Seed Plants Research Articles

The influence of pectins and cellulose in the mechanical and adhesive properties of seed mucilage.

Several plant seeds release a mucilaginous envelope through hydration, rich in pectins and stabilized by cellulose fibers. This mucilage aids in seed protection, development, and adhesion for dispersal. This study aimed to separate the effects of pectins and cellulose fibers by using pectinase to remove mucilage pectins, leaving cellulose arrays, and performing wet and dry pull-off force measurements on seeds of three plant species: Salvia hispanica (Chia), Collomia grandiflora (Collomia) and Linum usitatissimum (Flax). We used light and scanning electron microscopy to confirm partial pectin removal and intact cellulose fibers. Pull-off force measurements revealed similar wet adhesive properties and E-moduli in S. hispanica and C. grandiflora seeds before and after pectin removal. L. usitatissimum seeds, lacking cellulose fibers, exhibited significantly lower wet and dry adhesion forces post-pectin removal. Desiccation dynamics showed shorter desiccation times after pectin removal in all three species. Results indicated that adhesion forces in seed mucilage with cellulose fibers did not change significantly after pectin removal, suggesting that cellulose fibers contribute to the adhesive properties of seed mucilage, while pectins might not play an exclusive role in adhering to surfaces.

Seed banking impacts native Acacia ulicifolia seed microbiome composition and function

BackgroundSeed banks are a vital resource for preserving plant species diversity globally. However, seedling establishment and survival rates from banked seeds can be poor. Despite a growing appreciation for the role of seed-associated microbiota in supporting seed quality and plant health, our understanding of the effects of conventional seed banking processes on seed microbiomes remains limited. In this study we investigated the composition and functional potential of seed-associated bacterial epiphytes associated with stored and freshly collected seeds of a native plant, Acacia ulicifolia, using both 16S rRNA gene sequencing and culture-based approaches.ResultsSeeds obtained from seed banking facilities were found to host significantly less diverse bacterial populations, with substantial reductions in both low-abundance taxa and in community members commonly identified in freshly collected A. ulicifolia seeds. Bacteria with key plant growth promoting traits including IAA production, ACC deaminase activity, phosphate solubilisation, siderophore activity, and nitrogen fixation were identified in seed epiphytic communities, but these beneficial traits were less prevalent in stored seed compared to fresh seeds.ConclusionOverall, these results suggest that epiphytic seed microbiomes may undergo significant changes during the storage process, selecting for bacteria tolerant to storage conditions, and potentially reducing the population of plant-growth promoting bacteria on seeds.

The Space Radiobiological Exposure Facility on the China Space Station.

The Space Radiobiological Exposure Facility (SREF) is a general experimental facility at the China Space Station for scientific research in the fields of space radiation protection, space radiation biology, biotechnology, and the origin of life. The facility provides an environment with controllable temperatures for experiments with organic molecules and model organisms such as small animals, plant seeds, and microorganisms. The cultivation of small animals can be achieved in the facility with the use of microfluidic chips and images and videos of such experiments can be captured by microscopy. SREF also includes a linear energy transfer (LET) detector, neutron detectors, and a solar ultraviolet (UV) detector to measure the LET spectrum of the charged particles, energy spectrum and dose equivalent of neutrons, and fluence of solar UV radiation, respectively. The facility is reusable, and the model organisms from the first exposure experiment were recovered in orbit and returned to the ground for further study.

The fate and transport of pesticide seed treatments and its impact on soil microbials.

In order to better understand the environmental impact of systemic pesticides used in the seed treatment, we conducted a field trial by planting maize seeds treated with thiamethoxam (TMX) and the combination with difenoconazole (DFZ), two of the commonly used systemic pesticides in the seed treatment program. We found most of pesticide residues were retained in the 0-10 cm layer from soil surface. Pesticide residue levels exhibited a significant decreasing trend from the seedling to milk period. The highest level of TMX in the profile soil were 0.068 and 0.036 μg·g-1 during the elongation and seedling stages, respectively, while DFZ was always below the limit of detection. The soil bacterial abundance and community structure at the early growth stages of maize were affected by the seed treatment, but not the diversity. As TMX levels in soil diminished toward the end of maize growth period, same as the effects on soil microbials. Neither the fresh weight nor the total yield of maize was significantly different among different treatments, suggesting the planting of maize seeds treated with TMX has no apparent economic incentives to corn growers.

Metabolomics of rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera Del.) sprouts obtained with or without salinity from progeny seeds of mother plants grown in presence or absence of salinity

Metabolomics of rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera Del.) sprouts obtained with or without salinity from progeny seeds of mother plants grown in presence or absence of salinity

Winter Expansion and Emergence Time Effects on the Phenology, Growth, and Fecundity of Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata)

Feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) is a problematic weed in Australian summer crop fields that has recently expanded its presence into colder seasons. In this study, the phenology, growth, and seed production of four C. virgata populations were investigated across six different planting dates every other month from May to March between 2021 and 2022 and between 2022 and 2023. In both years, the shortest time (3 to 6 days) for C. virgata emergence was observed for January planting, while the longest time (10 to 17 days) was observed for July planting. In both years, C. virgata populations showed variations in growth and seed production in response to planting time. The highest aboveground biomass production in the first year was observed in November planting, and in the second year, it was observed in both November and January plantings. In the first year, all four populations produced the highest number of seeds when planted in January, averaging 133,000 seeds plant−1. In the second year, among the different planting dates, the March planting with two populations resulted in the highest seed production, averaging 148,000 seeds plant−1. In both years, there was a positive and significant correlation between aboveground biomass and seed production. The ability of this species to emerge, establish, survive, and consistently produce seeds year-round indicates its successful adaptation to the Queensland climate. Failure to manage this weed will result in its further spread to new areas.

Anti‐Hyperlipidemic, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antidiabetic Effect of Brucine Against Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

ABSTRACTAmong the diabetes‐related complications, diabetic nephropathy is the major complication and it leads to end‐stage renal failure. In the current investigation, we examined the protection of brucine, an alkaloid extracted from the seeds of Strychnos nux vomica plant widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines against diabetic‐induced nephropathy. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic rats, diabetic‐induced + 40 mg/kg brucine‐treated rats, and diabetic‐induced + 25 mg/kg metformin‐treated rats. The 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into (i.p.) rats to induce diabetes, and then rats were post‐treated with brucine and metformin for 45 days. The food intake, weight gain, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, insulin, and HOMA‐IR values were measured on initial and after completion of treatment to confirm the induction of diabetes by STZ and the antidiabetic effect of brucine. The rats were euthanized on 45th day, and kidney tissue was isolated to assess the nephroprotective effect of brucine. The antioxidant property of brucine was analyzed by measuring the oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers. The lipid profiles in the control and treated rats were measured. To assess the nephroprotective effect of brucine KIM‐1 protein was measured. The anti‐inflammatory property of brucine was assessed by quantifying the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines i.e., NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β and to confirm the nephroprotective effect. The histopathological analysis was also performed with H&E staining. Our results suggested that brucine showed potent antidiabetic, antioxidant, antilipidemic, anti‐inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties.

Analysis of the Success and Vigour of Cashew Seedlings Through Direct Seed Planting (Anacardium occidentale L.) for Sustainable Land Management

This study investigates the success and vigour of cashew seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.) through direct seed planting, focusing on its potential to support sustainable land management practices. Using a completely randomised design (CRD), the study applied three treatments: seed coat incision (treatment A), seed coat division (treatment B), and no seed coat treatment (treatment C, control), with each treatment repeated three times, involving 270 seeds in total. The results indicate that the control treatment (C), where seeds were planted intact, led to the highest germination success (97.76%), surpassing the other treatments. This method also resulted in better seedling growth, with superior increases in stem diameter (9.83 cm) and leaf production (3.36 leaves). Additionally, seedlings from the control treatment showed enhanced vigour, with an average height increase of 9.83 cm, indicating the benefits of planting seeds in their natural condition. These findings highlight the importance of direct seed planting in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The intact-seed approach is recommended for future cashew planting, as it improves seedling growth, contributes to forest conservation, and reduces vulnerability to pest attacks. Thus, it supports long-term ecological resilience in land management systems. This study investigates the success and vigour of cashew seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.) through direct seed planting, focusing on its potential to support sustainable land management practices. Using a completely randomised design (CRD), the study applied three treatments: seed coat incision (treatment A), seed coat division (treatment B), and no seed coat treatment (treatment C, control), with each treatment repeated three times, involving 270 seeds in total. The results indicate that the control treatment (C), where seeds were planted intact, led to the highest germination success (97.76%), surpassing the other treatments. This method also resulted in better seedling growth, with superior increases in stem diameter (9.83 cm) and leaf production (3.36 leaves). Additionally, seedlings from the control treatment showed enhanced vigour, with an average height increase of 9.83 cm, indicating the benefits of planting seeds in their natural condition. These findings highlight the importance of direct seed planting in maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The intact-seed approach is recommended for future cashew planting, as it improves seedling growth, contributes to forest conservation, and reduces vulnerability to pest attacks. Thus, it supports long-term ecological resilience in land management systems.

Response of Soybean (Glycine max l.) to Potassium Fertilizer under Different Crop Geometry

An experiment was carried out at experimental cum demonstration field, SVIAg, SVVV, Indore during rabi 2023-24. The experiment consists of twelve treatment combinations with three main plot treatment (crop geometry) viz. C1: 30 cm x 20 cm, C2: 40 cm x 15 cm, and C3: 60 cm x 10 cm and K1: 0 kg K2O ha-1, K2: 20 kg K2O ha-1, K3: 40 kg K2O ha-1, and K4: 60 kg K2O ha-1 as four sub-plot treatments (potassium levels). Each experimental unit was replicated thrice having the gross plot size of 4.0 x 3.0 m2. Sowing of soybean at 30 cm x 20 cm spacing recorded maximum growth attributes, viz. plant height (40.92 cm) at harvest, number of branches plant-1 (10.66) at harvest, number of functional leaves (27.18) plant-1 at 60 DAS, dry matter accumulation plant-1 ( 22.64 g) at harvest, leaf area plant-1 (12.64 dm2) at 60 DAS, number of root nodules plant-1 (54.91) at 60 DAS and dry weight of root nodules (1.078 g) at 75 DAS, higher yield attributes such as number of pods (37.48) plant-1, number of seeds pods-1 (2.68), and number of seeds plant-1 (100.88 g). The highest seed yield (15.67 q ha-1), straw yield (24.01 q ha-1), and biological yield (39.68 q ha-1) was also observed under crop geometry of 30 cm x 20 cm. Sowing of soybean at 30 cm x 20 cm obtained higher gross monetary returns (₹ 78337.10 ha-1), net monetary returns (₹ 33714.05 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.72). While in potassium levels, treatment application of 60 kg K2O ha-1 was recorded significantly higher growth parameters of soybean such as., plant height (43.22 cm) at harvest, number of branches (11.30) plant-1 at harvest, number of functional leaves (27.42) plant-1 at 60 DAS, leaf area (12.82 dm2) plant-1 at 60 DAS, dry matter accumulation plant-1 (23.13 g) at harvest, number of root nodules plants-1 (56.10) at 60 DAS, and dry weight of root nodules (1.103 g) at 75 DAS, yield parameters viz., number of pods (36.88) plant-1, number of seeds pods-1 (2.69) and number of seeds plants-1 (103.05), as compared to other potassium levels. Amongst the potassium levels 60 kg K2O ha-1 recorded significantly higher seed yield (16.34 q ha-1), straw yield (24.57 q ha-1) and biological yield (40.91 q ha-1) in contrast to the other potassium level. In potassium levels, higher gross monetary returns (₹ 81699.35 ha-1) and net monetary returns (₹ 34450.64 ha-1) were obtained under treatment 60 kg K2O ha-1 than rest of treatments with higher B:C ratio (1.69).

The effect of mycorrhiza-inoculated succession-planted main crop (maize-wheat) and cover crop rotation on soil organic carbon

There has long been intense pressure on input-based traditional agriculture due to the rising need for food. These kinds of agricultural techniques result in poorly managed soil-plant interactions that ultimately affect all living activities and human health by altering and destroying the soil's natural structure, rendering it infertile, and degrading soil quality. Research was carried out a study to find out how mycorrhizae-inoculated cover crops affected soil quality and growth metrics. The study to pot experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Five different plant combinations (cover crop) patterns were inoculated with selected and indigenous mycorrhizae spores that were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of plants grown in three degraded soils. Five different cover plant combinations, such as A: Clover, Grass, Onion; B: Faba Bean, Grass, Safflower; C: Clover, Grass, Safflower, Faba Bean, Onion; D: Maize; and E: Wheat, were planted in 7 kg soil-containing pots with three replications. The seeds of different plants were planted per m2 surface of each pot, with the number of seeds per pot calculated depending on their sowing amount per hectare. Sixty days after planting, the plants were harvested by cutting 0.5 cm above the soil surface with scissors. In the second rotation experiment, after the harvest of the first rotation experiment, maize (Zea mays L.) was planted on the A, B, C, and D patterns, and wheat was planted on the E pattern. In the third rotation, wheat was sown on all pots after the second maize harvest. As a result of successive three-pot experiments on the same soils, were analyzed for the soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations. In general, treatments with Funneliformis mosseae followed by indigenous mycorrhiza spores led to an increase in soil OC concentration compared to control treatments. SOC concentrations in Havutlu and Arık soils were higher than those in Avadan soil. Avadan is a highly eroded soil and has high lime content, high pH, and low soil fertility. When consecutively planted trials are examined, the soil SOC concentration increased from the first trial to the last trial for all soils. The obtained SOC results seem to partially support the research hypothesis. The results revealed that poorly managed soil requires rehabilitations with various combinations of cover crops.

Revitalizing Soybean Plants in Saline, Cd-Polluted Soil Using Si-NPs, Biochar, and PGPR.

Excessive irrigation of saline-alkaline soils with Cd-contaminated wastewater has resulted in deterioration of both soil and plant quality. To an investigate this, a study was conducted to explore the effects of biochar (applied at 10 t ha-1), PGPRs (Bradyrhizobium japonicum (USDA 110) + Trichoderma harzianum at 1:1 ratio), and Si-NPs (25 mg L-1) on soybean plants grown in saline-alkali soil irrigated with wastewater. The results showed that the trio-combination of biochar with PGPRs, (as soil amendments) and Si-NPs (as foliar spraying), was more effective than individual or coupled applications in reducing Cd bioavailability in the soil, minimizing its absorption, translocation and bioconcentration in soybean tissues. The trio-combination reduced Cd bioavailability in the soil by 39.1% and Cd accumulation in plant roots, shoots, and seeds by 61.0%, 69.3%, and 61.1%, respectively. Physiological improvements in soybean plants were also observed, including 197.8% increase in root growth, 209.3% increase in chlorophyll content, and 297.4% increase in carotenoid levels. The trio-combination significantly improved soil physicochemical characteristics, enhanced soil microbial indicators and boosted soil enzymes activity, which in turn facilitated nutrient uptake and increased antioxidant enzymes activity. These positive outcomes enhanced photosynthesis, improved productivity and increased seed nutritional value. Overall, the trio-combination of biochar with PGPRs and Si-NPs are considered a reliable approach not only for revitalizing soybean growth but also for immobilizing Cd and improving soil health under wastewater irrigation.

Assesment Genetic Diversity of Kabuli Chickpea (<i>Cicer Arietinum </i>l.) Genotypes in Awabel District, Northwestern Ethiopia

The examination was conducted to point out genetic diversity of 36 Kabuli chickpea genotypes, including two varieties 6 x 6 in simple lattice design, during the main growing season 2019/2020-2020/2021 in Awabel district for two consecutive years. Thirty-six genotypes were grouped into six (6) distinct groups based on 13 (thirteen) traits. Intragroup distance was maximum in cluster IV (D2 = 438.6, indicating that the genotypes enclosed in this group were diverging as compared to others groups. In descending order maximum inter cluster distance was obtained among cluster VI and IV (D2 = 860. 9), cluster VI and V (D2 = 454.9), between groups II and VI and between groups VI and I. Genotypes that have a large intergroup distance can give a high heterotic response leading to better recombinants. The paramount six principal components elucidate approximately 78.52% of the total variation. Seed yield (0.439), number of seeds plant <sup>-1</sup> (0.459) and number of seeds pod<sup>-1 </sup>(0.368) were the main contributors of variation for (PC1). The current experimental finding shows the presence of a wide range of diversity among the genotypes tested, which is an essential role for further use in the breeding program. However, multi-locus testing among a wider conventional of contestant genotypes is needed to prove the stability across environment and advance good-performing varieties of the existing genotypic diversity.

Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens for Plant Photodynamic Seed Sterilization.

Pathogen-carrying seeds can significantly impact plant growth and development and may lead to serious public health incidents. Modern agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemical microbicides and physical methods to eradicate pathogens transmitted by plant seeds. To counteract the misuse of microbicides, a class of cationic amphiphilic aggregate-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) are developed as photodynamic seed sterilization agents. AIEgens function as antimicrobial agents in seed treatment. These materials are engineered to specifically bind to pathogenic microorganisms on seed surfaces. Furthermore, when combined with photodynamic therapy, AIEgens can be activated to produce reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy pathogens. Sterilization experiments with tomato seeds carrying Pseudomonas syringae and mung bean seeds carrying Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrate that AIEgens can effectively eliminate both plant and animal pathogens carried by seeds. Therefore, AIEgens offer a promising solution for preventing the spread of seed-borne pathogens.

The Effect of doses of Natural Super Phospate Fertilizer and Potassium on the Growth and Yield of Peanut Plants (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The purpose of the study was to determine the proper dosage of natural phosphate and potash fertilizers for peanut growth and yield. This research was conducted in Tanjung Village, Darul Hasanah District, Southeast Aceh Regency from October to December 2020. This study used 3x3 factorial randomized block design (RBD) with 3 repeats. The results showed that the dose of Natural Super Phosphat fertilizer had a significant effect on the weight of 100 dry seeds of peanut plants. The highest growth and soaking of dried peanut seeds tends to be obtained at a dose of Natural Super Phospat 100 kg P205 I ha. The dose of potash fertilizer had no significant effect on plant height at the age of 15, 30 and 45 watersheds, the number of well-fused pods per clump, the number of empty pods per clump, the weight of dry pods per clump, the weight of 100 dry seeds, the weight of dry seeds per net plot and the weight of dry seeds per hectare. Better growth and yield of dry seeds in peanut plants tend to be obtained with a dose of potash fertilizer of 75 kg K20 I ha. There is an insignificant interaction between the dose treatment of Natural Super Phosphate fertilizer and the dose of potassium fertilizer.

Effect of Adaptation to High Concentrations of Cadmium on Soil Phytoremediation Potential of the Middle European Ecotype of a Cosmopolitan Cadmium Hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L.

The Cd hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. exhibits a cosmopolitan character and proven high and differentiated efficiency. This suggests the possibility of optimizing its Cd phytoremediation capacity and applicability through searching among remote ecotypes/genotypes. However, the extensive studies on this hyperaccumulator have been limited to Far East (Asian) regions. Pioneer pot experiments on the Middle European ecotype of S. nigrum within a concentration range of 0–50 mg kg−1 Cd in soil revealed its Cd phytoremediation capacity to be comparable to Asian ecotypes but with a fundamentally different Cd tolerance threshold. While biomass of the Asian ecotypes declined sharply at Csoil ≈ 10 mg kg−1 Cd, in the Middle European ecotype, a gradual mild biomass decrease occurred within the whole Csoil ≈ 0–50 mg kg−1 Cd range with no toxic symptoms. Its adapted A50 variety was obtained from the seeds of first-generation plants grown in soil with Csoil ≈ 50 mg kg−1 Cd. In this variety, Cd tolerance, accumulation performance, and all physiological parameters (chlorophyll, carotenoids, RuBisCO, and first- and second-line defense anti-oxidant activity) were significantly enhanced, while cell damage by ROS was considerably lesser. This makes the Middle European ecotype and its adapted variety A50 particularly useful to sustainable decontamination of heavily polluted “hot spots” in degraded post-industrial areas.

Study of the qualitative characteristics of pan bread enriched with moringa oleifera seed powder

moringa plant seeds are an excellent source of important the scientific such as dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants. The properties of different physiochemical compounds were investigated, as was the use of moringa seeds powder ( MSP) in pan bread manufacture.at levels 2, 4, and 6% MSP were substituted for the wheat flour to make pan bread,the pan bread that was obtained was contrasted with the control sample, the moringa-fortified bread samples were assessed for their proximate, mineral, and sensory qualities. The proximate analysis's findings indicated that moringa seed powder has a protein 33.33±88192%, ash 2.83±44096% , fat 27.33±1.45297 % and fiber 5.25±25835%,while its moisture content 3±57735% and carbohydrate 71.75±88039% . Moringa seed powder also had aimportant increase in the amount of minerals (calcium1.3 mg/g, potassium 0.98 mg/g, and phosphorus 0.71 mg/g,). According to the findings of the sensory evaluation, pan bread made with wheat flour can be successfully fortification with 2% MSP. It is possible to use MSP as a source of protein and dietary fiber when making pan bread, which is beneficial for both food and machinery.

Microgreens: Acceptance and Perception of Consumers

Microgreens, young greens derived from various plant seeds are packed with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. Farmers invest in them due to high market demand and rapid production cycle. With their abundance of phytochemicals, microgreens demonstrate strong antioxidant properties and have the potential to prevent chronic diseases. All around the globe there is a proactive search for health-promoting foods and microgreens can be the answer. The current study assessed the consumer perception and acceptance of microgreens. An online survey was administered and was answered by 150 people aged 20-35 years to assess consumer awareness about microgreens. A ranking scale and 5-point Likert scale were employed to rank the constraints in purchasing microgreens and to assess consumers’ perception, respectively. In addition, a sensory analysis of five microgreen varieties i.e., radish (white, purple, and pink), beetroot, and carrot was carried out in the campus of Banasthali Vidyapith by an untrained panel of 100 people using a 9-point hedonic scale. The results of online survey revealed that only 100 respondents out of 150 were familiar with microgreens hence answered further question which were regarding their understanding of microgreens. A positive inclination towards microgreens was seen, especially regarding their benefits on personal and gut health. Few constraints such as lack of awareness, high perishability, and pricing concerns were also highlighted by the general population. Additionally, the results of sensory evaluation revealed that the 64.6% consumers expressed a liking for microgreens. Beetroot and carrot microgreens varieties were most accepted by consumers.

Contrasting Responses to Ethenylbenzene (Styrene) and 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol Suggest their Role as Chemical Cues in Host Selection by the Seed Beetle Zabrotes subfasciatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae).

Seed beetles spend most of their lives within the seeds of host plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. Evidence suggests the cues that mediate pre-oviposition behaviour in Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the seeds and suggests differential abilities in environment sensing between sexes. Here, we tested whether VOCs from different legume species trigger different levels of attraction, whether females and males differ in their ability to respond to VOCs, and whether the seeds promoting different behaviours feature singular VOCs. Finally, we tested females' response to selected VOCs from legume seeds with different levels of attraction. Behavioural assays testing the beetles' response to four Fabaceae species allowing varied levels of fitness (Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max, Lens culinaris, and Cicer arietinum) and antenna removal assays confirmed volatiles emitted by the seeds act as chemical cues for females and showed the seeds of the tested legume species trigger different levels of attraction. GC-MS analysis revealed the seeds of two of the species at the extreme of the preference hierarchy feature singular VOCs profiles and abundance. One of the differentially expressed VOCs found in higher quantities in P. vulgaris (ethenylbenzene = styrene) and one in C. arietinum (2-ethyl-1-hexanol) mediate opposing behaviours in Z. subfasciatus females. These results suggest host choice in Z. subfasciatus relies upon at least a two-component kairomone-based system: styrene attracts females to P. vulgaris seeds and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol keeps them from choosing C. arietinum as a substrate for oviposition. The system has evolutionary and agricultural relevance because it may allow for "niche" specialisation in seed stores and natural environments and may help develop pest management strategies.

Kinetics Extraction of Arabica Coffee Bean (Coffea Arabica)

Coffee beans are the seeds of the coffee plant and a source of coffee beverages. Arabica coffee beans contain oil which has many benefits. The process of extracting oil (solute) in coffee can be done through solvent extraction (leaching). The coffee bean oil extraction process uses n-hexane as a solvent because it can dissolve compounds that have the same properties. The purpose of this research was to study the extraction of essential oil from Arabica coffee beans and to determine the kinetic model of extraction of essential oil from Arabica coffee beans by leaching. The process of separating coffee oil and solvent using thermogravimetric analysis with a temperature of 80℃ until the sample mass is constant. The variables used were temperature and time. The extraction time is 2 hours with retrieval time every 10 minutes. The temperature used is 30°, 40°, and 50℃ with a ratio of material and solvent 1:10. The results showed that the kinetics of arabica coffee extraction followed the second-order extraction kinetics model. The second-order kinetic parameter values of arabica coffee essential oil extraction namely extraction capacity (Cs) at 30°, 40°, and 50℃ were 5.45836, 5,46, and 5.46001 g L-1, respectively, the rate of the initial extraction (h) was 0,00762718, 0,00756716, and 0,0104452 gL-1minute-1, the extraction rate constant (k) was 0,000256, 0,000254, and 0,00035 g-1L-1minute-1, and determination values of 0,9965, 0,9967 and 0,9983.

Integrating of In Silico and In Vitro Approaches to Determine Biological Activities of Abelmoschus esculentus’s Seeds

The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant, anti-urease, and anticholinesterase properties of extracts from plant seeds, as well as their toxicity on normal cells. In addition, the goal of this work was to use an in silico and in vitro method to evaluate the biological activity and mechanism of action of A. esculentus. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), CUPRAC (Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) techniques were used to examine the antioxidant properties of plant extracts. The extracts' anticholinesterase, anti-urease, and cytotoxic activity were determined using the Ellman, Indophenol, and MTT techniques, respectively. Computer algorithms were used to estimate ADMET and molecular docking techniques for compounds in plant. When the antioxidant activity results were examined, it was determined that water (IC50:0.313 mg/mL) and ethanol (IC50:0.314 mg/mL) extract showed DPPH activities close to each other. It was determined that the water (7.780mM FeSO4/mg extract, 1.106 mM troloxE/mg extract) extract showed higher activity than the ethanol (3.420 mM FeSO4/mg extract, 0.343 mM troloxE/mg extract) extract in FRAP and CUPRAC experiments. Considering the enzyme inhibition results, it was determined that the water extract showed the highest anti-urease activity, while the ethanol extract showed the highest anticholinesterase activity. It was also determined that both extracts had no toxic effect on normal cell lines (L-929). Based on pkCSM values, procyanidin B1 and procyanidin B2 compounds have a low volume of distribution, whereas rutin and quercetin compounds have a high volume of distribution (VDss). Not all compounds were predicted to have mutagenic and hepatotoxicity effects. In terms of score and ligand efficiency, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, quercetin, and rutin compounds appear to be superior to the reference. The chemicals quercetin and procyanidin B2 are thought to be key players in the pathophysiology of oxidative stress. In this study, the fact that the seeds’ extracts have biological activity and have no toxic effects on normal cell lines suggests that the seeds can be used medicinally and nutritionally in the future.