Most Armillaria species are notorious fungal pathogens that cause substantial damage to woody plants in forestry and agriculture. Their pathogenic success is attributed to specialized gene families involved in host invasion and virulent activities in the plant tissues. This study aims to investigate the expression patterns of expanded genetically diversified gene families in two Armillaria species ( A. borealis and A. ostoyae ) using unique Armillaria -specific gene sets, involved in degrading monocyclic aromatics, previously identified through comparative genomics analysis of gene pools related to fungal bioremediation. By analyzing differential gene expression data from high- and low-virulent isolates grown under stem invasion conditions, comparing fresh, slowly decaying stems with autoclaved dead stems, several Armillaria genes were implicated as potential plant pathogenicity or virulence factors. In conclusion, systematic plant invasion experiments combined with differential gene expression profiling focusing on new gene variants specific to Armillaria species offer a reliable and feasible framework for predicting genes related to pathogenicity and distinguishing between pathogenicity genes and potential virulence effectors.
Perilla ( Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) is a potential oilseed crop with high nutritional and medicinal value. Its productivity is strongly influenced by transplanting time and soil salinity. The objectives of the study are to determine the optimal transplanting time and to assess the impact of salinity on yield-attributing traits. Two separate experiments were conducted to fulfill the objectives. In the first experiment, seedlings were transplanted on three dates (August 1, August 26, and September 11) following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Importantly, transplanting of perilla seedlings on August 1 resulted in a significant delay in flowering and maturity, whereas plant height (PH), number of branches per plant (NBP), number of inflorescences per plant (NIP), and seed yield per plant (SYP) increased significantly compared to other transplanting dates. The second experiment was conducted under pot culture conditions where three salinity treatments, namely control, 10 dS m-1, and 20 dS m-1 were applied through irrigation water at the reproductive stage of plant growth and continued for three weeks. Imposition of salinity stress resulted in a significant decrease in days to maturity, PH, NBP, NIP, inflorescence length, 1000-seed weight, SYP, and SPAD values, while the highest negative effects were recorded at 20 dS m-1 salinity. Overall, early August is the optimum transplanting time for maximizing yield in perilla, and both 10 and 20 dS m-1 salinity stress had negative effects on yield-attributing traits, with stronger reductions at 20 dS m-1. Further studies under field conditions will give more insight into the salinity tolerance of perilla for formulating sustainable management strategies.
Allium vegetables are widely consumed and represent important dietary sources of organosulfur compounds and phenolics with potential antioxidant and antimicrobial relevance. In the present study, hydroethanolic extracts prepared from onion ( Allium cepa ; young/spring, summer, and mature stages), leek ( Allium porrum ), chive ( Allium schoenoprasum ), and ramson ( Allium ursinum ; selected plant parts) were comparatively evaluated in vitro. Lyophilized plant material was extracted with 50% ethanol/water. Antioxidant properties were determined by total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and FRAP reducing power. Antimicrobial activity was screened by agar well diffusion and quantified by broth dilution assays for bacteria and yeasts, while filamentous fungi were evaluated by a disc-based growth inhibition assay. Among the tested samples, ramson bulb exhibited the highest phenolic content (82.29 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight) and the strongest reducing power (FRAP-AS 603.78 µM and FRAP-Fe 670.87 µM per 100 g fresh weight), whereas the highest DPPH scavenging activity was recorded for ramson leaf (78.40%). In antibacterial assays, the lowest MIC/MBC against Escherichia coli (2.5/2.5 mg/mL) was observed for chive and ramson inflorescence extracts. Detectable activity against Serratia marcescens and Micrococcus luteus was restricted to ramson organs, with the inflorescence extract showing the highest potency (MIC/MBC 1.25/2.5 mg/mL). Overall, ramson plant parts and chive consistently showed the most pronounced bioactivities across the applied assays, indicating their relevance as candidates for further phytochemical characterization and application-oriented evaluation as natural sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway protects the germline from the deleterious effects of uncontrolled transposon expression in animals. Although the piRNA pathway and its components, such as Piwi, have been extensively studied, their regulation is not fully understood. We revealed a reduced mCherry-Piwi signal in Drosophila nurse cell nuclei and decreased mCherry-Piwi protein levels in His2Av depleted ovaries. In contrast, we did not detect any significant changes in piwi mRNA levels. Here, we report that His2Av is implicated in maintaining Piwi protein abundance in the Drosophila female germline, however its precise role remains to be elucidated.
Soil salinity severely limits crop productivity in arid regions. This study investigates a halotolerant Paenibacillus sp. isolate for mitigating salt stress in maize ( Zea mays L.). The bacterium was characterized for key plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore secretion, and ammonia release, under NaCl concentrations up to 900 mM. Its efficacy was tested in maize seed germination and seedling growth assays under four salinity levels (0-150 mM NaCl). The isolate maintained high IAA production and phosphate solubilization up to 600 mM NaCl and exhibited enhanced siderophore secretion with increasing salinity. Inoculation did not affect final germination percentages but alleviated germination delays under 100 mM NaCl. Crucially, bacterial inoculation significantly improved seedling growth under all salt stresses, with shoot length showing up to a fourfold increase at 150 mM NaCl compared to uninoculated controls. These results demonstrate that this Paenibacillus sp. confers substantial salt tolerance to maize during early development, highlighting its strong potential as a bioinoculant for sustainable agriculture in saline environments.
Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), including plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF), can improve plant performance while simultaneously suppressing plant pathogens. Most PGPM colonize the rhizosphere, and some are also able to establish endophytic populations within plant tissues, where they contribute to plant health through direct antagonism, induced systemic resistance, improved nutrient acquisition, and phytohormone-related effects. These properties make PGPM attractive alternatives or complements to conventional pesticides in sustainable plant protection. This mini-review summarizes the principal mechanisms by which PGPM suppress pathogens, with particular emphasis on antimicrobial secondary metabolites, siderophore production, extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, mycoparasitism, mycophagy, and induced systemic resistance. In addition, nutrient mobilization and microbial phytohormone production are discussed as indirect but important contributors to disease reduction and plant vigor. Overall, PGPM-based approaches provide a multifunctional framework for sustainable plant protection by integrating direct pathogen suppression with improved plant performance and defense.
Over 30% of the coastal cultivable land in Bangladesh is affected by salinity, necessitating the introduction of salt-tolerant crops to enhance food security and climate resilience. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a facultative halophyte, can thrive under saline conditions. This study evaluated yield and quality traits of six quinoa genotypes, including two released varieties, under long-term salt stress to identify promising materials for cultivation in Bangladesh. A pot-culture experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments: control (EC 0 dS m-¹), moderate (EC 15 dS m-¹), and strong salinity (EC 20 dS m-¹). ANOVA revealed significant genotypic differences in key agronomic traits, including days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), panicle weight (PW), aboveground biomass (AGB), thousand-seed weight (TSW), yield per plant (YP), and harvest index (HI). Salinity stress reduced all yield-related traits. However, GPBQ-3, GPBQ-1, and SAU Quinoa-1 maintained comparatively higher yield stability under severe salinity, as supported by stress-tolerance indices. Yield per plant showed a strong positive association with PW under both control and saline conditions. A PCA biplot indicated that GPBQ-1, GPBQ-3, and SAU Quinoa-1 were the most divergent genotypes. Considering all traits under salinity, SAU Quinoa-1, GPBQ-1, and GPBQ-3 emerge as the most promising salt-tolerant genotypes for further testing and deployment.
Mycobacterium abscessus infections exacerbate lung conditions in individuals with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, or low immunity. The existing treatment options are unreliable, owing to the high antibiotic resistance of the bacterium. Isocitrate lyase is an important enzyme in mycobacteria linked with the glyoxylate cycle, facilitating persistent infections within the host. Isocitrate lyase is considered a promising drug target because its inhibition diminishes mycobacterial growth and persistence. The dearth of effective treatment highlighted the need for in silico screening for antimicrobials with improved efficacy and safety. Through literature review, ADMET profiling, and molecular docking, eight natural products were shortlisted based on drug-like properties and Lipinski’s rule. AlphaFold generated high-quality structures of isocitrate lyase. Subsequently, the docking of the eight compounds with the 3D structures of isocitrate lyase was carried out. Binding energies ranged from –5.2 to –8.8 kcal/mol, with bonianic acid A and demethoxycurcumin showing the strongest affinities (–8.8 and –8 kcal/mol) against M. abscessus subsp. bolletii BD and M. abscessus subsp. abscessus ATCC 19977. Bisdemethoxycurcumin exhibited a –7.9 kcal/mol binding energy with M. abscessus subsp. abscessus ATCC 19977. Normal mode analysis confirmed their robustness. These findings support further exploration of bonianic acid A, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin targeting isocitrate lyase, paving the way for future in vitro and in vivo studies.
In recent years, pesticide use has increased, posing risks to humans, the environment, and other life forms. This study evaluated the potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from Jatropha curcas L. to promote growth and suppress Meloidogyne spp. in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under greenhouse conditions. Three isolates, FJS23 (Pseudomonas sp.), SJS54 (Micrococcus sp.), and RJS175 (Pseudomonas sp.), were selected based on biosafety and biochemical screening and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Before application, bacterial suspensions were adjusted to OD600 = 1.0 and applied as root dips followed by soil drenching, either singly or in two- and three-isolate combinations. Plant growth and nematode parameters were assessed 40 days after nematode inoculation. All treatments significantly enhanced plant growth compared with the control (DMRT, α = 0.05; n = 7). Isolate SJS54 (Micrococcus sp.) produced the tallest plants (60.10 cm), while the combination FJS23 (Pseudomonas sp.) + SJS54 (Micrococcus sp.) resulted in the highest shoot fresh weight (93.30 g), dry weight (17.91 g), and leaf number (20.5). Nematode infestation and root galling were markedly reduced by all treatments compared with the control (131.5 galls root-¹ and 3.046 galls g-¹ root). Notably, SJS54 (Micrococcus sp.) reduced gall formation to 1.25 galls root-¹ and 0.015 galls g-¹ root, representing a >99% reduction relative to the control (DMRT, α = 0.05; n = 7). These results demonstrate that J. curcas-derived endophytes, particularly SJS54 (Micrococcus sp.) and its combinations, can effectively promote plant growth and suppress root-knot nematodes, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides for eggplant production.
Pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1) proteins constitute an important gene family that participates in plant responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of this study was to isolate and sequence a PR1 gene from rice (Oryza sativa) and to characterize the encoded protein using bioinformatics tools. Sequencing revealed a 441-bp exon encoding a 147-amino-acid protein. OsPR1 contained a PF00188 cysteine-rich secretory protein (CAP) domain and a 21-amino-acid signal peptide. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that OsPR1 is clustered with PR1 proteins from Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays within the monocot clade. Protein–protein interaction predictions suggested putative functional associations of OsPR1 with enzymes involved in nitrogen and purine metabolism. Structural modeling and comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana PR1 (AtPR1) revealed a high degree of three-dimensional conservation. These data provide experimental confirmation of a rice PR1 gene and offer a framework for future functional studies on PR1-mediated stress responses in rice.
The genus Onosma (Boraginaceae) comprises a diverse group of species with significant taxonomic complexity. In this study, the leaf anatomical characteristics of 11 species from the Onosma section, Haplotricha subsection in Iran were examined to identify diagnostic traits that contribute to their classification. The qualitative and quantitative anatomical features were statistically analyzed. Multivariate statistical analyses, such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were used to determine species relationships based on the variations in the anatomical traits. The results revealed distinct variations among species, with O. assadii and O. sabalanica showing the highest divergence. Factor analysis indicated that mesophyll structure, midrib thickness, and trichome characteristics were key differentiating features. These findings support the significance of leaf anatomical traits in the systematic study of Onosma and contribute to a more refined taxonomic framework for the genus.
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of boletoid fleshy pored fungi across the elevational zones of Uttarakhand Himalaya, India, from 2007 to 2023. The study encompasses 167 collections representing 24 genera and 46 species, including lamellate members. Key genera include Aureoboletus, Austroboletus, Boletellus, Boletus, Borofutus, Cyanoboletus, Gyrodon, Gyroporus, Hemileccinum, Hortiboletus, Indoporus, Lanmaoa, lamellate boletoid members, Leccinellum, Leccinum, Phylloporus, Porphyrellus, Pulveroboletus, Rugiboletus, Strobilomyces, Suillus, Sutorius, Tylopilus, Xerocomellus, and Xerocomus. The paper includes field photographs, staining reactions on bruising of pores and sliced context, spore prints, microscopic images, and commentary on species determination, aiding readers in understanding the rich species diversity of boletoid mushrooms in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The compiled information serves as a baseline for aspiring researchers, guiding them to explore new localities for novel species of boletoid fleshy pored fungi. Recommendations for future research include extensive fungal forays, classical taxonomy, and advanced molecular studies, given the widespread occurrence of these mushrooms across before the Uttarakhand Himalaya's forest types.
Genomic data are inherently multidimensional and complex, therefore, presenting researchers with significant challenges in analysis and interpretation. Data visualization of genomic datasets can unravel the complexity and provide meaningful insights for effective communication. Here, we discuss that, in data-driven genomic studies, effective storytelling of formulated hypotheses can be significantly enhanced by using suitable data visualization tools. Further, with the ongoing advancement of technology, we argue that, the integration of these tools with artificial intelligence or machine learning concepts could potentially revolutionize the visualization trends within the field of genomic research.
The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a bird of prey, highly dependent on agricultural landscapes for foraging. This study examines the availability of its prey in different crop types within the Thessalian Plain, central Greece, and assesses how agricultural practices in different cultivations influence prey abundance. Results indicate variations in prey abundance among different crops and study periods. Fallow/ uncultivated fields and legume crops provided the highest prey availability, particularly for key prey groups such as Coleoptera and Orthoptera, making them crucial for Lesser Kestrel foraging. In contrast, intensive crops such as maize and cotton exhibited lower prey abundance, particularly in early growth stages, thus limiting their suitability as foraging habitats. The findings highlight the impact of intensive and extensive agricultural practices on Lesser Kestrel prey populations. Sustainable land management strategies are essential for supporting Lesser Kestrel conservation in agroecosystems.
This study aimed to assess the impact of soil moisture regimes (FI: full irrigation throughout the growing season, DI: deficit irrigation at 60% of field capacity during vegetative growth) and farmyard manure (FYM) levels (F0: 0, F10: 10, and F20: 20 t ha-¹) on the fatty acid profile of oil extracted from camelina seeds in the Razan region, western Iran. The highest linolenic acid content was recorded under FI+F10 and DI+F10 conditions. The application of F10 under FI and DI increased linoleic acid content by 2% and 1.4%, respectively. Water deficit stress significantly reduced eicosadienoic acid content (by 0.95%). The highest eicosadienoic acid content was observed under FI+F20 conditions (14.53%). Soil amendments and irrigation improved oleic acid content by approximately 3%. The highest palmitic acid content (5.20%) was obtained with F10 and F20 under FI conditions. Erucic acid content decreased under both soil moisture regimes as FYM application increased. The highest saturated fatty acid content was recorded under FI+F20. Plants grown with F20 had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content (69%).
In today's world, stress is prevalent, including the widespread exposure to high levels of light at night. This disruption of the natural light-dark cycle significantly affects circadian rhythms, making it a major source of physiological stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a modified light-dark cycle, as a model of stress, on the adrenal gland morphology in the wild desert rodent Gerbillus tarabuli. The animals were divided into two groups of 10 gerbils each. The first group, considered as the control group, was maintained under a standard 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. The second group, referred to as the stressed group, was exposed to a disrupted light-dark cycle, switching between a standard 24-hour cycle and a modified cycle with a 20-hour light phase every other day for three months. Following the experimental period, the adrenal glands were removed and processed for histomorphometric analysis. In the stressed group, various histological changes were noticed in the form of loss of normal adrenal architecture. Morphometric results demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.001) in the total length and area of the adrenal gland, as well as in its three cortical zones (glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis). We also observed an increase in the diameter of cells and their nuclear area within the adrenal cortex, except for the cells in the zona fasciculata, which demonstrated a decrease in size (P>0.05). The findings demonstrate that the histological organisation of the adrenal gland is directly affected by exposure to light stress, highlighting the significant impact of circadian disruption on adrenal structure and function.
Two experiments were conducted at BSMRAU, Gazipur, during 2021 and 2022 to analyze the effects of waterlogging (WL) on the performance of short-duration, bold-seeded soybean genotypes and assess the impact on seed quality. In 2021, twelve genotypes—BD2334, G00113, G00164, G00064, G00221, BD2331, G00138, G00321, G00058, G00060, G00025, and BU Soybean-1—were evaluated under control and WL conditions. In 2022, five selected genotypes (BD2334, G00164, BD2331, G00060, and BU Soybean-1) were assessed. Plants were subjected to WL stress for seven days in 2021 and five days in 2022 during the pod formation stage. A split-plot design with three replications was employed. Waterlogging stress significantly reduced yield, yield attributes, SPAD value, photosynthesis rate, photosynthetic pigments, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, germination rate, and early seedling growth. However, it increased electrolyte leakage in seeds as well as proline and malondialdehyde content in leaves. Waterlogged plants matured earlier than their respective control plants. Genotypic differences in WL tolerance were evident, with BD2334, G00164, G00221, and BD2331 exhibiting better yield performance under WL stress. Genotype G00060 demonstrated higher tolerance to WL based on specific physiological parameters. These findings suggest that these genotypes may be suitable for further field evaluation to identify WL-tolerant soybean varieties.
Tannases are industrial enzymes that catalyze the degradation of hydrolysable and complex tannins into gallic acid and glucose. While many filamentous fungi are known high-yield producers, members of Mucoromycota remain less studied regarding tannase production. This study screened Mucoromycota isolates for tannase production using plate tests with tannic acid as an enzyme production inducer. Isolates of Rhizomucor miehei, Mucor corticolus, Mucor lusitanicus, Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, and Rhizopus oryzae exhibited tolerance to the inducer, with tannase production detected in most strains post-incubation. Tannic acid effectively induced tannase production under both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. In SSF, wheat bran as a substrate and Czapek-Dox solution as a moisturizing additive supported enzyme production. The highest tannase activity in SSF was observed in R. microsporus var. oligosporus and M. corticolus, while R. miehei excelled under SmF conditions. Tris buffer extraction followed by anion exchange chromatography yielded tannase-active protein fractions from M. corticolus. The isolated tannase exhibited optimal activity at 30 °C. These findings highlight Mucoromycota fungi as promising tannase producers for future research.
Glycation, a non-enzymatic interaction between the carbonyl groups of sugars and the amino groups of macromolecules, leads to the formation of deleterious advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes are characterized by the involvement of glycated products. This study investigated the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of a well-known cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis, through its extract. In an in vitro glycation system involving BSA and glucose, A. platensis PCC 7345 extracts (prepared in water- APA and buffer- APB) were incubated at 37 °C for 28 days. Antioxidant assays like ABTS, DPPH and NO Radical Scavenging Assay was performed. Quantification of glycation products was performed using spectroscopic methods, including browning, NBT assay, individual AGEs and fluorescent AGEs assessment. Both extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects on fructosamine content and AGEs, within the glycation system. Both APA and APB extracts from A. platensis effectively reduced browning reactions, with APA showing a slightly higher efficiency (51.67%) than APB (48.07%). Fructosamine assays revealed substantial reductions in ketoamine formation for both extracts, while the fluorometric determination of total AGEs indicated that APB exhibited superior antiglycating potency compared to APA, consistent with outcomes from fructosamine assays and supporting its effectiveness in attenuating glycation processes.
The genus Phalaris, comprising 18 species globally, has a complex taxonomic history. Species of Phalaris hold significant importance as forage and weeds. Anatomical and micromorphological studies can provide diagnostic traits critical for taxonomy. In this study, we investigated the leaf sheath anatomy and the micromorphology of the lemma and palea to identify distinguishing traits among some Phalaris species in Iran. Twenty-one accessions of three Phalaris species (P. minor, P. brachystachys, and P. paradoxa) from different regions of Iran were studied. Leaf sheath cross-sections were stained using methyl green and Congo red, and both quantitative and qualitative anatomical traits were measured and evaluated. Micromorphological features of the lemma and palea were observed using a Hitachi SU3500 Scanning Electron Microscope. Eleven traits were assessed in the studied species. While the general leaf sheath anatomy showed significant similarities, micromorphological investigations of the lemma and palea epidermis highlighted the palea epidermis, the presence or absence of prickles, and papillae density as key distinguishing features. The findings are consistent with previous studies on this subfamily, enhancing the understanding of Phalaris species taxonomy.
