International Parasitic Plant Society
Welcome to the homepage of the International Parasitic Plant Society (IPPS). The IPPS is dedicated to advancing scientific research on parasitic plants. Our goals include increasing the understanding of these amazing plants, providing a platform for exchange among and beyond the scientific community as well as helping to decrease the crop damage inflicted by weedy parasitic plants.
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- IPPS Seminar by Prof. Jim Westwood
- Cell Wall Dynamics in the parasitic plant (Striga) and rice pathosystem
- Editorial for a forthcoming issue of Parasitic Plants, People, Planet
- First IPPS Online Seminar in 2025 by Prof. Jim Westwood on January 8th, 2025
- PCP Special Issue on Parasitic Plants
- *Haustorium (86) Is Now Available for Download!*
Upcoming: The 18th World Congress On Parasitic Plants (WCPP): 2026, Ilha Bela, Brasil.
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Most recent ‘Parasitic Plant’ publications
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Correction: Identifying suitable tester for evaluating Striga resistant lines using DArTseq markers and agronomic traits
Friday 17 January 2025
Correction: Identifying suitable tester for evaluating Striga resistant lines using
DArTseq markers and agronomic traits | PLOS ONE The correct title is: Identifying
domain : journals.plos.org
ea Farmers' Perceptions of the Influence of Climate Variability on Dodder Occurrence in Nandi County, Kenya
Tuesday 14 January 2025
Climate variability continues to adversely impact agricultural systems globally.
From the literature, it is reported that there has been an unprecedented emergence of pests
domain : www.journals.eanso.org
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Quantitative Approach for Determining Reproductive Life‐History Strategies of Parasitic Plants: A Case Study in Balanophora
Sunday 12 January 2025
Parasitic plants are a diverse and unique polyphyletic understanding the
speciesand parasitic plants in generalas determination across cryptic root parasitic plants.
domain : onlinelibrary.wiley.com
versions : 3
EFFECT OF TILLAGE SYSTEMS SEQUENCE AND SOME WEE
Thursday 09 January 2025
On the control of orobanche management in faba bean. plowing succeeded
in reducing orobanche biomass/m* by also significant control of orobanche accompanied with
domain : www.researchgate.net
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Editing of a NODULATION SIGNALING PATHWAY 1 Homolog Alters the Production of Strigolactones in Sunflower Roots
Wednesday 08 January 2025
By broomrape Orobanche cumana Wallr. Broomrape is an obligate parasitic
plant that areas worldwide are infected with broomrape, where sunflower seed losses can be
domain : www.mdpi.com
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПОШИРЕННЯ ВОВЧКА СОНЯШНИКОВОГО (OROBANCHE CUMANA WALLR.) У КОРОТКОРОТАЦІЙНИХ СІВОЗМІНАХ СОНЯШНИКА
Wednesday 08 January 2025
domain : kntu.kr.ua
ultiple genotypes of Phelipanche ramosa indicate repeated introduction to the Americas
Monday 06 January 2025
Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that
has the relationships of 30 populations of Phelipanche spanning the geographic and host
domain : bsapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
versions : 2
ПРОЯВ ЦІННИХ ГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ОЗНАК У ГІБРИДІВ F1 СОНЯШНИКУ, СТІЙКИХ ДО ВОВЧКА (OROBANCHE CUMANA WALLR.)
Saturday 04 January 2025
To broomrape and other economic features, to select the best hybrid combinations
that are not only broomrape The broomrape-inflicted damage to hybrids was assessed in
domain : bulletin.imk.zp.ua
Strigolactones and their Role in Plant Stress Tolerance under Abiotic Conditions
Saturday 04 January 2025
As Striga and Orobanche. Additionally, SLs act as key signaling molecules in
establishing symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Functioning at pico- to
domain : www.researchgate.net
Quantitative Approach for Determining Reproductive Life-History Strategies of Parasitic Plants: A Case Study in Balanophora
Thursday 02 January 2025
Parasitic plants are a diverse and unique polyphyletic understanding the
speciesand parasitic plants in generalas determination across cryptic root parasitic plants.
domain : onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Nutraceuticals from Bushland: Determination of Medicinal Value of Malaysian Wild Herbs for Proposed Hygienic Travel Soap
Wednesday 01 January 2025
Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to
their phytochemical components and medicinal properties. In this study, wild herbs
domain : semarakilmu.com.my
irst Report of Dodder (Cuscuta chinensis) Parasitizing Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis in Yunnan, China
Tuesday 31 December 2024
Dodder (Cuscuta spp.), particularly the species Cuscuta chinensis, is a parasitic
weed known for its ability to infest a broad spectrum of plant species, thereby significantly
domain : apsjournals.apsnet.org
Structural and functional investigations of strigolactone perception in plants
Monday 30 December 2024
Striga species are root parasitic plants known as witchweeds, that pose a
significant threat to food security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Striga of Striga HTL7 and
domain : repository.kaust.edu.sa
Exploring the biochemical defense of Mikania micrantha against the parasitic Cuscuta reflexa
Sunday 29 December 2024
Parasitic plants exhibit a wide range of morphologies Host-parasitism
interaction shown by the parasitic plants micrantha against the parasitic plant Cuscuta reflexa by
domain : adtu.in
Гибрид подсолнечника Протектор с повышенной устойчивостью к заразихе расы G и вирулентным расам ложной мучнистой росы
Saturday 28 December 2024
Broomrape and virulent races of downy mildew Hybrid Protector has both high
homozygous re-sistance to race G of broomrape of virulent races of broomrape and downy
domain : cyberleninka.ru
Most recent 'Parasitic Plant' publications
in Scopus
- Challenging the 'Immunity Hypothesis': Primary or secondary parasitism as different survival strategies for the harlequin mistletoe Lysiana exocarpi (Behr) Tiegh Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, volume 323 Sunday 19 January 2025 The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epip... The relationship between host plants and parasitic plants is considered a unique and fascinating model to explore different aspects in plant physiology, especially concerning water relations and nutrient use, given that host and parasite share these resources. An even more intriguing dynamic occurs when a parasite parasitizes another parasite (epiparasitism). In theory, these epiparasites should show even more specialized physiological functions to be capable to withdraw water and nutrients from the hemiparasite, such as maintaining even lower water potential and dealing with stronger nutrient imbalance. Here we studied leaf morpho-physiological responses of the Australian harlequim mistletoe (Lysiana exocarpi) and box mistletoe (Amyema miquelii) acting as hemiparasites on pink gum (Eucalyptus fasciculosa) and Lysiana exocarpi as an epiparasite on A. miquelii parasitizing E. fasciculosa. We explored the water and nutrient use and partitioning between the different plants involved (host–mistletoe–epiparasite). We found that L. exocarpi showed physiological and morphological differences that represent a more acquisitive strategy of resource use with higher stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, specific leaf area and K and Mg leaf concentration when growing as an epiparasite compared to the same species growing as primary parasite. Amyema miquelii traits remained constantly similar irrespective whether as primary parasite or with an epiparasite sharing its resources while the effect of the epiparasite is mostly depicted in its host's host species. In conclusion, our findings suggest that by adjusting some traits, epiparasitism is an alternative option for the harlequin mistletoe. Moreover, regardless of the host–parasite association, the primary host is the most affected by the epiparasitism.
- Efficacy of Ma'aljobon Aftimouni (Cuscuta Reflexa and whey) on HbA1c and blood glucose levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, volume 43 Saturday 18 January 2025 Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized,... Introduction and objective: Type 2 Diabetes is a common and chronic metabolic disease. Complementary and alternative medicine can provide a suitable option for demands for new treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Persian medicine on the glycemic status of patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Method: This randomized, controlled, and triple-blind trial study was conducted from November 2021 to August 2022 on 102 diabetic patients referred to the diabetes clinic in Iran. In this regard, patients with inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three groups Ma'aljobon with Aftimoun (n = 34), Ma'aljobon without Aftimoon (n = 34), and the control group (n = 34). The control group received a placebo of medicinal salt, light calcium carbonate, lactose, and carboxymethyl cellulose. In contrast, the treatment groups received 25 g of drug powder (in 250 cc of lukewarm water) on an empty stomach for 8 consecutive weeks. Patients' fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels and HbA1c were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing paired t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests for comparison between groups. Results: Data analysis was conducted on 90 patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The findings revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels post-intervention in the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (134.27 ± 21.79 vs. 152.3 ± 31.37, mean difference 18.03 ± 5.63, 95 % CI: 6.53 to 29.53, p = 0.003). Additionally, a significant difference in HbA1c values was observed post-intervention in both the Ma'aljobon Aftimouni group (7.88 ± 0.77 vs. 8.09 ± 0.73, mean difference 0.21 ± 0.09, 95 % CI: 0.03 to 0.39, p = 0.031) and the Ma'aljobon without Aftimoun group (7.97 ± 0.84 vs. 8.25 ± 0.78, mean difference 0.28 ± 0.08, 95 % CI: 0.11 to 0.45, p = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings showed that daily consumption of Ma'aljobon supplements on an empty stomach before breakfast may have a beneficial effect on the glycemic indices of patients. However, further studies seem to be necessary in this regard.
- Mistletoes benefit from initiating cascading effects in a cactus–stem borers–arthropods system: A positive feedback Ecological Entomology, volume 50, pages 17-23 Saturday 18 January 2025 Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthr... Parasitic plants may indirectly modify arthropod community structure by inducing resistance/susceptibility in host plants. In the Atacama Desert, the mistletoe Tristerix aphyllus initiates cascading effects on its cactus host, Echinopsis chiloensis, inducing susceptibility to stem-borer beetles, whose brood chambers are colonized by a diverse arthropod community. We evaluated whether those cascading effects initiated by Tristerix generate a positive or negative feedback loop on this parasitic plant. A positive or negative feedback loop would occur if the mistletoe-elicited indirect effects on arthropod community result in increased or decreased mistletoe fitness, respectively. Specifically, by way of field sampling, experimental manipulation of number of brood chambers, and structural equation modelling, we assessed the indirect impact of number of brood chambers on Tristerix fitness mediated by its influence on the abundance of arthropod trophic guilds (omnivores, nectarivores, herbivores and predators). We found that the number of brood chambers had a positive indirect effect on mistletoe fitness, likely mediated by the increased abundance of nectarivores. The number of brood chambers was positively associated with the abundance of predators, nectarivores and herbivores. However, nectarivores were the only trophic guild showing a positive association with both number of brood chambers and Tristerix fitness. This positive feedback loop, together with the known pattern of specific disperser-mediated cyclic reinfection of cacti by Tristerix, would indicate that mistletoe infection may ultimately threaten cactus survival.
- Predicting the current and future distributions of Australian Loranthaceae mistletoes Global Ecology and Conservation, volume 57 Saturday 18 January 2025 Mistletoes are branch parasites of trees and shrubs, occur world-wide, and are considered keystone species in many forest communities. They have complex interactions with seed dispersers, pollinators, and animals that use them for shelter, and contribute to community productivity and biotic diversity. Current understanding of mistletoe occurrence l... Mistletoes are branch parasites of trees and shrubs, occur world-wide, and are considered keystone species in many forest communities. They have complex interactions with seed dispersers, pollinators, and animals that use them for shelter, and contribute to community productivity and biotic diversity. Current understanding of mistletoe occurrence largely attributes host availability and preference to patterns of distribution. Using occurrence records, climate data, and climate modeling, we investigated current distributions and modeled contemporary and future distributions of Australian mistletoes in the Loranthaceae by haustorial type. Although Loranthaceae mistletoes are distributed throughout Australia, our results show distributional differences among haustorial types across biomes and identify their actual and predicted ecological niches based on temperature and precipitation. Epicortical roots, which are considered plesiomorphic in Australia, are mostly associated with mesic ancestral habitats while derived types are associated with drier habitats. Combining the results of all analyses we show that mistletoe distributional patterns, similar to distribution patterns in other angiosperms, are correlated with climate and are susceptible to climate change with expected loss of habitat, primarily in interior arid regions of Australia.
- Multiple genotypes of Phelipanche ramosa indicate repeated introduction to the Americas American Journal of Botany Saturday 18 January 2025 Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that has been reported in North America since the late 1800s. While this species comprises a variety of genetically distinct host races in its native range, the genetic composition of adventive populations in the New World remains unexplored. On the basis of morphological and e... Premise: Phelipanche ramosa is an economically damaging parasitic plant that has been reported in North America since the late 1800s. While this species comprises a variety of genetically distinct host races in its native range, the genetic composition of adventive populations in the New World remains unexplored. On the basis of morphological and ecological variation, some have suggested that the closely related P. nana may also be present. Methods: Genome skimming was used to assess the relationships of 30 populations of Phelipanche spanning the geographic and host ranges in North and South America, plus one P. nana reference population from Lebanon. Results: Phylogenetic analysis indicated four distinct genetic groups, though plastome and nrDNA data supported conflicting signals of relationships among them. First, specimens from Chilean tomato fields were nearly indistinguishable genetically from the reference P. nana. Second, a pair of samples from Virginia showed similar nrDNA as the first group, but divergent plastomes. The remaining 24 samples sorted into two groups, one which parasitizes cultivated plants, especially tomato, and the other on roadside weeds in different parts of the United States. Conclusions: The geographic and ecological cohesiveness of four distinct genetic groups supports a hypothesis of multiple introductions to the Americas, presumably from Eurasia, followed by little to no subsequent gene flow among them. However, such groups do not align with existing morphological or ecological species concepts for P. ramosa and P. nana. In practice, threat assessment of Phelipanche populations to agricultural settings should be evaluated regionally given the phylogeographic and ecological heterogeneity.
- Leaf traits of the mistletoe Erianthemum dregei and its host tree Sclerocarya birrea vary across a rainfall gradient and levels of hemiparasite infection Journal of Arid Environments, volume 227 Friday 17 January 2025 Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of ... Certain trees in semi-arid environments are surpassing their physiological thresholds because of erratic rainfall and rising global temperatures. Mistletoes (Loranthaceae) may also be making large trees more susceptible to the physiological stress imposed by climate change. Therefore, we examined intraspecific variations of selected leaf traits of the mistletoe, Erianthemum dregei, and Sclerocarya birrea host trees along a rainfall gradient at three levels of mistletoe infection. We measured seven leaf traits across five mistletoe-host pairs at low, medium, and high rainfall sites. Rainfall had significant effects on all measured traits, except host leaf succulence. Hosts were more resource-acquisitive at intermediate rainfall, but more conservative at high rainfall. The reverse is true for mistletoes. Mistletoe infection only had an effect on host leaf area, specific leaf area, and stomatal conductance, but most mistletoe leaf traits were significantly influenced by infection intensity. Uninfected hosts were more resource-conservative, but highly infected hosts were resource-acquisitive. Conversely, mistletoes on low-infected hosts were associated with high resource acquisition, while those on high-infection trees were resource-conservative. Therefore, the antagonistic response of host trees and mistletoes to infection and rainfall suggests the potential for resilience to environmental change.
- Integrating network analysis and experimental validation to reveal the mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis lam. Extract in the treatment of IgA nephropathy Journal of Functional Foods, volume 124 Friday 17 January 2025 Purpose/aim: IgA nephropathy represents a prevalent form of the common kidney disease globally, accounting for the majority of cases of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Cuscuta chinensis Lam has been shown to nourish the liver and tonify the kidney, consolidate essence, and arrest polyuria, However, whether Cuscuta chinensis Lam has the pr... Purpose/aim: IgA nephropathy represents a prevalent form of the common kidney disease globally, accounting for the majority of cases of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Cuscuta chinensis Lam has been shown to nourish the liver and tonify the kidney, consolidate essence, and arrest polyuria, However, whether Cuscuta chinensis Lam has the protective effects on IgA nephropathy and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: A network pharmacology analysis was employed to examine the interactions between the active ingredients and core targets, with a view to elucidating the possible potential mechanisms in Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extract (CCLE) in the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with bovine serum albumin (BSA) with a dose of 800 mg/kg−1 every other day for a period of 12 weeks to obtain IgA nephropathy model. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected through the tail vein at a dose of 0.05 mg at the 6th week, 8th week, and 10th week; 0.1 mL of CCl4 and 0.3 mL of castor oil were injected subcutaneously once a week for 12 weeks; the rats were gavaged with CCLE for 6 weeks from 13th week. Biochemical analysis, tGFR analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence staining were employed to evaluate the impact of CCLE on IgA nephropathy in rat. Western blotting was utilized to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results: The results demonstrated that a significant decrease in the glomerular filtration rate, accompanied by a notable elevation in biochemical indexes in rats in model group, including the ratio of total protein to creatinine in urine, sCr, BUN, TG, AST, ALT, IL-1β and TNF-α; additionally, the rats in the model group exhibited substantial histopathological alterations, characterized by the presence of many IgA deposits; CCLE has been demonstrated to enhance the glomerular filtration rate, downregulate the levels of sCr, BUN, TG, AST, ALT, IL-1β and TNF-α, reduce the IgA deposition, and ameliorate the histopathological changes in IgA nephropathy rats; Western blotting demonstrated CCLE can suppress the expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-IKK, p-NF-κB, and p-IκB in IgA nephropathy rats. Conclusion: CCLE demonstrated superior protective effects on BSA + LPS + CCl4 + castor oil-induced IgA nephropathy in rats by regulating the PI3K-AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CCLE has potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of IgA nephropathy.
- Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics to uncover key metabolic mechanisms of mistletoe parasitism on diverse hosts Environmental and Experimental Botany, volume 229 Friday 17 January 2025 Mistletoe (Viscum coloratum (Komar.) Nakai) is a parasitic plant with medicinal and culinary uses, yet its parasitic mechanisms on host species are largely unexplored. In this study, we performed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of mistletoe branches and leaves parasitizing on Tilia amurensis Rupr., Ulmus pumila L., and Populus... Mistletoe (Viscum coloratum (Komar.) Nakai) is a parasitic plant with medicinal and culinary uses, yet its parasitic mechanisms on host species are largely unexplored. In this study, we performed an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of mistletoe branches and leaves parasitizing on Tilia amurensis Rupr., Ulmus pumila L., and Populus ussuriensis Kom., investigating the potential molecular and metabolic mechanisms of mistletoe influenced by these hosts. Our results revealed notable differences in the transcriptional information of mistletoe branches and leaves across various host species, which was also reflected in their metabolic profiles. At the transcriptional level, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism were the main pathway influenced by various hosts. Flavonoids and lipids were the primary differential components in the metabolic profile of mistletoe. Combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that glycerophospholipid metabolism comprising lipids, was a vital pathway for the activities of mistletoe parasites on their hosts. In this pathway, most metabolites, such as LysoPC, and the majority of genes, such as LYPLA2 and DPP1, exhibited the highest expression levels in Tilia amurensis Rupr. Mistletoe parasitizing Tilia amurensis Rupr., whether on branches or leaves, exhibited very significant differences compared to those parasitizing Ulmus pumila L. and Populus ussuriensis Kom. The findings provide key insights into the molecular mechanisms of mistletoe's parasitic activities and how different hosts affect its transcriptional and metabolic profiles.
- Occurrence and life cycle of broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers.) on mustard (Brassica campestris L.) in Northeastern regions of Rajasthan Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, volume 13, pages 169-176 Friday 17 January 2025 Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has in... Broomrape (Phelipanche and Orobanche) weeds are parasitic on a variety of dicotyledonous plant species, severely harming important cash crops all over the world. The process of broomrape infestation in mustard fields (oilseed crop) is poorly understood in Rajasthan. Over the past few years, the number of broomrape-contaminated mustard fields has increased in many regions of Rajasthan. Field surveys were conducted to investigate the occurrence of broomrape in mustard-growing areas of northeastern Rajasthan. Field studies were also carried out in the extensively broomrape-infested mustard fields in the Nawalgarh region of Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan, India) (27°51'0.00" N 75°16'12.00" E) to evaluate the life stages and severity of broomrape infestation. Phelipanche aegyptiaca Pers. (Egyptian broomrape) was found infesting the fields of Brassica campestris L. Field experiments were conducted to record all the underground and aerial life stages of P. aegyptiaca. Among all the visited plots, the Mukandgarh region exhibited the highest incidence and severity of P. aegyptiaca during the emerging, flowering, and fructification stages, whereas the Nawalri region displayed the lowest incidence and severity at each stage. Mustard yield and quality were severely affected by the Phelipanche infestation. With an average of 50% disease incidence in most of the plots, flowering and fructification stages of broomrape are the most difficult to control and cause 100% infestation to the crop. The interrelationship of P. aegyptiaca and B. campestris is not studied extensively, especially in Rajasthan. To date successful control of this weed is not achieved. The present investigation will help understand the histological interactions of P. aegyptiaca on B. campestris about days of sowing (DAS). These interactions will certainly help to design cultural and biological control strategies by determining the most effective timing of control concerning the timeline of germination and infestation of P. aegyptiaca.
- Green extraction for hyperoside from Cuscutae semen by natural deep eutectic solvent Microchemical Journal, volume 209 Thursday 16 January 2025 In recent years, natural deep eutectic solvents prepared by natural compounds and natural primary metabolites have been more favored, which are environmentally friendly, low toxicity and easy to biodegrade. In this study, twenty different types of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were prepared by selecting five common hydrogen bond acceptors ... In recent years, natural deep eutectic solvents prepared by natural compounds and natural primary metabolites have been more favored, which are environmentally friendly, low toxicity and easy to biodegrade. In this study, twenty different types of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were prepared by selecting five common hydrogen bond acceptors and nine common hydrogen bond donors using different molar ratios, and then were applied with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to extract hyperoside, an index component in Cuscutae semen. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions of hyperoside from the natural deep eutectic solvent prepared by choline chloride and lactic acid (molar ratio 1:2) were as follows: 65℃, 38 min, amount of added water 16 %, liquid to solid ratio 51 mL·g−1, and the actual yield was 6.766 mg·g−1. Antioxidant assay proved that NADES extract has antioxidant capacity. The results of this paper show that ultrasound-assisted natural deep eutectic solvent can effectively extract hyperoside from Cuscutae semen, which lays a foundation for the green and efficient extraction of bioactive components in natural plants and in-depth research and development.
- (±)-Catechins inhibit prehaustorium formation in the parasitic weed Phelipanche ramosa and reduce tomato infestation Pest Management Science, volume 81, pages 720-726 Thursday 16 January 2025 BACKGROUND: Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel) is a noxious parasitic weed in field and vegetable crops in Mediterranean countries. Control of this pest is complex and far from being achieved, and new environmentally-friendly strategies are being sought. The present study evaluates the possibility of using (±)-catechins as a natural herbicide against b... BACKGROUND: Phelipanche ramosa L. (Pomel) is a noxious parasitic weed in field and vegetable crops in Mediterranean countries. Control of this pest is complex and far from being achieved, and new environmentally-friendly strategies are being sought. The present study evaluates the possibility of using (±)-catechins as a natural herbicide against broomrapes. RESULTS: The results show that (±)-catechins have no effect on GR24-induced germination over a wide concentration range (10−4 to 10−10 m), nor on radicle elongation after germination, but strongly inhibit, at 10−4 and 10−5 m, prehaustorium formation in response to the haustorium-inducing factor, cis/trans-zeatin. Accordingly, pot experiments involving the supplies of 10−5 m of (±)-catechins to tomato plants infested or not with P. ramosa demonstrate that (±)-catechins do not influence growth of non-parasitized tomato plants and prevent heavy infestation by strongly reducing parasite attachments and inducing parasite necrosis once they are attached. CONCLUSION: This study points the potential use of (±)-catechins for parasitic weed control. It raises also the question of the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of prehaustorium formation and the necrosis of parasite attachments in response to (±)-catechins application. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
- Synergistic Effects of Mistletoe Lectin and Cisplatin on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: Insights from 2D and 3D In Vitro Models International Journal of Molecular Sciences, volume 26 Thursday 16 January 2025 Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenging subtype due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This study investigated the potential synergistic effects of Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA) and cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells using both 2D and 3D culture models. In 2D culture... Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenging subtype due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. This study investigated the potential synergistic effects of Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. var. coloratum agglutinin, VCA) and cisplatin on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells using both 2D and 3D culture models. In 2D cultures, the combination of VCA and cisplatin synergistically inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Also, the combination treatment significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. Gene expression analysis showed significant changes in specific genes related to apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2), metastasis (MMP-2, MMP-9), and EMT (E-cadherin, N-cadherin). Three-dimensional spheroid models corroborated these findings, demonstrating enhanced cytotoxicity and reduced invasion with the combination treatment. Significantly, the 3D models exhibited differential drug sensitivity compared to 2D cultures, emphasizing the importance of utilizing physiologically relevant models in preclinical studies. The combination treatment also reduced the expression of angiogenesis-related factors VEGF-A and HIF-1α. This comprehensive study provides substantial evidence for the potential of VCA and cisplatin combination therapy in TNBC treatment and underscores the significance of integrating 2D and 3D models in preclinical cancer research.
- Biochemical and parasitic effects of Cuscuta chinensis extracts on tomato growth: a preliminary study Journal of Plant Interactions, volume 20 Thursday 16 January 2025 This study investigates the allelopathic and parasitic effects of Cuscuta chinensis on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), focusing on germination, seedling growth, and plant health. Fresh juice, aqueous, and ethanol extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects on germination, with the aqueous extract completely suppressing it (0%) and ethanol extract n... This study investigates the allelopathic and parasitic effects of Cuscuta chinensis on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), focusing on germination, seedling growth, and plant health. Fresh juice, aqueous, and ethanol extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects on germination, with the aqueous extract completely suppressing it (0%) and ethanol extract nearly eliminating it (0.33% at 10 mg/mL). HPLC identified cinnamic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, and caffeic acid as key allelochemicals. C. chinensis powder reduced germination at higher concentrations (73.33%) but increased germination energy (70.00%) and promoted shoot growth and leaf development at medium concentrations. Parasitism was confirmed through in vitro and pot experiments, showing a 42% infection rate in vitro and 81% in pots. Despite significant parasitic interactions, tomato plants showed no immediate visible damage, indicating a need for further study on long-term effects.
- The first macrofossil record of parasitic plant flowers from an Eocene Baltic amber Heliyon, volume 10 Wednesday 15 January 2025 Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses ... Parasitic plants left little trace in the macrofossil record, making their evolutionary history mysterious. Baltic amber and other fossil lagerstätts have provided plenty of angiosperm fossils, there are only three reports of fossil leaves (cf. Schoepfia republicensis and Schoepfia sp. 1) related to Schoepfiaceae until now, making many hypotheses related to its evolution untested. Here we report a fossil corolla and stamens of a probable schoepfiaceous flower (Schoepfiaceae, Santalales) from late Eocene (37.8–33.9 Ma ago) of Kaliningrad, Russia. Unlike previously reported flowers, the new fossil is characterized by its five fused petals bearing adnate stamens. This character assemblage points to an affinity of Schoepfiaceae. This is the debut of schoepfiaceous flower in the macrofossil record, shedding a new light on the evolution of this poorly understood family. Its unexpected occurrence in Russia adds information to the discussion on the history of Schoepfiaceae.
- Taken to extremes: Loss of plastid rpl32 in Streptophyta and Cuscuta's unconventional solution for its replacement Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, volume 204 Tuesday 14 January 2025 The evolution of plant genomes is riddled with exchanges of genetic material within one plant (endosymbiotic gene transfer/EGT) and between unrelated plants (horizontal gene transfer/HGT). These exchanges have left their marks on plant genomes. Parasitic plants with their special evolutionary niche provide ample examples for these processes because... The evolution of plant genomes is riddled with exchanges of genetic material within one plant (endosymbiotic gene transfer/EGT) and between unrelated plants (horizontal gene transfer/HGT). These exchanges have left their marks on plant genomes. Parasitic plants with their special evolutionary niche provide ample examples for these processes because they are under a reduced evolutionary pressure to maintain autotrophy and thus to conserve their plastid genomes. On the other hand, the close physical connections with different hosts enabled them to acquire genetic material from other plants. Based on an analysis of an extensive dataset including the parasite Cuscuta campestris and other parasitic plant species, we identified a unique evolutionary history of rpl32 genes coding for an essential plastid ribosomal subunit in Cuscuta. Our analysis suggests that the gene was most likely sequestered by HGT from a member of the Oxalidales order serving as host to an ancestor of the Cuscuta subgenus Grammica. Oxalidales had suffered an ancestral EGT of rpl32 predating the evolution of the genus Cuscuta. The HGT subsequently relieved the plastid rpl32 from its evolutionary constraint and led to its loss from the plastid genome. The HGT-based acquisition in Cuscuta is supported by a high sequence similarity of the mature L32 protein between species of the subgenus Grammica and representatives of the Oxalidales, and by a surprisingly conserved transit peptide, whose functionality in Cuscuta was experimentally verified. The findings are discussed in view of an overall pattern of EGT events for plastid ribosomal subunits in Streptophyta.
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