Journal Description
Stresses
Stresses
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on abiotic and biotic stresses research published quarterly online by MDPI. The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) is affiliated with Stresses and its members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics (miscellaneous))
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Stresses is a companion journal of IJMS.
Latest Articles
Aflatoxin B1-Induced Neurobehavioral Alterations in Chickens: Inhibition of Brain Acetylcholinesterase Activity, Induction of Oxidative Stress, and Promotion of Inflammatory Gene Expression
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020034 - 18 May 2025
Abstract
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent mycotoxin, poses a significant threat to animal health through contaminated feed. Our study aims to investigate the neurotoxic effects of AFB1in chickens, with a special emphasis on the brain. Seven-day-old chickens were fed AFB1-contaminated feed (5 mg of
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Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent mycotoxin, poses a significant threat to animal health through contaminated feed. Our study aims to investigate the neurotoxic effects of AFB1in chickens, with a special emphasis on the brain. Seven-day-old chickens were fed AFB1-contaminated feed (5 mg of AFB1/kg of feed) for two weeks, after which neurobehavioral assessments and biochemical analyses were conducted and compared to control chickens. In the open-field test, chickens exposed to AFB1 exhibited a reduction in locomotor activity and exploratory behavior. Additionally, AFB1 exposure increased the tonic immobility response. Biochemical analyses revealed that AFB1-contaminated feed reduced whole-brain acetylcholinesterase activity, suggesting impaired cholinergic neurotransmission. Indicators of oxidative stress in the brain revealed a reduction in glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase levels, and total antioxidant capacity, alongside an increase in malondialdehyde levels, indicating heightened oxidative stress in the brain. The neurotoxic effects of AFB1 were further supported by the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, including interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-17, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our study demonstrates that AFB1-contaminated feed influences chicken neurobehavioral outcomes and brain biochemistry and represents the inaugural evidence that AFB1 exposure markedly reduces AChE activity in the whole brain of chickens.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Antioxidant and Histopathological Effects of Paraquat and Fluroxypyr Herbicides on the Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)
by
Alejandra D. Campoy-Diaz, Israel A. Vega and Maximiliano Giraud-Billoud
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020033 - 16 May 2025
Abstract
Argentina is among the top consumers of herbicides, yet studies on their environmental and health impact remain scarce. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of herbicide exposure on Pomacea canaliculata as potential biomarkers of contamination. Specifically, we investigated whether paraquat (Pq) and
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Argentina is among the top consumers of herbicides, yet studies on their environmental and health impact remain scarce. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of herbicide exposure on Pomacea canaliculata as potential biomarkers of contamination. Specifically, we investigated whether paraquat (Pq) and fluroxypyr (Fx) alter enzymatic antioxidant defenses in tissues following acute exposure and induce histological modifications in the digestive gland (DG), particularly in symbiotic corpuscles, after chronic exposure. The nominal no-observed-effect concentration on lethality (NOECL) values were 3.62 µg/g dry mass (DM) for Pq and 10.42 µg/g DM for Fx. After acute exposure, superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the DG but increased in the kidney for both herbicides. Catalase activity decreased in the gills but increased in the kidneys of exposed snails, while glutathione-S-transferase activity increased in the DG and kidney after Pq exposure. Following chronic exposure (Pq: 1.45 µg/g DM; Fx: 6.94 µg/g DM), epithelial thickening and vacuolization were observed in Fx-exposed snails. Morphometric analysis of the DG showed that Pq reduced the epithelial occupancy of the symbiont’s vegetative form while increasing its cystic form. These findings indicate that both herbicides impact antioxidant defenses, DG function and host–symbiont interactions, reinforcing the suitability of P. canaliculata as bioindicator organisms.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Effects of Rapid Heat Hardening of Honeybee Queens (Apis mellifera) During the Larval Stage on the Oxidative Response of Their Workers During Heat Stress
by
Shahera Talat Zaitoun, Abd Al-Majeed Ahmed Al-Ghzawi, Mohammad Borhan Al-Zghoul, Ilham Mustafa Al-Omary and Mohammad Nafi Solaiman Al-Sabi
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020032 - 16 May 2025
Abstract
Exposing insects to mild and/or severe heat can protect them from future heat stress by regulating the expression of certain stress markers. In this study, 60 queen larvae, one day old, were divided into the following two groups: a control group of non-heat-treated
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Exposing insects to mild and/or severe heat can protect them from future heat stress by regulating the expression of certain stress markers. In this study, 60 queen larvae, one day old, were divided into the following two groups: a control group of non-heat-treated mother queens (nH-T MQ) kept for 15 min at 34.5 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH) and a pre-heat-treated mother queen group (pH-T MQ) that was kept for 15 min at 41 °C and 70% RH. Then, 500 daughter workers were collected from brood combs of each group and incubated at room temperature (22 °C) for 30 min, then divided into five groups (n = 100); each group was incubated for one hour at 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C, respectively. The expression levels of several antioxidant genes and markers in 10 workers of each treatment were assessed by relative quantitative Real-Time qPCR and/or ELISA. The pH-T MQ showed improved basal and dynamic expression of several genes and enzymes, which indicated a protective response against heat stress and the effectiveness of tissue hardening on the biological process and/or mechanisms in oxidative stress and antioxidant activity response. These recorded changes may have global implications by improving thermotolerance acquisition during heat stress conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Animal and Human Stresses)
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Open AccessReview
Pesticides: Environmental Stressors Implicated in the Development of Central Nervous System Disorders and Neurodegeneration
by
Alexis Rodríguez, María Luisa Castrejón-Godínez and Nayeli Monterrosas-Brisson
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020031 - 7 May 2025
Abstract
The relationship between various central nervous system (CNS) disorders linked to pesticide exposure highlights a growing concern worldwide, as the extensive use of these compounds causes toxic effects on the CNS of non-target organisms. Reports indicate that exposure to pesticides, including carbamates, organophosphates,
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The relationship between various central nervous system (CNS) disorders linked to pesticide exposure highlights a growing concern worldwide, as the extensive use of these compounds causes toxic effects on the CNS of non-target organisms. Reports indicate that exposure to pesticides, including carbamates, organophosphates, and pyrethroids, produces various adverse impacts on neurological function in humans, ranging from acute symptoms such as headaches and dizziness to long-term conditions leading to developmental delays in children, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s being among the most important. The scientific evidence suggests that pesticide exposure induces oxidative stress and disruptions in neurotransmission, resulting in neuronal damage and alterations in brain development. The review discusses scientific evidence of neurodegenerative disease development related to pesticide exposure, as well as alternatives to chemical pesticides used in agriculture, emphasizing Agroecological Crop Protection (ACP), which combines biological control, crop rotation, and natural predators and is presented as a practical approach to reducing reliance on pesticides. Organic farming methods, which employ natural substances and minimal input of chemicals, also offer safer alternatives. In addition, advances in biopesticides, which target specific pests without harming non-target organisms, provide promising solutions that protect the environment and human health. Pesticides are well-known environmental stressors that menace biodiversity and pose important threats to human health. Reducing pesticide use and remediating pesticide-polluted sites are urgent tasks to avoid adverse effects of pesticide exposure in non-target organisms.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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The Impact of Flooding on Soil Microbial Communities and Their Functions: A Review
by
Ashim Kumar Das, Da-Sol Lee, Youn-Ji Woo, Sharmin Sultana, Apple Mahmud and Byung-Wook Yun
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020030 - 2 May 2025
Abstract
Soil microorganisms provide multifaceted benefits, including maintaining soil nutrient dynamics, improving soil structure, and instituting decomposition, all of which are important to soil health. Unpredictable weather events, including flooding from heavy rainfall, flash floods, and seawater intrusion, profoundly impact soil ecology, which is
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Soil microorganisms provide multifaceted benefits, including maintaining soil nutrient dynamics, improving soil structure, and instituting decomposition, all of which are important to soil health. Unpredictable weather events, including flooding from heavy rainfall, flash floods, and seawater intrusion, profoundly impact soil ecology, which is primarily challenged by flooding stress, and imbalances these microbial communities and their functions. This disturbance impairs the symbiotic exchanges between microbes and plants by limiting root exudates and habitats for microbes, as well as nutrient acquisition efficiency for plants. Therefore, this review comprehensively examines the changes in soil microbial communities that occur under flooding conditions. Flooding reduces soil oxygen (O2) levels, limiting aerobic microbes but promoting anaerobic ones, including potential pathogens. In flooded soil, O2 deficiency indirectly depends on the size of the soil particles and water turbidity during flooding. O2 depletion is critical in shaping microbial community adaptation, which is linked to variations in soil pH, nutrient concentrations, and redox status, and fresh and saline water vary differently in terms of the adaptation of microorganisms. Wet soil alters soil enzyme activity, which influences microbial community composition. Notably, three-month post-flooding conditions allow microbial communities to adapt and stabilize more effectively than once-weekly flooding frequency. Based on the presence of aboveground species, fungi are found to reduce under flooding conditions, while nematode numbers, surprisingly, increase. Direct and indirect impacts between soil microbes and physio-chemical properties indicate positive or negative feedback loops that influence the soil ecosystem. Over the years, beneficial microorganisms such as plant-growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) have been identified as important in regulating soil nutrients and microbial communities in wetland environments, thereby enhancing soil health and promoting better plant growth and development. Overall, understanding the mechanisms of belowground ecosystems under flooding conditions is essential for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring sustainable crop production in flood-prone areas.
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(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Salinity and Nitrogen on Heavy Metal Tolerance and Accumulation Potential in Rumex maritimus
by
Lāsma Neiceniece, Astra Jēkabsone, Una Andersone-Ozola, Lidia Banaszczyk, Andis Karlsons, Anita Osvalde and Gederts Ievinsh
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020029 - 18 Apr 2025
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess heavy metal tolerance and its accumulation potential in coastal nitrophilic species Rumex maritimus, and to study the possible effects of nitrogen fertilizer and salinity on the characteristics of metal-treated plants. Two experiments were performed
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The aim of the present study was to assess heavy metal tolerance and its accumulation potential in coastal nitrophilic species Rumex maritimus, and to study the possible effects of nitrogen fertilizer and salinity on the characteristics of metal-treated plants. Two experiments were performed in partially controlled greenhouse conditions: (1) gradual treatment with increasing concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Zn; and (2) acute treatment with Cd, Pb, and Cu on the background of different nitrogen fertilizer amendment rates (0.15 and 0.30 g L−1 N) and salinity (50 and 100 mM). R. maritimus plants were extremely tolerant to treatment with all metals, with no negative effect on total leaf biomass both in the case of gradual or acute treatment. However, the number and biomass of dry leaves increased under high doses of heavy metals, and the effect was more pronounced in the case of acute treatment. All studied metals were excluded from the roots and young leaves, predominantly accumulating in the dry leaves, reaching 250 mg kg−1 for Cd, 2000 mg kg−1 for Pb, and 500 mg kg−1 for Cu. In the second experiment, the presence of increased nitrogen in the substrate positively affected the growth of R. maritimus plants and their morphological response to heavy metals, but salinity affected metal accumulation. Photosynthesis-related parameters, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter Performance Index Total confirmed that heavy metals had no negative effect on the physiological state of photosynthetically active leaves. It is concluded that R. maritimus plants have exceptional potential for practical phytoremediation needs due to the high tolerance and accumulation potential for heavy metals.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Effect of Heavy Metals on Plants, 2nd Volume)
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Open AccessReview
Stress Responses and Mechanisms of Phytopathogens Infecting Humans: Threats, Drivers, and Recommendations
by
Md. Motaher Hossain, Farjana Sultana, Mahabuba Mostafa, Humayra Ferdus, Mrinmoy Kundu, Shanta Adhikary, Nabela Akter, Ankita Saha and Md. Abdullah Al Sabbir
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020028 - 18 Apr 2025
Cited by 1
Abstract
Cross-kingdom infections, where pathogens from one kingdom infect organisms of another, were historically regarded as rare anomalies with minimal concern. However, emerging evidence reveals their increasing prevalence and potential to disrupt the delicate balance between plant, animal, and human health systems. Traditionally recognized
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Cross-kingdom infections, where pathogens from one kingdom infect organisms of another, were historically regarded as rare anomalies with minimal concern. However, emerging evidence reveals their increasing prevalence and potential to disrupt the delicate balance between plant, animal, and human health systems. Traditionally recognized as plant-specific, a subset of phytopathogens, including certain fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, have demonstrated the capacity to infect non-plant hosts, particularly immunocompromised individuals. These pathogens exploit conserved molecular mechanisms, such as immune evasion strategies, stress responses, and effector proteins, to breach host-specific barriers and establish infections. Specifically, fungal pathogens like Fusarium spp. and Colletotrichum spp. employ toxin-mediated cytotoxicity and cell-wall-degrading enzymes, while bacterial pathogens, such as Pseudomonas syringae, utilize type III secretion systems to manipulate host immune responses. Viral and nematode phytopathogens also exhibit molecular mimicry and host-derived RNA silencing suppressors to facilitate infections beyond plant hosts. This review features emerging cases of phytopathogen-driven animal and human infections and dissects the key molecular and ecological determinants that facilitate such cross-kingdom transmission. It also highlights critical drivers, including pathogen plasticity, horizontal gene transfer, and the convergence of environmental and anthropogenic stressors that breach traditional host boundaries. Furthermore, this review focuses on the underlying molecular mechanisms that enable host adaptation and the evolutionary pressures shaping these transitions. To address the complex threats posed by cross-kingdom phytopathogens, a comprehensive One Health approach that bridges plant, animal, and human health strategies is advocated. Integrating molecular surveillance, pathogen genomics, AI-powered predictive modeling, and global biosecurity initiatives is essential to detect, monitor, and mitigate cross-kingdom infections. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our preparedness for emerging zoonoses and phytopathogen spillovers but also strengthens ecological resilience and public health security in an era of increasing biological convergence.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Plant Growth and Metabolic Responses of Tomato Varieties to Salinity Stress After Thermopriming
by
Tobias Körner, Jana Zinkernagel and Simone Röhlen-Schmittgen
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020027 - 10 Apr 2025
Abstract
Abiotic stresses like heat and salinity challenge crop production, but cultivar-specific adaptability and tolerance inducers can mitigate their impact. This study examined the growth and biochemical responses of five tomato varieties (Adeleza F1, Saint Anna F1, Goudski F1, Bronski F1, and Dunk F1)
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Abiotic stresses like heat and salinity challenge crop production, but cultivar-specific adaptability and tolerance inducers can mitigate their impact. This study examined the growth and biochemical responses of five tomato varieties (Adeleza F1, Saint Anna F1, Goudski F1, Bronski F1, and Dunk F1) to thermopriming followed by salinity stresses. Thermopriming initially promoted growth but had variable effects on plant performance under combined stresses. Adeleza F1 and Bronski F1 were less affected, while Goudski F1 and Dunk F1 exhibited delayed development and reduced biomass under salinity stress. Thermopriming enhanced leaf chlorophyll content and antioxidant capacity in some varieties but inconsistently influenced leaf phenolics and flavonoids. Notably, increased flavonoid and anthocyanin accumulation in certain varieties suggests improved stress tolerance, albeit at the cost of growth. However, a consistent priming effect was not observed across all varieties, as combined heat and salt stress had a more severe impact than individual stresses. These findings highlight genotype-specific responses, underscoring the need for optimized (thermo-)priming protocols that balance growth and defense. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of heat and salinity stress in tomatoes, emphasizing targeted strategies for enhancing crop resilience and informing future breeding programs.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Exploring Stressors: Impact on Cellular Organelles and Implications for Cellular Functions
by
Zoofa Zayani, Arash Matinahmadi, Alireza Tavakolpournegari and Seyed Hesamoddin Bidooki
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020026 - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Cellular stressors have been demonstrated to exert a substantial influence on the functionality of organelles, thereby impacting cellular homeostasis and contributing to the development of disease pathogenesis. This review aims to examine the impact of diverse stressors, including environmental, chemical, biological, and physical
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Cellular stressors have been demonstrated to exert a substantial influence on the functionality of organelles, thereby impacting cellular homeostasis and contributing to the development of disease pathogenesis. This review aims to examine the impact of diverse stressors, including environmental, chemical, biological, and physical factors, on critical organelles such as the cell membrane, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and membrane-less organelles. The intricate molecular mechanisms underlying cellular stress responses, encompassing oxidative stress, protein misfolding, and metabolic reprogramming, have the capacity to elicit adaptive responses or culminate in pathological conditions. The interplay between these stressors and organelle dysfunction has been implicated in a myriad of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic disorders, and immune-related pathologies. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which organelles respond to stress can offer valuable insights into the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating cellular damage.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Nickel, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se Accumulation, and the Antioxidant Status of Mushrooms Grown in the Arctic Under Ni/Cu Pollution and in Unpolluted Areas
by
Nadezhda Golubkina, Uliana Plotnikova, Andrew Koshevarov, Evgeniya Sosna, Olga Hlebosolova, Natalia Polikarpova, Otilia Cristina Murariu, Alessio Vincenzo Tallarita and Gianluca Caruso
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020025 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Mushrooms play an important role in ecosystem sustainability and are highly valued in medicine and human nutrition. Using AAS and biochemical methods of analysis, the antioxidant status and mineral composition of seven mushroom species (Armillaria mellea, Xeromocus illudens, Leccinum aurantiacum
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Mushrooms play an important role in ecosystem sustainability and are highly valued in medicine and human nutrition. Using AAS and biochemical methods of analysis, the antioxidant status and mineral composition of seven mushroom species (Armillaria mellea, Xeromocus illudens, Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum scrabum, Lactarium pubescens, Rusula vesca, and Lycoperpon molle Pers.) gathered near the Pechenganikel smelting plant in the Pasvik Nature Reserve of the Murmansk region were evaluated. The concentrations of Ni and Cu in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms were in the ranges of 0.43–39.7 and 7.9–45.9 mg kg−1 d.w., respectively. An unusually high biological concentration factor (BCF) for Ni, Cu, and Zn levels in mushrooms grown in soils with a low amount of these elements indicates the low suitability of the mentioned parameter for mushroom characteristics in territories with an uneven distribution of elements in soil. On the other hand, selenium (Se) showed high BCF levels, exceeding 1, for all mushrooms tested, with the highest values associated with L. saccatum (5.17) and the lowest values with A. mellea (1.36). A significant excess (3.4) of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) level per 30 g of dry mushrooms was recorded for Ni in Russula vesca gathered 6 km from the Ni/Cu smelting plant, and 1.3 excess of the RDA was recorded in L. scrabum grown in the vicinity of the Shuonyoka waterfall. No RDA excess was revealed for Cu. Positive correlations between Se, polyphenol content, and total antioxidant activity (AOA) (r = 0.915–0.926; p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between Cu–Se and Cu–AOA in Leccinum species indicate the important role of antioxidant defense and Se, particularly in Arctic mushroom growth and survival, providing a specific protection of mushrooms against Cu toxicity.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Open AccessReview
Potential of Bacillus halotolerans in Mitigating Biotic and Abiotic Stresses: A Comprehensive Review
by
Pelias Rafanomezantsoa, Abbas El-Hasan and Ralf Thomas Voegele
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020024 - 25 Mar 2025
Abstract
Bacillus halotolerans, a halophilic bacterial species of the genus Bacillus, is emerging as a biological control agent with immense potential for sustainable agriculture, particularly in extreme conditions and environmental rehabilitation. This review summarizes the current state of research on B. halotolerans
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Bacillus halotolerans, a halophilic bacterial species of the genus Bacillus, is emerging as a biological control agent with immense potential for sustainable agriculture, particularly in extreme conditions and environmental rehabilitation. This review summarizes the current state of research on B. halotolerans, emphasizing its diverse applications in the biocontrol of plant pathogens, plant growth promotion under salinity stress, nematode management, and bioremediation. B. halotolerans utilizes several mechanisms such as the production of siderophores and phytohormones, secretion of exopolysaccharides, and the release of antifungal and nematicidal compounds, which allows it to mitigate both abiotic and biotic stresses in various crops, including wheat, rice, date palm, tomato, and others. In addition, genomic and metabolomic analyses have revealed its potential for secondary metabolite production that improves its antagonistic and growth-promoting traits. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in translating laboratory results into field applications. Future research should focus on formulating effective bioinoculants and field trials to maximize the practical utility of B. halotolerans for sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Enhancing Horticultural Sustainability in the Face of Climate Change: Harnessing Biostimulants for Environmental Stress Alleviation in Crops
by
Manya Singh, Gudammagari Mabu Subahan, Sunny Sharma, Gurpreet Singh, Neha Sharma, Umesh Sharma and Vineet Kumar
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010023 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 1
Abstract
Climate change significantly impacts agriculture by increasing the frequency and intensity of environmental stresses, which can severely reduce agricultural yields. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial to mitigating these risks and enhancing crop resilience. Applying natural compounds and microorganisms as biostimulants has gained popularity
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Climate change significantly impacts agriculture by increasing the frequency and intensity of environmental stresses, which can severely reduce agricultural yields. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial to mitigating these risks and enhancing crop resilience. Applying natural compounds and microorganisms as biostimulants has gained popularity as an eco-friendly approach to alleviating abiotic stress in agricultural plants. This study reviews the current research on applying biostimulants in horticulturally significant crops to boost their resistance to abiotic stressors such as salinity, drought, and high temperatures. It explores the mechanisms through which these stimulants offer protection, focusing on the roles of key bioactive substances in regulating physiological and molecular processes for stress adaptation. The study addresses biostimulant formulation, regulation, and application challenges. Future research directions are suggested to harness biostimulants’ potential fully, aiming to develop climate-resilient horticultural systems that follow sustainability principles. This comprehensive review underscores the use of biostimulants as a sustainable strategy to increase crop yields in the face of climate change, reducing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals.
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(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Open AccessReview
Bioactive Compounds from Marine Macroalgae: A Natural Defense Against Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases
by
Imelda Noehmi Monroy-García, Suleyka Torres-Romero, Lelie Denise Castro-Ochoa, Alexander Mendoza-Acosta, Ezequiel Viveros-Valdez and Fernando Ayala-Zavala
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010022 - 5 Mar 2025
Abstract
Marine macroalgae (commonly known as seaweeds), a rich yet underexplored resource, have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant properties. While oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular conditions,
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Marine macroalgae (commonly known as seaweeds), a rich yet underexplored resource, have emerged as a promising source of bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant properties. While oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer, macroalgae-derived compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, peptides, and sulfated polysaccharides have demonstrated the ability to mitigate oxidative damage through multifaceted mechanisms. These compounds neutralize reactive oxygen species and modulate key cellular pathways involved in inflammation and apoptosis. Despite significant advancements, gaps persist in understanding the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and clinical applications of these bioactives. Additionally, the inefficiencies of traditional extraction methods call for adopting innovative, environmentally friendly techniques that preserve bioactivity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the therapeutic potential of macroalgal bioactives, acknowledges the contributions of other marine algae where relevant, highlights challenges in their extraction, and proposes future directions for research and application.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Open AccessArticle
Leaf Traits and Fluctuating Asymmetry as Stress Indicators in a Mangrove Species After an Extreme Rainfall Event
by
Dalton Serafim, Luziene Seixas, João Victor Sabino, Kim Ribeiro Barão, Jean Carlos Santos and Guilherme Ramos Demetrio
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010021 - 3 Mar 2025
Abstract
Climate change, particularly extreme rainfall, imposes stress on plants, which can be assessed using fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in leaves and key leaf traits. FA, which is defined as random deviations in symmetrical structures, is a known bioindicator of environmental stress. Additionally, leaf area
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Climate change, particularly extreme rainfall, imposes stress on plants, which can be assessed using fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in leaves and key leaf traits. FA, which is defined as random deviations in symmetrical structures, is a known bioindicator of environmental stress. Additionally, leaf area (LA) and specific leaf area (SLA) provide insights into plant responses to stressors. Mangrove plants have several mechanisms to cope with constant flooding and rainy periods. However, under extreme rainfall conditions, their adaptive capacity may be overwhelmed and plants may experience developmental stress. Nonetheless, it has not yet been verified whether plants subjected to drastic increases in rainfall exhibit more asymmetric leaves. We investigated seasonal differences in FA in Laguncularia racemosa after an extreme rainfall event and found a significant increase in FA after the rainfall event (t = 1.759, df = 149, p = 0.08) compared with the dry season. Concurrently, LA increased by 28% (p < 0.01) and SLA increased by 33% (p < 0.01) after the rainfall event. During the dry season, the plants exhibited antisymmetry rather than FA, highlighting their distinct responses to seasonal stressors. These findings demonstrate the differential effects of rainfall extremes on leaf traits and asymmetry, positioning FA, LA, and SLA as mangrove stress indicators.
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(This article belongs to the Topic The Effect of Climate Change on Crops and Natural Ecosystems, 2nd Volume)
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Open AccessArticle
Diurnal and Thermal Variations in an Oxidative Stress Biomarker of Pseudanabaena foetida: A Model for Environmental Adaptation in Aquatic Ecosystems
by
Mizanur Rahman, Takashi Asaeda, Kiyotaka Fukahori, Md Harun Rashid and Akihiko Matsuo
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010020 - 3 Mar 2025
Abstract
Pseudanabaena foetida, a filamentous cyanobacterium, is highly sensitive to temperature and light intensity. This study explores its oxidative stress responses under diurnal light intensities in temperature variations, utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) normalized to optical density (OD730)
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Pseudanabaena foetida, a filamentous cyanobacterium, is highly sensitive to temperature and light intensity. This study explores its oxidative stress responses under diurnal light intensities in temperature variations, utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) normalized to optical density (OD730) levels (H2O2/OD730) as a biomarker. The adequate P. foetida cells were distributed to three incubators for 22 days at 30 °C, 20 °C, and 10 °C. Light intensity varied over the course of the day, increasing from morning to a maximum at noon, followed by a gradual decrease until evening. Measurements of H2O2, protein, chlorophyll a (Chl a), and catalase (CAT) activity were carried out every three hours, starting at 6:00 and ending at 21:00. Protein concentration and Chl a increased between 12:00 and 15:00 for every temperature. H2O2, CAT, and H2O2/OD730 increased until 15:00 and decreased afterwards for each temperature. The CAT was directly proportional to P. foetida’s H2O2 concentration or cell biomass (H2O2/OD730), which indicates oxidative stress responses and a defense mechanism. The reduced temperature (30 °C to 20 °C and 30 °C to 10 °C) was significantly impactful on H2O2 concentration, protein concentration, and Chl a content. The model, based on P. foetida biomass, provides valuable insights into oxidative stress responses under different temperatures, with implications for understanding climate change.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Open AccessArticle
Childhood Adversity and White Matter Microstructure: White Matter Differences Associated with Trauma Exposure
by
Andrea Rodriguez, Helen Petropoulos, Pilar M. Sanjuan, Yu-Ping Wang, Tony W. Wilson, Vince D. Calhoun and Julia M. Stephen
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010019 - 3 Mar 2025
Abstract
Current research on the effects of childhood trauma largely focuses on maltreatment. In the current study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to determine the association between potentially traumatic exposures not related to maltreatment and fractional anisotropy (FA) in 184 youth aged 9–14
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Current research on the effects of childhood trauma largely focuses on maltreatment. In the current study, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to determine the association between potentially traumatic exposures not related to maltreatment and fractional anisotropy (FA) in 184 youth aged 9–14 years. The Trauma History Profile was used to determine how many traumatic events in different categories were experienced and create low- and high-trauma groups. FA values were compared between groups in twelve a priori chosen regions of interest (ROIs). Five of the twelve regions showed significantly lower FA in the high-trauma groups when compared to the low-trauma groups, including the body of the corpus callosum, the total corpus callosum, bilateral posterior thalamic radiation, and the left cingulate gyrus projection of the cingulum bundle. Group differences were also observed across a range of behaviors. However, FA was not associated with posttraumatic stress symptomology. The results support the hypothesis that the high-trauma group had lower FA compared to the low-trauma group. The significant ROIs represent a subset of regions identified in studies of adults exposed to traumatic childhood events or children with a history of maltreatment. These results, obtained from typically developing youth, underline the importance of examining childhood trauma exposure in future developmental studies.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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Open AccessArticle
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Water Deficit: Morphophysiological and Gene Expression Responses in Caatinga Passion Fruit
by
Luiz Victor de Almeida Dantas, Roberta Lane de Oliveira Silva, Welson Lima Simões, Adriana Mayumi Yano-Melo and Natoniel Franklin de Melo
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010018 - 1 Mar 2025
Abstract
The advancement of global warming and climate change requires strategic actions in understanding and seeking interactions between plant species and microorganisms that are more tolerant to water deficit. This research assessed the morpho-agronomic, physiological, and gene expression responses of two Passiflora cincinnata accessions
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The advancement of global warming and climate change requires strategic actions in understanding and seeking interactions between plant species and microorganisms that are more tolerant to water deficit. This research assessed the morpho-agronomic, physiological, and gene expression responses of two Passiflora cincinnata accessions (tolerant and sensitive) to water deficit, focusing on their relationship with mycorrhization. A randomized design with two accessions, two field capacities, and four AMF inoculation treatments was used to compare drought and control conditions. Differential gene expression was analyzed under drought stress, and the effect of mycorrhization on stress tolerance was evaluated. The results showed that inoculation with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities, especially those from water-deficit conditions (AMF25), resulted in greater increases in height, number of leaves, stem diameter, number of tendrils, leaf area, and fresh biomass of root and shoot, with increases ranging from 50% to 300% compared to the control (non-inoculated) and monospecific inoculation (Entrophospora etunicata). Higher photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency were observed in the tolerant accession. Mycorrhizal inoculation increased the total chlorophyll content in both accessions, especially when inoculated with native AMF communities. Overall, P. cincinnata showed higher mycorrhizal responsiveness when inoculated with native AMF communities compared to monospecific inoculation with E. etunicata. The tolerant accession showed overexpression of the genes PcbZIP, PcSIP, and PcSTK, which are associated with signal transduction, water deficit tolerance, osmoregulation, and water transport. In contrast, the water deficit-sensitive accession showed repression of the PcSIP and PcSTK genes, indicating their potential use for distinguishing tolerant and sensitive accessions of the species. The tolerance of P. cincinnata to water deficit is directly related to physiological responses, increased photosynthetic rate, efficient water use, and regulation of gene expression.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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Biochemical and Plant Growth Response of the Common Bean to Bioinput Application Under a Drought Stress Period
by
Bruna Arruda, Breno Miranda Bagagi, Nelson Borges de Freitas Junior, Wilfrand Ferney Bejarano Herrera, German Andrés Estrada-Bonilla, Willian Aparecido Leoti Zanetti, Ana Laura Silva Silvério and Fernando Ferrari Putti
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010017 - 20 Feb 2025
Abstract
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a global staple, but to guarantee its provision, the crop water supply must be adequate, and bioinput application can benefit plants under drought. The objective was to evaluate the common bean’s response to bioinput application
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The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a global staple, but to guarantee its provision, the crop water supply must be adequate, and bioinput application can benefit plants under drought. The objective was to evaluate the common bean’s response to bioinput application when it was cropped in soils with different water holding capacities submitted to a drought period. The greenhouse experiment used sandy loam and clayey soils. Seeds were sown, and 10 days after emergence (DAE), the treatments were applied: (i) no bioinput application or (ii) bioinput application (Priestia aryabhattai, re-applied at 46 DAE). The first plant growth evaluation was performed at 40 DAE. The irrigation maintained the crops’ needs until the beginning of flowering for all the treatments, when the irrigation was differentiated (for 10 days): (i) maintenance of irrigation or (ii) a drought period. A biochemical analysis was performed of superoxide dismutase activity [SOD], hydrogen peroxide [H2O2], peroxidase activity [POD], and malonaldehyde [MDA] production at 52 DAE. At 57 DAE, the second plant growth evaluation was performed, and the irrigation differentiation ended. Grain harvest followed physiological maturation. Priestia aryabhattai mitigated the drought stress in the common bean cropped in sandy soil by reducing the SOD, H2O2, and MDA production in comparison to no bioinput application. When it was cultivated in the clayey soil, the water availability was maintained for longer, reducing the plant’s dependency on bacteria for stress mitigation.
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Biological Guardians: Unveiling Microbial Solutions to Combat Cannabis sativa Fungal Pathogens
by
S. M. Ahsan, Md. Injamum-Ul-Hoque, Ashim Kumar Das, Muhammad Imran, Soosan Tavakoli, Da Bin Kwon, Sang-Mo Kang, In-Jung Lee and Hyong Woo Choi
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010016 - 17 Feb 2025
Cited by 1
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the earliest cultivated crops and is valued for its medicinal compounds, food, fibre, and bioactive secondary metabolites. The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry has surpassed the development of production system knowledge. The scientific community
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Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is one of the earliest cultivated crops and is valued for its medicinal compounds, food, fibre, and bioactive secondary metabolites. The rapid expansion of the cannabis industry has surpassed the development of production system knowledge. The scientific community currently focuses on optimising agronomic and environmental factors to enhance cannabis yield and quality. However, cultivators face significant challenges from severe pathogens, with limited effective control options. The principal diseases include root rot, wilt, bud rot, powdery mildew, cannabis stunt disease, and microorganisms that reduce post-harvest quality. Sustainable management strategies involve utilising clean planting stocks, modifying environmental conditions, implementing sanitation, applying fungal and bacterial biological control agents, and drawing on decades of research on other crops. Plant–microbe interactions can promote growth and regulate secondary metabolite production. This review examines the recent literature on pathogen management in indoor cannabis production using biocontrol agents. Specific morphological, biochemical, and agronomic characteristics hinder the implementation of biological control strategies for cannabis. Subsequent investigations should focus on elucidating the plant–microbe interactions essential for optimising the effectiveness of biological control methodologies in cannabis cultivation systems.
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Toxicity of Fixed Oils, Essential Oils and Isolated Chemicals to Hetorhabditis amazonensis and Steinernema rarum
by
Alixelhe Pacheco Damascena, Luis Moreira de Araujo Junior, Luiza Akemi Gonçalves Tamashiro and Dirceu Pratissoli
Stresses 2025, 5(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010015 - 17 Feb 2025
Abstract
Non-target organisms are not well studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seven essential oils, two fixed oils, d-limonene and eugenol on the mortality, behavior and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (ENPs). The oils were diluted at 1% (
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Non-target organisms are not well studied. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of seven essential oils, two fixed oils, d-limonene and eugenol on the mortality, behavior and infectivity of entomopathogenic nematodes (ENPs). The oils were diluted at 1% (v/v) in water with Tween® 80 PS at 0.05% (v/v), and water with Tween® alone was used as the control treatment. In the mortality test, 2 mL of solution containing 50 µL of the nematode suspension, 20 µL of oil/compounds solution isolated with Tween 80, and 1930 µL of water were placed in plastic containers. After four days, the number of dead juveniles was counted. In the bioassay of the behavior of the EPNs, the frequency of lateral body beats of the infective juveniles in liquid medium was analyzed after exposure to the solutions. In the infectivity test, after contact of the EPNs with oils and essential oil chemical compounds, the juveniles were washed and applied to second-instar Spodoptera eridania larvae. All oils and isolated compounds caused mortality in H. amazonensis and S. rarum, with Ocimum canum and the isolated compound eugenol showing the highest efficacy against H. amazonensis and O. canum, Eucalyptus citriodora, Zingiber officinale, Salvia sclarea and the isolated compound eugenol being the most effective against S. rarum. There was a reduction in the number of lateral beats of H. amazonensis and S. rarum for all treatments, with the exception of Cymbopogon winterianus in H. amazonensis and Annona muricata in S. rarum. The infectivity of H. amazonenis and S. rarum on S. eridania was reduced when exposed to the solutions, with the exception of the isolated compound d-limonene in both species, soursop for H. amazonenis and rosemary for S. rarum, which were classified as non-toxic to the species tested. The results obtained in this study may be useful for the choice of oils and essential oil chemical compounds with potential use in integrated pest management programs.
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(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)
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