Stress Mitigation Research Articles

PSVIII-15 Inoculating suckling beef calves with a bovine-derived blend of Lactobacillus spp. exhibited psychobiotic potential for stress mitigation

PSVIII-15 Inoculating suckling beef calves with a bovine-derived blend of <i>Lactobacillus spp.</i> exhibited psychobiotic potential for stress mitigation

Assessing the potential of heat stress mitigation in asymmetrical street conditions of Bhopal city

Assessing the potential of heat stress mitigation in asymmetrical street conditions of Bhopal city

Soft‐Layered Composites with Wrinkling‐Activated Multi‐Linear Elastic Behavior, Stress Mitigation, and Enhanced Strain Energy Storage

Soft‐Layered Composites with Wrinkling‐Activated Multi‐Linear Elastic Behavior, Stress Mitigation, and Enhanced Strain Energy Storage

Effect of Pistachio Shell Biochar and Organic Cow Manure Application on Plant Growth, Water Retention Capacity and Nutrient Stress Mitigation

AbstractSustainable crop production supports food security by mitigating water and nutrient stress from manures by excessively drained water. Cow manure is a good nutrient resource to enhance soil fertility and plant growth but requires a suitable amender to reduce the nutrients loss by leaching. Worldwide more than 20,400 metric tonnes of pistachios were consumed where roughly 30% of the weight of the nut is the shell which could be a good feedstock for biochar production. Therefore, this study was conducted to produce biochar from pistachio shell by pyrolysis process at three different temperatures 350 to 550 °C and based on various properties characterization, the biochar at 450 °C was amended with 0% (control), 2%, 4% and 8% to the cow manure for eggplant growth (Solanum melongena). Out of all fractions of biochar application, 2% biochar has virtuous performance to increase 5.63 ± 1.45 cm of plant height, 1.33 ± 4.79 cm leaf length and 1.90 ± 4.43 cm leaf width over the control. The leaf chlorophyl content and plant biomass were also significantly (p = 0.02) increased compared to the control. The lower fraction of biochar application showed almost similar water retention capacity with control (p &gt; 0.11) due to the better plant growth. Based on the findings of this study, it is proposed that lower fraction of biochar application with manure is a constructive solution to improve soil quality, reduce nutrient loss and eggplant growth. Under the circular economy and frameworks of sustainability, pistachio shell biochar production has a high legislative attention on valorizing nutshell wastes. Graphical Abstract

Parameters Identification Related to Design of Customer Relationship Management Structure for Health Tourism Facilitators in Iran: A Case Study of Iran

The Health Tourism Industry is burgeoning within Iran, presenting promising opportunities. Despite its relative infancy in the country, this sector predominantly comprises Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These entities encounter a spectrum of challenges as they navigate the path to growth, with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) emerging as a prominent concern. Effective management of customer relations necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their diverse needs and challenges, spanning from initial engagement to the culmination of the relationship. Designing an effective CRM structure requires a meticulous exploration of these facets throughout the customer journey. In our study, we conducted a literature review to explore these challenges and employed a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with seven Iranian health tourism facilitators. Through framework analysis, we identified key insights into CRM challenges and strategies. Our thematic analysis revealed seven pivotal themes germane to CRM within Iranian health tourism facilitation: Initial customer engagement; Transformation of information between customers and health tourism facilitator; Data assessment and Challenges in information exchange; Perception of service quality factors; Cultural and national considerations; Monitoring and oversight; and Stress mitigation strategies Keywords: customer relationship management, health tourism, health tourism facilitators, health care, customer journey

A framework for evaluating the combined effects of water transfer and storage strategies on water stress alleviation

Water transfer and storage are two effective anthropogenic management strategies to alleviate the contradictions between water supply and demand. However, the trade-off and synergistic impacts of management strategies in alleviating water stress remain unclear at the national level. Therefore, this study proposes a framework that integrates the fraction of runoff being withdrawn (scarcity coefficient) and the variation of runoff weighted by reservoir (variability coefficient) to evaluate the multifaceted impacts of management strategies on water stress mitigation. The proposed framework evaluates the changes in both the water supply–demand balance and the historical variability of runoff by considering physical water transfers, virtual water flows, and reservoir operations. This study applied the framework to evaluate the spatiotemporal patterns of water stress and used principal component analysis to estimate the relative contributions of management strategies across ten first-order basins in China for the period of 2014–2018. Results show that water-resource scarcity coefficient varied between −37.15% and 13.28% at the basin scale (the national average varied −5%) and water-resource variability coefficient varied between −100% and −19.26% at the basin scale (the national average varied −61.11%). Management strategies, incorporating water transfer and storage strategies, shifted the distribution patterns of national water stress. The attribution analysis revealed that reservoir storage capacity was the largest contributor to the first principal component representing infrastructure element, whereas the second component representing economic element was affected by the net virtual water inflows. Overall, through exploring the outcomes of combined effects among management strategies, this proposed framework provides a comprehensive perspective for investigating how human activity alleviates regional water stress.

Hydrogen Sulfide Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases and CD147/EMMPRIN: Mechanistic Pathways and Impact on Atherosclerosis Progression.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by endothelial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling within arterial walls, leading to plaque formation and potential cardiovascular events. Key players in ECM remodeling and inflammation are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and CD147/EMMPRIN, a cell surface glycoprotein expressed on endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and immune cells, that regulates MMP activity. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gaseous signaling molecule, has emerged as a significant modulator of these processes including oxidative stress mitigation, inflammation reduction, and vascular remodeling. This systematic review investigates the mechanistic pathways through which H₂S influences MMPs and CD147/EMMPRIN and assesses its impact on atherosclerosis progression. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on studies examining H₂S modulation of MMPs and CD147/EMMPRIN in atherosclerosis contexts. Findings indicate that H₂S modulates MMP expression and activity through transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications, including S-sulfhydration. By mitigating oxidative stress, H₂S reduces MMP activation, contributing to plaque stability and vascular remodeling. H₂S also downregulates CD147/EMMPRIN expression via transcriptional pathways, diminishing inflammatory responses and vascular cellular proliferation within plaques. The dual regulatory role of H₂S in inhibiting MMP activity and downregulating CD147 suggests its potential as a therapeutic agent in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques and mitigating inflammation. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms and to explore H₂S-based therapies for clinical application in atherosclerosis.

Silicon efficacy for the remediation of metal contaminated soil.

In the course of past two decade anthropogenic activities have reinforced, begetting soil and water defilement. A plethora of heavy metals alters and limits plant growth and yield, with opposing effect on agricultural productivity. Silicon often perceived as plant alimentary 'nonentity'. A suite of determinants associated with silicon have been lately discerned, concerning plant physiology, chemistry, gene regulation/expression and interaction with different organisms. Exogenous supplementation of silicon renders resistance against heavy-metal stress. Predominantly, plants having significant amount of silicon in root and shoot thus are barely prone to pest onset and manifest greater endurance against abiotic stresses including heavy-metal toxicity. Silicon-mediated stress management involves abatement of metal ions within soil, co-precipitation of metal ions, gene modulation associated with metal transport, chelation, activation of antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), metal ion compartmentation and structural metamorphosis in plants. Silicon supplementation also stimulates expression of stress-resistant genes under heavy-metal toxicity to provide plant tolerance under stress conditions. Ergo, to boost metal tolerance within crops, immanent genetic potential for silicon assimilation should be enhanced. Current study, addresses the potential role and mechanistic interpretation of silicon induced mitigation of heavy-metal stress in plants.

Bio-fabrication of chitosan-coated cobalt oxide nanocomposite for enhanced bacterial inhibition and oxidative stress mitigation

This work focuses on the fabrication of chitosan-coated Co3O4 nanocomposite (NC) through the utilization of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) plant extract and the assessment of its biological activities. The plant extract contains various phytoconstituents, which can serve as reducing and stabilizing agents. Moreover, the DPPH test verified the antioxidant activity and the enhanced antibacterial efficacy was tested against S. aureus and E. coli bacterial strains. The hemolysis analysis was also utilized to assess the compatibility with human RBCs. These findings have important implications in the pharmaceutical industry as a possible antioxidant and antibacterial agent.

Heat stress responses and mitigation strategies in wheat: an updated and comprehensive review

The main consequence of climate change on temperature is global warming. Over the past century, worldwide temperature has increased, rising by about 0.14 degrees Fahrenheit every year. Rising temperature negatively affects morphology, physiology, and yield of crops. Over the last 5 years, agriculture production in Pakistan affected due to temperature increase. Pakistan is an agriculture based developing country. About 2.2% GDP of Pakistan depends on wheat crop which is 1st major cereal crop and ranked as staple food. Nutritionally it provides proteins, dietary fibers, carbohydrates, calcium, and other important compounds but because of the harmful effects of a high temperature, yield of wheat crop in Pakistan has reduced to lowest levels in the last few years. Heat stress affects wheat plants by reducing growth, raised reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, denature cell membranes, and enzymes activity, decreasing photosynthetic activity and disturbing respiration processes. Improving wheat crop productivity is urgently needed to feed the rapidly growing population. Several techniques like Quantitative Trait Locus mapping, omics techniques, and application of nutrients have been used in the past to mitigate high temperature effect on wheat and other different crop plants. This review critically analyzes the response of wheat towards heat stress and its impacts on wheat crop as well as provides critical information on advanced strategies and techniques for the mitigation of heat stress.

Cyclic RGD conjugated PEG-PLGA nanoparticle enhances preventative effect of bilirubin on the development of ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced cataract

Age related cataract (ARC) is characterized by protein conformational disorder with aging stands out as an independent risk factor. Therefore, mitigation of oxidative stress and DNA damage within the lens emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy. While topical administration remains the most common treatment modality for ocular disorder, drug bioavailability is hindered by the cornea epithelium barrier. In this study, we developed a novel cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp (cRGD)-conjugated nanoparticle encapsulating bilirubin (cRNM@BR), an endogenous antioxidant, to combat against cellular senescence and lens opacity associated with ARC. Immunofluorescence staining assay confirmed that cRGD modification significantly prolonged nanoparticle retention on the ocular surface by targeting integrin expressed on corneal epithelium. Moreover, through LC-MS/MS analysis, we demonstrated the enhanced transcorneal penetration efficacy of cRGD-modified nanodrugs both in vivo and in vitro. Our mechanistic investigations revealed that cRNM entered human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) by clathrin and micropinocytosis-mediated pathways, with the ER/Golgi pathway facilitating its exocytosis. In a mouse model of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cataract, topical application of cRNM@BR effectively alleviated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and DNA damage in lens epithelial cells (LECs), thereby preventing cellular senescence and lens opacity. Transcriptomics analysis of LECs in UVB-exposed group and cRNM@BR pretreated group indicated significant enrichment of the cGAS/STING pathway. Further experiments determined that cRNM@BR prevented cellular senescence and lens opacity by ameliorating the cGAS/STING pathway. In conclusion, our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of cRNM@BR in ARC management and highlight the efficacy of cRGD-conjugated nanoplatform for intraocular delivery.

Serotonin-Salt-Stress Model-Induced Cell Growth via Promoting an Antioxidant System and Secondary Metabolites in Capsicum annuum Cell Suspension Culture.

Capsicum annuum contains potential therapeutic capsaicinoids, and various stress factors influence plant productivity. Serotonin is an indoleamine involved in signaling several stress response mechanisms in plants. However, the influence of serotonin on cell growth and the accumulation of secondary metabolites, mainly capsaicinoids production, is not yet clearly defined under salt stress. In this study, we optimized chili cell suspension cultures to maximize biomass, capsaicinoids, and phenolic compounds production using response surface methodology with two variables (serotonin and NaCl) of different concentrations in culture media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and Kinetin. The results revealed a significant increase in biomass (14.3 g/L FW), capsaicin (0.93 μg/g FW), and dihydrocapsaicin content (0.32 μg/g FW) in chili cell suspension cultures compared with the control. Among all the phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid was enhanced (17.4 μg/g FW), compared to control cultures. Serotonin exhibited stress mitigation effects and boosted antioxidant potential in chili suspension cultures. The present results illustrated that the optimized conditions can be used in scale-up studies of capsaicinoids production through the bioreactor.

Ethylene Is Crucial in Abscisic Acid-Mediated Modulation of Seed Vigor, Growth, and Photosynthesis of Salt-Treated Mustard.

The current study explored the differential interaction between ethylene (ET) and abscisic acid (ABA) in relation to salt stress in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) plants. Significant reductions in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis were observed with 100 mmol NaCl. Among the cultivars tested, the Pusa Vijay cultivar was noted as ET-sensitive. Pusa Vijay responded maximally to an application of 2.0 mmol ethephon (Eth; 2-chloethyl phosphonic acid-ethylene source), and exhibited the greatest growth, photosynthesis, activity of 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS), and ET evolution. Notably, Eth (2.0 mmol) more significantly improved the seed germination percentage, germination and vigor index, amylase activity, and reduced H2O2 content under salt stress, while ABA (25 µmol) had negative effects. Moreover, the individual application of Eth and ABA on Pusa Vijay under both optimal and salt-stressed conditions increased the growth and photosynthetic attributes, nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) assimilation, and antioxidant defense machinery. The addition of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (0.01 µmol AVG, ET biosynthesis inhibitor) to ABA + NaCl-treated plants further added to the effects of ABA on parameters related to seed germination and resulted in less effectiveness of growth and photosynthesis. In contrast, the effects of Eth were seen with the addition of fluoridone (25 µmol Flu, ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) to Eth + NaCl. Thus, it can be suggested that ET is crucial for alleviating salt-induced inhibition in seed germination, growth, and photosynthesis, while ABA collaborated with ET to offer protection by regulating nutrient assimilation and enhancing antioxidant metabolism. These findings provide insight into the complex regulatory processes involved in ET-ABA interaction, enhancing our understanding of plant growth and development and the mitigation of salt stress in mustard. It opens pathways for developing hormonal-based strategies to improve crop productivity and resilience, ultimately benefiting agricultural practices amidst a challenging environment.

Heat stress effect on fertility of two imported dairy cattle breeds from different Algerian agro-ecological areas.

The present study investigates the susceptibility of two imported dairy cattle breeds to Algerian local climatic conditions, with a primary focus on heat stress (HS) and its repercussions on fertility traits. The dataset comprises 20,926 artificial insemination records involving 6,191 Prim'Holstein and 5,279 Montbéliarde cows. The animals originated from three distinct agro-ecological regions: littoral (L), semi-arid (SA), and arid (Ar), characterized by average annual Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) values of 75.2, 69.53, and 74.75, respectively. Logistic and linear regression models were performed to analyze the relationship between the THI on the AI day, season, and agro-ecological origin of the animals with the Conception Rate at 1st Artificial Insemination (CR 1stAI), Conception Risk (CR), Services per Conception (SPC), and reproductive period (RP). The results demonstrated a significant negative impact (P < 0.001) of THI > 72 compared to THI ≤ 72 on CR1st AI and CR for both cattle breeds (Prim'Holstein: -49.7% and - 17%, respectively; Montbéliarde: -20.7% and - 15%, respectively). Seasonal effects revealed a notably higher CR1stAI in winter and spring (≈ 25%) for Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows compared to summer (19.41%) and autumn (19.12%), respectively. Furthermore, a reduced likelihood of conception at 1stAI and subsequent AI was observed during summer (0.839) and autumn (0.818) compared to winter for the Montbéliarde cows. Taking into account the littoral region as a reference, the likelihood of 1stAI success increased for both breeds in the SA region and decreased for the Ar region (P < 0.001). SPC increased for both breeds in THI > 72 categories (Prim'Holstein: 6.3%, Montbéliarde: 7.1%, P < 0.01), in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 30.9%, Montbéliarde: 26%, P < 0.001), and in the SA region (4%, P < 0.05) compared to the L region No significant seasonal effect on SPC was observed for either breed (P > 0.05). The RP increased in the THI > 72 category (Prim'Holstein: 4.1%, Montbéliarde: 7.4%, P < 0.001) and in the Ar region (Prim'Holstein: 122%, Montbéliarde: 73.4%) for both breeds. RP decreased in autumn compared to winter (Prim'Holstein: 15.3%, Montbéliarde: 8.4%). This study underscores the adverse impact of mild to severe heat stress (HS) and related factors (season, region) on fertility of Prim'Holstein and Montbéliarde cows under Algerian conditions, emphasizing the necessity for heat stress mitigation strategies, especially in adverse littoral humid and Saharan-arid environmental conditions.

Use of biostimulants for water stress mitigation in two durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes with different drought tolerance

Agriculture is facing complex and unprecedented challenges, such as climate change and global population growth, associated with the increase of food demand. Durum wheat (DW) is a strategic crop for food security in the Mediterranean region. In this work, the effect of two biostimulant compounds on drought response of two DW genotypes with different drought tolerance degree was evaluated: the tolerant genotype Svems16 and the sensitive cv. Iride. Genotyping-By-Sequencing analysis allowed to identify variants in response to water-related genes, such as those encoding dehydrins, with Svems16 exhibiting a missense variant divergent from the sequence found in Iride. Drought significantly hindered growth of cv. Iride by increasing oxidative stress and diminishing stomata density. This difficulty was mitigated by the application of biostimulants, which induced root morphological changes, and increased stomata density. On the other hand, the growth of Svems16 seedlings was not significantly affected by drought, confirming its significant degree of tolerance toward that stress compared with Iride. As a result, both biostimulants showed limited efficacy when applied to Svems16 stressed plants. In conclusion, the application of biostimulants emerges as a valuable agronomic strategy for mitigating drought stress in sensitive DW cultivars.

Atheroprotective role of vinpocetine: an old drug with new indication.

Endothelial dysfunction is considered one of the main causes of atherosclerosis and elevated blood pressure. Atherosclerosis (AS) formation is enhanced by different mechanisms including cytokine generation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and migration. One of the recent treatment toward endothelial dysfunction is vinpocetine (VPN). VPN is an ethyl apovincaminate used in the management of different cerebrovascular disorders and endothelial dysfunction through inhibition of atherosclerosis formation. VPN is a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase enzyme 1 (PDE1) as well it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through inhibition of the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). VPN has been shown to be effective against development and progression of AS. However, the underlying molecular mechanism was not fully clarified. Consequently, objective of the present narrative review was to clarify the mechanistic role of VPN in AS. Most of pro-inflammatory cytokines released from macrophages are inhibited by the action of VPN via NF-κB-dependent mechanism. VPN blocks monocyte adhesion and migration by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. As well, VPN is effective in reducing oxidative stress, a cornerstone in the pathogenesis of AS, through inhibition of NF-κB and PDE1. VPN promotes plaque stability and prevent erosion and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque. In conclusion, VPN through mitigation of inflammatory and oxidative stress with plaque stability effects could be effective agent in the management of endothelial dysfunction through inhibition of atherosclerosis mediators.

Discovery of anisiflupurin, an inhibitor of cytokinin dehydrogenase that mitigates heat-induced yield reduction in rice.

In a screening of anilinopurine, anisiflupurin was identified as potent inhibitor of cytokinin dehydrogenase/oxidase (CKX). Inhibitors of CKX have been supposed to be potent plant growth regulators to alleviate the detrimental effects of abiotic stress on crop production. The aim of the study was to profile anisiflupurin in a set of physiological assays and to evaluate its potential for heat stress mitigation in rice field trials. Anisiflupurin delayed dark-induced senescence and increased transpiration in detached maize leaves in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the transpiration of young rice plants under heat stress was increased for several days after application with anisiflupurin. Application of anisiflupurin during early phases of generative growth not only restored heat-induced pollen alterations it increased grain yield in field grown rice under heat conditions as demonstrated in a large field program conducted in southeast Asia. Thereby, efficacy of anisiflupurin was rate-dependent and most effective when applied during early generative growth phases prior heat stress. Application of anisiflupurin secures seed setting by protecting pollen development and enhances grain weight under heat stress conditions in rice. The results of this research opens up a promising avenue for mitigating the adverse effects of heat stress in rice cultivation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Multivariate characterization of salicylic acid and potassium induced physio-biochemical and phytoremediation responses in quinoa exposed to lead and cadmium contamination

The levels of soils pollutants such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have significantly increased recently resulting in ecological disturbances and threatening crop production. Various amendments have been employed to enhance the tolerance of crops to withstand Cd and Pb stresses. However, the role of combined application of potassium (K) and of salicylic acid (SA) for Cd and Pb stress mitigation and phytoremediation by quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) has not been comprehended well. In the present study, the effect of 10 mM K and 0.1 mM SA was tested on the quinoa plants subjected to 250 μM Pb and/or 100 μM Cd. The Pb and Cd treatments were applied separately or together. Phytotoxicity induced by Pb and Cd resulted in drastic decrease (>60%) in chlorophyll contents, stomatal conductance, and plant biomass. The collective treatment of Pb and Cd induced an increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (13-fold) and lipid peroxidation (16-fold) that resulted in a 61% reduction in membrane stability. The application of 10 mM K and/or 0.1 mM SA was remarkable in mitigating the adverse effect of Pb and Cd. The reduction in plant biomass was 17% when 10 mM K and 0.1 mM SA were applied together under the combined treatment of both the metals. The simultaneous application of K and SA effectively mitigated oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase by 12, 10, 7 and 10-folds respectively. The positive effect of K and SA on these attributes resulted in a remarkable reduction in metal accumulation and translocation and lipid peroxidation. The stressed plants supplemented with K and SA exhibited a significant improvement in the membrane stability index, chlorophyll content, and stomatal conductance. This study concluded that the combined application of K and SA could be a good approach for reducing Pb and Cd phytotoxicity in quinoa and enhancing their phytostabilization potential in the contaminated soils.

Anatomical and physiological responses of roots and rhizomes in Oryza longistaminata to soil water gradients.

Roots and rhizomes are critical for the adaptation of clonal plants to soil water gradients. Oryza longistaminata, a rhizomatous wild rice, is of particular interest for perennial rice breeding due to its resilience under abiotic stress conditions. While root responses to soil flooding are well-studied, rhizome responses to water gradients remain underexplored. We hypothesize that physiological integration of Oryza longistaminata mitigates heterogeneous water deficit stress through interconnected rhizomes, and both roots and rhizomes respond to contrasting water conditions. We investigated the physiological integration between mother plants and ramets, measuring key photosynthetic parameters (photosynthetic and transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance) using an Infrared Gas Analyzer. Moreover, root and rhizome responses to three water regimes (flooding, well-watered, and water deficit) were examined by measuring radial water loss and apparent permeance to O2, along with histochemical and anatomical characterization. Our experiment highlights the role of physiological integration via interconnected rhizomes in mitigating water deficit stress. Severing rhizome connections from mother plants or ramets exposed to water deficit conditions led to significant decreases in key photosynthetic parameters, underscoring the importance of rhizome connections in bidirectional stress mitigation. Additionally, O. longistaminata rhizomes exhibited constitutive suberized and lignified apoplastic barriers, while such barriers were induced in roots under water stress. Anatomically, both rhizomes and roots respond similarly to water gradients, showing thinner diameters under water deficit conditions and larger diameters under flooding conditions. Our findings indicate that physiological integration through interconnected rhizomes helps alleviate water deficit stress when either the mother plant or the ramet is experiencing water deficit, while the counterpart is in control conditions. Moreover, O. longistaminata can adapt to various soil water regimes by regulating anatomical and physiological traits of roots and rhizomes.

Effect of silver nanochitosan on control of seed-borne pathogens and maintaining seed quality of wheat

Seeds, considered as the foundation of agriculture, are invaded by a broad spectrum of seed-borne pathogens. The current study aimed to control seed-borne fungal pathogens of wheat, Aspergillus flavus and A. niger, by using Ag+ nanochitosan (Ag-NC) for nano-priming of seeds and enhancing seed quality. Nanochitosan (NC) and Ag-NC were synthesized using the gelation method and characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometry, FESEM, EDXS, and HRTEM. NC and Ag-NC showed irregular surface topography with an average particle size of 275 and 325 nm, respectively. Antifungal activity of both the nanoparticles at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mg/mL revealed that Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL has completely terminated the mycelial growth of both pathogens. Malonaldehyde content increased to 77.77% in A. flavus and 82.66% in A. niger when exposed to 0.5 mg/mL Ag-NC. High-intensity fluorescence due to oxidative stress was observed in Ag-NC-treated pathogens. Ultra-structural changes in Ag-NC treated pathogenic spores under SEM displayed pronounced membrane damages. Wheat seeds were nano-primed with NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL, and fungal load was examined to evaluate the mitigation of pathogenic stress and its effect on seedling growth promotion activity. Ag-NC priming reduced the fungal load and allowed successful seed germination. Ag-NC priming increased the albumin, gliadin, gluten, and glutenin content along with total phenol, reducing sugar and starch levels. Ag-NC priming increased the overall protein levels traced through SDS-PAGE. Seed priming with Ag-NC promotes seed germination, mean germination time, stress tolerance index, vigour, etc. NC and Ag-NC at 0.5 mg/mL showed no cytotoxic effect on the Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cell line that ensures the nanoparticles are non-toxic. Thus, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a dual role in antifungal activity and plant growth promotion.