Life Sciences Commons^™

Involvement Of Melatonin In The Regulation Of Reactive Oxygen Species Levels In Plants, Bariş Uzi̇lday, Oğuzhan Yilmaz, Tolga Yalçinkaya, Zehra Özgecan Tanyolaç, İsmai̇l Türkan, Rengi̇n Özgür Uzi̇lday

Turkish Journal of Botany

Abiotic stress conditions impair plant metabolism partly by inducing the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Melatonin, a multifunctional indoleamine, has emerged as an important regulator of plant responses to oxidative stress. This review highlights recent findings on the interactions among phytomelatonin, ROS homeostasis, antioxidant metabolism, photosynthetic protection, stress priming, and abiotic stress tolerance. We discuss how melatonin modulates the antioxidative response under diverse stress conditions and evaluate its effects on photosynthetic performance, ROS signaling, and membrane stability. Special attention is given to priming studies showing that melatonin pretreatment can improve stress tolerance. Emerging evidence from plant tissue culture …

Complete Chloroplast Genome Analysis Of Critically Endangered Endemic Prangos Denticulata And Insights Into Its Evolutionary Dynamics, Ayşenur Bozkurt, Doğa Seli̇n Kayihan, Hali̇s Batuhan Ünal, Ceyhun Kayihan

Turkish Journal of Botany

Prangos denticulata (Apiaceae) is a critically endangered and narrowly endemic species restricted to Ankara, Türkiye. To provide genomic resources for its conservation and evolutionary study, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated its complete chloroplast genome using short-read next-generation sequencing. The circular plastome was 153,486 bp in length, exhibiting the typical quadripartite structure with a large single-copy (86,440 bp), small single-copy (17,894 bp), and two inverted repeats (49,152 bp), and an overall GC content of 37.8%. A total of 116 genes were identified, including 92 protein-coding, 31 tRNA, and 5 rRNA genes, of which 20 contained introns. Comparative analyses with P. trifida, …

Drought Priming Improves Waterlogging Tolerance In Alfalfa, But Less Effectively Than Waterlogging Priming, Gürkan Demi̇rkol, Ni̇lüfer Kara

Turkish Journal of Botany

Waterlogging severely restricts growth and productivity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), necessitating effective strategies to improve stress tolerance. This study investigated whether drought priming or waterlogging priming could enhance tolerance to subsequent waterlogging stress in the alfalfa cultivar “Bilensoy-80”. Plants were subjected to drought priming, waterlogging priming, or no priming prior to progressive waterlogging stress for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days. Waterlogging priming consistently alleviated growth inhibition, maintained chlorophyll content, and reduced oxidative damage under prolonged stress. Drought priming was associated with partial cross-tolerance, particularly through improved root growth, plant water status, and oxidative stress responses, although …

Red Light Accelerates Adventitious Root Primordium Initiation And Differentiation In Phoebe Bournei Cuttings By Modulating Auxin Signaling And Hormonal Balance, Yuewang Niu, Yuanyang Bi, Chenyu Gong, Shipin Chen

Turkish Journal of Botany

Adventitious root formation in stem cuttings of Phoebe bournei, an economically and ecologically significant woody species, is a major bottleneck in clonal propagation. To elucidate the impact of spectral quality on early adventitious root development, we characterized the morphological, hormonal, and transcriptomic dynamics of primordium initiation and differentiation under white, red, and blue light. Under red light, cuttings exhibited the earliest and most pronounced formation of white filamentous structures at lenticels, indicative of root primordium initiation, as early as 20 days after cutting, whereas white and blue light treatments showed delayed responses. Paraffin section analysis confirmed the induced origin of …

Nasa’S Ecostress Satellite Reveals Widespread Midday Depression In Ecosystem Evapotranspiration, Jingyi Bu, Jingfeng Xiao, Joshua B. Fisher, Yiqi Luo

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Plants often exhibit a midday depression in water use (i.e., transpiration), reflecting a constraint on their ability to sustain maximum water transport, which may occur at the cost of reduced photosynthesis. Eddy covariance observations and geostationary satellites cannot quantify this widespread phenomenon globally while resolving fine-scale spatial variability. Using evapotranspiration measurements from the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) and machine learning, we quantify the global distribution of midday depression in evapotranspiration. Midday depression primarily occurs during peak-growing seasons in temperate zones and dry periods in the tropics, with a morning shift of the peak evapotranspiration time …

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Deer-Cabbage (Nephrophyllidium Crista-Galli), Lindsey K. Wise

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Deer-cabbage (Nephrophyllidium crista-galli) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

A Genetic Analysis Of The Rare Endemic Astragalus Ripleyi Barneby, Juan Antonio Jaramillo-Chico

Master's Theses

Astragalus ripleyi Barneby is a rare endemic species found in the San Luis Valley of the southern portions of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico. Though not federally listed as endangered, the species is on the Bureau of Land Management’s Sensitive Species List, warranting protection and continued management. This study aims to provide information about the genetic health of the species to inform conservation efforts and provide updated management recommendations. A genetic health analysis was conducted investigating the levels of diversity present in the species, how genetic diversity is structured across the known range of the species and …

Effects Of Photosynthetic Mode On Growth In Closely Related Tillandsia Species, Jeremy L. Read

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

To examine the effects of photosynthetic mode (C3 vs CAM) on plant productivity, subjects of the sister taxa Tillandsia confertiflora (a C3 species) and Tillandsia latifolia (a CAM species) were grown under controlled conditions via growth chamber over 30 weeks. These subjects were divided into non-stressed and drought stress groups. Subjects were compared for total biomass gained or lost over the time period as well as physiological stress measures and CAM activity. The primary conclusion is that usage of CAM does not show major differences or tradeoffs for overall productivity. Future work is needed to clarify if this holds true …

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Alpine Smelowskia (Smelowskia Ovalis), Lindsey K. Wise

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Alpine smelowskia (Smelowskia ovalis) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Ithuriel's Spear (Triteleia Laxa), Lindsey K. Wise

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Ithuriel's spear (Triteleia laxa)
 using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Thompson Mistmaiden (Romanzoffia Thompsonii), Nora Dunkirk, Gabriel Campbell, Sue Vrilakas

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Thompson mistmaiden (Romanzoffia thompsonii) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For California Pinefoot (Pityopus Californicus), Lindsey K. Wise

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for California Pinefoot (Pityopus californicus) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

A New Species Of The Genus Heracleum From Türkiye: H. Papilionaceum (Apiaceae: Tordyliaea​), Mehmet Sağiroğlu, Mardiya Sabdani̇, Bariş Bani̇, Hayri̇ Duman

Turkish Journal of Botany

A new species, Heracleumpapilionaceum (Apiaceae: Tordylieae), is described and illustrated from the Elmacık Mountains, Bolu Province, northwestern Türkiye. Morphological studies and phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ribosomal (nr)DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences placed the new species close to H. apiifolium and H. munzurense. Comparative morphological and fruit anatomical data, images, and a distribution map are provided. An International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessment is also presented, supporting its classification as Critically Endangered.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Steens Mountain Cushion Buckwheat (Eriogonum Ovalifolium Var. Rubidum), Lindsey K. Wise

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Steens Mountain Cushion Buckwheat (Eriogonum ovalifolium var. rubidum) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Optimized Immunoprecipitation Identifies Candidate Proteins Associated With Eyespot Protein Eye2 In Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii ​, Esra Öztürk, Telsa Mittelmeier, Carol Dieckmann, Atakan Sukatar

Turkish Journal of Botany

​The EYE2 protein is essential for eyespot assembly and localization in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its function remain poorly understood. In this study, we present a systematic evaluation and optimization of an immunoprecipitation (IP)-based workflow for isolating EYE2 and its associated protein complexes. Key methodological variables including strain selection, flagella removal, and detergent concentration were compared using western blotting to determine optimal extraction conditions. The combination of the cell wall-deficient cw15 strain, 4% digitonin extraction, and pH shock-mediated deflagellation significantly enhanced IP specificity and reproducibility. Using this optimized protocol, EYE2 and its potential interaction partners were isolated …

Influence Of A New Nanoensemble Of Graphene Oxide And Indole-3-Acetic Acid On The Morphophysiological, Biochemical, And Ultrastructural Characteristics Of Upland Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum L.), Nurlan Amrahov, Ulviyya Hasanova, Aliyeva Gunel, Aghazada Goncha, Fuad Rzayev, Eldar Gasimov, Aliyeva Solmaz, Lala Gahramanli, Elvin Ibrahimli, Ruhangiz Mammadova, Zarema Gakhramanova, Cem Bayram, Goncha Eyvazova, Si̇bel Hasanova, Ziyaddin Mammadov

Turkish Journal of Botany

​The exogenous application of phytohormones plays a crucial role in the activation of adaptive mechanisms in plants under both normal and stress conditions. Therefore, the present study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanoensembles based on indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and graphene oxide (GO) nanolayers. The surface of GO synthesized by the modified Hummer method was noncovalently functionalized with IAA molecules. The structure and morphological properties of the prepared materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The IAA and IAA+GO nanoensemble enhanced the morphological parameters, lateral root formation, catalase and peroxidase …

Erginia (Asteraceae: Cichorieae: Crepidinae), A New Genus Accommodating Chondrilla Spinosa, An Orphan Species Of Localized Distribution In Southeastern Anatolia, Murat Erdem Güzel, Kami̇l Coşkunçelebi̇, Serdar Makbul, Mutlu Gültepe, Zeynepnur Alemdağ, Norbert Kilian

Turkish Journal of Botany

The new genus Erginia is established to accommodate Chondrilla spinosa, a species of previously uncertain systematic placement, with a highly localized distribution in Southeastern Anatolia (Türkiye) on alpine screes along two mountain ridges. Although there has been general agreement that the species is a member of the subtribe Crepidinae in its wider sense, including the Chondrillinae, its placement in Chondrilla is based on the superficial resemblance of its achene features, which also do not match any other known genus, and no molecular phylogenetic analysis had clarified its sister group. In this study, we produce additional micro- and macromorphological as well …

Integrative Data Inform The Taxonomy Of Salix: A Case Study Of S. Purpurea L. Subsp. Leucodermis Yalt. (Salicaceae) From Türkiye, Peli̇n Acar, Yasi̇n Kaya, Dudu Özlem Mavi̇ İdman, Irina V. Belyaeva

Turkish Journal of Botany

The study of endemic species provides valuable perspectives on evolutionary history and future targets for their conservation. Salix purpurea L. subsp. leucodermis Yalt., which is endemic to Sandras Mountain in Türkiye, was analysed using morphological, anatomical, and genomic methods. This study presents the first draft short-read sequence of S. purpurea subsp. leucodermis, providing preliminary genomic evidence of differentiation from related taxa. This study also revealed a specific combination of anatomical features (prominent calcium oxalate crystals and amphistomatous leaves) and morphological characteristics (striated wood, glabrous buds, absence of stipules) that differentiate the taxon in question from the closely related species S. …

Water-Driven Reactivation Of Photosystem Ii In Plagiochasma Appendiculatum, Vineet Soni, Upma Bhatt, Yashwant Sompura

Turkish Journal of Botany

Plagiochasma appendiculatum, a desiccation-tolerant liverwort, offers a unique system for unraveling the biophysical dynamics of photosynthetic recovery upon rehydration. This study employed high-resolution chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) kinetics to clarify the sequential reactivation of photosystem II (PSII) during the desiccation-to-rehydration transition. Upon desiccation, the OJIP transient collapsed into a linear trace, indicating complete photochemical arrest and inactivation of PSII reaction centers (RCs). Rehydration triggered a biphasic recovery, including an initial rapid phase (0–30 min) marked by sharp increases in F0 and Fm , indicative of PSII–LHCII supercomplex reassembly and thylakoid membrane restoration, followed by a stabilization phase (30–125 min) wherein …

Effects Of Calcium And Magnesium Ions On Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Chromosome Structure Visualized Using Light And Scanning Elec​Tron Microscopes, Andi Salamah, Fitri Amalia Nurchasanah, Vycka Fikriyani Fairuz, Astari Dwiranti

Turkish Journal of Botany

Divalent cations, particularly calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+), are essential for maintaining chromosomal architecture, yet their roles in plants remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the chromosomal structure of wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 6x = 42), a widely used model in plant cytogenetics. Root-tip chromosomes were isolated enzymatically and treated with BAPTA (a Ca2+-specific chelator), EDTA (a broad cation chelator), and buffer solutions containing either 5 mM Mg2+ (XBE5) or no Mg2+ (XBE). Chromosomes were stained with aceto-orcein for light microscopy and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microscopic observations revealed that …

Systematic Implications Of Seed Morphology In Oxytropis (Galegeae: Fabaceae) From Pakistan, Amjad Khan, Amir Sultan, Raees Khan, Rozina Rozina, Shahab Ali, Ali Bagheri, Rifat Ullah Khan, Abdul Samad Mumtaz, Tariq Ullah, Ghalia Saleem Aljeddani, Hasil Khan

Turkish Journal of Botany

Oxytropis is a taxonomically challenging genus within the tribe Galegeae of the family Fabaceae. Despite its systematic importance, the seed morphology of Oxytropis has been poorly investigated. In the present study, we examined the seed morphology of 18 Oxytropis species representing 10 sections from the Pakistan, with the aim of evaluating the diagnostic value of seed traits using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The current investigation revealed two distinct seed shapes, namely cordiform and prolonged reniform, across the studied taxa. Seed length ranged from 1.75 mm in O. crassiuscula to 2.3 mm in O. duthieana, while seed width varied …

Unveiling The Diversity Within Salvia Caespitosa Sensu Lato (Lamiaceae): Three New “Hidden” Endemic Species From Türkiye​, Ferhat Celep, Musa Doğan, Gali̇p Akaydin, Ahmet Kahraman, Ersi̇n Karabacak, Ömer Çeçen, Meti̇n Armağan, Chun-Lei Xiang, Bryan T. Drew

Turkish Journal of Botany

Documenting species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered, is fundamental to biodiversity conservation. However, many taxa remain scientifically unrecognized, being either undiscovered or unpublished. While some plants can be easily recognized as new species, other identifications are obscured by morphological, taxonomic, and nomenclatural complexity. Detecting cryptic or “hidden” species is therefore essential to understanding biodiversity and plant evolution. Our revisionary studies on Salvia demonstrate that the morphologically complex Salvia caespitosa is not a single species but instead comprises at least four distinct species, three with narrow distributions. This conclusion is supported by integrative evidence from extensive field studies, herbarium …

Nutritive Values Of Three Edible Green Seaweeds Collected From Dar Es Salaam Coast, Tanzania, Amelia S. Buriyo, Denis Gahunde, Kristian M. Kitali, David C. Simiyu

Tanzania Journal of Science

Tanzania is endowed with different seaweed (macroalgae) species, found abundantly along the coastline. Most of these hold a great potential as nutritious food sources with promising applications in food industry. These seaweeds could be highly utilized for effective management of the high levels of malnutrition in the country. Nonetheless, the nutritional potential of most seaweeds occurring in Tanzania is still unknown. Understanding the nutritional value of the commonly available edible seaweeds, could be an important step towards promoting them as food supplements in the country. In this study, the nutritive values (crude proteins, total carbohydrates, lipids, crude fibre, vitamins, and …

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Oregon Daisy (Erigeron Oreganus), Nora Dunkirk, Sue Vrilakas

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Oregon Daisy (Erigeron oreganus) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Bensonia (Bensoniella Oregana), Nora Dunkirk, Sue Vrilakas, Gabriel Campbell

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Bensonia (Bensoniella oregana) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Deschutes Milkvetch (Astragalus Tegetarioides), Nora Dunkirk, Gabriel Campbell, Sue Vrilakas

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Deschutes Milkvetch (Astragalus tegetarioides) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Mt. Hood Bugbane (Actaea Laciniata), Nora Dunkirk

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Mt. Hood Bugbane (Actaea laciniata) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.

Afforestation Strategies In Semi-Arid Mediterranean Ecosystems: Experimental Evidence From Chmistar, Lebanon, Ahmad Saker, Mohammad Saleh, Wael Mostafa, Safaa Baydoun, Jamilah Borjac, Dalia El-Badan

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The success rate of broadleaf tree growth in semi-arid Mediterranean environments is reduced in afforestation operations constrained by water scarcity, shallow soil depth, and intense competition from herbaceous vegetation. This study, conducted between 2022 and 2024 in Chmistar, East Lebanon, using a completely randomized block design, aimed to evaluate the impact of three planting broadleaf trees techniques (traditional digging pits , hoedad tools, and auger digging) and four effective vegetation control (herbicide application, mowing,  mulching, and no control) on the early growth of three native broadleaf tree species (Pistacia palaestina, Quercus calliprinos, and Quercus infectoria ).

The …

Exploring The Relationship Between Tree Dbh And Lichen Cover On Coast Redwood, Grace M. Personeus, Sierra Gittleman, Alisa A. Zarattini

IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt

We investigated the relationship between Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and lichen cover on coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) to see if larger trees had higher percentages of cover. We measured cover using 10 cover classes on the southeastern and southwestern sides of trees in a secondary growth forest. We found a significant relationship between DBH and cover, yet no significant difference between the two sides measured. We suggest that further research with a larger sample size and more varied age classes will provide further insight into the relationship.

Oregon State Rank Assessment For Willamette Navarretia (Navarretia Willamettensis), Nora Dunkirk

Institute for Natural Resources Publications

Oregon state conservation status assessment for Willamette Navarretia (Navarretia willamettensis) using NatureServe methodology, 2026.