Comparative taxonomical, biological and pharmacological potential of healthy and geminivirus infected leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.: First report.

In the present research project, the first report on comparative analysis of the taxonomical, biological and pharmacological potential of healthy and geminivirus infected Hibiscus rosa sinensis (L.) leaves of the family Malvaceae was done by using different micro and macroscopic techniques. First of all, leaves were characterized for Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) and its associated betasatellite (Cotton leaf curl Multan Betasatellite; CLCuMB). Different morphological parameters like shape and size of stem, leaves, seeds and roots, presence and absence of ligule, distance between nodes and internodes and type of inflorescence etc. were analyzed. CLCuMuV infected H. rosa-sinensis revealed systematic symptoms of infection like chlorosis of leaves, stunted growth, decrease in size of roots, shoots and distortion etc. Anatomical investigation was performed under light ad scanning electron microscope. Different anatomical features like length and shape of guard cells, subsidiary cells, presence or absence of stomata, secretory ducts and trichomes were examined. In both plant samples anomocytic types of stomata and elongated, non-glandular and pointed tip trichomes were present, but the size (especially length and width) of trichomes and other cells like epidermal, subsidiary, and guard cells were highest in virus infected plants likened to healthy one. In the antibacterial activity, the maximum antibacterial potentail was seen in methanolic extract of K. pneumonea while antifungal activity was shown by methanolic extract of A. solani. Plants interact with different biological entities according to environmental conditions continuously and evolved. These types of interactions induce changes positively and negatively on plant metabolism and metabolites production. Many plant viruses also attacked various host plants consequently alter their secondary metabolism. To overcome such virus infected plants produces many important and different types of secondary plant metabolites as a defense response. Subsequent analysis of this n-hexane plant extract using Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy technique revealed that Hibiscus eluted contained 10 main compounds in Healthy sample and 13 compounds in infected one. Presence of essential secondary metabolites were also analyzed by FTIR analysis. The present study provides a comprehensive and novel review on taxonomy (morphology, anatomy) and antimicrobial potential of both healthy and geminivirus infected H. rosa-sinensis.

Connecting nutritional facts with the traditional ranking of ethnobotanically used fodder grasses by local farmers in Central Punjab of Pakistan.

The local farmers of Central Punjab, Pakistan have been using indigenous grasses as vital components of ruminant diets, but little is reported about their nutritional potential. Hence this study investigated nutritive potential of a selection of ethnobotanically important fodder grasses. Multiple nutritional parameters (proximate components, fibre fractions), secondary metabolites (phenolics, tannins) and in vitro digestibility values were determined. Furthermore, the legitimacy of ethnobotanical knowledge of local inhabitants about these grasses was also verified. The results suggested that majority (77%) of these grasses can be regarded as good quality fodders because of their high protein (169 g/kg) and good digestibility (457 g/kg) with moderate fibre (≤ 602 g/kg), lignin (≤ 50 g/kg) and secondary metabolites (total phenols ≤ 87 g/kg, total tannins ≤ 78 g/kg, condensed tannins ≤ 61 g/kg). Pearson correlation between nutritional parameters indicated that in vitro digestibility values were positively correlated with crude proteins (IVDMD, r = + 0.83 and IVOMD, r = + 0.83 respectively) and negatively correlated with fibre (NDF, r = - 0.91), ADF, r = - 0.84 and ADL, r = - 0.82) contents. Moreover, a positive relationship was identified between ethnobotanical knowledge and laboratory findings for studied grasses. Spearman correlation test showed that ranking of grasses based on ethnobotanical preferences were highly correlated (r values) with the laboratory results for CP (0.85), NDF (- 0.76), ADF (- 0.72) and ADL (- 0.62). The resilient complementarities between ethnobotanical preferences and nutritive analysis authenticate farmer's traditional knowledge, which needed to be aligned with the corresponding scientific data. Farmers can use these findings for appropriate fodder selection and development of precise supplements for feeding ruminants within a sustainable and economically viable livestock industry for food security.

Morpho-anatomical characters of family Oscillatoriaceae (algae) identified using primitive (LM) and advance technique (SEM) from Punjab, Pakistan.

In this study, 34 species belonging to the class Nostocophyceae order Nostocales and family Oscillatoriaceae were identified based on light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All species belong to nine genera of which two species belong to Arthrospira, six species to Lyngbya, ten species belongs to Oscillatoria, six species belong to Spirulina, seven species to Phormidium, three species to Microcoleus. The morpho-anatomical characters were identified among different species using LM and SEM. These studies highlighted that north-eastern area of Punjab was blessed with the diversity of algae. These outcomes also indicated that for internal examination along with LM, SEM was necessary for correct identification of algal sample up to specie level. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The different Oscillatoria species abundance in waste-water of four different areas. The sampling was carried out randomly in different seasons from the water bodies especially from waste-water. The morpho-anatomical characters were recognized using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty-four species belonging to the class Nostocophyceae order Nostocales and family Oscillatoriaceae were identified based on LM and SEM.

Application of green silver nanoparticles synthesized from the red seaweeds Halymenia porphyriformis and Solieria robusta against oral pathogenic bacteria by using microscopic technique.

Aqueous extracts of two red seaweeds Halymenia porphyriformis and Solieria robusta were used to synthesize green silver nanoparticles. These biogenic nanoparticles were tested against four strains of oral pathogenic bacteria which cause tooth decay or cavities. Staphylococcus aureus (MT416445), Streptococcus viridans (MT416448), Lactobacillus acidophilus (MT416447) and Lactobacillus brevis (MT416446) were used. Characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD and FTIR. XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of the particles. The size analysis by XRD of the green AgNPs by H. porphyriformis indicated it had smaller particles, 15.23 nm, when compared to AgNPs by S. robusta (17 nm). Both green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed moderate antibacterial activity against all strains of bacteria, except L. acidophilus. Both particles showed their maximum zone of inhibition against L. acidophilus at a lower concentration of 50 and 100 µg. However, it was concluded that silver nanoparticles of H. porphyriformis are more effective than that of S. robusta due to their smaller size.

Comparative light and scanning electron microscopic studies of pollen of two marijuana species causing allergies.

Marijuana (Cannabis) belongs to family Cannabaceae. This plant is a great natural source of cannabinoids, which have several medical applications such as it is used for the treatment of anxiety and psychosis, disorders of motility and epilepsy. However, this plant is also notorious for its pollen allergic reactions. Mainly two species, that is, C. sativa L. and C.indica Lam. are involved in allergic reactions. In this study, morpho-palynological studies of both the species were conducted. A number of morphological differences were observed in the both species. C. sativa is tall with narrowed leaves and fibrous stalk plant while C. indica is short, bushier, broad leaves, and having woody stalk plant. Both the species are varied in their pollen characteristics. The polar diameter of C. sativa observed was 7.5 µm and equatorial diameter was 8 µm, and its shape was oblate-spheroidal. C. indica had 7 µm polar diameter, 7.5 µm equatorial diameter but its shape was similar to C. sativa, that is, oblate-spheroidal. About 40%-50% people were affected with both these marijuana species and had symptoms of allergies like dry cough, congestion, itchy eyes, sore throat, nausea, a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. It was concluded that both species' pollen are allergy causing and pollen of both species are different with variations in morphological and allergic symptoms. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Marijuana has great therapeutic importance but it is also notorious for its pollen allergic reactions. Two species of Marijuana, that is, Cannabis sativa L. and Cannabis indica Lam mainly responsible for these pollen allergies. The present research work focused the morpho palynological analysis of these two Marijuana species through light and scanning electron microscopy.

Light and scanning electron microscopic comparative studies of geminivirus infected and healthy Eclipta alba (L.).

Eclipta alba (L.) is a valuable medicinal plant. However, its medicinal efficacy can be affected by geminivirus infection. Therefore, identification of healthy specimen is essential before to use as medicine. The present study provided the taxonomic characterization of geminivirus infected and healthy E. alba plant by studying apparent morphology and microscopic features through light and scanning electron microscopy. Before taxonomic characterization infected and healthy specimens were separated through molecular detection of geminivirus. Results of morphological studies reported that geminivirus infected E. alba plant showed systematic symptoms of infection like stunted growth, distortion and chlorosis of leaves, decrease in size of root, shoot and fruit, and so forth in comparison to healthy specimen. Anatomical findings reported that in both plants anomocytic and anisocytic types of stomata with multicellular warty trichomes were present. However, variations were observed in quantitative measures such as size of trichomes, epidermal, subsidiary and guard cells. Palynological observations identifies that both plants possessed tricolporate type of pollen but variation was mainly observed in size and shape of pollen, thickness of exine and intine, P/E ratio, pore size, interspecific difference, size of colpi, and pollen ornamentation. Overall this study concluded that both healthy and infected E. alba do not reported much variations in qualitative taxonomic features, but can be differentiated in terms of quantitative taxonomic evidences. Future studies are recommended for pharmacological analysis of both healthy and virus infected plants. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Eclipta alba has incredible therapeutic worth, but due to geminivirus infection the plant is affecting badly. Hence, the present studies give a comprehensive taxonomic report on the geminivirus infected and healthy plant species.

Urtica dioica-Derived Phytochemicals for Pharmacological and Therapeutic Applications.

Urtica dioica belongs to the Urticaceae family and is found in many countries around the world. This plant contains a broad range of phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and lignans, that have been widely reported for their excellent pharmacological activities, including antiviral, antimicrobial, antihelmintic, anticancer, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiarthritis, antidiabetic, antiendometriosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging effects. In this regard, this review highlights fresh insight into the medicinal use, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and safety profile of U. dioica to guide future works to thoroughly estimate their clinical value.

Neurobiological Promises of the Bitter Diterpene Lactone Andrographolide.

Andrographolide (ANDRO), a bitter diterpene lactone found in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, possesses several biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and organo-protective effects. Scientific reports suggest that it also has neuroprotective capacity in various test systems. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the neuropharmacological properties of ANDRO and highlight the molecular mechanisms of action that highlight these activities. A careful search was done in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using specific keywords. Findings suggest that ANDRO possess neuroprotective, analgesic, and antifatigue effects. Prominent effects were stated on neuro-inflammation, cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer in mice and rats. Furthermore, ANDRO and its derivatives can enhance memory and learning capacity in experimental animals (rats) without causing any toxicity in the brain. Thus, ANDRO may be one of the most promising plant-based psychopharmacological lead compounds for new drug development.

Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy: A helping tool to identify the adultrant of dye from Curcuma longa L rhizome, and its ecofriendly applications on pharmaceutical products.

The current study was embraced to examine the morphoanatomical distinguishing proof utilizing light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antibacterial activities of turmeric extract utilizing amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. Cross over part of the rhizome is roundabout in structure. The peripheral layer is the periderm which comprises of 6-7 layers of digressively lengthened cells. This is trailed by an expansive cortex made of flimsy walled parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces. The antibacterial activities of turmeric extract in blend with drug items like amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin was likewise examined at various fixations. Different turmeric samples and drug items were gathered from various shops of Lahore. The samples were analyzed for antibacterial activities by utilizing pour plate method. In general outcomes showed fundamentally higher zone of inhibition of turmeric extract in combination with ciprofloxacin and lower zone of inhibition of turmeric extract in combination with amoxicillin. It is inferred that turmeric extract have hostile impact in blend with amoxicillin. Thus, the combination of turmeric extract with antimicrobial (amoxicillin) diminished the intensity of antibiotic. The turmeric extract have more antibacterial activity in mix with ciprofloxacin. Thus, the blend of turmeric extract with antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) expanded the intensity of antibiotic. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphoanatomical study of Turmeric rhizome using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial activities of turmeric extract like amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin was also investigated at different concentrations.

Scanning electron microscopic imaging of palynological metaphors: A case study of family Poaceae taxa.

This study highlighted the taxonomic utilization of palynological metaphors for selected members (53) of family Poaceae. Multiple microscopic technique light and scanning electrons had been employed for detailed analysis. Results reported monad pollen type in all studied 53 members, which showed its limited taxonomic value up to family level. In relation to shape of pollen both polar and equatorial views strikingly differed from each other. Like semi angular pollen observed in Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Wild. whereas round-minutely irregular pollen in Lolium temulentum L. Polar and equatorial diameter also showed variation, that is, Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf. can be differentiated from Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench on diameter variation basis. A pore characteristic does not show much qualitative variation; however pore sizes differ species to species. The most frequently scarbate sculpturing was observed in 28 species followed by verrucate. Hence it can be said that pollen shape, polar, and equatorial diameters, pore size, P/E ratio, pore sculpturing are of good taxonomic value and holds a significant position in identification and delimitation of Poaceae taxa.

Morphological and palynological assessment of taxonomically problematic genus Paspalum based on light and scanning electron microscopy.

Present research work was carried out to clarify the variations among species of genus Paspalum morphologically and palynologically as this genus is taxonomically difficult due to having multiple similar morphologically overlapping characters which make it difficult to identify. Henceforth present research work was carried out to delimit taxa within the same genus by morphological and palynological tools through light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both these tools are considered as the most useful taxonomic characters for taxonomically problematic genera. The results showed a lot of variations among morphological characters. In Paspalum dilatatum, the upper glume was ovate whereas in the other two species, the upper glume was elliptic. The upper glume apex found in P. dilatatum and Paspalum scrobiculatum was obtuse whereas in Paspalum distichum, upper glume apex was acute. Glume nerves showed variation in all three species. Paspalum distichum was 3 nerved, P. scrobiculatum was 5-7 nerved, and P. dilatatum was 5-9 nerved. All three species showed variation in lemma nerves. Paspalum scrobiculatum had 3 nerved lemma whereas in P. distichum 3-5 nerved and P. dilatatum 5-9 nerved lemma were present. In polar and equatorial view, pollen grains ranged from 25 (20-30) to 37.5 (30-45) µm. Paspalum distichum appeared to be the smallest in size whereas P. dilatatum was the largest. Exine thickness ranged from 0.75 (0.5-1) to 1.35 (1.2-1.5) µm. The higher value of pollen fertility was found in P. scrobiculatum as 87.69% and the lowest value was in P. distichum as 78.08%. Morphological keys were also given for correct identification.

Flavonoids as potential anti-platelet aggregation agents: from biochemistry to health promoting abilities.

Cardiovascular ailments are the number one cause of mortalities throughout the globe with 17.9 million deaths per year. Platelet activation and aggregation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of arterial diseases, including acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular transient ischemia, unstable angina, among others. Flavonoids-rich plant extracts are gaining interest for treating the heart-related problems due to safe nature of these herbal extracts. Consumption of plant-food-derived bioactives, particularly flavonoids, has shown antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects due to its anti-platelet activity. Preclinical and clinical trials have proven that flavonoid-rich plant extracts are protective against the cardiac ailments through anti-platelet aggregation activity. This review aims to highlight the anti-platelet aggregation potential of flavonoids with a key emphasis on the therapeutic efficacy in humans. The mechanism of flavonoids in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases is also highlighted based on preclinical and clinical experimental trials. Further studies are the need of time for exploring the exact molecular mechanism of flavonoids as anti-platelet aggregation agents for treating heart-related problems.

Natural Coumarins: Exploring the Pharmacological Complexity and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms.

Coumarins belong to the benzopyrone family commonly found in many medicinal plants. Natural coumarins demonstrated a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, antibacterial, antimalarial, casein kinase-2 (CK2) inhibitory, antifungal, antiviral, Alzheimer's disease inhibition, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, phytoalexins, ulcerogenic, and antihypertensive. There are very few studies on the bioavailability of coumarins; therefore, further investigations are necessitated to study the bioavailability of different coumarins which already showed good biological activities in previous studies. On the evidence of varied pharmacological properties, the present work presents an overall review of the derivation, availability, and biological capacities of coumarins with further consideration of the essential mode of their therapeutic actions. In conclusion, a wide variety of coumarins are available, and their pharmacological activities are of current interest thanks to their synthetic accessibility and riches in medicinal plants. Coumarins perform the valuable function as therapeutic agents in a range of medical fields.

Morphological and palynological assessment of some taxa of genus Echinochloa through light and scanning electron microscopy.

The present study was undertaken to gather information on selected species of Echinochloa based on their morphological and palyonological examination through light and scanning electron microscopy. As the Echinochloa species are most problematic grass weeds and exhibit high interspecific and intraspecific variability so due to their great morphological diversity it is difficult to recognize them. A lot of variation was observed in morphological features of studied taxa. In the present study, E. colona had more or less spreading dense racemes whereas in E. crus-galli racemes were linear to ovate. Upper glume surface was pubescent in E. colona, hispid in E. crus-galli and spinose in E. walteri. E. colona was comprised of five-nerved glumes whereas in E. crus-galli glumes were three-nerved. Although pollen basic characters in family Poaceae remains consistent but great variation was observed in pollen of studied taxa. The pollen size was quite variable among the species of genus Echinochloa. In polar view, the size of pollen grains ranged from 27.5 (20-35) µm to 40 (30-50) µm. E. crus-galli was appeared to be the smallest in size whereas E. colona was the largest.). P/E ratio ranged from 0.84 to 1.15 µm among the species. The highest value of pollen fertility was found in E. colona as 93.33% and lowest was in E. crus-galli as 87.50%. The morphological key of studied taxa is also given to study variations. In conclusion, it was observed that microscopy of morphological and palynological assessment can play a vital role in identification of taxonomically problematic taxa.

The Therapeutic Potential of Wogonin Observed in Preclinical Studies.

Wogonin is a flavonoid found in different plants such as roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi distributed mainly in Asia and Europe. Dried root extracts of S. baicalensis with high content of wogonin, popularly known as "Huang-Qin" or Chinese or baical skullcap, have been used for long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Several health benefits are attributed to wogonin and derivatives showing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects and more recently antineurodegenerative properties. Preclinical pharmacological activities of wogonin against diverse types of cancer such as breast, colorectal, and human gastric cancer will be presented in this review. In addition, studies on oxidative stress and bioavailability of wogonin will be discussed together with antineurodegenerative potential with special focus on Alzheimer's disease. Outcomes extracted from the last preclinical studies related to therapeutic applications of wogonin will be commented and updated in this review. The scientific evidence collected in this review aims to encourage transfer of the preclinical evidence of wogonin to new clinical studies.

Peganum spp.: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactivities and Health-Enhancing Effects and Their Potential for the Formulation of Functional Foods and Pharmaceutical Drugs.

The genus Peganum includes four species widely distributed in warm temperate to subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to Mongolia as well as certain regions in America. Among these species, Peganum harmala L., distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, has been studied and its phytochemical profile, traditional folk use, and application in pharmacological and clinical trials are well known. The review is aimed at presenting an insight into the botanical features and geographical distribution of Peganum spp. along with traditional folk uses. This manuscript also reviews the phytochemical profile of Peganum spp. and its correlation with biological activities evidenced by the in vitro and in vivo investigations. Moreover, this review gives us an understanding of the bioactive compounds from Peganum as health promoters followed by the safety and adverse effects on human health. In relation to their multipurpose therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant such as seeds, bark, and roots present bioactive compounds promoting health benefits. An updated search (until December 2020) was carried out in databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect. Chemical studies have presented beta-carboline alkaloids as the most active constituents, with harmalol, harmaline, and harmine being the latest and most studied among these naturally occurring alkaloids. The Peganum spp. extracts have shown neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. The extracts are also found effective in improving respiratory disorders (asthma and cough conditions), dermatoses, and knee osteoarthritis. Bioactivities and health-enhancing effects of Peganum spp. make it a potential candidate for the formulation of functional foods and pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, adverse effects of this plant have also been described, and therefore new bioproducts need to be studied in depth. In fact, the design of new formulations and nanoformulations to control the release of active compounds will be necessary to achieve successful pharmacological and therapeutic treatments.

Scanning electron microscopic screening; Can it be a taxonomic tool for identification of traditional therapeutic plants.

The limiting factor in the utilization of herbal medicine is the risk of replacement or substitution of their plant resources. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before its use in herbal medicines is essentially required. Hence, the prime objective of this study was to provide some reliable morpho-anatomical and morpho-palynological tools for the identification of nine traditional therapeutic plants of district Lahore. For this study, scanning electron microscopic and light microscopic approaches has been employed. Results reported great variations in qualitative and quantitative morpho-anatomical features of the epidermal cell, stomatal complexes, trichomes, silica bodies and oil droplets. For example, Aegle marmelos L. can be distinguished from Cestrum diurnum L. based on epidermal cell shapes, as irregular cells in former and lobed cells shape in later one. Similarly unicellular, bicellular, and multicellular trichomes could be an identification basis for Cynodon dactylon L., Lantana camara L., and Pongamia pinnata L., respectively. In combination with these morpho-anatomical characters, SEM-based morpho-palynological characterization also reported diagnostic value. Both the Aegle marmelos and Lantana camara possessed similar cell shape (irregular) but can be delimited based on their pollen morphology as spheroidal pollen was reported in Aegle marmelos whereas prolate in Lantana camara. Moreover, quantitative characters also aid well for species delimitation, such as prolate pollen found in both Cestrum diurnum and Terminalia chebula Retz. but both of these varied in their P/E ratio, that is, 0.97 and 0.88, respectively. The leaf epidermal characters in correlation with morph-palynological traits showed potential for taxonomic resolution at the species level. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This study provides valuable morpho-anatomical and morpho-palynological tools for the nine traditional therapeutic plants of the district, Lahore, Pakistan. Light and scanning electron microscopic studies provided useful systematic data for the identification of studied plants. This systematic data include moprho-anatomical and morpho-palynological keys for the studied plants. This data can be used for future identification purposes.

Pollen morphological assessment of specific selected species of district Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan under LM and SEM.

Around 30 pollen samples, 16 families and 25 genera that were gathered, identified and preserved from 6 different localities of District Sheikhupura. Light and scanning electron microscopy was done for all collected flora. Out of the total samples, 43% specie was identified as herbs, 23% as shrubs, and 33% were identified as trees. The flora was both wild and cultivated. Wild plants were 33%, cultivated 40% and 26% of them were both wild and cultivated. Qualitative and Quantitative survey of pollens revealed polar shape of pollens were 37% spheroidal, 20% prolate spheroidal, 17% oblate spheroidal, remaining were rectangular and pecolpate. Sexine and nexine were available in 100% of samples. Thirty-three percentage of pollen grains were having spines on them. The presence of spines on pollen grains represents the evolutionary relationship amongst the plants. Current study was conducted to record and analyze palynomorphic diversity in district Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.

Scanning Electron Microscopy-based palynological characterization of selected Euphorbiaceae taxa colonized in Pakistan.

The present study was carried out on scanning electron microscopic-based palynological characterization of selected 20 Euphorbiaceae taxa. In this study, important pollen qualitative and quantitative features of selected Euphorbiaceae species such as polar diameter, equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, sculpturing of pollen, exine thickness, intine thickness, presence or absence of colpi and length of colpi, and pollen fertility were examined. Remarkable variations in these pollen characters had been observed among these species. In both polar and equatorial views, Riccinus communis L. exhibited the highest pollen size (polar = 264.1 µm, Equatorial = 270 µm), while Acalypha wilkesiana Mull Arg. showed lowest pollen size (Polar = 17 µm, Equatorial = 18.5 µm). Most of the pollen varied from oblate to spheroidal in shape. With regard to the P/E ratio, Sapium sebiferum L. Roxb showed the highest ratio while Bischofia javanica Blume showed minimum, that is, 1.18 and 0.85, respectively. Intine and exine thickness also varied. Most of the pollen grains were monade. Tricolporate, tricolpate, monocolpate, pentaporate, and polyporate pollen aperture types have been observed. Most of the plants showed regular, reticulate, and echinate pollen sculpturing. Pollen fertility also varied from species to species but most of the plant showed pollen fertility between 70 and 80%. Through this work, it has been concluded that quantitative and qualitative pollen features are helpful at the specific level as well as the generic level and can provide a fruitful taxonomic solution.

Application of multimicroscopic techniques (LM and SEM) in comparative palynological study of Asteroideae members, inhabited in Pakistan.

In the present study light and scanning electron microscopic approaches were used to study the palynological variations among 30 Asteroideae members. Variety of qualitative and quantitative palynological characters like pollen shape and type, pollen sculpturing, pollen size, P/E ratio, exine and intine thickness, interspecific difference, colpi size, pore size, spines length, spine width, and pollen fertility were observed. Results reported remarkable variations among pollen characters of studied taxa. The shape of pollen grains in polar and equatorial views varied from specie to specie such as spheroidal, prolate, oblate, subspheroidal, oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, suboblate, and sub prolate. Bidens pilosa L. showed maximum pollen size in both polar and equatorial views, whereas minimum pollen size in polar view was found in Tetraneuris scaposa (DC.) Greene. (i.e., 30.5 µm) and in equatorial view was found in Cosmos sulphureus Cav. (25.5 µm).The highest P/E ratio (1.39 µm) was measured in Glebionis coronaria L. The values of exine and intine thickness also varied. Tricolporate, tetracolporate, trizonocolporate, pentoporate, and polypentoporate pollen types were examined. Spinateand echinate pollen sculpturingobserved under SEM. Variations in spine length and width also recorded. The maximum pollen fertility (98%) was measured in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. and the lowest (56%) was recorded in Thymophylla tenuiloba (DC.) Small. It was concluded that the variations in qualitative and quantitative characters were seemed to be valuable for the taxonomic investigations of Asteroideae taxa.