Article
Plant Sciences
Paromik Bhattacharyya, Tanvi Sharma, Abhinandan Yadav, Lucy Lalthafamkimi, Mohit Kumar Ritu, Mohit Kumar Swarnkar, Robin Joshi, Ravi Shankar, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: This study reveals the transcriptome of M. acuminata for the first time, and provides important information on the synthesis of secondary metabolites in this plant. The results show that the leaf contains higher amounts of beta-sitosterol and eugenol compared to the pseudobulb, and both tissues are involved in different metabolic pathways. The study also suggests that the leaf can be used as an alternative source, reducing the need for harvesting the pseudobulb, thereby facilitating the conservation and sustainable utilization of this endangered medicinal orchid.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Sagheer Ahmad, Fei Wang, Aqeel Ahmad, Sezai Ercisli, Jinliao Chen, Yunxiao Guan, Kai Zhao, Yuzhen Zhou, Siren Lan, Zhongjian Liu, Donghui Peng
Summary: Abiotic stress is a major hindrance to the growth of ornamental plants, and melatonin homeostasis has been neglected in orchids. This study achieved in-vitro leafless flowering in three Cymbidium orchids and identified genes related to the tryptophan pathway and melatonin biosynthesis.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Dewi Pramanik, Marlies Spaans, Twan Kranenburg, Diego Bogarin, Reinout Heijungs, Frederic Lens, Erik Smets, Barbara Gravendeel
Summary: Phalaenopsis is an important ornamental pot plant for the global horticultural market. This study investigated the lignification patterns and orientation of Phalaenopsis inflorescence stems and found significant differences among different species and hybrids. The study also revealed a positive correlation between inflorescence orientation and the degree of lignification.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Leigh-Anne Bullough, Nga Nguyen, Rebecca Drury, Amy Hinsley
Summary: Illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is a well-known conservation issue, but the under-reported and under-researched global plant trade, especially within countries' borders, also poses a significant threat. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers in Northern Vietnam identified five groups of actors involved in trading wild-harvested orchids, highlighting the complexity and demand for rare, wild plants in both domestic and international trade. Addressing this issue requires recognizing it as a growing conservation concern and developing diverse approaches to understand and intervene in the full supply chain.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paromik Bhattacharyya, Lucy Lalthafamkimi, Tanvi Sharma, Dinesh Kumar, Anil Kumar, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: The study presents an improved regeneration protocol for the medicinal orchid Malaxis acuminata using transverse thin cell layer (t-TCL) explants. It is found that the highest rate of shoot proliferation can be achieved in the medium supplemented with meta-Topolin (mT) and chitosan. Additionally, the study analyzes the flavonoid and phenolic compositions using ultra performance liquid chromatography and measures the expression levels of key modulator genes in different tissue parts of M. acuminata.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Farah Alia Nordin, Kartini Saibeh, Rusea Go, Khairul Nasirudin Abu Mangsor, Ahmad Sofiman Othman
Summary: The study revealed that the orchid genus Spathoglottis in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo is monophyletic, divided into four major groups: Dwarf Purple, Dwarf Yellow, Large Purple, and Large Yellow Spathoglottis. The split in the Dwarf and Large Spathoglottis groups might reflect early differentiation of plant characteristics.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pavel Travnicek, Zuzana Chumova, Eliska Zaveska, Johana Hanzlickova, Lucie Kupkova (Jankolova), Jaromir Kucera, Eliska Gburova Stubnova, Ludmila Rejlova, Terezie Mandakova, Jan Ponert
Summary: Knowledge of population variation across species' ranges is crucial for understanding evolutionary history, taxonomy, and conservation strategies. In this study, the genus Neotinea was examined using various biosystematic methods, revealing four major lineages with distinct phenotypic variations. Relationships within the genus were identified, highlighting the importance of considering both morphological and phylogenetic data when delineating cryptic taxa among orchids.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Edyta Jermakowicz, Joanna Lesniewska, Marcin Stocki, Aleksandra M. Naczk, Agata Kostro-Ambroziak, Artur Pliszko
Summary: In this study, the authors aimed to identify the features of Malaxis monophyllos flowers that attract pollinators. They analyzed the flower's anatomical structure, volatile composition, and the behavior of flower-visiting insects. The results showed that small Diptera insects are the main visitors of M. monophyllos flowers, and the flower features combine well with the pollination system that engages dipterans. The floral scent of M. monophyllos contains aliphatic compounds that condition the mushroom-like scent and some alkanes that have been previously described as sex mimicry and aggregation pheromones in orchids' deceptive systems. The labellum of M. monophyllos exhibits diverse cell cuticle surfaces and metabolic and secretory activity. This study provides new insights into the previously vague pollination strategies of M. monophyllos and the complex floral signals that lure potential pollinators. Further investigation is needed to understand the evolution of Diptera-specific pollination systems in orchids.
Article
Plant Sciences
Paromik Bhattacharyya, Subhash Kumar, Lucy Lalthafamkimi, Ritesh Sharma, Dinesh Kumar, Dharam Singh, Sanjay Kumar
Summary: Malaxis acuminata is a prized medicinal orchid used in nutraceutical and herbal preparations. Due to limited availability of plant materials, plant tissue culture is crucial for continuous supply. This research focused on the clonal stability and antibacterial activity of the in vitro propagated plant of M. acuminata.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Marc-Andre Selosse, Remi Petrolli, Maria Isabel Mujica, Liam Laurent, Benoit Perez-Lamarque, Tomas Figura, Amelia Bourceret, Hans Jacquemyn, Taiqiang Li, Jiangyun Gao, Julita Minasiewicz, Florent Martos
Summary: The roots of orchids associate with a variety of soil fungi, including a group called rhizoctonias that is most frequently found. However, there are also orchid species that target other fungal taxa with different phylogenetic positions and ecological traits. This study offers an evolutionary framework for understanding these symbiotic associations.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zahra Mahdavi, Shirin Dianati Daylami, Ali Fadavi, Kourosh Vahdati
Summary: Artificial seed production is an important technology that can preserve elite plant germplasm. This study found that using optimal concentrations of sodium alginates and calcium chloride can produce high-quality artificial seeds, while storing synthetic seeds at appropriate temperature and duration can maintain their good germination performance.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco F. Cerna, Mariela M. Moreno, Byron G. Fuertes, Mario L. Iza, Gerardo E. Medina, Celso G. Recalde
Summary: The tropical Andes serve as a natural barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic, with a variety of ecosystems and biodiversity, including the unique Dracula orchids. Geographical patterns and geophysical conditions in the Andes play a crucial role in shaping the biodiversity of the Dracula genus.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Claire Ellwanger, Laura Steger, Cathy Pollack, Rachel Wells, Jeremie Benjamin Fant
Summary: This study focuses on how anthropogenic changes impact genetic processes associated with extinction risk in the orchid Platanthera leucophaea. It found that genetic parameters were strongly linked to population size, with habitat loss and patch isolation playing a role in genetic diversity and structure. Small populations showed lower genetic diversity, indicating the need for continued monitoring by resource managers to prevent genetic declines. Contrary to expectations, critically small populations exhibited negative inbreeding values, suggesting non-random mating and selection for less inbred individuals.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Wicharuj Tongkham, Supalak Pumikong, Nuttha Potapohn, Weenun Bundithya
Summary: A new endemic slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum charlesworthii var. lannaense, was described from Northern Thailand. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed its similarity to Paphiopedilum charlesworthii, but with distinct differences in the staminode morphology and molecular characteristics compared to related species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jaspreet Kaur, Caleb Phillips, Jyotsna Sharma
Summary: Interaction with orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) is crucial for all members of the Orchidaceae family, and it has been found that soil chemistry is closely linked to OMF communities, potentially impacting orchid populations.
