Amount Of Roots Research Articles

The Role of Extracts of Edible Parts and Production Wastes of Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.)) in Counteracting Oxidative Stress.

In addition to the immature edible flower heads, the cultivation of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) generates substantial quantities of by-products, including leaves, stems, and roots, which constitute potential sources of bioactive compounds and prebiotic dietary fiber. Preserving agricultural biodiversity and promoting socioeconomic development are essential for enhancing domestic production and fostering innovation. In the search for new biomolecules with antioxidant properties, this research focused on a globe artichoke landrace at risk of genetic erosion, still cultivated in the northern part of the Lazio region, known as the "Carciofo Ortano". To investigate the antioxidant properties of various globe artichoke tissues from the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, methanolic extracts were prepared from the immature main and secondary flower heads, stems, and leaves of representative genotypes of this landrace. Additionally, extracts were obtained from the same tissues of four landraces/clones included in the varietal platform of the PGI "Carciofo Romanesco del Lazio", which served as reference genotypes: Campagnano, Castellammare, C3, and Grato 1. The antioxidant properties of these extracts were assessed using FRAP, ABTS, DPPH assays, and total phenolic content (TPC). The stem and secondary flower head extracts of two representative "Carciofo Ortano" genotypes and the Grato 1 clone, which have higher phenolic content, demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. These extracts were therefore studied for their chemical profile using HPLC-DAD and SPME-GC/MS analysis. Additionally, the same extracts were investigated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, assessing their effects on ROS levels and the restoration of GSH levels. Furthermore, the in vivo beneficial effects of counteracting oxidative stress were evaluated in high sucrose-fed Drosophila melanogaster, as oxidative stress is a typical hallmark of hyperglycemic status. Overall, the results indicated that the edible immature inflorescences of the "Carciofo Ortano" landrace, along with the byproducts of its cultivation, are sources of raw materials containing biomolecules whose properties can be exploited for further applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

Evaluation of Anti-oxidant Activity of Different Extracts of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. & Development of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chloroform Extracts.

The aim of the present investigation is to Evaluation of Anti-oxidant Activity of Different Extracts of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. & Development of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Chloroform Extracts. The roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. were purchased from the local market. The roots were taxonomically identified by Senior Scientist at KNK college of Horticulture. Accurately weighed quantity of roots of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. were extracted using petroleum ether (only for removal of fats and lipids), chloroform, methanol, butanol and finally water by soxhlet apparatus for 72 h. Qualitative chemical tests of chloroform, methanol, butanol and water extracts were subjected to various chemical tests to detect various phytoconstituents. β-carotene oxidative bleaching in β-caroten/linoleic acid mixture with and without the addition of different extract of plant. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of the test solutions was determined using DPPH photometric method. Anisaldehyde sulphuric acid and vanillin sulphuric acid and heated at 1150 C for 5 minutes. Solvent systems; n-hexane: ethyl acetate, 7:3 were found to be most satisfactory solvent system for chloroform extracts for root respectively. Vitamin E as standard was utilized in this measure and 84% hindrance was viewed as at 30 minutes. Chloroform separate likewise showed 70% restraint at 30 minutes which was decreased to 45% at the hour of 120 minutes. Hydroxyl revolutionary ability to rummage determined as IC50 from the trial information and it uncovers that chloroform, methanol, butanol and water removes have IC50 upsides of 46 μg/mL, 100μg/mL, 200 μg/mL and 150μg/mL, individually. DPPH scavenging capacity determined as IC50 and it shows that chloroform separate has IC50 of 36 μg/mL followed by ascorbic corrosive (3.1μg/mL), gallic corrosive (3.4μg/mL), methanol (41μg/mL), butanolic (46μg/mL) and water (44μg/mL) extricates. The present findings are momentous for the development of alternative, inexpensive and perhaps safer strategies for the handling of diseases.

Enhancing Reniform Nematode Management in Sweetpotato by Complementing Host-Plant Resistance with Nonfumigant Nematicides.

The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) adversely impacts the quality and quantity of sweetpotato storage roots. Management of R. reniformis in sweetpotato remains a challenge because host plant resistance is not available, fumigants are detrimental to the environment and health, and crop rotation is not effective. We screened a core set of 24 sweetpotato plant introductions (PIs) against R. reniformis. Four PIs were resistant, and 10 were moderately resistant to R. reniformis, suggesting these PIs can serve as sources of resistance for sweetpotato resistance breeding programs. PI 595869, PI 153907, and PI 599386 suppressed 83 to 89% egg production relative to the susceptible control 'Beauregard', and these PIs were employed in subsequent experiments to determine if their efficacy against R. reniformis can be further increased by applying nonfumigant nematicides oxamyl, fluopyram, and fluensulfone. A 34 to 93% suppression of nematode reproduction was achieved by the application of nonfumigant nematicides, with oxamyl providing the best suppression followed by fluopyram and fluensulfone. Although sweetpotato cultivars resistant to R. reniformis are currently not available and there is a need for the development of safer yet highly effective nonfumigant nematicides, results from the current study suggest that complementing host plant resistance with nonfumigant nematicides can serve as an important tool for effective and sustainable nematode management.

Endophytic Bacteria Improves the Growth of Tomato Plants: An Initial Trial Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract Microbe-based biofertilizer remains high demand toward sustainable agriculture. Previous study isolated three potential endophytic bacteria from the root of klutuk banana plants namely K2, K8, and K117. The potencies were indicated by IAA production ability. This experiment examined the influence of root inoculation using these endophytic bacteria on the growth of tomato plants. Isolate preparation was initiated by shaking the three isolates in the Nutrient Broth medium for six hours. The seeds of tomato plants were germinated by soaking in sterile water for an hour after surface sterilization. Then, the soaked seeds were incubated for 3 days on the moist paper towel in the petri dish to achieve a high humidity. The germinated tomato seeds were inoculated by soaking the root tip in the bacterial isolates for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the inoculated tomato plants were grown on sterile soils in the greenhouse condition. The height of the plants, leaf count, root length, and quantity of roots were assessed 28 days after inoculation (dai). The t-test analysis indicated two isolates, K2 and K117, significantly improved the height of the plants, leaf count and root lengths compared to the control. In addition, all isolates significantly increased the number of roots of tomato plants. This finding revealed the plant growth improvement caused by root inoculation by these potential endophytic bacteria. This preliminary study gives additional information about a novel biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

PagMYB180 regulates adventitious rooting via a ROS/PCD-dependent pathway in poplar

The formation of adventitious roots (AR) is an essential step in the vegetative propagation of economically woody species. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as signaling molecules in regulating root growth and development. Here, we identified an R2R3-MYB transcription factor PagMYB180 as a regulator of AR formation in hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa). PagMYB180 was specifically expressed in the vascular tissues of poplar roots, stems and leaves, and its protein was localized in the nucleus and acted as a transcriptional repressor. Both dominant repression and overexpression of PagMYB180 resulted in a significant reduction of AR quantity, a substantial increase of AR length, and an elevation of both the quantity and length of lateral roots (LR) compared to the wild type (WT) plants. Furthermore, PagMYB180 regulates programmed cell death (PCD) in root cortex cells, which is associated with elevated levels of ROS. Transcriptome and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses revealed that a series of differentially expressed genes are related to ROS, PCD and ethylene synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that PagMYB180 may regulate AR development via a ROS/PCD-dependent pathway in poplar.

Increased dependence on nitrogen-fixation of a native legume in competition with an invasive plant

Suppression of roots and/or their symbiotic microorganisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia, is an effective way for alien plants to outcompete native plants. However, little is known about how invasive and native plants interact with the quantity and activity of nutrient-acquisition agents. Here a pot experiment was conducted with monoculture and mixed plantings of an invasive plant, Xanthium strumarium, and a common native legume, Glycine max. We measured traits related to root and nodule quantity and activity and mycorrhizal colonization. Compared to the monoculture, fine root quantity (biomass, surface area) and activity (root nitrogen (N) concentration, acid phosphatase activity) of G. max decreased in mixed plantings; nodule quantity (biomass) decreased by 45%, while nodule activity in N-fixing via rhizobium increased by 106%; mycorrhizal colonization was unaffected. Contribution of N fixation to leaf N content in G. max increased in the mixed plantings, and this increase was attributed to a decrease in the rhizosphere soil N of G. max in the mixed plantings. Increased root quantity and activity, along with a higher mycorrhizal association was observed in X. strumarium in the mixed compared to monoculture. Together, the invasive plant did not directly scavenge N from nodule-fixed N, but rather depleted the rhizosphere soil N of the legume, thereby stimulating the activity of N-fixation and increasing the dependence of the native legume on this N source. The quantity–activity framework holds promise for future studies on how native legumes respond to alien plant invasions.

Effect of Sampling Time, Quantification Method, and Tree Sample Pooling on Phytophthora cinnamomi Root Quantities in South African Avocado Orchards.

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a destructive soilborne pathogen causing Phytophthora root rot on avocados worldwide. Little is known about the effect of root sampling time, root quantification method (quantitative real-time PCR [qPCR] versus baiting), and tree sample pooling strategies on the quantification of the pathogen in roots in avocado orchard trees. This was investigated in six avocado orchards in two climatically different production regions (Mooketsi and Letaba) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, over a 2-year period. Two different tree sample pooling strategies, consisting of either a four-pooled group (four groups each containing five pooled trees) or a single-pooled group (20 trees pooled) per 1 ha, were both shown to be suitable for quantifying P. cinnamomi in tree roots using qPCR or root baiting. P. cinnamomi root quantities from the two tree sample pooling strategies were significantly correlated for both quantification methods. Both quantification methods were suitable for quantifying the pathogen in roots, although qPCR was superior to root baiting at identifying significant differences in P. cinnamomi quantities among root sampling time points. The effect of sampling time was dependent on the investigated year. In 2017, root quantities, which were only evaluated using qPCR, did not reveal a consistent trend of a specific sampling time yielding the highest root quantities for most of the orchards. However, five of the orchards in 2018, based on the qPCR analyses, contained significantly higher P. cinnamomi root quantities in May (late autumn) than in March (early autumn), August (late winter), and October/November (late spring). In 2018, P. cinnamomi root DNA quantities were significantly positively correlated with the number of soil temperature hours at 20 to 24 and 20 to 29°C 2 months preceding the root sampling dates and negatively correlated with the number of hours at 15 to 19°C 2 months preceding root sampling. Our study has identified P. cinnamomi root quantification methods and tree sample pooling strategies, which will be useful for understanding the biology of the pathogen and when disease management strategies should be in place.

Study on the Root Characteristics and Effects on Soil Reinforcement of Slope-Protection Vegetation in the Chinese Loess Plateau

The Loess Plateau region of China suffers from severe soil erosion, and the selection of effective slope-protection vegetation is essential to prevent soil and water loss. This study focused on individual plants of common species in the Loess Plateau, such as Caragana korshinski Kom., Hippophae rhamnoides Linn., Pinus tabuliformis Carr., Robinia Pseudoacacia Linn., Populus tomentosa Carr., Prunus armeniaca Lam. The root spatial distribution, geometric morphology, and fractal characteristics of these plants were measured using the whole-root-excavation method, and the vertical pull-out force of their root systems was quantified using the in situ whole-plant root-pulling method. The results showed that H. rhamnoides dominates in the vertical spatial distribution of its root system through a larger number of inclined roots. C. korshinskii, P. tomentosa, R. pseudoacacia, and P. armeniaca dominate in the horizontal spatial distribution of their root systems through a greater number of horizontal roots. P. tabuliformis, on the other hand, achieves a relatively balanced distribution in both horizontal and vertical spaces through its well-developed taproot and numerous lateral roots. In terms of the geometric morphology and fractal characteristics of their root systems, H. rhamnoides and C. korshinskii exhibit a larger number of fine roots and complex branching, resulting in a higher total-root length, total-root surface area, and root fractal dimension. The soil-stabilizing ability of H. rhamnoides, C. korshinskii, and R. pseudoacacia was stronger, mainly influenced by their total-root length, total-root surface area, and inclined root quantity, and these species can be prioritized as typical vegetation for soil and water conservation in the construction of Loess Plateau vegetation. From the perspective of slope stabilization and soil conservation alone, we strongly recommend planting shrub vegetation in the Chinese Loess Plateau.

Increasing growth of monobulb garlic through the application of corona glow discharge plasma radiation and organic fertilizers

<abstract> <p>Monobulb garlic, distinguished by its elevated allic.in content, has garnered heightened consumer interest due to its perceived health benefits. However, the challenge lies in scaling up production to meet this demand. This study investigates the potential enhancement of monobulb garlic growth by employing a novel approach that combines corona glow discharge plasma radiation technology and organic fertilizers. By employing a factorial complete randomized design with nine treatments and three repetitions, the research evaluates the impact of varying durations of plasma radiation (0, 15, and 30 minutes) and levels of organic fertilizers (0, 31.25, and 62.5 grams). Key growth parameters, including plant height, leaf count, root length, and root quantity, were measured. Results indicate that the optimal combination for growth enhancement involves 30 minutes of radiation coupled with 31.25 grams of organic fertilization. In conclusion, the integration of corona glow discharge plasma radiation technology and organic fertilization proves effective in promoting the growth of monobulb garlic plants.</p> </abstract>

Inoculantes on farm à base de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares no desempenho de trigo

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate whether the use of on-farm inoculants based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) interferes with the agronomic performance of wheat cultivars. The following treatments were applied to cultivars TBIO Calibre and TBIO Sossego: eight on-farm inoculants, i.e., Acaulospora morrowiae, Cetraspora pellucida, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Glomus intraradices, Rhizophagus clarus, Scutellospora heterogama, and two mycorrhizal communities from native forest (NF) obtained in the Bom Princípio (BP) and in the Flores da Cunha (FC) Brazilian municipalities; and no inoculant (control). A randomized complete block experimental design was used. Mycorrhizal colonization, root morphology, and thousand grain weight were evaluated. The association between 'TBIO Sossego' and S. heterogama provided the greatest root volume, while that between 'TBIO Calibre' and C. etunicatum and between 'TBIO Sossego' and the BP NF community resulted in the best thousand-grain weight. The use of AMF, especially C. etunicatum and S. heterogama, enhances the development of the root system of wheat. 'TBIO Calibre' showed the greatest total length and quantity of very fine roots, while 'TBIO Sossego' developed a root system with the greatest surface area and quantity of thick roots. The use of on-farm inoculants affects the agronomic performance of wheat cultivars.

Действие барьерного разряда при атмосферном давлении на физические и морфологические свойства сорта пшеницы "Навруз"

To improve the growth and development of industrial crops, various physical methods of external factors influence on seeds before sowing are widely used. The work shows that pre-sowing treatment of wheat seeds by barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure improves the realization of genetic information, and contributes to the enhancement of physical and biochemical processes. At the initial stages of seed germination, the study found that treatment of wheat seeds with barrier discharge primarily affects the germination energy and overall germination. In this regard, we investigated the effect of barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure in three variants: 1-min/A, 1-min/B, and 2-min. We set a goal to find out the effect of barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure on physical and morphological properties of wheat variety "Navruz", namely growth, development, and formation of roots. The seeds were treated in the laboratory of the Institute of High Current Electronics SB RAS. The experiments were carried out in the Siberian Research Institute of Agriculture and Peat (branch of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences). It was found that the sensitivity of plants to physical factors depends on the dose and time of treatment, which can lead to an increase and change in their morphological properties. The highest indices in the laboratory tests were shown by the seeds soaked in distilled water: germination energy and germination of all seeds were the same (98%); length (5,1 sm - control variant) and mass of seedlings (0,8 g - control variant); length (7,1 sm - 1-min/t and control variant), quantity (4,8 pieces - 1-min/t and control variant) and mass of roots (0,3 g-1min/t). The experiments showed that the barrier discharge gives a positive effect, leading to changes in the physical and morphological properties of wheat, its functional group, including N-H, affects the germination energy and overall germination of wheat.

Phenotype and signaling pathway analysis to explore the interaction between tomato plants and TYLCV in different organs

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD), caused by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), is one of the most destructive diseases in tomato cultivation. By comparing the phenotypic characteristics and virus quantities in the susceptible variety 'Cooperation 909 Red Tomatoes' and the resistant variety 'Huamei 204' after inoculation with TYLCV infectious clones, our study discovered that the root, stem and leaf growth of the susceptible variety 'Cooperation 909 Red Tomatoes' were severely hindered and the resistant variety 'Huamei 204' showed growth inhibition only in roots. TYLCV accumulation in roots were significantly higher than in leaves. Further, we examined the expression of key genes in the SA and JA signalling pathways in leaves, stems and roots and found the up-regulation of SA-signalling genes in all organs of the susceptible variety after inoculation with TYLCV clones. Interestingly, SlJAZ2 in roots of the resistant variety was significantly down-regulated upon TYLCV infection. Further, we silenced the SlNPR1 and SlCOI1 genes individually using virus induced gene silencing system in tomato plants. We found that viruses accumulated to a higher level in SlNPR1 silenced plants than wild type plants, and the virus quantity in roots was significantly increased in SlCOI1 silenced plants. These results provide new insights for advancing research in understanding tomato-TYLCV interaction.

Genome-Wide Identification of AhMDHs and Analysis of Gene Expression under Manganese Toxicity Stress in Arachis hypogaea.

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is one kind of oxidation-reduction enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of oxaloacetic acid to malic acid. It has vital functions in plant development, photosynthesis, abiotic stress responses, and so on. However, there are no reports on the genome-wide identification and gene expression of the MDH gene family in Arachis hypogaea. In this study, the MDH gene family of A. hypogaea was comprehensively analyzed for the first time, and 15 AhMDH sequences were identified. According to the phylogenetic tree analysis, AhMDHs are mainly separated into three subfamilies with similar gene structures. Based on previously reported transcriptome sequencing results, the AhMDH expression quantity of roots and leaves exposed to manganese (Mn) toxicity were explored in A. hypogaea. Results revealed that many AhMDHs were upregulated when exposed to Mn toxicity, suggesting that those AhMDHs might play an important regulatory role in A. hypogaea's response to Mn toxicity stress. This study lays foundations for the functional study of AhMDHs and further reveals the mechanism of the A. hypogaea signaling pathway responding to high Mn stress.

Temporal colonization of macadamia tree roots by Phytophthora cinnamomi based on a newly developed quantitative real‐time PCR assay

AbstractPhytophthora cinnamomi is an important soilborne pathogen causing root rot and stem cankers on macadamia in South Africa and other countries. It is unknown whether a temporal pattern exists in the colonization of macadamia tree roots by P. cinnamomi. To investigate this, three macadamia orchards were studied bimonthly for 2 years. The study also examined whether two types of feeder roots contained varying levels of P. cinnamomi DNA. A new sensitive P. cinnamomi‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to conduct the assessments. Only symptomatic trees were studied in two of the orchards (ZC and ZD), while symptomatic and asymptomatic trees were assessed in the third orchard (ZA). In the ZC and ZD orchards, white non‐suberized feeder roots from a new root flush had higher levels of P. cinnamomi DNA than suberized feeder roots. In orchard ZD, autumn and winter yielded the highest P. cinnamomi root quantities in suberized roots. The symptomatic and asymptomatic trees in orchard ZA generally contained higher P. cinnamomi root quantities in winter than in summer. However, in orchard ZC, no significant temporal pattern was evident, although a trend was noticeable towards higher P. cinnamomi root colonization in autumn, winter and spring. Principal component analyses supported autumn and winter as the months yielding the highest P. cinnamomi root colonization levels. The study has contributed to a better understanding of the temporal nature of P. cinnamomi root colonization, and feeder root types that are optimal for qPCR quantifying the pathogen in macadamia.

Design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a solar powered cassava grater

This study evaluated some performance indicators of a solar powered cassava grating machine. The designing and fabrication of a prototype solar cassava grating machine was carried out using components that included food grade metal sheet metal bar, wooden roller/ grater encasing, pulley, belt, bolts, nuts. The fabricated grater was then connected via a pulley, roller, belt connection to a 1 horsepower rated Ac motor connected to a solar powering system. The solar powering system comprised of components such as 4units of solar panels (235wats), 1unit of charge controller (50 amp), 1unit of inverter (3.5Kva), and 2units of 200Amh rated batteries in series connection. Also, a mass of cassava weighing 100kg was grated in batches using the solar powered cassava grater and the grating time was determined to be 14.90mins (0.25hr). The value was significantly lower than that obtained from grating the same quantity of cassava roots on the combustion engine powered cassava grater (conventional grater) of similar specification which recorded a grating time of 17.60mins. (0.27hr). Values, obtained for some performance indicators, showed a grating efficiency and rate of 96.16% and 0.0025hr/kg respectively. Also, the throughput capacity was determined to be 400.00kg/hr. while power consideration yielded 0.0019kwh/kg for each kg of cassava roots grated. The result showed an overall improvement in all performance indices evaluated which is indicative of improvement in the efficiency.

Dispersed white roots in red beetroot influence the accuracy of root identification based on colours for intercropping studies

PurposeBeetroot is a model crop for studying root competition in intercropping systems because its red-coloured roots facilitate non-destructive visual discrimination with other root systems of intercropped plants. However, beetroot also has white roots, which could alter how root competition is interpreted. Here we investigated the quantity of white versus red roots in beetroot to quantify the effect of this phenomenon.MethodsBeetroot was mono-cropped or inter-cropped with white cabbage in a field trial. The distribution of beetroot roots was recorded to 2.5 m soil depth on three dates following the minirhizotron method. Roots in each 0.5 m soil layer were counted and categorised into groups based on colour (white roots, coloured roots, and white roots traced back to be coloured) to investigate the influence of white roots on accuracy of root registration. A pot experiment was conducted with three cultivars to verify if white roots are a general characteristic of beetroot.ResultsWhite roots in mono-cropped beetroot represented 2.5–4.8% of total roots, on average, across the rooted soil profile. However, white roots represented 6.9% and 11.6% of total roots in the deepest soil layer during August and October, respectively. White roots caused mono-cropped beetroot roots to be underestimated by 1–22% based on root colour discrimination. However, tracing white roots backwards and forwards to coloured parts of roots reduced underestimates to 0.5–15%. Intercropping did not influence the traceability of white roots compared to monocropping. The highest occurrence of white roots appeared during the early growth period and in the deepest soil layers, indicating a linkage to younger roots or higher root proliferation rates.ConclusionBeetroot represents a model crop for visual studies linking eco-physiology and root proliferation. The white roots of beetroot must be incorporated by studies of root competition in intercropping systems that use colour as a criterion.

Bioelectricity production from the anodic inoculation of Geobacter sulfurreducens DL-1 bacteria in constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells

Environmental pollution problems caused by the use of fossil fuels have led to the search for renewable energy sources to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, constructed wetlands-microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC) could contribute to sustainable development, considering that this technology focuses on the production of bioelectricity. One of the main challenges of CW-MFCs is to potentiate their bioelectrochemical performance. Therefore, this research used the Geobacter sulfurreducens DL-1 bacterium (biofilm) as a bioelectrocatalyst to increase bioelectricity generation. For this, three bioreactors were built as CW-MFCs, using Juncus effusus root exudates and Philodendron cordatum macrophytes as endogenous substrates. The biofilm was developed in a nutrient broth acetate fumarate and directly inoculated onto the anodes of each CW-MFC. The results of bioelectrochemical analyses showed that the biofilm generated more bioelectricity when it consumed the exudates of the Juncus effusus macrophyte, resulting in a maximum performance of 107 mW/m2 power density, −361 mV anodic potential, 290 mV cathodic potential, and 124 Ω internal resistance, using a concentration of 27.5 mg/L of total organic carbon as an endogenous substrate. The results determined that the quantity of root exudates consumed by the anodic biofilm is directly related to the production of bioelectricity in CW-MFCs.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Chemlali Olive Tree Root Extracts Using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, Their Cytotoxicity, and Antiviral Assessment.

The large quantity of olive roots resulting from a large number of old and unfruitful trees encouraged us to look for ways of adding value to these roots. For this reason, the current research work is devoted to the valorization of olive roots by identifying active phytochemicals and assessing their biological activities, including the cytotoxicity and antiviral potential of different extracts from the Olea europaea Chemlali cultivar. The extract, obtained by ultrasonic extraction, was analyzed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique (LC-MS). The cytotoxicity was evaluated through the use of the microculture tetrazolium assay (MTT) against VERO cells. Subsequently, the antiviral activity was determined for HHV-1 (Human Herpesvirus type 1) and CVB3 (Coxsackievirus B3) replication in the infected VERO cells. LC-MS analysis allowed the identification of 40 compounds, classified as secoiridoids (53%), organic acids (13%), iridoids (10%), lignans (8%), caffeoylphenylethanoid (5%), phenylethanoids (5%),sugars and derivatives (2%), phenolic acids (2%), and flavonoids (2%). It was found that extracts were not toxic to the VERO cells. Moreover, the extracts did not influence the appearance of HHV-1 or CVB3 cytopathic effects in the infected VERO cells and failed to decrease the viral infectious titer.

Forest Conversion Changes Soil Particulate Organic Carbon and Mineral-Associated Organic Carbon via Plant Inputs and Microbial Processes

Primary forest conversion greatly influences soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, our understanding of how primary forest conversion affects SOC fractions and chemical component evenness remains limited. We examined how primary forest conversion (from primary mixed broadleaved Korean pine forest to secondary broadleaved forest and coniferous plantation) affects free particulate OC (POC), aggregate-occluded POC, mineral-associated OC (MAOC), and their chemical component evenness via plant inputs (e.g., litter and fine roots) and microbial properties (e.g., microbial biomass and residue C) in Northeast China. Primary forest conversion led to a large increase in litter and fine root quality (lower C/N ratio), SOC, and MBC of secondary forests and a reduction in litter and fine root quantity and quality, SOC, MBC, and microbial residue C of plantations, which drove changes in POC and MAOC. As a result, after conversion to secondary forests, free POC decreased by 20.3% and aggregate-occluded POC increased by 57.2%. After conversion to plantations, free POC increased by 49.1%, while aggregate-occluded POC and MAOC decreased by 42.4% and 9.0%, respectively. Free POC was negatively correlated with fine root biomass. Aggregate-occluded POC and MAOC were positively correlated with litter and fine root quality, MBC, and microbial residue C. Meanwhile, forest conversion decreased the evenness of free and aggregate-occluded POC chemical components in secondary forests, with O-alky C being higher and aromatic C being lower, while MAOC was not affected by forest conversion. The evenness of free and aggregate-occluded POC chemical components was associated with litter and fine root quality, and that of MAOC was associated with MBC and microbial residue C. High-quality plant inputs benefit OC sequestration in soil aggregates and MAOM through microbial assimilation and residue accumulation after primary forest conversion. Future forest management should consider tree species with high-quality input as a possible compensation for climate change by sequestering more OC in soil aggregates.

A Na+/H+ antiporter-encoding salt overly sensitive 1 gene, LpSOS1, involved in positively regulating the salt tolerance in Lilium pumilum

Lilium pumilum has a strong salt tolerance. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its salt tolerance remains unexplored. Here, LpSOS1 was cloned from L. pumilum and found to be significantly enriched at high NaCl concentrations (100 mM). In tobacco epidermal cells, localization analysis showed that the LpSOS1 protein was primarily located in the plasma membrane. Overexpression of LpSOS1 resulted in up-regulation of salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, as indicated by reduced malondialdehyde levels and Na+/K+ ratio, and increased activity of antioxidant reductases (including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase). Treatment with NaCl resulted in improved growth, as evidenced by increased biomass, root length, and lateral root growth, in both sos1 mutant (atsos1) and wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis plants that overexpressed LpSOS1, Under NaCl treatment,atsos1 and WT Arabidopsis plants overexpressing LpSOS1 exhibited better growth, with higher biomass, root length, and lateral root quantity, whereas in the absence of LpSOS1 overexpression, the plants of both lines were wilted and chlorotic and even died under salt stress. When exposed to salt stress, the expression of stress-related genes was notably upregulated in the LpSOS1 overexpression line of Arabidopsis as compared to the WT. Our findings indicate that LpSOS1 enhances salt tolerance in plants by regulating ion homeostasis, reducing Na+/K+ ratio, thereby protecting the plasma membrane from oxidative damage caused by salt stress, and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, the increased salt tolerance conferred by LpSOS1 in plants makes it a potential bioresource for breeding salt-tolerant crops. Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying lily’s resistance to salt stress would be advantageous and could serve as a foundation for future molecular improvements.