Myrtus communis leaves: source of bio - actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects / Hojas de Myrtus communis: fuente de bioactivos, uso tradicional, sus propiedades biológicas y perspectivas

Myrtus communis L., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitant s of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This review retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communis leaves, which provides a perspective for further studies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communis leaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights in to the development of these bio - actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Myrtus communis L., comúnmente conocido como arrayán verdadero, es una planta medicinal originaria de la zona mediterránea. Desde la antigüedad, los habitantes de esta zona lo utilizan por sus propiedades culturales y medicinales. Debido a la gran div ersidad de biomoléculas en sus partes aéreas, exhibe varias propiedades biológicas, incluidas propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas. Esta revisión retrospectiva de la investigación sobre la fuente, las actividades biológicas con evi dencia empírica, la composición química, las aplicaciones y los objetivos celulares de los extractos y aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas de M. communis , lo que brinda una perspectiva para futuros estudios sobre las aplicaciones y formulaciones de l os extractos y EO de M. communis . La eficacia de los componentes individualmente, en asociación con otros componentes bioactivos o en combinación con medicamentos comerciales disponibles proporcionaría información sobre el desarrollo de estos bioactivos co mo medicamentos futuros y sus futuras aplicaciones potenciales en las industrias farmacéutica, alimentaria y aromática

Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Anti-Infection of Oral Microorganisms from Herbal Medicine of Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.

The WHO Global Status Report on Oral Health 2022 reveals that oral diseases caused by infection with oral pathogenic microorganisms affect nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide. Oral health problems are caused by the presence of S. mutans, S. sanguinis, E. faecalis and C. albicans in the oral cavity. Synthetic anti-infective drugs have been widely used to treat oral infections, but have been reported to cause side effects and resistance. Various strategies have been implemented to overcome this problem. Synthetic anti-infective drugs have been widely used to treat oral infections, but they have been reported to cause side effects and resistance. Therefore, it is important to look for safe anti-infective alternatives. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies suggest that Red Betel leaf (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) could be a potential source of oral anti-infectives. This review aims to discuss the pathogenesis mechanism of several microorganisms that play an important role in causing health problems, the mechanism of action of synthetic oral anti-infective drugs in inhibiting microbial growth in the oral cavity, and the potential of red betel leaf (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) as an herbal oral anti-infective drug. This study emphasises the importance of researching natural components as an alternative treatment for oral infections that is more effective and can meet global needs.

Restoring South African subtropical succulent thicket using Portulacaria afra: root growth of cuttings differs depending on the harvest site during a drought.

The restoration of succulent thicket (the semi-arid components of the Albany Subtropical Thicket biome endemic to South Africa) has largely focused on the reintroduction of Portulacaria afra L. Jacq-a leaf- and stem-succulent shrub-through the planting of unrooted cuttings directly into field sites. However, there has been inconsistent establishment and survival rates, with low rates potentially due to a range of factors (e.g., post-planting drought, frost or herbivory), including the poor condition of source material used. Here we test the effect of parent-plant and harvesting site on the root development of P. afra cuttings in a common garden experiment. Ten sites were selected along a ∼110 km transect, with cuttings harvested from five parent-plants per site. Leaf moisture content was determined for each parent-plant at the time of harvesting as a proxy for plant condition. Root development-percentage of rooted cuttings and mean root dry weight-was recorded for a subset of cuttings from each parent-plant after 35, 42, 48, 56, and 103 days after planting in a common garden setting. We found evidence for cutting root development (rooting percentage and root dry mass) to be strongly associated with harvesting site across all sampling days (p < 0.005 for all tests). These differences are likely a consequence of underlying physiological factors; this was supported by the significant but weak correlation (r 2 = 0.10-0.26) between the leaf moisture content of the parent-plant (at the time of harvesting) and dry root mass of the cuttings (at each of the sampling days). Our findings demonstrate that varying plant condition across sites can significantly influence root development during dry phases (i.e., intra- and inter-annual droughts) and that this may be a critical component that needs to be understood as part of any restoration programme. Further work is required to identify the environmental conditions that promote or impede root development in P. afra cuttings.

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand.

A taxonomic revision of Rhizophora L. (Rhizophoraceae) in Thailand is presented. Two species, R. apiculata Blume and R. mucronata Poir., are enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, illustrations and a taxonomic identification key, together with notes on distributions, habitats and ecology, phenology, conservation assessments, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Three names in Rhizophora, are lectotypified: R. apiculata and two associated synonyms of R. mucronata (i.e., R. latifolia Miq. and R. macrorrhiza Griff.). R. longissima Blanco, a synonym of R. mucronata, is neotypified. All two Rhizophora species have a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC). Based on the morphological identification, these two species can be distinguished from one another by the shape and width of the leaf laminae and the length of a terminal stiff point of the leaf laminae; the type and position of the inflorescences and the number of flowers per inflorescence; the character and color of the bracteoles; the presence or absence of the flower pedicels; the shape of the mature flower buds; the shape, color, and texture of the sepals; the shape, character, and the presence or absence of hairs of the petals; the number of stamens per flower; the size of the fruits; the color and size of the hypocotyls; the color and diameter of the cotyledonous cylindrical tubes; and the color of the colleters and exudate. The thick cuticles, sunken stomata, large hypodermal cells, and cork warts are adaptive anatomical features of leaves in Rhizophora that live in the mangrove environments. The pollen grains of Thai Rhizophora species are tricolporate, prolate spheroidal or oblate spheroidal shapes, small-sized, and reticulate exine sculpturing.

Analysis of banana plant health using machine learning techniques.

The Indian economy is greatly influenced by the Banana Industry, necessitating advancements in agricultural farming. Recent research emphasizes the imperative nature of addressing diseases that impact Banana Plants, with a particular focus on early detection to safeguard production. The urgency of early identification is underscored by the fact that diseases predominantly affect banana plant leaves. Automated systems that integrate machine learning and deep learning algorithms have proven to be effective in predicting diseases. This manuscript examines the prediction and detection of diseases in banana leaves, exploring various diseases, machine learning algorithms, and methodologies. The study makes a contribution by proposing two approaches for improved performance and suggesting future research directions. In summary, the objective is to advance understanding and stimulate progress in the prediction and detection of diseases in banana leaves. The need for enhanced disease identification processes is highlighted by the results of the survey. Existing models face a challenge due to their lack of rotation and scale invariance. While algorithms such as random forest and decision trees are less affected, initially convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is considered for disease prediction. Though the Convolutional Neural Network models demonstrated impressive accuracy in many research but it lacks in invariance to scale and rotation. Moreover, it is observed that due its inherent design it cannot be combined with feature extraction methods to identify the banana leaf diseases. Due to this reason two alternative models that combine ANN with scale-invariant Feature transform (SIFT) model or histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) combined with local binary patterns (LBP) model are suggested. The first model ANN with SIFT identify the disease by using the activation functions to process the features extracted by the SIFT by distinguishing the complex patterns. The second integrate the combined features of HOG and LBP to identify the disease thus by representing the local pattern and gradients in an image. This paves a way for the ANN to learn and identify the banana leaf disease. Moving forward, exploring datasets in video formats for disease detection in banana leaves through tailored machine learning algorithms presents a promising avenue for research.

Optimizing water relations, gas exchange parameters, biochemical attributes and yield of water-stressed maize plants through seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles.

Drought poses significant risks to maize cultivation by impairing plant growth, water uptake and yield; nano priming offers a promising avenue to mitigate these effects by enhancing plant water relations, stress tolerance and overall productivity. In the current experiment, we tested a hypothesis that seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles (n-Fe2O3) can improve maize performance under water stress by improving its growth, water relations, yield and biochemical attributes. The experiment was conducted on a one main plot bisected into two subplots corresponding to the water and drought environments. Within each subplot, maize plants were raised from n-Fe2O3 primed seeds corresponding to 0 mg. L- 1 (as control treatment), 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg. L- 1 (as trial treatments). Seed priming with n-Fe2O3 at a concentration of 75 mg. L- 1 improved the leaf relative water content, water potential, photosynthetic water use efficiency, and leaf intrinsic water use efficiency of maize plants by 13%, 44%, 64% and 17%, respectively compared to control under drought stress. The same treatments improved plant biochemical attributes such as total chlorophyll content, total flavonoids and ascorbic acid by 37%, 22%, and 36%, respectively. Seed priming with n-Fe2O3 accelerated the functioning of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and POD and depressed the levels of leaf malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide significantly. Seed priming with n-Fe2O3 at a concentration of 75 mg. L- 1 improved cob length, number of kernel rows per cob, and 100 kernel weight by 59%, 27% and 33%, respectively, under drought stress. Seed priming with n-Fe2O3 can be used to increase maize production under limited water scenarios.

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF PHLORETIN COMPOUND PURIFIED FROM IRAQI MALUS DOMESTICA L. (APPLE) LEAVES.

The present study was dealing with a Polyphenolic compound known as Phloretin. Phloretin (Ph), a dihydrochalcone, was determined qualitatively and quantitatively in different aerial parts for Iraqi Malus domestica (apple), cv." Ibrahimi" included leaves, petioles, stems, fruit pulp, and peels extracts. Leaves represented a rich source of Ph, which was separated and purified by preparative HPLC. The chemical structure of the isolated Phloretin (Ph2) was confirmed using various analytical characterization techniques: TLC, HPLC, FTIR, Melting point, CHN elemental analyses, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR). The scavenging efficacy of Ph2 by DPPH assay was employed. Cytotoxic effect was assessed by MTT assay against cancer cell lines including (Hep G2/ human hepatocyte carcinoma, A549/ human lung adenocarcinoma, SW480 / human colon cancer cell, and AGS /adenocarcinoma of the stomach), beside the non-cancerous cell line (HEK 293). About 1.404 g Ph2 was obtained from 18.146 g apple leaves (7.7%). The DPPH and MTT assay results demonstrated that the purified Ph2 possessed potent antioxidant activity with significant anticancer effects on all cancer cell lines. Data suggested that purified Ph2 from Iraqi apple leaves has potential antioxidant, cytotoxicity, which may benefit in human health.

Salt stress amelioration and nutrient strengthening in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) via biochar amendment and zinc fortification: seed priming versus foliar application.

Soil salinity is a major nutritional challenge with poor agriculture production characterized by high sodium (Na+) ions in the soil. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and biochar have received attention as a sustainable strategy to reduce biotic and abiotic stress. However, there is a lack of information regarding the incorporation of ZnO NPs with biochar to ameliorate the salinity stress (0, 50,100 mM). Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the potentials of ZnO NPs application (priming and foliar) alone and with a combination of biochar on the growth and nutrient availability of spinach plants under salinity stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress at a higher rate (100 mM) showed maximum growth retardation by inducing oxidative stress, resulted in reduced photosynthetic rate and nutrient availability. ZnO NPs (priming and foliar) alone enhanced growth, chlorophyll contents and gas exchange parameters by improving the antioxidant enzymes activity of spinach under salinity stress. While, a significant and more pronounced effect was observed at combined treatments of ZnO NPs with biochar amendment. More importantly, ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar significantly reduced the Na+ contents in root 57.69%, and leaves 61.27% of spinach as compared to the respective control. Furthermore, higher nutrient contents were also found at the combined treatment of ZnO NPs foliar application with biochar. Overall, ZnO NPs combined application with biochar proved to be an efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop nutritional quality under salinity stress. We inferred that ZnO NPs foliar application with a combination of biochar is more effectual in improving crop nutritional status and salinity mitigation than priming treatments with a combination of biochar.

Genome-wide identification of the sorghum OVATE gene family and revelation of its expression characteristics in sorghum seeds and leaves.

The OVATE gene family plays an important role in regulating the development of plant organs and resisting stress, but its expression characteristics and functions in sorghum have not been revealed. In this study, we identified 26 OVATE genes in the sorghum BTx623 genome, which were divided into four groups and distributed unevenly across 9 chromosomes. Evolutionary analysis showed that after differentiation between sorghum and Arabidopsis, the OVATE gene family may have experienced unique expansion events, and all OVATE family members were negatively selected. Transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR results showed that OVATE genes in sorghum showed diverse expression characteristics, such as gene SORBl_3001G468900 and SORBl_3009G173400 were significantly expressed in seeds, while SORBI_3005G042700 and SORBI_3002G417700 were only highly expressed in L1. Meantime, in the promoter region, a large number of hormone-associated cis-acting elements were identified, and these results suggest that members of the OVATE gene family may be involved in regulating specific development of sorghum leaves and seeds. This study improves the understanding of the OVATE gene family of sorghum and provides important clues for further exploration of the function of the OVATE gene family.

Zno nanoparticles: improving photosynthesis, shoot development, and phyllosphere microbiome composition in tea plants.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology holds revolutionary potential in the field of agriculture, with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) demonstrating advantages in promoting crop growth. Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency is closely linked to improved vigor and superior quality in tea plants, complemented by the beneficial role of phyllosphere microorganisms in maintaining plant health. However, the effects of ZnO NPs on the photosynthesis of tea plants, the sprouting of new shoots, and the community of phyllosphere microorganisms have not been fully investigated. RESULTS: This study investigated the photosynthetic physiological parameters of tea plants under the influence of ZnO NPs, the content of key photosynthetic enzymes such as RubisCO, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, transcriptomic and extensive targeted metabolomic profiles of leaves and new shoots, mineral element composition in these tissues, and the epiphytic and endophytic microbial communities within the phyllosphere. The results indicated that ZnO NPs could enhance the photosynthesis of tea plants, upregulate the expression of some genes related to photosynthesis, increase the accumulation of photosynthetic products, promote the development of new shoots, and alter the content of various mineral elements in the leaves and new shoots of tea plants. Furthermore, the application of ZnO NPs was observed to favorably influence the microbial community structure within the phyllosphere of tea plants. This shift in microbial community dynamics suggests a potential for ZnO NPs to contribute to plant health and productivity by modulating the phyllosphere microbiome. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ZnO NPs have a positive impact on the photosynthesis of tea plants, the sprouting of new shoots, and the community of phyllosphere microorganisms, which can improve the growth condition of tea plants. These findings provide new scientific evidence for the application of ZnO NPs in sustainable agricultural development and contribute to advancing research in nanobiotechnology aimed at enhancing crop yield and quality.

Progressive alterations in mineral contents in citrus genotypes toward Alternaria citri causing brown spot of citrus.

Brown spot of citrus caused by Alternaria citri is one of the emerging threats to the successful production of citrus crops. The present study, conducted with a substantial sample size of 50 leaf samples for statistical reliability, aimed to determine the change in mineral content in citrus leaves after brown spot disease attack. Leaf samples from a diverse range of susceptible citrus varieties (Valentia late, Washington navel, and Kinnow) and resistant varieties (Citron, Eruka lemon, and Mayer lemon) were analyzed. Significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) in mineral contents were observed across reaction groups (inoculated and un-inoculated), types (resistant and susceptible), and varieties of citrus in response to infection of Alternaria citri. The analysis of variance showed significant changes in mineral levels of citrus leaves, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). The results indicate that the concentration of N and P differed by 6.63% and 1.44%, respectively, in resistant plants, while susceptible plants showed a difference of 6.07% and 1.19%. Moreover, resistant plants showed a higher concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Na, Fe, and Cu at 8.40, 2.1, 1.83, 2.21, 1.58, 2.89, and 0.36 ppm respectively, compared to susceptible plants which showed concentrations of 5.99, 1.93, 1.47, 1.09, 1.24, 1.81, and 0.31 ppm respectively. Amounts of mineral contents were reduced in both resistant as well as susceptible plants of citrus after inoculation. Amount of N (8.56), P (1.87) % while K (10.74), Ca (2.71), Mg (2.62), Zn (2.20), Na (2.08), Fe (3.57) and Cu (0.20) ppm were recorded in un-inoculated group of citrus plants that reduced to 3.15 and 0.76% and 3.66, 1.40, 0.63,0.42, 0.74, 1.13 and 0.13 ppm in inoculated group respectively. It was accomplished that susceptible varieties contained lower ionic contents than resistant varieties. The higher concentrations of ionic contents in resistant citrus varieties build up the biochemical and physiological processes of the citrus plant, which help to restrict spread of pathogens. Further research could explore the interplay between mineral nutrition and disease resistance in citrus, potentially leading to the development of new disease-resistant varieties.

Aqueous sage leave extract attenuates inflammation and oxidant-induced genotoxicity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Traditional medicine has used sage (Salvia officinalis L.) preparations for centuries to prevent and treat various inflammatory and oxidative stress-induced conditions. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the bioactive properties of a sage leave extract obtained with environmentally friendly aqueous extraction and lyophilisation in primary human peripheral blood cells. To that end we measured the total phenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC, respectively) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Non-cytotoxic concentrations determined with the trypan blue assay were used to assess the antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and PAB assay), antigenotoxic (CBMN assay), immunomodulatory (IL-1ß and TNF-α), and neuroprotective effects (AChE inhibition). The extract contained high TPC (162 mg GAE/g of dry extract) and TFC (39.47 mg QE/g of dry extract) concentrations, while ß-thujone content was unexpectedly low (below 0.9 %). Strong radical-scavenging activity combined with glutathione reductase activation led to a decrease in basal and H2O2-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. A decrease in TNF-α and increase in IL-1ß levels suggest complex immunomodulatory response that could contribute to antioxidant and, together with mild AChE inhibition, neuroprotective effects. Overall, this study has demonstrated that aqueous sage leave extract reduces the levels of thujone, 1,8-cineole, pinene, and terpene ketones that could be toxic in high concentrations, while maintaining high concentrations of biologically active protective compounds which have a potential to prevent and/or treat inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Microneedle electrochemical sensor based on disposable stainless-steel wire for real-time analysis of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in tomato leaves infected by Pst DC3000 in situ.

BACKGROUND: Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid (SA), pivotal regulators in plant growth, are integral to a variety of plant physiological activities. The ongoing and simultaneous monitoring of these hormones in vivo enhances our comprehension of their interactive and regulatory roles. Traditional detection methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, cannot obtain precise and immediate information on IAA and SA due to the complexity of sample processing. In contrast, the electrochemical detection method offers high sensitivity, rapid response times, and compactness, making it well-suited for in vivo or real-time detection applications. RESULTS: A microneedle electrochemical sensor system crafted from disposable stainless steel (SS) wire was specifically designed for the real-time assessment of IAA and SA in plant in situ. This sensor system included a SS wire (100 µm diameter) coated with carbon cement and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, a plain platinum wire (100 µm diameter), and an Ag/AgCl wire (100 µm diameter). Differential pulse voltammetry and amperometry were adopted for detecting SA and IAA within the range of 0.1-20 µM, respectively. This sensor was applied to track IAA and SA fluctuations in tomato leaves during PstDC3000 infection, offering continuous data. Observations indicated an uptick in SA levels following infection, while IAA production was suppressed. The newly developed disposable SS wire-based microneedle electrochemical sensor system is economical, suitable for mass production, and inflicts minimal damage during the monitoring of SA and IAA in plant tissues. SIGNIFICANCE: This disposable microneedle electrochemical sensor facilitates in vivo detection of IAA and SA in smaller plant tissues and allows for long-time monitoring of their concentrations, which not only propels research into the regulatory and interaction mechanisms of IAA and SA but also furnishes essential tools for advancing precision agriculture.

Low microbial diversity, yeast prevalence, and nematode-trapping fungal presence in fungal colonization and leaf microbiome of Serjania erecta.

Medicinal plant microbiomes undergo selection due to secondary metabolite presence. Resident endophytic/epiphytic microorganisms directly influence plant's bioactive compound synthesis. Hypothesizing low microbial diversity in Serjania erecta leaves, we assessed leaf colonization by epiphytic and endophytic fungi. Given its traditional medicinal importance, we estimated diversity in the endophytic fungal microbiome. Analyses included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), isolation of cultivable species, and metagenomics. Epiphytic fungi interacted with S. erecta leaf tissues, horizontally transmitted via stomata/trichome bases, expressing traits for nematode trapping. Cultivable endophytic fungi, known for phytopathogenic habits, didn't induce dysbiosis symptoms. This study confirms low leaf microbiome diversity in S. erecta, with a tendency towards more fungal species, likely due to antibacterial secondary metabolite selection. The classification of Halicephalobus sp. sequence corroborated the presence of nematode eggs on the epidermal surface of S. erecta by SEM. In addition, we confirmed the presence of methanogenic archaea and a considerable number of methanotrophs of the genus Methylobacterium. The metagenomic study of endophytic fungi highlighted plant growth-promoting yeasts, mainly Malassezia, Leucosporidium, Meyerozyma, and Hannaella. Studying endophytic fungi and S. erecta microbiomes can elucidate their impact on beneficial bioactive compound production, on the other hand, it is possible that the bioactive compounds produced by this plant can recruit specific microorganisms, impacting the biological system.

The Antioxidant Defense System of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties under Drought Stress and upon Post-Drought Rewatering.

Water shortage induces physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations in plant leaves that play an essential role in plant adaptive response. The effects of drought and post-drought rewatering on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and levels of H2O2, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and proline were studied in six local tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties. The contents of H2O2 and ascorbic acid increased in all drought-exposed tomato plants and then decreased upon rewatering. The level of phenolic compounds also decreased in response to water shortage and then recovered upon rehydration, although the extent of this response was different in different varieties. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (POX) and the content of proline significantly increased in the drought-stressed plants and then decreased when the plants were rewatered. The activities of 8 constitutive APX isoforms and 2 constitutive POX isoforms varied upon exposure to drought and were observed after rewatering in all studied varieties. The information on the response of tomato plants to drought and subsequent rewatering is of great importance for screening and selection of drought-tolerant varieties, as well as for development of strategies for increasing plant productivity under adverse environmental conditions.

Methyl jasmonate-induced bHLH42 mediates tissue-specific accumulation of anthocyanins via regulating flavonoid metabolism-related pathways in Caitai.

Anthocyanin is a type of plant secondary metabolite beneficial to human health. The anthocyanin content of vegetable and fruit crops signifies their nutritional quality. However, the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation, especially tissue-specific accumulation, in Caitai, as well as in other Brassica rapa varieties, remains elusive. In the present study, taking advantage of three kinds of Caitai cultivars with diverse colour traits between leaves and stems, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis and identified the molecular pathway of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Caitai leaves and stems, respectively. Our further investigations demonstrate that bHLH42, which is robustly induced by MeJA, closely correlates with tissue-specific accumulation of anthocyanins in Caitai; bHLH42 upregulates the expression of flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes to activate anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, importantly, overexpression of bHLH42 significantly improves the anthocyanin content of Caitai. Our analysis convincingly suggests that bHLH42 induced by jasmonic acid signalling plays a crucial role in tissue-specific accumulation of anthocyanins in Caitai.

Development, survival and description of the life stages of Zatrephina lineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) fed on Ipomoea pes-caprae leaves.

Zatrephina lineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a phytophagous insect, mainly of plants of the genera Ipomoea and Mikania. The objective was to study the development, survival and to describe the life stages of Z. lineata fed on leaves of Ipomoea pes-caprae. Biological observations were made daily with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope and the instars of this insect identified by the exuvia left between one moulting and the next. The duration of development and survival of the egg, larva and pupa stages and the first, second, third, fourth and fifth instars and of the nymph stage of Z. lineata differed, but not between sexes of this insect. The duration of development of Z. lineata was longer in the larval stage and in the fifth instar, and its survival greater in the egg and pupa stages and in the first and fifth instars. Zatrephina lineata eggs, cream-colored, are ellipsoid and deposited in groups on the adaxial surface of older I. pes-caprae leaves. The larvae of this insect go through five instars, with the first three being gregarious with chemo-behavioral defenses. The exarated pupae of Z. lineata, light yellow in color and with an oval shape flattened dorsoventrally, attach to the abaxial surface of the I. pes-caprae leaves. The shape of adults of this insect is oval, straw yellow in color with lighter longitudinal stripes and females are slightly larger than males.

Ligninolytic enzyme potential of Trametes spp. associated with leaf litter in riparian forest of the Amazônia region.

The present study explored the potential of leaf litter as a source of fungi able to produce ligninolytic enzymes for the biodegradation of anthraquinone dyes. Within the colonies isolated from the leaf litter, only three colonies of two species Trametes were selected based on the detection of oxidation and decolorization halos in Petri dishes with PDA (potato-dextrose-agar) + Guaicol and PDA + RBBR (Remazol Brilliant Blue R). The identification of the colonies was done through sequencing of the ITS region. The enzymatic activity of Lac (lacase), MnP (manganês peroxidase) and LiP (lignina peroxidase) was analyzed by spectrophotometry during fermentation in PD+RBBR imedium. Isolates A1SSI01 and A1SSI02 were identified as Trametes flavida, while A5SS01 was identified as Trametes sp. Laccase showed the highest enzymatic activity, reaching 452.13 IU.L-1 (A1SSI01, 0.05% RBBR) after 96h. Isolate A1SSI02 reached the highest percentage of decolorization, achieving 89.28% in seven days. The results imply that these Trametes isolates can be highly effective in waste treatment systems containing toxic anthraquinone dyes. Keywords: laccase, peroxidases, basidiomycete, litter and biodecolorization.