Reduce Crop Yield Research Articles

A novel ATP-binding cassette protein (NoboABCG1.3) plays a role in the proliferation of Nosema bombycis.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, one of the largest families of membrane transport proteins, participate in almost all biological processes and widely exist in living organisms. Microsporidia are intracellular parasites; they can reduce crop yields and pose a threat to human health. The ABC proteins are also present in microsporidia and play a critical role in their proliferation and energy transport. In this study, a novel ABC transporter protein of Nosema bombycis named NoboABCG1.3 was identified. The NoboABCG1.3 protein is comprised of 640 amino acids, which contain six transmembrane domains and one nucleotide-binding domain. After N. bombycis infection of cells or tissues, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a progressive elevation in the transcript levels of NoboABCG1.3. Downregulation of NoboABCG1.3 expression significantly inhibited N. bombycis proliferation. Subsequently, a transgenic cell line stably expressing an interfering fragment of NoboABCG1.3 was established, which exhibited extreme inhibition on the proliferation of N. bombycis. These findings indicate that NoboABCG1.3 plays a role in the proliferation of N. bombycis and holds promise as a target for developing N. bombycis-resistant silkworms.

First report of Phelipanche nana (Reut.) Soják on tobacco in Morocco

During a survey of parasitic plants occurrence in Morocco, a Phelipanche species was observed on roots of field-grown tobacco plants (35°6'49"N, 4°14'34"O) in north-central Morocco in the summer of 2021. The observed morphological traits coupled with molecular evidence, as well as phylogenetic analysis indicate the parasitic plant as Phelipanche nana. To our knowledge, this is the first record of P. nana occurrence in tobacco fields in Morocco. Hence, it is imperative to recognize the threat posed by this parasitic weed spreading to other cultivated fields, which results in significant reductions in crop yield. Consequently, urgent and effective control measures are necessary to prevent the further propagation of this parasite.

All Roads Lead to Rome: Pathways to Engineering Disease Resistance in Plants.

Unlike animals, plants are unable to move and lack specialized immune cells and circulating antibodies. As a result, they are always threatened by a large number of microbial pathogens and harmful pests that can significantly reduce crop yield worldwide. Therefore, the development of new strategies to control them is essential to mitigate the increasing risk of crops lost to plant diseases. Recent developments in genetic engineering, including efficient gene manipulation and transformation methods, gene editing and synthetic biology, coupled with the understanding of microbial pathogenicity and plant immunity, both at molecular and genomic levels, have enhanced the capabilities to develop disease resistance in plants. This review comprehensively explains the fundamental mechanisms underlying the tug-of-war between pathogens and hosts, and provides a detailed overview of different strategies for developing disease resistance in plants. Additionally, it provides a summary of the potential genes that can be employed in resistance breeding for key crops to combat a wide range of potential pathogens and pests, including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and insects. Furthermore, this review addresses the limitations associated with these strategies and their possible solutions. Finally, it discusses the future perspectives for producing plants with durable and broad-spectrum disease resistance.

Beneficial Microorganisms: Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria Modulate Salt and Drought Stress Responses in the Halophyte Plantago coronopus L

Land degradation due to salinity and prolonged drought poses significant global challenges by reducing crop yields, depleting resources, and disrupting ecosystems. Halophytes, equipped with adaptive traits for drought and soil salinity, and their associations with halotolerant microbes, offer promising solutions for restoring degraded areas sustainably. This study evaluated the effects of halophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), specifically Halothiobacillus halophilus, on the physiological and biochemical responses of the halophyte Plantago coronopus L. under drought and salt stress. We analyzed the accumulation of ions (Na, Cl, K) and sulfur (S), along with growth parameters, glutathione levels, photosynthetic pigments, proline, and phenolic compounds. Drought significantly reduced water content (nearly 10-fold in plants without SOB and 4-fold in those with SOB). The leaf growth tolerance index improved by 70% in control plants and 30% in moderately salt-stressed plants (300 mM NaCl) after SOB application. SOB increased sulfur content in all treatments except at high salinity (600 mM NaCl), reduced toxic sodium and chloride ion accumulation, and enhanced potassium levels under drought and moderate salinity. Proline, total phenolic, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were highest in drought-stressed plants, regardless of SOB inoculation. SOB inoculation increased GSH levels in both control and 300 mM NaCl-treated plants, while GSSG levels remained constant. These findings highlight the potential of SOB as beneficial microorganisms to enhance sulfur availability and improve P. coronopus tolerance to moderate salt stress.

Simulating the effects of sea level rise and soil salinization on adaptation and migration decisions in Mozambique

Abstract. Coastal flooding and sea level rise (SLR) will affect farmers in coastal areas, as increasing salinity levels will reduce crop yields, leading to a loss of net annual income for farming communities. In response, farmers can take various actions. To assess such responses under SLR, we applied an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the adaptation and migration decisions of farmers in coastal Mozambique. The ABM is coupled with a salinization module to simulate the relationship between soil salinity and SLR. The decision rules in the model (DYNAMO-M) are based on the economic theory of subjective expected utility. This theory posits that households can maximize their welfare by deciding whether to (a) stay and face losses from salinization and flooding, (b) stay and adapt (e.g. switching to salt-tolerant crops and enhancing physical resilience such as elevating houses), or (c) migrate to safer inland areas. The results show that coastal farmers in Mozambique face total losses of up to USD 12.5 million yr−1 from salt intrusion and up to USD 1200 million yr−1 from flooding of buildings (RCP8.5 in the year 2080). Sorghum farmers may experience little damage from salt intrusion, while rice farmers may experience losses of up to USD 4000 yr−1. We show that medium-sized farmers (1–5 ha) are most at risk. This is because their farm size means that adaptation costs are substantial, while their incomes are too low to cover these costs. The number of households adapting varies between different districts (15 %–21 %), with salt adaptation being the most common, as costs are lowest. Despite adaptation measures, about 13 %–20 % of the total 350 000 farmers in coastal flood zones will migrate to safer areas under different settings of adaptive behaviour and different climatic and socio-economic scenarios.

Assessing the Impact of Saline Irrigation Water on Durum Wheat (cv. Faraj) Grown on Sandy and Clay Soils

In Morocco, saline irrigation significantly affects soil quality and reduces crop yields. This study evaluates the effect of salt stress on soil properties and the overall performance of the durum wheat variety “Faraj”, aiming to optimize production under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 season, using a completely randomized design (CRD) to assess soil properties, plant growth, and yield. Five salinity levels (0.2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m−1) were applied to two soil types: silty-clay (S1) and sandy (S2). Results showed significant changes in soil properties, including increased pH, electrical conductivity, and accumulation of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in soil. Grain yield decreased significantly with increasing salinity, from 1.12 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S1, and from 0.56 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S2. Straw yield was less affected, with values of 1.24 and 1.16 t ha−1 for S1 and S2 at 12 dS m−1, decreasing to 0.80 and 0.55 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1. The “Faraj” variety shows good tolerance to salinity up to 8 dS m−1 for grain yield and 12 dS m−1 for straw yield, making it particularly suitable for moderately saline environments.

AhGSNOR1 negatively regulates Al-induced programmed cell death by regulating intracellular NO and redox levels

The toxicity of aluminum (Al) in acidic soil inhibits plant development and reduces crop yields. Programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the important mechanisms in the plant response to Al toxicity. However, it is yet unknown if S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) provides Al-PCD. Here, transcription and protein expression of AhGSNOR1 were both induced by Al stress. AhGSNOR1-overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants reduced Al-induced nitric oxide (NO) and S-nitrosothiol accumulation, the inhibitory effect of Al stress on root elongation and the degree of cell death, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity to effectively remove hydrogen peroxide. In addition, AhGSNOR1 directly interacted with AhTRXh in vivo. Expression of Trxh3 in AhGSNOR1-overexpressing transgenic plants was significantly upregulated, indicating that AhGSNOR1 positively regulated the transcriptional level of Trxh3. Together, these results suggested that AhGSNOR1 was a negative regulatory factor of Al-induced PCD and improved plant Al-tolerance by modulating intracellular NO and redox homeostasis.

Chitosan hydrogel microspheres loaded with Bacillus subtilis promote plant growth and reduce chromium uptake

Cr contamination can lead to reduced crop yields and threaten food security. Eliminating soil Cr contamination or improving crop resistance to Cr is challenging in terms of costly, environment and biodiversity risk. Here, we used chitosan hydrogel microspheres loaded with Bacillus subtilis to cope with plant stress caused by Cr contamination. The addition of chitosan hydrogel microspheres loaded with Bacillus subtilis increased shoot biomass by 88 % and decreased the plant Cr concentration by 17 %. The bacterial chitosan hydrogel microsphere treatment enhanced the decomposition of organic matter and facilitated the uptake of nutrients by the plants. It also significantly increased the abundance of anti-heavy metal stress functional bacteria (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi), strongly promoting interactions and correlations between microbes. This technology of bacterial-chitosan hydrogel microspheres presents promising opportunities for sustainable strategies for addressing heavy metal pollution and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Insight into the Simultaneous Super-Stable Mineralization of AsO4 3-, Cd2+ and Pb2+ Using MgFe-LDHs.

Multiple-heavy-metal contamination in soil, such as the simultaneous presence of AsO4 3-, Cd2+ and Pb2+, which can reduce crop yields and damage human health, is a serious issue to be addressed. Herein, the MgFe-LDHs (layered double hydroxides) intercalated with carbonate and nitrate (MgFe-CO3 and MgFe-NO3) were synthesized by Separate Nucleation and Aging Steps and ion-exchange method, respectively. The MgFe-CO3 demonstrated the maximum saturation adsorption capacity of 55.86, 543.48 and 1597.4 mg g-1 for single AsO4 3-, Cd2+ and Pb2+ in aqueous solution, while MgFe-NO3 exhibited 92.50, 387.59 and 869.56 mg g-1, respectively. Kinetic and thermodynamic results for mineralization of single AsO4 3-, Cd2+ and Pb2+ fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating the occurrence of chemisorption and monolayer adsorption for both MgFe-CO3 and MgFe-NO3. Furthermore, simultaneous mineralization of AsO4 3-, Cd2+ and Pb2+ with >99.0 % efficiency in 240 min in aqueous solution and >81.1 % efficiency in 14 days in soil can be achieved by both MgFe-CO3 and MgFe-NO3. Preliminary red bean seedlings cultivation experiments indicated that the released Mg2+ ions from MgFe-CO3 and MgFe-NO3 were capable to promote the emergence and growth of red bean seedlings. Detailed XRD and XPS results demonstrated that the AsO4 3- anions were adsorbed on the laminate of LDHs, whereas the Pb3(OH)2(CO3)2 was the mineralization product for both MgFe-CO3 and MgFe-NO3. In terms of Cd2+, CdCO3 was obtained as a mineralization product for MgFe-CO3, while CdCO3 and Cd(OH)2 can be detected due to the slow transformation of MgFe-NO3 to MgFe-CO3 in air.

NtSAP9 confers freezing tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum plants

Abiotic stresses, such as extreme temperatures, drought, and salinity, significantly affect plant growth and productivity. Among these, cold stress is particularly detrimental, impairing cellular processes and leading to reduced crop yields. In recent years, stress-associated proteins (SAPs) containing A20 and AN1 zinc-finger domains have emerged as crucial regulators in plant stress responses. However, the functions of SAPs in tobacco plants remain unclear. Here, we isolated Nicotiana tabacum SAP9 (NtSAP9), whose expression was induced by cold treatment, based on RNA-sequences data. Knock down of NtSAP9 expression reduced freezing tolerance, while overexpression conferred freezing tolerance in transgenic tobacco plants, as indicated by relative electrolytic leakage and photosystem II photochemical efficiency. Untargeted metabolomics via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed distinct metabolic profiles between WT and NtSAP9-overexpressing tobacco plants under normal and low temperature conditions. Upregulation of amino acids like D-Glutamine, DL-Glutamine, and O-Acetyl-L-serine suggests NtSAP9 enhances cold tolerance. Further expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR indicated that NtSAP9 participates in cold stress response possibly through amino acid synthesis-related genes expression, such as glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase. These findings improve our understanding of SAP proteins in tobacco's response to cold stress.

CEPAS NATIVAS DE Trichoderma PARA EL CONTROL DEL MOHO GRIS (Botrytis cinerea Pers.) EN FRUTOS Y FLORES DE ARÁNDANO (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Gray mold disease caused by <em>Botrytis cinerea </em>Pers. is a phytosanitary problem in blueberry (<em>Vaccinium corymbosum</em> L.). It is characterized for affecting soft tissues (flowers and fruits) in the field and in the post-harvest stage, reducing crop yield. This has motivated to the search for native strains of <em>Trichoderma</em> that are effective in biological control. <strong>Objective.</strong> To determine the effect of 19 native <em>Trichoderma</em> strains on the control of gray mold on flowers and fruits of blueberry under laboratory conditions. <strong>Methodology.</strong> Under a complete randomized experimental design, mycoparasitism and antibiosis tests were carried out to evaluate colonization and mycelial inhibition of the pathogen, respectively, using the dual confrontation method and production of secondary metabolites. For the bioassays, a suspension of 1×10<sup>6</sup> conidia mL<sup>-1</sup> per strain was sprayed on blueberry flowers and fruits. Disease incidence and severity were evaluated. Data were analyzed with the statistical program InfoStat. <strong>Results.</strong> All <em>Trichoderma</em> strains completely colonized the pathogen, being considered as aggressive mycoparasites and inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogen up to 42.74%. Likewise, the application of <em>Trichoderma</em> spore suspension had inhibitory effects on gray mold, highlighting the strain HE- ArT161 that reduced the incidence (66.67% and 20%) and severity (34% and 12%), respectively in flowers and fruits. <strong>Implications.</strong> The use of these native strains of <em>Trichoderma</em> may contribute to future research in the field where they can be incorporated for an integrated management of the disease. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> These <em>Trichoderma</em> isolates against <em>B. cinerea</em> showed <em>in vitro</em> control, stimulating mycelial inhibition of the pathogen and reducing the development of disease lesions.</p>

A Comprehensive Review of Plant Based Extracts for Preventing and Controlling Candida albicans

A common fungal pathogen Candida albicans can cause infections ranging from simple mucosal infections to serious systemic illnesses especially in people with weakened immune systems. Normally found in the human microbiome it turns harmful when the immune system is weakened. Its dimorphism—the capacity to transition between hyphal, and yeast forms—is a primary factor contributing to its pathogenicity, and is essential for both tissue penetration, and dissemination. This transition is crucial for tissue invasion, biofilm formation, and dissemination within the host. The infection mechanism involves adhesion to host cells, biofilm formation, epithelial invasion, and bloodstream dissemination. Furthermore, Candida albicans may use different carbon sources to adapt metabolically increasing its survival in a variety of host environments. Recent study revealed that Candida albicans possesses a parasexual cycle that allows for genetic diversity without requiring sexual reproduction. Plant-based remedies have become viable substitutes for conventional pharmaceutical antifungals with benefits including a decreased chance of drug resistance, fewer side effects, and cheaper expenses. Plant extracts offer several advantages, including a reduced likelihood of resistance development, fewer adverse side effects, and lower treatment costs. In particular, herbal medicines are emerging as safer, more sustainable options for managing C. albicans infections. As a result, plant based treatments are becoming increasingly recognized for their role in supporting antifungal therapy and enhancing overall treatment efficacy. In treating Candida albicans infections, herbal medicine is becoming more and more recognized as a useful tool due to its ability to offer safer, and more sustainable treatments. This pathogen can severely reduce crop yield and quality, posing a significant threat to global food security and agricultural economies, particularly in regions where these crops are staples. This review as an attempt to study their potential to address some of the limitations of current antifungal therapies, such as toxicity and resistance against C. albicans makes them an important area of research.

Implementation of AlexNet and Xception Architectures for Disease Detection in Orange Plants

Oranges are one of Indonesia's primary horticultural commodities, with production increasing each year. However, pest and disease infestations often go undetected, leading to significant reductions in crop yields. This study implements Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) technology to identify diseases in orange plants using two architectures: AlexNet and Xception. The implementation results show that the Xception architecture achieved a high accuracy of 96% after 100 training epochs, indicating its effectiveness in disease detection tasks. This research highlights the potential of integrating CNN technology, particularly the Xception model, into web-based systems for disease detection in orange plants. Such systems can assist farmers in maintaining crop health, improving productivity, and ensuring harvest quality.

Endophytic bacteria: a sustainable strategy for enhancing medicinal plant cultivation and preserving microbial diversity.

Endophytic bacteria, part of the plant microbiome, hold significant potential for enhancing the cultivation and sustainability of medicinal plants (MPs). These microbes are integral to many plant functions, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, traditional cultivation practices often overlook the importance of these beneficial microbes, leading to reduced crop yields, lower phytochemical quality, and increased susceptibility to diseases. The domestication of MPs and the use of chemical fertilizers disrupt the natural microbial diversity in soils, essential for the health and productivity of plants. This disruption can lead to the loss of beneficial plant-microbe interactions, which are vital for the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties. Recent advances in microbiome research, supported by omics technologies, have expanded our understanding of how endophytic bacteria can be leveraged to enhance MP productivity and quality. Endophytic bacteria can directly boost MP productivity by promoting plant growth and health or indirectly by restoring healthy soil microbiomes. They can also be harnessed as microbial factories to produce valuable natural compounds, either by transforming plant-derived precursors into bioactive substances or by synthesizing unique metabolites that mimic MP secondary metabolites. This offers a sustainable and low-cost alternative to traditional MP cultivation, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving endangered species. In conclusion, integrating microbiome research with traditional agricultural practices could revolutionize MP cultivation. By focusing on the microbial component, particularly endophytes, we can develop more sustainable and productive methods for cultivating these plants, ultimately contributing to biodiversity conservation and the production of high-value natural products.

Functional Characterization of the 14-3-3 Gene Family in Alfalfa and the Role of MsGRF2 in Drought Response Mechanisms.

Drought stress affects crop growth and development, significantly reducing crop yield and quality. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), the most widely cultivated forage crop, is particularly susceptible to drought. The general regulatory factor (GRF) protein 14-3-3, a highly conserved family in plants, specifically recognizes and binds to phosphoserine residues in target proteins, regulating both plant development and responses to environmental stressors. In this study, 66 alfalfa 14-3-3 proteins were identified, and the full-length MsGRF2 gene was cloned and functionally analyzed. The expression of MsGRF2 was highest in alfalfa inflorescences and lowest in roots. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing MsGRF2 exhibited increased tolerance to low temperature and drought stress, evidenced by physiological indicators including low levels of active oxygen species and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and osmoregulatory substances. Under drought stress conditions, compared to wild-type plants, MsGRF2-overexpressing tobacco plants exhibited significantly increased expression of drought stress-related genes ERD10B and TIP, while the expression of BRI1, Cu/Zn-SOD, ERF2, and KC1 was significantly reduced. Together, these results provide new insights into the roles of the 14-3-3 protein MsGRF2 in plant drought response mechanisms.

Analyzing the performance of deep convolutional neural network models for weed identification in potato fields

Weeds pose a significant and fundamental challenge in agriculture, competing with crops for vital resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. This competition often leads to reduced crop yields and diminished quality of produce. Additionally, weeds can host pests and diseases that further harm crops, increasing the risk of infestation and reducing farm productivity. Accurate weed identification through deep learning offers a solution, enabling farmers to implement site-specific herbicide spraying, thus lowering herbicide usage and minimizing environmental impact. This study introduces a benchmark crop and weed classification dataset and evaluates seven state-of-the-art deep-learning models for weed identification. The dataset was obtained from potato fields in Punjab, India, over two consecutive growth seasons (2022 and 2023). Seven deep learning models, Convolution Neural Network (CNN)-11, CNN-14, Inceptionv3, AlexNet, VGG16, ResNet50, and the YOLOv8 were trained and tested on this dataset for potato and weed classification. Among these models, YOLOv8 emerges as the top performer, achieving flawless accuracy of 100% with 37.5 million parameters. The custom CNN-11 model, despite having the fewest parameters (2.2 million), achieves 52% accuracy, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments. ResNet50, with its residual networks, also demonstrates exceptional performance with 99% accuracy and a moderate number of parameters (23 million), which can be a significant consideration in environments with limited resources or when deploying models on edge devices. These findings guide researchers and practitioners in selecting optimal models to reduce herbicide usage, minimize environmental impact, and enhance precision agriculture practices. Ultimately, this study advances weed management strategies, supporting sustainable crop management and improving agricultural productivity.

Effects of Nutrient Deficiency on Crop Yield and Soil Nutrients Under Winter Wheat–Summer Maize Rotation System in the North China Plain

The wheat–maize rotation system in the North China Plain (NCP) has a large amount of crop straw. However, improper crop straw management and blind fertilization lead to nutrient imbalance and accelerated nutrient loss from the soil, ultimately leading to nutrient deficiency affecting the wheat–maize rotation system. In order to explore the effects of nutrient deficiency on the yield and nutrient use efficiency of wheat and maize, the experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design consisting of five treatments with three replicates for each treatment: (1) a potassium fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer treatment (NP); (2) a phosphate fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and potassium fertilizer treatment (NK); (3) a nitrogen fertilizer deficiency and appropriate phosphate and potassium fertilizer treatment (PK); (4) an adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer treatment (NPK); and (5) a no-fertilizer treatment (CK). The results showed that, compared with CK, the yields of wheat and maize treated with NPK were increased by 21.5% and 27.5%, respectively, and the accumulation of the dry matter of the wheat and maize was increased by 42.5% and 57.3%. In all the deficiency treatments, the NK treatment performed better in terms of yield compared to the NP and PK treatments, while the NP treatment demonstrated a greater increase in dry matter accumulation. The NPK treatment significantly improved the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of the wheat and maize, which resulted in higher nitrogen accumulation in the NPK treatment, and the NP treatment was the best among the other nutrient deficiency treatments. The inorganic nitrogen content showed a similar trend. In conclusion, nutrient deficiency can severely restrict crop growth. Nitrogen deficiency can significantly reduce crop yields. Phosphorus deficiency had a greater impact than potassium deficiency in terms of nutrient absorption and accumulation. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer application should be emphasized in crop rotation systems, with moderate increases in phosphorus fertilizer application. This practice can effectively improve the nutrient deficiency under the wheat and maize rotation system in the NCP and complete a rational fertilization system.

Targeted dsRNA-mediated suppression of Phytophthora infestans infection via Avr3a

Phytophthora infestans (P. infestans) is a highly destructive oomycete that causes the late blight in Solanaceous crops, such as potatoes and tomatoes, reducing crop yield. Although many pesticides are used to control P. infestans, the pathogen has evolved resistance to these chemical pesticides over time. In this study, we employed RNAi technology as an alternative strategy to suppress P. infestans infection. We designed and synthesized two dsRNAs targeting 5' and 3' regions of the Avirulence Protein 3a (Avr3a) gene, a key effector essential for the virulence of P. infestans. Interestingly, the dsRNA targeting the 5' region which contains the conserved RxLR-EER motif of Avr3a exhibited more substantial suppression of P. infestans infection and Avr3a expression level compared to the 3' region targeting dsRNA. Additionally, we identified changes in the expression of genes related to pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) in plants treated with these dsRNAs. In leaves treated with dsRNAs targeting Avr3a, the expression of PTI-related genes was restored, while ETI-related genes showed lower expression levels compared to the mock-treated leaves. These results suggest that dsRNAs targeting Avr3a effectively suppress P. infestans infection, enabling plants to achieve balanced immunity and enhanced defense.

Evaluating the impact of Cold plasma on Seedling Growth properties, seed germination, and soybean antioxidant enzyme activity

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has garnered significant attention in recent years for its potential applications in biomedical, environmental, and agricultural fields. Cold plasma treatment exhibits a variety of effects in agricultural applications, including impacts on seed germination and seedling growth; however, further research is required. Soybean serves as a fundamental source of nutrients for both animals and humans. Soybean seeds possess impermeable and thick testae, which results in prolonged germination times and suboptimal germination rates. The soybeans exhibit low uniformity. As a result, poor crop establishment and yield reduction are inevitable outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Iranian soybean cultivars, such as Sari, Saba, Arian, Katoul, and Williams, on seedling growth properties, seed germination, and antioxidant enzyme activity, using argon at time intervals of 30, 60, 180, 300, and 420 s. Cold plasma treatment significantly enhanced germination potential from 1.18 to 66.97%, germination index from 0.50 to 60.09%, germination rate from 1.78 to 32.17%, seedling length from 2.70 cm to 78.13 cm, root length from 2.87 cm to 56.13 cm, and seedling dry weight from 1.80 g to 36.63 g. Additionally, CAT activity increased from 0.88- to 4.40-fold, SOD activity from 0.86- to 5.89-fold, and APX activities from 0.40- to 4.01-fold compared to the control treatment. The findings indicated that the samples exhibited optimal results at treatment durations of 60 and 180 s. The influence of plasma on the antioxidant responses of seedlings, seed germination, and growth characteristics was contingent upon the duration of treatment. Cold plasma, when applied for an appropriate duration, may enhance soybean seedling growth characteristics and seed germination.

A Novel Ah-miR2916-AhERF13-AhSUC3 Module Regulates Al Tolerance via Ethylene-Mediated Signaling in Peanut (Arachnis hypogea L).

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils leads to a considerable reduction in crop yields. MicroRNAs play essential roles in abiotic stress responses, but little is known of their role in the response of peanut (Arachnis hypogea L.) to Al stress. In this study, a novel Ah-miR2916 (miR2916)-AhERF13-AhSUC3 module was found to be involved in the Al-stress response via ethylene-mediated signaling in peanut. Overexpression of miR2916 in Arabidopsis resulted in reduced Al tolerance by downregulating ethylene biosynthesis, while knockdown miR2916 in peanut enhanced Al tolerance. Notably, the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (ERF), AhERF13, was identified as a potential target of miR2916. AhERF13 expression was increased in miR2916 knockdown peanut lines and displayed an opposing pattern to that of miR2916 under Al stress. Consistently, knockdown AhERF13 peanut lines indicated that AhERF13 positively regulates Al tolerance by upregulating ethylene biosynthesis. AhERF13 was shown capable of binding to an ERF motif in the promoter region of sucrose transport protein 3 (AhSUC3) and positively regulate its expression. Consequently, AhSUC3 improved Al tolerance by upregulating ethylene biosynthesis. These results provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms operating during peanut response to Al stress, and suggests targets for manipulation in breeding programs for improved Al tolerance.