The sustainable fodder production in salt-affected soils is essential for livestock farming in arid regions. Climate change-mediated drought stress is a major challenge, highlighting the urgent need to explore strategies such as phosphorus (P) fertilization to enhance resilience and productivity. This study investigates the effects of three drought stress levels, well-watered (100% field capacity, FC), moderately drought-stressed (80% FC), and severely drought-stressed (60% FC), and three P fertilizer rates (0, 50, and 100 mg kg-1 soil) on the productivity, nutritive value, and İn vitro digestibility of Atriplex nummularia fodder cultivated in semi-arid condition. Drought significantly reduced plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll contents and biomass production of A. nummularia, however, P fertilization enhanced drought tolerance. Drought stress also significantly lowered mineral uptake, higher concentrations of Ca (1.2%), P (0.9%), K (3.4%), Mg (0.9%), and Na (2.0%) were observed under well-watered conditions with P fertilization at 100 mg kg⁻¹ of soil. Under drought, P fertilization increased crude protein (43%), fiber (30-33%), essential amino acids (44-47%) and non-essential amino acids (30-34%) concentrations, decreasing the adverse impacts of drought. Drought alone reduced fodder palatability by 31% and İn vitro digestibility by 18%. In contrast, P fertilization under drought improved palatability by 66% and digestibility by 32% compared to the non-fertilized drought control. The present findings demonstrate that P fertilization can significantly improve yield, nutritional quality, and digestibility of A. nummularia fodder under drought stress in salt-affected soil, offering a practical management strategy for arid-region livestock systems

Ilex verticillata is a deciduous shrub of great ornamental and commercial value owing to the red fruits that hang on its branches in winter. However, little is known about its salinity adaptability and mechanisms. Here, we investigated the mechanism of antioxidant gene expression and enzyme activity responses to salinity in Ilex verticillata under 50-100 mM NaCl treatments. Our results showed I. verticillata cutting seedlings were slightly affected under 50 mM treatment. However, 100mM NaCl inhibited the cutting seedlings growth, damaged chloroplasts and cell structures, and led to O2.- and H2O2 over-accumulated, whereas it was observed that the leaves fell off and new buds grew at NaCl treated for 20 days. In contrast, peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, and AsA (ascorbic acid), GSH (glutathione) contents were significantly enhanced. Therefore, I. verticillata cutting seedlings could tolerate stress as high as 100mM NaCl by wilting young leaves to preserve buds. There were dose effects and time effects in enzyme activities and gene expressions. The enzyme activities (SOD, CAT and APX) and transcript levels (IvCu-ZnSOD, IvCAT and IvAPX) of cutting seedlings were asynchronous under 100mM NaCl treated for 20 days. This may be due to the synthesis and activation of enzymes lagging behind gene expression. This work would provide a reference for the cultivation of new varieties, and the breeding of elite genetic resources for salt tolerance. This is the first detailed report on salinity tolerance in I. verticillata.

 

Phosphorus (P) availability in alkaline soils is often limited due to its fixation and precipitation into insoluble forms. Rock phosphate (RP) is a natural P source, but its effectiveness in alkaline soils is pH constrained. Organic amendments proved to improve RP dissolution and resultantly improved the P availability and plant growth under high pH soils. This study investigated the effects of two RP types namely red (RPR) and brown (RPB) applied alone or in combination with filter cake press mud (FCP) or poultry manure (PM), on P availability and maize growth under alkaline soil conditions. Treatments included RP alone or combined with FCP or PM, plus nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) at recommended rates. A control (N and K only) was included. After 4 weeks of soil incubation, soil pH was measured, and maize was grown in pots containing 10 kg of amended soil. At harvest (60 days after sowing), plant growth parameters and P-related soil and plant traits were assessed. Application of RP alone slightly reduced soil pH, increased total and available P, and enhanced plant growth compared to the control, but had minimal effect on organic carbon. Co-application of FCP or PM with RP further decreased soil pH (3.2 % and 3.52%) and significantly improved soil organic carbon (20% and 40%), P availability (37 % and 50 %), and maize growth in the RP+PM and RP+FCP amended soil respectively. Maximum plant height (99.5 cm), shoot dry biomass (13.30 g) and root dry biomass (5.10 g), leaf P content (0.33 g kg-1), relative growth rate (9.6 g g-1) was observed when FCP was applied in combination with RP red. Among the organic amendments, FCP had a pronounced effect than PM. In conclusion, combining RP with organic amendments-especially FCP—can enhance P availability and uptake by improving soil chemistry, offering a sustainable strategy for managing P nutrition in alkaline soils.

 

Plants in natural ecosystems face various environmental challenges that adversely affect their morphology and physiology, ultimately reducing the productivity of food and vegetable crops. Among these, drought is one of the most damaging factors, affecting plant growth and crop yields and posing a major challenge for sustainable farming. Although many studies have examined plant responses to drought stress, no study has specifically evaluated how pumpkin species respond to varying soil moisture conditions, reflecting the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. This study examined the performance of two pumpkin species, Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo, under different soil moisture gradients. Pot culture experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). Morpho-physiological traits, phytochemical contents, and enzyme/antioxidant activities were assessed for both species at the end of the experiment. The findings indicated that both species showed an overall decrease in plant height under low moisture conditions, although root traits including root length, specific root length (SRL), and root mass fraction (RMF) showed the opposite trend. Biomass accumulation and organ mass allocation were significantly greater in C. pepo compared with C. maxima across all treatments. In contrast, C. maxima produced a higher average fruit mass and a greater number of fruits per plant than C. pepo. Physiological traits, including net assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and specific leaf area (SLA), were also higher in C. pepo under high moisture conditions. Secondary metabolites and total antioxidant activity increased under low moisture conditions and decreased under medium and high moisture conditions. These findings suggest that C. pepo is better adapted to resist drought stress, C. maxima may be more productive in terms of fruit yield under varying moisture regimes. Further research is warranted to investigate both below- and above-ground traits of diverse cultivated species in natural environments. Such studies could improve our understanding of plant responses to drought and help develop strategies to enhance agricultural productivity under water-limited conditions

The most significant limiting nutrient in the production of rice is nitrogen, which has a beneficial impact on rice grain production. A high level of N supply may favor weeds over crop plants. This investigation examined the effect of integrated nitrogen management and weeding practices on weed growth and yield of T. aman rice (cv. BRRI dhan71). Beginning from June to October 2022, the experiment was executed at Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The experiment consisted of five nitrogen levels viz., control (no N), 100% N from prilled urea, 100% N from poultry manure (PM), 50% N from prilled urea + 50% N from PM and application of USG and five weeding practices viz., un-weeded control, weed-free condition, at 35 DAT a single hand weeding including herbicide (Superhit 500 EC (Pretilachlor) herbicide at 1 L ha-1) as pre-emergence, at 35 DAT a one hand weeding herbicide of early post-emergence (Sarinda 18 WP (Acetachlor 14 WP + Bensulfuron methyl 14 WP) @ 500 g ha-1), herbicide of both pre-emergence and early post-emergence. In the experimental fields, 14 species of weeds from 6 families were identified. With the help of USG and pre- and post-emergence herbicides, it was feasible to reduce the density and dry biomass of weeds reasonably. Numerically, the maximum yield (grain, straw (t ha-1) (6.09, 6.50) was produced by using pre-emergence herbicide together with 50% N from urea + 50% N from PM. Pre-emergence and early post-emergence herbicide applications were included in USG, and the results were nearly identical (t ha-1) 5.87 and 6.33. The study's findings may lead to the conclusion that USG combined with pre-emergence along with early post-emergence herbicides can be recommended for controlling weeds. On the other hand, it can be suggested that maximum production of the grain yield of T. aman rice can be achieved by applying pre-emergence herbicide afterward using early post-emergence herbicide combining 50% N from urea and 50% N from PM

Evaluating an area's biological spectrum and phenological behavior is crucial for analyzing its vegetation and responses to climatic variations. This study aimed to assess the floral diversity, biological spectrum, and phenological patterns of the riparian vegetation along the river Panjkora. Data was collected using quadrat quantitative ecological techniques. The size of quadrats varied, with 1×1m², 5×5m² and 10×10m² established for herbs, shrubs, and trees, respectively. In total, 163 genera and 215 species were documented. The dominant class was herbs (82%), followed by trees (11%) and shrubs (7%). Asteraceae was the dominant family, comprising 27 plant species.  Based on life form spectra, therophytes were the most abundant, with 114 species out of 215, while nanophylls were the most dominant, with 91 species based on leaf spectra. Multivariate statistical analyses, such as canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), were used to determine relationships among environmental variables (EC, pH, TDS, K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe) and plant species. Our findings revealed that higher concentrations of EC, pH, TDS, K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Fe were associated with an increased abundance of Therophytes, Chamaephytes, Hemicryptophytes, and Geophytes. The study region exhibits high herb diversity, followed by trees and shrubs, with a substantial mid-domain impact on species and family richness. Furthermore, observations on leaf size and biological spectrum collectively reflect characteristics typical of a widely distributed temperate environment. This study concluded that various environmental and soil gradients influence riparian vegetation, which is clearly linked to the species' genetic processes and natural selection. Future research should explore additional factors affecting riparian vegetation abundance and diversity, such as hydrological dynamics or specific human pressures

Grain legumes, including field pea, contribute significantly to ensuring nutritional security; however, research gaps exist regarding their genetic potential for grain yield under the agro-ecological conditions of Bilecik, Türkiye. Therefore, a two-year screening study comparatively assessed 15 potent genotypes of field pea (KB-211, 21, 39, 55, 70, 79, 90, 95, 104, 110, 124, 141, 153, 161, and 165) and 6 varieties (Tore, Servet, Whistler, Ulubatli, Golyazi, and Kirazli). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed that genotype 39 had the highest harvest index (37.7%), and the Whitler variety exhibited the maximum number of pods per plant (13.9), biological yield (8.92 t ha-1), and straw yield (7.04 t ha-1). However, the Golyazi cultivar showed a maximum seed yield of 2.71 t ha-1 (89% higher than the least performing genotype 21) owing to superior genetic potential and adaptability to soil and environmental conditions. In addition, the correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and significant association between seed yield and physiological maturity (0.537*), biological yield (0.760**), and straw yield (0.607**). Contrastingly, a negative correlation (-0.667**) between seed yield and the number of seeds per pod was recorded, probably owing to a reduction in seed weight with increasing number of seeds per plant. Moreover, the biological yield had the strongest direct association with seed yield, which in turn had linear relationships with straw yield and the number of seeds per pod. Furthermore, as per principal component analysis, PC 1 depicted the eigenvalue of 3.79 and accounted for 47.45% of the variation, while PC 2 had an eigenvalue of 2.13 and accounted for 26.70% of the variation. Based on recorded findings, Golyazi, Whitler, and genotype 39 could be recommended to field pea growers and breeders for developing high-potential cultivars with better adaptability under changing climatic scenarios of global warming and disruption of rainfall patterns.

 

White fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf), a traditional West African cereal, exhibits valuable agronomic traits including a short growth cycle and pronounced drought tolerance. However, researchers have poorly characterized its molecular biology, especially regarding key regulatory gene families such as WRKY transcription factors. This study systematically identified and analyzed the WRKY gene family in D. exilis to clarify its potential role in stress adaptation. We screened the complete D. exilis genome using BLASTP and HMMER, identifying 112 non-redundant DeWRKY genes. Our comprehensive bioinformatic analyses encompassed phylogenetic classification, chromosomal localization, examination of conserved motifs and gene structures, prediction of cis-acting elements, and collinearity assessment. Unevenly distributed across 18 chromosomes, the 112 DeWRKY genes fall into phylogenetic Groups I, II, and III, with Group II constituting the largest clade (44%). This phylogenetic profile aligned with the structure observed in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. Conserved motif analysis detected Motif 1 (the WRKY domain) in all members, with Motif 2 and Motif 4 also appearing frequently. Promoter analysis uncovered abundant cis-elements for stress and hormone responses, especially those involved in drought and abscisic acid signaling. Intra-genomic collinearity analysis highlighted the major contribution of segmental duplications to the expansion of the DeWRKY family. In summary, this work presents the first genome-wide characterization of the WRKY family in D. exilis, addressing a notable knowledge gap. Our findings provide important insights into the genomic architecture and potential regulatory functions of DeWRKY genes in environmental stress responses, thereby establishing a theoretical basis for future functional studies and molecular breeding programs targeting enhanced stress tolerance in crops

Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton (sambac jasmine) of the Oleaceae family is an evergreen perennial plant. It has been used medicinally for a very long time. Traditional medicine has long made use of the several phytochemicals found in Arabian jasmine. The antibacterial and chemical composition of Iraqi-grown Jasminum sambac leaves investigated. Alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and 70% ethanolic extract were used. The GC-MS analysis of the hexane extract revealed many bioactive components, such as vitamin E, stigmasterol, oleic acid, gamma-tocopherol, and alpha-tocopheryl acetate. In order to determine the efficacy against different types of bacteria and fungi antimicrobial experiments were conducted. Tests for antimicrobial action revealed that it effectively suppressed the growth of Candida albicans fungus, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, but had no effect against Klebsiella sp. and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy varied with concentration. The results suggested that secondary metabolites of Jasminum sambac showed pharmaceutical-grade antibacterial activity. The development of new antimicrobial drugs requires more research for the identification of specific chemicals and the processes by which they work

Orchids hold significant ornamental and economic value but face challenges in propagation due to low natural pollination rates, seed germination, and survival. Artificial pollination and in-vitro culture techniques provide an alternate approach to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to develop an effective protocol for artificial pollination and large-scale propagation of the orchid Dendrobium sonia under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions. Healthy, mature, and fully blooming potted D. sonia plants were selected for the artificial pollination experiment. Distinct changes in artificially pollinated flowers were observed, such as wilting of flower petals and a swollen ovary with a color change. Mechanical pollination was calculated as pollination percentage (PP) with 91.72% success across D. Sonia plants, demonstrating its efficiency in controlled breeding programs. After maturation, pods were sterilized, and seeds were sown on two types of MS media for asymbiotic germination. High asymbiotic germination efficiency was observed for D. sonia seeds on both MS media, with seeds turning from white to cream color after 4 days and green color after 15 days. Maximum germination (95.5%) was observed on full MS medium supplemented with PGRs. Plantlets acclimatized in coconut husk + charcoal reached a height of 13.0 cm, compared to 12.8 cm (coconut husk alone) and 10.7 cm (charcoal alone). These findings highlight the potential of this optimized protocol for efficient, large-scale propagation of D. sonia in a semi-controlled environment.

Heritage trees (HTs) are natural and historical legacies that bear witness to the evolution of cities and transformations in human society. However, the development of urbanization and intensified human activities have significantly degraded the survival environment of these trees. Understanding the spatial distribution and ecological conditions of heritage trees is crucial for promoting the sustainable development of regional history, culture, and heritage resources. This study uses Shenzhen, a city undergoing rapid urbanization, as a study to examine the determinants underlying variations in the composition and spatial configuration of heritage trees (HTs) in the post urbanization context. The results indicate that, species of Ficus microcarpa, Cinnamomum camphora, and Dimocarpus longan dominate the heritage trees population in Shenzhen, collectively accounting for 64.57% of the total, and the majority are less than 300 years old, comprising 94.57% of the total. The highest density of heritage trees is observed in central Dapeng new district, with substantial spatial heterogeneity and a significant positive spatial autocorrelation. The spatial configuration of heritage trees is influenced by multiple factors, ranked by degree of impact as follows, population density > elevation > slope > road density > NDVI > land use > slope direction > water sources. Results revealed that human factors exert a dominant influence on the growth of heritage trees, surpassing natural factors. These findings provide a scientific basis for protecting the healthy growth of heritage trees, supporting sustainable resource management, and informing conservation strategies for ancient and valuable trees in Shenzhen

Olive cultivation has gained popularity in Pakistan in past decade due to its value for table use and oil extraction whereas, Balochistan is considered suitable for the olive cultivation. The study was carried out at Balochistan Agriculture Research and Development Centre (BARDC), aimed to assess four olive variety i.e., Arbosana, Leccino, Arbiquina, Pendolino, for potential yield and adaptability of the olive production under climatic condition of Quetta. key morphological and yields traits observed included, trunk girth, plant height, canopy spread, fruit girth, fruit length, fruit weight per plant and oil percentage. It was notable that, Pendolino displayed excellent canopy spread and plant height 3.115 and 3.3 m respectively, moreover var. Leccino and var. Pendolino showed excellent fruit development, as shown by length (both 2 cm), and girth (1.6 and 1.5 cm) alongwith highest weight of fruit per plant, 5 and 7 kg while minimum fruit weight per plant was found in Arbiquina (2.75 kg), respectively. Oil content was found to be maximum in Leccino 15 % and minimum in Arbosana 12.4%. Variety Leccino along with Pendolino were found to be best performing varieties in terms of morphological and yields traits under Agro-Ecological zone of Quetta.The research is beneficial to olive growers and researchers about determining appropriate cultivar to be used in that area. In the same way, the outcome was a benchmark on future varietal improvement and olive cultivation in Balochistan.

 

Climate change significantly delays the natural maturing process of the Bisir-stage date palm fruits on the tree. This problem causes high postharvest losses. In order to combat it, the unripe Bisir fruits are ripened using the traditional methods such as open-sun drying, curing and solar tunnel drying. These methods are however constrained by temperature and humidity variation. This study aimed to develop safe laboratory method for the artificial ripening of unripe Bisir fruits. An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of different incubation temperatures (40, 45, and 50°C) on the ripening of unripe Bisir fruits from five commercial date palm cultivars: Khalas, Helali, Barhi, Ruziez, and Sheshi. The results showed that fruits incubated at 45 and 50°C ripened within three days without loss of quality. Measurements of fruit and pulp weight, size, pH, color, firmness, moisture content, total soluble solids, sugar composition, phenol content, and tannin levels were comparable to those of naturally ripened Tamer fruits. Therefore, the findings suggest that incubation at 45 or 50°C provides an effective method for artificial ripening of unripe date palm Bisir fruits

Endangered endemic plants face critical survival challenges, often hindered by reproductive barriers such as deep seed dormancy. Current study provides a meaningful contribution to conservation –by optimization of micropropagation protocol for Jasminum leptophyllum Rafiq, a critically endangered species– overcoming its major propagation constraint. A dual pre-treatment of sulfuric acid scarification followed by culture on a simplified, sucrose-free half-strength MS medium increased germination from 26.9% to 38.5%. Shoot multiplication was achieved with 0.4 mg/L BAP for multiple bud induction, while a previously unreported response was observed using 3 mg/L BAP + 4 mg/L Kinetin combination significantly enhanced shoot elongation. Rooting was most efficient with 1.6 mg/L NAA or IAA, producing robust roots within 16 days. Crucially, genetic fidelity of regenerated plants was rigorously validated using RAPD and SCoT markers, confirming true-to-type propagation and ensuring preservation of the species genetic integrity. This robust verification underlines the protocol’s reliability for ex situ conservation and potential reintroduction programs. By integrating an effective regeneration system with comprehensive genetic fidelity assessment, this study not only safeguards J. leptophyllum but also establishes a model framework for conserving other rare, recalcitrant taxa. This work represents a significant advancement in plant conservation biotechnology, demonstrating that high-efficiency micropropagation can be combined with molecular verification to secure the future of endangered plants.

 

This research examined the distribution and transfer of lead (Pb) through environmental and biological matrices in agricultural areas of Bhalwal, Punjab (Pakistan), with special attention to the effects of their source of irrigation. Water, soil, cereal crops (Triticum aestivum, Linum usitatissimum, Zea mays, Avena sativa, and Pennisetum glaucum), and human blood samples were taken from sites irrigated with municipal wastewater (MWW), canal water (CW) and groundwater (GW). Pb concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and statistical analyses were used to explore spatial variability and correlation amongst the matrices. PB concentrations in irrigation water were from 0.0002 to 0.016 mg/L and remained below the WHO permissible limit (0.5 mg/L). Pb concentrations in soil (24.1–32.5 mg/kg) were above the WHO limit (10 mg/kg), indicating significant contamination of wastewater-irrigated sites. Pb concentrations in cereal crops varied from 0.18 to 0.42 mg/kg and exhibited crop-specific and site-specific differences, with L. usitatissimum and P. glaucum accumulating higher Pb concentrations. Pb concentrations in human blood samples varied from 0.0003 to 0.006 mg/L, with the highest concentrations occurring at MWW sites. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values (2.97–3.99) were above unity, suggesting contamination, while Health Risk Index (HRI) values (0.48–0.62) were below 1.0, indicating no direct health risk

Traditional similarity methods in small-molecule mass spectrometry are severely hindered by a three-order-of-magnitude signal disparity between high-abundance backbone ions (relative intensity >10%) and low-abundance characteristic ions (relative intensity

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized from Nerium oleander L. leaves extract as a biological nano-insecticide against Trogoderma granarium, commonly known as the khapra beetle, T. granarium poses a significant threat to global food security due to its destructive impact on stored grains. This approach offers a safe and natural alternative to chemical pesticides for controlling insects. The evaluation was conducted at various temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 40°C) using several concentrations of nano iron oxide: 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm. The exposure periods were set at 24, 48, and 72 hours. A direct method was employed to determine the impact of these nanoparticles on the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages of the insect. The research specifically evaluated the effectiveness of iron oxide nanoparticles in preventing egg hatching. The highest inhibition rate was recorded at a concentration of 4000 ppm, reaching 100% at temperatures of 35°C and 40°C after 72 h of exposure. Additionally, these nanoparticles exhibited significant insecticidal activity against larvae under all tested conditions. At temperatures of 25°C and 35°C, larval mortality reached 100% at a concentration of 4000 ppm after 72 h. At 40°C, however, 100% mortality was achieved at a concentration of 3000 ppm after the same exposure period. Mortality rates for pupae at 4000 ppm were observed to be 50%, 73.66%, and 100% after 72 h at temperatures of 25°C, 35°C, and 40°C, respectively. The highest adult mortality, which reached 100%, was noted at 4000 ppm after 24 h at 35°C. These findings highlight the potential of N. oleander as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent for managing T. granarium infestations.

 

 

 

 

 

The application of endophytic bacteria within agriculture demonstrates significant potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and potential alternatives to pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The microbial approach is increasing accessibility of nutrients for plants that is crucial for sustainable agriculture and other farming practices. The current study was performed to focus on isolation, molecular identification and assessment of plant growth promoting traits of endophytic bacteria from Fagonia indica roots. Four bacterial strains, Siccibacter colletis, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas canadensis and Staphylococcus warneri coded as MI-1, MI-2, MI-3, and MI-4 strains were identified and assessed for plant growth promoting assays such as siderophores production, phosphate solubilization, IAA production and extracellular enzyme activities along with HCN and antifungal activity under İn vitro conditions. These bacteria were also characterized morphologically and biochemically. The results revealed that MI-4 was identified as Gram-positive, whereas the others were Gram-negative and biological aspects demonstrated multiple plant growth-promoting traits. All the bacterial strains were efficient phosphate solubilizers, MI-4 produced siderophores, all strains showed positive results for IAA, ammonia and HCN production. Antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Aspergillus niger was exhibited by all the selected bacterial strains. Enzyme assays confirmed pectinase and protease activities. Application of endophytic bacterial strains on Triticum aestivum significantly increases root and shoot growth İn vitro. This research emphasizes the ability of endophytic bacteria role as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents, promoting and improving the sustainable agricultural practices by increasing the plant growth and reducing the attack of plant pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern due to antibiotic misuse. The prevalence of drug resistance has drawn attention to the antibacterial qualities of plants and their metabolites. Punica granatum and Nigella sativa are well-known plant species for their bioactive antimicrobial phytochemicals. However, the current research does not provide enough insight into the specific interactions between these phytochemicals and bacterial target proteins. The present study employed molecular docking to investigate the likely interactions of bioactive phytochemicals from P. granatum and N. sativa with the known antibacterial target proteins to fill this critical missing link. The drug-likeliness of the phytochemicals was predicted by SwissADME. Among the tested phytochemicals, punicalin, a compound unique to P. granatum, exhibited the highest binding affinity (-19.4 kcal/mol) followed by dithymoquinone (-12.9 kcal/mol), derived from N. sativa for iron-regulated surface determinant protein A of Staphylococcus aureus. Nonetheless, SwissADME predicted more favorable drug-likeness properties for dithymoquinone than punicalin. To validate the predicted results, powdered samples of N. sativa and P. granatum were extracted separately in methanol, ethyl acetate, and distilled water. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey HSD test was calculated at p ≤ 0.05 to measure statistically significant differences among the means. In a well diffusion assay, the combination of methanolic extracts of P. granatum and N. sativa showed significantly the highest value (2.71 cm) of bacterial growth inhibition zone compared to the rest of the extracts, whereas the lowest value of bacterial growth inhibition zone was shown by aqueous extract of N. sativa (0.39 cm). Similar results were recorded in the disc diffusion assay. These results indicate that combining P. granatum and N. sativa extracts leads to synergistic antimicrobial activity against S. aureus which may prove a promising strategy for combating AMR.

 

Karst ecosystems are characterized by shallow soils, rapid water loss, and frequent seasonal drought, posing significant challenges to the growth and sustainability of medicinal plants. To investigate drought-induced morphological adjustment patterns in karst medicinal species, a controlled pot experiment was conducted using two representative plants, Bulbophyllum odoratissimum and Pyrrosia petiolosa. Five soil moisture gradients were applied to simulate increasing drought intensity. Key morphological traits, stomatal density, and root and aboveground biomass were measured to evaluate plant responses to water deficit. The results showed that increasing drought stress significantly affected all measured morphological indices and biomass parameters in both species (P < 0.05). Under extreme drought conditions, aboveground biomass declined by 54.19% in B. odoratissimum and 57.40% in P. petiolosa, while root biomass decreased by 42.19% and 42.55%, respectively. Leaf length, width, thickness, and area exhibited progressive reductions with increasing drought severity. In contrast, stomatal density displayed a unimodal response, increasing under mild to moderate drought and declining under severe drought stress. Notably, the magnitude of variation in most morphological traits and stomatal density was greater in P. petiolosa than in B. odoratissimum. These findings indicate species-specific differences in drought sensitivity, with B. odoratissimum exhibiting relatively lower morphological sensitivity to drought stress compared to P. petiolosa. The study highlights the utility of integrative morphological indicators for assessing drought response strategies in medicinal plants and provides a scientific basis for the selection and management of drought-tolerant species in karst environments