ABSTRACT
The development of the foot rot disease caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the primary variables endangering betel vine production in Bangladesh. Consequently, with the ultimate objective of finding efficient preventive and control strategies for this infamous phytopathogen, the current study was undertaken for comprehensive population structure analysis, exploration of physiological features and incidence patterns of pathogenic S. rolfsii isolates. We discovered 22 S. rolfsii isolates from nine northern districts of Bangladesh. Mohanpur (51.90%), Bagmara (54.09%), and Durgapur (49.45%) upazilas in the Rajshahi district had the more severe occurrences of foot rot disease, while Chapainawabganj (18.89%) had the least number of cases. The isolates differed substantially in terms of morphology and growth rate. By employing the UPGMA algorithm to analyze the combined morphological data from 22 S. rolfsii isolates, these isolates were divided into six different groups with a 62% similarity level. Somatic incompatibility was also found in some isolates. The RAPD-4 primer confirmed 100% polymorphism among these isolates, and these genetic variations were further validated by molecular analysis. The results of the morphological and molecular analysis revealed that there was significant variation among the S. rolfsii isolates. Finally, a comprehensive characterization of S. rolfsii would allow for a suitable management strategy for betel vine's deadly foot rot disease. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03890-8.
ABSTRACT
The study examined the impact on bankers' mental health in terms of fear and anxiety and perceived job insecurity during COVID-19. It also evaluated the effectiveness of combating steps against COVID-19 taken by government and employers to reduce bankers' mental stress. Data were collected from 252 banking professionals in Bangladesh through questionnaire survey. Goodness of fit has been analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Furthermore, Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied for reliability test. The sampling adequacy was tested using KMO and Bartlett's Test, and the results showed the sample is significant. Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (C.R) results indicate that the construct is reliable. The results showed fear & anxiety and perceived job insecurity have significant and positive impact on bankers' mental health implying their increase deteriorates bankers' mental health. It is observed that the study and its concerned subject matter absolutely unleashed the inner scenario of banking professionals in Bangladesh. According to this study, lockdown limitations should be used more wisely, and the mental health of the bankers should receive more immediate and consistent attention. In the event that workforce reduction measures are required to address the financial crisis, it is advised that banking sector give furloughs preference over layoffs.
ABSTRACT
Zinc (Zn) deficiency hinders growth and development in tomato. This study unveils the responses of how Zn starvation affects physiological and molecular processes in tomato. Zn deficiency negatively affected the biomass, cellular integrity, and chlorophyll synthesis in tomato. Also, Zn deficiency decreased the maximum yield of PSII, photosynthesis performance index and dissipation energy per active reaction center, although the antenna size, trapping energy efficiency and electron transport flux were stable in Zn-starved leaves. Further, Zn shortage caused a substantial reduction in Zn and Fe concentrations in both roots and shoots along with decreased root Fe-reductase activity accompanied by the downregulation of Fe-regulated transporter 1, Zn transporter-like (LOC100037509), and Zn transporter (LOC101255999) genes predicted to be localized in the root plasma membrane. The interactome partners of these Zn transporters are predominantly associated with root-specific metal transporter, ferric-chelate reductase, BHLH transcriptional regulator, and Zn metal ion transporters, suggesting that Zn homeostasis may be tightly linked to the Fe status along with BHLH transcription factor in Zn-deficient tomato. We also noticed elevated O2.- and H2O2 due to Zn deficiency which was consistent with the inefficient antioxidant properties. These findings will be useful in the downstream approach to improve vegetable crops sensitive to Zn-deficiency.
