This recent study aimed to determine the anatomical and biochemical aspects of the species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The leaf vertical section revealed it has two sides, with the leaf mesophyll tissue comprising two layers: the palisade layer, a row of compact, elongated cells located under the upper epidermis tissue, and the spongy tissue, which appeared to be lobed with intercellular spaces. The epidermal examination showed the stomata on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf. The stomata were of two types; the first was paracytic, characterized by two guard cells surrounding the stomatal opening and parallel to the walls of the cells. The second type of stomata was tetracytic, wherein the stomata have four subsidiary cells surrounding them. The biochemical screening of Zamioculcas zamiifolia leaves revealed they are poisonous to humans and animals due to the presence of high levels of oxalate, cycasin glucoside, β-methylamino-L-alanine, and methylazoxymethanol, as observed through HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis.

Keywords: Z. zamiifolia, anatomical, biochemical, stomata, organic acids, amino acids

Key findings: The species Z. zamiifolia specimens incurred studies through leaf cross-section, leaf epidermis, and HPLC analysis. Z. zamiifolia is popular as being palatable and having medicinal properties based on its biochemical composition and pharmacological developments.

Coelogyne is one of the orchid genera that grows in the Liwa Botanical Garden, Lampung, Indonesia. The subsequent study aimed to characterize the Coelogyne different species samples based on the morpho-anatomical characteristics of the stomata. Six leaf samples of the different species, as collected, had the paradermal sections examined microscopically to observe their stomata. The key stomatal traits studied included their aperture width, stomatal length, width, density, and index, and the number of stomata. The results indicated that overall, the epidermal cell width was 9.25 μm, stomata length was 19.65 μm, stomata width was 17.09 μm, stomata density was 17.67 mm², and stomatal index was 1.045%. The phenetic analysis based on the dendrogram divided the Coelogyne different species samples into two clusters (A and B), with similarity indices of 1.60 and 0.90, respectively. Meanwhile, the PCA values (2.4 and 0.093) emerged as greater than 0.02, which shows the contribution value of each group. The presented results provide a sound genetic base for the identification and conservation of different Coelogyne species at the Liwa Botanical Garden, Indonesia, and the potential applicative value of stomatal characteristics in ex situ conservation and taxonomic classification of Coelogyne.

Keywords: Coelogyne, leaf anatomy, orchid conservation, PCA, phenetic analysis, stomatal morphology

Key findings: The different Coelogyne species samples showed varied morpho-anatomical characteristics. The most influential characters were the stomata density, stomatal opening width, and stomatal index. The phenetic analysis divided the Coelogyne species samples into two clusters (A and B), with similarity indices of 1.60 and 0.90 and PCA values of 2.4 and 0.093, respectively, emerging greater than 0.02.

The identity of the epiphytic fern Pyrrosia stigmosa (Sw.) Ching succeeded in its confirmation through integrative morphological and molecular analyses in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This finding expands the known geographic distribution of the species and contributes novel data to the global systematics of the genus Pyrrosia. Specimens collected from Silokek Geopark and Mount Padang, Indonesia, underwent identification based on key diagnostic traits, including narrowly grooved costae, dentate rhizome scales, and scattered sori. Species identity verification used the chloroplast trnL-F intergenic spacer marker (IGS) sequencing, showing 99.55% similarity to P. stigmosa (GenBank accession JX103800.1). For phylogenetic reconstruction, a dataset of 50 accessions representing various Pyrrosia species as retrieved from the GenBank database attained alignment with the newly generated sequence. Maximum likelihood analysis placed the West Sumatran samples within a strongly supported clade together with P. costata, indicating a close sister-species relationship. The combined morphological and molecular evidence provides a robust basis for delimiting P. stigmosa from morphologically similar taxa. Ecologically, the discovery highlights the adaptability of P. stigmosa to both lithophytic and epiphytic habitats in limestone-rich forest systems. This study represents the first documented record of Pyrrosia stigmosa in West Sumatra, extending its known distribution range and offering valuable insights into the biogeography and systematics of Pyrrosia in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Pyrrosia stigmosa, Pyrrosia, morphological and molecular studies, taxonomy, trnL-F IGS, similarity, adaptability

Key findings: The investigation on Pyrrosia stigmosa (Sw.) Ching obtained a successful recording in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Maintaining the freshness of chili (Capsicum sp.) fruits is a major challenge under uncontrolled environmental conditions. This research aimed to investigate the response of various chili species to postharvest physiological and color variations. Chili fruits reached harvest at 80% maturity before storage in an ambient room temperature (25 °C–27 °C) with relative humidity (RH 60%–70%) for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. For assessing fruit quality, the evaluation of fruit weight loss (%), texture (Kgf), total soluble solids (%), and pericarp thickness (mm) ensued. The color variation determination comprised values of lightness, red-green coordinate, yellow-blue coordinate, hue angle, and chroma value. The genetic makeup of genotypes influenced the physiological quality and color of chili fruit during storage. Genotypes with high adaptation to the existing environment showed a smaller reduction in fruit quality traits. The stored ripe chili revealed a change in color brightness and sharpness. The chili genotype Katokon appeared with the highest level of adaptation to an uncontrollable environment, while the genotype Pesona was the least adapted. These two chili genotypes would be ideal for genetic studies related to long shelf life. The next challenge could relate to the interspecific crossing between the genotypes Katokon (C. chinense) and Pesona (C. annuum).

Keywords: Chili (Capsicum sp.), species, fruit freshness, fruit quality traits, weight loss, firmness, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, color variations

Key findings: In chili (Capsicum sp.) genotypes, the use of physiological and color traits is rare to evaluate their diversity. Instead, using the phenotypic markers, such as plant height and fruit yield, is common. Determining the level of adaptation in chili fruits to the environment may be possible using physiological and color traits as an alternative method.

The study comprised investigations based on the physical and mechanical properties of maize cobs and kernels using the ameliorated or upgraded threshing machine. The study considers the maize seeds classification into two shape categories of round and flat, based on their positional characteristics and dimensions. The measurement criteria included the average seed thickness (hor), width (bor), and length (lor). Additionally, the seed dimensions and mass determination primarily depended on the 1000-kernel weight and the scrutiny of variations in the biometric traits, moisture content, and other internal properties of various cultivars. The size and mass traits of the cob and its core, the frictional and aerodynamic properties, the natural inclination angle of the kernel, and the static forces affecting its dispersion also entailed analysis. The promising results can serve as a baseline for optimizing the threshing machine and minimizing kernel losses during postharvest processing.

Keywords: Maize (Z. mays L.), cob size, maize kernels, kernel mass and size, moisture, correlation, frictional properties, postharvest processing

Key findings: Physical and mechanical properties of maize (Z. mays L.) cobs with different maturity stages helped in selecting proper parameters and operating modes in the threshing machine used in postharvest processing to minimize yield losses.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) is a valuable essential oil-producing plant that considerably contributes to the global industry. Indonesia is prominent as a global leader in patchouli oil production, accounting for 80%–90% of the global market, with the Aceh Province supplying 70% of the production. The following study aimed to assess the morpho-agronomic diversity, yield, and quality of the essential oil in 14 patchouli accessions grown both in coastal and highland regions of the Aceh Province, Indonesia. The characterization of plants totaled 20 per accession, with the observed variables including quantitative traits (morphological and agronomic characters, yield components, and patchouli alcohol (PA)content) and qualitative traits (leaf and stem characteristics and branch and oil color). The results revealed significant diversity, with lowland genotypes generally exhibiting superior vegetative growth and higher oil quality. The accession AU04 recorded the highest PA content (42.8%), while AU05 produced the greatest biomass. In contrast, highland accessions, such as BM02 and BM03, showed lower PA levels but displayed adaptive traits linked to cooler environments. Cluster analysis disclosed two major clusters, largely reflecting ecological adaptation across altitude gradients. The results demonstrate that genotype × environment interaction strongly influences growth and oil. The findings provided a crucial genetic base for selecting superior accessions and developing agroecology-based conservation and cultivation strategies for patchouli.

Keywords: Patchouli (P. cablin), cluster analysis, plants’ characterization, morpho-agronomic traits, patchouli oil, qualitative traits

Key findings: Morpho-agronomic variations and oil quality in 14 patchouli (P. cablin) accessions showed the effect of environmental adaptation. The lowland accessions gave superior vegetative growth and oil quality compared with accessions from the highlands.

The following study aimed to explore the genetic diversity among 13 oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes (Alguda, Anatolia, Pimula, Genzania, Hamel, ICARDA short, Kangaroo, ICARDA tall, Mitika, Possum, UC-132, Monte Zuma, and Cayuse) with three potassium concentrations (0, 10, and 20 g/L). The experiment, carried out during the winter crop of 2024–2025, transpired in one of the farmers’ fields under the Kirkuk Irrigation Project. Foliar application of potassium had the form of potassium sulfate (52% K₂O). The degree of genetic diversity estimates through the genotypic variations in response to potassium used cluster analysis. The oat genotypes revealed significant genetic variability as influenced by potassium concentrations for biochemical traits. The oat genotype Kangaroo emerged with greater genetic potential in reaction to foliar application of potassium (20 g/L), showing the highest percentages of crude protein, soluble carbohydrates, moisture, and ash content (44%, 55.40%, 18.20%, and 3.13%, respectively). Cluster analysis disclosed substantial genetic diversity among the oat genotypes, with the Kangaroo identified as a stable genotype in the main group with potassium levels displaying superiority in biochemical features.

Keywords: Oat (A. sativa L.), genotypes, genetic diversity, potassium concentrations, cluster analysis

Key findings: The study showed the highest concentration of potassium (20 g/L) significantly improved the biochemical traits of the oat (A. sativa L.) genotypes, particularly in the genotype Kangaroo. Cluster analysis revealed substantial genetic diversity among the genotypes, supporting their potential use in breeding programs.

Blackgram (Vigna mungo [L.] Hepper) is susceptible to some of the most destructive diseases worldwide, including the yellow mosaic disease (YMD) and leaf crinkle disease (LCD). The development of resistant or tolerant varieties is an economical and long-term solution for controlling these diseases. This study visually assessed the response of 72 blackgram genotypes against the YMD and LCD under natural field conditions for two consecutive years. Seven genotypes proved resistant to the YMD, whereas 20 were resistant to the LCD. It was also evident that four genotypes, namely, 32596, 35678, Accession-4, and Accession-7, remained resistant to both diseases during both years. Therefore, the study suggests these genotypes’ use could be beneficial in breeding programs to breed multiple-disease-resistant or tolerant blackgram genotypes or could be recommended varieties for general cultivation following adaptation to different agro-climatic areas. Further verification of the virus involved in the YMD complex had the infected leave samples tested with virus-specific primer pairs of the mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), and the horsegram yellow mosaic virus (HgYMV). An amplification of approximately ~2700 bp resulted in all samples only with a full-length component of the DNA-A of MYMIV, the first time confirming the association of the YMD complex in blackgram in Pakistan with the MYMIV.

Keywords: Blackgram (V. mungo L.), germplasm, evaluation, virus, diseases

Key findings: Seven blackgram (V. mungo L.) genotypes emerged resistant to the YMD, and 20 were resistant to the LCD. However, among these, four genotypes (32596, 35678, Accession-4, and Accession-7) remained resistant against both diseases. The study succeeded in being the first to report the mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) to cause the YMD complex in blackgram in Pakistan.

Indoor farming using light-emitting diodes (LED) has received extensive assessment recently, but studies on cultivating local Madura cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in indoor farming systems are still few. Using the Internet of Things (IoT) in farming systems can monitor and regulate plant cultivation activities. The existing study aimed to determine the effect of red-blue and white lights on the physiological response of local Madura cowpea plants using an IoT-based growbox. The study was in a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The first factor was the light spectrum, divided into three categories: L0 (sunlight), L1 (full-spectrum red-blue LED), and L2 (full-spectrum white LED). The second factor comprised five local Madura cowpea genotypes collected from various regions. The results revealed light significantly affected the plant height, leaf quantity, leaf area, root volume, root length, and wet and dry root weight. However, it nonsignificantly influenced the chlorophyll content in plant leaves. Additionally, no notable light treatment x genotype interaction occurred in all characters. This study discloses an effect of different light spectra on the growth and morphological traits of the local Madura cowpea.

Keywords: Cowpea (V. unguiculata L.), indoor farming, IoT, LED, growth and morphological traits, chlorophyll content

Key findings: Based on physiological studies, plants with the light treatment experienced an increase in plant length, plant stomatal index, and root and leaf characters. Light makes plants experience efficient photosynthesis processes, causing it to positively impact the growth and development of local Madura cowpea plants.

Calamus angustifolius Griff. (water rattan palm), C. caesius Blume (Sega rattan), Champereia manillana var. manillana (pucuk seminyak), Cleome gynandra L. (maman), and Plukenetia corniculata Sm. (pepina) traditionally served as food and herbal remedies in Riau, Indonesia. However, reports on scientific information on their bioactive compounds have yet to exist. This study aimed to investigate the histochemical traits and metabolite profiles of these medicinal plants to support their use in future medicinal applications. Leaves and petioles (pepina, maman, and pucuk seminyak) and young stems (water rattan and Sega rattan) underwent histochemical analysis and maceration using methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate, followed by UPLC-QTOF MS/MS analysis. The histochemical staining identified alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and lipids, except for tannins in pucuk seminyak. Alkaloids emerged primarily in vascular tissues, while flavonoids were abundant in parenchyma. Metabolite profiling revealed a wide range of compounds. Epigallocatechin was notable across all species, whereas formononetin, isoliquiritigenin, and silybin were evident specifically in the Sega rattan and water rattan palm. Among the solvents, methanol yielded the most diverse metabolites through extraction. Based on these, the Sega rattan and water rattan palm have the greatest potential for therapeutic development, while methanol is the most effective solvent for extraction.

Keywords: Traditional medicinal plants, morphological and histochemical traits, metabolite profiles, herbal, UPLC-QTOF MS/MS, Sega rattan (Calamus caesius Blume), Riau

Key findings: Vascular and parenchyma tissues were high in accumulated metabolites in the studied plants. Sega rattan and water rattan palm exhibited the highest metabolite diversity. Furthermore, methanol showed as the best organic solvent for metabolite extraction. The vascular and parenchymal tissues of Sega rattan and water rattan palm are potential targets for breeding programs.