Basil Research Articles

Optimisation of indole acetic acid production by Neopestalotiopsis aotearoa endophyte isolated from Thymus vulgaris and its impact on seed germination of Ocimum basilicum

BackgroundMicrobial growth during plant tissue culture is a common problem that causes significant losses in the plant micro-propagation system. Most of these endophytic microbes have the ability to propagate through horizontal and vertical transmission. On the one hand, these microbes provide a rich source of several beneficial metabolites.ResultsThe present study reports on the isolation of fungal species from different in vitro medicinal plants (i.e., Breynia disticha major, Breynia disticha, Duranta plumieri, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Ocimum basilicum l) cultures. These species were tested for their indole acetic acid (IAA) production capability. The most effective species for IAA production was that isolated from Thymus vulgaris plant (11.16 µg/mL) followed by that isolated from sweet basil plant (8.78 µg/mL). On screening for maximum IAA productivity, medium, “MOS + tryptophan” was chosen that gave 18.02 μg/mL. The macroscopic, microscopic examination and the 18S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that the isolate that given code T4 was identified as Neopestalotiopsis aotearoa (T4). The production of IAA by N. aotearoa was statistically modeled using the Box-Behnken design and optimized for maximum level, reaching 63.13 µg/mL. Also, IAA extract was administered to sweet basil seeds in vitro to determine its effect on plant growth traits. All concentrations of IAA extract boosted germination parameters as compared to controls, and 100 ppm of IAA extract exhibited a significant growth promotion effect for all seed germination measurements.ConclusionsThe IAA produced from N. aotearoa (T4) demonstrated an essential role in the enhancement of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) growth, suggesting that it can be employed to promote the plant development while lowering the deleterious effect of using synthetic compounds in the environment.

Effects of Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, Salvia verticillata, and ε-polylysine on shelf-life extension of sweet basil leaves

ABSTRACT Due to basil’s short shelf life and the insufficient research on utilizing plant extracts and ɛ-polylysine as a natural preservative for vegetables, this research was to investigate different concentrations of plant extracts of Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, Salvia verticillata, and ε-Polylysine on increasing the shelf life of basil during cold storage at a temperature of 8°C over 12 days. All the treatments had less weight loss compared to the control group at the end of the storage period. ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments effectively reduced spoilage symptoms by decreasing the activity of degrading enzymes like cellulase and polyphenol oxidase. Additionally, these treatments increased the activity of enzymes such as catalase, which inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species. By preserving phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and reducing microbial load, the ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments extended the shelf life and quality of basil. The results indicate that using ε-Polylysine (3 ml/L) and T. vulgaris (2 g/L) treatments effectively preserved the sensory attributes of basil, including freshness, appearance, overall acceptability, and odor, throughout storage. Furthermore, these treatments reduced spoilage, extended shelf life, and improved the nutritional value of basil during storage.

Tentative identification of phytochelatins, their derivatives, and Cd-phytochelatin complexes in Ocimum basilicum L. roots by Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry.

An unprecedented and direct PS-MS (paper spray ionization mass spectrometry) method was proposed for the detection of native peptides, that is, glutathiones (GSHs), homoglutathiones (hGSHs), and phytochelatins (PCs), in basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) roots before and after cadmium exposure. The roots were submitted to cold maceration followed by sonication with formic acid as the extractor solvent for sample preparation. PS-MS was used to analyze such extracts in the positive mode, and the results allowed for the detection of several GSHs, hGSHs, and PCs. Some of these PCs were not distinguished in the control samples, that is, basil roots not exposed to cadmium. Other PCs were noticed in both types of roots, uncontaminated and cadmium-contaminated, but the intensities were higher in the former samples. Moreover, long-time exposure to cadmium stimulated the formation of some of these PCs and their cadmium complexes. The results, therefore, provided some crucial insights into the defense mechanism of plants against an external stress condition due to exposure to a toxic heavy metal. The present study represents a promising alternative to investigate other crucial physiological processes in plants submitted to assorted stress conditions.

Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the hydroponic cultivation of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the hydroponic cultivation of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Studying the Response of Greek Basil Ocimum basilicum var. minimum to Treatment with High Doses of Selenium

Previous published literatures have been established the impact of selenium application in a trace amount on yield and active constituents of basil plants. In the current study, the effect of high doses of selenium application on growth of Greek basil Ocimum basilicum var. minimum growth and its essential oil compounds was investigated. Obtained result exhibited that the foliar application with (0, 40, 80, 120, 160) mg/L of selenium reduced the plants growth parameters and plant content of phytopigments and primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, protein, and proline. Refractive index of essential oil diminished post selenium application, while, specific gravity increased at 160 mg/L. Selenium application also caused alteration in the secondary metabolites profile. A reduction was obtained in the volatile compounds of essential oil such as Linalool, Eugenol and Methyleugenol with selenium treatment. On the other hand, unsaturated fatty acids such as Linolenic acid and phytosterols such as Campesterol, Stigmasterol and beta-Sitosterol increased with applicated selenium concentration.

Luminescent Quantum Dot Films Increase the Radiation Capture and Yield of Lettuce and Sweet Basil Compared to a Traditional/Neutral-density Greenhouse Glazing

Utilizing quantum dot (QD) luminescent films as a greenhouse covering material is an innovative method of modifying the greenhouse light spectrum. The QD films convert a portion of high-energy ultraviolet and blue photons to lower-energy photons. Previous research has shown that the application of QD films in greenhouses led to improved crop yields of red lettuce and tomatoes. However, the underlying mechanism of the yield increases has not been fully explored. We quantified the effects of solar spectral shifts attributable to QD films on plant morphology, radiation capture, and, subsequently, crop yield. Green and red leaf lettuces and basil were grown in a greenhouse under four treatments: regular-concentration QD film (reg QD film); high-concentration QD film (high QD film); color-neutral polyethylene (PE) film; and control treatment without any films. Compared to the reg QD film, the high QD film converted a higher fraction of blue photons into longer-wavelength photons, resulting in enhanced leaf expansion, stem elongation, and shoot fresh weight of red lettuce and basil compared with those grown under the PE film without spectral modifications. No significant growth differences were observed between the control and high QD film treatments of red lettuce and basil despite a 23% reduction in the average daily light integral (DLI) under the high QD film treatment. Compared to that grown under the control treatment, green lettuce grown under the high QD film treatment had a similar total leaf area but reduced shoot biomass; this was likely associated with reductions in leaf thickness and chlorophyll content. In contrast, the red lettuce showed more pronounced leaf expansion and reduced leaf anthocyanin content under the high QD film, which likely helped to offset the reduction in DLI. Overall, our results indicated that modifying the solar spectrum with QD films as greenhouse covering material could result in improved crop radiation capture and yield in greenhouse production of lettuce and basil. However, the spectral shifts caused by the QD films may affect crop quality attributes, such as anthocyanin levels and the production of other beneficial secondary metabolites. This effect on crop quality should be carefully considered and requires further study.

The Effect of Spraying with Plant Extracts on Some Growth Characteristics and Active Ingredients of Basil Plant

The Effect of Spraying with Plant Extracts on Some Growth Characteristics and Active Ingredients of Basil Plant

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Extraction Temperatures on the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Ocimum basilicum (Basil) Plant

The eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract at varying extraction temperatures (40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C) was investigated to determine the optimal conditions for nanoparticle formation. Analysis methods such UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and TransmissionElectron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the crystalline, spherical nature of AgNPs and identified phytochemicals acting as capping and reducing agents. Notably, the extraction temperature was found to influence both the DPPH radical scavenging activity and the structural properties of AgNPs. According to TEM analysis results, it was observed that high extraction temperatures increased the nanoparticle formation efficiency but created a wide size distribution. The crystallite sizes, calculated using the Scherrer equation, for AgNPs synthesized at different extraction temperatures, were determined to be 12.45 nm, 18.77 nm, 17.76 nm, and 16.03 nm, respectively. The hydrodynamic sizes of the AgNPs were found to range between 158.1 and 333.7 nm. The study highlights the critical role of extraction temperature in the synthesis process, suggesting 40°C as the optimal temperature for achieving efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs with enhanced biological activities.

Effect of Essential Oils and Dried Herbs on the Shelf Life of Fresh Goat Lump Cheese.

In recent years, the use of natural preservatives in food products has gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits and effectiveness. A standardized microbiological analysis was conducted on Slovak farm-produced lump goat cheese samples to determine the antibacterial activity of dry herbs and essential oils added to vacuum-packed goat cheese. We employed five dried herbs and five essential oils derived from the same plants. The microbiological quality of 145 fresh and vacuum-packed goat cheese samples was assessed. The number of coliform bacteria, total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, and microscopic filamentous fungi were examined in raw cheese samples stored for 12 days at 4 °C. All cheese samples were vacuum-packed (control samples were packed without vacuum). This study evaluated the potential benefits of using essential oils and dried herbs from thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus Thunb.), mint (Mentha × piperita L.), and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as preservatives. The essential oils were obtained from Hanus Ltd., Nitra, Slovakia, and were applied at a concentration of 2%. The dried herbs were obtained from Popradský čaj (Poprad, Slovakia) and Mäspoma Ltd. (Zvolen, Slovakia). The results showed that all microorganism groups were significantly reduced in cheese samples following the application of essential oils throughout the entire storage period. During the preservation of cheese samples in polyethylene bags used for vacuum packing food, Lactococcus garvieae, L. lactis, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia liquefaciens were the most frequently isolated microbiota. Essential oils and dried herbs demonstrated antimicrobial potential during the storage of vacuum-packed goat cheese.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Anthelminthic Activities of Traditionally used Ocimum basilicum L., and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Extract Loaded Emulsion

The demand for cosmeceuticals is rapidly expanding. Various phytoconstituents are identified from Ocimum basilicum and O. tenuiflorum and have several pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to formulate a novel alternative herbal formulation for topical administration with natural antioxidant properties for the treatment of inflammatory conditions with the destructive capacity of parasitic worms. The egg albumin denaturation technique was used to evaluate the test formulations’ and the standard’s in-vitro anti-inflammatory properties, and the hydrogen peroxide assay was used to measure the extracts’ antioxidant properties. Eudrilus eugeniae was the target of the investigation into in-vitro anthelmintic action. The pH of the cream was 6.8 (average), it was easily spreadable and washable, no gritty particles were found and the dye test confirmed that it was an o/w type of cream. The egg albumin denaturation technique was utilized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties. The results cleared those herbal formulations (F1 and F2) and protein denaturation was decreased by diclofenac sodium (Standard) in a dose-dependent manner. Test samples exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activities than the standard with their percentage inhibitions being 41.5 ± 0.5 (F2), 39.1 ± 0.4 mg/mL (F1), and 37.3 ± 0.3 mg/mL (F-Standard), respectively. Antioxidants are compounds that either completely stop or significantly reduce the harm that free unstable radicals. F2 showed a higher concentration-dependent anthelmintic activity than F1 and standard albendazole. Increasing the concentration decreases the paralysis and death time of earthworms. Finally concluded that F2 indicates higher anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic activities than others with high natural antioxidant power.

The Evaluation of Toxicity Effects of Synthetic Volatile Compounds and Essential Oils on Callosbruchus maculatus L. and its Biology

The biology studies and contact toxicity of synthetic volatile compounds, namely Propionic acid and Benzaldehyde, and essential oils namely, Ocimum basilicum and Mentha piperita, and their different possible combinations evaluated against Callosobruchus maculatus and were carried out at the Department of Entomology, Annamalai University to develop an economically viable and effective alternative to chemical insecticides to manage the stored product insect pests. In the biology study, the egg period was 5±0.07 days. The larval and pupal period together was 21.24±0.67. The total development period recorded from the day of oviposition to adult emergence was 35.03±0.35 days. The maximum contact toxicity was observed in Propionic acid + Benzaldehyde with 8.73 µl LC50. Therefore, in addition to being incorporated into the storage pest management to prevent the development of resistance, combinations of essential oils and synthetic volatiles, such as propionic acid and benzaldehyde, could be used as an alternative to the chemical fumigants that are mostly used to control pests of stored products.

Eugenol transport and biosynthesis through grafting in aromatic plants of the Ocimum genus.

Aromatic compounds play essential roles in plant physiology and various industries because of their unique fragrances and beneficial properties. In this study, we investigated the transport and biosynthesis of eugenol, a prominent aromatic compound, within the Ocimum genus, using grafting experiments. Grafting sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) scions onto diverse rootstocks, including tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris), revealed that eugenol is transported from the shoot to the root across distinct plant species. Furthermore, grafting within the Ocimum genus, which includes O. basilicum, O. tenuiflorum, and O. americanum, resulted in variations in eugenol transport and accumulation. The eugenol content in the shoots remained constant across all combinations, whereas the root eugenol levels varied depending on the scion-rootstock pair. To elucidate the biosynthetic capabilities of eugenol in Ocimum roots, we performed in vitro enzyme assays using crude protein extracts from roots, which revealed that eugenol can be synthesized in roots in addition to being transported. Expression analysis of eugenol synthase (EGSs) genes showed that EGS4 expression was influenced by grafting in O. basilicum roots, suggesting compensation by other EGSs. Our results suggest that eugenol transport and biosynthesis are multifaceted processes influenced by the interactions between different species and tissues. The potential to engineer eugenol levels in rootstocks lacking biosynthetic capacity has potential applications in agriculture and industry. This study reveals the dynamic interplay between eugenol transport and biosynthesis in the Ocimum genus, providing insights into the manipulation of aromatic compound production in plants.

Anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like potential of the essential oil from the Ocimum basilicum Linn leaves and its major constituent estragole on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The Ocimum species present active compounds with the potential to develop drugs for treating chronic disease conditions, such as anxiety and seizures. The present study aims to investigate the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like effect of the essential oil from O. basilicum Linn (OEFOb) leaves and its major constituent estragole (ES) in vivo on adult zebrafish (aZF) and in silico. The aZF were treated with OEFOb or ES or vehicle and submitted to the tests of toxicity, open-field, anxiety, and convulsion and validated the interactions of the estragole on the involvement of GABAergic and serotonergic receptors by molecular docking assay. The results showed that the oral administration of OEFOb and ES did not have a toxic effect on the aZF and showed anxiolytic-like effects with the involvement of GABAA, 5-HT1, 5-HT2A/2C and 5-HT3A/3B as well on anxiety induced by alcohol withdrawal. The OEFOb and ES showed anticonvulsant potential attenuating the seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) by modulation of the GABAA system. Both anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects were corroborated by the potential of the interaction of ES by in silico assay. These study samples demonstrate the pharmacological evidence and potential for using these compounds to develop new anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs.

Engineering characteristics of ultra-high performance concrete containing basil plant ash

One of the most present types of concrete in buildings is ultra-high-performance concrete. In contrast, large quantities of cement are consumed to achieve the required strength. To minimize the quantity of cement utilized in manufacturing ultra-high-performance concrete, this research aims to look at the usage of a unique agricultural waste as an alternative to cement. This study focuses on using agricultural waste as a partial cement alternative to reduce the amount of cement used in the production of ultra-high-performance concrete. This study employed basil plant ash as a partial substitution for ordinary Portland cement at 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 % by mass. basil plant ash was heat-treated at temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C, 900 °C. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and sorptivity coefficient of ultra-high-performance concrete were investigated using 21 different mixes. In addition, microstructure characteristics as assessed using X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that treating basil plant ash at 700 °C contributed to achieving the best mechanical properties when it was utilized as a partial substitution for 20 % of the weight of ordinary Portland cement. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were enhanced by 15.07 % and 20.39 %, respectively, compared with the control mix at 28 days. The thermo-gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analyses are consistent with the obtained mechanical and durability characteristics. The outcomes of this investigation help shed light on the use of basil plant ash as a partial substitution at a level of 20 % of the weight of cement to produce ultra-high-performance concrete with high performance and lower cost.

TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER BY USING ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNIQUE

The textile industry is one of the major industries and work as the backbone of economy of Pakistan. It employs thousands of people without any education. It plays important role in the economy of every country around the world. The textile industry has high importance when it comes to the environment because it consumes many environmental resources such as water. Also, it produces a large amount of wastewater which is then discharged into the environment and causes environmental pollution. In this study, Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil seeds) and Tamarindus indica seeds have been evaluated as an active natural coagulant for the removal of pollutants from textile wastewater. The change in pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Electrical conductivity, TDS, COD, and heavy metals/pollutants were analyzed. Also, the dye concentration was found to be the most important parameter affecting color removal. Pollutant removal efficiency was obtained by using a low number of coagulants. The mucilage of O. basilicum and the powder of T. indica seeds were found to be highly effective in treating textile wastewater as a sole coagulant. The results show that these coagulants help to reduce heavy metals from 0.16 ppm to 0.02 ppm. Utilization of these natural coagulants was found to be suitable, easier, cost-effective, and environment friendly for textile waste water treatment.

Light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency of two greenhouse basil (ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars under deficit irrigation

ABSTRACT This two-year experiment with different planting seasons (April 2018 and August 2021) aimed to determine the effect of deficit irrigation (DI) levels (DI0: 100%, DI30: 70%, and DI60: 40% field capacity) on light interception, light extinction coefficient (k), dry biomass and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of two basil cultivars (Green and Purple). The greenhouse experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The results showed that the k values ranged from 0.57 to 0.68 and 0.31 to 0.43 in April and August planting, respectively. The cumulative solar radiation interception, dry biomass, and RUE depended on DI levels, harvest numbers, and seasons. In two study years, dry biomass decreased and RUE increased with the reduction in irrigation water at all harvests and their total. Compared to DI0, basil dry biomass did not show a considerable decrease under DI30 in three harvests in April planting and in the first and second harvests in August planting. April planting had the higher cumulative solar radiation interception in the first and third harvest than the August planting. The basil dry biomass and RUE in the April planting were higher than those in the August planting at all three harvests and their total.

Biochar-based nanoparticles mitigated arsenic toxicity and improved physiological performance of basil via enhancing cation exchange capacity and ferric chelate reductase activity

The modified biochars have positive effects in reducing heavy metal toxicity for plants. However, the mechanism and extent of these effects on mitigating arsenic toxicity and plant performance are not clear. Thus, a pot experiment was conducted as factorial to evaluate the potential of fresh and enriched biochars with potassium and magnesium nano-sulfates [potassium-enriched biochar (K-BC), magnesium-enriched biochar (Mg-BC) in individual and combined forms] on reducing arsenic toxicity (non-contamination, 50, and 100 mg NaAsO2 kg−1 soil) in basil plants. Biochar-related treatments reduced plant arsenic absorption rate (up to 24%), arsenic content of root (up to 38%) and shoot (up to 21%) and root tonoplast H+-ATPase activity (up to 30%). The fresh and particularly enriched biochars improved soil properties (pH, CEC, and available iron content), ferric chelate reductase activity, iron, potassium and magnesium contents of plant tissues, chlorophyll content index, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, relative electron transport rate, leaf area, and basil growth (shoot and root dry weight). These results revealed that enriched biochars are useful soil amendments for improving physiological performance of plants via reducing heavy metal toxicity and enhancing cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability and ferric chelate reductase activity. Therefore, soil amendment by enriched biochars could be a sustainable solution for enhancing plant productivity in contaminated soils via mitigating environmental impacts. This is an environmentally friendly method for using the natural wastes to overcome the adverse effects of soil pollutants on medicinal plants.

PFOA accumulation in the leaves of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its effects on plant growth, oxidative status, and photosynthetic performance

BackgroundPerfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern due to their presence in the environment, with potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. These substances are considered “forever chemicals” due to their recalcitrance to degradation, and their accumulation in living organisms can lead to varying levels of toxicity based on the compound and species analysed. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the possible transfer of PFASs to humans through the consumption of edible parts of food plants. In this regard, to evaluate the potential toxic effects and the accumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in edible plants, a pot experiment in greenhouse using three-week-old basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants was performed adding PFOA to growth substrate to reach 0.1, 1, and 10 mg Kg− 1 dw.ResultsAfter three weeks of cultivation, plants grown in PFOA-added substrate accumulated PFOA at different levels, but did not display significant differences from the control group in terms of biomass production, lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS), content of α-tocopherol and activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (POX) in the leaves. A reduction of total phenolic content (TPC) was instead observed in relation to the increase of PFOA content in the substrate. Furthermore, chlorophyll content and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) did not change in plants exposed to PFAS in comparison to control ones. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis revealed an initial, rapid photoprotective mechanism triggered by PFOA exposure, with no impact on other parameters (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII and qP). Higher activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in plants treated with 1 and 10 mg Kg− 1 PFOA dw (30 and 50% to control, respectively) paralleled the accumulation of PFOA in the leaves of plants exposed to different PFOA concentration in the substrate (51.8 and 413.9 ng g− 1 dw, respectively).ConclusionDespite of the absorption and accumulation of discrete amount of PFOA in the basil plants, the analysed parameters at biometric, physiological and biochemical level in the leaves did not reveal any damage effect, possibly due to the activation of a detoxification pathway likely involving GST.

Sweet basil cultivars resistant to downy mildew evaluated under open field conditions

Sweet basil is the most widely grown herb in the U.S. Downy mildew is the most common disease. Management is necessary because there is no tolerance for disease symptoms on leaves marketed for fresh consumption. Host resistance is a preferred management practice. Research was initiated to evaluate cultivars bred to be resistant to downy mildew when they started to become commercialized. Five replicated experiments were conducted between 2018 and 2022 with field-grown basil exposed to naturally-occurring wind-dispersed sporangiospores of Peronospora belbahrii. Eleonora, which is one of the first resistant cultivars commercialized, exhibited limited suppression in this study (26 and 34% control based on AUDPC for incidence of leaves with symptoms compared to a susceptible cultivar). Amazel, the related cultivar Pesto Besto, and Prospera plus related cultivars from Genesis Seeds provided excellent to complete suppression (usually 100%). They have resistance gene Pb1. The four Rutgers DMR cultivars (Devotion, Obsession, Passion, and Thunderstruck) provided good to excellent control with some yearly variation (46–99% control). The recommended management program for downy mildew in field-grown sweet basil in an integrated management program with fungicides applied to resistant cultivar(s), plus weekly checking the crop for symptoms as well as staying current on knowledge about changes in the pathogen, commercialization of new resistant cultivars, and registration of new fungicides.

A biogenic hydrogel to recover Au(III) from electronic waste

In the course of this investigation, we undertook the contemplation of a green chemistry paradigm with the express intent of procuring valuable metal, namely gold, from electronic waste (e-waste). In pursuit of this overarching objective, we conceived a procedural framework consisting of two pivotal stages. As an initial stage, we introduced a physical separation procedure relying on the utilization of the Eddy current separator, prior to embarking on the process of leaching from e-waste. Subsequent to the partitioning of metals from the non-metal constituents of waste printed circuit boards (PCB), we initiated an investigation into the hydrogel derived from basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum L.), utilizing it as a biogenic sorbent medium. The thorough characterization of hydrogel extracted from basil seeds involved the application of an array of analytical techniques, encompassing FTIR, XRD, SEM, and BET. The batch sorption experiments show more than 90% uptake in the pH range of 2–5. The sorption capacity of the hydrogel material was evaluated as 188.44 mg g−1 from the Langmuir Isotherm model. The potential interference stemming from a spectrum of other ions, encompassing Al, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Pb was systematically examined. Notably, the sole instance of interference in the context of adsorption of gold ions was observed to be associated with the presence of lead. The application of the hydrogel demonstrated a commendable efficiency in the recovery of Au(III) from the leached solution derived from the waste PCB.