Agricultural Biotechnology Research Articles

Biosynthesis of Strained Amino Acids by a PLP-Dependent Enzyme through Cryptic Halogenation.

Amino acids (AAs) are modular building blocks which nature uses to synthesize both macromolecules, such as proteins, and small molecule natural products, such as alkaloids and non-ribosomal peptides. While the 20 main proteinogenic AAs display relatively limited side chain diversity, a wide range of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) exist that are not used by the ribosome for protein synthesis, but contain a broad array of structural features and functional groups. In this communication, we report the discovery of the biosynthetic pathway for a new ncAA, pazamine, which contains a cyclopropane ring formed in two steps. In the first step, a chlorine is added onto the C4 position of lysine by a radical halogenase, PazA. The cyclopropane ring is then formed in the next step by a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme, PazB, via an SN2-like attack at C4 to eliminate chloride. Genetic studies of this pathway in the native host, Pseudomonas azotoformans, show that pazamine potentially inhibits ethylene biosynthesis in growing plants based on alterations in the root phenotype of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. We further show that PazB can be utilized to make an alternative cyclobutane-containing AA. These discoveries may lead to advances in biocatalytic production of specialty chemicals and agricultural biotechnology.

Bibliometric Analysis of Biotechnology Development

This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to explore the landscape of biotechnology research from a comprehensive perspective, focusing on thematic clusters, research trends, research opportunities, and author collaboration networks. Through a series of visualizations created using VOSviewer, we identify four major thematic clusters: industrial applications, agricultural biotechnology, biotechnological processes, and commercial development. Our temporal analysis traces the progression from foundational research towards advanced applications and industry integration, occurring over the last two decades. The research opportunities identified include expanding studies in underrepresented areas like microalgae, biodiversity, and innovative biotechnological tools. Additionally, our analysis of author collaborations reveals diverse patterns, ranging from tight-knit groups to independent researchers, indicating varied collaborative dynamics. The findings provide a nuanced understanding of the evolution, current state, and emerging trends within biotechnology, offering valuable insights for future research directions and strategic industry applications.

Изучение влияния препарата Янтарин в составе питательной среды Мурасиге и Скуга на клональное микроразмножение некоторых сортов земляники садовой

The article presents the results of studies on the influence of different variants of modification of Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium with the help of preparations of growth-regulating action. The researches were carried out on the basis of the educational and production laboratory of agricultural biotechnology of FGBOU VO Kostroma State Agricultural Academy. Regenerant plants of garden strawberry: Asia and Albion were used as research objects. As research subjects were used: growth regulator of cytokinin nature 6-BAP (6-benzinaminopurine), which is standard in plant biotechnology and growth-stimulating preparation - Yantarine, VRK. In the process of research work, a comparative analysis of the effect of different doses of cytokinin 6-BAP and Yantharin preparation on the growth and reproduction of plants of the studied varieties of garden strawberry was carried out. As a result, it was found that at the stage of clonal micropropagation of garden strawberry varieties Asia and Albion, the use of the preparation Yantarine (10.0 mg/L medium) in the nutrient medium together with cytokinin 6-BAP (0.5 mg/L) and 6-BAP (1.0 mg/L) in comparison with the traditional variant 6-BAP (0.5 mg/L medium) - control did not have a stimulating effect on the increase in height and number of micro rosettes formed by each plant regardless of variety. Keywords: CLONAL MICROPROPAGATION, MULTIPLICATION COEFFICIENT, GARDEN EARTH, VARIETY, GROWTH REGULATOR, IN VITRO

New Insights into Pseudomonas spp.-Produced Antibiotics: Genetic Regulation of Biosynthesis and Implementation in Biotechnology.

Pseudomonas bacteria are renowned for their remarkable capacity to synthesize antibiotics, namely mupirocin, gluconic acid, pyrrolnitrin, and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). While these substances are extensively employed in agricultural biotechnology to safeguard plants against harmful bacteria and fungi, their potential for human medicine and healthcare remains highly promising for common science. However, the challenge of obtaining stable producers that yield higher quantities of these antibiotics continues to be a pertinent concern in modern biotechnology. Although the interest in antibiotics of Pseudomonas bacteria has persisted over the past century, many uncertainties still surround the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of these compounds. Thus, the present review comprehensively studies the genetic organization and regulation of the biosynthesis of these antibiotics and provides a comprehensive summary of the genetic organization of antibiotic biosynthesis pathways in pseudomonas strains, appealing to both molecular biologists and biotechnologists. In addition, attention is also paid to the application of antibiotics in plant protection.

Plant-microbe Interactions and their Potential Application in Improving Disease Resistance in Vegetable Crops

Microorganisms have a substantial impact on the environment and have been observed to either immunize or infect organisms from all kingdoms. Plants and microorganisms have undergone co-evolution and engage in interactions within their natural environment. Plant microbiota, often known as plant-associated microorganisms, are essential components of plant existence. Similar to other living systems, the plant body interacts with a range of living and non-living factors as it develops in an intricate environment. The plant microbiome can sustain disease suppression by providing essential tasks to their host, such as stress tolerance, vitality, and development. Plants and microorganisms have evolved molecular systems to mutually interact and derive advantages from their interaction. This symbiotic relationship is advantageous for both the microorganisms and the plants. Various pathways have been explored and are currently being utilized to achieve agricultural, environmental, and health benefits, based on this molecular interaction. Plant-associated microorganisms serve a vital role in the growth and development of plants. Microorganisms stimulate plant growth by directly increasing nutrient uptake and stimulating hormone production. The potential benefits of these mutually beneficial interactions between plants and microbes could be connected to develop microbial inoculants for application in agricultural biotechnology. In general, the utilization of microorganisms and the establishment of beneficial plant-microbe interactions offer promising and environmentally favourable approaches for sustainable and organic agriculture worldwide.

Phenol Profiling of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Leaves by LC-MS

Lab experiment was carried out at Department of Agricultural Biotechnology of Anand agricultural university, Anand, Gujarat during 2023-24. Study on phenol profiling was carried out by Liquid Chromatography Mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. Experimental materials for phenol profiling, fresh leaves of 28 genotypes of brinjal along with parents AB 15-06 (P1) and GRB 5 (P2) selected after three months of transplanting. Total 20 phenolic acids used as standard were; salicylic acid, gallic acid, hydroquinone, esculin hydrate, pyrocatechol, methylumbelliferone, umbelliferon, quercetin, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, syringaldehyde, fraxetin, 4-hydroxy cinnamaldehyde, aminobenzoic acid, catechin hydrate, sinapic acid and epigallocatechin gallate. Out of Twenty, seven (ferrulic aicd, caffeic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, salicylic acid, syringaldehyde, chlorogenic acid) phenolic compounds were found to be present in detectable quantities in brinjal leaves.

EccDNA in plant-stress and biotechnological solutions in agriculture

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) is genetic material that exists outside of chromosomes and holds potential for next-generation genetic engineering in plant biology. By improving plant resilience, growth, and productivity, eccDNA offers a promising solution to global challenges in food security and environmental sustainability, making this a transformative era in agricultural biotechnology.

Biotechnological Approaches toward Blast Disease Resistance in Finger Millet

Plant disease globally causes significant losses in crop production that hindering the urgent need for a 60% increase in food demand. The main impact is reduced food quantity and quality leading to compromised food safety from pesticides and toxins. Biotechnology is essential for protecting crop yield and enhancing sustainability in agriculture. Agricultural biotechnology has advanced offering options for understanding plant molecular mechanisms and breeding. The devastating finger millet blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae affects crop growth and yield leading to instability due to breakdown of blast resistance. Novel strategies are essential for sustainable finger millet production focusing on breeding techniques such as molecular markers, expressed sequence tags (ESTs), gene expression profiling, genome-wide association studies, and genetic transformations to develop new disease-resistance varieties. This comprehensive review explores current breeding strategies and future directions that may offers insights for effective disease control and optimizing finger millet productivity.

The evolution of media reportage on GMOs in Ghana following approval of first GM crop

ABSTRACT Ghana’s parliament in 2011 passed the Biosafety Act to allow for the application of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology in the country’s agriculture. In a vibrant democracy, there have been extensive media discussions on whether GM crops will benefit or harm citizens. In June 2022, the state GMO regulator, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), approved the country’s first GM crop (Bt cowpea) for environmental release, declaring the crop does not present an altered environmental risk or a food/feed safety concern. This study identified 3 of the country’s most vibrant digital news outlets and did a content analysis of all GMO stories reported 18 months pre- and post-approval to assess whether the approval changed the focus of GMO issues the media reports on. 91 articles were identified. The results show media reports on the likely impact of GMOs on the country’s food security shot up after the approval. However, media reports on the possible health, sociocultural, and environmental impact of GMOs declined. We observe the media and the public appear interested in deliberations on how the technology could address or worsen food insecurity and urge agricultural biotechnology actors in Ghana to focus on that in their sensitization activities.

Bio-Prospecting Xylose-Utilizing, Exopolysaccharide (EPS)-Producing Bacteria and EPS Quantification through Submerged Fermentation using Xylose as the Major Carbon Source

Study’s Novelty/ Excerpt This study identified bacterial isolates from diverse environments capable of utilizing xylose for exo-polysaccharide (EPS) production, an area with limited prior research. Potential EPS producers were isolated and identified as Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Kocuria, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Burkholderia species using a salt-based medium with xylose as the primary carbon source. The highest EPS production was observed in Enterobacter cloacae D1, E. cloacae D2, Klebsiella oxytoca D2, and K. oxytoca G1, ranging from 0.04 g/L to 2.0 g/L, highlighting these isolates' potential for optimization and application in various industries. Full Abstract Many microorganisms are capable of producing Exo-polysaccharides (EPS) while utilizing simple sugars and hexoses. These EPS found applications in various fields, such as agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food industries. However, there is a lack of studies on EPS-elaborating bacteria that can utilize pentoses like xylose. Therefore, the utilization of alternative carbon sources for EPS production has become a focus of recent research. This study aimed to prospect bacteria that can utilize xylose for EPS production. Samples from agricultural soil, dump sites, saline soil, cement-contaminated soil, fresh cow milk, cow dung, and yogurt were serially diluted and cultured in a salt-based medium with xylose as the primary carbon source. Slimy and mucoid colonies were selected as potential EPS-producing isolates and identified morphologically and biochemically using the VITEK 2 Automated identification system. The quantification of EPS production by these isolates was conducted through submerged fermentation with xylose as the sole carbon source. The mean heterotrophic bacterial count of xylose-utilizing bacteria ranged from 2.1x106 CFU to 3.5x108 CFU per gram of the samples analyzed. The slimy and mucoid colonies were identified as members of the genera Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, Kocuria, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Serratia, and Burkholderia. The quantities of EPS produced by the isolates ranged from 0.04 g/L to 2.0 g/L, with E. cloacae D1, E. cloacae D2, K. oxytoca D2, and K. oxytoca G1 elaborating the highest amount of EPS. Bacterial isolates capable of utilizing xylose for EPS production were obtained from various sources, showing potential for further optimization

IMA Genome – F19

The pace at which Next Generation Sequence data is being produced continues to accelerate as technology improves. As a result, such data are increasingly becoming accessible to biologists outside of the field of bioinformatics. In contrast, access to training in the methods of genome assembly and annotation are not growing at a similar rate. In this issue, we report on a Genome Assembly Workshop for Mycologists that was held at the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and make available the 12 draft genome sequences emanating from the event. With the aim of making the process of genome assembly and annotation more accessible to biologists, we provide a step-by-step guide to both genome assembly and annotation, intended to encourage and empower mycologists to use genome data in their research.

How to promote cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly technology: a case of agricultural biotechnology in China

This study explored the factors influencing cooperative innovation in environmentally friendly agricultural biotechnology in China. First, we constructed an evolutionary game model comprising the factors of net income of cooperative innovation, net income of independent innovation, market constraints, and government subsidies. Using MATLAB simulation, we assigned different values to the aforementioned variables to explore the evolutionary trend of innovators’ willingness to cooperate. Results showed that when the values of net income of cooperative innovation, net income of independent innovation, market constraints, and government subsidies exceeded the threshold, innovators’ willingness to cooperate was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the proportion of innovators who cooperated with others gradually increased to 100%; otherwise, it gradually decreased to 0%. Comparing the simulation curve with the real evolution curve of cooperative innovation in agricultural biotechnology in China, we found that the gradual decline in the willingness to cooperate could be due to insufficient subsidies for cooperative innovation, low income from cooperative innovation, weak profitability of innovators, and weak market constraints.

Applicability of Aerosol Spectrometers for Control of the Efficiency of Automatic Artificial Pollination in Agricultural Biotechnology and Analysis of Contamination in Plant Quarantine Assessment

Applicability of Aerosol Spectrometers for Control of the Efficiency of Automatic Artificial Pollination in Agricultural Biotechnology and Analysis of Contamination in Plant Quarantine Assessment

Patenting of agriculture biotechnology in Iraq: Widening the gap between the country's development needs and food security

AbstractIn Iraq, plants and biological processes for their production and plant varieties are patentable Under Order (81/2004) in Iraq and later its amendment Law (58/2015). This paper attempts to critically review patent rules related to agricultural biotechnology. It specifically questions the extent to which Iraq's developmental needs were considered when far‐reaching plant related patent protection was granted, The motivation for this study lies in its aim to examine the shift to restrictive exclusionary rights over plant genetic resources, and the implications this shift could have on sustainable agriculture and food security in the country, particularly Iraq lacks technological, institutional and financial capacities that can be directed towards the development of the biotechnology industry in the country.

Preface

The 6th International Conference on Food and Agriculture (ICoFA) Introduction of ICoFA 2023 Dear colleagues,We are glad to announce the release of the 6th International Conference of Food and Agriculture (ICOFA-2023). The ICOFA is an annual conference organized primarily by Politeknik Negeri Jember. This year the theme of our conference is “Enhancing a Sustainable Future For Food and Agriculture’s Technology In Saving The Planet”Surely, we plan to conduct this conference physically and virtually (hybrid). However, due to the new normal working methods based on “Work From Anywhere (WFA)”, the 6th ICOFA 2023 was carried out physically and virtually via the Zoom meeting platform. We took this option because this conference was already designated and funded. Keynote and invited speakers were also scheduled for this event. Many delegations and authors requested for this conference to be performed since they needed it to cover their publication and sharing knowledge requirements.The key directions of the conference covered the discussion of advanced achievements and touched upon the main aspects of agriculture engineering and biotechnology, organic agriculture, animal science related to food, food science and technology, food safety, food security, and sovereignty, IT for agriculture, renewable and novel energy sources, and socioeconomics related to food and agriculture.The conference was run as planned on 18th - 19th November 2023 and supported by a hybrid event organizer started from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. The conference model are Plenary session with keynotes (40 minutes for each keynote speech) and participants’ presentations (20 minutes for each presentation). A total of 164 participants from Universities, Research Institutes, and also Government Departments attended the conference in over seven countries Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Morocco, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.Our honorable speakers were Prof. Dr. Ir. Nanang Dwi Wahyono, M.M from Politeknik Negeri Jember, Indonesia; Prof. Ir. Dyah Maharani, S.Pt., M.P., Ph.D. from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia; Prof. Dr. Said Ziani from ENSAM Mohammed V University, Morocco; Prof. Benny Tjahjono, B. Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D. from Coventry University, UK; Dr. Nishu Gupta from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway; and Dr. Md. Faisal Kabir from CARE Bangladesh.An amount of 153 full papers was submitted to the 6th ICOFA 2023. After a pre-review on originality and language, the peer review process was arranged by the Editorial Committee, and 74 manuscripts were selected for publication in the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (EES).We also wish to thank to keynote speaker, invite speakers, presenters and participants, and all authors for their contributions to the 6th ICOFA 2023 and to colleague members of the organizing committee, please accept my deep appreciation for your hard work in ensuring the success of the conference. Editor-in-Chief, 6th ICOFA 2023 Dr. Ir. Hariadi Subagja, S.Pt., MSi., IPM List of Scientific Committee the 6th ICOFA 2023, Technical Committee the 6th and Conference Photograph the 6th ICOFA 2023 are available in this pdf.

First report of Botrytis cinerea causing flower blight on macadamia in South Africa

AbstractMacadamia cultivation plays significant role in the economy of South Africa. Despite its importance, the industry grapples with disease‐related challenges, notably flower blight, which threatens substantial economic losses by affecting yield and nut quality. In 2022, diagnostic services at the Agricultural Research Council and the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute received macadamia flowers displaying blight symptoms. Employing two methods for fungal isolation, 25 isolates were obtained which were classified into one group based on morphological characteristics. DNA analysis identified the isolates as Botrytis cinerea. The pathogenicity testing was conducted on macadamia flowers to confirm Koch's postulates. This is the first report of B. cinerea affecting Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche in South Africa, underlining its potential threat to the industry.

GMOIT: a tool for effective screening of genetically modified crops

BackgroundAdvancement in agricultural biotechnology has resulted in increasing numbers of commercial varieties of genetically modified (GM) crops worldwide. Though several databases on GM crops are available, these databases generally focus on collecting and providing information on transgenic crops rather than on screening strategies. To overcome this, we constructed a novel tool named, Genetically Modified Organisms Identification Tool (GMOIT), designed to integrate basic and genetic information on genetic modification events and detection methods.ResultsAt present, data for each element from 118 independent genetic modification events in soybean, maize, canola, and rice were included in the database. Particularly, GMOIT allows users to customize assay ranges and thus obtain the corresponding optimized screening strategies using common elements or specific locations as the detection targets with high flexibility. Using the 118 genetic modification events currently included in GMOIT as the range and algorithm selection results, a “6 + 4” protocol (six exogenous elements and four endogenous reference genes as the detection targets) covering 108 events for the four crops was established. Plasmids pGMOIT-1 and pGMOIT-2 were constructed as positive controls or calibrators in qualitative and quantitative transgene detection.ConclusionsOur study provides a simple, practical tool for selecting, detecting, and screening strategies for a sustainable and efficient application of genetic modification.

Functional screening of the Arabidopsis 2C protein phosphatases family identifies PP2C15 as a negative regulator of plant immunity by targeting BRI1-associated receptor kinase 1.

Genetic engineering using negative regulators of plant immunity has the potential to provide a huge impetus in agricultural biotechnology to achieve a higher degree of disease resistance without reducing yield. Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) represent the largest group of protein phosphatases in plants, with a high potential for negative regulatory functions by blocking the transmission of defence signals through dephosphorylation. Here, we established a PP2C functional protoplast screen using pFRK1::luciferase as a reporter and found that 14 of 56 PP2Cs significantly inhibited the immune response induced by flg22. To verify the reliability of the system, a previously reported MAPK3/4/6-interacting protein phosphatase, PP2C5, was used; it was confirmed to be a negative regulator of PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). We further identified PP2C15 as an interacting partner of BRI1-associated receptor kinase 1 (BAK1), which is the most well-known co-receptor of plasma membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), and a central component of PTI. PP2C15 dephosphorylates BAK1 and negatively regulates BAK1-mediated PTI responses such as MAPK3/4/6 activation, defence gene expression, reactive oxygen species bursts, stomatal immunity, callose deposition, and pathogen resistance. Although plant growth and 1000-seed weight of pp2c15 mutants were reduced compared to those of wild-type plants, pp2c5 mutants did not show any adverse effects. Thus, our findings strengthen the understanding of the mechanism by which PP2C family members negatively regulate plant immunity at multiple levels and indicate a possible approach to enhance plant resistance by eliminating specific PP2Cs without affecting plant growth and yield.

Biotechnological Innovations in Sustainable Food Production

This review article explores the critical role of biotechnology in addressing the global food security crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and Eastern European conflict. It starts by examining the profound impacts of these events on food supply chains and pricing, supported by relevant statistical evidence. The study then discusses agricultural biotechnology, comparing conventional and sustainable agriculture, with an emphasis on genome editing and modification techniques such as Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM), and CRISPR. The application of RNA interference in agriculture and microbial biotechnology in promoting soil health and sustainable food production is discussed. Furthermore, the review shifts focus to the utilization of microbial biotechnology for soil health enhancement and sustainable food production, encompassing the development of pest-resistant and drought-tolerant crops and biotechnological methods for optimizing water use efficiency. Additionally, it examines biotechnology's applications in food processing, including enhancing nutritional content and improving shelf life and safety. The European Green Deal is analyzed, particularly its influence on agriculture through strategies like Farm to Fork, Biodiversity, and Circular Economy. Finally, the review concludes by addressing policy considerations, ethical challenges, and the necessity of international cooperation in biotechnology research, exemplified by projects like the Golden Rice and Heat-Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA), highlighting the multidisciplinary nature and global significance of biotechnological innovations in ensuring sustainable food production.

Studying anthocyanins in the skin and flesh of the tubers of some potato hybrids (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.)

Relevance. Today special attention is paid to potato anthocyanins as components of functional food. Increasing interest is generated by research on the use of anthocyanins for the benefit of animals and people in addition to their significant role in the life of plants. The research goal was to identify the quantitative and qualitative composition of anthocyanins in the tubers of valuable potato hybrids of Primorsky selection. Five promising potato hybrids (Solanum tuberosum L.) belonging to different groups of maturity and involved in the comparative variety testing by FSBSI “FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology named after A. K. Chaiki” were used as the research object. The research was carried out under the conditions of field and laboratory experiments in Primorsky kray, Russia, in 2018-2023. The anthocyanins were divided by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. The anthocyanins were identified by the method of second-order mass spectrometry. Results. The research evaluated the potato hybrids for the content of anthocyanins in the tissues of the tubers – skin and flesh. The following specimens were determined to have a high content of anthocyanins both in the skin and flesh: Pri-15-12-14 (petunidin-3-arabinoside: 310.0 and 91.1 mg/kg; cyanidin-3-glucoside: 149.8 and 39.8 mg/kg) and Pri-14-52-2 (petunidin-3-arabinoside: 360.0 and 143.0 mg/kg; cyanidin-3-glucoside: 80.4 and 81.2 mg/kg). The selected specimens were characterized by purple and blue-purple skin. Genotypes Pri-14-52-2 and Pri-15-12-14 had tuber flesh with purple pigmentation. Hybrids Pri-15-12-14 and Pri-14-52-2 had the highest total content of anthocyanins in the flesh – 130.9 and 224.2 mg/kg, respectively. The conducted research identified eight different anthocyanins in the tubers of the studied potato specimens: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-ramnosil-5-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-ramnosil-5-glucoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and petunidin-3-arabinoside. The tubers with pink and red skin were determined to contain pelargonidin-3-glucoside. Petunidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside colored tuber skin purple. The selected group of specimens might be recommended for use as functional food and in goal-oriented breeding.