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Postdoctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Plants under different environmental regimes exhibit phenotypic plasticity, sometimes producing more secondary metabolites when microenvironmental conditions are manipulated but these responses may be species, cultivar and/or genotype dependent. To test the hypothesis of whether in vitro plants of S. rebaudiana Bertoni would accumulate higher amounts of steviol glycosides when plants were growing under salt and drought stress, cultivar ST2100 plants were used. We thus applied 25 to 100 mM NaCl and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) at 2.5% to 10.0% (w/v) to generate different Murashige and Skoog (Physiol Plant 15:473–497, 1962) media. Microplant cultures were also profiled for stevioside, rebaudioside A and steviol via LC–MS. Essential oil chemicals and fatty acids were assessed using GC–MS. Finally, a chemometric analysis of ethanolic extracts produced from treated and control plants is presented from MSE fragmentation data and various phenolic acids were tentatively identified using ion fragmentation patterns. Increasing amounts of both NaCl and PEG led to poor growth and development in cultures of S. rebaudiana. For example, the 25 and 50 mM NaCl-treated plants had fewer roots in comparison to controls and at even higher concentrations (75 and 100 mM NaCl), plants did not to root. Poor in vitro organogenesis was more pronounced with PEG. For instance, when plants were placed on a 10% PEG-medium, the ability for shoot regeneration was lost and callus became more apparent. Increasing levels of NaCl and PEG were also correlated to lowered levels of rebaudioside A and stevioside. In relation to the control plants that had 0.054 mg g−1 FW of steviol, the 25 mM NaCl treatment group had highest levels of this compound, recorded at 0.156 mg g−1 FW. All other salt treatments led to trace amounts of this chemical (0.005–0.009 mg g−1 FW) and it was not detected in any of the PEG-treated plants, except for the controls. The PCA loadings plots exposed stevioside, rebaudioside E and a steviol glycoside derivative as the MS signals that contributed to discriminant clusters segregating controls from the NaCl-treated groups. For PEG, segregation in the PCA is mostly influenced by dicaffeoylquinic acid as a marker ion, separating the controls from the treatment groups. PEG-treatments caused more prominent changes to the essential oil chemistry of Stevia plants. This was evident when 7.5 or 10% PEG was applied as sabinene, α-terpinolene, n-amyl isovalerate, 7-octen-4-ol, α-bergamotene, junipene, (+)-calarene, α-cadinol, β-pinene, α-bergamotene, (+)-calarene and junipene became undetectable. Changes of this nature may be undesirable when aromatic oils of S. rebaudiana are targetted for commercial markets as our data suggest adjustment to stresses may negatively impact volatile compounds leading to a loss of bioactive aromatic compounds. This study reports, for the first time, the effects of salinity and drought conditions in vitro on changed essential oil profiles of S. rebaudiana, providing new insights into the effects of stress on the essential oil chemistry of S. rebaudiana.
T. P. Magangana; M. A. Stander; N. A. Masondo; N. P. Makunga. Steviol glycoside content and essential oil profiles of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in response to NaCl and polyethylene glycol as inducers of salinity and drought stress in vitro. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) 2021, 145, 1 -18.
AMA StyleT. P. Magangana, M. A. Stander, N. A. Masondo, N. P. Makunga. Steviol glycoside content and essential oil profiles of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in response to NaCl and polyethylene glycol as inducers of salinity and drought stress in vitro. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC). 2021; 145 (1):1-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleT. P. Magangana; M. A. Stander; N. A. Masondo; N. P. Makunga. 2021. "Steviol glycoside content and essential oil profiles of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in response to NaCl and polyethylene glycol as inducers of salinity and drought stress in vitro." Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) 145, no. 1: 1-18.
Cytokinins (CKs) are a chemically diverse class of plant growth regulators, exhibiting wide-ranging actions on plant growth and development, hence their exploitation in agriculture for crop improvement and management. Their coordinated regulatory effects and cross-talk interactions with other phytohormones and signaling networks are highly sophisticated, eliciting and controlling varied biological processes at the cellular to organismal levels. In this review, we briefly introduce the mode of action and general molecular biological effects of naturally occurring CKs before highlighting the great variability in the response of fruit crops to CK-based innovations. We present a comprehensive compilation of research linked to the application of CKs in non-model crop species in different phases of fruit production and management. By doing so, it is clear that the effects of CKs on fruit set, development, maturation, and ripening are not necessarily generic, even for cultivars within the same species, illustrating the magnitude of yet unknown intricate biochemical and genetic mechanisms regulating these processes in different fruit crops. Current approaches using genomic-to-metabolomic analysis are providing new insights into the in planta mechanisms of CKs, pinpointing the underlying CK-derived actions that may serve as potential targets for improving crop-specific traits and the development of new solutions for the preharvest and postharvest management of fruit crops. Where information is available, CK molecular biology is discussed in the context of its present and future implications in the applications of CKs to fruits of horticultural significance.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Olaniyi A. Fawole; Nokwanda P. Makunga; Nqobile A. Masondo; Mack Moyo; Nana M. D. Buthelezi; Stephen O. Amoo; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Doležal. Applications of Cytokinins in Horticultural Fruit Crops: Trends and Future Prospects. Biomolecules 2020, 10, 1222 .
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Olaniyi A. Fawole, Nokwanda P. Makunga, Nqobile A. Masondo, Mack Moyo, Nana M. D. Buthelezi, Stephen O. Amoo, Lukáš Spíchal, Karel Doležal. Applications of Cytokinins in Horticultural Fruit Crops: Trends and Future Prospects. Biomolecules. 2020; 10 (9):1222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Olaniyi A. Fawole; Nokwanda P. Makunga; Nqobile A. Masondo; Mack Moyo; Nana M. D. Buthelezi; Stephen O. Amoo; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Doležal. 2020. "Applications of Cytokinins in Horticultural Fruit Crops: Trends and Future Prospects." Biomolecules 10, no. 9: 1222.
Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. subspecies autumnalis is a popular African plant that is susceptible to population decline because the bulbs are widely utilized for diverse medicinal purposes. As a result, approaches to ensure the sustainability of the plants are essential. In the current study, the influence of smoke-water (SW) and karrikinolide (KAR1 isolated from SW extract) on the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of in vitro and greenhouse-acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis were evaluated. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with SW (1:500, 1:1000 and 1:1500 v/v dilutions) or KAR1 (10−7, 10−8 and 10−9 M) and grown for ten weeks. In vitro regenerants were subsequently acclimatized in the greenhouse for four months. Bioactive phytochemicals in different treatments were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS), while antioxidant potential was evaluated using two chemical tests namely: DPPH and the β-carotene model. Smoke-water and KAR1 generally influenced the quantity and types of phytochemicals in in vitro regenerants and acclimatized plants. In addition to eucomic acid, 15 phenolic acids and flavonoids were quantified; however, some were specific to either the in vitro regenerants or greenhouse-acclimatized plants. The majority of the phenolic acids and flavonoids were generally higher in in vitro regenerants than in acclimatized plants. Evidence from the chemical tests indicated an increase in antioxidant activity of SW and KAR1-treated regenerants and acclimatized plants. Overall, these findings unravel the value of SW and KAR1 as potential elicitors for bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic activity in plants facilitated via in vitro culture systems. In addition, it affords an efficient means to ensure the sustainability of the investigated plant. Nevertheless, further studies focusing on the use of other types of antioxidant test systems (including in vivo model) and the carry-over effect of the application of SW and KAR1 for a longer duration will be pertinent. In addition, the safety of the resultant plant extracts and their pharmacological efficacy in clinical relevance systems is required.
Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu; Nqobile Andile Masondo; Jiri Gruz; Karel Doležal; Johannes Van Staden. Potential of Smoke-Water and One of Its Active Compounds (karrikinolide, KAR1) on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Eucomis autumnalis. Antioxidants 2019, 8, 611 .
AMA StyleAdeyemi Oladapo Aremu, Nqobile Andile Masondo, Jiri Gruz, Karel Doležal, Johannes Van Staden. Potential of Smoke-Water and One of Its Active Compounds (karrikinolide, KAR1) on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Eucomis autumnalis. Antioxidants. 2019; 8 (12):611.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi Oladapo Aremu; Nqobile Andile Masondo; Jiri Gruz; Karel Doležal; Johannes Van Staden. 2019. "Potential of Smoke-Water and One of Its Active Compounds (karrikinolide, KAR1) on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Activity of Eucomis autumnalis." Antioxidants 8, no. 12: 611.
N.A. Masondo; N.P. Makunga. Advancement of analytical techniques in some South African commercialized medicinal plants: Current and future perspectives. South African Journal of Botany 2019, 126, 40 -57.
AMA StyleN.A. Masondo, N.P. Makunga. Advancement of analytical techniques in some South African commercialized medicinal plants: Current and future perspectives. South African Journal of Botany. 2019; 126 ():40-57.
Chicago/Turabian StyleN.A. Masondo; N.P. Makunga. 2019. "Advancement of analytical techniques in some South African commercialized medicinal plants: Current and future perspectives." South African Journal of Botany 126, no. : 40-57.
We evaluated the role of Kelpak® on growth, nutritional content, phytohormones, and phenolic acids in the angiosperm Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f. grown under macronutrient-deficient conditions. Seeds were germinated in the greenhouse and established seedlings were treated with 50% Hoagland’s solution (50% HS) or nutrient-deficient solutions lacking one of the following: nitrogen (-N), phosphorus (-P), potassium (-K), which were either treated with or without Kelpak® (control). After 4 months of growth, macronutrient deficiency severely reduced growth and nutritional composition in plants. Nevertheless, the detrimental effects of insufficient macronutrient supply on growth were ameliorated with the application of Kelpak®, with a fourfold (-N), threefold (-P), and twofold (-K) increase in leaf and root fresh weight. Mineral and carbohydrate levels increased in plants deprived of N and P when Kelpak® was applied in the different soils. Macronutrient stress (N, P, K) increased phytohormone production in C. triloba more than in 50% HS-treated plants. The phytohormone content in macronutrient-deficient leaves was further enhanced with the application of Kelpak®. On the contrary, application of Kelpak® suppressed the production of phenolic acids in 50% HS, -N, and -K-treated plants when compared to the control treatments. The interaction between macronutrient deficiency and Kelpak® application played an important role in the regulation of phytohormone and phenolic acid concentration in C. triloba. The current findings demonstrated the potential of Kelpak® as an efficient biostimulant that enhances nutrient uptake for improved growth and biochemicals in C. triloba under macronutrient stress condition.
Nqobile A. Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Ivan Petřík; Lenka Plačková; Michaela Šubrtová; Ondřej Novák; Jiri Grúz; Karel Doležal; Miroslav Strnad; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Elucidating the role of Kelpak® on the growth, phytohormone composition, and phenolic acids in macronutrient-stressed Ceratotheca triloba. Environmental Biology of Fishes 2019, 31, 2687 -2697.
AMA StyleNqobile A. Masondo, Adeyemi O. Aremu, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Ivan Petřík, Lenka Plačková, Michaela Šubrtová, Ondřej Novák, Jiri Grúz, Karel Doležal, Miroslav Strnad, Jeffrey F. Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Elucidating the role of Kelpak® on the growth, phytohormone composition, and phenolic acids in macronutrient-stressed Ceratotheca triloba. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 2019; 31 (4):2687-2697.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile A. Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Ivan Petřík; Lenka Plačková; Michaela Šubrtová; Ondřej Novák; Jiri Grúz; Karel Doležal; Miroslav Strnad; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2019. "Elucidating the role of Kelpak® on the growth, phytohormone composition, and phenolic acids in macronutrient-stressed Ceratotheca triloba." Environmental Biology of Fishes 31, no. 4: 2687-2697.
The review focuses on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition of extracts and compounds from southern African plants. We provide a detailed inventory of southern African plants used in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) and memory-related disorders that are potential candidates for novel AChE inhibitors. This was achieved through a detailed literature search using web-based database searches including Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) as well as ethnobotanical literature on southern African medicinal plants. Bibliometric analysis was performed on the data mined from WoS. In addition, we reviewed the methods used to determine AChE activity and highlighted the success and potential of alkaloids from the Amaryllidaceae. Our findings revealed about 200 southern African medicinal plants that are used for CNS and memory-related disorders. Approximately, 65 southern African plants have been evaluated for AChE inhibitory activity even though the majority of these plants do not have an ethnobotanical basis for such evaluation. Several extracts (e.g. Ammocharis coranica (KerGawl.) Herb., Lannea schweinfurthii Engl, Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis & Nordal, Xysmalobium undulatum (L.) W.T.Aiton.) have been found to demonstrate noteworthy (IC50 ≤ 1 μg/ml) AChE inhibitory activity. Moreover, 30 compounds have been isolated in an attempt to discover AChE inhibitors from southern African plants. The most active (IC50 ≤ 12 μM) compounds were isolated from Crinum moorei Hook. f., Scadoxus puniceus and Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. subspecies kraussiana (Benth.). Thus far, very few South African studies have looked at the ecological and environmental impact of both naturally occurring and applied AChE inhibitors (e.g. organophosphate and carbamate insecticides) and no studies have considered medical applications other than in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. Furthermore, most of these studies have mainly used an in vitro approach directed at developing treatments of age-related dementia such as AD, despite the decline in pharmaceutical interest of AChE inhibitors in the treatment of AD. It is also apparent that no further steps are taken towards the investigation of in vivo studies and clinical trials. In addition to these existing gaps, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies also need to be adequately addressed in order to generate more coordinated and focused research.
Nqobile Masondo; G.I. Stafford; A.O. Aremu; N.P. Makunga. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from southern African plants: An overview of ethnobotanical, pharmacological potential and phytochemical research including and beyond Alzheimer's disease treatment. South African Journal of Botany 2018, 120, 39 -64.
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, G.I. Stafford, A.O. Aremu, N.P. Makunga. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from southern African plants: An overview of ethnobotanical, pharmacological potential and phytochemical research including and beyond Alzheimer's disease treatment. South African Journal of Botany. 2018; 120 ():39-64.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; G.I. Stafford; A.O. Aremu; N.P. Makunga. 2018. "Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from southern African plants: An overview of ethnobotanical, pharmacological potential and phytochemical research including and beyond Alzheimer's disease treatment." South African Journal of Botany 120, no. : 39-64.
We evaluated the effect of different watering regimes on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, phytohormones, and phenolic acids in Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f., a commonly consumed African indigenous leafy vegetable. The study was conducted in the greenhouse under different watering regimes [seven (daily); three (thrice); two (twice); one (once) day(s) per week] for a period of 2 and 4-months. In each pot (7.5 cm diameter; 150 ml volume), 50 ml of water was applied per treatment. At the end of the experiment, plant growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, phytohormones, and phenolic acids were determined. A decrease in water availability resulted in a consistent decline in plant growth after a 4-month growth period. The severity of reduced water availability was more noticeable in plants watered once a week with a 1.4-fold reduction in growth and quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) value of 0.80. The significant decline in growth and chlorophyll fluorescence was probably due to the increased production of abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CK) content together with the detected phytohormones in plants with restricted water supply. Furthermore, plants watered once a week had a trade-off between growth and phenolic acid production, with significantly higher (threefolds) concentrations of vanillic, ferulic, caffeic, and 4-coumaric acids in 4-month-old plants. Even though C. triloba grew best in well-watered soil, the plant had the potential to adapt and survive in soils with limited water supply for longer periods of growth. These findings suggest that regulation of phytohormones and phenolic acids played an important role in improving the growth of C. triloba under limited water conditions.
Nqobile Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Ivan Petřík; Lenka Plačková; Michaela Šubrtová; Ondřej Novák; Jiri Grúz; Karel Doležal; Miroslav Strnad; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. How Do Different Watering Regimes Affect the Growth, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Phytohormone, and Phenolic Acid Content of Greenhouse-Grown Ceratotheca triloba? Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 2018, 38, 385 -399.
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, Adeyemi O. Aremu, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Ivan Petřík, Lenka Plačková, Michaela Šubrtová, Ondřej Novák, Jiri Grúz, Karel Doležal, Miroslav Strnad, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. How Do Different Watering Regimes Affect the Growth, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Phytohormone, and Phenolic Acid Content of Greenhouse-Grown Ceratotheca triloba? Journal of Plant Growth Regulation. 2018; 38 (2):385-399.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Ivan Petřík; Lenka Plačková; Michaela Šubrtová; Ondřej Novák; Jiri Grúz; Karel Doležal; Miroslav Strnad; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2018. "How Do Different Watering Regimes Affect the Growth, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Phytohormone, and Phenolic Acid Content of Greenhouse-Grown Ceratotheca triloba?" Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 38, no. 2: 385-399.
Extreme temperatures, drought and salinity stress adversely affect seed germination and seedling growth in crop species. Seed priming has been recognized as an indispensable technique in the production of stress-tolerant plants. Seed priming increases seed water content, improves protein synthesis using mRNA and DNA and repair mitochondria in seeds prior to germination. The current study aimed to determine the role of biostimulants-seed-priming during germination and seedling growth of Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f. (an indigenous African leafy vegetable) under low temperature, low osmotic potential and salinity stress conditions. Ceratotheca triloba seeds were primed with biostimulants [smoke-water (SW), synthesized smoke-compound karrikinolide (KAR1), Kelpak(®) (commercial seaweed extract), phloroglucinol (PG) and distilled water (control)] for 48h at 25°C. Thereafter, primed seeds were germinated at low temperatures, low osmotic potential and high NaCl concentrations. Low temperature (10°C) completely inhibited seed germination. However, temperature shift to 15°C improved germination. Smoke-water and KAR1 enhanced seed germination with SW improving seedling growth under different stress conditions. Furthermore, priming seeds with Kelpak(®) stimulated percentage germination, while PG and the control treatment improved seedling growth at different PEG and NaCl concentrations. Generally, high concentrations of PEG and NaCl brought about detrimental effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Findings from this study show the potential role of seed priming with biostimulants in the alleviation of abiotic stress conditions during seed germination and seedling growth in C. triloba plants.
Nqobile Masondo; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Influence of biostimulants-seed-priming on Ceratotheca triloba germination and seedling growth under low temperatures, low osmotic potential and salinity stress. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2018, 147, 43 -48.
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Influence of biostimulants-seed-priming on Ceratotheca triloba germination and seedling growth under low temperatures, low osmotic potential and salinity stress. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2018; 147 ():43-48.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2018. "Influence of biostimulants-seed-priming on Ceratotheca triloba germination and seedling growth under low temperatures, low osmotic potential and salinity stress." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 147, no. : 43-48.
Lachenalia species are endemic southern African plants with narrow geographical distribution, and are well-traded as ornamental plants in the international floriculture industry. In an attempt to have a better understanding of their growth and hormonal physiology, we evaluated the effects of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) during the clonal regeneration of Lachenalia montana. An auxin (α-naphthaleneacetic acid = NAA) and three cytokinin (CK) types (benzyladenine = BA, meta-topolin riboside = mTR and isopentenyladenine = iP), each at three concentrations (1, 5 and 10 µM), were tested and the effect of these PGRs on the accumulation of endogenous CK metabolites was evaluated to provide clues on the observed morphological responses. As the most efficient PGR, 10 µM mTR treatment produced the highest number of shoots (approximately five shoots per explant) while 1 µM BA-treated plants had more bulbs (approximately three bulbs per plantlet). Rooting was generally lower with increasing concentration of PGRs especially with the aromatic-type CKs. Based on the concentrations of endogenous CKs, 10 µM mTR regenerants also had the highest CKs (40 142.5 pmol g−1 DW) which were mainly of the aromatic-type (98%). In terms of the functional role of the CKs, O-glucosides (which are reversible CK storage forms) were the most dominant CK-type in the regenerants from 10 µM mTR treatment. On the other hand, the poor rooting, mostly prominent in regenerants from BA treatments was closely related to the high accumulation of N9-glucosides (well-known CK metabolites directly involved in rooting inhibition) when compared to regenerants from other treatments. Overall, the current findings provide evidence on the interrelationship existing among the exogenous PGRs, phenotypic responses and the endogenous CKs in the in vitro regenerants.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Lenka Plačková; Nqobile A. Masondo; Stephen O. Amoo; Mack Moyo; Ondřej Novák; Karel Doležal; Johannes Van Staden. Regulating the regulators: responses of four plant growth regulators during clonal propagation of Lachenalia montana. Plant Growth Regulation 2017, 82, 305 -315.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Lenka Plačková, Nqobile A. Masondo, Stephen O. Amoo, Mack Moyo, Ondřej Novák, Karel Doležal, Johannes Van Staden. Regulating the regulators: responses of four plant growth regulators during clonal propagation of Lachenalia montana. Plant Growth Regulation. 2017; 82 (2):305-315.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Lenka Plačková; Nqobile A. Masondo; Stephen O. Amoo; Mack Moyo; Ondřej Novák; Karel Doležal; Johannes Van Staden. 2017. "Regulating the regulators: responses of four plant growth regulators during clonal propagation of Lachenalia montana." Plant Growth Regulation 82, no. 2: 305-315.
Ceratotheca triloba (Bernh.) Hook.f. commonly known as an African foxglove is an indigenous plant which occurs in most parts of South Africa. The species is commonly consumed as a leafy vegetable and utilized for its medicinal properties. Although the high nutritional value of the species and medicinal properties are well documented, information related to critical aspect of cultivation is currently limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of vermicompost leachate (VCL) on growth, nutritional, phytochemical, and antioxidant levels in C. triloba at different growth stages under nutrient-deficient conditions. After in vitro germination, seedlings were grown in the greenhouse for 2 and 4 months under nitrogen (–N); phosphorus (–P); and potassium (–K) deficiency conditions, and were treated with VCL. Vermicompost leachate did not improve the growth of C. triloba plants under the nutrient-deficient conditions. Although –N-deficient plants with or without VCL caused a decline in growth parameters, they significantly enhanced phytochemicals in 2-month-old plants. In most cases, the application of VCL to –P- and –K-deficient plants improved the photosynthetic pigments, protein, and phenolic, as well as flavonoid accumulation. Harvesting time was also found to play a crucial role in the accumulation of evaluated parameters in nutrient-deprived plants. From these findings, it can be deduced that VCL has a potential to minimize the effect of nutrient deficiency especially under –P and –K deficiency in C. triloba plants.
Nqobile Masondo; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Kannan R.R. Rengasamy; Srinivasa C. Pendota; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Effect of vermicompost leachate in Ceratotheca triloba under nutrient deficiency. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 2016, 38, 236 .
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Kannan R.R. Rengasamy, Srinivasa C. Pendota, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Effect of vermicompost leachate in Ceratotheca triloba under nutrient deficiency. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 2016; 38 (10):236.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Kannan R.R. Rengasamy; Srinivasa C. Pendota; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2016. "Effect of vermicompost leachate in Ceratotheca triloba under nutrient deficiency." Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 38, no. 10: 236.
Ceratotheca (Pedaliaceae) is an endemic African genus comprising of five species. The genus is commonly used as a leafy vegetable with medicinal properties. The review aims to highlight the unexplored nutritional and pharmacological potential of African indigenous leafy vegetables Ceratotheca sesamoides and triloba, in order to conserve and domesticate these species. The information was obtained from various search engines such as Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science as well as Ethnobotanical books. Ceratotheca sesamoides and triloba have good nutritional potential. The species are high in energy levels, fat content, proteins and carbohydrate values. The species have also been reported to have good antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antiplasmodial and antiviral properties. These species have slight toxicity and cytotoxic activity when extracted at high concentrations but no mutagenic activity was detected. To date, few studies have documented the usage (nutrition and pharmacology) of Ceratotheca sesamoides and triloba. More studies investigating the nutritional content as well as methods of its improvement are necessary if the plant is to be included as a domesticated vegetable crop. Safety and toxicity analysis of this leafy vegetable need to be extensively studied as the plants are consumed in high quantities.
Nqobile A. Masondo; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Nutritional and pharmacological potential of the genus Ceratotheca—An underutilized leafy vegetable of Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2016, 178, 209 -221.
AMA StyleNqobile A. Masondo, Jeffrey F. Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Nutritional and pharmacological potential of the genus Ceratotheca—An underutilized leafy vegetable of Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016; 178 ():209-221.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile A. Masondo; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2016. "Nutritional and pharmacological potential of the genus Ceratotheca—An underutilized leafy vegetable of Africa." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 178, no. : 209-221.
There is a continuous search for new chemical entities to expand the collection of suitable compounds to increase the efficiency of micropropagation protocols. Two cytokinin (CK) analogues, 2-chloro-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)aminopurine (INCYDE) and CK antagonist 6-(2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylamino)purine (PI-55) were used as a tool to elucidate the auxin-CK crosstalk under in vitro conditions in the medicinally important plant, Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis. These compounds were tested at 0.01, 0.1 and 10 μM alone as well as in combination with benzyladenine (BA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The organogenesis, phytohormone content, phytochemical and antioxidant response in 10 week-old-in vitro regenerated E. autumnalis subspecies autumnalis was evaluated. INCYDE generally favoured shoot regeneration while the effect of PI-55 was more evident in root proliferation. Overall, INCYDE promoted the accumulation of higher concentrations and varieties of endogenous CK relative to the PI-55 treatments. In contrast, higher concentration of indole-3-acetic acid and 2-oxindole-3-acetic acid were generally observed in PI-55-supplemented cultures when compared to plantlets derived from INCYDE. Both CK analogues (individually and in-conjunction with exogenously applied PGRs) significantly influenced the phytochemicals and consequently the antioxidant potential of the in vitro regenerants. These results provided insight on how to alleviate root inhibition, a problem which causes considerable loss of several elite species during micropropagation.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Wendy A. Stirk; Nqobile Masondo; Lenka Plačková; Ondrej Novak; Aleš Pěnčík; Marek Zatloukal; Jaroslav Nisler; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Dolezal; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Dissecting the role of two cytokinin analogues (INCYDE and PI-55) on in vitro organogenesis, phytohormone accumulation, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. Plant Science 2015, 238, 81 -94.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Wendy A. Stirk, Nqobile Masondo, Lenka Plačková, Ondrej Novak, Aleš Pěnčík, Marek Zatloukal, Jaroslav Nisler, Lukáš Spíchal, Karel Dolezal, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Dissecting the role of two cytokinin analogues (INCYDE and PI-55) on in vitro organogenesis, phytohormone accumulation, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. Plant Science. 2015; 238 ():81-94.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Wendy A. Stirk; Nqobile Masondo; Lenka Plačková; Ondrej Novak; Aleš Pěnčík; Marek Zatloukal; Jaroslav Nisler; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Dolezal; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2015. "Dissecting the role of two cytokinin analogues (INCYDE and PI-55) on in vitro organogenesis, phytohormone accumulation, phytochemical content and antioxidant activity." Plant Science 238, no. : 81-94.
The phytochemical content and biological activity of three Chlorella strains cultured in low (35 mg L−1) or high (700 mg L−1) nitrogen (N) and harvested on days 5 and 10 were evaluated. High N resulted in a higher biomass in Chlorella MACC 438 and MACC 452 while MACC 555 produced a higher biomass in low N. MACC 555 (low N/day 5) had the highest phenolic content, and MACC 438 in low N/day 5 and high N/day 5 accumulated the highest flavonoids and condensed tannins, respectively. Iridoids were most abundant in MACC 452 on low N/day 10. Harvest time had the greatest effect on the phytochemical content with phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannins decreasing over time and iridoids increasing in low N and decreasing in high N conditions. Extracts were more active in β-carotene-linoleic acid model compared to 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Most extracts had good antimicrobial activity. Extracts became less potent over time in the antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE), and antimicrobial assays when growing in low N and more potent in the antioxidant and AChE assays when grown in high N. Thus, phytochemical content and biological activities of the three Chlorella strains were affected by N levels, harvest time, and strain.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile Masondo; Zoltan Molnár; Wendy A. Stirk; Vince Ördög; Johannes Van Staden. Changes in phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of three Chlorella strains grown in different nitrogen conditions. Environmental Biology of Fishes 2015, 28, 149 -159.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Nqobile Masondo, Zoltan Molnár, Wendy A. Stirk, Vince Ördög, Johannes Van Staden. Changes in phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of three Chlorella strains grown in different nitrogen conditions. Environmental Biology of Fishes. 2015; 28 (1):149-159.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile Masondo; Zoltan Molnár; Wendy A. Stirk; Vince Ördög; Johannes Van Staden. 2015. "Changes in phytochemical content and pharmacological activities of three Chlorella strains grown in different nitrogen conditions." Environmental Biology of Fishes 28, no. 1: 149-159.
Eckol, a major phenolic compound isolated from brown seaweed significantly enhanced the bulb size and bioactive compounds in greenhouse-grown Eucomis autumnalis. We investigated the effect of eckol and phloroglucinol (PG) (phenolic compounds) isolated from the brown seaweed, Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss on the growth, phytochemical and auxin content in Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. The model plant is a popular medicinal species with increasing conservation concern. Eckol and PG were tested at 10(-5), 10(-6) and 10(-7) M using soil drench applications. After 4 months, growth parameters, phytochemical and auxin content were recorded. When compared to the control, eckol (10(-6) M) significantly improved bulb size, fresh weight and root production while the application of PG (10(-6) M) significantly increased the bulb numbers. However, both compounds had no significant stimulatory effect on aerial organs. Bioactive phytochemicals such as p-hydroxybenzoic and ferulic acids were significantly increased in eckol (10(-5) M) and PG (10(-6) M) treatments, compared to the control. Aerial (1,357 pmol/g DW) and underground (1,474 pmol/g DW) parts of eckol-treated (10(-5) M) plants yielded the highest concentration of indole-3-acetic acid. Overall, eckol and PG elicited a significant influence on the growth and physiological response in E. autumnalis. Considering the medicinal importance of E. autumnalis and the increasing strains on its wild populations, these compounds are potential tools to enhance their cultivation and growth.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile Masondo; Kannan Rr Rengasamy; Stephen Amoo; Jiří Gruz; Ondřej Bíba; Michaela Šubrtová; Aleš Pěnčík; Ondrej Novak; Karel Dolezal; Johannes Van Staden. Physiological role of phenolic biostimulants isolated from brown seaweed Ecklonia maxima on plant growth and development. Planta 2015, 241, 1313 -1324.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Nqobile Masondo, Kannan Rr Rengasamy, Stephen Amoo, Jiří Gruz, Ondřej Bíba, Michaela Šubrtová, Aleš Pěnčík, Ondrej Novak, Karel Dolezal, Johannes Van Staden. Physiological role of phenolic biostimulants isolated from brown seaweed Ecklonia maxima on plant growth and development. Planta. 2015; 241 (6):1313-1324.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile Masondo; Kannan Rr Rengasamy; Stephen Amoo; Jiří Gruz; Ondřej Bíba; Michaela Šubrtová; Aleš Pěnčík; Ondrej Novak; Karel Dolezal; Johannes Van Staden. 2015. "Physiological role of phenolic biostimulants isolated from brown seaweed Ecklonia maxima on plant growth and development." Planta 241, no. 6: 1313-1324.
The therapeutic value of Eucomis species is well recognized in African traditional medicine. As a potential approach to improve growth and phytochemical content in Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis, the effect of agar (Bacteriological Agar No. 1 Oxoid) and gellan gum (GELRITE™) was evaluated using different explant sources and plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations. After 10 wk, the growth parameters were measured and phytochemical levels in 50% methanol (MeOH) extracts of the dried regenerated plantlets were determined using colorimetric methods. The highest mean shoot number (ca. 9 per explant) was observed in gellan gum-solidified media using a benzyladenine (BA) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) treatment. Regardless of the gelling agent or PGR applied, the (initial/primary) explant source (LDL = leaf explant derived from primary leaf regenerants and LDB = leaf explant derived from primary bulb regenerants) significantly influenced all the parameters with the exception of shoot length and number of bigger shoots (≥5 mm). In most cases, the regenerants from agar-solidified media contained higher levels of flavonoids and phenolics. In terms of PGRs, the BA + NAA treatment had the highest shoot proliferation (fourfold higher than PGR-free) and number of larger shoots in LDL (gellan gum) and LDB (agar and gellan gum) regenerants. Generally, the evaluated factors (gelling agent, explant source, and PGR) significantly affected the concentrations of all the phytochemicals with the exception of total phenolic content. Taken together, the current study justifies the need to fully evaluate the manner in which in vitro culture conditions/factors affect the overall outcome of micropropagation endeavors.
Nqobile A. Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Growth and phytochemical levels in micropropagated Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis using different gelling agents, explant source, and plant growth regulators. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal 2014, 51, 102 -110.
AMA StyleNqobile A. Masondo, Adeyemi O. Aremu, Jeffrey F. Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Growth and phytochemical levels in micropropagated Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis using different gelling agents, explant source, and plant growth regulators. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal. 2014; 51 (1):102-110.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile A. Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Jeffrey F. Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2014. "Growth and phytochemical levels in micropropagated Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis using different gelling agents, explant source, and plant growth regulators." In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal 51, no. 1: 102-110.
The effect of 2-chloro-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)aminopurine [inhibitor of cytokinin degradation (INCYDE)] at 10 nM on growth, biochemical and photosynthetic efficiency in sodium chloride (NaCl)-stressed (75, 100 and 150 mM) tomato plants was investigated. NaCl-induced decline in plant vigor index was slightly reversed by both drenching and foliar application of INCYDE. Foliar application of INCYDE significantly increased the flower number in the control and 75 mM NaCl-supplemented plants, while drenching was more effective in 150 mM NaCl-stressed plants. Antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) were enhanced in the presence of INCYDE in the control and NaCl-stressed plants. Higher concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) associated with oxidative (lipid peroxidation) damage in leaf tissue which was evident in the presence of NaCl stress was significantly attenuated with the drenching and foliar application of INCYDE. Regardless of NaCl concentration, application of INCYDE had no significant influence on maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II. However, the reduced quantum yield of photosystem II and coefficient of photochemical quenching under continuous illumination with actinic light at four intensities (264, 488, 800 and 1,200 µmol m−2 s−1) in NaCl-stressed (100 and 150 mM) tomato plants were significantly alleviated by drenching application with INCYDE. Non-photochemical quenching of the singlet excited state of chlorophyll a and relative electron transfer rate were generally higher in INCYDE-treated plants than in the controls. From an agricultural perspective, these findings indicate the potential of INCYDE in protecting plants against NaCl stress and the possibility of enhanced productivity.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile A. Masondo; Taofik O. Sunmonu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Marek Zatloukal; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Dolezal; Johannes Van Staden. A novel inhibitor of cytokinin degradation (INCYDE) influences the biochemical parameters and photosynthetic apparatus in NaCl-stressed tomato plants. Planta 2014, 240, 877 -889.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Nqobile A. Masondo, Taofik O. Sunmonu, Manoj G. Kulkarni, Marek Zatloukal, Lukáš Spíchal, Karel Dolezal, Johannes Van Staden. A novel inhibitor of cytokinin degradation (INCYDE) influences the biochemical parameters and photosynthetic apparatus in NaCl-stressed tomato plants. Planta. 2014; 240 (4):877-889.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile A. Masondo; Taofik O. Sunmonu; Manoj G. Kulkarni; Marek Zatloukal; Lukáš Spíchal; Karel Dolezal; Johannes Van Staden. 2014. "A novel inhibitor of cytokinin degradation (INCYDE) influences the biochemical parameters and photosynthetic apparatus in NaCl-stressed tomato plants." Planta 240, no. 4: 877-889.
Eucomis species is a valuable plant with both medicinal and horticultural potential. The current study evaluated the role of plant growth regulator (PGR) on growth, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activity in Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis. Five cytokinins including topolins and benzyladenine (BA) at 2 µM in combination with varying (0–15 µM) concentrations of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) were tested. In vitro regenerants were acclimatized in the greenhouse for 4 months. Highest number of shoots (9 shoots/explant) was observed with 15 µM NAA alone or when combined with BA. Acclimatized plants derived from the 15 µM NAA treatment had the highest number of roots, largest leaf area and biggest bulbs. While applied PGRs increased the iridoids and condensed tannins in the in vitro regenerants, total phenolics and flavonoids were higher in the PGR-free treatment. Among the in vitro regenerants, 5 µM NAA and 2 µM BA treatments produced the best antioxidant activity in the DPPH (55 %) and beta-carotene (88 %) test systems, respectively. A remarkable carry-over effect of the PGR was conspicuous in the phytochemical levels and antioxidant activity of the 4-month-old plants. In addition to the optimized micropropagation protocols, the current findings present a promising potential for manipulating the type and concentration of applied PGRs to improve phytochemical production and hence medicinal value in E. autumnalis subspecies autumnalis.
Nqobile Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Plant growth regulator induced phytochemical and antioxidant variations in micropropagated and acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis (Asparagaceae). Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 2014, 36, 2467 -2479.
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, Adeyemi O. Aremu, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Plant growth regulator induced phytochemical and antioxidant variations in micropropagated and acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis (Asparagaceae). Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 2014; 36 (9):2467-2479.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; Adeyemi O. Aremu; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2014. "Plant growth regulator induced phytochemical and antioxidant variations in micropropagated and acclimatized Eucomis autumnalis subspecies autumnalis (Asparagaceae)." Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 36, no. 9: 2467-2479.
Tulbaghia species (Alliaceae) are well-known for their medicinal, horticultural and ornamental potential. The current study investigated the effect of varying smoke–water (SW) dilutions on in vitro germination, seedling growth and phytochemical content in Tulbaghia ludwigiana and Tulbaghia violacea. The mean germination time (MGT) was considerably reduced by approximately 2-fold in SW (1:500) treatment when compared to the control. High germination (≥80%) percentage was observed in all cases; however, there was no significant difference in germination (%) with and without SW. At post-germination stage, previous treatment with SW (1:500) produced more roots in T. ludwigiana seedlings. There was no significant improvement in growth parameters in SW-treated T. violacea seedlings. T. ludwigiana treated with SW (1:500) had significantly higher phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents when compared to the control. However, SW had no stimulatory effect in the level of phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin observed in T. violacea seedlings. These findings suggest the potential of SW treatment in enhancing the aforementioned phytochemical content in in vitro T. ludwigiana plants, which could be important during ex vitro growth and resultant biological efficacy of this widely used plant
A.O. Aremu; N.A. Masondo; J. Van Staden. Smoke–water stimulates secondary metabolites during in vitro seedling development in Tulbaghia species. South African Journal of Botany 2014, 91, 49 -52.
AMA StyleA.O. Aremu, N.A. Masondo, J. Van Staden. Smoke–water stimulates secondary metabolites during in vitro seedling development in Tulbaghia species. South African Journal of Botany. 2014; 91 ():49-52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA.O. Aremu; N.A. Masondo; J. Van Staden. 2014. "Smoke–water stimulates secondary metabolites during in vitro seedling development in Tulbaghia species." South African Journal of Botany 91, no. : 49-52.
The genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) consists of 10 species that are extensively used in African traditional medicine. This review is an appraisal of current information on the distribution and morphology, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology and approaches devised to enhance the conservation of the genus. A systematic and comprehensive literature search using electronic searches such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and ethnobotanical books was conducted. Evidence from traditional medicine usage shows wide utilization of this genus for ailments such as respiratory, venereal diseases, rheumatism as well as kidney and bladder infections. Pharmacological screening reported antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antitumor, cytotoxic, phytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. The potential of the genus Eucomis especially in terms of pharmacology cannot be overemphasized. Apart from the anti-inflammatory properties, the antifungal activity of Eucomis remains a valuable reservoir with potential application in the agriculture sector as a source of an affordable biocontrol agent. Based on the speculated toxic constituents in the genus Eucomis, it will be valuable to conduct detailed toxicological studies. Extensive utilization of members of the genus Eucomis is causing severe strain on wild populations. Although conventional propagation has been relatively effective in the alleviation of the declining status, micropropagation of members may be vital to guarantee the conservation of wild populations.
Nqobile Masondo; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. Pharmacological potential and conservation prospect of the genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) endemic to southern Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2014, 151, 44 -53.
AMA StyleNqobile Masondo, Jeffrey Finnie, Johannes Van Staden. Pharmacological potential and conservation prospect of the genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) endemic to southern Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2014; 151 (1):44-53.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNqobile Masondo; Jeffrey Finnie; Johannes Van Staden. 2014. "Pharmacological potential and conservation prospect of the genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) endemic to southern Africa." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 151, no. 1: 44-53.
The role of vermicompost leachate (VCL) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, phytochemical content and the bioactivities of three bulbous (Eucomis autumnalis, Tulbaghia ludwigiana and Tulbaghia violacea) plants with medicinal and horticultural potential under nutrient-stressed conditions was evaluated. After 15 weeks, the nutrient-stressed plants were harvested and growth parameters were recorded. Spectrophotometric methods were used to quantify the photosynthetic and phytochemical contents. Harvested plant materials were extracted with 50 % methanol and subjected to antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) and antifungal bioassays to elucidate the effect of the applied VCL under nutrient stress. While VCL did not significantly enhance growth of the three species, it significantly increased photosynthetic pigment content in 50 % Hoagland’s-treated Eucomis autumnalis and in phosphorus-deficient Tulbaghia ludwigiana. Among the quantified phytochemicals, the most promising finding was the significant increase in condensed tannin and iridoid contents in VCL-supplemented-nutrient-stressed Tulbaghia violacea. Better antioxidant (Eucomis autumnalis) and AChEI (Eucomis autumnalis, Tulbaghia violacea) activities were detected when VCL was applied under nutrient stress. The current findings indicate that the application of VCL holds potential in cultivation of plants under nutrient-stressed conditions.
Adeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile A. Masondo; Johannes Van Staden. Physiological and phytochemical responses of three nutrient-stressed bulbous plants subjected to vermicompost leachate treatment. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 2013, 36, 721 -731.
AMA StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu, Nqobile A. Masondo, Johannes Van Staden. Physiological and phytochemical responses of three nutrient-stressed bulbous plants subjected to vermicompost leachate treatment. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 2013; 36 (3):721-731.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdeyemi O. Aremu; Nqobile A. Masondo; Johannes Van Staden. 2013. "Physiological and phytochemical responses of three nutrient-stressed bulbous plants subjected to vermicompost leachate treatment." Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 36, no. 3: 721-731.