Exploring the mechanism of transformation in Acacia nilotica (Linn.) triggered by colchicine seed treatment.

BACKGROUND: Acacia nilotica Linn. is a widely distributed tree known for its applications in post-harvest and medicinal horticulture. However, its seed-based growth is relatively slow. Seed is a vital component for the propagation of A. nilotica due to its cost-effectiveness, genetic diversity, and ease of handling. Colchicine, commonly used for polyploidy induction in plants, may act as a pollutant at elevated levels. Its optimal concentration for Acacia nilotica's improved growth and development has not yet been determined, and the precise mechanism underlying this phenomenon has not been established. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of optimized colchicine (0.07%) seed treatment on A. nilotica's morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical attributes under controlled conditions, comparing it with a control. RESULTS: Colchicine seed treatment significantly improved various plant attributes compared to control. This included increased shoot length (84.6%), root length (53.5%), shoot fresh weight (59.1%), root fresh weight (42.8%), shoot dry weight (51.5%), root dry weight (40%), fresh biomass (23.6%), stomatal size (35.9%), stomatal density (41.7%), stomatal index (51.2%), leaf thickness (11 times), leaf angle (2.4 times), photosynthetic rate (40%), water use efficiency (2.2 times), substomatal CO2 (36.6%), quantum yield of photosystem II (13.1%), proton flux (3.1 times), proton conductivity (2.3 times), linear electron flow (46.7%), enzymatic activities of catalase (25%), superoxide dismutase (33%), peroxidase (13.5%), and ascorbate peroxidase (28%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging activities(23%), total antioxidant capacity (59%), total phenolic (23%), and flavonoid content (37%) with less number of days to 80% germination (57.1%), transpiration rate (53.9%), stomatal conductance (67.1%), non-photochemical quenching (82.8%), non-regulatory energy dissipation (24.3%), and H2O2 (25%) and O-2 levels (30%). CONCLUSION: These findings elucidate the intricate mechanism behind the morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical transformative effects of colchicine seed treatment on Acacia nilotica Linn. and offer valuable insights for quick production of A. nilotica's plants with modification and enhancement from seeds through an eco-friendly approach.

Rejuvenating potato growth and yield in challenging semiarid and saline sandy Cholistan: harnessing PGPB-coated N and P application strategies.

BACKGROUND: Potato serves as a major non-cereal food crop and income source for small-scale growers in Punjab, Pakistan. Unfortunately, improper fertilization practices have led to low crop yields, worsened by challenging environmental conditions and poor groundwater quality in the Cholistan region. To address this, we conducted an experiment to assess the impact of two fertilizer application approaches on potato cv. Barna using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) coated biofertilizers. The first approach, termed conventional fertilizer application (CFA), involved four split applications of PGPB-coated fertilizers at a rate of 100:75 kg acre-1 (N and P). The second, modified fertilizer application (MFA), employed nine split applications at a rate of 80:40 kg acre-1. RESULTS: The MFA approach significantly improved various plant attributes compared to the CFA. This included increased plant height (28%), stem number (45%), leaf count (46%), leaf area index (36%), leaf thickness (three-folds), chlorophyll content (53%), quantum yield of photosystem II (45%), photosynthetically active radiations (56%), electrochromic shift (5.6%), proton flux (24.6%), proton conductivity (71%), linear electron flow (72%), photosynthetic rate (35%), water use efficiency (76%), and substomatal CO2 (two-folds), and lowered non-photochemical quenching (56%), non-regulatory energy dissipation (33%), transpiration rate (59%), and stomatal conductance (70%). Additionally, the MFA approach resulted in higher tuber production per plant (21%), average tuber weight (21.9%), tuber diameter (24.5%), total tuber yield (29.1%), marketable yield (22.7%), seed-grade yield (9%), specific gravity (9.6%), and soluble solids (7.1%). It also reduced undesirable factors like goli and downgrade yields by 57.6% and 98.8%, respectively. Furthermore, plants under the MFA approach exhibited enhanced nitrogen (27.8%) and phosphorus uptake (40.6%), with improved N (26.1%) and P uptake efficiency (43.7%) compared to the CFA approach. CONCLUSION: The use of PGPB-coated N and P fertilizers with a higher number of splits at a lower rate significantly boosts potato production in the alkaline sandy soils of Cholistan.

Combined application of hot water treatment and eucalyptus leaf extract postpones senescence in harvested green chilies by conserving their antioxidants: a sustainable approach.

BACKGROUND: Green chili is the predominant vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions with high economic value. However, after harvest, it exhibits vigorous metabolic activities due to the high moisture level, leading to a reduction in bioactive compounds and hence reduced shelf life and nutritional quality. Low temperature storage results in the onset of chilling injury symptoms. Therefore, developing techniques to increase the shelf life of green chilies and safeguard their nutritional value has become a serious concern for researchers. In this regard, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of the alone or combined application of hot water treatment (HWT) (45 °C for 15 min) and eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) (30%) on 'Golden Hot' chilies in comparison to the control. After treatment, chilies were stored at 20 ± 1.5 °C for 20 days. RESULTS: HWT + ELE-treated chilies had a significant reduction in fruit weight loss (14.6%), fungal decay index (35%), red chili percentage (41.2%), soluble solid content (42.9%), ripening index (48.9%), and reactive oxygen species production like H2O2 (55.1%) and O-2 (46.5%) during shelf in comparison to control, followed by the alone application of HWT and ELE. Furthermore, the combined use of HWT and ELE effectively improved the antioxidative properties of stored chilies including DPPH radical scavenging activities (54.6%), ascorbic acid content (28.4%), phenolic content (31.8%), as well as the enzyme activities of POD (103%), CAT (128%), SOD (26.5%), and APX (43.8%) in comparison to the control. Additionally, the green chilies underwent HWT + ELE treatment also exhibited higher chlorophyll levels (100%) and general appearance (79.6%) with reduced anthocyanin content (40.8%) and wrinkling (43%), leading to a higher marketable fruit (41.3%) than the control. CONCLUSION: The pre-storage application of HWT and ELE could be used as an antimicrobial, non-chemical, non-toxic, and eco-friendly treatment for preserving the postharvest quality of green chilies at ambient temperature (20 ± 1.5 °C).

Cuminum cyminum Ameliorates Urotoxic Effects of Cyclophosphamide by Modulating Antioxidant, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Urinary Bladder Overactivity: In vivo and in Silico Investigations.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that lacks effective treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of aqueous ethanol extract of Cuminum cyminum (AEECC) on oxidative stress, inflammation and overactivity of urinary bladder induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, i. p. 1st , 4th , and 7th days). To investigate the urothelial damage, the bladder weight, nociception behavior, and Evans blue dye extravasation method was used. The antioxidants CAT, GPX and NO were measured. ELISA determined the IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The spasmolytic effect of AEECC was investigated on isolated bladder strips and its mechanisms were determined. The enhanced nociception behavior, bladder weight, vascular permeability, edema, hemorrhage, nitric oxide, IL-6 and TNF-α levels by CYP administration were significantly reduced by AEECC (250 and 500 mg/kg). A significant increase in serum antioxidant system such as CAT and GPx was also observed in AEECC-treated rats. The AEECC (3 mg/ml) significantly reduced urinary bladder tone in the strips pre-contracted with carbachol in both control and CYP-treated rats. This relaxation was demolished by atropine, nifedipine, glibenclamide, and indomethacin but not with propranolol. The plant extract showed the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. These results suggest that Cuminum cyminum offers uroprotective activity and can ameliorate CYP-induced bladder toxicity by modulating antioxidant parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and bladder smooth muscle overactivity. The in silico binding interactions of antioxidant 2I3Y and anti-inflammatory protein 1TNF with various ligands from Cuminum cyminum seeds revealed potential bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing valuable insights for drug development and nutraceutical research.

Ecofriendly Synthesis of Magnetic Composites Loaded on Rice Husks for Acid Blue 25 Decontamination: Adsorption Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Isotherms.

Addressing the growing need for methods for ecofriendly dye removal from aqueous media, this study explores the potential of rice husks coated with iron oxide (Fe2O3@RH composites) for efficient Acid Blue 25 decontamination. The adsorption potential of Acid Blue 25 is analyzed using raw rice husks and Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the literature, but their enhanced removal capacity by means of Fe2O3@RH composites is reported for the first time in this study. Fe2O3@RH composites were analyzed by using analytical techniques such as TGA, SEM, FTIR, BET, and the point of zero charge (pH(PZC)). The Acid Blue 25 adsorption experiment using Fe2O3@RH composites showed maximum adsorption at an initial concentration of Acid Blue 25 of 80 ppm, a contact time of 50 min, a temperature of 313 K, 0.25 g of Fe2O3@RH composites, and a pH of 2. The maximum percentage removal of Acid Blue 25 was found to be 91%. Various linear and nonlinear kinetic and isothermal models were used in this study to emphasize the importance and necessity of the adsorption process. Adsorption isotherms such as the Freundlich, Temkin, Langmuir, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied. The results showed that all the isotherms were best fitted on the data, except the linear form of the D-R isotherm. Adsorption kinetics such as the intraparticle kinetic model, the Elovich kinetic model, and the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were applied. All the kinetic models were found to be best fitted on the data, except the PSO model (types II, III, and IV). Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG° (KJ/mol), ΔH° (KJ/mol), and ΔS° (J/K*mol) were studied, and the reaction was found to be exothermic in nature with an increase in the entropy of the system, which supported the adsorption phenomenon. The current study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the adsorption process and its underlying mechanisms through characterization, the optimization of the conditions, and the application of various models. The findings of the present study suggest practical applications of this method in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Assessment of genetic diversity in the endangered populations of Breonadia salicina (Rubiaceae) growing in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia using inter-simple sequence repeat markers.

BACKGROUND: Breonadia salicina (Rubiaceae) is a critically endangered plant at the local scale native to southwestern Saudi Arabia. To understand the levels and partitioning of genetic variation across populations and geographical regions of this species, we assessed its genetic diversity using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. RESULTS: Fourteen ISSR primers selected from 43 primers gave rise to 211 amplified loci, of which 68 were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) at the population level ranged from 17.1 to 23.7%, with an average of 21.3%. Nei's gene diversity (h) and Shannon's information index (I) were 0.086 and 0.125, respectively. At the species level, PPL was 32.2%, while h and I were 0.116 and 0.172, respectively. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance revealed a high level of genetic differentiation among populations (17% of total variance, P = 0.001), consistent with the gene differentiation coefficient (G ST = 0.256). Nevertheless, the evaluated genetic diversity was very low within populations; while relatively high among populations, levels were insufficient for long-term survival. Saudi Arabian accessions were also compared to accessions of a population from Yemen, where the species is more widespread. The Yemeni population also showed low genetic diversity but clustered separately. CONCLUSIONS: Breonadia salicina in Saudi Arabia is characterized by low within-population genetic diversity and high among-population genetic differentiation. Based on our findings, this locally endangered species is on the verge of local extinction. The species' survival depends on successful implementation of suggested strategies for its long-term conservation.

Potassium humate and cobalt enhance peanut tolerance to water stress through regulation of proline, antioxidants, and maintenance of nutrient homeostasis.

Water stress is an important factor that substantially impacts crop production. As a result, there is a need for various strategies that can mitigate these negative effects. One such strategy is the application of potassium humate (Kh) and cobalt (Co), which have been reported to enhance the resistance of crop plants. Therefore, the present experiment was designed to investigate whether the application of Kh and Co could positively affect proline, chlorophyll and mineral elements contents, and antioxidant defense systems which in turn will mitigate the negative impact of water stress under different irrigation strategies. In 2021 and 2022, an open-field experiments were conducted by using a split-plot design. The main plots were divided to represent different irrigation strategies (ST), with additional control of full irrigation requirements (ST1). Four STs were implemented, with ST1, followed by the application of 75%, 50%, and 25% irrigation strategies in ST2, ST3, and ST4 respectively, in the next irrigation, followed by the full requirements, and so on. In the subplots, peanut plants were treated with tap water (Control), Kh at 2 g l-1 and 3 g l-1, Co, Co + Kh 2 g l-1 and Co + Kh 3 g l-1. The yield was negatively affected by the implementation of ST4, despite the increase in proline contents. Furthermore, there was a decrease in relative water content, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzymes, protein, and mineral nutrient elements. However, the application of Kh or Co showed better improvements in most of the studied parameters. It is worth noting that there was an antagonistic relationship between Co and iron/manganese, and the intensity of this relationship was found to depend on the STs implemented. The highest mineral nutrient accumulation, chlorophyll content, relative water content, protein content, oil content, seed yield, and water productivity were observed when peanut plants were treated with Kh 3 g l-1 + Co under the ST2 water strategy.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviate chromium-induced oxidative stress by modulating physio-biochemical aspects and organic acids in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.).

Extensive chromium (Cr) release into water and soil severely impairs crop productivity worldwide. Nanoparticle (NP) technology has shown potential for reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving plant physicochemical profiles. Herein, we investigated the effects of exogenous zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) on alleviating Cr stress in Cr-sensitive and tolerant chickpea genotypes. Hydroponically grown chickpea plants were exposed to Cr stress (0 and 120 µM) and ZnO-NPs (25 µM, 20 nm size) twice at a 7-day interval. Cr exposure reduced physiochemical profiles, ion content, cell viability, and gas exchange parameters, and it increased organic acid exudate accumulation in roots and the Cr content in the roots and leaves of the plants. However, ZnO-NP application significantly increased plant growth, enzymatic activities, proline, total soluble sugar, and protein and gas exchange parameters and reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, Cr content in roots, and organic acid presence to improve root cell viability. This study provides new insights into the role of ZnO-NPs in reducing oxidative stress along with Cr accumulation and mobility due to low levels of organic acids in chickpea roots. Notably, the Cr-tolerant genotype exhibited more pronounced alleviation of Cr stress by ZnO-NPs. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NP in regulating plant growth, reducing Cr accumulation, and promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Application of thiourea ameliorates drought induced oxidative injury in Linum usitatissimum L. by regulating antioxidant defense machinery and nutrients absorption.

Thiourea (TU) is considered an essential and emerging biostimulant against the negative impacts of severe environmental stresses, including drought stress in plants. However, the knowledge about the foliar application of TU to mitigate drought stress in Linum usitatissimum L., has yet to be discovered. The present study was designed to assess the impact of foliar application of TU for its effects against drought stress in two flax cultivars. The study comprised two irrigation regimes [60% field capacity (FC) and the control (100% FC)], along with TU (0, 500, 1000 mg L-1) application at the vegetative stage. The findings indicated that drought stress reduced the shoot fresh weight (44.2%), shoot dry weight (67.5%), shoot length (41.5%), total chlorophyll (51.6%), and carotenoids (58.8%). Drought stress increased both cultivars' hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Foliar application of TU (1000 mg L-1) enhanced the growth and chlorophyll contents with or without drought stress. Under drought stress (60% FC), TU decreased MDA and H2O2 contents up to twofold. Moreover, TU application increased catalase (40%), peroxidase (13%), superoxide dismutase (30%), and total soluble protein contents (32.4%) differentially in both cultivars. Nevertheless, TU increased calcium (Ca2+) (42.8%), potassium (K+) (33.4%), and phosphorus (P) (72%) in shoots and decreased the elevated sodium (Na+) (28.2%) ions under drought stress. It is suggested that TU application (1000 mg L-1) enhances the growth potential of flax by enhancing photosynthetic pigment, nutrient uptake, and antioxidant enzymes under drought stress. Research outcomes, therefore, recommend that TU application can ameliorate drought-induced negative effects in L. usitatissimum L. seedlings, resulting in improved plant growth and mineral composition, as depicted by balanced primary and secondary metabolite accumulation.

Application of machine learning for identification of heterotic groups in sunflower through combined approach of phenotyping, genotyping and protein profiling.

Application of machine learning in plant breeding is a recent concept, that has to be optimized for precise utilization in the breeding program of high yielding crop plants. Identification and efficient utilization of heterotic grouping pattern aided with machine learning approaches is of utmost importance in hybrid cultivar breeding as it can save time and resources required to breed a new plant hybrid/variety. In the present study, 109 genotypes of sunflower were investigated at morphological, biochemical (SDS-PAGE) and molecular levels (through micro-satellites (SSR) markers) for heterotic grouping. All the three datasets were combined, scaled, and subjected to unsupervised machine learning algorithms, i.e., Hierarchical clustering, K-means clustering and hybrid clustering algorithm (hierarchical + K-means) for assessment of efficiency and resolution power of these algorithms in practical plant breeding for heterotic grouping identification. Following the application of machine learning unsupervised clustering approach, two major groups were identified in the studied sunflower germplasm, and further classification revealed six smaller classes in each major group through hierarchical and hybrid clustering approach. Due to high resolution, obtained in hierarchical clustering, classification achieved through this algorithm was further used for selection of potential parents. One genotype from each smaller group was selected based on the maximum seed yield potential and hybridized in a line × tester mating design producing 36 F1 cross combinations. These F1s along with their parents were studied in open field conditions for validating the efficacy of identified heterotic groups in sunflowers genetic material under study. Data for 11 agronomic and qualitative traits were recorded. These 36 F1 combinations were tested for their combining ability (General/Specific), heterosis, genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path analysis. Results suggested that F1 hybrids performed better for all the traits under investigation than their respective parents. Findings of the study validated the use of machine learning approaches in practical plant breeding; however, more accurate and robust clustering algorithms need to be developed to handle the data noisiness of open field experiments.

Metal-tolerant morganella morganii isolates can potentially mediate nickel stress tolerance in Arabidopsis by upregulating antioxidative enzyme activities.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) have been utilized to immobilize heavy metals, limiting their translocation in metal contaminated settings. However, studies on the mechanisms and interactions that elucidate how PGPRs mediate Nickel (Ni) tolerance in plants are rare. Thus, in this study we investigated how two pre-characterized heavy metal tolerant isolates of Morganella morganii (ABT9 and ABT3) improve Ni stress tolerance in Arabidopsis while enhancing its growth and yield. Arabidopsis seedlings were grown for five weeks in control/Ni contaminated (control, 1.5 mM and 2.5 mM) potted soil, in the presence or absence of PGPRs. Plant growth characteristics, quantum yield, and antioxidative enzymatic activities were analyzed to assess the influence of PGPRs on plant physiology. Oxidative stress tolerance was quantified by measuring MDA accumulation in Arabidopsis plants. As expected, Ni stress substantially reduced plant growth (shoot and root fresh weight by 53.25% and 58.77%, dry weight by 49.80% and 57.41% and length by 47.16% and 64.63% over control), chlorophyll content and quantum yield (by 40.21% and 54.37% over control). It also increased MDA content by 84.28% at higher (2.5 mM) Ni concentrations. In contrast, inoculation with M. morganii led to significant improvements in leaf chlorophyll, quantum yield, and Arabidopsis biomass production. The mitigation of adverse effects of Ni stress on biomass observed in M. morganii-inoculated plants was attributed to the enhancement of antioxidative enzyme activities compared to Ni-treated plants. This upregulation of the antioxidative defense mechanism mitigated Ni-induced oxidative stress, leading to improved performance of the photosynthetic machinery, which, in turn, enhanced chlorophyll content and quantum yield. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these tolerance-inducing processes will help to complete the picture of PGPRs-mediated defense signaling. Thus, it suggests that M. morganii PGPRs candidate can potentially be utilized for plant growth promotion by reducing oxidative stress via upregulating antioxidant defense systems in Ni-contaminated soils and reducing Ni metal uptake.

Physico- and phytochemical properties of Brassica juncea as affected by agroclimatic conditions.

Physicochemical and phytochemical assessment of leaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in different agroclimatic conditions is essential to highlight their compositional variability and evaluate the most suitable bunch of agroclimatic and agronomic practices. B. juncea is one of the important leafy vegetables that serve as source of vitamin A and C and iron, and plenty of antioxidants. This in situ research was executed to assess the quality variability of B. juncea grown in different agroecosystems. Leaves' samples of B. juncea were procured from 15 farmers' fields exhibiting different agroclimatic conditions i.e., elevation, nutrient management, temperature, irrigation, and tillage practices. Leaves' samples were subjected to physicochemical and phytochemical analysis, i.e., moisture, pH, TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential. In the leaves' samples of B. juncea, the target properties were found to vary significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in different agroclimatic conditions. The moisture content, ascorbic acid, phenolic content, carotenoids, and antioxidants were found in the range of 62.7-79.3%, 74-91 mg/100 g, 49.2-49.2 mg GAE/100 g, 436.3-480 mg ß carotene/100 g, 32.7-46.67%, respectively. This study elaborates the significant variation of physicochemical and phytochemical attributes of B. juncea due to the prevailing agroclimatic conditions. This necessitates the appropriate choice of B. juncea concerning its composition and ecological conditions of its cultivation in the prospective health benefits.

Factors influencing the spatiotemporal variation in the value of ecosystem services in Anxi county.

Understanding the value of ecosystem services is imperative for the welfare of current and future generations. Anxi town is situated within the mountainous terrain of Fujian province, China and characterized by a diverse range of ecosystems encompassing forests, rivers, and mountains. These ecosystems offer a wide range of ecosystem services. The value of ecosystem services has been declining in the county for the past twenty-years. However, limited is known on the spatial changes and factors affecting the value of these Therefore, current study assessed the spatial changes in the value of ecosystem services (provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural) in 24 townships situated in the county for three time periods, i.e., 1999, 2009, and 2019 and factors affecting these services. The results revealed that annual decline in the value of ecosystem services was higher in 1999-2009 than 2009-2019. Longjuan, Xianghua, Gande, Futian, Changkeng, Xiping, Taozhou and Huqiu townships observed the highest annual decline in the value of ecosystem services ranging from 20.1 to 68.1 million yuan. The GWR model indicated that vegetation index had the highest impact on the value of ecosystem services in the county. Overall, the value of ecosystem services was negatively correlated with the urbanization rate and distance from the road with some exceptions, whereas altitude had a positive impact. All townships (except Xianghua, Futian, and Taozhou) had negative values for water supply services. Hence, water supply is a significant ecological issue in the county. It is concluded that tea farmers in the county should be educated about water and soil conservation, investment should be done in conservation measures, regional ecological environments should be protected, and ecological tea planting techniques should be developed in the county to halt further decrease in the value of ecosystem services.

Conservation tillage and fertiliser management strategies impact on basmati rice (Oryza sativa L): crop performance, crop water productivity, nutrient uptake and fertility status of the soil under rice-wheat cropping system.

Background: The sustainability of paddy production systems in South Asia has recently been affected by a decline in soil health and excessive water usage. As a response to the global energy crisis, escalating costs of synthetic fertilisers, and growing environmental concerns, the utilization of organic plant-nutrient sources has gained considerable attention. Emerging adaptation technologies, including conservation tillage and innovative approaches to fertilizer management, present practical choices that can significantly contribute to the long-term preservation of soil fertility. Methods: The two year-long field experiment was completed in sandy loam soil during rainy (Kharif) seasons in 2019 and 2020 at the crop research centre farm of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agricultural & Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to analyze the impacts of different tillage establishment of the crop and its methodologies as well as integrated nutritional management approaches on rice growth, yield, productivity of water, nutrient uptake, and fertility status of soil under a rice-wheat rotation system. The experiment was set up in a factorial randomized block design and replicated three times in a semi-arid subtropical environment. Results: The conventionally transplanted rice puddled (CT-TPR) grew substantially better taller plants, and higher dry matter buildup leads to increased yields than transplanted rice under raised wide bed (WBed-TPR). WBed-TPR plots had more tillers, LAI, CGR, RGR, and yield characteristics of the rice in two year study. CT-TPR increased grain yield by 4.39 and 4.03% over WBed-TPR in 2019 and 2020, while WBed-TPR produced the highest water productivity (0.44 kg m-3) than CT-TPR, respectively. The 100% RDF+ ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 + FYM (5 t ha-1) + PSB (5 kg ha-1) + Azotobacter 20 kg ha-1 (N6) treatment outperformed the other fertiliser management practices in terms of crop growth parameters, yields of grain (4,903 and 5,018 kg ha-1), nutrient uptake and NPK availability, organic soil carbon. Among the fertilizer management practices, with the direct applications of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farm yard manure (FYM), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azatobactor and zinc worked synergistically and increased grain yields by 53.4, 51.3, 47.9 and 46.2% over their respective control treatment. Conclusions: To enhance rice productivity and promote soil health, the study suggests that adopting conservation tillage-based establishment practices and implementing effective fertilizer management techniques could serve as practical alternatives. It is concluded that the rice yield was improved by the inclusive use of inorganic fertiliser and organic manure (FYM). Additionally, the study observed that the combination of conventional puddled transplanted rice (CT-TPR) and N6 nitrogen application resulted in enhanced rice crop productivity and improved soil health.

Molecular genetic divergence analysis amongst high curcumin lines of Golden Crop (Curcuma longa L.) using SSR marker and use in trait-specific breeding.

Curcuma longa L., is recognized worldwide as a medicinally and economically important plant species due to its curcumin content which is an industrially important compound. In this study, a total of 329 accessions were collected from four states of India and planted in the experimental farm of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, India, in augmented design. Among these, 152 high curcumin (> 1.50%) accessions were screened for molecular divergence study using 39 SSR primers. The primers showed the most efficient outcome with 2-8 allele/ loci and a total 163 number of alleles with 100% polymorphism. Cluster analysis revealed the construction of three clusters, out of which one cluster was geographically dependent, and germplasm was particularly from Assam state. Jaccard's pairwise coefficient showed maximum genetic dissimilarity of (0.75) between accession RRLJCL 3 and RRLJCL 126, indicating high variation as it was from two different states viz Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland respectively and minimum genetic dissimilarity of (0.09) between RRLJCL 58 and RRLJCL 59 indicating significantly less variation as the two accessions were from same state, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed high molecular variation within the population (87%) and significantly less variation among the population (13%). Additionally, Neighbour Joining dendrogram, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and bar plot structure revealed similar clustering of germplasm. This diversity assessment will help in selecting the trait-specific genotypes, crop improvement program, conservation of gene pool, marker-assisted breeding, and quantitative trait loci identification. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first molecular diversity report among 152 high curcumin lines of C. longa from North East India using 39 SSR primers.

28-Homobrassinolide Primed Seed Improved Lead Stress Tolerance in Brassica rapa L. through Modulation of Physio-Biochemical Attributes and Nutrient Uptake.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) influence a variety of physiological reactions and alleviate different biotic and abiotic stressors. Turnip seedlings were grown with the goal of further exploring and expanding their function in plants under abiotic stress, particularly under heavy metal toxicity (lead stress). This study's objective was to ascertain the role of applied 28-homobrassinolide (HBL) in reducing lead (Pb) stress in turnip plants. Turnip seeds treated with 1, 5, and 10 µM HBL and were grown-up in Pb-contaminated soil (300 mg kg-1). Lead accumulation reduces biomass, growth attributes, and various biochemical parameters, as well as increasing proline content. Seed germination, root and shoot growth, and gas exchange characteristics were enhanced via HBL treatment. Furthermore, Pb-stressed seedlings had decreased total soluble protein concentrations, photosynthetic pigments, nutrition, and phenol content. Nonetheless, HBL increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b levels in plant, resulting in increased photosynthesis. As a result, seeds treated with HBL2 (5 µM L-1) had higher nutritional contents (Mg+2, Zn+2, Na+2, and K+1). HBL2-treated seedlings had higher DPPH and metal tolerance indexes. This led to the conclusion that HBL2 effectively reduced Pb toxicity and improved resistance in lead-contaminated soil.

Shifts in the Distribution Range and Niche Dynamics of the Globally Threatened Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) Due to Climate Change and Human Population Pressure.

The impact of a changing climate, particularly global warming, often harms the distribution of pheasants, particularly those with limited endemic ranges. To effectively create plans of action aimed at conserving species facing threats such as the Western Tragopan, (Tragopan melanocephalus; Gray, 1829; Galliformes, found in the western Himalayas), it is crucial to understand how future distributions may be affected by anticipated climate change. This study utilized MaxEnt modeling to assess how suitable the habitat of the targeted species is likely to be under different climate scenarios. While similar studies have been conducted regionally, there has been no research on this particular endemic animal species found in the western Himalayas throughout the entire distribution range. The study utilized a total of 200 occurrence points; 19 bioclimatic, four anthropogenic, three topographic, and a vegetation variable were also used. To determine the most fitting model, species distribution modeling (SDM) was employed, and the MaxEnt calibration and optimization techniques were utilized. Data for projected climate scenarios of the 2050s and 2070s were obtained from SSPs 245 and SSPs 585. Among all the variables analyzed; aspect, precipitation of coldest quarter, mean diurnal range, enhanced vegetation index, precipitation of driest month, temperature seasonality, annual precipitation, human footprint, precipitation of driest quarter, and temperature annual range were recognized as the most influential drivers, in that order. The predicted scenarios had high accuracy values (AUC-ROC > 0.9). Based on the feedback provided by the inhabitants, it was observed that the livability of the selected species could potentially rise (between 3.7 to 13%) in all projected scenarios of climate change, because this species is relocating towards the northern regions of the elevation gradient, which is farther from the residential areas, and their habitats are shrinking. The suitable habitats of the Tragopan melanocephalus in the Himalayan region will move significantly by 725 m upwards, because of predicted climate change. However, the fact that the species is considered extinct in most areas and only found in small patches suggests that further research is required to avert a further population decline and delineate the reasons leading to the regional extinction of the species. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for devising conservation strategies for Tragopan melanocephalus under the changing climate and provide a framework for subsequent surveillance efforts aimed at protecting the species.

Genetic footprint of population diversity and genetic structure of Venturia inaequalis infecting apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.).

Apple scab instigated by Venturia inaequalis impels remarkable losses to apple fruit production. In an effort to comprehend the key mechanisms of evolutionary potential defining V. inaequalis population, 132 isolates of V. inaequalis from five commercial apple orchards were collected and assayed using 14 microsatellite markers. The average diversity was observed within the individuals of populations based on the Shannon-Wieners index (I) and observed heterozygosity (Ho) was average but considerably lower than expected heterozygosity (He). The genetic differentiation based on FST values was revealed as an average measure of divergence between populations and had varying proportions of gene flow and migration among themselves. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that variance (94%) was dispersed across individuals with a significant (6%) variation between populations from different regions. To examine host specialization within the V. inaequalis population, the assignment approach based on K-means of clustering (an unsupervised machine learning approach), revealed that the clustering method supported three clusters at (K = 3) and three major clusters were also observed in Principle Component Analysis (PCA). Additionally, Nei's genetic distance values, pairwise estimates of genetic differentiation, dendrogram using the neighbor-joining and PCoA revealed the random distribution of V. Inaequalis isolates that depicted a high proportion of genotypic diversity within populations and population genetic structure. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03672-2.

Phenylalanine supply alleviates the drought stress in mustard (Brassica campestris) by modulating plant growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defense system.

Mustard (Brassica campestris L.) is a major oilseed crop that plays a crucial role in agriculture. Nevertheless, a number of abiotic factors, drought in particular, significantly reduce its production. Phenylalanine (PA) is a significant and efficacious amino acid in alleviating the adverse impacts of abiotic stressors, such as drought. Thus, the current experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of PA application (0 and 100 mg/L) on brassica varieties i.e., Faisal (V1) and Rachna (V2) under drought stress (50% field capacity). Drought stress reduced the shoot length (18 and 17%), root length (12.1 and 12.3%), total chlorophyll contents (47 and 45%), and biological yield (21 and 26%) of both varieties (V1 and V2), respectively. Foliar application of PA helped overcome drought-induced losses and enhanced shoot length (20 and 21%), total chlorophyll contents (46 and 58%), and biological yield (19 and 22%), whereas reducing the oxidative activities of H2O2 (18 and 19%), MDA concentration (21 and 24%), and electrolyte leakage (19 and 21%) in both varieties (V1 and V2). Antioxidant activities, i.e., CAT, SOD, and POD, were further enhanced under PA treatment by 25, 11, and 14% in V1 and 31, 17, and 24% in V2. Overall findings suggest that exogenous PA treatment reduced the drought-induced oxidative damage and improved the yield, and ionic contents of mustard plants grown in pots. It should be emphasized, however, that studies examining the impacts of PA on open-field-grown brassica crops are still in their early stages, thus more work is needed in this area.

Mechanistic insight of Staphylococcus aureus associated skin cancer in humans by Santalum album derived phytochemicals: an extensive computational and experimental approaches.

An excessive amount of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is commonly associated with actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by secreted virulence products that induced the chronic inflammation leading to skin cancer which is regulated by staphylococcal accessory regulator (SarA). It is worth noting that there is currently no existing published study that reports on the inhibitory activity of phytochemicals derived from Santalum album on the SarA protein through in silico approach. Therefore, our study has been designed to find the potential inhibitors of S. aureus SarA protein from S. album-derived phytochemicals. The molecular docking study was performed targeting the SarA protein of S. aureus, and CID:5280441, CID:162350, and CID: 5281675 compounds showed the highest binding energy with -9.4 kcal/mol, -9.0 kcal/mol, and -8.6 kcal/mol respectively. Further, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that the docked complexes were relatively stable during the 100 ns simulation period whereas the MMPBSA binding free energy proposed that the ligands were sustained with their binding site. All three complexes were found to be similar in distribution with the apoprotein through PCA analysis indicating conformational stability throughout the MD simulation. Moreover, all three compounds' ADMET profiles revealed positive results, and the AMES test did not show any toxicity whereas the pharmacophore study also indicates a closer match between the pharmacophore model and the compounds. After comprehensive in silico studies we evolved three best compounds, namely, Vitexin, Isovitexin, and Orientin, which were conducted in vitro assay for further confirmation of their inhibitory activity and results exhibited all of these compounds showed strong inhibitory activity against S. aureus. The overall result suggests that these compounds could be used as a natural lead to inhibit the pathogenesis of S. aureus and antibiotic therapy for S. aureus-associated skin cancer in humans as well.