Two facultative halophytic species, Salvadora oleoides Decne. and Salvadora persica L., were collected from the highly saline region of the Salt Range located in Punjab province to evaluate their structural and functional modifications. These adaptations have evolved over a long period under saline habitat conditions. Each species demonstrated a high degree of salinity tolerance, employing distinct mechanisms for adaptation. S. oleoides exhibited superior salinity tolerance with enhanced growth (plant height, shoot length, leaf area) and physiological traits (high Ca²⁺ and K⁺ contents, organic osmolytes, peroxidase activity and photosynthetic pigments). These features help maintain turgor, protect against oxidative stress, and support photosynthesis under high salinity. The anatomical modifications including an increased stem radius, thickened epidermis, enhanced sclerification, and increased storage tissues, as well as oil gland formation, sparse surface hairiness, and varied stomatal orientation in the leaves, collectively enhance structural support, water storage, protection against desiccation, and regulation of water loss. In contrast, the S. persica demonstrated higher shoot biomass (fresh and dry weight) and leaf number per shoot. Additionally, elevated leaf sodium content (Na+), proline, and stress enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), are key adaptations enabling survival under severe environmental conditions. Anatomical adaptations, such as the thickest collenchyma layer, enlarged vascular region, and reduced pith in stems, along with reduced lamina thickness, increased parenchyma in the midrib, and numerous smaller stomata in leaves, collectively enhanced structural support, water retention, and stress tolerance, supporting survival in highly saline environments. These structural and functional modifications ensure the species survival and success in challenging conditions, with implications for sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation in arid and semi-arid regions

Gibberellic acid (GA3) foliar application is an effective approach for maintaining plant integrity under various environmental stresses. The study was conducted to determine the influence of varying concentrations of GA3 (control, 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) on key physico-biochemical traits of two maize cultivars (CIMMYT PAK and Gohar-19) grown under 100 and 60%, field capacity (FC). A significant reduction in shoot and root fresh biomass (3.66g, 2.29g), as well as dry biomass (2.09g, 1.3g), was recorded in Gohar-19 at 60% FC compared to 100% FC (4.33g, 2.68g), (2.43, 1.60g). However, under water-deficit conditions, Gohar-19 performed better than CIMMYT PAK in terms of biomass accumulation. Foliar spray of GA3 at 150 ppm effectively lessened the influence of drought stress by modulating the growth and increasing the biosynthesis of essential metabolites. In conclusion, topical application of GA3 improved drought tolerance by promoting growth, pigment levels, and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Foliar application of GA3 is a great latent potential in the diminution of the negative impacts of water scarcity on crop production. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct variations in plant traits in response to GA3 foliar treatment under water shortage conditions. The novelty of this research is the identification of the optimal GA3 concentration as a viable approach for reducing the harmful impact of water scarcity on maize plants

In this study, the levels of nitric oxide (NO), proline concentration, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and total chlorophyll levels were investigated in the leaves of two different chickpea varieties, sensitive (Aksu) and tolerant (Canıtez) to drought stress conditions. To achieve this aim, drought stress was induced by PEG 4000 treatment at the end of day 25. Both drought-stressed and control groups were established for both cultivars. The control group plants were irrigated with Hoagland’s culture solution throughout the experiment. Subsets of both chickpea cultivars exposed and unexposed to drought stress were treated with exogenous applications of 100 μM of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, as NO donor), cPTIO [2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5 tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide potassium, as NO scavenger], and Abscisic acid (ABA) for 6 days. The treatments included Control (Hoagland’s culture solution), Control + SNP, Control + c-PTIO, Control + ABA, PEG, PEG+SNP, PEG+ c-PTIO, and PEG+ ABA groups. Leaf samples were collected on days 0, 3, and 6 for analysis. All experiments, including germination and growth stages, were conducted under controlled conditions in a plant growth chamber. According to the results obtained, inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis led to increased oxidative stress. Similarly, application of abscisic acid alleviated the adverse effects of drought. Furthermore, prolonged drought stress conditions resulted in more oxidative damage, and both nitric oxide and abscisic acid exhibited positive effects in this scenario as well

 

 

Cadmium contaminated soil poses serious threat to human health and agriculture. Moreover, Cd toxicity poses significant challenges to the development of sustainable food production, particularly in crops like barley. Barley, due to its intrinsic ability to flourish in a variety of environmental stresses, grown on both small and large-scale farms. A pot experiment having completely randomized design with three replications was carried out to study the impact of foliar application of L-Proline (1mM) in reducing the toxic effects of cadmium (120μM) in two barley varieties, Jou-17 and Sultan-17. Cadmium stress results in remarkable reduction in plant biomass, leaf chlorophyll contents, carotenoids while improved the oxidative stress indicators like catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and tissue malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. On the other hand, foliarly applied proline was effective in reducing toxicity of cadmium and also showed partial reversal of Cd stress by improving the growth attributes, Chlorophyll content, anthocyanins and carotenoids in barley. Of the two barley varieties, Jou-17 showed better performance under Cd stress in terms of enhanced leaf chlorophyll contents and less accumulation of H2O2 and MDA contents. Proline being an osmoprotectant infuses abiotic stress tolerance in barley plants under cadmium stress by reducing production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced accumulation of protein content

Cotton production in Pakistan is often constrained by limited water resources and inadequate potassium (K) fertilization, leading to lower crop resilience and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorated effect of potassium on cotton under drought stress and the climatic conditions of Multan by assessing the potassium (K) use efficiency and related physiological attributes in cotton cultivars with varying K efficiency. Moreover, we aimed to identify the K-efficient cotton cultivar to provide a helping hand for breeders in developing high-yielding varieties for low K and water-limiting environments. For this purpose, five cotton cultivars (FH-142, IUB-2013, CIM-554, CYTO-124 [K-efficient], and BH-212 [K non-efficient]) were evaluated under two irrigation regimes (reduced and normal) with a standardized K application (50 kg ha-1) across two growing seasons. Under reduced irrigation with applied K, the K-efficient cultivar FH-142 displayed significantly improved agronomic and physiological K use efficiency compared with the K non-efficient cultivar BH-212. Specifically, FH-142 exhibited 67.3% and 62.5% increases in agronomic and physiological use efficiency, respectively, compared with BH-212. Potassium application under normal irrigation generally increased chlorophyll content across all cultivars, with the greatest improvement observed in FH-142 (7.2%). Reduced irrigation with K application increased leaf osmotic potential in all cultivars, indicating improved drought tolerance. However, the magnitude of this increase varied, with BH-212 showing the highest rise (16.2%) and FH-142 exhibiting moderate increase (7.3%). Interestingly, K application under reduced irrigation mitigated membrane leakage, a measure of cell damage, in all cultivars except BH-212. Notably, BH-212 displayed higher membrane leakage (14.2%) than K-efficient cultivars (3.0% - 9.0%). Overall, the K- K-efficient cultivars’ performance order differs from FH-142< CIM-554< CYTO-124< IUB-2013. The key findings highlight the importance of potassium for mitigating the negative effects of water stress on cotton plants. Several cultivars, including FH-142, CIM-554, CYTO-124, and IUB-2013, demonstrated superior performance under both irrigation levels with and without potassium application, suggesting their potassium-efficient nature. FH-142 outperformed other cultivars under water stress with K application, demonstrating exceptional potassium recovery efficiency and reinforcing its suitability for drought-prone, K-deficient soils. These findings suggest that selecting K-efficient cotton cultivars like FH-142, CYTO-124, IUB-2013, and CIM-554 could improve cotton resilience and yield under limited water and K availability, aiding farmers and supporting breeders in developing high-yield, drought-tolerant varieties

 

Salinity stress significantly impacts the growth and development of date palm cultivars. This study examines the morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of two date palm cultivars, Barhi and Khalas, to varying salinity levels (0, 5, and 6 dS m⁻¹), highlighting their adaptive mechanisms and resilience under salt stress conditions. Under non-saline conditions (0 dS m⁻¹), both cultivars exhibited optimal growth, with Barhi showing slightly higher shoot elongation rate, leaf area, leaf growth rate, leaf fresh weight, and root length compared to Khalas. However, as salinity increased, significant reductions in these parameters were observed, with Khalas demonstrating greater tolerance to salinity stress. At 5 dS m⁻¹, Khalas maintained higher shoot elongation rate, leaf area, leaf growth rate, leaf fresh weight, and leaf dry weight compared to Barhi, indicating better adaptation to moderate salinity. Under severe salinity (6 dS m⁻¹), Khalas continued to outperform Barhi, suggesting greater resilience to salt stress. Under non-saline conditions, Barhi exhibited higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance than Khalas. However, as salinity increased, Khalas maintained relatively higher chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, and relative water content, indicating better physiological adaptation to salinity. Barhi showed a more pronounced decline in these parameters, reflecting higher sensitivity to salt stress. Biochemical analysis revealed that Khalas accumulated less sodium and hydrogen peroxide under salinity stress compared to Barhi, suggesting better ion homeostasis and oxidative stress management. Proline content increased in both cultivars under salinity, but Barhi exhibited higher proline accumulation, potentially reflecting a less efficient stress response compared to Khalas. This study concluded that Khalas demonstrated superior tolerance to salinity stress across morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, making it a more suitable cultivar for cultivation in saline environments. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting salt-tolerant date palm cultivars and improving crop resilience in saline-affected regions

Drought stress constitutes a critical environmental constraint limiting plant productivity worldwide. This study elucidates genotype-specific drought adaptation mechanisms in Nicotiana tabacum through integrated physiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses of four commercially significant cultivars (Y6, Y10, Y87, Hongda) exhibiting contrasting drought tolerance. PEG-induced water deficit significantly altered biomass partitioning, photosynthetic efficiency, redox homeostasis, and stress-responsive gene expression across various genotypes. Drought-tolerant cultivars Y6 and Y10 demonstrated superior resilience through: (1) improved water retention capacity and delayed leaf senescence, (2) preserved chloroplast ultrastructure, (3) maintained photosynthetic activity under stress, and (4) bolstered antioxidant defense systems. Additionally, molecular profiling revealed coordinated upregulation of ABA signaling (NtNCED1, NtRD29A), ROS scavenging (NtSOD, NtCAT), and osmoprotectant biosynthesis (NtP5CS1) genes in tolerant cultivars. This study introduces a mechanistic model that delineates multi-level adaptation strategies, where tolerant genotypes employ root architectural plasticity, non-stomatal photosynthetic maintenance, and antioxidant-genic synergy to mitigate dehydration damage. This systematic characterization of natural genetic variation provides actionable targets for the molecular breeding of drought-resistant tobacco cultivars.

Plants and nanoparticles are essential for efficiently eliminating heavy metals from contaminated soil and water. Current study is designed to biosynthesize silver iron nanoparticles and their alloys using Grewia optiva leaf extract. The fabricated alloys were optimized using various parameters i.e. temperature, pH, salt concentration, time optimization and nanoparticles concentrations. The bimetallic nanoparticles were subjected for different analysis and alloys were further characterized for phytoremediation. The effects of Ag/Fe alloys on photosynthetic pigments, phytochemicals, lead (Pb) accumulation and plant development were examined in the hydroponic study conducted on Brassica campestris. Seedlings were grown in a combination of Pb-polluted media and wastewater, with an addition of 50mgL−1 of Ag/Fe alloys. Plant tissues were tested for Pb levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Wastewater and Pb had a detrimental effect on the growth of seedlings, but the addition of bimetallic nanoparticles, or alloys, reduced stress and increased plant growth as well as levels of carotenoid and chlorophyll. Plant growth was decreased by Pb at a concentration of 50mgL−1, as well as phytohormones and secondary metabolites. On the other hand, oxidative stress was decreased by treatment with biofabricated bimetallic particles, which enhanced the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites. Treatment of B. campestris roots and shoots with alloys decreased Pb concentrations, whereas wastewater raised Pb levels. These results underlined the promise of nano-phytoremediation, reflecting that plants can efficiently remove heavy metals from contaminated water when exposed to suitable concentrations of Ag and Fe nanoparticles and their composites (alloys).

Straw returning is essential for soil conservation and mitigating wind erosion in semiarid regions bearing black soil areas. Quantitative studies on crop development and soil water-nitrogen dynamics processes under complete straw returning are fundamental for establishing a rational farmland management system. To model crop yields and soil profile water-nitrogen distribution under various fertilization treatments, we used the soil water heat carbon nitrogen simulator (WHCNS), namely CK (no fertilization), T1 (compound fertilizer), T2 (compound fertilizer + straw returning), and T3 (humic acid fertilizer + straw returning). We calibrated and evaluated the performance of the WHCNS model by using soil water content, nitrate nitrogen content, aboveground dry matter mass, and yield data collected from the Meilisi Daur District experimental farm in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, in 2022. We also simulated the effects of different fertilization methods on spring maize field evapotranspiration, crop yield, and water-nitrogen use efficiency. The results indicate that the hydraulic parameters Qs and n significantly impacted the soil water content in the parameter sensitivity analysis. In contrast, SLAmax had the largest impact on soil nitrate nitrogen content among crop parameters, and Ts was the most influential factor on crop yield. The relative root mean square errors of simulated and observed soil water storage, nitrate nitrogen content, and aboveground dry matter mass were all lower than 32%. Consistency indices for the 0–60 cm and 60–100 cm soil layers were greater than or equal to 0.68 and 0.30, respectively. Finally, the Nash coefficients were within reasonable ranges. The evapotranspiration rate under the straw returning treatment (T2) was 6.33% lower than without straw returning (T1). T2 exhibited the highest water-nitrogen use efficiency among all treatments, and compared with T1 and T3, water-nitrogen use efficiency increased by 10.27%, 7.78%, 26.71%, and 48.15%, respectively. These findings suggest that straw returning can effectively reduce evapotranspiration and improve resource utilization efficiency. Overall, the calibrated WHCNS model can reliably simulate the dynamics of soil water–nitrogen movement and crop growth under straw returning in the semiarid regions of northeastern China.

Zn is an essential trace mineral for all forms of life due to its essential role in expression of genes, development of cells and replication. The World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 6.7 to 15 mg of zinc for humans. Diversity determination among the inbred lines is essential for the heterosis breeding. Genetic biofortification of staple crops like maize presents a sustainable strategy to address malnutrition. The present study was conducted to estimate genetic diversity for Zn content in 50 inbred lines and evaluate their performance by using the correlation and principal component analysis in randomized complete block design with three replications. Zinc content in the grains was quantified by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry technique and six inbred lines 468 Zai, 738 MMRI 32, 749 4B-9, 739 4B-3, 737-339 and 476 Zai was found with higher Zn concentrations. A positive correlation was observed between zinc content and most of the observed traits, except for plant height (PH) and kernel yield (KY), which exhibited a negative association. PCA study revealed that the first three principal components had eigenvalue more than one indicated broad genetic base and accounted for 65.3% of the total variation. The identification of high-level genetic diversity could be used for maize improvement and inbred lines with higher zinc contents are valuable for breeders aiming to develop biofortified maize

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important food crop which is consumed all over the world. Zinc (Zn), an important micronutrient, is deficient in more than half of the arable lands of Pakistan. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are an efficient source of Zn nutrition as they increase growth, yield, and plant Zn accumulation over conventional Zn sources. A field experiment was conducted to estimate the growth, yield, and Zn accumulation of onion in relation to varying application rates of chemical and nano zinc fertilizers at the research fields of Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam, during the Rabi season of 2022-23 in a Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments and three repeats. The treatments included T1: control (no Zn application), T2: 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 through Zinc sulphate, T3: 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 through Zinc oxide, T4: 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 through Zinc oxide nanoparticles, T5: 1.25 kg Zn ha-1 through Zinc oxide nanoparticles. The findings suggested that supplementation of Zn significantly increased the growth and yield attributes, and bulb Zn enrichment of onion over no Zn application treatment. The maximum increase in bulb weight (66.8%), polar diameter (35.7%), equatorial diameter (45.2%), bulb yield (70.1%), and Zn concentration in bulbs (94.4%) was noticed under the treatment receiving Zn at the reduced application rate (1.25 kg ha-1) through ZnO-NPs when compared to control. Conventional zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) was found to be the best Zn source in producing a maximum of 79.9 g leaf biomass (42.8%) and 65.4 cm leaf length (55.5%) at the vegetative stage. This study concluded that the application of ZnO-NPs over chemical ZnSO4 is an effective strategy for enhancing the productivity and Zn accumulation of onion while ensuring an eco-friendly environment.

 

Fulvic acid (FA) can stimulate the growth of varying plants. Thus, this study investigated the effects of foliar application of FA on the growth of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in field and greenhouse conditions. Sweet potatoes grown for 30 days were sprayed with 100 mL of different concentrations of FA solutions per plant, including 0.05% (F0.05), 0.1% (F0.1) and 0.15% (F0.15), and tap water (control). Foliar application of FA increased the vine length, vine girth, leaf area per plant, leaf nutrients, tuber per plant, tuber ash, polyphenols, carotene and ascorbic acid contents of sweet potatoes. Results indicated that foliar application of FA may be a practical method for improving the yield of sweet potato in both field and greenhouse conditions

The germination and establishment of Suaeda salsa are different with the varying flow velocitied and seed burial depths. This study focused on the seeds and seedlings of Suaeda salsa in the Liaohe Estuary, through outdoor simulation experiments and indoor analysis, the germination rate and seedling growth traits at different burial depths under different flow velocity conditions were determined. The main findings were as follows: Within the burial depth of 0-2cm, and the flow velocity range of 0.059-0.073 m/s was suitable for germination and establishment, at 2-3 cm depth, the suitable flow velocity range was 0.059-0.069 m/s, at 3-4 cm depth, it remained 0.059-0.069 m/s, and at 4-5 cm depth, the suitable flow velocity range extended to 0.059-0.076 m/s. These results provide theoretical support for the conservation and restoration of Suaeda salsa in the Liaohe Estuary and the sustainable development of wetlands, holding significant scientific and practical value

Flooding stress is an important environmental constraint that greatly affects the growth and productivity of plants, particularly in citrus orchards. The rootstock genotypes and the symbiotic associations with beneficial soil bacteria, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), play a crucial role in determining how plants react to abiotic stimuli. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the specific responses of diploid and tetraploid citrus rootstocks to flooding stress and AMF inoculation. This study investigates the physical, physiological, and biochemical responses of diploid and tetraploid volkamer lemon citrus rootstocks to flooding stress. It specifically focuses on the impact of the presence or absence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) on these responses. The findings suggest that the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhances the resilience of both diploid and tetraploid plants to flooding stress, with tetraploid plants exhibiting superior performance. Differences in physical attributes, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, the impact of antioxidant enzymes and reactive oxygen species, amount of soluble proteins, and profiles of phenolic components have been observed between diploid and tetraploid citrus rootstocks. HPLC analysis of phenolic compounds of leaf samples revealed 10 phenolic acids and one flavonoid i.e., quercitrin. However, the concentrations of quercetin and gallic acid significantly differed between AMF-inoculated tetraploid (4x) and AMF-inoculated diploid (2x) volkamer lemon citrus rootstocks under severe flooding stress. Overall, results depicted that tetraploid citrus rootstocks are more resistant than diploid rootstocks under flooding stress, and incubation of AM fungi further increases their efficiency of resistance against flooding conditions.

 

Growing reliance on chemical fertilizers has reduced soil fertility and damaged the environment, necessitating the development of sustainable options to accelerate agricultural expansion. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Development-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide environmentally friendly solutions by enhancing nutrient uptake and encouraging organic plant development. The purpose of this study is to isolate and describe Rhizobium strains and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) from pea plants in the Charsadda District in order to develop biofertilizers that work effectively for crops and soil development. Using the Yeast-Mannitol Agar Medium (YMA), eight rhizobium strains were isolated and identified from root nodules of Pisum sativum L in ten different areas of Charsadda District. Rhizobium strains actively produced an indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) ranging from 09.48 µgml-1 to 18.84 µgml-1. The qualitative evaluation solubilization of phosphate was determined by the diameter of zones of halo around the colonies on agar medium of Pikovskaya, measuring between 03.30 mm and 08.50 mm. Zinc solubilization was quantified by the diameter zones of halo surrounding the colonies on agar media, measuring between 00.46mm and 04.36mm. All isolates exhibited negative findings in the urease test conducted on Christensen’s Urea Agar medium. AMF spore density and colonization of the root also gave positive results on the ten samples of the survey from the study area. The Sclerocystis species have a maximum concentration of 12.66 gm-100 of other AMF spores, which exhibited 90% of root colonization. Furthermore, all inoculants (PGPR and AMF) had a favorable influence on pea development and growth, as well as a substantial rise in root length of the shoot and dry and fresh pea weight. This was shown by the tripartite symbiosis of the plant Pisum sativum L. with Rhizobia and AMF as a sustainable biofertilizer strategy. A future study should concentrate on optimizing the use of Rhizobium and AMF as biological fertilizers among diverse crops and environmental circumstances to augment their efficacy. Additionally, it is essential to investigate the long-term impacts of these natural fertilizers on soil health and ecosystem sustainability

The main aim of modern potato breeding programs is to introduce and develop potato hybrids via true potato seed, a novel and innovative approach compared to traditional vegetative propagation methods. Experimental material including twenty eight potato hybrids, five parental cultivars and a check variety were evaluated in three diverse environments namely Abbottabad, Battakundi and Kaghan, during 2021-23. Randomized complete block design was employed with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p

Cerium–Nitrogen co–doped carbon quantum dots (Ce-N-CDs), a novel type of carbon-based nanomaterials, are prepared using hydrothermal synthesis. Ce-N-CDs demonstrate low toxicity, stability, and satisfactory biocompatibility. Effects of Ce-N-CDs on Arabidopsis root growth were analyzed at the molecular and physiological levels in this work. Ce-N-CDs (0.04 mg/mL) promoted the root tip meristem (RAM) and primary root (PR) growth. Ce-N-CDs effectively regulated the genes expression associated with cell cycle and facilitate the RAM and PR growth by enhancing cell division capacity of the RAM and activity of stem cells niche. The expression of auxin synthesis genes was upregulated after treatment with Ce-N-CDs, and the increased abundance of auxin transporters PIN1, PIN2, and PIN7 led to the increased accumulation of auxin and promotion of root growth. Thus, Ce-N-CDs can potentially promote plant growth and bioimaging

Blackberries are valued worldwide for their rich antioxidant content, which supports human health and disease prevention. Due to their adaptability and high market demand, blackberries play a significant role in the global berry industry. For this reason, cultivation areas are gradually increasing in Türkiye. We evaluated the fruit quality of several blackberry cultivars (Chester, Jumbo, Bursa 1, and Bursa 2) under the climatic conditions of Eskişehir. The fruits were harvested at full ripeness. In this study, both pomological traits (fruit width, length, weight, and color) and chemical characteristics (SSC, pH, NaOH, AsA, TPC, DPPH) of the fruits were analyzed. The Jumbo cultivar produced the largest fruits. The highest SSC value was observed in Chester (10.36 °Brix). The greatest titratable acidity (NaOH) was found in the Bursa 1 cultivar (2.59%). Jumbo also exhibited the highest ascorbic acid (AsA) content (54.74 mg/100 ml), while Chester had the lowest (48.70 mg/100 ml). The total phenolic content (TPC) reached its maximum in Jumbo (7648.33 mg GAE/100 g FW) and its minimum in Bursa 1 (7247.33 mg GAE/100 g FW). The highest antioxidant activity (DPPH) was recorded in Bursa 2 (86.11 IC50), whereas the lowest was measured in Jumbo (81.41 IC50).

Soil bacteria play key roles in various ecosystems and mediate several important ecological processes. Understanding the factors determining soil bacterial community composition is critical for evaluating and forecasting ecosystem functions. However, the factors affecting soil bacterial community changes vary widely across different studies. Aims: Spatiotemporal heterogeneity and scale, the plant community, and soil properties are considered the factors driving changes in soil bacterial communities. However, the impacts of these factors on soil bacterial communities remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of these factors on soil bacterial communities. Three different grasslands were selected, and the abundance, diversity and composition of the soil bacterial communities were determined at three soil depths (topsoil: 0-10 cm, middle soil: 10-20 cm, and subsoil: 20-30 cm), as well as the corresponding vegetation and soil properties of the grasslands. Our results suggest that vegetation and soil properties can collectively influence soil bacterial communities; however, the dominant factors affecting soil bacterial changes differed at different soil nutrient levels. In low-nutrient grasslands (G1 and G3), changes in soil bacterial communities were closely linked with soil properties or vegetation characteristics; in high-nutrient grasslands (G2), changes were collectively affected by vegetation and soil properties. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that close and highly positive associations among plants, bacteria, and soil can be found only under nutrient-sufficient conditions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health effects of exposure to air pollution, with special emphasis on rainwater particulate matter. This is a significant health risk due to this exposure and it is also most prevalent in developing countries. The two industrial areas of Balochistan, Hub, and Quetta, are both affected by diverse types of industrial, urban, and human-made pollution and in this research, we have examined the makeup and health/growth impacts of air particles. The physicochemical characteristics and toxicological outcomes were investigated for these locations. Rainwater samples were used for assessing the air quality of the selected industrial zones. Physicochemical and toxicological analyses of fine particles were performed concurrently with an epidemiological study. These physicochemical investigations revealed that the samples of collected particles shared several key properties. Notably, there were dioxin concentrations up to 125 times higher close to the businesses and marginally elevated levels of trace metals. The results confirmed the need for a toxicological study in this area. These studies highlight the major effects of different combustion sources, such as burning coal, diesel, and biomass. Other industrial activities and the burning of waste are also potential contributing factors. The maximum amount of ion species of Ca2+ was found 3.521 µeq/L in Quetta and113 µeq/L in Hub. Also, the second maximum amount was of Mg2+ ion species with a value of 142 µeq/L in Quetta. These findings suggest that particulate matter may be hazardous to the lungs and point to the processes at play in the carcinogenicity of aerosol particles which are directly affecting human health. The effects of particulate matter not only cause serious diseases of health but also damages the greenhouse and increases global warming because of its contribution to the formation of cloud. The accumulation of such particulate matter on the surfaces of vegetation leads to the reduction in light as per required for photosynthesis and ultimately increase the temperature of leaves of the plants due to changes in optical properties of leaf surface

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a seed crop native to the Andean region, known for its ability to grow in diverse agro-ecological conditions and its high nutritional value. Its seeds contain significant amounts of various micro- and macronutrients that are beneficial for both animal and human health. In the current study, protein profiling, quantification and proximate chemical composition were evaluated for food purposes. Five quinoa varieties (BLK, Q-8, Q-8/39, Q-11 and Q-13) selected for their favorable agronomic traits, were analyzed for biochemical composition and quality characteristics. The highest protein concentration (21.5 mg/g, 15.2 mg/g) was found in seed extract of varieties Q-8 and BLK at 25°C and 4°C, respectively. SDS-PAGE profiling of reduced seed extract displayed protein with molecular weight up to 150 kDa and 50 kDa at 25°C and 4°C, respectively. In non-reduced samples, the highest molecular weight observed was 70 kDa and 60 kDa at 25°C and 4°C, respectively. The highest values for protein content (13.9%), crude fiber (1.3%), crude fat (3.3%), ash content (1.95%), moisture content (10.5%) and carbohydrate content (66.5%) were observed across different varieties. The maximum carbohydrates content (65.9%) was found in Q-13, while BLK exhibited the lowest crude fiber content (1.1%) among the varieties studied. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of high-quality quinoa-based products

In this study, the effects of bacterial strains on some yield and quality parameters of melon, a vegetable species cultivated worldwide and of significant economic value, were investigated under field conditions. Within the scope of the study, bacteria were isolated from different sources and the plant growth promoting mechanisms of the obtained strains were determined. The effects of bacterial strains on plant development were evaluated in a field experiment established according to a randomized complete block design with three replications, and the experiment was carried out repetitively for two years. The experiment included 11 different treatments: IT 22 (Bacillus safensis), IT 22 + fertilizer, IT 63 (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus), IT 63 + fertilizer, IT 93 (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus), IT 93 + fertilizer, IT 115 (Serratia rubidaea), IT 115 + fertilizer, Mix (IT 22 + IT 63 + IT 93 + IT 115), mix + fertilizer, and control. While the best result in terms of all parameters examined was obtained from the mix + fertilizer application, only the highest water-soluble dry matter amount (9.9%) was measured in the IT 93 + fertilizer application. Although the best results were obtained from the mix + fertilizer application, the results of the study showed that the fertilizer-free IT 93 and mix applications provided greater yield and quality increases in melon compared to the control with only fertilizer application, and as a result, the application of bacteria alone or in mixtures could be a good alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural production. This result has been an indication that a significant reduction in chemical use will be achieved by including the determined bacterial strains in fertilization programs. This study will contribute to the development of new and efficient methods for the protection of producers and the environment by providing both economic and ecological benefits

In vitro culture of Azadirachta indica offers controlled and constant provision of metabolites and therefore could be more feasible in the enzyme induction study. In this research, we developed cell suspension cultures through neem callogenesis and incorporated different percentages of inducers, namely starch, dextrin, and pullulan in the suspension media to analyze their effects on the induction of amylolytic and pullulytic enzymes. The cell-free extracts of the induced cultures were analyzed on starch and pullulan agar-solidified plates for the zones of hydrolysis. Additionally, enzyme activities were quantified using the DNS method. Consequently, starch and pullulan degrading activities were detected in the cultured media, confirming the successful induction of amylolytic and pullulytic enzymes. These enzymes hold significant commercial value in the food, textile, and detergent industries. This research represents the first report in the literature on pullulan degradation by neem enzymes and offers valuable insights for future research in this area

This review highlights the potential of green nanotechnology, focusing on silver, copper, and silver-copper bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) due to their unique physicochemical properties, dual biomedical and agricultural applications, and established efficacy compared to other nanoparticles. Silver NPs, renowned for their remarkable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, are among the most widely studied due to their versatility and effectiveness in addressing multidrug-resistant pathogens, agricultural pests, and catalytic efficiency in biochemical reactions. Copper NPs were selected for their superior performance in agriculture, demonstrating the ability to mitigate heavy metal toxicity, enhance plant growth through improved photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, and contribute to biomedicine via enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic effects. Silver-copper bimetallic NPs synergize the properties of both metals, offering enhanced catalytic activity, antimicrobial efficacy, oxidative stress mitigation, and DNA damage capabilities, surpassing the performance of single-metal NPs in several applications. Despite their promise, challenges remain, including synthesis inconsistencies, scalability issues, and ecological toxicity. Future research should focus on integrating nanotechnology with advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence and precision agriculture to enhance targeted applications, optimize synthesis, and minimize environmental risks. Addressing these challenges will unlock the full potential of silver, copper, and silver-copper bimetallic NPs, contributing to sustainable agriculture, advancing biomedicine, and supporting global ecological preservation efforts

The current study aimed to find out genetic variation and post-translational modifications of the eukaryotic translational elongation factor (eEF-1) due to environmental stress. Ribosomal translation factors are directly involved in protein translation and are greatly conserved but several studies have revealed that eEF1A is post-translationally modified.  Six parental strains of Sordaria fimicola (S1, S2, S3, N5, N6, and N7) were subjected to amplify the TEF2 gene, and a comparison was made with reference species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Different bioinformatics tools, i.e., Clustal W, PMes Server, PAIL and NetNES Servers, NetPhos 3.1, and Phyre2 were used for multiple sequence alignment, to identify methylation sites, acetylation sites on the protein, phosphorylation sites, and Protein 3D structure. The PTMs of S. fimicola strains were compared with PTMs of reference species. Out of the total, 329 nucleotides polymorphism was observed on five nucleotide positions. Altogether, a total of 13 sites (8Ser/4Thr/2Y) of phosphorylation modifications were observed in S. cerevisiae and S. fimicola. The polymorphism was observed at 23 sites in strains of SFS (S1, S2, and S3) while six polymorphic sites were present in NFS strains (NFS). The study reiterated that environmental stress causes genetic variation and ultimately leads to evolution.

 

SPX family, named for the presence of conserved Syg1/Pho81/XPR1 (SPX) domain, is one of the most important gene families involved in phosphate ions (Pi) homeostasis and signaling transduction in plants. In this study, we identified 14 SPX family genes in Solanum tuberosum at the genome-wide level. These genes were distributed across 7 of the 12 chromosomes. Based on additional domains in the SPX family structure, the SPX family were classified into four SPX subfamilies, SPX, SPX-ERD1/XPR1/SYG1(SPX-EXS), SPX- SPX-Really Interesting New Gene (SPX-RING), and a newly identified SPX- EXS-DNL subfamily characterized by a short C-terminal motif D(N/H). The majority of SPXs were localized to the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis of SPX family genes in Solanum tuberosum, Arabidopsis thaliana, Solanum lycopersicum, Oryza sativa, and Zea mays categorized these genes into 7 groups. The duplication events show that SPX genes in Solanum tuberosum were mainly produced by whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental duplications (SD). The synteny analysis demonstrated that the SPX gene family of Solanum tuberosum exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship to Solanum lycopersicum compared to Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, expression profiling of Solanum tuberosum SPX family genes showed diverse tissue-specific patterns and varying degrees of responsiveness to both biotic and abiotic stresses. And twelve Solanum tuberosum SPX family members could interact and form an association network. Furthermore, one gene (PGSC0003DMG402022752) from the SPX subfamily was found to exhibit the highest expression levels in the floral organs, and one member (PGSC0003DMG400017163) of the SPX-EXS subfamily was highly expressed under heat treatment (35°C). These findings implies that the two genes may play a vital role in floral organ development and heat stress response, respectively. This study offers a basis for future elucidation of the functions of Solanum tuberosum SPX family genes, especially in phosphorus utilization

Plant tissue culture techniques can be successfully adopted for rapid multiplication of the exclusive indigenous planting material. This study was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture laboratory of Horticultural Research Institute for Floriculture and Landscaping, Islamabad, during the year 2018-2021. Three carnation varieties named Antigua, Montoyo and Tabasco were used as an explant material. Different combinations of growth regulators 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were used to investigate the optimum concentration of both hormones for best shoot proliferation protocol. Each variety behaved differently, producing variable results against the parameters tested. In case of Antigua, the combination of 4.0 mg/L BAP + 0.5 mg/L NAA proved to be the best by producing maximum number of shoots, shoot length and shoot proliferation percentage whereas, Montoyo and Tabasco showed satisfactory results on the medium supplemented with 3.0 mg/L BAP + 1.5 mg/L NAA and 4.0 mg/L BAP + 1.5 mg/L NAA respectively. After successful standardization of shoot proliferation protocol, the plantlets were transferred to the ½ strength MS medium enriched with 0.25 mg/l Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) for root initiation. The rooted plantlets were transplanted in the small cells containing mixture of soil and leaf manure (1:1) for acclimatization

Abutilon pannosum possesses several medicinal benefits, including antioxidants, anti-hepatotoxic, and antidiabetic activities. This study aimed to evaluate the potential genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of Abutilon pannosum leaves found in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia, using the Allium cepa assay and molecular analysis. The Mitotic Index (MI), root growth inhibition (RGI), and chromosomal aberrations (CA) were determined to assess cytotoxicity, while a molecular marker (ISSR-PCR assay) was employed to study genotoxicity. The effective concentration of the aqueous extract (EC50) was determined to be 7.2 mg/mL. Following treatment with A. pannosum extracts, a decrease in mitotic index percentage (%MI) was observed along with a concentration-dependent reduction in root tip length. Additionally, chromosomal aberrations such as anaphase bridges, vagrant chromosomes, and C-metaphase were recorded, with the frequency of these aberrations showing a concentration-dependent response to the A. pannosum extract. ISSR-PCR markers revealed DNA damage, evidenced by the loss and gain of bands and changes in band intensity. The results of this study concluded that high concentrations of A. pannosum extracts exhibit both cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using A. pannosum for medicinal purposes, and further research is needed to understand its safety profile




 

Cadmium (Cd+2) is a heavy metal that has harmful effects on plants. This study aims to isolate and assess the effect of inoculation of contaminated soil with selected fungi on the responses of Vicia faba plants to Cd stress. Twelve isolates of fungi isolated from Cd-contaminated soil were screened for their resistance to Cd+2 using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) approach. Four strains having high MIC values (up to 640 µg/ml) were subjected to molecular identification based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing. The selected fungal strains were Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium rubens, Talaromyces stipitatus, and Trichoderma lixii. Our findings demonstrated that the morphological traits (shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh and dry weight, leaf area) of Vicia faba were significantly reduced under stress of Cd+2 element. Similar trend was observed in antioxidant enzymes [Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD) and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and chlorophyll a and b content when compared to un-stressed plants. Cd+2 caused chromosomal aberrations and a substantial boost in proline level. Nevertheless, inoculation with fungal strains mitigates the adverse effect of Cd on plant growth at the morphological, physiological and genetic levels compared to non-inoculated plants. Eventually, the inoculation of fungus into Cd-contaminated soil significantly enhanced plant growth and minimized the negative side effect of Cd

The NAC transcription factor (TF) is among the most extensive and plant-specific gene families, playing a crucial role in plant growth, development, and reaction to abiotic stresses. Genome-wide identification of this gene family has not been conducted in Toona sinensis. In this study, we identified and analyzed 54 TsNAC genes in T. sinensis, examining gene structure, phylogenetic characteristics, chromosomal distribution, protein domains, cis-elements, synteny, and expression patterns. Subcellular localization analysis revealed predominant nuclear localization of the NAC protein in T. sinensis. A total of 6 tandem replication events and 21 fragment replication events were identified, which were speculated to promote the amplification of TsNACs gene family. According to their structural and phylogenetic characteristics, the 54 TsNAC genes were divided into 16 subfamilies. TsNAC genes were regulated by multiple cis-acting elements. The expression patterns of 13 TsNAC genes varied across four picking stages, with most genes showing significant changes in relative expression levels over time. This study provides new insights into the regulatory functions of TsNAC genes in the growth and development of Toona sinensis, thereby improving the understanding of characteristics and evolution of TsNAC gene family, and providing references for further studies on the functions of TsNAC genes in regulating terpenoid biosynthesis

By comprehensively utilizing genetic mapping and molecular marker technologies, we emphasize conventional asexual propagation breeding, supplemented by biotechnological breeding methods. This approach integrates traditional phenotype selection with modern genotype selection to provide a basis for variety identification and genetic improvement, aiming to shorten breeding cycles and enhance breeding efficiency. We evaluated 114 garlic germplasm resources for 12 phenotypic traits related to flowering and growth development. We conducted PCR amplification of the genomic DNA from these samples using 10 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Then, cluster analysis was carried out, and the genetic diversity was assessed based on the polymorphic bands obtained from gel electrophoresis. We performed clustering and principal component analysis using SSR markers on the 114 garlic samples to identify germplasm exhibiting desirable traits. Results showed significant variation in traits related to flowering, while traits associated with growth and development exhibited relatively lesser variation coefficients. Among the 10 pairs of primers used, 6 pairs yielded satisfactory results, detecting a total of 38 allele loci across the 114 samples. Shannon's diversity index (I) ranged from 0.6750 to 1.5319 with a mean of 1.2479, while observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.3482 to 0.5526 and 0.4210 to 0.6935, respectively. Cluster analysis classified the population into 4 groups, with close associations observed between grouping and flowering traits.

 

The plants' life form, leaf sizes, and distribution pattern reflect an area's overall ecological condition, including climate, land masses, and anthropogenic pressures. The current study evaluated the phyto-diversity, life form, leaf sizes, and geographical distribution of the Karak vegetation in the northwestern belt of Pakistan. The flora of the study area comprised of 177 species of flowering plants, of which 142 were dicots and 35 were monocots. The dominant families were Poaceae (27 species), followed by Asteraceae (18 species), Papilionaceae (12 species), Juncaceae (9 species), Solanaceae (8 species), and Chenopodiaceae (7 species). Habit-wise, herbs were represented by 122, shrubs by 31, and trees by 24 species. Moreover, the study area was dominated by therophytes (81 species), hemicryptophytes (30 species), microphanerophytes (24 species), and nanophanerophytes (18 species). Leaf size classes were dominated by microphyll (65 species), nanophyll (49 species), leptophyll (35 species), and mesophyll (24 species), whereas Periploca aphylla, Capparis decidua, and Cuscuta reflexa were aphyllous in the study area. Phytogeographically, this is a mixture of Saharo-Sindian and Irano-Turanian elements. The dominance of microphylls and nanophylls shows that the area is under biotic pressure and has arid climatic conditions. Further research is needed to identify climate-smart plant species for habitat restoration

Inocybe swatensis sp. nov., is described here based on ITS and LSU sequence data and comparison of its micro- and macromorphological characters with other closely related species. The taxon is characterized by distinctive bicolored, light to dull orangish-brown basidiomata, thick-walled cheilo- and pleurocystidia, small basidia, and angular basidiospores within the Inocybe grammata group. This species occurs as a highly-supported lineage based on phylogenetic analyses of ITS and LSU data. This is the first report of Inocybe section Albodiscae from Asia.

 

This study aimed to conduct an ecological and biological survey of natural populations of sea buckthorn and select promising forms in the Burabai National Park of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The selection was based on the pomological and antioxidant properties of six forms (Hr-01, Hr-02, Hr-03, Hr-04, Hr-05, and Hr-06). The results showed that the highest fruit weight was found in form Hr-1 (21.7±0.8 g), and the lowest fruit weight was found in form Hr-5 (9.3 g±0.09). Fruit length ranged from 5.6 to 8.4 mm, diameter ranged from 4.1 to 6.1 mm, and weight ranged from 9.3 g to 21.7 g. The highest content of total polyphenol was found in forms Hr-04, Hr-02, and Hr-05 (13.60, 12.82, and 12.68 GAE/g, respectively). According to the results of DPPH and FRAP tests, four sea buckthorn forms had high antioxidant activity (Hr-06, Hr-05, Hr-02, Hr-01). The results revealed significant variation in fruit size, weight, and antioxidant activity among the forms. Forms Hr-01, Hr-02, and Hr-06 showed superior pomological characteristics, while Hr-05 and Hr-06 exhibited the highest antioxidant activities and polyphenol content. These selected forms demonstrate potential for further research under ex-situ conditions for applications in agriculture and health promotion.

 

Conservation of plant species diversity is a global issue in both secondary and natural forests. To clarify the effects of different conservation thinning intensities (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35%) on forest growth and species diversity, data from seven mixed forest plots in Dongfanghong Forest Experimental Bureau, Heilongjiang Province, China, were utilized to observe the evolution of natural mixed forests and the diversity of species in the tree, shrub, and herb layers. In all sites, apart from plot F (35% intensity of thinning), diameter at breast height (DBH) was greater than the control site six years after thinning in terms of both the cumulative growth and the yearly growth of DBH. Plot C (20% intensity of thinning) showed the highest growth, with a total DBH growth of 3.394 cm and a DBH annual growth of 0.567 cma-1. Total height growth in all plots was greater than in the control plot, with the highest increase in plot B (15% intensity of thinning). The total growth of tree height was 5.71 m in six years, and the growth of tree height in successive years was 0.95 ma-1. Therefore, it was informed that thinning could significantly affect the diameter distribution and tree height distribution of the forest stand. However, the distribution of the diameter order gradually shifted to the right with the increase in intensity of thinning, and the average productivity of the tree layer of the natural coniferous and broadleaf mixed forests could be increased by the thinning. Overall, species diversity at each thinning sample site improved, but thinning decreased the average biomass of the tree layer. This drop in biomass was proportional to the degree of thinning. Conservation thinning enhances tree productivity and species diversity, promoting large-diameter tree cultivation and natural mixed coniferous and broad second-growth forest growth

The genus Corchorus comprises ca. 74 species of worldwide distribution in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In Pakistan it is represented by eight species including six wild species viz., C. aestuans L., C. depressus L., C. olitorius L., C. pseudo- olitorius Islam & Zaid., C. tridens L., C. trilocularis L., C. fascicularis Lam. and two species namely C. capsularis L. and C. olitorius L. are cultivated as commercial crops. Corchorus species are characterized by hairy petioles, simple, alternate, unlobed leaves with or without awns at the leaf base, mostly symmetrical sometimes slightly to completely asymmetrical, ovate, lanceolate, elliptic, oblong, margin serrate. In addition, the study of leaf venation showed that 1° leaf venation was acrodromous and 2° leaf venation was craspedodromous. Further, leaf epidermal studies in Corchorus manifested paracytic stomatal type followed by anisocytic, tetracytic, anomocytic types and dominant unicellular, attenuate trichomes. Most of the aspects studied were significant to delimit the species consequently an artificial key was designed. The data was also analyzed numerically to perceive the relationship among the species of the genus from Pakistan. This study was conducted to develop an understanding of leaf architecture, venation patterns, and epidermal characters of the genus Corchorus from Pakistan. The data was also found useful as an aid to taxonomic delimitation of the genus Corchorus from Pakistan

Peanut web blotch is one of the more prevalent and rapidly spreading diseases of peanut. In this study, soil samples were collected from different crops and vegetable rhizosphere soils in different regions, and biocontrol fungus F11 was isolated and screened. The strain had a good inhibitory effect on Didymella arachidicola, and it was identified as Talaromyces sayulitensis by morphological identification and molecular biology. The fermentation medium and fermentation conditions were optimized by single factor test, orthogonal test and response surface test. The results showed that the optimum fermentation medium was corn gluten meal 24.33 g·L-1, diammonium hydrogenphosphate 2.56 g·L-1, and CaCO3 1.52 g·L-1. The model was established by Design Expert software, and the bacteriostatic rate under the above conditions was predicted to be 87.92%. The actual inhibition rate obtained after verification was 87.65%, which was close to the predicted value. Compared with 63.95% before optimization, it increased by 23.70%. The optimum fermentation conditions were as follows : liquid volume was 125 mL, temperature was 30°C, and fermentation time was 7 d.

 

The α-amylase enzyme hydrolyzes starch and glycogen into maltose, isomaltose and glucose. It is produced from plants, animals and microbes but microbial α-amylase has the highest commercial and industrial value. Bacillus subtilis was identified on the basis of 16S rRNA. Further, characterization of Bacillus subtilis was done using BLAST tool and phylogenetic tree with MEGA X. Different carbon and nitrogen sources were supplemented to the LB medium. The supplemented LB medium was sterilized and used for the growth of Bacillus subtilis. High yield of α-amylase was produced at 3% molasses and 3% peptone. Alpha Amylase was precipitated at 60% ammonium sulphate concentration then partially purified α-amylase was further purified through column chromatography. The optimum pH and temperature for alpha amylase was found to be 9 and 55°C respectively. Kinetic studies of alpha amylase were performed to check Km and Vmax. values. Impact of different metal ions were observed on α-amylase activity and high α-amylase yield was recorded in the presence of Fe2+ ions. SDS-PAGE technique revealed the molecular weight of α-amylase which was ~46kDa. The purified α-amylase utilized for characterization studies. The role of α-amylase was analyzed in detergent industry with different company detergents. Enzyme activity was estimated by checking release of reducing sugars which had application in textile industry. The enzyme capability with detergents and release of reducing sugars in de-sizing step in textile industry makes alpha amylase suitable for local industries in Pakistan

 

Rising frequency and intensity of forest fires seriously affect biodiversity, air quality, and human safety. The function of the saprophytic fungus Pleurotus citrinopileatus (yellow golden oyster mushroom) in reducing forest fire hazards via efficient breakdown of leaf litter is examined in this work. The study underlines the need of forest management techniques including fuel removal strategies instead of conventional fire suppression techniques, therefore encouraging ecological balance and lowering of fire threats in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). With an eye towards thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to analyze the thermal degradation characteristics of leaf litter, we carried out a series of tests to evaluate the cultivation of P. citrinopileatus utilizing leaf litter as a substrate. Analyzed key parameters such as ash concentration, thermogravimetric response, decommission temperatures, and ignition points to determine the combustibility and safety of leaf litter during burning. Our results show that P. citrinopileatus enzymatic activity improves organic matter content and recycles nutrients, therefore enhancing soil quality and perhaps helping to lower fire hazards related to litter accumulation. Furthermore, discussed are the financial consequences of growing P. citrinopileatus from agricultural waste substrates, therefore stressing its possibilities for local economic growth and employment generation. This study emphasizes both environmental and financial advantages of including fungal growth into sustainable forest management techniques, therefore helping to maximize resource recovery and waste management techniques in forest environments

Cyanobacteria contribute significantly by producing high quality nutrition which could be utilized through biotechnological applications to combat health challenges. This research aimed to identify the cyanobacterial isolates on the basis of morphological features and explore their capacity as a natural resource through comprehensive assessment of biochemical constituents. In the present investigation cyanobacterial species were isolated from microbial consortium proliferated on sediment surface in mangrove habitats at Sandspit and Korangi, along the Karachi coast. A total of seven cyanobacterial isolates were grown in an Artificial Seawater Nutrient (ASN) medium. The isolated species representing filamentous form, belonged to 2 orders and 3 families. The identified species Leptolyngbya tenuis, Leptolyngbya sp. A, Leptolyngbya sp. B, Limnolyngbya circumcreta, Stenomitos frigidus were affiliated to family Leptolyngbyaceae of the order Leptolyngbyales. Whereas, Oxynema thaianum and Phormidium breve under the order Oscillatoriales represented family Microcoleaceae and Oscillatoriaceae respectively. The isolates, Limnolyngbya circumcreta and Stenomitos frigidus are reported for the first time from the Karachi coast, Pakistan. These seven species were analyzed for three major biomolecules namely carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Overall, total carbohydrates, proteins and lipids constituent were in the range of 6.4-31%, 2.1-6.3% and 2.4-20.7% of dry weight biomass respectively. The highest value of carbohydrate was recorded in Limnolyngbya circumcreta (31%). The maximum protein was observed in Leptolyngbya sp. A (6.3%). Whereas, high lipid content was found in Phormidium breve (20.7%). The findings revealed that the carbohydrates of all these species were detected higher than proteins and lipids. Owing to their potential, it can be speculated that isolated cyanobacterial species could be useful as alternative sources for sustainable feed, food, biofuel and other bioproducts

 

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat that causes huge economic losses to wheat production not only on global scale but also in the Hindukush region of Pakistan. Although no significant attention was given to the disease, mainly due to the lack of information on its prevalence in Pakistan, particularly in the Afghanistan bordering Hindukush region. Disease surveillance was carried out to find the status of powdery mildew in the Hindukush region viz. Ex PATA, Ex FATA, Central and South KP of Pakistan during the four wheat seasons in 2019 to 2022. A total of 291 fields (from 22 districts) were covered in 2019, 278 fields (from 21 districts) were surveyed in 2020, 279 fields (from 21 districts) in 2021 and 297 fields (from 23 districts) were covered in 2022. Powdery mildew was detected with high prevalence in 14% fields in Ex PATA where 7% fields were found with high disease, followed by Ex FATA (6%) while the disease was detected in 1% and 2% fields in South and Central KP, respectively. Considering the overall four years, the disease was detected with high prevalence (in 9.0% fields) during 2021 followed by 2022 (8.0% fields), while the disease was found with low pressure (in 2.0% fields) during 2020. Among the surveyed varieties, most had low disease severity with the maximum observed for AAS-2011 and Triticale lines as reveled by the ACI values of 13.3 and 11.4 respectively. The information obtained from the study could be utilized in future breeding programs aimed at developing resistant varieties.

Drought, due to inadequate irrigation or rainfall, poses a significant challenge for cotton production, affecting 45% of global cultivated land, with 19.5% of irrigated areas also facing salinity. The combination of drought and salt stress can lead to substantial yield losses, potentially accounting for up to half of agricultural losses worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted responses of cotton to drought stress, focusing on the interplay of morphophysiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that contribute to enhanced drought tolerance. It highlights the critical roles of solute accumulation, photosynthesis enhancement, and the production of key biochemicals like glycine, betaine, and proline, which mitigate the detrimental effects of drought and salinity. Additionally, the review explores advanced strategies, such as QTL mapping, genetic engineering, and exogenous solute applications, to improve drought resilience. Emphasizing the importance of transcription factors and ABA in regulating key stress responses, this work presents a novel perspective on cotton breeding for drought tolerance, particularly through transgenic approaches aimed at optimizing stress-related gene expression.

 

The goal is to identify Asparagus cochinenchinensis, a significant medicinal plant, and related species using a universal DNA barcode. We evaluated the potential of three widely used regions-ITS, trnH-psbA, and trnD-trnF, as candidate DNA barcodes to distinguish A. cochinchinesis from closely related species and to assess the phylogenetic relationships among 26 accessions representing 10 Asparagus species. The analysis included data on the success rate of PCR amplification, sequence alignment, identification efficiency, genetic distance between and within specific species, data distribution, DNA barcoding gap, and the conditions for maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees condition were all included in the analysis. In the barcoding of asparagus, ITS yielded the best results out of the three loci tested and that the combination of ITS+trnD-trnF+trnH-psbA shows significant potential as a robust, conventional DNA barcode for Asparagus identification. Additionally, the ITS2 secondary structure provides another approach for identifying Asparagus species. These results might validate these methods and aid in accurate species identification for Asparagus medicinal plants