The present study investigated the biochemical composition and phenolic compound content of Pergularia tomentosa L. and evaluated its allelopathic potential. Phytochemical analysis revealed substantial concentrations of total phenolic compounds (276 mg GAE g-1) and flavonoids (34.93 mg QE g-1). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analysis identified the presence of folic acid, β-carotene, rutin, oleanolic acid, salicin, vitexin, vanillin, caffeic acid, gallic acid, and salicylic acid. The allelopathic activity was assessed through germination and seedling growth bioassays using Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. (a weed species) and Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. (a cultivated crop species). Five concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 50 %, 90 %, and 100 %) were tested against negative and positive controls. Complete inhibition of seed germination, shoot elongation, and root development was observed at the highest concentrations (90 % and 100 %), while lower concentrations demonstrated moderate inhibitory effects, the current study also revealed a good correlation between total phenolic contents and the allelopathic activity of the crude extracts. The substantial phenolic content and pronounced allelopathic activity of P. tomentosa extracts suggest that this species represents a promising source of allelochemicals for biological weed management applications.
This study evaluated irrigation water quality from 57 wells in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using several indices to determine agricultural suitability and potential soil impacts. Results showed that Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values were within the normal range (≤3) for all wells, indicating safe irrigation use with minimal salinity or sodicity hazards for most soil types. Permeability index (PI) and Kelly ratio (KR) values indicated excellent water quality, suggesting no significant effects on soil permeability, structure, or crop productivity. Residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values were low or within acceptable limits, confirming negligible influence on soil alkalinity and supporting safe long-term irrigation use. Soluble sodium percentage (SSP) values showed that most wells ranged from excellent to good quality, while only a small number were classified as fair, indicating limited sodium-related soil degradation risk. Magnesium hazard (MH) analysis showed that 35 wells fell within a moderate range, suggesting possible long-term effects on soil structure and nutrient balance, especially for sensitive crops, and a few wells were unsuitable because of high MH values. Overall, irrigation water quality in Sulaymaniyah was generally acceptable, but continuous monitoring is recommended to protect soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.
Biological control against aphids is very limited. Crop protection against these pests is still largely based on chemical methods, which highlights the need for alternative strategies that are economically viable, environmentally safe, and non-toxic. To contribute to the development of more sustainable control approaches, the potential of five plant species was evaluated against Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763, a major pest of beans and several other cultivated crops. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of aqueous extracts of tooth lavender, oregano, peppermint, garlic, and noble laurel in controlling aphid populations. Aphid rearing and toxicity assays were conducted under laboratory conditions. Different concentrations of each extract were prepared by dilution and tested on A. fabae. The results showed that lavender and garlic leaf extracts exhibited strong aphicidal activity, causing 99.4 % and 97.9 % mortality, respectively, at the lowest concentration tested (10 %). In contrast, peppermint extract was the least effective, with an efficacy of 25.7 % at the same concentration.
Roses (Rosa spp.) are among the most widely cultivated ornamental plants and represent a major source of essential oils used in the fragrance, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the preservation and consistent quality of rose oil are challenged by factors such as genetic variability, susceptibility to diseases, environmental stress, and limitations associated with conventional propagation methods. These challenges highlight the need for efficient propagation systems capable of producing uniform, disease-free planting material. Micropropagation has emerged as an effective approach for the rapid multiplication and conservation of elite rose cultivars. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of cytokinin concentrations on in vitro shoot regeneration from nodal explants of rose. The results demonstrated that an intermediate cytokinin level produced the highest shoot proliferation, and the incorporation of gibberellic acid further improved shoot elongation. The optimized protocol enabled the generation of multiple shoots from a single explant, demonstrating the potential of this method for large-scale propagation and supporting sustainable production of high-quality rose plants for the floriculture and essential oil industries.
Agroecological conditions, the biological characteristics of grapevine varieties, and the application of viticultural practices significantly influence the physico-chemical properties of grapes. This study assessed the impact of agroecological conditions at two cultivation sites, Sarajevo and Trebinje, on the physico-chemical properties of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grape varieties. The results showed that location had a statistically significant effect on several physical parameters of grape bunches and berries. Significant differences were observed in bunch and berry mass (in ‚Chardonnay‘), bunch length (in both varieties), bunch width (in ‚Cabernet Sauvignon‘), berry length (in ‚Chardonnay‘), berry width (both varieties), as well as in the mass of 100 berries, pulp and skin mass of 100 berries, and the number of seeds per 100 berries. Furthermore, the cultivation site significantly influenced the sugar and total acid content in both varieties, as well as the phenolic content in ‚Chardonnay‘ berries, and the flavonoid content and total antioxidant activity in ‚Cabernet Sauvignon‘.
Citrus production in Algeria is threatened by aphid infestations, which damage plants directly and transmit Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV). Although chemical pesticides remain the dominant control approach, their environmental and health impacts underscore the urgency of developing sustainable pest management alternatives. To support sustainable pest management, this study assessed aphid communities and their natural enemies in citrus orchards of northwestern Algeria (Chlef) from September 2023 to August 2024. A total of 8347 aphids belonging to six species were recorded, dominated by Aphis spiraecola and Aphis gossypii. In parallel, 1956 natural enemies were identified, including 15 predator species and four parasitoid species. Predators represented 60.1 % of the community, mainly hoverflies, whereas parasitoids (39.9 %) were dominated by Lysiphlebus testaceipes. Aphid populations peaked during spring and early summer under favorable climatic conditions. Surveys of surrounding vegetation showed that aphids persist on nearby crops and wild plants, highlighting the role of the agroecosystem in maintaining populations. Overall, the results confirm the important potential of predators and parasitoids in the biological control of citrus aphids.
Imunski sistem rib obsega prirojeno in pridobljeno imunost, ki skupaj zagotavljata zaščito pred patogeni v vodi. Prirojena imunost je pri ribah pomembnejša kot pri sesalcih, saj je vzpostavitev pridobljene počasnejša in manj učinkovita. Prvo linijo obrambe predstavljajo fizične pregrade in mukozne površine (koža, škrge, črevesje), ki preprečujejo vdor patogenov. Prirojena imunost vključuje celične komponente (eozinofilne granularne celice, nevtrofilci, makrofagi, dendritične celice, nespecifične citotoksične celice) ter humoralne dejavnike (lizocim, transferin, lektini, C-reaktivni protein, komplement). Ti omogočajo hitro prepoznavo in uničenje mikroorganizmov s fagocitozo, vnetjem in lizo. Pridobljena imunost rib temelji na limfocitih T in B ter nastanku protiteles. Najpomembnejši izotip je tetramerni IgM (najpogostejši v serumu), ostala sta IgD in IgT (vloga v mukozni aktivnosti). Pomembni vlogi pridobljenega imunskega sistema sta specifičnost (preko V(D)J rekombinacij in somatskih hipermutacij) ter imunski spomin, ki omogoča trajno zaščito. V primerjavi s sesalci imajo protitelesa rib manjšo variabilnost in afiniteto ter nekatere posebnosti (odsotnost molekul DM), vendar še vedno omogočajo nevtralizacijo patogenov, aktivacijo komplementa in opsonizacijo. Posebna značilnost rib je variabilnost imunskega odziva, pogojena z zunanjimi dejavniki (temperaturo, slanostjo). Kljub razlikam v primerjavi s sesalskim, imunski sistem rib izkazuje ohranjene evolucijske značilnosti, ki omogočajo usklajeno delovanje prirojene in pridobljene imunosti ter zagotavljajo zaščito in dolgoročni imunski spomin.
Kvasovka Aureobasidium pullulans je poliekstremotolerantna vrsta z izrazito fenotipsko plastičnostjo, ki jo pogosto uporabljajo za biotično zatiranje fitopatogenih gliv na rastlinah in plodovih po spravilu. Tradicionalne metode identifikacije, kot so morfološke in fiziološke analize, temeljijo na opazovanju kolonij, mikroskopskih značilnosti in biokemičnih lastnosti, vendar jih omejuje velika fenotipska variabilnost. V zadnjih desetletjih so sodobne molekularne metode, kot so MALDI-TOF masna spektrometrija, visokopretočna fenotipizacija, sekvenciranje regij črtnih kod DNK in specifično določanje vrst s PCR, postale ključno orodje za zanesljivo identifikacijo in razlikovanje med sevi ter vrstami glive. Kombinacija morfoloških, fizioloških in molekularnih pristopov omogoča večjo natančnost določanja in prispeva k razumevanju filogenetskih odnosov in ekološke raznolikosti med vrstami. Napredek metod, kot so qPCR, ddPCR in sekvenciranje celotnega genoma, pomembno prispeva k standardizaciji ter izboljšanju učinkovitosti tehnik za biotično varstvo rastlin, saj omogoča zanesljivo, hitro in natančno določevanje sevov ter vrst antagonistov. Članek izpostavlja prednosti in omejitve posameznih tehnik identifikacije ter poudarja, da je za natančno določanje glive A. pullulans in učinkovito uporabo v varstvu rastlin, ključno povezovanje različnih identifikacijskih metod.
Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) causes important yield losses in cereal crops globally. BYDV-PAS, a member of the genus Luteovirus within the family Tombusviridae, was recently distinguished from BYDV-PAV (type isolate PAV-129). This study represents the complete and nearly complete genome sequences of BYDV-PAS from wheat samples collected in Türkiye, using high-throughput sequencing. The complete genome sequence of the BYDV-PAS WO2-47-1 isolate and the nearly complete genome sequence of the TR60-S51 isolate are 5673 nt and 5629 nt in length, respectively. Sequence comparisons revealed that WO2-47-1 and TR60-S51 PAS isolates share the nucleotide identity range from 79.44 % to 98.68 % and 79.52 % to 98.74 % with isolates from Estonia, Ireland, and South Korea, respectively, and the amino acid identity range from 79.39 % to 97.75 % and 79.34 % to 96.52 % with isolates from Estonia, Ireland, and South Korea, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that WO2-47-1 and TR60-S51 wheat isolates clustered with European BYDV-PAS isolates, while remaining distinct from Korean, Australian, Canadian, and USA isolates. Further surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024 in Tekirdağ province revealed that 6 out of 50 wheat samples (12%) were infected with BYDV-PAS.
Essential oils of plant origin have been studied as alternatives for managing seed-associated pathogens in organic production systems, although their effects on seed physiological quality remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the influence of essential oils on the physiological and sanitary quality of broccoli seeds inoculated with Aspergillus flavus Link. Seeds were artificially inoculated and treated with essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.). The experiment followed a 3 × 5 factorial design, consisting of three oils and five concentrations (0; 2.0; 2.5; 3.0; and 3.5 %), totaling 15 treatments. Seeds were immersed in the solutions under agitation for five minutes and dried at 30 °C for one hour. A completely randomized design with four replications was adopted. Thyme and lemongrass essential oils showed high antifungal efficiency against A. flavus from 2.0 %; however, the highest concentration (3.5 %) caused phytotoxic effects and reduced seed physiological quality. Rosemary essential oil maintained seed vigor and seedling development, demonstrating potential as an alternative for integrated seed treatment in organic production systems.
Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) produces one of the most intense natural flavors. Plant tissue culture offers an effective strategy to meet the growing global demand for medicinal plants, especially cross-pollinating species (e.g., anise), with genetically heterogeneous seed-derived progeny limiting traditional propagation. Silicon (Si) supplementation in the culture media improves morphogenesis in several plant species, but its effect on anise has not been investigated. Herein, we investigated the impacts of various Si sources on the in vitro propagation of anise and the effects of varying concentrations of these Si sources on shoot induction, proliferation, and rooting response. Si supplementation significantly increased shoot regeneration frequency per explant and shoot length compared to the control. Sodium silicate-treated culture was superior to the calcium silicate- and potassium silicate-treated cultures, with 12.3 μmol l-1 and 16.4 μmol l-1 sodium silicate highly impacting the abundance of regenerated shoots and their length. However, neither Si sources nor their concentrations affected the percentage of explants that formed roots. Interestingly, root formation increased under reduced light exposure. This research offers novel insights into the influence of various Si sources on the morphogenetic response of anise, effectively facilitating its micropropagation frequency.
Withers height is a defining trait in the Lipizzan horse, shaping both compliance with breed standards and functional suitability across disciplines. Height is recognised as a polygenic trait, but the contribution of specific loci in Lipizzans remains unclear. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with growth were evaluated to assess their additive effect on stature in 120 privately bred Lipizzans. Horses carrying all three height-associated homozygous genotypes were on average approximately 3 cm taller than those with only one, a difference that is practically meaningful within the narrow breed standard (stallions 153–160 cm; mares 150–158 cm). The association was observed across multiple mare families and stallion lineages, indicating broad relevance rather than confinement to a single pedigree cluster. These findings are consistent with reports of large-effect loci influencing polygenic height variation in other horse breeds. The results suggest that composite genotype profiles can complement routine measurements in breeding programmes, enabling earlier selection, guided mating plans, and alignment with the breeding strategies of both state studs and private breeding populations, while maintaining withers height within the desired breed standard range.
This study analyzed the economic impact of flooding on cassava production among smallholder farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study sampled 108 cassava farmers using multistage sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farmers were predominantly female (69.4 %), average age 44 years, mean education of 8 years and mean experience of 13 years. The total cost of production was $338 hectare-1 in flooded year and $222 hectare-1 in non-flooded year. Labor accounted for 76 % and 70 % of total costs in flooded and non-flooded year respectively. Flood was significant at p < 0.01 while farming experience, farm size, and membership of association were significant at p < 0.05 on net farm income. Flooding posed significant problems, including, low cassava production (MS = 3.22), spoilage (MS = 3.68), scarcity of planting materials (MS =3.74), and loss of properties (MS = 3.80). Planting early maturing varieties (90.6 %), planting early (94.1 %) and storage facilities (89.4 %) were the coping strategies adopted by farmers in the area. The study suggests the need to provide affordable insurance programs for farmers and increase extension visits to educate farmers on coping strategies.
Across all farm types, suckler cow production in Slovenia remains largely extensive, relying heavily on permanent grassland of varying quality. Labour requirements per livestock unit are relatively low, while land-use efficiency and forage productivity are constrained by terrain, land fragmentation, and low land fertility. These factors collectively shape the economic sustainability and competitiveness of suckler cow systems within less favoured areas (LFA). An analysis of seven typical agricultural holdings (TAHs) reveals substantial variability in production systems, cost structures, and gross margin. Smaller farms with limited land resources generate modest gross margin and depend strongly on budgetary support, which may account for more than 60% of total gross margin. In contrast, larger and more consolidated farms from land perspective, achieve higher labour productivity and better economic returns, mainly due to scale of economies and better management. Despite recent improvements in market conditions driven by higher calf prices the sector remains economically fragile and highly dependent on budgetary transfers. Strengthening structural adjustment, improving forage quality, and enhancing market orientation are key to increasing the long-term resilience and sustainability of Slovenia’s suckler cow sector.
The study assessed changes in root mass, sucrose content, technological impurities, and microbial polysaccharides in sugar beet tubers during long-term field clamp storage under commercial conditions in the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in 2024–2025. Tubers of commercial hybrids were stored in outdoor clamps and sampled after 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days. Tuber mass loss, sucrose content, K, Na, α-amino nitrogen, and dextran/levan accumulation were determined using standard analytical methods. Tuber mass loss increased from 0.85 % after 30 days to 9.20 % after 180 days. Sucrose content declined from 18.30 % at harvest to 17.17 % after 180 days, corresponding to a relative sucrose loss of 6.17 %. Potassium increased from 3.85 to 5.31 mmol 100 g-¹, sodium from 0.48 to 1.03 mmol 100 g-¹, and α-amino nitrogen from 11.8 to 27.8 mg 100 g-¹. Dextran/levan accumulation remained low during the first 90 days but increased sharply after 120 days, reaching 3.31 % by day 180. The results indicate that outdoor clamp storage should not exceed 120 days under these conditions.
The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate drought-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from Saharan endemic legumes for their potential to enhance nitrogen fixation, growth, and yield of Vicia faba L. under deficit irrigation. Rhizobacteria were isolated from root nodules of native species (Retama raetam (Forssk.) Webb & Berthel. and Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) Kyal. & Boatwr.) and identified using morphological and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses. Their drought tolerance was assessed using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000), while plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization and ACC deaminase activity, were evaluated in vitro. Selected strains were further tested under field conditions in an Algerian oasis system with two irrigation regimes: full irrigation (100 % crop water requirement) and deficit irrigation (50 %). Inoculation significantly improved nodulation, nitrogen fixation, plant water status, and seed yield under water-limited conditions compared to non-inoculated controls. These findings demonstrate that indigenous drought-adapted PGPR represent effective and sustainable biofertilizers for enhancing legume productivity in arid environments. This approach offers a promising, eco-friendly strategy to improve the resilience and sustainability of oasis agriculture under increasing water scarcity.
Increasing soil salinization severely threatens agricultural productivity in many coastal ecosystems and dryland regions. In this study, two halotolerant endophytic bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. CR-4 and Streptomyces sp. CR-7, was isolated from Catharanthus roseus collected from saline coastal areas and evaluated for its plant growth-promoting traits and salt stress-mitigation ability. The selected isolates displayed diverse plant-beneficial properties such as phytohormone synthesis, nutrient mobilization capacity, and stress-associated enzymatic activities. Inoculation with these strains significantly enhanced plant height, biomass, relative water content, and chlorophyll index under 100 mM NaCl stress in greenhouse conditions. Field trials in saline soils further confirmed improved survival, flower yield, and physiological traits in treated plants. Biochemical analyses revealed increased proline accumulation, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT), and reduced membrane damage, highlighting the stress mitigation effects of these endophytes. Multivariate analysis confirmed strong correlations between microbial traits and plant physiological performance. These results demonstrate the potential of CR-4 and CR-7 as effective bioinoculants for the sustainable cultivation of C. roseus and possibly other crops in salt-affected areas.
Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Asparagaceae) a medicinal plant used in traditional formulations to cure of various disorders. Plant is facing the threat of being endangered due to several developmental, seasonal constrains and malpractices involved in its collection and storage. Physicochemical properties vary with season and environmental conditions. To obtain the highest medicinal value, plant must be harvest in correct season. Plant subjected to authentication and standardization as per WHO guidelines. The roots were evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, quantitative microscopy, proximate phytochemical analysis, extractive values in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water, and determination of the concentration of the antidiabetic component shatavarin. It showed morphological and microscopical variations in different seasons. Phytochemical composition was same in all season; however levels of extractive values fluctuated in response to seasonal variations. Maximum levels of ethanol and water extract were obtained in Monsoon and also the shatavarin concentration was higher in this season. Goal of current research is to determine the best time of year to harvest based on the amount of shatavarin.
Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by the pyrolysis of organic waste, has emerged as a low cost and sustainable material for several environmental applications including the enhancement of soil fertility and adsorption of heavy metals. This study evaluated and compared the potential of four plant-based biochars (wheat straw, pine straw, corn cob and parthenium biochars) for environmental applications by analyzing their physicochemical properties. The results showed that of all the analyzed biochars, parthenium biochar was found to be most effective in enhancing soil fertility as it contained the highest total organic carbon (79.50 %) and N contents (2.50 %). Moreover, the concentration of toxic heavy metals was found below safe limits in all the biochars studied in this research which favors their suitability for environmental applications. On the other hand, adsorption studies revealed that the corn cob biochar exhibited the highest lead removal efficiency (98 %) at an adsorbent dose of 2 g l1. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the agricultural waste-derived biochars can be used as sustainable and effective materials for environmental management, including soil quality enhancement and heavy metal remediation.
Z naraščanjem števila prebivalstva je kmetijstvo pod pritiskom pridelave zadostnih količin hrane. Eden od najpomembnejših elementov, ki limitira primarno produkcijo, je dušik (N). Povečani antropogeni vnosi mineralnega dušika za potrebe pridelave hrane bistveno vplivajo na sestavo in aktivnost mikrobne združbe v tleh ter preko tega na mikrobno pogojene procese v globalnem kroženju dušika. Povečani vnosi dušika pospešujejo nitrifikacijo v tleh, kar vodi v večje vsebnosti nitrata, ki se lahko izpira v podtalnico ali pa vstopa v proces denitrifikacije. Nitrifikacija ter nepopolna denitrifikacija sta v kmetijskih tleh glavna vira emisij toplogrednega plina didušikovega oksida, katerega koncentracija v atmosferi zaradi modernega kmetijstva in industrializacije v kombinaciji z dolgo življenjsko dobo konstantno narašča. Poleg pomembnega okoljskega vidika predstavljata izpiranje nitrata in emisije didušikovega oksida tudi neželeno izgubo dušika iz kmetijskih sistemov, kar zmanjšuje učinkovitost njegove izrabe za pridelavo hrane. Aplikacije usmerjanja bioloških procesov dušikovega cikla z namenom učinkovite rabe dodanega dušika so in bodo pomembno prihodnje raziskovalno področje, za kar pa je pomembno razumevanje vplivnih dejavnikov na mikrobno združbo dušikovega cikla.
