Improve Plant Health Research Articles

Nanoinert diatomaceous and emamectin benzoate: Enhancing wheat protection against fall armyworms for sustainable management

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant global threat to agriculture due to its wide geographic range, high reproductive rate, and ability to thrive in diverse climates and habitats. A field study was conducted to evaluate the potential of nano-inert dust particles, specifically nano-diatomaceous earth (N-DE) and nano-potassium silicate (N-K2SiO3), individually and in combination with emamectin benzoate, to manage FAW larvae infesting wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). The field experiments occurred during the winter seasons of 2021 and 2022 in Qaha, Qalubya Governorate, Egypt. Results revealed that the combined application of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 with emamectin benzoate outperformed other treatments, achieving larval reduction rates of 93.33 % and 86.66 % in 2021 and 89.31 % and 86.90 % in 2022 after a 10-day interval from the second spray. Moreover, supplementation with N-DE and N-K2SiO3 enhanced plant height, tiller count, leaf number, foaming, suspensibility, surface tension, and pH compared to using emamectin benzoate alone. Additionally, foliar application of N-K2SiO3 and N-DE increased total flavonoids (4.23 and 3.24 mg CE/g) and total phenolic compounds (1.35 and 1.12 mg/g F. Wt.), as well as plant silicate content, indicating improved plant health and pest resistance. This study underscores the efficacy of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 in reducing FAW infestations and enhancing plant growth and defense mechanisms.

N-acetylcysteine absorption and its potential dual effect improve fitness and fruit yield in Xylella fastidiosa infected plants.

Xylella fastidiosa is a multi-host bacterium that can be detected in hundreds of plant species including several crops. Diseases caused by X. fastidiosa are considered a threat to global food production. The primary method for managing diseases caused by X. fastidiosa involves using insecticides to control the vector. Hence, it is necessary to adopt new and sustainable disease management technologies to control not only the insect but also the bacteria and plant health. We demonstrated that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a low-cost cysteine analogue, is a sustainable molecule that can be used in agriculture to decrease the damage caused by X. fastidiosa and improve plant health. Using 15N-NAC we proved that this analogue was absorbed by the roots and transported to different parts of the plant. Inside the plant, NAC reduced the bacterial population by 60-fold and the number of xylem vessels blocked by bacterial biofilms. This reflected in a recovery of 0.28-fold of the daily sap flow compared to health plants. In addition, NAC-treated citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) plants decreased the oxidative stress by improving the activity of detoxifying enzymes. Moreover, the use of NAC in field conditions positively contributed to the increase in fruit yield of CVC-diseased plants. Our research not only advances the understanding of NAC absorption in plants, but also indicates its dual effect as an antimicrobial and antioxidant molecule. This, in turn, negatively affects bacterial survival while improving plant health by decreasing oxidative stress. Overall, the positive field-based evidence supports the viability of NAC as a sustainable agricultural application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on soil fungal diversity and maize yield variation in Shandong Province, China

Maize is one of the major crops cultivated in northern Shandong Province and contributes significantly to China's maize production, and nitrogen (N) application to the soil can have a marked impact on maize yield and soil microbial productivity. The current environmental challenge, which needs urgently to be addressed, is to effectively utilize fertilizer nitrogen to improve crop production without causing environmental stress in sustainable agroecosystems. Soil fungi can improve plant health and crop performance through improved nutrient uptake and reducing plant stress levels. How soil N influences fungal diversity and maize yield at spatial patterns remains unclear. In this study, the influences of different soil N treatments on maize yields and fungal diversity were investigated in maize fields at five N rates (from 0 to 120 kg ha−1). High-throughput sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region revealed that α- and β-diversities of fungi significantly increased at 80 kg N ha−1 (N80) but decreased significantly in the control (N0) and other N treatments. Variations in the NC model predicted strong fungal distribution patterns (R2 = 0.60) among all the treatments. The highest proportion of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) (68.99 %) was observed at N80. The study also found that the complexity of the co-occurrence network significantly stabilized at N80, but a decrease in network complexity was observed at N120. The study showed that, relative to the control, the addition of N to the soil significantly increased the abundance of Ascomycota at the phylum level and Chaetomium, Fusarium, and Mortierella at the genus levels, with average abundances of 5.82 %, 1.67 %, and 19.58 %, respectively. Functional ecology analysis indicated that soil N upregulated the composition of ecological fungal communities by stochastic processes. The composition of major fungal sub-communities was positively correlated with nitrogen/carbon cycling at N80. Moreover, results also indicated that the yields (3.14 t ha−1) and other agronomic effects at N80 were significantly higher than those in the other treatments. This study demonstrates that optimal nitrogen application achieves increases in both fungal diversity and yield, contributing to improved crop production and sustainability at spatial scales.

Bacteria associated with Comamonadaceae are key arsenite oxidizer associated with Pteris vittata root

Pteris vittata (P. vittata), an arsenic (As) hyperaccumulator commonly used in the phytoremediation of As-contaminated soils, contains root-associated bacteria (RAB) including those that colonize the root rhizosphere and endosphere, which can adapt to As contamination and improve plant health. As(III)-oxidizing RAB can convert the more toxic arsenite (As(III)) to less toxic arsenate (As(V)) under As-rich conditions, which may promote plant survial. Previous studies have shown that microbial As(III) oxidation occurs in the rhizospheres and endospheres of P. vittata. However, knowledge of RAB of P. vittata responsible for As(III) oxidation remained limited. In this study, members of the Comamonadaceae family were identified as putative As(III) oxidizers, and the core microbiome associated with P. vittata roots using DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP), amplicon sequencing and metagenomic analysis. Metagenomic binning revealed that metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) associated with Comamonadaceae contained several functional genes related to carbon fixation, arsenic resistance, plant growth promotion and bacterial colonization. As(III) oxidation and plant growth promotion may be key features of RAB in promoting P. vittata growth. These results extend the current knowledge of the diversity of As(III)-oxidizing RAB and provide new insights into improving the efficiency of arsenic phytoremediation.

Optimized water management for precision agriculture using IoT-based smart irrigation system

This project introduces a Smart Irrigation System aimed at enhancing water efficiency in agriculture through the integration of an Arduino Uno micro-controller and a variety of sensors. The system incorporates a soil moisture sensor, a DHT11 sensor for monitoring temperature and humidity, an LCD, a buzzer for alerts, and a relay module to control a pump motor. The main goal is to create an automated irrigation system that adjusts to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing water usage for plant growth. The soil moisture sensor continuously evaluates soil moisture levels, while the DHT11 sensor keeps tabs on temperature and humidity. The Arduino Uno processes this data and displays it on an LCD screen. When the soil moisture falls below a predefined threshold, the system activates a buzzer and triggers the relay to turn on the pump motor. The LCD provides real-time feedback on environmental conditions and the irrigation status. This Smart Irrigation System offers several advantages, including water conservation, energy efficiency, and improved plant health. By automating irrigation based on real sensor data, the system minimizes water wastage and ensures that plants receive optimal moisture levels. Additionally, temperature and humidity monitoring contribute to effective microenvironment management. The project serves as a demonstration of IoT-based solutions for agricultural challenges, featuring a modular design that allows for scalability. Future developments may include incorporating additional sensors, enabling wireless connectivity for remote monitoring, and integration with weather data. In summary, the system provides a practical and cost-effective solution for sustainable agriculture, promoting water conservation and efficient farming practices.

Biological Control of Pseudomonas syringae in Tomato Using Filtrates and Extracts Produced by Alternaria leptinellae

Endophytic fungi offer promising alternatives for sustainable plant disease management strategies, often through the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. This study investigated the biocontrol potential of filtrates and extracts, produced under controlled conditions, from Alternaria leptinellae E138 against Pseudomonas syringae in tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. To understand the main mechanisms involved in biocontrol, the direct inhibition of bacterial growth and disruption of quorum sensing activity caused by metabolites were studied in vitro, as well as indirect mechanisms, such as their capacity to produce phytohormone-like substances, nutrient mobilization, and antioxidant activity, which can enhance plant growth and fitness. Moreover, a mass spectrometry analysis was used to tentatively identify the secondary metabolites present in the extract with antimicrobial properties, which could explain the biocontrol effects observed. Mycopriming assays, involving the direct treatment of tomato seeds with the fungal A. leptinellae E138 extracts, produced increased germination rates and seedling vigor in tomato seeds. As another treatment, postemergence application of the extracts in greenhouse conditions significantly improved plant health and resulted in a 41% decrease in disease severity. Overall, this study underscores the potential of A. leptinellae E138 extract as a plant growth promoter with biocontrol capabilities, offering promising avenues for sustainable plant disease management.

Comparative effectiveness of carbon nanoparticles and biochar in alleviating copper stress in corn (Zea mays L.)

The application of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and biochar in agriculture for improving plant health and soil quality and alleviating metal stress offers alternative approaches to meet the ever-increasing demand for food. However, poor understanding of their roles in improving crop production under Cu stress represents a significant obstacle to their wide application in agriculture. To clarify how CNPs and biochar affect corn (Zea mays L.) seed germination, seedling growth, plant health, and nutrient uptake under different Cu stress levels, soil-less Petri-dish and greenhouse soil-based bioassays were conducted. The results revealed that CNPs and biochar stimulated corn seed germination and seedling growth. Besides, they were effective in immobilizing Cu2+ sorption in sandy soil and alleviating Cu stress for plant growth, as shown by the increased plant height and dry biomass. The plant nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE) was significantly increased by CNPs, with a maximum increase of 63.1% for N and 63.3% for K at the highest Cu2+ stress level (400 mg Cu2+ L−1). In contrast, non-significant effects on NUE were observed with biochar treatments regardless of Cu stress levels. Interestingly, CNPs significantly increased plant uptake of Cu in the Petri dish test, while biochar inhibited plant uptake of Cu under both experimental conditions. Principle component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that CNPs mitigated Cu stress mainly by elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, enhancing plant photochemical efficiency, and increasing plant uptake of N and K, while biochar was more likely to reduce bioavailability and uptake of Cu in the plant. These findings have great implications for the application of CNPs and biochar as plant growth stimulators and de-toxicity agents in agriculture.

Nanotechnology in agriculture: A solution to global food insecurity in a changing climate?

Although the Green Revolution dramatically increased food production, it led to non- sustainable conventional agricultural practices, with productivity in general declining over the last few decades. Maintaining food security with a world population exceeding 9 billion in 2050, a changing climate, and declining arable land will be exceptionally challenging. In fact, nothing short of a revolution in how we grow, distribute, store, and consume food is needed. In the last ten years, the field of nanotoxicology in plant systems has largely transitioned to one of sustainable nano-enabled applications, with recent discoveries on the use of this advanced technology in agriculture showing tremendous promise. The range of applications is quite extensive, including direct application of nanoscale nutrients for improved plant health, nutrient biofortification, increased photosynthetic output, and greater rates of nitrogen fixation. Other applications include nano-facilitated delivery of both fertilizers and pesticides; nano-enabled delivery of genetic material for gene silencing against viral pathogens and insect pests; and nanoscale sensors to support precision agriculture. Recent efforts have demonstrated that nanoscale strategies increase tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stressors, offering realistic potential to generate climate resilient crops. Considering the efficiency of nanoscale materials, there is a need to make their production more economical, alongside efficient use of incumbent resources such as water and energy. The hallmark of many of these approaches involves much greater impact with far less input of material. However, demonstrations of efficacy at field scale are still insufficient in the literature, and a thorough understanding of mechanisms of action is both necessary and often not evident. Although nanotechnology holds great promise for combating global food insecurity, there are far more ways to do this poorly than safely and effectively. This review summarizes recent work in this space, calling out existing knowledge gaps and suggesting strategies to alleviate those concerns to advance the field of sustainable nano-enabled agriculture.

Seedling microbiota engineering using bacterial synthetic community inoculation on seeds.

Synthetic Communities (SynComs) are being developed and tested to manipulate plant microbiota and improve plant health. To date, only few studies proposed the use of SynCom on seed despite its potential for plant microbiota engineering. We developed and presented a simple and effective seedling microbiota engineering method using SynCom inoculation on seeds. The method was successful using a wide diversity of SynCom compositions and bacterial strains that are representative of the common bean seed microbiota. First, this method enables the modulation of seed microbiota composition and community size. Then, SynComs strongly outcompeted native seed and potting soil microbiota and contributed on average to 80% of the seedling microbiota. We showed that strain abundance on seed was a main driver of an effective seedling microbiota colonization. Also, selection was partly involved in seed and seedling colonization capacities since strains affiliated to Enterobacteriaceae and Erwiniaceae were good colonizers while Bacillaceae and Microbacteriaceae were poor colonizers. Additionally, the engineered seed microbiota modified the recruitment and assembly of seedling and rhizosphere microbiota through priority effects. This study shows that SynCom inoculation on seeds represents a promising approach to study plant microbiota assembly and its consequence on plant fitness.

Streptomyces-triggered coordination between rhizosphere microbiomes and plant transcriptome enables watermelon Fusarium wilt resistance.

The use of microbial inoculant is a promising strategy to improve plant health, but their efficiency often faces challenges due to difficulties in successful microbial colonization in soil environments. To this end, the application of biostimulation products derived from microbes is expected to resolve these barriers via direct interactions with plants or soil pathogens. However, their effectiveness and mechanisms for promoting plant growth and disease resistance remain elusive. In this study, we showed that root irrigation with the extracts of Streptomyces ahygroscopicus strain 769 (S769) solid fermentation products significantly reduced watermelon Fusarium wilt disease incidence by 30% and increased the plant biomass by 150% at a fruiting stage in a continuous cropping field. S769 treatment led to substantial changes in both bacterial and fungal community compositions, and induced a highly interconnected microbial association network in the rhizosphere. The root transcriptome analysis further suggested that S769 treatment significantly improved the expression of the MAPK signalling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction and plant-pathogen interactions, particular those genes related to PR-1 and ethylene, as well as genes associated with auxin production and reception. Together, our study provides mechanistic and empirical evidences for the biostimulation products benefiting plant health through coordinating plant and rhizosphere microbiome interaction.

Fungal-Bacterial Combinations in Plant Health under Stress: Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of the Filamentous Fungus Serendipita indica and the Actinobacterium Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 under In Vitro Arsenic Stress.

Fungal-bacterial combinations have a significant role in increasing and improving plant health under various stress conditions. Metabolites secreted by fungi and bacteria play an important role in this process. Our study emphasizes the significance of secondary metabolites secreted by the fungus Serendipita indica alone and by an actinobacterium Zhihengliuella sp. ISTPL4 under normal growth conditions and arsenic (As) stress condition. Here, we evaluated the arsenic tolerance ability of S. indica alone and in combination with Z. sp. ISTPL4 under in vitro conditions. The growth of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4 was measured in varying concentrations of arsenic and the effect of arsenic on spore size and morphology of S. indica was determined using confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The metabolomics study indicated that S. indica alone in normal growth conditions and under As stress released pentadecanoic acid, glycerol tricaprylate, L-proline and cyclo(L-prolyl-L-valine). Similarly, d-Ribose, 2-deoxy-bis(thioheptyl)-dithioacetal were secreted by a combination of S. indica and Z. sp. ISTPL4. Confocal studies revealed that spore size of S. indica decreased by 18% at 1.9 mM and by 15% when in combination with Z. sp. ISTPL4 at a 2.4 mM concentration of As. Arsenic above this concentration resulted in spore degeneration and hyphae fragmentation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated an increased spore size of S. indica in the presence of Z. sp. ISTPL4 (18 ± 0.75 µm) compared to S. indica alone (14 ± 0.24 µm) under normal growth conditions. Our study concluded that the suggested combination of microbial consortium can be used to increase sustainable agriculture by combating biotic as well as abiotic stress. This is because the metabolites released by the microbial combination display antifungal and antibacterial properties. The metabolites, besides evading stress, also confer other survival strategies. Therefore, the choice of consortia and combination partners is important and can help in developing strategies for coping with As stress.

PDR9 allelic variation and MYB63 modulate nutrient-dependent coumarin homeostasis in Arabidopsis.

Plant roots release phytochemicals into the soil environment to influence nutrient availability and uptake. Arabidopsis thaliana roots release phenylpropanoid coumarins in response to iron (Fe) deficiency, likely to enhance Fe uptake and improve plant health. This response requires sufficient phosphorus (P) in the root environment. Nonetheless, the regulatory interplay influencing coumarin production under varying availabilities of Fe and P is not known. Through genome-wide association studies, we have pinpointed the influence of the ABC transporter G family member, PDR9, on coumarin accumulation and trafficking (homeostasis)under combined Fe and P deficiency. We show that genetic variation in the promoter of PDR9 regulates its expression in a manner associated with coumarin production. Furthermore, we find that MYB63 transcription factor controls dedicated coumarin production by regulating both COUMARIN SYNTHASE (COSY) and FERULOYL-CoA 6'-HYDROXYLASE 1 (F6'H1) expression while orchestrating secretion through PDR9 genes under Fe and P combined deficiency. This integrated approach illuminates the intricate connections between nutrient signaling pathways in coumarin response mechanisms.

Mitigating the Trade-Off between Growth and Stress Resistance in Plants by Fungal Volatile Compounds.

Plants grow in association with diverse microorganisms. During communication between plants and microbes, beneficial and phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi emit various volatile compounds (VCs). These microbial VCs (mVCs) are typically small, odorous compounds with low boiling point, high vapor pressure, and a lipophilic moiety (Schulz and Dickschat, 2007). Based on recent studies, mVCs appear to regulate plant nutrient acquisition, photosynthesis, phytohormone actions, and metabolic processes, leading to an improvement in plant performance (Fincheira et al., 2021). Since mVCs can activate plant defenses, and/or promote plant growth and development at low concentrations, their application in agriculture is attractive to efficiently grow crops and improve plant health in the absence of excess usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. To this end, mVCs have been used for integrated pest management (IPM) to enhance both crop defense and production in field conditions (Brilli et al., 2019). Understanding the molecular action of mVCs in plants will pave the way toward improved crop protection and ecosystem management.

Co-applications of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi synergistically alleviate heavy metal uptake and toxicity in lentil plants (Lens culinaris Medik.) grown in sewage sludge amended soil

Reusing sewage sludge as a mode of nutrients and an organic amendment may be a viable choice for the appropriate treatment of organic waste. This study examined the impact of symbiotic microbes such as Rhizobium and two selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Funneliformis caledonius (Nicolson & Gerd.) and Glomus bagyarajii (Mehrotra), on the growth, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical content, microbial population, and heavy metal uptake in lentil plants grown in soil mixed with 20 % sewage sludge. Lentil seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium prior to sowing and with either of the AMF (Funneliformis caledonius or Glomus bagyarajii) in pots filled with soil-sewage sludge mixture. The results showed that the tested microbial inoculum enhanced the growth and productivity of lentil plants. Lentil plants inoculated with Rhizobium and AMF had better nodulation and root colonization, leading to an increase in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) content and a decrease in the stress marker, proline, in plant parts. In addition, the inoculated microbes also improved the photosynthetic and biochemical contents of the plant. Lentil plants grown in sewage sludge-amended soil when inoculated with Rhizobium and either of AMF were found to be more effective in accumulating Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn in the roots, while restricting their translocation to the above-ground parts of the plant, thereby improving plant health. Overall, the study outcomes provide evidence that Rhizobium and AMF have the potential to tolerate heavy metal stress caused by the addition of sewage sludge to soil, which has important implications for sustainable agriculture practices. The study also highlights the importance of microbial inoculants, such as Rhizobium and AMF in enhancing growth and yield, particularly under heavy metal stress in economically important lentil.

A Practical Approach to Increase Crop Production Using Wireless Sensor Technology

Introduction; The global demand for food production continues to rise due to the growing population and changing consumption patterns. Traditional agricultural practices often fail to meet this demand efficiently, leading to the exploration of innovative technologies to enhance crop productivity. Wireless sensor technology (WST) has emerged as a promising tool to monitor and optimize agricultural practices, providing real-time data on various environmental parameters crucial for crop growth. Objective; This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of wireless sensor technology in increasing crop production. By integrating WST into conventional farming practices, we seek to optimize resource usage, reduce waste, and improve crop yields. Methods; We have proposed an IoT-enabled soil nutrient classification and crop recommendation model to recommend crops. By incorporating machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud, sensors, and other automated equipment into the decision-assisting system, farmers will be able to take decisive actions without relying entirely on regional farming offices. Results; The analysis showed that the plot using wireless sensor technology exhibited a significant increase in crop yield compared to the traditional plot. Soil moisture levels were maintained within optimal ranges, leading to better water usage efficiency. Additionally, the automated system adjusted fertilizer application based on real-time soil nutrient data, resulting in improved plant health and productivity. Conclusions; The integration of wireless sensor technology in agriculture presents a practical and effective approach to increase crop production. This technology enables precise monitoring and management of critical growth parameters, resulting in higher yields and more efficient resource use. Adopting WST can significantly contribute to meeting the global food demand while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Harnessing chickpea bacterial endophytes for improved plant health and fitness.

Endophytic bacteria live asymptomatically inside the tissues of host plants without inflicting any damage. Endophytes can confer several beneficial traits to plants, which can contribute to their growth, development, and overall health. They have been found to stimulate plant growth by enhancing nutrient uptake and availability. They can produce plant growth-promoting substances such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, which regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. Endophytes can also improve root system architecture, leading to increased nutrient and water absorption. Some endophytes possess the ability to solubilize nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, making them more available for plant uptake, and fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a major legume crop that has mutualistic interactions with endophytes. These endophytes can benefit the chickpea plant in various ways, including higher growth, improved nutrient uptake, increased tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors, and disease suppression. They can produce enzymes and metabolites that scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species, thus reducing oxidative stress. Moreover, several studies reported that endophytes produce antimicrobial compounds, lytic enzymes, and volatile organic compounds that inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens and trigger systemic defense responses in plants, leading to increased resistance against a broad range of pathogens. They can activate plant defense pathways, including the production of defense-related enzymes, phytoalexins, and pathogenesis-related proteins, thereby providing long-lasting protection. It is important to note that the diversity and function of chickpea-associated endophytes can vary depending on factors such as variety, geographical location, and environmental conditions. The mechanisms behind the plant-beneficial interactions are still being intensively explored. In this review, new biotechnologies in agricultural production and ecosystem stability were presented. Thus, harnessing chickpea endophytes could be exploited in developing drought-resistant cultivars that can maintain productivity in arid and semi-arid environments, crucial for meeting the global demand for chickpeas.

Evaluation of the effect of magnetic field on rapeseed growth and the causal agent of blackleg disease, Phoma lingam.

In recent years, with the increased production of oilseed rape, there has been a simultaneous enhancement in reports on pathogens causing diseases. Magnetic technology has been recognized as a new agricultural method aimed at improving health and crop production. In this work, the effect of magnetic fields was studied on the mycelial growth and conidia formation of Leptosphaeria maculans Gol125 and Leptosphaeria biglobosa KH36, the causal agents of Phoma stem cancer (blackleg) disease in rapeseed. In addition, seeds exposed to eight direct frequencies of magnetic fields were impregnated with pathogen suspension and grown under greenhouse conditions. The growth speed of both pathogen isolates decreased by 1-28% in GOL125 and 6-46% in KH36 over time in cultures exposed to magnetic fields. However, the number of conidia increased significantly under magnetic field exposure, reaching 5.4 × 107 and 7.7 × 107 SFU/ml in KH36 and GOL125 isolates, respectively. Furthermore, in greenhouse conditions, an increase in photosynthetic pigment levels was observed in almost all of the magnetic field-treated plants. In addition, disease incidence decreased by around 6% in the magnetic field-treated plants. This study represents the first evaluation of magnetic technology in controlling plant diseases. The use of magnetic fields may present a viable strategy for a sustainable production system; however, it requires further advanced studies to improve plant health and productivity.

Effect of Silicon on the Fruit Quality and Disease Response to Gummy Stem Blight in Cucumber

Gumm y stem blight (GSB) caused by Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum is the most destructive fungal disease affecting cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production. In Thailand, cucumber is one of the most popularly marketed vegetables and the cultivation of cucumbers or Cucurbitaceae often face impact epidemics and insect infestation. Furthermore, global climatic or climate change affects crop production too, which increases the frequency and severity of disease and pest outbreaks. Silicon (Si) enhances plant resistance against insect pests and fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases although Si is not the only beneficial element for plants but also it does play an important role in improving plant health and increasing resistance against pests and diseases. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Si-application at two levels i.e., 50 ppm, and 100 ppm on yield, yield components, aroma, Si-concentration and disease response of cucumber under greenhouse condition in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Results, when compared with control, depicted that the highest fruit weight, marketable yield, fruit length, fruit width, and pith length were found under 50 ppm Si. Moreover, higher Si-levels resulted in increased aroma in rind (exocarp) and increased percentage of Si-concentrations in rind (exocarp), leaves, and shoot. Further in this research, the response of Gummy stem blight disease (GSB) in cucumber was also investigated the response of. The taxonomic identification of Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum was confirmed based on the evidence from morpho-molecular analyses and the pathogenicity test was performed to confirm its potential pathogenicity. The results showed that the varying treatments of Si affects the disease development. The 50 ppm Si caused the lowest disease response on cucumber fruits. This study can be used as a guideline for modifying Si-fertilizer application inputs to plants to increase disease resistance and fruit quality.

Investigating the Interaction of Endophytic Bacteria and Biochemical Compounds in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an important cereal crop in Asia and Africa. This study focuses on quantifying endophytic bacteria in several parts of the pearl millet plant—roots, stems, and leaves. Total phenolic content, orthodihydroxy phenols, total soluble sugars, protein levels, and enzymatic activity (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase) were all measured and linked with the amount of endophytic bacteria. The leaves have the highest total phenolic content, followed by the stem. Orthodihydroxy phenols were also significantly greater in leaves (1.82 mg catechol equi./g) than in stems and roots. Total soluble sugars showed higher levels in leaves (9.97 mg glucose equi./g), in stems (9.21 mg glucose equi./g) and in roots ( 6.83 mg glucose equi./g). Protein content exhibited significant variation among the plant parts, with leaves (10.63%) containing the highest protein content followed by stems and roots (8.47% and 6.67% respectively). Enzymatic activities, crucial for plant defence and growth, varied across the plant sections. Peroxidase activity was highest in roots (359.98 OD/g), followed by stems and leaves. Polyphenol oxidase activity was lowest in the roots (1.63 OD/g) and highest in the leaves with 2.19 OD/g, while catalase activity was the highest activity in the roots with 17.79 OD/g versus 14.79 OD/g and 14.63 OD/gin the leaves and Roots respectively. The number of Pearl millet endophytic bacteria in the roots is 16, whereas the amount in the stem is 12 and 10 in the leaves. This in-depth analysis sheds light on future research targeted at better understanding plant-microbe interactions and developing ways to improve plant health and productivity.

Seed biopriming as a promising approach for stress tolerance and enhancement of crop productivity: a review.

Chemicals are used extensively in agriculture to increase crop production to meet the nutritional needs of an expanding world population. However, their injudicious application adversely affects the soil's physical, chemical and biological properties, subsequently posing a substantial threat to human health and global food security. Beneficial microorganisms improve plant health and productivity with minimal impact on the environment; however, their efficacy greatly relies on the application technique. Biopriming is an advantageous technique that involves the treatment of seeds with beneficial biological agents. It exhibits immense potential in improving the physiological functioning of seeds, thereby playing a pivotal role in their uniform germination and vigor. Biopriming-mediated molecular and metabolic reprogramming imparts stress tolerance to plants, improves plant health, and enhances crop productivity. Furthermore, it is also associated with rehabilitating degraded land, andimproving soil fertility, health and nutrient cycling. Although biopriming has vast applications in the agricultural system, its commercialization and utilization by farmers is still in its infancy. This review aims to critically analyze the recent studies based on biopriming-mediated stress mitigation by alteration in physiological, metabolic and molecular processes in plants. Additionally, considering the necessity of popularizing this technique, the major challenges and prospects linked to the commercialization and utilization of this technique in agricultural systems have also been discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.