Growth Response Research Articles

Peanut cultivar response to residual soil test potassium in North Mississippi

AbstractThe average U.S. peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield has increased by approximately 25% with the adoption of peanut cultivar ‘Georgia‐06G’. Since this adoption, many new high yielding runner cultivars with similar yield potential have been released. However, current nutrient recommendations are based on soil tests that were developed prior to the release of Georgia‐06G. Particularly for potassium, current soil test potassium (STK) critical values were established on soil textures with relatively low cation exchange capacity (CEC) but were not validated on soil textures with high CEC. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield response of five recently released peanut cultivars to four STK levels ranging from very low to medium based on Mississippi State University Extension soil testing recommendations. The STK classification levels were also based on two soil series categorized with high CEC—Leeper (∼38.4 meq 100 g−1) and Marietta (∼15.9 meq 100 g−1) soil series. Cultivars Georgia‐06G, ‘Georgia‐16HO’, ‘Georgia‐18RU’, FloRun ‘331’, and ‘AU‐NPL‐17’ were evaluated in this study. No STK × variety interaction occurred, indicating similar K requirements across all varieties evaluated. However, a positive pod yield response occurred in both soil types when the average STK increased from 128 to 167 lbs ac−1 for all cultivars and site years. Critical STK values on both soils were greater than many current Extension recommendations, and the critical STK value of Leeper is greater than the Marietta soil series, likely due to the higher CEC value. These results demonstrate the need to adjust peanut STK sufficiency levels based on soil CEC. Further evaluation of modern peanut cultivar productivity response to STK sufficiency levels is needed for soils with moderate CEC.

Analysis of miRNAs in milk of four livestock species

BackgroundMilk is essential for mammalian nutrition because it provides vital nutrients for growth and development. Milk composition, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, supports lactation, a complex process crucial for milk production and quality. Recent research has focused on noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), which are present in body fluids and regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. This study comprehensively characterizes miRNAs in milk of four livestock species, namely Bubalus bubalis, Capra hircus, Equus asinus, and Ovis aries and identifies potential target genes.ResultsHigh-throughput sequencing of milk RNA resulted in distinct read counts across species: B. bubalis (8,790,441 reads), C. hircus (12,976,275 reads), E. asinus (9,385,067 reads), and O. aries (7,295,297 reads). E. asinus had the highest RNA mapping rate (94.6%) and O. aries the lowest (84.8%). A substantially greater proportion of miRNAs over other small RNAs was observed for the donkey milk sample (7.74%) compared to buffalo (0.87%), goat (1.57%), and sheep (1.12%). Shared miRNAs, which included miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-23a among others, showed varying expression levels across species, confirmed by qPCR analysis. Functional annotation of predicted miRNA target genes highlighted diverse roles, with an enrichment in functions linked to metabolism and immunity. Pathway analysis identified immune response pathways as significant, with several miRNAs targeting specific genes across species, suggesting their regulatory function in milk.ConclusionsBoth conserved and species-specific miRNAs were detected in milk of the investigated species. The identified target genes of these miRNAs have important roles in neonatal development, adaptation, growth, and immune response. Furthermore, they influence milk and meat production traits in livestock.

PSIV-4 Effectiveness of maternal bovine appeasing substance on growth, physiological, and behavioral responses of high-risk stocker cattle

Abstract Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process. These cattle are labeled “high-risk” due to their decreased immune system during transportation, handling, and vaccination processes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease, on growth performance and fearfulness of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n = 80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. Steers and bulls were of varying age, breed, and temperament. Upon arrival to the facility (d 0), bulls (n = 48) were castrated by banding and cattle were assigned to 8 pens (n = 10 calves/pen; 4 bulls and 6 steers/pen). On d 0, cattle in 4 pens were treated with FerAppease (FA) on the nuchal skin (n = 40) and cattle in the other 4 pens were not treated and served as controls (CON, n = 40). All cattle received commercial clostridial and respiratory vaccines and were treated with an anthelmintic. Cattle were offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake and were fed a grain supplement (1.8 kg/d) to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. To measure growth performance, body weight (BW) was recorded on d 0, 3, 14, 28, 41, 42 of the study and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Body weights on d 41 and 42 were averaged to calculate final BW. To measure fearfulness, exit chute velocity (ECV) was measured with a rodeo timer and recorded on d 3, 14, 28, 41, and 42. To measure inflammation, blood was collected from 5 calves/pen (n = 3 bulls and 2 steers/pen) on d 0, 3, 28 and 42 and haptoglobin (Hp) was measured in blood serum. A two-way ANOVA with the fixed effects of sex (arrived as steer or bull) and treatment (FA, CON) and random effect of pen was used for analysis. Serum Hp was log transformed to improve normality. There was not a treatment effect on any of the measures collected. Steers had a greater BW throughout the study (P ≤ 0.05), weighing more than bulls at the end of the study (261 kg vs 241 kg, respectively). Steers also had a greater (P < 0.0001) ADG than bulls (1.14 vs. 0.84 kg/d, respectively). On d 3 and 14, steers exited the chute more rapidly (P < 0.05) than bulls. There was an interactive effect on serum d 28 Hp concentrations (P = 0.04), where CON bulls had greater Hp concentrations (111,261 ng/mL) than CON steers (13,055 ng/mL), with FA steers and bulls intermediate. The results from this study indicate that there was no consistent effect of the treatment on the measures collected.

PSLBI-21 Interactive effects of dietary betaine supplementation and soybean hulls inclusion on growth performance and carcass composition of young growing pigs

Abstract Growing barrow pigs [n = 24; Large White x Landrace x Duroc; 29.51 ± 3.24 kg initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design to evaluate the synergistic effects of dietary levels of betaine (BET; 0 and 0.1%) and soybean hulls (SBH; 0 and 15%) on growth performance and carcass composition. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and housed in individual pens with ad libitum access to feed and water for a 28-d feeding period. Pigs were weighed and feed intake was recorded at 14-d intervals. Real-time ultrasonic (RTU) measurements of the 10th-rib longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and off-midline backfat thickness (BF) were obtained initially and on d 28 for all pigs. Prediction equations were used to estimate total fat tissue (TOFAT) and fat-free total lean (FFTOLN) from the measurements. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS software. Growth performance data were analyzed as repeated measures on time and carcass data were analyzed as single measures with the respective baseline values used as covariate in the statistical model. There were no SBH x BET interactions for growth response variables. Pig growth was not affected by dietary BET supplementation. During the first 14 d of the study, pigs fed 15% SBH had decreased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.02), and feed efficiency [gain:fee; (G:F;P = 0.04)] when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH. From d 15 to 28, dietary addition of 15% SBH reduced ADFI (P = 0.01), whereas no significant effects on the other growth performance variables were observed. Overall, when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH, pigs fed diets with 15% SBH had reduced feed intake (P = 0.01) and ADG (P = 0.04), which resulted in lighter pigs (P = 0.03) at the completion of the feeding trial. A SBH x BET interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for LMA, with decreased values (P < 0.05) detected for BET-supplemented pigs only when SBH was not included in the diet. No additional carcass composition traits were altered by BET supplementation. Including 15% SBH to the diet decreased BF (P = 0.05) and TOFAT (P = 0.04) in growing pigs. Neither BET supplementation nor SBH inclusion affected FFTOLN. In conclusion, adding supplemental BET to diets with SBH did not synergistically alter nutrient partitioning of young growing pigs. Although no beneficial effects of BET supplementation on growth and carcass composition traits were observed, feeding pigs diets containing 15% SBH resulted in slower growth rates with less fat deposition.

Dried Chlorella powder supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken growth, health, and intestinal microflora

The use of dried Chlorella as an immune and growth stimulant to enhance nonspecific host defense mechanisms or as an antimicrobial to inhibit bacterial growth has been reported. This study aimed to assess the effects of dried Chlorella powder (DCP) supplementation on the growth, health, and intestinal microflora of commercial broiler chicks, comparing a diet containing DCP with an antibiotic-based diet. A total of 120 pieces day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were reared at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Dhaka, and randomly divided into four experimental groups of three replicates each, with 10 chicks per replication. One group was fed a control diet, while the remaining three groups were fed diets with 0.5% and 1.0% DCP, and antibiotics, respectively. Results indicated significant (P<0.05) improvements in body weight and dressing percentage with DCP inclusion compared to control-fed broilers. A linear increase in body weight was observed with higher DCP levels, with birds on the 1% DCP diet achieving superior body weights (1665.13±8.82) compared to the control and antibiotic groups. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and feed consumption were also significantly (P<0.05) improved, with the best FCR at 1% DCP (1.37±0.01) and the highest FCR in the control group (1.45±0.00). The highest feed consumption was noted in the control group. No significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in the relative weight of spleen and bursa among the groups. DCP had no significant (P>0.05) effects on liver, gizzard, intestine, and heart weights. Hematological studies revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences, except for Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells (RBC), which were significantly (P<0.05) increased by DCP compared to control and antibiotic groups. DCP supplementation significantly (P<0.05) reduced E. coli and Salmonella sp. counts while increasing Lactobacillus sp. counts. Additionally, treatments with DCP significantly (P<0.05) boosted Newcastle disease (ND) titre levels compared to the control group. The study showed that DCP can be effectively replaced antibiotics in broiler diets, enhancing growth, health, and immune response, thereby promoting sustainable and safer poultry production practices.

The MdCo gene encodes a putative 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase that positively regulates salt tolerance in transgenic tomato and apple

Salinity stress is a significant environmental factor that impacts the growth, development, quality, and yield of crops. The 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase family of enzyme proteins plays crucial roles in plant growth and stress responses. Previously, we identified and characterized MdCo, which encodes a putative 2OG-Fe (II) oxygenase, a key gene for controlling the columnar growth habit of apples. In this study, we explored the role of MdCo in salt stress tolerance. Expression analysis suggested that MdCo exhibits high expression in roots and is significantly induced by NaCl stress. Ectopic expression of MdCo exhibited enhanced salt stress tolerance in transgenic tomatoes, and these plants were characterized by better growth performance, and higher chlorophyll content, but lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA), and less hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radicals (O2-) under salt stress. Overexpression of MdCo can effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and up-regulating the expression of stress-associated genes under salt stress, thereby enhancing salt tolerance in apple calli. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the function of MdCo in salt stress tolerance as well as future potential application for apple breeding aimed at improving salt stress tolerance.

153 Use of probiotics in feedlot diets

Abstract The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization classifies probiotics as live microorganisms that have health benefits when fed to animals. While the original purpose of probiotic use in beef cattle was to enhance rumen health and to establish a healthy gastrointestinal tract microflora in young calves, probiotic use in finishing cattle has been steadily increasing. The reason for this increase in use of probiotics in feedlot cattle diets is primarily due to public health concern with antimicrobial resistance from the use of antimicrobial technologies in feedlot cattle diets to improve performance and reduce the incidence of disease. Feedlot cattle consuming high concentrate diets for extended periods of time can experience shifts in rumen microflora that may be detrimental to rumen health which can impact overall animal performance. There are several different strains of probiotics (e.g., lactic acid producing, lactic acid utilizing bacteria,) that can function to optimize the microbial populations within the gastrointestinal tract to improve gut health. With improved gut health, improvements in nutrient digestion, absorption, immune function, and barrier function are possible. Several recent experiments supplementing feedlot cattle with probiotics have reported improved ADF digestibility, increased ruminal pH, improved ruminal lactic acid clearance, inhibited C. perfringens Types A and C growth in vitro, increased red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity, and improved average daily gains during certain portions of the feeding period. However, other probiotic supplementation experiments have not observed improvements in growth and health responses in feedlot cattle. The reason for the discrepancies between the experiments may be due to differences in animal production scenarios, the ingredient and nutrient composition of the basal diet, dosage of the probiotic, and the bacterial composition of the probiotic. Future research investigating the impact of individual strains of probiotics and combinations of different probiotic bacteria is warranted.

255 Awardee Talk: Nutritional management to optimize cow-calf production in Southeast

Abstract Nearly one-half of beef cows in the United States are located in southern states where cow-calf operations predominate. Grazing management in cow-calf systems can be affected by environmental and seasonal conditions, often leading to nutrient deficiency, particularly during late gestation of beef females. Maternal nutrition during the last trimester of gestation can influence offspring development and health, and can be explored to optimize maternal and progeny performance. The objective of this presentation is to share nutritional and management strategies for pregnant beef cows and their long-term effects on offspring growth and physiology. Study 1 investigated the effects of timing of maternal protein supplementation during all last trimester of gestation (LATE84), only the first 42 d of last trimester of gestation (LATE42), or no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP) on offspring pre- and post-weaning performance. At weaning, LATE84 calves were the heaviest, followed by LATE42, and NOSUP (P ≤ 0.05). Steer serum parainfluenza-3 titers were greater (P = 0.03) for LATE42 vs. NOSUP and tended to be greater for LATE84 (P = 0.10) vs. NOSUP steers. Marbling and the proportion of steers grading choice were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for LATE42 vs. NOSUP, and intermediate for LATE84. Study 2 evaluated the effects of frequency of maternal protein supplementation on offspring pre-weaning growth. Cows received the same weekly amount of supplement (7 kg·cow⁻¹·wk⁻¹) but with different frequencies: once a week (1X), three times per week (3X), every day (7X), or no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP) during the last 80 d of gestation. At weaning, calves born from 7X cows were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), followed by 3X and 1X, which did not differ between them (P = 0.54), and NOSUP calves were the lightest (P ≤ 0.05). Study 3 evaluated the use of monensin supplementation during the last 77 d of gestation and its impacts on offspring performance. Treatments consisted of no prepartum supplementation (NOSUP), supplementation of dried distillers grains at 1 kg·cow⁻¹·d⁻¹ added with 0 (SUP) or 200 mg/d of monensin (SUPMO). At weaning, SUPMO calves were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), SUP intermediate, and NOSUP were the lightest. Experiment 4 consisted of pregnant heifers receiving the supplementation of 1 kg/d of soybean hulls dry matter added (BAC) or not (CON) with a Bacillus-based DFM mixture during late gestation (d 0 to 139) and early lactation (d 139 to 242). Post-weaning body weight gain and indicators of humoral immune response post-vaccination were greater for BAC vs. CON calves (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, changing the time and frequency of supplementation, and the use of additives and probiotics during late gestation of beef females are effective alternatives to improve offspring pre- and post-weaning growth and immune response.

Somapacitan in Children Born SGA: 52-week Efficacy, Safety, and IGF-I Response Results from the Phase 2 REAL5 Study.

Somapacitan, a once-weekly reversible albumin-binding GH derivative, is evaluated in short children born small for gestational age (SGA). Evaluate efficacy, safety, tolerability as well as total and bioactive insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) response of once-weekly somapacitan compared to daily GH in children born SGA. REAL5 is a randomized, multi-center, open-label, controlled phase 2 study comprising a 26-week main phase, 26-week extension, and an ongoing 4-year safety extension (NCT03878446). Thirty-eight sites across 12 countries. Sixty-two GH-treatment-naïve, prepubertal short children born SGA were randomized; 61 completed 52-weeks of treatment. Patients randomized (1:1:1:1:1) to somapacitan (0.16, 0.20 or 0.24 mg/kg/week) or daily GH (0.035 or 0.067 mg/kg/day), all administered subcutaneously. Estimated mean height velocity (HV; cm/year) at week 52 was 8.5, 10.4 and 10.7 cm/year for somapacitan 0.16, 0.20 and 0.24 mg/kg/week, respectively, and 9.3 and 11.2 cm/year for daily GH 0.035 and 0.067 mg/kg/day, respectively. Dose-dependent increases in total IGF-I as well as peak IGF-I bioactivity were observed for both treatments and were similar between comparator groups. For somapacitan, exposure-response modelling indicated highest efficacy with 0.24 mg/kg/week after 52 weeks of treatment. Similar safety and tolerability were demonstrated across all groups. A sustained dose-dependent growth response was demonstrated for somapacitan after 52 weeks of treatment. Overall, somapacitan 0.24 mg/kg/week provides similar efficacy, safety, and tolerability, as well as comparable bioactive and total IGF-I response, as daily GH (0.067 mg/kg/day) in children born SGA.

PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7 and RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 act in shade avoidance memory in Arabidopsis

Shade avoidance helps plants maximize their access to light for growth under crowding. It is unknown, however, whether a priming shade avoidance mechanism exists that allows plants to respond more effectively to successive shade conditions. Here, we show that the shade-intolerant plant Arabidopsis can remember a first experienced shade event and respond more efficiently to the next event on hypocotyl elongation. The transcriptional regulator PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR 7 (PIF7) and the histone H3K27-demethylase RELATIVE OF EARLY FLOWERING 6 (REF6) are identified as being required for this shade avoidance memory. RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that shade induction of shade-memory-related genes is impaired in the pif7 and ref6 mutants. Based on the analyses of enrichments of H3K27me3, REF6 and PIF7, we find that priming shade treatment induces PIF7 accumulation, which further recruits REF6 to demethylate H3K27me3 on the chromatin of certain shade-memory-related genes, leading to a state poised for their transcription. Upon a second shade treatment, enhanced shade-mediated inductions of these genes result in stronger hypocotyl growth responses. We conclude that the transcriptional memory mediated by epigenetic modification plays a key role in the ability of primed plants to remember previously experienced shade and acquire enhanced responses to recurring shade conditions.

Substrate heterogeneities cause root growth trajectories to switch from vertical to oblique.

Hard pans, soil compaction, soil aggregation and stones create physical barriers that can affect the development of a root system. Roots are known to exploit paths of least resistance to avoid such obstacles, but the mechanism through which this is achieved is not well understood. Here, we combined 3D-printed substrates with a high-throughput live imaging platform to study the responses of plant roots to a range of physical barriers. Using image analysis algorithms, we determined the properties of growth trajectories and identified how the presence of rigid circular obstacles affects the ability of a primary root to maintain its vertical trajectory. Results showed the types of growth responses were limited, both vertical and oblique trajectories were found to be stable and influenced by the size of the obstacles. When obstacles were of intermediate sizes, trajectories were unstable and changed in nature through time. We formalised the conditions for root trajectory to change from vertical to oblique, linking the angle at which the root detaches from the obstacle to the root curvature due to gravitropism. Exploitation of paths of least resistance by a root may therefore be constrained by the ability of the root to curve and respond to gravitropic signals.

Computational analysis and expression profiling of NAC transcription factor family involved in biotic stress response in Manihot esculenta.

The Nascent polypeptide-Associated Complex (NAC) family is among the largest plant-specific TF families and plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. NAC TFs have been extensively studied in plants such as rice and Arabidopsis; however, their characterization, functions, evolution, and expression patterns in Manihot esculenta (cassava) under environmental stress remain largely unexplored. Here, we used bioinformatic analyses and biotic stress responses to investigate the physicochemical properties, chromosome location, phylogeny, gene structure, expression patterns, and cis-elements in promoter regions of the NAC TFs in cassava. We identified 119 M. esculenta NAC (MeNAC) gene families, unevenly distributed on 16 chromosomes. We investigated expression patterns of all identified MeNAC TFs under Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) infection, strain CHN11, at different time points. Only 20 MeNAC TFs showed expression of significant bacterial resistance. Six MeNACs (MeNAC7, 26, 63, 65, 77, and 113) were selected for functional analysis. qRT-PCR assays revealed that MeNAC7, 26, 63, 65, 77, and 113 were induced in response to XamCHN11 infection and may participate in the molecular interaction of cassava and bacterial blight. Interestingly, MeNAC26, MeNAC63, MeNAC65, and MeNAC113 responded to XamCHN11 infection at 3 h post-inoculation. Furthermore, we identified 13 stress-related cis-elements in promoter regions of the MeNAC genes that are involved in diverse environmental stress responses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MeNAC genes with similar structures and motif distributions were grouped. This study provides valuable insights into the evolution, diversity, and characterization of MeNAC TFs. It lays the groundwork for a better understanding of their biological roles and molecular mechanisms in cassava.

Unraveling barley's PAL gene family: a genome-wide study on defense mechanisms against Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) is a pivotal enzyme bridging primary and secondary phenylpropanoid metabolism, influencing plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite extensive studies on PAL genes across various plant species, their investigation in barley, a critical staple food globally, has been relatively scarce. In this study, we have successfully identified 10 HvPAL genes, designated as HvPAL genes, in Hordeum vulgare (barley). These HvPAL genes were categorized based on their conserved sequences, which revealed patterns through MEME analysis and multiple sequence alignment. Interestingly, we found cis elements related to stress in the promoter regions of HvPAL genes, indicating their involvement in the response to pathogens. Furthermore, these gene promoters contained components associated with light, development, and hormone responsiveness. This suggests that they may play a role in hormonal developmental processes. MicroRNAs were also identified as regulators of the HvPAL genes we identified highlighting their significance in barley. To further investigate these gene expression patterns, we analyzed the RNA-seq data revealed the upregulating of HvPAL 2, HvPAL3, and HvPAL8, and downregulating HvPAL 5, HvPAL 6, and HvPAL9 genes in this study. This study focused on the regulation of PAL genes in response to 23 different races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in barley. These results suggest ways to improve traits and develop barley varieties that are resistant to pathogens by selectively increasing the expression of certain HvPAL genes that were not previously regulated. This thorough investigation aims to expand our knowledge of the versatility of the PAL gene family, providing insights for advancements in host -pathogen genetics.

Imaging the spatial distribution of structurally diverse plant hormones: A comprehensive review.

Plant hormones are essential and structurally diverse molecules that regulate various aspects of plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the precise analysis of plant hormones in complex biological samples poses a challenge due to their low concentrations, dynamic levels, and intricate spatial distribution. Moreover, the complexity and interconnectedness of hormone signaling networks make it difficult to simultaneously trace multiple hormone distributions. In this review, we provide an overview of the currently recognized small-molecule plant hormones, signal peptide hormones, and plant growth regulators, along with the analytical methods employed for their analysis. We delve into the latest advancements in mass spectrometry imaging and in situ fluorescence techniques, which enable the examination of the spatial distribution of plant hormones. The advantages and disadvantages of these imaging techniques are further discussed. Finally, we propose potential avenues for future research in this field to further enhance our understanding of plant hormone biology.

Midnolin, a Genetic Risk Factor for Parkinson's Disease, Promotes Neurite Outgrowth Accompanied by Early Growth Response 1 Activation in PC12 Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disease. Previously, we identified midnolin (MIDN) as a genetic risk factor for PD. Although MIDN copy number loss increases the risk of PD, the molecular function of MIDN remains unclear. To investigate the role of MIDN in PD, we established monoclonal Midn knockout (KO) PC12 cell models. Midn KO inhibited neurite outgrowth and neurofilament light chain (Nefl) gene expression. Although MIDN is mainly localized in the nucleus, it does not encode DNA-binding domains. We therefore hypothesized that MIDN might bind to certain transcription factors and regulate gene expression. Of the candidate transcription factors, we focused on early growth response 1 (EGR1) because it is required for neurite outgrowth and its target genes are downregulated by Midn KO. An interaction between MIDN and EGR1 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Surprisingly, although EGR1 protein levels were significantly increased in Midn KO cells, the binding of EGR1 to the Nefl promoter and resulting transcriptional activity were downregulated as measured by luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Overall, we identified the MIDN-dependent regulation of EGR1 function. This mechanism may be an underlying reason for the neurite outgrowth defects of Midn KO PC12 cells.

The sucrose signalling route controls Flavescence dorée phytoplasma load in grapevine leaves.

Flavescence dorée (FD) is a phytoplasma disease transmitted by insects, causing severe damage to vineyards across Europe. Infected plants cannot be cured and must be removed to prevent further spread. Different grapevine cultivars show varying susceptibility to FD, and some exhibit symptom remission, known as recovery, although the mechanisms behind this are unclear. Diseased plants accumulate soluble sugars, including sucrose, which influences the concentration of trehalose-6P (T6P), a signalling molecule affecting plant growth and stress responses. It is hypothesized that sucrose-mediated signalling via T6P could trigger defence mechanisms, reducing FD pathogen load and increasing plant recovery. Testing this, two grapevine genotypes with different susceptibility to FD were compared, revealing increased sucrose level and TPS activity in the more tolerant cultivar. However, FD-infected plants showed inhibited sucrose-cleaving enzymes and no activation of TPS expression. Attempts to enhance sucrose levels through trunk infusion and girdling promoted sucrose metabolism, T6P biosynthesis, and defence gene expression, facilitating symptom recovery. Girdling particularly enhanced T6P biosynthesis and defence genes above the treatment point, reducing FD pathogen presence and promoting recovery. These findings suggest that elevated sucrose levels, possibly signalling through T6P, may limit FD pathogen spread, aiding in plant recovery.

Promoting salt tolerance, growth, and phytochemical responses in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Balady) via eco-friendly Bacillus subtilis and cobalt

In plant production, evaluation of salt stress protectants concerning their potential to improve growth and productivity under saline stress is critical. Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and cobalt (Co) have been proposed to optimize salt stress tolerance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Balady) plants by influencing some physiological activities. The main aim of this work is to investigate the response of (Bs) and (Co) as eco-safe salt stress protectants to resist the effect of salinity, on growth, seed, and essential oil yield, and the most important biochemical constituents of coriander produced under salt stress condition. Therefore, in a split-plot factorial experiment design in the RCBD (randomized complete block design), four levels of salinity of NaCl irrigation water (SA) were assigned to the main plots; (0.5, 1.5, 4, and 6 dS m−1); and six salt stress protectants (SP) were randomly assigned to the subplots: distilled water; 15 ppm (Co1); 30 ppm (Co2); (Bs); (Co1 + Bs); (Co2 + Bs). The study concluded that increasing SA significantly reduced coriander growth and yield by 42.6%, which could be attributed to ion toxicity, oxidative stress, or decreased vital element content. From the results, we recommend that applying Bs with Co (30 ppm) was critical for significantly improving overall growth parameters. This was determined by the significant reduction in the activity of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzyme: proline by 5, 11.3, 14.7, and 13.8% respectively, while increasing ascorbic acid by 8% and preserving vital nutrient levels and enhancing plant osmotic potential to buffer salt stress, seed yield per plant, and essential oil yield increased by 12.6 and 18.8% respectively. The quality of essential oil was indicated by highly significant quantities of vital biological phytochemicals such as linalool, camphor, and protein which increased by 10.3, 3.6, and 9.39% respectively. Additional research is suggested to determine the precise mechanism of action of Bs and Co's dual impact on medicinal and aromatic plant salt stress tolerance.

A Bamboo HD-Zip Transcription Factor PeHDZ72 Conferred Drought Tolerance by Promoting Sugar and Water Transport.

Drought drastically affects plant growth, development and productivity. Plants respond to drought stress by enhancing sugar accumulation and water transport. Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors (TFs) participate in various aspects of plant growth and stress response. However, the internal regulatory mechanism of HD-Zips in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified an HD-Zip member, PeHDZ72, which was highly expressed in bamboo shoots and roots and was induced by drought. Furthermore, PeSTP_46019, PeSWEET_23178 and PeTIP4-3 were identified as downstream genes of PeHDZ72 in moso bamboo by DAP-seq. The expressions of these three genes were all induced by drought stress. Y1H, DLR and GUS activity assays demonstrated that PeHDZ72 could bind to three types of HD-motifs in the promoters of these three genes. Overexpression of PeHDZ72 led to a remarkable enhancement in drought tolerance in transgenic rice, with significantly improved soluble sugar and sucrose contents. Meanwhile, the expressions of OsSTPs, OsSWEETs and OsTIP were all upregulated in transgenic rice under drought stress. Overall, our results indicate that drought stress might induce the expression of PeHDZ72, which in turn activated downstream genes PeSTP_46019, PeSWEET_23178 and PeTIP4-3, contributing to the improvement of cellular osmotic potential in moso bamboo in response to drought stress.

Effect of nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios and molybdenum level in the nutrient solution on vegetative growth and biochemical responses of basil plants

In hydroponics, preferring a higher nitrate to ammonia ratio can lead to nitrate accumulation in plant tissues. Reducing nitrate application and substituting nitrate-based fertilizers with ammonium or urea can help solve this issue. Additionally, adding molybdenum (Mo) can decrease nitrate accumulation by stimulating nitrate reductase activity. This study was carried out in a factorial design within a completely randomized experimental setup to investigate the effects of varying nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios, as well as Mo concentration in the nutrient solution, on vegetative growth and biochemical parameters in hydroponically grown Jenovise basil. The treatments included different ratios of nitrate: ammonium: urea (75:25:0, 50:25:25, 25:25:50, 0:25:75, 50:0:50, 25:0:75, 0:0:100, or 100:0:0) and three Mo levels (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 mg. L−1) in a modified Hoagland solution. The results indicated that growth-associated characteristics improved when nitrate was partially substituted with ammonium and urea in the nutrient solution. The highest total phenolics (2.61 mg. g−1 DW) and flavonoids (2500.36 mg. g−1 DW) were observed at a nitrate: ammonium: urea ratio of 75:25:0 with 0.1 mg. L−1 Mo. Plants treated with a nutrient solution containing a nitrate: ammonium: urea ratio of 0:25:75 and 0.01 mg L−1 Mo showed a significant increase in chlorophyll b concentration, reaching 0.22 mg.g−1 FW, which was higher than all other treatments. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that optimizing the combined nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios along with Mo in the nutrient solution regulated nitrate accumulation and growth in hydroponically grown basil.

Influence of raceway based biofloc system on the growth and physiological responses of Penaeus vannamei and GIF tilapia in a polyculture model – BFT aquaculture system

The present study investigates the efficiency of raceway-based biofloc technology for the production of Penaeus vannamei and Genetically Improved Farmed tilapia in a polyculture model. Six raceway tanks were used to explore the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, bacterial count and histology of P. vannamei reared with GIF tilapia using raceway-based biofloc and clear water raceway culture systems. Each raceway (6.8 m x 2.2 m x 3 m) was stocked with 60 shrimp/m3 of P. vannamei (0.93±0.09 g), and 5 fish/m3 of GIF tilapia (0.42±0.01 g) and reared for 90 days. Biofloc, with a carbon: nitrogen ratio of 15:1, is developed and maintained using soyahull pellet powder as organic carbon source, with continuous aeration was provided. The present study found significantly higher weight gain of P. vannamei (16.09±0.26 g) and GIF tilapia (11.71±0.35 g) in raceway-based biofloc culture system. Survival of P. vannamei and GIF tilapia did not exhibit any significant variations between raceway-based biofloc and clear water raceway systems. Significantly higher digestive enzymes activities of protease (0.25±0.01 and 0.14±0.02 U/ mg protein/min), lipase (0.88±0.04 and 0.37±0.01 U/ mg protein/min) and amylase (0.008±0.00 and 0.0016±0.00 U/ mg protein/min) are recorded in P. vannamei and GIF tilapia in raceway-based biofloc culture system, respectively. Higher values of total heterotrophic bacteria (52.25±0.88×104 CFU/ml, 49.63±1.10 ×107 CFU/g and 53.12±0.44×107 CFU/g) and bacillus counts (76.50±0.46×102 CFU/ml, 155.62±0.89×102 CFU/g and 238.75±0.82×102 CFU/g) are recorded in culture water, P.vannamei gut and GIF tilapia gut in raceway based biofloc culture system, respectively. No histopathological changes are observed in the GIF tilapia (gut), P. vannamei (gut and hepatopancreas), but deformities such as congestion of the tips of few secondary lamellae are noticed in the GIF tilapia (gill) reared in the clear water raceway system. Therefore, the study suggests that polyculture of P. vannamei and GIF tilapia in a raceway-based biofloc system is advantageous over the clear water raceway system in terms of production augmentation with improved physiological conditions.