Stresses, Volume 4, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 24 articles

Growing concerns over metal pollution highlight the need for effective remediation strategies. This study evaluates the accumulation capacity and tolerance of Melia azedarach and Ailanthus altissima for trace elements (Pb, Zn, and Cu), aiming to assess their phytoremediation potential. Three-month-old seedlings of both species, grown from seeds collected at the Touissit mine site, were cultivated in perlite and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution. Plants were exposed to various concentrations of metal salts—Pb(NO₃)₂ (8, 40, and 80 mg.L⁻¹), ZnSO₄ (8, 40, and 80 mg.L⁻¹), and CuSO₄ (2, 10, and 20 mg.L⁻¹)—over a 90-day period. Growth, biomass, metal accumulation, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents were measured. Results indicate that M. azedarach exhibited enhanced biomass under Pb exposure, suggesting notable tolerance and potential for phytoremediation. Conversely, A. altissima showed an initial increase in biomass at low Pb levels, followed by a significant reduction at higher concentrations. Both species demonstrated decreased biomass under Zn and Cu treatments, with varying degrees of sensitivity. Notably, A. altissima accumulated significant levels of Pb, Zn, and Cu, particularly in the roots, indicating high phytoremediation potential. While M. azedarach also accumulated metals, levels were comparatively lower. Both species maintained chlorophyll content under metal stress, indicating resilience. Overall, this hydroponic screening highlights the considerable capacities of M. azedarach and A. altissima for Pb, Zn, and Cu tolerance, with A. altissima showing particularly high potential for Pb phytostabilization. Full article

Emphasizing their evolutionarily conserved role in stress adaptation mechanisms, ribosomal protein genes (RPGs) are observed to be downregulated in various stressors and across phyla. However, this evolutionarily conserved stress response is not well explored in mouse models of neurobiological stress. This study investigates the dysregulation patterns of RPGs in various murine preclinical stress paradigms across different brain regions using available transcriptomic data and identifies the non-canonical ribosomal functions using synaptic gene-ontology terms. Without a discernible structure across different brain areas, we observed heterogeneous dysregulation, encompassing either up or downregulation in both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial RPGs. However, downregulation was more prominent than upregulation, and the overall dysregulation seems more prevalent in the chronic stress paradigm compared to stress paradigms involving acute and early-life stress. Enrichment analysis significantly associates dysregulated RPGs with post-synaptic gene ontology terms, emphasizing their involvement in synaptic modulation. Overall, the study demonstrates ribosomal dysregulation as an evolutionarily conserved stress response mechanism during different mouse stress paradigms. We discuss the possibility that the variability in the directionality of dysregulation may emerge as a potential marker of neuronal activity in response to diverse stress paradigms and the involvement of paradigm-specific RPG dysregulation either in the process of global downscaling of ribosome biogenesis or in the process of ribosomal heterogeneity, each leading to a different effect. Full article

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has gained attention as a non-invasive therapeutic option in oncology due to its selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. CAP produces a complex mixture of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which induce oxidative stress, leading to various forms of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. These mechanisms allow CAP to target cancer cells effectively while sparing healthy tissue, making it a versatile tool in cancer treatment. This review explores the molecular pathways modulated by CAP, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53, which are crucial in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. Additionally, in vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies supporting the efficacy of CAP are collected, providing additional evidence on its potential in oncological therapy. Full article

In Bangladesh, sweetpotato is the fourth most important source of carbohydrates behind rice, wheat, and potatoes. Potassium is vital for sweetpotato growth, boosting tuber size, sweetness, disease resistance, and yield quality, with deficiencies leading to poor tuber formation and increased stress susceptibility. The present study evaluated the effect of varying dosages of potassium fertilizer (Muriate of Potash, MoP) on the growth, yield, and biochemical qualities of sweetpotato. As a genetic material, BAU sweetpotato-5 was chosen as it is recognized for its high yield, short duration, and nutritional advantages. There were three treatments—full dosage of MoP (321.6 kg ha⁻¹, T₀), half dosage of MoP (160.8 kg ha⁻¹, T₁) and no MoP (T₂). Four replications of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were used in the experiment. According to analysis of variance, the morphological and biochemical parameters, such as the fresh weight plant⁻¹, number of tuber plant⁻¹, chlorophyll content, total phenolic content, vitamin C, carotenoid, anthocyanin, Zn, and Fe content varied significantly among treatments. The application of the full recommended dosage of MoP resulted in the highest values for several traits, including the fresh weight plant⁻¹, number of tuber plant⁻¹, chlorophyll content, carotenoid, anthocyanin, and Fe content. Conversely, total phenolic content and vitamin C were highest without MoP application. Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated treatment T₀ from T₁ and T₂ due to higher positive coefficients of the number of leaves at 115 days after transplantation, vine length at 115 days after transplantation, number of branches, stem diameter, fresh weight plant⁻¹, tuber length, tuber diameter, tuber weight, number of tuber plant⁻¹, SPAD, carotenoid, anthocyanin, Fe, and negative coefficients of total phenolic content, vitamin C, and Zn. The findings suggest that potassium is integral to maximizing both yield and key nutritional components in sweetpotato cultivation. Full article

This research investigated the inhibition of *Escherichia coli* ATCC 25922 (E. coli) bacterial growth in situ, specifically on the stems and aerial parts of *Agastache mexicana* subsp. mexicana (Amm) or “purple toronjil” and on food-grade paper, both contained within Kraft paper bags with a plastic window. The qualitative phytochemical profile of an aqueous extract of Amm revealed the presence of various compounds including alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes, and sterols. The results indicate that these secondary metabolites exhibit a synergistic bactericidal effect, especially when combined with temperature and starvation stress. This was quantified using a decay equation referred to as the bacterial growth inhibition profile of E. coli (BGIPEc). Calculations, which included first derivatives, gradients based on substrate effects and temperature as well as the area under the curve of BGIPEc, demonstrated that higher temperatures led to the greater inhibition of colony forming units (CFUs), further enhanced by the presence of secondary metabolites. Additionally, a shorter half-life corresponded to a faster change rate and a lower area under the curve, indicating a reduced survival rate over time. At lower temperatures, E. coli exhibited a survival effect, which was corroborated by the preceding calculations. Full article

Silicon (Si) has been extensively studied for its ability to decrease sodium (NaCl) toxicity in various plant species. Nonetheless, the processes that drive these responses are still not well understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of silicon (Si) on the modification of hydrogen peroxide concentration [H₂O₂], photosynthetic pigment content, nutrient accumulation, and the production of root and shoot dry biomass in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants hydroponically grown with NaCl (0 and 100 mM) in combination with Si (0 and 2.0 mM). Salt stress induced a significant decrease in plant growth due to high [H₂O₂] and a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content and nutritional status, denoting that there is oxidative and ionic stress. Nevertheless, Si addition to the growth medium consistently decreased the [H₂O₂] in sunflower and photosynthetic pigment content, and macro- and micronutrient accumulation, which was associated with an increase in root and shoot dry matter production. These findings indicate that adding Si to the growth medium is crucial for enhancing plant resistance to salt-induced ionic and osmotic stress, making it a promising strategy for improving crop growth and management under salinity conditions. Full article

The combined effects of increasing sulfur (S) fertilization rates and drought stress on the yield and compositional parameters of spring wheat on Chernozem soil were studied. In a greenhouse pot experiment, increasing S doses (22.4, 28, 56 kg S/ha) were used with a constant nitrogen (N) dose (112 kg N/ha), resulting in different N:S ratios (1:0.2; 1:0.25; 1:0.5). Water supply treatments included optimal irrigation, maintaining 60% of field capacity, and a water stress treatment where irrigation was withheld until wilting symptoms appeared, followed by irrigation to 40% of field capacity. By measuring the dry biomass production; plant N and S%; and inorganic sulfate-S content, the N/S ratio; harvest index (HI); and organic S, N and S uptake were determined. Our findings indicate that, under water stress, S incorporation into plants is limited, as it tends to remain in an inorganic form. Furthermore, results showed an increase in the N/S ratio under drought conditions, suggesting that drought stress impedes S uptake more significantly than N uptake. In this experiment, fertilization with 112 kg N/ha and 56 kg S/ha (N:S = 1:0.5) proved to be most effective under adequate water supply. In this treatment, grain N and S% were 1.80% and 0.18%, respectively. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases are devastating conditions with a rising incidence and prevalence due to the aging of the population for which we currently do not have efficient therapies. Despite compelling evidence provided by basic research on the involvement of oxidative stress in their pathogenesis, most trials with antioxidants have failed. The reasons may relate to the low bioavailability of the used compounds or to starting therapy late, when the pathogenic cascades have already induced irreversible damage. The current review discusses the sources of oxidative stress in the central nervous system, the involvement of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the importance of further research on improved delivery methods of antioxidants as well as the search for biomarkers that could help in early diagnosis in the hope of finding more efficient therapies for these diseases. Full article

Polyphenols are recognized for their potential benefits in enhancing lifespan and stress resistance. This study investigates the impact of Polyphenol-Rich Sugarcane Extract (PRSE) from Saccharum officinarum on the chemosensory behavior, learning, and memory in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The C. elegans worms were administered PRSE at 5 mg/mL from the first larval stage. Chemotaxis assays, positive butanone learning, and short-term associative memory assays were conducted at days four, eight, and twelve to evaluate chemosensory response, learning index, and short-term memory loss index. PRSE significantly improved the naïve chemotaxis index by 28.8% on day four, 30% on day eight, and 35.3% on day twelve compared to controls. The learning index increased by 14.5% on day four, 21% on day eight, and 31.9% on day twelve. Additionally, PRSE reduced the short-term memory loss index by 46.4% one hour after conditioning on day four and by 48.6% two hours after conditioning on day four, with similar reductions observed on days eight and twelve. These findings indicate that PRSE has the potential to enhance chemosensory behavior, learning, and memory in C. elegans, suggesting the need for further research to explore its applicability in addressing age-related chemosensory and cognitive decline. Full article

Sepsis is a potentially catastrophic organ dysfunction arising from an infection-induced immunologic reaction leading to severe inflammation, progression of septic shock, and damage to body organs. Sepsis is marked by noticeable hepatotoxicity caused by activating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic mechanisms. Through Cecal Ligation and Puncture (CLP) in rats, our study is the first to investigate the potential preventive effect of the antihypertensive medicine “Nebivolol” on sepsis-induced hepatotoxicity at a molecular level. Six groups of sixty albino Wistar rats (male) were randomly assigned. Biochemical and oxidative stress markers of liver function were measured. Additionally, apoptosis- and inflammatory-related gene and protein expressions were examined. Finally, the liver tissues were examined for histological assessments. The hepatic architecture was considerably altered by CLP, which also resulted in marked elevations of blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin levels, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, it decreased serum albumin level, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione (GSH) level. It also significantly elevated all hepatic inflammatory mediators (Interlukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β)) and alleviated Interlukin-10 (IL-10). It magnified the expression of p-AKT/t-AKT, p-JNK1/2/t-JNK1/2, and p-p38/t-p38 proteins, raised Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP 2/9) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) gene transcriptions, and lessened Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene expression. In contrast, Nebivolol administration dramatically mitigated all biochemical and histological changes obtained by CLP. The present finding demonstrated that Nebivolol succeeded, for the first time, in improving the hepatic injury obtained from CLP-evoked sepsis through modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic pathways through targeting the crosstalk between protein kinase B (AKT), NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), making Nebivolol a hopeful treatment for hepatic injury. Full article

Dogs, unlike humans, are equipped with a reduced number of sweat glands, which makes it difficult for them to dissipate heat, especially in conditions of intense activity that lead to a significant increase in body temperature. The study aims to investigate the metabolic differences between canine and human red blood cells (RBCs) and the hemoglobin (Hb) functionality focusing on their roles in heat dissipation. In detail, we evaluated the Band 3 protein (AE1) kinetic flux by observing that in canine red blood cells the anion exchange rate is higher than in humans (Rate Constant: 0.0438 min⁻¹ and 0.012 min⁻¹, respectively). Furthermore, we investigated the rate of ATP production and release to evaluate the possible variation of nucleotide concentration in the two species, observing a lower intracellular ATP concentration (101.80 μM and 297.90 μM) but a higher ATP release (3 μM and 2.65 μM) in canine RBCs compared to humans respectively. Subsequently, we evaluated the involvement of canine hemoglobin in heat dispersion; in detail, the ΔH= −5.15 Kcal/mol recorded in dog hemolysate at pH 7.5 shows an exothermic Hb-O₂ bond that may be useful for further dispersing heat from the lungs. The peculiar oxygen-binding properties of dog Hb may also promote oxygen release in hyperventilation characterized by alkaline pH. Full article

The analysis of fast fluorescence kinetics, specifically through the JIP test, is a valuable tool for identifying and characterizing plant stress. However, interpreting OJIP data requires a comprehensive understanding of their underlying theory. This study proposes a Machine Learning-based approach using a One-Class Support Vector Machine anomaly detection model to effectively categorize OJIP measurements into “normal”, representing healthy plants, and “anomalies”. This approach was validated using a previously published dataset. A subgroup of the identified “anomalies” was clearly linked to stress-induced reductions in photosynthesis. Furthermore, the percentage of these “anomalies” showed a meaningful correlation with both the progression and severity of stress. The results highlight the still largely unexploited potential of Machine Learning in OJIP analysis. Full article

The effect of the parent tree on seedling recruitment has been studied in various research studies. The Janzen–Connell (JC) hypothesis states that the closer the seedlings are to the source tree, the greater the risk of mortality and/or impact from pathogens and herbivores. Despite the extensive existing literature, there are not many studies that evaluate the influence of crown area, as well as the effects on leaf asymmetry, an important measure of biotic and abiotic stress. (1) This study evaluates the effect of distance from the parent tree and the crown’s area of influence on mortality, growth, and leaf asymmetry of Manilkara zapota seedlings, as well as insect herbivory and damage from leaf pathogens in a Mexican neotropical forest. (2) We selected 10 reproductive adult trees (Diameter at breast height, DBH ~ 10–25 cm) and established four 10 m × 1 m transects around each tree in four directions (north, south, east, and west). Each transect produced 10 quadrants of 1 m², and the quadrant where the shadow of the parent tree extended was marked as either under crown or crown-free. All M. zapota seedlings were counted in each quadrant. For one seedling in each quadrant, we recorded height, leaf asymmetry (LA), insect herbivory, and damage from leaf pathogens. Herbivory by insects, damage from leaf pathogens, and LA were only measured on the newest leaves. Mortality was determined after 9 months per quadrant, as well as light availability (photosynthetic photon flux density), temperature, and relative humidity. (3) We found that mortality and relative growth rate (RGR_Height) increased near and under the parent tree. Furthermore, LA decreased at greater distances from the parent tree and only outside the crown’s influence. Additionally, LA had a strong positive influence on damage caused by insect herbivory and leaf pathogens, impacting both more strongly under the crown. A high dependency of leaf pathogens on damage from insect herbivory was also recorded. Finally, the most frequent type of herbivory was that caused by chewing insects. (4) To our knowledge, we present one of the few studies that has addressed the JC hypothesis, considering not only the distance from the parent tree and seedling density but also the influence of the crown on the performance of M. zapota seedlings. Studies that consider the influence of the microenvironment are of fundamental importance for a comprehensive understanding of the JC hypothesis. Full article

Alfalfa, a crop cultivated worldwide for use as livestock feed, exhibits great adaptability to various environmental conditions. This study evaluates the biomass production, lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic pigments and osmo-compatible response in Medicago sativa var CW660 mycorrhizae (AM) and non-mycorrhizae (NM) plants with Rhizophagus intraradices and when subjected to salinity (100 mM and 200 mM of NaCl). They were evaluated using the following morphological parameters: foliage fresh weight (FFW), foliage dry weight (FDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), foliage length (FL) and root length (RL), chlorophylls a and b, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) in AM and NM plants treated with different concentration of NaCl. The LFW and the LDW were higher in M plants. The RFW and the RDW increased in control AM plants, and under different saline treatments there were no differences between AM and NM in either parameter. FL increased in the control and at 100 mM of NaCl in M plants. Chlorophyll a decreased 27–30% and b decreased 1–50% in AM and NM plants at 200 mM NaCl. The proline level increased four times and promoted a defense in AM plants at 200 mM of NaCl. Lipid peroxidation decreased in AM plants by 10% at maximum salinity. M. sativa CW660 is sensitive to salinity stress, and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) regulates its physiology and performance under such conditions, with osmotic protection and membrane protection. Full article

Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) is a major pest of rice crops, and its early detection—before any visible plant damage occurs—is crucial to prevent yield losses and establish effective, rational control methods. This study aimed to model the infrared-thermal responses of rice cultivars to D. saccharalis infestation levels. Between 2019 and 2020, two experiments were conducted in a controlled environment using the cultivars IR 40 and BR IRGA 409, previously identified as having different resistance reactions. Rice plants grown in pots were manually infested with first-instar larvae of D. saccharalis, ranging from 0 to 10 caterpillars per plant, with the plants maintained in cages covered with voile fabric throughout the trial. After 30 days of infestation, the number of live and dead caterpillars, the number of damaged and healthy stems, and the dry mass of the aerial parts were evaluated. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to the data obtained from leaf temperature as a function of infestation level throughout the infestation period, using the F-test to detect significant differences between cultivars. Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) were fitted to the variables related to resistance. It was observed that leaf surface temperature is related to the level of infestation and could be used to detect susceptibility in IR 40. In both cultivars, leaf temperatures were higher within the first 15 days post-infestation. Full article

Natural selection favors the allocation of finite resources to different functions maximizing fitness. In this sense, some functions may decrease whereas others increase when resources are limited in a process called a trade-off. However, a great variety of situations may obscure trade-off detection in clonal plants, such as the ability to generate offspring by clonal growth that represents opportunities for resource uptake. The aim of this work was to evaluate if clonal integration and resource availability mediate biomass allocation patterns in E. crassipes through a greenhouse experiment. We set ramets in clonal and isolated conditions, and with and without leaf blades, and compared the relationship of biomass proportion allocated to each vegetative organ. We found that biomass allocation to vegetative structures in E. crassipes is primarily shaped by resource pools and is enhanced by clonal integration as attached ramets invest more in growth and vegetative structures. In this sense, regarding trade-off patterns in biomass allocation among vegetative organs and under resource depletion, clonal integration may represent a way to stabilize biomass allocation patterns and may decrease trade-off importance. We discuss trade-offs and clonal integration as evolutionary strategies that allow plant persistence and improve plants fitness. These findings may support aquatic plant management and control efforts while highlighting the evolutionary significance of clonal integration for plant life strategies. Full article

Meta-analysis is a beneficial approach to reevaluating the outcomes of independent previous studies in the same scope. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the baker’s yeast, is a commonly used unicellular and eukaryotic model organism. In this study, 12 evolved S. cerevisiae strains that became resistant to diverse stress conditions (boron, caffeine, caloric restriction, cobalt, coniferyl aldehyde, ethanol, iron, nickel, oxidative stress, 2-phenylethanol, and silver stress) by adaptive laboratory evolution were reassessed to reveal the correlated stress/stressor clusters based on their transcriptomic and stress–cross-resistance data. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with k-means clustering was performed. Five clusters for the transcriptomic data of strains and six clusters for cross-resistance stressors were identified. Through statistical evaluations, critical genes pertinent to each cluster were elucidated. The pathways associated with these genes were investigated using the KEGG database. The findings demonstrated that caffeine and coniferyl aldehyde stressors exhibit clear distinctions from other stressors in terms of both physiological stress-cross-resistance responses and transcriptomic profiles. Pathway analysis showed that ribosome biogenesis was downregulated, and starch and sucrose metabolism was upregulated across all clusters. Gene and pathway analyses have shown that stressors lead to distinct changes in yeast gene expression, and these alterations have been systematically documented for each cluster. Several of the highlighted genes are pivotal for further exploration and could potentially clarify new aspects of stress response mechanisms and multiple stress resistance in yeast. Full article

Cover crops have gained attention due to their potential benefits for the soil and physiological performance of subsequent crops. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and productive aspects of maize grown in succession to cover crops in northeastern Brazil. A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was employed, in which the treatments consisted of the following cover crops: sunn hemp, spectabilis, pigeon pea, Brachiaria sp., jack bean, millet, and fallow. Physiological aspects and production components of maize were evaluated at the tasseling (VT) and smooth grain (R3) phenological stages. Millet cover increased carotenoid content in maize leaves by up to 78% at R3. Maize grown after pigeon pea, millet, and Brachiaria sp. showed up to 42% greater CO₂ assimilation efficiency compared to jack bean. Carboxylation efficiency increased by up to 34% in maize grown after millet and Brachiaria sp., while water use efficiency improved by up to 76% in maize after sunn hemp and pigeon pea at R3. Sunn hemp, spectabilis, and jack bean reduced soil temperature by 2 °C compared to fallow. The highest maize yield was observed after jack bean, with an 8% increase over fallow. These findings demonstrate the benefits of incorporating cover crops into maize cultivation systems in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Full article

According to the climate projections, drought will increase in frequency and severity. Since water stress (WS) impacts a grapevine’s physiology and yield negatively, the evaluation and selection of tolerant genotypes are needed. To analyse the WS effects on the morphology and cell division of three grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties, “Touriga Franca” (TF), “Touriga Nacional” (TN) and “Viosinho” (VS), in vitro-grown plants were exposed to 10% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) (−0.4 MPa) or 20% PEG (−0.8 MPa), incorporated in the culture medium, for four weeks. Control plants were kept in culture media without PEG. The VS and TN plants showed the highest mean numbers of nodes, shoots and leaves and average mitotic indexes under 20% PEG. The TF and TN plants showed the lowest frequencies of mitotic anomalies under 10% PEG. The VS plant growth was less affected by WS, but TF and TN presented more regular mitosis under moderate WS. Globally, in vitro culture constitutes a cost-effective experimental system for studying grapevine responses to WS and the preliminary selection of resilient genotypes. These approaches could be applied to study plant responses to other abiotic stresses based on additional evaluation techniques (e.g., transcriptional analyses or genome-wide association studies). Full article

The spittlebug Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) is an important pest that causes significant losses in the production of forage crops for cattle feed. Information on the thermal requirements of this insect during the egg stage is crucial in assessing the interaction between insects and forage. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of constant and oscillating (diurnal/nocturnal) temperatures on the viability of M. spectabilis eggs and the duration of the egg stage. Temperatures of 20 °C to 30 °C were ideal for the development of this insect pest, resulting in greater viability and faster development of the embryos. In addition, it should be noted that a variation of up to 8 days is feasible for synchronizing the phenological stages of the forage plants and the eggs to be laid on these plants when subjected to 30 °C (16.6 days) or 20 °C (25.7 days) without significantly altering the viability of the eggs. Notably, a temperature oscillation of 25 °C during the day and 15 °C at night increased the viability of the eggs after exiting diapause. These results are essential for the rearing of M. spectabilis in the laboratory, allowing for the supply of eggs for experiments and contributing to advances in studies aimed at developing effective integrated management strategies for this pest. Full article

Controlling anthracnose in crops usually depends on synthetic chemicals, but essential oils offer a promising alternative with a potentially lower risk to human health and the environment. This study examines the use of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) essential oil for preventive and curative control of anthracnose in cassava plants. Extracted from ripe noni fruit, the oil was tested at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 5.0 µL/mL for its antifungal properties against Colletotrichum species isolated from cassava. We applied the oil both preventively and curatively, monitoring for phytotoxic effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the main compounds were octanoic acid (64.03%), hexanoic acid (10.16%), and butanoic acid (8.64%). The oil effectively inhibited C. chrysophillum and C. musicola at 2.0 µL/mL, while C. truncatum required 5.0 µL/mL for significant inhibition. Higher concentrations reduced disease progression but showed phytotoxicity at only 5 µL/mL. Molecular docking suggested that octanoic acid interacts with the fungi’s tyrosine-tRNA ligase enzyme, hinting at its mechanism of action. Collectively, our findings reinforce the potential of noni essential oil as an alternative agent against Colletotrichum spp. in cassava crops. Full article

Ergosterol is a key fungal sterol that is mainly found in the plasma membrane and is responsible for the proper membrane structure, rigidity, permeability and activity of membrane proteins. Ergosterol plays a crucial role in the ability of fungi to adapt to environmental stresses. The biosynthesis of ergosterol is also intimately connected with the antifungal resistance and virulence of pathogenic fungi. The most common etiological agents of life-threatening fungal infections are yeasts belonging to the genus Candida. The antifungal agents mostly used to treat Candida spp. infections are azoles, which act as competitive inhibitors of sterol demethylase, a key enzyme in the fungal ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. Although most studies on ergosterol biosynthesis, its regulation and the uptake of sterols are from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the study of ergosterol biosynthesis and its relationship to antifungal drug resistance and virulence in pathogenic fungi is of utmost importance. The increasing antifungal drug resistance of Candida spp. and the limited armamentarium of antimycotics pose a challenge in the development of new therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the available data on ergosterol biosynthesis and related phenomena in Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species (Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis and Candida auris) with special emphasis on C. albicans and C. glabrata as the most common etiological agents of systemic candidiasis. Full article

LED light technology has been used in recent years in plant breeding due to its proven energy efficiency, low cost, and high quality for the enhancement of crops, including some aromatic medicinal plants (AMPs). Nonetheless, although several studies have shown that specific wavelengths can increase the content of bioactive compounds used by pharmaceutical, medical, and perfumery industries, there is limited information on this topic and the possible implications for plant stress in AMPs. The current systematic review focused on the effects of LED light on the physiological response, metabolite synthesis, and flowering induction in three important AMP genera: Lavandula, Salvia, and Thymus, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. A literature search was performed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. This review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The bibliographic analysis highlights the significant variation in physiological responses to different light spectra between species, even within the same genera, implying a need to optimize light conditions in each species to achieve the best results. Finally, this review provides essential information for laying the groundwork for future research focused on enhancing AMPs using LED light to overcome various types of stress. Full article

Strigolactones (SLs) are essential phytohormones involved in plant development and interaction with the rhizosphere, regulating shoot branching, root architecture, and leaf senescence for nutrient reallocation. The Zea mays L. zmccd8 mutant, defective in SL biosynthesis, shows various architectural changes and reduced growth. This study investigates zmccd8 and wild-type (WT) maize plants under two nutritional treatments (N-shortage vs. N-provision as urea). Morphometric analysis, chlorophyll and anthocyanin indexes, drought-related parameters, and gene expression were measured at specific time points. The zmccd8 mutant displayed reduced growth, such as shorter stems, fewer leaves, and lower kernel yield, regardless of the nutritional regime, confirming the crucial role of SLs. Additionally, zmccd8 plants exhibited lower chlorophyll content, particularly under N-deprivation, indicating SL necessity for proper senescence and nutrient mobilization. Increased anthocyanin accumulation in zmccd8 under N-shortage suggested a stress mitigation attempt, unlike WT plants. Furthermore, zmccd8 plants showed signs of increased water stress, likely due to impaired stomatal regulation, highlighting SLs role in drought tolerance. Molecular analysis confirmed higher expression of SL biosynthesis genes in WT under N-shortage, while zmccd8 lacked this response. These findings underscore SL importance in maize growth, stress responses, and nutrient allocation, suggesting potential agricultural applications for enhancing crop resilience. Full article