Bangladesh Journal of Botany is the official organ of the Bangladesh Botanical Society established in 1972. Full text articles available. The web address of the Bangladesh Botanical Society is http://www.bdbotsociety.org List of the online scholarly database link where indexed Bangladesh Journal of Botany https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJB/indexing
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Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in rooftop garden
A pot experiment was conducted in the rooftop garden to find the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers in soil-based media on growth, yield and antioxidant properties of lettuce. Twelve different soil-based media prepared with different proportion of cowdung, vermicompost and biochar with four replications. Plant height, leaf number, shoot weight increased in the treatments of cowdung either used sole or together with vermicompost and biochar in soil compared to control and T1 (soil 100% + inorganic fertilizer) treatments. The antioxidant compounds of lettuce leaf such as vitamin C, phenolic and flavonoid content increased with the sole application of organic fertilizers and combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizers than control. But these antioxidants content decreased in the treatments treated with inorganic fertilizers. The antioxidants properties were consistent with DPPH activity of leaf extract as measured in IC50 value. Therefore, it is suggested that application of organic fertilizer in soil-based media improves the yield and quality of lettuce grown in the rooftop garden. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 223-227, 2026 (March)
Copyright (c) 2026 Bangladesh Botanical Society
Canopy structure and understory diversity in traditional chinese landscape planning: implications for biodiversity-oriented restoration in the erguna wetland
The Erguna wetland in Inner Mongolia, China, represents Asia's largest woody wetland and a critical stopover for migratory birds, yet it faces increasing biodiversity threats from conventional management practices focused mainly on greening rate while overlooking vertical vegetation structure. This study investigated the relationship between canopy structure and understory plant diversity across three canopy density groups in 30 standardized plots of Erguna National Wetland Park, integrating traditional Chinese garden principles with modern ecological assessment methods. Leaf area index and canopy openness were measured using hemispherical photography, while biodiversity was assessed by species richness, Shannon-Wiener index, and functional group composition. Results revealed significant gradient characteristics in canopy structure and microclimate conditions among the groups (P < 0.001). A unimodal relationship emerged, with moderate canopy closure (40-60%) supporting maximum diversity (R2 = 0.68, P < 0.001). Functional group analysis showed herbaceous plants and shrubs dominated at intermediate canopy density, while high leaf area index suppressed herbaceous species but favored mosses and ferns. Structural equation modeling demonstrated direct light-driven effects (β = 0.62) and indirect water regulation pathways (β = 0.35) governing understory diversity. Multi-layer canopies increased biodiversity by approximately 35% and enhanced soil water retention. These findings validate traditional Chinese principles of moderate density and provide actionable canopy management thresholds (LAI 2.5-3.5, openness 40-60%) for biodiversity-oriented wetland restoration. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 1-12, 2026 (March)
Evaluation of comparative productivity of the romanian pea variety 'nicoleta' under conventional and no-till systems in the arid region of dobrogea
This study evaluated the agronomic performance of the Romanian pea variety “Nicoleta” (Pisum sativum L.) under two soil tillage systems: conventional and no-till during 2021-2024, in the pedoclimatic conditions of Săcele, Constanța County. The effects of tillage on vegetative growth, reproductive traits, yield, and their relationships with climatic factors were analyzed. Conventional tillage resulted in taller plants, slightly more pods per plant, and a higher thousand seed weight (TSW), and these differences were statistically significant according to ANOVA. Although conventional tillage produced higher yields, the no-till system ensured stable and competitive productivity, particularly in low-rainfall years, due to controlled irrigation. Regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation between TSW and yield, and a moderate relationship between pods per plant and productivity. Rainfall had limited influence because irrigation compensated for water deficits. Overall, the “Nicoleta” variety proved adaptable and productive, and the no-till system represents a viable, sustainable option for modern, resource-efficient agriculture. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 13-19, 2026 (March)
Revealing the dynamics of ultraphytoplankton diversity in cihu lake by integrated hplc and molecular sequencing analyses
Eutrophication is a major ecological issue in freshwater lakes. Ultraphytoplankton, with small cell sizes and high sensitivity, are effective indicators for water trophic status assessment. In this study, a two-year ecological survey was conducted in Cihu Lake, a shallow urban lake in the middle Yangtze River, using HPLC-CHEMTAX and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing to explore ultraphytoplankton community diversity and its environmental drivers. Results showed Cihu Lake shifted from lightly eutrophic (2022) to moderately eutrophic (2023), with its trophic state significantly affected by Dissolved Oxygen, Potassium Permanganate Index, Total Phosphorus, Ammonium Nitrogen (N-NH₄⁺), Secchi Depth, and Chlorophyll a. Nitrogen limitation occurred in the first three seasons of 2022 and throughout 2023, while nitrogen-phosphorus co-limitation occurred in winter 2022. Fucoxanthin, Alloxanthin, Zeaxanthin, and Chlorophyll b were major photosynthetic pigments while Euglenophyta, Cryptophyta, Cyanophyta, and Chrysophyta were dominant phytoplankton, indicating distinct seasonal succession regulated by Total Phosphorus, Secchi Depth, and Water Temperature. Meanwhile, dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Verrucomicrobiota, with Phosphate (PO43-), Potassium Permanganate Index, and Chlorophyll a as key influencing factors, and most phytoplankton taxa were negatively correlated with bacterial communities. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 21-30, 2026 (March)
Anatomical adaptations of monstera deliciosa liebm.: A tropical liana
The anatomical study of leaf of Monstera deliciosa Liebm. was performed commonly grown in Pakistan. The epiphytic species was collected from the trunk of Ficus bengalensis. The anatomical characters of the leaf were studied under the light microscope Transverse section of petiole consists of epidermis, thick cuticle, hypodermis, cortex, metaxylem, protoxylem and druses. Largest metaxylem (0.98±0.07) and protoxylem (0.75±0.07) were observed in the petiole. In mid vein upper and lower epidermis, sclerenchymatous hypodermis, metaxylem, protoxylem, phloem and needle-like crystals were observed. However, mesophyll cells, a large number of needle-like crystals, druses and vascular bundle were seen. Smallest metaxylem (0.60±0.03) and protoxylem (0.45±0.06) were observed in lamina. Anatomical features of epidermis include the brachyparahexacytic type stomata, kidney-shaped guard cells and irregular epidermal cells. Larger epidermal cells (19.36±0.80) were seen in the abaxial epidermis. So, it is concluded that this plant is adapted very well in epiphytic form and its fleshy stem help to survive in tropical areas. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 31-35, 2026 (March)
Molecular identification of butterfly larval host plants using chloroplast matk and RBCL genes
This study used DNA barcoding with matK and rbcL genes to identify thirteen butterfly larval host (BLH) plants. BLAST analysis of matK and rbcL gene sequences confirmed 99.04-100% similarity with global records. The matK gene showed significantly more variable (624) and parsimony-informative sites (521), making it suitable for resolving relationships at lower taxonomic levels. In contrast, rbcL had more conserved sites (351), highlighting its effectiveness at higher taxonomic levels. These differences underscore the complementary roles of matK and rbcL in phylogenetic studies. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with matK and rbcL gene sequences which showed consistent topologies and evolutionary relationships. The variable matK gene proved effective for species-level resolution, while the conserved rbcL gene offered stronger support at broader taxonomic classification. Robust bootstrap values (98-100) confirmed the reliability of both markers. Their complementary features make them valuable tools for DNA barcoding and understanding the evolutionary history of BLH plant species. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 37-43, 2026 (March)
Antioxidant, anticholinesterase inhibitory potential and molecular docking of isolated bioactive compounds From callus of salvia santolinifolia (boiss)
The chemical constituents used in the medical industry are primarily derived from medicinal plants. The medicinal plant Salvia santolinifolia contains chemicals with cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Callus culture presents a viable alternative to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials throughout the year. We investigated three compounds: salvialactomine (1), pentatriacontanoic acid 1, 3-dihydroxyprophle ester (2), and 5-methylflavone (3), for their potential as antioxidants and anticholinesterase inhibitors. Compound 3 was the most effective at suppressing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Compounds 1 and 3 showed modest ABTS cation radical scavenging activity in the ABTS assay, while only 3 were active in the DPPH assay. Molecular docking investigations of the isolated compounds revealed different binding interactions inside the enzymes' binding pocket, supporting the bioactivity data. These findings suggest that 5-methylflavone (3) shows promise as a potential medication for Alzheimer's disease based on its strong activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in both theoretical and experimental research. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 45-52, 2026 (March)
Chalcone isomerase gene from avicennia marina under Salt stress
Flavonoid accumulation in Avicennia marina under salt stress and the structural and transcriptional characteristics of its chalcone isomerase gene (AmCHI) were investigated. Seedlings were exposed to 0, 200, and 400 mmol/l NaCl. Leaf flavonoid content increased significantly with salinity, concomitant with a concentration-dependent upregulation of AmCHI expression, as confirmed by qRT-PCR. The full-length AmCHI cDNA was cloned and bioinformatically analyzed, revealing a conserved chalcone_3 domain, cytoplasmic localization, and absence of signal peptides. Protein-protein interaction network analysis indicated that AmCHI interacts with core flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes (F3H, F3’H, DFR, ANS, FLS), modification/transport proteins (GSTF12, UGT78D2), and the transcription factor MYB75. These findings suggest that AmCHI enhances flavonoid production under salt stress to alleviate oxidative damage and may coordinate with the MYB regulatory network via protein interactions to bolster salt tolerance in A. marina. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 53-59, 2026 (March)
Determination of vitamin c and vitamin b₆ content in selected seaweeds from the bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Seaweeds contain a broad range of vitamins, particularly water-soluble vitamins. The objective of this study was to measure the levels of vitamin C and vitamin B6 in seaweed samples by acidic and enzymatic hydrolysis, followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis using a UV detector. Vitamin C and vitamin B6 contents ranged from 1.62 to 48.28 mg/100 g and 3.54 to 22.24 mg/100 g, respectively. Sargassum sp. collected from Teknaf showed the highest vitamin C content, while Gracilaria sp. contained the highest level of vitamin B6. The vitamin levels varied depending on the seaweed species. However, this study revealed that seaweed can be a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that this seaweed has the potential to serve as an alternative source of vitamins for food security in Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 61-67, 2026 (March)
Anatomical and physiological responses of arsenic hyperaccumulating water Spinach (Ipomoea Aquatica)
Phytoremediation is reported to be a highly efficient and environmentally friendly method for cleaning up soils contaminated with metals and metalloids. The potential of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) as a hyperaccumulator plant has been investigated through physiological and anatomical adaptations during this study. Three concentrations of arsenic (As), namely 50, 100, and 150 µM, along with a mock treatment, were tested at 15 and 30 days of treatment. Due to As application, the plants exhibited stunted growth, characterized by reduced plant height and weight compared to the controls. Additionally, As toxicity led to a decrease in chlorophyll content in the leaves of water spinach. Although the total protein content increased in roots treated with 50 and 100 µM As, it declined with the highest As treatment. As exposure caused a significant linear increase in proline content in the roots at both 15 and 30 days of treatment. The roots altered their internal structure by reducing diameter, cortical cell layers, lacunae in the cortex, and vascular tissue in response to As. Stem and leaf anatomy revealed that the primary site of As effect is the root, although it exhibited altered anatomy, particularly in vascular tissues, at the highest As concentration (150 µM). Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 69-76, 2026 (March)
Ethnobotanical documentation and pharmacological potential of medicinal plants in relizane, Algeria
This study aims to document traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants used by local communities in the Relizane Province of Northwestern Algeria, with the dual objective of preserving cultural heritage and supporting the sustainable use and pharmacological potential of these resources. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in seven regions of Relizane, engaging 210 local informants. A total of 70 medicinal plant species, belonging to 32 families, were identified. The most frequently cited families were Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Asteraceae, with Thymus vulgaris, Matricaria chamomilla, and Mentha spicata emerging as the most commonly used species. Data were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Thymus vulgaris had the highest UV (0.080), while the highest ICF values were observed for respiratory (0.80) and digestive disorders (0.72), indicating a high level of agreement among informants. In contrast, reproductive health exhibited the lowest ICF (0.25). Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 77-84, 2026 (March)
Exploring pollen resources of himalayan bumblebees: A scanning electron microscopy analysis of Angiosperm interactions
This study investigates the role of the bumblebees in sustaining plant-pollinator networks, genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Sixteen species were documented across eight angiosperm families with Asteraceae as the dominant floral resource. Foraging patterns revealed both specialized and generalist strategies while pollen morphology and species specific distributions highlighted the adaptability of some taxa and the vulnerability of high altitude specialists. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), pollen grains attached to different body parts especially the hind legs were identified and linked to plant families revealing intricate pollination networks. These findings demonstrate bumblebees’ capacity to pollinate multiple plant species, facilitating cross-pollination and enhancing ecosystem stability. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting diverse floral resources particularly Asteraceae and Balsaminaceae, while long-term monitoring and advanced analytical approaches are essential to assess climate change impacts and support effective pollinator conservation in the mountain ecosystems. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 85-91, 2026 (March)
Unveiling the allelopathic potential of an endophytic bacteria from persicaria Orientalis (L.) Spach
This study aimed to identify and evaluate the allelopathic potential of a bacterial isolate from Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach. P. orientalis (Oriental Pepper) is known for its rapid growth and tolerance to various habitats, particularly near waste wetlands. Twenty morphologically distinct bacterial colonies were initially isolated, from which isolate E/29 was selected for comprehensive analysis. Based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and biochemical profiling, E/29 was preliminarily identified as Tatumella ptyseos. Molecular characterisation via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, however, revealed its identity as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Culture filtrates from S. maltophilia markedly improved seed germination. 100% seed germination observed in case of mung bean, 70% in rice, and 60% in case of field mustard compared to untreated controls. Additionally, the isolate significantly stimulated radicle and hypocotyl elongation across all three plant materials with the most pronounced effects in mung lentil (52.5 mm and 88.5 mm), followed by rice (~11 mm and 7.4 mm) and mustard (6.3 mm and 8.2 mm), demonstrating its potential as a bioinoculant for better agriculture. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 93-100, 2026 (March)
GC-MS profiling of bioactive compounds and assessment of polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity in Cuminum cyminum seeds
This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and chemical profile of cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) using phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins) screening, DPPH antioxidant assay, and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results revealed significant levels of polyphenols (36.42%), flavonoids (32.86%), and tannins (17.41%) in the ethanolic extract, which also showed the highest extraction yield (10.61%) compared to the aqueous extract. Antioxidant activity, assessed via DPPH assay, showed stronger radical scavenging in ethanolic extract (IC₅₀ = 101.95 µg/ml) than water extract (IC₅₀ = 147.55 µg/ml). GC-MS analysis identified various fifty bioactive compounds in the extracts. These findings highlight cumin seeds as a rich source of phenolics with notable antioxidant properties, supporting their potential use in functional foods and natural therapeutics. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 101-106, 2026 (March)
Germination and seedling characteristics of silage maize cultivars under different drought levels
This study aims to determine the germination and seedling growth responses of silage maize (Zea mays L.) under different levels of drought stress, in order to identify sensitive and tolerant cultivars. Nine different silage maize cultivars (Samada 07, Hido, Bodega, DKC 7240, AGA, Hacıbey, Pioneer 2105, M16S45 and PR32W86) were used. Drought stress conditions (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) were provided using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) material. Statistically significant (p<0.01) differences were found between varieties and drought levels in terms of all germination and seedling development parameters. As a result, the negative effects of drought stress were observed at 10-15% drought levels in germination traits and at 5% drought level in seedling growth parameters. Among the silage maize cultivars, AGA stood out for its higher tolerance in terms of germination traits, while M16S45 was more tolerant in terms of seedling growth parameters compared to the other cultivars. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 107-114, 2026 (March)
Androsace armeniaca subsp. Vulcanica sefali & eroğlu: A new taxon from eastern anatolia, Türkiye
A newtaxa, Androsace armeniaca subsp. vulcanica Sefalı & Eroğlu nov. (Primulaceae) is described and illustrated from Ağrı Province, Türkiye. It is morphologically assigned to Androsace sect. Andrapsis based on its long scape and small flower habit and the presence of glandular hairs covering the calyx and scape. This new taxon closely resembles A. armeniaca subsp. armeniaca var. armeniaca and A. armeniaca subsp. armeniaca var. macrantha, but is easily distinguished by its overall habitus, smaller flowers, distinct corolla and calyx characteristics (including the color and lobe shape), pedicel length and habitat (volcanic areas). Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 115-122, 2026 (March)
Identification and bioactive potential of endophytic fungi from gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr.
Ten endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stems of Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. The identification of all the fungi was carried out up to the genus level based on colony morphology and microscopic characteristics. Seven of these fungi were further identified at the species level, namely: Muyocopron laterale, Ectophoma multirostrata, Nemania abortiva, Diaporthe rosae, Colletotrichum aciculare, Fusarium perseae, and N. feicuiensis, utilizing BLAST analysis of the amplified sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. This study marks the first report of these fungi as endophytes of G. procumbens in Bangladesh. This study also performed a biochemical assessment on ethyl acetate extracts from the isolated endophytic fungi, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Most of the crude extracts from the fungi exhibited one or more biological activities. TLC analysis revealed a variety of phytochemical components, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, isocoumarins, and steroids in all isolates. These results imply that the endophytic fungi associated with G. procumbens could serve as a valuable source for investigating potential bioactive compounds or as starting points for developing new drugs. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 123-132, 2026 (March)
Morphological plasticity, anatomical fitness, and yield-structure coupling stability in optimizing irrigation for water-sustainable Pennisetum Purpureum forage production
In forage production, addressing the issues of yield fluctuations and unclear structural adaptability of Pennisetum purpureum caused by uneven water resource allocation, this paper employs multi-gradient irrigation control combined with anatomical analysis. By precisely regulating water supply and simultaneously analyzing the dynamic response of tissue structure, the morphological basis for high and stable yields of P. purpureum under water-saving conditions is effectively revealed. This article sets four irrigation levels of 100, 75, 50, and 25% ETc, and systematically monitors morphological parameters such as plant height, tiller number, stem thickness, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation. Combined with the microstructure quantification of leaf and stem cross-sections, a four-dimensional evaluation system for WUE, morphological plasticity index, anatomical fitness, and yield structure coupling stability was constructed. WUE of P. purpureum is highest under 75% ETc treatment, and tillering ability was not inhibited but rather enhanced. Under 50% ETc conditions, the ratio of leaf palisade tissue/sponge tissue significantly increased, while the proportion of stem vascular bundles remained stable, indicating the synergistic optimization of photosynthesis and transport functions. The yield of hay is positively correlated with the proportion of stem thick walled cells (r>0.7), and this structural parameter fluctuates less than 10% under various water deficit treatments, confirming that it is a key anatomical guarantee for stable yield. The results indicate that P. purpureum can maintain forage productivity through morphological compensation and tissue restructuring under moderate water deficit, and has the potential to be promoted as a water-saving forage crop. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 133-143, 2026 (March)
Interpretation of selected bread wheat genotypes grown in multiple environments with GGE biplot technique
The study was carried out in three different environments with 25 (G1-G25) bread wheat genotypes. According to the stability biplot model, G7 was found to be moderately stable and high grain yielding, while G10 (Kate A-1) was determined to be the most sensitive genotype. In the genotype, genotype x environment (GGE) biplot graph, showing the ideal environment and genotype, principal component 1 (PC1) constituted 51.57% of the total variation and principal component 2 (PC2) constituted 31.05%. In terms of grain yield, the ideal environment was E2 and the ideal genotype was G7. The results indicated that environmental differences significantly affected selection criteria. E1 was identified as a suitable environment for selections focused on yield-related traits, particularly thousand-grain weight (TGW) and test weight (TW). In contrast, E3 was found to be more suitable for selections targeting quality traits, including zeleny sedimentation (ZS), protein ratio (PR), and wet gluten (WG). These findings indicate that E1 and E3 should be considered as suitable environments depending on the breeding objective. In the study, the fact that G10 was found far from the center of origin indicates that it contributes greatly to the variation and was also the genotype that adapts to specific environments. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 145-152, 2026 (March)
Heterotic expression for yield and quality in chilli (capsicum annuum l.) Of himachal Pradesh, India
The experiment was carried out at the experimental farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP, India during 2022 and 2023 to study the mean performance, heterotic expression for yield and quality traits in chilli. The experimental material comprised of eight diverse chilli genotypes, crossed in half-diallel mating design during 2022 to obtain 28 cross combinations. The 28 F1 crosses along with 8 parental genotypes and 1 check DKC-8 were evaluated in RCBD during 2023. Surajmukhi, Punjab Guchhedar and Arka Lohit among parents and cross combinations viz. Surajmukhi × Punjab Tej, Surajmukhi × Arka Lohit, Kashmir long-1 × Surajmukhi and Punjab Guchhedar × Arka Lohit performed best for dry fruit yield per plant. The top three cross combinations for dry fruit yield per plant showing significant positive heterosis over better parent were Punjab Tej × Pusa Jwala, Punjab Guchhedar × Arka Lohit and Kashmir long -1 × Punjab Tej. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 153-159, 2026 (March)
Antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Durio Zibethinus flower
Durio zibethinus, a well-known plant has garnered scientific interest due to its reported medicinal properties. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of flavonoid-enriched ethanolic extract derived from D. zibethinus flowers, specifically focusing on its ability to inhibit xanthine oxidase in vitro. The D. zibethinus flower ethanolic extract exhibits significant antioxidant effects and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, suggesting its promise as a natural therapeutic agent for Gout treatment. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 161-165, 2026 (March)
Ziziphora Capitata L. Ethanolic Extract: Evaluation Of Antioxidant Properties, Enzyme Inhibition, Genotoxic And Antigenotoxic Activities
Ziziphora capitata L. is used in traditional medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase inhibition, as well as the genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of the ethanol extract obtained from the aerial parts of Z. capitata. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays, which revealed moderate radical scavenging effects with IC50 values of 200 ± 1.13 µg/ml and 138 ± 2.37 µg/ml, respectively. The total phenolic content was determined to be 36 ± 3.7 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract, thereby substantiating its antioxidative potential. The extract selectively inhibited collagenase (16.51 ± 0.5%) and hyaluronidase (5.94 ± 0.17%). The extract was determined to be non-genotoxic, and it exhibited a reduction in genotoxicity induced by NaN3 and 4-NPD. Collectively, these findings suggest that Z. capitata may represent a promising natural source with potential applications in wound healing. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 167-172, 2026 (March)
Phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and cyto-toxicity of five Kalanchoe Species
Kalanchoe contains various bioactive compounds. Qualitative phytochemical screening of five species revealed strong, moderate, weak response to ethanol, methanol, and aqueous solvent extracts respectively. Ethanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with K. pinnata (IC50 = 25.29 µg/ml). Total phenolic contents (TPC)) was highest in ethanol extracts of K. pinnata (154.82mg GAE/g). The LC50 conducted by brine shrimp lethality bioassay exhibited stronger cytotoxic activity in K. pinnata with LC50 = 64.44 µg/ml. The study also highlights the comparative presence of different phytochemicals, TPC, DPPH, and cytotoxic activity which will be helpful for phytochemical and pharmacological analysis in future. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 173-180, 2026 (March)
Adaptation mechanism of root morphology and chemical traits in herbaceous plants on the jingpo lake lava platform, China
Present study was conducted explore the functional traits of herbaceous root systems with varying life-histories adaptive strategies on Jingpo Lake lava platform. Seventeen dominant herbaceous species from the lava platform of Jingpo Lake was selected to determine the morphological and chemical traits of roots at different branching orders, and explored their resource acquisition strategies. Values varied between 0.11-75.47% for annuals and 13.57-94.81% for perennials with different life-histories plants. The smallest variation occurred in RCC, while the largest variation was observed in SRL. The SRL, RD, and RTD between two life-histories showed significant differences (P < 0.05). Correlations between root traits differed across plant life-histories and root sequences. Annual plants tend to favor an “acquisition” strategy, characterized by rapid “foraging”, whereas perennial plants adopt a more “conservative” strategy with slower “foraging”. Redundancy analysis indicated that soil pH accounted for the largest contribution (54.7%), followed by SANC (23.4%). Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 181-190, 2026 (March)
10-M mapping and analysis of major crop planting Patterns in henan province in China
To improve crop mapping in complex agricultural regions for food security, this study develops a seasonal monitoring framework, treating the growing seasons as independent classification tasks based on specific temporal windows, in Henan Province, China, using 2023 Sentinel imagery. It employs separate feature sets for summer-harvested (winter wheat) and autumn-harvested crops (maize, rice, peanut, soybean), using an XGBoost algorithm for classification and a SHAP model to overcome the black-box nature of the algorithm and identify key phenological markers. The framework demonstrated high effectiveness, achieving cross-validation consistency rates of 85.18% for winter wheat and 90.08% for maize. The resulting maps show that a winter wheat-summer maize rotation is the predominant cropping pattern in the province. The study also found that driving factors for classification differ by season: winter wheat identification depends on unique phenological signals (e.g., March NIR), whereas autumn crops are distinguished by a dual mechanism of macro-geographical latitude and specific spectral indices. This research confirms the strategy's robustness for fine-scale mapping. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 191-199, 2026 (March)
Arsenıc tolerance ın rıce: a comparatıve study on germınatıon and early growth stage
This study assessed the arsenic tolerance of seven rice cultivars (BRRI Dhan 92, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, and 105) based on germination performance and early seedling growth. Seeds were exposed to 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm arsenic for 14 days. Arsenic markedly diminished germination percentage, index and speed of seed emergence, as well as the seedling growth parameters including root and shoot length, and their fresh and dry weight. Among the cultivars, BRRI Dhan 105 showed the highest tolerance across all treatments, with 81.67% germination percentage and 76.42% germination speed at 20 ppm arsenic, while BRRI Dhan 104 recorded the lowest performance with 10.00% GP and 8.48% GS. Growth metrics consistently declined with increasing arsenic concentration. BRRI Dhan 105 showed a relative resilience for the majority of the parameters, resulting into a reduction rate of 48.21 and 69.97% in the length and fresh weight of the shoot. Whereas, the declining rate was highest in BRRI Dhan 104 (70.28 and 74.61%) and comparatively higher in BRRI Dhan 99 (58.37 and 80.92%). Overall, BRRI Dhan 105 was identified as the comparatively more arsenic-tolerant cultivar during germination and seedling stages, while BRRI Dhan 99 and 104 were highly susceptible.
Polyphenol-rich selected dietary fruits and vegetables inhibit oral microbial consortium
This study evaluated the effects of polyphenol-rich dietary fruits and vegetables on the oral microbial consortium of 20 volunteers. Methanol-ethanol extracts were prepared from the selected fruits and vegetables, and their antimicrobial activity was assessed against the prepared oral microbial consortium. Emblica officinalis fruit extract showed the largest inhibition zone, both the disc diffusion (17.7 mm) and agar well diffusion (18.4 mm) assays, followed by Ipomoea aquatica and Enhydra fluctuans at 2000 μg extract. E. officinalis and I. aquatica powders were also successively fractionated into n-hexane (Hex), chloroform (Chl), and finally methanol (Met) fractions. The strongest antimicrobial activity with 22 and 23 mm zone diameters was observed in the Chl fractions of E. officinalis and I. aquatica, respectively, followed by the Met fraction (19.6 mm) of E. officinalis at 1000 μg/well. The broth microdilution method revealed the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4000 μg/ml for Chl and Met fractions. Therefore, E. officinalis and I. aquatica extracts, especially their Chl and Met fractions, can be incorporated as functional ingredients in mouthwash and toothpaste to manage oral microorganisms and associated hygiene. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 209-215, 2026 (March)
Break even analysis of pdkv uv-assisted treatment device for post harvest decay control of nagpur mandarin Fruits in India
Nagpur Mandarins has GI-tag for Nagpur region of India and occupy 135,000 ha area in Maharashtra, the leading producer of this Vitamin-C rich delicious fruit. Due to 20-30% losses caused by fungal rots fruits are coated with edible wax to improve their shelf life. Despite rich taste Nagpur Mandarins are not getting enough international market space due to seeds and fungicide residues contributed by field sprays and wax coatings. This constraint is removed by developing “PDKV UV-Assisted Treatment Device” for fungicide free post-harvest disease management of Nagpur Mandarins. UV-treatment reduces fungal diseases by surface sterilization of fruits and by improving their innate immunity by ‘hormesis’. Break even analysis of this machine shows the potential to provide viable business to mandarin processing units. This business gives higher benefit beyond breakeven point by lower initial investment and higher throughput capacity; and has a higher margin of safety in quantitative and monetary terms. Bangladesh J. Bot. 55(1): 217-222, 2026 (March)