Anthocyanins are responsible for the different colors of ornamental plants. Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), a monocot plant with bulbous flowers, is popular for its fascinating blue color. In the present study, we functionally characterized an R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene MaAN2 from M. armeniacum. Our results indicated that MaAN2 participates in controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis. ...

To evaluate how weather conditions affect the life cycle of a bulbous plant species, a methodology is proposed here using Crocus cambessedesii, a plant that is endemic to Mallorca and Menorca. Data from an experimental field study conducted from 2007 to 2013 in the south west of Mallorca is taken together with meteorological observations from Palma Airport, located about 10 km away from the sit...

Magnaporthe oryzae, the fungus causing rice blast disease, should contend with host innate immunity to develop invasive hyphae (IH) within living host cells. However, molecular strategies to establish the biotrophic interactions are largely unknown. Here, we report the biological function of a M. oryzae-specific gene, Required-for-Focal-BIC-Formation 1 (RBF1). RBF1 expression was induced in app...

The alkaloids characteristically produced by the subfamily Amaryllidoideae of the Amaryllidaceae, bulbous plant species that include well know genera such as Narcissus (daffodils) and Galanthus (snowdrops), are a source of new pharmaceutical compounds. Presently, only the Amaryllidaceae alkaloid galanthamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, is pr...

The bulbous roots of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo (Fam. Orchidacea) which are synonymous to the tubers of Orchis macula (Orchidaceae) and serve as source of Salep, are used traditionally in Indian subcontinent specially in the Northern region and Nepal as aphrodisiac and sexual stimulant. It is considered as a nutritive and restorative tonic and also as an alternative source of Salep used...

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects primarily bone, T lymphocytes, kidneys, and skin. The patients have a triangular face, broad nasal bridge, bulbous nose tip, small palpebral fissures, short neck, long upper lip, and low hairline. Dental abnormalities of affected patients have not been discussed in detail. The patient described in this clinical...

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS I) is characterized by a bulbous nose, sparse hair and epiphyseal coning. Autosomal dominant and recessive transmission are suggested. The presence of cone-shaped epiphyses, the major complaint of patients due to swelling over the phalangeal joints, requires differential diagnosis among various syndromes. This paper, describing a ten-year-old girl w...

Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.), a popular and economically profitable bulbous cut flower, has high demand in both Pakistan domestic and international markets on account of its attractive spikes, florets of huge forms, dazzling colors, varying sizes, and long vase life. However, its quality production is badly affected by non-uniform sprouting, poor crop stand, and old cultivars. To overc...

The organisation of plant microtubules into distinct arrays during the cell cycle requires interactions with partner proteins. Having recently identified a 90-kDa phospholipase D (PLD) that associates with microtubules and the plasma membrane [Gardiner et al. (2001) Plant Cell 13: 2143], we exposed seeds and young seedlings of Arabidopsis to 1-butanol, a specific inhibitor of PLD-dependent prod...