Electrolyte Leakage Research Articles

Ellagic acid alleviates aluminum and/or drought stress through morpho-physiochemical adjustments and stress-related gene expression in Zea mays L.

This study investigates the potential of ellagic acid (EA) to mitigate the effects of drought and aluminum (Al3+) stresses in maize by examining various morpho-physiochemical parameters and gene expressions. Maize (Zea mays L.) serves as a crucial global food source, but its growth and productivity are significantly hindered by drought and aluminum (Al3+) stresses, which lead to impaired root development, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), diminished photosynthetic efficiency, and reduced water and mineral absorption. Recently, ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant properties, has been identified for its role in regulating plant growth and enhancing stress tolerance mechanisms. However, the specific mechanisms through which EA contributes to Al3+ and/or drought tolerance in plants remain largely unknown. The present study was conducted to examine the defensive role of EA (100μg/mL) in some morpho-physiochemical parameters and the expression profiles of some stress-related genes (ZmCPK22, ZmXTH1, ZmHIPP4, ZmSGR, ZmpsbA, ZmAPX1, and ZmGST1) in drought (polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000), - 0.6MPa) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3, 60μM) stressed Zea mays Ada 523 grown in nutrient solution. Our results indicated that drought and aluminum chloride stresses affected root length, shoot height, H2O2 content, chlorophyll content (SPAD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and relative water content (RWC) of maize with several significant (P < 0.05) shifts up and down. Conversely, EA (100μg/mL) treatment had a mitigating effect on these parameters. Moreover, EA also mitigated the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)), and regulated the expressions of aforementioned genes. These findings determined that EA treatment could efficiently improve the gene expressions and morpho-physiochemical parameters under drought and/or Al3+ stresses, thereby increasing the seedlings' adaptability to these stresses.

Evaluating the Effects of Rice Husk Derived Nanosilica on Growth, Photosynthesis, and Antioxidant Activity in Hybrid Maize

Drought stress was exacerbated by changing climatic conditions and impact the plant water relations from the cellular to whole plant level, thereby reducing the crop productivity and causing economic losses in agriculture. The present study was aimed to explore the potentials of nanosilica synthesized from rice husk in improving growth and drought stress tolerance in maize. Synthesized nanosilica from rice husk has spherical morphology, amorphous structure, siloxane bonding and higher purity (99.1%). Soil application of varied levels of synthesized nanosilica (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40mgkg-1) was tested with hybrid maize plants grown under irrigated and drought stress (100 and 50% field capacity, respectively). The results of the study revealed that, drought stress has adverse effect on plant growth, biomass production and physiological parameters. However soil application of nanosilica has significantly improved growth, physiological and biochemical attributes of both irrigated and drought stressed plants. Nanosilica application at 20mgkg-1 for irrigated and 30mgkg-1 for drought stressed hybrid maize plants has recorded higher plant height, biomass, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenols, soluble proteins and considerably decreased the proline, electrolyte leakage and melondialdehyde content in hybrid maize. In contrary, higher doses of nanosilica (>30mgkg-1) caused a slight reduction in plant growth and antioxidant activity under both the water regimes. Hence, we conclude that, soil application of 20 and 30mgkg-1 nanosilica synthesized from rice husk had a positive effect on plant growth and development besides aided in mitigating drought stress.

Bio-prospecting fluoride tolerant bacteria for their optimistic contribution in instigating resilience against fluoride stress in Oryza sativa L.

In recent years, the effects of fluoride (F) pollution in numerous ecosystems such as groundwater, soil, etc. Have become a major issue worldwide. This increase in F pollution is a direct consequence of the unbridled use of fertilizers in agricultural and several other human activities that require immediate and appropriate action. Therefore, this manuscript reveals important findings on the efficacy of bacteria isolated from agricultural fields in central Chhattisgarh in manifesting resistance to F and in reversing the F-induced oxidative damage in susceptible Oryza sativa L, (Var. MTU1010). Chronic exposure of Oryza sativa L. to sodium fluoride (NaF) (50 mg L−1) severely impeded growth and various physiological parameters such as germination percentage, biomass and root and shoot length and stimulated the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which enhanced electrolyte leakage and formation of cytotoxic products like malondialdehyde. To this end, potential bacterial strains, namely MT2A, MT3A, MT4A, and Du3A were isolated, screened for various plant growth promoting (PGP) traits and used to explore their efficiency to mitigate F toxicity in Oryza sativa L. in vivo. The seedlings inoculated with the bacterial strains showed significant development as evidenced by an increase in root and shoot length, biomass and chlorophyll content. Additionally, inoculation of these strains in combination with F stress significantly decreased oxidative stress by increasing the expression of protective genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and boosted agronomic traits remarkably. Overall, the manuscript demonstrates the pivotal role played by the isolated bacteria in abating ill effects of F in the Oryza sativa L. seedlings and proves their potential as protective bioagents against F stress.

Evaluation of the growth, enzymatic activity, electrolyte leakage, and phytoremediation efficiency of Conocarpus erectus under cadmium and lead stress.

Contamination of agricultural soil by heavy metals poses a significant threat to soil quality and crop yields. Using plants as a natural remediation approach attracts researchers' attention around the world. A 16-month pot experiment was conducted using Conocarpus erectus in a randomized complete block design. The growth, enzymatic activity, electrolyte leakage, and remediation potential were estimated under Cd nitrate]40 low (L), 60 medium (M), 80 high (H) mg/kg soil [and Pb nitrate]400 (L), 700 (M), 1,000 (H) mg/kg soil [applied individually and in combination. Conocarpus erectus demonstrated a good tolerance (over 70%) against lower and medium cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels and a medium resistance against high Cd and Pb levels, with a survival rate of 100% under all the treatments used. The most negative treatment on the growth traits and tolerance of C. erectus was (H) Cd and (H) Pb, which reduced plant height; chlorophyll index; dry weights of the leaves, stems, and roots; root length; and tolerance index of biomass and roots by 25.87%, 48.97%, 50.56%, 47.25%, 58.67%, 50.18%, 51.00%, and 50% in comparison to the respective control, consecutively. Relative to the control, all Cd and Pb applications increased polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, and the increment was parallel up to medium Cd and Pb levels and then decreased with their high levels but still higher than the control. Electrolyte leakage (EL) was upheaved by raising the levels of Cd and Pb, and it reached the maximum (52.79%) at the (H) Cd (H) Pb treatment. Cd and Pb in the leaves, stems, and roots were boosted by raising their levels in the treatments. Conocarpus erectus is considered a phytoextractor for the Cd levels used because the bioconcentration factor of the stem (BCFs) and the translocation factor (TF) of Cd were >1, and it is a suitable plant for Pb phytoextraction at (L) Pb, (M) Pb, and (M) Cd (M) Pb levels because its Pb BCFs and bioconcentration factor of the root (BCFr) were <1 and its Pb TF was >1. On the other hand, C. erectus is considered a phytostabilizator for Pb at (H) Pb, (L) Cd, (L) Pb, and (H) Cd (H) Pb levels because its Pb BCFs, BCFr, and TF were <1.

Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate Alleviates Mechanical Damage in Banana Fruit by Regulating Membrane Lipid Metabolism

Bananas are economically important fruits, but they are vulnerable to mechanical damage during harvesting and transport. This study examined the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the cell membrane integrity and membrane lipid metabolism of wounded banana fruits after harvest. The results showed that 10 and 50 μM MeJA treatments on mechanically wounded bananas significantly delayed ripening and senescence in comparison with the control. At the end of storage, MeJA-treated groups showed a significant reduction in electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, indicating that MeJA protected cell membrane integrity. MeJA also led to a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including lipoxygenase, diacylglycerol kinase, and lipid phosphate phosphatase. Furthermore, MeJA reduced phospholipase (C and D), phosphatidic acid, and diacylglycerol levels, as well as slowed down the decrease in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol contents. Compared to the control, MeJA significantly downregulated the expression of MaPLDγ, MaPLDα, and MaPLDζ. Therefore, MeJA treatment could be a reliable method to delay the senescence of harvested banana fruits subjected to mechanical wounding.

Performance of the edible halophyte Cakile maritima under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds

In their natural biotope, plants are challenged with low nutrient availability which is one of the most important limiting factors for plant production. Nutrient limitation causes disruption in several metabolic pathways resulting in a decrease in plant growth and establishment. Such responses were mostly studied in glycophytes while in halophytes the data remained scare. In the present investigation, using Cakile maritima as a plant model for halophytes, we attempt to elucidate the behavior of this species under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds. Our data showed that low K or Mg supply (0.01 mM) reduced leaf number and biomass production in leaves, stems and roots while both parameters were improved at 0.05 mM Mg and K concentration before reaching an optimum at 0.25 mM Mg and 1 mM K, respectively. Several indices of K and Mg stress tolerance were reduced upon deficiency in both elements and were significantly improved by moderate K and Mg supply. Photosynthetic pigment content was reduced upon both deficiencies with the highest reductions recorded in plants suffering from severe Mg and K starvation. Increasing Mg and K supply resulted in better chlorophyll synthesis as reflected by the increase in chlorophyll stability index parameter (CSI). Furthermore, both deficiencies triggered oxidative damages as malondialdehyde content (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased while membrane stability index (MSI) decreased under both deficiencies. Such results suggested that the cell redox homeostasis was altered when Mg and K were omitted from the nutrient solution. Interestingly, moderate and high Mg and K concentrations promoted C. maritima growth and reduced the oxidative damage caused by the lack of both elements in the external medium. Overall, C. maritima exhibited a typical halophytic behaviour, requiring less macroelements to express its growth performance when cultivated under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds.

Influence of ultraviolet-C irradiation treatment on quality and shelf life of mung bean sprouts during storage

This research analyzed the impact of exposing mung bean sprouts to ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation for different periods (2, 5, and 10 min). Treated sprouts were preserved at 5°C and 85-95% relative humidity for 6 days. Irradiation for 10 min effectively reduced fresh weight loss, electrolyte leakage, and microbial count and main-tained the firmness of sprouts. It also positively influenced the bioactive components, including antioxidants, total phenols, and protein, potentially providing health benefits to consumers. In addition, prolonged UV-C exposure for 10 min leads to oxidative stress, marked by a rise in malondialdehyde, proline, and hydrogen peroxide content. These compounds assist in stress reduction and preserve secondary metabolites. This research implies that post-harvest 10 min UV-C irradiation offers a potential approach to uphold quality while maximizing the nutritional value of mung bean sprouts.

Regulation of seed soaking with indole-3-butyric acid potassium salt (IBA-K) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings under NaCl stress

The growth and yield of rapeseed are significantly hampered by salt stress. Indole-3-butyric Acid Potassium Salt (IBA-K) has been found to alleviate the impact of salt stress on plant growth. However, the regulatory effect of IBA-K dipping on salt-stressed rapeseed remains unclear. To explore the implications of IBA-K on the growth and development of rapeseed during the seedling stage, we conducted potting experiments using the Huayouza 62 variety. Five different concentrations of IBA-K for seed soaking (0, 10, 20, 40, 80 mg·L− 1) were tested. The promotional impact of IBA-K on rapeseed demonstrated an initial increase followed by a decline, reaching a peak at 20 mg·L− 1. Therefore, 20 mg·L− 1 was determined as the optimal concentration for subsequent experiments. To further understand the mechanism of IBA-K’s action on salt-stressed rapeseed seedlings, we utilized the moderately salt-resistant cabbage rapeseed variety Huayouza 158R and the highly salt-resistant Huayouza 62 as specimens. The investigation focused on their response and repair mechanisms under 150 mmol·L− 1 NaCl stress. The findings demonstrated that compared with the sole NaCl stress, the 20 mg·L− 1 IBA-K seed soaking treatment under salt stress significantly enhanced the plant height, stem diameter, and leaf area of both rapeseed varieties. It also led to greater biomass accumulation, increased chlorophyll content, and improved photosynthetic efficiency in rapeseed. Furthermore, this treatment bolstered the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), while significantly reducing the levels of electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Consequently, it alleviated the membrane lipid peroxidation damage induced by NaCl stress, enhanced the accumulation of soluble proteins, maintained cellular osmotic pressure, and effectively mitigated the adverse effects of NaCl stress on rapeseed.

Binary Biomass-Based Electrolyte Films for High-Performance All-Solid-State Supercapacitor.

Solid-state electrolytes have received widespread attention for solving the problem of the leakage of liquid electrolytes and effectively improving the overall performance of supercapacitors. However, the electrochemical performance and environmental friendliness of solid-state electrolytes still need to be further improved. Here, a binary biomass-based solid electrolyte film (LSE) was successfully synthesized through the incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with sodium alginate (SA). The impact of the mass ratio of SA to LNPs on the microstructure, porosity, electrolyte absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical properties of the LSE was thoroughly investigated. The results indicated that as the proportion of SA increased from 5% to 15% of LNPs, the pore structure of the LSE became increasingly uniform and abundant. Consequently, enhancements were observed in porosity, liquid absorption capacity, ionic conductivity, and overall electrochemical performance. Notably, at an SA amount of 15% of LNPs, the ionic conductivity of the resultant LSE-15 was recorded at 14.10 mS cm-1, with the porosity and liquid absorption capacity reaching 58.4% and 308%, respectively. LSE-15 was employed as a solid electrolyte, while LNP-based carbon aerogel (LCA) served as the two electrodes in the construction of a symmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor (SSC). The SSC device demonstrated exceptional electrochemical storage capacity, achieving a specific capacitance of 197 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, along with a maximum energy and power density of 27.33 W h kg-1 and 4998 W kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, the SSC device exhibited highly stable electrochemical performance under extreme conditions, including compression, bending, and both series and parallel connections. Therefore, the development and application of binary biomass-based solid electrolyte films in supercapacitors represent a promising strategy for harnessing high-value biomass resources in the field of energy storage.

Analysis of the Application of Vitamin B1 on the Response of Salinity Stress Resistance in Several Varieties of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

One of the most common stresses in rice cultivation is salinity. Rice plants stressed by salinity exhibit changes such as yellowing leaves, drying tips, and chlorosis. The efforts made by the government and farmers so far include implementing cultivation scheduling techniques, planting patterns, and using stress-resistant varieties, as well as improving soil to increase water-holding capacity through lime application. Each of these efforts comes with its own risks. Another approach to enhance the growth and yield of rice plants is the application of vitamins. Providing vitamins can stimulate the growth of plant organs, as they play a crucial role in the growth process by acting as catalysts for metabolism. Research has indicated that vitamin B1 can significantly promote plant growth under stressful conditions. This study aims to investigate the positive effects of various concentrations of vitamin B1 on the growth and yield of rice plants while also reducing salinity stress. The method used involved planting three varieties of rice—IR-46, Inpari-32, and Pokkali—in planting buckets using the TABELA system. Vitamin B1 was applied at concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mM during the peak vegetative phase, with salinity stress of 6 dS/m introduced one day after vitamin application. The plants were maintained under salinity stress conditions until harvest, during which morphological and phytochemical analyses were conducted. Morphological analysis included measurements of plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, and percentage of healthy grains. Biochemical parameters measured included total chlorophyll and electrolyte leakage analysis. The results indicate that vitamin B1 can effectively reduce stress in plants affected by salinity.

Multiphase soft metal enabled high-performance fabric-based wearable energy harvesting

Highly efficient and flexible power sources have always been the focus and goal in the field of wearable electronics. However, the existing wearable power sources are limited by their large size, high weight, electrolyte leakage, and poor mechanical compliance, which seriously hinders their practical applications. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to achieve and demonstrate a fabric-based high-performance wearable triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) structure. The metals of gallium (Ga), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), and tin (Sn) are mixed according to specific mass ratios, and then they are transformed in liquid phase to form room-temperature multiphase soft metals of GaBiInSn. The material exhibits both metallic and fluidic properties, and possesses a characteristic of multiphase structure. The GaBiInSn material is directly deposited between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layers and nonwoven fabrics to establish multi-level conductive and frictional interfaces, creating charge transfer and solid-liquid hybrid dielectric layers. Therefore, the thin film-type triboelectric nanogenerators with a structure of PTFE/GaBiInSn/nonwoven fabric (LM-P-TENGs) is manufactured. The LM-P-TENGs can be integrated onto fabrics without compromising their breathability, comfortableness, and flexibility. Particularly, LM-P-TENGs efficiently convert the mechanical energy of human limb movements into sustainable electrical energy output. Under the human limb mechanical triggering conditions, LM-P-TENG achieves a champion specific open-circuit voltage up to 900 V, peak short-circuit current density of 43.3 mA/m2, and high power density of 12.56 W/m2. This work demonstrates the application potential of room-temperature multiphase soft materials in flexible wearable power sources, while introducing a novel power supply mode for wearable electronics. Additionally, the LM-P-TENGs also present applications in self-powered wearables, medical biosensing systems, human-machine interaction systems, near-eye display systems, etc. for the flexible electronics.

Molecular characterization of a phytomelatonin receptor and its overexpression as a ‘one-stop’ solution to nullify the toxic effects of hazardous inorganic agro-pollutants

Inorganic toxicants like arsenic, copper, lead, nickel and fluoride are notorious agro-pollutants, impeding plant-productivity due to high bioaccumulation. Consumption of such contaminated plant-parts causes irreversible health hazards. We identified a G-protein coupled receptor, serving as melatonin receptor (MelR) in Nicotiana tabacum (NtMelR), that relayed downstream-signaling after binding melatonin, a potent growth regulator and antioxidant. Using inhibitors against G-protein-α and NADPH oxidase (NOX), and by supplementing epidermal strips with exogenous melatonin and H2O2, we established that NtMelR acted upstream of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in guard cells. Transgenic lines of N. benthamiana overexpressing NtMelR maintained constitutive melatonin-signaling via MelR, leading to efficient stomatal closure for preventing desiccation during oxidative stress. Melatonin biosynthesis was stimulated in the transgenic lines, exposed to different agro-pollutant stress, providing a steady-abundance of ligand for NtMelR binding and activating the defence machinery, comprising of enzymatic-antioxidants like superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidases and glyoxalases. Due to increased antioxidant capacity, the transgenics exhibited less molecular injuries (electrolyte leakage, methylglyoxal accumulation and NOX activity), generated less ROS and bioaccumulated significantly lower levels of toxicants. Unlike the wild-type counterparts, the transgenics maintained high relative water content, photosynthetic efficiency, could flower abundantly and even produce seeds. Overall, we established that overexpression of NtMelR is a single-window strategy to generate multiple-stress tolerant genotypes.

Overexpression of Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid Gene TrIAA27 Enhances Biomass, Drought, and Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is an important forage and aesthetic plant species, but it is susceptible to drought and heat stress. The phytohormone auxin regulates several aspects of plant development and alleviates the effects of drought stress in plants, including white clover, by involving auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA) family genes. However, Aux/IAA genes and the underlying mechanism of auxin-mediated drought response remain elusive in white clover. To extend our understanding of the multiple functions of Aux/IAAs, the current study described the characterization of a member of the Aux/IAA family TrIAA27 of white clover. TrIAA27 protein had conserved the Aux/IAA family domain and shared high sequence similarity with the IAA27 gene of a closely related species and Arabidopsis. Expression of TrIAA27 was upregulated in response to heavy metal, drought, salt, NO, Ca2+, H2O2, Spm, ABA, and IAA treatments, while downregulated under cold stress in the roots and leaves of white clover. TrIAA27 protein was localized in the nucleus. Constitutive overexpression of TrIAA27 in Arabidopsis thaliana led to enhanced hypocotyl length, root length, plant height, leaf length and width, and fresh and dry weights under optimal and stress conditions. There was Improved photosynthesis activity, chlorophyll content, survival rate, relative water content, endogenous catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) concentration with a significantly lower electrolyte leakage percentage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in overexpression lines compared to wild-type Arabidopsis under drought and salt stress conditions. Exposure to stress conditions resulted in relatively weaker roots and above-ground plant growth inhibition, enhanced endogenous levels of major antioxidant enzymes, which correlated well with lower lipid peroxidation, lower levels of reactive oxygen species, and reduced cell death in overexpression lines. The data of the current study demonstrated that TrIAA27 is involved in positively regulating plant growth and development and could be considered a potential target gene for further use, including the breeding of white clover for higher biomass with improved root architecture and tolerance to abiotic stress.

Foliar application of rice husk derived nanosilica for mitigating drought stress in hybrid maize by boosting antioxidant defense system

The increasing frequency and intensity of drought magnified by the climate change, pose significant challenge to global food security and agricultural productivity. Chemically synthesized nanosilica have emerged as a promising solution for managing drought stress, enhancing crop growth and stress resilience but, its production involves harmful chemicals which results in adverse impacts on soil, plant and environment. Hence, the present study aimed to green synthesize and characterize silicon nanoparticles from rice husk and to evaluate their potential for improving plant growth, development and stress mitigation in hybrid maize. The rice husk derived nanosilica has spherical morphology, amorphous nature, siloxane bonds and high purity (99 %). Five different levels of nanosilica (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 %) were sprayed on hybrid maize grown under irrigated and drought conditions and the results revealed that, nanosilica spray has improved the stress tolerance, growth and photosynthetic parameters. An optimum response was noted with the nanosilica spray upto 0.10 % in irrigated plants and 0.15 % in drought stressed plants, where greater increase in plant height (27.7 and 28.9 %), total biomass (55.7 and 39.1 %), chlorophyll a (36.7 and 54.5 %), relative water content (12.5 and 24.9 %) and superoxide dismutase (23.0 and 35.7 %) activity was observed. This was ascribed to the alleviation of membrane damage by reduced melondialdehyde content (18.9 and 21.4 %) and electrolyte leakage (21.9 and 26.7 %) under irrigated and drought regimes. However, higher doses of nanosilica caused slight reduction in plant growth and antioxidant activity. We conclude that, foliar spraying of nanosilica synthesized from rice husk at a concentration of 0.10 % for irrigated and 0.15 % for hybrid maize exposed to drought stress has shown a positive effect on plant growth and stress mitigation. Nanosilica synthesised from rice husk is economical, environmentally feasible and efficiently boosts plant growth and stress tolerance. Further, to confirm the role of rice husk derived nanosilica in plant stress tolerance, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms underpinning the stress mitigation has to be studied in detail.

CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 from Cryptomeria fortunei exhibit contrasting responses to hormones and abiotic stress in transgenic Arabidopsis

Stay-green (SGR) genes are pivotal regulatory genes in the context of plant chlorophyll metabolism, but few studies on SGR homologues in Cryptomeria fortunei have been previously reported. We cloned two CfSGR genes and overexpressed them in Arabidopsis to explore their functions. Full-length CfSGR1 and CfSGR2 are 1265 and 1197 bp, encompassing open reading frames (ORFs) encoding 274 and 276 amino acids, respectively. SGRs exhibited high conservation in higher plants, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that SGRs from monocots and gymnosperms cluster in a clade. The proteins localized to chloroplasts and showed no transcriptional activity in yeast cells. The CfSGR gene expressions were induced by abiotic stresses and hormones. Under conditions of darkness, abscisic acid (ABA), salt, drought, or freezing stress, CfSGR2-transgenic Arabidopsis exhibited a delay in leaf yellowing compared to the WT, which was attributed to increased chlorophyll content and enhanced photosynthetic capacity. These transgenic plants exhibited improved resistance to stress via upregulated expression of resistance-related genes, increased antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage rate. In contrast, CfSGR1-transgenic plants may accelerate leaf yellowing and exhibit reduced stress resistance. Our findings highlight potential divergence in the functions of CfSGR genes concerning plant growth and development and responses to abiotic stresses or hormones, providing a scientific foundation for future breeding of stress-resistant C. fortunei cultivars.

Morpho-physiological and biochemical responses of radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under cadmium stress

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in plants poses a major risk to consumer health, in addition to affecting plant growth, development and quality. The study aimed to examine the effects of cadmium on the plants' ability for photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activity. In this study, radishes were planted in Petri dishes and pots containing soil supplemented with different concentrations of cadmium sulphate (25, 50, and 100 mg Cd kg-1 soil). The results showed that the percentage of germination, seedlings length, and fresh and dry matter significantly declined its increasing cadmium concentrations. In addition, cadmium hindered plant growth, as evidenced by the fresh and dried weight of radish roots and leaves after a 100 mg Cd kg-1 soil treatment. There was also a notable decrease in chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and total leaf area per plant. The leaves of radish plant exhibited a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage contents under Cd stress, while, the relative water content (RWC) decreased. However, leaves and roots of radish plant showed a considerable increase in antioxidant enzymes (catalase; CAT, peroxidase; POD, and superoxide dismutase; SOD). Furthermore, radish showed a significant increase in Cd accumulation in all applications, however, there were no obvious symptoms of Cd toxicity following the 25 and 50 mg Cd kg-1 soil applications. In conclusion, the radish plants accumulated cadmium at higher concentrations (100 mg Cd kg-1 soil). So, we recommended cultivating the radish plants in soil that has low concentrations of cadmium.

Modulating reactive oxygen species and ion homeostasis for combined salt and cadmium stress tolerance in Brassica campestris: The role of beneficial microbes

The land areas and crop species adversely impacted by salinity and heavy metals are growing rapidly. Current research indicates that plant growth-promoting microorganisms offer an environmentally friendly option for improving physiological and biochemical processes in plants growing under stress conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential mitigation of simultaneous salinity and cadmium (Cd) stress in rapeseed (Brassica campestris cv. BARI Sarisha-17) by the application of Azospirillum sp. (Az), phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB), and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM). Seeds were treated with PSB or KMB prior to sowing, whereas Az, PSB, KMB, or VAM were added as supplements during soil preparation. At 21 days after sowing, the plants were treated with a combination of salt (100 mM NaCl) and Cd (0.25 mM CdCl2), with several applications at 7-day intervals. The combination of salt and Cd stress decreased plant growth and biomass, relative water content, and photosynthetic pigment levels, while also increased electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and the generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Salt and Cd stress also impaired plant ion balances of sodium, potassium and nitrate, antioxidant defenses, and glyoxalase system activity. Application of Az, PSB, or KMB restored these parameters to unstressed levels by facilitating the scavenging of ROS, maintaining water status, restoring ion balances, enhancing plant antioxidant defenses, and increasing glyoxalase enzyme activity, while reducing methylglyoxal toxicity and improving photosynthetic activity. The application of KMB was the most effective; however, all microbe supplementations showed the ability to alleviate the damage caused by stress in rapeseed. These findings highlight the ability of soil microorganisms with plant growth-promoting properties to improve the physiological and biochemical functions of rapeseed under Cd and salt stress.

Phyto-toxicological effect of fipronil to plant seedlings: Assessing germination attributes, root-tip morphology, oxidative stress, and cellular respiration indices

Pesticides including insecticides are applied in agricultural practices to control insect pests. However, their excessive usage often poses a severe threat to the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of plants. Here, responses of chickpea and greengram seedlings exposed to three fipronil (FIP) concentrations i. e. 100 (1×), 200 (2×) and 300 (3×) μg mL−1 was evaluated under in vitro. Among doses, 3× had a greater negative impact on germination attributes, root-shoot elongation, vigor indices, length ratios, and survival of seedlings. Besides, the morphological distortion in root tips, oxidative stress generation, and cellular death in fipronil-supplemented root seedlings were observed under scanning electron (SEM) and confocal laser scanning (CLSM), respectively. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) and pronounced upsurge in plant stressor metabolites such as proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, and antioxidants enzymes in plant seedlings further confirmed the fipronil toxicity. In addition, a concentration-dependent decrease in respiration efficiency (RE) and ATP content in FIP-treated seedlings was observed. Reduced mitotic index (MI) and numerous chromosomal anomalies (CAs) in root meristematic cells of seedlings are a clear indication of insecticide-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a dose-dependent increase in DNA damage in root meristematic cells of greengram revealed the genotoxic potential of fipronil. Conclusively, fipronil suggested phyto and cyto-genotoxic effects that emphasize their careful monitoring in soils before application and their optimum addition in soil-plant systems. It is high time to prepare both target-specific and slow-released agrochemical formulations for crop protection with concurrent safeguarding of the soil.

Role of organic amendments in improving the morphophysiology and soil quality of Setaria italica under salinity

Salinity negatively impacts soil fertility by impairing the development and physiological functions of foxtail millet plants. Organic amendments have emerged as a viable solution in the reclamation and management of salinity inflicted soils and improve the performance of crop. In this regard, a pot experiment was carried out to examine the effect of organic amendments (OAs) on soil quality and its influence on the growth and physiology of foxtail millet under saline and non-saline condition. The findings indicated that under salt stress conditions, the levels of proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL) risen, whilst other physiological parameters decrease in foxtail millet. However, the addition of OAs, particularly dhaincha and biochar (BC), has shown a promising salt tolerant amendment among others. Its addition improved the growth performance of salinity-stressed plants, including plant height, fresh and dry biomass, simultaneously decreased sodium ion (Na+) and improved calcium (Ca2+), potassium (K+), and nitrate ion (NO3−). They also increased proline build up by 6–17 %, reduced H2O2 (19–38 %) and malondialdehyde (16–18 %). Furthermore, they elevated the relative water content (RWC) (25 %), chlorophyll content, and reduced EL (29–50 %). Once more, dhaincha and BC enhanced the number of rhizobia, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and overall bacterial population in the soil. In saline soil, daincha and BC could enhance soil organic matter (628 %), total nitrogen (1630 %), available phosphorus (32–38 %), and exchangeable potassium (54–73 %). A potential strategy for improving setaria italica performance under salt is suggested to be the following order, dhaincha > biochar > vermicompost > duckweed. The study would assist stakeholders in these salinity-prone areas in strategizing the use of OAs to their fallow land for cultivation and agricultural activities.

Involvement of the Metallothionein gene OsMT2b in Drought and Cadmium Ions Stress in Rice

Abiotic stress is one of the major factors restricting the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Developing rice varieties with dual abiotic stress tolerance is essential to ensure sustained rice production, which is necessary to illustrate the regulation mechanisms underlying dual stress tolerance. At present, only a few genes that regulate dual abiotic stress tolerance have been reported. In this study, we determined that the expression of OsMT2b was induced by both drought and Cd2+ stress. After stress treatment, OsMT2b-overexpression lines exhibited enhanced drought tolerance and better physiological performance in terms of relative water content and electrolyte leakage compared with wild-type (WT). Further analysis indicated that ROS levels were lower in OsMT2b-overexpression lines than in WT following stress treatment, suggesting that OsMT2b-overexpression lines had a stronger ability to scavenge ROS under stress. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated that under drought stress, OsMT2b influenced the expression of genes involved in ROS scavenging to enhance drought tolerance in rice. In addition, OsMT2b-overexpression plants displayed increased tolerance to Cd2+ stress, and physiological assessment results were consistent with the observed phenotypic improvements. Thus, enhancing ROS scavenging ability through OsMT2b overexpression is a novel strategy to boost rice tolerance to both drought and Cd2+ stress, offering a promising approach for developing rice germplasm with enhanced resistance to the abiotic stressors.