visitors: The Case of the Medicinal Plant, Polemonium Caeruleum L.

by Justyna Ryniewicz, Mateusz Skłodowski, Magdalena Chmur, Andrzej Bajguz, Katarzyna Roguz, Agata Roguz and Marcin Zych

Plants 2020, 9(10), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9101297 - 1 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3160

Abstract

Floral nectar, being a primary reward for insect visitors, is a key factor in shaping plant–pollinator interactions. However, little is known about the variability in nectar traits, which could potentially affect pollinators and the reproduction of the species. We investigated intraspecific variation in nectar traits in 14 populations of a Red-listed plant, Polemonium caeruleum. Populations varied in terms of the proportion of self-compatible and self-incompatible individuals, and insect communities visiting flowers. Using HPLC, we determined the nectar sugar and amino acid (AA) composition and concentration. We also recorded some basic habitat parameters, which could influence nectar chemistry. In seven selected populations, we investigated the taxonomic composition of the insects visiting flowers. Our observations revealed significant intraspecific variability in nectar chemistry in P. caeruleum. Nectar production was male-biased, with male-phase flowers secreting sucrose- and AA-rich nectar. An analysis revealed that variability in P. caeruleum nectar may be slightly shaped by environmental factors. The studied nectar characters, especially sugars, had little effect on insects visiting flowers. We argue that variation in nectar traits in this generalist plant is a matter of random genetic drift or “adaptive wandering” rather than directional specialization and adaptation in the most effective and abundant group of pollinators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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Review

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10 pages, 390 KiB

Open AccessReview

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil: A Review

by Audronė Ispiryan, Jonas Viškelis and Pranas Viškelis

Plants 2021, 10(5), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050944 - 9 May 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7980

Abstract

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seed oil (RSO) is considered as a source of high value bioactive compounds as fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, antioxidants, monoterpenes and many other chemical constituents. These compounds are appreciated as a source of nutrition for humans, as additives in cosmetic production, has immense therapeutic potential. Raspberry seed oil exerts many pharmacological effects included antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and many other effects. The various databases like PubMed and Science Direct were used to identify, analyze and summarize the research literature on raspberries. This review will highlight recent developments of the chemical constituents and nutraceutical and cosmetical effects of RSO. Practical application: analyzed recent researches and international patents containing raspberry seed oil can help practitioners of various industries create new high-value products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants)

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Natural Resources of Berry and Medicinal Plants

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