Insect pollinators are crucial for maintaining forest biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This study aimed to examine the temporal patterns of insect pollinator diversity in relation to the phenology of flowering plants within the Western Mindanao State University Experimental Forest Area (WMSU-EFA), Upper La Paz, Zamboanga City, Philippines. Field surveys were conducted monthly over a year, using sweep netting and pan trapping methods to sample pollinators, and phenological data on flowering plants were recorded, noting their timing and duration. A total of 85 pollinator species from 5 major insect orders were identified, with Hymenoptera being the most diverse. The Shannon–Wiener Index (H’) indicated that pollinator diversity peaked during the main flowering season from March to June (H’=3.87) and was lowest during the non-flowering season (H’=2.45). A strong positive correlation (r=0.78) was found between flowering plant abundance and pollinator diversity, highlighting the significant influence of plant phenology on pollinator activity patterns. These findings emphasize the critical importance of synchrony between flowering plants and pollinators for ecosystem stability. Understanding these temporal dynamics is essential for developing effective conservation strategies to protect pollinator populations and ensure the long-term stability of forest ecosystems amidst changing climatic conditions. This study provides valuable insights that can inform conservation efforts, enhance biodiversity, and help mitigate the impacts of environmental changes on pollinator diversity and ecosystem health.

The plant biodiversity of Morocco is remarkable, which has allowed for the development of a tradition of using aromatic and medicinal plants for food and preserving health. Among the plants frequently used are the species of the genus Mentha, belonging to the large family of Lamiaceae, which usually bear its name (Mint family).

In this work, we have identified, through a bibliographic search, the species of the genus Mentha commonly used in Morocco. We then used patent analysis, based on specialized databases, to identify the areas of technological innovation conducive to exploiting species of the genus Mentha from Morocco.

We identified eight species of the genus Mentha studied in Morocco (M. gattefossei, M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. rotundifolia, M. spicata, M. suaveolens, M. viridis, and M. vulgare). We then analyzed the granted patents and patent applications for each species, with a particular focus on the number of patent documents published, the jurisdictions concerned by the filing of patents, and the classifications attributed to the documents identified to deduce the relevant technological fields for the use of the plants studied. A set of 513 patent documents was analyzed. China is the most highly patented jurisdiction (179 patent documents) related to the genus Mentha, followed by the United States (123 patent documents). The International Patent Classification has a specific code for medicinal preparations containing mint (A61K36/534). This code is logically the most attributed to the documents studied.

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops, occupying a significant place in human nutrition. With the continuously increasing population, there is a need to increase the food production by 70%. However, climate change is expected to decrease wheat production by 2050. One of the main reasons behind this is the decreased tolerance of modern wheat genotypes towards stressed environmental conditions. This can be attributed to decreased genetic diversity in modern wheat cultivars due to continued domestication and breeding process. It is thus necessary to increase the genetic variation of existing wheat genotypes. Wild and primitive wheat species are important genetic resources with a tolerance to different stress-related traits. However, in order to utilize them effectively in pre-breeding and breeding programs, it is necessary to know the variation among these genetic resources and to determine their genetic distance as compared to modern cultivars. Consequently, in this study, we evaluated the genetic polymorphism, genetic relatedness, and allelic differences of primitive, wild, and modern wheat genotypes employing simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The obtained results revealed high genetic polymorphism within and between the studied species. The employed SSR markers were efficient in identifying the genetic variation of different wheat species. Both the scatterplot and dendrogram clustered the genotypes into two main groups, with one containing the hexaploid genotypes and the other containing the tetraploid genotypes. The results and the genetic variation information obtained in this study can be used in ongoing pre-breeding and breeding programs and will be a guide for new breeding studies aiming to develop stress-resistant wheat genotypes.

Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge BAP, Selcuk University (Grant No. 22401016), Turkiye, and the TUBITAK 1001 (Grant No. 119O455) project for the funding provided to conduct this research work.

Triticum zhukovskyi is a hexaploid cultivated wheat form that was first reported by Upadhya and Swaminathan in 1963. The species with an AAAAGG genome developed from the crossing of domesticated T. timopheevii (AAGG) with cultivated einkorn T. monococcum (AA), established a separate lineage (AAGG). Despite its restricted distribution, the Timopheevi lineage has previously been explored for resistance towards various biotic stresses such as stem rust, fusarium head blight, leaf rust, etc. However, there are limited reports on the abiotic stress tolerance of T. zhukovskyi. Boron toxicity hinders wheat production around the world via yellowing and necrosis of leaves, limiting the plant's growth and development. In order to reduce this loss, it is necessary to identify diverse genetic wheat resources with greater tolerance towards high boron and understand the underlying mechanism that is responsible for making them boron-toxicity-tolerant. Here, we report a boron-toxicity-tolerant T. zhukovskyi genotype and discuss how the physiological and biochemical response towards high boron is associated with molecular changes in plants under boron toxicity. Differentially expressed genes in boron-treated plants were found to be directly related to different biochemical pathways. However, it is important to confirm the functions of these genes, so that these can be further utilized in breeding programs to diversify the boron toxicity tolerance trait in modern wheat cultivars. The future prospects of efficiently utilizing this genotype and the obtained information will also be thoroughly discussed.

Acknowledgements: The authors acknowledge the TUBITAK 1001 (No. 119O455) project for the funding provided to conduct this research work.

The relict communities of Alnus glutinosa on the southern range edge of its biogeographical distribution in the southern Mediterranean are vital for biodiversity conservation but are threatened by human activities and climate change. To develop effective management and conservation strategies, a comprehensive understanding of their floristic composition and plant community dynamics is essential. We conducted field surveys across the Rif Mountains, collecting 36 vegetation relevés from 11 populations. Rectangular sample plots of 200 m² were established in homogeneous river strips dominated by Alnus glutinosa with over 50% coverage. Our analysis revealed a rich diversity, with 219 vascular plant species belonging to 74 botanical families. Noteworthy findings include the presence of 14 regional endemics and 28 red-listed species. Herbaceous species dominated the communities, with hemicryptophytes being prevalent among the life forms. Phytogeographical analysis indicated a predominance of native species (96%), with 8% classified as alien. The Mediterranean broad-ranging chorotype was the most common (31.5%), followed by Paleartic, global, extended, and regional chorotypes. TWINSPAN classification identified two distinct plant communities, influenced primarily by altitude and their associated climatic conditions, as well as anthropogenic factors. Syntaxonomical analysis revealed distinct characteristics of black alder communities, predominantly associated with the Osmundo-Alnion glutinosae alliance. These communities exhibit two main groups, differentiated by species composition and environmental variables: (i) the Alnus glutinosa-Nerium oleander group, thriving in both moist sandy and gravelly deep soils under thermophilic conditions at lower altitudes; (ii) the Alnus glutinosa-Prunus lusitanica group, found on rocky clay soils on steep slopes, characterized by mesoclimatic and hydrological conditions at medium-to-high altitudes, primarily under mesomediterranean and lower supramediterranean conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of local abiotic and anthropogenic factors in shaping black alder communities in Morocco. It is therefore imperative to implement targeted conservation efforts to preserve these unique and ecologically valuable black alder communities in the southern Mediterranean.

Plant species in Mediterranean ecosystems are expected to respond differently to potent environmental filters, such as climate aridity and harshness of the soil, through different functional strategies. However, intraspecific variability on a local scale has not received sufficient attention in the study of CSR strategies. In this study, we compared the leaf features and CSR strategy of seven common woody species located on ultramafic and neighboring non-ultramafic soils in the Beni Bousera region of northern Morocco. Firstly, a physico-chemical analysis of soil composition was carried out to assess the differences between the two sites. Secondly, fresh weight, dry weight and leaf area were measured, and CSR strategies were calculated for 10 individuals per species to assess intraspecific variability. The results highlighted significant differentiations between the two soil types, attributed mainly to a moderate serpentine effect expressed as Ca:Mg < 1 in the ultramafic site, as well as differences in soil texture. In response to these adverse conditions, we found substantial intraspecific variability in leaf traits, accompanied by changes in CSR strategies for some species. At site U, Quercus coccifera adopted an S strategy, while Cistus salviifolius behaved as an S/SC species. Lavandula stoechas and Teucrium fruticans showed significant inter-individual variability, while Cistus atriplicifolius, Phillyrea latifolia and Erica arborea adopted the same strategy at both sites. Our research contributes to the enrichment of CSR databases and underlines the applicability of the CSR strategy scheme at the local intraspecific level.

Maize represents one of the most important staple crops in the Peruvian highlands. The abundant morphological diversity found in Peruvian maize from the highlands was classified by a previous published work into six groups: (i) primitive races—PRs, (ii) anciently derived or primary races—ADPRs, (iii) lately derived or secondary races—LDSRs, (iv) introduced races—INTRs, (v) incipient races—INCRs, and (vi) imperfectly defined races—IDRs. To date, Peruvian maize races have not been further examined. Here, we conducted multivariate analyses using the publicly available dataset of 124 morphological quantitative characters (ear, plant, leaf, tassel, pericarp, cob, endosperm, and kernel) for 43 Peruvian maize races scored to classify them in an attempt to provide additional evidence for that grouping and for determining congruence with our molecular study. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the first two components (CP1 and CP2) summarized 23.03% of the total variance. The top three variables that contributed more to CP1 were the leaf width, tassel length of the branching space, and tassel number of the primary branches, while the ear diameter base, ear internal diameter, and ear cupule width contributed more to CP2. Principal component analysis grouped all primitive races. The other races did not show a consistent clustering. On the other hand, most of the LDSR, INT, INCR, and IDR groups formed a single group. Our hierarchical clustering analysis using the average method grouped all PRs, except Kculli, in a single clade. In addition, most of the ADPRs were grouped in two clusters. These results are in partial agreement with our molecular work. Further research is needed to determine the phenotypic plasticity of the races of Peruvian maize, considering that these landraces are in constant evolution in the Andes. We expect our work will stimulate other researchers to conduct maize germplasm characterization. We aim to use this precious genetic resource to alleviate poverty in the Peruvian Andes.

This study explores the role of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) diversity in enhancing ecosystem functioning. By examining various sunflower cultivars, we assessed their impact on soil health, pollinator attraction, and overall biomass production. Our findings indicate that higher genetic diversity within sunflower populations leads to improved soil nutrient cycling and increased resistance to pests and diseases. Sunflower populations with higher genetic diversity exhibit increased resistance to pests and diseases, promoting healthier crops. By maintaining genetic diversity, sunflower farmers can foster more resilient and productive crops, reducing the need for external inputs. Ultimately, our findings suggest that preserving genetic diversity is crucial for sustainable sunflower production and ecosystem health. Additionally, sunflower plots with diverse genetic makeup attract a wider range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This increased pollinator diversity leads to enhanced pollination efficiency, resulting in higher seed production and yields. By cultivating diverse sunflower populations, farmers can create a more welcoming environment for pollinators, promoting ecological balance and boosting crop productivity. These results underscore the importance of maintaining genetic diversity within crop species to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience. This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating diverse sunflower cultivars into farming systems to enhance both productivity and environmental health.

Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are those plants which are not cultivated but are collected from their natural habitat for human consumption. Studies on WEPs in different parts of the world have revealed that these plants can be utilized as good sources of minerals and other micronutrients which are commonly lacking in regular human diets. Many of these plants also have immense therapeutic properties and nutraceutical potential. The current study was carried out in the Bhaderwah region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is a predominantly rural area inhabited by some tribes, in addition to various ethnic groups. The region is mountainous and rich in floral diversity. The local people consume many wild plants for their health benefits. The diversity of these plants in the region was studied and some of these plants were evaluated for their nutritional value and for the presence of heavy metals. WEPs were collected from the study area by carrying out field trips. Ethnobotanical investigations were also conducted. The collected plants were identified. Herbarium sheets of the identified specimens were prepared and subsequently submitted to the University of Jammu Herbarium. For nutrient analysis, standard methods of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) were used. For mineral analysis, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and XRF were used. This field study indicated a rich diversity of WEPs in the region. Sixty plants belonging to 31 families were identified. Some of the evaluated plants were found to have good nutrient and mineral content, with limited anti-nutrients.

It can be concluded that the study area has a rich diversity of WEPs, some of which are high-altitude plants with immense medicinal properties. WEP diversity in the region needs to be explored further and evaluated for important phytochemical and nutraceutical potential.

Datura metel L., a medicinal plant in the Solanaceae family, is known for its narcotic properties and a range of physiological effects. This study investigates the diversity of 25 D. metel L. accessions using twelve morphological and seven biochemical parameters. The aim is to enhance our understanding of the plant's diversity and its potential application. Twenty-five accessions of D. metel L. were cultivated under standardized conditions. Morphological traits, including plant height, leaf length, and flower dimensions, were measured. Biochemical analysis of key compounds such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine in the seeds and leaves was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This study revealed significant variability in both morphological and biochemical traits among D. metel L. accessions. Apigenin (66.28%) and atropine (44.19%) exhibited the highest coefficients of variance, while flower length (8.60%) and scopolamine (7.38%) displayed the lowest. HPLC results demonstrated notable discrepancies in biochemical levels across accessions. Cluster analysis classified the accessions into four groups, showing partial alignment with their origins. This study provides valuable insights into the physiological effects and properties of D. metel L., highlighting its morphological and biochemical diversity. These findings could contribute to the plant's enhanced agricultural and medicinal applications, emphasizing the importance of precise biochemical quantification for therapeutic advancements.