Biostimulatory Effect Research Articles

Efficacy of Subdermal Poly-d,l-Lactic Acid Injections for the Treatment of Melasma.

Melasma is a chronic, recurrent skin disorder with limited long-term treatment success using conventional therapies like hydroquinone and laser treatments, which primarily target epidermal components while leaving dermal aspects untreated. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of poly-d,l lactic acid (PDLLA) subdermal injections for treating moderate melasma. Three female patients (age range: 45-59 years) with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV received three PDLLA injection sessions at 3-week intervals. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and patient satisfaction scores at 12-week follow-up. All patients showed significant MASI score improvements (reduction range: 3.60-6.30 points). Patient satisfaction ratings ranged from 3 to 4 out of 4. Temporary side effects included mild edema and bruising, resolving within 72 h. PDLLA subdermal injections showed promising results in melasma treatment, potentially due to its biostimulatory effects on collagen production and dermal remodeling. Further research, including histopathological analysis, is needed to confirm long-term efficacy and safety, and understand underlying mechanisms.

Chrysin alleviates salt stress in tomato by physiological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms

Soil salinity greatly reduces agricultural productivity, especially in dry and semi-arid regions, by interfering with physiological and biochemical processes. This research aimed to determine whether Chrysin (Chr) can mitigate the negative effects of salinity on growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. Experiments were conducted in a semi-controlled greenhouse, with plants subjected to varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (0 and 100 mM) and Chr (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM). Results revealed that salinity stress significantly reduced plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content while increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and proline levels, indicating oxidative stress. Chr application alleviated these detrimental effects by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), thereby reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Additionally, Chr treatments improved plant water status and mineral content under salt stress. Gene expression analysis showed that Chr positively regulated the transcription of salt tolerance-related genes, including HKT1-1, HKT1-2, and PIP1-2, which are associated with sodium ion transport and water balance. These findings suggest that Chr can be an effective biostimulant for enhancing salt tolerance in tomato plants by modulating physiological, biochemical, and genetic mechanisms. This study provides insights into Chr's potential as a sustainable solution for improving crop resilience to salinity in agricultural practices. Further research is recommended to optimize Chr concentrations for maximum efficacy.

The Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser in Improving Motor Deficits in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation.

High-Intensity Laser (HIL) therapy, known for its biostimulatory effects on nerve cell growth and repair, shows promise for improving motor deficits caused by morphopathological changes. This research study aimed to comprehensively assess muscle strength changes through muscle testing, complemented by functional tests evaluating factors contributing to disability in patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH) and associated motor impairment, following a complex rehabilitation protocol incorporating HIL therapy. A total of 133 individuals with LDH and motor deficits were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 66) received HIL therapy followed by standard rehabilitation, while Group 2 (n = 67) underwent only the standard rehabilitation program. Functional parameters, including muscle strength, the ability to walk on tiptoes or heels, and self-assessed fall risk, were monitored. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all monitored parameters. A comparative analysis revealed a significant result for the HIL therapy regimen across all indicators. The group undergoing a rehabilitation program with integrated HIL therapy displayed significantly greater improvement in motor deficits, affirming the positive impact of HIL therapy on functional parameters among LDH patients.

EFFECT OF CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON THE GROWTH AND BULB YIELD OF ORIENTAL LILY ‘MONA LISA’

The potential of biodegradable and environmentally friendly substances that exhibit biostimulatory effects on plant growth and yield is now being exploited in horticultural production. This study evaluated the effect of chitosan on the growth, flowering, and yield of bulb of oriental lily ‘Mona Lisa’. Three types of chitosan differing in molecular weight (MW) were used: commercial chitosan (CCh, MW = 50,000–190,000 g/mol) and two forms of depolymerised chitosan (DCh 48, with a MW of ~48,000 g/mol, and DCh 154, with a MW of ~154,500 g/mol). The plants were watered twice with an aqueous solution of chitosan at a concentration of 2 g/l, with 100 ml of solution per pot. The control was plants watered with distilled water. Chitosan had a biostimulatory effect on the growth of lily plants. CCh increased the relative chlorophyll content of leaves (+11.3%), the fresh bulb weight (+11.0%), the bulb diameter (+12.3%) and the number of bulblets (+44.9%) compared with the control plants. DCh 154 significantly increased the fresh aboveground weight of plants (+31.3%), the fresh weight of leaves (+29.0%) and their number (+16.8%), the fresh weight of bulb (+12.3%) and their diameter (+11.0%), and the fresh weight of bulblet (+21.9%). DCh 48 increased the bulb diameter (+12.1%) and the number of bulblets (+45.4%), but decreased the length (-8.6%) and width of tepals (-6.8%) of the lily flowers. Finally, DCh 154 was the most effective in lily production. Using depolymerised chitosan as a biostimulant may contribute to developing new methods to produce high-quality lily plants.

Transcriptional reprogramming of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) roots treated with humic acids and filter sterilized compost tea

BackgroundTo counteract soil degradation, it is important to convert conventional agricultural practices to environmentally sustainable management practices. To this end, the application of biostimulants could be considered a good strategy. Compost, produced by the composting of biodegradable organic compounds, is a source of natural biostimulants, such as humic acids, which are naturally occurring organic compounds that arise from the decomposition and transformation of organic residues, and compost tea, a compost-derived liquid formulated produced by compost water-phase extraction. This study aimed to determine the molecular responses of the roots of tomato plants (cv. Crovarese) grown under hydroponic conditions and subjected to biostimulation with humic substances (HSs) and filtered sterile compost tea (SCT).ResultsThe 13C CPMAS NMR of humic acids (HA) and SCT revealed strong O-alkyl-C signals, indicating a high content of polysaccharides.Thermochemolysis identified over 100 molecules, predominantly from lignin, fatty acids, and biopolymers. RNA-Seq analysis of tomato roots treated with HA or SCT revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with distinct patterns of transcriptional reprogramming.Notably, HA treatment affected carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolism, particularly phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, while SCT had a broader impact on hormone and redox metabolism. Both biostimulants induced significant gene expression changes within 24 h, including a reduction in cell wall degradation activity and an increase in the expression of hemicellulose synthesis genes, suggesting that the treatments prompted proactive cell wall development.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that HS and SCT can mitigate stress by activating specific molecular mechanisms and modifying root metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in cell wall synthesis. However, gene regulation in response to these treatments is complex and influenced by various factors. These findings highlight the biostimulatory effects of HS and SCT, suggesting their potential application in crop biofertilization and the development of innovative breeding strategies to maximize the benefits of humic substances for crops. Further research is needed to fully elucidate these mechanisms across various contexts and plant species.

The use of mineral dynamised high dilutions for natural plant biostimulation; effects on plant growth, crop production, fruit quality, pest and disease incidence in agroecological strawberry cultivation

ABSTRACT Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are one of the most important fruit crops worldwide. Most of the strawberries that are produced today rely on the use of pesticides and fungicides, leading the crop to be listed as one of the most contaminated by contentious inputs. Plant biostimulants are used as a plant health strategy focused on stimulating plant growth and development with a low residual impact. The objective of this study was to assess the plant biostimulation effects of strawberry plants treated with mineral dynamised high dilutions (DHDs): Sulphur 12CH, Phosphorus 12CH, Kali carbonicun 12CH, Calcarea carbonica 12CH, Silicea terra 12CH, Natrum muriaticum 12CH and Mercurius solubilis 12 CH, distilled water 12CH and distilled water (control). The experiment was undertaken under greenhouse conditions at the University of Santa Catarina State (UDESC), in Lages, Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil in 2019 and was repeated in 2021 at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), in Curitibanos, SC. The experiment used a randomised block design, following double-blind treatment application. Data were analysed by ANOVA and when significant (p ≤ 0.05) by Dunnett’s test. The results showed that plants treated with DHDs of Sulphur 12CH, Phosphorus 12CH and Kali carbonicum 12CH increased plant growth and crop yield and were less affected by leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella fragariae). Plants treated with Silicea terra 12CH, or with Calcarea carbonica 12CH showed increased development of the root system. The results obtained suggested that mineral DHDs could be used as plant biostimulants to support agroecological strawberry production.

The biostimulatory effect of humic‐based soil amendment on plant growth, root nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

AbstractIntroductionPea is one of the most important pulse legumes globally due to its high protein, which is due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) should be optimized to maximize nitrogen fixation and achieve higher yields with more grain protein. The use of humic‐based soil amendments in crop production has garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their biostimulatory effect in improving plant growth, yield, nutritional quality and soil health. This study examines the impact of a humic‐based soil amendment (Humalite) on root nodulation, SNF, plant growth, yield and grain protein of pea.Materials and MethodsChemical characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Pea plants inoculated with Rhizobia were grown in pots under greenhouse conditions with five different Humalite rates (0, 200, 400, 800 and 1600 kg ha−1). SNF capacity was assessed using the 15N‐isotope dilution method.ResultsFTIR analysis revealed the abundant presence of hydroxyl (‐OH) and carboxyl (‐CO) functional groups in Humalite. Plants treated with Humalite displayed augmented root traits [root length (21%–50%), root surface area (24%–51%), volume (26%–53%), average nodule weight (11%–91%)], plant biomass [shoots (13%–29%) and roots (29%–54%)], shoot nitrogen concentration (12%–33%), shoot total nitrogen content (38%–53%), percentage nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (8%–14%) and total shoot nitrogen fixed (48%–80%) compared to the control plants at the flowering stage. Furthermore, at seed maturity stage, plants treated with Humalite at 400 and 1600 kg ha−1 exhibited a significant increase in plant biomass (4%–14%), number of seeds (8%–16%), seed weight (3%–11%), seed nitrogen content (8%–20%) and total seed nitrogen fixed (7%–22%) compared to the control plants.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that humic‐based soil amendment can effectively enhance plant growth, root nodulation, SNF and seed yield, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Modulation of Phytochemical Pathways and Antioxidant Activity in Peppermint by Salicylic Acid and GR24: A Molecular Approach.

This study uncovers the potential of salicylic acid (SA) and synthetic Strigolactone (GR24) in enhancing menthol biosynthesis and antioxidant defense mechanisms in Mentha piperita L. Our comprehensive analysis, which included a series of controlled experiments and data analysis of the effects of these phytohormones on enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including carotenoids and proline, revealed promising results. The study also examined their impact on lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide levels, and the expression of genes critical to menthol and menthofuran synthesis. The results indicated that SA and GR24 significantly increased menthol production and reduced the levels of menthofuran and pulegone, suggesting upregulation in the plant's innate defense systems. Furthermore, the activities of CAT and APX were elevated, reflecting a strengthened antioxidant response. Interestingly, the menthofuran synthase (MFS) was higher in the control group. At the same time, pulegone reductase (PR) genes and menthol dehydrogenase (MDH) gene expression were upregulated, highlighting the protective effects of SA and GR24. These findings underscore the potential of SA and GR24 to serve as effective bio-stimulants, improving the quality and resilience of peppermint plants and thereby contributing to eco-friendly agricultural practices in pollution-stressed environments.

Biostimulation effect on Crithmum maritimum L. root development in controlled environment

Biostimulation effect on Crithmum maritimum L. root development in controlled environment

Effects of Low-intensity Ultrasound on Root Resorptions Induced by a System of Associated Forces

Introduction The bio-stimulatory effects of low-intensity ultrasound on dental tissues which were clinically introduced in 2004 demonstrated a reduction in root resorption in maxillary premolars subjected to a force level of 50 g. Similar results by applying a torque of 50 g to the maxillary premolars were obtained in 2016; however, the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the presence of high-intensity forces are not yet known. Aim The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of LIPUS on a sample of 40 patients. Methods The analysis was conducted by applying two forces to teeth no. 14 and 24, each with an intensity greater than 50 g, and applied at two different points on the coronal surface. Subsequently, LIPUS was applied daily for 20 minutes to tooth no. 14, while tooth no. 24 served as a control. The study lasted for 28 days. Results Overall, the group treated with LIPUS demonstrated an improvement in the average total volume and percentage of root resorption compared to the control group. The same results emerged for the diameter, depth, and surface of the gaps of resorption. Conclusion This study showed that it was possible to reduce root resorption in the presence of forces with intensities greater than 50 g. Nevertheless, a longer period of study will make it possible to obtain more rational results as to the effectiveness of low-intensity ultrasound on root resorption induced by orthodontic treatment.

Biostimulation of humic acids on Lepidium sativum L. regulated by their content of stable phenolic O⋅ radicals

BackgroundHumic acid affects plant growth. Its source and structure may play a central role to its functionality. The relationship between humic acid and plant bioactivity is still unclear. This study investigated the biostimulation effects of two natural humic acids derived from soil (SHA) and lignite (LHA) on Lepidium sativum in comparison to a synthetic humic acid model (HALP) with known structure.ResultsAll humic acids positively affected cress seed germination and root elongation. Greater root hairs density and dry matter, compared to control, were observed using concentration of 5 mg L−1 for HALP, 50 mg L−1 for LHA, and 100 mg L−1 for SHA. The germination index was the largest (698% more effective than control) with 50 mg L−1 of SHA, while it was 528% for LHA, and 493% for HALP at 5 mg L−1. SHA contained the lowest aromatic and phenolic C content, the largest pK2 value of 9.0 (7.7 for LHA and 7.6 for HALP), the least ratio between the aromaticity index and lignin ratio (ARM/LigR) of 0.15 (0.66 for LHA and 129.92 for HALP), and at pH 6.3 the lowest amount of free radicals with a value of 0.567 × 1017 spin g−1 (1.670 × 1017 and 1.780 × 1017 spin g−1 for LHA and HALP, respectively), with the greatest g value of 2.0039 (2.0035 for LHA and 2.0037 for HALP).ConclusionsThe overall chemical structure of humic acids exerted a biostimulation of cress plantlets. The level of the intrinsic stable free radicals identified by EPR in the humic acids resulted well correlated to the ARM/LigR ratio calculated by NMR. Our results suggested that HA biostimulation effect is related to its applied concentration, which is limited by its free radical content. The modulation of the humic supramolecular structure by ROS and organic acids in root exudates can determine the release of bioactive humic molecules. When the content of the intrinsic humic free radicals is high, possible molecular coupling of the bioactive humic molecules may hinder their biostimulation activity. In such cases, a low humic acid concentration appears to be required to achieve the optimum biostimulation effects.Graphical

Cultivating Pharmaceutical Potential: Optimising Triacontanol Application to Enhance Linseed’s Attributes under Drought Stress

Background: Triacontanol (TRIA) has been identified as a potent plant growth regulator, demonstrating significant benefits under various stress conditions. However, its specific impact on Linum usitatissimum L. (flax) under drought stress conditions remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of TRIA on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of two flax genotypes subjected to drought stress, aiming to enhance our understanding of its potential as a biostimulant for improving crop resilience and productivity. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of TRIA on the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of two flax genotypes under drought stress conditions. We aimed to determine whether TRIA application could mitigate the adverse effects of drought and enhance plant performance. Methods: This study was conducted using two flax genotypes, G-20888 and G-22186. Plants were grown under controlled conditions and subjected to drought stress by maintaining soil moisture at 50% field capacity. TRIA was applied in three concentrations: 0 M (control), 10^-6 M, and 10^-7 M. A completely randomized design was used with three replications for each treatment. Plant growth parameters, including root length, shoot length, plant height, and shoot fresh weight, were measured. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), and electrolyte leakage were assessed. Biochemical analyses included the estimation of antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: TRIA application significantly improved root length, shoot length, plant height, and shoot fresh weight in both flax genotypes under drought stress. For genotype G-20888, root length increased from 5.1 cm (control) to 6.8 cm (TRIA 10^-7 M). Shoot length showed a similar trend, with increases from 8.3 cm (control) to 10.1 cm (TRIA 10^-7 M). In G-22186, plant height increased from 70 cm (control) to 82 cm (TRIA 10^-7 M). Chlorophyll content increased by 15%, and RWC by 18% in TRIA-treated plants compared to controls. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also enhanced, with catalase activity increasing by 25% and peroxidase by 30%. Conclusion: TRIA application significantly mitigated the adverse effects of drought stress on flax genotypes by enhancing growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters. The findings suggest that TRIA could be an effective biostimulant for improving drought tolerance in flax, potentially leading to better crop resilience and productivity.

Biostimulatory effects of ascorbic acid in improving plant growth, photosynthesis-related parameters and mitigating oxidative damage in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under salt stress condition

Biostimulatory effects of ascorbic acid in improving plant growth, photosynthesis-related parameters and mitigating oxidative damage in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under salt stress condition

Bio-stimulating effect of endophytic Aspergillus flavus AUMC 16068 and its respective ex-polysaccharides in lead stress tolerance of Triticum aestivum plant

Heavy metal accumulation is one of the major agronomic challenges that has seriously threatened food safety. As a result, metal-induced phytotoxicity concerns require quick and urgent action to retain and maintain the physiological activities of microorganisms, the nitrogen pool of soils, and the continuous yields of wheat in a constantly worsening environment. The current study was conducted to evaluate the plant growth-promoting endophytic Aspergillus flavus AUMC 16,068 and its EPS for improvement of plant growth, phytoremediation capacity, and physiological consequences on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) under lead stress. After 60 days of planting, the heading stage of wheat plants, data on growth metrics, physiological properties, minerals content, and lead content in wheat root, shoot, and grains were recorded. Results evoked that lead pollution reduced wheat plants’ physiological traits as well as growth at all lead stress concentrations; however, inoculation with lead tolerant endophytic A. flavus AUMC 16,068 and its respective EPS alleviated the detrimental impact of lead on the plants and promoted the growth and physiological characteristics of wheat in lead-contaminated conditions and also lowering oxidative stress through decreasing (CAT, POD, and MDA), in contrast to plants growing in the un-inoculated lead polluted dealings. In conclusion, endophytic A. flavus AUMC 16,068 spores and its EPS are regarded as eco-friendly, safe, and powerful inducers of wheat plants versus contamination with heavy metals, with a view of protecting plant, soil, and human health.

Dual Functionalization of Hyaluronan Dermal Fillers with Vitamin B3: Efficient Combination of Bio-Stimulation Properties with Hydrogel System Resilience Enhancement.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels are commonly used for facial dermal filling and for alternative medical aesthetic purposes. High diversity exists in commercial formulations, notably for the optimization of finished product stability, functionality, and performance. Polyvalent ingredients such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) or vitamin B3 (niacinamide) are notably used as bio-stimulants to improve skin quality attributes at the administration site. The aim of the present study was to perform multi-parametric characterization of two novel cross-linked dermal filler formulas (HAR-1 "Instant Refine" and HAR-3 "Maxi Lift") for elucidation of the various functional impacts of vitamin B3 incorporation. Therefore, the HAR products were firstly comparatively characterized in terms of in vitro rheology, cohesivity, injectability, and resistance to chemical or enzymatic degradation (exposition to H2O2, AAPH, hyaluronidases, or xanthine oxidase). Then, the HAR products were assessed for cytocompatibility and in vitro bio-stimulation attributes in a primary dermal fibroblast model. The results showed enhanced resilience of the cohesive HAR hydrogels as compared to JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA® and VOLUMA® reference products in a controlled degradation assay panel. Furthermore, significant induction of total collagen synthesis in primary dermal fibroblast cultures was recorded for HAR-1 and HAR-3, denoting intrinsic bio-stimulatory effects comparable or superior to those of the Radiesse® and Sculptra™ reference products. Original results of high translational relevance were generated herein using robust and orthogonal experimental methodologies (hydrogel degradation, functional benchmarking) and study designs. Overall, the reported results confirmed the dual functionalization role of vitamin B3 in cross-linked HA dermal fillers, with a significant enhancement of hydrogel system stability attributes and the deployment of potent bio-stimulatory capacities.

Preharvest calcium application boosts the biostimulatory effect of protein hydrolysate by improving the postharvest life of gerbera cut flower

Among the various categories of plant biostimulants currently available on the market, protein hydrolysates, primarily composed of a heterogeneous mixture of peptides and amino acids, have gradually gained prominence. Nevertheless, the positive effects of these products on the production and longevity of cut flowers are still not well-explored. The purpose of this research was thus to fill this gap by assessing the impacts of a plant-derived protein hydrolysate, with and without the addition of calcium (PH and PH+Ca), on the growth, quality, and vaselife of two cultivars of gerbera with different pigmentation (Brunello and Tommy, red and yellow, respectively). Regardless of cultivar, foliar application of PH improved growth, flower production, absorption of key nutrients, and photosynthetic performance, compared to the control. On the other hand, the PH+Ca treatment exhibited the best results during vaselife. For both cultivars, the application of PH+Ca increased the durability of gerbera flowers, reducing the weight loss by an average of 19 % on day 10 compared to untreated flowers. Although cultivar-dependent, the positive effects of the PH+Ca biostimulant were also observed on petal pigmentation during vase life. For the Tommy cultivar, for instance, the Chroma values of treated flowers remained unchanged during the post-harvest period, unlike what was observed for untreated flowers. Therefore, considering the positive effects resulting from the use of PH and PH+Ca on gerbera, it would be interesting to further investigate the use of biostimulants in floriculture to increase the sustainability of the sector and especially with regard to cut flower production, without reducing or even improving the performance that is conventionally achieved.

Biostimulation potentials of spent milled maize and cowblood on a crude oil polluted soil

This study was carried out to investigate the biostimulation effect of the application of spent milled maize and cow blood to crude oil polluted soil. The treatment groups were; Control (0 L crude oil (CO) + 0 kg spent milled maize (SMM)), group 1 (1 L CO + 1 kg SMM + 1 L cow blood), group 2 (2 L CO + 2 kg SMM) and group 3 (5 L CO + 5 kg SMM). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design A total of four treatment combinations were applied and replicated 3 times giving a total of 48 plots.The physicochemical properties and bacterial load of the soil were determined before pollution, two weeks after pollution, four weeks and eight weeks after remediation. The results for physicochemical properties of soil indicates a decrease in total organic carbon and nitrogen while there was an increase in the levels of cation exchange capacity, phosphorus and electrical conductivity after crude oil pollution. The mean levels of total petroleum hydrocarbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon reduced after the pollution. The application of the spent milled maize and cow bloodwere observed to improve the physicochemical properties of soil. There was also an increased bacterial count for the treated groups compared to the control; the values ranged from 1.3 x 103cfu/g to 1.24 x 108cfu/g. The identified bacteria were Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Micrococcus, Proteus, Clostridium and Nocardia species.Generally, this study has revealed that spent milled maize and cow blood are effective in the restoration of crude oil polluted soil.

Removal of heavy metals from Industrial brownfields by Hydrolysate from waste chicken feathers in intention of circular Bioeconomy

Contamination of soils with heavy metals is a problem which has a significant negative impact not only on the environment but also on the presence and quantity of soil bacteria; the basis of healthy soil. Currently, new types of biodegradable chelating agents which could effectively wash heavy metals from soils and would replace the used EDTA-based agents are being sought and tested. However, it would be advantageous to use waste materials in accordance with the circular bioeconomy. Therefore, the hydrolysate prepared by the thermal pressure hydrolysis of waste chicken feather initiated by malic acid containing amino acids was tested as a new ecological and cheap chelating agent for the removal of heavy metals from industrial soil. The efficiency of the heavy metal extraction during twenty-four hours was at least the same and usually higher than the EDTA-based agents, especially for Cr, Ni and mainly for As, which could not be washed out by EDTA even with extended contact times of several days. Simultaneously, it was found that the hydrolysate revealed a significant biostimulating effect on soil bacteria, whose amount increased by several orders within five days. Simultaneously, the increased number of bacteria produced biosurfactants which significantly participated in the washing out of heavy metals, thereby increasing the efficiency of the hydrolysate.

Brown macro-seaweeds derived agro-biostimulant for Zea mays farming in saline conditions: Growth enhancement and optimum biochemical and ion feedback

Salinity negatively affects maize growth, a cereal crop and used as a vital source of food production. Seaweeds are macro-aquatic biocatalysts and might act as a promising biostimulant for conferring crop salinity resistance by providing essential nutrients and growth-promoting regulators. This study was designed for the first time to examine the effects of two commonly found seaweeds, Iyengaria stellata and Colpomenia sinuosa, on the growth of maize under 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl application. Plants treated with both salinities reduced plant growth, but the application of seaweed I. stellata and C. sinuosa significantly increased growth parameters, especially plant biomass (fresh and dry), length (root and shoot), and total plant height than other treatments. In addition, higher growth under seaweed amends was supported by improved chlorophyll, carbohydrates, carotenoids, and polyphenols as well as lower electrolyte leakages to escape from oxidative stress. Plants treated with both algal species enhanced Na+ and K+, which is important for osmotic balance and precise ion homeostasis and could be effective for optimum leaf metabolism for growth resilience of maize plants under saline-stress conditions. This study emphasizes the potential of C. sinuosa and I. stellata as effective biostimulants. They offer a sustainable approach to cultivating climate-resilient maize that can thrive in salt-affected environments.

Novel Potential of Rose Essential Oil as a Powerful Plant Defense Potentiator.

Terpenoids, natural compounds released by plants, function to enhance plant defense. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of terpenoid-enriched essential oils (EOs) on tomato plants. From the application of a highly diluted solution of 11 different EOs to potted tomato soil, our study showed that rose essential oil (REO), rich in β-citronellol, played a crucial role in activating defense genes in tomato leaves. As a result, leaf damage caused by herbivores, such as Spodoptera litura and Tetranychus urticae, was significantly reduced. In addition, our results were validated in field trials, providing evidence that REO is an effective biostimulant for enhancing plant defense against pests. Notably, the REO solution also had the added benefit of attracting herbivore predators, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis. Our findings suggest a practical approach to promote organic tomato production that encourages environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.