Didymocarpus pedicellatus R.Br., popularly known as Charela, Patharphori and Pashanbhed, is an important medicinal herb of the family Gesneriaceae. All parts of the plant have pharmaceutical applications, with the leaves particularly used for the treatment of renal diseases, especially kidney stones. The present study investigated the changes in the content and composition of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, antioxidants and metabolic profile of methanolic leaf extracts across three phenological stages, namely, vegetative, flowering and fruiting. The results showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) variation in the chemical profile across these stages. Total phenolics and flavonoids reached their highest levels during the vegetative stage, whereas, total tannins peaked during the flowering stage. Among the three phenophases, the vegetative stage showed maximum antioxidant potential as exhibited by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant capacity determined by phosphomolybdenum assay. GC-MS analysis revealed phenological stage-dependent phytochemical variation, with triterpenoids (10.82–20.99
Apple anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. is a major disease affecting preharvest and postharvest apple production worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses, reduced fruit quality, and challenges in maintaining sustainable production systems. To provide a systematic overview of scientific developments supporting disease control in agricultural systems, this study performed a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 323 Scopus-indexed publications published between 2001 and 2025. Bibliographic data were analyzed using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer to evaluate publication trends, leading journals, authors, international collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. Research activity increased markedly after 2015, coinciding with advances in molecular taxonomy, species-complex resolution, and growing attention to fungicide resistance and integrated disease management. Thematic evolution revealed a shift from descriptive disease studies toward molecular diagnostics, resistance monitoring, and sustainable disease management strategies. Despite this progress, research output remains geographically uneven, indicating the need for greater research efforts in underrepresented apple-producing regions. This study synthesizes global research trends, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights future priorities to support sustainable crop protection and evidence-based management of apple anthracnose.
Seed recalcitrance limits the conservation and clonal propagation of genetically valuable individuals of Handroanthus impetiginosus. Plant tissue culture is a promising alternative; however, balancing shoot proliferation and morphophysiological quality remains challenging in woody species. This study evaluated the effects of cytokinins [meta-topolin (m-TP) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP)] and auxins [indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] on in vitro morphophysiological responses. Nodal segments were cultured in McCown’s Woody Plant Medium (WPM) with cytokinins (0, 2.5, and 5 µM) for 45 days, and shoots cultured with 5 µM m-TP were subsequently rooted on media containing auxins (0, 3, and 6 µM) for 40 days. BAP increased shoot proliferation but was associated with greater callus formation and reduced structural organization. In contrast, m-TP promoted more organized shoot development, increasing stem diameter and leaf number at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 µM, respectively. Although m-TP partially reduced photosynthetic pigment levels, the energy absorbed per active reaction center increased at the 5 µM m-TP concentration. During rhizogenesis, NAA increased root number and biomass but induced short, thick, and disorganized roots, whereas IBA promoted fewer, longer, and more morphologically organized roots. These results indicate that cytokinins and auxins differentially regulate shoot proliferation and root organization. The use of m-TP and IBA improves morphophysiological quality during micropropagation of this species.
The present work was undertaken to investigate the potential benefits of non-thermal microwave radiation on the germination and growth of Capsicum annuum plant. Pre-soaked capsicum seeds of four varieties i.e. Pusa Capsicum, California Wonder, Yamuna and NS-282 were irradiated with microwave radiation for 0–12 h where 0 h seeds were considered as control. The seedlings were exposed to a 9.8 GHz field. The microwave irradiation to the seeds led to increase in germination percentage, germination index as well as germination rate. The derived specific absorption rate value for Pusa Capsicum and California Wonder was found to be 1.14 mW/Kg and 2.29 mW/Kg respectively. Additionally, the microwave irradiation increased β-1,3-glucanase activity. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the microwave-irradiated capsicum seedlings had greater amounts of pectin, lignin, protein, carbohydrate, and lipid. However, overexposure above optimal thresholds reverse these benefits. These results show that non-thermal microwave stimulation can affect the biochemical composition and germination physiology of capsicum seedlings, indicating its potential as a new and cost-efficient method of seed invigoration when used under carefully controlled exposure conditions.
Seed quality at sowing is critical for crop productivity, while storage conditions and durations largely determine seed viability. This study assessed the effects of storage containers and duration on the seed quality of BU mas 1 black gram variety under ambient storage conditions. Seeds were stored for 120 days in sealed plastic containers (PC) and cloth bags (CB), with evaluations conducted every 30 days for seed moisture content (SMC), 1000-seed weight (TSW), germination percentage (GER), seed vigor index (SVI), seedling vigor index (SLVI), seedling growth, biomass, and electrical conductivity (EC). Results indicated that both storage duration and container type significantly affected seed quality. At the end of the storage period, seeds stored in CB exhibited higher SMC (2.6
Curcuminoids are the most remarkable compounds in Curcuma species, and they have been used since ancient times to treat inflammations in various organs and digestive disorders. Despite the recognized significance of curcuminoids, comprehensive studies involving the full spectrum of phytochemicals in distinct Curcuma species remain limited, with most available research focusing primarily on either volatile or non-volatile constituents. This study aims to analyse the phytochemical profiles of four Curcuma species: Curcuma longa L, Curcuma amada Roxb, Curcuma aromatica Salisb, and Curcuma caesia Roxb. Furthermore, this study is inclusive of neglected and underutilized species to enhance the understanding of their phytochemical profiles. An integrated analytical approach combining Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS) was employed to evaluate diverse metabolites present in these species. A total of 252 compounds were identified, of which 100 are non-volatile and 152 are volatile. Notably, several compounds were detected that are reported first time in these species. In C. caesia, 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone, quercetin 3-o-glucuronide, isorhamnetin-3-o-glucoside, 5-hydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavanone, quercetin 3-(6-o-acetyl-beta-glucoside) and (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene15,16-dial were newly reported. In C. aromatica, beta-copaene, (1S,4S,4aS)− 1-Isopropyl-4,7dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5-hexahydronaphthalene were newly reported. Similarly, 1,7-octadien-3-one, 2-methyl-6-methylene were reported from C. amada. This study significantly expands phytochemical profile of these Curcuma species by identifying novel and species-specific compounds, thereby enabling its targeted application across various industries.
Lasiococca comberi, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is a threatened tree species found in the Eastern Ghats of India. This study aimed to screen for various phytochemical constituents in L. comberi leaf extracts, measure antioxidant activities and evaluate antibacterial properties of leaf extracts against various bacterial strains. Phytochemical analysis of fractionated extracts of L. comberi leaves using different solvents, such as aqueous, methanol, acetone, chloroform, and n-hexane, revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phenols, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, quinones, coumarins, and resins. The quantitative analysis of phytochemicals showed that the amount of phenol (252.01 ± 0.95 mg/g gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid (321.53 ± 1.33 mg/g quercetin equivalent) is highest in the methanolic leaf extract. For antioxidant activity analysis, the DPPH free radical scavenging method was used. The methanolic and acetone leaf extracts at concentrations above 25 µg/ml, and the aqueous extract at concentrations above 75 µg/ml, showed significant antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial activity analysis of crude extracts was done by measuring the zone of inhibition using the well-diffusion method. Two gram-negative bacterial strains, namely Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, and two gram-positive bacterial strains, namely Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus mutans, have been used to investigate the antibacterial properties of L. comberi leaf extracts. The acetone extract had the best inhibitory activity against the bacterial strains. The acetone leaf extract showed the highest inhibition zone (18.67 ± 0.33 mm) against the Streptococcus mutans. The current findings of this analysis could be helpful for the use of L. comberi leaves in health care practices.
Regeneration of indica rice cultivars is challenging due to their recalcitrance. Moreover, transformation in indica rice is limited to a few genotypes due to low regeneration and transformation efficiencies. Therefore, establishing efficient and reproducible regeneration protocols is a prerequisite for successful transformation and rice improvement. In the present study, efficient multiple shoot regeneration of the indica rice cultivars CO39 and IR64 was achieved from explants derived from the shoot basal meristematic region (direct regeneration) and callus (indirect regeneration). In this devised method, Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, along with other nutrient supplements and plant growth regulators, was used. Further, using basal meristematic region explants, the maximum multiple shoot (MS) formation occurred at 8 mg/L of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in CO39 and IR64, respectively. Similarly, multiple shoots and plantlets were produced through callus regeneration in both rice cultivars, and maximum MS formation via callus induction occurred at 4 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. The in-vitro generated rice plantlets obtained from both direct and indirect regeneration were healthy and homogeneous. The uniform rice plantlets produced using this protocol are better able to withstand environmental stresses in the field and to study environmental interactions irrespective of genotypic variation.
In Mexico, a large number of vanilla cultivation plots lack irrigation infrastructure, as climate models predict increased frequency and severity of droughts and water stress. Understanding how vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) responds to water stress becomes crucial. The hypothesis is that polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces water stress in in vitro cultures of V. planifolia; therefore, it may influence the synthesis and its endogenous proline and glycine betaine content. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) induced water stress on V. planifolia under in vitro culture conditions. After multiplication and rooting stages were carried out, in vivo-derived shoots were selected as primary explants, and the effect of different concentrations of PEG-6000 (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20
Panax vietnamensis is a rare and endemic medicinal species in Vietnam. This includes three varieties: Ngoc Linh, Lai Chau, and Lang Bian ginsengs. These varieties are known to inhabit different locations but are similar in morphological characteristics. Thus, accurately distinguishing these is highly challenging. This study focuses specifically on the Ngoc Linh and Lai Chau varieties, as the Lang Bian variety is currently critically endangered in the wild, making authentic sample collection extremely difficult. Here, 12 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were evaluated on Ngoc Linh and Lai Chau ginsengs, utilizing 5 reference samples and 4 field-collected samples for each variety. Of these, PvSSR06 exhibited clear polymorphism between these varieties. It was also notably matched with the DNA barcoding method using ITS sequences. Interestingly, sequencing of the PvSSR06 amplicon revealed that its polymorphism did not stem from variations in motif repeat numbers, as seen in typical SSRs, but rather from a 134 bp insertion/deletion segment (hereafter referred to as PvInDel134). Overall, this study successfully identified PvInDel134 as a potential molecular marker to differentiate Ngoc Linh ginseng and Lai Chau ginseng, providing an effective tool for origin authentication and sustainable conservation of valuable Vietnamese ginseng genetic resources.
The study investigates evaluation of Apluda mutica essential oil (EO) for its antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant properties. The aflatoxin inhibitory potential of A. mutica EO in this study is reported for the first time. A. mutica EO’s GC–MS analysis exhibited 42 constituents in which a naturally occurring terpenoid E-Citral (72.36
This study evaluated seed biopriming with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis and Azospirillum zeae and different biopolymers to improve germination, seedling vigor, and storage performance in rice. Five biopolymers—chitosan, sodium alginate, lignosulfonate, maltodextrin, and guar gum, were evaluated for their compatibility with microbial inoculants and rice seeds. All biopolymers supported bacterial viability without inhibiting seed germination. Optimization identified 0.5
The present study explores the antibacterial potential of C. carandas leaf extracts and isolated pentacyclic triterpenoids against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi. The methanol extract showed high antibacterial activity, which might be due to its high phenolic and terpenoid content. Five isolated triterpenoids (CC2 to CC6) exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity on Klebsiella pneumoniae, with compounds CC4 (18.00 ± 1.00), CC5 (20.00 ± 1.00), and CC6 (23.00 ± 0.5) showing promising potential. Molecular docking studies targeting β-lactamase and carbapenemase enzymes of K. pneumoniae expressed potential inhibitory activity, suggesting their potential as novel therapeutic agents against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our findings highlight the potential of C. carandas leaf-derived triterpenoids as promising antibacterial agents, warranting further research to explore their clinical applications.
Methanotrophic bacteria are instrumental in limiting methane emissions from terrestrial sediments. However, there is a lack of representation of cultivated sediment-derived isolates from Indian agroecosystems in molecular and evolutionary studies. Herein, we report the isolation and taxonomic characterization of two aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, Methylococcus capsulatus MS01 (NCBI accession: PX726968.1) and Methylobacter luteus MS02 (NCBI accession: PX726969.1) from paddy field sediments in Tamil Nadu, India. The characterization involved 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, motif enrichment analysis, and RNA secondary structure prediction. Phylogenetic reconstruction indicated that MS01 and MS02 were closely associated with M. capsulatus CIa and M. luteus PJ109, respectively, supported by high bootstrap values (100
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a large, multifunctional superfamily of enzymes central to cellular detoxification, redox homeostasis and abiotic-stress tolerance in plants. Grain amaranths are highly nutritious, climate-resilient pseudocereals, yet their GST repertoire has remained uncharacterized. Here we present the first genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of the GST gene family in two cultivated grain amaranths, Amaranthus caudatus and Amaranthus cruentus. Using the annotated A. cruentus reference proteome and de-novo protein-to-genome prediction on the chromosome-level A. caudatus assembly (GCA_055266045.1), 45 AcrGST and 35 AcGST genes were identified and assigned to ten classes, with Tau and Phi being the most abundant in both species. The predicted proteins were largely acidic to neutral, hydrophilic (all GRAVY< 0) and cytosolic, with a small plastidic component. The genes were unevenly distributed across the chromosomes and displayed conserved class-specific exon–intron architecture (mean 4 coding exons) and conserved motifs. Gene-duplication analysis identified both tandem and segmental duplications, and all duplicated pairs evolved under purifying selection (Ka/Ks 0.026–0.442, all <1). Promoter regions were enriched in stress and hormone-responsive cis-elements. Cross-species, ortholog-based expression profiling using A. hypochondriacus leaf transcriptomes revealed that several GST members were transcriptionally responsive to salinity and drought, with salinity eliciting the broader response. Collectively, these results provide a verified, fully reproducible framework of the amaranth GST family and candidate genes for abiotic-stress improvement of these underutilized crops.
Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (bush mint) is a rapidly spreading annual herb that poses a significant ecological threat across tropical and subtropical regions. This study quantified the ecological impacts of H. suaveolens invasion on native plant biodiversity and key soil physicochemical properties within selected grassland and fallow agricultural landscapes in Lokoja, North-Central Nigeria. A comparative field assessment was conducted across six paired invaded and adjacent uninvaded plots (10 m × 10 m each). Results revealed a marked decline in native diversity: the Shannon–Wiener Index dropped from 2.31 to 1.27 in invaded sites, and species richness was reduced by over 40
Tabernaemontana spp. belonging to the Apocynaceae family, consists of several common and horticultural varieties spanning across the tropical and sub-tropical zones. The genus has previously been taxonomically and pharmacologically explored with limited molecular characterization. Hence, this study focuses on unraveling the genetic diversity and phylogeny among some commonly found species (T. dichotoma, T. coronaria) and horticultural varieties of Tabernaemontana, T. coronaria (var. variegata, var. dwarf and var. florepleno) by deploying ISSR markers. Among the 180 bands generated, 92 showed polymorphism implying considerable genetic variation among the taxa. 23 to 38 fragments were amplified per primer indicating genetic variability in the abundance of microsatellites. Phylogenetic tree, constructed on the basis of ISSR banding patterns disclosed low levels of polymorphism among the horticultural varieties of Tabernaemontana. This reflects greater intraspecific genetic affinity among the taxa as compared to their interspecific counterpart. Therefore, the present work highlights the efficacy and virtue of ISSR markers in deducing both intra as well as interspecific relationships among the genus Tabernaemontana. The degree of polymorphism detected from this study creates a diversified genetic base suggesting phylogenetic adaptations among different species and varieties of this taxon. Our findings provide the first ISSR-based molecular evidence of genetic relatedness in Tabernaemontana sp., further opening up avenues for future conservational and molecular breeding practices.
Bamboo ecosystems play an important role in nutrient cycling and soil conservation. Bamboo has an extensive root and rhizome system, which helps improve soil fertility. Seasonal variation in soil properties is influenced by bamboo growth and productivity, nutrient uptake and availability, decomposition, microbial activity, and environmental conditions. There is limited information on seasonal soil dynamics in bamboo forests, and this study will help understand soil ecology in bamboo forests. This study revealed variation in soil physico-chemical properties, viz., moisture content (MC), pH, soil oxidisable organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) in the habitats of Dendrocalamus latiflorus and Bambusa nutans, during the pre-monsoon (pre-M), monsoon (M), and post-monsoon (post-M) seasons. Results show that SOC, AP, and AK increase during the post-M season. In contrast, AN was lowest during the post-M season. Soil moisture content and acidity rose during M season. This indicates seasonal variation in soil physico-chemical properties.
Plantago lanceolata L., a medicinal plant of the family Plantaginaceae, possesses considerable therapeutic potential. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro regeneration system for P. lanceolata and to evaluate the toxicity of methanolic extracts obtained from regenerated plantlets. Callus induction and shoot organogenesis were investigated using half-strength Murashige and Skoog (½MS) medium supplemented with different combinations of cytokinins, including Kinetin (Kin), 6-(γ,γ-Dimethylallylamino) Purine (2iP), and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) in combination with auxins such as Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Hemolysis and toxicity assays of the regenerated plantlets were evaluated. Maximum callus formation (100
Elaeagnus kologa Schlecht, is an ethnomedicinal plant with limited scientific characterization despite its traditional therapeutic relevance. This study aimed to isolate and characterize rutin from the bark of E. kologa and to evaluate its anticancer potential through in vitro and in silico approaches. Crude extracts were prepared using solvent partitioning, followed by chromatographic purification to isolate an individual compound. Structural elucidation was performed using FT-IR, NMR and HR-MS analyses. The cytotoxic effects of the isolated pure compound were assessed against selected human cancer cell lines such as MCF-7, MDA-MB -231, MiaPaca-2 and Caco-2 using the MTT assay. Based on spectral data the isolated compound was confirmed as rutin. In vitro analysis demonstrated that rutin showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, indicating strong cytotoxic activity. In colon cancer cell line rutin exhibited reduction in cell viability to 29.89
