Study on environmental factors affecting the quality of codonopsis radix based on MaxEnt model and all-in-one functional factor

Callus Culture System from Lonicera japonica Thunb Anthers: Light Quality Effects on Callus Quality Evaluation

Lonicera japonica Thunb has significant edible and medicinal value, possessing heat clearing, detoxification, antibacterial, and blood pressure reduction properties. Currently, its quality is constrained by factors such as climate, environment, flowering period, and germplasm degradation. The strategy of using bioreactors and abiotic inducers to produce bioactive metabolites has not yet been implemented. This study reports, for the first time, the induction of an embryogenic callus from L. japonica anthers, the identification of tissue morphological structures, and the effects of light induction on the callus morphology, metabolite accumulation, and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the MS medium, supplemented with 1.0 mg·L-1 6-BA, 1.5 mg·L-1 NAA, 1.5 mg·L-1 2,4-D, and 0.2 mg·L-1 KT, induced 89% embryogenic callus formation. Uniform callus lines were obtained using 2.0 mg·L-1 6-BA, 0.5 mg·L-1 NAA, and 0.2 mg·L-1 KT in each subcultivation. Embryogenic cells were observed to have closely arranged spherical protruding granules on their surface, along with visible nuclei and numerous starch grains. After 15 days of blue light induction, active metabolites and antioxidant activities peaked. This experimental system not only provides support for germplasm innovation but also indicates that abiotic inducers can be utilized as a means to achieve higher yields of metabolic products.

Adaptive Distribution and Priority Protection of Endangered Species Cycas balansae

As an endangered species, the habitat of Cycas balansae (C. balansae) is subject to a variety of impacts, including climate change and human activities, and exploring its adaptive distribution and conservation areas under such conditions is crucial to protecting the ecological security of endangered species. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model and Marxan v4.0.6 to systematically evaluate the adaptive distribution and priority protection areas of the endangered species C. balansae. The results showed that the endangered species C. balansae is concentrated in Xishuangbanna and its surrounding zones in the southern Yunnan Province. The main factors affecting the distribution of C. balansae were temperature seasonality, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, isothermality, and precipitation of the warmest quarter, among which temperature was the dominant factor. Under different climate scenarios in the future, the adaptive distribution area of C. balansae showed a slight decrease, and the adaptive distribution showed a northward migration trend. The future climate distribution pattern is closely related to temperature seasonality and the mean temperature of the coldest quarter. In addition, the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on the distribution of C. balansae cannot be ignored. Currently, there is a large range of conservation vacancies for C. balansae, and it is recommended that Simao City be used as a priority conservation area. This study provides new insights for determining the priority conservation areas and conservation strategies for the endangered species C. balansae.

Identification of Codonopsis Radix from different origins based on odor information

Introduction

Codonopsis Radix, a natural plant with edible and medicinal functions, is in high demand and cultivated in different regions. The place of origin affects the quality. However, environmental factors such as soil, climate, and altitude all have an impact on its quality. Therefore, identification of geographical origins of Codonopsis Radix is very important.

Methods

This study used High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint and Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology to identify the origin information of Codonopsis Radix. HPLC fingerprint can fully reflect characteristics of chemical components in Codonopsis Radix and provide a reliable chemical basis for identification of origins, while E-nose technology captures and analyzes volatile odor of Codonopsis Radix by simulating human olfactory system, which realizes rapid identification of origin information. In order to reveal origin of special aroma of Codonopsis Radix in a deeper way, we further employed Solid Phase Micro-extraction Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) technique to elucidate the volatile substances of unique aroma.

Results

Odor information could replace chemical components to achieve the identification of Codonopsis Radix geographical origins and Hexanal might be a key volatile compound in Codonopsis Radix from different geographical origins.

Discussion

This research indicated that Codonopsis Radix from different origins can be identified by odor information, which not only enriched index system for quality evaluation of Codonopsis Radix, but also provided new ideas and methods for origin identification of same type of plants.

Simulation of Pseudostellaria heterophylla distribution in China: assessing habitat suitability and bioactive component abundance under future climate change scenariosplant components

Background

Pseudostellaria heterophylla is used in traditional Chinese medicine, so ensuring an adequate supply of plant material with high levels of bioactive components is important.

Methods

Using an optimized maximum entropy niche model and assays of bioactive components from cultivation samples, this study started from the plant's natural distribution area and estimated correlations of ecological factors with not only abundance of the plant but also abundance of polysaccharides and heterophyllin B. These correlations were combined with the spatial analysis function in ArcGIS to generate maps of the suitability of different habitats in China for cultivating P. heterophylla under current climate conditions and different models of climate change.

Results

The following ecological factors emerged as particularly important for habitat suitability: precipitation of driest month and driest quarter, annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, temperature seasonality, and mean temperature of coldest quarter, contributing to a cumulative total of 87%. Under current climate conditions, optimum habitats of P. heterophylla were mainly distributed in the southwestern region (Guizhou) and eastern regions (Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangsu) of China, and only 0.197×106 km2 of these areas were optimum habitat. In future climate change scenarios, the optimal habitat area of P. heterophylla exhibited an increase across different time periods under the SSP5-8.5 climate scenario. By the 2090s, distribution area of high heterophyllin B content under SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios will increase significantly, distribution area of high polysaccharide content had little change under all three climate scenarios (SSP 1-2.6, 2-4.5, 5-8.5). The center of mass of suitable habitat migrates southwestward under scenario SSP 1-2.6 and SSP 2-4.5, while it migrates northward under scenario SSP 5-8.5. Under the three climate scenarios, the center of mass of suitable habitat migrated consistently with that of high polysaccharide content but differed from that of high heterophyllin B content.

Conclusion

These findings provide a crucial foundation for cultivating P. heterophylla with superior medicinal properties, developing adaptive management strategies to enhance conservation efforts, and ensuring sustainable utilization in the face of global climate change.

Predicting possible distribution of rice leaf roller (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis) under climate change scenarios using MaxEnt model in China

The relationship between climate conditions and pest life is a key determinant of their distribution. Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee, a major rice pest, exhibits outbreaks and its distribution patterns closely linked to meteorological factors. By using 244 actual distribution and occurrence data of C. medinalis along with 8 bioclimatic data, and employing the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS, combined with the latest SSPs climate scenario data, this study evaluated the risk region distribution status in the current period and predicted changes in China from 2040 to 2100. The results indicate that an overall increase in the risk area for C. medinalis, particularly under SSP245 scenario during 2040-2060. While Low-risk areas are expected to decrease, Medium and High-risk areas are projected to increase significantly, with worsening pest infestations anticipated in southern Hubei, eastern Hunan, most of Jiangxi, central Fujian, northern Guangdong, and southern Jiangsu. Regions such as central Liaoning are expected to reach the minimum survival standard for C. medinalis in future, leading to the northward shift in risk areas. Difference plots highlighted areas of increased and decreased suitability, providing actionable insights for policymakers. Regions with increased suitability align with the predicted northward shift of many agricultural pests, necessitating enhanced monitoring, specific pest control measures, and updated agricultural policies to address changing risk profiles. Additionally, the centroid analysis showed a northwest shift direction in future, primarily located at the junction of Shaoyang City and Loudi City, situated around 27-28 °N degrees north latitude and 111-113 °E. The study underscores the significant impact of climate change on the distribution of rice leaf roller, providing valuable insights for agricultural planning and management. The northward and westward expansion of risk areas necessitates adaptive strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture. Enhanced monitoring, integrated pest management, and the development of pest-resistant crops are essential for addressing future challenges posed by climate change.

Evaluation of the environmental factors influencing the quality of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus based on HPLC and the Maxent model

BACKGROUND

In recent years, global climate change in tandem with increased human activity has resulted in habitat degradation or the migration of rare medicinal plants, potentially impacting the quality of medicinal herbs. Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus is a valuable bulk medicinal material in Northwest China. As the demand for this medicinal herb continues to increase in both domestic and international markets, ensuring the sustainable development of high-quality Astragali Radix is important. In this study, the maximum entropy (Maxent) model was applied, thereby incorporating 136 distribution records, along with 39 environmental factors of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, to assess the quality zonation and potential distribution of this species in China under climate change.

RESULTS

The results showed that the elevation, annual mean temperature, precipitation of wettest month, solar radiation in June, and mean temperature of warmest quarter were the critical environmental factors influencing the accumulation of astragaloside IV and Astragalus polysaccharide in A. membranaceus var. mongholicus. Among the twelve main environmental variables, annual mean temperature, elevation, precipitation of the wettest month, and solar radiation in November were the four most important factors influencing the distribution of A. membranaceus var. mongholicus. In addition, ecological niche modelling revealed that highly suitable habitats were mainly located in central and western Gansu, eastern Qinghai, northern Shaanxi, southern Ningxia, central Inner Mongolia, central Shanxi, and northern Hebei. However, the future projections under climate change suggested a contraction of these suitable areas, shifting towards northeastern high-latitude and high-elevation mountains.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide essential insights for developing adaptive strategies for A. membranaceus var. mongholicus cultivation in response to climate change and can inform future research on this species. By considering the identified environmental factors and the potential impacts of the predicted climate changes, we can visualize the regional distribution of high-quality Radix Astragali and develop conservation strategies to protect and restore its suitable habitats.

Prediction of Historical, Current, and Future Configuration of Tibetan Medicinal Herb Gymnadenia orchidis Based on the Optimized MaxEnt in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Climate change plays a pivotal role in shaping the shifting patterns of plant distribution, and gaining insights into how medicinal plants in the plateau region adapt to climate change will be instrumental in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the highlands. Gymnosia orchidis Lindl. (G. orchidis) is a valuable Tibetan medicinal resource with significant medicinal, ecological, and economic value. However, the growth of G. orchidis is severely constrained by stringent natural conditions, leading to a drastic decline in its resources. Therefore, it is crucial to study the suitable habitat areas of G. orchidis to facilitate future artificial cultivation and maintain ecological balance. In this study, we investigated the suitable zones of G. orchidis based on 79 occurrence points in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and 23 major environmental variables, including climate, topography, and soil type. We employed the Maximum Entropy model (MaxEnt) to simulate and predict the spatial distribution and configuration changes in G. orchidis during different time periods, including the last interglacial (LIG), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the Mid-Holocene (MH), the present, and future scenarios (2041-2060 and 2061-2080) under three different climate scenarios (SSP126, SSP370, and SSP585). Our results indicated that annual precipitation (Bio12, 613-2466 mm) and mean temperature of the coldest quarter (Bio11, -5.8-8.5 °C) were the primary factors influencing the suitable habitat of G. orchidis, with a cumulative contribution of 78.5%. The precipitation and temperature during the driest season had the most significant overall impact. Under current climate conditions, the suitable areas of G. orchidis covered approximately 63.72 × 104/km2, encompassing Yunnan, Gansu, Sichuan, and parts of Xizang provinces, with the highest suitability observed in the Hengduan, Yunlin, and Himalayan mountain regions. In the past, the suitable area of G. orchidis experienced significant changes during the Mid-Holocene, including variations in the total area and centroid migration direction. In future scenarios, the suitable habitat of G. orchidis is projected to expand significantly under SSP370 (30.33-46.19%), followed by SSP585 (1.41-22.3%), while contraction is expected under SSP126. Moreover, the centroids of suitable areas exhibited multidirectional movement, with the most extensive displacement observed under SSP585 (100.38 km2). This study provides a theoretical foundation for the conservation of biodiversity and endangered medicinal plants in the QTP.