Search Results (8,777)

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show great potential for sustainable agriculture, but their green synthesis and practical application still need further optimization. This study established a green synthesis method for SeNPs using lyophilized rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) powder as both a reducing and stabilizing agent to reduce sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃), key parameters, including template concentration, Na₂SeO₃/VC ratio, and reaction temperature were systematically optimized. This process yielded stable, spherical SeNPs with optimal properties, exhibiting a diameter of 90 nm and a zeta potential of −35 mV. Structural characterization confirmed that selenium forms chelation complexes through carboxyl and hydroxyl oxygen-binding sites. The SeNPs exhibited exceptional stability (retained 426 days at 25 °C) and pH tolerance (pH 4–10), though divalent cations (Ca²⁺) triggered aggregation. In agricultural application tests, 5 mg/L SeNPs increased tomato plant biomass by 84% and antioxidant capacity by 152% compared to controls, and the biosynthesis pathways of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were upregulated. Moreover, the SeNPs exhibited strong concentration-dependent antifungal activity against several major pathogens. Among these pathogens, tomato gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) was the most sensitive, as evidenced by its low EC₅₀ (4.86 mg/L) and sustained high inhibition rates, which remained substantial even at 1 mg/L and reached 94% at 10 mg/L. These findings highlight SeNPs as a friendly alternative for minimizing agrochemical use in sustainable agriculture. Full article

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are sustainable and cost-effective systems that utilise plant–microbe interactions and natural processes for wastewater treatment. Microbial communities play a pivotal role in pollutant removal by crucial processes like nitrogen transformations, phosphorus cycling, organic matter degradation and the breakdown of emerging contaminants. Dominant phyla, such as Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, collectively orchestrate these biogeochemical functions. Advances in molecular tools, including high-throughput sequencing and metagenomics, have revealed the diversity and functional potential of wetland microbiomes, while environmental factors, i.e., temperature, pH and hydraulic retention time, strongly influence their performance. Phosphorus removal efficiency is often lower than nitrogen, and large land requirements and long start-up times restrict broader application. Microplastic accumulation, the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide) present additional challenges. The possible persistence of pathogenic microbes further complicates system safety. Future research should integrate engineered substrates, biochar amendments, optimised plant–microbe interactions and hybrid CW designs to enhance treatment performance and resilience in the era of climate change. By acknowledging the potential and constraints, CWs can be further developed as next-generation, nature-based solutions for sustainable water management in the years to come. Full article

Deployment of resistant barley cultivars is the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible strategy to manage barley leaf rust caused by Puccinia hordei. Gene predictions based on screening of germplasm with an array of well-characterised pathotypes and application of molecular markers serve as a pivotal step for identification, characterisation, and deploying resistance in breeding programmes. We evaluated 77 barley genotypes from 17 countries using an array of diverse P. hordei pathotypes and molecular markers to predict resistance gene identities. Evaluation and resistance analysis of the panel determined four known all-stage resistance (ASR) genes—Rph2, Rph3, Rph9.am, and Rph25 present individually or in combination, with Rph3 being the most common (33% of entries) and Rph2 the second most frequent (9%). Three entries, CG55, CG56, and CG57, exhibited low infection to all tested pathotypes and were negative for markers associated with Rph7, Rph15, and Rph28, potentially carrying novel uncharacterised resistance. In addition to ASR, our studies demonstrated that the core panel had a high prevalence of adult plant resistance (APR) to P. hordei, occurring in ~83% of entries. By employing markers linked to APR, we were able to partition known APR with Rph24 found in the most lines (60%), followed by Rph23 (17%), Rph20 (14%), and uncharacterised (9%) either individually or in combination. The resistance sources identified in this study can be effectively utilised and combined by breeding programmes to diversify their resistance gene pool. Our study also revealed the virulence and avirulence profiles of 12 Australian P. hordei pts to catalogued Rph genes, providing pathologists and breeders with insights into combining genes relevant to their breeding regions and pathogen shifts. Full article

In recent years, the cultivated area of hazelnuts in Chile has increased significantly. Along with this rapid expansion, biotic constraints that affect the optimal development of the crop have been identified. Among these, bacterial blight disease caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina has been particularly relevant. This pathogen has a global distribution and is present in all hazelnut-producing countries. In the spring of 2023, hazelnut orchards were sampled from the Maule to Biobío Regions of Chile. The Chilean isolates recovered from hazelnut tissues showing symptoms of bacterial blight were characterized by their ability to grow on different semi-selective media, their carbohydrate utilization profiles, hypersensitivity response in tobacco plants, and biochemical tests. Additionally, the isolates were identified based on the 16S rRNA gene and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on the rpoD, gyrB, and atpD genes. The results showed that the X. arboricola pv. corylina Chilean isolates differed from previously reported isolates in other geographic areas as they are capable of metabolizing sorbitol and mannitol. Using MLSA and average nucleotide identity (ANI) comparison, these isolates were grouped into four and five phylogenetic clades, respectively, representing a significant difference from what has been reported in similar international studies. Full article

Edible and medicinal plants provide a treasure trove of natural phytochemicals for mining the next generation of green food preservatives. Herein, we evaluated antibacterial activities of 55–95% ethanol extracts from the edible rhizome of Rumex madaio (RmEEs). The 75% ethanol extract displayed the strongest antibacterial activity, and its purified fraction 2 (RmEE-F2) blocked the proliferation of common pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 391 μg/mL. RmEE-F2 (1 × MIC) altered the bacterial cell surface biophysical parameters and impaired cell structure, resulting in intracellular nucleic acid and protein leakage. It manifested bacteriostatic rates of 88.21–91.17% against S. aureus and V. cholerae in spiked fish (Carassius auratus) and shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) during storage at 4 °C for 24 h. Meanwhile, RmEE-F2 effectively rendered the pH rising and reduced lipid oxidation and protein degradation of C. auratus and P. vannamei meat samples at 4 °C for 6 days. Additionally, RmEE-F2 (< 781 µg/mL) showed non-cytotoxicity to human colon Caco-2, liver HepG-2, and lung A549 cell lines, and rescued V. cholerae and S. aureus-infected Caco-2 cellcells with enhanced viability of 14.31–16.60% (1 × MIC). Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed down-regulated protein synthesis, cell wall and cell membrane synthesis, and or DNA replication and repair in the tested bacteria triggered by RmEE-F2. The major antibacterial compounds in RmEE-F2 included melibiose (9.86%), 3-(N, N-dimethylaminomethyl) indole (7.12%), and citric acid (6.07%). Overall, this study underscores the promising potential of RmEE-F2 for aquatic product green preservation. Full article

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms have caused serious economic losses to animal husbandry, and the use of appropriate disinfectants is crucial for eliminating these pathogens. Plant essential oils (PEOs), as natural bioproducts, have the characteristics of safety, non-toxicity, and broad spectrum. In this study, the inhibition efficacies against bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas of a compound PEO disinfectant (designated as Lei-Huo-Fu) were evaluated through determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal rate against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp.; inactivation rate of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV); as well as determination of MIC of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). The results showed that the MIC values of the PEO disinfectant against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella spp. were as low as 0.00375 µg/mL to 0.03 µg/mL. The bactericidal rates against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. reached over 95% within 30 min at a concentration of 0.03 µg/mL. For three dominant prevalent genotype strains of LX4-type, Mass-type, and Taiwan-type of IBV, the inactivation rates achieved by the PEO disinfectant at a concentration of 0.015 µg/mL and a disinfection time of 30 min were all above 99.9%. The MIC of the PEO disinfectant against MG and MS was 0.001875 µg/mL and 0.00375 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the compound PEO disinfectant (Lei-Huo-Fu) has significant inhibitory effects on bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas, and possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, it is important to note that these findings are based on laboratory assays, and the efficacy in practical settings, along with the exact mechanisms of action, require further investigation. In this study, the compound PEO disinfectant demonstrates promising in vitro efficacy, suggesting its potential as a candidate for development into a safe, efficient, and natural disinfectant, pending further validation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Avian influenza poses a continuous public health threat, particularly to individuals with occupational exposure to poultry such as farm workers, live animal market employees, and processing plant staff. This study aimed to investigate the systemic metabolic effects of such exposure and to identify potential biomarkers for early detection and health risk assessment. Materials and Methods: An untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was applied to analyze serum samples from occupationally exposed individuals and healthy controls. Multivariate statistical analysis, pathway enrichment, and topology analysis were performed to identify significantly altered metabolites and metabolic pathways. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was employed to select key metabolites. Results: Multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation between the exposure group and control, suggesting distinct metabolic profiles between the two populations. Pathway analysis indicated significant alterations in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, as well as tryptophan metabolism, which are closely linked to immune regulation, energy metabolism, and host–pathogen interactions. LASSO feature selection and subsequent manual verification identified 17 key metabolites with strong discriminative power. Furthermore, lipidomic profiling revealed a pronounced increase in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) levels and a concurrent decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) species in exposed individuals. Conclusions: This study reveals metabolic disruptions associated with occupational avian influenza exposure and identifies potential serum biomarkers related to immune and lipid metabolism. These findings provide novel insights into host responses to avian influenza exposure and may support early detection and health risk assessment in high-risk occupational populations. Full article

Chitinases have been demonstrated to enhance plant resistance to fungi in various pathosystems. Although there is evidence of the effectiveness of these proteins in coffee–fungus interactions, no genome-wide identification or characterization of coffee chitinases has been performed. In this study, we employed phylogenetic analysis, domain architecture, gene structure analysis, and subcellular localization to identify and characterize putative genes and proteins in the genomes of Coffea arabica and its progenitors, Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides. A total of 113, 47, and 69 putative chitinase proteins were identified in C. arabica, C. canephora, and C. eugenioides, respectively. These chitinases were classified according to their catalytic domains, GH18 and GH19, and into Classes I, II, III, IV, and V, as determined through phylogenetic analysis based on the Arabidopsis thaliana classification. Furthermore, based on orthologous analysis, we identified ten, six, and seven putative chitinases associated with fungal defense responses in C. arabica, C. canephora, and C. eugenioides, respectively. These findings are valuable for future studies focusing on coffee chitinases, particularly on genetic programs involved in plant pathogen resistance. Full article

Biological control with beneficial bacteria offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals for managing plant pathogens and enhancing plant health. However, bacterial biocontrol agents (BCAs) remain underexploited due to regulatory hurdles (such as complex registration timelines and extensive dossier requirements) and limited strain characterization. Recent advances in omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) have strengthened the bioprospecting pipeline by uncovering key microbial traits involved in biocontrol. Genomics enables the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters, antimicrobial pathways, and accurate taxonomy, while comparative genomics reveals genes relevant to plant–microbe interactions. Metagenomics uncovers unculturable microbes and their functional roles, especially in the rhizosphere and extreme environments. Transcriptomics (e.g., RNA-Seq) sheds light on gene regulation during plant-pathogen-bacteria interactions, revealing stress-related and biocontrol pathways. Metabolomics, using tools like Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), identifies bioactive compounds such as lipopeptides, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and polyketides. Co-culture experiments and synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have shown enhanced biocontrol through metabolic synergy. This review highlights how integrating omics tools accelerates the discovery and functional validation of new BCAs. Such strategies support the development of effective microbial products, promoting sustainable agriculture by improving crop resilience, reducing chemical inputs, and enhancing soil health. Looking ahead, the successful application of omics-driven bioprospection of BCAs will require addressing challenges of large-scale production, regulatory harmonization, and their integration into real-world agricultural systems to ensure reliable, sustainable solutions. Full article

Sugarcane smut, caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, is a devastating fungal disease of sugarcane. Sexual mating/filamentation of opposite mating types is a key step in the infection and pathogenicity of S. scitamineum, yet its regulation remains unclear. In this study, we identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme-encoding gene, SsCYP64, which plays an important role in oxidative stress and maintaining cell membrane stability in S. scitamineum. Further investigations revealed that deletion of SsCYP64 leads to a decrease in the transcriptional level of SsPRF1, a key transcription factor regulating the sexual mating of S. scitamineum. Subsequently, the constitutive expression of SsPRF1 restored the defect in sexual mating/filamentation of the SsCYP64 deletion mutant, indicating that SsCyp64 regulates the sexual reproduction of S. scitamineum by mediating the transcriptional level of SsPRF1. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that the fatty alcohol metabolite γ-linolenyl alcohol significantly decreased in the SsCYP64 deletion mutant, whereas exogenous supplementation with γ-linolenyl alcohol increased the transcriptional level of SsPRF1 and partially restored the sexual mating/filamentation of the SsCYP64 deletion mutant. In conclusion, our results indicated that SsCyp64 mediated the transcription of SsPRF1 by modulating γ-linolenyl alcohol levels, thereby regulating the formation of dikaryotic hyphae in S. scitamineum. These findings provide new insights into the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the pathogenic process of plant pathogenic fungi. Full article

Postharvest fungal rot causes significant economic losses in the agroindustry. Current control methods involving the use of synthetic fungicides are becoming increasingly ineffective and pose environmental risks. This necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives, such as essential oils derived from medicinal plants, to achieve safer and effective disease control. This research examined the chemical composition and efficacy of essential oils from Aloysia citriodora, Aloysia polystachya and their compounds against the postharvest rot fungi Monilinia fructicola, Monilinia laxa, and Botrytis cinerea. The main compounds of essential oils were analyzed by GC/MS and revealed differences in their composition. A. citriodora is characterized by the presence of spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide. In contrast, A. polystachya is characterized by the predominance of carvone. The results show that the essential oil of A. citriodora and the compound farnesol are able to inhibit the three pathogens. Notably, against M. fructicola, the EC₅₀ values were 61.89 μg/mL and 72.18 μg/mL, respectively. Against B. cinerea, the EC₅₀ values were 85.34 μg/mL and 47.6 μg/mL. Molecular docking also showed that farnesol has affinity for the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase suggesting a possible mechanism of action. This compound and A. citriodora essential oil show potential in the control of phytopathogens. Full article

To explore superior biocontrol resources for Rhododendron brown spot disease, five antagonistic fungal strains exhibiting significant inhibitory activity against the pathogen responsible for RBS were isolated from healthy Rhododendron hybridum Ker Gawl leaves. Among them, strain DJW5-2-1 demonstrated the highest inhibition rate, reaching 63.88% against the pathogenic fungus. Based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, β-tubulin, and tef1-α), DJW5-2-1 was identified as Diaporthe phoenicicola (Traverso & Spessa) Udayanga, Crous & K.D. Hyde. Dual culture assays further confirmed its broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with inhibition rates ranging from 39.15% to 72.54% against various phytopathogenic fungi. Biochemical analyses revealed that DJW5-2-1 secretes multiple extracellular enzymes and exhibits plant growth-promoting traits. In both in vitro and potted plant efficacy assays, the biocontrol efficacy of strain DJW5-2-1 against RBS was 49.67% and 50.61%, respectively, indicating that strain DJW5-2-1 exhibits a certain level of control efficacy against RBS. Through pot experiments, we found that strain DJW5-2-1 could promote the growth of rhododendron seedlings and significantly increase growth indicators. Among these indicators, the growth-promoting rates of plant height and stem diameter were 15.27% and 41.27%, respectively. Moreover, DJW5-2-1 contributed to improved host resistance by elevating the activities of key defense-related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Taken together, these findings suggest that strain DJW5-2-1 represents a promising microbial agent for the integrated control of RBS and the development of fungal-based biofertilizers. Further investigation is warranted to assess its performance under field conditions and elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action. Full article

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.), this study investigated differential transcriptional responses during the tillering stage. Salt-tolerant (N14) and salt-sensitive (N6) varieties were subjected to 0.3% and 0.6% NaCl treatments for 72 h, and their transcriptomes were analyzed via RNA-Seq. The results revealed distinct response strategies: 372 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in N14 and 393 in N6, with only 17 genes responding similarly. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed the tolerant N14 activated protein phosphorylation and lipid transport, primarily in the membrane and extracellular regions (e.g., ATP binding), whereas the sensitive N6 activated photosynthesis and protein folding, localized to chloroplasts and peroxisomes. KEGG analysis highlighted the activation of “Plant-pathogen interaction” in N14 versus “Metabolic pathways” in N6. Differential transcription factor activation was also observed, with N14 mobilizing 52 TFs (mainly WRKY and MYB) and N6 mobilizing 36 TFs (mainly MYB and b-ZIP). This study demonstrates that N14 and N6 utilize significantly different molecular pathways to cope with salinity, providing a crucial theoretical foundation for identifying novel salt tolerance genes and developing molecular breeding strategies. Full article

Helicobacter pylori infects the human stomach and causes various gastrointestinal diseases. Saucerneol D is a type of lignan, which is a polyphenol compound that exists naturally in plants, and it is abundant in flaxseed, sesame seeds, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Saucerneol D is found in Saurus chinensis extract and has been reported to exert a variety of effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. However, its antibacterial effect against H. pylori has not been reported; therefore, we analyzed the effect of saucerneol D on H. pylori in the present study. Changes in the expression of pathogenic factors and gene transcription in H. pylori were observed after treatment with saucerneol D using Western blotting and RT-PCR. It was confirmed that saucerneol D suppressed the growth of H. pylori by decreasing the expression of the genes dnaN and polA, which are required for bacterial replication. Saucerneol D also reduced the secretion of the major pathogenic toxin protein, CagA, by downregulating the expression of type IV secretion system-composing proteins. Furthermore, saucerneol D reduced ammonia production by inhibiting the expression of urease proteins, which are essential for the survival of H. pylori in the acidic gastric environment. Additionally, saucerneol D decreased the expression of flaB, potentially reducing motility. Finally, it was confirmed that the expression of the sabA gene, associated with cell adhesion, was reduced. These results suggest that saucerneol D inhibits the growth of H. pylori and the expression of several pathogenic factors, indicating that saucerneol D has an antimicrobial effect against H. pylori. Full article

Xylella fastidiosa was first detected in Portugal in 2019 in Lavandula dentata. In response, the national plant health authorities promptly established a Demarcated Zone in the affected area and implemented a series of eradication and control measures, including the systematic removal and destruction of infected and host plants. This study analyzes the economic and operational impacts of these eradication efforts in the northern region of Portugal, with a focus on Demarcated Zones such as the Porto Metropolitan Area, Sabrosa, Alijó, Baião, Mirandela, Mirandela II, and Bougado between 2019 and June 2023. During this period, about 412,500 plants were uprooted. The majority were Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), with 360,324 individuals (87.3%), reflecting its wide distribution and the large area affected. Olea europaea (olive tree) was the second most common species removed, with 7024 plants (1.7%), highlighting its economic relevance. Other notable species included Quercus robur (3511; 0.85%), Pelargonium graveolens (3509; 0.85%), and Rosa spp. (1106; 0.27%). Overall, destruction costs were estimated at about EUR 1.04 million, with replanting costs of roughly EUR 6.81 million. In parallel, prospection activities—conducted to detect early signs of infection and monitor disease spread—generated expenses of roughly EUR 5.94 million. While prospecting represents a significant financial investment, the results show that it is considerably more cost-effective than large-scale eradication. Prospection enables early detection and containment, preventing the widespread destruction of vegetation and minimizing disruption to agricultural production, biodiversity, and local communities. Importantly, our findings reveal a sharp decline in confirmed cases in the initial outbreak area—the Porto Demarcated Zone—from 124 cases in 2019 to just 5 in 2023, indicating the effectiveness of the eradication and monitoring measures implemented. However, the presence of 20 active Demarcated Zones across the country as of 2023 highlights the continued risk of spread and the need for sustained vigilance. The complexity of managing Xylella fastidiosa across ecologically and logistically diverse territories justifies the high costs associated with surveillance and targeted interventions. This study reinforces the strategic value of prospection as a proactive and sustainable tool for plant health management. Effective surveillance requires the integration of advanced methodologies aligned with the phenological stages of host plants and the biological cycle of vectors. Targeting high-risk locations, optimizing sample numbers, ensuring diagnostic accuracy, and maintaining continuous training for field teams are critical for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Ultimately, the findings underscore the need to refine and adapt monitoring and eradication strategies to contain the pathogen, safeguard agricultural systems, and prevent Xylella fastidiosa from becoming endemic in Portugal. Full article