Search Results (104)

Heavy metal pollution due to mining activities poses a significant threat to agricultural production, ecosystem health, and food security in South Africa. This review integrates current knowledge on the use of mustard spinach (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) for the bioremediation of polluted water and soil, focusing on enhancing phytoremediation efficiency through the use of silicon-based biostimulant treatments. Mustard spinach is known for its capacity to accumulate and tolerate high levels of toxic metals, such as Pb, Cd, and Hg, owing to its strong physiological and biochemical defense mechanisms, including metal chelation, antioxidant activity, and osmotic adjustment. However, phytoremediation potential is often constrained by the negative impact of heavy metal stress on plant growth. Recent studies have shown that silicon-based biostimulants can alleviate metal toxicity by reducing metal bioavailability, increasing metal immobilization, and improving the antioxidative capacity and growth of plants. Combining silicon amendments with mustard spinach cultivation is a promising, eco-friendly approach to the remediation of mining-impacted soils and waters, potentially restoring agricultural productivity and reducing health risks to the resident populations. This review elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms by which silicon-enhanced phytoremediation operates, including soil chemistry modification, metal sequestration, antioxidant defense, and physiological resilience, while highlighting the practical, field-applicable benefits of this combined approach. Furthermore, it identifies urgent research priorities, such as field validation and the optimization of silicon application methods. Full article

Background: Drought stress is a major abiotic factor limiting Brassica juncea productivity, resulting in significant yield reductions. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have shown potential in enhancing drought tolerance; however, the metabolomic changes associated with their effects remain largely unexplored. This study examines the metabolic changes induced by a PGPR consortium (Enterobacter hormaechei, Pantoea dispersa, and Acinetobacter sp.) in two contrasting genotypes B. juncea (L.) Czern. ‘RH 725’ (drought tolerant) and B. juncea (L.) Czern. ‘RH-749’ (drought sensitive for drought tolerance, under both control and drought conditions. Methods: Metabolite profiling was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify compounds that accumulated differentially across treatments. We applied multivariate statistical methods, such as Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment analysis, to explore metabolic reprogramming. Results: Drought stress induced significant changes in metabolite profile, particularly increasing the levels of osmoprotectants such as trehalose, glucose, sucrose, proline, and valine. Additionally, alterations in organic acids (malic acid and citric acid) and fatty acids (oleic acid and linoleic acid) were observed. PGPR inoculation further amplified these metabolic responses to enhance the osmotic regulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification, and carbon-nitrogen metabolism, with RH-725 displaying a stronger adaptive response. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that PGPR treatment significantly influenced metabolic pathways related to starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis, which play critical roles in drought adaptation. Conclusion: These findings provide insights into how PGPR contributes to stress resilience in B. juncea by modulating key biochemical pathways. This study provides new molecular insights into the known effect of PGPR for mitigating drought stress in oilseed crops. Full article

Soil contamination with heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant environmental threat. Phytoremediation, a sustainable and eco-friendly emerging bioremediation approach, utilizes plants to remove, immobilize, or stabilize soil contaminants. This study examines the interactive effects of sulfur (S), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and olive mill wastewater (OMW) on HM uptake and the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea). Mustard exhibited superior dry matter (DM) yield (2.4 g/pot with 5% OMW), nutrient uptake, and tolerance to metal toxicity. The translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BF) for maize and mustard plants vary significantly with different treatments. For maize, the S 2T/ha treatment achieved the highest TF and BF for cadmium (Cd), while 5% OMW led to maximum chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) uptake. In mustard, 5% OMW treatment resulted in the greatest bioconcentration factor (BCF) for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), whereas sulfur application yielded the highest TF for Cd. The 5% OMW treatment overall enhanced HM uptake most significantly. Lower sulfur application rate (1 ton/hectare) increased the availability Cd and Pb, boosting plant growth and nutrient uptake. For instance, 1 ton/hectare of sulfur elevated Cd availability to 24.102 mg·kg⁻¹ in maize and 58.705 mg·kg⁻¹ in mustard. EDTA treatments further improved metal bioavailability, increasing Cd levels in maize (10.09 mg·kg⁻¹) and mustard (7.78 mg·kg⁻¹). Mustard’s superior tolerance and nutrient efficiency identify it as a promising candidate for phytoremediation of HM-contaminated soils in arid regions. Innovative treatments with sulfur, EDTA, and olive mill wastewater significantly enhance soil decontamination and plant growth. Full article

Biofumigation is an eco-friendly agronomic technique that utilizes bioactive compounds from Brassica species to manage soil-borne pests. In our review, we explore it as a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigation, focusing on its potential for controlling wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). By analyzing existing studies, we assess the efficacy of biofumigation using Brassica plants, with a detailed focus on Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. (Indian mustard) and Brassica carinata A. Braun (Ethiopian mustard), which are rich in glucosinolates (Glns). We also examine glucosinolate decomposition mechanisms, where enzymatic hydrolysis releases isothiocyanates (IsoTs) and other bioactive compounds with pesticidal properties. Our review synthesizes findings from laboratory bioassays, semi-field experiments, and long-term field trials to evaluate the impact of these biofumigants on wireworms, soil health, and broader pest management strategies. Additionally, we discuss how biofumigation may disrupt wireworm feeding behavior while improving soil structure and microbial activity. Despite its promise, several challenges may influence the effectiveness and adoption of biofumigation, including the variability in field efficacy, soil interactions, and barriers to large-scale adoption. We emphasize the need for future research to refine biofumigation applications, enhance IsoT stability, and integrate this method with other pest control strategies to ensure its sustainability in wireworm management. Full article

The cutting of leaf stems is a critical step in the mechanized harvesting of tuber mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This study focuses on the calibration of parameters for the discrete element model of mustard leaf stems to visualize the cutting process and facilitate numerical simulations. Intrinsic material properties were measured based on mechanical testing, and EDEM2022 simulation software was utilized to calibrate the model parameters. The Hertz–Mindlin (no-slip) model was employed to simulate the stacking angle of mustard leaf stems, and the contact parameters for the discrete element model were determined using a combination of two-level factorial design, steepest ascent, and CCD (central composite design) tests. The results showed that the coefficient of restitution, coefficient of static friction, and coefficient of rolling friction for the leaf stems were 0.45, 0.457, and 0.167, respectively, while for interactions between the leaf stems and the working parts, these values were 0.45, 0.55, and 0.175, respectively. Based on the Hertz–Mindlin with bonding model, the primary bonding parameters were calculated, and a BBD (Box–Behnken design) test was applied for optimization. The comparison between the simulation and experimental results showed that the relative error in the maximum shear force was within 5%, indicating that the calibrated model can serve as a reliable theoretical reference for the design and optimization of tuber mustard harvesting and cutting equipment. Full article

This is a pioneering study on the main drainage system in Gujranwala District, where untreated mixed wastewater is discharged and subsequently used for vegetable irrigation, leading to potential health and environmental risks. This study seeks to develop the spatial pattern of toxic metal accumulation in soil across an 11 km stretch of land used for vegetable cultivation. By using 90 samples of mixed wastewater and sludge, as well as 10 quadruplicate samples of rhizospheric soils and crops from ten vegetable fields, it was observed that the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe, Pb, Mg, and Ni in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), meadow clover (Trifolium sp. L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), and mint (Mentha L.) were beyond the permissible limits set by the FAO/WHO, 2001. The declining trend of the toxic metal concentrations in the effluent was Mg > Cr > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu > Fe, and in sludge, soil, and plants, it varied in the order of Mg > Fe > Cr > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd > Cu. Radish, mint, and brinjal had the highest quantities of toxic metals. The spatial pattern of toxic metals was determined by using proximity interpolation, Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), the fine tuning of the interpolation characteristics, and the kriging of selected sample variograms. Toxic metals were found in the following order: plants > soil > sludge > effluents. The most prevalent cause of metal pollution was soil irrigation with polluted water. This study provides crucial information about the extent of contamination, which could help in the identification of public health risk, the assessment of environmental impacts, and also sustainable water management. Full article

Soil-borne diseases threaten sustainable agriculture, traditionally managed by chemical fumigants, whose use is now restricted due to environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates the biofumigation potential of Brassicaceae species, specifically Brassica carinata A. Braun., Brassica juncea (L.) Vassiliĭ Matveievitch Czernajew., Raphanus sativus L., and Sinapis alba L., cultivated in central Spain. Field trials across two growing cycles assessed biomass production, glucosinolate (GSL) concentration, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception, and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Biomass production varied across species and sampling dates, with S. alba and R. sativus outperforming other species in shorter cycles, while B. juncea and B. carinata showed a more efficient GSL profile regarding soil-borne disease control, particularly in aliphatic GSLs like sinigrin. Results highlight B. juncea and B. carinata as potent biofumigants due to their high GSL levels, whereas S. alba and R. sativus are more suited to early biomass production. The study also explores the chlorophyll content index (SPAD) as a potential field indicator of GSL concentration, providing a practical approach for optimizing biofumigation timing. These findings support the selection of specific Brassicaceae species adapted to climatic conditions and crop cycles for effective biofumigation in sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Efficient genetic transformation approaches play pivotal roles in both gene function research and crop breeding. However, stable transformation in mustard, particularly for different horticultural types, has not been systematically studied and well-established so far. In this study, we optimized the key factors in the genetic transformation of mustard, including the optical density value of Agrobacterium suspension, the age of explants, and the combination of phytohormones at different concentrations. As a result, the optimal conditions for the genetic transformation of leaf and stem mustard included hypocotyl explants derived from 4-day-old seedlings, infection by 0.8 OD_600nm Agrobacterium suspension, and then re-differentiation on a medium containing 4 mg/L trans-zeatin (tZ) and 0.1 mg/L indoleacetic acid (IAA) for leaf mustard, and for stem mustard, re-differentiation on a medium containing 2 mg/L tZ and 0.4 mg/L IAA, with positive rates of 4.74% and 5.26%, respectively. Those for root mustard were hypocotyl explants derived from 8-day-old seedlings, infection by 0.2 OD_600nmAgrobacterium suspension, and a medium containing 2 mg/L tZ and 0.1 mg/L IAA, with a positive rate of 4.42%. Overall, this work provides an effective tool for both the theoretical study and genetic improvement of Brassica juncea. Full article

The effect of a coating material containing organic photoluminophore (PL) on the growth and development of mustard Brassica juncea L. plants colonized with beneficial associative bacteria Pseudomonas putida KT2442 and Rhodococcus erythropolis X5 was studied in vitro and in vivo. Plants grown with the use of microbial bacterization in combination with a photoluminophore coating (PLC) had significantly faster growth rates in vitro (2.1 times faster, P. putida; 1.8 times faster, R. erythropolis) than those grown using PLC alone (1.2 times faster). The leaves of plants grown with PLC had higher contents of glucose and fructose (28.4 ± 0.3% more glucose and 60.4 ± 0.3% more fructose accumulated compared to plants grown without PLC). It was found that seed weights and seed number increased 1.9-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively, for plants grown with PLC and colonized with beneficial P. putida KT2442 bacteria. The stimulatory effect of PLC on photosynthetic parameters of Photosystem II (PSII) was observed in colonized plants grown in vitro. For the first time, it was shown that providing plants with a PLC for only 4 weeks may make it possible to support further plant growth without PLC to obtain higher yields in the future. Thus, PLCs that convert shorter-wavelength radiation into red light may induce enhancement of biochemical processes not only in plants but also in microorganisms that supply plants with growth regulators and other active compounds. The results indicate the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of photobiological and photoregulatory systems in the interaction of microbes and plants. Full article

The current study explored the differential interaction between ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) in relation to salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants. Significant reductions in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis were observed with 100 mmol NaCl. Among the cultivars tested, the Pusa Vijay cultivar was noted as ET-sensitive. Pusa Vijay responded maximally to an application of 2.0 mmol ethephon (Eth; 2-chloethyl phosphonic acid-ethylene source), and exhibited the greatest growth, photosynthesis, activity of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS), and ET evolution. Notably, Eth (2.0 mmol) more significantly improved the seed germination percentage, germination and vigor index, amylase activity, and reduced H₂O₂ content under salt stress, while ABA (25 µmol) had negative effects. Moreover, the individual application of Eth and ABA on Pusa Vijay under both optimal and salt-stressed conditions increased the growth and photosynthetic attributes, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) assimilation, and antioxidant defense machinery. The addition of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (0.01 µmol AVG, ET biosynthesis inhibitor) to ABA + NaCl-treated plants further added to the effects of ABA on parameters related to seed germination and resulted in less effectiveness of growth and photosynthesis. In contrast, the effects of Eth were seen with the addition of fluoridone (25 µmol Flu, ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) to Eth + NaCl. Thus, it can be suggested that ET is crucial for alleviating salt-induced inhibition in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis, while ABA collaborated with ET to offer protection by regulating nutrient assimilation and enhancing antioxidant metabolism. These findings provide insight into the complex regulatory processes involved in ET–ABA interaction, enhancing our understanding of plant growth and development and the mitigation of salt stress in mustard. It opens pathways for developing hormonal-based strategies to improve crop productivity and resilience, ultimately benefiting agricultural practices amidst a challenging environment. Full article

Most Fusarium species are known as endophytes and/or phytopathogens of higher plants and have a worldwide distribution. Recently, information discovered with molecular tools has been also published about the presence of these fungi in the microbiome of truffle fruiting bodies. In the present work, we isolated and identified three Fusarium strains from truffle fruiting bodies. All isolates were assigned to the same species, F. commune, and the strains were deposited in the All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms under accession numbers VKM F-5020, VKM F-5021, and VKM F-5022. To check the possible effects of the isolated strains on the plants, the isolates were used to infect sterile seedlings of Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.). This model infection led to a moderate suppression of the photosynthetic apparatus activity and plant growth. Here, we present characteristics of the F. commune isolates: description of the conidial morphology, pigmentation, and composition of the mycelium fatty acids. Overall, this is the first description of the Fusarium cultures isolated from truffle fruiting bodies. Possible symbiosis of the F. commune strains with truffles and their involvement in the cooperative fatty acid production are proposed. Full article

The use of artificial lighting in a total or supplementary way is a current trend, with growing interest due to the increase in the global population and climate change, which require high-yield, quality, and fast-growing crops with less water and a smaller carbon footprint. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting on the production of basil, mustard, and red cabbage seedlings under controlled artificial conditions and in a greenhouse as a supplementary lighting regime. Under controlled conditions, the experiment was conducted with basil seedlings, comparing LED light with two wavelengths (purple and white light). In a greenhouse, mustard and red cabbage seedlings were evaluated under natural light (regular photoperiod) and with supplementary purple lighting of 3 h added to the photoperiod. The variables assessed were aerial fresh mass (AFM), aerial dry mass (ADM), root dry mass (RDM), plant length (PL), and leaf area (LA). Basil seedlings grown under purple light showed greater length and AFM than those grown under white light, with no effect on the production of secondary metabolites. In the greenhouse experiment, red cabbage seedlings showed an increase in AFM, ADM, and DRM with light supplementation, with no effect on LA. AFM showed no statistical difference in mustard seedlings, but the productive parameters LA, ADM, and DRM were higher with supplementation. None of the evaluated treatments influenced the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the three species evaluated. Light supplementation affected red cabbage and mustard seedlings differently, promoting better development in some production parameters without affecting the production of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in either plant. Thus, light supplementation or artificial lighting can be considered a tool to enhance and accelerate the growth of seedlings, increasing productivity and maintaining the quality of the secondary metabolites evaluated. Thus, this technology can reduce operational costs, enable cultivation in periods of low natural light and photoperiod, and cultivate tropical species in temperate environments in completely artificial (indoor) conditions. Full article

Obesity is a global health concern. Recent research has suggested that the development of anti-obesity ingredients and functional foods should focus on natural products without side effects. We examined the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of Brassica juncea extract (BJE) in combating obesity via experiments conducted in both in vitro and in vivo obesity models. In in vitro experiments conducted in a controlled environment, the application of BJE demonstrated the ability to suppress the accumulation of lipids induced by MDI in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, it downregulated adipogenic-related proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), and lipid synthesis-related protein acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). It also upregulated the heat generation protein peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and fatty acid oxidation protein carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). The oral administration of BJE decreased body weight, alleviated liver damage, and inhibited the accumulation of lipids in mice with diet-induced obesity resulting from a high-fat diet. The inhibition of lipid accumulation by BJE in vivo was associated with a decreased expression of adipogenic and lipid synthesis proteins and an increased expression of heat generation and fatty acid oxidation proteins. BJE administration improved obesity by decreasing adipogenesis and activating heat generation and fatty acid oxidation in 3T3-L1 cells and in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that BJE shows potential as a natural method for preventing metabolic diseases associated with obesity. Full article

The purple-leaf phenotype in pak choi is due to the accumulation of anthocyanin. The main regulated genes are unclear. The gene controlling the purple-leaf phenotype was mapped on A03 using BSA-seq, but the candidate interval was not further narrowed with InDel markers. Based on our previous study, we hypothesized that the candidate gene that regulates purple leaves in pak choi may also be the Dark_Pur gene from B. juncea. Using the Dark_Pur-1 marker to identify P₁, P₂, F₁, and F₂, it was confirmed that the purple trait in purple-leaf pak choi was controlled by the Dark_Pur gene from B. juncea through distant hybridization. A DNA segment of approximately 514 Kb containing the Dark_Pur gene was reintroduced into pak choi from B. juncea. Meanwhile, a new purple pak choi germplasm line was created with green pak choi × purple B. juncea via distant hybridization, which proved that distant hybridization is an effective method for creating new germplasms. Furthermore, the purple-leaf phenotypes of 20 pak choi varieties were identified, and the purple-leaf traits of all lines were derived from B. juncea via distant hybridization. At present, few studies have focused on the background of the purple trait in pak choi; however, in this study, our results suggest that there is a high probability that the purple trait in pak choi may be completely derived from purple B. juncea via distant hybridization. This study also lays a good foundation for research on the creation of new germplasms through distant hybridization among the Brassica species. Full article

Yellow seed breeding is an effective method to improve oil yield and quality in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). However, naturally occurring yellow-seeded genotypes have not been identified in B. napus. Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) has some natural, yellow-seeded germplasms, yet the molecular mechanism underlying this trait remains unclear. In this study, a BC₉ population derived from the cross of yellow seed mustard “Wuqi” and brown seed mustard “Wugong” was used to analyze the candidate genes controlling the yellow seed color of B. juncea. Subsequently, yellow-seeded (BY) and brown-seeded (BB) bulks were constructed in the BC₉ population and subjected to bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-Seq). A total of 511 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the brown and yellow seed bulks. Enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic process and flavonoid biosynthetic process, including key genes such as 4CL, C4H, LDOX/TT18, PAL1, PAL2, PAL4, TT10, TT12, TT4, TT8, BAN, DFR/TT3, F3H/TT6, TT19, and CHI/TT5. In addition, 111,540 credible single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 86,319 INDELs were obtained and used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification. Subsequently, two significant QTLs on chromosome A09, namely, qSCA09-3 and qSCA09-7, were identified by G’ analysis, and five DEGs (BjuA09PAL2, BjuA09TT5, BjuA09TT6, BjuA09TT4, BjuA09TT3) involved in the flavonoid pathway were identified as hub genes based on the protein-to-protein network. Among these five genes, only BjuA09PAL2 and BjuA09F3H had SNPs between BY and BB bulks. Interestingly, the majority of SNPs in BjuA09PAL2 were consistent with the SNPs identified between the high-quality assembled B. juncea reference genome “T84-66” (brown-seed) and “AU213” (yellow-seed). Therefore, BjuA09PAL2, which encodes phenylalanine lyase, was considered as the candidate gene associated with yellow seed color of B. juncea. The identification of a novel gene associated with the yellow seed coloration of B. juncea through this study may play a significant role in enhancing yellow seed breeding in rapeseed. Full article