Search Results (348)

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has gained attention across agricultural, medical, cosmetic, and sterilization fields due to its production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Although PAW has been primarily explored for seed germination and sterilization in agriculture, its role as a nutrient source and physiological regulator remains less understood. In this study, PAW generated by a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) system contained approximately 1000 ppm nitrate (NO₃⁻) and was designated as PAW1000. Diluted PAW solutions were applied to sprout crops—wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), radish (Raphanus sativus), and broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)—grown under hydroponic and soil-based conditions. PAW100 and PAW200 treatments enhanced growth, increasing fresh biomass by up to 26%, shoot length by 22%, and root length by 18%, depending on the species. In silico analysis identified nitrogen-responsive transcripts among several autophagy-related genes. Consistent with this, fluorescence microscopy of Arabidopsis thaliana GFP-StATG8 lines revealed increased autophagosome formation following PAW treatment. The growth-promoting effect of PAW was diminished in atg4 mutants, indicating that autophagy contributes to plant responses to PAW-derived ROS and RNS. Together, these findings demonstrate that diluted PAW generated by SDBD enhances biomass accumulation in sprout crops, and that autophagy plays a regulatory role in mediating PAW-induced physiological responses. Full article

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized through biologically mediated reduction of metal ions using biomolecules derived from microorganisms, algae, or plants are attracting growing attention in plant biotechnology due to their multifunctional properties and environmental advantages compared with conventional physicochemical synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of biological approaches for NP production using bacteria, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, whole plants, and in vitro plant cell cultures. The main biosynthetic mechanisms, types of reducing and capping metabolites, metal specificity, and typical NP characteristics are described for each system, with emphasis on their relative productivity, scalability, reproducibility, and biosafety. Special consideration is given to plant cell and tissue cultures as highly promising platforms that combine the metabolite diversity of whole plants with precise control over growth conditions and NP parameters. Recent advances highlight the significance of bioengineering of reductive capacity as a novel strategy to enhance the efficiency and controllability of NP biosynthesis. Since NP formation is driven by key biomolecules, targeted modification of biosynthetic pathways through metabolic and genetic engineering can substantially increase NP yield and allow fine-tuning of their structural and functional properties. The applications of biogenic NPs in plant biotechnology are systematically evaluated, including their use as environmentally safe disinfectants for explants and seed sterilization, modulators of callus induction and morphogenesis, and abiotic elicitors that enhance the accumulation of economically valuable secondary metabolites. Remaining challenges, such as variability in NP characteristics, limited scalability, and insufficient data on phytotoxicity and environmental safety, are discussed to outline future research priorities. The synthesis–function relationships highlighted here provide a foundation for developing sustainable NP-based technologies in modern agriculture. Full article

Systems favoring cross-pollination, such as male sterility and female flowering type, are of great importance in the development of new hybrid cultivars and their seed production. The advantages of male sterility are expressed in the production of cheaper and competitive seeds. The presence of this characteristic in watermelon is not common, and in some cases, it is accompanied by negative manifestations. A collection of 150 watermelon genotypes was tested at the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Bulgaria, over the past nine years to search for a genetic source of male sterility. The results revealed that two mutations were found. The first mutation was in a plant of the Asar variety, which formed completely degenerated structures in the place of male and female flowers that were completely sterile. The other mutation affected male flowers, female flowers, and leaf shape. Male flowers produced a small amount of pollen. Female flowers were formed, but they were sterile and aborted at an early stage. The genotype can be propagated by pollination of the normal plants, which in the next generation segregate into mutant—25% and normal—75%. The gene source is phenotyped according to the main characteristics of the fruits and the vegetation period. The mutation found cannot be directly used in a breeding program, but it is of interest for studying this important trait. The success of detecting flowers that are sterile depends on the number of watermelon plants, which, for the conditions of the experiment, amounted to a minimum of 4492 plants at a probability level of P₃—0.95. Full article

This study evaluated the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in promoting the growth, yield, protein, and phytochemical contents of Glycine max cv. Morkhor 60. A completely randomized pot experiment was conducted for 90 days in non-sterile soil with nine replications. Three AMF species were tested and compared with two non-mycorrhizal controls, with and without NPK fertilizer. All AMF treatments enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic rate, and water-use efficiency compared with the unfertilized control. Inoculation with Acaulospora dilatata KKU-SK202 produced the highest pod number and increased 100-seed weight by 27.00% and 4.13% over the non-inoculated and NPK treatments, respectively. Gigaspora margarita KKU-SK210 yielded the highest total protein and phenolic contents, while A. dilatata KKU-SK401 showed the highest antioxidant activity (72.09%). Metabarcoding analysis revealed that AMF inoculation reduced root colonization by pathogenic fungi, with G. margarita KKU-SK210 and A. dilatata KKU-SK202 being the most effective. These results suggest that AMF inoculation can enhance soybean productivity and seed quality while reducing chemical fertilizer dependency and pathogenic fungal incidence. Full article

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is valued for its resilience to abiotic stress; however, germination and seedling establishment remain highly sensitive to salinity. While its salt tolerance at later growth stages has been well studied, strategies to improve early development under high salinity are limited, and the role of halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in quinoa has not been systematically investigated. This study assessed the ability of three Azospirillum brasilense strains (BR-11001, BR-11002, and BR-11005) to increase the germination and seedling performance of the cultivar ‘BRS Piabiru’ under saline stress. A 3 × 4 factorial design with three bacterial treatments and four NaCl concentrations (0, 150, 300, and 450 mM) was conducted in a completely randomized arrangement, with four replicates per treatment. Seeds were surface sterilized, inoculated, and incubated at 18 °C under constant light for 10 days. Elevated salinity (≥300 mM NaCl) drastically reduced germination and seedling vigor in the controls. Inoculation with BR-11002 significantly alleviated salinity-induced damage, sustaining over 84% germination at 450 mM and increasing seedling biomass at 300 mM. These findings highlight the potential of halotolerant A. brasilense, particularly BR-11002, as bioinoculants to promote quinoa establishment in salt-affected soils, supporting sustainable agriculture and food system resilience. Full article

Quillaja saponaria Molina, a tree species endemic to central Chile, is critical to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries due to its triterpenic saponins, which exhibit potent immunostimulant, antiviral, and surfactant activities. However, the natural regeneration of the species is limited by low seed germination rates, and increasing pressure on natural populations in the sclerophyllous Mediterranean forest where the species lives, caused by various factors. The objective of this study was to develop an efficient micropropagation protocol for five Q. saponaria ecotypes using nodal explants. This protocol is designed to support species conservation, facilitate large-scale reforestation, and ensure the sustainable production of its bioactive metabolites. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and the establishment, multiplication, and rooting stages were systematically optimized using various growth regulator combinations. The resulting protocol demonstrated high efficiency across all stages. Surface sterilization with 1% sodium hypochlorite achieved an explant survival rate of 84.73%. The most effective shoot multiplication was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 4.44 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), yielding a proliferation rate of 4.04 and an average shoot length of 8.01 cm. For rooting, a high success rate (92.85%) was achieved by treating microshoots with 984.06 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) prior to an ex vitro transfer to a peat:perlite:vermiculite mixture (1:1:1 v/v/v). Acclimatized plantlets showed a consistent survival rate between 84.28% and 87.16%. Crucially, the five ecotypes demonstrated no statistically significant differences in their responses throughout the protocol. This validates the method’s broad applicability for large-scale production and reforestation initiatives. Full article

Otitis media is among the most common pediatric illnesses globally, constituting a leading cause of antimicrobial prescriptions, recurrent medical consultations, and preventable hearing loss in early childhood. Traditionally regarded as a sterile cavity intermittently invaded by pathogens, the middle ear is now recognized as a dynamic ecological niche influenced by anatomical immaturity of the Eustachian tube, host immune development, and the composition of resident microbial communities. Increasing evidence demonstrates that microbial dysbiosis and the establishment of biofilms are central to the persistence and recurrence of disease. This review synthesizes current knowledge of the pediatric middle ear microbiome, highlighting how commensal organisms contribute to mucosal resilience and colonization resistance, whereas pathogenic bacteria exploit ecological disruption to establish biofilm communities. Biofilm formation provides bacteria with enhanced survival through immune evasion, altered microenvironments, and antibiotic tolerance, thereby transforming acute otitis media into recurrent or chronic states. Furthermore, studies demonstrate how adenoids act as reservoirs of biofilm-forming organisms, seeding the middle ear and perpetuating infection. The emerging ecological perspective emphasizes the limitations of conventional antibiotic-centered management and directs attention toward innovative strategies, including microbiome-preserving interventions, probiotic or live biotherapeutic approaches, and antibiofilm agents. By defining pediatric otitis media as a disorder of disrupted host–microbe equilibrium, future research may pave the way for precision-based preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the global burden of this pervasive disease. Full article

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can act as biostimulants, improving the growth of plants in sustainable agriculture systems that seek to reduce synthetic agrochemical input. Bacteria present in seeds are closely associated with vertical transmission and thus represent a potential trove of biostimulants. Capsicum species are notable for producing capsaicin, a compound with antimicrobial activity that may influence microbial communities associated with pepper fruits and seeds. Using Luria–Bertani (LB) media infused with capsaicin, we isolated bacteria from bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and habanero peppers, which we verified to have different levels of capsaicin through high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays indicated that the capsaicin resistance of isolated bacteria did not correlate with the pungency level of the host pepper variety. Of the total isolated bacteria, four showed promise as plant growth promoters; two belong to the genera Pseudomonas, one Agrobacterium, and one Bacillus. Our isolates tested positively for potassium and phosphate solubilization, urease production, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) phytohormone production. Inoculation of these bacteria into surface-sterilized red clover (Trifolium pratense) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) showed significant improvements in germination rate, seedling root length, and seedling shoot height. These results show that the pungency of peppers does not influence the capsaicin resistance of isolated bacteria. Additionally, seedborne PGPB have the potential for plant growth improvement through various mechanisms, reducing the need for synthetic chemicals. Full article

Purpose: The present study evaluates the cytocompatibility of chitosan (CS)-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) diluents for a Balb/c 3T3 fibroblast cell line. Methods: Three different commercially available hand-mix GIC materials were used in this experiment: Fuji IX GP, Ketac Universal, and Riva Self Cure. The diluents for cell viability tests were produced from DMEM exposed to sterile CS-modified glass ionomer material specimens for three different time periods (0–1, 1–7, and 7–21 days). The resultant diluents were exposed to a 3T3 fibroblast cell line using the indirect contact technique in 96-well plates. In order to assess the physical cell response, five material specimens (1 mm high and 3 mm in diameter) of each material (n = 45) were produced and 3T3 cells were seeded on the specimens. SEM evaluation of the cells was conducted. Results: All the Ketac Universal materials resulted in a decrease in cell viability on day 1. Fuji IX and the CS-modified GICs are the most consistent regarding cell viability. None of the CS-modified GICs exhibited improved cumulative cell biocompatibility. Conclusion: Two materials—Riva Self Cure modified with 5% and 10% CS—retained a decreased cell viability at day 21 compared to the viability of 3T3 cells exposed to the control DMEM. Full article

Modern head cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) breeding is based on the application of molecular markers through marker-assisted selection (MAS). In hybrid breeding, critical markers are deployed to assess cytoplasmic male sterility (CAPS and SSR for orf138), genic male sterility (KASP markers for Ms-cd1, InDel for ms3, and BoCYP704B1), fertility restoration (InDel marker for Rfo), combining ability and genetic diversity (using SSR and KASP marker sets), and to ensure F₁ hybrid seed genetic purity (RAPD and SSR markers sets). Disease resistance, a well-developed category due to frequent monogenic control, includes markers for major pathogens, including those for Fusarium wilt (for Foc-Bo1 gene), black rot (race 1–7 specific SSR and InDel markers), clubroot (Kamogawa, Anno, and Yuki isolates), and downy mildew (BoDMR2 InDel marker). Markers have also been identified for key agronomic and morphological traits, such as those governing petal color (InDel markers for BoCCD4), leaf waxiness (BoGL1, BoGL-3, Cgl1, Cgl2, BoWax1, and BoCER2), and leaf color (ygl-1, BoMYB2, BoMYBL2-1). The review also included markers for resistance to abbioticaly induced negative physiological processes, such as head splitting (QTL SPL-2-1, Bol016058), bolting (resistance loci-associated SSR marker), prolonged flowering time (BoFLC1,2 genes), and high- and low-temperature tolerance (BoTPPI-2, BoCSDP5, BoCCA1). Despite these advancements, the review highlights that the marker repertoire for cabbage remains limited compared with other Brassicaceae species, particularly for complex polygenic traits. This synthesis is a valuable resource for breeders and researchers, facilitating the development of superior head cabbage cultivars and hybrids. Full article

Although nanotechnology is increasingly applied in plant tissue culture in many parts of Europe, its use in the Balkans remains limited, revealing a regional gap with untapped potential for advancing in vitro propagation and preservation of woody plant species. Building upon a recently published regional review covering 2001–2024, which analyzed in vitro biotechnology progress in nine Balkan countries, this paper introduces the concept of a “nano gap”, referring to the limited connection between existing nanotechnology research potential and its use in in vitro woody plant biotechnology. In Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Albania, significant progress has been made in optimizing micropropagation and in vitro conservation strategies by introducing temporary immersion systems, synthetic seed technology, adapting genotype-specific sterilization and multiplication protocols, and modifying established cryopreservation methods for regional woody species. However, the integration of nanotechnology into these systems remains largely unexplored. To date, there are no published results or validated applications for nano-enhanced media or nanoscale delivery systems for micropropagation and in vitro conservation of woody species. The limited integration of nanotechnology may be due to insufficient funding, lack of specialized infrastructure, and limited interdisciplinary expertise. Nevertheless, many Balkan countries possess growing capacities in nano-applications within agriculture and environmental sciences and are ready to advance toward interdisciplinary research and innovation. By mapping both scientific readiness and structural barriers, this review provides a strategic framework for bridging the “nano gap” and offers a novel regional perspective with broader implications for European research policy, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and green innovation. Full article

Although purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) have been studied as good biofertilizers, their direct effects on maize seed vigor remain unclear. Additionally, the seedling stage is a vital factor for the later growth of maize. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of potassium-solubilizing PNSB (K-PNSB) in enhancing the vigor of hybrid maize seeds. A completely randomized design was employed, incorporating single strains, Luteovulum sphaeroides M-Sl-09, Rhodopseudomonas thermotolerans M-So-11, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris M-So-14, as well as a mixture of all three strains. Each was tested at bacterial suspension dilution ratios with sterile distilled water of 1:2000; 1:2250; 1:2500; 1:2750; and 1:3000 (v/v), with three replications per treatment. Each replicate consisted of a Petri dish containing 10 hybrid maize seeds of each hybrid of LVN 10, C.P. 511, and NK7328 Gt/BT, and was incubated for five days. The results showed that K-PNSB significantly enhanced root and shoot development compared to the control (p < 0.05). The 1:2500 dilution of the individual strains and the mixture notably improved germination rate, root length, shoot length, and seedling vigor index compared to the control. At the 1:2500 dilution, the improved vigor index increased by 73.5% for L. sphaeroides, 48.7% for R. thermotolerans, 47.4% for R. palustris, and 78.5% for the mixed inoculum in the LVN 10 hybrid. Similar trends were observed for C.P. 511 and NK7328 hybrids, confirming strain- and hybrid-specific responses. The findings highlight that K-PNSB can serve as effective bio-priming agents to enhance maize seed vigor through mechanisms related to potassium solubilization and phytohormone production. Field-scale validation is recommended to assess their long-term agronomic potential. Full article

In modern agriculture, heterotic hybrids produced from hybridization of inbred lines, have shown superiority over open-pollinated and pure line varieties due to their morphological homogeneity, synchronized maturity, and yield performance. The worldwide use of heterosis in plant breeding programs has become possible due to the discovery of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), a phenomenon that prevents a plant from producing viable pollen. The CMS-Rf genetic systems are commonly used to produce hybrid seeds. Species from primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools serve as sources of sterility-inducing cytoplasm in different crop plants. In this review, information on the main genetic factors that induce sterility and restore pollen fertility in F₁ hybrids of economically important cereal (rice, sorghum, maize, rye, wheat, pearl millet) and oilseed (sunflower, rapeseeds, mustard) crops are discussed. The genetic data indicate the location of putatively orthologous candidate Rf genes on syntenic chromosomes in evolutionarily related species. The cytological features of male gametophyte development associated with pollen abortion in lines with CMS are highlighted. The problem of heterotic grouping and selecting parental forms based on genetic distance is discussed. The present knowledge on the genetic resources of different cereal and oilseed crops is highly related to the availability of genomic data. Broadening the CMS source pool and the search for new pollen fertility restoration genes are relevant to avoid cytoplasm unification. Knowledge of the cytoembryological features of CMS manifestation in cereals and oilseed crops is of great importance for understanding the genetic control and practical use of this phenomenon. Utilization of wild species’ genetic resources for these purposes and applying modern techniques of the targeted genome and gene changes at the molecular, genomic, cytological and organismal levels are promising. Full article

Plant height is a key agronomic trait influencing both seed production and yield in hybrid rice. In the elite japonica hybrid ‘Shenyou 26’, optimal plant height differences between the restorer line (‘Shenhui 26’) and the male sterile line (‘Shen 9A’) are critical for efficient pollination. In this study, we dissected the genetic basis of plant height variation using a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from ‘Shenyou 26’. Multi-environment phenotyping and QTL mapping identified seven QTLs associated with plant height, among which qPH1.1 and qPH9.1 were validated. qPH1.1 co-localized with the semi-dwarf gene SD1, and ‘Shen 9A’ carries a rare SD1-EQH allele that potentially confers reduced height relative to the SD1-EQ allele in ‘Shenhui 26’. qPH9.1 also contributed significantly to plant height variation, with the Shenhui26 allele increasing plant height in backcross validation. These findings indicate that plant height variation in ‘Shenyou 26’ is controlled by multiple loci, including SD1 allelic variants and other complementary QTLs, providing valuable resources for fine-tuning plant architecture in rice breeding. Full article

Generation of state-of-the-art highly productive cabbage genotypes (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata (L.) Alef.) with improved agronomic traits is attainable using modern biotechnological approaches. However, capitata cabbage is relatively recalcitrant to de novo shoot organogenesis from callus tissue, especially with loss of somatic cell totipotency during genetic transformation. An effective and rapid protocol for in vitro indirect shoot organogenesis from hypocotyl and cotyledon explants derived from 6-day-old aseptic donor seedlings of Russian cabbage genotypes (the DH line as well as cvs. Podarok and Parus) has been developed. In order to obtain standardized donor explants, aseptic cabbage seeds were germinated under dim light conditions (30–40 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) with a 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod. Multiple indirect shoot organogenesis (1.47–4.93 shoots per explant) from both cotyledonary leaves and hypocotyl segments with a frequency of 55.2–89.1% was achieved through 45 days of culture on the 0.7% agar-solidified (w/v) Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium containing 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), 0.02 mg/L 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and 5 mg/L AgNO₃. The regenerants were successfully rooted on an MS basal medium (69.2%) without plant growth regulators (PGRs), as well as supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA (86.8%). Subsequently, in vitro rooted cabbage plantlets were adapted to soil conditions with an efficiency of 85%. This rapid protocol, allowing for the performance of a full cycle from in vitro seed germination to growing adapted plantlets under ex vitro conditions over 95 days, can be successfully applied to induce an indirect shoot formation in various cabbage genotypes, and it is recommended to produce transgenic plants with improved quality traits and productivity. Full article