Selenium-Priming mediated growth and yield improvement of turnip under saline conditions.

Salt toxicity is one of the foremost environmental stresses that declines nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity and growth of plants resulting in a decrease in crop yield and quality. Seed priming has become an emergent strategy to alleviate abiotic stress and improve plant growth. During the current study, turnip seed priming with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) was investigated for its ability to mitigate salt stress. Turnip (Brassica rapa L. var. Purple Top White Globe) seeds primed with 75, 100, and 125 µML-1 of Se were subjected to 200 mM salt stress under field conditions. Findings of the current field research demonstrated that salt toxicity declined seed germination, chlorophyll content, and gas exchange characteristics of B. rapa seedling. Whereas, Se-primed seeds showed higher germination rate and plant growth which may be attributed to the decreased level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased synthesis of proline (36%) and besides increased total chlorophyll (46%) in applied turnip plants. Higher expression levels of genes encoding antioxidative activities (CAT, POD, SO,D and APX) mitigated oxidative stress induced by the salt toxicity. Additionally, Se treatment decreased Na+ content and enhanced K+ content resulting in elevated K+/Na+ ratio in the treated plants. The in-silico assessment revealed the interactive superiority of Se with antioxidant enzymes including CAT, POD, SOD, and APX as compared to sodium chloride (NaCl). Computational study of enzymes-Se and enzymes-NaCl molecules also revealed the stress ameliorative potential of Se through the presence of more Ramachandran-favored regions (94%) and higher docking affinities of Se (-6.3). The in-silico studies through molecular docking of Na2SeO3, NaCl, and ROS synthesizing enzymes (receptors) including cytochrome P450 (CYP), lipoxygenase (LOX), and xanthine oxidase (XO), also confirmed the salt stress ameliorative potential of Se in B. rapa. The increased Ca, P, Mg, and Zn nutrients uptake nutrients uptake in 100 µML-1 Se primed seedlings helped to adjust the stomatal conductivity (35%) intercellular CO2 concentration (32%), and photosynthetic activity (41%) resulting in enhancement of the yield attributes. More number of seeds per plant (6%), increased turnip weight (115 gm) root length (17.24 cm), root diameter (12 cm) as well as turnip yield increased by (9%tons ha-1) were recorded for 100 µML-1 Se treatment under salinity stress. Findings of the current research judiciously advocate the potential of Se seed priming for salt stress alleviation and growth improvement in B. rapa.

According to our best of knowledge, it is the first time that seed primed with Selenium have been evaluated regarding NaCl stress mitigation in turnip. Salinity toxicity negatively affected physiochemical activities and growth of B.rapa.Seed priming with Selenium (Na₂SeO₃) mitigated salinity stress.Selenium (Se) enhanced nutrition, photosynthetic and antioxidant activity of applied plants.Selenium treated plants exhibited improved growth and reduced salinity content.

Role of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the mitigation of lead-induced stress in Daucus carota: modulation in polyamines and antioxidant enzymes.

During the current study, the effects of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (5 mmol/L) were observed on the growth and mineral nutrients of Daucus carota under lead (Pb) stress. The results demonstrated that Pb stress decreased the growth and photosynthetic rate of D. carota plants. Furthermore, Pb stressed plants showed decreased uptake of mineral nutrients including Zn, Na, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, K, and Cu. Similarly, Pb stressed plants showed enhanced electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, magnesium oxide nanoparticles detoxified ROS to mitigate Pb stress and improved the growth of plants. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles also escalated the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). A higher amount of Pb content was observed in the roots as compared to the shoot of plants. Lead toxicity reduced manganese accumulation in D. carota plants. The increased concentration of iron, manganese, copper, and zinc advocates stress the ameliorative role of Pb stress in plants. Novelty statementThe role of MgONPs in the alleviation of Pb-toxicity in Daucus carota has never been exploited. In addition, the potential of MgONPs to enhance nutritional content in D. carota via modulation in antioxidant system and polyamines have never been reported.

Karrikinolide alleviates BDE-28, heat and Cd stressors in Brassica alboglabra by correlating and modulating biochemical attributes, antioxidative machinery and osmoregulators.

In this study, we have evaluated the role of karrikin (KAR1) against the absorption and translocation of a persistent organic pollutant (POP), 2,4,4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (BDE-28) in plants, in the presence of two other stressors, cadmium (Cd) and high temperature. Furthermore, it correlates the physiological damages of Brassica alboglabra with the three stresssors separately. The results revealed that the post-germination application of KAR1 successfully augmented the growth (200%) and pertinent physiochemical parameters of B. alboglabra. KAR1 hindered air absorption of BDE-28 in plant tissues, and reduced its translocation coefficient (TF). Moreover, BDE-28 was the most negatively correlated (-0.9) stressor with chlorophyll contents, while the maximum mitigation by KAR1 was also achieved agaist BDE-28. The effect of temperature was more severe on soluble sugars (0.51), antioxidative machinery (-0.43), and osmoregulators (0.24). Cd exhibited a stronger inverse interrelation with the enzymatic antioxidant cascade. Application of KAR1 mitigated the deleterious effects of Cd and temperature stress on plant physiological parameters along with reduced aero-concentration factor, TF, and metal tolerance index. The phytohormone reduced lipid peroxidation by decreasing synthesis of ROS and persuading its breakdown. The stability of cellular membranes was perhaps due to the commotion of KAR1 as a growth-promoting phytohormone. In the same way, KAR1 supplementation augmented the membrane stability index, antioxidant defense factors, and removal efficiency of the pollutants. Consequently, the exogenously applied KAR1 can efficiently alleviate Cd stress, heat stress, and POP toxicity.

Q-SNARE protein FgSyn8 plays important role in growth, DON production and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum.

SNAREs (Soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) help intracellular vesicle trafficking and membrane fusion among eukaryotes. They are vital for growth and development of phyto-pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium graminearum which causes Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) of wheat and barley. The SNARE protein Syn8 and its homologues play many roles among different organisms. Here, we have characterized FgSyn8 in F. graminearum as a homologue of Syn8. We have integrated biochemical, microbiological and molecular genetic approaches to investigate the roles of this protein. Our results reveal that FgSyn8 is indispensable for normal vegetative growth, conidiation, conidial morphology and pathogenicity of F. graminearum. Deoxynivalenol (DON) biochemical assay reveals active participation of this protein in DON production of F. graminearum. This has further been confirmed by the production of bulbous structures among the intercalary hyphae. FgSyn8 mutant strain produced defects in perithecia formation which portrays its role in sexual reproduction. In summary, our results support that the SNARE protein FgSyn8 is required for vegetative growth, sexual reproduction, DON production and pathogenicity of F. graminearum.

Synergistic ameliorative effect of iron oxide nanoparticles and Bacillus subtilis S4 against arsenic toxicity in Cucurbita moschata: polyamines, antioxidants, and physiochemical studies.

The present study was intended to assess the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) and Bacillus subtilis S4 in mitigation of arsenic (As) stress in Cucurbita moschata. Cucurbita moschata seedlings were subjected to As stress for 60 days. Reduced level of growth parameters including photosynthetic pigments, rate of photosynthesis and gas exchange characteristics was observed in seedlings subjected to As stress. However, IONPs and B. subtilis S4 improved growth attributes and proline contents in supplemented C. moschata seedlings. Bacillus subtilis S4 inoculated seedlings showed higher activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) under As toxicity. Similarly, the co-application of IONPs and B. subtilis S4 further increased the activity of these antioxidative enzymes. The As stress alleviation in inoculated C. moschata seedlings is credited to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) in IONPs and B. subtilis S4-treated plants. Furthermore, synergism between plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and IONPs enhanced the biosynthesis of stress mitigating polyamines including spermidine and putrescine in As-stressed seedlings. Current research reveals that synergistic application of IONPs and B. subtilis S4 is an effective sustainable and ecofriendly approach for alleviation of As stress in C. moschata seedlings.

Ameliorative effect of co-application of Bradyrhizobium japonicum EI09 and Se to mitigate chromium stress in Capsicum annum L.

The present study was conducted to explore the potential of Bradyrhizobium japonicum EI09 (EI09) and selenium (Se) alone or in combination to mitigate hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) stress in Capsicum annum L. Chromium stressed plants exhibited significant reduction in biomass, chlorophyll content and gas exchange characteristics. The inoculated seedlings subjected to Cr6+stress showed improvement in growth, proline content, gas exchange attributes and total soluble proteins. Likewise, inoculated C. annum seedlings exhibited augmented activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) under Cr6+ stress. The Cr6+ stress mitigation in inoculated seedlings was ascribed to reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) besides increase activity of flavonoids, proline, phenolic content along with modulation of antioxidative enzymes. The growth-enhancing attributes of bacteria such as indole acetic acid (IAA) content and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) activity enhanced growth in Cr6+-stressed plants. Moreover, co-treatment of EI09 and 5 µM Se effectively mitigated Cr (VI) stress in C. annum plants. Current studies provide a novel insight into potential of B. japonicum EI09 and Se in reduction of Cr6+ toxicity in C. annum plants.

Liquiritin elicitation can increase the content of medicinally important glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale plants.

BACKGROUND: Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra (Chinese kale) is an important vegetable grown in southern China. This study was aimed at searching for environmentally friendly and affordable approaches to increase the production of medicinally relevant glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale plants. For this purpose, the foliar application of liquiritin at 0 (control), 250, 500 and 750 ppm was tested starting from the four-leaf stage and repeated every two weeks until plants were two months old. RESULTS: Foliar application of liquiritin in Chinese kale plants significantly increased glucosinolates and total phenolic content, in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with control plants, 2.3- and 1.9-fold increases in yields of glucosinolates and total phenolic content, respectively, were corroborated in Chinese kale plants treated with 750 ppm of liquiritin. Along with rises in the content of eight different glucosinolates, liquiritin elicitation effectively increased the concentration of glycosilated and acylated flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. The expression of genes involved in glucosinolate and phenolic biosynthesis was significantly higher in liquiritin-treated plants as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Liquiritin elicitation is a feasible and environmentally friendly practice for increasing the production of medicinally important glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in Chinese kale, which may improve this plant's value as a nutraceutical food. This study also contributes to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liquiritin elicitation. This is the first report documenting the use of liquiritin for an elicitation purpose in plants. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

A high-density genetic map developed by specific-locus amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing and identification of a locus controlling anthocyanin pigmentation in stalk of Zicaitai (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis var. purpurea).

BACKGROUND: Caixin and Zicaitai (Brassica rapa) belong to Southern and Central China respectively. Zicaitai contains high amount of anthocyanin in leaf and stalk resulting to the purple color. Stalk is the major edible part and stalk color is an economically important trait for the two vegetables. The aim of this study is to construct a high density genetic map using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technique to explore genetic basis for anthocyanin pigmentation traits via quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. RESULTS: We constructed a high generation linkage map with a mapping panel of F2 populations derived from 150 individuals of parental lines "Xianghongtai 01" and "Yinong 50D" with purple and green stalk respectively. The map was constructed containing 4253 loci, representing 10,940 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers spanning 1030.04 centiMorgans (cM) over 10 linkage groups (LGs), with an average distance between markers of 0.27 cM. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis revealed that a major locus on chromosome 7 and 4 minor QTLs explaining 2.69-61.21% of phenotypic variation (PVE) were strongly responsible for variation in stalk color trait. Bioinformatics analysis of the major locus identified 62 protein-coding genes. Among the major locus, there were no biosynthetic genes related to anthocyanin. However, there were several transcription factors like helix-loop-helix (bHLH) bHLH, MYB in the locus. Seven predicted candidate genes were selected for the transcription level analysis. Only bHLH49 transcription factor, was significantly higher expressed in both stalks and young leaves of Xianghongtai01 than Yinong50D. An insertion and deletion (InDel) marker developed from deletion/insertion in the promoter region of bHLH49 showed significant correlation with the stalk color trait in the F2 population. CONCLUSION: Using the constructed high-qualified linkage map, this study successfully identified QTLs for stalk color trait. The identified valuable markers and candidate genes for anthocyanin accumulation in stalk will provide useful information for molecular regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Overall our findings will lay a foundation for functional gene cloning, marker-assisted selection (MAS) and molecular breeding of important economic traits in B. rapa.

Benzenedicarboxylic acid upregulates O48814 and Q9FJQ8 for improved nutritional contents of tomato and low risk of fungal attack.

BACKGROUND: Tomato is an important food item and a cocktail of phytonutrients. In the current study, metabolites from a non-pathogenic fungal species Penicillium oxalicum have been exploited to obtain nutritionally augmented tomato fruits from the plants to better withstand against Alternaria alternata infection. RESULTS: Initially, bioactivity-guided assay and chromatographic analyses identified the bioactive metabolites of P. oxalicum [benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDA) and benzimidazole]. Then, ≥3 times elevated quantities of vitamins and other nutritional elements (protein, fat, fibers, and carbohydrates) were achieved by the foliar application of BDA. The maximum increase (625.81%) was recorded in riboflavin contents; however, thiamine showed the second highest enhancement (542.86%). Plant metabolites analysis revealed that jasmonic acid contents were boosted 121.53% to significantly enhance guaiacyl lignin defenses along with the reduction in coumarin contents. The protein profile analysis explored three most actively responding protein species toward BDA applications, (i) palmitoyltransferase protein Q9FLM3; (ii) serine/threonine-protein kinase O48814; and (iii) E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Q9FJQ8. The O48814 improved plant defenses; whereas, Q9FJQ8 protein was negatively regulating cysteine-type endopeptidase activity and assisted plant to resist schedule alterations. Tomato cultivar with more active innate metabolism was found to be more responsive toward BDA. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds were enriched by using the two-step extraction method of ethyl acetate and chloroform, respectively. CONCLUSION: Penicillium oxalicum a non-pathogenic fungal species, produced BDA, induced nutritional contents in tomato and protected it against Alternaria alternata. The current study is the first report on the bioactivity of BDA and benzimidazole concerning the nutritional enhancement and plant defense improvement. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

The beneficial role of potassium in Cd-induced stress alleviation and growth improvement in Gladiolus grandiflora L.

Heavy metal contaminated agricultural soils are one of the most important constraints for successful cultivation of crops. The current research was conducted to evaluate the role of potassium (K) on plant growth and amelioration of cadmium (Cd) stress in Gladiolus grandiflora under greenhouse conditions. G. grandiflora corms were sown in media contaminated with 0 (C), 50 (Cd50) and 100 (Cd100) mg Cd kg-1 soil. The plants growing in Cd-contaminated media exhibited reduced gas exchange attributes, chlorophyll (Chl) contents, vegetative and reproductive growth as compared to control. The plants raised in Cd contaminated media showed reduced nutrition yet higher Cd contents. However, supplementation of 60 mg Kg-1 K in treated plants (C+K, Cd50+K and Cd100+K) improved quantity of total soluble protein and proline (Pro) along with activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) under Cd stress. Similarly, K supplementation reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in treated plants. Potassium supplemented plants exhibited better vegetative and reproductive growth. The improved stress tolerance in K supplemented plants was attributed to the reduced quantity of MDA and H2O2, enhanced synthesis of protein, proline, phenols, flavonides and improved activity of antioxidant enzymes. The present research supports the application of K for alleviation of Cd stress in G. grandiflora.

Role of Burkholderia cepacia CS8 in Cd-stress alleviation and phytoremediation by Catharanthus roseus.

The current study was performed to assess the effect of Burkholderia cepacia CS8 on the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd) by Catharanthus roseus grown in Cd-contaminated soil. The plants cultivated in Cd amended soil showed reduced growth, dry mass, gas-exchange capacity, and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the plants exhibited elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under Cd stress. The bacterized plants showed higher shoot length, root length; fresh and dry weight. The improved stress tolerance in inoculated plants was attributed to the reduced quantity of MDA and H2O2, enhanced synthesis of protein, proline, phenols, flavonoids, and improved activity of antioxidant enzymes including peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase. Similarly, the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, phosphate solubilization, auxin, and siderophore production capability of B. cepacia CS8 improved growth and stress alleviation in treated plants. The bacterial inoculation enhanced the amount of water extractable Cd from soil. Furthermore, the inoculated plants showed higher bioconcentration factor and translocation factor. The current study exhibits that B. cepacia CS8 improves stress alleviation and phytoextraction potential of C. roseus plants growing under Cd stress.

Application of Bacillus megaterium MCR-8 improved phytoextraction and stress alleviation of nickel in Vinca rosea.

The current research was performed to evaluate the effect of Bacillus megaterium MCR-8 on mitigation of nickel (Ni) stress in Vinca rosea grown on Ni-contaminated soil (50, 100, and 200 mg Ni kg-1 soil). The treated plants exhibited reduced growth, biomass, gas exchange capacity, and chlorophyll (Chl) content under Ni stress. The inoculated plants growing in Ni-contaminated media exhibited relatively higher growth, total soluble protein, and proline contents. Similarly, bacterial inoculation improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) under Ni stress. The Ni stress alleviation in inoculated plants was attributed to the reduced level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), enhanced synthesis of protein, proline, phenols, and flavonides in conjunction with improved activity of antioxidant enzymes. The growth-promoting characteristics of microbe such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD) and phosphate solubilization activity, siderophore, and auxin production capability also improved the growth and stress mitigation in inoculated plants. Furthermore, the inoculated plants exhibited higher value for bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and resulted in higher loss of Ni content from soil. The current results exhibited the beneficial role of B. megaterium MCR-8 regarding stress alleviation and Ni phytoextraction by V. rosea.

Morphology, microstructure and chemical composition of single inhalable particles in Shanghai, China.

The morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition of a variety of particles emitted from coal-fired power plants, steel plants, and vehicle exhausts, which are possible sources of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compared with particle samples collected from urban atmosphere to identify the best footprint or the suitable indicator relating the existence of studied particles and their possible emitters by the morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition of the particles. The investigation indicated that the particles from these three sources are different in morphology, microstructure, and chemical composition. Sphere aggregates were generally the most abundant components, with silicon and aluminum as major elements. The urban air particulate contained particles similar to those observed in the power plant, steel plant, and vehicle exhaust samples suggesting that all three sources are contributing to the pollution in the city.

A Physiological and Molecular Docking Insight on Quercetin Mediated Salinity Stress Tolerance in Chinese Flowering Cabbage and Increase in Glucosinolate Contents.

The present study was performed to investigate the negative impact of salinity on the growth of Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis var. parachinensis) and the ameliorative effects of quercetin dihydrate on the plant along with the elucidation of underlying mechanisms. The tolerable NaCl stress level was initially screened for the Chinese flowering cabbage plants during a preliminary pot trial by exposing the plants to salinity levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 mM) and 250 mM was adopted for further experimentation based on the findings. The greenhouse experiment was performed by adopting a completely randomized design using three different doses of quercetin dihydrate (50, 100, 150 µM) applied as a foliar treatment. The findings showed that the exposure salinity significantly reduced shoot length (46.5%), root length (21.2%), and dry biomass (32.1%) of Chinese flowering cabbage plants. Whereas, quercetin dihydrate applied at concentrations of 100, and 150 µM significantly diminished the effect of salinity stress by increasing shoot length (36.8- and 71.3%), root length (36.57- and 56.19%), dry biomass production (51.4- and 78.6%), Chl a (69.8- and 95.7%), Chl b (35.2- and 87.2%), and carotenoid contents (21.4- and 40.3%), respectively, compared to the plants cultivated in salinized conditions. The data of physiological parameters showed a significant effect of quercetin dihydrate on the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes. Interestingly, quercetin dihydrate increased the production of medicinally important glucosinolate compounds in Chinese flowering cabbage plants. Molecular docking analysis showed a strong affinity of quercetin dihydrate with three different stress-related proteins of B. rapa plants. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that quercetin dihydrate can increase the growth of Chinese flowering cabbage under both salinity and normal conditions, along with an increase in the medicinal quality of the plants. Further investigations are recommended as future perspectives using other abiotic stresses to declare quercetin dihydrate as an effective remedy to rescue plant growth under prevailing stress conditions.

Harnessing the Biocontrol Potential of Bradyrhizobium japonicum FCBP-SB-406 to Manage Charcoal Rot of Soybean with Increased Yield Response for the Development of Sustainable Agriculture.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPRs) have the potential to act as biofertilizers and biopesticides. This study was planned to explore indigenously isolated PGPRs as a potential candidate to control charcoal rot that affects various crops including soybean. Among the four different tested species of PGPRs, Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) showed significant potential to enhance growth and control soil borne pathogens such as Macrophomina phaseolina. Bacillus subtilis (FCBP-SB-324) followed next. Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) reduced disease severity up to 81.25% in comparison to the control. The strain showed a strong fertilizing effect as a highly significant increase in biomass and other agronomic parameters was recorded in plants grown in its presence. The same was supported by the Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis. A decrease in disease incidence and severity may be due to the induced resistance imparted by the bacterium. This resulted in significant increments in quantities of defense enzymes, including catalase, peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). A significant production of proteases, catalases and hydrogen cyanide by B. japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) can also be associated to mycoparasitism. The establishment of PGPRs in treated soils also showed positive effects on soil health. Total metabolite profiling of treated plants in comparison to the control showed the upregulation of many flavonoids, isoflavonoids and amino acids. Many of these compounds have been well reported with antimicrobial activities. Bradyrhizobium japonicum (FCBP-SB-406) can be employed for the production of a potential formulation to support sustainable agriculture by reducing the input of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Comparative Effect of Seed Coating and Biopriming of Bacillus aryabhattai Z-48 on Seedling Growth, Growth Promotion, and Suppression of Fusarium Wilt Disease of Tomato Plants.

Beneficial plant microbes can enhance the growth and quality of field crops. However, the benefits of microbes using cheap and efficient inoculation methods are still uncommon. Seed coating with biocontrol agents can reduce the amount of inocula along with having the potential for large-scale application. Hence, in this research work, the comparative potential of tomato seed coating and biopriming with Bacillus aryabhattai Z-48, harboring multiple plant-beneficial traits, to suppress Fusarium wilt disease along with its beneficial effect on seedling and plant growth promotion was analyzed. Among two bacterial strains, B. aryabhattai Z-48 was able to antagonize the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici in vitro and its application as a seed coating superiorly benefited seedling traits like the germination percentage, vigor index, and seedling growth index along with a reduced germination time. The seed coating with B. aryabhattai Z-48 resulted in significant increases in the shoot length, root length, dry biomass, and total chlorophyll contents when compared with the bioprimed seeds with the same bacterial strain and non-inoculated control plants. The seed coating with B. aryabhattai Z-48 significantly reduced the disease index (>60%) compared with the pathogen control during pot trials. Additionally, the seed coating with B. aryabhattai Z-48 resulted in a significantly higher production of total phenolics, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzyme in tomato plants. The GC/MS-based non-targeted metabolic profiling indicated that the seed coating with B. aryabhattai Z-48 could cause large-scale metabolite perturbations in sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids, and organic acids to increase the fitness of tomato plants against biotic stress. Our study indicates that a tomato seed coating with B. aryabhattai Z-48 can improve tomato growth and suppress Fusarium wilt disease effectively under conventional agricultural systems.

Mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced tillering in field grown wheat, nutritional enrichment and soil properties.

To meet food security, commercial fertilizers are available to boost wheat yield, but there are serious ill effects associated with these fertilizers. Amongst various organic alternatives, inoculating crop fields with mycorrhizal species is the most promising option. Although, mycorrhizae are known to enhance wheat yield, but how the mycorrhizae influence different yield and quality parameters of wheat, is not clear. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of indigenous mycorrhizal species on the growth of wheat, its nutritional status and soil properties, in repeated set of field experiments. In total 11 species of mycorrhizae were isolated from the experimental sites with Claroideoglomus, being the most dominant one. Five different treatments were employed during the present study, keeping plot size for each replicate as 6 × 2 m. Introduction of consortia of mycorrhizae displayed a significant increase in number of tillers/plant (49.5%), dry biomass (17.4%), grain yield (21.2%) and hay weight (16.7%). However, there was non-significant effect of mycorrhizal inoculation on 1,000 grains weight. Moreover, protein contents were increased to 24.2%. Zinc, iron, phosphorus and potassium concentrations were also increased to 24%, 21%, 30.9% and 14.8%, respectively, in wheat grains. Enhancement effects were also noted on soil fertility such as soil organic carbon % age, available phosphorus and potassium were increased up to 64.7%, 35.8% and 23.9%, respectively. Herein, we concluded that mycorrhizal introduction in wheat fields significantly increased tillering in wheat and this increased tillering resulted in overall increase in wheat biomass/yield. Mycorrhizae also enhanced nutritional attributes of wheat grains as well as soil fertility. The use of mycorrhizae will help to reduce our dependance on synthetic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture.

The Imperative Use of Bacillus Consortium and Quercetin Contributes to Suppress Fusarium Wilt Disease by Direct Antagonism and Induced Resistance.

Fusarium wilt diseases severely influence the growth and productivity of numerous crop plants. The consortium of antagonistic rhizospheric Bacillus strains and quercetin were evaluated imperatively as a possible remedy to effectively manage the Fusarium wilt disease of tomato plants. The selection of Bacillus strains was made based on in-vitro antagonistic bioassays against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycoprsici (FOL). Quercetin was selected after screening a library of phytochemicals during in-silico molecular docking analysis using tomato LysM receptor kinases "SILKY12" based on its dual role in symbiosis and plant defense responses. After the selection of test materials, pot trials were conducted where tomato plants were provided consortium of Bacillus strains as soil drenching and quercetin as a foliar spray in different concentrations. The combined application of consortium (Bacillus velezensis strain BS6, Bacillus thuringiensis strain BS7, Bacillus fortis strain BS9) and quercetin (1.0 mM) reduced the Fusarium wilt disease index up to 69%, also resulting in increased plant growth attributes. Likewise, the imperative application of the Bacillus consortium and quercetin (1.0 mM) significantly increased total phenolic contents and activities of the enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was performed to investigate the perturbation in metabolites. FOL pathogen negatively affected a range of metabolites including carbohydrates, amino acids, phenylpropanoids, and organic acids. Thereinto, combined treatment of Bacillus consortium and quercetin (1.0 mM) ameliorated the production of different metabolites in tomato plants. These findings prove the imperative use of Bacillus consortium and quercetin as an effective and sustainable remedy to manage Fusarium wilt disease of tomato plants and to promote the growth of tomato plants under pathogen stress conditions.

Selenium seed priming enhanced the growth of salt-stressed Brassica rapa L. through improving plant nutrition and the antioxidant system.

Various abiotic stresses may affect the germination, growth, and yield of direct-seeded vegetable crops. Seed priming with effective antioxidant mediators may alleviate these environmental stresses by maintaining uniformity in seed germination and improving the subsequent health of developing seedlings. Salt-induced stress has become a limiting factor for the successful cultivation of Brassica rapa L., especially in Southeast Asian countries. The present study was performed to elucidate the efficacy of seed priming using selenium (Se) in mitigating salt-induced oxidative stress in turnip crops by reducing the uptake of Na+. In this study, we administered three different levels of Se (Se-1, 75 µmol L-1; Se-2, 100 µmol L-1; and Se-3, 125 µmol L-1) alone or in combination with NaCl (200 mM). Conspicuously, salinity and Se-2 modulated the expression levels of the antioxidant genes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The upregulated expression of stress-responsive genes alleviated salt stress by scavenging the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The stress ameliorative potential of Se (Se-2 = 100 µmol L-1) enhanced the final seed germination percentage, photosynthetic content, and seedling biomass production up to 48%, 56%, and 51%, respectively, under stress. The advantageous effects of Se were attributed to the alleviation of salinity stress through the reduction of the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and H2O2. Generally, treatment with Se-2 (100 µmo L-1) was more effective in enhancing the growth attributes of B. rapa compared to Se-1 (75 µmo L-1) and Se-3 (125 µmo L-1) under salt-stressed and non-stressed conditions. The findings of the current study advocate the application of the Se seed priming technique as an economical and eco-friendly approach for salt stress mitigation in crops grown under saline conditions.

Structure Elucidation and Toxicity Analysis of the Byproducts Formed after Biodegradation of Aflatoxins B1 and B2 Using Extracts of Mentha arvensis.

The aqueous extracts of leaves and shoots of Mentha arvensis were checked for their potential to biodegrade aflatoxin B1 and B2 (AFB1; 100 µg/L and AFB2; 50 µg/L) through in vitro assays. Overall, the results showed that leaf extract degrades aflatoxins more efficiently than the shoot extract. First, the pH, temperature and incubation time were optimized for maximum degradation by observing this activity at different temperatures between 25 and 60 °C, pH between 2 and 10 and incubation time from 3 to 72 h. In general, an increase in all these parameters significantly increased the percentage of biodegradation. In vitro trials on mature maize stock were performed under optimized conditions, i.e., pH 8, temperature 30 °C and an incubation period of 72 h. The leaf extract resulted in 75% and 80% biodegradation of AFB1 and AFB2, respectively. Whereas the shoot extract degraded both toxins up to 40-48%. The structural elucidation of degraded toxin products by LCMS/MS analysis showed seven degraded products of AFB1 and three of AFB2. MS/MS spectra showed that most of the products were formed by the loss of the methoxy group from the side chain of the benzene ring, the removal of the double bond in the terminal furan ring and the modification of the lactone group, indicating less toxicity compared to the parent compounds. The degraded products showed low toxicity against brine shrimps, confirming that M. arvensis leaf extract has significant potential to biodegrade aflatoxins.