Search Results (492)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial global food crop. The intensive crop farming, monoculture cultivation, and impact of climate change affect the susceptibility of wheat cultivars to biotic stresses, mainly caused by soil fungal pathogens, especially those belonging to the genus Fusarium. This situation threatens yield and grain quality through root and crown rot. While conventional chemical fungicides face resistance issues and environmental concerns, biological alternatives like seed priming with natural metabolites are gaining attention. Polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are attractive priming agents influencing plant development and abiotic stress responses. Spermine in particular shows potential for in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium. Optimising spermine concentration for seed priming is crucial to maximising protection against Fusarium infection while ensuring robust plant growth. In this research, we explored the potential of the polyamine spermine as a seed treatment to enhance wheat resilience, aiming to identify a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides. Our findings revealed that a six-hour seed soak in spermine solutions ranging from 0.5 to 5 mM did not delay germination or seedling growth. In fact, the 5 mM concentration significantly stimulated root weight and length. In complementary in vitro assays, we evaluated the antifungal activity of spermine (0.5–5 mM) against three Fusarium species. The results demonstrated complete inhibition of Fusarium culmorum growth at 5 mM spermine. A less significant effect on Fusarium graminearum and little to no impact on Fusarium oxysporum were found. The performed analysis revealed that the spermine had a fungistatic effect against the pathogen, retarding the mycelium growth of F. culmorum inoculated on the seed surface. A pot experiment with Bulgarian soft wheat cv. Sadovo-1 was carried out to estimate the effect of seed priming with spermine against infection with isolates of pathogenic fungus F. culmorum on plant growth and disease severity. Our results demonstrated that spermine resulted in a reduced distribution of F. culmorum and improved plant performance, as evidenced by the higher fresh weight and height of plants pre-treated with spermine. This research describes the efficacy of spermine seed priming as a novel strategy for managing Fusarium root and crown rot in wheat. Full article

Herein, we rationally designed a molecular catalytic filter for effective micropollutants decontamination via peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Specifically, iron phthalocanine (FePc) molecules with defined Fe–N₄ coordination were immobilized onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs), forming a hybrid catalyst that integrated molecular precision with heterogeneous catalytic properties. The resulting CNT-FePc filter achieved a 98.4% removal efficiency for bisphenol A (10 ppm) in a single-pass operation system, significantly outperforming the CNT/PMS system without FePc (41.6%). Additionally, the CNT-FePc/PMS system demonstrated remarkable resistance to performance inhibition by common water matrix components. Unlike typical radical-dominated PMS activation processes, mechanistic investigations confirmed that the CNT-FePc/PMS system selectively promoted singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation as the primary oxidative pathway. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that PMS exhibited stronger adsorption on FePc (−3.05 eV) compared to CNT (−2.86 eV), and that FePc effectively facilitated O–O bond elongation in PMS, thereby facilitating ¹O₂ generation. Additionally, seed germination assays indicated a significant reduction in the biotoxicity of the treated effluents. Overall, this work presents a catalyst design strategy that merges molecular-level coordination chemistry with practical flow-through configuration, enabling rapid, selective, and environmentally benign micropollutant removal. Full article

Orange allergy is estimated to account for up to 3–4% of food allergies. Major allergens identified in orange (Citrus sinensis) include Cit s 1 (germin-like protein) and Cit s 2 (profilin), while Cit s 3 (non-specific lipid transfer protein, nsLTP) and Cit s 7 (gibberellin-regulated protein) have also been described. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence and IgE-binding capacity of germin-like proteins in citrus fruits other than oranges. We describe five patients with immediate allergic reactions after orange ingestion. All patients underwent skin prick tests (SPT) to aeroallergens and common food allergens, prick-by-prick testing with orange, lemon, and mandarin (pulp, peel, seeds), total IgE, specific IgE (sIgE), anaphylaxis scoring (oFASS), and the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ-AF). Protein extracts from peel and pulp of orange, lemon, and mandarin were analyzed by Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE, and IgE immunoblotting using patient sera. Selected bands were identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. A 23 kDa band was recognized by all five patients in orange (pulp and peel), lemon (peel), and mandarin (peel). This band was consistent with Cit s 1, a germin-like protein already annotated in the IUIS allergen database for orange but not for lemon or mandarin. Peptide fingerprinting confirmed the germin-like identity of the 23 kDa bands in all three citrus species. Germin-like proteins of approximately 23 kDa were identified as IgE-binding components in peel extracts of orange, lemon, and mandarin, and in orange pulp. These findings suggest a potential shared allergen across citrus species that may contribute to allergic reactions independent of LTP sensitization. Full article

Today’s primary challenges include identifying efficient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable substances to serve as raw materials in industrial, agricultural, and medicinal applications. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and biological properties (namely antioxidant and allelopathic activities) of the methanolic extract derived from the above-ground portions of Artemisia judaica collected in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. GC-MS was used to evaluate the chemical composition of the methanolic extract derived from Artemisia judaica. GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 22 volatile compounds in the extract. The most prominent compounds identified were 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2,7-dimethoxynaphtho-quinone, and piperitone. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, comparable to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. The IC₅₀ value for the extract was 31.82 mg/mL in the DPPH assay and 39.93 mg/mL in the ABTS testing. Additionally, the extract exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of seed germination, root growth, and shoot growth of the weed Chenopodium murale in allelopathic bioassays. The most significant suppression was observed in shoot growth with an IC₅₀ value of 45.90 mg/mL, which was lower than the IC₅₀ values for root development and seed germination of C. murale, recorded at 56.16 mg/mL and 88.80 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the findings indicated that methanolic extracts had significant lethal toxic effects on the life cycle of Aedes aegypti. Future research will focus on extracting uncontaminated substances and evaluating the biological effects of each specific constituent. Full article

With increasing global challenges related to water scarcity and phosphorus depletion, the recovery and reuse of wastewater-derived nutrients offer a sustainable path forward. This study evaluates the dual role of lanthanides (Ce³⁺ and La³⁺) in recovering phosphorus from municipal wastewater and supporting corn (Zea mays) cultivation through lanthanide phosphate (Ln-P) and lanthanide-reclaimed wastewater (LRWW, wastewater spiked with lanthanide). High-purity precipitates of CePO₄ (98%) and LaPO₄ (92%) were successfully obtained without pH adjustment, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Germination assays revealed that lanthanides, even at concentrations up to 2000 mg/L, did not significantly alter germination rates compared to traditional coagulants, though root and shoot development declined above this threshold—likely due to reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and elevated total dissolved solids (TDSs), which induced physiological drought. Greenhouse experiments using desert-like soil amended with Ln-P and irrigated with LRWW showed no statistically significant differences in corn growth parameters—including plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, and biomass—when compared to control treatments. Photosynthetic performance, including stomatal conductance, quantum efficiency, and chlorophyll content, remained unaffected by lanthanide application. Metal uptake analysis indicated that lanthanides did not inhibit phosphorus absorption and even enhanced the uptake of calcium and magnesium. Minimal lanthanide accumulation was detected in plant tissues, with most retained in the root zone, highlighting their limited mobility. These findings suggest that lanthanides can be safely and effectively used for phosphorus recovery and agricultural reuse, contributing to sustainable nutrient cycling and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and sustainable cities. Full article

The cultivation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a vital vegetable crop, faces significant threats from Fusarium spp.-induced root rot. In this study, three fungal pathogens (Fusarium falciforme HKFf, Fusarium incarnatum HKFi, and Fusarium oxysporum HKFo) were isolated from symptomatic cowpea plants, and we screened 90 rhizobacteria from healthy rhizospheres using six culture media. Among these pathogens, Priestia megaterium TSA-10E showed a notable suppression of F. oxysporum HKFo (63.21%), F. incarnatum HKFi (55.16%), and F. falciforme HKFf (50.93%). In addition, Bacillus cereus KB-6 inhibited the mycelial growth of F. incarnatum HKFi and F. oxysporum HKFo by 42.39% and 47.93%, respectively. Critically, cell-free filtrates from P. megaterium TSA-10E and B. cereus KB-6 cultures reduced conidial germination in F. oxysporum HKFo and F. incarnatum HKFi, highlighting their role in disrupting the early infection stages. In greenhouse trials, TSA-10E and KB-6 reduced disease severity by 48.7% and 40.4%, respectively, with treated plants maintaining healthy growth while untreated controls succumbed to wilting. Broad-spectrum assays revealed that B. subtilis TSA-6E and P. megaterium TSA-10E were potent antagonists against both economic and grain crop pathogens. These findings underscore the potential of rhizobacteria as sustainable biocontrol agents for managing root rot disease caused by Fusarium spp. in cowpea cultivation. Full article

The RasGAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP) is a highly conserved family of proteins in eukaryotic organisms that coordinates signal transduction and post-transcriptional gene regulation and functions in the formation of stress granules. G3BPs have important roles in abiotic/biotic stresses in mammals, and recent research suggests that they have similar functions in higher plants. Brassica contains many important oilseeds, vegetables, and ornamental plants, but there are no reports on the G3BP family in Brassica species. In this study, we identified G3BP family genes from six species of the U’s triangle (B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. napus, B. juncea, and B. carinata) at the genome-wide level. We then analyzed their gene structure, protein motifs, gene duplication type, phylogeny, subcellular localization, SSR loci, and upstream miRNAs. Based on transcriptome data, we analyzed the expression patterns of B. napus G3BP (BnaG3BP) genes in various tissues/organs in response to Sclerotinia disease, blackleg disease, powdery mildew, dehydration, drought, heat, cold, and ABA treatments, and its involvement in seed traits including germination, α-linolenic acid content, oil content, and yellow seed. Several BnaG3BP DEGs might be regulated by BnaTT1. The qRT-PCR assay validated the inducibility of two cold-responsive BnaG3BP DEGs. This study will enrich the systematic understanding of Brassica G3BP family genes and lay a molecular basis for the application of BnaG3BP genes in stress tolerance, disease resistance, and quality improvement in rapeseed. Full article

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

Soil contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons is a serious environmental issue, necessitating the development of effective and environmentally friendly remediation methods that align with the principles of sustainable development. This study investigated the impact of selected biosurfactants on the efficiency of the biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soil. Six biosurfactants—poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), rhamnolipid, surfactin, a mixture of γ-PGA, rhamnolipids, and surfactin (PSR), as well as two commercial formulations (JBR 425 and JBR 320)—were evaluated in combination with a bacterial consortium. Biodegradation experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions for a 90-day period. The effectiveness of the tested biosurfactants was assessed using respirometric analysis, the chromatographic determination of the residual hydrocarbon content, and toxicity assays. The results showed that the application of a bacterial consortium enriched with a mixture of biosurfactants PSR (a biosurfactant concentration in the inoculating mixture: 5 g/dm³) was the most effective approach, resulting in an oxygen uptake of 5164.8 mgO₂/dm³ after 90 days, with TPH and PAH degradation rates of 77.3% and 70.32%, respectively. Phytotoxicity values decreased significantly, with TU values ranging from 6.32 to 4.62 (growth inhibition) and 3.77 to 4.13 (germination). Toxicity also decreased in the ostracodtoxkit test (TU = 4.35) and the Microtox SPT test (TU = 4.91). Among the tested biosurfactants, surfactin showed the least improvement in its bioremediation efficiency. Under the same concentration as in the PSR mixture, the oxygen uptake was 3446.7 mgO₂/dm³, with TPH and PAH degradation rates of 60.64% and 52.64%, respectively. In the system inoculated with the bacterial consortium alone (without biosurfactants), the biodegradation efficiency reached 44.35% for TPH and 36.97% for PAHs. The results demonstrate that biosurfactants can significantly enhance the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, supporting their potential application in sustainable bioremediation strategies. Full article

In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of fungi in horticultural crops. Their beneficial roles and pathogenic effects are investigated. In addition, the recent advancements in fungal detection and management strategies (especially the use of spectral analysis) are summarized. Beneficial fungi, including plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), enhance nutrient uptake, promote root and shoot development, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and support plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Additionally, beneficial fungi contribute to flowering, seed germination, and disease management through biofertilizers, microbial pesticides, and mycoinsecticides. Conversely, pathogenic fungi cause significant diseases affecting roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits, leading to crop yield losses. Advanced spectral analysis techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Raman, and Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (Vis-NIR), alongside traditional methods like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), have shown promise in detecting and managing fungal pathogens. Emerging applications of fungi in sustainable agriculture, including biofertilizers and eco-friendly pest management, are discussed, underscoring their potential to enhance crop productivity and mitigate environmental impacts. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex roles of fungi in horticulture and explores innovative detection and management strategies. Full article

Salt stress is a major constraint to seed germination and early seedling growth in rice, affecting crop establishment and productivity. To understand the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance, we investigated two rice varieties with contrasting responses as follows: salt-tolerant sea rice 86 (SR86) and salt-sensitive P559. Germination assays under increasing NaCl concentrations (50–300 mM) revealed that 100 mM NaCl induced clear phenotypic divergence. SR86 maintained bud growth and showed enhanced root elongation under moderate salinity, while P559 exhibited significant growth inhibition. Transcriptomic profiling of buds and roots under 100 mM NaCl identified over 3724 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with SR86 showing greater transcriptional plasticity, particularly in roots. Gene ontology enrichment revealed tissue- and genotype-specific responses. Buds showed enrichment in photosynthesis-related and redox-regulating pathways, while roots emphasized ion transport, hormonal signaling, and oxidative stress regulation. SR86 specifically activated genes related to photosystem function, DNA repair, and transmembrane ion transport, while P559 showed activation of oxidative stress-related and abscisic acid (ABA)-regulated pathways. Hormonal profiling supported transcriptomic findings as follows: both varieties showed increased gibberellin 3 (GA3) and gibberellin 4 (GA4) levels under salt stress. SR86 showed elevated auxin (IAA) and reduced jasmonic acid (JA), whereas P559 maintained stable IAA and JA levels. Ethylene precursor and salicylic acid levels declined in both varieties. ABA levels rose slightly but not significantly. These findings suggest that SR86’s superior salt tolerance results from rapid growth, robust transcriptional reprogramming, and coordinated hormonal responses. This study offers key insights into early-stage salt stress adaptation and identifies molecular targets for improving stress resilience in rice. Full article

The development of efficient bioinoculant formulations requires compounds with stabilizing, thickening, and carrier functions to preserve microbial viability and promote biological activity in soil. However, the majority of studies evaluate inoculant formulations predominantly in terms of bacterial viability, overlooking other important performance parameters. This study employed an integrative approach combining in vitro and plant-based assays to assess the effects of starch, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and trehalose in formulations containing Azospirillum brasilense, Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, Methylobacterium symbioticum, and Paenibacillus alvei, applied to Glycine max seeds. Our hypothesis was that the presence of these additives, each with distinct functional roles (starch as a slow-release carbon source, CMC as a structural agent and protector against physical stress, and trehalose as an osmoprotectant and membrane stabilizer), would influence not only bacterial viability but also the seed germination, growth, and physiological responses of inoculated G. max plants. Starch improved viability in A. brasilense formulations, while both starch and trehalose had positive effects on M. symbioticum. These additives also enhanced plant traits, including dry biomass, chlorophyll content, carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm and Pi_Abs). Trehalose was particularly effective in formulations with B. diazoefficiens and M. symbioticum, supporting its use as a versatile stabilizer. In contrast, CMC (0.25%) negatively impacted bacterial viability, especially for B. diazoefficiens and P. alvei, and impaired physiological parameters in G. max when combined with M. symbioticum. These results highlight the need to evaluate formulation components not only for their physical roles but also for their specific interactions with microbial strains and effects on host plants. Such an integrative approach is essential for designing stable, efficient bioinoculants that align with sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Rhizopus stolonifer causes soft rot disease in strawberry and is considered one of the most destructive pathogens affecting strawberries worldwide. This study investigated the efficacy of three atmospheric non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) consisting of gliding arc (GA), Tesla coil (TC) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) for controlling R. stolonifer infection. Fungal mycelial discs were exposed to these plasmas for 10, 15 or 20 min, whereas conidial suspensions were treated for 1, 3, 5 or 7 min. Morphological alterations following non-thermal plasma exposure were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Exposure to GA and DBD plasmas for 20 min completely inhibited mycelial growth. SEM analysis revealed significant structural damage to the mycelium, sporangia and sporangiospores of treated samples compared to untreated controls. Complete inhibition of sporangiospore germination was achieved with treatments for at least 3 min for all NTPs. Pathogenicity assays on strawberry fruit showed that 15 min exposure to any of the tested NTPs completely prevented the development of soft rot disease. Importantly, NTP treatments did not adversely affect the external or internal characteristics of treated strawberries. These findings suggest that atmospheric non-thermal plasmas offer an effective approach for controlling R. stolonifer infection in strawberries, potentially providing a non-chemical alternative for post-harvest disease management. Full article

This study evaluated the application of the aqueous extract from Baccharis trimera (Less) DC. in the control of weed species Oryza sativa L. and Cyperus ferax Rich. during the germination and early development stages. Extracts were obtained through pressurized liquid extraction using kinetic assays. Shorter extraction times (1 to 10 min) showed extracts with higher inhibitory effects on seed germination, shoot and root lengths, and fresh and dry mass of the plants. The survival of treated plants was also affected, especially during the early stages of development, reaching up to 40% of mortality. HPLC analysis identified phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid, rutin, quercitrin, and quercetin, with higher concentrations found in the extracts obtained at shorter times of extraction. The reduction in these compounds over longer extraction times was correlated with decreased inhibitory activity. The results indicate that the aqueous extract of B. trimera (Less) DC. holds potential for ecological weed management, standing out as a viable alternative to reduce weed resistance to synthetic herbicides. Full article

The increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to antimicrobials has driven the search for safe and sustainable alternatives. In this context, microbial biosurfactants have gained prominence due to their antimicrobial activity, low toxicity, and high stability under extreme conditions. This study presents the production and characterization of a biosurfactant with antimicrobial potential, obtained from Bacillus subtilis isolated from soil, for application in the control of resistant strains. Bacterial identification was performed using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), confirming it as Bacillus subtilis. The strain B. subtilis UCP 1533 was cultivated using different carbon sources (glucose, soybean oil, residual frying oil, and molasses) and nitrogen sources (ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, urea, and peptone), with evaluations at 72, 96, and 120 h. The best condition involved a mineral medium supplemented with 2% soybean oil and 0.12% corn steep liquor, resulting in the production of 16 g·L⁻¹ of biosurfactant, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.3 g·L⁻¹ and a reduction in water surface tension to 25 mN·m⁻¹. The biosurfactant showed an emulsification index of 100% for used motor oil and ranged from 50% to 100% for different vegetable oils, maintaining stability across a wide range of pH, salinity, and temperature. FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed its lipopeptide nature and anionic charge. Toxicity tests with Tenebrio molitor larvae showed 100% survival at all the tested concentrations. In phytotoxicity assays, seed germination rates above 90% were recorded for Solanum lycopersicum and Lactuca sativa. Antimicrobial tests revealed inhibitory activity against resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as against species of the genus Candida (C. glabrata, C. lipolytica, C. bombicola, and C. guilliermondii), highlighting the biosurfactant as a promising alternative in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These results indicate the potential application of this biosurfactant in the development of antimicrobial agents for pharmaceutical formulations and sustainable strategies for phytopathogen control in agriculture. Full article