Modeling reveals posttranscriptional regulation of GA metabolism enzymes in response to drought and cold.

The hormone gibberellin (GA) controls plant growth and regulates growth responses to environmental stress. In monocotyledonous leaves, GA controls growth by regulating division-zone size. We used a systems approach to investigate the establishment of the GA distribution in the maize leaf growth zone to understand how drought and cold alter leaf growth. By developing and parameterizing a multiscale computational model that includes cell movement, growth-induced dilution, and metabolic activities, we revealed that the GA distribution is predominantly determined by variations in GA metabolism. Considering wild-type and UBI::GA20-OX-1 leaves, the model predicted the peak in GA concentration, which has been shown to determine division-zone size. Drought and cold modified enzyme transcript levels, although the model revealed that this did not explain the observed GA distributions. Instead, the model predicted that GA distributions are also mediated by posttranscriptional modifications increasing the activity of GA 20-oxidase in drought and of GA 2-oxidase in cold, which we confirmed by enzyme activity measurements. This work provides a mechanistic understanding of the role of GA metabolism in plant growth regulation.

Enhancing saline stress tolerance in soybean seedlings through optimal NH4+/NO3- ratios: a coordinated regulation of ions, hormones, and antioxidant potential.

BACKGROUND: Nitrogen (N) availability is crucial in regulating plants' abiotic stress resistance, particularly at the seedling stage. Nevertheless, plant responses to N under salinity conditions may vary depending on the soil's NH4+ to NO3- ratio. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the effects of different NH4+:NO3- ratios (100/0, 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25) on the growth and physio-biochemical responses of soybean seedlings grown under controlled and saline stress conditions (0-, 50-, and 100-mM L- 1 NaCl and Na2SO4, at a 1:1 molar ratio). RESULTS: We observed that shoot length, root length, and leaf-stem-root dry weight decreased significantly with increased saline stress levels compared to control. Moreover, there was a significant accumulation of Na+, Cl-, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) but impaired ascorbate-glutathione pools (AsA-GSH). They also displayed lower photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b), K+ ion, K+/Na+ ratio, and weakened O2•--H2O2-scavenging enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase under both saline stress levels, while reduced ascorbate peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase under 100-mM stress, demonstrating their sensitivity to a saline environment. Moreover, the concentrations of proline, glycine betaine, total phenolic, flavonoids, and abscisic acid increased under both stresses compared to the control. They also exhibited lower indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, cytokinins, and zeatine riboside, which may account for their reduced biomass. However, NH4+:NO3- ratios caused a differential response to alleviate saline stress toxicity. Soybean seedlings supplemented with optimal ratios of NH4+:NO3- (T3 = 25:75 and T = 4 50:50) displayed lower Na+ and Cl- and ABA but improved K+ and K+/Na+, pigments, growth hormones, and biomass compared to higher NH4+:NO3- ratios. They also exhibited higher O2•--H2O2-scavenging enzymes and optimized H2O2, MDA, and AsA-GSH pools status in favor of the higher biomass of seedlings. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the NH4+ and NO3- ratios followed the order of 50:50 > 25:75 > 0:100 > 75:25 > 100:0 for regulating the morpho-physio-biochemical responses in seedlings under SS conditions. Accordingly, we suggest that applying optimal ratios of NH4+ and NO3- (25/75 and 50:50) can improve the resistance of soybean seedlings grown in saline conditions.

TALE gene family: identification, evolutionary and expression analysis under various exogenous hormones and waterlogging stress in Cucumis sativus L.

BACKGROUND: Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) belongs to the homeobox group of genes that are important constituents of plant systems. The TALE gene family is instrumental not only in growth and development but also plays an essential role in regulating plant response to environmental adversaries. RESULTS: In the present study, we isolated 21 CsTALE genes from the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genome database. Bioinformatics tools were put in place to understand the structural and functional components of the CsTALE gene family. The evolutionary analysis dissected them into seven subclades (KNOX-I, KNOX-II, and BELL-I to BELL-V). The cis-acting elements in the promoter region of CsTALE genes disclosed that they are key regulators of hormonal and stress-related processes. Additionally, the STRING database advocated the concerting role of CsTALE proteins with other key transcription factors potent in plant developmental biology. The CsmiR319 and CsmiR167a-3p targeting the CsTALE15 and CsTALE16, respectively, further assert the importance of the CsTALE gene family posttranscriptional-related processes. Tissue-specific gene expression unfolded the fundamental involvement of CsTALE genes as they were expressed throughout the developmental stages. Under waterlogging stress, the CsTALE17 expressed significantly higher values in WL, WL-NAA, and WL-ETH but not in WL-MeJA-treated samples. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals the evolution and functions of the CsTALE gene family in cucumber. Our work will provide a platform that will help future researchers address the issue of waterlogging stress in the Yangtze River Delta.

Planting pattern and nitrogen management strategies: positive effect on yield and quality attributes of Triticum aestivum L. crop.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop that plays a crucial role in global food security. A suitable planting pattern and optimum nitrogen (N) split management are efficient practices for improving wheat production. Therefore, an experiment was performed to explore the effect of N split management and sowing patterns on wheat at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. The treatments consisted of different nitrogen rates of 0, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha- 1 and planting patterns of W, M, broadcast and line sowing. The pooled analysis of both cropping seasons showed that application of 120 kg N ha- 1 increased spikelets spike- 1, grains spike- 1, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, grain N content, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency by 21.9, 16.7, 21.8, 70, 13, 19.9 and 40% as compared to control, respectively. In addition, W and M were observed the best management practices among all planting patterns. The M planting pattern enhanced chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and evapotranspiration while W plating pattern improved yield components and yield of wheat as compared to broadcast planting patterns. The principal component analysis biplot showed a close association of M and W planting patterns with 120 kg N ha- 1 in most of the studied traits. Hence, it is concluded that split application of 120 kg N ha- 1 in W and M sowing patterns enhanced growth, biochemical traits and water use efficiency, reducing N fertilization from 160 to 120 kg ha- 1 while increasing grain yield of wheat. Hence, it is recommended that application of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in combination with W and M planting patterns offer a sustainable approach to enhancing wheat production in the alkaline soil conditions of the Peshawar valley.

Effects of copper sulphate stress on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of Spinacia oleracea and Avena sativa.

Plants are subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses that significantly impact their growth and productivity. To achieve balanced crop growth and yield, including for leafy vegetables, the continuous application of micronutrient is crucial. This study investigates the effects of different concentrations of copper sulphate (0, 75, 125, and 175 ppm) on the morphological and biochemical features of Spinacia oleracea and Avena sativa. Morphological parameters such as plant height, leaf area, root length, and fresh and dry weights were optimized at a concentration of 75 ppm copper sulfate. At this concentration, chlorophyll a & b levels increased significantly in Spinacia oleracea (462.9 and 249.8 𝜇𝑔/𝑔), and Avena sativa (404.7 and 437.63𝜇𝑔/𝑔). However, carotenoid content and sugar levels in Spinacia oleracea were negatively affected, while sugar content in Avena sativa increased at 125 ppm (941.6 µg/ml). Protein content increased in Spinacia oleracea (75 ppm, 180.3 µg/ml) but decreased in Avena sativa. Phenol content peaked in both plants at 75 ppm (362.2 and 244.5 µg/ml). Higher concentrations (175 ppm) of copper sulfate reduced plant productivity and health. Plants exposed to control and optimal concentrations (75 and 125 ppm) of copper sulpate exhibited the best health and growth compared to those subjected to higher concentrations. Maximum plant height, leaf area, root length, fresh and dry weights were observed at lower concentrations (75 and 125 ppm) of copper sulfate, while higher concentrations caused toxicity. Optimal copper sulfate levels enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, protein, and phenol contents but inhibited sugar and carotenoid contents in both Spinacia oleracea and Avena sativa. Overall, increased copper sulfate treatment adversely affected the growth parameters and biochemical profiles of these plants.

Mitigating gadolinium toxicity in guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) through the symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: physiological and biochemical insights.

BACKGROUND: Gadolinium (Gd) is an increasingly found lanthanide element in soil; thus, understanding its impact on plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular responses is crucial. Here, we aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Gd (150 mg kg- 1) impacts on guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) plant yield and metabolism and whether the symbiotic relationship with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can mitigate Gd toxicity of soil contamination. RESULTS: AMF treatment improved mineral nutrient uptake and seed yield by 38-41% under Gd stress compared to non-inoculated stressed plants. Metabolic analysis unveiled the defense mechanisms adopted by AMF-treated plants, revealing carbon and nitrogen metabolism adaptations to withstand Gd contamination. This included an increase in the synthesis of primary metabolites, such as total sugar (+ 39% compared to control), soluble sugars (+ 29%), starch (+ 30%), and some main amino acids like proline (+ 57%) and phenylalanine (+ 87%) in the seeds of AMF-treated plants grown under Gd contamination. Furthermore, fatty acid and organic acid profile changes were accompanied by the production of secondary metabolites, including tocopherols, polyamines, phenolic acids, flavones, and anthocyanins. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the coordinated synthesis of these compounds underscores the intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying plant-AMF interactions and highlights the potential of AMF to modulate plant secondary metabolism for enhanced Gd stress tolerance.

Germination responses of Lens Culiunaris L. seeds to osmotic potentials at cardinal temperatures using hydrothermal time model.

BACKGROUND: Lentil is a significant legume that are consumed as a staple food and have a significant economic impact around the world. The purpose of the present research on lentil was to assess the hydrothermal time model's capacity to explain the dynamics of Lens culinaris L. var. Markaz-09 seed germination, as well as to ascertain the germination responses at various sub-optimal temperatures (T) and water potentials (Ψ). In order to study lentil seed germination (SG) behavior at variable water potentials (Ψs) and temperatures (Ts). A lab experiment employing the hydrothermal time model was created. Seeds were germinated at six distinct temperatures: 15 0С, 20 0С, 25 0С, 30 0С, 35 0С, and 40 0С, with five Ψs of 0, -0.3, -0.6, -0.9, and - 1.2 MPa in a PEG-6000 (Polyethylene glycol 6000) solution. RESULTS: The results indicated that the agronomic parameters like Germination index (GI), Germination energy (GE), Timson germination index (TGI), were maximum in 25 0C at (-0.9 MPa) and lowest at 40 0C in 0 MPa. On other hand, mean germination time (MGT) value was highest at 15 0C in -1.2 MPa and minimum at 40 0C in (-0.6 MPa) while Mean germination rate (MGR) was maximum at 40 0C in (0 MPa) and minimum at 15 0C in (-0.6 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The HTT model eventually defined the germination response of Lens culinaris L. var. Markaz-09 (Lentil) for all Ts and Ψs, allowing it to be employed as a predictive tool in Lens culinaris L. var. Markaz-09 (Lentil) seed germination simulation models.

Mitigating cold stress in rice: a study of genotype performance and sowing time.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an essential food for half of the global population and is vital in maintaining global food security. Climate change, increasing population and recent incident of COVID pandemic has generated financial burden and threaten the global food security. Due to theses factors rice cultivation also has to face significant challenges. frequent weather changes pose a considerable challenge to agricultural planning, which was previously relaying on consistent seasonal variations. In this context, rice cultivation is particularly sensitive to cold, where its development and productivity inhibited by low temperatures (< 18 °C). Developing rice varietes with low temprature tolerence and good yield potential is one of the major goals of current breeding efforts of plant scientists. For this purpose, short duration and early rice varieties are most favorable to avoid cold stress and yield more in less number of days. this study was designed to investigate the effect of low temperatures on different rice varieties. the study was designed to identify low temprature tolerent genotypes with early and regular cultivation. For this, thirty-four genotypes were evaluated in two gorwing seasons (2018-2019) with four different sowing times. Statistically sowing time showed significant interaction between all yield contributing parameters. The data indicate that exposure to low temperatures during the reproductive phase prolongs the maturation period of the crop, also length of the panicle and the fertility of the spikelets drops, resulting in a significant decrease in the production of sensitive varieties. Some varieties are more sensitive to cold stress compared to others. In the Egyptian context, Giza176, Sakha104, and Sakha107 are recommended for early cultivation, while the genotypes Giza 179, Sakha101, Sakha104, and GZ 9730-1-1-1-1 are indicated for the normal cultivation period. The Sakha104 variety is particularly notable, as it is recommended for both purposes. In addition, the data obtained in this study provide valuable information for selecting rice varieties suitable for double cropping in the North Delta of Egypt. This study also contributes to the existing literature, providing insights into the resilience of rice cultivation in the face of climate change.

Improving plant adaptation to soil antimony contamination: the synergistic contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and olive mill waste.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the alterations in biochemical and physiological responses of oat plants exposed to antimony (Sb) contamination in soil. Specifically, we evaluated the effectiveness of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and olive mill waste (OMW) in mitigating the effects of Sb contamination. The soil was treated with a commercial strain of AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis) and OMW (4% w/w) under two different levels of Sb (0 and 1500 mg kg-1 soil). RESULTS: The combined treatment (OMW + AMF) enhanced the photosynthetic rate (+ 40%) and chlorophyll a (+ 91%) and chlorophyll b (+ 50%) content under Sb condition, which in turn induced more biomass production (+ 67-78%) compared to the contaminated control plants. More photosynthesis in OMW + AMF-treated plants gives a route for phenylalanine amino acid synthesis (+ 69%), which is used as a precursor for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids (+ 110%), polyphenols (+ 26%), and anthocyanins (+ 63%) compared to control plants. More activation of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (+ 38%) and chalcone synthase (+ 26%) enzymes in OMW + AMF-treated plants under Sb stress indicated the activation of phenylpropanoid pathways in antioxidant metabolites biosynthesis. There was also improved shifting of antioxidant enzyme activities in the ASC/GSH and catalytic pathways in plants in response to OMW + AMF and Sb contamination, remarkably reducing oxidative damage markers. CONCLUSIONS: While individual applications of OMW and AMF also demonstrated some degree of plant tolerance induction, the combined presence of AMF with OMW supplementation significantly enhanced plant biomass production and adaptability to oxidative stress induced by soil Sb contamination.

Salicylic acid and Tocopherol improve wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Physio-biochemical and agronomic features grown in deep sowing stress: a way forward towards sustainable production.

BACKGROUND: The rate of germination and other physiological characteristics of seeds that are germinating are impacted by deep sowing. Based on the results of earlier studies, conclusions were drawn that deep sowing altered the physio-biochemical and agronomic characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). RESULTS: In this study, seeds of wheat were sown at 2 (control) and 6 cm depth and the impact of exogenously applied salicylic acid and tocopherol (Vitamin-E) on its physio-biochemical and agronomic features was assessed. As a result, seeds grown at 2 cm depth witnessed an increase in mean germination time, germination percentage, germination rate index, germination energy, and seed vigor index. In contrast, 6 cm deep sowing resulted in negatively affecting all the aforementioned agronomic characteristics. In addition, deep planting led to a rise in MDA, glutathione reductase, and antioxidants enzymes including APX, POD, and SOD concentration. Moreover, the concentration of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, proline, protein, sugar, hydrogen peroxide, and agronomic attributes was boosted significantly with exogenously applied salicylic acid and tocopherol under deep sowing stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that the depth of seed sowing has an impact on agronomic and physio-biochemical characteristics and that the negative effects of deep sowing stress can be reduced by applying salicylic acid and tocopherol to the leaves.

Comparative analysis of salinity tolerance mechanisms in two maize genotypes: growth performance, ion regulation, and antioxidant responses.

This study investigates the differential responses of two maize genotypes, SC180 and SC168, to salt stress, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance and identify traits associated with improved stress resilience. Salinity stress, imposed by 150 mM NaCl, adversely affected various growth parameters in both genotypes. SC180 exhibited a more pronounced reduction in shoot length (13.6%) and root length (13.6%) compared to SC168, which showed minimal reductions (3.0% and 2.3%, respectively). Additionally, dry weight losses in SC180's leaves, stems, and roots were significantly greater than those in SC168. Under salinity stress, both genotypes accumulated Na+ in all organs, with SC168 showing higher Na + concentrations. However, K+ levels decreased more significantly in SC180's leaves than in SC168's. The study also assessed physiological responses, noting that SC180 experienced a substantial reduction in relative water content (RWC) in leaves (22.7%), while SC168's RWC remained relatively stable (5.15%). Proline accumulation, a marker for osmotic adjustment, increased 2.3-fold in SC168 compared onefold in SC180. Oxidative stress indicators, such as electrolyte leakage and hydrogen peroxide levels, were elevated in both genotypes under salt stress, with SC180 showing higher increases (48.5% and 48.7%, respectively) than SC168 (35.25% and 22.0%). Moreover, antioxidant enzymes (APX, CAT, POD, SOD, GR) activities were significantly enhanced in SC168 under salinity stress, whereas SC180 showed no significant changes in these activities. Stress indices, used to quantify and compare salinity tolerance, consistently ranked SC168 as more tolerant (average rank = 1.08) compared to SC180 (average rank = 1.92). Correlation analyses further confirmed that SC168's superior tolerance was associated with better Na + regulation, maintenance of K+ levels, and a robust antioxidant defense system. In conclusion, SC168 demonstrated greater resilience to salinity stress, attributed to its efficient ion regulation, stable water status, enhanced osmotic adjustment, and strong antioxidant response. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding and developing salinity-tolerant maize varieties.

Cellular dynamics in the maize leaf growth zone during recovery from chilling depends on the leaf developmental stage.

KEY MESSAGE: A novel non-steady-state kinematic analysis shows differences in cell division and expansion determining a better recovery from a 3-day cold spell in emerged compared to non-emerged maize leaves. Zea mays is highly sensitive to chilling which frequently occurs during its seedling stage. Although the direct effect of chilling is well studied, the mechanisms determining the subsequent recovery are still unknown. Our goal is to determine the cellular basis of the leaf growth response to chilling and during recovery of leaves exposed before or after their emergence. We first studied the effect of a 3-day cold spell on leaf growth at the plant level. Then, we performed a kinematic analysis to analyse the dynamics of cell division and elongation during recovery of the 4th leaf after exposure to cold before or after emergence. Our results demonstrated cold more strongly reduced the final length of non-emerged than emerged leaves (- 13 vs. - 18%). This was not related to growth differences during cold, but a faster and more complete recovery of the growth of emerged leaves. This difference was due to a higher cell division rate on the 1st and a higher cell elongation rate on the 2nd day of recovery, respectively. The dynamics of cell division and expansion during recovery determines developmental stage-specific differences in cold tolerance of maize leaves.

Protein extracted from Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves: Bio-evaluation and characterization as suitable plant-based meat-protein alternative.

This study aimed to isolate and characterize moringa leaf protein (MLP) via HPLC and evaluate its consumption's effects through rat model. Four groups of Albino Wistar rats (n = 25 each) along with a control group (n = 25) were acclimatized. The isolated MLP was added to the basal diet (casein; control) in various percentages (25, 50, 75, 100%) for a 21-day experimental period. On three intervals (1st, 11th, 21st days), blood samples were collected and subjected for hematological and biochemical examination (Renal Function Test (RFT), Liver Function Test (LFT)). MLP contained a variety of essential and non-essential amino acids in substantial amounts. The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of 50% MLP-treated group was the highest (1.72) among MLP treatments. Increases in feed intake and weight were observed in treated rats compared to the control. The hematological profile of the rats revealed increases in Hemoglobin (Hb) (7.9-14.0%), White Blood Cell (WBC) (35.9-51.5%), Red Blood Cell (RBC) (17.1-22.2%), Hematocrit (HCT) (13.1-22.9%), and platelets levels (36.5-40.6%) from day 1. Protein isolates decreased liver parameters but resulted in non-significant changes in liver and kidney functions in rats. Further investigation is needed to determine the safe daily intake of MLP.

Biochar and saline soil: mitigation strategy by incapacitating the ecological threats to agricultural land.

Soil salinity caused a widespread detrimental issue that hinders productivity in agriculture and ecological sustainability, while waste-derived soil amendments like biochar have drawn attention for their capacity to act as a mitigating agent, by enhancing the physical and chemical features of soil, and contributing to the recovery of agricultural waste resources. However, the information concerning biochar and salinity which affect the physicochemical characteristics of soils, crop physiology, and growth is limited. To investigate whether biochar mitigates the salinity stress on wheat crop seedlings, we grow them with salinity stress (120 mM), and biochar (20 tons ha-1), and its interactive effects. The soil properties of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil available phosphorus (SAP) decreased in the saline soil by 36.71%, 46.97%, 26.31%, and 15.00%, while biochar treatment increased SOC, DOC, and SAP contents by 7.42%, 31.57%, and 15.00%, respectively. On the other hand, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) contents decreased in all the treatments compared to the control. The root growth traits, SPAD values, leaf nitrogen, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and reactive oxygen species decreased in the saline treatment while increasing in the biochar and interactive treatment. Thus, these activities resulted in higher leaves and root biomass in the biochar treatment alone and interactive treatment of salinity and biochar. According to principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, and the mantel test, using biochar in conjunction with salinity treatment was found to be more effective than salinity treatment alone. The results of this study suggest that biochar can be used as a sustainable agricultural technique and a means of mitigation agent by lowering soil salinity while increasing the biomass of crops.

Biochar improves the physical and nutritional quality of soil and plant function.Salinity stress declined the physiological activities and biomass of the crop.Biochar mitigates the salinity stress in soil and enhances the plant functioning.Exposure to both treatments enhances the antioxidant enzyme activity and biomass.

Magnetic nanocomposite of maize offal biomass for effective sequestration of Congo red and methyl orange dyes from contaminated water: modeling, kinetics and reusability.

The current study aims to use a facile and novel method to remove Congo red (CR) and Methyl Orange (MO) dyes from contaminated water with Maize offal biomass (MOB) and its nanocomposite with magnetic nanoparticles (MOB/MNPs). The MOB and MOB/MNPs were characterized with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET, XRD and point of zero charge (pHPZC). The influence of initial CR and MO levels (20-320 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (1-3 g/L), pH (3-9), co-exiting ions, temperature (25-45 °C) and time (15-180 min) was estimated. The findings demonstrated that MOB/MNPs exhibited excellent adsorption of 114.75 and 29.0 mg/g for CR and MO dyes, respectively while MOB exhibited 81.35 and 23.02 mg/g adsorption for CR and MO dyes, respectively at optimum pH-5, and dose 2 g/L. Initially, there was rapid dye removal which slowed down until equilibrium was reached. The interfering/competing ions in contaminated water and elevated temperature favored the dyes sequestration. The MOB/MNPs exhibited tremendous reusability and stability. The dyes adsorption was spontaneous, and exothermic with enhanced randomness. The adsorption effects were well explained with Freundlich model, pseudo second order and Elovich models. It is concluded that MOB/MNPs showed excellent, eco-friendly, and cost-effective potential to decontaminate the water.

Nanocomposite of Maize offal biomass demonstrated higher dyes removal.FTIR, SEM, BET, XRD and pH_PZC provided vital evidence for dyes adsorption.MOB/MNPs displayed excellent stability and reusability for dyes adsorption.Groundwater samples exposed a higher dyes removal.Results were validated with equilibrium and kinetic adsorption models.

Models for predicting coffee yield from chemical characteristics of soil and leaves using machine learning.

BACKGROUND: Coffee farming constitutes a substantial economic resource, representing a source of income for several countries due to the high consumption of coffee worldwide. Precise management of coffee crops involves collecting crop attributes (characteristics of the soil and the plant), mapping, and applying inputs according to the plants' needs. This differentiated management is precision coffee growing and it stands out for its increased yield and sustainability. RESULTS: This research aimed to predict yield in coffee plantations by applying machine learning methodologies to soil and plant attributes. The data were obtained in a field of 54.6 ha during two consecutive seasons, applying varied fertilization rates in accordance with the recommendations of soil attribute maps. Leaf analysis maps also were monitored with the aim of establishing a correlation between input parameters and yield prediction. The machine-learning models obtained from these data predicted coffee yield efficiently. The best model demonstrated predictive fit results with a Pearson correlation of 0.86. Soil chemical attributes did not interfere with the prediction models, indicating that this analysis can be dispensed with when applying these models. CONCLUSION: These findings have important implications for optimizing coffee management and cultivation, providing valuable insights for producers and researchers interested in maximizing yield using precision agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Can biochemical traits bridge the gap between genomics and plant performance? A study in rice under drought.

The possibility of introducing metabolic/biochemical phenotyping to complement genomics-based predictions in breeding pipelines has been considered for years. Here we examine to what extent and under what environmental conditions metabolic/biochemical traits can effectively contribute to understanding and predicting plant performance. In this study, multivariable statistical models based on flag leaf central metabolism and oxidative stress status were used to predict grain yield (GY) performance for 271 indica rice (Oryza sativa) accessions grown in the field under well-watered and reproductive stage drought conditions. The resulting models displayed significantly higher predictability than multivariable models based on genomic data for the prediction of GY under drought (Q2 = 0.54-0.56 versus 0.35) and for stress-induced GY loss (Q2 = 0.59-0.64 versus 0.03-0.06). Models based on the combined datasets showed predictabilities similar to metabolic/biochemical-based models alone. In contrast to genetic markers, models with enzyme activities and metabolite values also quantitatively integrated the effect of physiological differences such as plant height on GY. The models highlighted antioxidant enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and a lipid oxidation stress marker as important predictors of rice GY stability under drought at the reproductive stage, and these stress-related variables were more predictive than leaf central metabolites. These findings provide evidence that metabolic/biochemical traits can integrate dynamic cellular and physiological responses to the environment and can help bridge the gap between the genome and the phenome of crops as predictors of GY performance under drought.

A meta-analysis reveals differential sensitivity of cold stress responses in the maize leaf.

Maize (Zea mays), a cold-sensitive crop, requires cold tolerance for extending the length of the growing season in temperate climates. However, response curves to different cold temperatures and exposure durations are lacking. We used a meta-analysis approach using data from literature to investigate the effect of cold stress in the maize leaf. We constructed response curves to temperature and exposure durations for 18 key parameters related to leaf growth, photosynthesis, oxidative stress, antioxidants, and the phytohormone ABA. To determine their relevance for cold tolerance, we compared cold tolerant Flint and cold sensitive Dent lines. Treatment temperatures ranged from -20°C to 20°C for cold and from 12°C to 30°C for control and exposure duration from 3 min to 60 days. We found interacting effects of temperature and exposure durations on different response parameters. The strongest difference between Flint and Dent was observed for electrolyte leakage (EL). Our results show that the commonly used 4°C for cold and 25°C for control with medium cold exposure (1-7 days) induces a 50% decrease in shoot dry weight and leaf area and that EL is an easy and reliable indicator for cold tolerance studies.

Elevated CO2 mitigates the impact of drought stress by upregulating glucosinolate metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Elevated CO2 (eCO2 ) reduces the impact of drought, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Therefore, we used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the interaction of drought and eCO2 in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves. Transcriptome and subsequent metabolite analyses identified a strong induction of the aliphatic glucosinolate (GL) biosynthesis as a main effect of eCO2 in drought-stressed leaves. Transcriptome results highlighted the upregulation of ABI5 and downregulation of WRKY63 transcription factors (TF), known to enhance and inhibit the expression of genes regulating aliphatic GL biosynthesis (e.g., MYB28 and 29 TFs), respectively. In addition, eCO2 positively regulated aliphatic GL biosynthesis by MYB28/29 and increasing the accumulation of GL precursors. To test the role of GLs in the stress-mitigating effect of eCO2 , we investigated the effect of genetic perturbations of the GL biosynthesis. Overexpression of MYB28, 29 and 76 improved drought tolerance by inducing stomatal closure and maintaining plant turgor, whereas loss of cyp79f genes reduced the stress-mitigating effect of eCO2 and decreased drought tolerance. Overall, the crucial role of GL metabolism in drought stress mitigation by eCO2 could be a beneficial trait to overcome future climate challenges.

B2 O3 nanoparticles alleviate salt stress in maize leaf growth zones by enhancing photosynthesis and maintaining mineral and redox status.

Salt stress induces significant loss in crop yield worldwide. Although the growth-stimulating effects of micronutrient nanoparticles (NPs) application under salinity have been studied, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. The large size of maize leaf growth zones provides an ideal model system to sample and investigate the molecular and physiological bases of growth at subzonal resolution. Using kinematic analysis, our study indicated that salinity at 150 mM inhibited maize leaf growth by decreasing cell division and expansion in the meristem and elongation zones. Consistently, salinity downregulated cell cycle gene expression (wee1, mcm4, and cyclin-B2-4). B2 O3 NP (BNP) mitigated the stress-induced growth inhibition by reducing the decrease in cell division and expansion. BNP also enhanced the photosynthesis-related parameters. Simultaneously, chlorophyll, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase were stimulated in the mature zone. Concomitant with growth stimulation by BNP, mineral homeostasis, particularly for B and Ca, was monitored. BNP reduced oxidative stress (e.g., lessened H2 O2 generation along the leaf zones and reduced lipid peroxidation in the mature zone) induced by salinity. This resulted from better maintenance of the redox status, that is, increased the glutathione-ascorbate cycle in the meristem and elongation zones, and flavonoids and tocopherol levels in the mature zone. Our study has important implications for assessing the salinity stress impact mitigated by BNP on maize growth, providing a basis to improve the resilience of crop species under salinity stress conditions.