Search Results (1,764)

Neopestalotiopsis zimbabwana is an emerging phytopathogen with multiple hosts. Considering the environmental, toxicological, and resistance issues linked to synthetic fungicides, Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) was evaluated through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The pathogen, isolated from Watsonia borbonica L., was molecularly identified. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed hexadecanoic acid (15.98%), dodecanoic acid (15.74%), terpinen-4-ol (11.61%), and thymol (7.65%) as the main components. In vitro assays determined a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 30% OEO and a minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 60% OEO. Growth chamber trials demonstrated that preventive sprays maintained 0% foliar damage—similar to Captan^®—while controls reached ≈98%; suspending applications after week 4 resulted in ≈45% damage by week 8. These results confirm that OEO lacks systemic residual activity, acting only as a protectant within preventive integrated pest management (IPM) schemes. Docking to cytochrome b (protein data bank, PDB: 5TL8) indicated strong binding of α-farnesene (−7.638 kcal·mol⁻¹), isoterpinolene (−6.944), and α-terpineol (−6.918), suggesting disruption of mitochondrial respiration via Complex III. OEO represents a promising eco-friendly alternative for managing N. zimbabwana under controlled conditions and reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides. Full article

Water deficit in the semi-arid region of Brazil is a critical limiting factor for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.), plant development and productivity. We evaluated whether foliar zinc (ZnO NPs) and iron (Fe₂O₃NPs) nano-oxides and their conventional salts (ZnSO₄·7H₂O and FeSO₄·7H₂O) mitigate water deficit effects on tomato (hybrid HM 2798). A split-plot field experiment was conducted with two irrigation levels (50% and 100% ETc) and five foliar treatments: control (no application), FeSO₄·7H₂O (T1), Fe₂O₃NPs (T2), ZnONPs (T3), ZnSO₄·7H₂O (T4), with four replications, totaling 40 experimental plots (2 irrigation levels × 5 foliar treatments × 4 replicates). The water deficit significantly reduced the leaf area index, photosynthetic rate, membrane stability, calcium and boron contents in fruits, and total and marketable yield. Foliar application of iron and zinc nano-oxides and their conventional sources had a limited effect on tomato plant growth but increased the photosynthetic rate under both irrigation levels. Under full irrigation, ZnSO₄·7H₂O increased total fruit production by 61% and fruit Zn content by 18.1%. In turn, Fe₂O₃ NPs (T2) led increases in fruit iron content by 117.3% under water deficit and 135.2% under full irrigation. Foliar application of Fe as Fe₂O₃ NPs is promising to promote the biofortification of tomato fruits with this micronutrient, especially in regions with deficiency problems of this micronutrient. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, yet its dietary intake is insufficient in many populations worldwide. Agronomic biofortification represents an effective strategy to enrich crops with Se, and Totally Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA) provides a reliable platform to evaluate cultivar-specific responses under standardized conditions. This study evaluated the effects of foliar sodium selenate doses of 0, 5, 10, and 15 µM on two basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars, ‘Fine Verde’ (FV) and ‘Red Rubin’ (RR), in a micro-TCEA system. The yield was not significantly different at 5–10 µM but declined by 21% at 15 µM, particularly for FV. RR out-yielded FV (+14%), whereas FV produced taller shoots. The 5 µM Se concentration did not affect the total chlorophyll content and quantum yield of photosystem II under control conditions. The highest Se dose (15 µM) decreased the chlorophyll content and electron transport rate by 18% and 12%, respectively, while increasing the stomatal conductance (50%) and transpiration rate (120%). The total phenolics content in RR was double that in FV and increased with Se, whereas the NO₃⁻ concentration in RR decreased by 9% at 10 µM. Principal component analysis separated treatments by Se dose (PC1 = 44.5%) and cultivar (PC2 = 42.7%), showing RR’s stronger connection of RR to biomass and antioxidant accumulation under moderate Se. Overall, a single foliar application of 5 µM sodium selenate appears optimal to achieve effective Se enrichment while maintaining productivity and quality. These findings support basil as a promising candidate for Se biofortification in TCEA systems, with potential contributions to dietary Se intake. Full article

Salt stress is a significant environmental factor that inhibits maize growth and development, severely affecting yield formation. Interestingly, nanomaterials, particularly ZnONPs, can enhance resistance to various stresses and support healthy crop growth. However, the effects of ZnONPs on maize under salt stress remain unclear. This study investigates the effect of foliar and seed exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on reducing NaCl-induced salt stress in two maize inbred lines (NKY298-1 and NKY211). Over a period of seven days, under 120 mM NaCl, we measured growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), membrane stability index (MSI), water status (relative water content, RWC), photosynthetic pigments and parameters, selected photosynthetic enzymes, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Then, we propose four composite indices, including stress improvement index (SII), alleviation capacity index (ACI), comprehensive improvement effects (CIE), and comprehensive alleviation capacity (CAC), to rank the effectiveness of ZnONP doses. The findings suggested that 50–100 μM ZnONPs significantly mitigate salt damage, with optimal doses varying by genotype (50 μM for NKY211 and 100 μM for NKY298-1). Notably, the study’s originality lies in its side-by-side composite scoring across 26 traits in two maize genotypes’ seedlings. In conclusion, the findings will provide a new idea for research on the molecular mechanism by which exogenous ZnONPs application improves the salt tolerance of maize seedlings. Full article

Salt stress is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity worldwide, as it disrupts plant growth, metabolism, and survival. In this study, we report that the genes PvPR10-2 and PvPR10-3 were significantly up-regulated in bean leaves and stems in response to combined salt and jasmonic acid (NaCl–JA) treatment. Foliar application of JA with salt induced physiological alterations, including stem growth inhibition, H₂O₂ accumulation, and activation of antioxidant enzymes. To investigate the role of PvPR10-3 in response to salt and phytohormones, we introduced this gene into Arabidopsis and found that its heterologous expression conferred salt tolerance to the transgenic lines. Interestingly, exogenous JA contributed to salt tolerance by reducing H₂O₂ levels, inducing ROS-scavenging enzymes, and promoting the accumulation of phenolic compounds and ABA. Furthermore, gene expression analysis of the transgenic lines revealed that PvPR10-3 expression under NaCl–JA stress is associated with the induction of JA-related genes like MYC2, JAZ2, JAZ11, and JAZ12, as well as SA-responsive genes, like ALD1 and TGA2, and two ABA-independent components DREB2A and ERD1, suggesting potential coordination between JA, ABA, and SA signaling in salt stress response. Additionally, key flowering regulators (FT, GI) were upregulated in transgenic lines under NaCl–JA treatment, suggesting a previously unexplored link between salt tolerance pathways and the regulation of flowering time. Taken together, our findings suggest a role of PvPR10-3 in enhancing salt stress tolerance and the involvement of exogenous JA in tolerance potentially by modulating ROS balance, hormone-associated gene expression, and protective secondary metabolites. Full article

A cultivation of durum wheat that established in a field with soil poor in micronutrients received foliar applications at the initiation of the dough stage towards biofortifying the spikes with micronutrients. The morphology of the spike is crucial in determining grain yield, and the spikelets, the components of the inflorescence, influence each other. The number and arrangement of these spike components affect spike length, spike weight, spike chaff (the non-grain biomass in the spike), grain number per spike, grain weight per spike, and spikelet number per spike, and all contribute to final grain yield per spike. The spike’s developmental program responded to the interventions regarding the morphological traits; this response was analyzed for each spike component, and an acclimation program seemed to be activated by each intervention. Cysteine or methionine has been added as a potential enhancer of the biofortification process, and the application mixtures were coupled with selected surfactants, an organosilicon ethoxylate or an alcohol ethoxylate one, while products with targeted composition for biofortification with micronutrients have also been studied. Their effect on the developmental acclimation program of the treated spike is presented and discussed. The action of this program provided grains of similar weight, regardless of the intervention. Full article

Climate change significantly impacts fruit production and yield, affecting its commercial value. Foliar fertilization emerges as a fast and targeted strategy to address crop nutrient deficiencies and enhance fruit quality. Sweet cherry is among the most highly valued and widely appreciated fruit crops globally. This study was conducted over two consecutive years on the sweet cherry cv. Sweetheart. Calcium (300 g hL⁻¹ and 150 g hL⁻¹) and a seaweed-based biostimulant (150 mL hL⁻¹ and 75 mL hL⁻¹), as well as a combination of both nutrients (300 g hL⁻¹ calcium and 150 mL hL⁻¹ seaweed), in addition to a control treatment (water), were applied at the foliar level to improve sweet cherry quality. To assess cherry quality, including biometric, chromatic, texture, and biochemical parameters, as well as the sensory analysis, fruits from each treatment were harvested at the commercial maturity stage. Calcium treatments improved fruit size, total soluble solids, and firmness, while also delaying fruit ripening by increasing titratable acidity. The seaweed-based biostimulant enhanced fruit size, promoted color development, and accelerated ripening. Together, these findings highlight the crucial role of calcium in improving sweet cherry quality and underscore seaweed-based biostimulants as a promising and sustainable strategy for enhancing fruit quality. Although cherry quality is highly affected by environmental conditions, this study demonstrated that calcium fertilization, either alone or in combination with seaweed, enhances sweet cherry quality attributes, making it a suitable strategy for application in commercial orchards and for the global improvement of sweet cherry production. Full article

Excess sodium in soil disrupts ionic balance and limits water uptake, negatively affecting growth and stolon production in strawberry plants. This study assessed the effects of chitosan (CTS), brassinosteroids (BRs), and thidiazuron (TDZ) on stolon performance and physiological responses of strawberry cv. ‘Portola’ under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment included seven treatments: CTS, BRs, CTS + BRs combinations, TDZ, and an untreated control. Foliar applications were used to evaluate impacts on nutrient uptake, photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress, and stolon production. BRs alone [2.53 × 10⁻⁶ μM] significantly increased crown diameter (+43%), stolon number (+65%), stolon length (+4%), and daughter plant formation (+8%), while reducing leaf sodium by 60% and improving Mg²⁺/Na⁺ and K⁺/Na⁺ ratios. The CTS + BRs combination enhanced phenolic content and produced the heaviest first daughter plants (6.1 g). TDZ, however, resulted in weaker stolons, lower chlorophyll a content, and reduced K⁺/Na⁺ ratios, suggesting a need for dose optimization. Overall, BRs, alone or with CTS, improved salt tolerance and stolon propagation through enhanced ion regulation, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defenses. These findings advance understanding of how biostimulants modulate metal ion homeostasis, antioxidant signaling, and growth in salt-sensitive crops, offering strategies to mitigate salinity stress in strawberry cultivation. Full article

The increased restrictions on the use of synthetic pesticides have made the application of substances that induce plant defense mechanisms an effective alternative for protecting plants while minimizing environmental and health risks. One of the most damaging pests for sweet pepper production is the infection by the green peach aphid. This study determined the best extraction method from Posidonia oceanica waste and evaluated its efficacy against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) aphid-induced stress. In particular, the foliar application of the extract at two different doses was investigated on sweet pepper plants. The results showed that both doses decreased the contents of H₂O₂ (40.8% and 56.3%, respectively) and malonaldehyde (31.1% and 39.9%, respectively) in plant tissue, indicating a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, these elicitor extracts were effective in maintaining cell membrane integrity and photosynthetic activity. This resulted in an increase in fresh and dry weight, as well as in cellulose and hemicellulose concentration. In conclusion, Posidonia oceanica extracts are a promising organic farming-treatment to fight against aphid pest and its ability to stimulate plant self-defense mechanisms. Full article

Currently, biostimulants in the horticultural sector are a tool that is being used to improve the yield and quality of vegetables under optimal and stressful growth conditions. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of foliar application of a hydroethanolic extract of Sargassum spp., a commercial extract based on Ascophyllum nodosum, and a control with distilled water on growth and biomass, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, protein content, and the expression of defense genes in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) without stress and with high-temperature stress (45 °C). The results showed that Sargassum spp. extract only increased the height of tomato plants under stress-free conditions (2.71%) in the last evaluation. The aboveground and total dry biomass of the plants were increased by Sargassum spp. extract under stress-free conditions by 9.56 and 8.58%, respectively. Under stress conditions, aboveground dry biomass was increased by 6.66% by Sargassum spp. extract. Stomatal conductance, photosynthetic pigments, protein content, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and defense gene expression of tomato plants were positively modified with the use of Sargassum spp. and A. nodosum extract under high-temperature stress conditions. Under stress-free conditions, the described variables were positively modified except for gene expression, where some genes were expressed and others were repressed. The results indicate that extracts of Sargassum spp. and A. nodosum are effective in mitigating high-temperature stress, making their use a promising alternative for inducing resistance in plants to the daily adversities of climate change. Full article

Storage quality and texture properties determine the processing quality of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.). Prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) and uniconazole (UCZ) are plant growth regulators that inhibit gibberellin biosynthesis, reducing excessive sweet potato growth and improving stress resistance. This study evaluated the impact of foliar applications—applied at 37.5 g·hm⁻² for both treatments—on the postharvest texture characteristics and storage performance of sweet potato storage roots. The experiments were conducted over two years (2023 and 2024) using two sweet potato cultivars, Zheshu13 (Z13) and Wanshu10 (W10). The results showed that Pro-Ca significantly improved the textural properties of sweet potatoes, including firmness, chewiness, and maximum adhesion force, especially in Z13 (p < 0.05). Pro-Ca also reduced the percentage of rotting and weight loss during storage (p < 0.05), offering a more sustainable option for sweet potato postharvest management compared to UCZ. Additionally, Pro-Ca treatment increased the soluble sugar content of Z13-2023 and W10-2024, as well as the amylose content, except for W10 (p < 0.05), which could enhance both the sweetness and texture of sweet potatoes. This study highlights the potential of Pro-Ca as an effective growth regulator for improving sweet potato storage and processing quality. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits, particularly in relation to gibberellin inhibition, carbohydrate metabolism, and cell wall integrity during storage. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) contamination poses a serious threat to rice safety and productivity. This study investigated the potential of malic acid (MA), a key metabolic organic acid, to mitigate Cd toxicity and its genotype-dependent effects on cadmium uptake and essential element homeostasis in rice. Using hydroponic experiments with multiple genotypes, we found that MA application (0.5–1.5 mmol·L⁻¹) significantly reduced Cd accumulation in both roots and shoots, with the most effective reduction (up to 68.0%) achieved at 1.5 mmol·L⁻¹. Notably, genotype X24 was a low-Cd accumulator, while genotypes 20, 58, and 65 were high accumulators. Beyond Cd reduction, this study reveals the profound and genotype-specific modulation of nutrient homeostasis by MA, including consistent suppression of K and enhancement of Ca across genotypes, and highly divergent responses in Mg, Mn, Fe, and Zn accumulation. Furthermore, MA dramatically alleviated Cd-induced inhibition of root morphology, particularly in the high-Cd genotype 58, increasing root length and tip number by 42.8% and 57.8%, respectively. Our results provide novel insights into the genotype-dependent rebalancing of essential elements under MA amendment, highlighting the crucial role of genetic background in plant responses to organic acid treatments. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for developing MA-based foliar conditioners and genotype-specific strategies for managing Cd contamination in rice. Full article

Plant cell wall-derived oligosaccharides, such as xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), serve as key signaling molecules regulating plant growth and immunity. The bioactivity of XOS is closely tied to their degree of polymerization (DP), yet the molecular mechanisms underlying DP-specific effects remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the transcriptional and phenotypic responses of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) to foliar application of four high-purity XOS variants: xylobiose (XOSY, DP2), xylotriose (XOSB, DP3), xylotetraose (XOSD, DP4), and xylopentose (XOSW, DP5). Phenotypic analyses revealed that high-DP XOS (XOSD and XOSW) significantly enhanced aboveground biomass and root system development, with XOSD showing the most pronounced effects, including a 31.74% increase in leaf area and a 20.71% increase in aboveground biomass. Transcriptomic profiling identified extensive transcriptional reprogramming across treatments, with XOSD eliciting the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analyses indicated that XOSD and XOSW upregulated genes involved in plant hormone signaling, starch and sucrose metabolism, and cell wall biosynthesis, while downregulating photosynthesis-related genes. Notably, MapMan and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that XOSD significantly activated biotic stress-related pathways, including MAPK signaling, β-1,3-glucanase activity, and PR protein pathways. In contrast, XOSY treatment primarily upregulated genes linked to basal immunity, highlighting distinct mechanisms employed by low- and high-DP XOS. These findings demonstrate that XOS with varying DP differentially modulate growth- and immunity-related processes in lettuce. High-DP XOS, particularly XOSD, not only promote plant biomass accumulation but also enhance immune responses, highlighting their potential as biostimulants for sustainable agriculture. This study provides a molecular framework for understanding the DP-specific bioactivity of XOS and their dual role in optimizing plant growth and defense. Full article

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects over 30% of the global population, with the highest burdens in developing countries reliant on cereal-based diets. As a major dietary staple in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) represents a promising vehicle for addressing hidden hunger. This review critically evaluates the efficacy of various strategies to enhance Zn concentration in common bean, ranging from agronomic to genetic manipulation, and proposes promising strategies for biofortifying common bean in developing countries that are resource- and technology-limited. Biofortification strategies include agronomic practices, conventional breeding, and genetic engineering, each with distinct strengths and limitations. Agronomic methods such as soil and foliar fertilization can rapidly increase micronutrient content, but they require recurrent costs and may not be sustainable for smallholders without subsidies. Genetic engineering, particularly transgenic approaches, can significantly boost Zn levels; however, regulatory hurdles, cost of production, and public acceptance remain significant obstacles to widespread adoption. Conventional breeding is secure and widely adopted, but is time-consuming and limited by genetic diversity, making it less precise and slower than genetic engineering. We argue for a context-specific and integrated biofortification framework that prioritizes agronomic interventions such as biofertilizer, seed priming, soil Zn application, and foliar Zn application as approaches for quick results. Moderate- to long-term progress towards a biofortified common bean can be achieved using conventional breeding methods by selecting for local germplasm that accumulates higher Zn amounts in grain. On the other hand, genetic engineering is best for rapid, targeted nutrient enhancement where genetic diversity is lacking, but faces regulatory and acceptance challenges. We recommend that policymakers prioritize frameworks that harmonize these approaches, improve communication and education regarding the benefits of biofortified crop produce, subsidize and strengthen biofortified seed systems, and promote soil health initiatives. Full article

To elucidate how exogenous regulators mitigate the impact of mechanical leaf damage on maize, field experiments were conducted on two sowing dates (S1, S2) using two cultivars (XY335, ZD958). Severe leaf damage at the six-leaf stage significantly reduced kernel number, ear number, and 100-kernel weight, causing yield losses of 21.9–48.9%. Foliar application of melatonin (MT), brassinolide (BR), and urea (UR) substantially alleviated these losses, increasing yield by 14.1–52.2% compared to damaged controls, with UR and BR being most effective, especially in ZD958. These regulators restored leaf area index (LAI) by promoting leaf width and delaying senescence, improved photosynthetic performance (Pn, Gs, Ci, and Tr), enhanced post-silking dry matter accumulation by up to 31%, and accelerated grain filling through increased maximum and mean filling rates. Structural equation modeling confirmed that kernel number and 100-kernel weight were the primary yield determinants. These findings reveal the physiological mechanisms underlying damage recovery and demonstrate the potential of targeted regulator applications—urea as a cost-effective option, brassinolide for improving kernel number under sustained stress, and melatonin for broad resilience. This study provides not only theoretical evidence but also a feasible strategy for mitigating yield loss in maize production under field conditions where leaf damage commonly occurs. Full article