Vanilla is a high-value crop whose demand exceeds supply, yet evidence-based nutrient management remains unexplored. This study investigated the effect of nitrogen form on vegetative growth, biomass allocation, and physiology of Vanilla planifolia in soilless culture. Ninety-five plants were assigned to five NO₃⁻-N: NH₄⁺-N ratios (0:100 to 100:0; n = 17 each) at 47 mg nitrogen L⁻¹ and a nitrogen-free solution (n = 10), over 140 days under controlled conditions. Total dry mass declined linearly with increasing ammonium proportion (p < 0.001), with relative growth rate the most responsive parameter: ammonium nutrition reduced total dry mass by 28
High-altitude environments impose multiple abiotic stressors that shape plant reproductive and morphological responses; however, within-species tests of pollen quantity–quality relationships along elevation remain rare. We investigated 16 vegetative and reproductive traits of Thymus linearis across five sites (1800–3499 m) in the Kashmir Himalaya. Fifteen individuals per site were sampled for vegetative and floral traits and three per site for pollen traits (n = 75 and n = 15, respectively). All measured traits differed significantly among sites (p ≤ 0.003), with all except internodal length significant at p < 0.001. Leaf length and width showed pronounced site-level differences, and several leaf dimensions increased toward high elevation. The pollen–ovule ratio increased significantly with elevation (R2 = 0.741, p = 0.0354), whereas pollen stainability decreased (R2 = 0.780, p = 0.0227). Their direct relationship was strongly negative but non-significant (r = − 0.841, R2 = 0.707, p = 0.0743), consistent with the proposed pollen quantity–quality relationship. High-elevation populations exhibited greater stem circumference (+ 71
Weed management represents a critical challenge in Sudano-Sahelian agriculture, where environmental constraints and soil fertility limitations create complex weed–crop competition dynamics. This study determined the effects of cropping systems, fertilization modes, and weeding periods on weed diversity, biomass, and ground cover using data from 2018 to 2019. The experiment is being conducted at the Saria Research Station, specifically in Burkina Faso’s only long-term trial (a unique 60-year continuous experiment: 1960–2019). This study used a split-plot design with six fertilization treatments (control, low/high mineral fertilization, organic amendments, and residue incorporation) combined with three crop rotation systems (continuous cropping of sorghum, sorghum–cotton rotation, and sorghum–cowpea rotation). Weed floristic surveys, biomass and ground cover assessments were conducted before and after weeding operations from 2018 to 2019. The study identified 61 weed species across 19 families, with therophytes dominating 75–79
Effect of many different pulsed lights (PLs) on photosynthetic rate was measured in several temperate herbaceous and woody species. Pulsed lights with light/dark cycle periods (CPs) ranging from 100 to 0.004 ms and duty (light) phase ratios (DRs) between 88 and 43
Abstract Chenopodium album L. is a globally important plant species recognized for its ethnobotanical value, ecological adaptability, and agricultural significance. Its young shoots are widely consumed as a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable, while the species also functions as one of the most persistent annual weeds in temperate and subtropical agroecosystems. A notable adaptive characteristic of C. album is the occurrence of ecologically differentiated seasonal cytotypic populations that differ in growth behaviour and phenology. Despite its widespread distribution, a standardized phenological framework for this species has remained unavailable. In the present study, the extended BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie) scale was applied to document the complete phenological development of winter (hexaploid) and summer (tetraploid) populations of C. album under natural field conditions. Phenological development was classified into nine principal growth stages (BBCH 0–9), from germination to senescence, and developmental progression was evaluated using days after sowing (DAS), accumulated growing degree days (∑GDD), and plant height. Comparative statistical analyses revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two seasonal populations for most corresponding BBCH growth stages and plant height, demonstrating pronounced seasonal phenological plasticity. The summer population exhibited more rapid vegetative development, whereas reproductive development and senescence occurred earlier in the winter population. The resulting BBCH framework provides standardized developmental reference points for C. album and demonstrates the potential application of standardized phenological staging for ecological interpretation and stage-specific weed and crop protection management, while establishing a basis for future phenological, ecological, and comparative studies.
Nanotechnology offers transformative potential for mitigating drought stress in cereal crops, yet translation from controlled environments to field applications remains constrained by inconsistent outcomes, limited mechanistic understanding, and insufficient environmental risk assessment. This review critically synthesizes recent advances in nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drought resilience across wheat (Triticum aestivum), maize (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa), with emphasis on mechanistic dissection of NP-plant interactions, species-specific responses, and translational pathways. We systematically evaluate metal/metal oxide, silicon-based, carbon-based, and polymer/bio-based NPs, distinguishing where evidence permits between particle-specific surface effects and ion-derived contributions. Quantitative concentration thresholds for optimal drought mitigation and toxicity limits are provided, revealing narrow hormetic windows that vary markedly with crop physiology, root architecture, and silicon uptake capacity. Mechanistically, NPs modulate interconnected networks governing water relations, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defense, osmotic adjustment, and phytohormonal signaling, with transcriptomic evidence indicating reprogramming of stress-responsive genes. We propose a trait-based translational framework linking NP physicochemical properties to quantifiable phenotypic targets with integrated environmental risk gates addressing NP persistence, dissolution kinetics, soil microbial impacts, and biosafety. Critical research gaps include: (i) rigorous separation of particle-specific from ionic mechanisms through appropriate controls; (ii) crop- and stress-specific dose calibration; (iii) long-term field validation under climate-change relevant drought scenarios; and (iv) ecotoxicological assessment in dryland agroecosystems. This review provides a mechanistic roadmap for developing sustainable, field-applicable nano-enabled strategies that balance agronomic benefits against ecological safety in climate-resilient cereal production.
Endophytic fungi play an important role in promoting plant growth by producing phytohormones and enhancing nutrient availability; however, their functional roles in orchids remain poorly understood. This study aimed to isolate and functionally characterize plant growth-promoting (PGP) endophytic fungi associated with Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex G.Don. Six representative endophytic fungal isolates were evaluated for plant growth-promoting traits, among which isolate KU/BOT/VT004 exhibited the highest activity. Based on morphological characteristics and ITS rDNA sequence analysis, the isolate was identified as Colletotrichum cf. cobbittiense. The isolate produced high levels of indole-3-acetic acid (35.05 µg/mL), along with ammonia and siderophore activity, indicating strong nutrient-mobilizing potential. Application of the fungal culture filtrate to in vitro-grown protocorms resulted in a two- to three-fold increase in biomass and significantly enhanced chlorophyll content compared with untreated controls. Filtrate-treated protocorms also maintained sustained growth beyond 60 days, whereas nutrient-limited control protocorms exhibited reduced growth. These findings demonstrate the growth-promoting potential of metabolites produced by isolate KU/BOT/VT004 and suggest that this endophytic fungus is a promising candidate for future bioinoculant development and orchid propagation, pending further validation through fungal inoculation and colonization studies.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi are widespread symbionts that support plant nutrition, health and resilience while shaping soil microbial communities. This review synthesizes current evidence, with emphasis on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, on their roles in nutrient acquisition, carbon cycling, soil aggregation, disease suppression and tolerance to abiotic stress. The mycorrhizosphere is considered a dynamic interaction hub in which AM fungi, bacteria and nematodes influence nutrient fluxes and multi-trophic ecosystem processes. Recent findings on common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) are also discussed, particularly their potential roles in resource redistribution, defense signaling and plant competition, while acknowledging continuing debate regarding their prevalence and ecological significance. Using an integrative systems-level perspective, this review identifies methodological inconsistencies, geographic and taxonomic biases, and underexplored relationships between AM fungal community composition and ecosystem service delivery. Applications of mycorrhizae in sustainable agriculture, phytoremediation and ecosystem restoration are highlighted, together with constraints such as fungal antagonism, environmental variability and invasive species. Finally, the review outlines key research priorities, including long-term multi-site studies and trait-based approaches, to improve translation of mycorrhizal ecology into scalable management strategies for resilient land-use systems and enhanced ecosystem health.
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn (also known as common alder and black alder) is an important broadleaf species in Europe, valued for its ecological functions in riparian ecosystems and its versatile hardwood timber. Despite its importance, natural regeneration and productivity have declined due to habitat fragmentation and the spread of the pathogen Phytophthora alni. To support a sustainable supply of improved planting material, a national breeding programme was established in Ireland. In this study, we evaluated growth traits of 80 half-sib families derived from 103 selected plus-trees under field conditions and applied genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assess genetic diversity and perform genomic prediction of growth performance. The progeny trial revealed considerable variation in height and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH), with heritability estimates ranging from 0.45 to 0.53 for relative growth in height, and from 0.28 to 0.31 for DBH across different periods. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of 103 plus-trees genotyped identified 95,139 SNP markers, revealing high genetic diversity and no evidence of inbreeding, confirming the broad genetic base of the Irish breeding population. Genomic prediction using genome-wide markers provided low-to-moderate predictive ability for height and negligible predictive ability for DBH, reflecting the limitation of small training population size and relatedness. However, the markers demonstrated immediate value for diversity monitoring and seed orchard management. These findings identify superior A. glutinosa genotypes and provide a genomic framework for improving existing seed orchards and supporting sustainable forestry through enhanced A. glutinosa breeding.
This study reports Rubus idaeus L. subsp. idaeus belonging to the family Rosaceae as a new distributional record for India from the Kashmir Himalaya. To validate this record, a detailed taxonomic account, including description, photographic illustrations of diagnostic characters based on the plant material collected from the study region, is provided. We also provide its distinguishing characters with the closely related taxa R. idaeus subsp. strigosus (Michx.) Focke that will facilitate field identification.
Eggplant, a key strategic horticultural crop within the Solanaceae family, serves as a crucial source of micronutrients, bioactive phytochemicals, and functional foods significantly contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture. Its wide agro-climatic adaptability, economic importance, and versatile culinary applications have driven escalating demand amidst population growth, urbanization, and climate change-induced stresses. However, the genetic improvement of eggplant is hindered by the complex inheritance patterns of critical agronomic traits, including fruit yield, quality attributes, stress tolerance, and morphological diversity. These traits are often governed by polygenic genomic architectures, low heritability, epistasis, and genotype-by-environment interactions, limiting the efficacy of traditional breeding methods. Advancements in high-throughput genetic and genomic studies have paved the way for transformative interventions results configured whole-genome and assemblies, genome-wide associations, and molecular markers enable the dissection of genetic determinants underlying key agronomical traits. Furthermore, functional gene annotation via transcriptomics, and miRNAs cohorts offers unparalleled insights into phenotypic plasticity and molecular adaptation mechanisms underlying these traits. Moreover, the integration of these discoveries with next-generation gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-Cas9 systems, has revolutionized targeted trait introgression, enabling rapid development of elite, climate-resilient eggplant genotypes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent breakthroughs in eggplant genetics and genomics, highlighting cutting-edge genetic and genomic resources catalyzing trait discovery and assisted breeding. Moreover, we discuss how the synergy between omics-driven insights and genome-editing platforms is reshaping breeding paradigms. Altogether, these integrative strategies not only accelerate trait enhancement but also fortify food security frameworks by fostering genetic diversity, adaptive capacity, and nutritional fortification in eggplant production systems.
Abiotic factors, such as drought, salt, severe temperatures, and heavy metal toxicity, persistently threaten global agricultural production, contributing to an estimated 40–70
The present study aimed to develop an eco-friendly and efficient approach for the synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) as the sole reducing and stabilising agent and to evaluate their comparative effects on seed germination, growth and biochemical responses in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). Although numerous studies report green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts, the direct use of phytohormones such as IAA for synthesis and subsequent evaluation on plant physiological and metabolic traits remains largely unexplored. This research addresses this gap by investigating nanoparticle-auxin interactions and their role in improving early seedling performance. Nanoparticles were synthesised using 1 mM IAA and characterised through UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX). The analyses confirmed the formation of spherical, crystalline nanoparticles with distinct surface plasmon resonance peaks at 417 nm for AgNPs and 565 nm for AuNPs. Broccoli seeds were treated with different concentrations (10–50 µg/mL) of IAA, IAA-AgNPs, and IAA-AuNPs to assess their effects on germination percentage, morphological parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and secondary metabolites including phenols, tannins, and saponins after seven days of sowing. The results revealed concentration-dependent responses. Remarkably, IAA enhanced photosynthetic pigments, particularly chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b at 30 µg/mL, whereas AgNPs promoted root elongation at 20 µg/mL. AuNPs significantly increased secondary metabolites such as phenols, tannins, and saponins at 20 µg/mL, indicating stimulation of defence-related metabolic pathways. Overall, AgNPs promoted root development, AuNPs enhanced secondary metabolism and IAA supported photosynthesis. The study concludes that IAA-functionalized nanoparticles can differentially modulate growth and metabolism in seedlings and may serve as innovative tools for sustainable agriculture and crop improvement. The novelty of this study lies in the use of IAA as a dual-function reducing and capping agent in nanoparticle biosynthesis.
Amaranthus viridis L. is an invasive weed that competes with crops, thereby causing food security issues. In the present investigation, leaf extracts (aqueous and methanolic) of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. were evaluated for allelopathic effects on Amaranthus viridis. The extracts (5
Maize is the leading crop for silage production and a major energy source in animal diets globally. The production of low nutritional composition silage among livestock farmers is partly attributed to the absence of specialized stable silage tailored maize lines for hybrids development. There is scarcity of information related to genetic variation and plant—environmental relationship in silage nutritional composition traits among tropical maize germplasm, yet the demand for quality silage continues to grow due to the introduction and improvement in genetics of different animal breeds. Twenty maize genotypes were evaluated in five environments for silage nutritional composition traits mainly crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), metabolizable energy (ME), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ash, dry matter (DM) and crude fiber (CF). pH was treated as the fermentation adequacy check. The combined analysis of variance revealed variations among environments (P < 0.001) for all the studied traits and genotypes differed significantly for DM, CF and ME (P < 0.001), and for EE and CP (P < 0.05). The G × E was significant for DM, CF, NDF, CP, EE and ME which reduced cross-environment predictability of genotype ranking and motivates within-environment or stability-based selection. Negative Pearson correlations were observed and varied accordingly among nutritional traits. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explained 49.5
Variations of climate conditions challenge germination of Kigelia africana seeds and growth across its distribution range. This study assessed the influence of provenances (with varied climate conditions) and seed storage duration on seed germination and seedling growth across three climatic zones in Benin. A three-way randomized complete block design was established, including seed provenances, storage duration (freshly collected, one-year and two-year storage), and seed soaking duration (0, 24 and 48 h). Nine treatments were applied to seeds from three provenances, each repeated three times. The number of seeds germinated per treatment was recorded daily, as were the time to first germination and the average germination duration. Seedlings were transplanted and growth parameters such as height, stem diameter, and number of leaves were measured weekly for 12 weeks. The results showed that no seed stored for two years germinated. The mean germination rates of freshly collected seeds and seeds stored for one year were 65.22
Citral is the principal monoterpene aldehyde responsible for the characteristic aroma, quality, and industrial value of Cymbopogon species. Despite rapid advances in transcriptomic, metabolomic, and biochemical research, the extent of experimental support for different stages of citral biosynthesis and their relevance to crop improvement remain unclear. This structured scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR framework to characterize current evidence on citral biosynthetic pathways, functional validation of pathway components, regulatory mechanisms, environmental regulation, and implications for breeding and biotechnology. Eighty-four eligible publications were evaluated using a Pathway–Validation–Environment Interaction Matrix and an Evidence Maturity Index, which assessed the strength of experimental evidence across pathway components. The evidence synthesis showed that precursor supply pathways, particularly the methylerythritol phosphate pathway and geranyl diphosphate-associated steps, have received extensive research attention, although many conclusions remain based on transcript abundance rather than direct functional validation. Geraniol formation represents one of the most experimentally supported stages, with evidence from biochemical assays, localization studies, and functional analyses. Recent studies have improved understanding of terminal oxidation reactions through enzyme characterization and transient functional approaches. However, regulatory networks, metabolic flux control, chemotype stability, and genotype-to-phenotype relationships remain insufficiently characterized. Environmental conditions, genotype effects, harvest practices, and post-harvest handling influence citral accumulation through interactions between metabolic regulation and plant physiology. Future research should prioritize functional genomics, enzyme kinetics, metabolic flux analysis, regulatory network validation, and integrated multi-omics approaches. This evidence framework supports improved understanding of citral biosynthesis and informs breeding strategies, metabolic engineering, and quality standardization of Cymbopogon essential oils.
Ber (Ziziphus spp.) is an important fruit crop in arid and semi‑arid regions of India, valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and ecological significance. The Kachchh region of Gujarat, characterized by saline soils and extreme drought, provides a natural laboratory for studying adaptive traits in wild ber populations. Despite its importance, systematic evaluation of agro‑morphological and biochemical diversity in this germplasm has been limited. We hypothesized that wild ber landraces evolving under these extreme conditions possess unique morphological resilience and biochemical diversity. To test this, we assessed agro‑morphological variation among 30 collected germplasm Kachchh region of Gujarat using multivariate techniques. Germplasm were sampled across a spatial distance of 170 km mapping the Central and Western Kachchh ber-growing belt. Seventeen morphological and quality traits, including plant height, canopy spread, branch number, leaf area, fruit dimensions, weight, and total soluble solids (TSS), were measured. Descriptive statistics showed broad phenotypic dispersion: plant height ranged from 144 to 455 cm; canopy volume varied from 0.58 to 8.34 m3; leaf area from 1.38 to 9.76 cm2, and TSS ranged from 3.40 to 17.50°Brix. Fruit length, width, and 5-fruit weight displayed moderate variability. Principal component analysis reduced the 17 traits to four components, explaining 85.55
Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a crucial system for hybrid seed production in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), as it eliminates the need for manual emasculation and improves seed purity and production efficiency. However, the instability of CMS and corresponding restorer lines has constrained its large-scale utilization. In this study, a novel breeding strategy was established by combining cytoplasmic sterility genes from existing CMS lines with fertility-restoring genes from restorer lines through the creation of an intermediate restorer line, S(RfRf). This intermediate, carrying sterile cytoplasm and fertile nuclei, served as a genetic bridge for the introgression of desirable agronomic traits from elite germplasm into new CMS and restorer lines. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear genotypes were accurately identified using CMS-SCAR130 and CRF-SCAR molecular markers, confirming segregation patterns consistent with Mendel’s first law. Through systematic selection and marker-assisted breeding, isocytoplasmic CMS and restorer lines were developed, exhibiting uniform fertility and favorable agronomic performance. This approach reduced the land area and time required for breeding while enhancing the efficiency of line conversion. Overall, the method provides a reliable and scalable framework for the development of CMS-based hybrid systems in pepper, demonstrating its genetic stability and practical applicability for precision breeding.
