Seed Plants Research Articles

Treatment of Cestoda tapeworms using Peganum harmala: Review article

The human intestine is home to parasites called tapeworms. The term "tapeworm infection" describes this ailment. A larval cyst is the term for the young, dormant tapeworm. It is not limited to the intestine; it can also reside in other body areas. This illness is called cysticercosis or larval cyst infection. The symptoms of intestinal tapeworms are typically modest. Moderate to severe symptoms include diarrhea and stomach pain. Larval cysts can cause serious illness if they form in the brain, liver, lungs, heart, or eyes. Tapeworm infections can be treated with anti-parasitic medications, and larval cyst infections can be treated with anti-parasitic medications or surgically removing the cyst. Herbs and medicinal plants, such as Peganum harmala, which has safe and effective therapeutic capabilities without causing severe adverse effects to the human body and intestines, can be used as an alternative to chemical pharmaceuticals and to treat symptoms. Traditional medicines have been made from this well-known plant's seeds, bark, and root. P. harmala and its active alkaloids, harmine and harmaline, in particular, have shown a number of pharmacological and therapeutic benefits in recent years. According to analytical analyses of its chemical makeup, the most significant components of the plant are beta-carboline alkaloids, which include harmalol, harmaline, and harmine. Among these naturally occurring alkaloids, harmine has been investigated the most. These beta-carbolines are found in various other plants outside P. harmala, including Banisteria caapi, and are used to treat various illnesses.

Incidence of insect pests in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) fields and storage in Karachuonyo and Nyakach Constituencies of Western Kenya

Groundnut is a popular grain legume crop, and an important cash crop in Western Kenya. However, farmers are facing various production constraints leading to low yields. Yearly, statistical reports by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Nuts and Oils Crops Directorate show a consistent decline in groundnut production in the potential. Lack of quality planting seeds, and pest infestation during growth and storage have been cited as major problems. Studies on the pests of the groundnut crop in the regions are still scarce. The study’s objective was to identify the key insect pests associated with the cultivation and storage of groundnuts in selected parts of the Western region of Kenya. The study was conducted in ten groundnut farms in Nyakach and Karachuonyo constituencies in two seasons, 2021 and 2022. Observation and direct field and storage insect sampling were done in the two regions. The species richness, abundance, and diversity of insects were calculated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Shannon Weiner index, respectively. In the present study, a total of 2,714 insect pests from 7 orders, 14 families, and 20 species of field pests and 2,396 individuals from 3 orders, 5 families, and 7 species of storage pests were recorded. This study shows that Empoasca kerri, was the most dominant field pest with a mean average of 344, followed by Aproaerema modicella (230), Frankliniella schultzei (136), Aphis craccivora (208), Microtermes sp. (96), Scirtothrips dorsali (64), Elasmolomus sordidus (69), Spodoptera litura (56) and Parastictococcus multispinosus (30), while storage pests were Liposcelis decolor (438), Tribolium castaneum (438), Plodia interpunctella (146), Cryptolestes minutus (137) and Ephestia cautella (30). These pests were causing physical damage to the groundnut plants, seeds and pods, leading to deterioration in the weight, quality, vigor, and reduction in the germination, thus leading to the loss of yield and market value. The study recommends further investigation of the actual damage potential of insect pests on groundnuts and the appropriate management strategies. Key words: Groundnut, insect pests, Empoasca kerri, Aproaerema modicella, Liposcelis decolor

Long-term storage of seeds of plant genetic resources in permafrost conditions

Collections of plant genetic resources are the guarantor of the preservation of both natural biological diversity and breeding achievements. Basically, genetic collections consist of seeds and, proper storage in optimal conditions is a necessity (it frees them from frequent reproduction associated with material and labor costs). It is necessary to search for optimal natural conditions for long-term storage of seeds, because in case of emergency situations of a technogenic nature, they will be the most vulnerable. A long-term experiment of long-term storage of agricultural plant seeds in permafrost conditions is being carried out. The aim of research is to find optimal and safe conditions for long-term storage of seeds and grain for both sowing and food purposes, and to study the conditions of natural storage facilities for creation of strategic reserves of seeds and food. In 2010, consignments of seeds of the main grain crops were put into storage (spring wheat, spring barley, winter rye and oats); in 2016, a seed collection of 26 varieties of 8 types of vegetable crops was laid. Meteorological observations were carried out, thermographs and hygrographs were used in the storage. The first sample extraction took place after 6 years of storage. Laboratory analysis of seed quality was carried out using the following standard methods: GOST 12036-85; GOST 12038-84; GOST 12041-82; GOST 12042-80; and GOST R 52325-2005. The results showed high viability of seeds of grain and vegetable crops. Seeds of all samples of grain crops met the requirements for reproductive seeds (germination over 87 %) according to GOST R 52325-2005. Seeds of 17 samples of vegetable crops retained germination at the first-class level in accordance with the requirements of GOST 12038-84. Long-term meteorological observations show a gradual warming of the Arctic climate due to relatively high summer temperatures. In general, the continentality of the climate is growing. The experiment continues, most of the above seed batches remain in storage, further expeditions with the extraction of samples are planned for 2025, 2035 and 2050. The obtained weather data indicate an increase in the continentality of the Arctic climate and its general warming. The data obtained on the viability of cereal grains and vegetable seeds during long-term storage show the effectiveness of using permafrost conditions for this purpose.

Effects of Silibinin on Delaying Aging in Drosophila melanogaster

Aging is an inevitable physiological process, but delaying aging has always been an enduring human pursuit. Silibinin (SIL), derived from the seeds of the milk thistle plant, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor effects, liver protection, inhibition of apoptosis, and alleviation of inflammation. However, whether it has anti-aging effects remains unclear. The SIL dietary supplement to Drosophila melanogaster prolonged lifespan, improved climbing ability, ameliorated age-associated intestinal barrier disruption, enhanced the resistance to oxidative stress, and increased the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, RNA-seq results showed that SIL addition significantly upregulated 74 genes and downregulated 50 genes compared with the control. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes) analysis demonstrated that these differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in the Toll signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum proteins processing, six among which, including IM2, IM3, Drsl3, CG7556, GCS1, and TRAM, were particularly involved in the regulation by SIL supplementation. The results indicate that SIL exhibits anti-aging effects by enhancing antioxidant capacity and regulating aging-related signaling pathways. Therefore, SIL shows a potential application in anti-aging dietary regimens.

Application of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Results in Achievement of Universal Antibacterial Properties on Various Plant Seeds

In view of a constant growth in the human population on Earth, the provision of a necessary amount of high-quality food looks challenging. As over 10% of the crop yields are annually lost due to the presence of phytopathogens, the development of novel, eco-friendly methods of pest eradication might contribute to avoiding nutritional shortages. Here, we propose a controlled application of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) generated in the form of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), for which we conducted multivariate optimization of the working parameters with the use of the design of experiments (DoE) in addition to the response surface methodology (RSM). After estimating the optimal operating conditions of APPJ, we determined the inactivation rates caused by 2 min CAPP exposure towards bacterial phytopathogens from three species Dickeya solani, Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Pectobacterium carotovorum artificially inoculated on the surface of plant seeds from four species. Logarithmic reductions, as a key result of this work, were enclosed in the range of 1.61–4.95 in the case of Cucumis sativus, Pisum sativum, and Vigna radiata, while for the bacteria-inoculated Zea mays seeds, lower antibacterial properties of APPJ equaling 0.86–1.12 logs were noted. The herein applied exposure to APPJ did not reveal any statistically significant detrimental effects on the germination of plant seeds, seed coat integrity, or early plant growth. Even plant growth promotion by 20.96% was observed for the APPJ-exposed Zea mays seeds. By applying colorimetric assays and optical emission spectrometry (OES), we determined the oxidative potential in addition to identifying the reactive oxygen species (ROS) •OH, •HO2, •O2−, O3, and 1O2 and the reactive nitrogen species (RNS) N, NO2, and NO3 responsible for the antibacterial properties of APPJ. In summary, universal antiphytopathogenic properties of the APPJ treatment reached due to proper optimization of the working conditions were revealed against three bacterial strains from the family Pectobacteriaceae inoculated on the seeds from diverse plant species. The data presented herein may contribute to future development of the plasma agriculture field and provide alternatives to pesticides or the prevention-based control methods towards plant pathogenic bacteria.

Extraction and characterization of omega fatty acids (as fixed oil) from various plants seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, chilli seeds, basil seeds, quince seeds)

Extraction and characterization of omega fatty acids (as fixed oil) from various plants seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, chilli seeds, basil seeds, quince seeds)

In situ vaccine "seeds" for enhancing cancer immunotherapy by exploiting apoptosis-associated morphological changes.

Despite the development of many effective immunoadjuvants (IAs), the therapeutic efficacy of in situ vaccines for anti-tumor applications remains limited. Inspired by the morphological changes occurring during apoptosis, this study aims to leverage the release process of autologous tumor antigens (ATAs) to enhance the anti-tumor activity of in situ vaccines. We developed five distinct liposomes, each with unique characteristics and functions, incorporating FDA-approved monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvants into their lipid bilayers. Our findings revealed that the apoptotic bodies generated from tumor cells treated with membrane-fusion liposomes (MFLs) exhibited a greater capacity for immune activation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that MFLs can utilize the morphological changes associated with apoptosis to accurately deliver adjuvants to apoptotic bodies. To further optimize the efficiency of antigen presentation by these apoptotic bodies as an adjuvant redistribution platform, we encapsulated a calcium chelator within the MFLs to inhibit the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) during apoptosis. Through a series of apoptosis-related cellular events, the vaccine can widely disseminate immunoadjuvants (IAs) within tumor tissues, similar to the dispersal of plant seeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach to utilize apoptosis-associated morphological changes to enhance the immunotherapeutic efficacy of cancer vaccines.

ВСХОЖЕСТЬ И ХАРАКТЕР ПРОРАСТАНИЯ СЕМЯН СОРНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ В СВЯЗИ С ИХ БИОМОРФОЙ

The purpose of research is to study the germinating ability and nature of germination of weed seeds in connection with their biomorph. The study was carried out in the Botanical Garden of the Institute for Biological Problems of Permafrost, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, located in the in the neighborhood of Yakutsk city within Central Yakutia. The object of the study is the seeds of 38 weed species in the neighborhood of Yakutsk city. Seed collection was carried out in the phase of full maturity. Seeds were stored in paper bags at room temperature 18–24 °C. Seed germination conditions: temperature 22–24 °C and natural light. The experiments were carried out in Petri dishes (diameter 9 cm), in 4 replications, 100 pieces each on filter paper without pretreatment. Germinated seeds were counted daily from the beginning to the end of germination. Seeds with high (70–100 %), medium (40–69 %), and low (1–39 %) laboratory germination were identified. The study of seed germination was carried out in two terms – freshly harvested and after 6 months of storage. Freshly harvested seeds were placed for germination on the day of collection. The study was carried out in accordance with standard methods for seed germination. Different biomorphs had their own character of seed germination. Annuals were characterized by delayed germination of freshly harvested seeds and rapid germination after 5–6 months of storage at room conditions. Biennials and taproots were characterized by high germination and rapid germination of both freshly harvested seeds and after storage. Short-rhizome and soddy plants were characterized by high seed germination and extended germination. Freshly harvested and stored seeds of long-rhizome plants began to germinate within the first week, the germination period is extended, laboratory germination is ambiguous. Freshly harvested seeds of rhizomatous grasses were at rest, the seeds began to germinate slowly and extended after storage, their germination rate was low. Germination of seeds of the only creeping species Potentilla anserina in the experiment was carried out according to the type of germination of seeds of annuals.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Ricebean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi]- linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Background: Soil fertility depletion is a major constraint on agricultural production, necessitating a balanced application of inorganic and organic nutrients while effective crop residue management post-harvest enhances soil quality and structure, mitigates evaporation and aids carbon fixation. In Nagaland, agriculture faces challenges like nutrient loss from erosion and minimal use of external inputs while sustainable agriculture requires a viable cropping system and effective crop management; technological advancements in agro-techniques, particularly in cropping systems and nutrient management, are crucial for improving productivity in a ricebean-based linseed cropping system. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to focus on green manuring followed by cultivating a legume crop, rice bean and subsequently linseed in 2019-2021, the investigation would carry out to study the growth, yield and quality parameter and the study was laid in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments with sources of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. Result: The study revealed substantial influence of growth and yield which included a combination of poultry manure at 0.7 tons ha-1 along with 100% RDF exhibited superior performance in ricebean, a similar trend was also observed in the subsequent crop, which was linseed and also yielded promising results in terms of plant height, nodules, pods plant-1, seeds pods-1 and yield and concluded to achieve higher seed yield, improve seed quality, preserve soil quality.

In silico, in vitro and in vivo characterisation of thiamin binding proteins from plant seeds.

Thiamin, an essential micronutrient, is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the central carbon metabolism and amino acids pathways. Despite efforts to enhance thiamin content in rice by incorporating thiamin biosynthetic genes, increasing thiamin content in endosperm remains challenging, possibly due to a lack of thiamin stability and/or a local sink. The introduction of storage proteins has been successful in biofortification strategies and similar efforts targeting thiamin led to a 3-4-fold increase in white rice. However, only one thiamin-binding protein (TBP) sequence has been described in plants, more specifically from sesame seeds. Therefore, we aimed to identify and characterize TBPs, as well as to evaluate the effect of their expression on thiamin concentration, using an approach integrating in silico, in vitro and in vivo methods. We identified putative TBPs from Oryza sativa (rice), Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat) and Zea mays (maize) and pinpointed the thiamin-binding pockets through molecular docking. FeTBP and OsTBP contained one pocket with binding affinities similar to E. coli TBP, a well-characterized thiamin-binding protein, supporting their function. In vivo expression studies of TBPs in tobacco leaves and rice callus resulted in increased thiamin levels, with FeTBP and OsTBP showing the most pronounced effects. Additionally, thermal shift assays confirmed the thiamin binding capabilities of FeTBP and OsTBP, as observed by the significant increases in melting temperatures upon thiamin binding, indicating protein stabilization. These findings offer new insights into diversity and function of plant TBPs and highlight the potential of FeTBP and OsTBP to modulate thiamin levels in crop plants.

Evaluation of the Proximate Composition of Amsonia tabernaemontana Walt. Seeds and Glyceride Oil.

The genus Amsonia, a member of the Apocynaceae family, comprises plants with notable medicinal benefits. In 2022 and 2023, Amsonia tabernaemontana Walt. seeds introduced to Bulgaria were collected and analyzed. Given the limited information available on the chemical composition of A. tabernaemontana, this study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the plant seeds collected over two consecutive years. Although members of the genus Amsonia are not conventional oilseed crops, the glyceride oil content was 7.8% and 11.1% in the respective samples. The chemical composition was meticulously analyzed, revealing carbohydrates in the largest amounts (60.4% and 61.3%), with crude fibers at 18.3% and 24.8%, and protein content at 19.5% and 13.0%. The amounts of ash and moisture content were also quantified. Additionally, the fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and phospholipids of the seed oil were examined. β-Sitosterol emerged as the main component in both harvests. The total tocopherol content was relatively low (52.7 mg/kg vs. 20.0 mg/kg), with α-tocopherol being predominant. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylethanolamine were identified as the principal components of the phospholipid fraction. The fatty acid composition primarily included linoleic (61.0 and 61.2%) and oleic acids (28.7 and 28.6%).

Salt stress-related function of the oil body-associated protein gene LcOBAP2B in Leymus chinensis.

Oil bodies are dynamic organelles in plant seeds. Oil body-associated protein (OBAP) is involved in regulating the size and vitality of oil bodies in overwintering seeds, and affects lipid mobilization and stress resistance during seed germination. In this study, we cloned an oil body associated protein gene LcOBAP2B (Leymus chinensis oil body associated protein 2B). The LcOBAP2B coding sequence is 753bp long, encoding a 250-amino acid protein. Expression analysis showed that LcOBAP2B was predominantly expressed in seeds, with lower levels in leaves and roots. Under salt stress, the expression of the gene was upregulated in both seeds and leaves, with the level of upregulation being higher in salt-tolerant germplasm compared to salt-sensitive germplasm in Leymus chinensis. Transgenic Arabidopsis expressing LcOBAP2B showed significantly improved salt resistance. Transgenic lines exhibited enhanced salt resistance, characterized by increased green cotyledon numbers, root length, plant biomass, and survival rates compared to wild type plants under salt stress conditions. These findings suggest that LcOBAP2B may play a role in resistance to salt stress in Leymus chinensis.

Assessment of Protein Quality and Nutritional Characteristics of Commonly Consumed Pulses in the Caribbean Diet by Different In Vitro Assays.

Pulses, the dried seeds of leguminous plants, form an important part of the diets of many cultures, including Caribbean cuisine, and are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants while being low in fats. This study examined the effect of a traditional home-cooking method on the nutritional characteristics of pulses commonly consumed in the Caribbean: red kidney beans and cranberry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L.), and pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan L.). Protein quality, determined via three in vitro protein digestibility methods, starch, and phenolic content were determined in pre- and post-cooked samples using established methods. Pulses contained 20-26% protein, and cooking improved protein digestibility on average by 14.0 ± 2.5% (p < 0.05). However, notable differences in digestibility were observed: it was higher in static assays (pH-Drop and pH-Stat) than in the two-step digestibility assay. Average protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (IVPDCAAS) among cooked pulses was 0.81 ± 0.14, with the highest in cranberry bean (0.82) and cowpea (0.88). Cooking modified pulse starch profiles by increasing total digestible starch. However, resistant starch and slowly digestible starch fractions accounted for approximately 20-25% of total cooked starch content. While total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were reduced with cooking, they were within expected ranges for cooked pulse flours; however, they were higher in bean (P. vulgaris) varieties than cowpea and pigeon pea. These findings support the promotion of increased pulse consumption in Caribbean diets. Home cooking is a simple method to enhance pulse protein quality through enhancing digestibility; however, in vitro protein digestibility assays may require further standardization.

Effectiveness of salt priming and plant growth-promoting bacteria in mitigating salt-induced photosynthetic damage in melon.

Seed priming and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may alleviate salt stress effects. We exposed a salt-sensitive variety of melon to salinity following seed priming with NaCl and inoculation with Bacillus. Given the sensitivity of photosystem II (PSII) to salt stress, we utilized dark- and light-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence alongside analysis of leaf stomatal conductance of water vapour (Gsw). Priming increased total seed germination by 15.5% under salt-stress. NaCl priming with Bacillus inoculation (PB) increased total leaf area (LA) by 45% under control and 15% under stress. Under the control condition, priming (P) reduced membrane permeability (RMP) by 36% and PB by 55%, while under stress Bacillus (BS) reduced RMP by 10%. Although Bacillus inoculation (B) and priming (P) treatments did not show significant effects on some PSII efficiency parameters (FV/FM, ABS/RC, PIABS, FM), the BS treatment induced a significantly higher quantum efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII) and increased Gsw by 159% in the final week of the experiment. The BS treatment reduced electron transport rate per reaction center (ETO/RC) by 10% in comparison to the salt treatment, which showed less reaction centre damage. Bacillus inoculation and seed priming treatment under the stressed condition (PBS) induced an increase in electron transport rate of 40%. Salt stress started to show significant effects on PSII after 12 days, and adversely impacted all morphological and photosynthetic parameters after 22 days. Salt priming and PGPB mitigated the negative impacts of salt stress and may serve as effective tools in future-proofing saline agriculture.

The influence of pectins and cellulose in the mechanical and adhesive properties of seed mucilage.

Several plant seeds release a mucilaginous envelope through hydration, rich in pectins and stabilized by cellulose fibers. This mucilage aids in seed protection, development, and adhesion for dispersal. This study aimed to separate the effects of pectins and cellulose fibers by using pectinase to remove mucilage pectins, leaving cellulose arrays, and performing wet and dry pull-off force measurements on seeds of three plant species: Salvia hispanica (Chia), Collomia grandiflora (Collomia) and Linum usitatissimum (Flax). We used light and scanning electron microscopy to confirm partial pectin removal and intact cellulose fibers. Pull-off force measurements revealed similar wet adhesive properties and E-moduli in S. hispanica and C. grandiflora seeds before and after pectin removal. L. usitatissimum seeds, lacking cellulose fibers, exhibited significantly lower wet and dry adhesion forces post-pectin removal. Desiccation dynamics showed shorter desiccation times after pectin removal in all three species. Results indicated that adhesion forces in seed mucilage with cellulose fibers did not change significantly after pectin removal, suggesting that cellulose fibers contribute to the adhesive properties of seed mucilage, while pectins might not play an exclusive role in adhering to surfaces.

Seed banking impacts native Acacia ulicifolia seed microbiome composition and function

BackgroundSeed banks are a vital resource for preserving plant species diversity globally. However, seedling establishment and survival rates from banked seeds can be poor. Despite a growing appreciation for the role of seed-associated microbiota in supporting seed quality and plant health, our understanding of the effects of conventional seed banking processes on seed microbiomes remains limited. In this study we investigated the composition and functional potential of seed-associated bacterial epiphytes associated with stored and freshly collected seeds of a native plant, Acacia ulicifolia, using both 16S rRNA gene sequencing and culture-based approaches.ResultsSeeds obtained from seed banking facilities were found to host significantly less diverse bacterial populations, with substantial reductions in both low-abundance taxa and in community members commonly identified in freshly collected A. ulicifolia seeds. Bacteria with key plant growth promoting traits including IAA production, ACC deaminase activity, phosphate solubilisation, siderophore activity, and nitrogen fixation were identified in seed epiphytic communities, but these beneficial traits were less prevalent in stored seed compared to fresh seeds.ConclusionOverall, these results suggest that epiphytic seed microbiomes may undergo significant changes during the storage process, selecting for bacteria tolerant to storage conditions, and potentially reducing the population of plant-growth promoting bacteria on seeds.

The Space Radiobiological Exposure Facility on the China Space Station.

The Space Radiobiological Exposure Facility (SREF) is a general experimental facility at the China Space Station for scientific research in the fields of space radiation protection, space radiation biology, biotechnology, and the origin of life. The facility provides an environment with controllable temperatures for experiments with organic molecules and model organisms such as small animals, plant seeds, and microorganisms. The cultivation of small animals can be achieved in the facility with the use of microfluidic chips and images and videos of such experiments can be captured by microscopy. SREF also includes a linear energy transfer (LET) detector, neutron detectors, and a solar ultraviolet (UV) detector to measure the LET spectrum of the charged particles, energy spectrum and dose equivalent of neutrons, and fluence of solar UV radiation, respectively. The facility is reusable, and the model organisms from the first exposure experiment were recovered in orbit and returned to the ground for further study.

The fate and transport of pesticide seed treatments and its impact on soil microbials.

In order to better understand the environmental impact of systemic pesticides used in the seed treatment, we conducted a field trial by planting maize seeds treated with thiamethoxam (TMX) and the combination with difenoconazole (DFZ), two of the commonly used systemic pesticides in the seed treatment program. We found most of pesticide residues were retained in the 0-10 cm layer from soil surface. Pesticide residue levels exhibited a significant decreasing trend from the seedling to milk period. The highest level of TMX in the profile soil were 0.068 and 0.036 μg·g-1 during the elongation and seedling stages, respectively, while DFZ was always below the limit of detection. The soil bacterial abundance and community structure at the early growth stages of maize were affected by the seed treatment, but not the diversity. As TMX levels in soil diminished toward the end of maize growth period, same as the effects on soil microbials. Neither the fresh weight nor the total yield of maize was significantly different among different treatments, suggesting the planting of maize seeds treated with TMX has no apparent economic incentives to corn growers.

Metabolomics of rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera Del.) sprouts obtained with or without salinity from progeny seeds of mother plants grown in presence or absence of salinity

Metabolomics of rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera Del.) sprouts obtained with or without salinity from progeny seeds of mother plants grown in presence or absence of salinity

A comprehensive review on sustainable strategies for valorization of pepper waste and their potential application.

Pepper is an economically important crop grown worldwide for consumption as a vegetable and spice. Much waste, including crop plant waste, seeds, stalks, placenta, peels, and other processing byproducts, is generated by consumers during pepper crop production, processing, retail, and households. These peppers byproducts contain numerous bioactive compounds that can be used as ingredients for developing functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other food industries. This review summarizes the recent developments in the valorization of pepper waste. The content of bioactive compounds in different pepper wastes, their extraction processes, biological activities, and applications are discussed and given special attention. Pepper waste and byproducts are rich sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, dietary fiber, capsaicinoids, phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which possess health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and anticancer activities. Considering the potential for application of the bioactive compounds in food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical industries, future studies are recommended to develop efficient and economical green extraction techniques and evaluate the sensorial characteristics, bioaccessibility, and safety of the bioactive compounds. Several strategies are also available for developing technologies to valorize pepper waste for possible applications other than in the food and biomedical industries. However, a sustainability check of the technologies and a joint effort by stakeholders at all levels is the key to reducing pepper waste and the sustainable valorization of the waste.