Bacterial biocontrol agent/s (BCAs) against plant diseases are eco-friendly and sustainable options for profitable agricultural crop production. Specific beneficial strains of
are effective in ...controlling many fungal diseases including Alternaria blight caused by a notorious pathogen "
". In the present study, the biocontrol attributes of a newfangled strain of
(BS-01) have been investigated and its bioactive compounds were also identified against
. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by BS-01 in organic solvents viz.,
-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate were extracted and their antifungal efficacy has evaluated against
Also, the preventive and curative biocontrol method to reduce the fungal load of
was estimated by both foliar and seed applications on infected tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants as determined by quantitative PCR assays. Growth chamber bioassay revealed that both foliar and seed application of BS-01 on tomato plants previously or subsequently infected by
significantly reduced the pathogen load on inoculated tomato foliage. Results showed that antifungal bioassays with various concentrations (10-100 mg mL
) of extracted metabolites produced by BS-01 in ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest inhibition in fungal biomass (extracellular metabolites: 69-98% and intracellular metabolites: 48-85%) followed by
-hexane (extracellular metabolites: 63-88% and intracellular metabolites: 35-62%) and dichloromethane (extracellular metabolites: 41-74% and intracellular metabolites: 42-70%), respectively. The extracted volatile compounds of BS-01 were identified
GC-MS analysis and were found in great proportions in the organic fractions as major potent antifungal constituents including triphenylphosphine oxide; pyrrolo1,2-a pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl); pyrrolo1,2-a pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(phenylmethyl);
-hexadecanoic acid;
-tridecan-1-ol; octadecane; octadecanoic acid; eicosane and dodecyl acrylate. Separate or mixture of these bioactive VOCs had the potential to mitigate the tomato early blight disease severity in the field that would act as a sustainable plant protection strategy to generate profitable tomato production.
Improving physio-biochemical traits in wheat under drought stress conditions has received more research attention in recent years for better adaptability and higher yield. In this study, we explored ...the potential bio-physiological mechanisms underlying improved plant growth and water use efficiency in wheat following soil application of potassium (0 and 100 kg ha−1) and seed primed salicylic acid (SA) (150 mg per L) and SA foliar application (100 mg per L) under drought stresses (100%, 60% and 30% FC). Two years' average data revealed that inducing drought stress resulted in a decrease in plant pigments content, growth traits, and plant water status however, the influence was substantially reduced with the combined application of K and SA under drought stress conditions. The SA foliar spray in combination with K had increased chlorophyll a (174% and 83%), chl b (130% and 192%), chl a + b (156% and 120), carotenoid (22% and 11%), proline contents (24% and 29%) leaf relative water content (24% and 29%) while reduced leaf WSD (17% and 20%), WRC (6% and 7%), and WUC (23% and 28%) under mild and severe drought stresses, respectively. The increase in grain yield by 41% and 37% with enhanced water use efficiency was obtained with combined foliar SA and K under mild and severe drought stress, respectively indicating its vital role in overcoming the deleterious effects of drought via regulation of osmotic and metabolic processes and stabilizes cell components. RDA analysis revealed that the studied traits were completely discriminated under severe stress than mild or no drought stress. A positive and significant association was found between plant pigments with seed yield whereas a negative and significant correlation existed between water leaf traits and plant pigments. It was concluded that both foliar SA and seed primed SA with K fertilization combat the adverse effects of drought and improved plant water status as well as growth and bio-physiological traits of wheat under drought stress conditions.
The present investigation was performed to evaluate the variability of the essential oil composition present in the seed extract of Kala zeera (
Bioss.) obtained from different geographical zones of ...Northwestern-Himalayan using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum (GC-MS). The results of the GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the essential oil content. Significant variability was observed in the chemical constituents of the essential oils mainly for p-cymene, D-limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Cumic aldehyde and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al. Among these compounds, the highest average percentage across the locations was observed for gamma-terpinene (32.08%) which was followed by cumic aldehyde (25.07%), and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al (15.45%). Principal component analysis (PCA) also grouped the 4 highly significant compounds i.e., p-Cymene, Gamma-Terpinene, Cumic aldehyde, and 1,4-p-Menthadien-7-al into same cluster which are mainly distributed in Shalimar Kalazeera-1, and Atholi Kishtwar zones. The highest value of gamma-terpinene was recorded in Atholi accession (40.66%). However, among climatic zones Zabarwan Srinagar and Shalimar Kalazeera-1 was found to have highly positive significant correlation (0.99). The cophenetic correlation coefficient (c) was found to be 0.8334 during hierarchical clustering for 12 essential oil compounds showing that our results are highly correlated. Network analysis also showed the overlapping pattern and similar interaction between the 12 compounds as shown by hierarchical clustering analysis. From the results, it could be concluded that existence of variability among the various bioactive compounds of
which are probably to be incorporated to the potential list of drugs and may serve as good genetic source for various modern breeding programs.
Juniperus procera Hoechst. ex Endl. is a medicinal tree in Saudi Arabia, primarily in the Enemas region, but it is locally threatened due to die-back disease and difficulties regarding seed ...reproduction (seed dormancy and underdeveloped embryonic anatomy, and germination rate < 40%). Hence, the alternative methods for reproduction of Juniperus procera are really needed for conservation and getting mass propagation for pharmaceutical uses.
In this manuscript, we articulated the successful in vitro shoot multiplication and callus induction of J. procera by using young seedling as explants and detected an important antibacterial and antitumor product. Explants were grown on different types of media with the supplement of different combinations of Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) at different concentrations. The best media for shoot multiplication was Woody Plant Media (WPM) supplemented with PGRs (0.5 μM of IAA and 0.5 μM BAP or 0.5 μM IBA and 0.5 μM BAP). Whereas for callus induction and formation Woody Plant Media (WPM) with the addition of PGRs (0.5 μM 2,4-D and 0.5 μM BAP) was better than the Chu Basal Salt Mixture (N6), Gamborg's B-5 Basal Medium (B5), and Murashige and Skoog media. The possibility of multiplication of J. procera in vitro creates significant advantages to overcome the difficulties of seeds dormancy for the reproduction of plants, conservation of trees, and getting mass propagation material for pharmaceutical studies. The shoot and callus extract of J. procera was detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and revealed more than 20 compounds related to secondary metabolites, which contained antibacterial and antitumor agents, such as ferruginol, Retinol, and Quinolone as well as confirmed by Direct Analysis in Real Time, Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (DART-ToF-MS). Podophyllotoxin (PTOX) was detected in callus material by HPLC with sigma standard and confirmed by DART-ToF-MS and UV spectra.
We successfully conducted in vitro shoot multiplication and callus induction from J. procera seedlings using WPM and a different combination of PGRs and, detected an important antibacterial and antitumor product such as ferruginol and podophyllotoxin. According to our findings, J. procera has become a new natural source of novel bioactive compounds.
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect the plant’s growth and development. Recently, the contribution of nanoparticles (NPs) to ameliorating salinity stresses has become the new ...field of interest for scientists due to their special physiochemical properties in the biological system. This study is designed to examine the effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) spherical in shape (size range between 9 and 30 nm) on morphophysiological characteristics and the antioxidant defense system of in vitro raised Maerua oblongifolia under four levels of salt stress (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). Our findings reveal that the application of AgNPs (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg/L) to M. oblongifolia shoots significantly alleviates the adverse effects of salt stress and ameliorates plant developmental-related parameters and defense systems. High salinity elevates the oxidative damage by over-accumulation of the levels of total soluble sugars, proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, total phenolic, and flavonoid content over the control. Interestingly, the application of AgNPs to salinized plants improved the growth traits and photosynthetic pigment production and caused higher enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, mitigating the oxidative damage by lowering the accumulation of proline, soluble sugars, H2O2, MDA, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents in salt-stressed plants. In general, AgNPs augmented the growth of M. oblongifolia shoots under saline conditions through different strategies; thus, AgNPs can be used as an appropriate eco-friendly approach that enhances salinity tolerance in plants.
Rice is the most important crop for the majority of population across the world with sensitive behavior toward heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) in polluted regions. Although, there is no ...information on the Cr resistancephenotyping in rice. Herein, two different groups of rice cultivars (normal, and hybrid) were used, each group with 14 different rice cultivars. Firstly, seed germination analysis was conducted by evaluating various seed germination indices to identify the rice cultivars with greatest seed germination vigor. Furthermore, exposure of chromium (Cr) toxicity to 28 different rice varieties (NV1-NV14, HV1-HV14) caused noticeable plant biomass reduction. Subsequently, NV2, NV6, NV10, NV12, NV13 (normal type), HV1, HV4, HV8, and HV9 (hybrid types) were pragmatic as moderately sensitive varieties, while NV3, NV4, NV9, and NV14 (normal type), HV3, HV6, HV7, and HV13 were observed as moderately tolerant. Although, NV7, and HV10 were ranked most sensitive cultivars, and NV11, and HV14 were considered as most tolerant varieties as compared to the other rice (both groups) genotypes. Afterward, Cr induced reduction in chlorophyll pigments were significantly lesser in HV14 relative to NV11, NV7, and especially HV10, and as a result HV14 modulated the total soluble sugar level as well as reduced ROS accumulation, and MDA contents production by stimulating the antioxidant defense mechanism conspicuously which further reduced the electrolyte leakage as well. Our outcomes provide support to explore the Cr tolerance mechanism in cereal crops as well as knowledge about rice breeding with increased tolerance against Cr stress.
This comprehensive study investigates the stage-wise infection dynamics of Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) in fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae across distinct stages of maize crop ...in Panchmahal and Mahisagar districts of Gujarat, India during the kharif season in 2021. The examination of month-wise mean data reveals a pronounced pattern of NPV prevalence, with the highest infection observed during the cob formation stage (28.74 %), followed by flowering and tasseling (20.23 %), and the vegetative stage (13.93 %). Block specific analyses highlight variations in infection rates, with notable differences between districts and stages. Correlation coefficient analysis indicates a significant and positive relationship between specific crop stages and NPV infection. Regression equations are established, demonstrating a positive increase in natural NPV infection during different crop stages. Weather parameter analysis reveals significant correlations between temperature, humidity, sunshine hours, and NPV infection. The phylogenetic analysis of NPV polyhedrin sequences indicates species-specific clustering within S. frugiperda and a broader genus-specific association. Motif pattern analysis identifies conserved motifs in NPV polyhedrins. Protein structure predictions and Molecular docking studies predicted interactions between polyhedrin and chitinase, suggesting a potential role in the insect's defense against NPV. The bioassay results indicated increased susceptibility of early larvae to NPV, emphasizing the potential for optimizing biocontrol strategies. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the ecological and molecular aspects of NPV infection dynamics, offering a significance understanding for developing effective pest management strategies and also underscores its significance in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Soil salinity accelerates osmotic, ionic and oxidative pressure that suppresses plant growth and crop production. The objective of t of the present investigation was to analyse protective function of ...nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) against salt (NaCl) stress in coriander plants. Different morphological, biochemical parameters, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analysed. Exposure of Coriandrum sativum L. to NaCl reduced length of root and shoot, biomass, relative water content and biochemical attributes. Exogenous use of SNP and NaHS individually or in combined treatment increased all the above-mentioned growth variables and inhibited NaCl incited biochemical alterations and oxidative damages in Coriandrum sativum L. Synergistic treatment (SNP+NaHS) exhibited increase in the morphological parameters, pigment and osmolyte contents. The oxidative stress biomarkers, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide generation were declined by SNP and NaHS as evidenced by reduced peroxidation of lipids. Activities of both glyoxylase as well as antioxidant enzymes were enhanced with presence of SNP and NaHS. Coriander seedlings treated with NaCl+SNP+NaHS exhibited 21%, 7%, 31% and 59% increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), respectively over NaCl treated plants. Level of methylglyoxal was decreased in Coriandrum sativum with rise in glyoxalase I and II enzymes. Therefore, synergistic supplementation of NO and H2S alleviates salt stress in coriander plants more efficiently than individual treatment and it might be because of crosstalk mechanism that facilitate salt stress resistance in plants.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plant extracts have recently attracted considerable attention due to their environmental protection benefits and their easy and low cost of ...fabrication. In the current study, ZnO NPS were synthesized using the aqueous extract of Ochradenus arabicus as a capping and reducing agent. The obtained ZnO NPs were firstly characterized using ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray absorption (EDX), zeta potential, and zeta size. All these techniques confirmed the characteristic features of the biogenic synthesized ZnO NPs. Then, ZnO NPs were evaluated for their effects on morphological, biochemical, and physiological parameters of Salvia officinalis cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium containing 0, 75, 100, and 150 mM of NaCl. The results showed that ZnO NPs at a dose of 10 mg/L significantly increased the shoot number, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight of Salvia officinalis subjected or not to the salt stress. For the shoot length, a slight increase of 4.3% was recorded in the plant treated by 150 mM NaCl+10 mg/L ZnO NPs compared to the plant treated only with 150 mM of NaCl. On the other hand, without NaCl, the application of both concentrations 10 mg/L and 30 mg/L of ZnO NPs significantly improved the total chlorophyll content by 30.3% and 21.8%, respectively. Under 150 mM of NaCl, the addition of 10 mg/L of ZnO NPs enhanced the total chlorophyll by 1.5 times, whilst a slight decrease of total chlorophyll was recorded in the plants treated by 150 mM NaCl + 30 mg/L ZnO NPs. Additionally, ZnO NPs significantly enhance the proline accumulation and the antioxidative enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GR) in plants under salinity. Our findings revealed that green synthesized ZnO NPs, especially at a dose of 10 mg/L, play a crucial role in growth enhancement and salt stress mitigation. Hence, this biosynthesized ZnO NPs at a concentration of 10 mg/L can be considered as effective nanofertilizers for the plants grown in salty areas.
Biogenic nanoparticles have potential roles in the growth and development of plants and animals as they are ecofriendly and free of chemical contaminants. In this study, we assessed the effects of ...phytomediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on shoot growth, biochemical markers, and antioxidant system response in Ochradenus arabicus, which is a medicinal plant. The shoot length and fresh and dry weights were found to be higher in groups with 5 and 10 mg/L ZnONPs than in the control. At high concentrations of ZnONPs (50, 100, and 300 mg/L), biomass was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The shoot number was observed to be highest at 50 mg/L among all applied concentrations of ZnONPs. The levels of the stress markers proline and TBARS were found to be higher in shoots treated with 100 and 300 mg/L ZnONPs than in the control as well as NP-treated shoots. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased at high concentrations of nanoparticles compared with the control. Thus, synthesized phytomediated ZnONPs from shoots of O. arabicus and their application to the same organ of O. arabicus in vitro were found to be effective as a low concentration of nanoparticles promoted shoot growth, resulting in high biomass accumulation. Thus, using green nanotechnology, such endemic plants could be conserved in vitro and multiple shoots could be produced by reducing the phytohormone concentration for multiple uses, such as the production of potential secondary metabolites.