Search Results (977)

Pinus massoniana Lamb. is an economically important conifer native to China. However, it is highly susceptible to the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, PWN), the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), resulting in substantial ecological and economic losses. To elucidate potential molecular defense mechanisms, 50 NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factors (PmNACs) were identified in the P. massoniana genome. Phylogenetic analysis divided these PmNACs into seven subfamilies, and motif analysis identified ten conserved motifs associated with stress responses. Twenty-three genes were selected for expression analysis in various tissues and under exogenous salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and PWN infection. Six genes (PmNAC1, PmNAC8, PmNAC9, PmNAC17, PmNAC18, and PmNAC20) were significantly up-regulated by both hormonal treatment and PWN infection, implying their involvement in JA/SA-mediated immune pathways. Functional characterization showed PmNAC8 is a nuclear-localized transcription factor with autoactivation activity. Furthermore, transient overexpression of PmNAC8 in Nicotiana benthamiana induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and necrotic lesions. Collectively, these results elucidate NAC-mediated defense responses to PWN infection in P. massoniana and identify candidate genes for developing PWD-resistant pine varieties. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are central to food, feed, and health biotechnology, yet their genomes have long resisted rapid, precise manipulation. This review charts the evolution of LAB genome-editing strategies from labor-intensive RecA-dependent double-crossovers to state-of-the-art CRISPR and CRISPR-associated transposase systems. Native homologous recombination, transposon mutagenesis, and phage-derived recombineering opened the door to targeted gene disruption, but low efficiencies and marker footprints limited throughput. Recent phage RecT/RecE-mediated recombineering and CRISPR/Cas counter-selection now enable scar-less point edits, seamless deletions, and multi-kilobase insertions at efficiencies approaching model organisms. Endogenous Cas9 systems, dCas-based CRISPR interference, and CRISPR-guided transposases further extend the toolbox, allowing multiplex knockouts, precise single-base mutations, conditional knockdowns, and payloads up to 10 kb. The remaining hurdles include strain-specific barriers, reliance on selection markers for large edits, and the limited host-range of recombinases. Nevertheless, convergence of phage enzymes, CRISPR counter-selection and high-throughput oligo recombineering is rapidly transforming LAB into versatile chassis for cell-factory and therapeutic applications. Full article

Radopholus similus, commonly known as the burrowing nematode, is one of the major pathogens affecting banana production. Currently, the control of this pathogen relies on chemicals, as no resistant varieties are available. However, new control methods, such the application of ensilage biostimulants (EBs) near the banana rhizosphere, have shown effectiveness. Nevertheless, the impact of this organic control method on soil nematodes and other microbial components remains unknown. This study evaluates the effects of EB application on the native nematofauna of banana. EBs altered the flow of carbon, nutrients, and energy in ways that influenced the abundance of fungivorous and bacterivorous taxa, while consistently reducing the number of plant-parasitic nematodes throughout the experimental period. Specifically, EB application in the soil increased the abundance of certain free-living nematodes, including Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides, Cephalobidae, and Rhabditidae, while decreasing both the abundance and diversity of phytoparasitic nematodes. In contrast, Criconematidae, Hoplolaimidae, Meloidogyne, Tylenchidae, and R. similis were more abundant in the control and oxamyl-treated soils. EBs can play a crucial role in strategies aimed to improve soil resilience, fertility, and natural suppression, provided that more sustainable production practices are adopted. Full article

As distant hybridization has profound implications for evolutionary biology, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation, this study aims to elucidate patterns of maternal inheritance, genetic divergence, and phylogenetic relationships by synthesizing mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data from 74 distant hybrid fish species. These hybrids span diverse taxa, including 48 freshwater and 26 marine species, with a focus on Cyprinidae (n = 35) and Epinephelus (n = 14), representing the most frequently hybridized groups in freshwater and marine systems, respectively. Mitogenome lengths were highly conserved (15,973 to 17,114 bp); however, the genetic distances between hybrids and maternal species varied from 0.001 to 0.17, with 19 hybrids (25.7%) showing distances >0.02. Variable sites in these hybrids were randomly distributed but enriched in hypervariable regions, such as the D-loop and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1, 3 and 6 (ND2, ND3, and ND6) genes, likely reflecting maternal inheritance (reported in Cyprinus carpio × Carassius auratus). Moreover, these genes were under purifying selection pressure, revealing their conserved nature. Phylogenetic reconstruction using complete mitogenomes revealed three distinct clades in hybrids: (1) Acipenseriformes, (2) a freshwater cluster dominated by Cypriniformes and Siluriformes, and (3) a marine cluster comprising Centrarchiformes, Pleuronectiformes, Scombriformes, Cichliformes, Anabantiformes, Tetraodontiformes, Perciformes, and Salmoniformes. The prevalence of Cyprinidae hybrids underscores their importance in aquaculture for hybridization, where traits such as rapid growth and disease resistance are enhanced. In contrast, marine hybrids are valued for their market value and adaptability. While mitogenome data robustly support maternal inheritance in most cases, exceptions suggest complex mechanisms, such as doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI), in distantly related crosses. Moreover, AT-skew of genes in hybrids revealed a paternal leakage of traits in mitogenomes. This study also highlights ecological risks, such as genetic swamping in native populations, emphasizing the need for responsible hybridization practices. These findings advance our understanding of the role of hybridization in fish evolution and aquaculture, providing a genomic framework and policy recommendations for optimizing breeding programs, hybrid introduction, and mitigating conservation challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in food and clinical environments necessitates new, clean-label antimicrobials. This study assessed eight Greek native essential oils—oregano, thyme, dittany, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cistus and helichrysum—for activity against six genetically and phenotypically diverse E. coli strains (reference, pNorm, mecA, mcr-1, blaOXA and O157:H7). We aimed to identify oils with broad-spectrum efficacy and clarify the chemical constituents responsible. Methods: Disk-diffusion assays measured inhibition zones at dilutions from 50% to 1.56% (v/v). MIC and MBC values were determined by broth microdilution. GC–MS profiling identified dominant components, and Spearman rank-order correlations (ρ) linked composition to activity. Shapiro–Wilk tests (W = 0.706–0.913, p ≤ 0.002) indicated non-normal data, so strain comparisons used Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc and Bonferroni correction. Results: Oregano, thyme and dittany oils—rich in carvacrol and thymol—exhibited the strongest activity, with MIC/MBC ≤ 0.0625% (v/v) against all strains and inhibition zones > 25 mm at 50%. No strain-specific differences were detected (H = 0.30–3.85; p = 0.998–0.571; p_adj = 1.000). Spearman correlations confirmed that carvacrol and thymol content strongly predicted efficacy (ρ = 0.527–0.881, p < 0.001). Oils dominated by non-phenolic terpenes (rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cistus, helichrysum) showed minimal or no activity. Conclusions: Phenolic-rich EOs maintain potent, strain-independent antimicrobial effects—including against multidrug-resistant and O157:H7 strains—via a multi-target mode that overcomes classical resistance. Their low-dose efficacy and GRAS status support their use as clean-label food preservatives or adjuncts to antibiotics or bacteriophages to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel., a vital native forage grass in northern China for ecological restoration and livestock production, faces severe yield losses and grassland degradation due to rust (Puccinia spp.) infection. Current control strategies, reliant on chemical interventions, are limited by evolving resistance risks and environmental concerns, while rust-resistant breeding remains hindered by insufficient molecular insights. To address this, we systematically evaluated rust resistance in 24 L. chinensis germplasms from diverse geographic origins, identifying six highly resistant (HR) and five extremely susceptible (ES) genotypes. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics, we dissected molecular responses to Puccinia infection, focusing on contrasting HR (Lc71) and ES (Lc5) germplasms at 48 h post-inoculation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 1012 differentially expressed genes (DEGs: 247 upregulated, 765 downregulated), with enrichment in cell wall biosynthesis and photosynthesis pathways but suppression of flavonoid synthesis. Metabolomic profiling identified 287 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs: 133 upregulated, 188 downregulated), showing significant downregulation of pterocarpans and flavonoids in HR germplasms, alongside upregulated cutin synthesis-related metabolites. Multi-omics integration uncovered 79 co-enriched pathways, pinpointing critical regulatory networks: (1) In the nucleotide metabolism pathway, genes Lc5Ns011910, Lc1Xm057211, and Lc4Xm043884 exhibited negative cor-relations with metabolites Deoxycytidine and Cytosine. (2) In flavonoid biosynthesis, Lc2Xm054924, Lc4Xm044161, novel.8850, Lc2Ns006303, and Lc7Ns021884 were linked to naringenin and naringenin-7-O-glucoside accumulation. These candidate genes likely orchestrate rust resistance mechanisms in L. chinensis. Our findings advance the molecular understanding of rust resistance and provide actionable targets for breeding resilient germplasms. Full article

This paper examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be strategically deployed to enhance urban planning and environmental livability in Riyadh by generating data-driven, people-centric design interventions. Unlike previous studies that concentrate primarily on visualization, this research proposes an integrative appraisal framework that combines AI-generated design with site-specific environmental data and native vegetation typologies. This study was conducted across key jurisdictional areas including the Northern Ring Road, King Abdullah Road, Al Rabwa, Al-Malaz, Al-Suwaidi, Al-Batha, and King Fahd Road. Using AI tools, urban scenarios were developed to incorporate expanded pedestrian pathways (up to 3.5 m), dedicated bicycle lanes (up to 3.0 m), and ecologically adaptive green buffer zones featuring native drought-resistant species such as Date Palm, Acacia, and Sidr. The quantitative analysis of post-intervention outcomes revealed surface temperature reductions of 3.2–4.5 °C and significant improvements in urban esthetics, walkability, and perceived safety—measured on a five-point Likert scale with 80–100% increases in user satisfaction. Species selection was validated for ecological adaptability, minimal maintenance needs, and compatibility with Riyadh’s sandy soils. This study directly supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by demonstrating how emerging technologies like AI can drive smart, sustainable urban transformation. It aligns with Vision 2030’s urban development goals under the Quality-of-Life Program and environmental sustainability pillar, promoting healthier, more connected cities with elevated livability standards. The research not only delivers practical design recommendations for planners seeking to embed sustainability and digital innovation in Saudi urbanism but also addresses real-world constraints such as budgetary limitations and infrastructure integration. Full article

Oral narratives play a crucial role in shaping the historical consciousness of Indigenous communities in Northeast India, where history writing is a relatively recent phenomenon. Among the Mizos, Nagas, Khasis, Kuki-Chins, and other Indigenous tribes of Northeast India, including the Bodos, the Garos, the Dimasas, or the Karbis of Assam, much of what is considered written history emerged during British colonial rule. Native historians later continued it in postcolonial India. However, written history, especially when based on fragmented colonial records, includes interpretive gaps. In such contexts, oral traditions provide complementary, and frequently, more authoritative frameworks rooted in cultural memory and collective transmission. Oral narratives, including ritual poetry, folk songs, myths, and folktales, serve as vital mediums for reconstructing the past. Scholars such as Jan Vansina view oral narratives as essential for understanding the histories of societies without written records, while Paul Thompson sees them as both a discovery and a recovery of cultural memory. Romila Thapar argues that narratives become indicative of perspectives and conditions in societies of the past, functioning as a palimpsest with multiple layers of meaning accruing over generations as they are recreated or reiterated over time. The folk narratives of the Mizos and Angami Nagas not only recount their origins and historical migrations, but also map significant geographical and cultural landmarks, such as Khezakheno and Lungterok in Nagaland, Rounglevaisuo in Manipur, and Chhinlung or Rih Dil on the Mizoram–Myanmar border. These narratives constitute a cultural understanding of the past, aligning with Greg Dening’s concept of “public knowledge of the past,” which is “culturally shared.” Additionally, as Linda Tuhiwai Smith posits, such stories, as embodiments of the past, and of socio-cultural practices of communities, create spaces of resistance and reappropriation of Indigenous identities even as they reiterate the marginalization of these communities. This paper deploys these ideas to examine how oral narratives can be used to decolonize grand narratives of history, enabling Indigenous peoples, such as the Mizos and the Angamis in North East India, to reaffirm their positionalities within the postcolonial nation. Full article

The emerging sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) industry in Australia faces potential threats from multiple pre-harvest diseases and pests, which will necessitate an initiative-taking approach for pest management. Here we assess the diseases and pests most likely to impede the development of a viable Australian sesame industry. Drawing on the international literature, we also consider the management approaches most likely to be viable and identify key research gaps necessary for effective and sustainable crop protection. More than sixty-seven plant pathogens have been identified worldwide that cause diseases in sesame, with some being observed to be major in Australia. Part of this review aims to provide an extensive overview of previous research on sesame and its diseases, shedding light on the evolving knowledge within sesame research, emerging trends, and the current state of understanding on the topic as it applies to Australia. Among the hundreds of pests reported to attack sesame internationally, this review identifies fifty-six pest taxa that are established in, or native to, Australia. We rank those most likely to be serious based on overseas damage levels and observations from recent trial plantings in Northern Australia. Chemical control methods have demonstrated efficacy overseas but are associated with concerns over resistance and environmental impact. Extremely limited numbers of pesticides are currently registered for pest or disease control in sesame by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority so non-chemical methods will be important. These include botanical, biological, cultural, and physical control approaches. This review underscores the need for continued research and tailored plant protection strategies to optimize sesame. Full article

Medicinal plants have been traditionally used for generations, often without scientific validation. Euphorbia tirucalli (E. tirucalli), a plant native to Africa, is commonly employed in folk medicine for treating various ailments, including cancer. However, most studies involving this species are limited to in vitro models, and its systemic effects remain poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of E. tirucalli latex on renal function in healthy Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two groups: a control group receiving water and a treated group receiving E. tirucalli latex (13.47 mg/kg) by gavage for 15 days. Renal function was assessed by measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), renal blood flow (RBF), renal vascular resistance (RVR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Additionally, oxidative stress markers, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and inflammatory activity were analyzed in renal tissue. E. tirucalli significantly reduced GFR, RPF, and RBF, while increasing RVR and MAP. Renal tissue exhibited elevated levels of advanced oxidation protein products, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite/hydroxyl radicals. These findings indicate that E. tirucalli latex adversely affects renal hemodynamics and promotes oxidative and inflammatory damage, suggesting potential nephrotoxic effects, even in healthy subjects. Full article

Plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering because of their excellent biological properties. Specifically, human plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels serve as 3D matrices for autologous skin graft production, skeletal muscle repair, and bone regeneration. Nevertheless, for advanced applications such as in vitro skin equivalents and engineered grafts, the intrinsic limitations of native fibrin hydrogels in terms of long-term mechanical stability and resistance to degradation need to be addressed to enhance the usefulness and application of these hydrogels in tissue engineering. In this study, we chemically modified plasma-derived fibrin by incorporating succinimidyl alginate (SA), a version of alginate chemically modified to introduce reactive succinimidyl groups. These NHS ester groups (N-hydroxysuccinimide esters), attached to the alginate backbone, are highly reactive toward the primary amine groups present in plasma proteins such as fibrinogen. When mixed with plasma, the NHS groups covalently bond to the amine groups in fibrin, forming stable amide linkages that reinforce the fibrin network during hydrogel formation. This chemical modification improved mechanical properties, reduces contraction, and enhanced the stability of the resulting hydrogels. Hydrogels were prepared with a final fibrinogen concentration of 1.2 mg/mL and SA concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mg/mL. The objective was to evaluate whether this modification could create a more stable matrix suitable for supporting skin tissue development. The mechanical and microstructure properties of these new hydrogels were evaluated, as were their biocompatibility and potential to create 3D skin models in vitro. Dermo-epidermal skin cultures with primary human fibroblast and keratinocyte cells on these matrices showed improved dermal stability and better tissue structure, particularly SA concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mg/mL, as confirmed by H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining and immunostaining assays. Overall, these results suggest that SA-functionalized fibrin hydrogels are promising candidates for creating more stable in vitro skin models and engineered skin grafts, as well as for other types of engineered tissues, potentially. Full article

Although the topic of trampling of alpine vegetation has been addressed by many authors in recent years, many unanswered questions still remain. The generalization of vegetation response patterns to trampling would be valuable, especially for problematic alpine areas, which are unsuitable for large hiking loads. Such an area is the limestone Belianske Tatras, which has been closed to tourists since 1978. Only one trail has been accessible in the area since 1993 as a one-way trail, and since 2008 it has been used as an educational two-way trail. Since there is renewed discussion about making the Belianske Tatras accessible to tourists, we sought answers to the following questions: (1) regenerated communities are more resistant to trampling than the native ones; (2) individual species in different communities react to trampling in the same way; and (3) some species can disappear or become extinct after being trampled. We conducted research in the form of an experiment according to the standard Cole and Bayfield protocol. We trampled three plant communities in 2008, treating them as native, and in 2022, treating them as regenerated. The regenerated communities appeared to be more resistant, although this came at the expense of some species disappearing or becoming extinct as a delayed response. Re-opening the area could be considered. Full article

Citrus fruit are well-known for their characteristic flavour and nutritional value. Global citrus production has increased by 528% between 1961 and 2021, and in Australia, citrus is the most exported fresh fruit product by volume. There are six described Citrus species endemic to Australia: C. australasica (Australian finger lime), C. australis (round lime), C. garrawayi (Mount White lime), C. glauca (desert lime), C. gracilis (Humpty Doo lime), and C. inodora (Russell River lime). Australian Citrus possess unique flavours, aromas, and phytochemical profiles, suggesting a potential use as novelty crops and/or ‘functional foods’. Furthermore, the native Australian Citrus germplasm is a valuable source of desirable traits in citrus breeding, including drought, cold, heat, salinity, and disease resistance. These may help solve some challenges facing citrus growers globally, including disease, a declining soil quality, changing climates, and narrowing profit margins. However, many Australian citrus species’ nutritional value, chemical composition, and bioactive properties remain unknown. This review focuses on these under-investigated native Citrus species, their distribution, production, physiology, disease tolerance, traditional use, taxonomy, flavour, nutritional composition, bioactivity, and commercial production. It concludes with a perspective on the future of these native species in the Australian and global citrus context. Full article

Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW) (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu), native to China, is an invasive pest that causes significant economic losses in Castanea species. While some cultivars show full resistance by inhibiting insect development in buds, the underlying defense mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the accumulation and distribution of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were investigated in dormant buds of chestnut cultivars that are resistant and susceptible to D. kuriphilus by using the 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining method. Buds were examined under a stereomicroscope during key stages of pest development, including oviposition, transition from egg to larva, gall induction, and gall development. Baseline levels of H₂O₂ were detected in all buds; however, these levels varied among cultivars, with resistant cultivars exhibiting lower basal levels. The degree of H₂O₂ accumulation was found to vary depending on plant–insect interaction, physiological processes, and cultivar-specific traits. Histochemical staining revealed that brown spots indicative of H₂O₂ accumulation were concentrated in the vascular bundles of leaf primordia and in the apical regions. In resistant hybrid cultivars, the defense response was activated at an earlier stage, while in resistant Castanea sativa Mill. cultivars, the response was delayed but more robust. Although consistently high levels of H₂O₂ were observed throughout the pest interaction in susceptible cultivars, gall development was not inhibited. During the onset of physiological bud break, increased H₂O₂ accumulation was observed across all cultivars. This increase was associated with endodormancy in susceptible cultivars and with both defense mechanisms and endodormancy processes in resistant cultivars. These findings highlight the significant role of H₂O₂ in plant defense responses, while also supporting its function as a multifunctional signaling molecule involved in gall development and the regulation of physiological processes. Full article