Search Results (8,497)

An important component of sustainable agriculture is the development of strategies that reduce the use of mineral fertilizers while maintaining high crop productivity. One promising approach is the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), which may support plant development and improve nutrient use efficiency. A field experiment with winter wheat was conducted in south-western Poland during two growing seasons, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, to evaluate the effect of inoculation with Priestia sp. KR219 under different nitrogen fertilization regimes. The experiment included three levels of nitrogen: 70, 91, and 130 kg N ha⁻¹ (54%, 70%, and 100% of the full spring nitrogen fertilization rate) with and without bacterial application. Soil chemical and biological properties, photosynthetic pigment content, plant morphological traits, grain yield, as well as grain chemical composition and amino acid profile were evaluated. The inoculated treatments showed higher soil dehydrogenase activity in the second growing season and higher contents of selected photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll a, under reduced nitrogen fertilization. Bacterial inoculation was also associated with numerical increases in grain yield in most treatment combinations, although these differences were not statistically significant. Differences among treatment combinations involving nitrogen fertilization were more pronounced for grain chemical composition and amino acid profile than differences between inoculated and non-inoculated treatments at the same nitrogen level, with the full nitrogen rate generally resulting in the highest protein content and higher contents of several essential and non-essential amino acids. Overall, the responses observed following Priestia sp. KR219 inoculation included changes in selected soil and physiological parameters, while responses in grain yield and quality varied between growing seasons. Further studies under diverse environmental conditions are required to determine its agronomic potential. Full article

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) imparts distinctive health benefits and flavor to tea, and its accumulation is modulated by plant growth regulators (PGRs). However, the regulatory mechanisms of Paclobutrazol (PAC) and Lovastatin (LS) underlying EGCG biosynthesis remain uncharacterized. We integrated quantitative analysis, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to investigate the regulatory effects of exogenous PAC and LS on EGCG accumulation in tea plants and systematically elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism governing EGCG biosynthesis. The results demonstrated that exogenous PAC and LS treatments significantly elevated the accumulation of EGCG, as well as endogenous auxin and jasmonic acid (JA) contents. The variation trend of these key metabolites was highly consistent with the accumulation patterns of upstream flavonoid components, including eriodictyol, delphinidin, and epigallocatechin. Transcriptomic profiling further verified the critical involvement of auxin and JA signal transduction pathways in PGR-induced EGCG differential accumulation, and we screened a total of 14 auxin-related and 8 JA-related core signal regulatory factors. Furthermore, integrated bioinformatic analyses and antisense oligonucleotide (AsODN) functional validation experiments revealed that the core hormone signaling genes CsARF2 and CsMYC2 regulate the expression of CsSCPL16 through the transcription factor CsMYB80, and ultimately promote the conversion of epigallocatechin to EGCG and promote the accumulation of EGCG in tea plants. Collectively, the PGRs boost EGCG biosynthesis by mediating endogenous auxin and JA signal transduction. These results support the development of targeted agronomic practices to improve tea quality and lay a theoretical basis for expanding the industrial exploitation of tea bioactive constituents. Full article

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop valued for its oil, favourable fatty acid profile, and health-promoting phytoconstituents. However, information on the agronomic performance and seed-quality characteristics of sesame genotypes under Australian growing conditions remains limited. This study evaluated sesame genotypes under Australian conditions using complementary field evaluations at Kingaroy and Emerald, Queensland. At Kingaroy three genotypes (BLACK 2, WHITE 5, and WHITE 3) were evaluated across two growing seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) to provide exploratory observations on oil yield and seed-quality characteristics. Because these genotypes were grown as single field strips and harvested seed was bulked within genotype, the Kingaroy data were treated as descriptive observations rather than statistically replicated genotype or seasonal effects. At Emerald, five genotypes (WHITE 6, BLACK 5, BLACK 2, WHITE 5, and WHITE 3) were evaluated using a randomised complete block design with four biological replicates, allowing statistical assessment of genotype effects on agronomic and seed-quality traits. Genotype significantly influenced crop establishment, first-pod height, screw-pressed oil yield, phytochemical composition, and fatty acid profile, whereas most other growth and yield traits did not differ significantly among genotypes. In the replicated Emerald experiment, final plant density ranged from 17.5 to 43.8 plants/m², screw-pressed oil yield from 35.7 to 39.7%, total phenolic content (TPC), FRAP, and CUPRAC from 64.8 to 111.6 mg GAE/100 g DW, 87.3 to 124.8 mg TE/100 g DW, and 587.1 to 806.3 mg TE/100 g DW, respectively, and the sesamin and sesamolin from 107.9 to 281.5 mg/100 g DW and 96.6 to 138.9 mg/100 g DW, respectively. WHITE 3 generally showed high values for several phytochemical characteristics, including TPC, antioxidant capacity, and sesamin concentration. The Kingaroy evaluation showed numerical variation in oil yield and seed-quality characteristics across genotype–season combinations, providing complementary exploratory information but not statistical evidence of genotype or seasonal effects. Overall, the replicated Emerald experiment demonstrated substantial genotypic variation in several agronomic and seed-quality characteristics, highlighting the potential for genotype selection to improve sesame production and seed quality under Australian conditions. Further replicated multi-season and multi-location studies are required to assess the stability of these traits across Australian production environments. Full article

The DUF789 protein family comprises conserved domain proteins in plants, most of which remain functionally uncharacterized despite their involvement in growth, development, and stress responses. Moreover, systematic identification of the DUF789 family in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has not been reported. In this study, 11 SlDUF789 members were identified from the tomato genome, unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes, with members within the same subgroup sharing similar exon–intron structures and conserved motifs. Promoter analysis revealed the enrichment of cis-acting elements associated with light, hormone, and stress responses. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed diverse expression patterns across tissues: most SlDUF789 members exhibited relatively high expression levels in reproductive tissues, whereas SlDUF789-7 was broadly expressed across all tissues, with elevated expression in fully open flowers and red-ripe fruits. Under stress and hormone treatments, SlDUF789-7 exhibited the highest induction under ABA and salt stress; SlDUF789-8 under MeJA and PEG; and SlDUF789-11 under SA and low-light. Notably, SlDUF789-7 responded strongly across all treatments, whereas SlDUF789-11 showed sustained upregulation under low-light stress. This study provides the first systematic characterization of the SlDUF789 gene family in tomato and establishes a foundation for future research on their biological functions and potential roles in stress responses. Full article

Cytokinin signaling is essential for plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. As key transcription factors in this pathway, type-B response regulators (ARR-Bs) activate the expression of primary cytokinin-responsive genes. However, the systematic identification of the ARR-B family in maize and its functional roles in responses to phosphorus (P) nutritional stress remain largely unclear. In this study, the maize ARR-B (ZmARR-B) transcription factor family was systematically identified and comprehensively characterized at the genome-wide level. A total of 12 ZmARR-B genes were identified and comprehensively characterized in terms of chromosomal localization, physicochemical properties, protein structure, phylogenetic relationships, gene organization, conserved motifs, promoter cis-regulatory elements, and collinearity. Based on systematic measurements of leaf inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations in 70 maize inbred lines from southwestern China, the lines 082, B73, and Ye107 were selected as representative materials. By integrating long-term (14 d) and short-term (0.5–12 h) low-P treatments with transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR validation, we systematically characterized the expression dynamics of ZmARR-B family members under P deficiency. The results showed that ZmARR-B genes exhibited markedly differentiated low-P-responsive expression patterns among distinct genetic backgrounds. ZmARR-B03 was transiently induced during the early phase of low-P treatment (0–6 h), followed by a rapid decline in transcript abundance. This characteristic pulse-like expression pattern suggests that ZmARR-B03 may function as a rapid-response regulator during early P-starvation signal transduction. In contrast, ZmARR-B06 exhibited sustained transcriptional upregulation throughout the low-P treatment period, suggesting a potential role in long-term adaptive regulation under P-deficient conditions. Notably, the number of low-P-responsive ZmARR-B members was significantly greater in the P-efficient inbred line 082 than in the P-sensitive line Ye107, indicating that ZmARR-B-mediated P-starvation responses are strongly genotype dependent. This study provides an important foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which cytokinin signaling, through type-B ARRs, regulates phosphate nutritional adaptation in maize. It also identifies potential candidate genes for the genetic improvement of P-efficient maize germplasm. Full article

Sulfur metabolism and stress responses are fundamental to plant growth and seed development. ETHE1 encodes a mitochondrial sulfur dioxygenase that plays important roles in these processes; however, its function in Jatropha curcas remains unknown. In this study, we report the cloning and in silico characterization of a putative JcETHE1 gene from J. curcas. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that JcETHE1 has an open reading frame of 726 bp encoding a 241-amino-acid protein, which is predicted to localize in mitochondria and possesses a typical sulfur dioxygenase conserved domain. Because the transcript ends were not experimentally confirmed and the predicted protein is shorter than related plant homologues, the possibility that the cloned sequence is partial cannot be excluded. Phylogenetic analysis showed that JcETHE1 clusters within the Euphorbiaceae clade, showing high similarity to ETHE1 from Manihot esculenta and Hevea brasiliensis. In silico promoter analysis suggested that, in addition to core elements, the JcETHE1 promoter contains multiple putative regulatory elements associated with light response, hormone responses (ABA, ethylene, gibberellin), floral development (CArG-box, AAGAA-motif), stress responses, and endosperm development. These findings provide a molecular basis for future functional studies of JcETHE1 and suggest that it may serve as a potential candidate gene for further investigation into reproductive development and stress responses in J. curcas. However, these hypotheses require experimental validation. Full article

Balancing the vegetative and reproductive developmental cycles in a citrus orchard is essential to maintain sustainability. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) offer an effective tool for managing shoot growth rate and fruit production of citrus trees. By moderating shoot elongation and reducing canopy expansion, PGRs help minimise the frequency and intensity of pruning, substantially reducing labour costs and improving orchard management. Evidence from multi-year experiments showed PGR-treated citrus trees can maintain or increase yield efficiency, producing equal or greater fruit/canopy (m³) than untreated controls. Strategic application of PGRs can moderate alternate bearing by promoting more consistent and fruitful shoots, stabilising annual yields. Economic assessments showed significant reductions in labour costs, especially when trees treated with PGRs required less hand pruning. This review synthesises historic and contemporary research and the mechanisms by which PGRs exert their effects in citrus. It identifies knowledge gaps, such as the need for long-term studies, optimal timing for different cultivars, and integrated strategies suited to different environmental conditions. Plant growth regulators could be an effective tool for stable citrus production, offering the potential for more efficient tree canopy management when used responsibly in accordance with regulatory requirements and integrated with other orchard management practices. Full article

During sisal defibration, large amounts of residues are produced, classified as liquid (green juice) and solid (pulp/mucilage and broken fiber). Pulp/mucilage and broken fiber have been used for sisal fertilization by farmers in Brazil, but no studies have demonstrated the rates of solid residues needed to improve sisal production. The study demonstrated the effects of sisal residues (pulp and broken fiber) on the development of sisal seedlings in the region of Conceição do Coité, Bahia, Brazil, based on agro-circular economy principles. The study was developed using two scientific methods: (i) modeling of sisal residue production (pulp and broken fiber) in Bahia/Brazil, during recent years (2000–2024) and (ii) an outdoor pot experiment testing rates of dried sisal residue (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 L plant⁻¹ of a mixture of pulp and broken fiber) on the development of sisal seedlings. Results showed that over the last decades, the annual residue production of pulp and broken fiber was 4.3 million tons year⁻¹, with an accumulated production of 107.8 million tons between 2000 and 2024. The rates of sisal residues promoted the development of plants, increasing plant weight (from 29.7 to 247.4 g/plant), shoot (from 4.3 to 22.4 g/plant), and root (from 25.4 to 225.0 g/plant). Sisal seedlings produced more roots than shoots with applications of residues. The sisal residues fitted a linear response, indicating that increasing rates promoted sisal seedling growth. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the sisal sector produces a great volume of solid residues that can be used for sisal planting, promoting higher initial plant development and an agro-circular economy in Bahia, Brazil. Future studies could include data on sisal fertilization, circularity index, nutrient cycling, carbon footprint, water footprint, and benefits. Future studies should also test application rates across different soils, regions, temperatures, times, and other variations to increase the efficiency of residue use. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), the third most important food crop worldwide, is constrained by phytopathogens, environmental stress, and heavy agrochemical use. Potato micropropagation is a biotechnological strategy for producing genetically uniform, pathogen-free plantlets. However, the acclimatization phase remains a major bottleneck in micropropagation, often resulting in poor survival and stunted growth. In this context, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) represent a sustainable strategy to improve plantlet establishment and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs. This study evaluated the biofertilization and biocontrol potential of three Douro vineyard-associated bacterial strains, Bacillus velezensis Nb1, Burkholderia pyrrocinia Gs3, and Streptomyces sp. 42s5, identified using 16S rRNA and gyrB sequence analysis. In dual-culture assays, the isolates showed antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata. All strains also exhibited key plant growth-promoting traits, including indole-3-acetic acid and siderophore production, and phosphate solubilization. The isolates were tested individually and in consortia on micropropagated potato plantlets during acclimatization under greenhouse conditions. Eight treatments (six replicates each), including a non-inoculated control, were evaluated. The results indicated that inoculations significantly improved vegetative growth and yield-related parameters. Notably, the Gs3 + 42s5 combination produced the highest shoot biomass, while the three-strain consortium achieved the greatest total tuber weight (36.91 g/plant) compared to the control (7.75 g/plant). These findings highlight the potential of these native PGPB, particularly when applied in multi-strain combinations, to enhance acclimatization efficiency and support sustainable potato production by reducing dependence on chemical inputs and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. Full article

Unsustainable agricultural practices and overreliance on chemical fertilizers have led to severe environmental issues, such as soil and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and risks to human and animal health. Moreover, plant diseases continuously decrease crop productivity and threaten global food security. Therefore, there is a strong need to focus on sustainable agricultural practices. Microbial biofertilizers emerge as environment-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers that help in nutrient solubilization and availability, soil fertility, and plant growth promotion, in addition to curbing the application of chemical fertilizers. Microbial inoculants enhance agricultural yield by performing complementary roles, such as facilitating nutrient uptake through biological nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization, promoting plant growth via phytohormone synthesis, and mitigating diseases by activating plant defense responses. A 2025 meta-analysis of 107 field studies in China reported mean yield increases of 22.3% in wheat, 13.6% in rice, 12.8% in maize, and 65.4% in millet, while a field study in saline soil reported a 25% reduction in NPK fertilizer use in barley without reducing the grain yield. This review provides an overview of the major types of microbial biofertilizers, their modes of action, and their use in important cropping systems. Special emphasis is placed on microbial consortia that can enhance nutrient cycling, plant productivity, and tolerance to abiotic stress factors. The application of nanotechnology, genetically engineered microorganisms, and combinations of microbial inoculants with organic waste are some strategies that could be adopted for next-generation biofertilizer development. The review also addresses the major hurdles in the formulation, field performance, and commercialization of microbial biofertilizers. Future perspectives revolve around optimizing microbial formulations, applying advanced biotechnological tools, and developing enabling policies for the rapid adoption of microbial biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. Full article

The study evaluated the potential of low-dose foliar melatonin (MT) treatments to alleviate chilling injury in cucumber plants, with a particular focus on mimicking sudden spring frosts in open-field cultivation. Cucumber seedlings were sprayed with MT solutions at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg L⁻¹ (0.4, 4, 40 µM respectively), then subjected to a controlled chilling regime (4 °C for 72 h). A set of biochemical and physiological parameters was assessed, including stem elongation, leaf area, tissue water content, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and soluble carbohydrate profiles. In addition, the thermostable fraction of chlorophylls a and b was determined as an indicator of photosynthetic system integrity; this parameter substantially increased under MT treatment, particularly at 1 and 10 mg L⁻¹, despite an overall reduction in total pigment content. The results demonstrated that MT pretreatment, especially at 1 mg L⁻¹, significantly mitigated chilling-induced growth inhibition, preserved chloroplast integrity, and reduced membrane lipid peroxidation. Moreover, MT promoted the accumulation of osmo- and cryoprotective sugars, contributing to improved cellular homeostasis under low temperature. These key findings indicate that low-dose MT priming is a promising, nature-derived strategy to enhance the tolerance of cucumber to acute chilling events, supporting the development of sustainable and organic-friendly approaches for spring frost protection. Full article

To explore the suitable surface mulching measures for vegetation restoration in abandoned mining areas in arid regions, this study investigated the water conservation effects of various surface mulching practices on H. ammodendron restoration in arid mining zones. The results showed that (1) The survival rates of sandalwood under different coverage measures are ranked as follows: coal gangue mulching > control > fine sand mulching > liquid film mulching > agricultural plastic film mulching. (2) Different mulching measures had a significant effect on the height growth of H. ammodendron (p = 0.001) (p < 0.05). The agricultural plastic film group yielded the greatest annual increments in plant height and crown width (36.50 cm and 33.49 cm, respectively), with agricultural plastic film and fine sand exhibiting superior water retention capacity. (3) Overall, each mulching practice had distinct advantages and drawbacks. Agricultural plastic film mulching achieved the best plant growth-promoting effect yet suffered from soil contamination and high costs. Coal gangue mulching, capable of solid waste recycling while delivering favorable restoration outcomes, was the preferred option for vegetation restoration in local mining areas. These findings provide technical references and practical support for vegetation restoration in abandoned mining areas of arid regions. Full article

Lilium sp. is one of the most commercially important ornamental species; however, improving its ornamental quality remains a challenge for production systems. In this context, nanoparticles have been proposed as an innovative alternative to optimize the agronomic performance of ornamental crops. The objective of this study was to determine how the foliar application of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) modifies the physiological response and stem morphoanatomy of Lilium cv. Concador. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions using conventional agronomic management for commercial Lilium production. We evaluated vegetative growth variables, relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), root biomass, flowering characteristics, and quantitative stem anatomy using histological, morphometric, and multivariate statistical analyses. Most agronomic variables, including plant height, number of leaves, shoot biomass, and flower opening, did not differ significantly between treatments, indicating that the nanoparticles did not compromise vegetative development. In contrast, root biomass and stem anatomical organization responded differently depending on nanoparticle type and applied dose. SeNPs, particularly at the highest dose, promoted greater development of parenchyma and vascular tissue, while TiO₂NPs induced dose-dependent anatomical responses, with less parenchyma expansion and less pronounced vascular remodeling. Taken together, these results demonstrate that foliar application of nanoparticles induces early remodeling of the stem’s functional architecture without affecting vegetative growth and show that quantitative anatomy is a sensitive tool for detecting early responses to nano-inputs in ornamental species. Full article

Phosphorus (P) is one of the main limiting factors for sugarcane establishment and longevity in tropical soils, requiring biotechnological strategies to improve fertilizer use efficiency. This study evaluated the effects of inoculation with Bacillus velezensis UFV 3918, alone or combined with reduced monoammonium phosphate (MAP) doses, on the morphological, nutritional, and root nutrient uptake responses of sugarcane grown in a dystrophic Red Latosol under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replicates: absolute control (AC, without MAP), commercial control (CC, recommended MAP dose), B. velezensis alone (Bv), and Bv combined with 1/3, 2/3, or the full recommended MAP dose. Plant growth responses varied across treatments and stages, with Bv promoting greater leaf area than the CC at 120 and 180 DAP, whereas Bv + 1/3 MAP maintained leaf area comparable to the CC throughout the evaluation period. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear separation among treatments, with Bv exhibiting the most distinct plant response, primarily associated with greater stalk diameter, root and stalk biomass, higher concentrations of potassium and phosphorus in stalks, sulfur and magnesium in roots, and greater boron-use efficiency. Bv + 1/3 MAP displayed an intermediate multivariate profile, mainly associated with phosphorus uptake per unit root length and nutritional attributes related to phosphorus acquisition under reduced fertilizer supply. Correlation analysis further revealed strong positive associations among growth-related traits, biomass accumulation, and phosphorus-related variables, indicating a close relationship between P acquisition and plant responses to bacterial inoculation. Overall, inoculation with B. velezensis UFV 3918 improved early sugarcane growth and nutrient acquisition, and its combination with 1/3 of the recommended MAP rate maintained plant performance. These findings indicate the potential for reducing mineral P inputs during early sugarcane establishment; however, long-term field trials are required to determine whether these responses can be sustained throughout the crop cycle and under commercial production conditions. Full article

The HB (homeobox) transcription factor family plays important roles in plant growth, development, morphogenesis, and stress responses; however, its involvement in longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruit energy metabolism remains unclear. In this study, 32 DlHB family members were identified in the longan genome, and their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, conserved motifs, conserved domains, tissue-specific expression patterns, promoter cis-acting elements, and collinearity relationships were systematically analyzed. The DlHB family was classified into four subfamilies, HD-ZIP I–IV, with substantial divergence in structural composition, expression patterns, and putative regulatory features. Our previous work showed that 1.5% chitosan (CTS) treatment improved postharvest longan fruit quality through modulation of energy metabolism, and the corresponding CTS-treatment transcriptome was therefore used here to screen energy-metabolism-associated DlHB candidates. DlHB22 was selected as a representative candidate, and its CTS-responsive expression was independently confirmed by qRT-PCR. Exogenous ATP treatment was then used as an independent physiological validation of the relationship between energy metabolism and postharvest storability; ATP-treated fruit showed reduced deterioration together with higher ATP, ADP, and AMP contents and higher activities of H+-ATPase, Ca²+-ATPase, cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) at 15 d, although adenylate energy charge (AEC) was lower than in the control. DlHB22 localized predominantly to the nucleus. Heterologous overexpression of DlHB22 in tomato accelerated fruit color transition and ripening progression and altered ATP, ADP, and AMP contents, AEC, and the activities of H+-ATPase, Ca²+-ATPase, CCO, and SDH. Transcriptome analysis of DlHB22-overexpressing tomato fruit revealed broad transcriptional changes in pathways associated with central carbon metabolism, energy metabolism, glutathione metabolism, hormone signaling, and MAPK signaling, and qRT-PCR validation of six representative DEGs was consistent with the RNA-seq trends. Because tomato is climacteric whereas longan is non-climacteric, the heterologous tomato results demonstrate the regulatory potential of DlHB22 but do not establish an identical native ripening pathway in longan. Overall, DlHB22 is best regarded as a candidate transcription factor associated with longan fruit energy metabolism, whose native regulatory mechanism requires direct validation in longan. Full article