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In vitro regeneration was successfully achieved through both somatic embryogenesis and direct organogenesis using the shoot apical meristem as an explant of pearl millet. AgNO3, an anti-necrotic compound, increased the frequency of induction of embryogenic callus from 30 to 75
Disposal of fly ash (FA) in large quantities in landfills poses serious threats to agricultural land and plant life, as it pollutes the environment, degrades ecosystems, and adversely affects animal and human health. The present study assessed the phytoremediation potential of different plant life forms growing around fly ash (FA) dumpsites over two years, encompassing four seasons. Sixteen plant species, including trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and aquatic plants, were selected from 3 contaminated sites. The results revealed that among terrestrial plants, herbaceous species accumulated nearly twice as much metal as tree species. This trend was also reflected in the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), with herbaceous species demonstrating comparatively higher BAF values for total metals than trees. The phytoremediation potential varied significantly among plant life forms, plant parts, metal types, seasons, and sites. Seasonal variation indicated a slight reduction in metal concentrations in most plant parts during the post-monsoon season compared to the pre-monsoon period. Hyptis suaveolens showed the highest cumulative accumulation across multiple metals, whereas Typha latifolia exhibited higher accumulation for specific metals. Among tree species, Acacia sp. effectively accumulated Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn, whereas Leucaena leucocephala showed efficient accumulation of Cr, Fe, Cu, As, and Pb. Based on these findings, Typha latifolia is recommended for the remediation of Fe and Mn from contaminated soil and water, while Pennisetum setaceum demonstrated effective uptake of Fe and Cr from FA-contaminated soils. Additionally, herbaceous species such as Alternanthera sessilis and Hyptis suaveolens were found to be suitable for remediating Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and As from contaminated soils. Overall, the study concludes that the strategic use of metal-tolerant herbs, shrubs, and trees can effectively remediate FA-contaminated soils, while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity and improving the overall ecological health of degraded lands. Herbaceous plants accumulated nearly twice as much heavy metals as trees, while shrubs showed the least accumulation. Seasonal variation revealed higher metal uptake during pre-monsoon compared to post-monsoon. Typha latifolia efficiently accumulated Fe and Mn in roots, making it suitable for phytofiltration. Hyptis suaveolens, Alternanthera sessilis, and Pennisetum setaceum emerged as strong candidates for multi-metal remediation. A strategic combination of herbs, shrubs, and trees can enhance phytoremediation, biodiversity, and ecological restoration of fly ash dumps.
In conclusion, the present study provides preliminary functional insights into the role of OsbHLH in promoting plant growth under low-nutrient conditions. Ectopic expression of OsbHLH in Arabidopsis was associated with improved plant performance at morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels under sub-optimal nutrient regimes. Taken together, the study indicates that OsbHLH could be a key component of the regulatory framework of plant-PGPR interactions and nutrient stress responses; further targeted studies are required to conclusively establish its precise functional role and underlying mechanisms. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance plant performance under environmentally adverse conditions. In the present study, we analyzed the functional relevance of OsbHLH (OsbHLH63) gene that was notably upregulated in rice following SN13 inoculation under nutrient-deficient conditions. Ectopic expression of OsbHLH in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in improved growth, and enhanced physio-biochemical attributes under nutrient-deficient conditions. Transgenic plants also exhibited modifications in tissue organization, cellular structure, and lignification patterns. Gene expression analysis revealed differential expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and transport (IRT1, PHR1, ZNE, NRT, and KUP), lignin biosynthesis (CAD1, CCR1, and COMT), and carbohydrate metabolism (PK1, PEPC1, GDH, FBP, and ENO). Additionally, GC–MS-based metabolomic profiling revealed 40 significantly affected metabolites associated with galactose metabolism, propanoate metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, the TCA cycle, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Collectively, these findings affirm the potential involvement of OsbHLH in nutrient stress adaptation and in recapitulating key aspects of SN13-induced responses observed in rice, although further targeted investigations are required to validate its regulatory function in plant–microbe interactions and stress tolerance.
The purpose of this study to isolate galactomannan from endosperm of S. sesban (Linn.) and S. grandiflora (L.) Pers. seed and examine bioactivity of galactomannan to explore therapeutic potential through in-vitro/in-silico studies, two extensively grown but therapeutic potential yet not explored. The aim is to evaluate pharmacological potential by in-vitro and in-silico studies. GPC, GC-FID, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HSQC were used to characterized GM and inhibitory activity against α-amylase. Average molecular weight and average molecular number were determined by GPC and found to be 3.42 × 105, and 2.68 × 105 of SS GM respectively while 2.48 × 105 and 1.14 × 105 of SG GM respectively. M/G ratio of SS and SG GM was determined through GC-FID which consists of D-mannopyranose and D-galactopyranose with a molar ratio of 1.6: 1 and 2.1: 1 respectively. Functional groups such as OH and CH2, anomeric α, β configuration and glycosidic linkages were validated by FT-IR. In-vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity of SG GM was found to be more in comparison to SS GM. Docking study revealed that GM is identified as most lead compound against α-amylase inhibitory activity. It showed maximum binding affinity (− 9.03 Kcal/mol) as acarbose (− 10.5 Kcal/mol). Thus, it has further scope to utilize as scaffold in drug design as antidiabetic agent. Hence, Sesbania galactomannan would be essential and beneficial for its future development and new possibilities for use in high value application.
India ranks first globally in the production, consumption, and import of pulses. As a result, any adverse impact on the quantity and quality of pulse production has significant implications for the country’s economy, food security, and public health. In India, pulses are largely cultivated in agricultural fields that are often exposed to fluoride (F−) contamination. This study examined fluoride accumulation in Vigna species and demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in F− uptake. Under the highest fluoride treatment (30 µg/g; F30), fluoride accumulation reached 4.96 and 3.51 µg/g in the roots, and 2.88 and 2.81 µg/g in the leaves of V. radiata and V. mungo, respectively. Higher fluoride levels were associated with elevated concentrations of stress markers such as malondialdehyde, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes like peroxidase, and enhanced accumulation of proline and lignin in plant tissues. In addition, the accumulation of photo-assimilates and carbon transport molecules, particularly sucrose, showed a substantial rise with increases of 263 and 113.8
