Stress Mitigation Research Articles

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Salinity Stress Mitigation in Dizygostemon riparius: A Medicinal Species Native to South America

Salicylic acid (SA) is a bioregulator well-known for mitigating salinity damage in plants. However, no studies have examined the interaction between SA and salinity in Dizygostemon riparius, a species rich in bioactive molecules. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of SA application on Dizygostemon riparius under different salinity levels. A completely randomized experiment was conducted in a 2 × 3 factorial design (two SA concentrations of 0 and 100 µM and three salinity concentrations of 0, 200, and 400 mM NaCl) with five replicates. At 400 mM NaCl, leaf temperature increased by 11%, while relative water content and total soluble carbohydrates decreased by 30% and 35%, respectively, leading to reduced biomass accumulation. Notably, the SA application mitigated these effects by restoring relative water content under 400 mM NaCl and improving carboxylation efficiency and intrinsic water-use efficiency under 200 mM NaCl. Additionally, dry biomass was maintained under both 200 and 400 mM NaCl with SA treatment. These findings suggest that SA has a promising potential to alleviate salt stress in Dizygostemon riparius. Our results could inform cultivation practices, opening new perspectives on the use of SA as an attenuator of salinity stress.

Investigating the positive effects of salicylic acid on peppermint (Mentha piperita l.) under different soil salinity conditions: comprehensive morphological, mineral, and biochemical analyses

This study explored the effects of salicylic acid on the growth and biochemical responses of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under different soil salinity levels, a major challenge in agricultural productivity. The experiment was conducted using a factorial design with salicylic acid applied at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 50 ppm, combined with sodium chloride-induced salinity at 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg kg–1 soil. Results demonstrated that increasing soil salinity negatively impacted plant growth, reducing plant height, leaf number, and the dry weight of aerial parts. Salinity stress also led to reduced nutrient uptake, particularly for essential elements like calcium and potassium, while increasing sodium levels in plant tissues. However, the foliar application of salicylic acid, especially at 50 ppm, significantly improved growth parameters and mitigated the detrimental effects of salinity. Notably, at the highest salinity level (3,000 mg kg–1), salicylic acid enhanced plant height by 11.1% and leaf number by 30.9% compared to untreated plants. Salicylic acid also boosted biochemical responses, such as increasing total phenolic and flavonoid content, which are critical for stress tolerance. This study underscores the potential of salicylic acid as a stress mitigator, promoting better growth and physiological resilience in peppermint under saline conditions, offering valuable insights for improving crop performance in salinity-affected regions.

Intermittent Flow Control Schemes for Heat Stress Mitigation in Lactating Sows on a Floor Cooling Pad

The Purdue hog cooling pad has previously been demonstrated to mitigate heat stress in lactating sows by conductively transferring heat from a sow to cool water running through an integral heat exchanger. Coolant effectiveness, which describes how much heat is removed per volume of water flushed through the cooling pad, is used to compare the operation under varying conditions. Past studies have indicated that the intermittent flow of cooling water achieves a greater coolant effectiveness than continuous flow operational schemes. An electronic control system was implemented with the current cooling pad design to allow for the automated control of a solenoid valve to create the intermittent flow conditions. All testing was performed using 18 ± 1 °C inlet water. Potential control schemes were categorized into two groups, temporal and temperature threshold. The temporal schemes opened the solenoid for 30 s, enough time to flush the entire contents of the cooling coils, before closing for 3, 6, or 9 min. The temperature threshold control schemes utilized feedback from thermal probes embedded beneath the surface of the cooling pad to open the solenoid for 30 s, when a maximum surface temperature was detected. Trigger temperatures of 28.0, 29.5, or 31.0 °C were used. The temperature threshold control schemes achieved greater heat transfer rates (348, 383, 268 W) compared to the temporal control schemes (324, 128, 84 W). The cooling effectiveness for all control schemes ranged from 46.6 to 64.7 kJ/L. The tested intermittent flow control schemes in this study achieved greater cooling effectiveness than continuous flow systems from previous studies (time: 51 kJ/L; temperature: 61 kJ/L; steady: 5.8 kJ/L), although the temporal control schemes exhibited lower heat transfer rates (time: 180 W; temperature: 330 W; steady: 305 W).

Impact of genetic factors on antioxidant rescue of maternal diabetes-associated congenital heart disease.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects ~1% of live births. Although genetic and environmental etiologic contributors have been identified, the majority of CHD lacks a definitive cause, suggesting the role of gene-environment interactions (GxE) in disease pathogenesis. Maternal diabetes mellitus (matDM) is among the most prevalent environmental risk factors for CHD. However, there is a substantial knowledge gap in understanding how matDM acts upon susceptible genetic backgrounds to increase disease expressivity. Previously, we reported a GxE between Notch1 haploinsufficiency and matDM leading to increased CHD penetrance. Here, we demonstrate a cell lineage specific effect of Notch1 haploinsufficiency in matDM-exposed embryos, implicating endothelial/endocardial derived tissues in the developing heart. We report impaired atrioventricular cushion morphogenesis in matDM exposed Notch1+/- animals and show a synergistic effect of NOTCH1 haploinsufficiency and oxidative stress in dysregulation of gene regulatory networks critical for endocardial cushion morphogenesis in vitro. Mitigation of matDM-associated oxidative stress via SOD1 overexpression did not rescue CHD in Notch1 haploinsufficient mice compared to wildtype littermates. Our results show the combinatorial interaction of matDM-associated oxidative stress and a genetic predisposition, Notch1 haploinsufficiency, on cardiac development, supporting a GxE model for CHD etiology and suggesting that antioxidant strategies maybe ineffective in genetically-susceptible individuals.

The Divergent Responses of Salinity Generalists to Hyposaline Stress Provide Insights Into the Colonisation of Freshwaters by Diatoms.

Environmental transitions, such as the salinity divide separating marine and fresh waters, shape biodiversity over both shallow and deep timescales, opening up new niches and creating opportunities for accelerated speciation and adaptive radiation. Understanding the genetics of environmental adaptation is central to understanding how organisms colonise and subsequently diversify in new habitats. We used time-resolved transcriptomics to contrast the hyposalinity stress responses of two diatoms. Skeletonema marinoi has deep marine ancestry but has recently invaded brackish waters. Cyclotella cryptica has deep freshwater ancestry and can withstand a much broader salinity range. Skeletonema marinoi is less adept at mitigating even mild salinity stress compared to Cyclotella cryptica, which has distinct mechanisms for rapid mitigation of hyposaline stress and long-term growth in low salinity. We show that the cellular mechanisms underlying low salinity tolerance, which has allowed diversification across freshwater habitats worldwide, includes elements that are both conserved and variable across the diatom lineage. The balance between ancestral and lineage-specific environmental responses in phytoplankton have shaped marine-freshwater transitions on evolutionary timescales and, on contemporary timescales, will affect which lineages survive and adapt to changing ocean conditions.

Microbiomes-Plant Interactions and K-Humate Application for Salinity Stress Mitigation and Yield Enhancement in Wheat and Faba Bean in Egypt’s Northeastern Delta

Salinity, resulting from climate change and excessive mineral fertilization, burdens farmers and negatively impacts soil and water ecosystems in the Northeastern Nile Delta. Organic and biological approaches are crucial for addressing these issues. This study examined the effects of individual and combined inoculations with cyanobacteria, yeast, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), with or without K-Humate and reducing Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizers application rates to crop quality of wheat and faba bean. In preliminary laboratory experiments, the interactive effects of these microbiomes on plant antioxidant and soil enzyme production were examined under salinity stress. Results showed that co-inoculation, especially with K-Humate, yielded superior outcomes compared to individual inoculations. These findings were validated by a field trial conducted in saline-alkaline soil in the Northeastern Nile Delta region. All biological treatments 25% of recommended doses, and enhancing salinity tolerance, increasing yield, and improving enhanced rhizosphere microbial activity, including soil enzyme activity, AMF colonization, spore density, and the total numbers of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and yeast. These effects were further amplified by K-Humate and were more pronounced with combined inoculations than with individual ones, leading to improved soil fertility and significant increases in both crop quantity and quality compared to control treatments. The triple treatment, combining cyanobacteria, yeast, and mycorrhizae in the presence of K-Humate while reducing the mineral NPK rate by 75%, achieved superior increases in the productivity of wheat grains and faba bean seeds, reaching 54.72% and 128.92%, respectively, compared to the 100% NPK mineral control. This treatment also significantly improved crop quality, with notable increases in nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and protein percentages in wheat grains and faba bean seeds. Microbiomes-interaction increased potassium uptake over sodium, enhancing the plant’s potassium/sodium ratio and improving salt stress tolerance. This approach reduces reliance on costly mineral fertilizers, enabling bio-organic farming in marginal lands, optimizing resource utilization, and preserving natural resources.

Numerical simulation of transient thermal stresses in medium- and high-temperature latent heat storage systems with different fins: Incorporation of experimental stress cracking

Latent heat storage systems play an essential role in energy applications by improving the utilization efficiency and increasing the system flexibility. In this study, a pilot-scale medium-to-high-temperature latent heat storage system was constructed, and experimental heat storage tests were conducted. The temperature distribution of the experimental system was verified through numerical simulations that coupled the physical fields of the fluids, heat transfer, and solid mechanics. Also, the changing dynamic behavior of the stresses in the heat storage process related to the experiments was carefully studied. It was discovered that there were stress concentrations where the heat exchanger tubes touched the casing, with the highest level being over 370.00 MPa. Experimental stress rupture of the shell occurred in the horizontally arranged heat-exchange tubes, whereas vertically arranged tubes significantly reduced the stress at the contact surfaces by 24.70 % according to simulations. Simulation studies on various influencing factors indicated a more significant impact of spiral fins on the system stress. Increasing the preheating temperature by 30 °C reduced stress on the front surface by 109.67 MPa; each 20 °C increase in heating temperature raised the stress by 223.30 MPa, whereas the effect of heat transfer fluid speed was minimal. Regarding the heat-exchange tube dimensions, increasing the height increased the tube body stress by 25.74 MPa, whereas increasing the thickness reduced the stress by 24.20 %. This study comprehensively analyzed the stress dynamics and mitigation strategies of the high-temperature latent heat storage system under various conditions, emphasizing the importance of heat-exchange tube orientation, temperature control, and fin design for optimizing system performance and durability.

CircTMCO3 alleviates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury via regulating miR-218-5p/ZEB2 axis.

Growing evidence has found the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI). CircTMCO3 has been found to be involved in tumor microenvironment changes of ovarian cancer. This study aimed to explore whether circTMCO3 functions in S-AKI, and if so, to elucidate the molecular mechanism. CircTMCO3 expression was analyzed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HK-2 cells and in the kidney tissues of mice treated with cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), respectively. Furthermore, the effects of circTMCO3 on S-AKI and the related mechanisms were evaluated in both models through gain- and/or loss-of-function strategies. CircTMCO3 expression was suppressed in both S-AKI models. Upregulation of circTMCO3 mitigated LPS-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in HK-2 cells. In contrast, circTMCO3 downregulation exacerbated LPS-induced injuries in HK-2 cells. Intravenous injection of circTMCO3 lentivirus to increase circTMCO3 expression improved renal function and attenuated kidney injury in S-AKI mice, as evidenced by the decrease in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations, amelioration of tubular pathological injury, reduction of renal cell apoptosis, and mitigation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Moreover, circTMCO3 directly targeted miR-218-5p, and the mimic of which abolished the protective effect of circTMCO3 in cell models. ZEB2 was identified to be a target of miR-218-5p; its downregulation not only reversed the impacts of miR-218-5p inhibitor on S-AKI, but also mitigated the effects mediated by circTMCO3 upregulation in vitro. CircTMCO3 protects against S-AKI by regulating miR-218-5p/ZEB2 axis, thereby mediating anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This indicates that increasing circTMCO3 expression might be a future therapeutic method for S-AKI.

Climate-Smart Horticultural Practices: Building Resilience in a Changing Environment: A Scoping Review

Climate change disrupts weather patterns, intensifies water scarcity and exacerbates pest and disease pressures, posing a significant threat to horticultural production systems. This scoping review explores a range of climate-smart practices to enhance adaptation and resilience within the sector. Core practices like water-efficient irrigation, heat stress mitigation strategies, and adjustments to cropping patterns for altered rainfall are investigated. Integrated pest management is presented as a cornerstone for sustainable pest control. The review further explores the potential of precision agriculture, controlled-environment agriculture, and vertical farming to optimize resource use and mitigate climate risks. Beyond technical solutions, the review emphasizes continuous research and development for breeding climate-resistant varieties, refining existing practices, and exploring novel technologies. It advocates for an integrated approach, tailoring climate smart practices to specific contexts and socioeconomic considerations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, economically viable technologies, and supportive government policies are identified as crucial for widespread adoption, particularly among smallholder farmers. The paper concludes with a call for collaboration among researchers, extension services, policymakers, and producers. By fostering knowledge dissemination, technology transfer, and financial incentives, stakeholders can empower farmers to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. Through collective action and unwavering commitment to innovation, the horticultural sector can ensure a secure and sustainable future for food production.

Diverse and specialized metabolic capabilities of microbes in oligotrophic built environments

BackgroundBuilt environments (BEs) are typically considered to be oligotrophic and harsh environments for microbial communities under normal, non-damp conditions. However, the metabolic functions of microbial inhabitants in BEs remain poorly understood. This study aimed to shed light on the functional capabilities of microbes in BEs by analyzing 860 representative metagenome-assembled genomes (rMAGs) reconstructed from 738 samples collected from BEs across the city of Hong Kong and from the skin surfaces of human occupants. The study specifically focused on the metabolic functions of rMAGs that are either phylogenetically novel or prevalent in BEs.ResultsThe diversity and composition of BE microbiomes were primarily shaped by the sample type, with Micrococcus luteus and Cutibacterium acnes being prevalent. The metabolic functions of rMAGs varied significantly based on taxonomy, even at the strain level. A novel strain affiliated with the Candidatus class Xenobia in the Candidatus phylum Eremiobacterota and two novel strains affiliated with the superphylum Patescibacteria exhibited unique functions compared with their close relatives, potentially aiding their survival in BEs and on human skins. The novel strains in the class Xenobia possessed genes for transporting nitrate and nitrite as nitrogen sources and nitrosative stress mitigation induced by nitric oxide during denitrification. The two novel Patescibacteria strains both possessed a broad array of genes for amino acid and trace element transport, while one of them carried genes for carotenoid and ubiquinone biosynthesis. The globally prevalent M. luteus in BEs displayed a large and open pangenome, with high infraspecific genomic diversity contributed by 11 conspecific strains recovered from BEs in a single geographic region. The versatile metabolic functions encoded in the large accessory genomes of M. luteus may contribute to its global ubiquity and specialization in BEs.ConclusionsThis study illustrates that the microbial inhabitants of BEs possess metabolic potentials that enable them to tolerate and counter different biotic and abiotic conditions. Additionally, these microbes can efficiently utilize various limited residual resources from occupant activities, potentially enhancing their survival and persistence within BEs. A better understanding of the metabolic functions of BE microbes will ultimately facilitate the development of strategies to create a healthy indoor microbiome.Bh9ATT9ssZEtNaJHv1wg7GVideo

Effect of stress mitigation measures on the aggressive behaviour and body weight loss of Large White Yorkshire crossbred pigs during transportation

This study examined the impact of stress mitigation measures on the live body weight loss and skin lesion scores of Large White Yorkshire pigs after a 200 km transportation by road. Twenty-four LWY pigs were randomly allotted into four groups of six each: control group (T1 ), pigs injected with vitamin E and selenium (T2 ), pigs administered hydrogen rich water (T3 ), and pigs exposed to monochromatic blue light (T4 ). Hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in the highest live body weight loss, while exposure to monochromatic blue light (T4 ) induced the lowest. Shrinkage during transport mirrored the live body weight loss trend. Significant differences emerged in skin lesion scores, notably in the hindquarter and tail regions. Monochromatic blue light exposure (T4 ) correlated with reduced aggressive behaviour, evidenced by lower hindquarter skin lesion scores. Conversely, hydrogen-rich water administration (T3 ) resulted in higher tail region skin lesion scores. The findings suggest that exposure to monochromatic blue light may have a calming effect during transport and can be recommended as a stress mitigation strategy to enhance overall animal welfare during transportation Keywords: Transportation stress, body weight loss, shrinkage, aggressive behaviour

Synergistic application of melatonin and silicon oxide nanoparticles modulates reactive oxygen species generation and the antioxidant defense system: a strategy for cadmium tolerance in rice.

Unfavorable environmental conditions pose a major barrier to sustainable agriculture. Among the various innovative strategies developed to protect plants from abiotic stress, the use of phytohormones and nanoparticles as "stress mitigators" has emerged as one of the most important and promising approaches. The objective of this study was to observe the protective role of melatonin (Mel) and silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiO-NPs) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress. Rice seedlings have reduced growth and phytochemical attributes when grown in Cd-contaminated (0.8 mM) pots. Seedlings under Cd stress had 38% less shoot length (SL), 53% total soluble sugar (TSS) and 57% protein content. However, superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased by 51%, 37% and 34%, respectively, under Cd stress. Beside this, activities such as peroxidase (POX) also elevated in the plants subjected with Cd-stress. In contrast, Mel (100 µm) as foliar spray and SiO-NPs (100 mg/L) as root dipping reduced oxidative stress in rice seedlings under Cd stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, the application of Mel and/or SiO-NPs significantly increased the activity of antioxidative enzymes that scavenge ROS. The combined application of SiO-NPs and Mel increased growth, gas exchange and photosynthetic attributes, chlorophyll value, and protein content. It causes alleviation in the activity of SOD, CAT and POX by 73%, 62% and 65%, respectively. Overall, this study findings show that Mel and/or SiO-NPs can potentially protect the rice crop against oxidative damage under Cd stress.

Enhancing tomato growth and soil fertility under salinity stress using halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Soil salinization is a critical issue that not only hampers the efficiency and sustainability of global agricultural production but also poses significant challenges to the achievement of sustainable development goals across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HPGPR) have the potential to mitigate abiotic stress, foster plant growth, and bolster the stress resistance capabilities of crops. This study conducted the isolation, identification, and characterization of HPGPR originating from a saline-alkali orchard area in northwest China. The efficacy of the isolated bacterial strains was evaluated through potted plant experiments, assessing the growth of tomato plants under in vitro conditions and under varying salinity stress. Ultimately, the study investigated the influence of these HPGPR on soil physicochemical properties, enzymatic activities, and the structure and composition of the microbial community. Upon isolating 12 bacterial strains, we conducted an in vitro assessment of their salt tolerance, ultimately singling out three robust isolates, which exhibited exceptional salt tolerance. Detailed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and meticulous taxonomic evaluation systematically assigned these isolates to Priestia endophyticus GSCK1 (accession number: OR569048), Bacillus atrophaeus GSCK2 (accession number: OR569061), and Serratia fonticola GSCK6 (accession number: OR569062), respectively. These strains exhibited notable biochemical and plant growth-promoting traits, including enzymatic activities and the production of indole-3-acetic acid. They significantly enhanced plant growth metrics and soil fertilities, particularly strain GSCK6, which also reshaped the soil microbial community, augmenting beneficial microbe abundance. The HPGPR treatment notably improved soil pH, nutrient availability, enzymatic activities, and reduced soil electrical conductivity, underscoring their potential in agricultural resilience against salinity. The eco-friendly salt stress mitigation strategy of HPGPR not only enhances soil quality and promotes plant growth by regulating the composition and function of microbial communities, but also provides a novel solution for global agricultural production. This approach is conducive to increasing crop yield and quality, reducing the limitations of saline-alkali land on agricultural production, and promoting food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Comprehensive identification of GASA genes in sunflower and expression profiling in response to drought

Drought stress poses a critical threat to global crop yields and sustainable agriculture. The GASA genes are recognized for their pivotal role in stress tolerance and plant growth, but little is known about how they function in sunflowers. The investigation aimed to identify and elucidate the role of HaGASA genes in conferring sunflowers with drought tolerance. Twenty-seven different HaGASA gene family members were found in this study that were inconsistently located across eleven sunflower chromosomes. Phylogeny analysis revealed that the sunflower HaGASA genes were divided into five subgroups by comparing GASA genes with those from Arabidopsis, peanut, and soybean, with members within each subgroup displaying similar conserved motifs and gene structures. In-silico evaluation of cis-regulatory elements indicated the existence of specific elements associated with stress-responsiveness being the most abundant, followed by hormone, light, and growth-responsive elements. Transcriptomic data from the NCBI database was utilized to assess the HaGASA genes expression profile in different sunflower varieties under drought conditions. The HaGASA genes expression across ten sunflower genotypes under drought stress, revealed 14 differentially expressed HaGASA genes, implying their active role in the plant’s stress response. The expression in different organs revealed that HaGASA2, HaGASA11, HaGASA17, HaGASA19, HaGASA21 and HaGASA26 displayed maximum expression in the stem. Our findings implicate HaGASA genes in mediating sunflower growth maintenance and adaptation to abiotic stress, particularly drought. The findings, taken together, provided a basic understanding of the structure and potential functions of HaGASA genes, setting the framework for further functional investigations into their roles in drought stress mitigation and crop improvement strategies.

Hypoglycemic effects of white hyacinth bean polysaccharide on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats involvement with entero-insular axis and GLP-1 via metabolomics study

The present study aimed to investigate the potential effects of white hyacinth bean polysaccharide (WHBP) against type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) which was established by high-glucose/high-fat for 8 weeks, combined with a low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Our results showed that WHBP behaved the hypoglycemic effect by attenuating fasting blood glucose in vivo. WHBP-mediated anti-diabetic effects associated with the attenuation of insulin resistance and pancreatic impairment, as evidenced by the mitigation of pathological changes, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the pancreas of T2DM rats. Meanwhile, gut protection was also shown during WHBP-mediated anti-diabetic effects, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a mediator of the entero-insular axis, was observed to be elevated in both gut and pancreas of WHBP groups when compared to DM group, suggesting that hypoglycemic effects of WHBP were implicated in gut-pancreas interaction. Subsequently, untargeted metabolomics analysis performed by UPLC-QTOF/MS and showed that WHBP administration significantly adjusted the levels of 40 metabolites when compared to DM group. Further data concerning pathway analysis showed that WHBP administration significantly regulated the phenylalanine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, arginine and proline, isoleucine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in T2DM rats. Together, our results suggested that WHBP performed hypoglycemic effects and pancreatic protection linked to entero-insular axis involvement with GLP-1 and reversed metabolic disturbances in T2DM rats.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Ameliorate Selenium Stress and Increase Antioxidant Potential of Zea mays in Seleniferous Soil.

The indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores were isolated from rhizosphere soil associated with maize plants grown in natural selenium-impacted agricultural soils present in north-eastern region of Punjab, India (32°46' N, 74°46' N), with selenium concentration ranging from 2.1 to 6.1 mg kg-1 dry weight, and their role in plant growth promotion, mitigation of selenium stress and phytochemical and antioxidant potential of host maize plants in natural seleniferous soil were examined. Soils with selenium content between 2 and 200 mg kg-1 and producing plants with 45 mg selenium kg-1 dry weight are considered seleniferous soils. AMF inoculum consisting of indigenous AMF spores multiplied in pot cultures were inoculated to maize seeds at the time of sowing alongside control maize seeds in a total of 12 plots (6 replicates) made in seleniferous agricultural fields and sampled at maturity, i.e. 3 months. Asignificant difference was observed in plant growth parameters between control and AMF-inoculated maize plants. AMF-inoculated plants had 24.0 cm and 101.1 cm higher root and shoot length along with 27.2 g, 119.4 g and 28.1 g higher root, shoot and maize cob biomass in comparison to control plants. Se uptake studies through measurement of the emission spectrum of piazselenol complex by fluorescence spectrometry revealed that AMF inoculation led to 6.3 µg g-1 more selenium accumulation in mycorrhizal maize roots in comparison to control roots but lesser translocation to shoots and seeds, i.e. 17.17 µg g-1 and 19.58 µg g-1 lesser. AMF increased total phenolic content by 13 µg GAE mg-1 and total flavonoid content by 13.4 µg QE mg-1 in inoculated maize plants when compared to control plants. Antioxidant studies revealed that AMF inoculation also led to significant rise in enzyme activities by a difference of 115 and 193 EU g-1 in catalase, 140 and 93 EU g-1 in superoxide dismutase, 15 and 37 EU g-1 in ascorbate peroxidase and 19.8 and 23.6% higher DPPH radical scavenging activities, respectively, in shoots and roots of plants with AMF inoculation. The findingsof this study imply that AMF inoculated to maize plants in seleniferous field boost their plant growth and phytochemical and antioxidant properties, as well as minimize Se bioaccumulation in shoots and seeds of plants inoculated with AMF in comparison to control plants.

Calcium oxide nanoparticles ameliorate cadmium toxicity in alfalfa seedlings by depriving its bioaccumulation, enhancing photosystem II functionality and antioxidant gene expression

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant that poses significant risks to living organisms and the environment, as it is absorbed by the plant roots and accumulates in different parts of crop during its production. A promising sustainable strategy to counteract these threats to use calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) as soil supplements in fodder crops. This approach has shown notable morpho-physiological and biochemical improvements under metal toxicity conditions. However, the specific mechanisms driving Cd tolerance, particularly at physio-biochemical level and antioxidant related genes expression in fodder crops including alfalfa remain unexplored. CaO-NPs supplementation can trigger various signaling pathways that lead to enhance the photosynthetic pigments formation, stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate and quantum yield of photosystem II. In this study, we evaluated various doses of CaO-NPs (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) for their efficacy in reducing Cd bioavailability and toxicity in alfalfa plants. Our results demonstrated that Ca2+ and Cd2+, which share the same ionic radius, compete for ion transport through channels. The small size and high availability of CaO-NPs facilitate their rapid translocation within plant tissues, reducing metal uptake by 61 % in shoots and 30 % in roots. Notably, application of CaO-NPs at 100 mg kg−1 significantly increased shoot length (44 %) and root lengths (35 %) as compared to Cd-treated control plants. The highest dose of CaO-NPs also improved photosynthetic efficiency and gas exchange attributes including (gs, Tr, Pn and Ci) by 66 %, 27 %, 33 % and Ci 21 %, respectively, compared with the Cd treated control. Moreover, CaO-NPs (at 100 mg kg−1) alleviated metal-induced oxidative stress by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity like SOD (25 %) POD (42 %), CAT (72 %) and APX (87 %) and diminishing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production when compared with sole Cd treatment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that CaO-NPs positively impacted stomatal conductance and mitigated Cd toxicity in leaf ultrastructure. Additionally, the highest dose of CaO-NPs markedly upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes, MsCu/Zn SOD, MtPOD, MtCAT, and MtAPX in roots and shoots by 0.67 and 1.03 fold-change (FC), 0.61 and 0.53 FC, 0.54 and 0.88 FC, and 0.46 and 0.66 FC, respectively. In conclusion, CaO-NPs demonstrate significant potential for environmentally friendly mitigation of Cd stress in alfalfa by reducing its uptake, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture.

Evaluating the Efficacy of an Extract for UV Defense and Mitigation of Oxidative Stress, Transitioning from Biomass to Bioprotection

This study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds.

Mitigation of salinity stress on morpho-physiological and yield related parameters of rice using different organic amendments

Salinity is a pernicious abiotic element that hinders crop development. Utilizing organic amendments to remediate salt is crucial for enhancing soil function and promoting crop growth. Based on this, a pot experiment was carried out at the research field of Khulna Agricultural University, Khulna, to examine the physiology, growth, and yield of transplanted aman rice in response to salinity stress using duckweed, and dhaincha biomass supplement. Excess salinity with no organic amendments reduced plant growth and development, relative water content (26%), and membrane stability (28%), index compared to T1 S1 (duckweed), and T2 S1 (dhaincha) at 50 mM salinity. Salinity delayed the emergence of first flowering and the maturity of filled grains. The lowest grain yield was recorded in T0S3 (no treatment + 100 mM salinity). Application of dhaincha and duckweed biomass ameliorates salinity individually at all salinity levels. Rice grown in saline soil with the application of T1 (duckweed biomass) and T2 (Sesbania biomass) had an 87% spikelet fertility while rice grown in soil without T1 and T2 treatment had only 21.82%. The application of T2 and T1 @ 5 t ha-1 increased grain yield by 33.29% and 4.70% compared to control. Furthermore, salinity stress @100 mM NaCl with duckweed decreased grain yield by 0.05% which was minimized to 12% by applying dhaincha green manure (T2) @ 5 t ha1. The finding showed that the ameliorative impact of green manure at 5 tha1 dose (T2) was more effective compared to the duckweed (T1) at the three salinity levels used in the study.

Physiological responses, ethology, and ingestive behavior of Anglo-Nubiana goats submitted to different air temperatures

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological parameters and ingestive behavior of Anglo-Nubian goats as a function of air temperature, as well as the correlation of these variables. Six male goats were distributed in a completely randomized design in a climate chamber. The treatments consisted of four different controlled AT (20, 24, 28 and 32 °C). The physiological responses: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were collected at three different times of the day (8 am, 12 pm and 4 pm). The behavioral responses evaluated were: lying inactive, standing inactive, feeding, standing ruminating and lying ruminating. The feed intake decreased linearly in the hours of 4–7 AM, according to the increase in AT. The time spent in the lying ruminating activity decreased linearly (P<0.05) with the increase in AT. The intake and the rate of dry matter intake decreased linearly (P<0.05) with the increase in AT and the water intake increased linearly (P<0.05). The overall results provide information that can be used in heat tolerance studies, helping livestock farmers around the world to plan and make decisions. In addition to contributing to the development of strategies, national and international guidelines for mitigation and accurate assessment of thermal stress.