GTPases are extensively involved in the assembly of bacterial ribosomes. Era (Escherichia coli Ras-like protein) represents a distinct class of GTPases that are broadly conserved across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Era proteins are involved in a wide spectrum of biological processes, including cytokinesis, apoptosis, autophagy regulation, carbon metabolism, fatty-acid metabolism, and ribosome biogenesis. However, the biological functions of Era proteins in plants have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we identified AtERG1 in Arabidopsis as an Era ortholog that harbors a canonical GTP-binding domain and a KH domain, both of which are conserved in higher plants. AtERG1 is highly expressed in rosette leaves and flowers, and its expression is regulated by both temperature and light conditions. The AtERG1-amiRNA transgenic seedlings displayed pale-green leaves and stunted growth. AtERG1 deficiency markedly decreased chlorophyll content and consequently reduced three major chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, ETR, and qN). Transmission electron microscopy revealed abnormal thylakoid membrane organization in the chloroplasts of AtERG1-amiRNA transgenic plants. Importantly, further analyses showed that AtERG1 knockdown was associated with the reduced accumulation of 16 S ribosomal RNA and two plastid gene-encoded proteins (D1 and AtpB). In summary, these results show that AtERG1 is essential for chloroplast development in Arabidopsis. The data suggest that the highly conserved function of Era may involve a common eukaryotic mechanism that potentially affects plastid translation through its involvement in ribosomal RNA quality control.
This study investigated the effects of different LED spectra (blue, red, white, blue+red, blue+red+green) and photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD: 200 and 400 μmol m⁻2s⁻1) on mini-tuber yield, gas exchange, antioxidant enzymes, and carbohydrate metabolism in three potato varieties (Agria, Jelly, Javid). A three-factor factorial design (PPFD × variety × spectrum) was arranged in a completely randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten replicates. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD), lipid peroxidation (MDA), and carbohydrate content were measured on days 45 and 75, while yield parameters were evaluated at harvest on day 90. The blue+red+green (B+R+G) spectrum at 400 μmol m⁻2s⁻1 produced the highest mini-tuber yield (638 gm⁻2) and marketable rate (71.2
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for improving crop productivity through enhanced nutrient delivery and regulation of plant physiological processes. In this study, the individual and combined effects of zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were evaluated on the growth, physiological, and biochemical performance of soybean. A pot experiment comprising seven foliar treatments was conducted to assess their effects on plant growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant defense, and carbohydrate metabolism. All treatments significantly improved plant performance relative to the untreated control, with the combined application of ZnO + ZnO-NPs + SNP consistently producing the greatest response. At 45 days after sowing, the combined treatment increased total chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate, PSII maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), leaf area, and shoot dry mass by 44
Plant development, growth, and yield are adversely affected by environmental stress factors. For years, studies have focused on understanding how different stresses cause specific responses in plants and how plants can be empowered to overcome stress. Molecular networks containing a variety of genes and functional proteins have been shown to be important in producing responses to counteract different challenges. Investigating the function of proteins with zinc finger domains (ZFDs) of the A20/AN1 type, which control many biological responses in plants, has recently attracted renewed attention. ZFDs of the A20/AN1 type are naturally occurring proteins that bind to ubiquitinated proteins in a reversible manner. Many plant proteins carrying ZFDs of the A20/AN1 type have been identified and functionally described, but their role in stress tolerance is yet to be thoroughly examined. The availability of assay techniques, contemporary experimental instruments, and biological resources has given plant research a new lease on life. We review the potential applications of A20/AN1 ZFDs, particularly those involved in crosstalk with phytohormones in plant stress responses, along with the regulatory scenarios of A20/AN1 based on their interactions with targets. This study also emphasizes their adaptable role and suggests that gathering more data in this unexplored field will usher in a new era of crop enhancement.
Ophiorrhiza mungos L. (Rubiaceae) is a near-threatened medicinal plant and an important natural source of the anticancer alkaloid camptothecin (CPT). Sustainable propagation of this species is limited by poor natural regeneration and overexploitation, necessitating the development of efficient in vitro propagation strategies. The present study aimed to establish an efficient regeneration protocol using meta-topolin (mT) for shoot proliferation and melatonin (MEL) for root induction, and to evaluate the genetic and biochemical fidelity of regenerated plants. Nodal explants were cultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (½ MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), mT, and MEL. Maximum shoot initiation (98
Piper longum, traditionally used as a spice, is an herb valued for its medicinal properties for treatment of respiratory infections, stomach related maladies, and several viral and bacterial diseases. The plant is rich in metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, terpenes etc. Variation in metabolite quality and quantity is expected with temporal, spatial and physiological status. Metabolite profiling will provide valuable information for extending the molecule database and prospecting lead therapeutic molecules. Currently, there is sparse scientific validation of the variation in bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of secondary metabolites in P. longum was carried out to analyze the diversity at the organ level. Preliminary screening of phytochemical compounds of methanolic extract of P. longum indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids in different parts of the plant. Thin layer chromatography revealed a varying number of metabolites in leaf (24), stem (21), fruit (11) and root (9). Quantification of total phenolic content showed the highest level in fruit (109.67 ± 0.05 GAE/gm dry weight) followed by leaves (96.81 ± 0.15 GAE/gm dry weight), stem (84.41 ± 0.02 GAE/gm dry weight) and least in root (30.14 ± 0.02 GAE/gm dry weight). Antioxidant levels assessed using DPPH assay showed the highest level in fruits (27 ± 0.03
Agriculture is increasingly constrained by the depletion of phosphate reserves caused by overexploitation, while requiring increased crop yield and quality. Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major constraint in agriculture, limiting productivity and triggering adaptive responses. In response to P deficiency, our study offers a proposed approach to enhance the resilience of rice plants to phosphate-free conditions using nano-chitosan (ChNP). The phenotypic response to ChNP treatments revealed superior growth in plants treated with 10 ppm of ChNP, particularly in root length (4.2 cm), root weight (31.04 mg), and average number of roots at 11.8, which provided the prerequisite for enhanced phosphate absorption under phosphate-free conditions. Pre-treated plants with 10 ppm of ChNP significantly improved phosphate foraging capacity in roots and phosphate uptake, with the strongest effects in plants grown in full phosphate medium (P1). Antioxidant assays showed contrasting responses: under phosphate-free medium (P0), total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased, and IC₅₀ decreased, indicating enhanced antioxidant potential, while the P1 medium reduced secondary metabolite levels, suggesting a shift toward growth promotion. Gene expression analysis revealed that ChNP upregulated OsPT9 and OsPAP21 in P1-10 plants, consistent with improved P uptake and remobilization. In P0-10 plants, OsSPX1 was strongly induced, highlighting phosphate starvation signaling, alongside increased expression of stress-related genes (AOC, OsCML15). The present study demonstrated the successful application of ChNPs, which was associated with improved root nutrient-scavenging capacity, enhanced phosphate acquisition-related responses,, and greater plant resilience under Pi-free conditions, thereby highlighting the potential of ChNPs as sustainable tools to improve crop performance under limited nutrient conditions.
Root hairs enhance nutrient uptake by increasing root surface area. CAPRICE (CPC) and its homolog ENHANCER OF TRY AND CPC1 (ETC1) are R3-type MYB transcription factors that regulate root hair differentiation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we report observations from a three-genotype comparison in Arabidopsis thaliana – wild type (WT), the root-hair-defective cpc etc1 double mutant, and the root-hair-enhanced CPC::CPC – grown hydroponically under nutrient-sufficient and deficient nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) conditions. Under nutrient-sufficient conditions, CPC::CPC exhibited increased leaf fresh weight and delayed bolting, relative to WT, accompanied by a higher leaf number. cpc etc1 also showed greater leaf fresh weight, attributable to increased weight per leaf. Flowering-related transcripts (FT, CO, SOC1) showed no significant differences between WT and CPC::CPC. Under nutrient-deficient conditions, root hair number increased in WT under Low P and Low K, while CPC::CPC increased under Low P only; cpc etc1 remained low across conditions. At the transcriptional level, among CPC-family genes assayed in WT roots, expression of the CPC homolog ETC3 was upregulated under Low P, whereas CPC, ETC1 and TRY were not significantly altered. These results indicate that intrinsic root-hair formation capacity is associated with shoot growth and developmental timing under nutrient sufficiency and that phosphate limitation elicits a characteristic root hair response with selective ETC3 induction. These findings provide compact evidence linking epidermal cell-fate capacity to whole-plant traits and nutrient-responsive transcription.
The study investigated the stability of food-grade C-phycocyanin isolated from the cyanobacterium Spirulina subsalsa HKAR-19 and characterized by absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The effects of temperature and pH on C-phycocyanin stability were evaluated, and the results demonstrated that its thermostability is pH-dependent. Lower pH values (< 5.0) enhanced the stability of C-phycocyanin at higher temperatures (> 50 °C), whereas higher pH values reduced its thermal stability. The study also examined the impact of saccharides and temperature on C-phycocyanin stability. The results show that glucose was an effective stabilizer, enhancing the thermal stability of C-phycocyanin through non-covalent interactions, whereas significant degradation occurred in the absence of added sugars at all tested temperatures. The highest storage stability was observed at −20 °C for 30 days at pH 7.0. In addition, physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina subsalsa were predicted using in silico analyses. Based on its physicochemical properties, the protein was predicted to be hydrophilic and stable. Multiple sequence alignment of the α- and β-subunits revealed notable amino acid variations among cyanobacterial species. For the α- and β-subunits modelled structures of C-phycocyanin, the sequence identity of the templates were found to be 83.33 and 81.40
Plant abiotic stress is caused by environmental factors including drought, high salinity, extreme temperatures and floods. These stresses can significantly impact the growth and yield performance of important crops including chilli. Chilli plants that are affected by abiotic stress may adapt or develop stress tolerance by changing their growth patterns. This can be achieved through the modification of their physiological status and the activation of various stress-related genes via different signalling pathways. While stress-induced changes in plant architecture, cellular processes and molecular regulations have been reported in various chilli varieties, the existing literature often discussed morpho-physiological studies separately from molecular findings. This review provides an integrative update on the morpho-physiological changes and molecular regulation of Capsicum annuum under abiotic stresses. By highlighting growth impacts and identifying key responsive genes, we aim to deepen the understanding of stress mechanisms and provide a framework for enhancing stress tolerance in future Capsicum improvement programs.
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) is an important pseudocereal with high nutritional value and strong adaptability to marginal environments; However, the genetic basis of key agronomic and physiological traits remain poorly understood. In the present study, genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) was conducted to identify genomic regions controlling morphological, physiological, and yield-related traits in buckwheat. A diverse panel of 102 accessions of Fagopyrum esculentum and Fagopyrum tataricum was phenotyped over two consecutive growing seasons (2024 and 2025) for ten traits and were genotyped using ApeKI-based genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on the Illumina HiSeq X10 platform (150-bp paired-end reads), followed by stringent quality filtering and SNP calling. A total of 31,045 high-quality Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained and used for population structure and association analysis. Population structure and principal component analyses revealed two distinct genetic subpopulations. Genome wide association analysis using three complementary models (Blink, FarmCPU, CMLM) identified 104 significant marker trait associations for the evaluated traits. Several stable loci were consistently detected across multiple models, including key regions on chromosomes 6 and 7, which were associated with petiole length, chlorophyll traits, and yield per plant. Notably, a major locus on chromosome 6 (Ft6:10161804) showed a strong association with yield per plant. Candidate gene analysis within ± 25 Kb of significant SNPs identified 88 candidate genes, including genes involved in starch binding and protein K63-linked deubiquitination, which are likely associated with carbohydrate metabolism and protein regulation underlying yield performance These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of complex traits in buckwheat and offer potential molecular targets for marker-assisted breeding and genetic improvement of this nutritionally important crop.
Hylocereus undatus has attracted a special attention for its remarkable health benefits such as help mitigate oxidative stress by safeguarding cells against damage from free radicals, thereby lowering the risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, which can be attributed to the large number of bioactive compounds it contains. This study aimed to optimize phenolic compounds extraction from Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp cultivated in Tunisia using ultrasound-assisted extraction. A central composite design (CCD) and methodology surface response (RSM) were used to examine the effects of three factors: extraction time (6.96–17.04 min), temperature (33.18–66.81 °C) and solvent -to- material ratio (13.18–46.81 ml/g). The optimal extraction conditions for bioactive compounds from Hylocereus undatus peel were defined to be: 11.84 min, 52.20 °C, achieving maximum responses of 6 mg GAE/g DW, 5.36 mg QE/g DW, 163.75 µg/ml and 490.81 µM BHT/g DW. However, the best conditions for Hylocereus undatus pulp were determined to be: 48.13 °C, 13.07 min 31.18 mL/g. Under these conditions, the pulp exhibited the highest values for total phenolic content (TPC: 6.74 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid content (TFC: 5.42 mg QE/g DW), DPPH radical scavenging activity (127.86 µg/mL), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP: 497 µM BHT/g DW). The main phenolic compounds identified in Hylocereus undatus pulp and peel extracts were tyrosol, ellagic as well as vanillic acids and catechin. The results of this investigation revealed that ultrasound-assisted extraction is an efficient and rapid technique for enhancing phenolic compound recovery through cavitation-induced cell disruption. Moreover, its potential economic feasibility and environmental sustainability could facilitate successful industrial application. In addition, extracts obtained from Hylocereus undatus pulp and peel serve as excellent natural sources of antioxidant compounds, making them suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Justicia achatina (Myrtaceae) plant produces a large amount of potential therapeutic phytochemicals. This study analysed the phytochemical composition and biological activities of the ethanolic floral extract of Justicia adhatoda (Jafeth). Phytochemical analysis confirmed high content of phenolics, flavonoids, supported by HPLC profiling, revealed that gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, and rutin are key constituents. Jafeth exhibited potent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 14.21 µg/mL and metal-chelating IC₅₀: 5.57 µg/mL) and effectively protected plasmid DNA from oxidative damage. Jafeth showed moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus salivarius, and selective antifungal activity against Penicillium and lower inhibition of Rhizopus. Jafeth selectively inhibits HeLa cell proliferation (GI50 64.31 µg/mL) while sparing normal cells and inducing apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway, as confirmed by upregulation of p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Cytochrome C. This study is among the first to characterize the bioactive profile and anticancer potential of J. adhatoda flowers, highlighting their promise as a novel source of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pro-apoptotic agents for potential therapeutic applications, especially in cervical cancer.
Durian (Durio zibethinus L.), often referred to as the king of fruits, is widely distributed across southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to assess durian genotypes using plant phenotyping traits and to evaluate their physiological responses to high VPD. Plant morphometric traits were measured using a high-throughput phenotyping platform. Genotypes, such as Chani, Puang Manee, Long Lab Lae, Dang Indo, and Mon Thong, were identified as giant-canopy types (based on plant perimeter, canopy leaf area, and plant volume) when compared with the compact-canopy types (Nok Yib, Black Thorn, and Kradum). Light response curves of net photosynthetic rate in genotypes Long Lab Lae and Puang Manee decreased under 55
In this study, cytogenetic parameters were used for the first time as the selection criterion for biogenic silver nanoparticle synthesis. As a result of the karyotype analysis of five Turkish rice varieties, Osmancık and Karacadağ varieties showing high symmetry index and significant rDNA organization were selected. This study examines the medicinal properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from these two rice varieties. These nanoparticles have been extensively evaluated for various biomedical applications, including anti-inflammatory, neurological, anti-cancer, and diabetic applications. Nanoparticles from Osmancık showed potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activity. Nanoparticles obtained from Karacadağ showed similar trends but lower activity. Rice extracts exhibited biomedical activity, but the nanoparticle form is more effective. In acute toxicity studies in mice, nanoparticles derived from orally administered rice did not show significant toxicity at high doses and were above the LD₅₀. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that karyotype symmetry can serve as a predictive indicator of biogenic nanoparticle quality. It demonstrates the multifaceted biomedical potential of nanoparticles derived from Turkish rice. Comprehensive biological safety assessments are recommended prior to clinical implementation.
The use of sweet corn as fresh and processed vegetable is gaining worldwide popularity. Nevertheless, the conventional varieties of sweet corn lack provitamin A (proA) and vitamin E in kernels. Here, a novel set of biofortified sweet corn hybrids developed through marker-assisted introgression of mutant version of crtRB1 and vte4 genes were analyzed under three sowing dates for accumulation pattern of proA carotenoids and tocopherols (vitamin E) in kernels at 20-, 24- and 28- days after pollination (DAP). Across the sowing and harvest time, biofortified sweet corn hybrids recorded significantly higher β-carotene (BC: 13.39 µg/g), β-cryptoxanthin (BCX: 9.73 µg/g), provitamin-A (proA: 18.26 µg/g), α-T (21.66 µg/g), γ-tocopherol (γ-T: 38.69 µg/g) and α/γ-tocopherol ratio (α/γ-T: 0.56) over original sweet corn hybrids (BC: 1.56 µg/g, BCX: 2.41 µg/g, proA: 2.77 µg/g, α-T: 10.23 µg/g, γ-T: 30.72 µg/g and α/γ-T: 0.33). Nutritional traits varied significantly with alterations in sowing and harvest time. Accumulation of BC, BCX and proA was highest at 20-DAP, whereas kernel brix, α-T, γ-T and α/γ-T recorded peak at 24-DAP. The study identified 24-DAP as the optimum harvest time to harness better nutrition from biofortified sweet corn varieties. The concentrations of these nutritional phytochemicals also increased with later dates of sowing. This is the first report of dynamic accumulation of proA and vitamin-E in developing kernels of biofortified sweet corn.
Seed development in legumes is vital as it determines yield, nutritional quality, and stress resilience, directly impacting global food security and sustainable agriculture. During the seed filling, legumes accumulate proteins like legumins, vicilins collectively known as seed storage proteins. In a previous genome-wide association study, the chickpea gene LOC101504283 (CaSFAM or Cicer arietinum Seed Filling And Maturation), a cytidine de-aminase domain-containing protein, was identified as a potential candidate gene regulating protein storage during seed development. In this study, we have found that CaSFAM shows induction during seed filling and maturation. Moreover, a mutation in MtrunA17Chr8g0390271, the Medicago truncatula orthologue of CaSFAM, impairs seed filling and maturation. Ectopic overexpression of CaSFAM in roots induces the transcription of seed storage protein (SSP) genes, and causes an increase in total protein content in these roots. RNA-sequencing analysis has shown that CaSFAM is an upstream regulator that can control key genes involved in seed development, including the LAFL transcription factor network—comprising LEC1, ABI3, FUS3, and LEC2 genes. Apart from seed filling stage, CaSFAM also regulates late maturation hallmarks like LEA, and genes which are known to prevent precocious germination. Overall, we have shown that CaSFAM is involved in seed-specific events of ABA signaling, seed filling, and late maturation in legumes.
Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for improving crop productivity and resilience under adverse environmental conditions. This review examines recent advances in the synthesis, uptake, translocation, mechanisms of action, agricultural applications, limitations, and future prospects of SiNPs in crop production. SiNPs can be applied through seed priming, foliar sprays and soil fertigation, with their effectiveness influenced by nanoparticle characteristics, dosage, plant species, and environmental conditions. SiNPs enhance plant growth and yield by improving nutrient acquisition, water relations, photosynthetic efficiency, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense, hormonal regulation, and cellular ultrastructure. In addition, SiNPs mitigate drought, salinity, temperature extremes, heavy metal toxicity, and pathogen attack through coordinated physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses. They also improve soil physicochemical properties and microbial activities and can serve as nanocarriers for the controlled delivery of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. However, concerns regarding phytotoxicity, environmental accumulation, food-chain transfer, and long-term ecological impacts remain inadequately understood. Overall, current evidence highlights the considerable potential of SiNPs for climate-resilient and resource-efficient crop production. Nevertheless, further field-scale validation, standardized application protocols, environmental risk assessment, and regulatory frameworks are required to ensure their safe and sustainable agricultural deployment.
High soil salinity has become a key factor affecting the yield and quality of alfalfa. Calmodulin 1 (CaM1) gene is involved in salinity stress signal transduction, which plays a positive or negative role in regulating plant salinity tolerance. Nevertheless, the specific function of MsCaM1 in alfalfa remains unknown. This study showed that the MsCaM1 gene contains a complete open reading frame of 450 bp, encoding a protein of 149 amino acids. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the MsCaM1 protein is located to the nucleus. Meanwhile, the expression of MsCaM1 gene showed increased trend by salinity treatment in leaves of salinity tolerance variety GN5. The heterologous expression of MsCaM1 in Arabidopsis resulted in increased germination energy, germination percentage, plant height, and shoot fresh weight compared with wild-type. Moreover, the shoots of transgenic Arabidopsis plants under NaCl treatment displayed better growth compared to wild-type plants. In transgenic Arabidopsis, the MDA content significantly decreased by NaCl-treated, while the SOD activity remained unchanged, contrasting with the wild-type, where MDA content unchanged and SOD activity decreased. Moreover, the transgenic Arabidopsis plants have lower O2− level under salinity stress compared to wild-type. Furthermore, MsCaM1 expression significantly affected the expression of the AtCaM1 genes. These results indicate that MsCaM1 may act as a positive regulator of growth and salt tolerance in Arabidopsis. These findings could contribute to the understanding of the role of MsCaM1 in alfalfa.
