Slow-release fertilizers applied in conjunction with manure enhanced soil quality and rice grain yield by regulating labile nutrient pools, soil enzyme activities, and soil structure

Elemental fingerprinting and regional verification of Pakistani basmati and non-basmati rice varieties using ICP-MS and multivariate analysis.

Natural radioactive materials are present in soil, water, and air. The transfer of radioactive elements from soil to agricultural products is a critical factor in assessing radiological health risks associated with food consumption. This study measured the transfer of naturally occurring radionuclides 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra from soil to rice grown in Erbil Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. This study used a scintillation detector NaI (Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer to assess the radionuclide activity concentrations in soil and rice grain samples gathered from various agricultural regions. According to the findings, the ranges of activity concentrations for 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra in agricultural soils were (285.39 to 378.28) Bq kg−1, (17.86 to 28.63) Bq kg−1, and (20.94 to 34.47) Bq kg−1, respectively. The range of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations in rice grains was (0.28 to 0.85) Bq kg−1, (0.11 to 0.29) Bq kg−1, and (75.18 to 153.88) Bq kg−1, respectively. Also, the transfer factors of radionuclides 232Th, 40K, and 226Ra from soil to rice grain range from (0.005 to 0.015, 0.234 to 0.408, and 0.009 to 0.027), respectively. The transport factors for radionuclides 232Th, 40 K, and 226Ra from soil to rice grains were within the worldwide average values reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The annual effective doses (IAED) from consuming rice crops were lower than the internationally recommended value of 0.29 mSv yr−1.

The effects of combined salt-drought stress on rice grain quality and starch properties remain poorly understood. A pot experiment was conducted with control, salt, drought, and combined salt-drought stress. Compared with the control, rice grain yield decreased by 24.8% to 65.9% under salt, 12.4% under drought, and 25.1% to 69.5% under combined salt-drought stress. Milling, appearance, and eating quality deteriorated under stress, especially under combined stress, with a 33.0% decrease in taste value and 51.1% increase in amylose content. The amylopectin content declined, while the protein content increased, further impairing palatability. Microscopic and structural analyses revealed cracks, pores, fractured granules, and a smaller average granule size under stress, resulting in lower crystallinity and disrupted molecular order, especially under combined stress. By reducing rapidly digestible starch and increasing resistant starch, stress may help moderate postprandial glucose responses. Overall, combined salt-drought stress synergistically compromises rice yield and quality, providing insights for breeding stress-resilient, high-quality rice.

Abstract Effective co-immobilization of arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) in contaminated paddy soils remains a persistent challenge for conventional biochar amendments. To address this limitation, a magnetic biochar gel (FeRBG) was synthesized by integrating rice husk biochar, iron oxides, and graphene into a three-dimensional porous network. Its remediation performance and ecological effects were systematically evaluated in Sb-As co-contaminated soil-rice systems. Compared to pristine and Fe-modified biochar, FeRBG decreased (NH 4 )H 2 PO 4 -extractable Sb and As concentrations more significantly, by 23.1% and 22.3%, respectively, primarily by reducing non-specifically adsorbed fractions and promoting transformation into residual phases. Notably, FeRBG was the only amendment that significantly decreased Sb and As accumulation in rice grains by 16.1% and 34.0%, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, FeRBG enhanced root system architecture, increasing total root length, surface area, mean diameter, and tip number. Biochar amendment reshaped soil bacterial communities, with core taxa including Pirellulaceae, Nitrosomonadaceae , Sphingomonadaceae , and Comamonadaceae . Redundancy and correlation analyses revealed that soil Sb/As availability and Fe content were key environmental factors regulating bacterial community succession. Structural equation modeling revealed that FeRBG enhanced metalloid immobilization through Fe–O–Sb/As complexation, thus reducing grain accumulation and increasing rice yield. These findings provide a competitive functionalized biochar strategy for the sustainable remediation of Sb/As co-contaminated paddy soils and for improving rice cultivation.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by epidermal barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, affecting both children and adults. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of common allergen sensitizations in patients with AD, compared with controls without allergic diseases, and to identify those associated with an increased risk of asthma or allergic rhinitis. We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients with atopic dermatitis and age- and sex-matched controls selected by propensity score matching from the Center of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vinmec Times City Hospital. Total IgE levels and specific IgE sensitization to common allergens were documented using an extract-based multiplex assay. Both the AD and control groups each comprised 452 patients and were comparable in age, median (IQR, range): 7 (1-29, 0-84) and sex distribution (51.11% female). Sensitization to at least one allergen was observed in 59.51% of patients, with a mono-sensitization rate of 11.73% and a poly-sensitization rate of 47.79%. House dust mites had the highest sensitization rates among AD patients in our study, with sensitization rates for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, and Blomia tropicalis at 29.65%, 26.99%, and 11.5%, respectively. Eggs and milk were the most common food allergens, with sensitizations rates of 20.58% and 12.61%, respectively. Although sensitization rates were high, the prevalence of true clinical allergy was much lower, underscoring the need for cautious interpretation of test results in conjunction with clinical symptoms. Age-related differences were evident: younger children were more often sensitized to food allergens, older children and adolescents to respiratory allergens, and elderly patients to cockroach, and Candida albicans. Additionally, sensitization to C. albicans, D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, cat dander, dog dander, rice grain, barley flour, and rye flour was significantly more frequent in patients with AD compared to individuals with no allergic diseases. Such sensitization was also associated with a higher risk of respiratory allergic comorbidities, suggesting the potential role of these allergens as distinctive markers of atopy. This study highlights the importance of understanding allergen sensitization in patients with AD to optimize management strategies, particularly in Vietnam, where house dust mite sensitization is highly prevalent. Allergen avoidance and allergen-specific immunotherapy could be beneficial as add-on therapies for AD.

To investigate the synergistic effects of acidic soil amendments and straw return on soil properties and cadmium (Cd) content in rice under a rice/rape rotation system and to provide a scientific basis for acidic purple soil improvement and heavy metal pollution remediation, a field experiment was conducted with six treatments: no fertilization (CK), NPK (F), NPK + straw return (FT), NPK + calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer + straw return (FGT), NPK + lime powder + straw return (FST), and NPK + biochar + straw return (FBT). The study evaluated crop yield, soil organic matter (SOM), pH, total Cd, available Cd (DTPA-Cd), and Cd content in rice straw, husk, and grains to elucidate their interactive effects. The results demonstrated that: ① Compared with CK, FGT, FST, and FBT significantly increased SOM (P < 0.05), with FBT elevating SOM by 3.56 g·kg-1 and 9.88 g·kg-1 during the rape and rice seasons, respectively. For crop yield, FBT enhanced rape yield by 61.7%, while FST increased rice yield by 14.4%. ② Relative to F, FGT, FST, and FBT significantly raised soil pH (P < 0.05), with FST increasing pH by 0.99 and 2.66 units in the rape and rice seasons, respectively. Compared to that in CK and F, FT increased total soil Cd by 3.1% and 1.2%, whereas FGT, FST, and FBT reduced total Cd by 9.4%-16.9% and available Cd by 23.1%-30.7%. FBT decreased Cd content in rice grains by 44.2%. ③ Cd enrichment and translocation varied across rice tissues. Enrichment coefficients followed the order straw > husk > grains, and the translocation coefficient from straw to husk was lower than that from husk to grains. ④ Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations (P < 0.05) between SOM and DTPA-Cd, total Cd, grain Cd, and straw Cd. In Cd-contaminated acidic purple soil under rice/rape rotation, the combined application of straw return with amendments (e.g., calcium magnesium phosphate, lime powder, biochar) significantly enhanced SOM, crop yield, and soil pH (P < 0.05) and effectively reduced available Cd and Cd content in rice tissues, with the FBT treatment (biochar combined with straw return) demonstrating the most comprehensive improvement.

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils poses a significant global challenge to sustainable development. While extensive studies have focused on heavy metal pollution in soil-rice systems using indoor pot experiments, most remain limited to small-scale, localized "point" analyses, lacking comprehensive research on the soil-rice systems in regions. Addressing this gap, the present study systematically analyzed soil and rice samples from the southern Shanghai rice-growing region. The Integrated Contamination Quality Index (IICQ) was utilized to assess the degree and spatial dispersion of heavy metal pollution within the soil-rice system. This research delved into the various factors that influence the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in rice grains. Furthermore, employing the Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) model, the potential risks associated with consuming such rice were meticulously evaluated. The findings revealed that Cd, Ni, and Pb concentrations in the soil exceeded background levels for Shanghai but remained below China's agricultural land risk screening thresholds. Cr and Ni exceeded safety standards in 30.4% of rice samples, and As surpassed limits at certain sampling points; other heavy metals remained within acceptable levels. Rice exhibited a low bioaccumulation capacity for soil heavy metals (BF < 1), though soil properties influenced heavy metal accumulation in rice. Heavy metals in the soil exhibited similar sources. The health risk assessment indicated potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As, as well as Cr for children, with HI > 1 and TCR > 1.0×10-4, suggesting combined exposure risks. The IICQ evaluation classified the study of soil heavy metal contamination as predominantly mild, with the soil-rice system exhibiting mild to moderate contamination. Further optimization of soil management practices is required to reduce heavy metal migration and accumulation in the soil-rice system, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups, such as children, to ensure the safe utilization of farmland soils.

Salinity stress severely limits rice productivity and grain quality worldwide. Although exogenous foliar application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) has been reported to enhance crop stress tolerance, its regulatory roles in yield formation and grain quality in rice varieties with differing salt tolerance are not well understood. In the present study, two contrasting rice varieties, viz., Jingliangyou 3261 (JLY3261; salt-tolerant) and Yuxiangyouzhan (YXYZ; salt-sensitive), were applied with five nano-TiO2 foliar application treatments-viz., CK: water spray; Ti1: 15 mg L-1; Ti2: 30 mg L-1; Ti3: 45 mg L-1; and Ti4: 60 mg L-1-at the jointing and panicle initiation stages. Plants were irrigated with 0.3% saltwater to simulate salt stress. The results showed that Ti2 and Ti3 treatments led to 8.59% and 14.80% increases in grain yield in JLY3261 and YXYZ, respectively, compared with CK. Ti2 and Ti3 treatments significantly increased the leaf area index, net photosynthetic rate, and aboveground biomass of both varieties at the heading stage. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, as well as nitrogen metabolism enzymes including nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase, were improved with a substantial reduction in malondialdehyde contents. Application of nano-TiO2 upregulated the expression of ion transport-related genes such as OsSOSs, OsNHXs and OsHKTs, thus improving leaf K+ accumulation and reducing Na+ content to optimize the K+/Na+ ratio. In addition, Ti2 and Ti3 treatments improved the milled rice rate, head rice rate, and protein content, while they decreased the chalkiness degree of both rice cultivars. Principal component analysis showed that the aboveground biomass at the heading stage was a core evaluation index for both varieties. Overall, foliar application of 30-45 mg L-1 nano-TiO2 was found to be effective regarding growth and yield improvement in rice under saline conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for agro-management strategies for rice cultivation in saline-alkaline soils.

D-amino acids are key components of the bacterial cell wall and play important roles in neural communication and inflammatory responses in animals. However, knowledge about D-amino acid metabolism and physiological functions in plants is limited. Here, we isolated and characterized a rice D-amino acid aminotransferase1, OsDAAT1, which maternally regulates rice grain chalkiness through map-based cloning and a subsequent complementation test. We found that OsDAAT1 is highly expressed in the vascular tissue of rice nodes and is capable of interconverting different D-amino acids in vitro. Mutation of OsDAAT1 results in elevated D-alanine levels in stems, nodes, and developing grains. The disruption of D-amino acid metabolism subsequently leads to significantly altered peptide/protein isomerization, including some key enzymes involved in starch and protein biosynthesis. These changes trigger severe endoplasmic reticulum stress and ultimately leads to chalky grains. Furthermore, we identified OsDAAT1Hap1as a low-chalkiness haplotype, and historical frequency analysis suggests that OsDAAT1 may have undergone selection during rice domestication. Overall, our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role in D-amino acid metabolism in plants and facilitate the practical use of OsDAAT1 in grain appearance quality improvement in rice.

Rice false smut (RFS), caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, severely reduces rice yield and grain quality, threatening food security. Although chemical control is the primary management strategy, prolonged use of fungicides has led to widespread resistance in U. virens. To address this issue, we evaluated the inhibitory potential of albendazole, a promising candidate fungicide, against U. virens. The sensitivity of 103 U. virens strains from five Chinese provinces was assessed using the mycelial growth rate method. The sensitivity baseline exhibited a unimodal distribution, with EC50 values ranging from 0.4246 to 2.6600 μg/ml (mean: 1.0984 ± 0.4590 μg/ml), indicating strong inhibition of U. virens by albendazole. Despite its efficacy, the resistance risk of U. virens to albendazole remains unclear. To evaluate the potential for resistance development, we generated albendazole-resistant laboratory mutants through fungicide domestication and UV mutagenesis, with resistance frequencies of 3.3 and 6.7%, respectively. Among the nine resistant mutants, eight displayed high-level resistance (resistance factor [RF] > 100), and one showed moderate resistance (RF > 80), with stable inheritance of resistance. Resistant mutants displayed significant fitness costs, including reduced mycelial growth, sporulation, biomass production, inhibitory effect on the radicle of rice seeds, and cold tolerance. Cross-resistance assays revealed no cross-resistance with azoxystrobin or propiconazole but confirmed cross-resistance with carbendazim. Based on resistance frequency and fitness penalties, the resistance risk was evaluated as moderate. These findings provide critical guidance for the rational use of albendazole and highlight its potential as an alternative fungicide in RFS management.

The molecular regulation of rice grain size: Pathways and prospects for precision breeding.

Topical fluorides play a critical role in the prevention and management of dental caries and have been a cornerstone of evidence-based oral health promotion for decades. A rigorous understanding of the improved acid resistance of fluorapatite, with more recent evidence of the antimicrobial actions of fluorides, has helped establish its key role in caries management. The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) recommends using fluoride-containing dentifrices at 1,000 to 1,500 ppm twice daily based on the current evidence. For preschool-aged children, only a small amount (a smear about the size of a grain of rice) should be used to effectively prevent caries while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis from unintentional ingestion. Furthermore, for patients at increased caries risk, the use of topical fluoride agents, such as professionally applied gels, varnishes, and/or silver diamine fluoride, could be used at 6-mo intervals, along with daily or weekly fluoride mouth rinses and gels; frequency should be adjusted to individual risk status and other sources of fluorides. Due to their high fluoride concentration, mouth rinses and prescription gels are not recommended for preschool-aged children. The AADOCR supports continued high-quality research to refine clinical guidelines and ensure that topical fluoride use remains aligned with scientific understanding and public health priorities.

A simple ratiometric fluorogenic and chromogenic chemodosimeter for hydrazine detection in pure aqueous solution: Applications in food and soil samples, along with smartphone-based sensing systems.

OsCPK9-mediated Thr105 phosphorylation activates OsCATC to enhance drought tolerance in rice.

Effects of biochar amendment on rice Fe/As uptake and growth in mine drainage-polluted paddy soil under continuous cropping.

Abstract Understanding the variability of panicle architecture‐related traits is important to enhance rice ( Oryza sativa L.) improvement. The present study evaluated 208 diverse rice lines of southern rice breeding programs for panicle length (PL), panicle weight (PW), and thousand grain weight (GW). The rice lines were studied in the field following randomized complete block design in 2021 and 2023 in Beaumont, TX. The lines were genotyped using the LSU500 Agriplex SNP markers panel to identify the genomic regions associated with panicle architecture traits. A positive correlation was observed between GW with PW and PL in 2023 and PL with PW in both years. The phenotypic data exhibited a normal distribution in both years. A total of 19 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with PL, PW, and GW were detected through genome‐wide association studies using four statistical models (fixed and random model circulating probability unification, Bayesian‐information and linkage‐disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway, mixed linear model, and general linear model). The identified QTLs are located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The highest number of QTL was identified for GW. Novel pleiotropic QTL, qPW7 and qPL7 on chromosome 7, were associated with the “LSU_diversity_652” SNP marker. Candidates’ gene Os07g0112700 or OsENODL19 associated with the marker encodes a cupredoxin domain‐containing protein. RiceXPro revealed that this gene is highly expressed in reproductive organs, early grain, embryo, and endosperm development stages in rice. Published RNA‐seq data showed the higher expression of the Os07g0112700 in the flag leaf, flower buds, and mature seeds. The identified marker and gene can be utilized in rice breeding programs.

Low-light (LL) stress caused by persistent cloud cover during the Kharif season significantly reduces rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield (GY) by limiting photosynthesis, impairing assimilate production, and affecting reproductive development. To dissect the genetic basis of LL tolerance, 192 diverse rice genotypes were evaluated across contrasting light environments (LL and normal light under Rabi and Kharif seasons) and genotyped using a high-density 44K single nucleotide polymorphism array. Integrating phenotypic and genomic data enabled a multi-tiered analysis from quantitative trait locus (QTL) discovery to gene identification and haplotype dissection. Genome-wide association analysis identified 305 QTLs associated with GY and 11 related traits, including 148 LL-specific and 32 stable QTLs expressed across both seasons. Forty-two candidate genes were localized within major QTL intervals, and 12 were identified as hub genes based on their key roles in photosynthesis, light perception, hormone signaling, and starch biosynthesis. These included Gn1a, OsPsbS1, OsAGPL2, OsLhcb1, OsAUX1, OsSBDCP1, OsNPF5.16, OsPHYA, OsPHYB, OsGIF1, HY5, and OsYUC11. Expression profiling confirmed stronger induction of OsPHYA (∼2.5-fold) and OsPsbS1 (∼2.8-fold) in LL-tolerant genotypes like Purnendu and Swarnaprabha compared to susceptible lines. Haplotype analysis revealed several superior alleles, such as PHYA-Hap2 and OsPsbS1-Hap3, that were consistently associated with higher spikelet fertility, greater grain number, increased biomass, and improved GY under LL, with top-performing haplotypes enhancing yield by 12%-18%. Genotypes carrying these haplotypes (e.g., Purnendu, Swarnaprabha, and Chamarmani) represent valuable breeding donors. Overall, this study provides the first genome-wide identification of LL-specific haplotypes in rice, together with biologically validated hub genes. These findings offer actionable genomic targets and donor resources for developing LL-resilient, high-yielding cultivars suited to changing climate and light-limited environments.

Minimizing cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice grains is crucial for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Recent studies have investigated soil immobilization and foliar spraying for reduced cadmium accumulation in rice, yielding positive results. This study aimed to confirm the synergistic effects of the co-application of Ca-Mg soil immobilization and foliar spraying Si(OH)4 on Cd uptake and transport in rice through field trials. The results indicated that Ca-Mg decreased the transfer of Cd from soil to root by 33.9% to 55.7%, Si(OH)4 reduced the transfer of Cd from leaf to rachis by 43.8% to 69.7%, and the transfer of Cd from husk to brown rice was lowered by 33.4% to 61.2%. Compared with single application, co-application significantly decreased the bioconcentration factor (BCF)soil-brown rice (p < 0.05), leading to brown rice Cd accumulation conforming to the National Food Safety Standard (<0.20 mg kg−1),with an input–output ratio of 1.47–1.60. Furthermore, Ca-Mg + Si increased rice grain production. Comprehensive analyses using PLS-PM revealed that Ca-Mg and Si(OH)4 directly or indirectly inhibited the translocation of Cd from stems to brown rice, with foliar-sprayed Si(OH)4 significantly contributing to the reduction in Cd content in brown rice. Considering the economic cost and safety of production, Ca-Mg + Si(OH)4 serves as a viable solution that promotes substantial rice growth and enhances yield while additionally inhibiting the accumulation and translocation of Cd in rice.

Genome editing has emerged as a revolutionary technique for precise and efficient crop improvement. It allows for specific genetic alterations without the complications associated with traditional breeding. Functional genomics and precision breeding have accelerated as a result of the technologies that employ site-directed nucleases, including zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, and particularly CRISPR/Cas systems. These strategies make it easy to insert, delete, and substitute nucleotides. Recent advances, such as base editing and prime editing, further enhance accuracy by enabling predictable modifications without causing double-strand breaks. In Indian agriculture, genome editing is critical for accelerating crop improvement. This is particularly critical in the era of climate change, emerging pests and diseases, inefficient resource use, and nutritional deficits. It has been widely employed to increase biotic and abiotic stress resistance, as well as to improve yield, nutritional quality, and climate resilience. For example, rice grain yield has increased by 10% to 20% when CRISPR/Cas9 has been employed to modify genes linked to yield. Concurrently, precise changes in stress-responsive genes have increased drought and salinity tolerance by up to 30% in controlled conditions. Despite concerns about delivery efficiency, off-target impacts, and public perception, continuous technology advancements and clearer laws make genome editing an essential component of sustainable and resilient agriculture.