Potential Use In Agriculture Research Articles

Mitigating Salinity Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with K-humate and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Salinity stress poses a major challenge to plant growth and development, causing problems like osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and nutrient imbalances. These issues lead to reduced photosynthesis and early aging of plants. In this study, we explored the potential of potassium humate (Kh) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs) to help cotton plants (Gossypium hirsitum L.) cope with saline conditions. We examined various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf number, fresh and dry weights of leaves and roots, leaf area, chlorophyll content (SPAD values), and relative water content (RWC). Our findings showed that salinity stress significantly decreased plant height, leaf number, fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, leaf area, and RWC. However, the application of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh helped mitigate these negative effects. Notably, the combination of Fe (II,III) oxide-NPs and Kh resulted in the highest plant height under saline conditions. Kh alone was particularly effective in increasing leaf number and fresh leaf weight, even under stress. In conclusion, both Fe (II,III) oxide NPs and Kh proved to be effective in enhancing cotton plant resilience to salinity stress, highlighting their potential use in sustainable agriculture in saline and arid regions. These insights can help develop strategies to improve plant growth and yield under challenging environmental conditions.

Antibiotic-producing plant-associated bacteria, anti-virulence therapy and microbiome engineering: Integrated approaches in sustainable agriculture.

Plant health is crucial for maintaining the well-being of humans, animals and the environment. Plant pathogens pose significant challenges to agricultural production, global food security and ecosystem biodiversity. This problem is exacerbated by the impact of climate change, which is expected to alter the emergence and evolution of plant pathogens and their interaction with their plant hosts. Traditional approaches to managing phytopathogens involved the use of chemical pesticides, but alternative strategies are needed to address their ongoing decline in performance as well as their negative impact on the environment and public health. Here, we highlight the advancement and effectiveness of biocontrol strategies based on the use of antimicrobial-producing plant-associated bacteria, anti-virulence therapy (e.g. quorum quenching) and microbiome engineering as sustainable biotechnological approaches to promote plant health and foster sustainable agriculture. Notably, Enterobacterales are emerging as important biocontrol agents and as a source of new antimicrobials for potential agricultural use. We analysed here the genomes of over 250 plant-associated enterobacteria to examine their potential to synthesize secondary metabolites. Exploration of the plant microbiome is of major interest in the search for eco-friendly alternatives for reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

The Rhino Shield for The Coconut Palm: An Automated Protection System for Coconut Tree

This paper will provide the concept and installation of the automated Rhino Beetle Sheild system, which defends coconut plants against attacks by rhinoceros beetles, are presented in this work. The system makes use of chemical sprayers that are managed by an Arduino board, poles, pumps and electrical valves. It is talked about how well the technique works to keep the coconut trees healthy and prevents beetle infestations. The Rhino Beetle Sheilds potential for use in agriculture is demonstrated by experimental results.

Combination of recycled cellulose with nano-thick flower layered double hydroxides: Biomass water retention slow-release fertilizer for sustainable agriculture

The development of crop nutrient, water utilization and increasing the renewability of waste resources sustainable agriculture is essential for improving sustainable agriculture. In this study, a type of nanothick floral layered double hydroxides (nLDHs) for fast and effective pesticide adsorption was created using cyclodextrin (CD) induction. After that, it was composited with recycled cellulose (PCe) derived from waste biomass (pomelo peel). A novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) was synthesized through the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA), which was then employed as a nutrient (urea) carrier in the nLDHs/PCe composite. The swelling, water retention and slow-release capabilities of slow-release fertilizer was evaluated. Additionally, crop cultivation tests were conducted on the material to ascertain its potential use in sustainable agriculture. The results shown that N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA had a swelling rate of 197.02 g/g at 600 min, the water retention rate reached 21.02 % in soil at 60 d, and a nutrient release of 68.78 % in soil at 60 d, which were in accordance with European Committee for Standardization (CEN) standards. Besides, the experiment of crop cultivation showed that N@nLDHs/ CPE-PAA had obvious promotion effect on plant growth, which could improve the root system, rhizomes, chlorophyll content, and relative water content in the leaves of the plants. Therefore, this novel slow-release hydrogel fertilizer (N@nLDHs/PCe-PAA) not only promotes resource reproducibility, but also has excellent soil water retention, slow-release nutrient properties and a function of promoting plant growth. It has great value in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Contribution of Using Filter Cake and Vinasse as a Source of Nutrients for Sustainable Agriculture—A Review

The use of filter cake and vinasse in agriculture began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s. Currently, the Ukraine war and the high value of fertilizers have created opportunities for fertilization programs in agricultural systems with sustainable goals. This review presents updated data (1988–2024) and a discussion on the potential agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse and indicates the current progress of research on this subject in addition to future prospects. Filter cake stands out due to the formulation of organomineral fertilizers with direct application of composted or fresh forms, favoring the agronomic efficiency of phosphorus. The use of vinasse in fertigation is feasible and replaces potassium mineral fertilizers and other nutrients following an organic matrix. Future perspectives point to the agricultural use of filter cake and vinasse on a sustainable basis from different approaches. The aim is to potentiate their benefits in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. It is noteworthy that filter cake or vinasse, when combined with growth-promoting bacteria in irrigated crops, can nullify the negative effects of climate change due to increased productivity and, at the same time, meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This contributes to facing global challenges related to food security by recycling nutrients for agriculture and generating clean bioenergy from sugarcane biomass.

Aerobic biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends in soil induced by gelatin

PLA is a biopolymer with great potential for use in agriculture, but its biodegradability in soil is slow. PLA degrading microorganisms exist in soil and their activity can be improved with the addition of proteins. The aim of this work was to study the effect of gelatin addition on the final biodegradation of TPS/PLA blends in soil. After 180 days, the final biodegradation percentages for TPS, GE and PLA were 96%, 79% and 0%, respectively. The extruded blends of TPS/PLA/GE, TPS/PLA and PLA/GE, presented ultimate biodegradability of 63%, 57% and 25% respectively. The biodegradation rate during the initial stages was reduced due to the interaction of the components, without affecting the final values. There was rapid biodegradation of the TPS and gelatin fractions in the materials, while PLA did not undergo any mineralization process in the soil. The inclusion of gelatin in the matrix and in the soil did not increase the biodegradability of the PLA fraction in the extruded, nor in the control blends because the microorganisms present in the inoculum did not assimilate the PLA.

Cutin-derived oligomers induce hallmark plant immune responses.

The cuticle constitutes the outermost defensive barrier of most land plants. It comprises a polymeric matrix-cutin, surrounded by soluble waxes. Moreover, the cuticle constitutes the first line of defense against pathogen invasion, while also protecting the plant from many abiotic stresses. Aliphatic monomers in cutin have been suggested to act as immune elicitors in plants. This study analyses the potential of cutin oligomers to activate rapid signaling outputs reminiscent of pattern-triggered immunity in the model plant Arabidopsis. Cutin oligomeric mixtures led to Ca2+ influx and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Comparable responses were measured for cutin, which was also able to induce a reactive oxygen species burst. Furthermore, cutin oligomer treatment resulted in a unique transcriptional reprogramming profile, having many archetypal features of pattern-triggered immunity. Targeted spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses of the cutin oligomers suggest that the elicitor compounds consist mostly of two up to three 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid monomers linked together through ester bonds. This study demonstrates that cutin breakdown products can act as inducers of early plant immune responses. Further investigation is needed to understand how cutin breakdowns are perceived and to explore their potential use in agriculture.

Effect of Transient Spark Discharge and Plasma Activated Water Treatments against Fusarium graminearum Infected Wheat Grains under Laboratory Conditions

Over the last decade, more and more attention has been paid to applications of non-thermal plasma in agriculture, where it is used to decontaminate various microorganisms and to improve the seed germination. In this study, we present the results of a newly developed point-to-ring NTP transient spark discharge apparatus (NTP), plasma activated water (PAW) and their combined treatment on Durum wheat and Common wheat grains under laboratory conditions. Transient spark discharge treatment was used as direct treatment while indirect treatment of wheat grains was performed by PAW produced in point-to-plane NTP transient spark apparatus. We found that the degree of grain surface decontamination was in order NTP > PAW > combined treatment. In the case of Durum wheat grain germination, all treatments increased germination with increasing exposure times, while in the case of Common wheat, PAW treatment and combined treatment did not significantly increase the grain germination. In conclusion, plasma treatment has enormous potential for use in agriculture and its possibilities need to be fully explored.

Recovery and regeneration of water-hardened magnetic composite biochar sphere for the removal of multiple heavy metals in contaminated soils

Biochar has exceeded expectations for immobilizing heavy metals (HMs), but the potential ecological risks of its long-term burial in soil limit its practical application on a large scale. To address this challenge, a novel separable water-hardened magnetic composite biochar sphere (WMBCS) was prepared and applied to remediate agricultural soils contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As. The first application of WMBCS is simultaneously effective in removing Cd (3.2–12.7%), Pb (3.3–13.1%), and As (5.0–25.6%) from soil, and the removal rates are enhanced with increasing soil moisture, application dose and incubation time. WMBCS is more efficient for removing Cd and Pb in mildly contaminated alkaline soils than in heavily contaminated acidic soils. Compared with other regeneration methods, shaking and ultrasound-assisted EDTA-2Na efficiently elutes HMs with a dissolution efficiency of over 75% within 4 h, accompanied by the lowest rate of mass loss (7.6%) and Fe leaching (475.1 mg kg−1). After 5 rounds of successive cyclic remediation, WMBCS exhibits high adsorption efficiency (26.5–30.6% for Cd, 25.4–30.2% for Pb, and 30.2–41.0% for As), magnetic separation efficiency (98.8–99.8%) and regeneration efficiency (92.3–95.4%). The main mechanisms involved in the adsorption and regeneration of WMBCS include ion exchange and chelation. WMBCS is an economical and eco-friendly material with vast unexplored potential for use in agriculture.

Effects of frass from larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) on growth and insect resistance in field mustard (Brassica rapa): differences between insect species and frass treatments

AbstractFrass, a byproduct of insect rearing, has become popular for its potential use in sustainable agriculture. The rapid growth of insect production results in an increased frass output. This study examined the effects of frass as soil amendment on plant growth and resistance to insect herbivory. In greenhouse experiments, Brassica rapa L. (Brassicaceae), was grown in unamended soil (NoFrass; control) or soil amended with frass (2 g kg−1) from larvae of black soldier fly (BSFF), Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), or yellow mealworm (MWF), Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Frass was applied as raw, incubated, or composted frass before seed germination. Plant growth and performance were measured of larvae of root‐feeding Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) and shoot‐feeding Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Initially, raw BSFF and MWF reduced the growth of B. rapa and resulted in a smaller leaf area than NoFrass. However, over time, a notable trend emerged. Whereas the difference in leaf area between MWF and NoFrass disappeared, BSFF consistently resulted in a smaller leaf area than MWF and NoFrass. Raw BSFF reduced D. radicum larval survival and pupal biomass and larval survival of P. xylostella. In contrast, raw MWF increased larval survival and biomass of D. radicum and the survival of P. xylostella larvae. Interestingly, incubation of frass in the soil for 16 days before seed germination removed plant growth inhibition and increased plant leaf area, especially for MWF compared to NoFrass. In addition, composting MWF increased leaf growth. Therefore, frass may be used as a sustainable and natural alternative to conventional organic fertilisers, promoting plant growth and enhancing resistance to herbivory. Our results indicate that soil amendment with raw BSFF may negatively impact herbivore performance, whereas raw MWF may enhance herbivore performance.

Removal of toxic metals from sewage sludge by EDTA and hydrodynamic cavitation and use of the sludge as fertilizer

Sewage sludge (SS) is rich in plant nutrients, including P, N, and organic C, but often contains toxic metals (TMs), which hinders its potential use in agriculture. The efficiency of removal of TMs by washing with ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA), in combination with hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) and the usability of washed sewage sludge as fertilizer were investigated. The environmental risk was assessed. During 8 wash batches an average 35, 68, 47 and 45 % of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu, respectively, as well as 22 and 5 % Mn and Fe were removed from the SS. The process solutions and EDTA were recycled at a pH gradient of 12.5–2, which was achieved by adding quicklime (CaO) and then acidification by H2SO4, so that no wastewater was produced, only solid waste (ReSoil® method). The quality of the recycled process solutions (they remained unsaturated with salts) and the efficiency of the washing process were maintained across all batches. On average, 46 % of the EDTA was lost during the process and was replenished. The initial leachability of EDTA-mobilized Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Fe remaining in the washed SS increased 6-, 17-, 3-, 11- and 11-fold, respectively, but not to hazardous levels except for Zn. After washing, P and K remained in the SS, plant-available P increased 3.3-fold, while total N and C were reduced by 20.28 and 2.44 %, respectively. Washed SS was used as fertilizer in the pot experiment. The yield of Brassica juncea did not improve, the uptake of TMs by the plants and the leaching of TMs from the soil were minimal. Our study highlighted the drawbacks and potential feasibility of the new SS washing method.

Strigolactone roles in maize tolerance to low nitrogen involve shifts in acquisition and partitioning of protein, sulfur, and iron

Abstract Background and Aims Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient that can limit plant development and crop yield through widespread physiological and molecular impacts. In maize, N-starvation enhances biosynthesis and exudation of strigolactones (SLs) in a process reversible by nitrate addition and consequent repression of genes for SL biosynthesis. Methods In the present study, a maize mutant deficient in SL biosynthesis (zmccd8) allowed an in-depth analysis of SL contributions under low N. Both hydroponic and field conditions were used to better characterize the response of the mutant to N availability. Results The severity of responses to N-limitation by the SL-deficient zmccd8 mutant extended from growth parameters to content of iron, sulfur, protein, and photosynthetic pigments, as well as pronounced impacts on expression of key genes, which could be crucial molecular target for the SL-mediated acclimatation to N shortage. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that SLs are critical for physiological acclimation to N deficiency by maize and identify central players in this action. Further contributions by iron and sulfur are implicated in the complex pathway underlying SL modulation of responses to N-deprivation, thus widening our knowledge on SL functioning and providing new hints on their potential use in agriculture.

Análise bibliométrica e multicritério para seleção de aditivos potencializadores de compostagem de biorresíduos municipais

ABSTRACT Municipal biowaste has a high potential for agricultural use. However, it requires an additional amendment to increase the nutritional content used during the composting process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the selection of compost-enhancing amendments from municipal biowaste using bibliometric and multicriteria analysis. The municipality of Yopal (Casanare, Colombia) was chosen as a case study. Using a search equation in the Scopus and Web of Science databases over five years (2018-2022), 53 publications were discovered, from which 25 were chosen for a full review to identify alternatives for amendment. Ashes, rice husks, sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, tree pruning waste, and alfalfa hay were assessed as amendment substitutes. Criteria such as financial cost, accessibility to acquire the amendment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon contribution were used in the analysis of hierarchical processes. Tree pruning waste was the best option based on the criteria chosen because it is easily accessible and contributes with carbon and nitrogen (C/N: 13) to composting. Factors such as cost and affordability influence the physical and chemical characteristics that an amendment brings to the composting of municipal biowaste.

Biocrude extraction from human-excreta-derived hydrochar for sustainable energy and agricultural applications

Hydrothermal carbonization may be a sustainable sanitary treatment for wet organic waste including human excreta. Human-excreta-derived hydrochar properties differ from those of typical wet biomass due to the formation of a biocrude-like phase at low reaction temperatures. This study characterized the importance of this phase in terms of hydrochar combustion properties and potential agricultural use. Hydrothermal carbonization of raw human excreta was undertaken at 180, 210, and 240 °C, after which the biocrude phase was extracted with dichloromethane. Physicochemical properties, surface-area parameters, combustion profiles, and gas emissions of non-extracted hydrochar, biocrude, and extracted hydrochar were compared. The potential agricultural use of extracted hydrochar was assessed in germination experiments. Biocrude comprised up to 49.5% of hydrochar mass with a calorific value of >60% that of extracted hydrochar. Biocrude combustion properties were better than those of hydrochar, before and after extraction as demonstrated by higher combustion index value (Si). The extracted hydrochar surface area (34.7 m2 g−1) was greater than that of non-extracted hydrochar (<2 m2 g−1), and seeds germinated more readily due to the lower phytotoxin content. Most macro and micronutrients required for plant growth were retained in the extracted hydrochar. The extraction of biocrude from human-excreta-derived hydrochar not only provided a higher-quality fuel with enhanced combustion properties but also improved hydrochar characteristics, suggesting its potential as a soil additive for enhanced plant growth.

The Effect of External Treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana with Plant-Derived Stilbene Compounds on Plant Resistance to Abiotic Stresses.

Stilbenes are a group of plant phenolic secondary metabolites, with trans-resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) being recognized as the most prominent and studied member. Stilbenes have a great potential for use in agriculture and medicine, as they have significant activities against plant pathogens and have valuable beneficial effects on human health. In this study, we analyzed the effects of direct application of stilbenes, stilbene precursor, and stilbene-rich extract solutions to the plant foliar surface for increasing the resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana to various abiotic stresses (heat, cold, drought, and soil salinity). Exogenous treatment of A. thaliana with stilbenes (trans-resveratrol, piceid, and spruce bark extract) and phenolic precursor (p-coumaric acid or CA) during germination resulted in considerable growth retardation of A. thaliana plants: a strong delay in the root and stem length of 1-week-old seedlings (in 1.3-4.5 fold) and rosette diameter of 1-month-old plants (in 1.2-1.8 fold), while the 2-month-old treated plants were not significantly different in size from the control. Plant treatments with stilbenes and CA increased the resistance of A. thaliana to heat and, to a lesser extent, to soil salinity (only t-resveratrol and spruce extract) to drought (only CA), while cold resistance was not affected. Plant treatments with stilbenes and CA resulted in a significant increase in plant resistance and survival rates under heat, with plants showing 1.5-2.3 times higher survival rates compared to untreated plants. Thus, exogenous stilbenes and a CA are able to improve plant survival under certain abiotic stresses via specific activation of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and some stress-related genes. The present work provides new insights into the application of stilbenes to improve plant stress tolerance.

Avaliação in vitro de bactérias promotoras de crescimento vegetal isoladas da orquídea cimbídio

Abstract The diversity of Cymbidium hybrids, and the growing commercialization of orchids, reinforces the need for sustainable production, and the bioprospecting of diazotrophic bacteria can demonstrate potential for agricultural use. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro diazotrophic bacteria, isolated from rhizospheric soil and tissues of the Cymbidium orchid, and to analyze the solubilization capacity of phosphorus, potassium and phytohormones production. Leaves, pseudobulbs and rhizospheric soil were isolated in five different semi-solid and semi-selective mediums, NFb, JNFb, LGI, JMV and FAM, in order to verify the biological nitrogen fixation capacity, through the indicative movie on the surface of the medium. The bacteria were grouped, according to their morphological characteristics, in a dendrogram, and selected at 75% similarity, testing them for the production of indoleacetic acid (IAA). The isolates that stood out in terms of the production of the aforementioned phytohormone were tested for their ability to solubilize phosphorus and potassium, usage phosphate rock powder, AO-15, and potassium, phonolite, as a source, respectively. The 66 isolated strains fixed nitrogen, and the 18 strains with 75% similarity produced AIA. The 8 strains that stood out in the production of indoleacetic acid, in the absence and presence of tryptophan, did does not solubilize phosphorus, with the strains UNIFENAS 100-589, UNIFENAS 100-591, UNIFENAS 100-600, UNIFENAS 100-604, being able to solubilize potassium, demonstrating the potential agricultural use of growth -promoting bacteria in the cultivation of the Cymbidium orchid.

Bacteriocins of &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt;: A mini review

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by certain bacteria that exhibit potent activities against closely related species, including pathogens. This review aimed to discuss and compare the results of academic research articles focused on the bacteriocins produced by Escherichia coli, shedding light on their diversity, mechanisms of action, and potential applications in various fields. Bacteriocins produced by E. coli strains have been found to vary in terms of their genetic determinants, structures, and modes of action. Through extensive research, several types of E. coli bacteriocins have been identified and characterized, including colicins, microcins, and other related peptides. Some bacteriocins act by disrupting the target cell membrane, leading to cell lysis, while others target essential cellular processes, such as DNA replication or protein synthesis. Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into the potential applications of E. coli bacteriocins as antibacterial agents or probiotics to fight against pathogens. Studies have explored their specific antimicrobial spectra, examining their efficacy against various bacterial strains, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Additionally, investigations into their regulation, biosynthesis, and mode of action have contributed to a better understanding of their potential as therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the potential applications of E. coli bacteriocins extend beyond the medical field. Research has demonstrated their ability to control foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria, making them promising as natural food preservatives. Moreover, their potential use in biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental protection has been explored, emphasizing their versatility and potential industrial applications. This review paper discussed and compared the results of academic research concerning E. coli bacteriocins, providing insights into their diversity, mechanisms of action, and potential applications. Further studies on E. coli bacteriocins will not only contribute to the understanding of bacterial interactions but may also pave the way for novel antimicrobial strategies and biotechnological advancements.

Technical feasibility of the use of topsoil in the composition of substrates of Caatinga forest species

Mining generates great environmental impacts, in addition to a large amount of waste. In order to comply with environmental legislation, the production of seedlings is one of the actions carried out, which requires a large volume of substrates, generally commercial. The topsoil it is a residue with physical-chemical characteristics with potential for agricultural use, present in large quantities, reaching 33 thousand m3. This research aimed to know the technical feasibility of topsoil added to commercial substrate for the production of seedlings of four native Caatinga species. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 5 x 4 factorial model, with five topsoil levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and four species [‘Canafístula’ (Peltophorum dubium), ‘Farinha Seca’ (Albizia hasslerii), ‘Timbaúba’ (Enterolobium contortisiliquum) and ‘Ipê Branco’ (Tabebuia roseo-alba)]. Considering the Dickson quality index, for the species ‘Canafístula’ and ‘Ipê Branco’, 74.1 and 36.1% are the maximum limits of topsoil and, for ‘Farinha Seca’ and ‘Timbaúba’, up to 100% can be used. In general, the addition of topsoil to the substrate will allow savings of 77% in substrate costs, making its use in the production of forest seedlings economically viable and environmentally correct.

Chitosan-Loaded Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: A Promising Antifungal Nanocomposite against Fusarium Wilt Disease of Tomato Plants

The extensive use of agrochemicals for crop protection is increasing their environmental risks. Due to the incredible antimicrobial potential of nanomaterials, research into their potential use in sustainable agriculture as alternatives to chemical fungicides is advancing rapidly. In this study, we evaluated the possible antifungal properties of copper oxide nanocomposite (CH@CuO NPs) coated with chitosan in order to fend off Fusarium wilt diseases in tomato plants caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) throughout in vitro and in vivo experiments. Here, we demonstrate some of the characteristics of a potential antifungal nanocomposite composed of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), firmly immobilized on chitosan nanoparticle (CH) surfaces as dark spots, with an irregular shape and 54.22 nm in size, as indicated by Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. Spectroscopic and microscopic investigations, as well as its antifungal efficacy, verified that the successful synthesis of the CH@CuO NPs at three different concentrations (1, 25, and 50) mg/L against three different wild isolates of the pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum that infect tomatoes was successfully proven to be effective. In vitro comparisons revealed that CH@CuO NPs showed stronger antifungal activity at only 1 mg/L (96.22 ± 1.35) than the classical chemical fungicide “Kocide 2000” at conc. 2.5 g/L (77.34 ± 0.33), for example, in the case of FOL1 isolate. In accordance with the in vivo data, tomato plants can be treated with only 1 mg/L of CH@CuO NPs for up to 75 days, by which time Fusarium wilt disease severity is reduced by 91.5% In contrast, 2.5 g/L of Kocide 2000 is required to reduce disease in tomato plants by about 90%. This research expands our understanding of agro-nanotechnology by outlining the characteristics of a unique, environmentally friendly, and economically viable nanopesticide for long-term plant protection.

Perspectives in Genome-Editing Techniques for Livestock.

Genome editing of farm animals has undeniable practical applications. It helps to improve production traits, enhances the economic value of livestock, and increases disease resistance. Gene-modified animals are also used for biomedical research and drug production and demonstrate the potential to be used as xenograft donors for humans. The recent discovery of site-specific nucleases that allow precision genome editing of a single-cell embryo (or embryonic stem cells) and the development of new embryological delivery manipulations have revolutionized the transgenesis field. These relatively new approaches have already proven to be efficient and reliable for genome engineering and have wide potential for use in agriculture. A number of advanced methodologies have been tested in laboratory models and might be considered for application in livestock animals. At the same time, these methods must meet the requirements of safety, efficiency and availability of their application for a wide range of farm animals. This review aims at covering a brief history of livestock animal genome engineering and outlines possible future directions to design optimal and cost-effective tools for transgenesis in farm species.