Plant Productivity Research Articles

Spray-induced gene silencing to control plant pathogenic fungi: A step-by-step guide.

RNA interference (RNAi)-based control technologies are gaining popularity as potential alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the ongoing effort to manage plant pathogenic fungi. Among these methods, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) emerges as particularly promising due to its convenience and feasibility for development. This approach is a new technology for plant disease management, in which double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeting essential or virulence genes are applied to plants or plant products and subsequently absorbed by plant pathogens, triggering a gene silencing effect and the inhibition of the infection process. Spray-induced gene silencing has demonstrated efficacy in laboratory settings against various fungal pathogens. However, as research progressed from the laboratory to the greenhouse and field environments, novel challenges arose, such as ensuring the stability of dsRNAs and their effective delivery to fungal targets. Here, we provide a practical guide to SIGS for the control of plant pathogenic fungi. This guide outlines the essential steps and considerations needed for designing and assessing dsRNA molecules. It also addresses key challenges inherent to SIGS, including delivery and stability of dsRNA molecules, and how nanoencapsulation of dsRNAs can aid in overcoming these obstacles. Additionally, the guide underscores existing knowledge gaps that warrant further research and aims to provide assistance to researchers, especially those new to the field, encouraging the advancement of SIGS for the control of a broad range of fungal pathogens.

Endosperm culture-based allotriploid hybrid production from an interspecific cross of Haemanthus spp.: new insights into polyploidization and hybridization

BackgroundAllopolyploid plants are valuable for plant breeding because they have the advantage of polyploidization and hybridization, such as increased vigor and adaptability. Although biparental triploid endosperms have the potential to be used to produce allotriploid plants, the approach remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to produce allotriploid plants from the endosperms of interspecific crosses between Haemanthus pauculifolius and H. albiflos.ResultsPrecisely identified embryo and endosperm pairs were used. Embryos were grown on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and endosperms from interspecific crossing were cultured to induce callus formation and shoot regeneration, which then developed into plantlets. MS medium supplemented with 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), or 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and BAP were used for callus induction, and callus formation rates were measured. Flow cytometry, karyotyping, and Sanger sequencing of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, chloroplast (trnL-trnF region, matK gene), and mitochondrial (nad1 gene) DNA were performed on plantlets derived from embryos and endosperms, along with their parental plants. In this study, a total of 18 pairs of diploid and triploid plantlets were obtained from the embryo and endosperm, respectively. Callus formation rates were significantly higher on media with picloram and BAP compared to 2,4-D and BAP. ITS sequencing and karyotype analyses detected that all the 16 pairs of plantlets analyzed were hybrids, indicating that most endosperm-derived plantlets were allotriploid with a parental chromosome ratio of 2:1 (maternal: paternal). In addition, chloroplast DNA sequencing revealed maternal inheritance in the endosperm-derived plantlets, consistent with embryo-derived plantlets.ConclusionsThis study is the first to demonstrate the production of allotriploid hybrid plants through endosperm culture using seeds from interspecific crosses, as supported by cellular and genetic analyses. Additionally, the study established a novel system for simultaneously producing diploid and allotriploid hybrids from a single seed, providing valuable materials to study the effects of polyploidization and hybridization in allopolyploid plants. These findings contribute to plant breeding strategies and advance our understanding of hybridization, polyploidization, and allopolyploid plant development.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ СКОРОСТИ РАЗЛОЖЕНИЯ ПЕСТИЦИДОВ ПРИ ИХ СОВМЕСТНОМ ПРИМЕНЕНИИ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННОЙ ПРОДУКЦИИ

The purpose of research is to study the dynamics of the decomposition of individual active ingredients of pesticides in plant tissues when used in tank mixtures. The field part of the study was carried out on the territory of the Educational, Scientific and Production Center for Horticulture and Vegetable Growing named after V.I. Edelshtein FSBEI HE Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, the laboratory part was carried out at the Educational and Scientific Consulting Center “Agroecology of Pesticides and Agrochemicals” in Moscow during 2020–2021. Research was carried out on crops of spring wheat, oats, spring barley, peas, spring rape, potato plantings, as well as apple tree plantings. Chemical treatments were carried out with insecticides and fungicides approved for use on these crops – Skor, KE; Borey Neo, SK; Tilt, KE; Imidor, VRK; Kumir, SK; Sirocco, KE. The experiment included options with the use of drugs in tank mixtures and options with their separate use. Samples of plant products were taken for further analysis for pesticide content. In laboratory conditions, the level of residual amounts of active drugs in plant samples was analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography methods. The change in the level of pesticide residues in different experimental variants was assessed. The acceleration of the decomposition of the active substance, imidacloprid, on crops of peas, spring wheat, oats, spring barley and spring rape when used together with the drug Tilt, KE was established. Also, the use of the fungicide Skor, KE together with the insecticide Borey Neo, SK (150 g/l imidacloprid + 50 g/l lambda-cyhalothrin) on the apple tree caused a slowdown in the rate of decomposition of the active substances lambda-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid. The use of the copper-containing fungicide Kumir together with the insecticide Borey Neo, SK on the apple tree caused an acceleration of the disintegration of the active substance imidacloprid. The combined use of the fungicide Skor, KE with the insecticides Sirocco, KE and Borey Neo, SK accelerated the decomposition of the active substance difenoconazole.

Root and Leaf Traits of Alfalfa Exhibit Distinct Responses to Soil Microbial Communities and Environmental Stresses

ABSTRACTOngoing climate change is negatively impacting crop productivity globally. Past research has highlighted that a diverse soil microbial community and variation in plant traits for resource acquisition can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change factors on crop productivity. This study investigates the effects of two major environmental stressors—drought and salinity stress, on plant productivity, biomass allocation, and root and leaf trait responses under distinct soil microbial diversities. Our results showed that salinity stress had stronger negative impacts on plant productivity than drought stress. Shoot biomass decreased by 30% and 32.5% under drought and salinity stress, respectively, whereas the root biomass decreased by 32% only under salinity stress. Soil microbial diversity did not affect plant productivity. Next, root traits were mainly impacted by drought and salinity stress, whereas leaf traits were impacted by both environmental stresses and soil microbial diversity. Specific root length and specific root area decreased under drought, and root tissue density was minimal under salinity stress. Root traits were not affected by soil microbial communities. In contrast, the leaf nitrogen content increased, whereas pheophytin content (a breakdown product of chlorophyll) decreased when plants were grown in diverse microbial communities under environmental stresses, especially drought. These results highlight the importance of soil microbial diversity in impacting plant traits in response to environmental stresses. We showed that the soil microbial diversity influences both aboveground and belowground plant traits, indicating the need for better management practices to conserve and promote soil microbial diversity.

Feasting on fish. Specialized function of pre-colonial pottery of the Cerritos mound builders of southern Brazil.

Some of the oldest coastal pottery in South America is found in the Pampas region of southern Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. In the region's extensive estuarine systems pre-colonial indigenous groups built earthen mounds, known as Cerritos, from ca. 4700 BP. The Cerritos have multifunctional purposes, and while pottery was widely used, its role in the economic or ritual life of the mound builders remains uncertain. Intriguingly, molecular and isotopic characterization of food residues from Cerritos ceramics shows that vessels were used for either cooking estuarine fish, or plant products. Microbial-derived lipids were predominantly associated with the latter, suggesting that plants were fermented, presumably to make alcoholic beverages. We suggest that dispersed communities were drawn to the mounds seasonally to exploit and celebrate the return of migrating fish. This finding is supported by the diversity of stable isotope values of human remains recovered from Cerritos and sheds new light on the lifeways of these pre-colonial groups.

Rapid detection of Tulipalin A with SESI-Orbitrap MS: an exploration across spring flowers

BackgroundAllergic contact dermatitis and chronic actinic dermatitis are frequently observed among florists and gardeners due to exposure to potentially allergenic plants and plant products. Tulipalin A, an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, is a common allergen synthesized by Tulipa genera, but its natural occurrence across Plantae remains unexplored.ResultsHere, we demonstrated the secondary electrospray ionization coupled Orbitrap mass spectrometry (SESI-Orbitrap MS) methodology for quantifying tulipalin A release from plants upon injury. By outlining temperature treatment, homogenization strategies and plant organ distribution, we show that processing flower samples stored at room temperature using a garlic press yielded the highest tulipalin A release upon injury. Via real-time monitoring, tulipalin A release was demonstrated to occur immediately upon homogenization. Next, the biosynthesis of tulipalin A across spring flowers was landscaped. Highlighting Rosa, Gerbera, Neapolitanum, Ranunculus, Othocalis, Muscari, Galanthus, Tulipa and Alstroemeria to release detectable amounts of tulipalin A upon injury. Tulipalin A was predominantly released from the Tulipa and Alstroemeria species, both belonging to the Liliales order, as stated in previous clinical and research studies.ConclusionsIn conclusion, a rapid method using the SESI-Orbitrap MS is reported to detect and track tulipalin A synthesis across plant organs and outline its cross-species distribution. Our methodology can be easily adapted for mapping other volatile plant defense metabolites and identify potentially allergenic plants. By addressing these aspects, we can ensure a safer work environment for florists and gardeners.

Brushite: a Reclaimed Phosphorus Fertilizer for Agricultural Nutrient Fertilization

Abstract Phosphorus fertilizers are typically produced from mined and chemically processed rock phosphate, which is a diminishing non-renewable resource. Wastewater-reclaimed phosphorus minerals, such as brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O), have the potential to be utilized as agricultural fertilizers. The commercial recovery of brushite from wastewater processing is a recent advancement; however, its efficacy as an agricultural fertilizer has yet to be evaluated. Wastewater-reclaimed brushite was tested in a greenhouse and field setting. In the greenhouse study, two P-limited soils were used to grow corn fertilized using brushite and were compared with struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O), another reclaimed P source, and conventional P fertilizers, triple super phosphate (TSP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP). In the field, corn, wheat, and cotton were grown in two ecoregions for two sites years to compare brushite and struvite with conventional fertilizers. Plants were evaluated for P uptake and yield, and P availability was determined as extractable P. Results indicate that brushite promoted plant productivity similar to conventional fertilizers in P-limited greenhouse soils. Field studies demonstrated similar uptake and assimilation of brushite-P compared to synthetic fertilizers and struvite. Soil acidification occurred across all fertilization treatments. The use of reclaimed brushite as a P fertilizer appears to be as effective as commercially available synthetic fertilizers.

Metal ferrite nanocomposite treatment reduced oxidative stress to improve the growth dynamics of Cucumis sativus in hydroponics

Abstract Green synthesized nanoparticles have various applications but their use for improving plant productivity and agricultural sustainability recommends their usage as nano-fertilisers. In this context, the present study reports the positive influence of hydroponically exposed green synthesized Tri-metal ferrite TiO2-Al2O3-ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites (TMFN) on Cucumis sativus (cucumber). Cucumber is rich in polyphenols and an important part of the human diet because of its water-rich and low-calorie nature. A considerable increase in the length of shoot-roots, relative water content, and chlorophyll level of cucumber was observed on TMFN exposure. An increase of 25–82 and 94–220% in carbohydrate and protein levels on TMFN treatment was observed. Likewise, the phenols, flavonoids, and free radical scavenging potential of the plants were increased by 22-88, 64-211, and 4-18%, respectively, on TMFN exposure. As a result, there was an observable decrease of 62-86 and 14-68% in the oxidative stress indicators, MDA and H2O2, respectively. A simultaneous and significant increase in the inorganic nitrate, nitrite content, nitrate reductase, and glutamate synthetase activity was evident. However, ammonia content and glutamate dehydrogenase activity decreased significantly by 27-82 and 31-85%, respectively. Overall, the TMFN induced significant morphological and biochemical changes in cucumber indicated their probable role as potential plant growth promoters. However further research is required for understanding the molecular and genetic aspects of the effects of green synthesised TMFN on other plants as well as crops grown hydroponically.

Achieving sustainable carbon neutrality of food processing: Toward a net‐zero margarine production facility

AbstractDecarbonization and ultimately net‐zero production are rapidly becoming top priorities in today's corporate environment. The food processing industry is recognized as one of the key industries in the process of decarbonizing the entire industrial sector. Therefore, this article presents a methodology for achieving sustainable net‐zero production within the food industry. The approach involves a series of strategically planned steps that enable decision‐makers to accomplish the desired outcome effectively. These steps include determining the baseline carbon footprint, identifying, prioritizing, and implementing carbon footprint reduction opportunities, and implementing carbon offsetting. Additionally, the methodology incorporates an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to predicted production volumes, as production levels directly influence the emissions from a production facility. The proposed methodology was applied to a margarine production plant case study. The results indicate that implementing the suggested carbon footprint reduction opportunities reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, assuming constant production volume. Achieving carbon neutrality, however, would require the purchase of carbon offsets. The most cost‐effective carbon offsetting scenarios result in an additional cost of 3.33%–6.52% on purchased energy, which presents a manageable financial impact for the company.

Plant-Based vs. Animal-Based Diets: Appetitive Traits and Dietary Patterns in Adults Based on Cross-Sectional Surveys

Background: Dietary patterns play a crucial role in shaping eating behaviours and influencing health outcomes, such as body weight. Understanding how appetitive traits differ between plant-based and animal-based diets can provide insights into dietary strategies for weight management and improved health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between appetitive traits, as measured by the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ), and dietary patterns in adults consuming plant-based or animal-based diets. It examined how these dietary patterns influence body mass index (BMI) and explored the differences in appetite-related traits between groups with different levels of plant and animal product consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 553 Polish adults was conducted using validated questionnaires, including the AEBQ and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The participants were categorised into four dietary groups: high intake of both plant and animal products, low intake of both, plant-based diet, and animal-based diet. The data were analysed using SPSS version 14.0 software. Results: The participants on a plant-based diet had significantly lower BMIs and slower eating rates than those on an animal-based diet. Positive correlations were observed between ’food approach’ traits (e.g., food responsiveness, emotional overeating) and BMI, particularly in individuals with higher animal product consumption. Conversely, ’food avoidance’ traits (e.g., food fussiness, slowness in eating) were more prevalent among those on a plant-based diet. Conclusions: The results suggest that plant-based diets are associated with favourable appetitive traits and a lower BMI. These findings highlight the potential of plant-based diets to support weight control and improve eating behaviours. Further research is warranted to investigate the causal mechanisms underlying these associations.

Ornithine enantiomers modulate essential oil yield and constituents and gene expression of monoterpenes synthase in Salvia officinalis under well-watered and drought stress conditions

The impact of drought stress on plant growth, development, and productivity presents a significant challenge in various environments worldwide. The exogenous application of polyamines as osmotically active materials plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to environmental stress. In this study, we examined the effects of L- and D-enantiomers of ornithine (0 and 1 mM) under both well-watered and drought stress conditions on the growth traits, essential oil (EO) yield, and composition, gene expression, and total phenolic and flavonoid content of Salvia officinalis. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design with three replications. The results demonstrated that drought stress led to a decrease in plant biomass and an increase in EO content, chemical profiles of the EO, and total phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the respective control values. However, the exogenous supplementation of ornithine particularly D-ornithine resulted in enhanced stem, leaf, and total plant biomass, a 20% increase in EO content, and a 75% increase in yield. Additionally, these were increases of 11.76% in total phenol and 70%, 105.66%, and 114.28% in flavonoid content when compared to well-watered plants without ornithine supplementation. These improvements were strongly linked to growth enhancement, as evidenced by principal component analysis (PCA). The EO extracted from S. officinalis consisted of 22 compounds, primarily monoterpenes, including α-thujone (18.47–41.65%), camphor (15.05–25.17%), 1,8-cineole (10.12–21.6%), and β-thujone (6.23–21.2%). The percentage of these volatile compounds was found to be highest in D-ornithine-treated stressed plants compared to control conditions. The interaction between water availability and the application of D-ornithine and L-ornithine significantly influenced the expression of borneol diphosphate synthase (BS), sabinene synthase (SS), and cineole synthase (CS) under drought stress, with notable upregulation observed compared to normal growth conditions. Specifically, D-ornithine enhanced the expression of BS and SS by 45.29% and 113.63%, respectively, under drought stress, while both D-ornithine and DL-ornithine significantly increased CS expression. The present results suggest that D-ornithine may serve as a stress-protecting compound, increasing total phenol and flavonoids content, thereby enhancing the capacity of the antioxidant system and increasing EO compounds under drought stress.

A plant endophytic bacterium Burkholderia seminalis strain 869T2 increases plant growth under salt stress by affecting several phytohormone response pathways

BackgroundDue to global warming and gradual climate change, plants are subjected to a wide range of environmental stresses, adversely affecting plant growth and production worldwide. Plants have developed various mechanisms to overpower these abiotic stresses, including salt stress, drought, and high light intensity. Apart from their own defense strategies, plants can get help from the beneficial endophytic bacteria inside host plants and assist them in enduring severe growth conditions. A previously isolated plant endophytic bacteria, Burkholderia seminalis 869T2, from vetiver grass can produce auxin, synthesize siderophore, and solubilize phosphate. The B. seminalis 869T2 can colonize inside host plants and increase the growth of bananas, Arabidopsis, and several leafy vegetables.ResultsWe further demonstrated that different growth parameters of Arabidopsis and pak choi plants were significantly increased after inoculating the B. seminalis 869T2 under normal, salt, and drought stress conditions compared to the mock-inoculated plants. Both transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time PCR results showed that expression levels of genes related to phytohormone signal transduction pathways, including auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, and abscisic acid were altered in Arabidopsis plants after inoculated with the strain 869T2 under salt stress, in comparison to the mock-inoculated control with salt treatments. Furthermore, the accumulation levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were lower in the 869T2-inoculated Arabidopsis and pak choi plants than in control plants under salt and drought stresses.ConclusionsThe plant endophytic bacterium strain B. seminalis 869T2 may affect various phytohormone responses and reduce oxidative stress damage to increase salt and drought stress tolerances of host plants.

PCR-based detection of Botryosphaeria canker pathogens in fig trees

Canker and dieback, caused by members of the Botryosphaeriaceae family, pose significant threats to plant productivity, food security, and natural ecosystems, particularly in economically important woody crops including fig trees. Detecting and identifying these pathogens is challenging due to their latent infections and the presence of multiple pathogens within the same host. In our study, we developed a PCR assay using three carefully selected primer pairs based on sequence differences in two protein-coding genes, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II. The species-specific primers TUB-Bd1 (specific for Botryosphaeria dothidea), TUB-Np1 (specific for Neofusicoccum parvum), and RPB-Nd2 (specific for Neoscytalidium dimidiatum) effectively amplified target gene sequences in pure cultures and infected tissue samples using PCR and nested PCR conditions. The efficiency test results demonstrated that TUB-Bd1, TUB-Np1, and RPB-Nd2 primer pairs could detect specific DNA fragments at very low concentrations in nested PCR. Furthermore, we collected 180 symptomatic and asymptomatic fig samples from different regions of Fars Province, Iran. Applying the species-specific primer pair RPB-Nd2 in direct PCR led to the detection of N. dimidiatum in 25.5% of symptomatic woody samples and 13% of asymptomatic one-year-old branch samples of fig trees. This represents a significant improvement compared to the mere 6.67% detected using traditional culturing methods on PDA. Interestingly, neither B. dothidea nor N. parvum were detected in the 180 samples using nested PCR. Moreover, multiplex PCR enabled simultaneous DNA detection of the target Botryosphaeriaceae pathogens. Our findings emphasize the importance of molecular techniques for early detection of evident and latent infections caused by these three pathogens in fig trees.

DEVELOPMENT OF BORON-MODIFIED AMINOPLAST RESIN COATINGS FOR ENHANCED UREASE INHIBITION IN SALINE-SODIC SOILS

The melamine-formaldehyde-boron (MFB) composite was synthesized with high efficiency, achieving a 95% yield. The incorporation of boric acid into the melamine-formaldehyde resin matrix resulted in a homogeneous, physically stable polymer composite. The synthesis was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, revealing key functional groups such as N-H stretching (~3350 cm⁻¹) for melamine residues, C=O stretching (~1650 cm⁻¹) for formaldehyde, B-O vibrations (~1350 cm⁻¹) for boric acid integration, and C-N bending (~1250 cm⁻¹) indicative of cross-linking between melamine, formaldehyde, and boric acid. Further investigations evaluated the impact of boric acid-coated urea granules on the productivity and physicochemical properties of saline-sodic soil. Boric acid incorporation (5% coating) significantly improved soil conditions by lowering pH, reducing electrical conductivity, and increasing organic matter content. Moreover, urease activity was reduced by 75%, leading to improved nitrogen retention. The effect of boric acid on plant productivity was most pronounced at a 5% coating, with radish plant productivity showing a 44% increase, along with improvements in shoot and root biomass. These findings highlight the potential of MFB-coated urea granules to enhance soil health and plant growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of boric acid in optimizing nitrogen release and mitigating soil salinity.

Description of the morphology, morphometric, and molecular of Aphelenchoides fragariae (Aphelenchida: Aphelenchoididae) causing crimp disease of strawberry in Indonesia

Aphelenchoides fragariae, commonly known as strawberry crimp nematodes, primarily target the aerial parts of plants, affecting both internal and external structures. In Indonesia, where strawberries are predominantly cultivated in highland regions, the presence of strawberry crimp disease has been confirmed. Infected plants exhibit symptoms such as stunted growth, reddened foliage, crimped or curled leaves, and malformed buds and blooms. Aboveground damage caused by the nematodes includes contorted shoots, undersized leaves, and reddish petioles, often accompanied by discolored patches on the foliage. These symptoms significantly impair the growth and productivity of strawberry plants, highlighting the nematode’s potential as a serious pest in these regions. The identification of A. fragariae was achieved through a combination of morphological and molecular characterization methods. Species confirmation relied on PCR amplification of the nematode’s cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, using primers (COI F and COI R) designed in the laboratory. The amplification yielded a specific fragment of approximately 550 base pairs, which was sequenced for further analysis. Sequence alignment revealed identity levels ranging from 82.8% to 99.7%, confirming the presence of A. fragariae. The resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers LC804455 (A. fragariae isolate RB) and LC804456 (A. fragariae isolate LB), providing a valuable resource for future studies on this nematode species.

Nitrogen enrichment and vascular plant richness loss reduce bryophyte richness

Grasslands’ high diversity is threatened by land-use changes, such as nitrogen fertilization, leading to productive but low-richness, fast-growing plant communities. Bryophytes are a key component of grassland diversity and react strongly to land use. However, it is unclear whether land-use effects are direct or mediated by changes in vascular plants. Increases in vascular plant cover are likely to decrease bryophyte abundance through light competition. Whether changes in vascular plant composition and richness also play a role remains unclear. We sampled bryophytes in a factorial grassland experiment manipulating nitrogen fertilization, fungicide, species richness, and functional composition of vascular plants crossed with moderate disturbances by weeding. Disturbance increased bryophyte richness and modulated treatment effects. In contrast to previous studies reporting indirect negative fertilization effects via increasing vascular plant productivity and reduced light levels, nitrogen fertilization directly reduced bryophyte cover and species richness, possibly because of toxic effects. Low vascular plant richness and dominance of fast-growing species reduced bryophyte richness. This might be because of decreased structural and resource niche heterogeneity in species-poor communities. Our results highlight novel mechanisms by which land-use intensification can affect bryophytes and suggest that a loss of vascular plant richness might have cascading effects on other taxonomic groups.

Design and Construction of an Aquaponics System: A Sustainable Approach to Enhancing Local Food Security in Offa, Nigeria

The design of an aquaponics system is a major drive in achieving a sustainable agricultural practice, tackling environmental problems, and food security. Aquaponics provides a conservative technique that integrates both hydroponics and aquaculture in regions with minimal arable land. This current study aims to design and build an aquaponics system that is suitable and beneficial to its environment. The objectives of building the aquaponics system are to cultivate fish and plants in a closed system that can reduce the requirement for chemical-based nutrients and increase water-use efficiency. Preliminary assessment, design, and preparations of drawings were applied to obtain a suitable plan for the aquaponics system. Civil, construction, plumbing, welding, and planting works were conducted to physically implement the aquaponics system. A farm base of 8 m X 4 m (hydroponics) was built alongside a concrete tank base of (3 m x 2 m x 0.6 m) to hold the fish tank of 2000 L (aquaculture). A canopy material was then laid to hold water in the hydroponics section. Twelve pieces of polystyrene (2.1 m X 1.2 m) were laid to float inside the hydroponics system with each one carrying 9 lightweight disposable cups to serve as planting mediums. Rice husk and palm kernel shells were filled into the cups to grow the plants (cucumber and pepper). Plant and growing medium weights were considered in determining the number of growing mediums(cups) in the hydroponics system. Other works done included plumbing for water, welding for the aquaponics structure, and installation of a cover. This current study incorporates organic waste materials as systematically grown mediums to create additional nutrients, increase grow mediums for optimized plant production, and reduce cost. The result of the study showed a shorter growth cycle for the plants (pepper and cucumber) between germination and flowering indicating a higher infusion of nutrients created by the hydroponics system. The result of the study can be applied as a guide to designing and building an effective aquaponics system and a tool for developing systems that can reduce food insecurity and farming techniques.

Plants breathing under pressure: mechanistic insights into soil compaction-induced physiological, molecular and biochemical responses in plants.

This review highlights the molecular, biochemical and physiological responses of plants under soil compaction and presents suitable strategies for optimizing soil compaction for sustainable and intelligent plant production. Soil compaction (SC) increases the mechanical impedance of agricultural crops, which restricts plant growth, root elongation, and productivity. Therefore, exploring the impacts of SC-induced alterations in plants and developing optimization strategies are crucial for sustainable agricultural production and ensuring global food security. However, the regulation of molecular, biochemical and physiological responses to SC in plants has not yet been well explored. Here, we conducted a thorough analysis of the relevant literature regarding the primary factors behind SC in agricultural soils, mechanistic insights into SC-mediated molecular and physiological alterations in plants, the impact of SC on plant productivity, and SC-minimization strategies for eco-friendly and intelligent agricultural production. The existing information suggests that plant roots sense SC-induced changes in soil properties, including decreased soil water content, hypoxia, nutrient deficiency and mechanical stimuli, through altering the expression of membrane-located ion channel- or stimulus receptor-related genes, such as MSLs, MCA1, and AHK. After signal transduction, the synthesis and transport of several plant hormones, mainly ABA, ethylene and auxin, change and restrict root deepening but promote root thickening. In addition, the changes in plant hormones in combination with decreased water availability and decreased root hydraulic conductance induced by SC affect aboveground physiological responses, such as decreasing leaf hydraulic conductance, promoting stomatal closure and inhibiting plant photosynthesis. Comprehensive physiological insights into SC in plants and SC optimization strategies could be useful to soil biologists and plant eco-physiologists seeking to improve soil management and sustainable agricultural plant production to promote global food security.

A centurial signature of anthropogenic nitrogen and carbon in California serpentine ecosystems

AbstractIncreasing anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) are major threats to ecosystems globally. Although atmospheric N deposition is likely affecting N cycling and community composition in California's serpentine ecosystems, a historical record of N inputs to vegetation has yet to be reconstructed for these nutrient‐limited biodiversity hotspots. For leather oak (Quercus durata var. durata), a foundational, serpentine‐endemic species, we investigated leaf N and C isotopic composition (δ15N and δ13C) and leaf %N of herbarium and modern leaf samples collected from 1899 to 2009 from serpentine ecosystems in two study areas in California: Santa Clara County, and Lake and Napa Counties combined. We also evaluated tree ring growth over a similar time period in long‐lived leather oak individuals. Leaf δ15N and δ13C values decreased over time in both study areas, likely reflecting changes in the regional and local atmospheric N and C pools caused by human perturbation. However, leaf %N values and stem growth did not change over time with increasing N deposition, indicating that increasing atmospheric N deposition and CO2 concentration may not translate to increased N uptake or productivity in plants with conservative growth strategies, even in ecosystems thought to be N‐limited. In serpentine systems, this could competitively advantage nitrophilic invasive annual grasses and accelerate trends toward native species loss. While the rates of decline in leaf δ15N values were similar between study areas, rates of decline in leaf δ13C values were steeper in Santa Clara County, possibly reflecting its more urban environment. Herbarium samples combined with tree ring data can provide a valuable opportunity to explore the historical record of human‐induced changes in N and C cycling and their biotic impacts.

Biologically synthesized Tellurium/Zirconium bimetallic nanoparticles for antibacterial and electrochemical collagen detection

In the current exploration, photochemical stability and chemotherapeutic appraisal of Cinnamomum camphora (C.camphora) mediated bioactivity via Tellurium/Zirconium nanoparticles (TeZr BNPs) were conducted. The bioactive bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) exists a characterization by employing various studies such as UV, XRD, SEM-EDX, DLS, FTIR, HR-TEM, AFM, BET, and XPS analysis. Screening analysis of methanol soluble components in C. camphoraextract identified the components in the plant product by HPLC mass spectroscopy. Furthermore, inhibition activities of TeZr BNPs against monoderm (+) and diderm (−) pathogens were tested by the agar contact method. The results of these studies showed the maximum hindrance zone with TeZr BNPs against three different microorganisms:Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), and Vibrio cholera(ATCC 14033) showing 28 %, 26 %, and 27 % inhibition, respectively, confirming the inhibitory potential of TeZr BNPs. The sequences of the inhibition zones were as follows: Staphylococcus aureus > Escherichia coli > Vibrio cholera. Further, the cytotoxic potential of C. camphora mediated TeZr BNPs was evaluated by anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The photolysis steadiness of bioactive TeZr BNPs towards photodynamic therapy was confirmed by collagen degradation. This is the first description of bimetallic nanoparticles for degrading collagen. Hence, TeZr BNPs can be effectively applied in photodynamic therapy.