Search Results (1,545)

The most common reason for a decrease in the quantity and quality of produced crops is microbial diseases. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antagonistic activity of Streptomyces sp. CACIS-1.16CA against plant pathogenic fungi and to assess its bioactive metabolites to inhibit fungal conidial germination. Antagonistic evaluations of fungal phytopathogens were performed using dual and multiple confrontation assays. Additionally, the inhibitory effect of the bioactive extract (BE) containing secondary metabolites produced by the CACIS-1.16CA strain on the germination of conidia from some fungi was tested. The results indicate that Streptomyces sp. CACIS-16CA inhibited the growth of all tested pathogens (16 strains) with percentages of inhibition (PIs) ranging from 43.3% to 72%, while S. lydicus inhibited 13 of the 16 fungi, with PI values from 35.6% to 68.5%. Moreover, CACIS-1.16CA exerted superior PI values (significant differences at p < 0.05) than S. lydicus against the damping-off fungi consortia with Phytophthora capsici, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. Otherwise, an inhibitory effect was observed on the germination of conidial cells due to the interaction with the BE in Alternaria sp., Botrytis cinerea, and Colletotrichum spp. In conclusion, Streptomyces sp. CACIS-1.16CA may serve as an effective and natural alternative for managing several fungal plant diseases. Full article

Bacterial leaf spot, particularly in chili peppers, is major concern worldwide, particularly in chili peppers. Enhancing pepper resistance to bacterial leaf spot addresses a key agricultural challenge while minimizing chemical usage. In this study, the efficacy of plant resistance inducers (PRIs) in controlling bacterial leaf spot in peppers was evaluated through molecular and secondary metabolite analyses. Pepper plant seedlings were treated with salicylic acid (SA), acibenzolar-S-methyl, β-aminobutyric acid, chitosan, Bacillus subtilis B01, and B. velezensis CH6 and inoculated with Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria. Disease severity was assessed, and the expression level of genes (PR-1, PR-2, PR-4, and CAT) and the abundance of secondary metabolites were analyzed via quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Soil drenching with B. subtilis B01 produced the best effects, reducing the disease severity by 80% and significantly inducing PR-1 expression 24–48 h post-treatment. SA was similarly effective in inducing systemic acquired resistance (SAR), while β-aminobutyric acid primed antioxidative defenses through sustained catalase (CAT) expression, and chitosan induced PR-4. GC-MS analysis revealed secondary metabolites associated with systemic resistance pathways including SAR and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Herein, B. subtilis B01 and SA were identified as potent resistance inducers that reduce the disease severity of bacterial leaf spot and activate key defense pathways in pepper plants. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable, integrated disease management strategies. Full article

Fungicide treatment is one of the most common methods for controlling fungal plant diseases. However, many phytopathogenic fungi develop resistance to fungicides. Addressing this agriculturally important issue requires comprehensive investigations into fungicide resistance. Our study aims to assess the degree and prevalence of resistance to carbendazim—one of the most widely used fungicides—in populations of Microdochium nivale, the causal agent of the deleterious plant disease pink snow mold; to explore possible relationships between carbendazim resistance and physiological and genetic traits; and to gain insight into the molecular basis of carbendazim resistance in this species. We showed that carbendazim resistance is widespread in the analyzed M. nivale populations, and that the application of carbendazim increases the proportion of resistant strains. Nevertheless, carbendazim-resistant strains are present at high relative abundance in populations that have never been exposed to fungicides. Carbendazim resistance in M. nivale is strongly associated with sequence variations in the β-tubulin gene, resulting in amino acid sequence variability that leads to differential affinity for carbendazim. Additionally, we propose a metabarcoding-based approach employing a genetic marker linked to a specific phenotypic trait to assess the ratio of genotypes with contrasting properties within a particular fungal species in environmental communities. Full article

Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus Makino is a traditional medicine for treating various diseases, including inflammation. In this study, we discovered the biological features of this plant by assessing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. The GNPS-FBMN approach and in vitro assays guided the identification of active ingredients. As a result, one new compound and 17 other compounds were separated and identified. The structure of the new compound was established by CD spectrum and hydrolysis, followed by HPLC analysis. These compounds demonstrated antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Western blotting clarified the active compound by inhibiting inflammation through COX-2 and iNOS enzymes and blocking the ERK 1/2 MAPK signaling. In silico approaches supported the binding affinity and dynamic features of the established complexes’ target inflammation. Our finding supports evidence from both experimental and in silico approaches that O. fragrans fractions and its constituents may be employed as potential therapeutic phytochemicals for treating inflammatory bowel diseases. Full article

Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of conditions that commonly occur together, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). These factors collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Recent research has identified a connection between metabolic syndrome and cognitive disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia (VaD). Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating properties. This meta-analysis assessed the potential of mulberry extract as an adjunctive treatment for metabolic risk factors linked to vascular dementia. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 2025 that compared mulberry extract to placebo or standard care in adults with metabolic disorders. Fifteen trials including 1202 participants met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were fasting glucose, fasting insulin, liver enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The pooled results indicated that mulberry supplementation improved blood sugar control and lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and inflammatory markers. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) improved, whereas alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showed no significant change. Subgroup analyses revealed that greater benefits were associated with shorter treatment durations and doses below 500 milligrams per day. Furthermore, extracts from different parts of the mulberry plant showed varying effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. None of the included trials directly measured cognitive or neurovascular outcomes, so any potential neurovascular protection is inferred from changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers rather than demonstrated. In summary, these findings suggest that mulberry extract may be a promising complementary approach for managing metabolic risk factors in people at risk for VaD. However, further large-scale and rigorously designed studies are required to confirm its clinical benefits and to identify the most effective preparations. Full article

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a well-recognized biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter. This study characterized the endophytic B. amyloliquefaciens LJ1, isolated from Nanguo pear fruit, through whole-genome sequencing and functional analyses. The B. amyloliquefaciens LJ1 genome (3,947,365 bp, 46.48% GC content) encodes 3757 protein-coding sequences. Genomic analysis revealed diverse carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and 12 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters, including those potentially producing surfactin, fengycin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin. Safety assessments, including hemolysis, indole production, biogenic amine production, and a 21 day mice-feeding trial, indicated no adverse effects, suggesting B. amyloliquefaciens LJ1 is non-pathogenic. In vitro assays demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Penicillium expansum, a major post-harvest pathogen, by suppressing spore germination and germ-tube elongation. These results suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens LJ1 possesses significant biocontrol potential and could be a promising agent for sustainable disease management in Nanguo pear and potentially other crops. Full article

Crop health assessment is essential for the early detection of nutrient deficiencies, diseases, and pests, allowing for timely interventions that optimize yield, reduce losses, and support sustainable agricultural practices. While traditional methods and satellite-based remote sensing offer broad scale monitoring, they often suffer from coarse spatial resolution, and insufficient precision at the plant level. These limitations hinder accurate and dynamic assessment of crop health, particularly for high-resolution applications such as nutrient diagnosis during different crop growth stages. This study addresses these gaps by leveraging high-resolution UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) imagery to monitor the health of paddy crops across multiple temporal stages. A novel methodology was implemented to assess the crop health condition from the predicted Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) and essential macro-nutrients (N, P, K) using vegetation indices derived from UAV imagery. Four machine learning models were used to predict these parameters based on field observed data, with Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost outperforming other algorithms, achieving high regression scores (AGB > 0.92, N > 0.96, P > 0.92, K > 0.97) and low prediction errors (AGB < 80 gm/m², N < 0.11%, P < 0.007%, K < 0.08%). A significant contribution of this study lies in the development of decision-making rules based on threshold values of AGB and specific nutrient critical, optimum, and toxic levels for the paddy crop. These rules were used to derive crop health maps from the predicted AGB and NPK values. The resulting spatial health maps, generated using RF and XGBoost models with high classification accuracy (Kappa coefficient > 0.64), visualize intra-field variability, allowing for site-specific interventions. This research contributes significantly to precision agriculture by offering a robust, plant-level monitoring approach that supports timely, site-specific nutrient management and enhances sustainable crop production practices. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in greenhouse systems increasingly relies on integrated fertilization and soil management strategies to enhance yield, fruit quality, and resilience to biotic stressors. This study evaluated the combined effects of five fertilization regimes and two contrasting soil tillage systems—rotary tillage (RT) and conventional plowing (P)—on the performance of greenhouse-grown ‘Bacuni’ tomatoes. Experimental assessments encompassed biometric traits, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and anthocyanins), carotenoid concentrations (carotenes and lycopene), soluble solids, and total dry matter contents, as well as agronomic variables including fruit weight, fruit number, and total yield. Incidence of key pests and diseases, alongside soil compaction levels, were also quantified. Fertilization with Nutriplant 20:20:20, as well as the application of Albit both resulted in a marked stimulation of vegetative growth, while the highest yields were recorded in P × Orgevit + Kerafol (6962.65 g plant⁻¹; +44.6% vs. control) and RT × Albit + Turboroot (6208.22 g plant⁻¹; +16.2% vs. control). Rotary tillage consistently improved nutrient uptake efficiency and yield relative to plowing, highlighting the role of soil structure in modulating plant performance. Treatments with Albit and Turboroot also enhanced resistance to Tetranychus urticae and Xanthomonas campestris, indicating a dual benefit for productivity and phytosanitary status. The results underscore the importance of harmonizing fertilization strategies with soil management practices to optimize greenhouse tomato production. Integrative approaches that combine biostimulants, organic amendments, and soil structural optimization offer a viable pathway toward high-yield, high-quality, and disease-resilient crops in controlled environment agriculture. Full article

Natural bioactive compounds found in Momordica charantia including polysaccharides, saponins, polyphenols, alkaloids, and notably polypeptide-p (often referred to as “plant insulin”)—have shown promising potential in shaping nutritional and therapeutic strategies for managing diabetes, metabolic disorders, and other nutrition-related diseases. Both retrospective and prospective analyses of bitter gourd’s functional properties such as its antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects highlight its innovative use as a food ingredient in developing targeted nutritional therapies. Assessing its applicability in the food industry, particularly through the fortification of products with bitter gourd powders, pulp, juice, or extracts, could enhance consumer acceptance and elevate the perceived quality of nutritionally superior foods. The nutrifunctional attributes revealed by its nutritional profile support the strategic integration of bitter gourd into various food formulations, contributing to a broader and more diverse range of dietary options. This diversification is especially valuable in addressing the dietary monotony often associated with diabetic nutrition plans, which continue to present significant challenges. The foundation laid by this review drawing on both theoretical insights and practical applications serves as a springboard for future research into the fortifying potential of bitter gourd-based preparations. Ultimately, such products may be recommended not only as nutritional supplements but also as part of clinical and hygienic-dietetic practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of nutritional interventions on Sjögren disease (SD) remains uncertain, and no standardized guidelines currently exist for managing its sicca symptoms. This systematic review evaluated the effects of dietary interventions on the symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes in individuals with SD. Methods: Electronic searches were performed in four databases, supplemented by manual searches and searches of the gray literature. Both human and animal studies were included. The methodological quality of the selected studies was appraised, and the data were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of nineteen studies (ten in humans and nine in animal models) were included. The treatments evaluated were dietary supplements, vitamins, medicinal herbs, and specially modified diets. The primary outcomes assessed included unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates, salivary-gland inflammation, and ocular dryness (Schirmer test). In animal models of SD, interventions such as caloric restriction, gluten-free diets, low-fat diets, and supplements (e.g., resveratrol, triptolide, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharide) were associated with increased salivary flow and reduced glandular inflammation. Conversely, diets rich in saturated fats were associated with reduced salivary flow and increased lymphocytic infiltration in salivary glands. Human studies yielded mixed results, with some reporting improvements in salivation following interventions with vitamins, herbal supplements, gluten-free diets, liquid diets, and whole-food, plant-based diets. Conclusions: Although dietary management may alleviate sicca symptoms and improve nutritional status in SD, the current evidence is insufficient to support specific recommendations for the management of oral symptoms. Full article

Mosquitoes pose a significant problem worldwide because of the diseases they transmit. Due to its antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, Commiphora myrrha (C. myrrha) has long been a popular choice in traditional medicine. This study aimed to extract C. myrrha using three different solvents—methanol, acetone, and chloroform—to identify their biochemical components and assess their larvicidal activity. The extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and their effects were evaluated against Aedes aegypti. We identified 29, 41, and 19 phytoconstituents in the acetone, methanol, and chloroform extracts, respectively, with most belonging to the sesquiterpene and phenol categories. Larval mortality rates were recorded as follows: chloroform (100%), methanol (90%), and acetone (95%) extracts of C. myrrha at a concentration of 1000 ppm, 24 h post-treatment. After 72 h, the C. myrrha extracts showed effectiveness with LC₅₀ values of 118.33, 127.67, and 142.13 ppm for chloroform, acetone, and methanol, respectively. The chloroform extract was the most effective in reducing the average number of eggs laid per day (234 eggs) compared to the untreated control group (1513 eggs) at 1000 ppm. These findings provide scientific evidence of the larvicidal efficacy of C. myrrha extracts and serve as valuable resources for developing plant-based pharmaceuticals. Full article

Phytophthora blight, caused by Phytophthora capsici, is a destructive disease that significantly constrains the production of chayote (Sechium edule) in Mexico, leading to substantial yield and economic losses. The increasing ineffectiveness of synthetic fungicides and associated environmental concerns underscore the need for sustainable control alternatives. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of low molecular weight chitosan (75–85% deacetylation; Sigma-Aldrich) against P. capsici under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Chitosan solutions (0.1–3.0 g L⁻¹) were tested for their ability to inhibit pathogen growth and suppress disease symptoms. In vitro assays demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibition of mycelial growth, with the highest dose (3.0 g L⁻¹) reducing radial expansion by 32.6%. In fruit inoculation experiments, treatment with 1.0 g L⁻¹ chitosan decreased lesion size by 50.9%, while the same concentration reduced disease severity index (DSI) by 50% in whole plants. Notably, symptom suppression was observed in tissues not directly exposed to chitosan, suggesting the activation of systemic resistance. Although the underlying molecular mechanisms were not directly assessed, the results support the dual role of chitosan as a direct antifungal agent and a potential inducer of host defense responses. These findings highlight the potential of chitosan as a biodegradable, low-toxicity alternative to synthetic fungicides and support its integration into sustainable management strategies for Phytophthora blight in chayote production systems. Full article

The rising prevalence of diet-related diseases is driving consumers to adopt healthier, plant-based diets. Aware of this consumer trend, the Food Industry is investing in innovative, tasty, plant-based foods with added nutraceutical value. However, health-promoting phytochemicals are often found in foods with a high content of natural sugars that are readily absorbed, undermining their health benefits. To ensure proper labelling and support consumers in their choices for healthier foods, the Food Industry relies on cost-effective methods to measure soluble sugars. Herein, we assess three established spectrophotometric assays—phenol, orcinol, and anthrone—for quantifying soluble sugars in 12 plant-based beverages, drinks, and extracts. The standard glucose solutions revealed that the phenol and orcinol reagents displayed the highest sensitivity. Applied to phytochemical-rich beverages, drinks, and extracts, the anthrone protocol leads to precipitation phenomena; the phenol is prone to interference from chlorophylls, carotenoids, melanoidins, (ellagi)tannins, and anthocyanins, whereas orcinol is susceptible only to anthocyanins. Though spectrophotometric assays overestimate sugar levels in both high- and low-sugar-content samples, the orcinol-sulfuric acid method offers an environmentally safe and cost-effective approach to quantifying soluble sugars in phytochemical-rich samples, fostering food innovation and helping to build consumer trust within resilient and sustainable food systems. Full article

The MIND diet was designed as an intervention to delay neurodegeneration and has been explored by systematic reviews for associations with cognition and, more recently, cardiometabolic disease. Comparatively less is known about how the MIND diet is associated with other health outcomes (e.g., all-cause mortality, anxiety, insomnia). This scoping review included studies exploring associations between the MIND diet and health outcomes other than cognition and cardiometabolic disease. Online databases were used to identify 4090 studies published between January 2015 and April 2024, from which 47 publications were included for review. Associations between the MIND diet and health outcomes were assessed as either favorable, unfavorable, or having no statistically significant association. Overall, 47 studies were included in this scoping review, 46 were observational, and several were conducted in large, established cohort studies. Across the 47 studies, 18 different topics were explored. Higher adherence to the MIND diet was mostly associated with favorable health outcomes (65%), while roughly one-third (33%) of studies found no statistically significant associations. One study, in Italy, found that increased adherence to the MIND diet was associated with increased exposure to cadmium, a heavy metal. In populations that may benefit from the MIND diet, we recommend additional observational and exploratory studies to identify health associations. Studies exploring educational interventions would help to identify facilitators and barriers to adopting the MIND diet. This scoping review provides some evidence that higher adherence to the MIND diet is associated with risk reduction for many diseases. Further research on environmental exposures (e.g., cadmium) and other deleterious substances absorbed by food crops will be crucial as we strive to enhance health and food security through plant-rich dietary patterns. Full article

Cotton Verticillium wilt is a disease that significantly impacts the cotton industry, severely affecting cotton quality and the economic well-being of farmers. Bacillus atrophaeus YL84 is a biocontrol bacterium with broad-spectrum antagonistic and growth-promoting characteristics, previously isolated by our laboratory. This study aimed to elucidate the antagonistic effects of sterilized fermentation filtrate from Bacillus atrophaeus YL84 on cotton Verticillium wilt pathogen Verticillium dahliae and its growth-promoting effects on cotton. The experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo to assess these effects comprehensively. Using the dual culture method, it was found that Bacillus atrophaeus YL84 exhibited a high inhibition rate on mycelial growth of V. dahliae, with an inhibition rate of 84.11%. The undiluted YL84 sterilized fermentation filtrate and its 10% volume fraction dilution (fermentation filtrate diluted to 10%) exhibited inhibition rates of 80.25% and 72.16% for conidial germination and mycelial growth of V. dahliae, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased branching, swelling, and shortened internodes in the antagonized mycelia. Conductivity measurements revealed a significant enhancement caused by the YL84 filtrate, with conductivity increasing by 8.94 times compared to the control at a 250 μg/mL concentration. Similarly, protein leakage peaked at 9.47 times the control level at 250 μg/mL, demonstrating the filtrate’s potent impact on mycelial cell membrane permeability. The enzymatic activities of polygalacturonase (PG), cellulase (CL), and β-glucosidase (β-GC) were significantly reduced following treatment with YL84 sterilized fermentation filtrate, with reductions from control levels of 15.78, 10.11, and 5.01 U/mL to treatment levels of 11.81, 6.96, and 1.44 U/mL, respectively. Indoor pot experiments demonstrated that different concentrations of YL84 sterilized fermentation filtrate significantly suppressed the occurrence of cotton Verticillium wilt while promoting plant growth. Compared to the control group, application of 250 μg/mL YL84 sterilized fermentation filtrate resulted in a control efficacy of 66.69% for cotton Verticillium wilt, with increases in plant height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of 9.36–33.85%, 17.33–29.49%, 16.79–28.24%, and 25–58.33%, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the YL84 filtrate as both a biocontrol agent and a promoter of cotton plant growth in agricultural settings. These results indicate that Bacillus atrophaeus YL84 sterilized fermentation filtrate possesses both disease-suppressing and growth-promoting activities, making it a promising candidate for development and use as a biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter. Full article