First Record of Clonostachys rosea (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Entomopathogenic Fungus in the Mango Hopper Amritodus atkinsoni (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

Mango hopper (Amritodus atkinsoni Lethierry) causes devastations in the early vegetative stage of the mango crop. The classical management of mango hopper is with systemic insecticides but their overuse has caused environmental pollution. Here, we have evaluated the entomopathogenic role of Clonostachys rosea through bioassay and optimized media for its large-scale culturing. The current study reveals the potentiality of C. rosea as entomopathogenic on A. atkinsoni. Initially, morphological and molecular characterization was used to validate local isolates' identity as C. rosea. Further, we have evaluated the entomopathogenic role of C. rosea through a bioassay, where the highest mean mortality in A. atkinsoni was observed at a treatment concentration of 3 × 108 conidia/mL, with 96.67% mortality after 168 h of infection. This work also provides insight into the laboratory-based media standardization for C. rosea, resulting in oatmeal agar media and broth as the most suitable artificial media, and 20 °C temperature for its mass culture. Thus, C. rosea is a novo-entomopathogenic fungus on A. atkinsoni and has a high potency to be included in the management of mango hopper pests.

Impact of Plantago ovata Forsk leaf extract on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, ions uptake and drought resistance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings.

The present study was conducted to examine the potential role of Plantago ovata Forsk leaf extract (POLE) which was applied at various concentration levels (control, hydropriming, 10, 20, 30, and 40% POLE) to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Drought stressed was applied at 60% osmotic potential (OM) to the T. aestivum seedlings to study various parameters such as growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress and response of various antioxidants and nutritional status of the plants. Various growth parameters such as gaseous exchange attributes, antioxidants and nutritional status of T. aestivum were investigated in this study. It was evident that drought-stressed condition had induced a negative impact on plant growth, photosynthetic pigment, gaseous exchange attributes, stomatal properties, and ion uptake by different organs (roots and shoots) of T. aestivum. The decrease in plant growth resulted from oxidative stress and overcome by the antioxidant (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) compounds, since their concentration increased in response to dehydration. Seed priming with POLE positively increased plant growth and photosynthesis, by decreasing oxidative stress indicators and increasing activities of antioxidant (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) compounds, compared to the plants which were grown without the application of POLE. Our results also depicted that optimum concentration of POLE for T. aestivum seedlings under drought condition was 20%, while further increase in POLE (30 and 40%) induced a non-significant (P < 0.05) effect on growth (shoot and root length) and biomass (fresh and dry weight) of T. aestivum seedling. Here we concluded that the understanding of the role of seed priming with POLE in the increment of growth profile, photosynthetic measurements and nutritional status introduces new possibilities for their effective use in drought-stressed condition and provides a promising strategy for T. aestivum tolerance against drought-stressed condition.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, LC-MS/MS Analysis, Anticholinesterase, and Antioxidant Activities of Valuable Natural Metabolites from Astragalus armatus Willd.: In Silico Molecular Docking and In Vitro Enzymatic Studies.

The Astragalus armatus Willd. plant's phenolic constituent extraction and identification were optimized using the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method and the LC-MS/MS analysis, respectively. Additionally, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), beta carotene, reducing power, DMSO alcalin, silver nanoparticle (SNP)-based method, phenanthroline, and hydroxyl radical tests were utilized to assess the extract's antioxidant capacity, while the neuroprotective effect was examined in vitro against acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This study accurately estimated the chemical bonding between the identified phenolic molecules derived from LC-MS/MS and the AChE. The extract was found to contain sixteen phenolic substances, and rosmarinic, protocatechuic, and chlorogenic acids, as well as 4-hydroxybenzoic, hyperoside, and hesperidin, were the most abundant substances in the extract. In all antioxidant experiments, the plant extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and a significant inhibitory impact against AChE (40.25 ± 1.41 µg/mL). According to molecular docking affinity to the enzyme AChE, the top-five molecules were found to be luteolin, quercetin, naringenin, rosmarinic acid, and kaempferol. Furthermore, these tested polyphenols satisfy the essential requirements for drug-like characteristics and Lipinski's rule of five. These results highlight the significance of the A. armatus plant in cosmetics, as food additives, and in the pharmaceutical industry due to its rosmarinic and chlorogenic acid content.

Effects of microplastics on growth and metabolism of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Present work studied the impact of different doses of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics (MPs) on rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). Seven different treatments of PS and PVC MPs viz. D0 (control), D1-D3 (0, 1.5, and 3.0 mg L-1 PS-MP) and D4-D6 (0, 1.5, and 3.0 mg L-1 PVC-MP) were given. In the experiment, sequential variations in growth, ionic homeostasis, and antioxidant metabolism in rice were monitored. Results show that compared to control, maximum repression in shoot and root and fresh and dry weight were recorded in D6. We demonstrate that D3 and D6 reduced the photosynthetic rate up to 31.49 and 43.81% compared to D0 while the transpiration rate was enhanced only under controlled conditions. Water use efficiency and internal CO2 concentration increased due to incremented doses of MPs. Decline in photosynthetic attributes directly corresponded with reduction in SPAD value (34.96%) at D6. Besides, ionic homeostasis was perturbed and concentration of Ca, N, P, and K in root and shoot was imbalanced due to all levels of MPs and D3 and D6 were found most hazardous for these attributes. The resultant oxidative stress caused increment in MDA (49.26 and 138.44%) and H2O2, (66.72 and 125.18%) at D3 and D6, respectively. The maximum increase in SOD (109.08 and 146.08%), POD (232.59 and 289.23%), and CAT (182.65 and 242.89%) was estimated under D3 and D6, respectively as compared to control. Therefore, we concluded that PVC-MPs accumulation is potentially more devastating for rice growth and metabolism than PS-MPs. We recommend further research experimentats not only for translocation but also for tissue-specific retention of different sized MPs in crop plants to completely understand their influence on food safety.

Effects of drying methods and solvent extraction on quantification of major bioactive compounds in pomegranate peel waste using HPLC.

Bioactive compound characterization is an essential step for utilizing pomegranate peel waste as food and nutraceuticals ingredients. In the present investigation, the effects of different drying methods (freeze, tray-oven, and sun) and extraction solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water, acetone, and hexane were investigated on the extraction and recovery of major bioactive compounds (ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, and punicalagin) of pomegranate peel for two pomegranate varieties (i.e., Bhagwa and Ganesh) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that the freeze dried pomegranate peel powder of both pomegranate varities potential to extraction higher amount of bioactive compounds with methanol as extraction solvent as compared to other drying methods and solvents. Freeze-dried peel powder of Bhagwa pomegranate showed a higher amount of gallic acid (32.2 mg/g), ellagic acid (13.6 mg/g), punicalagin (15.2 mg/g), and quercetin (2.5 mg/g) with methanol solvent as compared to the other extract of Bhagwa and Ganesh varieties. The basis on the results of the current study, it can be concluded that the freeze-drying method of drying pomegranate peel powder and methanol as an extraction solvent are effective to recover higher amounts of bioactive compounds that can be utilized in food and pharmaceutical sectors at commercial scale.

Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Bidens spp. Using HPLC-DAD and GC-MS Analysis and Their Biological Activity as Anticancer Molecules.

The genus Bidens a member of family Compositae, is widely documented as an ethno-medicinally important genus of plants. In the present study, anticancer potential of three ethno-medicinally important species i.e., B. bipinnata, B. biternata and B. pilosa were tested. For in-vitro evaluation, an MTT (Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay was performed against cervical cancer cells (HeLa), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG), and adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). For in vivo evaluation, Artemia salina, Danio rerio, and Caenorhabditis elegans were used. Among all the tested extracts, the ethanol extract of B. biternata appeared to have highest anticancer activity, and the compounds responsible for this activity were identified to be Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl), 4-hydroxy-2,4'-dimethoxychalcone, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. This is the first report of the isolation of Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate from the genus Bidens and the first report of 4-hydroxy-2,4'-dimethoxychalcone and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol from B. biternata. Among the isolated compounds, 4-hydroxy-2,4'-dimethoxychalcone showed the highest anticancer activity with an LD50 value of 236.7 µg/mL. Therefore, this compound carries promising potential for being established as a pharmaceutical for chemoprevention and chemotherapy.

Synergistic Modulation of Seed Metabolites and Enzymatic Antioxidants Tweaks Moisture Stress Tolerance in Non-Cultivated Traditional Rice Genotypes during Germination.

Traditional rice landraces are treasures for novel genes to develop climate-resilient cultivars. Seed viability and germination determine rice productivity under moisture stress. The present study evaluated 100 rice genotypes, including 85 traditional landraces and 15 improved cultivars from various agro-ecological zones of Tamil Nadu, along with moisture-stress-susceptible (IR 64) and moisture-stress-tolerant (IR 64 Drt1) checks. The landraces were screened over a range of osmotic potentials, namely (-) 1.0 MPa, (-) 1.25 MPa and (-) 1.5 MPa, for a period of 5 days in PEG-induced moisture stress. Physio-morphological traits, such as rate of germination, root and shoot length, vigor index, R/S ratio and relative water content (RWC), were assessed during early moisture stress at the maximum OP of (-) 1.5 MPa. The seed macromolecules, phytohormones (giberellic acid, auxin (IAA), cytokinin and abscisic acid), osmolytes and enzymatic antioxidants (catalase and superoxide dismutase) varied significantly between moisture stress and control treatments. The genotype Kuliyadichan registered more IAA and giberellic acid (44% and 35%, respectively, over moisture-stress-tolerant check (IR 64 Drt1), whereas all the landraces showed an elevated catalase activity, thus indicating that the tolerant landraces effectively eliminate oxidative damages. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed a reduction in cytokinin and an increase in ABA level under induced moisture stress. Hence, the inherent moisture-stress tolerance of six traditional landraces, such as Kuliyadichan, Rajalakshmi, Sahbhagi Dhan, Nootripathu, Chandaikar and Mallikar, was associated with metabolic responses, such as activation of hydrolytic enzymes, hormonal crosstalk, ROS signaling and antioxidant enzymes (especially catalase), when compared to the susceptible check, IR 64. Hence, these traditional rice landraces can serve as potential donors for introgression or pyramiding moisture-stress-tolerance traits toward developing climate-resilient rice cultivars.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) By-Products for Stability and Shelf Life Improvement of Refined Olive Oil.

The by-product of sesame seed coats from the tahini industry was used for the extraction of bioactive compounds as novel antioxidants. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of a natural antioxidant on the quality of refined olive oil (ROO) stored at 60 ± 1 °C for up to 48 days. The lyophilized sesame seed coats extract (LSSCE) was placed into fresh ROO at three levels, i.e., 200, 400, and 600 mg kg-1, and compared with 200 mg kg-1 BHT (reference) and without antioxidant (control). LSSCE exhibited high phenolic (105.9 mg GAE g-1) and lignin (6.3 mg g-1) contents as well as antioxidant activity based on HPLC/DAD. In ROO samples, Including LSSCE, the values of peroxide, p-anisidine, K232, and K270 were remarkably lower than control during storage. The kinetic rate constant (k) of oxidation indicators was the lowest in ROO samples containing BHT and LSSCE 600 mg kg-1compared with other treatments. LSSCE improved the organoleptic acceptability of ROO samples up to 48 days of storage. Moreover, the shelf life (assuming a Q10 value of 2.0 for lipid oxidation) of ROO treated with LSSCE was increased. The findings revealed that LSSCE is a promising natural antioxidant in delaying oxidation, enhancing oil stability, and prolonging the shelf life (~475 days at ambient temperature).

Exogenous Myo-Inositol Alleviates Salt Stress by Enhancing Antioxidants and Membrane Stability via the Upregulation of Stress Responsive Genes in Chenopodium quinoa L.

Myo-inositol has gained a central position in plants due to its vital role in physiology and biochemistry. This experimental work assessed the effects of salinity stress and foliar application of myo-inositol (MYO) on growth, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis, antioxidant system, osmolyte accumulation, and gene expression in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa L. var. Giza1). Our results show that salinity stress significantly decreased growth parameters such as plant height, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root, leaf area, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and Fv/Fm, with a more pronounced effect at higher NaCl concentrations. However, the exogenous application of MYO increased the growth and photosynthesis traits and alleviated the stress to a considerable extent. Salinity also significantly reduced the water potential and water use efficiency in plants under saline regime; however, exogenous application of myo-inositol coped with this issue. MYO significantly reduced the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, reduced lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage concomitant with an increase in the membrane stability index. Exogenous application of MYO up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes' activities and the contents of ascorbate and glutathione, contributing to membrane stability and reduced oxidative damage. The damaging effects of salinity stress on quinoa were further mitigated by increased accumulation of osmolytes such as proline, glycine betaine, free amino acids, and soluble sugars in MYO-treated seedlings. The expression pattern of OSM34, NHX1, SOS1A, SOS1B, BADH, TIP2, NSY, and SDR genes increased significantly due to the application of MYO under both stressed and non-stressed conditions. Our results support the conclusion that exogenous MYO alleviates salt stress by involving antioxidants, enhancing plant growth attributes and membrane stability, and reducing oxidative damage to plants.

Spermine-Mediated Tolerance to Selenium Toxicity in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Depends on Endogenous Nitric Oxide Synthesis.

Excess selenium (Se) causes toxicity, and nitric oxide (NO)'s function in spermine (Spm)-induced tolerance to Se stress is unknown. Using wheat plants exposed to 1 mM sodium selenate-alone or in combination with either 1 mM Spm, 0.1 mM NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or 0.1 mM NO scavenger cPTIO-the potential beneficial effects of these compounds to palliate Se-induced stress were evaluated at physiological, biochemical and molecular levels. Se-treated plants accumulated Se in their roots (92%) and leaves (95%) more than control plants. Furthermore, Se diminished plant growth, photosynthetic traits and the relative water content and increased the levels of malondialdehyde, H2O2, osmolyte and endogenous NO. Exogenous Spm significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde by 28%, H2O2 by 37% and electrolyte leakage by 42%. Combined Spm/NO treatment reduced the Se content and triggered plant growth, photosynthetic traits, antioxidant enzymes and glyoxalase systems. Spm/NO also upregulated MTP1, MTPC3 and HSP70 and downregulated TaPCS1 and NRAMP1 (metal stress-related genes involved in selenium uptake, translocation and detoxification). However, the positive effects of Spm on Se-stressed plants were eliminated by the NO scavenger. Accordingly, data support the notion that Spm palliates selenium-induced oxidative stress since the induced NO elicits antioxidant defence upregulation but downregulates Se uptake and translocation. These findings pave the way for potential biotechnological approaches to supporting sustainable wheat crop production in selenium-contaminated areas.

Evaluating the coating process of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and sodium tripolyphosphate on cucumbers under chilling condition to extend the shelf-life.

Cucumber is a highly perishable fruit, that can easily suffer from water loss, condensation, shriveling, yellowing and decay. The present investigation aim was to extending the shelf-life of cucumber using eco-friendly sodium tripolyphosphate and nano-material. Decay; hardness; succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDH); condensation and shriveling rates; and visual quality assessments of cucumbers fruits were evaluated during 21 days of storage period at 10 °C. There was a slight incidence of decay among (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles) CS-TiO2 and (Chitosan/Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles/Sodium Tripolyphosphate) CS-TiO2-STP samples, which reported the lowest decay incidence 2.21% in CS-TiO2, while CS-TiO2-STP did not show any decay at end of storage period. CS-TiO2-STP recorded the lowest value in SDH activity 0.08 ∆OD min-1 mg protein-1. Very slight hardness, water condensation, and shriveling were detected in CS-TiO2 samples, while CS-TiO2-STP was the lowest compared with other SC samples and control. In general, CS-TiO2-STP treatment was found most potential to enhance the postharvest shelf life of cucumber throughout the storage period up to 21 day.

Growth attributes, biochemical modulations, antioxidant enzymatic metabolism and yield in Brassica napus varieties for salinity tolerance.

Improvement in salinity tolerance of plants is of immense significance as salt stress particularly threatens the productivity of agricultural crops. This study was designed to assess the tolerance level of six Brassica napus varieties (Super, Sandal, Faisal, CON-111, AC Excel and Punjab) under different levels of salinity (0, 50, 100, 150 & 200 mM) with three replications under CRD. Salt induced osmotic stress curtailed the plant growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments and disturbed ionic homeostasis (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl-) but least disturbance as compared to control was found in Super and Sandal cultivars. Punjab canola and AC Excel canola cultivars were least tolerant to salinity because these displayed greater decline in all growth and biochemical attributes. Plants subjected to NaCl induced stress exhibited considerable decline in all attributes under study with proline as exception. Antioxidants (CAT, SOD & POD) showed an obvious change in Canola plants under stress, but greatest decline was displayed at 200 mM NaCl level in all six cultivars. Over all these attributes presented a comparatively stable trend in super and sandal cultivars. This shows presence of physiological resilience and metabolic capacity in these two cultivars to tackle salinity. Similarly, all yield attributes displayed adverse behavior under 150 mM & 200 mM salinity stress. Our results demonstrated that Super and Sandal cultivars of Brassica napus exhibit good performance in salinity tolerance and can be good option for cultivation in salt affected areas.

Impacts of Effective Microorganisms, Compost Tea, Fulvic Acid, Yeast Extract, and Foliar Spray with Seaweed Extract on Sweet Pepper Plants under Greenhouse Conditions.

Sweet pepperincludes several vitamins and is regarded as a great source of bioactive nutrients, such as carotenoids and phenolic compounds, for human growth and activities. This work aimed to investigate the effects of the soil addition of growth stimulants, namely, effective microorganisms (EM), compost tea, fulvic acid, and yeast extract, and foliar applications of seaweed extract, on the vegetative growth, enzyme activity, phytohormones content, chemical constituents of plant foliage, fruit yield, and fruit quality of sweet pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Zidenka) growing under greenhouse conditions. The results showed that the tallest plant, largest leaf area/plant, and heaviest plant fresh and dry weights were recorded after combining a soil addition of yeast extract and foliar spray with seaweed extracts at 3 g/L in two growing seasons. The highest number of fruit/plant, fruit yield/m2, fruit values of vitamin C (VC), total sugars, total soluble solids (TSS), and carotenoids, along with the highest leaf of cytokines, P, K, Fe, and total carbohydrates values, were obtained using a soil addition of fulvic acid and spray with seaweed extract at 3 g/L in the two seasons of study. These treatments also provided the lowest abscisic acid, peroxidase, and super oxidase dismutase values in the same conditions. Sweet pepper plants supplemented with compost tea and seaweed extract foliar spray at 3 g/L were the most promising for inducing the highest values of fruit fresh and dry weights, fruit length and diameter, and the leavesrichest in N, Zn, and Mn; inversely, it induced the lowest catalase levels in both seasons. The applications of EM, yeast extract, and seaweed extract could be applied for high growth, mineral levels, enzymatic activity, fruit yield, and nutritional value of sweet pepper fruit and minimizing environmental pollution.

Exogenous Applications of Bio-fabricated Silver Nanoparticles to Improve Biochemical, Antioxidant, Fatty Acid and Secondary Metabolite Contents of Sunflower.

The present study involved the bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the Euphorbia helioscopia L. leaves aqueous extract to improve the production of secondary metabolites in industrially important sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants. Phyto-fabrication of AgNPs was confirmed by using spectrophotometry, SEM imaging and X-ray diffraction analysis. The morphological and optical characterization manifested that the AgNPs are crystalline and exist in the size range of 30-100 nm. Various concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/L) of AgNPs were applied in combinations on sunflower seeds and crop plants. The effects of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated for agro-morphological parameters (plant height, flowering initiation and seed weight), biochemical metabolites (chlorophyll, proline, soluble sugar, amino acid and protein contents) and enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) in sunflower and 60 mg/L concentration of AgNPs on sunflower seeds and foliar sprays on plants in combination were found to be effective to elicit biochemical modifications to improve secondary metabolites. It was also observed experimentally that 60 mg/L concentration of AgNPs improved the biochemical, fatty acid and enzymatic attributes of sunflower plants, which in turn improved the plant agro-morphological parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis results confirmed the improvement in the seed quality, oil contents and fatty acid composition (palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid) after the applications of AgNPs. The findings of the present investigation confirm the exogenous applications of bio-fabricated AgNPs in combinations on seeds and plants to improve the plant yield, seed quality and secondary metabolite contents of the sunflower plants.

Chitosan Edible Films Enhanced with Pomegranate Peel Extract: Study on Physical, Biological, Thermal, and Barrier Properties.

In the present study, pomegranate peel extract was used as a reinforcing agent in developing chitosan-based edible film. Different concentrations (0.2 g/mL, 0.4 g/mL, 0.6 g/mL, 0.8 g/mL, and 1.0 g/mL) of pomegranate peel extract were incorporated in chitosan-based edible film. A neat chitosan film was used as a control. This work covers the effect of pomegranate peel extract on the physical, biological, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of enriched chitosan-based edible film. The results showed that the thickness (0.142-0.159 mm), tensile strength (32.45-35.23 MPa), moisture (11.23-15.28%), opacity (0.039-0.061%), water (1.32-1.60 g·mm/m2), gas barrier properties (93.81-103.45 meq/kg), phenolic content (5.75-32.41 mg/g), and antioxidant activity (23.13-76.54%) of the films increased with increasing volume fraction of pomegranate peel extract. A higher concentration of incorporated pomegranate peel extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the thermal stability of the film, along with its transparency, solubility, swelling, and color. This work revealed that the incorporation of a higher portion of pomegranate peel extract in chitosan film holds significant (p < 0.05) potential for the increase in biological activities of such films in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial behavior. The properties of pomegranate peel extract-enriched chitosan films could be an excellent cure for free radicals, whereas they could also inhibit the growth of the foodborne pathogens during the processing and preservation of the food. Further studies are needed for the application of pomegranate peel extract-enriched edible films on food products such as fruits and vegetables in order to extend their storage life and improve the quality and safety of preserved food products.