Absorption, transportation, residual distribution of chiral 14C-dufulin in garlics and metabolism of its racemate.

Dufulin is a novel chiral plant antiviral agent. In this study, we investigated the uptake, translocation and accumulation of 14C-dufulin stereoisomers in different tissues of garlic via leaf introduction and root uptake. The behavior of dufulin enantiomers in plants is not stereoselective, and dufulin is more likely to be absorbed by leaves than by roots. The metabolites of 14C-dufulin with high specific activity in garlic were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by HPLC-QTOF-MS, and the metabolic pathway involved was elucidated. In the leaf and bulb, dufulin underwent phase I and phase II metabolism and produced four metabolites. The ratios and concentrations of these four metabolites in the bulb, but not in the leaf, met the residue criterion. Overall, our results provide relatively accurate predictions for the risk assessment of dufulin, which will help guide its rational use and ensure its ecological safety and human health.

Foliar-applied zinc promotes cadmium allocation from leaf surfaces to grains in rice.

The accumulation of Cd by rice poses significant health risks. Foliar fertilization with Zn can reduce grain Cd contents in rice grown in Cd-contaminated soils. However, atmospheric deposition on leaves is another vector of Cd contamination, and it remains unclear how Zn application affects the allocation of such Cd. We conducted an experiment where the flag leaves of rice plants were treated with solutions with various Zn concentrations and a constant Cd concentration. The 111Cd stable isotope was used to trace the flux of foliar-applied Cd. Higher levels of foliar-applied Zn enhanced Cd efflux and grain allocation. This is attributed to limited sequestration of foliar-applied Cd in the leaf cell symplasm and increased Cd desorption from leaf cell walls when a high Zn2+ concentration occurs in the apoplast. Nonionic Zn oxide nanoparticles mitigated these effects. Additionally, the expressions of OsLCT1 and OsZIP7 in flag leaves and OsHMA2 and OsZIP7 in the uppermost nodes were upregulated under high-Zn2+ treatment, which may facilitate Cd phloem loading and grain allocation. Caution is advised in using foliar Zn in areas with high atmospheric Cd due to potential grain-contamination risks.

Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for rapid screening of Carpaine in Carica papaya leaf products.

Carpaine, a major alkaloid present in Carica papaya leaves, has been shown to increase platelet counts in patients suffering from thrombocytopenia. Numerous commercial papaya leaf products are available, but few provide proper bioactive ingredient information. We present herein a technique for rapid screening of carpaine in these products using DART-MS. The results indicate that carpaine was detected in various forms (powder, solution) of papaya leaves. Its presence was confirmed by examining the mass pattern when conducted on a standard solution at both low and high voltages (+10 V and +90 V), using MS1 and MS2 data obtained from LC-QTOF-MS/MS. The protonated molecule was identified at m/z = 479.38, with a fragment ion at m/z = 240.20. LOD for identifying carpaine in powder and solution matrices were 5.0 × 10-5 %w/w and 0.05 µg/mL, respectively. The proposed method has been successfully validated with the AOAC International standards and can be used to identify carpaine in papaya leaf products.

Ameliorative potential of ethanol extract of Calyptrochilum emarginatum leaves on scopolamine-induced amnesia in male swiss mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Calyptrochilum emarginatum (Afzel. Ex Sw.) Schltr. (Orchidaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant known for its antimicrobial properties and efficacy in managing convulsive fever and menstrual disorders and addressing conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, and cough. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to examine the memory-enhancing and neuroprotective properties of ethanol extract of Calyptrochilum emarginatum leaves (EECEL) in scopolamine-induced amnesia mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two male mice were divided into six groups (n = 7). Group 1 served as control, administered distilled water (10 mL/kg, p. o), group 2 received scopolamine only (3 mg/kg, i. p.), groups 3 to 6 received pretreatments of EECEL (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p. o.) and donepezil (1 mg/kg, p. o.) 30 min before scopolamine (3 mg/kg), for seven days. Following treatments, behavioral (learning and memory) assessments were carried out, while biochemical (acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines markers) and histological evaluations were done after euthanasia. RESULTS: Scopolamine significantly impaired spatial, long term and recognition memory. Nevertheless, administration of EECEL (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg orally) enhanced memory function in mice, as observed in the Y maze [F (5, 30) = 20.23, p < 0.0001], Morris water maze [F (10, 90) = 3.105, p = 0.0019; [F (5, 30) = 21.13, p < 0.0001]], and novel object recognition tasks [F (5, 30) = 37.22, p < 0.0001)]. Scopolamine-treated mice exhibited significant dysfunction in the cholinergic system, as evidenced by elevated AChE activity [0.099 ± 0.005 vs. 0.063 ± 0.004 mol/min/g] with an elevation in oxidative stress. On the other hand, administration of EECEL counteracted these consequences by reducing AChE activity, mitigating oxidative damage, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and preventing degeneration of neurons. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that EECEL effectively mitigates scopolamine-induced memory impairment via an oxido-inflammatory mechanism and modulation of the central cholinergic system.

Reproductive and developmental safety evaluation of Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) leaves aqueous extract in Wistar albino rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The popularity of herbal medicine is expanding globally due to the common belief that herbal products are natural and nontoxic. Thymelaea hirsuta leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of recurrent abortion in humans and animals. However, a lack of safety evaluation of the plant, particularly in pregnant women, raises serious concerns regarding its potential embryotoxic effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: Therefore, the present study investigated the safety of Thymelaea hirsuta leaves aqueous extract (THLE) during pregnancy and lactation following maternal rat treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THLE phytochemical compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). THLE was orally administered to pregnant rats and lactating dams at dosages of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day. At the end of the study, dam s' and pups' body weights, serum biochemical and hematological indices, and histopathological changes were investigated. For the fetal observation and histopathological changes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that THLE is rich in different phenolic and flavonoid compounds. However, biochemical and hormonal parameters such as ALT, AST, and prolactin were significantly increased in dams treated with a higher dosage of THLE when compared to the control dams (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, external, visceral and skeletal examinations of fetuses revealed a marked increase of malformation rates in treated fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that higher oral dosing of THLE during pregnancy could affect embryonic development in rats, while lower doses are safe and can be used during pregnancy and lactation to attain its beneficial effects.

Ilex cornuta leaves extracts ameliorate hyperuricemia by modulating uric acid transporters.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ilex cornuta is a valuable species of the Holly genus (Aquifoliaceae), and mainly distributed in eastern China. It is not only made into tea, namely Kudingcha, but also used as traditional medicine to relieve cough, headache, gout, and nourish liver and kidney. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to explore the exact efficacy of different extracts from Ilex cornuta in the treatment of hyperuricemia in vitro and in vivo, and to explore its pharmacological mechanism, so as to bring new ideas for the development of new drugs for reducing uric acid (UA) and anti-gout. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five crude extracts from Ilex cornuta leaves were extracted by different methods. Then, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity of 5 extracts in vitro were compared to screen the extract with the most UA regulating potential. In vivo experiment, hyperuricemia model of mice was established by intragastric administration of potassium oxonate and feeding high yeast diet. Biochemical indexes such as serum UA level, xanthine oxidase activity, liver and kidney index of mice in each group were detected. The pathological sections of kidney and liver tissues were also observed and compared. The mechanism of Ilex cornuta leaves (western blotting, and RT-qPCR) in the treatment of hyperuricemia was further explored by targeting UA transporters ABCG2, GLUT9, and URAT1. RESULTS: The in vitro results of inhibitory activity of xanthine oxidase showed that the crude saponin extract was the best, followed by crude flavonoids extract. Then, the in vivo results reflected that both crude saponins and crude flavonoids extracts could significantly reduce the serum UA level, inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase in serum and liver, and maintain serum urea nitrogen and creatinine at normal level. Meanwhile, there was no liver and kidney injury in mice. Through the comparison of the mechanism results, it was found that both extracts could up-regulate the expression of ABCG2 protein and mRNA related to UA excretion, and down-regulate the expression of GLUT9 and URAT1 protein and mRNA. CONCLUSION: The crude flavonoids and saponins of Ilex cornuta leaves not only inhibited XOD activity in vitro, but also significantly controlled XOD activity and reduced UA level in hyperuricemia mice in vivo. One of the potential mechanisms was to regulate UA level in vivo by regulating ABCG2, GLUT9, and URAT1 transporters directly related to UA transport, thus achieving the effect of intervening hyperuricemia. This study provided a preliminary experimental basis for the development of new drugs of Ilex cornuta leaves for treating hyperuricemia.

Antiviral activity of Morus alba L. extract against pseudorabies virus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morus alba L. are widely used as ethnomedicine and functional food in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries. Morus alba L. have a variety of pharmacological activity such as antiviral, antioxidation, anti-cholesterol, anticancer, hypoglycemia, and neuroprotection. Morus alba L. has demonstrated antiviral efficacy against influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and so on, but its potential activity against pseudorabies virus (PRV) remains uncertain. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study endeavors to delve into the anti-pseudorabies virus (PRV) potential of the ethanol extract of Morus alba L. leaves (MLE), while simultaneously elucidating its underlying mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-PRV activities of Morus alba L. extracts at different concentrations were evaluated by qPCR and immunoblotting. The inhibitory effects of MLE on PRV replication in three distinct treatment modes (pretreatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment) were detected by qPCR and indirect immunofluorescence assays. qPCR was used to investigate the effects of MLE on PRV attachment, entrance, and cytokine expression in PRV-infected cells. The chemical components in MLE were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS: MLE significantly inhibits PRV replication and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. MLE displays inhibitory effects against PRV at three different modes of treatment. The most significant inhibitory effect of MLE was observed when used in co-treatment mode, resulting in an inhibition rate of 99.42%. MLE inhibits PRV infection in the early stage. MLE inhibits PRV infection by affecting viral attachment and viral entry. Furthermore, MLE exerts its inhibition on PRV replication by mitigating the heightened expression of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-α) triggered by PRV. Analysis of its chemical composition highlights phenolic acids and flavonoids as the principal constituents of MLE. CONCLUSION: The results illustrate that MLE effectively impedes PRV infection by suppressing viral adsorption and entry, while also curbing the expression of antiviral cytokines. Therefore, MLE may be a potential resource for creating new medications to treat human and animal PRV infections.

Sugarcane disease recognition through visible and near-infrared spectroscopy using deep learning assisted continuous wavelet transform-based spectrogram.

Utilizing visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometrics methods has been widespread for identifying plant diseases. However, a key obstacle involves the extraction of relevant spectral characteristics. This study aimed to enhance sugarcane disease recognition by combining convolutional neural network (CNN) with continuous wavelet transform (CWT) spectrograms for spectral features extraction within the Vis-NIR spectra (380-1400 nm) to improve the accuracy of sugarcane diseases recognition. Using 130 sugarcane leaf samples, the obtained one-dimensional CWT coefficients from Vis-NIR spectra were transformed into two-dimensional spectrograms. Employing CNN, spectrogram features were extracted and incorporated into decision tree, K-nearest neighbour, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and random forest (RF) calibration models. The RF model, integrating spectrogram-derived features, demonstrated the best performance with an average precision of 0.9111, sensitivity of 0.9733, specificity of 0.9791, and accuracy of 0.9487. This study may offer a non-destructive, rapid, and accurate means to detect sugarcane diseases, enabling farmers to receive timely and actionable insights on the crops' health, thus minimizing crop loss and optimizing yields.

Perilla frutescens leaf extracts alleviate acute lung injury in mice by inhibiting KAT2A.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acute lung injury (ALI) can lead to respiratory failure and even death. KAT2A is a key target to suppress the development of inflammation. A herb, perilla frutescens, is an effective treatment for pulmonary inflammatory diseases with anti-inflammatory effects; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of perilla frutescens leaf extracts (PLE), in the treatment of ALI by focusing on its ability to treat inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo and in vitro models of ALI induced by LPS. Respiratory function, histopathological changes of lung, and BEAS-2B cells damage were assessed upon PLE. This effect is also tested under conditions of KAT2A over expression and KAT2A silencing. RESULTS: PLE significantly attenuated LPS-induced histopathological changes in the lungs, improved respiratory function, and increased survival rate from LPS stimuation background in mice. PLE remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of STAT3, AKT, ERK (1/2) and the release of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß) induced by LPS via inhibiting the expression of KAT2A. CONCLUSIONS: PLE has a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting KAT2A expression to suppress LPS-induced ALI n mice. Our study expands the clinical indications of the traditional medicine PLE and provide a theoretical basis for clinical use of acute lung injury.

Rapid and accurate detection of cinnamon oil adulteration in perilla leaf oil using atmospheric solids analysis probe-mass spectrometry.

Perilla leaf oil (PLO) is a global premium vegetable oil with abundant nutrients and substantial economic value, rendering it susceptible to potential adulteration by unscrupulous entrepreneurs. The addition of cinnamon oil (CO) is one of the main adulteration avenues for illegal PLOs. In this study, new and real-time ambient mass spectrometric methods were developed to detect CO adulteration in PLO. First, atmospheric solids analysis probe tandem mass spectrometry combined with principal component analysis and principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis was employed to differentiate between authentic and adulterated PLO. Then, a spectral library was established for the instantaneous matching of cinnamaldehyde in the samples. Finally, the results were verified using the SRM mode of ASAP-MS/MS. Within 3 min, the three methods successfully identified CO adulteration in PLO at concentrations as low as 5% v/v with 100% accuracy. The proposed strategy was successfully applied to the fraud detection of CO in PLO.

Seasonal variation in non-volatile flavor substances of fresh tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) by integrated lipidomics and metabolomics using UHPLC-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.

Harvest season exerts great influence on tea quality. Herein, the variations in non-volatile flavor substances in spring and summer fresh tea leaves of four varieties were comprehensively investigated by integrating UHPLC-Q-Exactive based lipidomics and metabolomics. A total of 327 lipids and 99 metabolites were detected, among which, 221 and 58 molecules were significantly differential. The molecular species of phospholipids, glycolipids and acylglycerolipids showed most prominent and structure-dependent seasonal changes, relating to polar head, unsaturation and total acyl length. Particularly, spring tea contained higher amount in aroma precursors of highly unsaturated glycolipids and phosphatidic acids. The contents of umami-enhancing amino acids and phenolic acids, e.g., theanine, theogallin and gallotannins, were increased in spring. Besides, catechins, theaflavins, theasinensins and flavone/flavonol glycosides showed diverse changes. These phytochemical differences covered key aroma precursors, tastants and colorants, and may confer superior flavor of black tea processed using spring leaves, which was verified by sensory evaluation.

Analysis of Forsythia suspensa fruit and leaf extracts using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap/MS: In vivo antioxidant activity on D-galactose-induced aging mice.

Making health-enhancing tea from Forsythia suspensa leaves has been a tradition of Chinese folk culture for centuries. However, these leaves were not officially recognized as a new food source until 2017 by the Chinese government. In this study, ethyl acetate fractions from Forsythia suspensa fruit and leaves exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in vitro antioxidant assays and in vivo D-galactose-induced aging mice model. The antioxidant activity of the leaves was higher than that of fruit both in vitro and in vivo. The chemical constituents present in these ethyl acetate fractions were comprehensively analyzed using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap/MS. A total of 20 compounds were identified, among which forsythoside E, (+)-epipinoresinol, dihydromyricetin, chlorogenic acid, and ursolic acid were exclusively detected in the ethyl acetate fraction of Forsythia suspensa leaves, but absent in the ethyl acetate fraction derived from its fruit. This study provides theoretical support for the utilization of Forsythia suspensa fruit and leaves.

Enhancing strawberry resilience to saline, alkaline, and combined stresses with light spectra: impacts on growth, enzymatic activity, nutrient uptake, and osmotic regulation.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the effects of various complementary light spectra on the growth, development, antioxidant activity, and nutrient absorption in strawberry plants under stress conditions. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used to provide specific wavelengths, including monochromatic blue (460 nm), monochromatic red (660 nm), a dichromatic mix of blue and red (1:3 ratio), full-spectrum white light (400-700 nm), and ambient light as a control (no LED treatment). The stress treatments applied were: control (no stress), salinity (80 mM NaCl), alkalinity (40 mM NaHCO3), and a combined salinity/alkalinity condition. RESULTS: Our results indicated that complementary light spectra, especially red and blue/red, helped mitigate the adverse effects of stress on plant growth and development. These spectra improved plant tolerance by enhancing the activity of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes and increasing starch accumulation in the leaves. Furthermore, under stress conditions, red and blue-red light significantly boosted fruit anthocyanin levels. Although stress elevated antioxidant activity, supplementary light reduced this activity by alleviating stress compared to ambient light. While stress led to increased Na and Cl ion concentrations in leaves, treatments with blue, red, and blue-red light minimized these harmful effects and promoted the absorption of beneficial ions such as K, Mg, Fe, and Cu. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting light quality significantly influences the morphology and physiology of strawberry plants, underscoring the role of specific light spectra in promoting optimal growth under stress conditions. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Genotype by environment interaction across water regimes in relation to cropping season response of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).

Genotype × environment (GxE) interaction effects are one of the major challenges in identifying cultivars with stable performance across agri-environments. In this study we analysed GE interactions to identify quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) cultivars with high and stable yields under different soil moisture regimes, representing control conditions, waterlogging and drought. Waterlogging and drought treatments were artificially induced using normoxia, a combination of hypoxia-normoxia, and 10% PEG (Polyethylene glycol) under hydroponic growth conditions, respectively. Both waterlogging and drought conditions significantly reduced the plant height (PH), number of leaves (NoL) and number of branches (NoB), stem diameter (SD), leaf area (LA) and dry weight (DW) of quinoa genotypes. The genotype, water regime, and genotype by water regime effects all significantly affected the measured quinoa traits. Based on the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model for DW, the genotypes G18, Puno, Q4, 2-Want, Puno, Real1 x Ruy937 and Titicaca were found to exhibit tolerance and were stable across water regimes. A second-stage evaluation was conducted to test genotype × environment interaction effects in crop production field trials, selecting two contrasting seasons based on soil moisture conditions involving a diverse set of genotypes (58 varieties in total). Our results demonstrate significant variations in both growth and yield among the quinoa genotypes across the cropping seasons. The GGE analysis for grain yield indicate that field conditions matched to G × E under hydroponic experimental conditions and the cultivars G18, Q1, Q4, NL-3, G28, 42-Test, Atlas and 59-ALC were classified within a range of high productivity. Our findings provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms of wide adaptation, while identifying germplasm that enhances the water stress tolerance of quinoa cultivars at early growth stages.

Vessel element morphology of Allagoptera campestris (Mart.) Kuntze (Arecaceae) belowground organs affected by growing conditions.

Allagoptera campestris is an acaulescent, rhizomatous palm tree that occurs in grassland and savanna areas (Cerrado). In the Santa Bárbara Ecological Station (Águas de Santa Bárbara, São Paulo, Brazil) the species is found growing in three distinct conditions: 1) in the understory of Pinus species plantations introduced in the 1970s in formerly open savanna, 2) in an area where Pinus species cultivated in the 1970s were later removed and the remaining material burned, and 3) in an open, undisturbed savanna area without the interference of pines. Anatomical studies carried out with A. campestris leaves collected in the same three areas indicated leaf plasticity in response to growth conditions. To verify whether there are differences in vessel element morphology in belowground organs, light, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were conducted on portions just below the crown, in the middle of the rhizome, and the median portions of three longer adventitious roots sampled from three plants in each area. The study reveals significant variations in vessel element characteristics of A. campestris, with roots consistently displaying longer and larger elements than rhizomes, and environmental conditions, especially in pine understory, influence vessel dimensions, and hydraulic conductivity in a negative manner.

Tolerance of Hymenaea stigonocarpa mart. Ex Hayne. To glyphosate.

Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. ex Hayne has leaves with adaxial and abaxial epidermis covered by a very thick cuticle, in addition to anatomical structures involved in reducing the amount of herbicide absorbed by plants. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that H. stigonocarpa is potentially resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, exposing the plants to different doses (0, 96, 240, 480, and 960 g a.e ha-1). We carried out assessments of the symptoms, anatomy, growth and physiology of the plants and found that exposure to glyphosate negatively affected the height and number of leaves of the plants. Leaf fall resulted in a reduction in the photosynthetic capacity of plants, which responded by investing in stem diameter. Despite this, no visual symptoms of glyphosate toxicity were observed at the concentrations evaluated and histochemical tests did not detect signs of oxidative stress in the leaves, nor starch accumulation, indicating that carbohydrate translocation was not impaired. These results confirm our hypothesis of tolerance of H. stigonocarpa to glyphosate. Furthermore, plants exposed to the lowest doses of glyphosate (96 and 240 g ha-1) showed good growth, photosynthesis, transpiration and photochemical potential responses, indicating a hormetic effect in this application range.

Increased growth and yield of green lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) using inorganic fertiliser types.

Green lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular leafy vegetable grown and consumed worldwide for its crisp texture and nutritional value. This study investigates the impact of different inorganic fertilizers on the growth and productivity of green lettuce, with the aim of determining the most effective fertilizers for producing vibrant green lettuce. The research was carried out at the Jaya Wijaya Research Centre, Faculty of Agriculture, Slamet Riyadi University, employing a randomized design with a single factor: the type of inorganic fertilizer. The experimental treatments included Nutrimax, NPK 25.7.7, and a control group, each replicated four times. Lettuce plants treated with Nutrimax exhibited superior performance across various metrics, including plant height (32.63 cm), leaf color intensity (3.25), leaf count (13.5 leaves), fresh weight (94.75 grams), and dry weight (5.33 grams). Statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance, followed by the Least Significant Difference test at a significance level of 5%, revealed a significant influence of fertilizer treatment on the growth and yield of green lettuce plants. The type of fertilizer applied significantly affected the growth and yield of green lettuce cultivated using a floating hydroponic system. The number of leaves on the plant directly impacted the fresh weight of the leafy vegetables. These findings can serve as a valuable guide for optimizing green lettuce cultivation practices to achieve maximum yields.

Plant phytochemicals-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial, pharmacological, and environmental applications.

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field with large number of applications. Therefore, the current study, was designed to prepare Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from A. modesta leaves extract through a cost-effective method. The prepared NPs were characterized through UV-Vis Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD and DLS analysis revealed the hexagonal nanocrystalline nature of ZnO NPs. The FTIR results displayed multiple fictional groups and UV results confirmed its optical properties. The average size of the NPs was 68.3 nm with a band gap of 2.71 eV. The SEM images divulge a clover leaf shape of ZnO NPs. The EDX spectrum revealed the presence of zinc and oxygen. The prepared NPs showed excellent biomedical application. The highest antileishmanial activity was 68%, anti-inflammatory activity was 78%, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was 79.1%, antibacterial potential (ZOI) 22.1 mm, and highest growth inhibition of 85 ± 2.1% against A. rabiei. The adsorption efficiency of 85.3% within 120 min was obtained. Conclusively ZnO NPs have shown potential biomedical and environmental applications and ought to be the more investigated to enhance their practical use.

Virulence variation and pathotypes of Zymoseptoria tritici isolates causing wheat leaf blotch in Oromia, Ethiopia.

Leaf blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, is a fungal disease that poses a severe threat to wheat production worldwide. Knowledge of virulence variability is crucial in choosing effective control measures. However, there have only been a few studies of the pathogenic variability and pathotypes within Ethiopian isolates. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the virulence spectrum and variability of Z. tritici isolates. Forty-three isolates were tested for their virulence and pathotype against 7 wheat differential lines that have different resistance genes. A pathogenicity assay detected 41 differential line-specific virulent isolates among 301 interactions between a host and pathogen based on the percentage coverage of the leaf area by pycnidia. Some isolates were virulent against 50 %-60 % of the resistant genes, but most of them were virulent against some differential lines. Isolates such as EtA-11, EtSh-1, EtSh-2, EtSh-4, and EtA-19 expressed broad-spectrum virulence, highlighting that such isolates are useful for germplasm screening. The isolates were classified into 25 pathotypes, defined by their differential virulence responses. They were also assigned to two clusters according to their mean pycnidia percent. Pathotypes and principal component analysis detected 58.1 % and 62.2 % pathogenic diversity in Ethiopian isolates, respectively. The current findings provide information that breeders can use to identify and select more resistant varieties for farmers.

Exogenous Melatonin Enhances Moisture Stress Tolerance in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) through Alleviating Oxidative Damages.

In subtropical regions, April to June represents a temporary moisture stress for mango trees, leading to huge economic loss. Although water is available in the deep root zone, the upper soil surface, which has fibrous roots, is dry, and the tree transpiration rate is high. Moisture stress causes an increased oxidation state, which is detrimental to fruit growth and development. Finding substitutes for moisture stress management is important for sustainable mango production. To manage this moisture stress in mango, we tested if foliar application of 20, 50, 100 and 150 µM melatonin helped to maintain a reduced oxidation state in the cells. Applications were made at three phenological stages of fruit development (marble, egg and mature fruit stages) in 16-year-old trees and the same plants for each treatment were followed over three years. Melatonin application indeed improved the fruit yield of mango. Moisture stress decreased yield by 55.94% compared to irrigated trees but only by 7.5% in melatonin treatment. Also, more 'A' grade fruits were harvested in irrigated and melatonin-treated conditions than in non-irrigated and non-treated conditions. Indeed, the total chlorophyll content in the leaves of moisture-stressed melatonin-treated trees (12.58 mg.g-1 fresh weight) was well above non-treated trees (6.77 mg.g-1) and similar to irrigated trees (12.50 mg.g-1). A dose-dependent increase in the chlorophyll content of melatonin-treated plants was found. Similarly, the activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxidase dismutase enzymes in leaves of irrigated and melatonin-treated trees were lower than in non-irrigated condition, and superoxide free radial formation was lower in moisture-stressed melatonin-treated trees (0.77 nmol H2O2.mg-1 protein) and irrigated trees (0.65) than moisture-stressed non-treated trees (4.27). Significant variations was found in antioxidants (total, reduced and oxidized glutathione and ascorbate) content and antioxidant enzymes' activities (i.e., glutathione reductase and ascorbate peroxidase) in irrigated, melatonin-treated and non-irrigated conditions. Overall, 150 µM exogenous melatonin applied three times at different fruit development stages may be a sustainable and useful approach to manage transient moisture stress in mango trees thanks to its positive action on the antioxidant system.