The banana is a fruit of great consumption worldwide due to its high nutritional value and is a source of economic income for producing countries. However, the susceptibility of cultivars to pests and diseases, and the complexity of plant regeneration due to high levels of ploidy and sterility, hinder the process of plant propagation. Somatic embryogenesis (SE), through embryogenic cells, constitutes an effective tool for the mass propagation of banana plants due to high multiplication coefficients and low production costs. The purpose of this article is to describe the processes of in vitro propagation of banana plants (Musa spp.) through a bibliographic review of the applications of somatic embryogenesis in micropropagation and genetic improvement. A systematic review was conducted in specialized search engines and databases through three stages: planning, execution, and summary.The most relevant results indicate that SE represents an alternative for plant multiplication due to its enormous potential for tissue regeneration in a short period. However, the risk of somaclonal variation has limited its expansion on a commercial scale. On the other hand, SE is being used in studies related to the genetic transformation of plants. The susceptibility of the crop to diseases such as M. fijiensis, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc R4T), and banana streak virus (BSV) has encouraged the development of resistant varieties through embryogenic cell culture and the use of protoplasts. Similarly, the application of gene transfer or gene editing techniques has made it possible to obtain new varieties with resistance or tolerance to the main crop diseases.

Rotala rotundifolia (Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.) Koehne is a popular aquatic ornamental plant possess with ecological and commercial value. The plant species are critical in position due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Thus, efficient and rapid propagation strategies are highly desirable. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro regeneration protocol for conservation and mass propagation. Nodal segment and shoot tip explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of cytokinins (BAP, kinetin) and auxins (IBA, NAA). Optimal shoot proliferation was achieved from nodal segment explants on full-strength MS medium containing 1.0 µM/L BAP, with a maximum of 47.12 ± 0.86 shoots per culture and 4.97 ± 0.16 cm shoot length. The combination of 2.0 µM/L BAP and 1.0 µM/L IBA were used for further enhancement of shoot induction and elongation. Liquid MS medium was more suitable for shoot regeneration compared to solidified MS medium supplemented with 2.0 µM/L IBA, which exhibited the highest relative plant regeneration frequencies 93.33% of rooting and 15.92 ± 2.59 roots per shoot. Acclimatized plantlets grown in a pot containing garden soil and cocopeat (1:1) substrate showed 90% survival and vigorous growth. This protocol offers a reproducible platform for large-scale propagation and conservation of R. rotundifolia species. J. Bio-Sci. 33(2): 29-42, 2025

Standardizing organic rooting media is vital forthe mass propagation of dwarfing apple rootstock M.9 T337via stooling to meet the growing demand for high‐density planting. Eight different organic rooting media treatments viz; T 1 : Cocopeat, T 2 : Farm Yard Manure, T 3 : Sawdust, T 4 : Cocopeat + Farm Yard Manure (1:1), T 5 : Sawdust + Cocopeat (1:1), T 6 : Sawdust + Farm Yard Manure (1:1), T 7 : Cocopeat + Sawdust + Farm Yard Manure (1:1:1) and T 8 : Control (Soil) were evaluated under a factorial randomized block design with three replications under open‐field conditions to assess their influence on rooting performance. Among all treatments, T 1 : Cocopeat was significantly superior over control (T 8 ), producing 117% longer roots, 65% longer rooted stool portions, 360% more adventitious roots, 112% greater total root length, 114% higher fresh root biomass and 160% higher dry root biomass. Correspondingly, T 1 also recorded the highest absolute values for length of longest root (49.67 cm), number of adventitious roots (53.67), total root length (2.73 m), fresh (5.32 g) and dry (2.70 g) root biomass, length of rooted stool portion (23.10 cm), and proportion of graftable daughter stools per mound (75.39%). Total root length exhibited strong positive correlations with electrical conductivity ( r = 0.52), organic matter content ( r = 0.57), leaf area ( r = 0.87), and volumetric water content ( r = 0.95), indicating that media with superior physical and chemical properties enhanced rooting outcomes. These results suggest that cocopeat alone or in combination with Farm Yard Manure, optimized root development yielding more graftable daughter stools.

Cassava, a key tropical crop for food and starch, faces constraints in genetic improvement due to stem cutting propagation. The present study aimed to develop an efficient in vitro micropropagation protocol for cassava through callus culture for the production of disease-free planting materials derived from nodal segments. Under this study, nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of auxins 2,4-D, NAA and IAA for callus induction. The highest callus induction (95%) occurred on MS medium containing 15 mg/L 2,4-D. Here calli were transferred to regeneration medium (MS) that was supplemented with BAP, NAA and IAA. Callus proliferation and greenish colour comes in medium where BAP and Kin were used singly or in combination with 0.5 mg/L NAA, 0.1mg/L respectively. Maximum shoots (8.9 ± 0.5) per explant (average length 6.1 ± 0.4) cm) was found on MS medium that supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA. Root induction occurred on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/L NAA, resulting in 97.3% rooting, with the highest number (10.5) and length (6.2 cm). Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized in pots containing 2:1:1 mixture of autoclaved soil, cocopeat and sand with high survival rate in the field condition. J. Bio-Sci. 33(2): 67-76, 2025

Abstract Norway spruce, an ecologically and economically important conifer species, requires efficient propagation methods for mass production and for use in breeding programs. This review explores several propagation methods, including seed-based and vegetative approaches, with a particular emphasis on the cutting method. It examines key factors affecting rooting success, such as donor tree age, seasonal sampling effects, sample position within the crown, and surrounding rooting conditions. Unlike seed-based propagation, which faces major limitations, including long maturation times, irregular seeding year, and genetic variability, vegetative propagation methods can overcome the mentioned challenges. Vegetative propagation using the cutting method offers advantages such as genetic uniformity, higher genetic gain, and faster regeneration. Nonetheless, compared to seed-based propagation, its higher cost and obstacles, such as reduced rooting success in older trees and plagiotropism of cuttings must be considered. Hedging, serial propagation, and selecting the optimal sampling position within the crown can help overcome these constraints, and enhance rooting success. Achieving an acceptable rooting success rate even in older Norway spruce trees, and even without applying auxin hormones, presents a unique opportunity for propagating mature trees in breeding programs, especially for traits influenced by both additive and non-additive genetic effects. In addition, both additive and non-additive genetic effects can also be utilized through seed-based propagation methods, such as a complete diallel cross, which involves crossing all parental trees in every possible two-way combination and testing their progenies, leading to enhanced genetic gain. Somatic embryogenesis is an alternative propagation method that enables the long-term cryopreservation of cell lines and their mass propagation after evaluating the regenerated seedlings. By integrating different propagation methods, including cuttings, somatic embryogenesis, and seeds, Norway spruce breeding programs can be accelerated, enabling the efficient production and deployment of high-quality planting stock for both reforestation and breeding purposes.

Elite chemotype selection and meta-Topolin (mT) mediated mass propagation of underutilized medicinal plant Solanum villosum Mill. for sustainable production of the bioactive compound Solasodine

This study investigated relationships between bullet mass, velocity, kinetic energy (KE), and fracture propagation in flat bones. Sixty full metal jacketed 9-mm bullets of different masses were fired at pig (Sus scrofa) scapulae. A chronograph measured bullet velocity prior to impact. Fracture characteristics were documented using standard terminology, counted, and measured at the entrance aspect, exit aspect, and overall per specimen. Few significant relationships between ballistic and fracture variables were found across the ranges tested, suggesting possible threshold effects. Bullet mass influenced velocity, suggesting that KE is the most practical variable for interpreting trauma in forensic contexts. Side-specific analyses showed entrance fracture length was primarily driven by long individual radial cracks, while exit fracture length reflected more cracks, more diverse crack types, and longer individual cracks. These findings provide a baseline for future research and underscore the utility of a standardized, quantitative, and surface-specific framework for documenting fracture characteristics.

Arundina graminifolia (D. Don.) Hochr., commonly known as the bamboo orchid, is a terrestrial orchid of significant medicinal and ornamental value native to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. To establish an efficient conservation strategy, in vitro asymbiotic seed germination and successful root induction protocols were developed. Mature green capsules were cultured on four basal media viz. Knudson C (KC), MS, Phytamax (PM) and Vacin and Went (VW), at both half and full strengths, with or without plant growth regulators (PGRs). Full-strength PM medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg/l α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) produced the highest germination percentage (93.34 ± 1.96%) and the shortest initiation time (6.21 ± 0.22 weeks). Subsequent seedling development, including protocorm formation and differentiation of leaf and root primordia, was significantly faster on this medium compared to MS, VW or KC. For the induction of a robust root system, elongated seedlings were transferred to half-strength MS medium supplemented with various auxins. The combination of 1.0 mg/l Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and 1.0 mg/l NAA proved most effective, producing the maximum number of roots (4.17 ± 0.31) and root length (3.91 ± 0.04 cm) within 30 days. Following a stepwise acclimatization process, 81.67% of the seedlings survived and were successfully established in the ex vitro environment. Statistical analysis confirmed the superiority of PM for germination and of auxin-supplemented ½MS for rooting. This protocol provides an effective method for mass propagation of this orchid. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 35(2): 399-406, 2025 (December)

Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr. is an endangered terrestrial orchid of Bangladesh having significant ornamental and medicinal value. To facilitate its conservation and validate its pharmaceutical potential, an efficient in vitro propagation protocol was established, followed by a comparative evaluation of phytochemical and biological activities between in vitro raised and naturally grown plant parts. Asymbiotic seed germination was evaluated on four basal media viz. MS, PM, KC and MVW supplemented with or without PGRs (0.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5 mg/l NAA). The highest seed germination (66.67%) and earliest protocorm development (14.00 ± 0.30 weeks) were recorded on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA. Qualitative phytochemical screening of methanolic extracts revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and other secondary metabolites in both wild and in vitro plantlets. In vitro plantlets showed particularly high levels of phlobatannins and phenolics compared to field grown plant parts. In biological assays, in vitro developed plantlets exhibited significant antioxidant potential (61.58% DPPH scavenging activity at 250 µg/ml), surpassing the activity observed in natural leaf, root and pseudobulb extracts. However, the anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation inhibition) was higher in natural pseudobulb (81.81%) compared to in vitro plantlets (54.55%). This study establishes a reproducible protocol for mass propagation and confirms that in vitro derived G. densiflorum retains therapeutic properties, offering a sustainable alternative to wild harvesting. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 35(2): 407-416, 2025 (December)

Banana (Musa acuminata cv. Grand Naine) is a globally important triploid cultivar valued for its yield and uniformity. Yet, large-scale cultivation is constrained by the limited multiplication rate and disease transmission through conventional sucker propagation. The present study develops and validates a cost-effective micropropagation protocol integrating optimized initiation, liquid-phase multiplication using reusable glass beads and ex vitro rooting in Soil-Rite substrate. Shoot induction was maximized on MS medium containing 4.0 mg L?¹ BAP, while the combination of 1.0 mg L?¹ IAA and 0.5 mg L?¹ TDZ produced the highest proliferation (8.67 ± 0.47 shoots clump?¹). Rooting was most efficient at 1.0 mg L?¹ IBA, achieving up to 99% induction in Soil-Rite. Successive sub-cultures (cycles 1–10) revealed peak multiplication at cycle 6 and declining regeneration thereafter, emphasizing the importance of limiting sub-culture duration. Early-cycle plantlets exhibited superior hardening (96%) and field survival (92.7%). Comparative cost analysis demonstrated that substituting agar with glass beads during multiplication and employing Soil-Rite rooting reduced production expenses by ? 52% per 1,000 plantlets. The proposed hybrid workflow thus shortens culture duration, improves survival efficiency, and substantially lowers unit cost, providing a scalable and commercially viable strategy for mass propagation of banana cv. Grand Naine and other elite Musa cultivars.

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major defoliating pest in East and South Asia and serves as an alternative host for the mass propagation of the parasitoid Telenomus remus. Therefore, optimizing the rearing cost of S. litura is critical for large-scale production to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. We evaluated 18 artificial diet formulations derived from a standard diet by incorporating corn flour and adjusting the ingredient ratios. The diets were grouped into high-, medium-, and low-cost categories, and their biological performance was assessed under controlled laboratory conditions (26 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH, and a16:8 h L:D photoperiod). Among the tested diets, formulation 15 produced the best results, yielding shorter larval (19.52 d) and pupal durations (10.46 d), higher pupal mass (500 mg), greater fecundity (2,658 eggs/female), and improved egg hatch (73.77%) compared with the control. Population parameters, including the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rates of increase, were significantly improved, whereas the mean generation time (T) and net reproductive rate (R0) decreased. Importantly, formulation 15 lowered rearing costs by 5.9% relative to the original diet. These findings demonstrate that replacing soybean flour with corn flour as the primary protein source provides a cost-effective and biologically robust diet for S. litura. This optimized diet will facilitate large-scale rearing of S. litura and mechanized production of T. remus, providing a model for reducing artificial diet costs in other insect systems.

Cryptocoryne elliptica Hook. f. is an endemic and endangered aquatic plant species of Malaysia, found exclusively in pristine forest streams of Peninsular Malaysia. Habitat destruction, pollution, and overcollection for the aquarium trade threaten its survival, necessitating the development of efficient propagation protocols for conservation and commercial purposes. This study aimed to develop an optimal micropropagation protocol for C. elliptica by evaluating the effects of different basal media (MS, LS, and B5) at varying ionic strengths (half, full, and double strength) on shoot regeneration from different explant types. Five explant types (single shoots, triple shoots, petioles, roots, and leaves) were cultured on MS, LS, and B5 media at various ionic strength. Cultures were maintained under controlled conditions (25±2°C, 9-hour photoperiod, 20 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) for 30 days. A completely randomized design with 10 replicates per treatment was used. Half-strength MS medium produced the highest shoot regeneration from single shoot explants (4.00±0.45 shoots), while half-strength B5 medium was most effective for triple shoot explants (13.50±1.73 shoots). Half-strength LS medium showed optimal results for petiole explants (1.30±0.48 shoots). Root and leaf explants failed to produce shoots in all media tested. Higher ionic strength generally inhibited shoot formation. The study demonstrates that explant type and medium composition significantly influence micropropagation success in C. elliptica. Triple shoot explants cultured on half-strength B5 medium represent the most efficient protocol for mass propagation, providing a foundation for conservation efforts and sustainable commercial production.

Abstract Paeonia emodi Wall. ex Royle, a valuable medicinal and ornamental species native to the north-western Himalayas, is threatened by overharvesting and habitat loss [1, 2]. This study presents a steadfast in vitro regeneration protocol for its conservation and mass propagation. Nodal explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium with various concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Among PGRs, 2.0 mg L⁻¹ BAP and 2.5 mg L⁻¹ zeatin, individually, induced the maximum shoot induction rates (70.44% and 59.66%) with 8.70 and 5.17 shoots per explant, respectively. A combination of 2.5 mg L ⁻¹ zeatin and 1.5 mg L⁻¹ TDZ resulted in 66.20% shoot induction, improved shoot length (6.63 cm), and faster response (28.13 days). The highest rooting efficiency (48.22%) was obtained on half-strength MS medium containing 0.25 mg L⁻¹ NAA and 0.5 mg L⁻¹ IBA. Acclimatized plantlets showed 80–85% survival under greenhouse conditions. This simple and reproducible protocol supports large-scale propagation of P. emodi , and lays the groundwork for its conservation, genetic improvement, and commercial use.

Cymbidium faberi Rolfe is a Chinese flower famous due to its beautiful floral pattern and strong floral scent and is also a threatened terrestrial orchid. Moreover, the traditional propagation method through tillers and symbiotic seed germination with the correct fungus under nature conditions could not meet conservation and commercial needs. Here, an efficient procedure for asymbiotic seed germination and in vitro seedlings development of C. faberi was successfully established through evaluation of time of seed collecting, seed pretreatments, light conditions and composition of culture media, respectively. Seed pretreatment with 1% NaClO for 30 min, dark culture on 1/4 MS medium containing 0.5 mg·L−1 6-BA and 0.1 mg·L−1 NAA for 30 days and subsequent long day condition (14 h light/10 h dark photoperiod) culture on this medium for 30 days could obviously enhance the seed germination rate of C. faberi. The highest germination rate (85.0 ± 0.79%) was achieved when seeds were collected at 120 d after cross-fertilization, and then germination percentages progressively decreased. Furthermore, histological analyses from protocorm formation to seedling growth were explored. This study not only offers a reliable and scalable system for mass propagation to meet commercial and conservation demands but also serves as a foundational reference for physiological and molecular studies in Cymbidium and related orchids.

Abstract Proliferation and morphogenesis on in vitro culture is a critical stage in in vitro mass propagation of plants. One of the important factors affecting this process is the suitability of the culture medium composition. The addition of cytokinin type growth regulators at certain concentrations is crucial to increase organogenic callus proliferation in Alocasia spp. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various types and concentrations of cytokinin on proliferation and morphogenesis in three Alocasia species. The research was conducted at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Soekarno Science and Technology Area, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong, Bogor, from March to August 2024. A randomized block design (CRD) with a two-factor factorial pattern was used for this experiment. The first factor consisted of three Alocasia species: Alocasia baginda, A. rugosa , and A. longiloba. The second factor involved Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with various cytokinin concentrations, namely 1 mg/L kinetin, 3 mg/L kinetin, 1 mg/L 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP), 3 mg/L 2iP, 0.5 mg/L meta-Topolin, 1 mg/L meta-Topolin, and MS without cytokinin. The results showed that the best proliferation and morphogenesis was observed in A. rugosa cultured on MS media with the addition of 1 mg/L metatopolin. This treatment resulted in the fastest callus formation time (14.6 days after culture), the highest percentage of organogenic callus (40.7%) and shoots primodia (51.9%) with the final fresh weight of the callus reached 2,034 g, with the highest weight gain 1.858 g, an impressive increase in callus weight of 1083%, and a multiplication rate of up to 12-fold

Cymbidium eburneum Lindl. is a rare and threatened species of the family Orchidaceae. Its vivid, lively and fragrant flowers are in high demand in the commercial market. Due to mass exploitation and a slow rate of natural germination, the orchid’s population is declining and is in need of conservation. The study develops a protocol for in-vitro mass propagation of Cymbidium eburneum from immature seed pods using MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal media enhanced with or deprived of PGRs (plant growth regulators) – GA3 (Gibberellic acid), KIN (Kinetin), IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) in different combinations and proportions. Cultures treated with a combination of MS + GA3 (0.2mg/L) + 0.3mg/L KIN showed the optimum result for parameters such as seed germination, PLB formation, shoot proliferation and development, breadth of leaves, etc. Plant height, leaf length measured best in culture supplemented with 0.2mg/l GA3 to MS media. Further root initiation and development were best seen in the cultures when transferred to MS basal media enhanced with 0.2mg/L GA3 +0.3mg/L IBA. The length of the root measured longest when MS media was enhanced with 0.2mg/L NAA and diameter when MS basal medium was enhanced with 0.3mg/L IBA. For hardening the well-rooted plants, Vermiculite and Perlite were better options. This protocol will provide a viable solution in the conservation and mass commercial production of this rare orchid.

In deep mining engineering, grouting operations, although designed for reinforcement, inevitably induce microfracturing and associated microseismicity. Investigating the characteristics of grouting-induced microfractures in fractured rock masses is crucial for evaluating the grouting process and its effectiveness. Using the Wutongzhuang Mine as a case study, this paper first establishes mechanical criteria covering three stages—fracture filling, coupled permeation, and fracturing propagation—to analyze the process characteristics of grouting-induced microfractures. It reveals the mechanisms by which grouting pressure, in situ stress, and rock mass strength control fracture initiation and propagation. Furthermore, a grouting simulation method based on the Particle Flow Code (PFC) is proposed and summarized, constructing a “pipe-domain” fluid network considering fluid–solid coupling, thereby achieving a refined numerical reproduction of the entire grouting process. Addressing the complex geological conditions of the mine, three typical grouting modes are simulated and analyzed: grouting under conventional geological conditions, grouting under densely fractured conditions, and grouting near fault structures. The simulation results unveil their core influencing factors and behavioral characteristics: under conventional conditions, microfractures exhibit a “three-stage” evolution with the grouting process; under densely fractured conditions, the density of pre-existing fractures dominates the formation of complex fracture networks; and finally, fault structures guide fracture propagation, causing microfractures to cluster nearby. Subsequently, the development trends of microfractures under different grouting effects are clarified: after effective reinforcement, the rock mass strength increases, and the scope and quantity of fractures induced by subsequent grouting significantly decrease. The behavioral patterns under these different grouting modes are effectively validated through field microseismic monitoring, confirming the intrinsic relationship between the spatio-temporal evolution of grouting-induced microfractures and geological structures/grouting techniques. Finally, laboratory tests are conducted using a self-developed experimental apparatus, selecting grouting pressure, pore water pressure in the rock mass, and matrix grain size as variables. The mapping relationships between these variables and microseismic waveform characteristics, amplitude, etc., under different schemes are obtained, providing a basis for inverting the microfracturing process and evaluating grouting effectiveness. The research results provide multi-faceted references for characterizing the stability of fractured rock masses via microseismic monitoring and for optimizing grouting effectiveness.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are critical resources for crop improvement and addressing food security. The genus Solanum includes many wild species genetically related to major crops. However, seed propagation methods for Solanum taxa distributed on the Korean Peninsula are not well-established. In this study, seed morphology and effects of incubation conditions on germination and dormancy were evaluated in 6 Solanum species classified as CWRs in Korea: Solanum lyratum, S. japonense, S. nigrum, S. sarrachoides, S. americanum, and S. viarum. The seeds possessed fully developed embryos at the time of dispersal and the seed coats readily absorbed water. We investigated germination characteristics under various temperatures, cold stratification periods, and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations. Germination percentage of S. lyratum and S. japonense was significantly higher under cold stratification (≥62.0% after 12 weeks at 5 °C) or GA3 treatment (≥77.0% at 1000 mg·L−1) than for temperature treatment alone (≤3.0% at 25/15 °C), indicating non-deep physiological dormancy (PD). Seeds of S. nigrum, S. americanum, and S. viarum exhibited non-deep PD with conditional dormancy and higher germination efficiencies through GA3 1000 mg·L−1 than under temperature treatment alone (25/15 °C). Seeds of S. sarrachoides were classified as non-dormant. These findings may contribute to the practical mass propagation of Solanum.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the context of the information warfare conducted by the russia against Ukraine amid the full-scale armed aggression that began in 2022. The study highlights that the informational dimension of modern military conflict has become a critical instrument of full scale invasion with next-generation digital technologies that are based on artificial intelligence. The research focuses on the mechanisms of information influence implemented through advanced machine learning algorithms, generative language models, neural networks, deepfake technologies, and large-scale data analysis tools. Owing to its high adaptability and capacity to simulate human speech and behavior, AI enables to create a highly convincing fake content, to manipulate public opinion, emotional influence, and to shape a distorted perception of reality both domestically and internationally. The primary objectives of these actions include not only the population disorientation but also the erosion of trust in Ukrainian state institutions and international partners, as well as the discrediting of Ukraine’s resistance efforts. The article further examines the active use of these technologies for generating fake news, manipulative content, fake videos, and images that play a significant role in disinformation campaigns. Such campaigns are aimed to demoralize Ukrainian society, induce panic, and weaken Ukraine’s international support. Special attention is devoted to the analysis of bot networks and automated digital dissemination systems that facilitate the mass propagation of destructive content. The study also explores how AI is employed for personalized information influence targeting specific audience groups. The given facts of AI-driven digital attacks on Ukraine’s information space within social networks, messaging platforms, and online media are provided. In conclusion, the article outlines strategies for countering these threats, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation, enhancement of digital security, implementation of robust information verification mechanisms, and improvement of digital and media literacy among the population. It is concluded that, despite its destructive potential in the hands of aggressors, AI can serve as an effective strategic tool for information security in democratic states confronting modern information warfare.

Garcinia afzelii, a valuable non-timber forest product (NTFP), is utilised for its edible seeds, chewing sticks, and medicinal properties. However, its survival is threatened by overharvesting, slow growth, and limited natural regeneration, warranting its classification as vulnerable. To mitigate these risks, conservation efforts, including propagation, are essential. This study aimed to develop a vegetative propagation protocol for G. afzelii using stem cuttings treated with varying concentrations of Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA), hypothesising that IBA would improve rooting success. Seedlings were cultivated for 12 months in a nursery, after which semi-hardwood stem cuttings were treated with IBA concentrations of 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.8%. These cuttings were propagated in non-mist propagators using river sand as the growth medium, arranged in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with five replications per treatment (10 cuttings each). Results indicated that IBA significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced root development, with the 0.8% IBA treatment yielding the longest roots (9.19 cm vs. 6.00 cm in control) and the highest number of lateral roots (59.31 cm vs. 39.46 cm in control). Although the untreated cuttings produced a higher number of roots, they accounted for only 27.90% of root formation, while the three IBA-treated cuttings contributed 72.10%. Conversely, the control cuttings recorded a higher survival rate (80.00%) than the IBA (70.00%). IBA-treated G. afzelii stem cuttings achieved a 62.10% shoot development rate, compared to 37.90% in the untreated cuttings. These findings suggest that IBA promotes shoot and root formation, making it an effective protocol for mass propagation. Thus, IBA application in stem-cutting propagation could optimise root establishment and resource mobilisation, supporting the conservation and cultivation of G. afzelii.