Foliar application of iron impacts flavonoid glycosylation and promotes flavonoid metabolism in coloured rice.

Coloured rice is known as a healthcare food owing its rich flavonoid content. To better understand the effects of iron on the flavonoid metabolism of coloured rice grains, different concentrations of FeSO4 were foliar sprayed on to red rice Yuhongdao 5815 (RR) and black rice Nanheinuo (BR). The results revealed the association of iron with the increased accumulation of anthocyanins in BR and proanthocyanins in RR along with enhancements in their antioxidant capacities and total flavonoid contents. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the differential metabolites between the iron treated coloured rice and the control primarily occurred because of the O-linked glycosylation of aglycones, which are involved in the flavonoid pathway. RR exhibited a significantly higher number of differential metabolites compared with BR. Thus, foliar FeSO4 application affects the O-linked glycosylation and positively regulates flavonoid metabolism.

Genetics and metabolic responses of Artemisia annua L to the lake of phosphorus under the sparingly soluble phosphorus fertilizer: evidence from transcriptomics analysis.

The medicinal herb Artemisia annua L. is prized for its capacity to generate artemisinin, which is used to cure malaria. Potentially influencing the biomass and secondary metabolite synthesis of A. annua is plant nutrition, particularly phosphorus (P). However, most soil P exist as insoluble inorganic and organic phosphates, which results to low P availability limiting plant growth and development. Although plants have developed several adaptation strategies to low P levels, genetics and metabolic responses to P status remain largely unknown. In a controlled greenhouse experiment, the sparingly soluble P form, hydroxyapatite (Ca5OH(PO4)3/CaP) was used to simulate calcareous soils with low P availability. In contrast, the soluble P form KH2PO4/KP was used as a control. A. annua's morphological traits, growth, and artemisinin concentration were determined, and RNA sequencing was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under two different P forms. Total biomass, plant height, leaf number, and stem diameter, as well as leaf area, decreased by 64.83%, 27.49%, 30.47%, 38.70%, and 54.64% in CaP compared to KP; however, LC-MS tests showed an outstanding 37.97% rise in artemisinin content per unit biomass in CaP contrary to KP. Transcriptome analysis showed 2015 DEGs (1084 up-regulated and 931 down-regulated) between two P forms, including 39 transcription factor (TF) families. Further analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, enzyme catalytic activity, signal transduction, and so on, such as tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, starch and sucrose metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, P metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction. Meanwhile, several artemisinin biosynthesis genes were up-regulated, including DXS, GPPS, GGPS, MVD, and ALDH, potentially increasing artemisinin accumulation. Furthermore, 21 TF families, including WRKY, MYB, bHLH, and ERF, were up-regulated in reaction to CaP, confirming their importance in P absorption, internal P cycling, and artemisinin biosynthesis regulation. Our results will enable us to comprehend how low P availability impacts the parallel transcriptional control of plant development, growth, and artemisinin production in A. annua. This study could lay the groundwork for future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying A. annua's low P adaptation.

The plant is neither dumb nor deaf; it talks and hears.

Animals and insects communicate using vibrations that are frequently too low or too high for human ears to detect. Plants and trees can communicate and sense sound. Khait et al. used a dependable recording system to capture airborne sounds produced by stressed plants. In addition to allowing plants to communicate their stress, sound aids in plant defense, development, and resilience. It also serves as a warning that danger is approaching. Demey et al. and others discussed the audit examinations that were conducted to investigate sound discernment in plants at the atomic and biological levels. The biological significance of sound in plants, the morphophysiological response of plants to sound, and the airborne noises that plants make and can hear from a few meters away were all discussed.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae additions normalized hemocyte differential genes expression and regulated crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) oxidative damage under cadmium stress.

Because China produces the most crayfish in the world, safe solutions must be improved to mitigate the risks of ongoing heavy metal stressors accumulation. This study aimed to use Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a bioremediation agent to counteract the harmful effect of cadmium (Cd) on crayfish (Procambarus clarkia). Our study used three concentrations of S. cerevisiae on crayfish feed to assess their Cd toxicity remediation effect by measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the biomarkers related to oxidative stress like malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl derivates (PCO), and DNA-protein crosslink (DPC). A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy device was used to determine Cd contents in crayfish. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of lysozyme (LSZ), metallothionein (MT), and prophenoloxidase (proPO) were evaluated before and following the addition of S. cerevisiae. The results indicated that S. cerevisae at 5% supplemented in fundamental feed exhibited the best removal effect, and Cd removal rates at days 4th, 8th, 12th, and 21st were 12, 19, 29.7, and 66.45%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the basal diet of crayfish. The addition of S. cerevisiae increased TAC levels. On the other hand, it decreased MDA, PCO, and DPC, which had risen due to Cd exposure. Furthermore, it increased the expression of proPO, which was reduced by Cd exposure, and decreased the expression of LSZ and MT, acting in the opposite direction of Cd exposure alone. These findings demonstrated that feeding S. cerevisiae effectively reduces the Cd from crayfish and could be used to develop Cd-free crayfish-based foods.

Comparative analysis of endophytic fungal communities in bamboo species Phyllostachys edulis, Bambusa rigida, and Pleioblastus amarus.

Fungal endophytes in plant leaf mesophyll form mutually beneficial associations through carbon assimilation, synthesis of biologically active chemicals, and enhancement of aesthetic and nutritional value. Here, we compared community structure, diversity, and richness of endophytic fungi in the leaves of three bamboo species, including Phyllostachys edulis (MZ), Bambusa rigida (KZ), and Pleioblastus amarus (YT) via high-throughput Illumina sequencing. In total, 1070 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were retrieved and classified into 7 phylum, 27 classes, 82 orders, 185 families, 310 genus, and 448 species. Dominant genera were Cladosporium, Trichomerium, Hannaella, Ascomycota, Sporobolomyces, Camptophora and Strelitziana. The highest fungal diversity was observed in Pleioblastus amarus, followed by Bambusa rigida, and Phyllostachys edulis. Comparatively, monopodial species Ph. edulis and sympodial B. rigida, mixed P. amarus revealed the highest richness of endophytic fungi. We retrieved a few biocontrol agents, Sarocladium and Paraconiothyrium, and unique Sporobolomyces, Camptophora, and Strelitziana genera. FUNGuild analysis revealed the surrounding environment (The annual average temperature is between 15 and 25 °C, and the relative humidity of the air is above 83% all year round) as a source of fungal accumulation in bamboo leaves and their pathogenic nature. Our results provide precise knowledge for better managing bamboo forests and pave the way for isolating secondary metabolites and potential bioactive compounds.

Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition.

Silicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m-1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.

Mitigation of Hepatotoxicity via Boosting Antioxidants and Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Carbendazim-Treated Rats Using Adiantum Capillus-Veneris L. Extract.

Exposure to food contaminants continues to be a substantial source of human health risks all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Carbendazim (CBZ) is a chemical fungicide used to control the spread of various fungi and other pathogens in the agriculture and veterinary sectors. The hazardous effects of CBZ on human health occur due to the accumulation of its residues in agricultural food products. In this study, the possible hepatoprotective effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (ACVL) extract were evaluated in CBZ-treated rats. A GC-MS analysis revealed that ACVL extract contained several bioactive hydrocarbon components and fatty acids, and that the components exerted hepatic protection by mitigating oxidative stress via upregulating antioxidant agents and neutralizing nitrogen and oxygen free radicals. Moreover, ACVL extracts relieved hepatic inflammation via decreasing NO, NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6) in the liver of CBZ-treated rats, both at protein and mRNA levels. In addition, the protective effect of ACVL has appeared in the histopathological figures and function markers in the livers of CBZ-treated rats. According to the present results, ACVL extract can protect the hepatic tissue and restore its functions to a control level in CBZ-treated rats; this effect may be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Identification and Characterization of Glutathione S-transferase Genes in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) under Insecticides Stress.

Insect glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) serve critical roles in insecticides and other forms of xenobiotic chemical detoxification. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a major agricultural pest in several countries, especially Egypt. This is the first study to identify and characterize GST genes in S. frugiperda under insecticidal stress. The present work evaluated the toxicity of emamectin benzoate (EBZ) and chlorantraniliprole (CHP) against the third-instar larvae of S. frugiperda using the leaf disk method. The LC50 values of EBZ and CHP were 0.029 and 1.250 mg/L after 24 h of exposure. Moreover, we identified 31 GST genes, including 28 cytosolic and 3 microsomal SfGSTs from a transcriptome analysis and the genome data of S. frugiperda. Depending on the phylogenetic analysis, sfGSTs were divided into six classes (delta, epsilon, omega, sigma, theta, and microsomal). Furthermore, we investigated the mRNA levels of 28 GST genes using qRT-PCR under EBZ and CHP stress in the third-instar larvae of S. frugiperda. Interestingly, SfGSTe10 and SfGSTe13 stood out with the highest expression after the EBZ and CHP treatments. Finally, a molecular docking model was constructed between EBZ and CHP using the most upregulated genes (SfGSTe10 and SfGSTe13) and the least upregulated genes (SfGSTs1 and SfGSTe2) of S. frugiperda larvae. The molecular docking study showed EBZ and CHP have a high binding affinity with SfGSTe10, with docking energy values of -24.41 and -26.72 kcal/mol, respectively, and sfGSTe13, with docking energy values of -26.85 and -26.78 kcal/mol, respectively. Our findings are important for understanding the role of GSTs in S. frugiperda regarding detoxification processes for EBZ and CHP.

Alternative splicing: transcriptional regulatory network in agroforestry.

Alternative splicing (AS) in plants plays a key role in regulating the expression of numerous transcripts from a single gene in a regulatory pathway. Variable concentrations of growth regulatory hormones and external stimuli trigger alternative splicing to switch among different growth stages and adapt to environmental stresses. In the AS phenomenon, a spliceosome causes differential transcriptional modifications in messenger RNA (mRNAs), resulting in partial or complete retention of one or more introns as compared to fully spliced mRNA. Differentially expressed proteins translated from intron-retaining messenger RNA (mRNAir) perform vital functions in the feedback mechanism. At the post-transcriptional level, AS causes the remodeling of transcription factors (TFs) by the addition or deletion of binding domains to activate and/or repress transcription. In this study, we have summarized the specific role of AS in the regulation of gene expression through repression and activation of the transcriptional regulatory network under external stimuli and switch among developmental stages.

Interplay of silymarin and clove fruit extract effectively enhances cadmium stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Introduction: Osmoprotectant supplementation can be used as a useful approach to enhance plant stress tolerance. However, the effect of silymarin and clove fruit extract (CFE) on wheat plants grown under cadmium (Cd) stress has not been studied. Methods: Wheat seeds were planted in plastic pots filled with ions-free sand. A ½-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution was used for irrigation. Pots were treated with eight treatments thirteen days after sowing: 1) Control, 2) 0.5 mM silymarin foliar application [silymarin], 3) 2% CFE foliar application [CFE], 4) CFE enriched with silymarin (0.24 g silymarin L-1 of CFE) [CFE-silymarin], 5) Watering wheat seedlings with a nutritious solution of 2 mM Cd [Cd]. 6) Cadmium + silymarin, 7) Cadmium + CFE, and 8) Cadmium + CFE-silymarin. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with nine replicates. Results and discussion: The Cd stress decreased grain yield, shoot dry weight, leaf area, carotenoids, chlorophylls, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, membrane stability index, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content by 66.9, 60.6, 56.7, 23.8, 33.5, 48.1, 41.2, 48.7, 42.5, 24.1, 39.9, and 24.1%, respectively. On the other hand, Cd has an Application of CFE, silymarin, or CEF-silymarin for wheat plants grown under Cd stress, significantly improved all investigated biochemical, morphological, and physiological variables and enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities. Applying CFE and/or silymarin enhanced plant tolerance to Cd stress more efficiently. Our findings suggest using CFE-silymarin as a meaningful biostimulator for wheat plants to increase wheat plants' tolerance to Cd stress via enhancing various metabolic and physiological processes.

Primary plant nutrients modulate the reactive oxygen species metabolism and mitigate the impact of cold stress in overseeded perennial ryegrass.

Overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf on dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. L) in transitional climatic zones (TCZ) experience a severe reduction in its growth due to cold stress. Primary plant nutrients play an important role in the cold stress tolerance of plants. To better understand the cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass under TCZ, a three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a regression model was used to study the interactive effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization on lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and their detoxification by the photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The study demonstrated substantial effects of N, P, and K fertilization on ROS production and their detoxification through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress. Our results demonstrated that the cold stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide contents, while simultaneously decreasing ROS-scavenging enzymes, antioxidants, and photosynthetic pigments in overseeded perennial ryegrass. However, N, P, and K application mitigated cold stress-provoked adversities by enhancing soluble protein, superoxide dismutase, peroxide dismutase, catalase, and proline contents as compared to the control conditions. Moreover, N, P, and, K application enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress as compared to the control treatments. Collectively, this 2-years study indicated that N, P, and K fertilization mitigated cold stress by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants defense systems, thereby concluding that efficient nutrient management is the key to enhanced cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass in a transitional climate. These findings revealed that turfgrass management will not only rely on breeding new varieties but also on the development of nutrient management strategies for coping cold stress.

RNA sequencing in Artemisia annua L explored the genetic and metabolic responses to hardly soluble aluminum phosphate treatment.

Artemisia annua L. is a medicinal plant valued for its ability to produce artemisinin, a molecule used to treat malaria. Plant nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), can potentially influence plant biomass and secondary metabolite production. Our work aimed to explore the genetic and metabolic response of A. annua to hardly soluble aluminum phosphate (AlPO4, AlP), using soluble monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4, KP) as a control. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to analyze artemisinin. RNA sequencing, gene ontology (GO), and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were applied to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under poor P conditions. Results showed a significant reduction in plant growth parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf areas, and total biomass of A. annua. Conversely, LC-MS analysis revealed a significant increase in artemisinin concentration under the AlP compared to the KP. Transcriptome analysis revealed 762 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AlP and the KP. GH3, SAUR, CRE1, and PYL, all involved in plant hormone signal transduction, showed differential expression. Furthermore, despite the downregulation of HMGR in the artemisinin biosynthesis pathway, the majority of genes (ACAT, FPS, CYP71AV1, and ALDH1) were upregulated, resulting in increased artemisinin accumulation in the AlP. In addition, 12 transcription factors, including GATA and MYB, were upregulated in response to AlP, confirming their importance in regulating artemisinin biosynthesis. Overall, our findings could contribute to a better understanding the parallel transcriptional regulation of plant hormone transduction and artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua L. in response to hardly soluble phosphorus fertilizer.

Spirulina platensis extract improves the production and defenses of the common bean grown in a heavy metals-contaminated saline soil.

Plants have to cope with several abiotic stresses, including salinity and heavy metals (HMs). Under these stresses, several extracts have been used as effective natural biostimulants, however, the use of Spirulina platensis (SP) extract (SPE) remains elusive. The effects of SPE were evaluated as soil addition (SA) and/or foliar spraying (FS) on antioxidant defenses and HMs content of common bean grown in saline soil contaminated with HMs. Individual (40 or 80 mg SPE/hill added as SA or 20 or 40 mg SPE/plant added as FS) or integrative (SA+FS) applications of SPE showed significant improvements in the following order: SA-80+FS-40 > SA-80+FS-20 > SA-40+FS-40 > SA-40+FS-20 > SA-80 > SA-40 > FS-40 > FS-20 > control. Therefore, the integrative SA+FS with 40 mg SP/plant was the most effective treatment in increasing plant growth and production, overcoming stress effects and minimizing contamination of the edible part. It significantly increased plant growth (74%-185%) and yield (107%-227%) by enhancing net photosynthetic rate (78.5%), stomatal conductance (104%), transpiration rate (124%), and contents of carotenoids (60.0%), chlorophylls (49%-51%), and NPK (271%-366%). These results were concurrent with the marked reductions in malondialdehyde (61.6%), hydrogen peroxide (42.2%), nickel (91%-94%), lead (80%-9%), and cadmium (74%-91%) contents due to the improved contents of glutathione (87.1%), ascorbate (37.0%), and α-tocopherol (77.2%), and the activities of catalase (18.1%), ascorbate peroxidase (18.3%), superoxide dismutase (192%), and glutathione reductase (52.2%) as reinforcing mechanisms. Therefore, this most effective treatment is recommended to mitigate the stress effects of salinity and HMs on common bean production while minimizing HMs in the edible part.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of metal tolerance protein (MTP) gene family in soybean (Glycine max) under heavy metal stress.

AIM: Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) are plant membrane divalent cation transporters that specifically contribute to heavy metal stress resistance and mineral uptake. However, little is known about this family's molecular behaviors and biological activities in soybean. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 20 potential MTP candidate genes were identified and studied in the soybean genome for phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal distributions, gene structures, gene ontology, cis-elements, and previous gene expression. Furthermore, the expression of MTPs has been investigated under different heavy metals treatments. All identified soybean MTPs (GmaMTPs) contain a cation efflux domain or a ZT dimer and are further divided into three primary cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) groups: Mn-CDFs, Zn-CDFs, and Fe/Zn-CDFs. The developmental analysis reveals that segmental duplication contributes to the GmaMTP family's expansion. Tissue-specific expression profiling revealed comparative expression profiling in similar groups, although gene expression differed between groups. GmaMTP genes displayed biased responses in either plant leaves or roots when treated with heavy metal. In the leaves and roots, nine and ten GmaMTPs responded to at least one metal ion treatment. Furthermore, in most heavy metal treatments, GmaMTP1.1, GmaMTP1.2, GmaMTP3.1, GmaMTP3.2, GmaMTP4.1, and GmaMTP4.3 exhibited significant expression responses. CONCLUSION: Our findings provided insight into the evolution of MTPs in soybean. Overall, our findings shed light on the evolution of the MTP gene family in soybean and pave the path for further functional characterization of this gene family.

Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analysis identifies candidate genes involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in leaves of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a well-known medicinal plant which has multiple pharmacological properties. Notably, the leaves of C. asiatica contain large amounts of triterpenoid saponins. However, there have only been a few studies systematically elucidating the metabolic dynamics and transcriptional differences regarding triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis during the leaf development stages of C. asiatica. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome to reveal the dynamic patterns of triterpenoid saponin accumulation and identified the key candidate genes associated with their biosynthesis in C. asiatica leaves. In this study, we found that the key precursors in the synthesis of terpenoids, including DMAPP, IPP and ß-amyrin, as well as 22 triterpenes and eight triterpenoid saponins were considered as differentially accumulated metabolites. The concentrations of DMAPP, IPP and ß-amyrin showed significant increases during the entire stage of leaf development. The levels of 12 triterpenes decreased only during the later stages of leaf development, but five triterpenoid saponins rapidly accumulated at the early stages, and later decreased to a constant level. Furthermore, 48 genes involved in the MVA, MEP and 2, 3-oxidosqualene biosynthetic pathways were selected following gene annotation. Then, 17 CYP450s and 26 UGTs, which are respectively responsible for backbone modifications, were used for phylogenetic-tree construction and time-specific expression analysis. From these data, by integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses, we identified CaHDR1 and CaIDI2 as the candidate genes associated with DMAPP and IPP synthesis, respectively, and CaßAS1 as the one regulating ß-amyrin synthesis. Two genes from the CYP716 family were confirmed as CaCYP716A83 and CaCYP716C11. We also selected two UGT73 families as candidate genes, associated with glycosylation of the terpenoid backbone at C-3 in C. asiatica. These findings will pave the way for further research on the molecular mechanisms associated with triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis in C. asiatica.

Integrated agroforestry systems improve soil carbon storage, water productivity, and economic returns in the marginal land of the semi-arid region.

Environmental crises, land degradation, and frequent crop failure threaten the livelihoods of millions of the populace in the semi-arid agroecosystems. Therefore, different combinations of annual crops with perennial fruit trees were assessed to restore the soil carbon, and enhance farm productivity and profitability in a semi-arid climate. The study hypothesized that the integration of perennial fruit trees with seasonal crops may enhance farm productivity, economic returns, and environmental sustainability. Integration of phalsa (Grewia asiatica) with mung bean (Vigna radiata) - potato (Solanum tuberosum) system recorded the highest system productivity (25.9 Mg/ha) followed by phalsa with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) -mustard (Brassica juncea) systems (21.2 Mg/ha). However, Karonda (Carissa sp.) with mung bean - potato system recorded maximum net return (3529.1 US$/ha), and water use efficiency (33.0 kg/ha-mm). Concerning the benefit-cost (B:C) ratio, among the agroforestry systems, the karonda + cowpea - mustard system registered a maximum BC ratio (3.85). However, SOC density remained higher (9.10 Mg/ha) under the phalsa + cowpea - mustard and Moringa + mung bean - potato system (9.16 Mg/ha) over other systems. Similarly, phalsa + mung bean - potato system had the highest C sustainability index (27.6), carbon sequestration potential (0.6-0.67 Mg/ha/year), and water use efficiency (33.0 kg/ha-mm). Hence, the study suggested that the integration of short-duration leguminous and oilseeds with fruit trees offer a myriad of benefits and an efficient system for restoring the soil C without compromising the food and livelihood security of the rural populace in semiarid regions.

SSR markers in revealing extent of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among chickpea core collection accessions for Western Himalayas.

BACKGROUND: The exploration of genetic diversity is the key source of germplasm conservation and potential to broaden its genetic base. The globally growing demand for chickpea suggests superior/climate-resilient varieties, which in turn necessitates the germplasm characterization to unravel underlying genetic variation. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: A chickpea core collection comprising of diverse 192 accessions which include cultivated Cicer arietinum, and wild C. reticulatum, C. echinospermum, and C. microphyllum species were investigated to analyze their genetic diversity and relationship, by assaying 33 unlinked simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results amplified a total of 323 alleles (Na), ranging from 2 to 8 with an average of 4.25 alleles per locus. Expected heterozygosity (He) differed from 0.46 to 0.86 with an average of 0.68. Polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.73 to 0.98 with an average of 0.89. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that most of the variation was among individuals (87%). Cluster analysis resulted in the formation of four distinct clusters. Cluster I represented all cultivated and clusters II, III, and IV comprised a heterogeneous group of cultivated and wild chickpea accessions. CONCLUSION: We report considerable diversity and greater resolving power of SSR markers for assessing variability and interrelationship among the chickpea accessions. The chickpea core is expected to be an efficient resource for breeders for broadening the chickpea genetic base and could be useful for selective breeding of desirable traits and in the identification of target genes for genomics-assisted breeding.

Genome-Wide Analysis and Expression Profiling of SlHsp70 Gene Family in Solanum lycopersicum Revealed Higher Expression of SlHsp70-11 in Roots under Cd2+ Stress.

BACKGROUND: Tomato is an important part of daily food, rich source of multitude nutrients, suitable candidate for bio-pharmaceutical production due to berry size and has numerous health benefits. Transcriptional regulation of metalloregulatory heat shock protein-70 family plays pivotal role in plants tolerance against abiotic stress factors including salinity, heat, cold, drought and trace metal elements such as cadmium (Cd2+). METHODS: Here, we provide comprehensive report on in-silico identification of SlHsp70 family genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and their expression in tomato via qPCR analysis under broad range of trace metal elements. RESULTS: In-silico analysis revealed 23 SlHsp70 family genes in tomato, phylogenetically divided into four groups I-IV and displayed expression in all tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that SlHSP70 proteins were membrane localized which were involved in metal ions translocation and oxidoreductase activity to counter hyper-accumlation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CONCLUSIONS: Cd2+ is a widespread heavy metal soil contaminent which is continously polluting fertile soils, a knotty issue which has serious implications over photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation, minerals and water absorption by plants. Plants exposure to Cd2+ and subsequent qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression of SlHsp70-11 in tomato roots, which can be employed in breeding low Cd2+ enriched tomato varieties.

Agri-Nanotechnology and Tree Nanobionics: Augmentation in Crop Yield, Biosafety, and Biomass Accumulation.

Nanomaterials (NMs) are the leading edge as an amazing class of materials that consists of at least one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm. NMs can be made with exceptional magnetic, electrical, and catalytic properties different from their bulk counterparts. We summarized unique features of NMs, their synthesis, and advances in agri-nanotechnology and cutting-edge nanobionics. The review describes advances in NMs including their applications, dosimetry to ensure biosafety, remote sensing of agro-forestry fields, nanofertilizers, and nanopesticides, and avoid post-harvest losses, gene delivery, and nanobionics. Tree nanobionics has enabled the synthesis and delivery of nanosensors, which enhance the rate of photosynthesis, detection of pathogens, and poisonous residues to ensure biosafety and biomass accumulation. Finally, we conclude by discussing challenges, future perspectives, and agro-ecological risks of using NMs.