Plant Productivity Research Articles

The Ca2+-Regulated Protein Kinase CIPK1 Modulates Plant Response to Nitrate Deficiency in Arabidopsis.

Nitrogen is an essential macroelement for plant growth and productivity. Calcium (Ca2+) acts as a critical second messenger in numerous adaptations and developmental processes in plants. The Calcineurin B-like protein (CBL)-interacting protein kinase (CIPK) signaling pathway has been demonstrated to be involved in multiple intracellular ion homeostasis of plants in response to stresses. However, whether CIPKs are involved in nitrate deficiency stress remains largely unknown. In this study, we screened Arabidopsis thaliana T-DNA insertion mutants of the CIPK family under nitrate deficiency conditions by a reverse genetic strategy. We found that the cipk1 mutant showed a shorter primary root and had a lower fresh weight and total N content compared with wildtype (WT) plants under nitrate deficiency. The CIPK1 complementation lines completely rescued the sensitive phenotype. Additionally, CIPK1 mutation caused nitrogen-starvation marker genes to be decreased under nitrate deficiency. We further found that CIPK1 interacted with teosintebranched 1/cycloidea/proliferating cell factor 1-20 (TCP20) in a yeast two-hybrid system. Collectively, our results reveal a novel role of CIPK1 in response to nitrate deficiency in Arabidopsis.

Jasmonate and salicylic sprays improve cherry tomato fruit productivity and quality in unheated greenhouses

Introduction. Arable regions often have insufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health, and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. Salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) phytohormones are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity, and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of cvs. colorful tomato under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out in the University of Diyala, Iraq, from 1 December, 2022 to 5 June 2023. Foliar of 0, 200 mg/L SA and or 200 mg/L MeJA was evaluated to determine effects on fruit quality and production of colorful cherry tomato cultivars indeterminate: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2, with a randomized complete block design with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cv. IQ2 had the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), highest yield (4.56 kg/plant), total yield (4.56 t/house) and highest treatable acidity (0.62 %). The cv. LA4013 had a higher fruit number (612.88 fruit/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). Foliar of SA at 200 mg/L had the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD) highest fruits per plant (373.73), highest yield (3.15 kg/plant) and total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. When considering all variables together, the best genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were found to be superior to the other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The 200 mg/L foliar SA improved the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

Monitoring Eastern White Pine Health by Using Field-Measured Foliar Traits and Hyperspectral Data.

Canopy foliar traits serve as crucial indicators of plant health and productivity, forming a vital link between plant conditions and ecosystem dynamics. In this study, the use of hyperspectral data and foliar traits for white pine needle damage (WPND) detection was investigated for the first time. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L., EWP), a species of ecological and economic significance in the Northeastern USA, faces a growing threat from WPND. We used field-measured leaf traits and hyperspectral remote sensing data using parametric and non-parametric methods for WPND detection in the green stage. Results indicated that the random forest (RF) model based solely on remotely sensed spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) demonstrated the highest accuracy of nearly 87% and Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.68 for disease classification into asymptomatic and symptomatic classes. The combination of field-measured traits and remote sensing data indicated an overall accuracy of 77% with a Kappa coefficient (K) of 0.46. These findings contribute valuable insights and highlight the potential of both field-derived foliar and remote sensing data for WPND detection in EWP. With an exponential rise in forest pests and pathogens in recent years, remote sensing techniques can prove beneficial for the timely and accurate detection of disease and improved forest management practices.

Interference of mechanical damage on the physiological performance of corn seeds

Corn (Zea mays L.) is cultivated and consumed globally due to its nutritional qualities and short production cycle. However, during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage, seeds are susceptible to various types of damage that can compromise their productive capacity, affecting both germination and plant vigor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of corn seeds subjected to different types of mechanical damage. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Corn seeds were subjected to four types of mechanical damage: hammering, cutting, abrasion, and perforation, alongside a control sample that did not undergo any mechanical damage. Each treatment (mechanical damage) consisted of 200 seeds, which were evaluated through germination tests, including first count, germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), seedling dry weight, and root length. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance, and means were compared using the Scott-Knott test (P ≤ 0.05) when necessary. Mechanical damage reduces the germination and vigor of corn seeds. Cutting-type damage affects corn seeds more severely, reducing germination by an average of 80% and impairing vigor.

Control of inorganic and organic phosphorus molecules on microbial activity, and the stoichiometry of nutrient cycling in soils in an arid, agricultural ecosystem

Background The dynamics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in soils determine their fertility and crop growth in agroecosystems. These dynamics depend on microbial metabolism, which in turn depends on nutrient availability. Farmers typically apply either mineral or organic fertilizers to increase the availability of nutrients in soils. Phosphorus, which usually limits plant growth, is one of the most applied nutrients. Our knowledge is limited regarding how different forms of P impact the ability of microbes in soils to produce the enzymes required to release nutrients, such as C, N and P from different substrates. Methods In this study, we used the arable layer of a calcareous soil obtained from an alfalfa cropland in Cuatro Cienegas, México, to perform an incubation experiment, where five different phosphate molecules were added as treatments substrates: three organic molecules (RNA, adenine monophosphate (AMP) and phytate) and two inorganic molecules (calcium phosphate and ammonium phosphate). Controls did not receive added phosphorus. We measured nutrient dynamics and soil microbial activity after 19 days of incubation. Results Different P molecules affected potential microbial C mineralization (CO2-C) and enzyme activities, specifically in the organic treatments. P remained immobilized in the microbial biomass (Pmic) regardless of the source of P, suggesting that soil microorganisms were limited by phosphorus. Higher mineralization rates in soil amended with organic P compounds depleted dissolved organic carbon and increased nitrification. The C:N:P stoichiometry of the microbial biomass implied a change in the microbial community which affected the carbon use efficiency (CUE), threshold elemental ratio (TER), and homeostasis. Conclusion Different organic and inorganic sources of P affect soil microbial community structure and metabolism. This modifies the dynamics of soil C, N and P. These results highlight the importance of considering the composition of organic matter and phosphate compounds used in agriculture since their impact on the microbial activity of the soil can also affect plant productivity.

Growth, Biochemical Traits, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Essential Oils of Four Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Phosphate-Mine Residues.

Revegetation emerges as a promising approach to alleviate the adverse impacts of mining residues. However, it is essential to evaluate the characteristics of these materials and select suitable plant species to ensure successful ecosystem restoration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phosphate-mine residues (MR) on the growth, biochemical properties, and essential oil concentration of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia Officinalis L., Lavandula dentata L., and Origanum majorana L. The results showed that R. officinalis L. appeared to be particularly well-suited to thriving in MR soil. Our finding also revealed that L. dentata L., O. majorana L., and S. officinalis L. grown in MR exhibited significantly lower growth performance (lower shoot length, smaller leaves, and altered root structure) and higher antioxidant activities, with an alterations of photosynthetic pigment composition. They showed a decrease in total chlorophylls when grown on MR (0.295, 0.453, and 0.562 mg g-1 FW, respectively) compared to the control (0.465, 0.807, and 0.808 mg g-1 FW, respectively); however, they produced higher essential oil content (1.8%, 3.06%, and 2.88%, respectively). The outcomes of this study could offer valuable insights for the advancement of revegetation technologies and the utilization of plant products derived from phosphate-mine residues.

Manure-biochar compost mitigates the soil salinity stress in tomato plants by modulating the osmoregulatory mechanism, photosynthetic pigments, and ionic homeostasis

One of the main abiotic stresses that affect plant development and lower agricultural productivity globally is salt in the soil. Organic amendments, such as compost and biochar can mitigate the opposing effects of soil salinity (SS) stress. The purpose of this experiment was to look at how tomato growth and yield on salty soil were affected by mineral fertilization and manure-biochar compost (MBC). Furthermore, the study looked at how biochar (organic amendments) work to help tomato plants that are stressed by salt and also a mechanism by which biochar addresses the salt stress on tomato plants. Tomato yield and vegetative growth were negatively impacted by untreated saline soil, indicating that tomatoes are salt-sensitive. MBC with mineral fertilization increased vegetative growth, biomass yield, fruit yield, chlorophyll, and nutrient contents, Na/K ratio of salt-stressed tomato plants signifies the ameliorating effects on tomato plant growth and yield, under salt stress. Furthermore, the application of MBC with mineral fertilizer decreased H2O2, but increased leaf relative water content (RWC), leaf proline, total soluble sugar, and ascorbic acid content and improved leaf membrane damage, in comparison with untreated plants, in response to salt stress. Among the composting substances, T7 [poultry manure-biochar composting (PBC) (1:2) @ 3 t/ha + soil-based test fertilizer (SBTF)] dose exhibited better-improving effects on salt stress and had maintained an order of T7 > T9 > T8 > T6 in total biomass and fruit yield of tomato. These results suggested that MBC might mitigate the antagonistic effects of salt stress on plant growth and yield of tomatoes by improving osmotic adjustment, antioxidant capacity, nutrient accumulation, protecting photosynthetic pigments, and reducing ROS production and leaf damage in tomato plant leaves.

LC-MS-Based Targeted Metabolite Profiling and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotmeter Based Mineral Analysis of Methanol Extract of Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Leaves

Aim: Natural products in medicinal plants are one of the important sources for modern drug discovery. Plant-based formulations play an important role in management of numerous diseases. To discover the medical potential of natural products, it is important to understand the bioactive compounds present in medicinal plants. Hence the aim of the study is to identify the volatile compounds by LC –MS analysis and minerals by AAS assay present in the leaves of Terminalia bellerica. Study Design: This study investigates metabolites present in leaves of Terminalia bellerica have been studied by AAS and LC-MS techniques. Results: The AAS assay showed that the leaves of T. bellerica are particularly rich in iron (260 mg/kg) compared to their zinc, manganese, and copper content. Meanwhile, the LC-MS analysis identified chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, punicafolin, myricetin, rutin, and galloyl punicalagin as being present in the highest concentrations. Conclusion: Results highlighted presence of considerable amount of iron and other minerals in methanolic extract of the leaves of T. bellerica, it may be used in the development of health supplements. The results also revealed that bioactive compounds in the methanolic extracts of T. bellerica leave used for drug design and making it safe to human health.

Microbial profiling of oysters from a processing plant and retail products: Analysis based on culture-dependent methods and 16S rRNA gene sequencing

Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are one of the most consumed shellfish globally. However, there is a lack of comprehensive microbiome studies that include the processing and distribution stages of oysters. The present study used both culture-based methods and 16S rRNA sequencing to produce comprehensive microbial profiles of oysters in two parts: (1) an oyster processing plant that processes raw and frozen oysters (n = 57) and (2) retail oyster products across two seasons (winter and spring) (n = 112). In the processing plant, shucking increased the aerobic plate count (APC) from 1.86 log CFU/g in freshly harvested oysters to 3.95 log CFU/g in shucked oysters. Controlling the washing process is important, as the APCs decreased after washing and remained level until the final products, raw and frozen oysters (2.54 and 2.34 log CFU/g, respectively). After desalting in the frozen oyster plant, the bacterial community shifted to be dominated by the family Spirochaetaceae, Mycoplasma, and Shigella taxa, indicating a need to control problematic bacteria in the desalting process. SourceTracker analysis revealed that raw materials contributed more to the microbiota of final products than environmental samples. In retail oyster products, APCs were marginally higher in spring (3.58 log CFU/g) than in winter (3.05 log CFU/g) samples. While bacterial count differences were not dramatic, the proportions of taxa in the microbial community differed by season. In winter retail products, Photobacterium (27.91 %) and Aliivibrio (20.42 %) dominated, while spring samples showed a diverse distribution of the family Vibrionaceae (19.90 %), Photobacterium (14.20 %), Psychromonas (11.84 %), and Aliivibrio (7.20 %). These findings contributed to our understanding of oyster microorganisms and identified food safety control points and cross-contamination sources. This in-depth understanding is expected to inform the development of fishery and seafood safety management measures.

Sustainable Management of Tetranychus urticae and Trialeurodes vaporariorum on Tomato and Cucumber Plants Using Rhamnolipids and Essential Oil-Based Biocontrol Agents.

Rhamnolipids (RLs), biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have gained attention for their potential role in pest management. This study investigated the efficacy of RLs in controlling the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and the whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum), as well as a novel non-commercial essential oil-based product, Petir Kilat, on cucumber and tomato plants within a controlled greenhouse environment. The RLs were tested at concentrations of 1 mL/L and 2 mL/L, compared to commercial biopesticides including abamectin (ABAMAX) and Beauveria bassiana (NATURALIS). The results indicated that ABAMAX achieved the highest mortality rates for T. urticae and T. vaporariorum, with 100% mortality observed at 7 days. NATURALIS was also highly effective, particularly for whiteflies, though its efficacy declined over time. RLs showed a dose-dependent increase in mortality, with the higher concentration (2 mL/L) yielding more promising results, though not surpassing the commercial products. Petir Kilat, derived from orange essential oils, demonstrated significant control, particularly at higher concentrations, comparable to or exceeding the effectiveness of NATURALIS and ABAMAX in some cases. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between treatments in most cases (p < 0.05). The findings underscore the potential of RLs and Petir Kilat as components of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. While RLs are effective, their performance suggests they are best used in combination with other control methods. The study highlights the need for further research to optimize the application of RLs and essential oil-based products to enhance their role in sustainable pest management practices.

Effects of integrated fertilizer application on selected soil properties and yield attributes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on different soil types

In Ethiopia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity remains low because of low soil fertility. However, both plant production and soil fertility benefit from integrated application of fertilizers. Thus, this study investigates the effect of integrated application of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on selected soil properties and yield components of common bean. A field experiment was conducted at three sites in southern Ethiopia, under two consecutive cropping season (2021 and 2022). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included three levels of inorganic fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate, TSP), applied at 0, 42.5, and 85 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Kokate; 0, 29, and 58 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Hawassa; and 0, 35.5, and 71 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Alage, tailored to the specific conditions of each site. Additionally, the experiment incorporated three levels of organic inputs 0, 5 t biochar ha⁻1, and 5 t compost ha⁻1 as well as Rhizobium inoculation (HB-429) applied at 500 g ha⁻1. These treatments were designed to assess the combined effects of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on soil health and crop performance. Results showed that the integrated application of inorganic, and organic fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil pH, soil organic carbon, and available P compared with the sole fertilizer application plots. Similarly, the integrated use of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers increased nodule numbers, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass yield. We also found that 23 and 24 % higher grain yield were achieved with integrated applications of TSP fertilizer with compost on Hawassa and Alage sites than sole inorganic fertilizer application. On the other hand, the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with biochar increased by 18 % grain yield on Kokate over the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. The highest economic benefit of 69,460 and 63,250 ETB was obtained from the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with compost at Hawassa and Alage sites, respectively. The highest economic benefit for the Kokate site was 53,583 ETB at TSP fertilizer with biochar application. Overall, the study confirms that site-specific integrated soil fertility management appears to be a prerequisite for sustainable and profitable common bean production over sole fertilizer application in southern Ethiopia.

Rhetorical use of Sobolo (Hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (Blood of Jesus) for Holistic Healing in Contemporary Ghanaian Christianity: A Critical Analysis from the Perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics

This article sought to survey the rhetorical use of Sobolo (hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (the blood of Jesus) for holistic healing in contemporary Ghanaian Christianity. From the perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics, it argued that the phenomenon of using plant products and symbolic objects for miraculous healing is both explicitly and implicitly rooted in the Bible. Contrary to the dispensationalist perspective with its emphasis on the cessation of miraculous healing in some Western contexts and within scholarship, the continuous relevance of miraculous healing in Ghanaian Christianity is not much debated in the ecclesial context. It is, therefore, maintained that the use of symbols such as Sobolo for healing creates opportunities for the wholistic needs of the members of the church to be met. These needs are claimed to be fulfilled by spiritual means. From a Christian ethical perspective, this paper, however, cautions that sobolo as a miraculous drink in the Ghanaian Christian context should not be used as an exclusive means of physical well-being and development of society. It is further argued that the cyclical use of sobolo as a healing juice for all and diverse kinds of miraculous healings needs to be questioned in the light of biblical theology. Keywords: Wholistic Healing, Worldview, Biblical theology, Christian Ethics, Sobolo

Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation of Tropical Maize Using Seedling Leaf Whorl Explants

Conventional maize transformation has largely relied on immature embryos as explants, and is thus often hampered by the limited access to high-quality immature embryos year-round. Here, we present a detailed protocol using seedling leaf whorls as alternative explants for tropical maize inbred transformation. This approach involves the use of a cassette that drives the expression of the morphogenic transcription factors (MTFs)Baby boom(Bbm) andWuschel2(Wus2), which have been shown to greatly enhance transformation efficiency. We outline here the steps required for the preparation of seedling leaf whorl explants and subsequentAgrobacteriuminfection, and describe the tissue culture regimen that results in transgenic plant regeneration. Because constitutive expression ofBbmandWus2prevents normal plant regeneration and the production of fertile plants, the cassette containing these genes must be excised. As such, we include the steps for theCre/loxP-mediated excision of the MTF gene cassette. The protocol outlines a year-round, more affordable, and efficient approach for carrying out maize transformation for crop improvement.

Utilization of waste hot air of medical oxygen plant in solar desalination unit employing jet impingement air heater for water production

ABSTRACT Many oxygen plants have been established specially during COVID-19 period and they are still serving for medical needs. The objective of the present work is to utilize solar and waste thermal energy of medical oxygen plants for water production. Humidification–dehumidification desalination (HDD) has been found suitable for this objective due to low temperature energy need during the process. The layout of an HDD unit has been presented to utilize waste heat, specially when solar energy is not much effective or absent. The system has been configured with a jet impingement solar air heater and a packed bed humidifier. A mathematical model has been developed and validated with the results of our experiments. A comparative study of the proposed unit (HDD-O2) and a conventional unit has been performed in terms of yield and gained output ratio (GOR). The optimum flow rates of working fluids found in the range 0.03–0.04 kg/s and the temperature of air and water resulted in a continuous gain in yield. The average yield and GOR of the HDD-O2 unit were found to be 8.5 kg/d and 1.1 that could reach up to 11 kg/d and 1.4, respectively. The HDD-O2 unit provided yield at the cost of 0.04 $/kg with a payback period of 1.73 years. The findings of the present work indicated the suitability of the HDD-O2 plant for water production.

The stability of aboveground productivity in a semiarid steppe in China is influenced by the plant community structure

The temporal stability of aboveground net primary productivity is generally regulated by plant community structure and species diversity. There are recurring debates on the mechanisms by which environmental changes impact productivity stability in semiarid steppes. Here we revealed that plant community structure, rather than species diversity, regulates productivity stability in a semiarid Steppe. We conducted a decade-long in situ warming and precipitation addition experiment in a semiarid steppe in Inner Mongolia, China, to monitor plant productivity, species asynchrony, species diversity, and stability. We found that Leymus chinensis productivity increased and the Shannon–Wiener decreased under warming conditions, while Stipa krylovii productivity decreased under precipitation addition. Warming reduced the stability of Stipa krylovii and the plant community stability, whereas it did not affect the stability of L. chinensis. These results deepen our understanding of the regulatory role played by community structure and species diversity regarding productivity stability in semiarid steppes.

Optimal Light Intensity for Lettuce Growth, Quality, and Photosynthesis in Plant Factories.

In agriculture, one of the most crucial elements for sustained plant production is light. Artificial lighting can meet the specific light requirements of various plants. However, it is a challenge to find optimal lighting schemes that can facilitate a balance of plant growth and nutritional qualities. In this study, we experimented with the light intensity required for plant growth and nutrient elements. We designed three light intensity treatments, 180 μmol m-2 s-1 (L1), 210 μmol m-2 s-1 (L2), and 240 μmol m-2 s-1 (L3), to investigate the effect of light intensity on lettuce growth and quality. It can be clearly seen from the radar charts that L2 significantly affected the plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. L3 mainly affected the canopy diameter and root shoot ratio. The effect of L1 on lettuce phenotype was not significant compared with that of the others. The total soluble sugar, vitamin C, nitrate, and free amino acid in lettuce showed more significant increases under the L2 treatment than under the other treatments. In addition, the transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were opposite to each other. The comprehensive evaluation of the membership function value method and heatmap analysis showed that lettuce had the highest membership function value in L2 light intensity conditions, indicating that the lettuce grown under this light intensity could obtain higher yield and better quality. This study provides a new insight into finding the best environmental factors to balance plant nutrition and growth.

Comparative Studies of Some Biochemical and Toxicological Investigations of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata from Lagos Suburb in Nigeria

The search for plants and plants products of medicinal potentials cannot be underestimated. Hence this study sought to investigate some parameters of medicinal importance.The phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition, anti-nutrient contents, and acute toxicity of Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrata were analyzed using standard analytical methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids in both plants. Notably, Ipomoea involucrate exhibited higher saponin levels, suggesting potential unique medicinal properties. Proximate and mineral composition analysis indicated that both plants have low moisture content, which helps in preserving the active compounds by minimizing chemical degradation. Additionally, the plants were found to be rich in crude fiber, protein, and nutritionally valuable elements. Anti-nutrient assessments showed that Chromolaena odorata had the lowest cyanide (5.45mg/100 g) and phytate (0.23mg/100 g) levels, while Ipomoea involucrate had the lowest oxalate content (0.40 mg/100 g). Furthermore, no mortality was observed in tested animals following oral treatment with 2000 mg/kg body weight, indicating a high margin of safety. This study highlights that both Chromolaena odorata and Ipomoea involucrate possess beneficial phytochemical and nutritional profiles. The low moisture content in these plants contributes to the stability of their active compounds, enhancing their potential medicinal value. Ipomoea involucrata stands out for its higher saponin content, which may offer distinctive therapeutic benefits. The minimal presence of anti-nutrients andless lethal effectsfurther support their safety and efficacy as medicinal plants. The findings in this study however underscore the therapeutic potential of these plants and their suitability for use in drug development and their application in therapeutic products.

Phytobiomes: Harnessing the Power of Microbial Communities for Plant Health

Phytobiomes encompass the dynamic ecosystems surrounding plants, which include a diverse range of microbial communities such as fungi, bacteria, algae, viruses, and nematodes. These microorganisms interact intricately with plants, influencing their health, growth, and resilience. Beneficial fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient absorption, while bacteria play a role in nitrogen fixation and disease suppression. Algae contribute to soil health and organic matter decomposition, and viruses, though often seen as harmful, can provide resistance to certain pathogens. Nematodes, both beneficial and parasitic, regulate soil nutrient cycles and influence plant growth. Harnessing the potential of these microbial communities offers promising solutions for sustainable agriculture. By promoting beneficial interactions within the phytobiome, it is possible to improve plant productivity, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and pathogens. Phytobiome research aims to uncover the complex relationships within these microbial networks to develop novel agricultural practices that reduce reliance on chemical inputs. This holistic approach not only promotes plant health but also ensures ecological balance, contributing to the long-term sustainability of agroecosystems in the face of environmental challenges. Understanding the power of microbial communities within phytobiomes is key to advancing future agricultural innovations.

The use of UV-A radiation for biofortification of lettuce and basil plants with antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid compounds

Stable plant production is a crucial concern of modern agriculture facing increasing food demands and the risk of less predictable weather conditions in the open field. Alternative approaches for plant production are greenhouses and indoor farming. Modern LED-based artificial lighting indoor facilities allow not only to fill the gap in the supply chain of food production, but to produce plants characterized with higher concentration of essential phytochemicals. Thus, in this study, we attempt to analyse the efficiency of short-term supplementation of spectrum within ultraviolet A light (UV-A, 365 nm) to increase the antioxidant potential of leafy plants, assessed by total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content. To this end, two distinct cultivars of baby leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.) and microgreens basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants were grown under red-green-blue spectrum supplemented prior to harvest with low doses of UV-A radiation. Analyses showed that UV-A exposition enhanced TPC and TFC with green leaf cultivars, compared to dark-pigmented ones. The analysis also proved that plants exposed to UV-A presented higher overall antioxidant potential measured with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH). Results are crucial for better understanding the potential of UV-A supplementation to produce functional plants which are natural sources of dietary antioxidants.

Natural Compounds That Activate the KEAP1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway as Potential New Drugs in the Treatment of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.

Recently, a single-neuron degeneration model has been proposed to understand the development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease based on (i) the extremely slow development of the degenerative process before the onset of motor symptoms and during the progression of the disease and (ii) the fact that it is triggered by an endogenous neurotoxin that does not have an expansive character, limiting its neurotoxic effect to single neuromelanin-containing dopaminergic neurons. It has been proposed that aminochrome is the endogenous neurotoxin that triggers the neurodegenerative process in idiopathic Parkinson's disease by triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, dysfunction of both lysosomal and proteasomal protein degradation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and formation of neurotoxic alpha-synuclein oligomers. Aminochrome is an endogenous neurotoxin that is rapidly reduced by flavoenzymes and/or forms adducts with proteins, which implies that it is impossible for it to have a propagative neurotoxic effect on neighboring neurons. Interestingly, the enzymes DT-diaphorase and glutathione transferase M2-2 prevent the neurotoxic effects of aminochrome. Natural compounds present in fruits, vegetables and other plant products have been shown to activate the KEAP1/Nrf2 signaling pathway by increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes including DT-diaphorase and glutathione transferase. This review analyzes the possibility of searching for natural compounds that increase the expression of DT-diaphorase and glutathione transferase through activation of the KEAP1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.