Induced mutation holds promise as a strategy for creating new variations. In this study, we analysed mutant lines of cultivar HD 3086 selected for its extensive cultivation in India, at both morphological and molecular levels. A total of 150 M4 mutant lines exhibited improved yield attributes, enhanced disease resistance and other agronomically important traits. Evaluation of mutant lines against leaf rust race 77-9 and stripe rust race 238S119 identified four and six highly resistant lines, respectively. SNP genotyping of rust-resistant mutants using 35K Axiom array revealed polymorphism rates ranging from 7.1 to 11.9% compared to the parent line, HD3086. Several induced point mutations were observed that may underlie key genes involved in disease resistance. The identified mutant lines, particularly the rust-resistant ones, have strong potential as valuable donors in breeding programs and as a resource for fundamental genetic studies in the future.
Zinc deficiency remains a major constraint to crop nutritional quality and human health, particularly in grain legumes consumed as protein-rich staples. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a foliar biofortification strategy in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), with emphasis on nutrient interactions, nutrient quality indices, and micronutrient partitioning. A pot experiment was conducted at Chaudhary Charan Singh Hayana Agricultural University, Hisar during the Kharif season of 2023-24 using the variety Kashi Kanchan under Completely Randomized Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. Zinc was applied as foliar spray at three zinc concentrations (400, 500 and 600 ppm) in both ZnO-NPs and bulk form, along with an untreated control. Foliar sprays were imposed at 25 and 50 DAS. Seed nutritional parameters, including protein, nitrogen, total soluble sugars, total phenolics, potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc nutrient harvest index (Zn-NHI), were determined. Zinc application significantly improved seed nutritional quality, with ZnO-NPs treatments consistently outperforming bulk zinc. The highest protein (27.81%), nitrogen (4.45%), soluble sugars (39.57 mg g(-1)), phenolics (931.10 mg GAE 100 g(-1)), micronutrient concentrations, and Zn-NHI (61.72%) were recorded under 600 ppm ZnO-NPs applied twice which remained statistically at par with 500 ppm ZnO-NPs applied twice. Nutrient responses were further integrated using Z-score transformation and a Z-based Nutrient Quality Index (Z-NQI), supported by regression analysis where Z-score and NQI analyses clearly differentiated treatments, with 500 & 600 ppm ZnO-NPs (two sprays) achieving the significantly highest NQI, indicating superior nutrient balance and biofortification efficiency. Regression analysis revealed strong associations between NQI and protein, zinc, and Zn-NHI (R2 up to 0.90), confirming zinc as a key driver of overall nutritional enhancement. The study demonstrates that ZnO-NPs, particularly at 500 ppm with two foliar applications, offer an efficient and integrative strategy for zinc biofortification and nutritional quality improvement in cowpea.
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) injury involves inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from paradoxical cellular stress upon reperfusion. This study investigated the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) against HIR injury using oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular signaling biomarkers. Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, HIR (30 min ischemia + 30 min reperfusion), Vehicle (HIR + 0.9% NaCl 100 mg/kg/day), and RSV (50 mg/kg/day) administered three days prior to the procedure. Liver tissues were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), raftlin, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels, and histopathological assessments. Statistical analyses employed Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (P<0.05). MDA and raftlin levels were highest, and S1P levels lowest, in the HIR group (P<0.001). RSV significantly attenuated HIR-induced biochemical changes compared to HIR and vehicle (P<0.05). Histopathologically, RSV reduced vascular congestion and inflammation while preserving cellular architecture. This study is the first to demonstrate RSV's protective potential against HIR injury via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular signaling. Additionally, raftlin was identified as a potential biomarker for inflammation in HIR, highlighting its relevance for future research. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of HIR injury and suggest RSV as a candidate for further preclinical investigation.
The global rise in bacterial drug resistance highlights the urgent need for novel antibiotics. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) represent an underexplored yet promising source of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. This study reports, for the first time, the isolation of EPF from Apis dorsata and Vespa affinis in Sri Lanka and the evaluation of their crude extracts for antibacterial activity. EPF were isolated from surface-sterilized insect cadavers, cultured on PDA, and extracted with ethyl acetate. Molecular methods were used for fungal identification. Antibacterial activity of crude extracts was assessed by agar disc diffusion and bioautography against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using methanol and gentamycin as negative and positive controls. Nine fungal isolates from A. dorsata and eight from V. affinis were obtained. The crude extract of Talaromyces aculeatus (BB1) from A. dorsata showed strong activity against E. coli (13 mm inhibition zone at 400 mu g/disc; P > 0.05 vs. gentamycin) and additional activity against S. aureus in bioautography. Aspergillus nomius (VA7) inhibited B. cereus, while Aspergillus niger (BB10) was active against S. aureus. These findings reveal that EPF from A. dorsata and V. affinis are promising sources of novel antibacterial agents, with, particularly T. aculeatus.
This study presents an innovative, eco-friendly approach to rodent deterrence through sodium alginate-based microencapsulation of citronella oil, designed to enhance its stability, longevity, and efficacy against house rats (Rattus rattus Linnaeus). Microcapsules containing 3%, 4%, and 5% oil were incorporated into bait at 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrations and assessed for antifeedant and repellent activity under controlled laboratory and simulated storage conditions. The 5% oil microcapsules, delivered at 20% bait concentration, demonstrated the highest and most sustained antifeedant response, achieving 90.62% deterrence maintained across all 7 days. Repellency consistently ranged from 77.05% to 92.23%, with the 5% formulation outperforming the others throughout the exposure period. Maze assays confirmed a strong behavioural avoidance, as rats markedly reduced their presence in treated zones. Under simulated storage conditions, jute bags containing wheat grains and sprinkled with 5% oil microcapsules showed significant reductions in grain loss, spillage, and bag damage for up to 10 days. Effects peaked on day 2 and remained functionally effective thereafter. This work highlights microencapsulated citronella oil as a promising, sustainable, and non-toxic alternative to chemical rodenticides, offering an innovative strategy for protecting stored commodities and mitigating rodent-related losses.
