Nanotechnology advances for sustainable agriculture: current knowledge and prospects in plant growth modulation and nutrition.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Advances in nanotechnology make it an important tool for improving agricultural production. Strong evidence supports the role of nanomaterials as nutrients or nanocarriers for the controlled release of fertilizers to improve plant growth. Scientific research shows that nanotechnology applied in plant sciences is smart technology. Excessive application of mineral fertilizers has produced a harmful impact on the ecosystem. Furthermore, the projected increase in the human population by 2050 has led to the search for alternatives to ensure food security. Nanotechnology is a promising strategy to enhance crop productivity while minimizing fertilizer inputs. Nanofertilizers can contribute to the slow and sustainable release of nutrients to improve the efficiency of nutrient use in plants. Nanomaterial properties (i.e., size, morphology and charge) and plant physiology are crucial factors that influence the impact on plant growth. An important body of scientific research highlights the role of carbon nanomaterials, metal nanoparticles and metal oxide nanoparticles to improve plant development through the modulation of physiological and metabolic processes. Modulating nutrient concentrations, photosynthesis processes and antioxidant enzyme activities have led to increases in shoot length, root development, photosynthetic pigments and fruit yield. In parallel, nanocarriers (nanoclays, nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, mesoporous silica and chitosan) have been shown to be an important tool for the controlled and sustainable release of conventional fertilizers to improve plant nutrition; however, the technical advances in nanofertilizers need to be accompanied by modernization of the regulations and legal frameworks to allow wider commercialization of these elements. Nanofertilizers are a promising strategy to improve plant development and nutrition, but their application in sustainable agriculture remains a great challenge. The present review summarizes the current advance of research into nanofertilizers, and their future prospects.

Insecticidal, Repellent and Antifeedant Activity of Essential Oils from Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii (Hook. & Arn.) Nied. Leaves and Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don) Florin Heartwood against Horn Flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Haematobia irritans is a cosmopolitan obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite of cattle and is the major global pest of livestock production. Currently, H. irritans management is largely dependent on broad-spectrum pesticides, which has led to the development of insecticide resistance. Thus, alternative control methods are needed. Essential oils have been studied as an alternative due to their wide spectrum of biological activities against insects. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal, repellent and antifeedant activity of the essential oils from Blepharocalyx cruckshanksii leaves and Pilgerodendron uviferum heartwood against horn flies in laboratory conditions. The composition of the essential oils was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Accordingly, α-pinene (36.50%) and limonene (20.50%) were the principal components of the B. cruckchanksii essential oil, and δ-cadinol (24.16%), cubenol (22.64%), 15-copaenol (15.46%) and δ-cadinene (10.81%) were the most abundant compounds in the P. uviferum essential oil. Mortality of flies and feeding behavior were evaluated by non-choice tests, and olfactory response was evaluated using a Y-tube olfactometer. Both essential oils were toxic to horn flies, with LC50 values for B. cruckchanksii essential oil of 3.58 µL L-1 air at 4 h, and for P. uviferum essential oil of 9.41 µL L-1 air and 1.02 µL L-1 air at 1 and 4 h, respectively. Moreover, the essential oils exhibited spatial repellency in the olfactometer using only 10 µg of each oil, and these significantly reduced the horn fly feeding at all doses evaluated. Although further laboratory and field studies related to the insectistatic and insecticide properties of these essential oils against H. irritans are necessary, B. cruckshanksii leaves and P. uviferum heartwood essential oils are promising candidates for horn fly management.

Domestication of Plants of Ugni molinae Turcz (Myrtaceae) Interferes in the Biology of Chilesia rudis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Larvae.

In terms of the domestication process in murtilla, studies have found changes in the concentration of phenolic compounds, with reduction of chemical defense of plants, depending on the change in the feeding behavior of insects. Thus, we hypothesized that the domestication of Ugni molinae decreases the content of phenolic compounds and modifies the feeding preference of Chilesia rudis larvae. Leaves of three parental ecotypes and four cultivated ecotypes were used in preference experiments to evaluate the mass gain and leaves consumption of larvae. Phenolic extracts from leaves of U. molinae were analyzed by HPLC. Identified compounds were incorporated in an artificial diet to assess their effect on mass gain, consumption, and survival of the larvae. The presence of phenolic compounds in bodies and feces was also evaluated. In terms of choice assays, larvae preferred parental ecotypes. Regarding compounds, vanillin was the most varied between the ecotypes in leaves. However, plant domestication did not show a reduction in phenolic compound concentration of the ecotypes studied. Furthermore, there was no clear relation between phenolic compounds and the performance of C. rudis larvae. Whether this was because of sequestration of some compounds by larvae is unknown. Finally, results of this study could also suggest that studied phenolic compounds have no role in the C. rudis larvae resistance in this stage of murtilla domestication process.

Antifeedant Effects and Repellent Activity of Loline Alkaloids from Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue against Horn Flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Haematobia irritans is an obligate bloodsucking ectoparasite of cattle and is the global major pest of livestock production. Currently, H. irritans management is largely dependent upon broad-spectrum pesticides, which lately has led to the development of insecticide resistance. Thus, alternative control methods are necessary. Endophyte-infected grasses have been studied as an alternative due to their capability to biosynthesize alkaloids associated with anti-insect activities. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the antifeedant and repellent activity of lolines obtained from endophyte-infected tall fescue against H. irritans adults in laboratory conditions. The alkaloid extract (ALKE) was obtained by acid-base extraction. N-formyl loline (NFL) and N-acetyl loline (NAL) were isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography (pTLC) and column chromatography (CC), and the loline was prepared by acid hydrolysis of a NFL/NAL mixture. Loline identification was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Feeding behavior was evaluated by a non-choice test, and olfactory response was evaluated using a Y-tube olfactometer. Accordingly, all samples showed antifeedant activities. NFL was the most antifeedant compound at 0.5 µg/µL and 1.0 µg/µL, and it was statistically equal to NAL but different to loline; however, NAL was not statistically different to loline. NFL and NAL at 0.25 µg/µL were more active than loline. All samples except loline exhibited spatial repellency in the olfactometer. Thus, the little or non-adverse effects for cattle and beneficial activities of those lolines make them suitable candidates for horn fly management.

Structural investigation of selective binding dynamics for the pheromone-binding protein 1 of the grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana.

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller), is a serious pest in vineyards in North and South America. Mating disruption techniques have been used to control and monitor L. botrana on the basis of its sexual communication. This needs a well-tuned olfactory system, in which it is believed that pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are key players that transport pheromones in the antennae of moths. In this study, the selectivity of a PBP, named as LbotPBP1, was tested by fluorescence binding assays against 11 sex pheromone components and 6 host plant volatiles. In addition, its binding mechanism was predicted on the basis of structural analyses by molecular docking and complex and steered molecular dynamics (SMD). Our results indicate that LbotPBP1 binds selectively to sex pheromone components over certain host plant volatiles, according to both in vitro and in silico tests. Thus, chain length (14 carbon atoms) and functional groups (i.e., alcohol and ester) appear to be key features for stable binding. Likewise, residues such as Phe12, Phe36, and Phe118 could participate in unspecific binding processes, whilst Ser9, Ser56, and Trp114 could participate in the specific recognition and stabilization of sex pheromones instead of host plant volatiles. Moreover, our SMD approach supported 11-dodecenyl acetate as the best ligand for LbotPBP1. Overall, the dynamics simulations, contact frequency analysis and SMD shed light on the binding mechanism of LbotPBP1 and could overcome the imprecision of molecular docking, supporting the in vitro binding assays. Finally, the role of LbotPBP1 in the chemical ecology of L. botrana is discussed.

Antifeedant Effects of Essential Oil, Extracts, and Isolated Sesquiterpenes from Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don) Florin Heartwood on Red Clover Borer Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The beetle Hylastinus obscurus Marsham (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), endemic to Europe and Northern Africa, is one of the most important red clover pests in Chile. As commercial insecticides are less effective against this pest, plant secondary metabolites have been considered as an alternative for its control. Here, we have investigated the chemical composition of essential oil (EO), petroleum ether extract (PEE), and dichloromethane extract (DCME) from Pilgerodendron uviferum heartwood. Additionally, the effects of EO and extracts on the feeding behavior (% of weight shift) of H. obscurus have been evaluated. The composition of EO, PEE, and DCME were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results showed the presence of a similar mixture of sesquiterpenes in the essential oil and in both of the extracts, which accounted for circa 60% of the total mixture. Sesquiterpenes were further isolated using chromatographic methods and were structurally characterized by optical rotation, GC⁻MS, FTIR, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The physicochemical properties of the isolated sesquiterpenes, including lipophilicity and vapor pressure, were also determined. The sesquiterpenes were identified as the following: (-)-trans-calamenene (1), cadalene (2), (-)-cubenol (3), (-)-epi-cubenol (4), (-)-torreyol (5), and (-)-15-copaenol (6). The antifeedant activity of EO, extracts, and isolated sesquiterpenes were evaluated using artificial diets in a non-choice test. Relative to the control, the EO, DCME extract, and the isolated sesquiterpenes, namely, (-)-trans-calamenene (1), cadalene (2), and (5) torreyol, were found to be the most effective treatments against H. obscurus. Our study showed that the compounds occurring in P. uviferum heartwood were effective in reducing the adult growth of H. obscurus. The physicochemical properties of the isolated sesquiterpenes might have been associated with antifeedant effects.

Virtual Screening of Plant Volatile Compounds Reveals a High Affinity of Hylamorpha elegans (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Odorant-Binding Proteins for Sesquiterpenes From Its Native Host.

Hylamorpha elegans(Burmeister) is a native Chilean scarab beetle considered to be a relevant agricultural pest to pasture and cereal and small fruit crops. Because of their cryptic habits, control with conventional methods is difficult; therefore, alternative and environmentally friendly control strategies are highly desirable. The study of proteins that participate in the recognition of odorants, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), offers interesting opportunities to identify new compounds with the potential to modify pest behavior and computational screening of compounds, which is commonly used in drug discovery, may help to accelerate the discovery of new semiochemicals. Here, we report the discovery of four OBPs inH. elegans as well as six new volatiles released by its native host Nothofagus obliqua(Mirbel). Molecular docking performed between OBPs and new and previously reported volatiles from N. oblique revealed the best binding energy values for sesquiterpenic compounds. Despite remarkable divergence at the amino acid level, three of the four OBPs evaluated exhibited the best interaction energy for the same ligands. Molecular dynamics investigation reinforced the importance of sesquiterpenes, showing that hydrophobic residues of the OBPs interacted most frequently with the tested ligands, and binding free energy calculations demonstrated van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions to be the most important. Altogether, the results suggest that sesquiterpenes are interesting candidates for in vitro and in vivo assays to assess their potential application in pest management strategies.

Repellent Activity of the Essential Oil from the Heartwood of Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don) Florin against Aegorhinus superciliosus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The weevil Aegorhinus superciliosus Guérin (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), which is endemic to Central-Southern Chile and Argentina, is one of the major berry pests in Chile and the most important pest in the La Araucanía Region (38°44'9″S, 72°35'25″W). Due to the poor effectiveness and problems surrounding the implementation of the traditional control methods using organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, new strategies for controlling this pest are needed. In this communication, we evaluated the behavioral responses of male and female A. superciliosus to volatile compounds released from the essential oil (EO) obtained from the heartwood of Pilgerodendron uviferum (D. Don) Florin using olfactometric bioassays. The composition of the EO was analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). According to these analyses, δ-cadinol (24.16%), cubenol (22.64%), 15-copaenol (15.46%) and δ-cadinene (10.81%) were the principal components of the EO. The Pilgerodendron uviferum EO, which is almost exclusively composed of sesquiterpenes (99.5%), exhibited a repellent effect against A. superciliosus adults, regardless of the sex or concentration used (56.6 mg/cm³ and 1.58 × 10(-2) mg/cm³). The EO has low volatility and greater persistence than the EOs composed of monoterpenes and is considered a good model in the search for raspberry weevil repellents.

Antibacterial Activity of Alkaloid Fractions from Berberis microphylla G. Forst and Study of Synergism with Ampicillin and Cephalothin.

Berberis microphylla is a native plant that grows in Patagonia and is commonly used by aboriginal ethnic groups in traditional medicine as an antiseptic for different diseases. The present study evaluated the antibacterial and synergistic activity of alkaloid extracts of B. microphylla leaves, stems and roots used either individually or in combination with antibiotics against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The in vitro antibacterial activities of leaf, stem and root alkaloid extracts had significant activity only against Gram-positive bacteria. Disc diffusion tests demonstrated that the root extract showed similar activity against B. cereus and S. epidermidis compared to commercial antibiotics, namely ampicillin and cephalothin, and pure berberine, the principal component of the alkaloid extracts, was found to be active only against S. aureus and S. epidermidis with similar activity to that of the root extract. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the alkaloid extracts ranged from 333 to 83 µg/mL, whereas minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) varied from 717 to 167 µg/mL. In addition, synergistic or indifferent effects between the alkaloid extracts and antibiotics against bacterial strains were confirmed.

Host selection and probing behavior of the poplar aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) on two poplar hybrids with contrasting susceptibility to aphids.

Poplars are frequently attacked by aphids. The differential susceptibility of poplar hybrids to the aphid Chaitophorus leucomelas Koch (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) has been described, but the mechanism underlying this pattern is unknown. This work tested the hypothesis that poplar resistance to this aphid is associated with the presence of volatiles and secondary plant compounds that affect host selection and feeding behavior. This hypothesis was tested by studying the host choice and feeding behavior of C. leucomelas on two poplar hybrids with contrasting susceptibilities to this aphid ([Populus trichocarpa Torrey & Gray x Populus deltoides Bartram ex Marshall] x P. deltoides [TD x D], and [P. trichocarpa x Populus maximowiczii Henry] x [P. trichocarpa x P. maximowiczii] [TM x TM]). The results showed that C. leucomelas rejected leaves of the TM x TM hybrid and did not prefer odors from either hybrid. Electronic monitoring of the probing behavior of C. leucomelas suggested the involvement of antifeedant factors in the TM x TM hybrid. In addition, the chemical characterization of volatiles, epicuticular waxes, and internal phenols of leaves from both poplar hybrids revealed that TM x TM had a higher abundance of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, n-alkanes, and phenols. These results are discussed in terms of their contribution to poplar breeding programs aimed at enhancing insect resistance.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of chemoreceptors in two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus.

Chemoreception through odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs) represents the functions of key proteins in the chemical ecology of insects. Recent studies have identified chemoreceptors in coleopterans, facilitating the evolutionary analysis of not only ORs but also IRs and GRs. Thus, Cerambycidae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae have received increased attention. However, knowledge of the chemoreceptors from Scarabaeidae is still limited, particularly for those that are sympatric. Considering the roles of chemoreceptors, this analysis could shed light on evolutionary processes in the context of sympatry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and compare the repertoires of ORs, GRs and IRs between two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus. Here, construction of the antennal transcriptomes of both scarab beetle species and analyses of their phylogeny, molecular evolution and relative expression were performed. Thus, 119 new candidate chemoreceptors were identified for the first time, including 17 transcripts for B. prasinus (1 GR, 3 IRs and 13 ORs) and 102 for H. elegans (22 GRs, 14 IRs and 66 ORs). Orthologs between the two scarab beetle species were found, revealing specific expansions as well as absence in some clades. Purifying selection appears to have occurred on H. elegans and B. prasinus ORs. Further efforts will be focused on target identification to characterize kairomone and/or pheromone receptors.

Feeding Performance of Argentine Stem Weevil Is Reduced by Peramine from Perennial Ryegrass Infected with Endophyte Fungus.

One of the primary supports for extensive agriculture is pasture, which can suffer severe damage from insects including the Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis. The main control method has been the infection of ryegrass with an endophyte fungus, forming a symbiotic association that produces alkaloids. In this study, we evaluated the impact of endophyte and peramine production on the weight of L. bonariensis across seven unnamed lines (LE161-LE167), and two Lolium perenne cultivars: Jumbo and Alto AR1. L. bonariensis adults fed on leaves from LE164, LE166, and ALTO AR1 showed weight losses of 13.3%, 17.1% and 18.2%, respectively. Similarly, the corresponding alkaloidal extract from LE164, LE166, and ALTO AR1 exhibited an antifeedant effect on L. bonariensis adults in laboratory assays, as observed through weight loss or low weight gain (-12.5%, 8.8% and 4.9%, respectively). Furthermore, one alkaloid, peramine, also elicited an antifeedant effect when incorporated into an artificial diet. Liquid chromatographic analysis of the alkaloid extract revealed that peramine was present in LE164, LE166 and ALTO AR1 in amounts ranging from 46.5-184.2 ng/g. Peramine was not detected in Jumbo and the remaining experimental lines. These data suggest that L. bonariensis were susceptible to peramine produced from endophyte infection in experimental lines LE164 and LE166, as well as ALTO AR1, affecting their feeding behavior.

Enhancing the Retention and Oxidative Stability of Volatile Flavors: A Novel Approach Utilizing O/W Pickering Emulsions Based on Agri-Food Byproducts and Spray-Drying.

Spray-drying is a commonly used method for producing powdered flavors, but the high temperatures involved often result in the loss of volatile molecules. To address this issue, our study focused on a novel approach: developing O/W Pickering emulsions with agri-food byproducts to encapsulate and protect D-limonene during spray-drying and storage. Emulsions formulated with lupin hull, lupin-byproduct (a water-insoluble protein-fiber byproduct derived from the production of lupin protein isolate), and camelina press-cake were subjected to spray-drying at 160 °C. The results revealed that these emulsions exhibited good stability against creaming. The characteristics of the dry emulsions (powders) were influenced by the concentration of byproducts. Quantitative analysis revealed that Pickering emulsions enhanced the retention of D-limonene during spray-drying, with the highest retention achieved using 3% lupin hull and 1% camelina press-cake. Notably, lupin-stabilized emulsions yielded powders with enhanced oxidative stability compared to those stabilized with camelina press-cake. Our findings highlight the potential of food-grade Pickering emulsions to improve the stability of volatile flavors during both processing and storage.

Formulation of essential oils-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles-based chitosan/PVA hydrogels to control the growth of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum.

Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum are phytopathogenic fungi that produce the deterioration of fruits. Thus, essential oil (EO) has emerged as a sustainable strategy to minimize the use of synthetic fungicides, but their volatility and scarce solubility restrict their application. This study proposes the EO of Oreganum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) based chitosan/PVA hydrogels to reduce the infestation of fungi phytopathogen. EO of O. vulgare and T. vulgaris-loaded SLN had a good homogeneity (0.21-0.35) and stability (-28.8 to -33.0 mV) with a mean size of 180.4-188.4 nm. The optimization of EO-loaded SLN showed that the encapsulation of 800 and 1200 µL L-1 of EO of O vulgare and T. vulgaris had the best particle size. EO-loaded SLN significantly reduced the mycelial growth and spore germination of both fungi pathogen. EO-loaded SLN into hydrogels showed appropriate physicochemical characteristics to apply under environmental conditions. Furthermore, rheological analyses evidenced that hydrogels had solid-like characteristics and elastic behavior. EO-loaded SLN-based hydrogels inhibited the spore germination in B. cinerea (80.9 %) and P. expansum (55.7 %). These results show that SLN and hydrogels are eco-friendly strategies for applying EO with antifungal activity.

Type and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of the red clover root borer, Hylastinus obscurus.

In order to determine the type, distribution, and structures of sensilla, the antennae of the red clover root borer, Hylastinus obscurus Marsham (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), were examined by light and electron microscopy (both scanning and transmission). Four different types of sensilla were identified in the club, and one type of chaetica was found in the scape and funicle of both male and female individuals. Chaetica and basiconica were the most abundant sensilla types in the club. They were present in the three sensory bands described, totaling approximately 80% of sensilla in the antennal club of H. obscurus. Chaetica were predominantly mechanoreceptors, although gustatory function could not be excluded. Basiconica forms showed characteristics typical of olfactory sensilla. Trichoidea were not found in the proximal sensory band, and they exhibited abundant pores, suggesting olfactory function. Styloconica were the least abundant sensillum type, and their shape was similar to that reported as having hygro- and thermoreceptor functions. There was no difference in the relative abundance of antennal sensilla between males and females. Finally, the sensillar configuration and abundance of receptors in the H. obscurus antennae suggest that these sensilla have chemoreceptive and other functions.

Identification and ligand binding of a chemosensory protein from sea louse Caligus rogercresseyi (Crustacea: Copepoda).

Caligus rogercresseyi is an ectoparasitic copepod that negatively affects the salmon farming industry, causing economic losses. To use phytochemicals as feed additives, or other chemicals that could elicit behavioral responses in C. rogercresseyi, the chemosensory recognition process is crucial. Therefore, to establish how C. rogercresseyi recognizes glucosinolates and their derivates isothiocyanates, a chemosensory protein (CSP) described as specific carrier of these chemicals in sea louse (CrogCSP) was identified in this study. The recombinant CSP and its selectivity against different chemical compounds was tested by fluorescence binding assays. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship among CrogCSP and other reported CSPs. Our results indicate that phenyl isothiocyanate and isophorone exhibited dissociation constants of 4.17 and 4.28 µM of Ki, respectively, indicating affinity over other chemicals, such as fatty acids and sinigrin. Structural findings suggest a unique binding site capable of accept several types of chemicals, similar to what has been reported for crystallized insect CSPs. Finally, this study lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of CSPs in crustaceans and especially in C. rogercresseyi. Likewise, the identification of chemosensory proteins could serve as the first step towards novel semiochemicals discovery to being applied in the sea louse controlling.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance monoterpene production in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.): a potential tool for pest control.

The possibility of modifying terpene production in plants is a defensive strategy that has been studied in conjunction with their biosynthetic pathways. A biotic factor such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) could modify terpene production in Trifolium pratense L. In this work, the enzymatic production of monoterpenes in Superqueli INIA cultivar with two AMF was evaluated via HeadSpace-Gas Chromatography (HS-GC). A significant increase of (S)-limonene was found in plants inoculated with Claroideoglomus claroideum as well as with the AMF mix (genera Scutellospora, Acaulospora and Glomus). Moreover, significant increases in other monoterpenes such as (-)-ß-pinene, myrcene, linalool, were observed. Results showed higher monoterpene production capacities in the Superqueli-INIA cultivar, suggesting the participation of monoterpene synthases (MTS). The significant rise of (S)-limonene in red clover plants inoculated with AMF suggests this strategy could be implemented in an agronomical manage for controlling the H. obscurus, the primary pest.

Herbivory Damage Increased VOCs in Wild Relatives of Murtilla Plants Compared to Their First Offspring.

Murtilla (Ugni molinae) is a shrub native to Chile that has undergone an incipient domestication process aimed at increasing its productivity. The reduction in intrinsic chemical defenses due to the domestication process has resulted in a decrease in the plant's ability to defend itself against mechanical or insect damage. In response to this damage, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a means of defense. To understand how domestication has impacted the production of VOCs in the first offspring of murtilla, we hypothesized that their levels would be reduced due to the induction of mechanical and herbivore damage. To test this hypothesis, we collected VOCs from four offspring ecotypes and three wild relatives of murtilla. We induced mechanical and herbivore damage in the plants and then enclosed them in a glass chamber, where we captured the VOCs. We identified 12 compounds using GC-MS. Our results showed that wild relative ecotypes had a higher VOC release rate of 624.6 µg/cm2/day. Herbivore damage was the treatment that produced the highest release of VOCs, with 439.3 µg/cm2/day in wild relatives. These findings suggest that herbivory triggers defenses through the emission of VOCs, and that domestication has influenced the production of these compounds in murtilla. Overall, this study contributes to bridging the gap in the incipient domestication history of murtilla and highlights the importance of considering the impact of domestication on a plant's chemical defenses.

The efficient activity of plant essential oils for inhibiting Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum: Mechanistic insights into antifungal activity.

Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum produce deterioration in fruit quality, causing losses to the food industry. Thus, plant essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a sustainable alternative for minimizing the application of synthetic fungicides due to their broad-spectrum antifungal properties. This study investigated the efficacy of five EOs in suppressing the growth of B. cinerea and P. expansum and their potential antifungal mechanisms. EOs of Mentha × piperita L., Origanum vulgare L., Thymus vulgaris L., Eucalyptus globules Labill., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill., were screened for both fungi. The results showed that the EO of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare were the most efficient in inhibiting the growth of B. cinerea and P. expansum. The concentration increase of all EO tested increased fungi growth inhibition. Exposure of fungi to EOs of T. vulgaris and O. vulgare increased the pH and the release of constituents absorbing 260 nm and soluble proteins, reflecting membrane permeability alterations. Fluorescence microscopic examination revealed that tested EOs produce structural alteration in cell wall component deposition, decreasing the hypha width. Moreover, propidium iodide and Calcein-AM stains evidenced the loss of membrane integrity and reduced cell viability of fungi treated with EOs. Fungi treated with EOs decreased the mitochondria activity and the respiratory process. Therefore, these EOs are effective antifungal agents against B. cinerea and P. expansum, which is attributed to changes in the cell wall structure, the breakdown of the cell membrane, and the alteration of the mitochondrial activity.

The Impact of 2-Ketones Released from Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Growth Modulation and Antioxidant System of Lactuca sativa.

2-Ketones are signal molecules reported as plant growth stimulators, but their applications in vegetables have yet to be achieved. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) emerge as a relevant nanocarrier to develop formulations for the controlled release of 2-ketones. In this sense, seedlings of Lactuca sativa exposed to 125, 375, and 500 µL L-1 of encapsulated 2-nonanone and 2-tridecanone into SLNs were evaluated under controlled conditions. SLNs evidenced a spherical shape with a size of 230 nm. A controlled release of encapsulated doses of 2-nonanone and 2-tridecanone was observed, where a greater release was observed as the encapsulated dose of the compound increased. Root development was strongly stimulated mainly by 2-tridecanone and leaf area (25-32%) by 2-nonanone. Chlorophyll content increased by 15.8% with exposure to 500 µL L-1 of 2-nonanone, and carotenoid concentration was maintained with 2-nonanone. Antioxidant capacity decreased (13-62.7%) in L. sativa treated with 2-ketones, but the total phenol concentration strongly increased in seedlings exposed to some doses of 2-ketones. 2-Tridecanone strongly modulates the enzymatic activities associated with the scavenging of H2O2 at intra- and extracellular levels. In conclusion, 2-ketones released from SLNs modulated the growth and the antioxidant system of L. sativa, depending on the dose released.