Diseases, such as cancer, peptic ulcers, and diabetes, as well as those caused by drug-resistant infectious agents are examples of some of the world’s major public health problems. Amphipterygium adstringens (Schltdl.) Schiede ex Standl is an endemic tree to Mexico. Its stem bark has been used medicinally since pre-Hispanic times, but in recent decades it has been scientifically proven that it has properties that help counteract some diseases; extracts with organic solvents of the plant are outstanding for their anticancer, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties; terpenes and long-chain phenols have been identified as the main active compounds. Currently, overharvesting is causing a sharp reduction in natural populations due to an increase in demand for the stem bark by people seeking to improve their health and by national and transnational companies seeking to market it. Because of the growing interest of the world population and the scientific community, we reviewed recent studies on the bioactive properties of A. adstringens. Through the orderly and critical compendium of the current knowledge of A. adstringens, we provide a reference for future studies aimed at the rational use and protection of this valuable endemic natural resource.

Background: Seed mass is a key component of adaptation in plants that are strongly affected by development and maturity, and, at the same time, all is modulated by the environment of cultivation. Hypotheses: The response to water deficit in seeds of P. vulgaris L. and P. acutifolius A. Gray is species-dependent and affects their biochemical and morphological characteristics. Studied species: The studied cultivars were Rosa Bufa ( P. vulgaris ) and cv. 10017 ( P . acutifolius ). Seeds were obtained from plants grown at 100 % and 25 % soil field capacity during their pod development. Study site and dates: The experiments were performed during May and August 2018 in a greenhouse at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, State of Mexico (altitude 2,353 m). Methods: The biochemical and morphological characteristics and the grain size of starch in seeds cotyledons were assessed. Results: Water restriction had no significant effects on the seed thickness, width, or mass only length decreased in P. acutifolius . In both species, the axis size of the starch granules decreased due to the stress, glucose concentration increased, sucrose and starch were not altered. Water imbibition increased six times in P. vulgaris seeds with no effect on the germination. The α-amylase activity was 25 - 35 % lower in both species due to the water restriction, particularly in P. acutifolius the activity was two-fold higher than in P. vulgaris . Conclusions: Comparing the carbohydrate concentration in germinating seeds of common and Tepary beans gave insights on the nutrient reserves mobilization during seed maturation and germination.

Drought is the most significant negative factor affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. Scarce studies about genetic control of drought tolerance in beans impedes a more effective exploitation these traits in plant breeding. The Tepary bean (Phaseolus acitifolius A. Gray) is considered a valuable source of drought-resistant genes for improving commercial varieties that are susceptible to drought. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and seedling growth components in response to drought stress simulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). We developed a F3 biparental population from the cross between susceptible P-saltillo variety and drought tolerant T-cafe, which allowed the study of drought tolerance genetics in beans. The F3 biparental population showed wide variability for the traits studied. I.e. from 0.0 to 2.4 for hypocotyl length. From 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % hypocotyls, respectively). From 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % roots, respectively). From 0.3 to 4.5 for root length, and from 0.0 to 4.8 for total length. The heritabilities for hypocotyl length (cm), germinated seeds (n hypocotyl), germinated seeds (% hypocotyl), root length (cm), germinated seeds (n roots), and germinated seeds (% roots) were moderate from 0.32 to 0.47. The heritability for root length was low with a value of 0.20. The most important positive and significant genetic correlations (0.80) were found between hypocotyls length (cm) and root length, which means that the longer the hypocotyls, the longer the root. All variables studied have normal distribution, which is why they are considered quantitative inheritance. The results highlight lines that can be candidates for registration of new drought tolerant varieties or used as sources of drought tolerance in future common bean improvement programs. Our results indicate that multiple genetic factors are involved in the drought tolerance response of the F3.

Drought is the most significant negative factor affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. Scarce studies about the genetic control of drought tolerance in beans impedes a more effective exploitation of these traits in plant breeding. The Tepary bean (Phaseolus acitifolius A. Gray) is considered a valuable source of drought-resistant genes for improving commercial varieties that are susceptible to drought. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and seedling growth components in response to drought stress simulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). We developed a F₃ biparental population from the cross between the susceptible P-saltillo variety and drought-tolerant T-cafe, which allowed the study of drought-tolerance genetics in beans. The F₃ biparental population showed wide variability for the traits studied, i.e., from 0.0 to 2.4 for hypocotyl length, from 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % hypocotyls, respectively), from 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % roots, respectively), from 0.3 to 4.5 for root length, and from 0.0 to 4.8 for total length. The heritabilities for hypocotyl length (cm), germinated seeds (n hypocotyl), germinated seeds (% hypocotyl), root length (cm), germinated seeds (n roots), and germinated seeds (% roots) were moderate from 0.32 to 0.47. The heritability for root length was low with a value of 0.20. The most important positive and significant genetic correlations (0.80) were found between the hypocotyl length (cm) and root length, which means that the longer the hypocotyls, the longer the root. All variables studied have normal distribution, which is why they are considered quantitative inheritance. The results highlight lines that can be candidates for the registration of new drought-tolerant varieties or used as sources of drought tolerance in future common bean improvement programs. Our results indicate that multiple genetic factors are involved in the drought tolerance response of the F₃.