Changes in Rat Mammary Tissue Architecture Following Pregnancy/Lactation Exposure to Glyphosate Alone or with 2,4-D and Dicamba.

The current study aimed to assess the possible endocrine disruptor effects on rat mammary tissue and reproductive organs during pregnancy and lactation when exposed to low doses of glyphosate and its combination with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and dicamba. The study involved the exposure of pregnant Wistar rats to various regulatory-relevant doses of glyphosate, ranging from gestational day 6 until fine of the lactation period. Glyphosate doses corresponded to the European Union's glyphosate-acceptable daily intake (ADI; 0.5mg/kg bw/day) and no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL; 50mg/kg bw/day). The dose of the mixture of glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D was at the European Union ADI for each herbicide namely 0.5, 0.002, and 0.3mg/kg bw/day, respectively. In the animals exposed to glyphosate NOAEL serum estradiol levels were increased compared to untreated animals, along with an upregulation of TNF-?, MMP-2, and MMP-9 as measured in mammary gland homogenates compared to non-treated animals. Moreover, in this group, a focally acute inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the mammary gland. Our study showed that short-term exposure to glyphosate at doses that are set as safe by regulators and thus without risk corroborated with a particular physiological state as gestation and lactation, can give rise to inflammatory changes in breast tissue in rats. These findings support the need for further evaluation of glyphosate and mixtures of glyphosate with other pesticides for public health protection, especially for those categories vulnerable to the potential endocrine disruptor properties of these pesticides such as pregnant women, newborns, and children.

In Silico Comparison of WRKY Transcription Factors in Wild and Cultivated Soybean and Their Co-expression Network Arbitrating Disease Resistance.

WRKY Transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in plant defence mechanisms that are activated in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, information on the Glycine soja WRKYs (GsoWRKYs) is scarce. Owing to its importance in soybean breeding, here we identified putative WRKY TFs in wild soybean, and compared the results with Glycine max WRKYs (GmaWRKYs) by phylogenetic, conserved motif, and duplication analyses. Moreover, we explored the expression trends of WRKYs in G. max (oomycete, fungi, virus, bacteria, and soybean cyst nematode) and G. soja (soybean cyst nematode), and identified commonly expressed WRKYs and their co-expressed genes. We identified, 181 and 180 putative WRKYs in G. max and G. soja, respectively. Though the number of WRKYs in both studied species is almost the same, they differ in many ways, i.e., the number of WRKYs on corresponding chromosomes, conserved domain structures, WRKYGQK motif variants, and zinc-finger motifs. WRKYs in both species grouped in three major clads, i.e., I-III, where group-II had sub-clads IIa-IIe. We found that GsoWRKYs expanded mostly through segmental duplication. A large number of WRKYs were expressed in response to biotic stresses, i.e., Phakospora pachyrhizi, Phytoplasma, Heterodera glycines, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Soybean mosaic virus; 56 GmaWRKYs were commonly expressed in soybean plants infected with these diseases. Finally, 30 and 63 GmaWRKYs and GsoWRKYs co-expressed with 205 and 123 non-WRKY genes, respectively, indicating that WRKYs play essential roles in biotic stress tolerance in Glycine species.

Evaluation of yield attributes and bioactive phytochemicals of twenty amaranth genotypes of Bengal floodplain.

Twenty vegetable amaranth (VA) genotypes were evaluated to assess the variability, associations, path coefficient, and principal component analysis (PCA) of morpho-chemical traits. The genotypes exhibited adequate antioxidant colorants, phytochemicals, and antiradical capacity with significant variations across genotypes. Genetic parameters revealed selection criteria for the majority of the traits for improving amaranth foliage yield (FY). Based on correlation coefficient, stem weight, stem base diameter, root weight, plant height, and shoot weight for significant development of FY of VA. Observing significant genotypic correlation with high positive direct effects on FY, the path coefficient (PC) of root weight, stem base diameter, stem weight, and shoot weight could contribute to the noteworthy development of FY of VA. The genotypes AA5, AA6, AA8, AA10, AA11, AA19, and AA20 might be selected for high FY, antioxidant colorants, and antiradical phytochemicals to utilize as colorants and antiradical rich superior high yielding cultivars. The first PC accounted for 37.8% of the variances, which implies a larger proportion of variable information explained by PC1. The features that contributed more to PC1 were FY, SW, STW, RW, and PH, whereas Chl b, total Chl, and Chl a contributed to the second PC. This suggests that there are significant genetic differences between amaranths in terms of biochemical and agro-morphological characteristics. The findings of the current work support plant breeders to investigate the genetic potential of the amaranth germplasm, notably in biochemical parameters. High colorants enrich genotypes that can be selected for extracting natural colorants to use in food processing industries.

Flavonoid-Rich Sambucus nigra Berry Extract Enhances Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway Activation and Exerts Antiulcerative Effects In Vivo.

Sambucus nigra (SN) berry extract is characterized by high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of SN berry extract against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer in rats and the mechanism involved. SN berry extract alleviated IND-induced gastric ulcers, as shown by assessing pathological manifestations in the gastric mucosa. These protective effects are attributed to attenuated oxidative damage to the gastric mucosa, correlated to increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), enhanced glutathione (GSH) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 cascade. Moreover, oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS), were downregulated in SN-extract-treated animals. Furthermore, SN berry extract suppressed gastric mucosal inflammation by downregulating interleukin (IL)-33, IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels, and attenuating myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The protective effects of SN berry extract were similar to those exerted by esomeprazole (ESO), an acid-secretion-suppressive drug. In conclusion, SN berry extract has antiulcerative effects, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Genetic Analyses of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Breeding Traits for Selecting Superior Genotype(s) Using Multivariate and Multi-Traits Indexing Approaches.

Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important food, feed, and cash crop in rice-based agricultural ecosystems in Southeast Asia and other continents. It has the potential to enhance livelihoods due to its palatability, nutritional content, and digestibility. We evaluated 166 diverse mungbean genotypes in two seasons using multivariate and multi-traits index approaches to identify superior genotypes. The total Shannon diversity index (SDI) for qualitative traits ranged from moderate for terminal leaflet shape (0.592) to high for seed colour (1.279). The analysis of variances (ANOVA) indicated a highly significant difference across the genotypes for most of the studied traits. Descriptive analyses showed high diversity among genotypes for all morphological traits. Six components with eigen values larger than one contributed 76.50% of the variability in the principal component analysis (PCA). The first three PCs accounted for the maximum 29.90%, 15.70%, and 11.20% of the total variances, respectively. Yield per plant, pod weight, hundred seed weight, pod length, days to maturity, pods per plant, harvest index, biological yield per plant, and pod per cluster contributed more to PC1 and PC2 and showed a positive association and positive direct effect on seed yield. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters with the maximum in cluster II (34) and the minimum in cluster VII (10) along with a range of intra-cluster and inter-cluster distances of 5.15 (cluster II) to 3.60 (cluster VII) and 9.53 (between clusters II and VI) to 4.88 (clusters I and VII), suggesting extreme divergence and the possibility for use in hybridization and selection. Cluster III showed the highest yield and yield-related traits. Yield per plant positively and significantly correlated with pod traits and hundred seed weight. Depending on the multi-trait stability index (MTSI), clusters I, III, and VII might be utilized as parents in the hybridization program to generate high-yielding, disease-resistant, and small-seeded mungbean. Based on all multivariate-approaches, G45, G5, G22, G55, G143, G144, G87, G138, G110, G133, and G120 may be considered as the best parents for further breeding programs.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova from Yakutia: Extraction and Mass Spectrometric Characterization of 128 Chemical Compounds.

Dracocephalum jacutense Peschkova is a rare and endangered species of the genus Dracocephalum of the Lamiaceae family. The species was first described in 1997 and listed in the Red Data Book of Yakutia. Significant differences in the multicomponent composition of extracts from D. jacutense collected in the natural environment and successfully introduced in the Botanical Garden of Yakutsk were identified by a team of authors earlier in a large study. In this work, we studied the chemical composition of the leaves, stem, and inflorescences of D. jacutense using the tandem mass spectrometry method. Only three cenopopulations of D. jacutense were found by us in the territory of the early habitat-in the vicinity of the village of Sangar, Kobyaysky district of Yakutia. The aboveground phytomass of the plant was collected, processed and dried as separate parts of the plant: inflorescences, stem and leaves. Firstly, a total of 128 compounds, 70% of which are polyphenols, were tentatively identified in extracts of D. jacutense. These polyphenol compounds were classified as 32 flavones, 12 flavonols, 6 flavan-3-ols, 7 flavanones, 17 phenolic acids, 2 lignans, 1 dihydrochalcone, 4 coumarins, and 8 anthocyanidins. Other chemical groups were presented as carotenoids, omega-3-fatty acids, omega-5-fatty acids, amino acids, purines, alkaloids, and sterols. The inflorescences are the richest in polyphenols (73 polyphenolic compounds were identified), while 33 and 22 polyphenols were found in the leaves and stems, respectively. A high level of identity for polyphenolic compounds in different parts of the plant is noted for flavanones (80%), followed by flavonols (25%), phenolic acids (15%), and flavones (13%). Furthermore, 78 compounds were identified for the first time in representatives of the genus Dracocephalum, including 50 polyphenolic compounds and 28 compounds of other chemical groups. The obtained results testify to the unique composition of polyphenolic compounds in different parts of D. jacutense.

Integrating BLUP, AMMI, and GGE Models to Explore GE Interactions for Adaptability and Stability of Winter Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.).

Lentil yield is a complicated quantitative trait; it is significantly influenced by the environment. It is crucial for improving human health and nutritional security in the country as well as for a sustainable agricultural system. The study was laid out to determine the stable genotype through the collaboration of G × E by AMMI and GGE biplot and to identify the superior genotypes using 33 parametric and non-parametric stability statistics of 10 genotypes across four different conditions. The total G × E effect was divided into two primary components by the AMMI model. For days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, pods per plant, and hundred seed weight, IPCA1 was significant and accounted for 83%, 75%, 100%, and 62%, respectively. Both IPCA1 and IPCA2 were non-significant for yield per plant and accounted for 62% of the overall G × E interaction. An estimated set of eight stability parameters showed strong positive correlations with mean seed yield, and these measurements can be utilized to choose stable genotypes. The productivity of lentils has varied greatly in the environment, ranging from 786 kg per ha in the MYM environment to 1658 kg per ha in the ISD environment, according to the AMMI biplot. Three genotypes (G8, G7, and G2) were shown to be the most stable based on non-parametric stability scores for grain yield. G8, G7, G2, and G5 were determined as the top lentil genotypes based on grain production using numerical stability metrics such as Francis's coefficient of variation, Shukla stability value (σi2), and Wrick's ecovalence (Wi). Genotypes G7, G10, and G4 were the most stable with the highest yield, according to BLUP-based simultaneous selection stability characteristics. The findings of graphic stability methods such as AMMI and GGE for identifying the high-yielding and stable lentil genotypes were very similar. While the GGE biplot indicated G2, G10, and G7 as the most stable and high-producing genotypes, AMMI analysis identified G2, G9, G10, and G7. These selected genotypes would be used to release a new variety. Considering all the stability models, such as Eberhart and Russell's regression and deviation from regression, additive main effects, multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis, and GGE, the genotypes G2, G9, and G7 could be used as well-adapted genotypes with moderate grain yield in all tested environments.

Influence of foliar spray and post-harvest treatments on head yield, shelf-life, and physicochemical qualities of broccoli.

Rapid senescence is the key factor in the deterioration of post-harvest shelf-life in broccoli heads. This study evaluates the head yield and its related traits, and physicochemical attributes of broccoli under four foliar sprays of mineral nutrients (B, Zn, Mo, and B + Zn + Mo) with control. The interaction effects of shelf-life and physicochemical attributes of broccoli for these five pre-harvest and five post-harvest storage treatments (LDP bag, HDP vacuum pack, 2% eggshell powder solution, 2% ascorbic acid, and control) both at cold storage and room temperature were evaluated with three replications. The significantly higher marketable head yield of 28.02 t ha-1, maximum gross return [(Bangladesh Taka (BDT 420300 ha-1)], net return (BDT 30565 ha-1), and maximum benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.67 were obtained from the pre-harvest foliar application of B + Zn + Mo in broccoli. Pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient B + Zn + Mo and post-harvest treatment high-density polyethylene (HDP, 15 µm) vacuum packaging efficiently improve post-harvest physicochemical attributes, viz., compactness, green color, texture, carbohydrates, fats, energy, antioxidants, vitamin C, and total phenols in broccoli head compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. In addition, this treatment combination also confirmed a maximum shelf-life of 24.55 days at cold storage [relative humidity (RH) 90-95% and 4°C] and 7.05 days at room temperature (RH 60-65% and 14-22°C) compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. Therefore, we recommend a pre-harvest foliar spray of combined nutrient elements B + Zn + Mo and an HDP (15 µm) vacuum post-harvest packaging for the maximum benefits for both farmers and consumers to get the best head yield, anticipated physicochemical attributes, and maximum shelf-life of broccoli.

The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) modulation in heavy metal toxicity.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is an oxygen-sensing transcriptional regulator orchestrating a complex of adaptive cellular responses to hypoxia. Several studies have demonstrated that toxic metal exposure may also modulate HIF-1α signal transduction pathway, although the existing data are scarce. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize the existing data on the effects of toxic metals on HIF-1 signaling and the potential underlying mechanisms with a special focus on prooxidant effect of the metals. The particular effect of metals was shown to be dependent on cell type, varying from down- to up-regulation of HIF-1 pathway. Inhibition of HIF-1 signaling may contribute to impaired hypoxic tolerance and adaptation, thus promoting hypoxic damage in the cells. In contrast, its metal-induced activation may result in increased tolerance to hypoxia through increased angiogenesis, thus promoting tumor growth and contributing to carcinogenic effect of heavy metals. Up-regulation of HIF-1 signaling is mainly observed upon Cr, As, and Ni exposure, whereas Cd and Hg may both stimulate and inhibit HIF-1 pathway. The mechanisms underlying the influence of toxic metal exposure on HIF-1 signaling involve modulation of prolyl hydroxylases (PHD2) activity, as well as interference with other tightly related pathways including Nrf2, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling. These effects are at least partially mediated by metal-induced ROS generation. Hypothetically, maintenance of adequate HIF-1 signaling upon toxic metal exposure through direct (PHD2 modulation) or indirect (antioxidant) mechanisms may provide an additional strategy for prevention of adverse effects of metal toxicity.

Carnosic Acid Ameliorates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and indomethacin (IND) are the most commonly prescribed for inflammation or pain. However, widespread use causes several adverse effects, such as gastric ulcers, upper gastric system bleeding, and erosions. Carnosic acid (CA) is an important natural antioxidant found in rosemary (Rosmarinus essentials) and exhibits a protective effect by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CA on IND-induced gastric ulceration. Wistar male rats received CA (100 mg/kg) or esomeprazole (ESP) (20 mg/kg, standard drug) by oral gavage for 14 days, after that gastric ulceration was induced by oral administration of 100 mg/kg IND. CA pretreatment attenuated both gross morphological lesions and histopathological alterations. CA strongly reduced IND-induced oxidative stress, verified by a decrease in MDA (p < 0.001) and TOS levels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, an IND-dependent increase in CAT (p < 0.001) and GPx (p < 0.01) activities, as well as a reduction in GSH levels (p < 0.01), were ameliorated by CA pretreatment. CA also attenuated inflammatory damage by suppressing IL-1ß (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.01), and TNFα (p < 0.001) production and increasing Nrf2/HO-1 (p < 0.05) expressions. In conclusion, CA shows a gastroprotective effect by reducing oxidative stress and attenuating inflammation.

A mixture of 13 pesticides, contaminants, and food additives below individual NOAELs produces histopathological and organ weight changes in rats.

The current approach for the risk assessment of chemicals does not account for the complex human real-life exposure scenarios. Exposure to chemical mixtures in everyday life has raised scientific, regulatory, and societal concerns in recent years. Several studies aiming to identify the safety limits of chemical mixtures determined hazardous levels lower than those of separate chemicals. Following these observations, this study built on the standards set by the real-life risk simulation (RLRS) scenario and investigated the effect of long-term exposure (18 months) to a mixture of 13 chemicals (methomyl, triadimefon, dimethoate, glyphosate, carbaryl, methyl parathion, aspartame, sodium benzoate, EDTA, ethylparaben, butylparaben, bisphenol A and acacia gum) in adult rats. Animals were divided into four dosing groups [0xNOAEL (control), 0.0025xNOAEL (low dose-LD), 0.01xNOAEL (medium dose-MD) and 0.05xNOAEL (high dose-HD) (mg/kg BW/day)]. After 18 months of exposure, all animals were sacrificed, and their organs were harvested, weighed, and pathologically examined. While organ weight tended to be higher in males than in females, when sex and dose were taken into account, lungs and hearts from female rats had significantly greater weight than that of males. This discrepancy was more obvious in the LD group. Histopathology showed that long-term exposure to the chemical mixture selected for this study caused dose-dependent changes in all examined organs. The main organs that contribute to chemical biotransformation and clearance (liver, kidneys, and lungs) consistently presented histopathological changes following exposure to the chemical mixture. In conclusion, exposure to very low doses (below the NOAEL) of the tested mixture for 18 months induced histopathological lesions and cytotoxic effects in a dose and tissue-dependent manner.

Reproductive Effects of S. boulardii on Sub-Chronic Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid Toxicity in Male Rats.

The potential health-promoting effects of probiotics against intoxication by pesticides is a topic of increasing commercial interest with limited scientific evidence. In this study, we aimed to investigate the positive effects of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on the male reproductive system under low dose neonicotinoid pesticide exposure conditions. We observed that acetamiprid and imidacloprid caused a degeneration and necrosis of the spermatocytes in the tubular wall, a severe edema of the intertubular region and a hyperemia. This was concomittant to increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine reflecting oxidative stress, and an increase in caspase 3 expression, reflecting apoptosis. According to our results, Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation mitigates these toxic effects. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of protection. Altogether, our study reinforces the burden of evidence from emerging studies linking the composition of the gut microbiome to the function of the reproductive system.

Ultra-Responses of Asphodelus tenuifolius L. (Wild Onion) and Convolvulus arvensis L. (Field Bindweed) against Shoot Extract of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Horse Purslane).

Weed infestation is a prime challenge coupled with lowering crop production owing to their competition with crop plants for available resources such as nutrients, water, space, moisture, and sunlight. Among weed control methods, the implementation of synthetic herbicides offers an instant solution for getting rid of weeds; however, they are a direct source of potential hazards for humans and generate resistance against synthetic weedicides, making them less effective. Allelopathy is something that happens in nature that can be used as a weed control method that increases crop yield and decreases dependency on synthetic chemicals. The mode of action of some phytochemicals corresponds to synthetic herbicides. Due to this feature, allelochemicals are used as bio-herbicides in weed management and prove more environmentally friendly than synthetic weedicides. The present investigation aims to assess the ultra-responses of A. tenuifolius and C. arvensis, while growing them in a pot experiment. Various levels of shoot extract (L2, L3, and L4) of T. portulacastrum along with the L1 (distilled water) and L5 (synthetic herbicide) were applied to the weeds. Results indicated that aqueous extracts of shoot of T. portulacastrum significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affect all the measured traits of weeds and their effects were concentration specific. All morphological parameters were suppressed due to biotic stress with an increase in free amino acids and calcium ions along with a decline in metaxylem cell area and cortical thickness in the root, while the vascular bundle area increased. The shoot extract intrusive with metabolisms corresponded with the synthetic herbicide. It is concluded that Trianthema shoot extract has a powerful phytotoxic impact on weeds (A. tenuifolius and C. arvensis) and can be used in bio-herbicide production.

Pesticides and tremor: An overview of association, mechanisms and confounders.

Pesticides are a heterogeneous class of chemicals mainly used for the protection of crops from pests. Because of their very widespread use, acute or/and chronic exposure to these chemicals can lead to a plethora of sequelae inflicting diseases, many of which involve the nervous system. Tremor has been associated with pesticide exposure in human and animal studies. This review is aimed at assessing the studies currently available on the association between the various types of pesticides/insecticides and tremor, while also accounting for potential confounding factors. To our knowledge, this is the first coherent review on the subject. After appraising the available evidence, we call for more intensive research on this topic, as well as intonate the need of implementing future preventive measures to protect the exposed populations and to reduce potential disabilities and social drawbacks.

Salinity Stress Ameliorates Pigments, Minerals, Polyphenolic Profiles, and Antiradical Capacity in Lalshak.

Previous studies have shown that salinity eustress enhances the nutritional and bioactive compounds and antiradical capacity (ARC) of vegetables and increases the food values for nourishing human diets. Amaranth is a salinity-resistant, rapidly grown C4 leafy vegetable with diverse variability and usage. It has a high possibility to enhance nutritional and bioactive compounds and ARC by the application of salinity eustress. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium chloride stress response in a selected Lalshak (A. gangeticus) genotype on minerals, ascorbic acid (AsA), Folin−Ciocalteu reducing capacity, beta-carotene (BC), total flavonoids (TF), pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC. A high-yield, high-ARC genotype (LS6) was grown under conditions of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride in four replicates following a block design with complete randomization. We recognized nine copious polyphenolic compounds in this accession for the first time. Minerals, Folin−Ciocalteu reducing capacity, AsA, BC, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC of Lalshak were augmented progressively in the order: 0 < 25 < 50 < 100 mM sodium chloride. At 50 mM and 100 mM salt concentrations, minerals, AsA, Folin−Ciocalteu reducing capacity, BC, TF, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC of Lalshak were much greater than those of the control. Lalshak could be used as valuable food for human diets as a potent antioxidant. Sodium chloride-enriched Lalshak provided outstanding quality to the final product in terms of minerals, AsA, Folin−Ciocalteu reducing capacity, BC, TF, pigments, polyphenolic profiles, and ARC. We can cultivate it as a promising alternative crop in salinity-prone areas of the world.

Autofluorescence-Based Investigation of Spatial Distribution of Phenolic Compounds in Soybeans Using Confocal Laser Microscopy and a High-Resolution Mass Spectrometric Approach.

In this research, we present a detailed comparative analysis of the bioactive substances of soybean varieties k-11538 (Russia), k-11559 (Russia), k-569 (China), k-5367 (China), k-5373 (China), k-5586 (Sweden), and Primorskaya-86 (Russia) using an LSM 800 confocal laser microscope and an amaZon ion trap SL mass spectrometer. Laser microscopy made it possible to clarify in detail the spatial arrangement of the polyphenolic content of soybeans. Our results revealed that the phenolics of soybean are spatially located mainly in the seed coat and the outer layer of the cotyledon. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in combination with an amaZon SL BRUKER DALTONIKS ion trap (tandem mass spectrometry) to identify target analytes in soybean extracts. The results of initial studies revealed the presence of 63 compounds, and 45 of the target analytes were identified as polyphenolic compounds.

Inquiring the inter-relationships amongst grain-filling, grain-yield, and grain-quality of Japonica rice at high latitudes of China.

The widespread impacts of projected global and regional climate change on rice yield have been investigated by different indirect approaches utilizing various simulation models. However, direct approaches to assess the impacts of climatic variabilities on rice growth and development may provide more reliable evidence to evaluate the effects of climate change on rice productivity. Climate change has substantially impacted rice production in the mid-high latitudes of China, especially in Northeast China (NEC). Climatic variabilities occurring in NEC since the 1970s have resulted in an obvious warming trend, which made this region one of the three major rice-growing regions in China. However, the projections of future climate change have indicated the likelihood of more abrupt and irregular climatic changes, posing threats to rice sustainability in this region. Hence, understanding the self-adaptability and identifying adjustive measures to climate variability in high latitudes has practical significance for establishing a sustainable rice system to sustain future food security in China. A well-managed field study under randomized complete block design (RCBD) was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at two study sites in Harbin and Qiqihar, located in Heilongjiang province in NEC. Four different cultivars were evaluated: Longdao-18, Longdao-21 (longer growth duration), Longjing-21, and Suijing-18 (shorter growth duration) to assess the inter-relationships among grain-filling parameters, grain yield and yield components, and grain quality attributes. To better compare the adaptability mechanisms between grain-filling and yield components, the filling phase was divided into three sub-phases (start, middle, and late). The current study evaluated the formation and accumulation of the assimilates in superior and inferior grains during grain-filling, mainly in the middle sub-phase, which accounted for 59.60% of the yield. The grain yields for Suijing-18, Longjing-21, Longdao-21, and Longdao-18 were 8.02%, 12.78%, 17.19%, and 20.53% higher in Harbin than those in Qiqihar, respectively in 2017, with a similar trend observed in 2018. At Harbin, a higher number of productive tillers was noticed in Suijing-18, with averages of 17 and 15 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The grain-filling parameters of yield analysis showed that the filling duration in Harbin was conducive to increased yield but the low dry weight of inferior grains was a main factor limiting the yield in Qiqihar. The average protein content values in Harbin were significantly higher (8.54% and 9.13%) than those in Qiqihar (8.34% and 9.14%) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The amylose content was significantly higher in Harbin (20.03% and 22.27%) than those in Qiqihar (14.44% and 14.67%) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The chalkiness percentage was higher in Qiqihar, indicating that Harbin produced good quality rice. This study provides more direct evidence of the relative changes in rice grain yield due to changes in grain-filling associated with relative changes in environmental components. These self-adaptability mechanisms to climatic variability and the inter-relationships between grain-filling and grain yield underscore the urgent to investigate and explore measures to improve Japonica rice sustainability, with better adaptation to increasing climatic variabilities. These findings may also be a reference for other global rice regions at high latitudes in addressing the impacts of climate change on future rice sustainability.

Application of Potassium after Waterlogging Improves Quality and Productivity of Soybean Seeds.

Potassium (K) improves the stress tolerance of crop plants, which varies on the timing of K application and crop varieties. Soybean is a promising crop that can easily fit with the cropping pattern during kharif I season, when water logging occurs due to sudden rain. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to determine the effect of K management on the productivity and seed quality of soybean under normal and waterlogged conditions. The treatments comprised three factors, namely soybean genotypes (BU Soybean-1 and BU Soybean-2), waterlogging (WL) (control and WL for 4 days at the flowering stage (FS)), and K application (full dose as basal and 50% as basal +50% as top dress after termination of the flooding). The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings revealed that BU Soybean-1 produced a higher number of pods and seeds pod-1 under control conditions with basal application of K. On the other hand, BU Soybean-2 produced taller plants and heavier grain, improving grain and straw yield under WL conditions when K was top dressed. The varieties absorbed a higher amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium under control conditions compared to WL when K was top dressed. Similarly, the seed protein content of both varieties was higher in the control condition with a top dressing of K. However, a higher percentage of seed germination was obtained from BU Soybean-2 in the control condition with a top dressing of K. Further, more electrical conductivity and more mean germination time were recorded in the case of BU Soybean-2 under WL with the basal application of K. Split application of 50% of recommended K fertilizer after the recession of flood water could be suggested for improved grain yield in flood-affected soybean growing areas.

Genetic Variability, Character Association, and Path Coefficient Analysis in Transplant Aman Rice Genotypes.

A field experiment was carried out with 20 genotypes of Transplant Aman (T. Aman) rice at the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh. The study was performed to evaluate the genetic deviation, trait association, and path coefficient (PC) based on grain yield (GY) and different yield-contributing agronomic characters. Variance analysis displayed extensive traits-wise variations across accessions, indicating variability and the opportunity for genetic selection for desirable traits. The high mean, range, and genotypic variances observed for most of the characters indicated a wide range of variation for these traits. All the characters indicated the minimum influence of environment on the expression of the trait and genetic factors had a significant role in the expressivity of these characters. High heritability in broad sense (h2b) and high to moderate genetic advance in percent of the mean (GAPM) were recorded for all the characters except for panicle length (PL). Based on mean, range, and all genetic parameters, the selection of all the traits except for PL would contribute to the development of T. Aman rice genotypes. A correlation study revealed that selection based on plant height (PH), number of effective tillers per hill (NET), PL, number of filled spikelets per panicle (NFS), flag leaf length (FLL), spikelet sterility (SS) percentage, and harvest index (HI) would be effective for increasing the GY of rice. Genotypic correction with grain yield (GCGY), PC and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that direct selection of NFS, HI, SS%, and FLL would be effective for improving the GY of rice in future breeding programs.

Color and physiochemical attributes of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) influenced by modified atmosphere packaging and postharvest treatment during storage.

The efficiency of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in combination with postharvest treatment on the shelf-life, physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition of pointed gourd was studied after storing in refrigerated (low temperature, LT) and ambient (room temperature, RT) conditions. Fresh pointed gourd fruits were dipped in NaOCl solution (0.01% w/v) and potassium metabisulphite (KMS) (0.05% w/v), blanched (100°C for 4 min), and then packed in perforated and non-perforated polythene and polypropylene packets of each type and brown paper bags as MAP before storing at LT and RT. Physiochemical attributes, color, and nutrition were measured until the marketable level of acceptance (up to shelf-life) after storage and compared with the untreated and unpacked samples (control). The results showed profound differences among the treatment variables in all the studied dependent parameters regarding the LT and RT storage conditions. Among the treatments, perforated and non-perforated polyethylene (NPE) and polypropylene (NPP) packaging performed well to retain a considerable amount of ascorbic acid, ß-carotene, and greenish color (lower L*, high h*) in pointed gourd treated with NaOCl (0.01%) and KMS (0.05%) after storing at LT and RT. Furthermore, the principal component analysis suggested that five major quality attributes (L*, C*, h*, shelf-life, and ascorbic acid) were influenced remarkably in terms of non-perforated polyethylene packaging in combination with KMS treatment both in LT and RT storage conditions. However, perforated polythene and polypropylene in combination with NaOCl responded well in RT but only for the shortest storage life. Thus, a non-perforated polythene package with KMS treatment would be the best solution for retaining market quality acceptance with green color up to the extended shelf-life of 23 and 10 days, respectively, in the refrigerator (LT) and in ambient (RT) storage conditions.