Plant Parts Research Articles

Exploring the Anti-Urolithiatic Potential of White Seeds from Abrus Precatorius Via In Vitro Investigations

Medicinal plants are a valuable aspect of local heritage with global importance, often used as remedies for various health conditions. Their therapeutic properties are linked to a wide variety of complex chemical compounds, particularly secondary metabolites, found in different plant parts. Identifying the specific components responsible for medicinal effects is essential. Phytochemicals, which are abundant in medicinal plants, are generally considered safer and less toxic compared to synthetic alternatives. In line with this understanding, the present research investigates the in vitro anti-urolithiatic potential of white seeds of Abrusprecatorius. The seeds were chosen for their possible role in treating urolithiasis. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract revealed the presence of compounds such as flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, proteins, glycosides, quinones, and tannins.Two In Vitro assays, Crystal Nucleation and Aggregation, were performed, both with and without inhibitors. The study tested various concentrations of plant extracts (50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml, 200mg/ml, and 250mg/ml) using four solvents: water, ethanol, chloroform, and petroleum ether, to assess their effect on calcium oxalate (CaOX) crystal formation, which is a primary component of kidney stones.Among the extracts tested, the water extract showed the highest inhibition of nucleation (85%) at a concentration of 250mg/ml. Aqueous, ethanol, and chloroform extracts exhibited notable anti-urolithiatic activity across different concentrations. Crystal aggregation was assessed using a spectrophotometer, and the water extract demonstrated the highest inhibition (78%) at the same concentration. Additionally, the chloroform extract showed significant anti-urolithiatic activity.When comparing extracts, the chloroform extract at 500mg/ml was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate crystals. Overall, the study highlights the potential of Abrusprecatorius white seed extracts in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, aggregation, and growth, suggesting their potential as a treatment for urolithiasis. These results underscore the value of these extracts as promising agents in managing kidney stones

Research on heavy metal enrichment and transportation in tea plant-soil systems of different varieties.

This study aimed to investigate heavy metal enrichment in different tea plant varieties and their distribution within different plant parts and to clarify the behavioral characteristics of heavy metals in the tea tree-soil system and their influencing factors. In this study, soil samples were collected from the root zones of 13 tea tree varieties in Guizhou, which had been planted for 10years. The aim was to compare the physicochemical properties of tea plantation soils under soil-forming matrixes and consistent management. Additionally, the study investigated the enrichment and transportation patterns of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni in the tea tree-soil systems of different tea tree varieties. The results showed that the planting of tea trees decreased the soil pH by 0.5; soil nutrients decreased; soil Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn contents in the root zone increased; and Cd content decreased. Heavy metals were mainly enriched in the roots, and Zn, Cu, Ni, and other elements related to the protein and enzyme synthesis of tea trees could be mostly transported to the stems and leaves. There were significant differences in the enrichment and transportation of heavy metals among the different tea tree varieties. Under consistent soil-forming parent material, soil pH, organic matter, nutrients, and other indices only had a significant effect on heavy metal enrichment in the tea tree roots. Therefore, in areas with high background soil heavy metal contents, the construction of tea plantations should be based on regional soil environmental conditions to choose tea tree varieties with low heavy metal enrichment capacities to avoid the risk of high background soil heavy metals on the safe production of tea for consumers.

Integrative application of biochar and bacteria for mitigating antimony toxicity and bio-accessibility in sorghum.

Antimony (Sb) toxicity is a serious concern due to its harmful effects on humans and plants. Biochar (BC) has become a popular amendment for remediating soils polluted with metals and metalloids. However, the exact interaction mechanism between BC, microbes, and the remediation of Sb-polluted soils remains unclear. To address this, a study was performed to determine the impacts of maize straw BC and a bacterial strain (Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis: PF) in mitigating the harmful effects of Sb toxicity on sorghum productivity. A pot experiment was set up with the following treatments: control, soil contaminated with Sb (1000 mg kg-1), Sb-contaminated soil + BC (2 %), Sb-contaminated soil + PF, and Sb-contaminated soil + BC (2 %) + PF. Antimony toxicity significantly reduced sorghum biomass and grain yield while increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2: 32.63 %), malondialdehyde (MDA: 68.96 %) reducing chlorophyll a (95.65 %) and chlorophyll b synthesis (92 %), increasing Sb accumulation plant parts and decreasing NPK (24.48 %, 8.01 % and 19.24 %) and magnesium availability, soil organic carbon (SOC: 16.36 %), microbial biomass carbon (MBC: 10.80 %) and soil urease (76.31 %) and catalase (130.52 %) activity. The combined application of BC and bacteria enhanced the promoted sorghum biomass and grain production by improving chlorophyll synthesis, antioxidant activity, osmolyte production, nutrient availability, SOC, MBC, soil enzymatic activities and reducing both H2O2 and MDA production. Co-application of BC and bacteria decreased soil Sb concentration by 38.84 % while they decreased Sb concentration in sorghum root, stem, leaves and grains by 54.58 %, 34.15 %, 30.96 % and 54.58 % respectively. The decrease of Sb concentration in soil and plant parts with BC and bacteria application could be attributed to increase in soil pH, SOC, MBC, enzymes activities. Additionally, BC in combination with bacteria also reduced bio-accessible Sb concentration by 83.82 %, and bio-accessibility of Sb by 36.45 % indicating their appreciable potential to produce safer sorghum production in highly polluted Sb soil Therefore, BC and PF can be used together to improve sorghum production and develop environmentally friendly approaches in Sb-contaminated soils.

Induced Phytomanagement of Multi-Metal Polluted Soil with Conocarpus erectus Supported by Biochar, Lignin, and Citric Acid

Induced heavy metals (HMs) phytoextraction from heavily contaminated soils is challenging, as high HM bioavailability causes phytotoxicity and leaching. This study introduces a novel approach for HM immobilization with biochar (BC) and lignin (LN), and later their controlled mobilization with citric acid (CA) in soil. Conocarpus erectus was grown for 120 days in shooting-range soil (SS) polluted with Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Cu. HM concentrations in parts of the plants, their percentage removal, and leaching from SS were measured. Moreover, plant biochemical parameters such as the contents of chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), protein, ascorbic acid (AsA), amino acids, and total phenolics, along with biophysical parameters such as relative water content (RWC) and water uptake capacity (WUC), were also inspected. Adding BC, LN, and BC+LN to SS improved biomass, as well as the biophysical and biochemical parameters of plants, while efficiently reducing HM concentrations in plant parts, DTPA extract, and leachates compared to the control (CK). However, the greatest amplifications in plant height (82%), dry weight of root (RDW) (109%), and dry weight of shoot (SDW) (87%), plant health, and soil enzymes were noted with the BC+LN+CA treatment, compared with the CK. Moreover, this treatment resulted in Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Cu removal by 68, 30, 69, 59, and 76% from the SS compared to the CK. Surprisingly, each HM concentration in the leachates with BC+LN+CA was below the critical limits for safer water reuse and agricultural purposes. Initial HM immobilization in HM-polluted soils, followed by their secured mobilization during enhanced phytoextraction, can enhance HM removal and reduce their leaching without compromising plant and soil health.

Potentiality of Amaranthus viridis (L.) to accumulation of heavy metals and its relation to protein profile

The present study was undertaken to assess the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Ni and Zn) in soil and plant parts. The phytoremediation potential of Amaranthus viridis (amaranth) was determined by calculating the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). Soil and plant samples were collected from eight different sites in their native habitats, distributed along Ismailia irrigation canal located in the east of the Nile Delta region, Egypt. Roots of amaranth had the higher concentrations of Cd, Fe and Ni means which were 2.75, 547.3 and 7.25 mg g-1 DW at sites SH8, SH6 and SH4 respectively, as compared to the other sampling sites. Whereas, shoots had the higher concentrations of Zn (283.6 mg g-1 DW) at site SH5. All sites were found with BCF more than 1 for all heavy metals. Except for Zn, TF values of Cd, Fe and Ni at all sites were lower than one. Depending on BCF and TF results, amaranth showed significant potential for phytostabilization of Cd, Fe and Ni and phytoextraction of Zn as well. Moreover, the protein profile showed different bands with varied molecular weights. Both relationships between studied accessions and similarity were elucidated, with high similarity (96% between SH2 and SH3 accessions), lowest similarity (72% between SH4 and SH8) and degree of polymorphism calculated as 62.5%. The variation in the similarity index may be due to the induction of a variety of proteins under heavy metal stress and also ecological features in various sites that cause protein polymorphism.

Quantification and histochemical localization of secondary metabolites during development in Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae).

Histolocalization and quantification of secondary metabolites established the occurrence of alkaloids, phenols and acetogenins in various plant organs of A. muricata at different stages of plant growth. Annona muricata L. possesses broad assemblage of ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic upsides ascribed to biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Currently, the bioactivity is characterized by the production of acetogenins (ACGs), and also by the biosynthesis of alkaloids, primarily benzylisoquinolines derived from tyrosine and phenolic compounds. As a result of high variability of metabolite production in A. muricata, the present study evaluated the histochemical analysis of various plant parts at different developmental stages of growth. Presences of phytometabolites were determined using in-situ histochemical localization of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and acetogenins, while its estimation employing spectroscopic quantification techniques to understand structure, development, time-course deposition, content and distribution of secondary phytoconstituents. Study revealed distinct presence of secondary metabolites in cells and tissues of all plant organs in various intensities and patterns. Alkaloids and acetogenins occurred mostly in secretory cavities or idioblast cells while sparsely associated with other cells or tissues. Phenolic compounds emerged widely, with no confined distribution patterns occurring in storage cells and tissues. Quantitative analysis revealed highest accumulation of alkaloids, phenols and acetogenins in mature root-barks, mature unripe fruit rind and mature leaf respectively. Secondary metabolites generally occurred in young stages at low concentrations as compared to matured growth stages of plant parts. Such in-situ histochemical and biochemical approach will help in identifying the cells and tissues responsible for synthesis, storage and biological effects of potential secondary metabolites which could be further used for culturing and enhancing its production with biotechnological aids.

Biochar co-compost increases the productivity of Brassica napus by improving antioxidant activities and soil health and reducing lead uptake

Lead (Pb) is a serious toxic metal without any beneficial role in the biological system. Biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent soil amendment to mitigate Pb toxicity. The impact of BC co-compost (BCC) in mitigating the toxic impacts of Pb has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of BC and BCC in improving the growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of Brassica napus and soil properties and reducing health risks (HR). The study was comprised of different Pb concentrations (control and 100 mg kg-1) and organic amendments (control, BC, compost, and BCC). The results indicated that Pb stress reduced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and oil contents by increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Pb uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and decreasing photosynthetic pigment and nutrient availability. The application of BCC alleviated the adverse impacts of Pb and improved seed production (40.24%) and oil yield (11.06%) by increasing chlorophyll a (43.18%) and chlorophyll b (25.58%) synthesis, relative water content (23.89%), total soluble protein (TSP: 23.14%), free amino acids (FAA: 26.47%), proline (30.98%), APX (40.90%), CAT (32.79%), POD (24.93%), and SOD (33.30%) activity. Biochar co-compost-mediated increase in seed and oil yield was also linked with a reduced accumulation of Pb in plant parts and soil Pb availability and improved the soil-available phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Furthermore, BCC also reduced the bioaccumulation concentration, daily metal intake, hazard index, and target hazard quotient. In conclusion, application of BCC can increase the growth, yield, and oil contents of Brassica napus by improving the physiological and biochemical traits and soil properties and reducing the Pb uptake.

A REVIEW ON EFFECTIVENESS OF AROMATHERAPY ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Aromatherapy has been used as an alternative medicine and complementary therapy, for the effective treatment of mental health and well-being. Essential oil is the main agents, which is abstracted from the flower, bark, roots, leaves or certain parts of plants which contains aromatic molecules in the cells of the plants (Steflitsch & Steflitsch, 2008). Objectives: this study aims to know the effectiveness of aromatherapy on mental health and well-being. Aromatherapy may be utilized to provide advantages through inhalation, topical application, and baths. Aromatherapy can treat depression, indigestion, headaches, sleeplessness, muscular discomfort, respiratory problems, skin illnesses, swollen joints, and urinary issues (Ali, et al, 2015). Aromatherapy can be benefited by adopting a balanced and healthy diet, as well as taking precautions recommended by health specialists and aromatherapist. This review paper is based on secondary data collected through literature searches in electronic journals and book reviews, which were analyse and assess articles from certain journals utilizing Google Scholar, PubMed, Academia, Science Direct, Web of Science, and the Library Search.

Relationship Between Age and Condensed Tannin Content in the Bark of Two Forest Species Grown in Northeast Brazil

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the influence of tree age on the condensed tannins content in the bark of two forest species. Theoretical Framework: Tannins are phenolic compounds present in various parts of plants and have consolidated applications in the market. This way, silvicultural studies of different species with the potential to produce are relevant. Method: Barks of Azadirachta indica at 5, 6, and 7 years and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia at 6, 7, and 9 years were collected from an experimental plantation located in a forest area in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The barks were then air-dried and ground to obtain a material subjected to extraction. Total solids content, Stiasny index, and condensed tannin content were determined from the hot-water extracts. Results and Discussion: The condensed tannins content in A. indica bark did not vary as tree age increased, while for M. caesalpiniaefolia, the most productive age was determined to be six years old. Research Implications: The experimental approach showed that A. indica presented stable tannin content in the bark regardless of age, allowing continuous and flexible management to produce these extractives. In contrast, M. caesalpiniifolia presented condensed tannins, with their reactivity decreasing with age, indicating that younger trees are more suitable for high-quality extractions and commercial production. Originality/Value: Tannins content in Azadirachta indica bark remains stable over time, facilitating continuous management and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia bark, the concentration of tannins is higher in younger trees.

Advancing Vegetable Grafting: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges, and the Future of Automated Solutions

Vegetable grafting, a practice that combines two plant parts rootstock and scion into a single, superior plant, is an increasingly important technique in modern agriculture. By enhancing yields, stress resistance, and disease tolerance, grafting plays a crucial role in addressing challenges such as soil borne pathogens, extreme environmental conditions, and crop vulnerability to nematodes. Despite its benefits, vegetable grafting faces several challenges, including the need for compatible plant material, labour-intensive nursery production, high seed costs, and the potential for pathogen spread. Effective grafting requires meticulous selection of rootstock and scion, precise grafting techniques, and optimal post-grafting care to ensure survival and success. Looking toward the future, significant advancements in grafting technologies and nursery practices are required to overcome these challenges and improve efficiency. The development of grafting robots, capable of mechanizing the grafting process, holds promise for increasing productivity while reducing labor costs. Additionally, the establishment of specialized plug plantlet nurseries, equipped with advanced seeders, growth chambers, and acclimatization facilities, offers a pathway to enhance seedling vigour and uniformity in developing countries. Future research should also focus on refining seed-priming methods, improving seedling storage technologies, and exploring digital tools such as databases, crop models, and mobile applications to optimize grafting practices. These innovations could provide valuable insights for growers, helping them select the best rootstock-scion combinations and manage crops more efficiently. With continued research and technological advancements, vegetable grafting is poised to become a global solution, offering sustainable growth and productivity improvements in agriculture.

Antimicrobial Profiling of Piper betle L. and Piper nigrum L. Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): Integrative Analysis of Bioactive Compounds Based on FT-IR, GC-MS, and Molecular Docking Studies

This study explored the antimicrobial potential of Piper betle L. (PBL) and Piper nigrum L. (PNL) extracts against MRSA. Plant parts including stem, leaf, and fruit were extracted using aquadest, methanol, and hexane, resulting in 18 distinct extracts. FT-IR combined with cluster analysis (CA) categorized the extracts, and anti-MRSA activity was assessed through the paper disk diffusion method. The most potent extracts were further analyzed using GC-MS to identify bioactive compounds. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted for MRSA protein targets (4DKI, 6H5O, and 4CJN). The hexane extract of PNL and the aqueous extract of PBL fruit showed the strongest inhibitory effects. GC-MS identified piperine (14.22%) and diisooctyl phthalate (14.67%) as major compounds, with piperolein B, piperanine, β-caryophyllene oxide, and α-caryophylladienol as minor compounds in the hexane extract of PNL, while hydroxychavicol (81.89%) and chavibetol (12.01%) were predominant in the aquadest extract of PBL. Molecular docking revealed that piperolein B and piperine had strong binding affinities to MRSA proteins 4DKI, 6H5O, and 4CJN, comparable to ciprofloxacin. In conclusion, this study confirms the potential of PBL and PNL as sources of novel anti-MRSA agents, supporting further research to develop new therapies.

Qualitative Analysis of Daphnane Diterpenoids in Various Parts of Daphne pontica L. by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS.

Daphne pontica L. is an evergreen shrub that is recorded as an anti-diarrheic plant in Turkish folk medicine. Previous studies on D. pontica have reported, albeit slightly, the isolation of daphnane diterpenoids, but no systematic phytochemical analysis of daphnane diterpenoids has been conducted. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate daphnane diterpenoids in the extracts from the different parts (stems, leaves, and fruits) of D. pontica. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS) was used for the qualitative analysis of D. pontica. The stems, leaves, and fruits of D. pontica were extracted with diethyl ether. Each extract was then pretreated by a solid phase extraction cartridge and subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis. Detected daphnane diterpenoids were tentatively identified by comparison with an in-house daphnane library, and their chemical structures were estimated in detail by MS/MS fragmentation evaluation. A total of 33 kinds of daphnanes were identified from the different parts of D. pontica, and were classified into three subtypes: daphnane orthoester, polyhydroxy daphnane, and macrocyclic daphnane orthoester. Among them, six daphnanes were postulated to be previously unreported compounds based on MS/MS fragmentation elucidation. Furthermore, the three plant parts showed similar daphnane diterpenoid profiles, with the stems containing the most abundant daphnane diterpenoids. This is the first study to perform qualitative analysis of daphnane diterpenoids systematically and comprehensively in different parts of D. pontica. The results revealed that D. pontica is a plant resource rich in a variety of daphnane diterpenoids.

Phytolith-Mediated Biocarbon Sequestration

The sequestration of biocarbon primarily arises from natural mechanisms and is acknowledged as a critical measure in mitigating climate change. An inactive form of carbon, known as phytolith occluded carbon, is sequestered within plants and persists in soil for thousands of years following the breakdown of vegetation. Formation, distribution and storage of phytolith occluded carbon are the major factors affecting phytolith-mediated biocarbon sequestration. Crop area, crop duration, aboveground net primary productivity, crop, plant species, plant parts, age of plant, age of plant parts, cell components, phytolith morphotypes, and mean annual precipitation are some of the factors affecting the formation of phytolith occluded carbon. The stability and dissolution of phytolith occluded carbon in the soil are determined by carbon dioxide, temperature, climate zone, topography, soil, and phytolith properties characteristics. The phytolith distribution in the soil is affected by soil type and depth, tillage, bioturbulence, percolation, and phytolith morphotypes. By adopting proper soil and crop management practices phytolith mediated biocarbon sequestration can be enhanced.

Improving quality of electricity generated by grid-tied inverters in solar power plants in low generated power mode using frequency adaptive PWM

Abstract The article presents the results of a study of the dependence of the quality indicators of electricity generated by solar power plants in three-phase electrical networks on the level of generated power. In the course of the study, it was established that when the generated power is reduced, the grid voltage inverters that are part of the solar power plants cause an increase in the share of higher harmonic currents to the electric grid. An analysis of international standards regarding the quality requirements of the generated current was performed, which showed that when the level of generated power decreases, the quality of electric energy decreases and may not meet the requirements of the standard. The algorithm of frequency-adaptive pulse-width modulation is proposed, which allows to improve the quality indicators of the electricity generated by the grid inverter of the voltage of the solar power plant to the electrical grid.

Discrete control model Q-learning for an energy storage system with a hydrogen unit of an autonomous hybrid power plant of a railway substation

The paper considers the prospects for creating autonomous hybrid power plants using renewable energy sources and hydrogen as energy storage systems, as well as storage batteries, for the railway power supply system. A comparative analysis of various energy storage systems is carried out. A simulation model has been created that takes into account the characteristics of electric rolling stock trains, a model of the contact network of the inter-station zone of the railway stage, and a model of the energy storage system. Managing the flow of electricity in an autonomous hybrid power plant requires considering forecasts of electricity consumption and generation and the level of charge of the energy storage device. To solve the problem of synthesizing a control algorithm, the use of matrix Q-learning is proposed. The novelty of the study lies in the proposed approach of applying Q-learning to the problem under consideration based on discretization of input and output parameters of the model and verification of the approach on a simulation model built for a real railway section between the Yaya and Izhmorskaya stations (Kemerovo region of the Russian Federation). It is shown that the use of the proposed system makes it possible to equalize the voltage in the network between traction substations and provide a significant increase in the capacity of the railway section, and the proposed method of matrix Q-learning makes it possible to synthesize an effective algorithm for controlling the energy storage system as part of an autonomous hybrid power plant.

Pseudomonas rhodesiae HAI-0804 suppresses Pythium damping off and root rot in cucumber by its efficient root colonization promoted by amendment with glutamate

Plant diseases caused by soil-borne fungi and oomycetes significantly reduce yield and quality of many crops in the agricultural systems and are difficult to control. We herein examine Pseudomonas rhodesiae HAI-0804, a bacterial biological control agent that was originally developed for control of bacterial diseases on the surface of vegetables, and assessed its efficacy at controlling soil-borne diseases caused by oomycetes. Strain HAI-0804 did not exhibit detectable antibiotic activity toward Pythium ultimum, a causal agent of damping-off and root rot; however, it effectively protected against Pythium damping-off and root rot in cucumber. Exogenous glutamate enhanced the efficacy of biocontrol, the production of siderophore pyoverdine, root colonization in cucumber plants, and the ratio of biofilm formation to planktonic cells. The epiphytic fitness of strain HAI-0804 appears to contribute to plant protection efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens for both above-ground plant parts and the rhizosphere.

PFAS, PCBs, PCDD/Fs, PAHs and extractable organic fluorine in bio-based fertilizers, amended soils and plants: Exposure assessment and temporal trends

Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste contribute to closed-loop nutrient cycles and circular agriculture. However, persistent organic contaminants, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as well as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be present in organic waste or be formed during valorization processes. Consequently, these hazardous substances may be introduced into agricultural soils and the food chain via BBFs. This study assessed the exposure of 84 target substances and extractable organic fluorine (EOF) in 19 BBFs produced from different types of waste, including agricultural and food industrial waste, sewage sludge, and biowaste, and through various types of valorization methods, including hygienization at low temperatures (<150 °C) as well as pyrolysis and incineration at elevated temperatures (150–900 °C). The concentrations in BBFs (ΣPFOS & PFOA: <30 μg kg−1, Σ6PCBs: <15 μg kg−1, Σ11PAHs: <3 mg kg−1, Σ17PCDD/Fs: <4 ng TEQ kg−1) were found to be below the strictest thresholds used in individual EU countries, with only one exception (pyrolyzed sewage sludge, Σ11PAHs: 5.9 mg kg−1). Five BBFs produced from sewage sludge or chicken manure contained high concentrations of EOF (>140 μg kg−1), so monitoring of more PFAS is recommended. The calculated expected concentrations in soils after one BBF application (e.g. PFOS: <0.05 μg kg−1) fell below background contamination levels (PFOS: 2.7 μg kg−1) elsewhere in the literature. This was confirmed by the analysis of BBF-amended soils from field experiments (Finland and Austria). Studies on target legacy contaminants in sewage sludge were reviewed, indicating a general decreasing trend in concentration with an apparent half-life ranging from 4 (PFOS) to 9 (PCDD/Fs) years. Modelled cumulative concentrations of the target contaminants in agricultural soils indicated low long-term risks. Concentrations estimated and analyzed in edible plant part were low, indicating that exposure by plant consumption is well below tolerable daily intakes.

Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Parang Romang (Boehmeria virgata (G.Forst) Guill) Leaves Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

Parang romang (Boehmeria virgata (G.Forst) Guill) is a plant traditionally used for treating various digestive tract infections. However, obtaining bioactive compounds directly from the plant requires significant biomass. Therefore, endophytic fungi, sourced from specific plant parts, are explored for their ability to produce similar bioactive compounds. The research examined the potential antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from parang romang leaves against common gastrointestinal pathogens. The methods used in was, characterization of endophytic fungal isolates, and antagonistic activity was evaluated using the agar diffusion method. The results showed that the endophytic fungal strains, namely isolates IFBV 6, IFBV 7, and IFBV 10 could inhibit the bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholera. With an average zone of inhibition for each strains isolate against Esherichia coli respectively 11.53 mm, 10.49 mm, and 14.85 mm; Salmonella typhi 14.47 mm, 8.66 mm, and 15.51 mm; Shigella dysenteriae 22.28 mm, 13.76 mm, and 15.33 mm; and Vibrio cholera 16.91mm, 11.94mm, 15.16mm. In conclusion, isolated endophytic fungal strains hold promise as potential as antibacterialn agents.

Diversity of Pleosporalean Fungi Isolated from Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Northern Thailand and Descriptions of Five New Species

Pleosporales represents the largest order within the class Dothideomycetes (Fungi), comprising phytopathogenic, saprobic, and endophytic taxa with a widespread presence in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a primary economic crop in numerous tropical countries, particularly in Thailand. Studying fungal species associated with rice holds the potential to enhance our understanding of fungal diversity, lifestyles, and biology of rice, offering valuable insights for future research aimed at disease management and yield improvement. Thirty-nine pleosporalean isolates were obtained from various parts of rice plants collected across diverse regions in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Species identification involved a combination of morphology and molecular phylogeny, utilizing multi-locus sequence analyses of the ITS, LSU, SSU, gapdh, rpb2, tef1, and tub2 genes. The isolates were identified in 18 taxa distributed across five families and ten genera, including five new species (Bipolaris chiangraiensis, Ophiosphaerella oryzae, Paraphaeosphaeria oryzae, Pyrenochaetopsis oryzicola, and Setophoma oryzicola). Additionally, six new host records and two new geographical records are documented. Photoplates, detailed morphological descriptions, and phylogenetic trees are provided to elucidate the placement of both known and novel taxa.

Metabolite and mineral contents in root, seed, testa, stem and leaf of Peganum harmala L

In order to investigate the distribution and accumulation characteristics of metabolites and mineral elements in different parts of Peganum harmala L. (P. harmala), and the synergistic or antagonistic effects between them. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) were used to determine the contents of metabolites (proline, phosphorylcholine, choline, lysine, 4-hydroxyisoleucine, asparagine, acetic acid, sucrose, harmaline and vasicine) and mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, C, N) in five parts of P. harmala, including root, seed, testa, stem and leaf, and to analyze the relationship among the contents of metabolites and mineral elements. The results showed that the contents of acetic acid, proline, lysine, sucrose and Fe in the root were higher than those in other parts, and the contents of harmaline, phosphorylcholine, P, C, N and Zn in the seeds were the highest. The leaves were rich in vasicine, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Mn. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the cumulative variance contribution of the first two principal components was 69.00 %, and the loading values of K, Cu and sucrose were higher, which was consistent with the results of biplot and cluster analysis(HCA). Correlation analysis (CA) results showed that there was a strong overall correlation between the different components of seeds and leaves, and the correlation was greater than that of other parts. The results of this study are helpful to understand the correlation of functional traits among different parts of plants, and determine the internal mechanism of controlling functional traits and the proportional relationship between traits, so as to provide a reference for the resource utilization of plants.