Search Results (445)

The agave wilt associated with Fusarium oxysporum (Fox) is a major disease of blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), used to produce “Tequila” in Mexico. Little is known about the A. tequilana-F. oxysporum interaction yet understanding defense mechanisms against the pathogen is necessary for control strategies. During early Fox infection, plants trigger defense mechanisms to interrupt the compatible interaction, while Fox’s pathogenesis mechanism interacts with plant response. This study evaluated plant defense mechanisms induced by Fox in A. tequilana and their interaction with fungal pathogenesis. For this, an A. tequilana pathogenic strain (FPA), and the non-A. tequilana pathogenic strains FNPA and FOL were utilized. Early defense mechanisms evaluated were hypersensitive response (HR) and cell wall strengthening in agave roots. Resistance mechanisms evaluated included pathogenesis-related proteins (PR proteins), phytoanticipins and phytoalexins. For early defense, induced HR was greater with FPA than other strains. Cell wall strengthening was found in agave roots, plants responded differentially to different strains. Initial response to FPA and FOL was similar in PR proteins, phytoalexins and phytoanticipins production. However, the response differentiated with FOL over time, indicating an incompatible interaction. The study identified effective and ineffective defense responses of A. tequilana to Fox infection, where FPA exhibited compatibility and caused unregulated ROS and PCD, early inhibition of PR activity, extensive lignification, and saponin detoxification. In contrast, this study unveiled incompatible interactions (FNPA and FOL) because of limited colonization, localized HR with suppressed ROS, early and sustained POX activation, significant callose accumulation, moderate lignification, and phenol–saponin dynamics that help in tissue containment and recovery. Full article

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume crop of nutritional and economic value across Africa. Genetic improvements of the crop to enhance productivity and resilience depend on understanding the diversity within the African germplasm. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the genetic diversity and population structure of common bean in Africa were reviewed systematically based on existing research. A protocol for conducting the systematic review was developed registered in OSF. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria after a comprehensive search in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, PubMed, AGRICOLA, Taylor & Francis, and SpringerLink. Data on molecular markers and diversity metrics, thus PIC, He, and AMOVA, were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Results: Despite substantial heterogeneity in panel sizes, reporting completeness, and marker systems (SSR, SNP, POX, ISSR), consistent patterns emerged. Studies revealed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity. Population-structure analyses recovered the canonical Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools with extensive admixture and high gene flow. AMOVA results indicated that a substantial proportion of total genetic variation was attributed to within-population components. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previous studies, but the sample size and types of markers make direct comparisons impossible. More future studies should use standardized genotyping approaches to increase data consistency. These insights are useful for yield improvement under both non-stress and stress conditions and for developing Africa’s diverse environments. Full article

Modern agriculture relies heavily on chemical inputs to sustain productivity, yet their intensive use poses environmental and health risks. Sustainable strategies based on biostimulants have emerged as promising alternatives to reduce agrochemical dependence. Among these compounds, humic substances (HS) stand out for their ability to modulate plant growth and activate defense responses. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HS from different sources—vermicompost (Vc) and peat (Pt)—on the salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defense pathway in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom) infected with Oidium sp. The HS were characterized by solid-state ¹³C CPMAS NMR to determine the relative distribution of carbon functional groups and structural domains, including alkyl, O-alkyl, aromatic, and carbonyl carbon fractions, as well as hydrophobicity-related indices. Enzymatic activities of lipoxygenase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and beta 1,3-glucanase were determined spectrophotometrically, and RT-qPCR quantified gene transcription levels involved in SA signaling and defense (MED25, MED16, MED14, NPR1, ICS, PAL, LOX1.1, MYC2, JAZ, jar1, CAT, POX, SOD, APX, ERF, PR-1, PR-2, PR-4 e PR-5). Both HS significantly reduced disease severity and activated key SA-related defense genes, including the regulatory gene NPR1 and the effector genes PR1, PR2 and PR5, with Pt providing greater protection. Notably, HS amplified defense-related gene expression and enzymatic activities specifically under infection, showing a stronger induction than in non-infected plants. These results demonstrate that structural differences among HS drive distinct and enhanced defense responses under pathogen challenge, highlighting their potential as sustainable tools for improving plant immunity in agricultural systems. Full article

Traditional fermented beverages from Chiapas, Mexico, represent an important source of microbial diversity, particularly of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In native strains isolated from traditional fermented beverages, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been observed to display distinct morphological and physiological traits; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the population growth and the tolerance of twenty isolates to different stress factors such as temperature, osmotic pressure, and high ethanol concentrations, as well as the genetic variability through interdelta analysis, and to determine whether these physiological and molecular characteristics are associated with the type of beverage and the locality of origin. Differences were observed in tolerance to various factors, including high ethanol concentrations and elevated temperatures, as well as in the production of volatile compounds, with Taberna and Mezcal isolates showing notable performance. These isolates were able to withstand temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 °C and ethanol concentrations of up to 17% in Mezcal and Pox isolates, and 15% in Taberna isolates. High concentrations of isoamyl acetate and higher alcohols such as isoamyl alcohol were detected. In addition, the genetic variability of the isolates was evaluated, and its relationship with the type of beverage and the geographical origin of production was explored, including isolates obtained from Taberna, Mezcal, Pox, and Chicha de Chilacayote. Intraspecific variability was assessed through a retrotransposon-based analysis of the interdelta region using different primer combinations (δ1-δ2, δ12-δ21, and δ12-δ2). The generated banding patterns were analyzed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), which enabled the identification of molecular variability patterns among the isolates. Furthermore, a UPGMA analysis was performed using physiological and compound production data, revealing a relationship between these characteristics and the geographical origin of the isolates. The results revealed a high degree of intraspecific variability, which was associated with both the type of beverage and the locality of origin of the isolates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sheep pox, a highly contagious disease, is prevalent in Africa and Asia, with sporadic outbreaks in Europe, and inflicts tremendous economic losses. Vaccination represents the primary and most effective prevention method. The genetic diversity of circulating SPPV strains worldwide is poorly studied, and vaccine selection is typically guided by the availability of a particular vaccine. In this study, four sheep pox vaccines, including the RM65, KSGP 0240, KSGP ARRIAH, and NISKHI ARRIAH vaccines, were evaluated against a contemporary virulent strain circulating in Asia. Methods: The level of antibodies in the blood serum was determined using the ELISA and microneutralization assay. Blood samples and nasal swabs were obtained for PCR examination. Comprehensive clinical and postmortem pathological examinations were conducted. Results: The body temperature of all experimental animals remained within the physiological norm, with no clinical manifestations, local reactions, viremia, or necropsy pathological lesions, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines used against the contemporary virulent strain. Furthermore, immunization was associated with the formation of neutralizing and specific antibodies in all vaccinated groups post vaccination, with a significant increase in their levels after challenge, indicating a high level of immunogenicity. The NISKHI ARRIAH vaccine exhibited statistically significant superiority over the other vaccinated groups. However, the unvaccinated control group demonstrated post-challenge moderate-to-severe clinical signs, postmortem lesions, with high levels of virus shedding, and lower levels of neutralizing and specific antibodies, compared with the vaccinated groups. Conclusions: Our study results indicate that the experimental group immunized with the NISKHI ARRIAH vaccine exhibited the initial and most substantial immune response, maintaining the highest antibody levels on the 28th day after vaccination in comparison to the other studied vaccines. Full article

Agricultural production is consistently threatened by stressors such as salinity. Few studies have reported on the released antioxidative enzymes and the salinity-responsive genes identified using RNA sequencing and de novo assembly in maize. To further understand the harmony between stressing the maize with a NaCl solution as a compensatory water-irrigation method and spraying regulatory zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO/NPs), the salinity-responsive genes were analyzed using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics tools, and the antioxidant enzymatic activities were determined. Differential expression analysis was used to uncover genes that were up-/down-regulated during the experiment. The regulatory pathways and functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were estimated. Glutathione reductase/-s-transferase (GR/GST), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzymes were determined spectrophotometrically. Mitigating salinity stress with 150 mM NaCl led to significant oxidative stress, markedly elevating enzyme activities: POX and GST by 275% and 254%, GR by 166%, CAT by 91%, and SOD by 56%. Treatment with ZnO/NPs alleviated this stress, decreasing enzyme activity by 61% for GST, 55% for POX, 38% for CAT, 28% for SOD, and 25% for GR. The results of RNA-seq revealed candidate genes related to changes in stressed/non-stressed maize plants, regardless of whether they were sprayed with the nanoparticles or not. This study’s results offer novel insights into the genetic traits of maize subjected to salinity stress and ZnO/nanoparticle application, thereby advancing the comprehension of how ZnO/nanoparticles might alleviate the detrimental impacts of salinity on plants whose properties were enhanced to be used in the eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles that were used as a bio-fertilizer in priming plants. Full article

This study aims to elucidate the physiological and biochemical alterations induced by parasitic Cuscuta sp. (dodder) in lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), a key forage crop. Comparative analyses between infected and healthy plants revealed that significant reductions in chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll, and protein levels in the leaf and stem tissues of Cuscuta-infested plants were evident. The parasitic infection led to increased activities in antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) in stems, but not in leaves. Phenolic compounds were significantly lower both in leaves and stems of dodder-infected lucerne plants. No statistically significant changes were detected in jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) levels in both plant parts, suggesting that classical defense signaling pathways may not be predominantly activated under Cuscuta-mediated stress. Possibly, host defense might be impaired. Histological examinations demonstrated active structural defense responses, including localized tissue remodeling and the formation of callose-like structures at haustorial penetration sites. DNA fragmentations showed that Cuscuta-infected M. sativa plants exhibited slightly higher instability. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the molecular and biochemical basis of the Cuscuta-lucerne interactions and highlight the need for further investigation into host defense mechanisms. We assume that active defense structural parts at early growth stages of lucerne or hypersensitive-type responses occurring in the early penetration phase might fend off the invading holoparasite. The results also offer a valuable foundation for the development of Cuscuta-resistant lucerne cultivars and support the design of integrated, sustainable weed management strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of parasitic plants on forage production systems. Full article

Neurotoxicity induced by organophosphorus (OP) compounds such as paraoxon (POX) leads to severe brain damage and cognitive impairments. Although current treatments alleviate acute cholinergic symptoms, they fail to address secondary neurotoxicity. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine-amide (AD4), a blood–brain-barrier permeable antioxidant, in a survival mouse model of acute POX intoxication. Male Swiss CD-1 mice received POX (4 mg/kg) followed by standard emergency therapy (atropine, pralidoxime and diazepam). AD4 (150 mg/kg) was administered 2 and 6 h post-exposure. AD4 treatment effectively prevented oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation and restoring the expression in hippocampus (HP) and/or prefrontal cortex (PFC) of key antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) and catalase (CAT) suppressed by POX acute exposure. Moreover, AD4 attenuated neuroinflammation in specific hippocampal subregions, as evidenced by reduced Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) and Ionized Calcium Binding Adaptor Molecule 1 (Iba-1) immunoreactivity. Importantly, AD4 also rescued recognition memory deficits, as assessed by the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT). In summary, these findings demonstrate that AD4 mitigates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive dysfunction following acute POX intoxication, supporting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for mitigating the secondary neurotoxicity derived from organophosphorus poisoning. Full article

In this study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) were produced via green routes using blueberry extracts obtained with isopropanol (I-TiO₂-NPs) and methanol (M-TiO₂ NPs). HPLC-DAD confirmed phenolic/flavonoid profiles in the extracts, and spectroscopy/microscopy established anatase, polyhedral, mesoporous TiO₂-NPs with Eg ≈ 3.0 eV, hydrodynamic sizes ≈ 130–150 nm and negative ζ-potentials (−33 to −50 mV). The in vitro compatibility between TiO₂-NPs and the plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) Bacillus subtilis (Bs), Bacillus thuringiensis (B), and Trichoderma harzianum (T) sustained increased growth up to 150 µg/mL without visible negative effects. In greenhouse experimentation of Capsicum annuum exposed to low-moderate TiO₂-NPs, an increased leaf number and plant height were observed, while root length did not exceed the controls. I-TiO₂ at moderate concentrations, particularly with a single PGPM (B or T), promoted fresh and dry biomass accumulation. Biochemically, peroxidase rose sharply for M-TiO₂ at a low dose with consortium, whereas I-TiO₂ elicited broader antioxidant responses; total protein increased at higher doses for both formulations, and total chlorophyll was highest with I-TiO₂ (high dose with or without PGPMS). Collectively, the nano-bio system shows a formulation- and dose-dependent biphasic behavior: (I) I-TiO₂ enhances biomass and photosynthetic pigments; (II) M-TiO₂ favors strong POX induction under specific microorganism-dose combinations; and (III) single PGPM co-application with I-TiO₂-NPs or M-TiO₂ NPs outperforms consortia under our experimental conditions. Green synthesis thus provides surface functionalities that improve dispersion, microbial compatibility, and predictable physiological/biochemical outcomes for precision agriculture. Full article

Drought is a major abiotic stress that compromises seed germination, seedling establishment, and subsequent crop productivity, thereby threatening agricultural sustainability and food security. Developing effective seed-based strategies is therefore essential to enhance drought resilience. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), produced using Azadirachta indica (neem) flower extract as a seed priming agent, to improve drought tolerance and early growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Seeds were primed with AgNPs (25–100 mg L⁻¹), PEG 6000 (−0.6, −0.8, and −1.0 MPa), and their combination (AgNPs + PEG 6000). AgNP priming enhanced germination by 72%, 86%, and 100% at 25, 50, and 75 mg L⁻¹, respectively, compared with the control, with 75 mg L⁻¹ identified as the optimal concentration. This treatment increased total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents by 14% and 6%, and elevated phenolic and flavonoid accumulation by 58% and 97%, respectively. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also substantially increased—catalase (CAT) by 44%, superoxide dismutase (SOD) by 23%, peroxidase (POX) by 11%, and glutathione reductase (GR) by 58%. Under drought stress, AgNP priming at 75 mg L⁻¹ improved germination by up to 80%, indicating enhanced drought tolerance. Elevated protein and antioxidant enzyme levels, along with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and total soluble sugar levels, further confirmed mitigation of oxidative stress. Collectively, these results demonstrate that neem-mediated green-synthesized AgNPs could serve as an effective seed-priming agent, promoting wheat seedling establishment and enhancing drought resilience under water-deficit conditions. Full article

Cell cultures are an essential tool for laboratory diagnosis of porcine viral infections. However, interpreting the results requires considering the species and tissue origin of cell lines as well as the specific virus replication characteristics (cytopathic effect). This guide discusses the development of techniques for the primary isolation of viruses from biological material and provides recommendations for culturing viruses in different cell types. According to the World Organization for Animal Health, laboratory diagnosis should aim to isolate the virus in cell culture. We have studied the evolution of virus isolation methods for various diseases affecting pigs, including African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), pseudorabies virus (Aujeszky’s disease, PRV), rotaviruses (RV), teschoviruses (PTVs), swine pox virus (SwPV), swine influenza A virus (IAVs), parvovirus (PPV), coronaviruses, circoviruses (PCVs), diseases with vesicular syndrome, and others. During our analysis of the literature and our own experience, we found that the porcine kidney (PK-15) cell line is the most suitable for isolating most viral porcine pathogens. For ASFV and PRRSV, the porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) continue to remain the primary model for isolation. These findings can serve as a starting point for virological reference laboratories to select optimal conditions for cultivating, obtaining field isolates, and strain adaptation. Full article

This study evaluates four physicochemical pretreatments—ultra-fine grinding, roasting, alkaline pressure oxidation (POX), and oxidative ammoniacal pre-leaching—for improving gold extraction from a refractory sulfide concentrate produced trough flotation. The gold extraction by direct cyanidation is only ~48.6%, mainly due to the encapsulation of gold by associated minerals. Ultra-fine grinding increased the BET surface area eight-fold but depressed gold dissolution from 74% to 18% due to accelerated thiosulfate decomposition and copper (I) passivation in the presence of a bigger surface area. Oxidative roasting at 750 °C converted pyrite–pyrrhotite to hematite without liberating additional gold, indicating limited benefit from thermal treatment. POX was conducted at 190 °C and 10 bar O₂ dissolved 33% of the solids and yielded only 26% of gold in a thiosulfate leaching step with 50% of the thiosulfate consumption. In contrast, a two-step oxidative ammoniacal conditioning (0.4 M NH₃ + 10 mM Cu²⁺ for 42 h) followed by thiosulfate leaching boosted gold extraction from 71% to 85% while cutting thiosulfate consumption from 48.4 to 29.0 kg t⁻¹. The results demonstrate that among the pretreatments investigated, oxidative ammoniacal pre-leaching provides the most effective and environmentally benign route to unlock encapsulated gold and enhance reagent efficiency for thiosulfate processing of refractory gold ore. Full article

Downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara halstedii, is a major threat to sunflower production worldwide, leading to severe yield losses. Since resistance in sunflower hybrids can be easily broken by the pathogen, it is important to find alternative and sustainable control methods against this disease. This study investigated the potential use of NeemAzal^®-T/S (a neem-based biopesticide formulation) to induce antioxidant defense responses in sunflower seedlings inoculated with P. halstedii (pathotype 704). Its effects, alone, or in combination with a reduced dose of Mefenoxam, were evaluated under controlled conditions. Plant height, sporulation, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, APX, POX, and PPO), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents were measured. Our results indicate that the antioxidant responses of seedlings varied according to the treatment. MDA levels decreased even when NeemAzal^®-T/S was applied alone, while H₂O₂ production only decreased when both treatments were applied combined. Overall, NeemAzal^®-T/S can be a valuable alternative strategy to help control sunflower downy mildew, since it reduced sporulation and MDA content, and increased APX, POX, and PPO activities even at a later stage of infection in susceptible seedlings. These findings indicate that NeemAzal^®-T/S can activate defense mechanisms associated with oxidative stress reduction in sunflower, offering a promising strategy to help manage downy mildew in a more sustainable manner. Full article

Agricultural soil health and quality centre around the ability of the soil to cycle nutrients to growing crops. However, soil biological properties focusing on microorganisms and their contribution to soil health are also important. This study was established at Syferkuil and Ofcolaco to determine the effect of cover crop, combined nano Zn and Cu, and nitrogen fertiliser on soil biological properties. Sunn hemp was planted, slashed, and incorporated into the soil, followed by winter canola in a split split-plot design with sixteen treatments. Key factors analysed after harvest included bacterial and fungal populations, active carbon, microbial activity measured by Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA), organic matter, urease, and pH. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP 0.19.3. Cover crop, nano Zn and Cu, and nitrogen fertiliser enhanced bacterial populations, active carbon, urease, organic matter, and pH at Syferkuil, most particularly in 2023, while 2024 showed minor improvements. Ofcolaco showed improvements in fungal populations, organic matter and urease in 2023, whereas 2024 exhibited marginal changes. Nitrogen fertilisation increased POxC, ranging from 10% to 22% and urease at 31% to 111% in both locations, although this varied across application rates. Treatment interactions showed improvements in some of the measured parameters but varied across seasons and locations. In conclusion, sunn hemp cover crop, combined nano zinc and copper and nitrogen fertiliser have the potential to enhance soil microbial activity through the application of 60 and 120 kgN ha⁻¹, thus reducing heavy inputs of synthetic fertilisers in canola production. Full article

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a key biomarker of liver function. Compared with conventional assays for ALT detection—which are expensive, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require experienced personnel—biosensors represent a promising alternative, but it remains unclear which biorecognitive enzymatic configuration offers the best analytical performance for ALT detection. This study presents the development and comparative evaluation of two amperometric biosensors based on oxidase biorecognition elements: pyruvate oxidase (POx) and glutamate oxidase (GlOx). Enzymes were immobilized onto platinum electrodes under optimized conditions using entrapment for POx (pH 7.4, enzyme loading 1.62 U/µL, PVA-SbQ concentration 13.2%) and covalent crosslinking for GlOx (pH 6.5, enzyme loading 2.67%, glutaraldehyde concentration 0.3%). Analytical parameters were systematically assessed, including linear range (1–500 U/L for POx vs. 5–500 U/L for GlOx), limit of detection (1 U/L for both), and sensitivity (0.75 vs. 0.49 nA/min at 100 U/L). The POx-based biosensor demonstrated higher sensitivity and lower detection limits, whereas the GlOx-based biosensor exhibited greater stability in complex solutions and reduced assay costs due to a simpler working solution. Moreover, while the POx-based system is uniquely suited for ALT determination, the GlOx-based sensor can be affected by AST activity in samples but may also be adapted for targeted AST detection. Overall, the study highlights a trade-off between sensitivity, robustness, and versatility in ALT biosensor design, providing guidance for the rational development of clinically relevant devices. Full article