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12 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Analysis of the Aerial Parts of Campanula pelviformis Lam. (Campanulaceae): Documenting the Dietary Value of a Local Endemic Plant of Crete (Greece) Traditionally Used as Wild Edible Green

by Olga S. Tsiftsoglou, George Lagogiannis, Antonia Psaroudaki, Aikaterina Vantsioti, Milan N. Mitić, Jelena M. Mrmošanin and Diamanto Lazari

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7404; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097404 - 29 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

Native wild edible greens usually include plants with widespread geographical ranges and represent a long tradition associated with well-documented health effects, especially in the frame of the Mediterranean diet. Although consuming local endemic and range-restricted plants as wild edible greens is rare, in [...] Read more.

Native wild edible greens usually include plants with widespread geographical ranges and represent a long tradition associated with well-documented health effects, especially in the frame of the Mediterranean diet. Although consuming local endemic and range-restricted plants as wild edible greens is rare, in some areas of Crete this is a long ethnobotanical tradition. The present study is focused on the phytochemical and nutritional element analyses of the edible parts of the wild-growing green Campanula pelviformis. To date, nine secondary metabolites have been isolated: lobetyolin (1), calaliukiuenoside (2), demethylsyrrigin (3), wahlenoside A (4), chlorogenic acid methyl (5) and butyl ester (6), nicotiflorin (7), rutin (8) and corchoionoside A (9). This first-time research on the phytochemical composition of this local endemic plant of Crete is a basic step in attempts to document its nutritional value, also allowing an exploration of its beneficial properties. The nutritional value of the Mediterranean diet owes much to the inclusion of native edible wild plants, which are abundant in mineral elements and bioactive compounds known to promote human health. Among these plants, the local Cretan endemic species C. pelviformis stands out as a rare and valuable source of wild edibles with traditional dietary significance in eastern Crete. This plant’s rich content of mineral elements and bioactive compounds makes it an intriguing subject for further research into the potential health benefits of wild plant consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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28 pages, 7593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Growth of Medicinal and Aromatic Mediterranean Plants Growing as Communities in Shallow Substrate Urban Green Roof Systems

by Dimitra S. Varela-Stasinopoulou, Panayiotis A. Nektarios, Nikolaos Ntoulas, Panayiotis Trigas and Georgios I. Roukounakis

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5940; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075940 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

To date, the evaluation of the performance of Mediterranean native plants under urban green roof conditions has been limited to monoculture studies. However, plants grow naturally in plant communities and therefore it is of interest to evaluate their growth under realistic conditions, including [...] Read more.

To date, the evaluation of the performance of Mediterranean native plants under urban green roof conditions has been limited to monoculture studies. However, plants grow naturally in plant communities and therefore it is of interest to evaluate their growth under realistic conditions, including interactions among plant species. The present study aims to evaluate the growth, flowering, and self-reproduction capacity of three artificially created plant communities consisting of native Mediterranean plants, as exemplified in Greece under shallow green roof substrate depths (8 and 15 cm) and two irrigation regimes (high, 20% ET_o and low, 10% ET_o). The plant communities (PC) were designed to resemble xerophytic vegetation found either in Chania, Crete (PC-1), as a combined pattern with plants from Attica, Crete, and the Cyclades (Kythnos) (PC-2), or to resemble the coastal vegetation of Attica and Cyclades (Kythnos) (PC-3). Each of the three artificial plant communities (PC-1, PC-2 and PC-3) consisted of nine species and subspecies. The deeper substrate significantly improved the growth, flowering and survival of most plant taxa. The irrigation regime was not significant for all species except one, indicating that minimal amounts of irrigation are required. Four species did not manage to bloom while 15 species were able to self-reproduce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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16 pages, 7810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultivating the Mediterranean Wild Edible Species Cichorium spinosum L. in Aquaponics: Functional and Growth Responses to Minimal Nutrient Supplementation

by Evangelia Tsoumalakou, Eleni Mente, Nikolaos Vlahos and Efi Levizou

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5572; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065572 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Aquaponics is a plant and fish co-cultivation system with high sustainability, yet sub-optimal concentrations of Fe and K often compromise crop yields. We cultivated the Mediterranean wild edible Cichorium spinosum L. (Greek name: stamnagathi) in an aquaponics setup following a minimal supplementation approach [...] Read more.

Aquaponics is a plant and fish co-cultivation system with high sustainability, yet sub-optimal concentrations of Fe and K often compromise crop yields. We cultivated the Mediterranean wild edible Cichorium spinosum L. (Greek name: stamnagathi) in an aquaponics setup following a minimal supplementation approach that focused on Fe and K. Stamnagathi and tilapia fish were co-cultivated under (i) solely Fe, (ii) Fe+K input and (iii) no-input Control treatments. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of aquaponics for stamnagathi cultivation, identify the system’s bottlenecks, and propose optimization measures. Several plant’s growth and functional parameters were monitored throughout the 35-day experimental period, notably instantaneous gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity via light response curves, state and efficiency of the photosynthetic machinery, pigment content, and yield and morphometric assessments. Fish growth characteristics and survival rates remained unaffected. Fe deficiency was crucial in shaping the responses of Control stamnagathi, which showed inferior performance in terms of photochemistry, chlorophylls content, light use efficiency and, subsequently, photosynthetic activity. Fe and Fe+K-treated plants exhibited similarly high performance in all studied parameters and achieved 4.5- and 4-fold increased yields, respectively, compared to Control. The results demonstrate that aquaponics is an advantageous cropping system for stamnagathi and solely Fe supplementation is adequate to promote excellent performance and yield of this oligotrophic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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25 pages, 2938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Use of Chilean Native Species in Vertical Greening Systems

by Maria P. Kaltsidi, Ignacia Bayer, Christina Mitsi and Danilo Aros

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4944; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064944 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2025

Abstract

Vertical greening systems (VGSs), i.e., living walls (LWs) and green façades (GFs), are considered a promising technology to diminish the negative effects of urbanisation. Plant selection for these systems is challenging due to the narrow spectrum of species available, and the required adaptation [...] Read more.

Vertical greening systems (VGSs), i.e., living walls (LWs) and green façades (GFs), are considered a promising technology to diminish the negative effects of urbanisation. Plant selection for these systems is challenging due to the narrow spectrum of species available, and the required adaptation to specific climate conditions. Considering Chile’s rich plant biodiversity, this study aims to analyse the potential of Chilean native species to be introduced in VGSs. A total of 109 potentially usable species from the north (n = 25), centre (n = 32), south (n = 31) and the Andes Mountains (n = 21) were selected for VGSs, showing a high level of endemism (43.1%). According to the filters applied, 39 and 70 species were selected for GFs and LWs, respectively. To evaluate appreciation of Chilean native plants and their potential use in VGSs, an online questionnaire was responded by 428 individuals. Most participants agreed or strongly agreed with the use of LWs and/or GFs inside their house/apartment (75.5%) and in their garden/balcony (90.0%). Most of the participants agreed or strongly agreed with the use of Chilean native plants inside their house/apartment (75.0%) and in their garden/balcony (84.4%). Further empirical studies are still required to confirm the use of Chilean native species in LWs and GFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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16 pages, 3272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selection for Sustainable Preservation through In Vitro Propagation of Mature Pyrus spinosa Genotypes Rich in Total Phenolics and Antioxidants

by Styliani Alexandri, Maria Tsaktsira, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Stefanos Kostas, Irini Nianiou-Obeidat, Athanasios Economou, Apostolos Scaltsoyiannes and Parthena Tsoulpha

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4511; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054511 - 2 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

Pyrus spinosa Forssk. (almond-leaved pear) is a wild-growing native tree of the hilly countryside of Greece, which has recently gained interest for its valuable endogenous substances. In the present work, the determination of the total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) was [...] Read more.

Pyrus spinosa Forssk. (almond-leaved pear) is a wild-growing native tree of the hilly countryside of Greece, which has recently gained interest for its valuable endogenous substances. In the present work, the determination of the total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) was carried out during 2021 and 2022 in leaves from 32 genotypes of mature wild-growing trees at four different locations of Central Macedonia District, Greece: Agia Anastasia, Chalkidiki, Lagadas and Pieria. The measurements taken from the leaf samples of all genotypes revealed a strong positive linear correlation between TPC and AC (R² = 0.772). Two genotypes from Agia Anastasia, coded as AA2 and AA3, were comparatively the richest in TPC (44.86 for AA2 and 46.32 mg GAE/g fresh weight for AA3) and AC (70.31 and 71.21 μg AAE/g fresh weight for the same genotypes). For these two genotypes of high TPC and AC, an efficient micropropagation protocol was developed to preserve and multiply this valuable germplasm. Newly emerged shoot tips were excised from winter shoots and, after disinfestation, they were established on a modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium with 5 μΜ of 6-Benzyloaminopurine (BAP). For shoot multiplication, explants from clean cultures were transferred to Pear Medium 1 with 5 μΜ of BAP. The effect of the nutrient medium was tested by using five different nutrient media (modified MS, Pear Medium 1, Pear Medium 2, DKW and WPM) supplemented with 5 μΜ of BAP. Pear Medium 1 was the most effective in shoot formation. Among the four different BAP concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 20 μΜ) used in Pear Medium 1, 5 μΜ of BAP resulted in the production of the significantly highest number of shoots (22.7 shoots per explant, 2.4 cm long). The exposure of cultures to 10 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ for one week under light irradiance followed by 35 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ for four weeks increased both the number and length of the shoots produced. A 20-s dip of the shoot bases into 49.0 μΜ of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) in EtOH equally affected rooting in a modified rooting MS (79%) and Pear Medium 1 (80%). The root system developed better in the modified rooting MS medium (mean number of roots of 2.7 with a length of 3.9 cm). The acclimatization of the plantlets was successfully carried out (high survival rates five weeks after their establishment) on a perlite substrate under controlled environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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20 pages, 3631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Seed and Clonal Propagation of the Mediterranean Bee Friendly Plant Anthyllis hermanniae L.

by Aikaterini N. Martini and Maria Papafotiou

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054025 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1521

Abstract

Anthyllis hermanniae L. (Fabaceae) is a perennial Mediterranean shrub with the potential to be used as a bee-friendly ornamental plant in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its tolerance of barren soils, winds, and strong temperature changes. With the aim of facilitating the [...] Read more.

Anthyllis hermanniae L. (Fabaceae) is a perennial Mediterranean shrub with the potential to be used as a bee-friendly ornamental plant in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its tolerance of barren soils, winds, and strong temperature changes. With the aim of facilitating the introduction of the species into the horticulture industry, its in vitro seed and clonal propagation was investigated for the first time, to our knowledge. Seeds stored in the dark at room temperature for 4, 7, 9, 12, and 18 months germinated at percentages higher than 80% after scarification, when incubated in vitro in solid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at temperatures from 10 to 25 °C, while photoperiod (continuous darkness or 16 h light period/8 h dark) during incubation did not affect germination. Explants excised from in vitro grown seedlings established at higher percentages compared to explants from adult native plants, more efficiently in MS medium with 1.0 mg L⁻¹ 6 N benzyladenine (BA). During subcultures in the same medium, juvenile explants formed more and longer shoots than adult ones. Almost all adult explants formed shoots when subcultured in MS medium with 0.0 to 4.0 mg L⁻¹ BA, zeatin, kinetin or 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (2iP). ΒA at 0.5 to 2.0 mg L⁻¹ induced many more shoots (17–21) per explant and much higher multiplication indices compared to all other cytokinins, while longer shoots were produced in a medium without hormones or with 0.5–1.0 mg L⁻¹ 2iP. Microshoots cultured in half-strength MS medium with 0.0–4.0 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid rooted at highest percentage (around 70%) in the medium containing 4.0 mg L⁻¹ IBA, while microshoots of juvenile origin developed more and longer roots compared to adult ones. Micropropagated plantlets were successfully acclimatized ex vitro (>97%), regardless of their origin. The efficient micropropagation of A. hermaniae will facilitate its sustainable exploitation as a bee-friendly landscape plant, a forage plant for honeybees in Mediterranean areas, and a medicinal plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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12 pages, 1363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Species-Specific Secondary Metabolites from Primula veris subsp. veris Obtained In Vitro Adventitious Root Cultures: An Alternative for Sustainable Production

by Virginia Sarropoulou, Eirini Sarrou, Andrea Angeli, Stefan Martens, Eleni Maloupa and Katerina Grigoriadou

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032452 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2436

Abstract

Primula veris subsp. veris L. is a perennial herbaceous and medicinal plant species the roots and flowers of which are a source of valuable pharmaceutical raw materials. The plant tissues are used to produce expectorant and diuretic drugs due to their high content [...] Read more.

Primula veris subsp. veris L. is a perennial herbaceous and medicinal plant species the roots and flowers of which are a source of valuable pharmaceutical raw materials. The plant tissues are used to produce expectorant and diuretic drugs due to their high content of triterpene saponins and phenolic glycosides. Underground roots of P. veris can be obtained only through a destructive process during the plant’s harvesting. In the present study, an in vitro adventitious root production protocol was developed as an alternative way of production, focused on four species-specific secondary metabolites. Root explants were cultured in Murashing & Skoog liquid medium supplemented with 5.4 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid, 0.5 μM kinetin, L-proline 100 mg/L, and 30 g/L sucrose, in the dark and under agitation. The effect of temperature (10, 15 and 22 °C) on biomass production was investigated. The content of two flavonoid compounds (primeverin and primulaverin), and two main triterpene saponins (primulic acid I and II) were determined after 60 days of culture and compared with 1.5-year-old soil-grown plants. The accumulated content (mg/g DW) of bioactive compounds of in vitro adventitious roots cultured under 22 °C was significantly higher than the other two temperatures of the study, being 9.71 mg/g DW in primulaverin, 0.09 mg/g DW in primeverin, 6.09 mg/g DW in primulic acid I, and 0.51 mg/g DW in primulic acid II. Compared to the soil-grown roots (10.23 mg/g DW primulaverin, 0.28 mg/g DW primeverin, 17.01 mg/g DW primulic acid I, 0.09 mg/g DW primulic acid II), the in vitro grown roots at 22 °C exhibited a 5.67-fold higher content in primulic acid II. However, primulic acid I and primeverin content were approximately three-fold higher in soil-grown roots, while primulaverin content were at similar levels for both in vitro at 22 °C and soil-grown roots. From our results, tissue culture of P. veris subsp. veris could serve not only for propagation but also for production of species-specific secondary metabolites such as primulic acid II through adventitious root cultures. This would therefore limit the uncontrolled collection of this plant from its natural environment and provide natural products free from pesticides in a sustainable way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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18 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Productive and Nutritional Characteristics of Native Grasses from the Floodplain Banks Ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoquia

by Arcesio Salamanca-Carreño, Mauricio Vélez-Terranova, Oscar M. Vargas-Corzo, Pere M. Parés-Casanova and Jannet Bentez-Molano

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215151 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

Productive and nutritional evaluations of native grasses are usually scarce, limiting their use in the feeding of herbivorous species. This study aims to determine the forage yield and nutritional value of native grasses from the floodplain “banks” ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoquia. Four [...] Read more.

Productive and nutritional evaluations of native grasses are usually scarce, limiting their use in the feeding of herbivorous species. This study aims to determine the forage yield and nutritional value of native grasses from the floodplain “banks” ecosystem in the Colombian Orinoquia. Four native grasses (Paspalum plicatulum, Axonopus compresus, Axonopus purpussi, and Paspalum spp.) and a “control” grass (introduced Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato) were sown and sampled at 30, 40, and 50 days of age. On each sampling date, biomass production in a 1 m² frame was estimated, and the chemical composition was analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy. Data analysis included repeated measures analysis, correlations, and multiple linear regression. The grasses’ nutritional characteristics varied as follows: dry matter (DM, 0.9–2.5 ton/ha), crude protein (CP, 4.3–10.2%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 61–73.9%) ash (3.2–8.7%), and dry matter digestibility (DMD, 50.8–56.3%). P. plicatulum achieved comparable forage production to that of the “control” grass. A. purpussi, Paspalum sp., and P. plicatulum presented similar CP and ash contents, and a higher Ca:P ratio. Regression analysis indicated that DMD was affected by the CP and acid detergent fiber (ADF) levels. These native grasses constitute promising nutritional alternatives that must be considered in the region’s livestock-production systems; however, detailed studies to evaluate animal performance and consumption are still required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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16 pages, 3027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acclimatization of Mediterranean Native Sages (Salvia spp.) and Interspecific Hybrids in an Urban Green Roof under Regular and Reduced Irrigation

by Maria Papafotiou, Aikaterini N. Martini, Lamprini Tassoula, Eleftherios G. Stylias, Anastasios Kalantzis and Eleftherios Dariotis

Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 4978; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14094978 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1745

Abstract

Native-to-Greece sage species, namely, Salvia fruticosa, S. officinalis, S. pomifera ssp. pomifera, S. ringens, S. tomentosa and interspecific hybrids, were evaluated for their acclimatization in an extensive Mediterranean green roof during summer under regular and reduced irrigation (every 2–3 [...] Read more.

Native-to-Greece sage species, namely, Salvia fruticosa, S. officinalis, S. pomifera ssp. pomifera, S. ringens, S. tomentosa and interspecific hybrids, were evaluated for their acclimatization in an extensive Mediterranean green roof during summer under regular and reduced irrigation (every 2–3 days with substrate moisture 16–22% v/v and 4–5 days with substrate moisture 7–11% v/v, respectively). A substrate (grape-marc compost:perlite:pumice, 3:3:4, v/v) that was 10 cm deep was used. Regardless of the irrigation frequency, S. pomifera ssp. pomifera × S. ringens and S. officinalis × S. pomifera ssp. pomifera showed the highest survival of all hybrids and species, along with satisfactory growth, while S. fruticosa showed the lowest survival. Reduced irrigation resulted in the reduction of aboveground and root biomass, with no damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. S. fruticosa showed the highest (53%) aboveground biomass reduction and S. officinalis, S. officinalis × S. ringens and S. pomifera ssp. pomifera × S. ringens showed the lowest (28, 23 and 3%, respectively), while S. officinalis × S. pomifera ssp. pomifera and S. pomifera ssp. pomifera × S. ringens showed the lowest reduction in root biomass (13 and 16%, respectively). With a reservation for S. fruticosa, Greek Salvia spp. and their interspecific hybrids studied in the present work are recommended for sustainable exploitation in extensive green roofs in arid regions and generally in xeriscaping. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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16 pages, 1526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the Halophyte Crithmum maritimum in Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Horticulture: Effect of Substrate and Nutrient Content Analysis including Potentially Toxic Elements

by Aikaterini N. Martini, Maria Papafotiou, Ioannis Massas and Nikoleta Chorianopoulou

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084713 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1998

Abstract

The effect of substrate type and cultivation site in the urban fabric on growth, nutrient content and potentially toxic element (PTE) accumulation in tissues of the halophyte Crithmum maritimum was studied. Plantlets were cultivated for twelve months in containers with a green-roof infrastructure [...] Read more.

The effect of substrate type and cultivation site in the urban fabric on growth, nutrient content and potentially toxic element (PTE) accumulation in tissues of the halophyte Crithmum maritimum was studied. Plantlets were cultivated for twelve months in containers with a green-roof infrastructure fitted and placed either on an urban second-floor roof or on ground level by the side of a moderate-traffic street. Two substrate types were used; one comprising grape marc compost, perlite and pumice (3:3:4, v/v) and one composed of grape marc compost, perlite, pumice and soil (3:3:2:2, v/v), with 10 cm depth. Plants grew well on both sites, although aboveground growth parameters and nutrient content in leaves were greater at street level. Both cultivation site and substrate type affected heavy-metal accumulation in plant tissues. Cu, Ni and Fe concentrations in leaves and Pb in roots were higher in street-level-grown plants compared to the roof-grown plants, and concentrations of Cu and Mn in leaves and Fe in both leaves and roots were lower in the soilless substrate compared to the soil-substrate, making the soilless type preferable in the interest of both safer produce for human consumption and lower construction weight in the case of green-roof cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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21 pages, 4228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Exploitation of Greek Rosmarinus officinalis L. Populations for Ornamental Use through Propagation by Shoot Cuttings and In Vitro Cultures

by Stefanos Kostas, Aikaterini Kaplani, Efthymia Koulaouzidou, Aikaterini-Angeliki Kotoula, Evangelos Gklavakis, Parthena Tsoulpha, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Irini Nianiou-Obeidat, Angelos K. Kanellis and Athanasios Economou

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4059; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074059 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

Rosmarinus officinalis L. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is cultivated worldwide due to its diverse uses as an ornamental evergreen shrub in gardening, as well as a food seasoning and a natural medicine. The present research was conducted to study the morphological [...] Read more.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is cultivated worldwide due to its diverse uses as an ornamental evergreen shrub in gardening, as well as a food seasoning and a natural medicine. The present research was conducted to study the morphological traits of seven wild-grown rosemary populations in Greece, as well as the propagation of two selected populations with the most desirable ornamental characteristics, by the use of shoot cuttings and in vitro cultures. From the study of the morphological traits of the seven populations, those with interesting features were grown in the areas of Amaliada and Piperia and, thus, were chosen for studying their propagation. Rooting of the shoot cuttings was carried out during the four seasons of the year, using potassium salt Indole-3-butyric acid (K-IBA) at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 g·L⁻¹, in various substrates under the intermittent mist or fog system. It was found that the shoot cuttings rooted easily in all four seasons, but there were better results for the population of ‘Piperia’ in autumn, with 1 g·L⁻¹ K-IBA (80%), and ‘Amaliada’ in spring, with 0.5 g·L⁻¹ K-IBA (82.5%), while higher rooting percentages were achieved in the fog system, on a substrate consisting of perlite and peat, in a ratio of 2:1 (85%). For the in vitro cultures, shoot tips excised from the two selected populations were successfully disinfested by pre-soaking in an antioxidant solution and then, by sterilizing them in 0.6% (w/v) NaOCl, followed by transferring them onto a Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium. ‘Amaliada’ cultures proved to be the most productive population (2.1 shoots per explant), with the highest shoot formation frequency (91.6%), when cultivated on the MS nutrient medium without plant growth regulators. For ‘Piperia’ cultures, the highest shoot formation frequency (66.6%) was achieved on the MS nutrient medium supplemented with 0.25 or 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ 6-Benzyloaminopurine (BAP) and 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Spontaneous root formation frequency was noticed on the MS nutrient medium, containing 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ BAP and 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ IAA, for both ‘Amaliada’ and ‘Piperia’ cultures (50% and 41.6%, respectively) in a single stage, with root lengths of 7.1 and 5.3 cm, respectively. Rosemary plantlets, with roots formed in vitro after transplanting them in soilless substrate, were acclimatized adequately in the greenhouse environment (~70%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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22 pages, 6405 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Facilitating Conservation and Bridging Gaps for the Sustainable Exploitation of the Tunisian Local Endemic Plant Marrubium aschersonii (Lamiaceae)

by Elias Pipinis, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Stefanos Kostas, Soumaya Bourgou, Wided Megdiche-Ksouri, Zeineb Ghrabi-Gammar, Mohamed Libiad, Abdelmajid Khabbach, Mohamed El Haissoufi, Fatima Lamchouri, Emmanouil Koundourakis, Vasileios Greveniotis, Evgenia Papaioannou, Michalia A. Sakellariou, Ioannis Anestis, Georgios Tsoktouridis and Nikos Krigas

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031637 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3498

Abstract

In the frame of conservation and sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study produced for the first time a detailed ecological profiling for the local Tunisian endemic Marrubium ascheronii (Lamiaceae) using Geographical Information Systems and open-source data. This profile was [...] Read more.

In the frame of conservation and sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study produced for the first time a detailed ecological profiling for the local Tunisian endemic Marrubium ascheronii (Lamiaceae) using Geographical Information Systems and open-source data. This profile was used to illustrate the abiotic environmental conditions of its wild habitats; the profile facilitated the examination of the effect of temperature on its seed germination and may inform species-specific guidelines for its cultivation in man-made environments. With effective seed propagation firstly reported herein (68.75% at 20 °C), species-specific in situ conservation efforts and ex situ conservation or sustainable exploitation strategies were enabled for M. aschersonii. The first-reported molecular authentication (DNA barcoding) of M. aschersonii may facilitate its traceability, allowing for product design. This study also reports for the first time the effects of chemical and integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers on the growth and pilot cultivation of M. aschersonii seedlings, with the latter being advantageous. This multidisciplinary approach has bridged important research gaps that hindered the conservation efforts and/or the sustainable exploitation for this local endemic plant of Tunisia. Based on all the above, we re-evaluated and updated the feasibility and readiness timescale for sustainable exploitation of M. aschersonii in the medicinal-cosmetic, agro-alimentary and ornamental-horticultural sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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19 pages, 2895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Cultivation of the Vulnerable Cretan Endemic Verbascum arcturus L. (Scrophulariaceae): Effect of Fertilization on Growth and Quality Features

by Konstantinos Paschalidis, Dimitrios Fanourakis, Georgios Tsaniklidis, Vasileios A. Tzanakakis, Fotis Bilias, Eftihia Samara, Konstantinos Kalogiannakis, Faten Jamel Debouba, Ioannis Ipsilantis, Georgios Tsoktouridis, Theodora Matsi and Nikos Krigas

Sustainability 2021, 13(24), 14030; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132414030 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2831

Abstract

The domestication of wild-growing plants, including cultivation and fertilization protocols, is able to alleviate the ecological risks posed by the uncontrolled harvesting of range-restricted local endemic plants. In this field study focused on Verbascum arcturus, a vulnerable local endemic of Crete (Greece), [...] Read more.

The domestication of wild-growing plants, including cultivation and fertilization protocols, is able to alleviate the ecological risks posed by the uncontrolled harvesting of range-restricted local endemic plants. In this field study focused on Verbascum arcturus, a vulnerable local endemic of Crete (Greece), the effect of two kinds of fertilization applied by two methods (foliar/root) was investigated. The foliar application included conventional or integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilization. Root application included the application of conventional fertilizers, biostimulants, or INM with biostimulants. Several properties of plant growth, physiology and nutrition were determined. The results showed that fertilization treatment affected neither leaf color and shape nor plant growth, morphology, dry mass partitioning or nutrient content. However, both kinds of foliar-applied fertilization enhanced Zn and B in leaves and soil-applied biostimulant increased leaf Ca. Considering both chlorophyll and antioxidant compounds’ content, foliar application of the INM fertilizers, as well as soil application of the conventional fertilizers or biostimulants, could be considered as accepted options. This study reports for the first time an assessment of the total phenolic and flavonoids content evidenced in V. arcturus and encourages the use of fertilization in promoting the herbal antioxidant profile without compromising visual quality or yield. The findings of this study could be considered as a documented contribution toward the sustainable exploitation of V. arcturus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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15 pages, 1803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetative Propagation and ISSR-Based Genetic Identification of Genotypes of Ilex aquifolium ‘Agrifoglio Commune’

by Maria Tsaktsira, Eleana Chavale, Stefanos Kostas, Elias Pipinis, Parthena Tsoulpha, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Fotios-Theocharis Ziogou, Irini Nianiou-Obeidat, Ivan Iliev, Athanasios Economou and Apostolos Scaltsoyiannes

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10345; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810345 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

The market demand for interesting varieties and cultivars of Ilex aquifolium necessitates the exploration and sustainable exploitation of plant individuals thriving in nature without human care. In this work, an effort was made to develop a simple and reliable protocol for vegetative propagation [...] Read more.

The market demand for interesting varieties and cultivars of Ilex aquifolium necessitates the exploration and sustainable exploitation of plant individuals thriving in nature without human care. In this work, an effort was made to develop a simple and reliable protocol for vegetative propagation of I. aquifolium plants, with desirable-for-market characteristics, grown in a mountain area of Halkidiki, Greece, and at the same time to proceed with their genetic identification using molecular markers. From these plants, new plants were vegetatively produced which afterward were used as stock plants for providing the needed shoot cuttings for the experiments of rooting and leaves for their genetic analysis. Factors studied in formulating a propagation protocol included the season of cutting collection and the application of 0.2% 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), as well as the type of shoot cuttings (terminal, subterminal) and the application of auxin. It was found that application of NAA was crucial for rooting response and number of roots formed, whereas the season effect was not significant on rooting. Terminal cuttings treated with 0.2% NAA exhibited the highest rooting percentage (100%) and formed abundant roots (25.7) compared to subterminal ones. All rooted cuttings, after being potted and transferred to acclimatization greenhouse, were successfully hardened. In the spring of the next year, the produced plants blossomed abundantly and formed fruits (bright red berries) presenting their characteristic ornamental appearance that was maintained until Christmas. For the identification procedure, the genotypic profile of the stock plants was also investigated by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) genetic analysis, revealing that they were genetically the same both among themselves and when compared with a certified I. aquifolium ‘Agrifoglio Commune’ individual, but they differed genetically from I. aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ and I. aquifolium ‘Hellas’. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessReview

Approaches and Applications of Mentha Species in Sustainable Agriculture

by Kalliopi I. Kadoglidou and Paschalina Chatzopoulou

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5245; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065245 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The potential applications of the genus Mentha as natural pesticides and environmentally friendly postharvest treatments for agricultural products in sustainable agriculture are reviewed here. The non-commercialized Mentha species in Greece and the rest of the world are presented, and the possibility of their [...] Read more.

The potential applications of the genus Mentha as natural pesticides and environmentally friendly postharvest treatments for agricultural products in sustainable agriculture are reviewed here. The non-commercialized Mentha species in Greece and the rest of the world are presented, and the possibility of their exploitation is discussed. Recent developments in successive methods of application—i.e., the formulation of Mentha extracts/oils in eco-friendly pesticides, fumigation, and the assessment of performance in field trials—are also reported. Several studies have shown that Mentha species in various forms (e.g., essential oil (EO), aqueous extract, fresh or dried plant material, compost, etc.), or in different cropping systems (e.g., crop rotation, intercropping system/cover crop, cultivation and incorporation as green manure) offer the potential to be used in agriculture, with the goal of managing plant pathogens (bacteria and fungi), animal pests (insects, acarines, and nematodes), weeds, and for the improvement of soil quality and productivity as well. Finally, several studies are presented concerning the enhancement of Mentha EOs effectiveness in agriculture, and to also overcome the limitations of their nature (being unstable when exposed to light and oxygen), by using a combination of EOs, or by developing novel formulations (microencapsulation). Taking into consideration all the abovementioned findings, it is evident that Mentha species could be used in sustainable agricultural systems for integrated pest management. This can be achieved utilizing them either directly as a crop, green manure, or compost, or indirectly by developing natural pesticides based on their EOs or extracts. Nonetheless, further field experiments must be conducted, to confirm the efficacy of various formulas on pests under crop conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

26 pages, 415 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overview of the Success of In Vitro Culture for Ex Situ Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Endemic and Subendemic Native Plants of Romania

by Ana-Maria Radomir, Ramona Stan, Alina Florea, Cristina-Magdalena Ciobotea, Florina Mădălina Bănuță, Magdalena Negru, Monica Angela Neblea and Dorin Ioan Sumedrea

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032581 - 31 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2427

Abstract

Romania has a relatively high diversity of plant species, including 3829 vascular and 979 non-vascular spontaneous plant taxa (species and subspecies). Due to uncontrolled harvesting as well as other causes, including climate change and ecological collapse, the speed of species extinction and the [...] Read more.

Romania has a relatively high diversity of plant species, including 3829 vascular and 979 non-vascular spontaneous plant taxa (species and subspecies). Due to uncontrolled harvesting as well as other causes, including climate change and ecological collapse, the speed of species extinction and the narrowing of the genetic base of plant resources has been reported as a critical issue. Therefore, the national Red List of Romanian flora includes 1453 threatened taxa, of which 95 are endemic and 90 subendemic. Many of these have high ornamental, medicinal–cosmetic, and/or aromatic properties. The high extinction risk of these valuable plants has stimulated both the reconsideration of their vital importance as genetic resources and interest in finding effective methods for conservation. Cultivating these phytogenetic resources in a human-controlled environment is of high importance for effective ex situ conservation, which can further serve sustainable exploitation needs and may facilitate in situ conservation actions. In vitro culture is a powerful tool for producing elite plants for cultivation for different purposes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on in vitro multiplication of 22 endemic and subendemic native plants of Romania, examining the materials used, the treatments applied, and the results obtained in each stage of the micropropagation protocol (culture initiation, proliferation, rooting, and acclimatization). The findings from the reviewed studies are presented in a comparative way, and the potential of plant tissue culture in conservation and sustainable exploitation of these Romanian species is outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation of Neglected or Underutilized Phytogenetic Resources: From Wild-Growing Native Plants to New Domesticated Crops)

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