Reduced Plant Damage Research Articles

Heat waves induce milkweed resistance to a specialist herbivore via increased toxicity and reduced nutrient content.

Over the last decade, a large effort has been made to understand how extreme climate events disrupt species interactions. Yet, it is unclear how these events affect plants and herbivores directly, via metabolic changes, and indirectly, via their subsequent altered interaction. We exposed common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) to control (26:14°C, day:night) or heat wave (HW) conditions (36:24°C, day:night) for 4 days and then moved each organism to a new control or HW partner to disentangle the direct and indirect effects of heat exposure on each organism. We found that the HW directly benefited plants in terms of growth and defence expression (increased latex exudation and total cardenolides) and insect her'bivores through faster larval development. Conversely, indirect HW effects caused both plant latex and total cardenolides to decrease after subsequent herbivory. Nonetheless, increasing trends of more toxic cardenolides and lower leaf nutritional quality after herbivory by HW caterpillars likely led to reduced plant damage compared to controls. Our findings reveal that indirect impacts of HWs may play a greater role in shaping plant-herbivore interactions via changes in key physiological traits, providing valuable understanding of how ecological interactions may proceed in a changing world.

Dynamic Behavior of Systemic Insecticide Residues in Snapdragons

Pesticide application is used in horticulture to reduce plant damage from organisms such as insects and mites. Systemic insecticides are highly efficacious and readily taken up by plant tissues. However, pesticide-treated plants may impose risks to nontarget insects or other organisms within ecosystems. In this study, insecticide residues in nectar, leaves, and flower petals of the horticulturally significant herbaceous annual snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus (Lamiales: Plantaginaceae), were assessed at two locations over several weeks following foliar and drench treatment with five systemic insecticides. Concentrations of the insecticides were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The independent effects Application Method, Application Rate, and Time were statistically significant among all active ingredients in the three matrices in both sites in California (CA) and New Jersey (NJ). The interaction effects were also generally statistically significant in the CA site but less consistently so in the NJ site, dependent on the active ingredient and matrix. Post hoc analyses found the highest residue concentrations in leaves and the lowest in nectar, a trend generally consistent over time regardless of active ingredient for both the CA and NJ sites. The results of this study are discussed in the context of conserving pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is recommended that similar studies should be implemented in different geographical regions and climates, along with multiyear studies for perennial ornamental plants.

Nature-based solutions to increase rice yield: An experimental assessment of the role of birds and bats as agricultural pest suppressors in West Africa

Rice is widely consumed as a staple food, being cultivated worldwide. However, in West Africa, production is not enough to satisfy demand. Rice often suffers intensive damage by herbivorous arthropods that affect quality and quantity of the grain. Birds and bats have been shown to suppress arthropod pests, potentially enhancing rice productivity and food security. However, the degree to which these taxa provide nature-based solutions for mitigating pest-induced rice losses is poorly known, especially in West Africa. Here, we used experimental exclosures to investigate whether birds and bats reduce plant damage and boost rice yield by suppressing arthropod abundance. In a rural area in northern Guinea-Bissau, we established 14 sets of paired control and experimental exclosures parcels, precluding access of birds and bats to rice plants. We then quantified how the absence of birds and bats influenced arthropod communities, plant damage, and rice yield over a full rice production cycle (six months). Arthropod numbers in exclosures (10.1 ± 9.1 ind./plot) were nearly double those in control plots (5.8 ± 3.0 ind./plot), a result mostly due to a lower spider abundance in the controls. The percentage of leaf and grain damage showed no difference between exclosure and control. Using Structural Equation Models, we uncovered that the exclusion of birds and bats boosted arthropod abundance but had only marginal effects on rice damage and no detectable effect on yield. The exclusion of flying vertebrates led to a marked increase in spider abundance, suggesting an effect of mesopredator release, which in turn likely helped maintaining pest abundance low and potentially contributing to the small overall effect on rice damage and yield. Enhancing the abundance of birds and bats is an interesting option to suppress agricultural pests, but our results highlight the need for a better understanding of ecological interactions in agricultural landscapes in West Africa. We stress the need for more research to inform evidence-based policies using nature-based solutions that foster the natural consumption of pests by vertebrates, as a means to improve food security.

Sosialisasi Pemanfaatan Teknologi Internet of Things untuk Menjaga Sawah dari Serangan Hama Tikus

In the agricultural sector, especially rice fields, rat pest control is a serious challenge for farmers because of its negative impact on crop yields. This activity aims to provide knowledge to the public about the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology so that people are aware and try to apply the technology to repel rat pests in rice fields. The method used in this activity is the PAR (Participatory Action Research) method. As a result of this activity, the community gained knowledge about IoT in order to reduce plant damage due to rat attacks.

Novel moisture retaining dustable powder containing Steinernema abbasi effectively controls damage of subterranean termite in wheat and chickpea

The application of biocontrol agents in farm operations for pest control programs is gaining priority and preference globally. Effective delivery, infectivity of the biocontrol agents, and quality shelf-life products containing these bioagents are vital parameters responsible for the success of biopesticides under field conditions. In the present study, moisture-retaining bio-insecticidal dustable powder formulation (SaP) of Steinernema abbasi (Sa) infective juveniles (IJs) was developed and assessed for its shelf life, physicochemical profile, and bio-efficacy against subterranean termite under field conditions. Formulation exhibited free-flowing character, with pH of 6.50–7.50, and apparent density in the range 0.50–0.70 g cm−3. The bioefficacy study for two rabi seasons (2020–2021, and 2021–2022) in wheat and chickpea grown in an experimental farm heavily infested with subterranean termites (Odontotermes obesus) revealed a significant reduction in plant damage due to pest attack in formulation-treated plots, monitored in terms of relative number of infested tillers in wheat and infested plants in chickpea fields. The reduced damage to the crop caused by termite was reflected in the relative differences in the growth and yield attributes as well. The study establishes the potential of the developed product as a biopesticide suitable for organic farming and integrated pest management operations.

Analysis of the impact of climate change on the factors determining the flow of meltwater in the steppe zone of the Saratov region

The paper analyzes the influence of protective measures, seed dressing and ground processing of non-narcotic hemp fields on the morphometric parameters of plants, damage by pests and diseases, and crop yield. The article focuses on the effect of dressing agents in various combinations on the growth processes of cannabis seeds in the early stages of development. In tests, laboratory and field, seed treatments with Benorade and Celeste Top played the greatest stimulating role. The best results in reducing plant damage by Psylloides attenuate (Koch) 66.7 and 60.0% with a duration of protection of up to four to five pairs of leaves were obtained with the use of Tabu + Albit preparations for seed treatment and Samurai Super insecticide for ground application. With the help of Celeste Top in combination with the studied fungicides, root rot was suppressed, while the prevalence of the disease was reduced by 24.4 and 24.8% compared with the absolute control. A high increase in the yield of stems was guaranteed by the treatment of plants with an insecticide and seeds with Celest Top preparations in combination with Albit and Benorad 2.19 and 2.10 t/ha. A significant increase in seed yield was recorded in the variants when seeds were disinfected with the developed compositions Bunker + Celeste Top, Taboo and Benorade + Celeste Top 0.29 and 0.24 t/ha with the involvement of an insecticide during ground cultivation of the crop.

The effectiveness of various methods of protection against hemp flea and the use of dressing from root rot in the hemp cultivation

The paper analyzes the influence of protective measures, seed dressing and ground processing of non-narcotic hemp fields on the morphometric parameters of plants, damage by pests and diseases, and crop yield. The article focuses on the effect of dressing agents in various combinations on the growth processes of cannabis seeds in the early stages of development. In tests, laboratory and field, seed treatments with Benorade and Celeste Top played the greatest stimulating role. The best results in reducing plant damage by Psylloides attenuate (Koch) 66.7 and 60.0% with a duration of protection of up to four to five pairs of leaves were obtained with the use of Tabu + Albit preparations for seed treatment and Samurai Super insecticide for ground application. With the help of Celeste Top in combination with the studied fungicides, root rot was suppressed, while the prevalence of the disease was reduced by 24.4 and 24.8% compared with the absolute control. A high increase in the yield of stems was guaranteed by the treatment of plants with an insecticide and seeds with Celest Top preparations in combination with Albit and Benorad 2.19 and 2.10 t/ha. A significant increase in seed yield was recorded in the variants when seeds were disinfected with the developed compositions Bunker + Celeste Top, Taboo and Benorade + Celeste Top 0.29 and 0.24 t/ha with the involvement of an insecticide during ground cultivation of the crop.

Application of Associative Rhizobacteria for Increasing the Soft Wheat Productivity and Reducing the Diseases Harmfulness

Background: The search for environmentally friendly biological approaches to increase the productivity and resistance to phytopathogens of wheat is an urgent task for agriculture. For this purpose, the effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on yield and disease development of soft wheat was studied. Methods: Two soft wheat varieties (Trizo and Sudarynya) were inoculated with Bacillus subtilis 124-11, Pseudomonas fluorescens SPB2137 and Sphingomonas sp. K1B under field conditions during 2017-2021 years. Wheat development was monitored at different stages using a set of indicators characterizing morphological traits and yield structure. Susceptibility of plants to root rot pathogens and leaf diseases (brown and yellow wheat rust, powdery mildew, septoria-pyrenophorous spotting) was analyzed using a number of phytopathological indicators. Result: The maximal increase in yield by 1,14 g plant-1 and 0,87 g plant-1 was revealed after treatments with B. subtilis 124-11 and Ps. fluorescens SPB2137. The minimal ecological variation in wheat productivity elements was observed when B. subtilis 124-11 was used. The bacteria reduced plant damage caused by helminthosporiotic root rot, leaf-stem infections, yellow and brown rust and septoria-pyrenophorous spotting. The effects of bacteria on wheat growth and biocontrol of phytopathogens significantly varied depending on meteorological conditions and plant cultivar.

Field evaluation of Trichogramma strains collected from Myanmar for biological control of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and sustainable maize production

Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) egg parasitoids are successfully used for biological control of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) in China. This pest has become increasingly problematic in Myanmar and surrounding countries. To determine the optimal number of releases, release density and select the most effecive parasitoid, two strains of Trichogramma ostriniae (Pang and Chen) and one Trichogramma dendrolimi (Matsumura), originating from Myanmar, were assessed under field-cage conditions in 2020–2021. Three release densities, 50,000 wasps/ha (low), 100,000 wasps/ha (medium) and 200,000 wasps/ha (high), were tested with three releases at weekly intervals during tasseling stage. The highest egg parasitism rate was achieved by T. ostriniae from Yatsawk, Southern Shan State (overall 89%), followed by T. dendrolimi from Yatsawk and T. ostriniae from Taungyi (67%). The kernel weight of maize plots treated with the T. ostriniae from Yatsawk was 1.2–1.4 times higher than values for the other two tested strains and significantly increased yield by 60% over control plots. Trichogramma ostriniae from Yatsawk overall showed the best performance, and may be considered the most promising strain for biological control of O. furnacalis in Myanmar. Two- and three-inundative releases substantially reduced plant damage (60–80%) and yield loss (50%) over control plots. The highest cost-benefit ratio (1:31) was found for two releases of the medium release density. Two releases with either medium or high release density was optimal to achieve high yield and best net return. Our results facilitate the initiation of a biological control program to improve maize production in Myanmar.

Effect of soybean variety and pest management on the sustainable production

Pests are one of the limiting factors in increasing soybean production. Pest control carried out by farmers using pesticides is feared to threaten the sustainability of soybean production in Indonesia. This study aimed to identify the effect of different pest management systems and various soybean varieties on pest population dynamics, abundance and diversity of natural enemies, plant damage, and soybean production. A split plot design with three replications was applied, where the main plot was pest management systems i.e. (1) control (which received neither chemicals nor integrated pest management), (2) chemical control, and (3) integrated pest management, and the sub-plot was soybean varieties i.e. (1) Anjasmoro, (2) Demas 1, and (3) Dering 1. Results indicated that variety affects pest diversity and abundance, however, it affected leaf damage, pod damage, and production. The pest management systems influenced the diversity and abundance of pests and natural enemies, plant damage, and production. Interaction between variety and pest management system affected plant damage. We conclude that the use of resistant varieties combined with integrated pest management could reduce plant damage, maintain the natural enemy population, and optimize soybean production.

Diamide seed treatment may protect early soybean growth stages against Helicoverpa armigera

In intensive soybean cropping systems, early-season pest insects such as lepidopteran larvae can seriously compromise crop establishment. Using a polyphagous global pest ̶̶ the Old World bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), we determined the potential of seed treatments with diamide or neonicotinoid-carbamate mixture for systemic plant protection and residual efficacy against noctuid larvae. In controlled edaphoclimatic conditions, we infested differently aged soybean plants and recorded plant damage and insect mortality, growth, development, and fecundity to assess lethal and sublethal post-exposure effects. The seed treatments reduced plant damage by 50% during 1–7 days after plant emergence. The lowest damage (<25% defoliation) occurred on plants treated with chlorantraniliprole or cyantraniliprole. These diamides caused larval mortality >80% until 14 days after soybean emergence, which was the window of residual control efficacy. Carbofuran or thiodicarb + imidacloprid caused less than 50% larval mortality and minor plant protection against the larvae. There were sublethal effects on the growth, development, and fecundity of the insects surviving on plants of the insecticide seed treatments. The diamide seed treatments reduced the overall insect fitness for a longer time after plant emergence than did the other treatments. Therefore, soybean seed treatment with chlorantraniliprole or cyantraniliprole is potentially efficacious against noctuid larvae in the VE–V1 soybean growth stages (emergence until the first trifoliate), causing lethal and sublethal effects on the insects. Judicious use and effective resistance management for these systemic compounds are relevant as they are helpful for seed treatment and foliar applications against diverse targets.

The Utilization of Organic Adjuvants to Increase the Effectiveness of Chlorpyrifos Insecticides Against Spodoptera litura

Public awareness of consuming healthy food with minimal pesticide residues has been on the rise. By contrast, farmers still rely on synthetic chemical pesticides to control pests. The shift from synthetic chemical insecticides to botanical insecticides or bioinsecticides is quite complex, especially in Indonesia. Farmers must have the appropriate technology to be independent of synthetic chemical insecticide. This study aims to test the effectiveness of organic adjuvants to increase the effectiveness of insecticides coupled with chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient. We tested the organic adjuvants containing sulfur, acetic acid, NaCl and aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica leaves. The test involved mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) plant on land with a high record of S. litura attacks. The study followed a randomized block design with 8 treatments and 5 blocks, with each block consisting of 20 test plants. The treatments involved water control, chlorpyrifos insecticide at recommended concentration, and a combination of chlorpyrifos insecticide and organic adjuvant. The results showed that the combination of insecticides and organic adjuvants did not have a negative impact on mustard growth, as evinced by the absence of significant difference in all treatments. Furthermore, the combination of insecticides and organic adjuvants reduced the rate of plant damage, the population of S. litura and the population of other insect pests. On the other hand, the combination of insecticides and organic adjuvants did not significantly affect the number of beneficial insects compared with treatment without insecticides. The study documented that the combination of 40 mL L-1 organic adjuvant + 1.8 mL L-1 insecticide chlorpyrifos led to the best results. This combination is found the most effective in reducing plant damage and pest population, without any negative impact on beneficial insects. This study has proven the value of organic adjuvants coupled with chlorpyrifos as the active ingredient to reduce the use of insecticides.

Monitoring of the spread and development of pests and diseases in sugar beet stands

Goal. To determine the spread and development of pests and diseases in sugar beet crops and their threat to crop plants.&#x0D; Methods. Analysis of the reports of regional forecasting and signaling laboratories of the State Vetphytosanitary Service of Ukraine and the results of own observations conducted at research and breeding stations of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and beet farms of Ukraine regarding the prevalence and development of phytophages and pathogens, their reservation in agrocenoses. Determination of the threat from them to crops according to the Methodology of research in entomology and phytopathology and the Methodology of conducting research in beet growing.&#x0D; Results. It was established that certain types of pests have a significant reservation in agrocenoses and other stations and annually threaten sugar beet crops in various beet harvesting zones. In particular, from year to year, the greatest danger to crop seedlings and plants during their growing season is caused by beetles of the common beet weevil Asproparthenis punctiventris (Bothynoderes punctiventris Germ.), the number of which significantly exceeds the economic threshold of its harmfulness. Among other types of harmful insects that annually threaten sugar beet crops, the gray beet weevil (Tanymecus palliates F.), beet fleas (Chaetocnema sp.), shieldworms (Cassida sp.), stem weevil (Lixus sultilis Beh.) will be dangerous in future years.), the number of which varies within the thresholds of their harmfulness. Regarding diseases, there is still a threat of significant damage to culture plants by cercospora (Cercospora beticila Sacc.), fomosis (Phoma betae Frank), powdery mildew (Erysiphe communis (Wallr Grev f.betae Jacz.)), and others. In particular, according to observations, cercosporosis is gaining pace of intensive development due to favorable weather conditions, so we recommend farms to take measures to reduce plant damage. Precipitation, which passes through centers at the end of summer in most regions of Ukraine, can lead to significant susceptibility of root crops to various types of rot, which can also lead to a decrease in crop yield and quality deterioration.&#x0D; Conclusions. In recent years, favorable conditions have been created in Ukraine for the development and spread of many types of pests and diseases in sugar beet crops, which leads to an increase in their harmfulness compared to previous seasons. In particular, the population density of beetles of the common beet weevil was 2—18 specimens/m2, which is ten times higher than the standard. The same applies to other pests and diseases, a significant reserve of which may threaten crops in the coming year.

Genome-wide studies of PAL genes in sorghum and their responses to aphid infestation

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.25) plays a crucial role in plant adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the current knowledge about PAL proteins in sorghum is essentially lacking. Thus, in this study we aimed to analyze the PAL family genes in sorghum using a genome-wide approach and to explore the role of PAL genes in host plant resistance to aphids via SA-mediated defense signaling. Here, we report gene structural features of 8 PAL (SbPAL) genes in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), their phylogeny, protein motifs and promoter analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the SbPAL genes were induced by sugarcane aphid (SCA) infestation and SbPAL exhibited differential gene expression in susceptible and resistant genotypes. PAL activity assays further validated upregulated expression of the SbPAL genes in a resistant genotype. In addition, exogenous application of SA reduced plant damage and suppressed aphid population growth and fecundity in susceptible genotype, suggesting that those SbPAL genes act as positive regulator of the SA-mediated defense signaling pathway to combat aphid pests in sorghum. This study provides insights for further examination of the defense role of PAL in sorghum against other pests and pathogens.

Laboratory and field trials reveal the potential of a gel formulation of entomopathogenic nematodes for the biological control of fall armyworm caterpillars (Spodoptera frugiperda)

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can cause tremendous yield losses in maize. Its invasion into Africa and Asia has dramatically increased the use of insecticides in maize agro-ecosystems. Safe, effective and readily available alternatives are urgently needed. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) represent a promising and sustainable option to control fall armyworm caterpillars on maize. Commonly used against soil insect pests, EPN can also be applied to control above-ground pests if formulated appropriately. We explored the possibility to control FAW by incorporating the EPN species Steinernema carpocapsae into protective formulations that can be easily applied into the whorl of maize plants, where the caterpillars mostly feed. We tested this approach in laboratory cage experiments as well as in field trials. In the laboratory, treating maize plants with a low dose of S. carpocapsae (3000 infective juveniles per plant) formulated in a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gel caused 100% mortality of FAW caterpillars and substantially reduced plant damage, whereas EPN applied in water or a surfactant-polymer-formulation (SPF) caused 72% and 94% mortality, respectively. Under field conditions, one-time treatments with S. carpocapsae applied in water, SPF or CMC decreased plant damage, but only the EPN-gel formulation significantly reduced FAW infestation. As compared to control, about 40% fewer caterpillars were found on plants treated with EPN formulated in the gel. Notably, the EPN-gel formulation was as effective as a standard dose of cypermethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used against FAW, in reducing FAW infestation. Repeated applications may be needed to reduce re-infestations by FAW across a whole cropping season depending on the local maize phenology and pest dynamics. These findings demonstrate that EPN, when properly formulated, are excellent candidates for the biological control of FAW, and can be a safe and sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Batting for rice: The effect of bat exclusion on rice in North-East India

Insectivorous bats are gaining increasing attention for their potential as biological agents of pest suppression. Studies around the world have demonstrated their tendency to track and hunt agricultural pests over time and space, and thus to have a positive impact on reducing plant damage and protecting yield of agricultural crops. We documented the effect of insectivorous bats on the health and yield of a rice crop in Assam, India. Using six sets of paired experimental and control plots (of which five were analysed), where bats were selectively excluded from the experimental plots, we collected two measures of plant damage and one measure of total yield to assess the impact of bats on the crop. In parallel, bat activity at the six sites was recorded over the rice growing season using passive acoustic recorders. Our results show that the exclusion of insectivorous bats causes an increase in the degree of defoliation suffered by rice plants. We also report non-significant differences in the degree of yellowing of rice and of the total yield between the experimental and control plots. Bat activity levels showed a mono- or bi-modal peak in activity over the growing season, which broadly tracked the maturity of rice, a pattern also seen in many insect pests. Our results strongly suggest that bats have suppressive impact on pest action in rice fields. The general trend in activity levels, as well as the significant difference in plant damage, would indicate that bats are hunting insect pests and that the non-significant difference in final yield was likely the result of methodological limitations. These findings suggest that bats add significant ecological and economic value to Indian rice ecosystems and hold great potential to be used in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies aimed at suppressing pests.

Distribution, Ecological Factors, Molecular Diversity, and Specific PCR for Major Species of Pin Nematodes (Paratylenchus spp.) in Prunus Plantations in Spain.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of Paratylenchus species in the main areas of Prunus spp. production in Spain, their ecological constraints, and new molecular tools for the specific identification of major species. Pin nematodes are recognized as plant-parasitic nematodes with a wide host range and global distribution. Therefore, understanding the environmental and agronomic factors involved in their distribution is critical to design environmental and sustainable management strategies to reduce plant damage. A total of 219 sampling sites were surveyed and 12 Paratylenchus species were identified based on an integrative taxonomic approach (P.baldaccii, P. enigmaticus, P. goodeyi, P. hamatus, P. holdemani, P. indalus, P. israelensis, P. pedrami, P. tateae, P. tenuicaudatus, P.veruculatus, and P. zurgenerus). The most common pin nematode was P. hamatus, followed by P. tenuicaudatus. Nematode abundance was influenced by climatic characteristics, soil chemical properties, and agronomic management practices. Nine explanatory variables were selected as the most strongly associated with Paratylenchus distribution. Specifically, P. tenuicaudatus was significantly correlated with soil chemical characteristics, such as pH and carbon, sulfur, and sodium content, whereas P. goodeyi was closely related to fields with <10 years of almond cultivation. Species-specific PCRs were developed for P. hamatus and P. tenuicaudatus and their validity was evaluated studying the molecular variability of these species and against other Paratylenchus species.

Effects of the Rhizosphere Fungus Cunninghamella bertholletiae on the Solanum lycopersicum Response to Diverse Abiotic Stresses

This study examined the efficiency of fungal strain (Cunninghamella bertholletiae) isolated from the rhizosphere of Solanum lycopersicum to reduce symptoms of salinity, drought and heavy metal stresses in tomato plants. In vitro evaluation of C. bertholletiae demonstrated its ability to produce indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), ammonia and tolerate varied abiotic stresses on solid media. Tomato plants at 33 days’ old, inoculated with or without C. bertholletiae, were treated with 1.5% sodium chloride, 25% polyethylene glycol, 3 mM cadmium and 3 mM lead for 10 days, and the impact of C. bertholletiae on plant performance was investigated. Inoculation with C. bertholletiae enhanced plant biomass and growth attributes in stressed plants. In addition, C. bertholletiae modulated the physiochemical apparatus of stressed plants by raising chlorophyll, carotenoid, glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents, and reducing hydrogen peroxide, protein, lipid metabolism, amino acid, antioxidant activities, and abscisic acid. Gene expression analysis showed enhanced expression of SlCDF3 and SlICS genes and reduced expression of SlACCase, SlAOS, SlGRAS6, SlRBOHD, SlRING1, SlTAF1, and SlZH13 genes following C. bertholletiae application. In conclusion, our study supports the potential of C. bertholletiae as a biofertilizer to reduce plant damage, improve crop endurance and remediation under stress conditions.

The influence of methods of protection against harmful organisms on the formation of morphometric indicators and economic traits of hemp plants

Relevance. In order to optimize the methods of protecting the plant from the harmful organisms of hemp sowing, it seems significant to assess the effectiveness of modern pesticides and their effect on the physiological processes of plants.Methods. Studies were conducted on a variety of monoecious hemp of the Central Russian ecotype Nadezhda. The obtained results were analyzed in accordance with methodological recommendations for registration tests of fungicides and insecticides, methodological guidelines for conducting field and vegetation experiments with hemp.Results. Studies were carried out during 2020-2021 at the experimental field of the Federal Research Center for Bast Fiber Crops the Penza region. The data is presented to assess the influence of insecticidal and fungicidal protectors and spraying hemp insecticide sowing to reduce plant damage to harmful organisms, for morphometric indicators and economic signs. The greatest protective effect of the damage to the hemp flelling was obtained when using tribers of Tabu, VSK + Bunker, VSK on the background of spraying plants insecticide Samurai Super, CE 65%, from the prevalence of root rot. A significant impact on the morphometric indicators ensured the drying with the preparations of Selest Top, CS and Tabu, VSK on the background of spraying by insecticide, as well as the use of them in a combination with a Benorad, WP. Against the background of spraying plants insecticide installed a reliable increase in the control of the yield of stems when processing seed preparations Selest Top, CS + Benorad, WP (2.1 t/ha), seed yields — when using preparations Selest Top, CS + Bunker, VSK (0,13 t/ha); Tabu, VSK + Benorad, WP and Bunker, VSK (0.15 and 0.24 t/ha), on the collection of fibers — when using Tabu, VSK + Bunker, VSK (0.63 t/ha), to collect oil — when drancing the preparations of Selest Top, CS + Bunker, VSK (0.04 t/ha); Tabu, VSK + Benorad, WP and Bunker, VSK (0.05 and 0.08 t/ha).

An R2R3-MYB Transcription Factor RmMYB108 Responds to Chilling Stress of Rosa multiflora and Conferred Cold Tolerance of Arabidopsis

A sudden cooling in the early spring or late autumn negatively impacts the plant growth and development. Although a number of studies have characterized the role of the transcription factors (TFs) of plant R2R3-myeloblastosis (R2R3-MYB) in response to biotic and abiotic stress, plant growth, and primary and specific metabolisms, much less is known about their role in Rosa multiflora under chilling stress. In the present study, RmMYB108, which encodes a nuclear-localized R2R3-MYB TF with a self-activation activity, was identified based on the earlier published RNA-seq data of R. multiflora plants exposed to short-term low-temperature stress and also on the results of prediction of the gene function referring Arabidopsis. The RmMYB108 gene was induced by stress due to chilling, salt, and drought and was expressed in higher levels in the roots than in the leaves. The heterologous expression of RmMYB108 in Arabidopsis thaliana significantly enhanced the tolerance of transgenic plants to freezing, water deficit, and high salinity, enabling higher survival and growth rates, earlier flowering and silique formation, and better seed quantity and quality compared with the wild-type (WT) plants. When exposed to a continuous low-temperature stress at 4°C, transgenic Arabidopsis lines–overexpressing RmMYB108 showed higher activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, lower relative conductivity, and lower malondialdehyde content than the WT. Moreover, the initial fluorescence (Fo) and maximum photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) changed more dramatically in the WT than in transgenic plants. Furthermore, the expression levels of cold-related genes involved in the ICE1 (Inducer of CBF expression 1)-CBFs (C-repeat binding factors)-CORs (Cold regulated genes) cascade were higher in the overexpression lines than in the WT. These results suggest that RmMYB108 was positively involved in the tolerance responses when R. multiflora was exposed to challenges against cold, freeze, salt, or drought and improved the cold tolerance of transgenic Arabidopsis by reducing plant damage and promoting plant growth.