Integrated Action of Rhizobacteria with Aloe vera and Moringa Leaf Extracts Improves Defense Mechanisms in Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Cultivated in Saline Soil.

Osmotic stress is a serious physiological disorder that affects water movement within the cell membranes. Osmotic stress adversely affects agricultural production and sustainability and is largely caused by soil salinity and water stress. An integrated nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) soil amendment and an exogenous foliar application of Aloe vera leaf extract (ALE), and moringa leaf extract (MLE) were evaluated on roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress in salt-affected soil. The osmotic stress markedly decreased above- and below-ground development of the roselle plant, but integrated NFB soil amendment with ALE or MLE foliar application significantly alleviated its negative impacts. Broadly, an improvement was observed in chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and protein levels following NFB and extracts foliar application, as well as a significant enhancement in antioxidant production (total phenols, ascorbic acid, and FRAP), which decreased peroxide production and increased stress tolerance in plants. Under osmotic stress, the roselle calyx revealed the highest anthocyanin levels, which declined following NFB soil amendment and foliar extract application. Additionally, an enhancement in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents and the K/Na ratio, along with a depression in sodium (Na) content, was noticed. The integrated application of Azospirillum lipoferum × ALE exhibited the best results in terms of enhancing above- and below-ground growth, calyx yield, secondary metabolites, and tolerance to osmotic stress of the roselle plants cultivated in the salt-affected soil.

Essential oils prolonged the cut carnation longevity by limiting the xylem blockage and enhancing the physiological and biochemical levels.

Postharvest characteristics, such as vase life and antimicrobial preservation of commercial cut flowers are some of the major determinants of their market value worldwide. Extending vase life while restricting microbial proliferation in cut flowers is an important challenge faced by floricultural researchers. This study evaluates the preservative efficiency of different essential oils used as additive solutions in prolonging the longevity of carnation cv. Madam Collette cut flowers and restricting microbial growth in them. Cut carnations were treated with four essential oils: geranium, thyme, marjoram, and anise at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L. While treatment with all the essential oils prolonged the longevity of the cut flowers, thyme and marjoram oils were most effective at concentrations of 50 mg/L each. The vase life of thyme-treated and marjoram-treated carnations almost doubled to 18.5 days and 18.25 days, respectively, as compared to untreated flowers. Treatment with essential oils also led to an increase in water uptake by the cut flowers enhancing their relative water content (RWC). It also restricted the sharp decline of chlorophyll and total carbohydrates content of the flowers during their vase life period. Morphological features of the stem bases of treated and untreated carnations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stem ends of geranium and anise-treated carnations showed less bacterial growth than untreated flowers and no apparent xylem blockage was observed even after nine days of treatment. Furthermore, the presence of essential oils also reduced lipid peroxidation and free radical generation as observed by malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 quantification, respectively. It also led to increased production of total phenols leading to enhanced membrane stability. The use of thyme and marjoram essential oils as antimicrobial preservatives and green antioxidants appears to have promising applications in both the industrial and scientific sectors.

Correction: Youssef et al. Foliar Spray or Soil Drench: Microalgae Application Impacts on Soil Microbiology, Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses, Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chia Plants under Alkaline Stress. Biology2022, 11, 1844.

There were three errors in the original publication [...].

Foliar Spray or Soil Drench: Microalgae Application Impacts on Soil Microbiology, Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses, Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chia Plants under Alkaline Stress.

Alkaline soil inhibits the growth and productivity of chia plants (Salvia hispanica L.). Microalgae as biofertilizers have been reported to induce alkalinity tolerance and enhance yield and quality. However, limited information is known concerning the influence of microalgae application on medical plants, including chia. Our experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of microalgae strains of Arthrospira platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Nostoc muscorum, and Anabaena azollae with two application methods, foliar spray and soil drench, on morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters, yield, seed and oil quality, and fatty acid profiles of chia plants cultivated under alkaline soil conditions, as well as the on soil microbial activity. The results obtained reveal that both application methods positively influenced the growth and productivity of chia plants. However, the foliar application showed significant differences in the herb's fresh and dry weights and leaf pigments, whereas the drenching application caused more effect than the foliar spray application at the reproductive stage. Untreated chia plants showed a slight decline in the growth, productivity, and antioxidant level with an increase in Na content. However, microalgae applications significantly ameliorated these impacts as they induced an enhancement in the growth, leaf pigments, total protein and carbohydrate contents, nutrient content, seed and oil yields, as well as an increase in linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, with a reduction in saturated fatty acids, namely, palmitic and lauric acid. Soil drenching generated an improvement in the soil microbial activity and caused a reduction in the pH. The treatment of A. platensis with drenching application resulted in higher seed and oil yield, with an increase of 124 and 263.3% in seed and oil yield, respectively.

Green Production and Interaction of Carboxylated CNTs/Biogenic ZnO Composite for Antibacterial Activity.

Using biomolecule-rich plant extracts, the conversion of metal ions to metal oxide nanoparticles via abiogenic approach is highly intriguing, environmentally friendly, and quick. The inherent inclination of plant extracts function as capping agents in the insitu synthesis. In this study, biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized using an aqueous leaf extract from Moringaoleifera. The ZnO-NPs were then mixed with carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create a carboxylated CNTs/biogenic ZnO composite using asol-gel method. The CNTs/ZnO composite displayed 18 mm, 16 mm, and 17 mm zones of inhibition (ZOI) against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, respectively. In contrast with ZnO-NPs, the produced carboxylated CNTs/ZnO composite demonstrated a 13 percent elevation in ZOI as antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus ATCC 19659, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The characterization of ZnO-NPs and the carboxylated CNTs/ZnO composite were performed via FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD. The XRD pattern depicted a nano-sized crystalline structure (Wurtzite) of ZnO-NPs and a carboxylated CNTs/ZnO composite. The current work comprehends a valuable green technique for killing pathogenic bacteria, and gives fresh insights into the manufacture of metal oxide composites for future research.

Phenolic Characterization Using cLC-DAD Analysis and Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Activities of Ruta tuberculata Forssk.

The perennial aromatic plant Ruta tuberculata Forssk (Rutaceae) has been traditionally used by Mediterranean peoples as folk medicine against several types of disease to treat diverse illness. The objective of this work is to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of the aqueous (RAE) and methanolic (MeOH) 80% (RME) extracts of Algerian R. tuberculata aerial parts. Antioxidant potential, neuro-protective and anti-arthritic activities were investigated in vitro using six antioxidant approaches and by determining acetyl-cholinesterase and bovine albumin denaturation inhibitory capacities, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated on EtOH-induced gastric mucosal damage and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in mice. Moreover, bio-compounds' contents were also quantified using spectrophotometric and cLC-DAD methods. Both in vivo and in vitro investigations showed remarkable antioxidant activity of Ruta tuberculata Forssk, while methanolic extract (RME) of Ruta tuberculata Forssk exhibited more significant neuro-protective and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the antiulcer activity was more pronounced with RAE of R. tuberculata, which suggests that this plant can be considered as a natural resource of potent bioactive compounds that may act as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which underlines the importance of incorporating them in therapies in order to treat various diseases linked to oxidative stress, and they may also provide crucial data for the development of new anticholinesterase drugs to improve neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's.

Exogenously Supplemented Proline and Phenylalanine Improve Growth, Productivity, and Oil Composition of Salted Moringa by Up-Regulating Osmoprotectants and Stimulating Antioxidant Machinery.

Salinity is linked to poor plant growth and a reduction in global food output. Therefore, there is an essential need for plant adaptation and mitigation of salinity stress conditions. Plants combat salinity stress influences by promoting a set of physiological, biochemical, and molecular actions. Tremendous mechanisms are being applied to induce plant stress tolerance, involving amino acid application. For evaluating the growth and productivity of Moringa oleifera trees grown under salt stress conditions, moringa has been cultivated under different levels of salinity and subjected to a foliar spray of proline (Pro) and phenylalanine (Phe) amino acids. Moringa plants positively responded to the lowest level of salinity as the leaves, inflorescences, seeds, and oil yields have been increased, but the growth and productivity slightly declined with increasing salinity levels after that. However, Pro and Phe applications significantly ameliorate these effects, particularly, Pro-treatments which decelerated chlorophyll and protein degradation and enhanced vitamin C, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity. A slight reduction in mineral content was observed under the high levels of salinity. Higher osmoprotectants (proline, protein, and total soluble sugars) content was given following Pro treatment in salted and unsalted plants. A significant reduction in oil yield was obtained as affected by salinity stress. Additionally, salinity exhibited a reduction in oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), and linolenic (C18:3) acids, and an increase in stearic (C18:0), palmitic (C16:0), eicosenoic (C20:2), and behenic (C22:0) acids. Generally, Pro and Phe treatments overcome the harmful effects of salinity in moringa trees by stimulating the osmoprotectants, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity, causing higher dry matter accumulation and better defense against salinity stress.

Harnessing the Potential of Bacillus altitudinis MT422188 for Copper Bioremediation.

The contamination of heavy metals is a cause of environmental concern across the globe, as their increasing levels can pose a significant risk to our natural ecosystems and public health. The present study was aimed to evaluate the ability of a copper (Cu)-resistant bacterium, characterized as Bacillus altitudinis MT422188, to remove Cu from contaminated industrial wastewater. Optimum growth was observed at 37°C, pH 7, and 1 mm phosphate, respectively. Effective concentration 50 (EC50), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and cross-heavy metal resistance pattern were observed at 5.56 mm, 20 mm, and Ni > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ag > Hg, respectively. Biosorption of Cu by live and dead bacterial cells in its presence and inhibitors 1 and 2 (DNP and DCCD) was suggestive of an ATP-independent efflux system. B. altitudinis MT422188 was also able to remove 73 mg/l and 82 mg/l of Cu at 4th and 8th day intervals from wastewater, respectively. The presence of Cu resulted in increased GR (0.004 ± 0.002 Ug-1FW), SOD (0.160 ± 0.005 Ug-1FW), and POX (0.061 ± 0.004 Ug-1FW) activity. Positive motility (swimming, swarming, twitching) and chemotactic behavior demonstrated Cu as a chemoattractant for the cells. Metallothionein (MT) expression in the presence of Cu was also observed by SDS-PAGE. Adsorption isotherm and pseudo-kinetic-order studies suggested Cu biosorption to follow Freundlich isotherm as well as second-order kinetic model, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy (∆G°), change in enthalpy (∆H° = 10.431 kJ/mol), and entropy (∆S° = 0.0006 kJ/mol/K) depicted the biosorption process to a feasible, endothermic reaction. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses revealed the physiochemical and morphological changes in the bacterial cell after biosorption, indicating interaction of Cu ions with its functional groups. Therefore, these features suggest the potentially effective role of B. altitudinis MT422188 in Cu bioremediation.

Coal fly ash and nitrogen application as eco-friendly approaches for modulating the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of radish plants.

Plants are confronting a variety of environmental hazards as a result of fast climate change, which has a detrimental influence on soil, plant growth, and nutrient status. As a result, the present study aims to evaluate the influence of various fly ash concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35% FA) mixed with the optimum concentrations of nitrogen in the form of urea (0.5 g pot-1) on the growth, productivity and biochemical constituents of radish plants. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to assess soil physical-chemical properties and FA nutrient status. Results suggested that FA added many essential plant nutrients to the growth substrate and improved some important soil characteristics such as pH, electric conductivity, porosity, and water holding capacity. Also, the results revealed that the low concentrations of FA up to 20% were found to boost radish growth, yield, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and mineral content. While the highest concentrations of FA (25-35%) decreased radish growth and yield, increased oxidative stress through increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and caused a significant boost in ascorbic acid, proline, protein, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, SEM of radish leaf revealed an enhancement in the stomatal pore of radish leaf under different levels of FA. In conclusion, combining 15% fly ash with 0.5 g nitrogen in the form of urea significantly enhanced radish yield by enhancing antioxidant activity such as catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, Guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, nitrate reductase and reducing oxidative stress, potentially reducing fly ash accumulation and environmental pollution.

Pathogenicity of Bacillus Strains to Cotton Seedlings and Their Effects on Some Biochemical Components of the Infected Seedlings.

Pathogenicity of eight Bacillus strains to seedlings of four cotton cultivars was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Each of the tested cultivars was individually treated with powdered inoculum of each bacterial strain. Untreated seeds were planted as control treatments in autoclaved soil. Effects of the tested strains on levels and activities of some biochemical components of the infected seedlings were also assayed. The biochemical components included total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins, total free amino acids, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenols, and lipid peroxidation. ANOVA showed that Bacillus strain (B) was a very highly significant source of variation in damping-off and dry weight. Cotton cultivar (V) was a nonsignificant source of variation in damping-off while it was a significant source of variation in dry weight. B × V interaction was a significant source of variation in damping-off and a nonsignificant source of variation in dry weight. Bacillus strain was the most important source of variation as it accounted for 59.36 and 64.99% of the explained (model) variation in damping-off and dry weight, respectively. The lack of significant correlation between levels and activities of the assayed biochemical components and incidence of damping-off clearly demonstrated that these biochemical components were not involved in the pathogenicity of the tested strains. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the pathogenicity of the tested strains could be due to the effect of cell wall degrading enzymes of pathogenic toxins. Based on the results of the present study, Bacillus strains should be considered in studying the etiology of cotton seedling damping-off.

Evaluating the coating process of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and sodium tripolyphosphate on cucumbers under chilling condition to extend the shelf-life.

Cucumber is a highly perishable fruit, that can easily suffer from water loss, condensation, shriveling, yellowing and decay. The present investigation aim was to extending the shelf-life of cucumber using eco-friendly sodium tripolyphosphate and nano-material. Decay; hardness; succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDH); condensation and shriveling rates; and visual quality assessments of cucumbers fruits were evaluated during 21 days of storage period at 10 °C. There was a slight incidence of decay among (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles) CS-TiO2 and (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles/Sodium Tripolyphosphate) CS-TiO2-STP samples, which reported the lowest decay incidence 2.21% in CS-TiO2, while CS-TiO2-STP did not show any decay at end of storage period. CS-TiO2-STP recorded the lowest value in SDH activity 0.08 ∆OD min-1 mg protein-1. Very slight hardness, water condensation, and shriveling were detected in CS-TiO2 samples, while CS-TiO2-STP was the lowest compared with other SC samples and control. In general, CS-TiO2-STP treatment was found most potential to enhance the postharvest shelf life of cucumber throughout the storage period up to 21 day.

Enhancement in physicochemical parameters and microbial populations of mushrooms as influenced by nano-coating treatments.

White button mushrooms are greatly high perishable and can deteriorate within a few days after harvesting due to physicomechanical damage, respiration, microbial growth of the delicate epidermal structure. For that reason, the present research work was applied to evaluate the effect of chitosan combination with nano-coating treatments on physicochemical parameters and microbial populations on button mushrooms at chilling storage. Nano coating with the addition of nisin 1% (CHSSN/M) established the minimum value for weight loss 12.18%, maintained firmness 11.55 N, and color index profile. Moreover, O2% rate of (CHSSN/M) mushrooms was the lowest at 1.78%; while the highest rate was reported for CO2 24.88% compared to the untreated samples (Control/M) on day 12. Both pH and total soluble solid concentrations increased during storage. Results reported that the (CHSS/M) mushroom significantly (P < 0.05) reduced polyphenol oxidase activity (24.31 U mg-1 Protein) compared with (Control/M) mushrooms that increased faster than the treated samples. (CHSSN/M) treatment was the most efficient in the reduction of yeast and mold, aerobic plate microorganisms (5.27-5.10 log CFU/g), respectively. The results established that nano-coating film might delay the aging degree and accompany by marked prolongation of postharvest mushroom freshness.

Effect of Nano Silicon Dioxide Coating Films on the Quality Characteristics of Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe.

The prime objective of the research was to explore the coating effects of chitosan and nano-silicon dioxide with nisin as an antimicrobial agent on physicochemical properties, microbiological stability, and sensorial quality changes during the storage at 4 °C. The combination of nano-material and chitosan in addition to nisin was effective for reducing the postharvest attributes of fresh-cut cantaloupes in addition to the highest score in sensory evaluation. Chitosan coating treatment enhanced the microbiological quality 2.50 log CFU/g and 1.87 log CFU/g for aerobic counts and mold/yeasts populations, respectively. In a word, the combination of chitosan/nano-silica/nisin treatment was the best condition for fresh-cut cantaloupe shelf life extension by maintaining color, vitamin C 22.29 mg/100g, peroxidase activity 8.06 U/min.g, and other microbiological tests up to storage time of 8 days.

DPPH, FRAP and TAEC Assays with Postharvest Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) Parameters During the Packaging Process.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cabbage head is one of the main essential vegetables grown worldwide and contains high antioxidants compounds that fight the inflammation of many diseases. In this study, antioxidant activities and several characteristics of four different cabbage heads (Red, Savoy, Green and Napa) have been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Characteristics included: Head dimensions, sphericity, aspect ratio, mass, moisture content, project and surface areas. The (static and dynamic) frictions were detected on different surfaces. RESULTS: Napa cultivar had the highest TEAC assay (5.69 µmol TE g-1 fw). Green head had the highest DPPH assay (91.22 µmol TE g-1 fw), while the red head had the highest FRAP assay (79.77 µmol TE g-1 fw). The highest moisture content was in the Napa heads (94.91%). Savoy heads recorded the highest width, thickness, aspect ratio, mass and sphericity. The highest static and dynamic frictions were found on galvanic iron (0.29-0.51) and stainless steel (0.36-0.66), respectively. CONCLUSION: The measured data will be used in the cabbage horticultural processing for quality improvement and diet planers due to the high antioxidant activities.

The combined effect of coating treatments to nisin, nano-silica, and chitosan on oxidation processes of stored button mushrooms at 4 °C.

Agaricus bisporus is an edible fungus with a limited shelf life due to high moisture loss, browning, respiration, self-dissolve, lack of physical protection, rotting, and microbial attack. Mushrooms have been coated with nisin, nano-silica, and chitosan films in order to extend the shelf life, preserve quality and oxidation activities. The results showed that treating the mushrooms with chitosan and nano-silica (CH-AN-SILICA) increased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD-6.53 U kg-1), total phenolic content (TPC-0.39 g kg-1), and malondialdehyde content (MDA-1.63 µmol kg-1). CH-AN-SILICA treatment exhibited the highest scavenging against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals. While, CH-AN-SILICA with the addition of nisin as an antimicrobial agent preserved almost the reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals (OH-0.33 µmol g-1), superoxide anion (O2•--0.271 mmol s-1 kg-1), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2-21.54 µmol g-1). Besides, both CH-AN-SILICA and CH-AN-SILICA/N enhanced the catalase (CAT) activity and reduced the respiration rate. The results indicated that the combination of nisin, nano-silica, and chitosan coating films was effective in providing a longer storage life with acceptable quality in mushrooms.

Shelf-life, quality, safety evaluations of blueberry fruits coated with chitosan nano-material films.

Chitosan coating (B/CH) in addition with nano-material films as silicon (B/CH/Nano-SiO2) and titanium (B/CH/Nano-TiO2) dioxides were developed and applied to detect potential changes on fresh blueberry fruits in commercial storage temperature. Physical, mechanical parameters (weight loss, decay rate, colour index and firmness), phytochemical contents (ascorbic acid, acidity, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, and repining index), phenolic enzymes (peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase), pigments (anthocyanin) and microbiological analysis (mesophilic aerobic, yeasts and molds populations) were detected every other day until the end of the experiment. Nano-coating based on (Nano-TiO2) established the most suitable values for weight loss (2.22%), titratable acidity (0.45% citric acid), and repining index. (B/CH/Nano-TiO2) reported a gradual increase in polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase enzyme activities (659.45 U/min g) and (20.39 U/min g), respectively. While, (B/CH/Nano-SiO2) established the slightest change in acidity (2.61), anthocyanin (105.19 cyanidin-3-O-glucoside mg/100 g FW) and minimized the growth of mesophilic aerobic, yeasts, and molds populations (3.73-3.98 log CFU/g), respectively. (B/CH) films maintained lightness (6.80% loss) and recorded the highest ascorbic acid content (7.34 g/100 g FW). Therefore, chitosan nano-material films can maintain nutrients and control the microbial growth for extending the shelf life of fresh blueberry fruits.

Desertification and its effect on the erosion of vegetation in the south-western region of Saudi Arabia.

This study was conducted in Jazan region of south-western Saudi Arabia. Vegetation cover, frequency, abundance and soil characteristics were analysed at three locations with different quantitative and descriptive vegetation characteristics. Plant species were classified into three primary communities dominated by Salvadora persic, Acacia tortilis and Ziziphus spini-Christi. The results indicated that the distribution of plant species is controlled by soil characteristics. Very limited water resources are also limiting factor in vegetation growth. Among the three studied sites, desert and coastal environments are affected by desertification. Rehabilitation of the degraded lands requires collaborative efforts and support from the different related governmental sectors. Ecological conservation and sustainable development must be adopted as tools of rehabilitation.