This study was conducted to determine the viability and germination characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) pollen under different storage conditions (refrigerator and room temperature), in different containers (Eppendorf tubes and watch glasses) and over different durations (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 30 days). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively evaluate the combined effects of storage temperature, storage container, storage duration, and multiple germination media on lettuce pollen performance using both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches.  Data were analysed using appropriate univariate and multivariate statistical methods to evaluate treatment effects and identify the major factors influencing pollen performance.  Refrigerated storage and Eppendorf tubes significantly improved pollen germination compared with room temperature and watch glasses. Germination declined progressively with storage duration, while Medium 6 (45% sucrose supplemented with H₃BO₃ and Ca(NO₃)₂ without agar) produced the highest germination percentage. Multivariate analyses further identified storage duration and germination medium as the principal factors influencing pollen performance. These findings establish an optimized protocol for short-term lettuce pollen storage and provide valuable guidance for hybrid breeding, germplasm conservation, and future studies on lettuce reproductive biology.

In the calcareous soils micronutrients deficiency is a major constraint. It can limit wheat growth and grains nutritional value. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effects of zinc, boron, and Trichoderma inoculation in different combinations on wheat growth, yield, soil enzymatic activities, and micronutrient concentration under field conditions. Treatments consisted of full (6 kg Zn ha⁻¹ and 2 kg B ha⁻¹) and half (3 kg Zn ha⁻¹ and 1 kg B ha⁻¹) recommended doses applied with or without Trichoderma. Growth attributes, yield components, soil biochemical properties, antioxidant responses, nutrient uptake, and root colonization were evaluated. The integrated application of Zn, B, and Trichoderma significantly improved wheat performance compared with the untreated control. Full Zn combined with Trichoderma inoculation increased plant height, tillers m⁻², grains spike⁻¹, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, and grain yield by 12.07%, 19.98%, 17.84%, 12.12%, 5.58%, and 9.25%, respectively. Soil biological activity was markedly enhanced, with increases of 17.77%, 17.65%, 13.30%, and 21.94% in urease, phosphatase, FDA hydrolysis, and dehydrogenase activities, respectively. Total soluble protein and free amino acid contents increased by 19.48% and 13.78%, respectively. Integrated micronutrient and microbial application also alleviated oxidative stress, reducing H₂O₂, malondialdehyde, proline, SOD, POD, CAT, and APX by 19.96%, 26.64%, 28.89%, 19.07%, 14.37%, 17.77%, and 26.30%, respectively. Furthermore, Zn concentrations increased by 47.22%, 59.27%, and 55.69% in leaves, grains, and straw, while root colonization increased by 56.05%. In conclusion, Trichoderma with Zn and B fertilization is an effective strategy for improving wheat productivity, soil biological health, micronutrient biofortification, and nutrient-use efficiency in micronutrient-deficient soils.

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a multidrug-resistant bacteria causing endodontic failure. The current study aimed to isolate E. faecalis from endodontic failure cases and determine its antibiotic susceptibility profile. Moreover, it evaluated the anti- E. faecalis potential of F. arabica. Fifty samples were collected from patients with endodontic failure. Ten E. faecalis isolates were successfully confirmed by 16S rRNA. The disk-diffusion method was used to assess antibiotic susceptibility. Agar well diffusion assay was employed to determine the antibacterial activities of methanolic, ethanolic, and distilled water extracts of F. arabica. Sodium hypochlorite (2.5%) and distilled water served as positive and negative controls, respectively. GC–MS analysis was followed by quantum chemical analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the selected compounds against the E. faecalis Ace protein. Two compounds (C1 and C2) were subjected to quantum chemical analyses, followed by MD simulations. Statistical analysis using linear mixed effects showed significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility, extract efficacy, and MIC values (p

The manipulation of materials at the 1–100 nanometer (nm) scale is known as nanotechnology, and it has revolutionized several fields, including catalysis, environmental research, and medicine. When compared to traditional techniques, green nanotechnology, which produces nanoparticles using microbial extracts, offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly replacement. Due to its potential use in medicine, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), which are known for their antibacterial properties, have garnered a lot of attention. This research investigates the biogenesis of Ag-NPs with Aspergillus tamarii (A. tamarii) obtained from Fagonia indica and assesses their antibacterial properties. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed an absorption peak at 417 nm, confirming the production of Ag-NPs. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups involved in reducing and stabilizing Ag-NPs, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed oval and spherical nanoparticles averaging approximately 15.4 nm in size. Zeta potential assessment revealed a negative charge (-16.1 mV), which aids in their stability. The Ag-NPs demonstrated potent antibacterial effects, especially against Bacillus subtilis, achieving a peak inhibition zone of 40 ± 0.5 mm at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Additionally, biological activities were evaluated, including antioxidant activity, total flavonoid content (TFC), and total phenolic content (TPC). Promising results were obtained from biocompatibility testing such as hemolytic assays and brine shrimp lethality assessments. This study demonstrates that the biosynthesized Ag-NPs are as effective as traditional materials used in pharmacological studies and could be used in future biotherapies and diagnosis.

Drought stress, salinity, nutrient deficiency and desertification are major factors that cause reduction in the productivity of ecosystems and plant growth in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. Panicum turgidum Forssk. is a perennial halophytic grass found essentially throughout the desert of the Arabian-peninsula and northern Africa which is ecologically important in desert rangelands for soil-stabilization, forage production and ecosystem resilience. AM fungi have an ecological relationship that is devoted to a mutualistic relationship on about 80-90% of the terrestrial flora with the capacity to benefit the plant significantly in nutrient uptake, water uptake, antioxidant defense and regulation of stress responsive physiological processes, and to increase the tolerance of the plants to abiotic stresses. This review aimed to summarize the knowledge about the ecological, physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of how AM fungi can improve the drought resistance of Panicum turgidum in arid environments. Special emphasis on the AMF mediated increase in water use efficiency, root architecture, osmotic regulation, antioxidant defense systems, phytohormonal signaling and rhizosphere interaction. The importance of AMF in desert ecosystem stability, aggregation, nutrient cycling and desertification was also discussed. Further, some applications of AMF-based technologies for restoring rangelands sustainably and managing land for climate change resilience under the framework of AMF are put forward. Although significant advances have been made, there are still significant gaps in the knowledge concerning long-term studies on the desert AM fungi, molecular characterization of the desert AM community, and the effects of climate change on AM symbiosis. Overall, the use of Panicum turgidum together with native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi seems to be a promising ecological approach for increasing the drought resistance of environments, establishing degraded rangelands, and optimizing their management in dry and arid lands

Phosphorus (P) starvation severely limits the growth and yield of rapeseed (Brassica napus). The ATP-binding cassette B subfamily (ABCB), also known as P-glycoproteins (PGPs), is widely involved in auxin transport and plant abiotic stress responses; however, their role in rapeseed response to low-P stress remains unclear. To our knowledge, the present study is the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the ABCB/PGP transporter subfamily in B. napus, providing novel insights into their structural diversity, evolutionary expansion, and potential roles in phosphorus starvation responses. In this study, 48 BnaPGP genes with conserved ABCB domains were identified and phylogenetically categorized into five major clades, each exhibiting conserved intron–exon structures and motif composition.  Chromosomal localization analysis revealed that BnaPGP genes are unevenly distributed across 19 chromosomes and exhibit extensive segmental duplication events, suggesting that the expansion of this gene family occurred via gene duplication. Collinearity analysis revealed that the BnaPGP genes in rapeseed and Arabidopsis shared higher homology than those in B. rapa and B. oleracea. Promoter cis-regulatory element analysis revealed that members of this family possess multiple regulatory elements related to hormone and stress responses. Expression profiling under phosphorus deficiency revealed that multiple BnaPGP genes were significantly upregulated in roots, suggesting their potential involvement in root structural remodeling and phosphorus acquisition. Our study provides a foundation and genetic resources for subsequent functional validation and molecular breeding of high-P-efficient rapeseed varieties

This study develops crop-planting plans for fragmented farmland in mountainous rural areas of North China. The model covers grain crops, vegetables, legumes, and edible fungi, and accounts for differences in land conditions. It specifies planting area, expected and surplus yield, crop-plot suitability, planting decisions, and market fluctuation parameters for subsequent linear and intelligent optimization. The dataset covers 1,201 mu of open-field farmland and 20 mu of greenhouse land. Plots include flat dryland, slopes, terraces, conventional greenhouses, and smart greenhouses. Price ranges were represented by their mean values, and baseline sales volumes were reconstructed from the historical census year. Flat dryland and terraces carried most field-crop production, while greenhouses supported vegetables and edible fungi. Under stable conditions, the optimized profit was about 3.0 million yuan when surplus was discarded and about 15.0 million yuan when it was sold at 50% of the original price. Under market uncertainty, particle swarm optimization reached about 18.0 million yuan in the discounted-surplus case. The regression model produced an R² of 0.835 and an adjusted R² of 0.816. The resulting scenario-based planting plans account for land use, rotation, legume requirements, profit, and market uncertainty

Acacia saligna is a medicinal plant rich in phenolic compounds emerge a neuroprotective potential. This research aimed to identify its chemical constituents and investigate its cholinesterase inhibitory activities. LC–ESI–MS/MS was used to examine the phenolic profile of the ethanolic extract from aerial parts. Ellman's method was used to assess the cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Molecular docking was used to examine ligand–enzyme interactions. Trans-ferulic acid (5144.375 μg/g DM) and catechin (4045.991 μg/g DM) were the main constituents among fifteen phenolic compounds identified. The extract revealed significant inhibition activities of A. saligna extract against both AChE and BChE enzymes, which have played an important role in the progression of Alzheimer's disorder. The extract inhibited acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase by 50% (IC50) at concentrations of 44.74 ± 1.19 µg/mL and 22.93 ± 0.57 µg/mL, respectively. The molecular docking study revealed favorable binding affinities of key active site residues in both enzymes with several flavonoids, including rutin and naringenin. The results propose that A. saligna is a source of bioactive components that inhibit cholinesterase inhibitory capacities. However, further mechanistic and in vivo researches are needed to validate its therapeutic significance.

 

To enable rapid propagation of high-quality yam (Dioscorea polystachya) varieties and obtain virus-free plantlets, the stem tips of yam were used as explants to investigate the effects of different disinfection times and methods on the sterilization efficiency. Using MS medium as the basal medium, the influence of varying concentrations of plant hormones on seedling formation, virus-free plantlet induction rate, and rooting rate was explored. The results showed that the optimal sterilization method for yam tissue culture explants was soaking in 75% ethanol for 7 seconds, followed by immersion in 0.1% mercuric chloride solution for 6 minutes. The best primary culture medium was MS + 0.1 mg/L NAA + 0.5 mg/L 6-BA, achieving the highest seedling formation rate of 82.22%.The virus-free plantlet induction rate of the optimal system reached 80.00%, showing a satisfactory detoxification effect. For subculture proliferation, the optimal medium was MS + 0.3 mg/L IBA + 0.5 mg/L 6-BA, yielding the highest proliferation coefficient of 4.47. The best rooting medium was MS + 0.2 mg/L IBA + 0.1 mg/L NAA + 0.6 mg/L 6-BA, achieving a 100% rooting rate. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the rapid propagation of superior yam varieties, improving both yield and quality.

 

Salinity stress is one of the key environmental stresses that restricts the development, decorative quality and blooming performance of landscape plants. Bougainvillea spectabilis is a common ornamental shrub grown in arid and semi-arid areas for its drought resistance and stunning flower display, however chronic salt exposure severely affects its development and physiological functioning. Marine-derived biostimulants, especially alginate oligosaccharides (AOS) have emerged as powerful eco-friendly agents to improve plant tolerance to abiotic stressors. The current research was carried out to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of AOS on growth, flowering, physiological characteristics, antioxidant defense system and ionic balance of B. spectabilis under salt stress. Plants were watered with 0 or 60 mM NaCl and sprayed with AOS at 0, 50, 100 or 150 mg L-1. Salinity markedly decreased plant height, branching, leaf production, shoot biomass, flowering features, chlorophyll concentration and relative water content but increased lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide build-up and leaf sodium content. The foliar spray of AOS significantly mitigated the deleterious effects of salt stress. Among all the investigated doses, the maximum vegetative growth, flowering performance, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities and K+/Na+ ratio were obtained with 100 mg L-1 AOS. Treated salt-stressed plants with 100 mg L-1 AOS showed an increase of around 32% in plant height, 56% in shoot dry weight and 86% in inflorescence output relative to untreated salt-stressed plants. In addition, AOS significantly decreased oxidative damage by reducing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide build-up. The results indicate that AOS may successfully increase the salt tolerance of B. spectabilis by improving physiological performance, antioxidant capacity, osmotic adjustment and ion homeostasis, thereby supporting their prospective use in sustainable ornamental horticulture.

Valeriana officinalis L. is an important medicinal plant widely used for sedative and neuroactive applications. However, limited studies have integrated optimized adventitious root culture with downstream extraction process optimization for efficient utilization of V. officinalis biomass. To establish an efficient In vitro production and utilization route for V. officinalis, Single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken response surface methodology were applied to optimize adventitious root induction, suspension culture, and Soxhlet extraction conditions. Our results indicated that adventitious roots in V. officinalis were efficiently induced using 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ NAA combined with 0.05 mg·L⁻¹ 6-BA. The culture conditions of 42 g·L⁻¹ sucrose, 39.854 mmol·L⁻¹ total N, and 1.590 mmol·L⁻¹ total P were suitable for adventitious root growth. Using adventitious roots produced under these conditions as the raw material, optimization of the Soxhlet extraction process gave a petroleum ether extract yield of (3.13 ± 0.12) %. The developed response surface models were statistically significant (p

Vegetables are crucial dietary sources of vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates, important for human health. Plants growing in soil were irrigated with sewage water are the health threats for human beings. Research was under taken to evaluate the metal contamination levels in soil, irrigation water, and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) cultivated along Faisalabad and Lahore roads in Sargodha, Pakistan. The water, soil, and vegetable samples were collected from canal water (CW1, CW2) and water sites (SW1, SW2). Electrical conductivity and sodium absorption ratio levels were considerably higher while residual sodium carbonate values rose in sewage water samples showing poor water quality. Water type SW2 showed the highest levels of heavy metals especially copper, iron, zinc, manganese, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and molybdenum. Soil treated with sewage water had very high salt content, poor nutrient quality, and high metal concentrations than soil irrigated through canals. The assessment tools including Daily Intake of Metals (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) show that sewage water caused harmful effects because of high contamination with heavy metals. The research shows heavy metal pollution needs control through better irrigation methods and water treatment plus strong regulatory oversight

 

Compound fertilizer application with biochar supplementation may be an effective and environment-friendly strategy to improve nitrogen accumulation and utilization in winter wheat. This study set up main plots of biochar (B1-B3), and sub-plots of compound fertilizer (F1-F4). Then, the effects of different treatments on winter wheat yield, soil nitrogen content, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation, transport rate, contribution rate to grains, and nitrogen use efficiency in eastern Hebei Province were analyzed in two consecutive years. B2F3 treatment resulted in the highest winter wheat yield in the two years (7505.61 kg·hm-2 and 7600.35 kg·hm-2), which were significantly higher than those of BIF4 by 3% and 11%, respectively. Pre-anthesis dry matter transfer volume (1.10 kg·hm-2), transfer rate (0.40%), and contribution rate to grains (0.72%) reached the maximum value under B2F3 treatment, which were all significantly higher than those under B1F4 treatment. The post-anthesis nitrogen accumulation under B3F3 treatment was significantly higher than that under B1F4 treatment. Compound fertilizer application combined with biochar could improve the nitrogen use efficiency of winter wheat in general. The nitrogen agronomic use efficiency of the first-year B2F3, B3F3, and B2F2 treatment, and the second-year B2F2 and B2F3 treatment were all significantly higher than those under B1F4 treatment. The optimal combination of 450 kg·hm-2 compound fertilizer and 7500 kg·hm-2 biochar is recommended for reducing compound fertilizer application, increasing the efficiency, and promoting the yield of winter wheat in the studied area.

In global environmental policy, particular attention is paid to the conservation of rare and endangered species. This issue has become particularly important in the context of global climate change and increasing anthropogenic impacts. Forest ecosystems in Georgia are harbor to numerous rare and vulnerable tree species that play significant ecological role and require carry out of additional research and implementing of conservation measures. Among these species is the Caucasian wingnut (Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Poir.) Spach.), listed in the Red List of Georgia are under threat in the context of global climate change. As a result of the inventory conducted across Georgia, Caucasian wingnut were found in both western and eastern part of the country. According to the findings, the target species has a restricted distribution in Western Georgia and several populations are located within protected areas. The situation differs in Eastern Georgia, where pure and mixed stands of Caucasian wingnut are relatively well presented Lopota, Bursa, Stori, Intsoba, Chelti and Alazani valleys. Although Caucasian wingnut is listed in the Red List of Georgia and is a strictly protected species and remain vulnerable due to substantial anthropogenic pressure from adjacent settlements. The study confirmed that well-developed stands of Caucasian wingnut occur in the Lopota River Valley. In this area, the target species is primarily distributed within 80 m of the riverbank, where it forms well-developed stands. According to the research findings, this range is proposed for in-situ conservation as a protected forest (Category II according to the Forestry Code of Georgia). This territory can serve as a potential protected area, facilitating the expansion of the national network of protected areas in accordance with Georgia’s obligations under international agreements. As part of the study, a database was created for each study population of the Caucasian wingnut. Condition of species, mother trees, density of trees and natural regeneration is described in detail on locations. From 39 sample plots, 21 can be used as seed plots, 5 of them are in the Western Georgia and the remaining 16 locations are in the Eastern Georgia. Seeds were processed and stored in the seed bank of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture.

Heat stress can be mitigated through improved management practices such as sowing dates/planting time and balanced nutrient supply such as potassium and boron. Here, we investigated the yield and thermotolerance in tomato through sowing dates and nutrient application. The experiment was laid out in RCBD split plot arrangement with two factors i-e. sowing dates (20th Feb, 6th March and 21st March) which was placed in main plot and various concentrations of nutrients (potassium at the rate of 150 and 300 mg L-1 and boron 20 and 40 mg L-1) and combination were 150 K + 20 B mg L-1 and 300 K + 40 B mg L-1 were arranged in sub plot. Result revealed that heat stress was controlled by sowing dates and different concentrations of nutrients significantly affected growth and yield of tomato. Regarding sowing dates maximum value for plant height (63.61 cm), number of leaves per plant (73.5), pollen viability (80.66 %), yield (12.90 t ha-1), leaf potassium content (2.57 mg g-1), leaf boron content (2.61 mg g-1), starch content in pollen grains (1.36 mg g-1), sugar content in pollen grains (2.77 mg g-1), DPPH radical scavenging activity (46.78 %) and polyphenol oxidase (41.78 %) were demonstrated on early sowing date (20 Feb). Concerning nutrients foliar application, maximum values for plant height (71.66 cm), number of leaves per plant (83.3), pollen viability (83.04 %), yield (14.67 t ha-1), leaf potassium content (3.15 mg g-1), leaf boron content (3.06 mg g-1), starch content in pollen grains (1.71 mg g-1), sugar content in pollen grains (3.18 mg g-1), DPPH radical scavenging activity (48.33 %) and polyphenol oxidase (43.33 %) were noted in plants treated with 300 mg L-1 K + 40 mg L-1 B application. It was concluded the tomato crop could be treated with combine application of potassium and boron in early as well as late sowing days to obtain high quality fruit production under the agro-climatic conditions of Balochistan-Pakistan.

Ferns of the Swat region represent a rich component of Pakistan’s flora, yet they remain unexplored at molecular and phylogenetic level. Specimens representing several fern species were collected from four areas of Swat Valley located in the Hindukush-Himalayan mountain range of Pakistan. The specimens, initially identified based on morphology, were subjected for the first time to molecular and phylogenetic analyses for DNA barcoding using sequences of the rbcLa marker (a segment of rbcL gene). This chloroplast marker was successfully amplified and sequenced using Sanger sequencing method. Genetic identification or DNA barcoding at the species level was conducted using three DNA based datasets approaches: BLASTn-based sequence similarity searches, genetic distance, and maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstruction. All three methods yielded congruent and reliably authenticated results for genetic diversity and DNA barcoding of sampled fern taxa. The rbcLa barcode exhibited strong discriminatory power and clearly resolved species within their respective clades, which was statistically supported by the Mann-Whitney U test (Z = −7.615, p

Low nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) of agricultural crops frequently necessitates excessive application of fertilizers, increasing both economic costs and environmental damage. Enhancing NUE in major food crops, particularly wheat, is therefore a central objective for sustainable farming systems. This study investigated the contribution of the transcription factor TaNAC2-5A to improve nitrate acquisition and root system development in wheat (Triticum aestivum). TaNAC2-5A is part of the NAC family and regulates plant growth and responses to stress, particularly limited nitrate availability. We assessed T4 TaNAC2-5A overexpressing wheat lines developed in local cultivar FSD 2008 in two light conditions, low spectrum and full spectrum, and under two low nitrate levels, 0.2 and 1.0 mM in hydroponic systems. Molecular confirmation of the transgene integration in T4 generation plants was done by PCR. Nitrate content was measured using the Cataldo colorimetric assay. The chlorophyll and leaf nitrogen was measured with the help of portable SPAD meter. Root architecture was studied using rhizo-scanning, and root parameters including surface area, root length, volume, and diameter were determined by WinRhizo image analysis system. Total nitrogen and chlorophyll measurements were analyzed using One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test while Two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD was used to test the effects of nitrate and light. Transgenic wheat plants showed higher levels of chlorophyll content (100 to 300 % increase), total nitrogen content (45 % increase), leaf nitrate (30 to 70 % increase), and 1000 grain weight (up to 17%). Overall, overexpression of TaNAC2-5A improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and root development of wheat by allowing plants to absorb and process nitrogen more efficiently which ultimately offered a practical approach for breeding programs targeting sustainable production and global food security.

Overuse of vehicles causes heavy metal pollution which lead to a negative effect on the soil and vegetation grown along roadside. Present study aims to examine the effect of vehicular metal pollution on soil and wild plants grown along roadside i.e., Cannabis sativa L., Parthenium hysterophorus L., Cynodon dactylon L, Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. F. and Ricinus communis L. Triplicates of samples were collected from roadsides and control of four sites i.e. G.T road, Jalalpur Road, Shahdiwal road, and Sargodha-road of Gujrat Pakistan. Soil and plant samples were analyzed to determine Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Cr2+ using AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) after acid digestion. Results revealed that the soil and plants of roadside were contaminated with Ni as compared to the control while Cr, Cd, and Cu were absent in both soil and plant samples. The highest Ni concentration, 0.0899 ppm, was found in Ricinus communis at site 1, whereas no Ni was detected in the control. Metal pollution reduced photosynthetic pigments and protein in roadside plants compared to control by 29% chlorophyll a, 45% chlorophyll b, 40% carotenoids and 37.86% soluble protein content. While increase in antioxidant activity (CAT, POD, SOD) was observed in roadside plants due to metal stress in order of SOD>POD>CAT. It is concluded that vehicular metal stress shows negative correlation with photosynthetic pigments and total soluble protein content while positive correlation with antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase) in roadside plants as compared to control. The translocation and accumulation factor concluded that Calotropis procera and Ricinus Communis had high adaptability factor to grow in metal contaminated sites. It is concluded that vehicular-driven metal pollution, particularly Ni contamination, significantly (p

Cellulosic biomass is a renewable substrate for bioethanol generation, but the industrial fermentation performance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is severely reduced under physicochemical stresses. Eight glutaredoxin (GRX) genes from S. cerevisiae were individually overexpressed and evaluated for stress tolerance. Under heat stress at 42°C, strains overexpressing Grx1, Grx2, and Grx5 exhibited 34.5%±0.2%, 19.6%±5.0%, and 28.0%±2.5% higher OD600 values at 72 h compared to the control strain. Under 1 g/L acetic acid, strains overexpressing Grx1, Grx2, Grx6, and Grx7 showed 13.0%±4.0%, 8.3%±1.4%, 4.3%±0.5%, and 5.9%±1.5% increases in OD600, respectively. ROS quantification revealed that Grx1-, Grx2-, and Grx5-overexpressing strains showed substantially lower intracellular ROS accumulation, with intracellular ROS levels of 36.2%±1.0%, 41.2%±1.7%, and 58.8%±0.8% relative to the control strain (empty POT1 plasmid) at 42°C. Transcriptional analysis further showed distinct stress-responsive expression patterns, with Grx1 and Grx2 exhibiting high basal transcription at 30°C, downregulation at 40°C, and re-induction under acetic acid stress. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that overexpression of the glutaredoxin system improves redox homeostasis and significantly enhances yeast performance under physicochemical stress.

Rhizoctonia solani was frequently isolated from diseased plants, and A 688 bp rDNA fragment was successfully amplified, which identified the isolate as R. solani CB1 (OR053863) with 96.44% genetic similarity to R. solani AG-4 HGIII RR2 (LC504765.1). In vitro, isolate CB1 caused 100% disease severity in bean seedlings. In the food poison method, fungicides exhibited substantial suppression in the growth of R. solani. Fungicide Nativo showed 52.2% growth inhibition when used @ 1 ppm. Ready Super at 10 ppm gave 72.5% growth suppression of the pathogen. In dual culture plate assays, Trichoderma longibrachiatum and T. harzianum suppressed R. solani growth by 66.7 and 60.4%, respectively. In pot experiment, R. solani showed 46.7% disease severity in positive control plants. The disease severity decreased to 6.7% with Nativo treatment, showing the best control. Fungicides and biocontrol agents significantly decreased disease severity and improved growth of bean plants compared to control. Biological agents, including T. harzianum and T. longibrachiatum, outperformed fungicides in improving plant length and dry weight. 

This study used a starter strain, Bacillus velezensis TS01, isolated from distiller’s grains. To directionally breed thermotolerant strains at 42-46°C for 532 h and 50 generations, EVOL (cell adaptive evolution technology) was used. Strain 46-1 has a growth of 250% higher than that of the original strain at 46°C, with stable entry into the logarithmic phase and a prolonged stationary phase. It grew optimally at 2% ethanol and 4% NaCl, grew well at pH 3, and produced amylase, protease, and cellulase. When it was tested against six pathogenic fungi, it exhibited the highest inhibition rate against Eutypella microtheca (72.60±0.99%). Then, it was followed by 58.60±4.24% and 56.53±0.11% against Mortierella gemmifera and Talaromyces fuscoviridis, respectively. 39.49±0.61% against Mortierella elongata; 38.78±0.44% against Fusarium oxysporum and 20.68±1.45% against Trichoderma harzianum. This research study provides a basis for greater biocontrol efficacy of B. velezensis in a high-temperature environment and for developing microbial fungicides

Amid the increasing frequency of extreme weather events worldwide, significant year-to-year variations in environmental conditions have become apparent. The timing of wheat sowing plays a critical role in influencing its growth and development, thereby impacting China's food security. This study investigated the effects of different sowing dates on wheat growth, grain filling, and maturity in Xinxiang, Henan Province. By implementing five sowing date gradients, we analyzed the morphological and physiological changes in wheat and conducted initial assessments of its yield. The results indicate that October 15 represents the most suitable sowing date, leading to improved nitrogen utilization efficiency, higher leaf chlorophyll levels, enhanced stem reserve accumulation and translocation to grains, and increased grain yield. These findings advocate for selecting the optimal sowing time considering climatic and environmental factors, offering a scientific foundation for wheat cultivation.

The focus on the enhancement of photosynthesis – the process whereby plants turn light energy into chemical energy – is one of the research areas that has great significance for sustainable agriculture and global food security. The main method for converting atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) into organic carbon compounds is the Calvin–Benson (CB) cycle, which is very important for the metabolism and the growth of plants. Among the enzymes involved in the process, 8 out of the 11 are dedicated to the regenerative ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP), which is the molecule that accepts CO2. There is evidence from research carried out on a variety of plants that the regeneration of RuBP is a key factor in the enhancement of the process of photosynthesis. Also, by using omics technologies and synthetic biology, new pathways for optimizing or improving the process of photosynthesis and yielding more crops are being invented. The present review discusses the significant and effective developments and approaches focused on boosting the photosynthetic capacity and the uptake of CO2 via the CB cycle enzymes, e.g., Rubisco, and genetically modifying such enzymes as sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA). It recommends integrating emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and machine learning to maximize its potential for developing productive and sustainable agri-systems

Disease outbreaks and continuous cropping challenges have increased the demand for resistant watermelon cultivars. This study evaluated four commercial varieties (‘Jike 20’, ‘Chenlu 182’, ‘Zhemi 6’, and ‘Aihua 2’) for resistance to powdery mildew, anthracnose, Fusarium wilt, and vine decline under controlled conditions. ‘Jike 20’ showed the strongest overall resistance (HR to three diseases, MR to vine decline), making it a promising candidate for breeding programs. In contrast, ‘Zhemi 6’ was the most susceptible. ‘Chenlu 182’ displayed high resistance to vine decline but slight resistance to anthracnose and Fusarium wilt, while ‘Aihua 2’ showed high resistance to anthracnose but moderate resistance to other diseases. These cultivar‑specific resistance patterns highlight the importance of multi‑pathogen screening in breeding. Our findings provide actionable guidance for selecting disease‑resistant watermelon varieties, supporting sustainable cultivation and reducing reliance on chemical controls