Ricinus Research Articles

Efficacy of Fusarium caatingaense and botanical extracts in controlling Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in the field

In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Fusarium caatingaense URM 6778 and URM 6779 alone and combined with aqueous extracts of Ricinus communis 5% and Nicotiana tabacum 10% against Dactylopius opuntiae in the field. The effectiveness of the extracts alone was also evaluated. The botanical extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening to identify biologically active chemical compounds. Total mortality data were corrected using the Schneider-Orelli formula. The results were submitted for analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% probability. The phytochemical screening of R. communis and N. tabacum showed that both extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoid glycosides, saponins, and tannins. According to the confirmed mortality, URM 6779 (61.67%) and URM 6778 + aqueous extract of R. communis at 5% (43.89%) were the best treatments for the control of D. opuntiae in the field. The aqueous extracts of N. tabacum at 10% and R. communis at 5% resulted in mortality rates of 75.14% and 65.32%, respectively, and are also options for controlling this insect. Despite promising results, for the applicability of such agents to be safe, investigations into their toxicity to non-target organisms and their permanence in the environment are necessary.

Variability, Correlation Patterns and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for Seed Yield and Contributing Traits in Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Variability, Correlation Patterns and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for Seed Yield and Contributing Traits in Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Screening and Stress Responsive Characteristics of Potential Hyperaccumulator of Pb, Zn, and Cd Compound Heavy Metals

To screen for Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal hyperaccumulator plants, a survey, sampling, and analysis of dominant plants in typical lead-zinc mines and smelter areas in Baoji City were conducted. Potential Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal hyperaccumulator plants were initially screened, and a pot experiment of soil cultivation was carried out to observe the response characteristics of chlorophyll （chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll）, antioxidant enzymes （SOD, CAT, and POD）, and other physiological indicators （MDA and proline） under the stress of Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metals. A field experiment was also conducted to further verify and determine their enrichment ability for Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metals, aiming to provide scientific basis and technical support for the remediation of Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal-polluted soil. The field survey revealed that Symphytum officinale L. met the international hyperaccumulator plant index requirements for the enrichment of Pb, Zn, and Cd, with enrichment quantity, bioconcentration factor （BCF）, and transfer factor （TF） all meeting the requirements. It was a potential hyperaccumulator plant for Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metals. The soil cultivation pot experiment showed that as the gradient of Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal stress increased, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll in S. officinale L. leaves gradually decreased, causing disruption to the plant's photosynthetic system when the gradient was greater than or equal to IV. The chlorophyll content in Ricinus communis L. leaves exhibited a "low-stimulation-high-inhibition" phenomenon, while excessive stress stimulated the activation of its own protective systems, leading to reduced toxicity. In addition, there were significant differences （P < 0.05） in the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and total chlorophyll between S. officinale L. and R. communis L. both compared to the control treatment and between stress gradients. The SOD activity in the leaves of S. officinale L. and R. communis L. showed a trend of increasing first, then decreasing, and then increasing. The CAT activity in the leaves of S. officinale L. exhibited a "low-stimulation-high-inhibition" effect, whereas the CAT activity in the leaves of R. communis L. showed a trend of continuous decrease. The POD activity in the leaves of S. officinale L. generally increased, whereas in the leaves of R. communis L., it increased first, then decreased, and then increased. The MDA content in the leaves of S. officinale L. generally decreased, whereas in the leaves of R. communis L., it exhibited an upward trend. In addition, whether compared to the control between stress gradients, there were significant differences （P < 0.05） in the SOD, CAT, POD, MDA, and proline content of S. officinale L. and R. communis L. The field experiment results indicated that S. officinale L. could meet the hyperaccumulator plant index requirements for the enrichment of Pb, Zn, and Cd, making it a potential germplasm resource for Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal hyperaccumulator plants. It can be an ideal choice for the remediation of Pb, Zn, and Cd composite heavy metal-polluted soil.

Understanding the effects of lithium exposure on castor bean (Ricinus communis) plants, a potential bioindicator of lithium-contaminated areas.

As lithium (Li) stands out as a crucial component of batteries, the inappropriate disposal of electronic gadgets might drive Li pollution in environmentally sensitive environments, such as dumps, where castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant communities are usually found. The exposure to high Li concentration is potentially harmful to the environment and humans. Therefore, it is opportune to evaluate the potential of bioindicator species to monitor Li contamination. In this scenario, the present study assessed the effects of Li exposure on the development of castor bean plants exposed to lithium chloride at five Li dosages (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30mgdm-3). Significant symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed at all doses. Li dosage exhibited increasing impairment effects on plant biometrics, such as stem diameter and the number of leaves, as well as on the SPAD index, nutritional balance, and biomass production. Our findings suggest castor bean as a potential model species for biomonitoring Li-contaminated areas.

Effect of cadmium toxicity on growth, physiochemical parameters and antioxidant system of castor seedlings

The research was aimed to determine the potential impact of cadmium contamination on Ricinus communis. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity in the root was highest when exposed to 0.2 mM of Cd, with an increase of 15.63 % and 14.48 % at 0 and 24 h, respectively, compared to its control. However, citrate synthase (CS) activity declined in leaves, in contrast, to root, i.e., 12.22 % at 48 h of Cd stress. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity was maximum in leaves at 0.2 mM of Cd at 0 and 24 h, i.e., 12.36 % and 13.08 % respectively, and later decreased in activity was seen in roots and leaves as the Cd stress increased. Moreover, the level of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) declined in leaves as the Cd level increased, while activity increased in roots at 0.4 mM of Cd i.e., 17.21 %, 17.52 %, and 10.53 % at 0, 24, and 48 h respectively. The important metabolite, glutathione level in the roots of SKP 84 was higher than in the leaf extract. A decline in biomass of up to 28.70 % and 30.91 % and plant length of up to 20.80 % and 26.10 % in shoot and roots, respectively, tolerance index was maximum at 0.2 mM, i.e., 98.62 % was seen. The leaves had 35.40 % catalase (CAT) activity, while the roots had 78.26 % guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity at 0.6 mM of Cd. At 0.2 mM of Cd, the maximum activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was observed, with 67.32 % and 62.85 % activity in roots and leaves respectively. However, a reduction in the SOD activity was seen as the Cd stress increased. Increased Cd levels decreased chlorophyll but increased MDA and proline content in leaves at 0.8 mM of Cd, i.e., 82.92 % and 21.7 %, respectively. It indicated that R. communis SKP 84, a fusarium wilt resistance line, is also tolerant to Cd and can be used for phytoremediation in Cd-contaminated areas.

Assessment of seed, biodiesel and oil yield of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) under differential phosphorus doses

Assessment of seed, biodiesel and oil yield of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) under differential phosphorus doses

Castor Bean Meal Fertilizer Improves Peanut Yield and Quality by Regulating the Soil Physicochemical Environment and Soil Enzyme Activities

PurposeFertilization is important for improving crop yield and soil quality. Elucidation of the effects of castor bean meal (CBM) fertilizer on peanut yield and quality and soil fertility can lead to additional fertilization options for peanut and provide a theoretical reference for achieving a high-quality, high-yielding peanut.MethodsDuring 2022–2023, a two-year long-term field experiment was conducted in Tongliao city, Inner Mongolia, China. No fertilizer (CK) was used as the control, and the effects of different treatments, i.e., CBM fertilizer (B1: 2520 kg ha-1, B2: 5040 kg ha-1, and B3: 10,080 kg ha-1), chemical fertilizer alone (F1: 175 kg ha-1, F2: 350 kg ha-1, and F3: 700 kg ha-1), and cow manure alone (N1: 3724 kg ha-1, N2: 7448 kg ha-1, and N3: 14,896 kg ha-1) on peanut yield and quality and soil fertility were investigated.ResultsThe results showed that CBM fertilizer application improved soil ecology. Compared with other fertilization treatments, the soil pH of B3 treatment decreased by 8.5%, but significantly increased the contents of organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), basic phosphorus (AP) and rapidly available potassium (AK) in the soil, which increased by 86.4%, 64.6%, 70.5%, 11.3%, 75.8%, 150.1%, and 116.2%, respectively, compared with CK. Meanwhile, B1, B2, N1 and N2 treatments also led to the elevation of the above indexes. In addition, the activities of urease (URE), sucrase (SUC), phosphatase (PPL), catalase (CAT), amylase (AMY) and protease (PRO) in the B3 treatment were significantly greater than those in the other fertilization treatments, with increases of 256.4%, 248.4%, 68.2%, 96.8%, 267.3%, and 155.7%, respectively, compared with CK. The B3 treatment also significantly increased the rootlet length(PRL), number of branches(BN), plant height(PLH) and lateral branch length(LBL) of the peanut plants. Compared with the other treatments, the B3 treatment had a greater peanut yields, reaching 8059.5 kg ha-1 and 9935.7 kg ha-1 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Compared with the other treatments, the B1 treatment significantly increased the contents of protein (Pro), fat (FAT), unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and vitamin E (VE), which increased by 23.3%, 6.1%, 1.0%, 29.1%, respectively, compared with CK, but the total sugar (TS) content was reduced by 9.1%. Correlation analysis further confirmed that peanut yield and quality were significantly correlated with soil nutrients and enzyme activities.ConclusionsThis study showed that the application of CBM fertilizer has certain positive effects. For example, the B3 treatment has certain potential for increasing peanut yield, and the B1 treatment can be used for peanut quality improvement. Therefore, CBM fertilizer is recommended as a new type of organic fertilizer for improving the peanut quality and yield.

Enhancing the tribological performance of composite electrostatic spray lubrication using blended plant oils

As a sustainable machining lubrication technique, composite electrostatic spray lubrication (CESL) adopts a high-voltage electric field to atomize oils (external fluid) and water (internal fluid) into oils-on-water (OoW). Although castor oil shows excellent lubrication properties, its high viscosity and low electrical conductivity lower the atomization performance and impede the attainment of ideal tribological performance in CESL applications. Blending castor oil with other plant oils is anticipated to effectively resolve this matter through the improvement in chargeability and fluidity. Nevertheless, no research work on the use of blended plant oils to enhance the CESL performance has been conducted. This study employed sliding friction tests between carbide slices and steel discs to explore the tribological performance of CESL under various blended types, blended ratios, external/internal flow rates, and voltages. The physical properties and fatty acid compositions of blended plant oils, as well as the charging and electrowetting capabilities of OoW, were examined to study their impacts on the tribological performances of CESL. The research findings demonstrated that the application of blended plant oils improved the tribological performance of castor oil-based CESL. The optimal blended type, blended ratio, external/internal flow rate, and voltage were respectively castor oil blended with soybean oil, 1:2, 8/4 ml/h, and −7.5 kV. Compared to the CESL employing castor oil and commercial plant oil, the blended plant oil-based CESL with optimized parameters led to reductions of 89.99–96.40 % in the coefficient of friction, 93.33–97.33 % in the carbide wear loss, and 70.00–73.80 % in the depth of disc wear marks, respectively. The research outcomes are helpful to understand the tribological behavior of blended plant oil-based CESL, thus providing a reference for its practical application.

Characterization of novel cellulosic fiber extracted from agro-waste of Ricinus communis plant for sustainable green composite materials

Characterization of novel cellulosic fiber extracted from agro-waste of Ricinus communis plant for sustainable green composite materials

The impact of retrotransposons on castor bean genomes.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oil crop. However, the influence of transposable elements (TEs) on the dynamics of castor bean evolution awaits further investigation. This study explored the role of transposable elements in the genomes of wild castor bean accessions from Ethiopia (Rc039) and Kenya (WT05) as well as in the cultivated variety (Hale). The distribution and composition of repeat sequences in these three lineages exhibited relative consistency, collectively accounting for an average of 36.7% of the genomic sequences. Most TE families displayed consistent lengths and compositions across these lineages. The dynamics of TEs significantly differed from those of genes, showing a lower correlation between the two. Additionally, the distribution of TEs on chromosomes showed an inverse trend compared to genes. Furthermore, Hale may have originated from the ancestor of Rc039. The divergent evolutionary paths of TEs compared to genes indicate the crucial role of TEs in shaping castor bean genetics and evolution, providing insights into the fields of castor bean and plant genomics research.

Screening of Castor Germplasm and Efficacy Studies of Bioagents and Fungicides Against Botryotinia ricini (Godfrey) Whetzel

Castor is an important non-edible oilseed crop having exceptional oil characteristics for the chemical industry. The crop hosts several diseases, among them gray mold is the most destructive one hindering its productivity. This article presents a study assessing the resistance of different germplasm lines screened against Botrytis ricini under artificial conditions. It also examines the effect of various fungicides on B. ricini isolates, which were obtained from infected Ricinus communis (castor oil plant) using standard tissue isolation techniques. The fungus was isolated from infected Castor raceme by standard tissue isolation technique and its pathogenicity was established by proving Koch’s postulates. Out of 47 germplasm lines screened, TSIL-19 showed resistance response to gray mold under both detached spike and capsule method. Under in vitro assessment, Trichoderma viride (86.11 %) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (71.48 %) bio agents exhibited maximum mycelial growth inhibition of the pathogen. Among the seven combination fungicides evaluated, Fenamidone 10% + Mancozeb 50% WG recorded highest mycelial growth inhibition (100%) of B. ricini.

Genome-wide identification of the GDSL-type esterase/lipase protein (GELP) gene family in Ricinus communis and its transcriptional regulation during germination and seedling establishment under different abiotic stresses

GDSL-type esterase/lipase protein (GELP) genes are crucial in the specialized lipid metabolism, in the responses to abiotic stresses, and in the regulation of plant homeostasis. R. communis is an important oilseed crop species that can sustain growth and productivity when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Herein, we raised the question of whether the GELP gene family could be involved in the acquisition of R. communis tolerance to abiotic stresses during seed germination and seedling establishment. Thus, we used bioinformatics and transcriptomics to characterize the R. communis GELP gene family. R. communis genome possesses 96 GELP genes that were characterized by extensive bioinformatics, including phylogenetic analysis, subcellular localization, exon-intron distribution, the analysis of regulatory cis-elements, tandem duplication, and physicochemical properties. Transcriptomics indicated that numerous RcGELP genes are readily responsive to high-temperature and salt stresses and might be potential candidates for genome editing techniques to develop abiotic stress-tolerant crops.

Evaluation of Different Botanicals Against Sclerotium rolfsii Causing Collar Rot Disease of Lentil

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an important pulse crop in semiarid regions of Iran, India, Turkey and Canada and originated in the fertile crescent of the Near East and dates back to the beginning of agriculture itself. Lentil suffer from attack of number seed borne diseases such as vascular wilt, collar rot, root rot, stem rot, rust, powdery mildew and downy mildew, which are caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis, Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, Uromycis fabae, Erysiphe polygoni and Peronospora lentis, respectively. Among the diseases, foot and root rot of lentil caused by Sclerotium rolfsii are common and the most severe disease. The fungi can attack the crop at any stage from seedling to flowering stage and are comparatively more destructive at the seedling stage. The effect of phyto extracts of nine plant species were tested in vitro by poisoned food technique to know their inhibitory effect on the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. Significantly minimum mycelium growth was recorded in Curcuma longa (39.25 mm) while maximum mycelium growth was observed in Ricinus communis (90.00 mm).

Effects of cadmium and lead on the Morphological Characteristics of Ricinus communis L. and Eucalyptus Globulus Labill at Three Sites in Sirte City

This study was designed to find out the effect of cadmium and lead resulting from the impact of the war on Sirte on morphological characteristics of Ricinus communis L. and Eucalyptus globulus labill. Both species were collected from three different sites in Sirte. The first site was exposed to pollution from random construction that of cadmium and lead to the plants. The second site is more polluted with cadmium and lead, whereas the third site is more polluted. The results show that the plants which are more polluted by the effects of war have smaller wrinkled yellow to grey leaves. Plants from the first site were outward appearance without any change, while in the second site the whole plants appeared in a gray color completely covers plants, while in the third site plants appear stunted, white in color, and the leaves are smaller than normal. Current results were shown a significant difference in the amount of cadmium and lead. Levels of lead decreased in Ricinus communis L in the first region compared to second and third sites with (5.34, 1.97, and 2.32 mg/L) respectively. Meanwhile, levels of cadmium were recorded with 0.342, 0.814, and 0.127mg/L in the same species at three sites. The quantities of lead in Eucalyptus globulus were found at 0.165, 0.357, and 2.64mg/L in three regions. While levels of cadmium were found at 0.97, 0.108, and 0.106 mg/L. These results have shown that Ricinus communis L was absorbed more lead, while Eucalyptus globulus was absorbed more cadmium.

Diversity in the population of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini causing castor wilt disease in India

A major constraint on castor crop productivity is wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini (For). In this study, morphological, pathogenic and molecular features of F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini isolates collected from different castor-growing agro-climatic zones of India were analyzed. Eighty-nine F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini isolates were obtained from wilt-infected root samples of castor plants from different states of India viz., Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Morphology assessment in terms of variability in radial growth, size of micro and macroconidia and number of septa, grouped the isolates into 5 clusters in biplot analysis. A genotype-by-isolates bi-plot analysis ranked genotypes for pathogen susceptibility, with JI-35 being closest to the ideal and most susceptible, and DCS-9, and Kranthi being less susceptible. In contrast, 48–1 and JI-258 showed resistance, while Haritha and VP-1 exhibited intermediate susceptibility levels. K-means cluster analysis found 5 groups for pathogenic variability studies of isolates. The six isolates viz., For-12-5 (61.8 %), For-12-10 (50.5 %), For-13-47 (51.4 %), For-113 (86.1 %), For-13-33 (77.9 %) and For-53 (62.2 %) recorded as highly virulent isolates against wilt disease which showed >50 % average wilt incidence mean value across cultivars. Out of 40 ISSR primers tested, 11 primers gave polymorphic bands and analysis of genetic variability among 36 F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini isolates showed polymorphism with PIC, heterogygosity index, effective multiplex ratio, Marker index, and Shannon Diversity Index which ranged (in %) between 0.22 and 0.69, 0.19–0.44, 11.09–27.9, 6.14–8.98, and 0.78–3.04 respectively. The dendrogram analysis revealed 53 % similarity among the isolates studied and these isolates grouped broadly into 6 clusters. Variability among isolates was significant in morphological, pathogenic and molecular characters of F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini.

Optimization of stable genetic transformation protocol in castor (Ricinus communis L. cv. TMV 5) using beta glucuronidase reporter gene for pioneer of desirable genes

The simple and stable protocol was standardised for castor (Ricinus communis L. cv. TMV 5) genetic transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harbouring the binary plasmid pBAL2 (18.8 kb). Cotyledonary nodes from ten days old, in vivo seedlings were utilized as target cells for Agrobacterium mediated transformation. Explant pre-culture studies were carried out at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 day intervals. The 4th day old explants cultivated on mMS medium (MS medium+B5 Vitamins) using plant growth regulators had the highest response percentage (50.6%). Kanamycin (0-175 mg/L) and Hygromycin (0-13 mg/L) sensitivity in well-developed shoots was investigated. Of the two antibiotics, Kanamycin 50 mg/L and Hygromycin 3 mg/L was found optimum. Different levels of acetosyringone (0-200 mg/L) were used in the co-cultivation medium to study the transformation efficiency of castor. Among the different concentrations, maximum number of explants showed GUS expression at 100 mg/L of acetosyringone in the co-cultivation medium at 2 days of co-cultivation period and the Cotyledonary node produced multiple shoots development and plantlet establishment in 0.3 mg/L TDZ, 0.6 mg/L PF-68, kanamycin 50 mg/L, 0.3 mg/L GA3, 1.5 mg/L IBA and 0.6 mg/L AgNO3. The rooted shoots were successfully acclimatized. Histochemical GUS assay was used to monitor T-DNA delivery into the target cells. PCR and Southern hybridization were used to confirm the transformants with the NPT II and GUS gene. A very high frequency (29.3%) of β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene expression was obtained through Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer into cotyledonary node explants of Castor. The standardized protocol would be useful for Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Cator with desirable gene of agronomic importance.

Cement dust effects on biochemical responses of castor (Ricinus communis) collected from Bir Mcherga (northwest of Tunisia)

Cement dust effects on biochemical responses of castor (Ricinus communis) collected from Bir Mcherga (northwest of Tunisia)

Identification and characterization of the RcTCP gene family and its expression in response to abiotic stresses in castor bean

BackgroundThe TCP (teosinte branched1/cincinnata/proliferating cell factor) family plays a prominent role in plant development and stress responses. However, TCP family genes have thus far not been identified in castor bean, and therefore an understanding of the expression and functional aspects of castor bean TCP genes is lacking. To identify the potential biological functions of castor bean (RcTCP) TCP members, the composition of RcTCP family members, their basic physicochemical properties, subcellular localizations, interacting proteins, miRNA target sites, and gene expression patterns under stress were assessed.ResultsThe presence of 20 RcTCP genes on the nine chromosomes of castor bean was identified, all of which possess TCP domains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between RcTCP genes and Arabidopsis AtTCP genes, suggesting potential functional similarity. Subcellular localization experiments confirmed that RcTC01/02/03/10/16/18 are all localized in the nucleus. Protein interaction analysis revealed that the interaction quantity of RcTCP03/06/11 proteins is the highest, indicating a cascade response in the functional genes. Furthermore, it was found that the promoter region of RcTCP genes contains a large number of stress-responsive elements and hormone-induced elements, indicating a potential link between RcTCP genes and stress response functions. qRT-PCR showed that all RcTCP genes exhibit a distinct tissue-specific expression pattern and their expression is induced by abiotic stress (including low temperature, abscisic acid, drought, and high salt). Among them, RcTCP01/03/04/08/09/10/14/15/18/19 genes may be excellent stress-responsive genes.ConclusionWe discovered that RcTCP genes play a crucial role in various activities, including growth and development, the stress response, and transcription. This study provides a basis for studying the function of RcTCP gene in castor.

An Efficient and Rapid Protocol for Somatic Shoot Organogenesis from Juvenile Hypocotyl-Derived Callus of Castor Bean cv. Zanzibar Green.

Aseptic seedlings of different ages derived from surface-sterilized mature seeds were applied as an explant source. Various explants such as 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, 42-day-old nodal stem segments, and transverse nodal segments of stem, as well as leaf petioles, were cultured on the agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L IAA, 5 mg/L AgNO3 and different types and concentrations of cytokinin (1 mg/L zeatin, 0.25 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), and 5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP)). Consequently, it was found that 7- and 21-day-old hypocotyl fragments, as well as nodal stem segments obtained from adult aseptic seedlings, are characterized by a high explant viability and callus formation capacity with a frequency of 79.7-100%. However, the success of in vitro somatic shoot organogenesis was significantly determined not only by the culture medium composition and explant type but also depending on its age, as well as on the size and explant preparation in cases of hypocotyl and age-matched nodal stem fragments, respectively. Multiple somatic shoot organogenesis (5.7 regenerants per explant) with a frequency of 67.5% was achieved during 3 subcultures of juvenile hypocotyl-derived callus tissue on MS culture medium containing 0.25 mg/L TDZ as cytokinin source. Castor bean regenerants were excised from the callus and successfully rooted on ½ MS basal medium without exogenous auxin (81%). In vitro plantlets with well-developed roots were adapted to ex vitro conditions with a frequency of 90%.

The Search for Antidotes Against Ricin.

The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is primarily known for its seeds, which contain a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid with several industrial and commercial applications. Castor seeds also contain ricin, a toxin considered a chemical and biological warfare agent. Despite years of investigation, there is still no effective antidote or vaccine available. However, some progress has been made, and the development of an effective treatment may be on the horizon. To provide an updated overview of this issue, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the current state of research in the fight against ricin. This review is based on the reported research and aims to address the challenges faced by researchers, as well as highlight the most successful cases achieved thus far. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to continue their efforts in this critical search.