Demonstration of the synergistic effect of biochar and Trichoderma harzianum on the development of Ralstonia solanacearum in eggplant.

Soil degradation has been accelerated by the use of chemical pesticides and poor agricultural practices, which has had an impact on crop productivity. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the use of eco-friendly biochar applications to enhance soil quality and sequester carbon in sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to determine the individual and combined effects of Leaf Waste Biochar (LWB) and the bio-control agent Trichoderma harzianum (BCA) on the development of bacterial wilt in eggplants (Solanum melongena) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (RS). The effects of LWB and BCA on eggplant physiology and defense-related biochemistry were comprehensively examined. Inoculated (+RS) and un-inoculated (-RS) eggplants were grown in potting mixtures containing 3% and 6% (v/v) LWB, both with and without BCA. The percentage disease index was considerably reduced (90%) in plants grown in the 6% LWB+ BCA amended treatments. Moreover, the plants grown in LWB and inoculated with BCA had higher phenolics, flavonoids and peroxidase contents compared to the non-amended control. The level of NPK was significantly increased (92.74% N, 76.47% P, 53.73% K) in the eggplants cultivated in the 6% LWB + BCA composition. This study has shown that the association of T. harzianum with biochar improved plant growth and reduced R. solanacearum induced wilt. Furthermore, the combined impact of biochar and T. harzianum was greater in terms of wilt suppression and increase in plant physiological measurements when the biochar concentration was 6%. Biochar and bio-control agents triggered biochemical alterations, thus enhancing the management of disease-infested soils.

Empirical phenotyping and genome-wide association study reveal the association of panicle architecture with yield in Chenopodium quinoa.

Chenopodium quinoa manifests adaptability to grow under varying agro-climatic scenarios. Assessing quinoa germplasm's phenotypic and genetic variability is a prerequisite for introducing it as a potential candidate in cropping systems. Adaptability is the basic outcome of ecological genomics of crop plants. Adaptive variation predicted with a genome-wide association study provides a valuable basis for marker-assisted breeding. Hence, a panel of 72 quinoa plants was phenotyped for agro morphological attributes and association-mapping for distinct imperative agronomic traits. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were employed to assess genetic relatedness and population structure. Heatmap analysis showed three genotypes were early maturing, and six genotypes were attributed for highest yield. The SD-121-07 exhibited highest yield per plant possessing green, glomerulate shaped, compact density panicle with less leaves. However, SJrecm-03 yielded less exhibiting pink, intermediate shape, intermediate density panicles with less leaves. The phenotyping revealed strong correlation of panicle architecture with yield in quinoa. A genome-wide association study unraveled the associations between ISSR makers and agro-morphological traits. Mixed linear modes analysis yielded nine markers associated with eight traits at p ≤ 0.01. Moreover, ISSR markers significantly associated with panicle shape and leafiness were also associated with yield per plant. These findings contribute to the provision of authenticity for marker-assisted selection that ultimately would support quinoa breeding programs.

Restoration of Antibacterial Activity of Inactive Antibiotics via Combined Treatment with AgNPs.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a huge threat to human health around the world and calls for novel treatments. Combined formulations of NPs and antibiotics have emerged as a viable nanoplatform for combating bacterial resistance. The present research work was performed to investigate the effect of combined formulations of AgNPs with streptomycin, cefaclor, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim against multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. AgNPs have been synthesized by using the Nigella sativa seed extract, and their characteristics were analyzed. AgNPs depicted concentration-dependent antibacterial effects, as the highest concentration of AgNPs showed the strongest antibacterial activity. Interestingly, AgNPs in conjugation with antibiotics showed an enhanced antibacterial potential against both S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, which suggested synergism between the AgNPs and antibiotics. Against S. aureus, streptomycin and trimethoprim in conjugation with AgNPs presented a synergistic effect, while cefaclor and ciprofloxacin in combination with AgNPs showed an additive effect. However, all of the tested antibiotics depicted a synergistic effect against K. pneumoniae. The lowest value of MIC (0.78 µg/mL) was shown by AgNPs-Stp against S. aureus, whereas AgNPs-Tmp showed the lowest value of MIC (1.56 µg/mL) against K. pneumoniae. The most important point of the present study is that both organisms (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) showed resistance to antibiotics but turned out to be highly susceptible when the same antibiotic was used in combination with AgNPs. These findings highlight the potential of nanoconjugates (the AgNPs-antibiotic complex) to mitigate the present-day crisis of antibiotic resistance and to combat antimicrobial infections efficiently.

Secondary metabolic profiling, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibitory activities and in silico and ADME studies: a multifunctional approach to reveal medicinal and industrial potential of Tanacetum falconeri.

Tanacetum falconeri is a significant flowering plant that possesses cytotoxic, insecticidal, antibacterial, and phytotoxic properties. Its chemodiversity and bioactivities, however, have not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, several extracts from various parts of T. falconeri were assessed for their chemical profile, antioxidant activity, and potential for enzyme inhibition. The total phenolic contents of T. falconeri varied from 40.28 ± 0.47 mg GAE/g to 11.92 ± 0.22 mg GAE/g in various extracts, while flavonoid contents were found highest in TFFM (36.79 ± 0.36 mg QE/g extract) and lowest (11.08 ± 0.22 mg QE/g extract) in TFSC (chloroform extract of stem) in similar pattern as found in total phenolic contents. Highest DPPH inhibition was observed for TFFC (49.58 ± 0.11 mg TE/g extract) and TFSM (46.33 ± 0.10 mg TE/g extract), whereas, TFSM was also potentially active against (98.95 ± 0.57 mg TE/g) ABTS radical. In addition, TFSM was also most active in metal reducing assays: CUPRAC (151.76 ± 1.59 mg TE/g extract) and FRAP (101.30 ± 0.32 mg TE/g extract). In phosphomolybdenum assay, the highest activity was found for TFFE (1.71 ± 0.03 mg TE/g extract), TFSM (1.64 ± 0.035 mg TE/g extract), TFSH (1.60 ± 0.033 mg TE/g extract) and TFFH (1.58 ± 0.08 mg TE/g extract), while highest metal chelating activity was recorded for TFSH (25.93 ± 0.79 mg EDTAE/g extract), TFSE (22.90 ± 1.12 mg EDTAE/g extract) and TFSC (19.31 ± 0.50 mg EDTAE/g extract). In biological screening, all extracts had stronger inhibitory capacity against AChE while in case of BChE the chloroform extract of flower (TFFC) and stem (TFSC) showed the highest activities with inhibitory values of 2.57 ± 0.24 and 2.10 ± 0.18 respectively. Similarly, TFFC and TFSC had stronger inhibitory capacity (1.09 ± 0.015 and 1.08 ± 0.002 mmol ACAE/g extract) against α-Amylase and (0.50 ± 0.02 and 0.55 ± 0.02 mmol ACAE/g extract) α-Glucosidase. UHPLC-MS study of methanolic extract revealed the presence of 133 components including sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and coumarins. The total phenolic contents were substantially linked with all antioxidant assays in multivariate analysis. These findings were validated by docking investigations, which revealed that the selected compounds exhibited high binding free energy with the enzymes tested. Finally, it was found that T. falconeri is a viable industrial crop with potential use in the production of functional goods and nutraceuticals.

Structural and Functional Strategies in Cenchrus Species to Combat Environmental Extremities Imposed by Multiple Abiotic Stresses.

Multiple abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and cold stress prevailing in natural habitats affect plant growth and development. Different species modify their structural and functional traits to combat these abiotic stresses while growing in stressful environments. Cenchrus species, i.e., Cenchrus pennisetiformis, C. setiger, and C. prieurii are widely distributed grasses found growing all over the world. Samples from natural populations were collected from different ecological regions in the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa that were exposed to aridity, salinity, and cold, while one site was designated as normal control. In the present study, structural and functional modifications of three Cenchrus species under abiotic stresses were evaluated. It was expected that each Cenchrus species may evolve different strategies to cope with multiple abiotic stresses. All Cenchrus species responded differently whether growing in normal environment or stressful conditions. The most remarkable feature for survival in C. pennisetiformis under cold stress was increased inflorescence and increased stem and root lignification. C. prieurii showed better tolerance to saline and cold environments. C. setiger showed better development of leaf sheath anatomical traits. The structural and functional modifications in Cenchrus species such as development of mechanical tissues provided structural support, while dermal and parenchymatous tissues increased water storage capacity and minimized water loss. An increase in the concentration of organic osmolytes and ionic content aids turgor pressure maintenance and ionic content crucial for plant growth and development. It was concluded that structural and functional alterations in all Cenchrus species were very specific and critical for survival under different environmental stresses. The ecological fitness of these species relied on maintenance of growth and biomass production, and the development of mechanical, vascular, dermal and parenchyma tissues under stressful environmental conditions. Moreover, accumulation of beneficial ions (K+ and Ca2+) and organic osmolytes were critical in turgor maintenance, hence survival of Cenchrus spp.

Phytoremediation ability and selected genetic transcription in Hydrocotyle umbellata-under cadmium stress.

Cadmium (Cd) is the most toxic element which may cause serious consequences to microbial communities, animals, and plants. The use of green technologies like phytoremediation employs plants with high biomass and metal tolerance to extract toxic metals from their rooting zones. In the present work, Hydrocotyle umbellata was exposed to five Cd concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 µmol) in triplicates to judge its phytoextraction ability. Effects of metal exposure on chlorophyll (Chl), bio-concentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and electrolyte leakage (EL) were analyzed after 10 days of treatment. Metal-responding genes were also observed through transcriptomic analysis. Roots were the primary organs for cadmium accumulation followed by stolon and leaves. There was an increase in EL. Plants showed various symptoms under increasing metal stress namely, chlorosis, browning of the leaf margins, burn-like areas on the leaves, and stunted growth, suggesting a positive relationship between EL, and programmed cell death (PCD). Metal-responsive genes, including glutathione, expansin, and cystatin were equally expressed. The phytoextraction capacity and adaptability of H. umbellata L. against Cd metal stress was also demonstrated by BCF more than 1 and TF less than 1.

The results of the current study demonstrated that Hydrocotyle umbellata is a good choice for environmental cleanup in areas with mild Cd contamination. According to TF and BCF, the plant demonstrated a considerable uptake of Cd. Additionally, H. umbellata's eligibility as a phytoremediation agent for Cd was supported by the transcription of numerous metal-responsive genes, including glutathione, expansin, cystatin, and other genes associated with growth.

Selection and validation of reference genes for normalizing qRT‒PCR gene expression studies in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and interaction with the guava plants.

Quantitative real-time PCR is used to quantify gene expression, even to detect low-level transcripts. It detects and quantifies the inoculum level of fungal pathogens in infected hosts. However, reliable expression profiling data require accurate transcript normalization against a stable reference gene. Hence, using stably expressed reference genes under variable conditions is paramount in gene expression analysis. In the current study, reference genes were selected and validated in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a guava canker and dieback pathogen. The reference gene selection and validation in C. gloeosporioides were evaluated for germinated conidia and mycelium (in vitro) and in infected guava (Psidium guajava) (interaction with host plant). The CgCAL gene was determined as a highly stable reference gene, followed by the CgTUB2 in C. gloeosporioides for germinating conidia and mycelium. However, the CgTUB2 gene was determined to be a highly stable reference gene, followed by the CgCAL for expression analysis during its interaction with the plant. Expression profiling revealed stable and constant relative expression patterns of selected reference genes for both PR genes by determining their relative transcript level. This study is the first to describe reference gene selection and validation to quantify target gene expression in C. gloeosporioides.

Structural and functional characteristics and expression profile of the 20S proteasome gene family in Sorghum under abiotic stress.

The 26S proteasome is a molecular machine that catalyzes and degrades protein intracellularly with the help of its core complex called 20S proteasome. The 20S proteasomes degrade and cleave denatured, cytotoxic, damaged, and unwanted proteins via proteolysis and impart biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in model plants. This study identified 20 genes, namely, 10 SbPA and 10 SbPB that encode for α- and ß-subunits of the 20S proteasome in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (2n= 20). These genes have been found distributed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 10th chromosomes. These sorghum genes were orthologous to corresponding rice. Phylogenetic analysis clustered these genes into seven clades, each with one of the seven α-subunits (1 to 7) and one of the seven ß-subunits (1 to 7). In silico gene expression analysis suggested that nine genes were involved in abiotic stress response (cold, drought, and abscisic acid hormone). The expression of these proteasomal genes was studied in shoots and roots exposed to different abiotic stresses (cold, drought, and abscisic acid) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. A significant increase in the relative fold expression of SbPBA1, SbPAA1, SbPBG1, SbPBE1, and SbPAG1 genes under ABA and drought stress provides an insight into its involvement in abiotic stress. No expression was observed for cold stress of these genes indicating their non-involvement. It is believed that additional investigation into the SbPA/SbPB genes would aid in the creation of S. bicolor cultivars that are resistant to climate change.

Identification and specificity validation of unique and antimicrobial resistance genes to trace suspected pathogenic AMR bacteria and to monitor the development of AMR in non-AMR strains in the environment and clinical settings.

The detection of developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global issue. The detection of developing antimicrobial resistance has become a global issue. The growing number of AMR bacteria poses a new threat to public health. Therefore, a less laborious and quick confirmatory test becomes important for further investigations into developing AMR in the environment and in clinical settings. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis and validation of unique and antimicrobial-resistant strains from the WHO priority list of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and previously reported AMR strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aeromonas spp., Anaeromonas frigoriresistens, Anaeromonas gelatinfytica, Bacillus spp., Campylobacter jejuni subsp. jejuni, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumonia subsp. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Thermanaeromonas toyohensis, and Vibrio proteolyticus. Using in-house designed gene-specific primers, 18 different antibiotic resistance genes (algJ, alpB, AQU-1, CEPH-A3, ciaB, CMY-1-MOX-7, CMY-1-MOX-9, CMY-1/MOX, cphA2, cphA5, cphA7, ebpA, ECP_4655, fliC, OXA-51, RfbU, ThiU2, and tolB) from 46 strains were selected and validated. Hence, this study provides insight into the identification of strain-specific, unique antimicrobial resistance genes. Targeted amplification and verification using selected unique marker genes have been reported. Thus, the present detection and validation use a robust method for the entire experiment. Results also highlight the presence of another set of 18 antibiotic-resistant and unique genes (Aqu1, cphA2, cphA3, cphA5, cphA7, cmy1/mox7, cmy1/mox9, asaI, ascV, asoB, oxa-12, acr-2, pepA, uo65, pliI, dr0274, tapY2, and cpeT). Of these sets of genes, 15 were found to be suitable for the detection of pathogenic strains belonging to the genera Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Helicobacter, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Salmonella, Haemophilus, and Bacillus. Thus, we have detected and verified sets of unique and antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria on the WHO Priority List and from published reports on AMR bacteria. This study offers advantages for confirming antimicrobial resistance in all suspected AMR bacteria and monitoring the development of AMR in non-AMR bacteria, in the environment, and in clinical settings.

Assessment of Genotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Mosquito as Test Model.

The widespread applications of ZnO NPs in the different areas of science, technology, medicine, agriculture, and commercial products have led to increased chances of their release into the environment. This created a growing public concern about the toxicological and environmental effects of the nanoparticles. The impact of these NPs on the genetic materials of living organisms is documented in some cultured cells and plants, but there are only a few studies regarding this aspect in animals. In view of this, the present work regarding the assessment of the genotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles using the mosquito Culex quinquefaciatus has been taken up. Statistically significant chromosomal aberrations over the control are recorded after the exposure of the fourth instar larvae to a dose of less than LD20 for 24 h. In order to select this dose, LD20 of ZnO NPs for the mosquito is determined by Probit analysis. Lacto-aceto-orcein stained chromosomal preparations are made from gonads of adult treated and control mosquitoes. Both structural aberrations, such as chromosomal breaks, fragments, translocations, and terminal fusions, resulting in the formation of rings and clumped chromosomes, and numerical ones, including hypo- and hyper-aneuploidy at metaphases, bridges, and laggards at the anaphase stage are observed. The percentage frequency of abnormalities in the shape of sperm heads is also found to be statistically significant over the controls. Besides this, zinc oxide nanoparticles are also found to affect the reproductive potential and embryo development as egg rafts obtained from the genetic crosses of ZnO nanoparticle-treated virgin females and normal males are small in size with a far smaller number of eggs per raft. The percentage frequencies of dominant lethal mutations indicated by the frequency of unhatched eggs are also statistically significant (p < 0.05) over the control. The induction of abnormalities in all of the three short-term assays studied during the present piece of work indicates the genotoxic potential of ZnO NPs, which cannot be labeled absolutely safe, and this study pinpoints the need to develop strategies for the protection of the environment and living organisms thriving in it.

Zinc and Boron Soil Applications Affect Athelia rolfsii Stress Response in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Plants.

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitutes an initial defense approach in plants during pathogen infection. Here, the effects of the two micronutrients, namely, zinc (Zn) and boron (B), on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant properties, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in leaves and roots challenged with Athelia rolfsii, which cause root rot disease, were investigated. The findings revealed that Zn and B application to the potting soil alleviated the adverse effect of A. rolfsii on sugar beet plants and increased the chlorophyll content in leaves. The increased enzymatic antioxidant activities such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) were observed in Zn applied plants compared to both uninoculated and inoculated control plants. A significant rise in CAT activity was noted in both leaves (335.1%) and roots (264.82%) due to the Zn2B1.5 + Ar treatment, in comparison to the inoculated control plants. On the other hand, B did not enhance the activity of any one of them except AsA. Meanwhile, A. rolfsii infection led to the increased accumulation of MDA content both in the leaves and roots of sugar beet plants. Interestingly, reduced MDA content was recorded in leaves and roots treated with both Zn and B. The results of this study demonstrate that both Zn and B played a vital role in A. rofsii tolerance in sugar beet, while Zn enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, B appeared to have a less pronounced effect on modulating the antioxidant system to alleviate the adverse effect of A. rolfsii.

Salinity-Induced Physiochemical Alterations to Enhance Lipid Content in Oleaginous Microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 via Two-Stage Cultivation for Biodiesel Feedstock.

In the recent past, various microalgae have been considered a renewable energy source for biofuel production, and their amount and extent can be enhanced by applying certain types of stress including salinity. Although microalgae growing under salinity stress result in a higher lipid content, they simultaneously reduce in growth and biomass output. To resolve this issue, the physiochemical changes in microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 have been assessed through two-stage cultivation. In stage-I, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (39.55 and 34.10%) were found at a 0.4 M NaCl concentration, while in stage-II, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (42.16 and 38.10%) were obtained in the 8-day-old culture. However, under increased salinity, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 exhibited a decrease in photosynthetic attributes, including Chl-a, Chl-b, Fv/Fm, Y(II), Y(NPQ), NPQ, qP, qL, qN, and ETRmax but increased Y(NO) and carotenoids content. Apart from physiological attributes, osmoprotectants, stress biomarkers, and nonenzymatic antioxidants were also studied to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) facilitated lipid synthesis. Furthermore, elemental and mineral ion analysis of microalgal biomass was performed to evaluate the biomass quality for biofuel and cell homeostasis. Based on fluorometry analysis, we found the maximum neutral lipids in the 8-day-old grown culture at stage-II in Scenedesmus sp. BHU1. Furthermore, the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of higher levels of hydrocarbons and triacylglycerides (TAGs) composed of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the 8-day-old culture. Therefore, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 can be a promising microalga for potential biodiesel feedstock.

Impact Assessment of Lead-Tolerant Rhizobacteria to Improve Soil Health Using Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) as an Indicator Plant.

Due to ongoing human activities, heavy metals are heavily accumulated in the soil. This leads to an increase in the discharge and the quick spread of heavy metal pollution in human settlements and natural habitats, having a disastrous effect on agricultural products. The current experiment was planned to evaluate the effect of lead-tolerant-plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (LTPGPR) on growth, yield, antioxidant activities, physiology, and lead uptake in the root, shoot, and seed of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in lead-amended soil. Three pre-isolated well-characterized lead-tolerant rhizobacterial strains-S10, S5, and S2-were used to inoculate seeds of Indian mustard grown at three different levels of lead (300 mg kg-1, 600 mg kg-1, 900 mg kg-1) contaminated soil. The experiment was designed following a completely randomized design (CRD) under factorial arrangements. Lead nitrate was used as a source of lead contamination. At harvesting, data regarding growth, physiology, yield per plant, antioxidant activities, malondialdehyde and proline content, and lead uptake in the root, shoot, and seed of Indian mustard were recorded. Results demonstrated that lead contamination at all levels significantly reduced the plant growth, yield, and physiological processes. Plants inoculated with lead-tolerant rhizobacteria showed a significant improvement in plant growth, yield, antioxidant activities, and physiological attributes and cause a valuable reduction in the malondialdehyde contents of Indian mustard in lead-contaminated soil. Moreover, plants inoculated with lead-tolerant rhizobacteria also showed an increment in lead uptake in the vegetative parts and a significant reduction of lead contents in the seed of Indian mustard.

Exogenously applied nicotinic acid alleviates drought stress by enhancing morpho-physiological traits and antioxidant defense mechanisms in wheat.

Across the globe, the frequent occurrence of drought spells has significantly undermined the sustainability of modern high-input farming systems, particularly those focused on staple crops like wheat. To ameliorate the deleterious impacts of drought through a biologically viable and eco-friendly approach, a study was designed to explore the effect of nicotinic acid on different metabolic, and biochemical processes, growth and yield of wheat under optimal moisture and drought stress (DS). The current study was comprised of different levels of nicotinic acid applied as foliar spray (0 g L-1, 0.7368, 1.477, 2.2159 g L-1) and fertigation (0.4924, 0.9848, and 1.4773 g L-1) under normal conditions and imposed drought by withholding water at anthesis stage. The response variables were morphological traits such as roots and shoots characteristics, yield attributes, grain and biological yields along with biosynthesis of antioxidants. The results revealed that nicotinic acid dose of 2.2159 g L-1 out-performed rest of treatments under both normal and DS. The same treatment resulted in the maximum root growth (length, fresh and dry weights, surface area, diameter) and shoot traits (length, fresh and dry weights) growth. Additionally, foliar applied nicotinic acid (2.2159 g L-1) also produced as the highest spike length, grains spike-1, spikelet's spike-1 and weight of 1000 grains. Moreover, these better yield attributes led to significantly higher grain yield and biological productivity of wheat. Likewise in terms of physiological growth of wheat under DS, the same treatment remained superior by recording the highest SPAD value, relative water content, water potential of leaves, leaf area, stomatal conductance (292 mmolm-2S-1), internal carbon dioxide concentration, photosynthesis and transpiration rate. Interestingly, exogenously applied nicotinic acid remained effective in triggering the antioxidant system of wheat by recording significantly higher catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase.

Comparative analysis of phyto-fabricated chitosan, copper oxide, and chitosan-based CuO nanoparticles: antibacterial potential against Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and anticancer activity against HepG2 cell lines.

The aim of this study was to provide a comparative analysis of chitosan (CH), copper oxide (CuO), and chitosan-based copper oxide (CH-CuO) nanoparticles for their application in the healthcare sector. The nanoparticles were synthesized by a green approach using the extract of Trianthema portulacastrum. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using different techniques, such as the synthesis of the particles, which was confirmed by UV-visible spectrometry that showed absorbance at 300 nm, 255 nm, and 275 nm for the CH, CuO, and CH-CuO nanoparticles, respectively. The spherical morphology of the nanoparticles and the presence of active functional groups was validated by SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis. The crystalline nature of the particles was verified by XRD spectrum, and the average crystallite sizes of 33.54 nm, 20.13 nm, and 24.14 nm were obtained, respectively. The characterized nanoparticles were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, where potent activities were exhibited by the nanoparticles. The bioassay for antioxidant activity also confirmed DPPH scavenging activity for all the nanoparticles. This study also evaluated anticancer activities of the CH, CuO, and CH-CuO nanoparticles against HepG2 cell lines, where maximum inhibitions of 54, 75, and 84% were recorded, respectively. The anticancer activity was also confirmed by phase contrast microscopy, where the treated cells exhibited deformed morphologies. This study demonstrates the potential of the CH-CuO nanoparticle as an effective antibacterial agent, having with its antibiofilm activity, and in cancer treatment.

Soil Structure and Ectomycorrhizal Root Colonization of Pecan Orchards in Northern Mexico.

Pecan trees form a symbiotic relationship with ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM), which actively provide nutrition to the roots and protect them from phytopathogens. Although these trees originated in the southern United States and northern Mexico, information on their root colonization by ECM is insufficient in terms of a representative number of samples, both in these regions and worldwide. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the percentage of ectomycorrhizal colonization (ECM) of pecan trees of different ages in conventional and organic agronomic orchards and to identify ectomycorrhizal sporocarps, both morphologically and molecularly. The rhizospheric soil properties and the ECM percentages were analyzed for 14 Western variety pecan tree orchards between 3 and 48 years of age and grouped according to the agronomic management method. DNA extraction, internal transcribed spacer amplification, and sequencing were conducted on the fungal macroforms. The ECM colonization percentage fluctuated between 31.44 and 59.89%. Soils with low phosphorus content showed higher ECM colonization. The ECM concentrations were relatively homogeneous in relation to the ages of the trees, and organic matter content did not affect the percentage of ECM colonization. The highest ECM percentages occurred with the sandy clay crumb texture soil, with an average of 55% ECM, followed by sandy clay loam soils with 49.5%. The Pisolithus arenarius and Pisolithus tinctorius fungi were molecularly identified from sporocarps associated with pecan trees. This is the first study that reports Pisolithus arenarius as being associated with this tree.

Novel nanotechnological approaches for managing Phytophthora diseases of plants.

Members of the Phytophthora genus are soil-dwelling pathogens responsible for diseases of several important plants. Among these, Phytophthora infestans causes late blight of potatoes, which was responsible for the Irish potato famine during the mid-19th century. Various strategies have been applied to control Phytophthora, including integrated management programs (IMPs) and quarantine, but without successful full management of the disease. Thus, there is a need to search for alternative tools. Here, we discuss the emerging role of nanomaterials in the detection and treatment of Phytophthora species, including slow delivery of agrochemicals (microbicides and pesticides). We propose integrating these tools into an IMP, which could lead to a reduction in pesticide use and provide more effective and sustainable control of Phytophthora pathogens.

Engineered nanomaterials in plant diseases: can we combat phytopathogens?

Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) have a high potential for use in several areas of agriculture including plant pathology. Nanoparticles (NPs) alone can be applied for disease management due to their antimicrobial properties. Moreover, nanobiosensors allow a rapid and sensitive diagnosis of pathogens because NPs can be conjugated with nucleic acids, proteins and other biomolecules. The use of ENM in diagnosis, delivery of fungicides and therapy is an eco-friendly and economically viable alternative. This review focuses on different promising studies concerning ENM used for plant disease management including viruses, fungi, oomycetes and bacteria; diagnosis and delivery of antimicrobials and factors affecting the efficacy of nanomaterials, entry, translocation and toxicity. Although much research is required on metallic NPs due to the possible risks to the final consumer, ENMs are undoubtedly very useful tools to achieve food security in the world. KEY POINTS: • Increasing global population and fungicides have necessitated alternative technologies. • Nanomaterials can be used for detection, delivery and therapy of plant diseases. • The toxicity issues and safety should be considered before the use of nanomaterials.

The strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food packaging and agriculture: Chances, challenges, and consumers' perception.

Natural polymer-based nanocomposites have received significant attention in both scientific and industrial research in recent years. They can help to eliminate the consequences of application of petroleum-derived polymeric materials and related environmental concerns. Such nanocomposites consist of natural biopolymers (e.g., chitosan, starch, cellulose, alginate and many more) derived from plants, microbes and animals that are abundantly available in nature, biodegradable and thus eco-friendly, and can be used for developing nanocomposites for agriculture and food industry applications. Biopolymer-based nanocomposites can act as slow-release nanocarriers for delivering agrochemicals (fertilizers/nutrients) or pesticides to crop plants to increase yields. Similarly, biopolymer-based nanofilms or hydrogels may be used as direct product coating to extend product shelf life or improve seed germination or protection from pathogens and pests. Biopolymers have huge potential in food-packaging. However, their packaging properties, such as mechanical strength or gas, water or microbial barriers can be remarkably improved when combined with nanofillers such as nanoparticles. This article provides an overview of the strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food and agriculture as nanocarriers of active compounds, polymer-based hydrogels, nanocoatings and nanofilms. However, the risk, challenges, chances, and consumers' perceptions of nanotechnology applications in agriculture and food production and packaging have been also discussed.