Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) is one of the most destructive viruses of papaya, causing heavy yield losses and serious economic damage to farmers. Its impact is seen in almost all major papaya-growing regions across the world, making it a major constraint to papaya production and trade. This review presents a comprehensive overview of PRSV, beginning with its emergence, historical distribution and molecular biology, including genome structure and mechanisms of pathogenesis. The viral infection cycle, covering host invasion, replication and systemic movement is discussed alongside characteristic symptoms that facilitate field identification. Diagnostic approaches are evaluated, spanning conventional, serological and nucleic acid-based techniques, with an emphasis on advanced platforms such as next-generation sequencing. Strategies for managing PRSV are critically reviewed, including traditional control methods, breeding-based resistance and cross-protection. Special focus is placed on genetic engineering approaches, such as coat protein-mediated resistance, RNA interference and replicase gene-based resistance, which offer potential for long-term and stable control. Overall, this article brings together both classical and modern strategies for managing PRSV and aims to support future efforts to develop papaya varieties with durable resistance.

Abiotic stresses, particularly salt and drought, pose significant challenges to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production worldwide, severely limiting crop yield. Plant growth regulators have emerged as promising tools for stress mitigation, with melatonin (MT) and gibberellic acid (GA) showing potential in enhancing stress tolerance through their regulatory roles in plant metabolism and stress response pathways. The present study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of MT and GA in alleviating combined salt and drought stress by assessing various morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters and antioxidant defense systems in wheat (variety Pusa Vakula HI-1636). A factorial randomized complete block design experiment was conducted with wheat plants subjected to salt and drought stress and treated with MT (100 µM) and GA (10 µM) applied individually and in combination. Results demonstrated that combined salt-drought stress severely reduced shoot length (-35

The research aims to investigate the combined effects of vermicompost (VC) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on enhancing photosynthetic activity, nutrient uptake, and defense responses in Brassica juncea cv. Pusa Jagannath grown under salt stress conditions. In a randomized complete block design, 50

Abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperatures, salinity, heavy metals, and ultraviolet radiation have severely reduced rice productivity by disrupting cellular balance and physiological processes. Rice plants perceive environmental stress through the complex signaling networks that include phytohormone-mediated pathways, transcriptional regulation, reactive oxygen species, ion transport systems, and post-translational modifications. While numerous studies have been focused on positive regulators that enhance stress tolerance, but emerging evidence also suggest that negative regulators have an equally important role in modulating stress responses and balancing stress tolerance. These regulators have been shown to function at multiple molecular levels, including TFs, protein phosphatases, ubiquitin–proteasome components, signaling repressors, and chromatin-associated modifiers that modulate ABA-dependent and independent stress signaling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive study of negative regulators identified in rice and discusses their physiological impacts on the stomatal regulation, ROS scavenging, ion homeostasis, photosynthetic efficiency, and developmental adaptation. We have further summarized the strategies that are used for the identification of negative regulators through transcriptomic, genetic, and functional genomics approaches. Finally, we highlight emerging opportunities for the manipulation of negative regulatory networks to combat stress tolerance without compromising overall yield, offering future perspectives for developing climate-resilient rice cultivars.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant global health concern due to its progressive impact on kidney function, and associated complications. This narrative review highlights the role of traditional system of medicine and comprehensive approach to managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) including their molecular mechanisms and therapeutic roles. The interdependence of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing is acknowledged by AYUSH, and other indigenous traditions, which emphasize on botanical drugs with proven nephroprotective qualities in addition to dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and mind-body therapies. For instance, traditional botanical drugs have shown nephroprotective effects in both preclinical and clinical trials. Yoga activities promote overall wellbeing, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Our aim is to explore and integrate traditional medicine with modern nephrology practices for enhancing CKD management. However, the review presents the brief importance of this integration and challenges such as the need for robust clinical trials to substantiate safety and efficacy. It also discusses the legal and quality control concerns related to botanical drugs. Overcoming these hurdles is paramount for the successful assimilation of traditional medicine systems with modern healthcare practices. The review also contains the synergistic blend of contemporary nephrology with ancient healing systems like AYUSH offering a compelling approach to CKD treatment and nephroprotection.

The requirement for proteins in the balanced human diet is fulfilled by both plant and animal sources. In particular, plant-based proteins are lower in saturated fat, high in fibre, and contribute roughly 32%–65% of the global supply. Among the plant-based protein sources, legume crops (family Fabaceae/Leguminosae; seeds are produced in pods) are widely known to sustainably provide roughly 20%–45% protein content (about twice that of cereals). Hence, legumes are key to meeting human dietary needs, particularly in vegetarian diets. Notably, traditional and commonly cultivated legumes (e.g., soybean, ; chickpea, ; common bean, ; and pigeon pea, ) dominate the plant-based protein market. Despite possessing comparable or superior nutritional profiles, higher protein content, and enhanced climate resilience, most underutilized and neglected legumes (e.g., Bambara groundnut, ; winged bean, ; and horse gram, ) have been largely overlooked by mainstream agricultural research, policy, and global markets in favour of high-yielding staples. Taking into account the selected neglected and underutilized legume crops, this chapter aims to: (1) provide an overview of key insights into their origin and botany, (2) highlight the major constraints responsible for the neglect of these legume crops, (3) briefly illuminate important areas of recent research on these leguminous crop types, and (4) list aspects that have so far been overlooked or least explored in this context. Future research in this direction may be devised by utilizing the major outcomes of the discussion.

(3-Sitosterol, a bioactive phytosterol recognised as possessing anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cholesterollowering actions, is a key therapeutic constituent of Mirabilis jalapa L. Developing efficient and sustainable extraction methods is crucial to maximise its pharmacological potential. This investigation aimed to compare conventional and advanced extraction techniques to get a high yield of (3-sitosterol from the tuberous roots of M. jalapa L. and optimise the extraction parameters with the technique of response surface methodology (RSM). The antioxidant potential of the (3-sitosterol-enriched extract was also assessed. Extraction parameters were optimised using Response Surface Methodology (Box-Behnken Design) implemented in Design-Expert software. (3-Sitosterol yield in every single extract was determined using HPLC, or high-performance liquid chromatography, which comprises a methanol-acetonitrile mobile phase (70:30, v/v). DPPH radical scavenging experiments were used for assessing antioxidant activity. Among all extraction methods examined, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) showed superior efficiency. Ethanol was identified as the most effective solvent compared with ethyl acetate and acetone. Optimal extraction conditions, temperature 50 degrees C, extraction time 60 min, and drugto-solvent ratio 1:50 yielded a predicted (3-sitosterol content of 10.17%, while experimental validation produced a closely matching yield of 10.062%. The (3-sitosterol-enriched extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, achieving 84.98% DPPH scavenging at 100 & micro;g/mL, surpassing ascorbic acid (81.90%). Using linear regression analysis, the extract and ascorbic acid exhibited identical antioxidant activity, with IC50 values that were 53.32 & micro;g/mL and 50.09 & micro;g/mL, respectively. The UAE emerged as the most effective and sustainable technique for (3-sitosterol extraction, minimising thermal degradation while maximising yield. Model fitting and regression analysis confirmed that all studied parameters significantly influenced extraction efficiency. Additionally, the (3-sitosterol-enriched extract displayed notable antioxidant activity, supporting its potential therapeutic value. This study provides a statistically optimised and validated ultrasound-assisted extraction method for (3-sitosterol from Mirabilis jalapa, demonstrating improved yields and efficiency compared to conventional techniques.

Nitrogen (N) promotes plant functions at all levels ranging from plants growth, development, and metabolism to resource allocation. The present study was undertaken to study the role of N-fertilization on growth and N-metabolizing enzymes in high- and low-nitrate-accumulating leafy vegetables of Amaranthus cruentus and Brassica juncea and to find the optimum nitrogen level required by plants as per their physiological condition and age. Different doses (0, 40, 80, 120 kg/ha) of N fertilizers were given to the test plants at different growth stages along with the uniform basal dose of phosphorus (30 kg ha-1), potassium (80 kg ha-1), sulphur (40 kg ha-1) and zinc (25 kg ha-1). N-fertilization showed a significant positive influence on various growth attributes and N-metabolizing enzyme activities. Growth parameters got improved with N-fertilization up to the uppermost level of N fertilization (120 kg/ha). However, maximum and significant improvement in morphological traits and in the potential for exploitation of N-assimilatory enzymes was observed at N@80 kg/ha. The growth parameters were distinct in both A. cruentus and B. juncea and the activities of all the N-metabolizing enzymes were higher in the low-nitrate-accumulating leafy greens as compared to the high-nitrate-accumulating ones in both A. cruentus and B. juncea, suggesting a better N-assimilation in the former category of plants.

Jasmonic acid (JA) is a prominent class of stress hormones involved in the survival of plants in stressful conditions. JA is directly linked to plants’ ability to withstand heavy metal stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of JA in mitigating chromium-induced stress by assessing various morpho-physiological, biochemical parameters and antioxidant machinery in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern (variety PM-25). A completely randomized experiment was conducted in earthen pots containing mustard grown under different levels of chromium stress (T0-control; 50, 100, and 200 µM) supplemented with graded levels of JA (25 and 50 µM, alone and in different combinations). Plants were evaluated to examine phenological features and biochemical parameters like total chlorophyll content, total soluble protein (TSP), total soluble sugar (TSS), proline content, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity at three different growth stages. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, and APX, along with histochemical staining and confocal microscopy, to locate reactive oxygen species, were also performed. The results suggest that Cr stress (100 and 200 µM) hampered the growth and yield of mustard seedlings, showing a decrease of − 42 and − 77

Plants are susceptible to a wide range of biotic stressors to which they exhibit diverse yet distinct responses. Central to their responses is the modulation of redox status, where the equilibrium between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense plays a critical role. Reduced glutathione (GSH), a key redox-active molecule, performs pivotal functions in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis and modulating defense mechanisms during biotic stress. Emerging evidence suggests that GSH, along with its enzymatic counterparts including glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferases, activates plant defense responses by multiple ways such as by (1) triggering the activation of defense-related genes and the production of defense compounds including phytoalexins, (2) preventing excessive cell damage and facilitating controlled cell death during hypersensitive response, (3) influencing salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways to shape the systemic acquired resistance and induced systemic resistance, respectively, and (4), conjugating with and detoxifying pathogen-secreted toxins and other harmful compounds produced during pathogen attack, thereby protecting plant cells from potential damage. Additionally, recent studies have also highlighted the key role of GSH in the modulation of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent controlled cell death. Therefore, GSH can be used to manipulate the plant responses to invading pathogens. However, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay among redox dynamics, ROS signaling, and the pivotal role of GSH during biotic stress is essential for devising effective strategies to bolster plant resilience and optimize agricultural productivity under biotic stress. This review synthesizes current research insights into redox biology and highlights the importance of GSH in plant biotic stress responses.

Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), a conventional Zn fertilizer, is widely used due to its high solubility and ease of application. In contrast, nano Zn represents an innovative approach, utilizing nanoscale particles to enhance Zn bioavailability and uptake efficiency. This study compares these two Zn fertilizers regarding their impact on plant growth, yield, Zn uptake, and overall crop quality. In our study, we explored the potential of nano Zn and ZnSO4 by applying two different doses of each (100, 1000 ppm ZnO NP and 30, 50 kg ha(-1) ZnSO4) both individually and in combination, to linseed accession. The results obtained showed the potential of nano Zn over conventional Zn fertilizer in terms of enhanced linseed growth and yield together with greater antioxidants enzyme, oil content, protein content, Zn accumulation, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) content, and the accumulation of bioactive metabolites. Nanoscale ZnO (with particle size less than 100 nm) at a 1000 ppm concentration sped up growth, yield, increased SDG content, and antioxidant activity. However, when nano Zn (1000 ppm) was applied in combination with ZnSO4 (30 kg ha(-1)), it maximally enhanced plant fresh and dry weight, photosynthesis, and yield compared to their individual treatment. The combined application increased seed yield by 4.55 folds compared to the control. The treated plants were assessed for SDG content using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS), which showed maximum increase with 1000 ppm ZnO NP. SDG is a type of lignan known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits paving way for its pharmaceutical importance.

Salt stress is a major constraint on agricultural productivity, particularly affecting crop growth and yield. This study aims to evaluate salt resilience in mustard (Brassica juncea) by investigating variations in growth, yield, and physiological tolerance indicators among selected cultivars. Advanced analytical techniques, including Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling, were employed to decipher the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance. NIRS was utilized for its rapid, non-destructive analysis of biochemical variations among the cultivars, while GC-MS profiling provided a detailed understanding of the metabolomic changes induced by salt stress. This integrated approach enabled the identification of crucial metabolites and biomarkers associated with salt tolerance and yield enhancement. The results indicated significant cultivar-specific differences in metabolic profiles which correlated with growth and yield (pod number, pod length,pod biomass, seed number and seed weight) under salt stress. The most resilient cultivar demonstrated increased accumulation of osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and other stress-related metabolites. These findings underscore the importance of specific traits and metabolites in conferring salt tolerance.This comprehensive study offers valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing salt-tolerant mustard cultivars, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture in saline environments.

Evaluation of genetic variability in germplasm accessions facilitates the optimal application of genetic resources to produce new cultivars. In the present study, the genetic diversity among ten linseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions was studied using different agro-morphological and biochemical parameters. The tested plants were grown in basal doses of zinc fertilization and were maintained in the herbal garden of Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India. The plants were screened for morpho-physiological traits like plant height, seed weight, capsule number, yield characteristics, and biochemical traits like chlorophyll, protein, sugar, oil content, and antioxidant potential at three different plant growth stages. The quantity of lignans like secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and gallic acid content was also assessed in the tested accessions using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis. The results indicate that at the post-flowering stage, the economically significant characteristics such as seed weight, capsule number, and 1000 seed weight showed remarkable variability among the accessions. Also, yield characteristics, oil content, protein content, antioxidants, SDG, and gallic acid content exhibited a significant amount of genotypic variations among the accessions. Consequently, accession EC1537 (V7) was found to be high-efficient and accession IC0345421 (V1) was found to be low-efficient in terms of morpho-physiological, biochemical, yield characteristics, and metabolite accumulation potential. The genetic variations among the accession were further confirmed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The tested ten accessions were divided into three clusters, with Cluster I representing a degree of similarity of 79.48

Infrequent and untimely rainfall restricts plants’ water availability which reduces photosynthetic potential, growth, and yield. To cope with drought-induced adversities, utilization of available water and nutrients together with reduction in oxidative stress is primary concern. This study aims to unravel the approach applied by supplementation of salicylic acid (SA) with phosphorus (P) to reduced drought stress in mustard. In a randomized block design, 30 mg P kg−1 soil and 0.5 mM SA were used to study their effect on drought-stressed plants. Drought stress was imposed after 15 days of sowing (DAS) by withholding water to 50

Plants are exposed to a variety of pests and pathogens that reduce crop productivity. Plants respond to such attacks by activating a sophisticated signaling cascade that initiates with the recognition of pests/pathogens and may culminate into a resistance response. Lipids, being the structural components of cellular membranes, function as mediators of these signaling cascades and thus are instrumental in the regulation of plant defense responses. Accumulating evidence indicates that various lipids such as oxylipins, phospholipids, glycolipids, glycerolipids, sterols, and sphingolipids, among others, are involved in mediating cell signaling during plant-pathogen interaction with each lipid exhibiting a specific biological relevance, follows a distinct biosynthetic mechanism, and contributes to specific signaling cascade(s). Omics studies have further confirmed the involvement of lipid biosynthetic enzymes including the family of phospholipases in the production of defense signaling molecules subsequent to pathogen attack. Lipids participate in stress signaling by (1) mediating the signal transduction, (2) acting as precursors for bioactive molecules, (3) regulating ROS formation, and (4) interacting with various phytohormones to orchestrate the defense response in plants. In this review, we present the biosynthetic pathways of different lipids, their specific functions, and their intricate roles upstream and downstream of phytohormones under pathogen attack to get a deeper insight into the molecular mechanism of lipids-mediated regulation of defense responses in plants.

Heavy metal stress is one of the exorbitant problems faced by plants. Lead (Pb) stress is one of the prevalent stressors in agricultural fields. Nanofertilizers are being currently employed for mitigating heavy metal stress in plants. This study assessed the suitability of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) in ameliorating Pb stress in Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. var. Pusa Jagannath. The tested plants were grown in pots using a randomized block design, placed in herbal garden of Jamia Hamdard and treated with different amounts of Pb and nanozinc viz. control (T0), 250 ppm ZnONPs (T1), 500 ppm ZnONPs (T2), 1000 ppm ZnONPs (T3), 250 μM Pb (T4), 500 μM Pb (T5), and their combinations i.e. 250 μM Pb and 500 ppm ZnONPs (T6), 500 μM Pb and 500 ppm ZnONPs (T7), 250 μM Pb and 1000 ppm ZnONPs (T8) and 500 μM Pb and 1000 ppm ZnONPs (T9). The plants were tested for variations in morpho-physiological parameters, yield traits, biochemical attributes, antioxidant enzyme activity, and cell viability using confocal microscopy. Maximum dose of Pb (500 μM) decreased morphological and yield traits such as leaf area (−51%), shoot length (−17%), root length (−34%), number of seeds per plant (−73%), weight of the seeds (−35%), pod number (−47%), shoot and root fresh weight by −63% and −56%, along with reduction in total chlorophyll (−12%), carotenoid (−38%) content, nitrate reductase (−64%) activity, total soluble protein (−40%), total soluble sugar (−31%) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and APX by −14%, −4%, −15% respectively) in comparison to control. Stress markers like proline (195%) and MDA (266%) were elevated in Pb-treated plants.The increased level of total phenol content (89%) and total flavonoid content (478%) was also noted in Pb treated plants which acted as non-enzymatic antioxidant defense. The foliar application of ZnONPs (1000 ppm) was found to be effective in ameliorating Pb induced stress, as depicted by the increases in root length (43%), shoot length (38%), pod number (46%), seed weight (70%), number of seeds per plant (105%), chlorophyll content (41%), carotenoid content (28%), total soluble protein content (20%), and nitrate reductase activity (59%) in comparison to control. When ZnONPs (1000 ppm) was supplemented in Pb (250 μM) treated plants, antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT increased by 83%, and APX by 75%) and stress markers such as proline amplified by 387%, and total soluble sugar (61%), with respect to control. ZnONPs also improved the cell viability under Pb stress as revealed by confocal microscopy. In summary, foliar spray of ZnONPs proved effective in mitigating the Pb-induced stress in mustard which could be an effective strategy to alleviate the deleterious effects of Pb stress (500 μM) in mustard plants so as to realize its sustainable production under abiotic stress.