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Search Results (266)

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Keywords = defense priming

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17 pages, 1416 KiB  
Article
Humic Substances Promote the Activity of Enzymes Related to Plant Resistance
by Rakiely M. Silva, Fábio L. Olivares, Lázaro E. P. Peres, Etelvino H. Novotny and Luciano P. Canellas
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151688 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The extensive use of pesticides has significant implications for public health and the environment. Breeding crop plants is the most effective and environmentally friendly approach to improve the plants’ resistance. However, it is time-consuming and costly, and it is sometimes difficult to achieve [...] Read more.
The extensive use of pesticides has significant implications for public health and the environment. Breeding crop plants is the most effective and environmentally friendly approach to improve the plants’ resistance. However, it is time-consuming and costly, and it is sometimes difficult to achieve satisfactory results. Plants induce defense responses to natural elicitors by interpreting multiple genes that encode proteins, including enzymes, secondary metabolites, and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. These responses characterize systemic acquired resistance. Humic substances trigger positive local and systemic physiological responses through a complex network of hormone-like signaling pathways and can be used to induce biotic and abiotic stress resistance. This study aimed to assess the effect of humic substances on the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX), and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU) used as a resistance marker in various plant species, including orange, coffee, sugarcane, soybeans, maize, and tomato. Seedlings were treated with a dilute aqueous suspension of humic substances (4 mM C L−1) as a foliar spray or left untreated (control). Leaf tissues were collected for enzyme assessment two days later. Humic substances significantly promoted the systemic acquired resistance marker activities compared to the control in all independent assays. Overall, all enzymes studied in this work, PAL, GLUC, and POX, showed an increase in activity by 133%, 181%, and 149%, respectively. Among the crops studied, citrus and coffee achieved the highest activity increase in all enzymes, except for POX in coffee, which showed a decrease of 29% compared to the control. GLUC exhibited the highest response to HS treatment, the enzyme most prominently involved in increasing enzymatic activity in all crops. Plants can improve their resistance to pathogens through the exogenous application of HSs as this promotes the activity of enzymes related to plant resistance. Finally, we consider the potential use of humic substances as a natural chemical priming agent to boost plant resistance in agriculture Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocontrol Agents for Plant Pest Management)
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13 pages, 1535 KiB  
Article
L-Lysine from Bacillus subtilis M320 Induces Salicylic-Acid–Dependent Systemic Resistance and Controls Cucumber Powdery Mildew
by Ja-Yoon Kim, Dae-Cheol Choi, Bong-Sik Yun and Hee-Wan Kang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146882 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 326
Abstract
Powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fusca poses a significant threat to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production worldwide, underscoring the need for sustainable disease management strategies. This study investigates the potential of L-lysine, abundantly produced by Bacillus subtilis M 320 (BSM320), to prime [...] Read more.
Powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fusca poses a significant threat to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production worldwide, underscoring the need for sustainable disease management strategies. This study investigates the potential of L-lysine, abundantly produced by Bacillus subtilis M 320 (BSM320), to prime systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathways in cucumber plants. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified L-lysine as the primary bioactive metabolite in the BSM320 culture filtrate. Foliar application of purified L-lysine significantly reduced powdery mildew symptoms, lowering disease severity by up to 92% at concentrations ≥ 2500 mg/L. However, in vitro spore germination assays indicated that L-lysine did not exhibit direct antifungal activity, indicating that its protective effect is likely mediated through the activation of plant immune responses. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed marked upregulation of key defense-related genes encoding pathogenesis-related proteins 1 and 3, lipoxygenase 1 and 23, WRKY transcription factor 20, and L-type lectin receptor kinase 6.1 within 24 h of treatment. Concurrently, salicylic acid (SA) levels increased threefold in lysine-treated plants, confirming the induction of an SA-dependent SAR pathway. These findings highlight L-lysine as a sustainable, residue-free priming agent capable of enhancing broad-spectrum plant immunity, offering a promising approach for amino acid-based crop protection. Full article
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27 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
Quantum-Inspired Algorithms and Perspectives for Optimization
by Gerardo Iovane
Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2839; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142839 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
This paper starts with an updated review and analyzes recent developments in quantum-inspired algorithms for cybersecurity, with specific attention to possible perspectives of optimization. The enhancement of classical computing capabilities with quantum principles is transforming fields such as machine learning, optimization, and cybersecurity. [...] Read more.
This paper starts with an updated review and analyzes recent developments in quantum-inspired algorithms for cybersecurity, with specific attention to possible perspectives of optimization. The enhancement of classical computing capabilities with quantum principles is transforming fields such as machine learning, optimization, and cybersecurity. Evolutionary algorithms are one example where progress has already been made using quantum techniques through increased efficiency, generalization, and problem-solving techniques exploited by quantum principles. Quantum-inspired evolutionary algorithms (QIEAs) and quantum kernel methods are prime examples of such approaches. Quantum techniques are also used in the field of cybersecurity: QML-based identification systems for intrusion detection strengthen threat detection and encoding through quantum techniques with advanced cryptographic security, while quantum-secure hashing (QSHA) offers sophisticated means of protecting sensitive information. More specifically, QGANs are known for their integration into adversarial generative networks that increase efficiency by replacing classical models in adversarial defense through the generation of synthetic attack models. In this work, a set of benchmarks is provided for comparison with classical and other quantum-inspired technologies. The results demonstrate that these methods far outperform others in terms of computational efficiency and satisfactory scalability. Although fully functional models are still awaited, quantum computing benefits greatly from quantum-inspired technologies, as the latter enable the development of frameworks that bring us closer to the quantum era. Consequently, the work takes the form of an updated systematic review enriched with optimized perspectives. Full article
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29 pages, 1712 KiB  
Review
A Review of Mobile Surveillanceware: Capabilities, Countermeasures, and Research Challenges
by Cosimo Anglano
Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2763; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142763 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 671
Abstract
Mobile smartphones are prime targets for sophisticated surveillanceware, designed to covertly monitor specific individuals. While mobile operating systems implement various protection mechanisms, their defenses are frequently bypassed due to risky user behaviors or underlying software flaws, leading to persistent successful attacks. This paper [...] Read more.
Mobile smartphones are prime targets for sophisticated surveillanceware, designed to covertly monitor specific individuals. While mobile operating systems implement various protection mechanisms, their defenses are frequently bypassed due to risky user behaviors or underlying software flaws, leading to persistent successful attacks. This paper addresses the critical research problem of how targeted mobile spyware can be effectively counteracted, particularly given its pervasive and evolving threat amplified by sophisticated evasion techniques. To contribute to this understanding, we comprehensively review mobile surveillanceware variants, namely stalkerware and mercenary spyware. We also critically review mobile OS protection mechanisms, and we detail how surveillanceware bypasses or exploits them. Our analysis reveals that, despite continuous efforts by mobile operating system and device manufacturers, both Android and iOS platforms struggle to protect devices and users, particularly against sophisticated mercenary spyware attacks, remaining vulnerable to these threats. Finally, we systematically review state-of-the-art countermeasures, identify their shortcomings, and highlight unresolved research challenges and concrete directions for future investigation for enhanced prevention and detection. Crucially, this future research must increasingly leverage artificial intelligence, including deep learning and large language models, to effectively keep pace with and overcome the sophisticated tactics employed by modern spyware. Full article
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24 pages, 1890 KiB  
Review
Plant Defense Proteins: Recent Discoveries and Applications
by Samuel O. Shobade, Marit Nilsen-Hamilton and Olga A. Zabotina
Plants 2025, 14(13), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132069 - 6 Jul 2025
Viewed by 915
Abstract
Proteins play pivotal roles in safeguarding plants against numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Understanding their biological functions and mechanisms of action is essential for advancing plant biology, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review considers the diversity and potential applications of plant defense proteins including [...] Read more.
Proteins play pivotal roles in safeguarding plants against numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Understanding their biological functions and mechanisms of action is essential for advancing plant biology, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review considers the diversity and potential applications of plant defense proteins including pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, chitinases, glucanases, protease inhibitors, lectins, and antimicrobial peptides. Recent advances, such as the omics technologies, have enabled the discovery of new plant defense proteins and regulatory networks that govern plant defense responses and unveiled numerous roles of plant defense proteins in stress perception, signal transduction, and immune priming. The molecular affinities and enzymatic activities of plant defense proteins are essential for their defense functions. Applications of plant defense proteins span agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine, including the development of resistant crop varieties, bio-based products, biopharmaceuticals, and functional foods. Future research directions include elucidating the structural bases of defense protein functions, exploring protein interactions with ligands and other proteins, and engineering defense proteins for enhanced efficacy. Overall, this review illuminates the significance of plant defense proteins against biotic stresses in plant biology and biotechnology, emphasizing their potential for sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Protection)
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10 pages, 1764 KiB  
Brief Report
Cathelicidins Limit Intracellular Neospora caninum-Infection in Macrophages
by Franco Fiorani, Priyoshi Lahiri, Rodrigo Puentes, Peter John Bradley, Dadin Prando Moore and Eduardo Ruben Cobo
Pathogens 2025, 14(7), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14070663 - 5 Jul 2025
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Infections with the protozoan Neospora caninum cause abortion in cattle, likely due to the parasite’s replication and excessive inflammation in the placenta. Cathelicidins are host defense peptides known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions, but their role in N. caninum infections remains elusive. [...] Read more.
Infections with the protozoan Neospora caninum cause abortion in cattle, likely due to the parasite’s replication and excessive inflammation in the placenta. Cathelicidins are host defense peptides known for their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions, but their role in N. caninum infections remains elusive. Using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from mice expressing (wild-type, Camp+/+) and lacking (Camp/−) cathelicidins, we investigated the role of endogenous cathelicidin in infections with N. caninum. We show that Camp/− macrophages primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had an increased number of intracellular N. caninum tachyzoites, and these macrophages released higher amounts of IL-1β and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a marker of cytotoxicity. These findings indicate that cathelicidins contribute to intracellular N. caninum control and inflammation by limiting the activation of the inflammasome, particularly under LPS-induced conditions. This insight reveals the immunomodulatory role of cathelicidins in controlling N. caninum-associated pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Molecular Evolution of Parasitic Protozoa)
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19 pages, 5267 KiB  
Article
Microbial Biocontrol Agents Engineer Plant Biometrics and Host Response Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in Rice
by Popy Bora, Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Anwesha Sharma, Shenaz Sultana Ahmed, Pranamika Sharma, Ashok Bhattacharyya, Rupam Borgohain, Mrinal Saikia, Parinda Barua, Milon Jyoti Konwar, Shabrin Sultana Ahmed, Abhisek Rath, Mehjebin Rahman, Bishal Saikia, Trishna Taye, Naseema Rahman, Parveen Khan, Mayuri Baruah, Rituraj Sakia and Arunima Bharali
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(7), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16070151 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Plant-beneficial microbes are a perennial ally in an agroecosystems, providing multiple benefits to crop plants. The present study explored the potential of two microbial biocontrol agents (MBCAs), viz., Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens, against the bacterial blight pathogen of rice, Xanthomonas oryzae [...] Read more.
Plant-beneficial microbes are a perennial ally in an agroecosystems, providing multiple benefits to crop plants. The present study explored the potential of two microbial biocontrol agents (MBCAs), viz., Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens, against the bacterial blight pathogen of rice, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. In vitro, MBCAs resulted in significant inhibition of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, as evidenced through the distortion of pathogen cell morphology and formation of a pathogen biofilm. Pot studies on the effect of MBCAs in rice showed increased germination, increased vigor index of seedlings, increased tiller numbers, a 10.29% reduction in percentage disease incidence (PDI), and low disease severity following individual inoculation. Activity of plant defense enzymes also increased with MBCA treatment (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 2.7-fold increase; peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, 5-fold increase), establishing the priming effect of MBCAs on host defense. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction data revealed that pathogenesis-related genes (OsPR1a, OsPR1b, and OsPR10a) and X. oryzae pv. oryzae resistance genes (Xa1 and Xa26) were upregulated 4- to 14-fold in MBCA-treated rice plants over control plants. These results provide insights into the phenological, physiological, and molecular responses of rice crops treated with MBCAs in the presence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae and could be used to develop an effective field management strategy. Full article
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15 pages, 17950 KiB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Pathways and Candidate Genes for Resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae in Radish
by Yinbo Ma, Xinyuan Li, Feng Cui, Qian Yu, Baoyang Liu, Xinyi Guo and Liwang Liu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070777 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
Clubroot disease, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, poses a severe threat to the global production of Brassicaceae crops, including radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Although resistance breeding is an important method for sustainable disease management, the molecular mechanism underlying clubroot [...] Read more.
Clubroot disease, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, poses a severe threat to the global production of Brassicaceae crops, including radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Although resistance breeding is an important method for sustainable disease management, the molecular mechanism underlying clubroot resistance remains elusive in radish compared to other Brassicaceae species. In this study, 52 radish inbred lines were screened for disease responses following P. brassicae inoculation, with the resistant line T6 and the susceptible line T14 selected for transcriptome analysis. RNA-Seq was performed at 10, 20, and 30 days post inoculation (DPI) to elucidate transcriptional responses. The susceptible line T14 exhibited a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and persistent upregulation across all time points, indicating ineffective defense responses and metabolic hijacking by the pathogen. In contrast, the resistant line T6 displayed temporally coordinated defense activation marked by rapid induction of core immune mechanisms: enhanced plant–pathogen interaction recognition, MAPK cascade signaling, and phytohormone transduction pathways, consistent with effector-triggered immunity priming and multilayered defense orchestration. These findings indicate that resistance in T6 could be mediated by the rapid activation of multilayered defense mechanisms, including R gene-mediated recognition, MAPK-Ca2+-ROS signaling, and jasmonic acid (JA) pathway modulation. The outcomes of this study would not only facilitate clarifying the molecular mechanism underlying clubroot resistance, but also provide valuable resources for genetic improvement of clubroot resistance in radish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biotic and Abiotic Stress Responses of Horticultural Plants)
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22 pages, 1569 KiB  
Review
HIV, Inflammation, and Immunometabolism: A Model of the Inflammatory Theory of Disease
by Eman Teer, Nyasha C. Mukonowenzou and M. Faadiel Essop
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060839 - 11 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Inflammation is a crucial component of the immune response essential for host defense and tissue repair. However, when the immune response becomes dysregulated, it can contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is a short-lived, protective response, chronic inflammation is [...] Read more.
Inflammation is a crucial component of the immune response essential for host defense and tissue repair. However, when the immune response becomes dysregulated, it can contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. While acute inflammation is a short-lived, protective response, chronic inflammation is sustained over time and can lead to immune dysfunction, tissue damage, and disease progression. The chronic inflammation theory of disease suggests that persistent immune activation/inflammation underlies both infectious and non-infectious conditions and serves as a unifying mechanism across distinct pathological states. In this review article, we argue that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection represents a prime model for studying chronic inflammation, and that despite effective viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) exhibit persistent immune activation, systemic inflammation, and an increased risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, the interplay between microbial translocation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic reprogramming fuels a state of chronic inflammation that accelerates disease progression beyond HIV itself. Key factors such as T-cell exhaustion, persistent monocyte/macrophage activation, and immunometabolic dysfunction contribute to such a sustained inflammatory state. This review explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving chronic inflammation in HIV infection with a focus on immunometabolism and its implications for broader inflammatory diseases. By understanding such pathways, we can identify novel therapeutic targets to mitigate inflammation-driven disease progression not only in HIV but across a spectrum of chronic inflammatory conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infections and Immune Dysregulation 2024–2025)
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19 pages, 933 KiB  
Review
Exploring Seed Priming as a Strategy for Enhancing Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Cereal Crops
by Iman Janah, Abdelhadi Elhasnaoui, Raja Ben Laouane, Mohamed Ait-El-Mokhtar and Mohamed Anli
Stresses 2025, 5(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5020039 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1756
Abstract
From germination to harvest, cereal crops are constantly exposed to a broad spectrum of abiotic stresses that significantly hinder their growth and productivity, posing a serious threat to global food security. Seed resilience and performance are foundational to sustainable agriculture, making the development [...] Read more.
From germination to harvest, cereal crops are constantly exposed to a broad spectrum of abiotic stresses that significantly hinder their growth and productivity, posing a serious threat to global food security. Seed resilience and performance are foundational to sustainable agriculture, making the development of efficient, low-cost, and environmentally friendly strategies to enhance seed vigor and stress tolerance a critical priority. Seed priming has emerged as a promising pre-sowing technique that involves exposing seeds to specific organic or inorganic compounds under controlled conditions to improve their physiological and biochemical traits. Various priming techniques—including halopriming, chemical priming, osmopriming, hormonal priming, hydropriming, biopriming, and nanopriming—have been successfully applied in cereal crops to alleviate the adverse effects of environmental stressors. These treatments trigger a cascade of metabolic and molecular responses, including the modulation of hormonal signaling, enhancement of antioxidant defense systems, stabilization of cellular structures, and upregulation of stress-responsive genes. Together, these changes contribute to enhanced seed germination, improved growth and performance, and greater adaptability to abiotic stress conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of seed priming strategies in cereal crops, emphasizing their mechanisms of action and their impact on plant performance in challenging environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)
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24 pages, 13679 KiB  
Article
Seed Nanopriming with ZnO and SiO2 Enhances Germination, Seedling Vigor, and Antioxidant Defense Under Drought Stress
by Erick H. Ochoa-Chaparro, Juan J. Patiño-Cruz, Julio C. Anchondo-Páez, Sandra Pérez-Álvarez, Celia Chávez-Mendoza, Luis U. Castruita-Esparza, Ezequiel Muñoz Márquez and Esteban Sánchez
Plants 2025, 14(11), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14111726 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 690
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the main factors limiting seed germination and seedling establishment in field crops such as jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Nanopriming, a seed improvement technique using nanoparticle suspensions, has emerged as a sustainable approach to improving water use [...] Read more.
Drought stress is one of the main factors limiting seed germination and seedling establishment in field crops such as jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Nanopriming, a seed improvement technique using nanoparticle suspensions, has emerged as a sustainable approach to improving water use efficiency during the early stages of development. This study evaluated the effects of zinc oxide (ZnO, 100 mg·L−1), silicon dioxide (SiO2, 10 mg·L−1), and their combination (ZnO + SiO2), stabilized with chitosan, on the germination yield and drought tolerance of jalapeño seeds under mannitol-induced water stress (0%, 15%, and 30%). Compared to the hydroprimed control (T1), nanoparticle treatments consistently improved seed yield. Priming with ZnO (T2) increased the germination percentage by up to 25%, priming with SiO2 (T3) improved the germination rate by 34%, and the combined treatment (T4: ZnO + SiO2) improved the fresh weight of the seedlings by 40%. Proline accumulation increased 7.5 times, antioxidant capacity (DPPH) increased 6.5 times, and total phenol content increased 4.8 times in the combined treatment. Flavonoid levels also showed notable increases, suggesting enhanced antioxidant defense. These results clearly demonstrate the superior efficacy of nanoparticle pretreatment compared to conventional hydraulic pretreatment, especially under drought conditions. Multivariate analysis further highlighted the synergistic role of ZnO and SiO2 in improving osmolite accumulation, antioxidant activity, and water use efficiency. Nanopriming with ZnO and SiO2 offers a promising, economical, and scalable strategy to improve germination, early growth, and drought resistance in jalapeño pepper cultivation under semi-arid conditions. Full article
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19 pages, 1768 KiB  
Article
Verification of Seed-Priming-Induced Stress Memory by Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
by Kincső Decsi, Mostafa Ahmed, Donia Abdul-Hamid, Roquia Rizk and Zoltán Tóth
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061365 - 2 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 514
Abstract
In line with the latest challenges, agriculture has many options to protect against stress conditions. Seed-priming treatment was applied to winter wheat genotype AG Hurrem with Dr. Green seed-priming fertilizer, which is a commonly used seed fertilizer containing macro- and microelements. Genome-wide transcriptomic [...] Read more.
In line with the latest challenges, agriculture has many options to protect against stress conditions. Seed-priming treatment was applied to winter wheat genotype AG Hurrem with Dr. Green seed-priming fertilizer, which is a commonly used seed fertilizer containing macro- and microelements. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis was performed to examine the effects of treatments. In seed-primed plants, defense response pathways such as purine and thiamine metabolism, glutathione pathway, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were activated. At the same time, photosynthesis and some cellular respiration processes were downregulated and suppressed. Furthermore, in samples of plants previously exposed to priming and subsequently to drought stress, biochemical pathways activated during seed priming showed positive modulation, thus confirming the long-term traces of the priming effects of previous treatments and their repeated inducibility in the genome, i.e., the presumed existence of stress memory. The in silico analyses were also supported by laboratory antioxidant enzyme activity measurements. The priming technique and the preventive approach that can be offered with it may be a promising option for developing sustainable agricultural production in the future. Full article
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16 pages, 1598 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Resistance Against Bacterial Canker Disease (Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis) via Seed Priming with β-Aminobutyric Acid (BABA)
by Nazlı Özkurt, Harun Bektas and Yasemin Bektas
Horticulturae 2025, 11(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060587 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 737
Abstract
Many stressors contribute to productivity and quality losses in agricultural production, ranging from the rising global population to shrinking agricultural lands. To boost yield and quality, plants must be protected from abiotic and biotic stressors. Seed priming is the process of boosting germination [...] Read more.
Many stressors contribute to productivity and quality losses in agricultural production, ranging from the rising global population to shrinking agricultural lands. To boost yield and quality, plants must be protected from abiotic and biotic stressors. Seed priming is the process of boosting germination and seedling development by treating seeds with particular pre-treatments before germination. Seed priming is used to improve plant yield and germination. Plant defense elicitors stimulate the plant’s natural immune system when administered externally, strengthening the plant and making it more resistant/tolerant to diseases. β-Aminobutyric Acid (BABA) is a plant defense elicitor, and in this study, the effect of BABA seed priming on Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Cmm), which causes bacterial cancer in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), was investigated. Tomato seeds were subjected to seed priming for 72 h with 12 mM BABA (BABA priming) or water (water priming) as the control group. Tomato seedlings that germinated normally were utilized as a positive control. When the plants reached the 3–4 leaf stage, they were infected with Cmm. According to the data, BABA priming was the most effective experimental group in reducing disease severity. Furthermore, it has been shown that the use of BABA as a spray or water-priming application gives better protection than the control treatment. To understand the molecular basis of this suppression, plant samples were obtained at two separate time points (0th and the 7th day), and transcriptional changes of essential plant immunity genes (NPR1, PAL, PR1, WRKY70, WRKY33b, TPK1b, and PR5) were studied. The qRT-PCR results showed that NPR1 gene expression increased considerably with the BABA priming treatment compared to the control. BABA priming at the 0th hour enhanced NPR1 gene expression by approximately five times. In addition, BABA priming increased PR1 gene expression. Furthermore, foliar spraying of BABA (BABA priming+BABA-Sp) on seed-primed plants resulted in a nine-fold increase in PR1 gene expression. At day 7, the BABA priming+Cmm treatment increased PR5 gene expression. Along with the control of other genes, the molecular architecture of BABA seed priming has been attempted to be discovered. The application of BABA seed priming is expected to contribute to the literature and have favorable impacts on plant protection against Cmm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Pathogens in Horticultural Crops)
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18 pages, 1759 KiB  
Article
Spermidine Treatments Improve Germination of Long-Term Stored Seeds: A Case Study of Populus alba Clone ‘Villafranca’
by Shraddha Shridhar Gaonkar, Lorenzo Ciceri, Matteo Romelli, Andrea Pagano, Alessio Giovannelli, Pier Mario Chiarabaglio, Alma Balestrazzi and Anca Macovei
Seeds 2025, 4(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds4020025 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 486
Abstract
Populus alba clone ‘Villafranca’ (white poplar), highly suitable for biomass production and ecosystem restoration, is a model system for molecular and physiological studies, but no reports are available concerning seed quality. Although clonal propagation is the preferred approach for commercial purposes, attention should [...] Read more.
Populus alba clone ‘Villafranca’ (white poplar), highly suitable for biomass production and ecosystem restoration, is a model system for molecular and physiological studies, but no reports are available concerning seed quality. Although clonal propagation is the preferred approach for commercial purposes, attention should be given to face genetic variability losses in the existing germplasm. To address this challenge, new populations should be developed starting from seeds, overcoming the issues of low germinability and viability during storage. This study proposes to develop tailored treatments to improve the germination of long-term stored white poplar seeds. Priming and soaking protocols, based on the use of water or spermidine (Spd, 50 and 100 μM), were tested. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on germination parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) profiles, and the expression patterns of genes with key roles in early seed germination. Soaking with 100 μM Spd for 4 h significantly enhanced germination percentage and speed. Low ROS levels were evidenced in the Spd-treated seeds, compared to water-soaked seeds. High expression of genes involved in desiccation tolerance acquisition, polyamine biosynthesis, and antioxidant defense was observed only in dry seeds. The results are discussed in view of the potential protective role of Spd. Full article
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16 pages, 853 KiB  
Article
Mental Fatigue Impairs Temporal Perceptual Prediction: A Study on Boxing Performance Across Skill Levels
by Chang-Hong Wu, Yi Yang, Xia Xu, Ning Wang, Qiao Li, Lu Geng and Shan-Jun Bao
Sports 2025, 13(5), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13050154 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 618
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the impact of mental fatigue on the temporal perceptual prediction of action recognition among boxers of different skill levels. Methods: A mixed experimental design of two (groups: Mental Fatigue Expert Group and Mental Fatigue Novice Group) × two (technique [...] Read more.
Objective: This study investigated the impact of mental fatigue on the temporal perceptual prediction of action recognition among boxers of different skill levels. Methods: A mixed experimental design of two (groups: Mental Fatigue Expert Group and Mental Fatigue Novice Group) × two (technique types: attack and defense) × three (time shields: −80 ms, −40 ms, and action start) was implemented. Twenty expert and novice boxers participated in this study. Mental fatigue was induced using a 45-min Stroop paradigm, and the effects were assessed using the VAS, Brog-20, BRUMS-F, and BRUMS-V. The experimental procedure for time perception was developed using E-prime 3.0, incorporating 36 videos depicting various attack and defense techniques, and reaction time and accuracy were recorded. Results: (1) A significant main effect on reaction time (RT) was observed (F (1,38) = 5.97, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.14) but not on accuracy (ACC), suggesting a pronounced influence of mental fatigue on novice boxers’ temporal perceptual prediction in action recognition; (2) significant main effects of skill types were noted in both RT (F (1,38) = 9.03, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.19) and ACC (F (1,38) = 18.496, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.327), indicating disparities in the recognition of offensive and defensive skills under mental fatigue; (3) temporal shielding significantly influenced both RT (F (2,76) = 31.42, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.45) and ACC (F (2,76) = 125.727, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.768), with −80 ms showing a lower RT and ACC compared to −40 ms and action initiation; (4) second-order interaction effects were present in both RT (F (2,76) = 9.85, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.21) and ACC (F (2,76) = 8.773, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.188), with the RT interaction suggesting a negative impact on perceptual prediction at −80 ms and a faster offensive RT than defensive RT. The ACC interaction indicated that under mental fatigue, −40 ms approached and exceeded −80 ms in both offensive and defensive actions, with higher ACC in offense than defense; and (5) a third-order interaction effect among group, technique type, and time shielding on RT (F (2,76) = 3.92, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.09) suggests that mental fatigue more significantly affects novice defensive technique RT than offensive technique. Conclusions: (1) The 45-min Stroop task effectively induced mental fatigue. (2) Mental fatigue negatively impacts both expert and novice boxers, with a more pronounced effect on experts’ defensive skills. (3) The −40 ms time perception is crucial for predicting action recognition as it approaches action initiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve Modifiable Factors of Athletic Success)
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