Insights into the growth and biochemical defense responses associated with fenitrothion toxicity and uptake by freshwater cyanobacteria.

The extensive use of fenitrothion (FNT) in agricultural practices induces its persistence in soil and waterways. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective management practices such as using cyanobacteria for FNT removal and accumulation, particularly under accidental contamination. To this end, we evaluated the responses of two freshwater cyanobacteria taxa, Nostoc muscorum and Anabaena laxa to mild (7.5 mg L-1) and high (15 mg L-1) levels of FNT over a period of 7 d. Compared to N. muscorum, A. laxa was more tolerant to FNT, exhibiting higher FNT uptake and removal efficiencies at mild (16.3%) and high (17.5%) levels. FNT induced a dose-dependent decrease in cell growth, Chl a, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activities, which were more pronounced in N. muscorum. Moreover, FNT significantly increased oxidative damage markers i.e., increased lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein oxidation, H2O2 levels and NADPH oxidase enzyme activity, to more extent in N. muscorum. Compared to N. muscorum, A. laxa had high antioxidant capacity (FRAP), glutathione and increased activities of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, suggesting a robust antioxidant defense mechanism to mitigate FNT toxicity. However, N. muscorum devoted the induction of ascorbate content and the activity of catalase, peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, and dehydroascorbate reductase enzymes. Although A. laxa had greater intracellular FNT, it experienced less FNT-induced oxidative stress, likely due to over production of antioxidants. Consequently, A. laxa is considered as a promising candidate for FNT phycoremediation. Our findings provide fundamental information on species-specific toxicity of FNT among cyanobacteria and the environmental risk of FNT toxicity in aquatic environments.

Climate and soil factors co-derive the functional traits variations in naturalized downy thorn apple (Datura innoxia Mill.) along the altitudinal gradient in the semi-arid environment.

Plant functional traits are consistently linked with certain ecological factors (i.e., abiotic and biotic), determining which components of a plant species pool are assembled into local communities. In this sense, non-native naturalized plants show more plasticity of morphological traits by adopting new habitat (an ecological niche) of the invaded habitats. This study focuses on the biomass allocation pattern and consistent traits-environment linkages of a naturalized Datura innoxia plant population along the elevation gradient in NW, Pakistan. We sampled 120 plots of the downy thorn apple distributed in 12 vegetation stands with 18 morphological and functional biomass traits during the flowering season and were analyzed along the three elevation zones having altitude ranges from 634.85 m to 1405.3 m from sear level designated as Group I to III identified by Ward's agglomerative clustering strategy (WACS). Our results show that many morphological traits and biomass allocation in different parts varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the pair-wise comparisons along the elevation. Likewise, all plant traits decreased from lower (drought stress) to high elevation zones (moist zones), suggesting progressive adaptation of Datura innoxia with the natural vegetation in NW Pakistan. Similarly, the soil variable also corresponds with the trait's variation e.g., significant variations (P < 0.05) of soil organic matter, organic carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus was recorded. The trait-environment linkages were exposed by redundancy analysis (RDA) that was co-drive by topographic (elevation, r = -0.4897), edaphic (sand, r = -0.4565 and silt, r = 0.5855) and climatic factors. Nevertheless, the influences of climatic factors were stronger than soil variables that were strongly linked with elevation gradient. The study concludes that D. innoxia has adopted the prevailing environmental and climatic conditions, and further investigation is required to evaluate the effects of these factors on their phytochemical and medicinal value.

Rapid alkalinization factor 22 has a structural and signalling role in root hair cell wall assembly.

Pressurized cells with strong walls make up the hydrostatic skeleton of plants. Assembly and expansion of such stressed walls depend on a family of secreted RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR (RALF) peptides, which bind both a membrane receptor complex and wall-localized LEUCINE-RICH REPEAT EXTENSIN (LRXs) in a mutually exclusive way. Here we show that, in root hairs, the RALF22 peptide has a dual structural and signalling role in cell expansion. Together with LRX1, it directs the compaction of charged pectin polymers at the root hair tip into periodic circumferential rings. Free RALF22 induces the formation of a complex with LORELEI-LIKE-GPI-ANCHORED PROTEIN 1 and FERONIA, triggering adaptive cellular responses. These findings show how a peptide simultaneously functions as a structural component organizing cell wall architecture and as a feedback signalling molecule that regulates this process depending on its interaction partners. This mechanism may also underlie wall assembly and expansion in other plant cell types.

Ecological factors affecting minerals and nutritional quality of "Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott": an underutilized wild leafy vegetable in rural communities.

Dryopteris filix-mas (hereafter D. filix-mas), a wild leafy vegetable, has gained popularity among high mountain residents in the Hindukush-Himalaya region due to its exceptional nutritional profile, and their commercial cultivation also offers viable income alternatives. Nevertheless, besides phytochemicals with medicinal applications, ecological factors strongly affect their mineral contents and nutritional composition. Despite this, little has been known about how this wild fern, growing in heterogeneous ecological habitats with varying soil physiochemical properties and coexisting species, produces fronds with optimal mineral and nutritional properties. Given its nutritional and commercial significance, we investigated how geospatial, topographic, soil physiochemical characteristics and coexisting plants influence this widely consumed fern's mineral and nutrient content. We collected soil, unripe fern fronds, and associated vegetation from 27 D. filix-mas populations in Swat, NW Pakistan, and were analyzed conjointly with cluster analysis and ordination. We found that the fronds from sandy-loam soils at middle elevation zones exhibited higher nitrogen contents (9.17%), followed by crude fibers (8.62%) and fats (8.09%). In contrast, juvenile fronds from the lower and high elevation zones had lower moisture (1.26%) and ash (1.59%) contents, along with fewer micronutrients such as calcium (0.14-0.16%), magnesium (0.18-0.21%), potassium (0.72-0.81%), and zinc (12% mg/kg). Our findings indicated the fern preference for middle elevation zones with high organic matter and acidic to neutral soil (pH ≥ 6.99) for retaining higher nutritional contents. Key environmental factors emerged from RDA analysis, including elevation (r = -0.42), aspect (r = 0.52), P-3 (r = 0.38), K+ (r = 0.41), EC (r = 0.42), available water (r = -0.42), and field capacity (r = -0.36), significantly impacting fern frond's mineral accumulation and nutrient quality enhancement. Furthermore, coexisting plant species (r = 0.36) alongside D. filix-mas played a pivotal role in improving its mineral and nutritional quality. These findings shed light on the nutritional potential of D. filix-mas, which could help address malnutrition amidst future scarcity induced by changing climates. However, the prevalent environmental factors highlighted must be considered if the goal is to cultivate this fern on marginal lands for commercial exploitation with high mineral and nutrient yields in Hindukush-Himalaya.

Correction: Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rubus fruticosus extract and their antibacterial efficacy against Erwinia caratovora and Ralstonia solanacearum phytopathogens.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/D3RA06723H.].

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

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

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

Synergistic effect of nitrate exposure and heatwaves on the growth, and metabolic activity of microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.

Aquatic biota are threatened by climate warming as well as other anthropogenic stressors such as eutrophication by phosphates and nitrate. However, it remains unclear how nitrate exposure can alter the resilience of microalgae to climate warming, particularly heatwaves. To get a better understanding of these processes, we investigated the effect of elevated temperature and nitrate pollution on growth, metabolites (sugar and protein), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation), and antioxidant accumulation (polyphenols, proline) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The experiment involved a 3 × 3 factorial design, where microalgae were exposed to one of three nitrate levels (5, 50, or 200 mg L-1 NO3-l) at 20 °C for 2 weeks. Subsequently, two heatwave scenarios were imposed: a short and moderate heatwave at 24 °C for 2 weeks, and a long and intense heatwave with an additional 2 weeks at 26 °C. A positive synergistic effect of heatwaves and nitrate on growth and metabolites was observed, but this also led to increased oxidative stress. In the short and moderate heatwave, oxidative damage was controlled by increased antioxidant levels. The high growth, metabolites, and antioxidants combined with low oxidative stress during the short and moderate heatwaves in moderate nitrate (50 mg L-1) led to a sustainable increased food availability to grazers. On the other hand, long and intense heatwaves in high nitrate conditions caused unsustainable growth due to increased oxidative stress and relatively low antioxidant (proline) levels, increasing the risk for massive algal die-offs.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rubus fruticosus extract and their antibacterial efficacy against Erwinia caratovora and Ralstonia solanacearum phytopathogens.

In the current research, we produced green, cost-effective, eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using a single-step approach. Plants are considered highly desirable systems for nanoparticle synthesis because they possess a variety of secondary metabolites with significant reduction potential. In the current research, the dried leaf extract of Rubus fruticosus was utilized as a capping and reducing agent for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles, to prepare reliable biogenic silver nanoparticles and subsequently to investigate their potential against some common phytopathogens. The prepared silver nanoparticles were exploited to quantify the total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH-based antioxidant activity. Different concentrations of aqueous extracts of plant leaves and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were reacted, and the color change of the reactant mixture confirmed the formation of Rubus fruticosus leaf-mediated silver nanoparticles (RFL-AgNPs). A series of characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction revealed the successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The surface plasmon resonance peak appeared at 449 nm. XRD analysis demonstrated the crystalline nature, EDX confirmed the purity, and TEM demonstrated that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical in form. Furthermore, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. The nanoparticles were used in different concentrations alone and in combination with plant extracts to inhibit Erwinia caratovora and Ralstonia solanacearum. In high-throughput assays used to inhibit these plant pathogens, the nanoparticles were highly toxic against bacterial pathogens. This study can be exploited for planta assays against phytopathogens utilizing the same formulations for nanoparticle synthesis and to develop potent antibacterial agents to combat plant diseases.

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

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

The pleiotropic role of Salinicoccus bacteria in enhancing ROS homeostasis and detoxification metabolism in soybean and oat to cope with pollution of triclosan.

Triclosan has been extensively used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. However, its accumulation represents a real environmental threat. Thus, its phytotoxic impact needs more consideration. Our study was conducted to highlight the phytotoxic effect of triclosan on the growth, ROS homeostasis, and detoxification metabolism of two different plant species i.e., legumes (Glycine max) and grass (Avena sativa). Moreover, we investigated the potentiality of plant growth-promoting bacteria (ST-PGPB) in mitigating the phytotoxic effect of triclosan. Triclosan induced biomass (fresh and dry weights) reduction in both plants, but to a higher extent in oats. This decline was associated with a noticeable increment in the oxidative damage (e.g., MDA and H2O2) and detoxification metabolites such as metallothionein (MTC), phytochelatins (PCs), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). This elevation was associated with a remarkable reduction in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. On the other hand, the bioactive strain of ST-PGPB, Salinicoccus sp. JzA1 significantly alleviated the harmful effect of triclosan on both soybean and oat plants by enhancing their biomass, photosynthesis, as well as levels of minerals (K, Ca, P, Mn, and Zn). In parallel, a striking quenching in oxidative damage and an obvious improvement in non-enzymatic (polyphenols, tocopherols, flavonoids) and enzymatic antioxidants were observed. Furthermore, Salinicoccus sp. JzA1 augmented the detoxification metabolism by enhancing the levels of phytochelatins, metallothionein, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in a species-specific manner which is more apparent in soybean rather than in oat plants. To this end, stress mitigating impact of Salinicoccus sp. JzA1 provides a basis to improve the resilience of crop species under cosmetics and personal care products toxicity.

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

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

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

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

Malate production, sugar metabolism, and redox homeostasis in the leaf growth zone of Rye (Secale cereale) increase stress tolerance to aluminum stress: A biochemical and genome-wide transcriptional study.

Global soil acidification is increasing, enlarging aluminum (Al) availability in soils, leading to reductions in plant growth. This study investigates the effect of Al stress on the leaf growth zones of Rye (Secale cereale, cv Beira). Kinematic analysis showed that the effect of Al on leaf growth rates was mainly due to a reduced cell production rate in the meristem. Transcriptomic analysis identified 2272 significantly (log2fold > |0.5| FDR < 0.05) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for Al stress. There was a downregulation in several DEGs associated with photosynthetic processes and an upregulation in genes for heat/light response, and H2O2 production in all leaf zones. DEGs associated with heavy metals and malate transport were increased, particularly, in the meristem. To determine the putative function of these processes in Al tolerance, we performed biochemical analyses comparing the tolerant Beira with an Al sensitive variant RioDeva. Beira showed improved sugar metabolism and redox homeostasis, specifically in the meristem compared to RioDeva. Similarly, a significant increase in malate and citrate production, which are known to aid in Al detoxification in plants, was found in Beira. This suggests that Al tolerance in Rye is linked to its ability for Al exclusion from the leaf meristem.

Assessing lead and cadmium tolerance of Chenopodium ambrosioides during micropropagation: an in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis.

The tolerance of Chenopodium ambrosioides to some heavy metals under in vitro environment was thoroughly investigated. A micropropagation protocol was developed to facilitate the mass production of plants and to identify metals-tolerant species for potential use in the restoration of polluted areas. Nodal explants exhibited callus formation when treated with N6-benzyladenin (BA) (1.5 mg/l) and a combination of BA/α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at concentrations of 1.5/1.0 mg/l on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The optimal shoot formation was achieved with the callus grown on a medium enriched with 1.5/1.0 mg/l BA/NAA, resulting in an impressive number (21.89) and length (11.79 cm) of shoots. The in vitro shoots were rooted using NAA (1.0 and 1.5 mg/l) and were acclimatized in pots with 71% survival rate. After standardizing micropropagation protocol, the in vitro shoots were subjected to various doses of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2 and cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Pb(NO3)2 and CdCl2 in the media let to a reduction in shoot multiplication, decreasing from 18.73 in the control group to 11.31 for Pb(NO3)2 and 13.89 for CdCl2 containing medium. However, Pb(NO3)2 and CdCl2 promoted shoot length from 5.61 in the control to 9.86 on Pb(NO3)2 and 12.51 on CdCl2 containing medium. In the case of Pb(NO3)2 treated shoots, the growth tolerance index (GTI) ranged from117.64% to 194.11%, whereas for CdCl2 treated shoots, the GTI ranged from 188.23% to 264.70%. Shoots treated with high level of Pb(NO3)2induced reddish-purple shoots, while a low level of Pb(NO3)2 induced shoots displayed both green and reddish-purple colors in the same explants. In CdCl2 treated culture, the toxic effects were narrow leaf lamina, elongated petiole and a dark reddish purple coloration. These findings highlight the remarkable potential of C. ambrosioides to maintain growth and organogenesis even in the presence Pb(NO3)2 and CdCl2 on the MS medium, indicating a high degree of metal tolerance.

Response of nine triticale genotypes to different salt concentrations at the germination and early seedling stages.

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to agricultural productivity worldwide, and understanding their responses at the early growth stage is vital for devising strategies to cope with this stress. Therefore, to improve triticale productivity, this study investigated the salinity stress tolerance of different salt-tolerant triticale genotypes aiming to cultivate them on saline soils. To this end, salinity stress impacts on nine triticale genotypes, i.e., Zhongsi 1084, Gannong No. 2, Gannong No. 4, Shida No. 1, C6, C16, C23, C25 and C36 at germination and early seedling stages was evaluated. Each genotype was subjected to six treatments inducing control, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mM NaCl treatments to study their effect on seedling and termination traits of the nine genotypes. Compared to the overall mean seedling vigor index, the seedling vigor index was higher in the genotypes Zhongsi 1084 and C6 (39% and 18.1%, respectively) and lower in Gannong No.2 (41%). Increasing NaCl concentrations negatively affected germination and seedling traits. Compared to other genotypes, Zhongsi 1084 had the highest mean germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination and germination energy. It also showed the lowest relative salt injury. The relative salt injury was higher in the genotype Shida No. 1 than those in Gannong No. 2, Gannong No. 4, Shida No. 1, C16, and C36 genotypes. All genotypes exhibited desirable mean germination time except for line C6. High significant positive correlations were observed among germination rate, germination vigor index, germination percentage, mean daily germination, seedling vigor index, and root length. Principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the most desirable genotypes into two clusters. Our study determined salt stress tolerance of nine triticale genotypes at germination and early seedling stages. to select salt-tolerant genotypes that can be cultivated on saline soil or after salt irrigation.

Biochemical composition changes can be linked to the tolerance of four grassland species under more persistent precipitation regimes.

Climate models suggest that the persistence of summer precipitation regimes (PRs) is on the rise, characterized by both longer dry and longer wet durations. These PR changes may alter plant biochemical composition and thereby their economic and ecological characteristics. However, impacts of PR persistence have primarily been studied at the community level, largely ignoring the biochemistry of individual species. Here, we analyzed biochemical components of four grassland species with varying sensitivity to PR persistence (Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Plantago lanceolata) along a range of increasingly persistent PRs (longer consecutive dry and wet periods) in a mesocosm experiment. The more persistent PRs decreased nonstructural sugars, whereas they increased lignin in all species, possibly reducing plant quality. The most sensitive species Lychnis seemed less capable of altering its biochemical composition in response to altered PRs, which may partly explain its higher sensitivity. The more tolerant species may have a more robust and dynamic biochemical network, which buffers the effects of changes in individual biochemical components on biomass. We conclude that the biochemical composition changes are important determinants for plant performance under increasingly persistent precipitation regimes.

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

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

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

Biochemical and pharmaceutical traits of Marrubium vulgare L. plants treated with plant growth-promoting bacteria and elevated CO2.

The present research aimed to understand the influence of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) on various biochemical, nutritional, and pharmaceutical characteristics of Marrubium vulgare plants grown under elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2). To achieve this objective, a pot experiment was carried out, consisting of two treatments, namely: (i) biofertilization (Bf) by a PGPB strain (Micromonospora sp.) and (ii) two different air CO2 levels, including ambient CO2 (aCO2) and eCO2 concentrations (410 and 710 µmol CO2 mol-1, respectively). The improvement in the photosynthesis rate of eCO2 and Bf-treated plants can explain the increase in the production of carbohydrate. This is evidenced by a substantial rise, reaching up to + 75% and 25% in the total sugar and starch content in plants subjected to eCO2 treatment, respectively. Additionally, eCO2-treated plants exhibited a remarkable 102% increase in soluble sugar synthesis, while plants subjected to Bf treatment showed a notable increase of 66%. Such modifications could be the main factor affecting plants carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Although the level of certain amino acids (such as glycine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine) in plants exhibited significant increases in response to eCO2 and Bf, the levels of other amino acids demonstrated enhancements in plants grown under eCO2 (e.g., histidine) or under treatments containing Bf (e.g., alanine and ornithine). Improvements in primary metabolites led to more benefits in plants treated with Bf and CO2 by boosting secondary metabolites accumulation, including phenolics (+ 27-100%), flavonoids (+ 30-92%), and essential oils (up to + 296%), as well as improved antioxidant capacity (FRAP). This remarkable effectiveness was evident in the significant increase in the biomass production, highlighting the synergistic impact of the treatments. Therefore, the interaction of Bf and eCO2 not only induced plant biomass accumulation but also improved the nutritional and pharmaceutical value of M. vulgare plants.

Elevated CO2 Can Improve the Tolerance of Avena sativa to Cope with Zirconium Pollution by Enhancing ROS Homeostasis.

Zirconium (Zr) is one of the toxic metals that are heavily incorporated into the ecosystem due to intensive human activities. Their accumulation in the ecosystem disrupts the food chain, causing undesired alterations. Despite Zr's phytotoxicity, its impact on plant growth and redox status remains unclear, particularly if combined with elevated CO2 (eCO2). Therefore, a greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that eCO2 can alleviate the phytotoxic impact of Zr upon oat (Avena sativa) plants by enhancing their growth and redox homeostasis. A complete randomized block experimental design (CRBD) was applied to test our hypothesis. Generally, contamination with Zr strikingly diminished the biomass and photosynthetic efficiency of oat plants. Accordingly, contamination with Zr triggered remarkable oxidative damage in oat plants, with concomitant alteration in the antioxidant defense system of oat plants. Contrarily, elevated levels of CO2 (eCO2) significantly mitigated the adverse effect of Zr upon both fresh and dry weights as well as the photosynthesis of oat plants. The improved photosynthesis consequently quenched the oxidative damage caused by Zr by reducing the levels of both H2O2 and MDA. Moreover, eCO2 augmented the total antioxidant capacity with the concomitant accumulation of molecular antioxidants (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids). In addition, eCO2 not only improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) but also boosted the ASC/GSH metabolic pool that plays a pivotal role in regulating redox homeostasis in plant cells. In this regard, our research offers a novel perspective by delving into the previously unexplored realm of the alleviative effects of eCO2. It sheds light on how eCO2 distinctively mitigates oxidative stress induced by Zr, achieving this by orchestrating adjustments to the redox balance within oat plants.

Yield, nutrition, and leaf gas exchange of lettuce plants in a hydroponic system in response to Bacillus subtilis inoculation.

Inoculation with Bacillus subtilis is a promising approach to increase plant yield and nutrient acquisition. In this context, this study aimed to estimate the B. subtilis concentration that increases yield, gas exchange, and nutrition of lettuce plants in a hydroponic system. The research was carried out in a greenhouse in Ilha Solteira, Brazil. A randomized block design with five replications was adopted. The treatments consisted of B. subtilis concentrations in nutrient solution [0 mL "non-inoculated", 7.8 × 103, 15.6 × 103, 31.2 × 103, and 62.4 × 103 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1 of nutrient solution]. There was an increase of 20% and 19% in number of leaves and 22% and 25% in shoot fresh mass with B. subtilis concentrations of 15.6 × 103 and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 as compared to the non-inoculated plants, respectively. Also, B. subtilis concentration at 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased net photosynthesis rate by 95%, intercellular CO2 concentration by 30%, and water use efficiency by 67% as compared to the non-inoculated treatments. The concentration of 7.8 × 103 CFU mL-1 improved shoot accumulation of Ca, Mg, and S by 109%, 74%, and 69%, when compared with non-inoculated plants, respectively. Inoculation with B. subtilis at 15.6 × 103 CFU mL-1 provided the highest fresh leaves yield while inoculation at 15.6 × 103 and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased shoot fresh mass and number of leaves. Concentrations of 7.8 × 103 and 15.6 × 103 increased shoot K accumulation. The concentrations of 7.8 × 103, 15.6 × 103, and 31.2 × 103 CFU mL-1 increased shoot N accumulation in hydroponic lettuce plants.