¹ University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology and Botanical Garden „Dimitrie Brandza” – Romania
² Botanical Garden „Anastasie Fatu” of the University „Alexandru Ioan Cuza”, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: This paper is focused on the two species of the Nymphaea genus, present in the flora of the Danube Delta, respectively Nymphaea alba L. and N. candida C. Presl. The paper has several objectives as follows: i) to illustrate the morphological identification features mentioned in the literature for Nymphaea alba and N.candida, using material collected from the Danube Delta, ii) to complete the existing information with anatomical-histological data regarding the structure of the lamina and the petiole, with emphasis on the particularities of the mechanical, assimilating and conducting tissues of the two hydrophytes, iii) to present and characterize a variety of the taxon Nymphaea candida – Nymphaea candida var. undulatifolia var. nova, identified in 2012, in the Danube Delta on the Barbos Canal and the Letea Canal, with a confirmed presence in the period 2012-2015, 2017-2019.

Key words: anatomy, aquatic plants, identification features, morphology, new taxa.

¹ Research Center for Plant Conservation and Botanic Gardens – Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI), Jl. Ir. H. Juanda no.13, Bogor 16003 – Indonesia
² Division of Biotechnology, Generasi Biologi Indonesia Foundation, Jl. Swadaya Barat no. 4, Gresik 61171 – Indonesia

Abstract: The flower bud of Rafflesia patma Blume following the protocorm stage of the flower will undergo rapid cell growth followed by the differentiation stage which lead to the later stage of the flower bud morphogenesis into the floral organs. During this transitional period of the flower bud, we revisited our R. patma flower bud microscope slide samples and some images from the previous study in [MURSIDAWATI & SUNARYO, 2012] to examine how the R. patma tissue behave prior to the late differentiation stage. We discovered that there are several types of meristematic cells in the R. patma early flower bud tissue: The elongated cells in the basal/proximal region of the bud where it in proximity with host xylem, then a column of non-elongated cells where ovary will develop in the later stage (in female flower), and in the apical/distal region of the flower bud, we found a densely packed meristematic cells where in the later flower bud this area will be developed into the protective bracts, perigone lobes, and central disc as later seen in the late flower bud tissue. During the late stage of the flower bud growth, the flower bud also inhibits growth of 1-2 vascular bundles, altering few others host vascular bundles surrounding the flower bud, while on the other side the root vascular bundle growth is just normal. This growth mechanism can minimize the host vasculature damage if multiple buds are growing the same growth direction.

Key words: histology, holoparasite, parasitic plant, plant development, Rafflesiaceae.

¹ Department of Biotechnology, Kakatiya University, Warangal – India
² Department of Biotechnology, Telangana University, Nizamabad – India
³ Department of Biotechnology, Singareni Collieries Women's College, Kothagudem – India

Abstract: Muntingia calabura L. is a potent medicinal plant. Because of that several researchers reported phytochemical and pharmacological studies, but only minimal information is obtainable on tissue culture and genetic stability evaluation studies. Therefore, in the present investigation we attempted to establish a reliable direct and indirect regeneration study through leaf and node explants on MS medium containing cytokinins BAP and KN (0.5-3.0 mg l-1) in combination with auxins IAA and NAA (0.5 mg l-1). The breakage of bud and shoot initiation were noticed with the initiation of callus at lower concentrations of auxin alone at 0.5 mg l-1. 2,4-D was found to be good in callus induction from leaf and nodal explants. A problem of browning callus was prevented by regular subculturing of callus cultures. Leaf explants exhibited maximum number of shoots (32±0.88a) with shoot length (7.6±0.17a) and nodal explants obtained optimal number of shoots (26±0.88a) with shoot length (9.6±0.30a) on MS medium supplemented with BAP (2 mg l-1) and IAA (0.5 mg l-1). Half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (2.0 mg l-1) was effective and achieved 70% of rooting. These well-developed plantlets were shifted to pots containing soil and vermicompost in 1:1 ratio for acclimatization. The acclimatized plants were field transferred with survival rate of 85%. The ISSR and RAPD markers analysis revealed the genetic stability of in vitro regenerated plants with the mother plant.

Key words: genetic fidelity, ISSR, Muntingia calabura, RAPD, regeneration.

¹ National R&D Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry – ICECHIM, 060021 Bucharest – Romania
² Valahia University of Targoviste, Materials Engineering Department, 130004 Targoviste – Romania

Abstract: The present research describes the components of the ivy (Hedera helix L.) plant extract. It is known that ivy presents a lot of health benefits, like antibacterial, antimicrobial, anticancer properties or skin care, due to their components. So, the aim of our study was to characterize quantitative (polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids) and qualitative (saponins, proteins, steroids) screening for phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained by ivy leaves. The sample was analyzed by UV-VIS, FTIR, TLC techniques. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity was demonstrated on bacteria, yeast and mold species.

Key words: analytical techniques, antioxidant activity, Hedera helix L., phytocompounds, phytosynthesis.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA (BITTER LEAF), TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS (PUMPKIN LEAF) AND OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM (SCENT LEAF)
Habiba Maikudi MUHAMMED¹, Patience OJUKWU¹, Usman Ibrahim HAMZA¹, Ibrahim YAHAYA¹, Hauwa Hussaini NDAYAKO¹, Alfa Muhammad MAALI¹

¹ Department of Biological sciences Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai – Niger State

Abstract: Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening is the extraction, analysis and identification of the bio-active components found in plants and the effects of such bio-active components against bacterial species. The analysis were conducted on three plant samples: Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf), Telfairia occidentalis (Pumpkin leaf) and Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf). The leaf samples were collected from the Botanical Garden of the department of Biological Sciences Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. The bacterial isolate; Staphylococcus aureus was collected from the department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. The phytochemical screening of the plant samples was conducted using standard methods, where bio-active components such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, phlobatannins and steroids were screened. The antimicrobial analysis was conducted using the Nutrient agar diffusion method. The bio-active components found from the phytochemical screening were saponins, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids and flavonoids. The antimicrobial activities showed the highest zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus in Vernonia amygdalina (7.5 mm) and lowest in Ocimum gratissimum (6.0 mm). These leaf samples are good source of bio-active components which are capable of suppressing bacterial infection that cause diseases.

Key words: Antimicrobial screening, bio-active components, Ocimum gratissimum, Telfairia occidentalis, Vernonia amygdalina.

ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF CAPSICUM ANNUUM L. AND CORIANDRUM SATIVUM L. ON GROWTH OF BEAN CROP
Muhammad Zafar IQBAL¹, Lubna AHMED¹, Muhammad SHAFIQ¹

¹ Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan

Abstract: Allelochemical are natural compounds which effects the growth of surrounding plants. The treatment of aqueous powder extracts of Capsicum annuum L. and Coriandrum sativum L. at 1% showed significant decreased in shoot, root and seedling height, leaves growth and biomass of mung bean (Vigna radiata). The inhibitory effect on growth performance was directly related with the increasing concentration of powder extracts of coriander. The seedlings of both legume bean were tested for the determination of toxicity and tolerance to red chilli and coriander powder extract treatment at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%. The seedlings of mung bean and cowpea showed lowest percentage of tolerance indices to coriander and red chilli powder extract treatment at 5%. However, on comparison, the seedlings of cowpea showed more tolerance to coriander and red chili powder extract than mung bean.

Key words: Coriander, phytotoxicity, plant extracts, red chili, root growth, seedling growth, tolerance indices.

PHARMACEUTICALLY ACTIVE CELL BIOMASS GROWTH PATTERN UNDER CELL SUSPENSION CULTURE OF COMMIPHORA WIGHTII – A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT
Shobha MEHRA¹, Tarun KANT¹

¹ Genetics and Tree Improvement Division, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur 342005 – India

Abstract: One of the medicinal treasures of Indian Ayurveda is Commiphora wightii which is being used for treating many diseases due to the presence of an oleo-gum-resin (guggul gum) that is having a number of secondary metabolites which are bioactive principles for a number of medicinally important ayurvedic preparations. Over-exploitation of the plant for this resin led it to the verge of extinction and need to develop an alternative way to produce this guggul gum has become imperative. The present study was aimed to understand the behaviour and growth pattern of cell suspension culture of C. wightii, which can foster the way to produce secondary metabolites from in-vitro cultures or secondary metabolite rich cell biomass. For this, callus was initiated from immature embryos collected from seed raised mature plants and tissue culture raised mature plants on Gamborg’s B5 medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Cell suspension culture was established for both the samples in Gamborg’s B5 medium with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D and hormone free medium. Study showed a comparable growth where good growth was observed in medium containing hormone than medium without hormone. In tissue culture raised plants highest biomass was observed on 27^th day which is 17.3149 ± 0.71 gms in hormone supplemented medium while in hormone free medium highest biomass was obtained on 27^th day which is 14.6219 ± 1.28 gms. Whereas in seed derived plants highest biomass produced in medium containing hormone was on 27th day that is 14.9060 ± 0.73 gms while in hormone free medium highest biomass was obtained on 27th day that is 11.2113 ± 0.74 gms.

Key words: cell biomass, Commiphora wightii, fresh weight, growth kinetics, suspension culture.

¹ Bucharest University, Biology Faculty, Department of Botany & Microbiology – Romania
² National Research & Development Institute for Chemistry and Petrochemistry (INCDCP / ICECHIM) Bucharest – Romania
³ Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry (AASF) – Romania

Abstract: It has been performed an ample documentation about Momordica charantia L., a plant for the future, for food, nutrition and health security, respectively a plant with extended benefits in domains as: botanics, horticulture, phytochemistry, medicine, therapy health security a. o. This is the first published review on M. charantia in Romania in the frame of the project PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-0995-160/2014 “Multifunctional and innovative products for safe and bioenhanced functional food from newly cultivated plants in Romania” developed at ICECHIM (INCDCP) Bucharest [SESAN, 2017; SESAN & al. 2018]. The present review contains the following aspects: introduction, botanical description, synonyms, common names, taxonomy, nomenclature, origin, distribution, biological actions. This review will be continued in next contributions about the same promising plant.

Key words: Momordica charantia, taxonomy, nomenclature, origin, distribution, biological actions.

¹ “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute),
Chisinau – Republic of Moldova

Abstract: The article describes the bioecological features, the technology of propagation and cultivation of Nandina domestica Thunb. under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova. The results of the research have shown that the optimal way of obtaining high-quality planting material is generative propagation, by sowing freshly cleaned seeds, in autumn, in a substrate consisting of forest humus and compost made from plants. The coefficient of uniformity and the germination capacity of seeds sown in autumn at a depth of 2-3 cm was 2-2.7 times higher than that obtained from sowing in spring. The planting material obtained after sowing in autumn is more vigorous than that obtained after sowing in spring, with a fasciculate and well-developed root system.

Key words: Cultivation, development, Nandina domestica Thunb., propagation.

¹ Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna – Niger State
² Ibrahim Babadamasi University, Lapai Niger State – Nigeria

Abstract: Assessment of transplanting effects at different ages of seedling development on morphological and yield attributes in two landraces (SOMBO/MKW/2017 and NDAGBACHI/MKW/2017) of Nigerian pepper (Capsicum spp.) was studied during the planting season of 2017. The Capsicum landraces were obtained from local farmers in Mokwa, Niger State. The study was conducted at the experimental garden, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State. Transplants were made at different ages (3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after planting). The experimental design used was a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications of each treatment. Quantitative data obtained were pooled for analysis. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the various mean values. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) post hoc test was used to separate the means. All values were considered significant at p<0.05. The result showed some interesting variations among the different ages of transplants; the results of the plant height at maturity and number of leaves for NDAGBACHI/MKW/2017 revealed that week 3 had the highest plant height (33.00 cm) at maturity and also the highest number (39.50) of leaves. However, these values were not significantly different (p>0.05) from all other weeks. The results for plant height at harvest and number of branches revealed that week 4 recorded the highest height (37.75 cm) at harvest and highest number (8.00) of branches, but is not statistically different (p>0.05) from other weeks. For SOMBO/MKW/2017, Week 4 recorded highest in terms of plant height (30.08 cm) at maturity, plant height (32.50 cm) at harvest and number of branches (9.25). These values were significantly different (p<0.05) from other weeks. For NDAGBACHI/MKW/2017, Week 3 produced the highest number of fruits/plant (28.00) but bears no significant difference (p>0.05) to all other weeks. However, for SOMBO/MKW/2017, Week 4 recorded the highest number of fruits/plant (35.00) and is significantly different (p<0.05) from week 3 and 6 but statistically the same with week 5. In both landraces, Week 3 produced the highest number of seeds/fruit, but is statistically the same (p>0.05) with other weeks. It is therefore concluded that variation in transplanting age tend to influence certain morphological and yield attributes in Nigerian pepper landraces. Also, 3 and 4 week old transplants seem to be the best age to produce more yields for NDAGBACHI/MKW/2017 and SOMBO/MKW/2017 respectively. Further research works should be done to test for other higher ages at transplanting and also for different landraces in order to arrive at a sound conclusion.

Key words: Capsicum, landraces, NDAGBACHI/MKW/2017, SOMBO/MKW/2017, transplanting, yield attributes.

¹ Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State – Nigeria
² Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State – Nigeria
³ Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State – Nigeria

Abstract: In order to evaluate the effect of water stress on physiological parameters of bambara groundnut, twenty-eight accessions were evaluated at the Experimental garden of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State Nigeria. They were subjected to two treatments, water stressed and non-water stressed. The accessions were sown in planting bags and arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Significant differences in all physiological parameters were observed between the bambara groundnut accessions in both the water stressed and the non-water stressed treatment. Relative water content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content was higher in non-water stressed plants than water stressed plants, although relatively high water content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll contents were still observed in stressed plants. It was also observed that bambara groundnut accessions explored drought tolerant mechanisms by closing their stomata to reduce water loss.

Key words: accessions, bambara groundnut, chlorophyll, drought, relative water content, water stress.

IMPACT OF PORTLAND CEMENT ON GROWTH OF BEAN CROPS
Raheela IQBAL¹, Muhammad Zafar IQBAL¹, Muhammad SHAFIQ¹
doi: 10.33628/jpd.2020.27.1.121

¹ Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270 – Pakistan

Abstract: Cement manufacturing industries are responsible for environmental degradation at regional and global level. This study was undertaken the effect of port land cement on three different legume crops in pot. The cement treatment differently influenced on germination and biomass of all studied bean crops. Statistically, the root length of Vigna radiata was decreased at 0.50 g cement level. The cement treatment at similar level significantly reduced shoot and seedling length of V. mungo. The total seedling dry weight of V. unguiculata was significantly affected with cement treatment at 1.0 g. The sprinkled treatment at 2 g reduced tolerance index in seedlings of V. unguiculata, V. mungo and V. radiata, respectively.

Key words: bean, cement pollution, pulse, seedling growth, tolerance, yield.

EFFECTS OF AGE AT TRANSPLANTING ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF THREE GENOTYPES OF SCARLET EGGPLANT
Oladipupo Abdulazeez Yusuf DAUDU¹, Olamide Ahmed FALUSI^1,2, Abdulhakeem ABUBAKAR¹, Muhammad Liman MUHAMMAD¹, Amaechi Reuben ANYICHIE¹

¹ Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna
² Ibrahim Babadamasi University, Lapai Niger State – Nigeria

Abstract: Three genotypes of scarlet eggplant obtained from National Agency for Conservation of Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria, were evaluated for the effects of transplanting ages on morphological and yield attributes at the Department of Plant Biology experimental field, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. The experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Standard procedures were followed when transplanting young seedlings of the various scarlet eggplant genotypes at week 3, 4, 5 and 6 after planting. The morphological parameters measured were plant height at transplanting, at maturity and at harvest, as well as number of branches and leaves at maturity. The yield parameters measured were number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit and weight of 100 seeds per fruit for each of the week at transplanting for the selected eggplant genotypes. It was observed from the result that plants transplanted at week 3 had the highest plant height at maturity while plants transplanted at week 6 had the highest plant height in NHGB/09/128. However, plants transplanted at week 4 had significantly highest yield parameters (p=0.05), i.e. Weight of fruit (2.44 g), Number of seeds/fruit (115.60), and Weight of 100 seeds (0.28 g). In NHGB/09/138, plants transplanted at week 4 had significantly highest plant height at maturity, plant height at harvest, number of branches per plant at maturity and number of leaves per plant at maturity (30.35 cm, 43.00 cm, 18.00 and 36.50 respectively). Similar trend was observed in weight of fruit (2.22 g) and number of seeds/fruit (98.20). In NHGB/09/132, plants transplanted at week 3 was significantly highest for all the yield parameters such as weight of fruit (1.15 g), number of seeds/fruit (89.80), and weight of 100 seeds (0.48 g). Thus, in all the three genotypes, plants transplanted at various weeks performed better than those not transplanted (control). It is therefore recommended that these ages at transplant be considered to be the best time for transplanting of these eggplant genotypes.

Key words: genotypes, morphological parameters, scarlet eggplant, transplant, yield parameters.

¹ Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna – Nigeria
² Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto –Nigeria
³ Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto –Nigeria
⁴ Federal College of Fisheries Technology, New-Bussa – Nigeria

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of Cow dung and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). The study was conducted at the Department of Biological Sciences Garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto in 2012/2013 wet season. The treatments consisted of cow dung (CD) and water hyacinth (WH) each at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40% concentration incorporated with the top soil. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated five times. Soil chemical analysis for pH, %Org. M, %Org. C, %N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and C.E.C. was carried out before and after planting using standard methods of soil analysis, chemical content of CD and WH were determined. The results shows that both CD and WH enhanced soil chemical contents and at 40% application of CD and WH organic matter, N, P and C.E.C. of the soil. Numbers of leaves, leaf length, number of fruits, fruit dry weight, stalk dry weight and root length were taken for ten weeks, 2 weeks after planting (2WAP). The result revealed that plant height and numbers of leaves of okra were significantly (p<0.05) affected with CD and WH. The application of CD and WH at 5% enhanced growth and yield of okra, as well as the soil nutrients status. Application of CD increased plant height and numbers of leaves in Okra more than WH this suggest their potential in ameliorating soil nutrient status and growth of okra.

Key words: cow dung, growth, mineralization, okra, water hyacinth.

¹ Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa ON – Canada

Abstract: ATP-binding cassette-type (ABC) transporters are highly implicated in detoxification processes but not restricted to detoxification processes. Several ABC transporters including wheat Lr34 were shown to function in plant defense responses and secretion of plant antimicrobial compounds. Members of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins and pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) proteins were studied in wheat. MDR1 and PDR1 expression was relatively stable in all the developmental stages but responded differentially to salicylic acid and fumonisin B1. In silico analysis indicated that both MDR1 and PDR1 had expression levels in all analyzed parts of wheat.

Key words: ABC-transporter, biotic stress, disease resistance, protein kinase, wheat Lr34.

¹ Department of Plant Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna – Nigeria
² Department of Biological Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai – Nigeria
³ Department of Crop Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna – Nigeria

Abstract: Germplasm collection and sourcing for resistant genotypes among the available landraces through characterization and quantification of genetic diversity is essential for introgression in plant breeding programs. Therefore, study on molecular diversity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) landraces was carried out to characterize the crop accessions for resistance to blast pathogen as well as identify elite accession(s) for the crop improvement. Thirty five (35) pearl millet germplasm were collected from the major cultivated states in Nigeria and were screened for blast resistant genotypes on the field using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Selected potentially resistant accessions for blast resistant were further confirmed under screen house condition and evaluated for genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR. Out of the 35 accessions screened for blast, 14 were potentially resistant to blast disease (with disease score of ≤ 3.9 on 1-9 scale). Further nursery screening of the potentially resistant accessions to blast showed that NS-YEL-02 was the most highly resistant followed by NG-ZB-01 with severity disease score of 0.00 and 0.33, respectively. Molecular diversity of selected 14 resistant and 2 susceptible accessions using random amplified polymorphic DNA showed no specific marker for resistant and susceptible accession to the disease. A total of fifty nine (59) amplified fragment bands with 10 DNA primers was generated, of which 53 (89.83%) were polymorphic and 6 (10.17%) were monomorphic. Genetic similarity among the accessions varied from 0.18 to 1.44 with an average gene diversity value of 0.74. Clustered dendrogram of the 16 accessions revealed two major cluster groups; two susceptible (KD-CK-01 and NGB501) accessions with similarity coefficient 1.14, and 14 resistant accessions. Clustering of the selected landraces base on resistance and susceptibility by RAPD techniques, indicate its possibility for indirect selection of blast resistant genotypes for the crop. The high resistance and clustering of NS-YEL-02 singly in a group by the makers indicate the uniqueness and its prospect for selection, as elite parent accessions in blast disease resistance breeding programs of pearl millet.

Key words: blast pathogen, molecular diversity, pearl millet, RAPD, resistant.

¹ “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute), Chisinau – Republic of Moldova
² “Codru” Scientific Reserve, Lozova comune, Straseni district – Republic of Moldova

Abstract: The vegetation of the “Peacock” glades in the “Codru” Scientific Reserve, Republic of Moldova, based on 15 relevés has been grouped in a new association Euphorbio valdevillosocarpae-Inuletum salicinae Pînzaru, Cantemir et Jardan, ass. nova, h.l., alliance Trifolion medii T. Müller 1962, ord. Origanetalia vulgaris T. Müller 1962, cl. TRIFOLIO-GERANIETEA SANGUINEI T. Müller 1962. The association consists of mesophilic phytocenoses, formed on slightly acidic, typical gray soils, at an altitude of 330-336 m. Hemicryptophytes predominate in the phytocoenoses of this association (74.1%), among the more numerous floristic elements, there are the Eurasian ones (53.7%), followed by the European ones (16.6%) and the Central European ones (6.4%).

Key words: characteristic species, ecology, Euphorbio valdevillosocarpae-Inuletum salicinae ass. nova, range, Republic of Moldova.

¹ Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa – Canada

Abstract: Many uses of protoplasts, plant cells with the cell wall removed, have been explored. Many advantages of the system have been realized and proven in recent years in various physiological, biochemical, genetic, and molecular biological studies. Reliable methods to isolate viable protoplasts from a broad variety of plant species have been established. Regeneration of plants from protoplasts has become one of the options involved in crop gene manipulation and crop improvement. Here, we present how protoplast system may help crop gene editing and novel trait development, and discuss the potentials and challenges of this approach.

Key words: CRISPR, crop improvement, gene editing, protoplast, regeneration, transient expression.