Ecologically derived synthetic communities can provide robust plant benefits, yet generalizable rules for assembling multifunctional consortia remain limited. We hypothesized that a “top-down” community assembled from an ecological core would yield complementary functions and resilience superior to reductionist mixes. We distilled an eight-member, Bacillus-dominated synthetic community (hereafter referred to as SynCom) from a rice–duckweed agroecosystem by targeting taxa consistently shared across soil, root and shoot niches. Under greenhouse conditions, the SynCom concurrently promoted rice growth and suppressed sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani, reducing the final disease index by 70
To ensure global food security and sustainable agricultural productivity in the coming years, modern technology is essential. It can boost food production, increase resilience to agroclimatic disruptions, and maintain healthy agroecosystems. Pesticide use is widely considered unsustainable due to inefficient application, high energy and water consumption, and potential harm to agroecosystems. Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) present a promising alternative to traditional pesticides by enabling targeted delivery and controlled release of active ingredients (AIs), thereby enhancing pesticidal efficacy and efficiency. This review examines how nanopesticides, which enhance crop defense and directly target pathogens much like optimal plant nutrition, can be used to manage agricultural pests and improve yields. Nanopesticides offer several benefits, including improved crop yield and quality, enhanced foliar adhesion, and targeted delivery of active ingredients (AIs) to reduce damage from biotic and abiotic stressors. This article finds that while nanopesticides are more effective and sustainable than traditional pesticides, they may also pose greater ecological risks. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand these potential detrimental impacts. By boosting crop yields, these benefits promote sustainable agriculture and enhance global food security.
The pulp color of jackfruit reflects variations in its nutritional composition and influences market preference. We investigated the mechanism underlying pulp coloration through an integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of three jackfruit cultivars-light yellow "THA", yellow "GTM", and orange "YNH". Twenty-five differentially accumulated flavonoids and 32 differentially accumulated carotenoids were identified. Naringenin chalcone, eriodictyol, taxifolin, zeaxanthin, and lutein were identified as the key flavonoids and carotenoids associated with the light-yellow tone of THA pulp. Phlorizin and lutein were associated with the yellow tone of GTM pulp, whereas apigenin, luteolin, zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin dipalmitate were the key pigments regulating the orange tone of YNH pulp. Differentially expressed genes involved in flavonoid and carotenoid biosynthesis included PAL, C4H, 4CL, F3H, FLS, ANS, ANR, PSY, PDS, ZDS, LCYE, LUT5, ZEP, and VDE. This study provides a foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying jackfruit pulp coloration at transcriptional and metabolic levels.
Bactrocera dorsalis is a serious pest of mango, causing heavy losses during fruit ripening. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are pivotal in insect olfaction, facilitating the detection of host plant volatiles. In this study, we focused on OBPs that mediate responses to volatiles from the Guire No.82 mango. Quantitative real-time PCR showed cultivar-dependent expression of six antennal OBP genes. Among these, BdorOBP84a-1 was highly expressed in adults fed on Guire No.82. The 3D structure of BdorOBP84a-1 was predicted with AlphaFold3, showing six α-helices and three disulfide bonds forming a hydrophobic pocket. Molecular docking and 100-ns MD simulations indicated strong and stable binding of sesquiterpenes. Caryophyllene and ledene showed the lowest binding free energies (-31.87 and -30.62 kcal/mol) and stable RMSD/RMSF values. Key residues, including PHE95, ILE109 and PHE133, contributed to binding through hydrophobic and aromatic interactions. Y-tube behavioral assays validated these computational predictions. Caryophyllene attracted males at very low (0.01%) and high (10%) doses, females responded selectively at 0.1% and 1%, ledene attracted males at 0.1% and 10%, These findings suggest that BdorOBP84a-1 mediates recognition of mango sesquiterpenes and that caryophyllene and ledene are promising leads for new attractants in B. dorsalis management.
Premium coffee depends on high-quality beans, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and postharvest factors. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying coffee bean quality, with an emphasis on the genetic differences between Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as the integrated roles of environmental conditions, agronomic practices, including nutrient and shade management, and postharvest processing technologies. The allotetraploid genome of C. arabica is influenced by homoeologous exchanges and subgenome-biased expression (such as decreased DXMT activity that reduces caffeine), which contribute to its complex flavor profile. Key lipid metabolism genes, particularly FADS2, play a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism. The effects of altitude (1600–2000 m) and shade influence various metabolic pathways. Cooler temperatures promote sugar accumulation, while excessive shading hinders carbon assimilation and the development of flavor precursors. Postharvest processing significantly influences flavor, where microbial or enzymatic treatments enhance sensory attributes. In addition, methods like natural, washed, or honey processing modulate various nonvolatile compounds, impacting lipid emulsification and aroma retention. Multi-omics analyses suggest that MYB proteins play a key role in regulating pathways involved in caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and terpenes. Effective hermetic packaging prevents oxidation, thereby preserving freshness. Overall, superior coffee quality stems from synergistic interactions across genetic, ecological, agronomic, and processing factors, highlighting the need for the development of an integrated strategy to support the sustainable production of premium coffee.
