Genome-wide survey of KT/HAK/KUP genes in the genus Citrullus and analysis of their involvement in K+-deficiency and drought stress responses in between C. lanatus and C. amarus.

BACKGROUND: The KT/HAK/KUP is the largest K+ transporter family in plants, playing crucial roles in K+ absorption, transport, and defense against environmental stress. Sweet watermelon is an economically significant horticultural crop belonging to the genus Citrullus, with a high demand for K+ during its growth process. However, a comprehensive analysis of the KT/HAK/KUP gene family in watermelon has not been reported. RESULTS: 14 KT/HAK/KUP genes were identified in the genomes of each of seven Citrullus species. These KT/HAK/KUPs in watermelon were unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes. Segmental duplication is the primary driving force behind the expansion of the KT/HAK/KUP family, subjected to purifying selection during domestication (Ka/Ks < 1), and all KT/HAK/KUPs exhibit conserved motifs and could be phylogenetically classified into four groups. The promoters of KT/HAK/KUPs contain numerous cis-regulatory elements related to plant growth and development, phytohormone response, and stress response. Under K+ deficiency, the growth of watermelon seedlings was significantly inhibited, with cultivated watermelon experiencing greater impacts (canopy width, redox enzyme activity) compared to the wild type. All KT/HAK/KUPs in C. lanatus and C. amarus exhibit specific expression responses to K+-deficiency and drought stress by qRT-PCR. Notably, ClG42_07g0120700/CaPI482276_07g014010 were predominantly expressed in roots and were further induced by K+-deficiency and drought stress. Additionally, the K+ transport capacity of ClG42_07g0120700 under low K+ stress was confirmed by yeast functional complementation assay. CONCLUSIONS: KT/HAK/KUP genes in watermelon were systematically identified and analyzed at the pangenome level and provide a foundation for understanding the classification and functions of the KT/HAK/KUPs in watermelon plants.

Transcriptome sequencing analysis of gene expression in phosphate-solubilizing bacterium 'N3' and grafted watermelon plants coping with toxicity induced by cadmium.

Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful metal in soil, and reducing Cd accumulation in plants has become a vital prerequisite for maintaining food safety. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can not only improve plant growth but also inhibit the transportation of metals to roots. However, data on gene expression in PSB Burkholderia sp. strain 'N3' and grafted watermelon plants dealing with Cd remain to be elucidated. In this study, core genes and metabolic pathways of strain 'N3' and grafted plants were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. Results showed that 356 and 2527 genes were upregulated in 'N3' and grafted watermelon plants, respectively, whereas 514 and 1540 genes were downregulated in 'N3' and grafted watermelon plants, respectively. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that signal transduction, inorganic ion transport, cell motility, amino acid transport, and metabolism pathways were marked in 'N3'. However, pathways such as secondary metabolite biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction process, electron transfer activity, and channel regulator activity were marked in the grafted plants. Six genes related to pentose phosphate, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis metabolism were upregulated in the grafted plants. This study paves the way for developing potential strategies to improve plant growth under Cd toxicity.

Research on terahertz image analysis of thin-shell seeds based on semantic segmentation.

Assessing crop seed phenotypic traits is essential for breeding innovations and germplasm enhancement. However, the tough outer layers of thin-shelled seeds present significant challenges for traditional methods aimed at the rapid assessment of their internal structures and quality attributes. This study explores the potential of combining terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy and imaging with semantic segmentation models for the rapid and non-destructive examination of these traits. A total of 120 watermelon seed samples from three distinct varieties, were curated in this study, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of both their outer layers and inner kernels. Utilizing a transmission imaging modality, THz spectral images were acquired and subsequently reconstructed employing a correlation coefficient method. Deep learning-based SegNet and DeepLab V3+ models were employed for automatic tissue segmentation. Our research revealed that DeepLab V3+ significantly surpassed SegNet in both speed and accuracy. Specifically, DeepLab V3+ achieved a pixel accuracy of 96.69 % and an intersection over the union of 91.3 % for the outer layer, with the inner kernel results closely following. These results underscore the proficiency of DeepLab V3+ in distinguishing between the seed coat and kernel, thereby furnishing precise phenotypic trait analyses for seeds with thin shells. Moreover, this study accentuates the instrumental role of deep learning technologies in advancing agricultural research and practices.

Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of Lectin Receptor-like Kinase Genes in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus).

Watermelon is one of the most important edible plants worldwide. Owing to its special cultivation conditions, watermelon is exposed to many biological and abiotic stresses during its development. Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are plant-specific membrane proteins that play important roles in sensing and responding to environmental stimuli. Although the LecRLK gene family has been identified in a variety of plants, a comprehensive analysis has not yet been undertaken in watermelon. In this study, 61 putative LecRLK genes were identified in watermelon, consisting of 36 G-type, 24 L-type, and 1 C-type LecRLK genes. They were distributed in clusters on chromosomes, and members from the same subfamily were mostly clustered together. The analysis of the phylogenetic tree and conserved motif indicated that there were obvious differences among three ClaLecRLK subfamilies, and there was also rich diversity in the C-terminal within subfamilies. A collinear analysis revealed that the evolution of the ClaLecRLK gene family in different Cucurbitaceae crops was asynchronous. Furthermore, the analysis of the ClaLecRLK protein structure showed that not all proteins contained signal peptides and a single transmembrane domain. A subcellular localization assay confirmed that the number and position of transmembrane domains did not affect ClaLecRLK protein localization in cells. Transcriptome data revealed distinct expression patterns of LecRLK genes of watermelon in various tissues, and their responses to different fungi infection were also significantly different. Finally, the potential binding sites of the ClaLecRLK genes targeted by miRNA were predicted. This study enhances the understanding of the characteristics and functions of the LecRLK gene family in watermelon and opens up the possibility of exploring the roles that LecRLK genes may play in the life cycle of Cucurbitaceae plants.

Mechanisms of Cadmium stress response in watermelon: Insights from physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analyses.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soil may lead to Cd stress for plants, which significantly hinders plant growth and development, posing a risk to human health through the consumption of Cd-contaminated foods. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a widely consumed fruit, is particularly affected by Cd stress globally, yet the mechanisms underlying its response are not well understood. Here, we subjected watermelon seedlings to simulated Cd stress treatment and explored the physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic response. Our findings revealed that Cd stress treatment led to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in watermelon leaves. Transcriptome sequencing unveiled a multitude of osmotic and oxidative stress-responsive genes, including peroxidase (POD), MYB, voltage-dependent anion channel (SLAC1), and ABC transporter. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted the predominant enrichment of Cd stress-responsive genes in pathways such as glutathione (GSH) metabolism, MAPK signaling, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Within the GSH metabolism pathway, several glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes were up-regulated, alongside phytochelatin synthetase (PCS) genes involved in phytochelatin synthesis. In the MAPK signaling pathway, genes associated with ABA and ethylene signal transduction showed up-regulation following Cd stress. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that Cd stress enhanced the production of amino acids, phenolamines, and esters. Overall, our study elucidates that watermelon responds to Cd stress by activating its antioxidant system, GSH metabolism pathway, MAPK signal pathway, and biosynthesis of key metabolites. These findings offer valuable insights for the remediation of heavy metal pollution in soil affecting plant life.

Rapid and nondestructive watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed viability detection based on visible near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology and machine learning algorithms.

The improper storage of seeds can potentially compromise agricultural productivity, leading to reduced crop yields. Therefore, assessing seed viability before sowing is of paramount importance. Although numerous techniques exist for evaluating seed conditions, this research leveraged hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology as an innovative, rapid, clean, and precise nondestructive testing method. The study aimed to determine the most effective classification model for watermelon seeds. Initially, purchased watermelon seeds were segregated into two groups: One underwent sterilization in a dehydrator machine at 40°C for 36 h, whereas the other batch was stored under favorable conditions. Watermelon seeds' spectral images were captured using an HSI with a charge-coupled device camera ranging from 400 to 1000 nm, and the segmented regions of all samples were measured. Preprocessing techniques and wavelength selection methods were applied to manage spectral data workload, followed by the implementation of a support vector machine (SVM) model. The initial hybrid-SVM model achieved a predictive accuracy rate of 100%, with a test set accuracy of 92.33%. Subsequently, an artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization was introduced to enhance model precision. The results indicated that, with kernel parameters (c, g) set at 13.17 and 0.01, respectively, and a runtime of 4.19328 s, the training and evaluation of the dataset achieved an accuracy rate of 100%. Hence, it was practical to utilize HSI technology combined with the PCA-ABC-SVM model to detect different watermelon seeds. As a result, these findings introduce a novel technique for accurately forecasting seed viability, intended for use in agricultural industrial multispectral imaging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The traditional methods for determining the condition of seeds primarily emphasize aesthetics, rely on subjective assessment, are time-consuming, and require a lot of labor. On the other hand, HSI technology as green technology was employed to alleviate the aforementioned problems. This work significantly contributes to the field of industrial multispectral imaging by enhancing the capacity to discern various types of seeds and agricultural crop products.

Effects of wheat intercropping on growth and occurrence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon.

Watermelon is commonly affected by Fusarium wilt in a monoculture cropping system. Wheat intercropping alleviates the affection of Fusarium wilt of watermelon. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of wheat and watermelon intercropping on watermelon growth and Fusarium wilt. Our results showed that wheat and watermelon intercropping promoted growth, increased chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis of watermelon. Meanwhile, wheat and watermelon intercropping inhibited watermelon Fusarium wilt occurrence, decreased spore numbers, increased root vigor, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in watermelon roots. Additionally, wheat and watermelon intercropping enhanced the bacterial colonies and total microbes growth in soil, decreased fungi and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) colonies, and increased soil enzyme activities in watermelon rhizosphere soil. Our results indicated that wheat and watermelon intercropping enhanced watermelon growth and decreased the incidence of Fusarium wilt in watermelon. These effects could be due to intercropping inducing physiological changes, regulating soil enzyme activities, and/or modulating soil microbial communities.

Pollination services to crops of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) in the coastal region of Jalisco, Mexico.

Bees play a pivotal role as pollinators in crops essential for human consumption. However, the global decline in bee populations poses a significant threat to pollination services and food security worldwide. The loss and degradation of habitats due to land use change are primary factors contributing to bee declines, particularly in tropical forests facing high deforestation rates. Here, we evaluate the pollination services provided to crops of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa) in three municipalities in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, a place with Tropical Dry Forest, during years 2008, and 2014 to 2017. Both crops are cultivated in the dry season, approximately during the months of November to March. We describe the composition of the pollinator community and their visitation frequency (measured through the number of visits per flower per hour), and we assess the impact of pollinators on plant reproductive success and the level of pollinator dependence for each crop species (measured through the number of flowers that developed into fruits). We also evaluate how the landscape configuration (through the percentage of forest cover and distance to the forest) influences richness and abundance of pollinators (measured as number of species and individuals of pollinators per line of 50 m), and we use the model Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) to map and value the pollination service in both crops. InVEST Crop pollination model is a simulation focuses on wild pollinators providing the pollinator ecosystem service. Our findings indicate that Apis mellifera was the primary pollinator of both crops, one of the few abundant pollinators in the study region during the dry season. In experiments where pollinators were excluded from flowers, watermelon yielded no fruits, while green tomato experienced a 65% reduction in production. In the case of green tomato, fruit set showed a positive correlation with pollinator abundance. A positive association between forest cover and total pollinator abundance was observed in green tomato in 2008, but not in watermelon. Additionally, a positive relationship was observed between the abundance of bees predicted by the InVEST model and the abundance of bees observed in green tomato flowers in 2008. In the study region, green tomato and watermelon rely on pollinators for fruit production, with honeybees (from feral and managed colonies) acting as the primary provider of pollination services for these crops. Consequently, the conservation of natural areas is crucial to provide food and nesting resources for pollinators. By doing so, we can ensure the diversity and abundance of pollinators, which in turn will help secure food security. The findings of this study underscore the critical need for the conservation of natural areas to support pollinator populations. Policymakers should prioritize the protection and restoration of habitats, particularly tropical forests, which are essential for maintaining the diversity and abundance of pollinators.

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Fruit Weight (FW) in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.).

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) holds substantial economic value as a globally cultivated horticultural crop. However, the genetic architecture of watermelon fruit weight (FW) remains poorly understood. In this study, we used sh14-11 with small fruit and N14 with big fruit to construct 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Based on whole-genome resequencing (WGR), 218,127 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected to construct a high-quality genetic map. After quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, a candidate interval of 31-38 Mb on chromosome 2 was identified for FW. Simultaneously, the bulked segregant analysis (BSA) in the F2 population corroborated the identification of the same interval, encompassing the homologous gene linked to the known FW-related gene fas. Additionally, RNA-seq was carried out across 11 tissues from sh14-11 and N14, revealing expression profiles that identified 1695 new genes and corrected the annotation of 2941 genes. Subsequent differential expression analysis unveiled 8969 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 354 of these genes exhibiting significant differences across four key developmental stages. The integration of QTL mapping and differential expression analysis facilitated the identification of 14 FW-related genes, including annotated TGA and NAC transcription factors implicated in fruit development. This combined approach offers valuable insights into the genetic basis of FW, providing crucial resources for enhancing watermelon cultivation.

Accuracy of Declared Salt Content on Traffic Light Labelling of Nuts and Seeds in Isfahan, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the importance of the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and higher consumption of salt among the Iranian population than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the salt mentioned in the traffic light labelling of nuts and seeds. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 53 packaged nuts and seeds, including 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, and 10 samples of pumpkin, pistachios, almond, sunflower, peanut, and watermelon nuts and seeds, respectively, with traffic light labelling, were randomly purchased from several local markets in Isfahan, Iran. The amount of sodium was measured by the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy technique and then multiplied by 2.5 to achieve the amount of salt. RESULTS: Varying levels of traffic light labeling value accuracy were observed in most of the samples. In the almond, pistachio, peanut, and watermelon groups, the average amount of laboratory value had a statistically significant difference with the label value (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the salt content of 82% of the studied samples had discrepancies with the values stated on the traffic light labelling. The presentation of an accurate amount of salt content is essential for promoting healthy eating habits and enabling individuals to make informed choices about their diet. It is recommended that regulatory authorities should review labelling guidelines and enforce stricter compliance to ensure accurate representation of salt content on packaged foods.

Telomere-to-telomere Citrullus super-pangenome provides direction for watermelon breeding.

To decipher the genetic diversity within the cucurbit genus Citrullus, we generated telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of 27 distinct genotypes, encompassing all seven Citrullus species. This T2T super-pangenome has expanded the previously published reference genome, T2T-G42, by adding 399.2 Mb and 11,225 genes. Comparative analysis has unveiled gene variants and structural variations (SVs), shedding light on watermelon evolution and domestication processes that enhanced attributes such as bitterness and sugar content while compromising disease resistance. Multidisease-resistant loci from Citrullus amarus and Citrullus mucosospermus were successfully introduced into cultivated Citrullus lanatus. The SVs identified in C. lanatus have not only been inherited from cordophanus but also from C. mucosospermus, suggesting additional ancestors beyond cordophanus in the lineage of cultivated watermelon. Our investigation substantially improves the comprehension of watermelon genome diversity, furnishing comprehensive reference genomes for all Citrullus species. This advancement aids in the exploration and genetic enhancement of watermelon using its wild relatives.

[Effects of Biochar Application on the Structure and Function of Fungal Community in Continuous Cropping Watermelon Soil].

This study was conducted to clarify the long-term effects of biochar application on the structure and function of the fungal community in continuous cropping watermelon soil. Taking watermelon root soil as the research object, Illumina NovaSeq high-throughput sequencing and FUNGuild platform were used to analyze the differences in soil fungal community composition, diversity, and function after 3-year biochar additions of 7.5, 15.0, and 30.0 t·hm-2 and to explore the correlation between soil environmental factors and fungal community structure under the control of biochar. The results showed that compared to that in the absence of biochar (control), the soil pH, available phosphorus, available potassium, total nitrogen, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity increased, but available nitrogen decreased with biochar addition. High-throughput sequencing results showed that biochar amendment improved the fungal community structure in continuous cropping watermelon soil and increased the richness and diversity of soil fungi. A total of 922 OTU were obtained from all soil samples, and the species annotation results indicated that the dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Glomeromycota, with these phyla accounting for 85.70 %-92.45 % of the total sequences.The relative abundance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota decreased, whereas the abundance of Mortierellomycota and Glomeromycota increased with biochar addition.At the genus level, the application of biochar increased the relative abundance of Mortierella and Rhizophlyctis but decreased the abundance of Fusarium. The Mantel test showed that soil available potassium, available nitrogen, organic matter, and pH were the main environmental factors leading to the shift in the soil fungal community composition.The functional prediction with FUNGuild showed that the many nutrient types among the different treatments were saprotrophic, pathotrophic, and symbiotrophic. The relative abundance of pathotrophs significantly decreased, but the abundance of symbiotrophs significantly increased with the medium and high doses of biochar treatment. In conclusion, the application of biochar changed the soil physicochemical properties, promoted the development of soil fungal community structure and functional groups in a healthy and beneficial direction, and improved the quality of continuous cropping watermelon soil.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by inducing watermelon roots secretion phthalates, altering soil enzyme activity and bacterial community composition to alleviate the watermelon wilt.

BACKGROUND: Long-term continuous cropping has resulted in the frequent occurrence of fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). AMF inoculation can alleviate the continuous cropping barrier and reduce the incidence of fusarium wilt of watermelon. Our previous study found that the root exudates of mycorrhizal watermelon can enhance watermelon resistance to this disorder. It is necessary to further isolate and identify the specific compounds in root exudates of mycorrhizal watermelon and explore their control effects on fusarium wilt of continuous cropping watermelon. RESULT: The results of this study showed that the root system of watermelon seedlings inoculated with AMF (Funneliformis mosseae or Glomus versiforme) secreted diisooctyl phthalate (A) and dibutyl phthalate (B). Compared with water treatment, treatment with 0.1 ml/L (A1, B1), 0.5 ml/L (A2, B2) and 1 ml/L (A3, B3) of A or B significantly increased soil enzyme activities, the numbers of bacteria and actinomycetes, and the bacteria/fungi ratio in the rhizosphere. Furthermore, the Disease indexes (DI) of A1 and B3 were 25% and 20%, respectively, while the prevention and control effects (PCE) were 68.8% and 75%, respectively. In addition, diisooctyl phthalate or dibutyl phthalate increased the proportions of Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria in the rhizosphere of continuous cropping watermelon, and decreased the proportions of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with Novosphingobium, Kaistobacter, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter as the predominant bacteria. Compared with the water treatment, the abundance of Neosphingosaceae, Kateybacterium and Bacillus in the A1 group was increased by 7.33, 2.14 and 2.18 times, respectively, while that in the B2 group was increased by 60.05%, 80.24% and 1 time, respectively. In addition, exogenous diisooctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were shown to promote growth parameters (vine length, stem diameter, fresh weight and dry weight) and antioxidant enzyme system activities (SOD, POD and CAT) of continuous cropping watermelon. CONCLUSION: Lower watermelon fusarium wilt incidence in mycorrhizal watermelons was associated with phthalate secretion in watermelons after AMF inoculation. Exogenous diisooctyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate could alleviate the continuous cropping disorder of watermelon, reduce the incidence of fusarium wilt, and promote the growth of watermelon by increasing the enzyme activities and the proportion of beneficial bacteria in rhizosphere soil. In addition, the low concentration of phthalate diisooctyl and high concentration of phthalic acid dibutyl works best. Therefore, a certain concentration of phthalates in the soil can help alleviate continuous cropping obstacles.

Synthetic community derived from grafted watermelon rhizosphere provides protection for ungrafted watermelon against Fusarium oxysporum via microbial synergistic effects.

BACKGROUND: Plant microbiota contributes to plant growth and health, including enhancing plant resistance to various diseases. Despite remarkable progress in understanding diseases resistance in plants, the precise role of rhizosphere microbiota in enhancing watermelon resistance against soil-borne diseases remains unclear. Here, we constructed a synthetic community (SynCom) of 16 core bacterial strains obtained from the rhizosphere of grafted watermelon plants. We further simplified SynCom and investigated the role of bacteria with synergistic interactions in promoting plant growth through a simple synthetic community. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the SynCom significantly enhanced the growth and disease resistance of ungrafted watermelon grown in non-sterile soil. Furthermore, analysis of the amplicon and metagenome data revealed the pivotal role of Pseudomonas in enhancing plant health, as evidenced by a significant increase in the relative abundance and biofilm-forming pathways of Pseudomonas post-SynCom inoculation. Based on in vitro co-culture experiments and bacterial metabolomic analysis, we selected Pseudomonas along with seven other members of the SynCom that exhibited synergistic effects with Pseudomonas. It enabled us to further refine the initially constructed SynCom into a simplified SynCom comprising the eight selected bacterial species. Notably, the plant-promoting effects of simplified SynCom were similar to those of the initial SynCom. Furthermore, the simplified SynCom protected plants through synergistic effects of bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the SynCom proliferate in the rhizosphere and mitigate soil-borne diseases through microbial synergistic interactions, highlighting the potential of synergistic effects between microorganisms in enhancing plant health. This study provides a novel insight into using the functional SynCom as a promising solution for sustainable agriculture. Video Abstract.

Optimization of thermosonication conditions for critical quality parameters of watermelon juice using response surface methodology.

Topical consumer interest in natural, healthier, safer and nutritional juice, has inspired the search for innovative technologies that can minimize product degradation. In this regard, thermosonication has been proposed as a potential processing technology that can preserve and produce "fresh" products. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice is a nutrient-rich fruit juice that is desired by consumers due to its appealing color, pleasant odor, sweet taste and low-calorie content. This fruit juice is, however, highly perishable and prone to microorganisms, because of its neutral pH value and high amount of water activity. In addition, it is thermo-sensitive and therefore degrades quickly under thermal processing. This study aimed to identify the optimal thermosonication processing conditions for retaining the critical quality parameters (lycopene, ß-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic content) of watermelon juice. Response surface methodology, employing a central composite design, was used to determine the effects of temperature (18-52 °C), processing time (2-13 min) and amplitude level (24-73 µm) at a constant frequency of 25 kHz. The highest quality parameters were obtained at 25 °C, 2 min, and 24 µm at a constant frequency of 25 kHz, which resulted in lycopene of 8.10 mg/100 g, ß-carotene of 0.19 mg/100 g, ascorbic acid of 3.11 mg/100 g and total polyphenolic content of 23.96 mg/GAE/g with a desirability of 0.81. The proposed model was adequate (p < 0.0001), with a satisfactory determination coefficient (R2) of less than 0.8 for all phytochemicals. Thermosonicated watermelon juice samples showed minimal changes in their phytochemical properties, when compared to fresh juices; the lycopene content showed a significant increase after thermosonication, and a significant retention of ß-carotene, ascorbic acid and total polyphenolic acid was observed. According to the findings, thermosonication could be a viable method for preserving watermelon juice, with minimal quality loss and improved functional attributes.

Watermelon: setup and validation of an in silico fragment-based approach.

We present a new computational approach, named Watermelon, designed for the development of pharmacophore models based on receptor structures. The methodology involves the sampling of potential hotspots for ligand interactions within a protein target's binding site, utilising molecular fragments as probes. By employing docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the most significant interactions formed by these probes within distinct regions of the binding site are identified. These interactions are subsequently transformed into pharmacophore features that delineates key anchoring sites for potential ligands. The reliability of the approach was experimentally validated using the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) enzyme. The generated pharmacophore model captured features representing ligand-MAGL interactions observed in various X-ray co-crystal structures and was employed to screen a database of commercially available compounds, in combination with consensus docking and MD simulations. The screening successfully identified two new MAGL inhibitors with micromolar potency, thus confirming the reliability of the Watermelon approach.

Effects of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus extracts on glucose level, lipid profile and hepato-renal performance of streptozotocin-induced diabetic albino rats.

Diabetes mellitus, recognized by elevated glucose level in the body fluids is commonly caused by less insulin production or its action. To overcome the complications of diabetes, chemical drugs are never preferred over herbal medicines. Present study was designed to find out the anti-diabetic and health-promoting effects of ethanolic leaf extracts of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus in induced-diabetic albino rats. Thirty male albino rats were bought from the animal house of the university and divided randomly into five feeding groups (n=6). Diabetes was induced in rats of groups A, B, C & D by a single dose of intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/Kg), whereas, the rats of group E were considered as control. The rats of groups A, B & C were fed basal diet supplemented with plant extracts (150mg/Kg body weight), whereas; only basal diet was offered to rats of groups D & E. After 28 days of the experiment, blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Results revealed that body weight, glucose, AST, ALB, GGT, HDL, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and creatinine level differed significantly among treatment groups. It was therefore concluded that ethanolic leaf extracts of Cucumis melo and Citrullus lanatus can be used separately or in combination for the management of diabetes.

How different of the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial compositions in watermelons with different fruit shapes.

Fruit shape is an important character of watermelon. And the compositions of rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms of watermelon with different fruit shape also remains unclear. To elucidate the biological mechanism of watermelon fruit shape formations, the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial community compositions between oval (OW) and circular watermelons (CW) were analyzed. The results showed that except of the rhizospheric bacterial richness (P < 0.05), the rhizospheric and endophytic microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity were not statistically significant between OW and CW (P > 0.05). However, the endophytic microbial (bacterial and fungal) compositions were significantly different. Firstly, Bacillus, Rhodanobacter, Cupriavidus, Luteimonas, and Devosia were the unique soil dominant bacterial genera in rhizospheres of circular watermelon (CW); In contrast, Nocardioides, Ensifer, and Saccharomonospora were the special soil dominant bacterial genera in rhizospheres of oval watermelons (OW); Meanwhile, Cephalotrichum, Neocosmospora, Phialosimplex, and Papulaspora were the unique soil dominant fungal genera in rhizospheres of circular watermelon (CW); By contrast, Acremonium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus_f__Tremellaceae, Sodiomyces, Microascus, Conocybe, Sporidiobolus, and Acremonium were the unique soil dominant fungal genera in rhizospheres of oval watermelons (OW). Additionally, Lechevalieria, Pseudorhodoferax, Pseudomonas, Massilia, Flavobacterium, Aeromicrobium, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudonocardia, Novosphingobium, Melittangium, and Herpetosiphon were the unique dominant endophytic bacterial genera in stems of CW; In contrast, Falsirhodobacter, Kocuria, and Kineosporia were the special dominant endophytic genera in stems of OW; Moreover, Lectera and Fusarium were the unique dominant endophytic fungal genera in stems of CW; By contrast, Cercospora only was the special dominant endophytic fungal genus in stems of OW. All above results suggested that watermelons with different fruit shapes exactly recruited various microorganisms in rhizospheres and stems. Meanwhile, the enrichments of the different rhizosphric and endophytic microorganisms could be speculated in relating to watermelon fruit shapes formation.

Pathogenicity analysis and seed transmission of watermelon virus A in bottle gourd.

Seed transmission is among the primary strategies utilized by plant viruses for long-distance dissemination, leading to the widespread occurrence of viral diseases globally. Watermelon virus A (WVA) is a novel wamavirus first found in watermelon. However, the pathogenicity and transmission mode of WVA are still unclear. Our previous work found that the incidence of WVA in bottle gourd is very high. Based on that, the pathogenicity and seed transmission mode of WVA in bottle gourd were studied. Compared with healthy plant, bottle gourd infected by WVA showed no visible disease symptom. Moreover, in the seeds of 20 bottle gourd cultivars, the occurrence of WVA varies from 0 to 90%, and one cultivar even reaches 100%. We also found that the transmission rate from seeds to the resulting seedlings was 100%. Furthermore, WVA was present in both the seed coat and embryo, and seed disinfection cannot eliminate WVA. Besides the seed and leaf, WVA can also be detected in stem, flower, and fruit, but not in the root. To our surprise, the level of transmission from WVA-infected plants to seeds was more than 85%. In addition, the viral accumulations of both WVA and CGMMV were increased in plants with co-infection of WVA and CGMMV. Taken together, these findings reveal that WVA is a seed-transmitted virus which causes no disease symptom in bottle gourd, and there may be synergism between WVA and CGMMV.

Biochar-enhanced three-dimensional conductive network thick electrodes for efficient lithium extraction from salt lake brines with high Magnesia-lithium ratios.

Enhancing the kinetic performance of thick electrodes is essential for improving the efficiency of lithium extraction processes. Biochar, known for its affordability and unique three-dimensional (3D) structure, is utilized across various applications. In this study, we developed a biochar-based, 3D-conductive network thick electrode (∼20 mg cm-2) by in-situ deposition of LiFePO4 (LFP) onto watermelon peel biomass (WB). Utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations complemented by experimental data, we confirmed that this The thick electrode exhibits outstanding kinetic properties and a high capacity for lithium intercalation in brines, even in environments where the Magnesia-lithium ratios are significantly high. The electrode showed an impressive intercalation capacity of 30.67 mg g-1 within 10 min in a pure lithium solution. It also maintained high intercalation performance (31.17 mg g-1) in simulated brines with high Magnesia-lithium ratios. Moreover, in actual brine, it demonstrated a significant extraction capacity (23.87 mg g-1), effectively lowering the Magnesia-lithium ratio from 65 to 0.50. This breakthrough in high-conductivity thick electrode design offers new perspectives for lithium extraction technologies.