Khaoula Habbadi^1*, Meriem Guartoumi El Idrissi¹, Salma El Iraqui El Houssaini¹, Ilyass Maafa², Faical Aoujil¹, Abdellatif Benbouazza¹, El Hassan Achbani¹, Moha Ferrahi³

¹Phytobacteriolgy and Biological Control Laboratory, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Meknes, National Institute of Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, BP 415 Rabat Principal, 10090 Rabat, Morocco

²International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat 10080, Morocco

³Department of Breeding and Conservation of Genetic Resources, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Rabat 10020, Morocco

Abstract

Considering the imperative challenges posed by climate change, particularly the escalating instances of drought stress, optimizing wheat production stands as a critical goal for agricultural development. This experimental study delves into the pivotal role of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Water Retention Agents (WRA) in bolstering the resilience of bread wheat crops to drought conditions. The study encompasses germination tests, field observations, and a comprehensive analysis of agronomic parameters, emphasizing the significance of PGPR and WRA in mitigating the adverse effects of water scarcity on wheat crops. The germination tests in Petri dishes reveal a substantial enhancement with the application of PGPR strains, showing higher rates (95% for Serratia nematodiphila strain GAB111 and 92% for Pseudomonas koreensis strain GAJ222) compared to the control. PGPR significantly increased root and shoot lengths, with significant increases observed. Field observations show the climatic impact on wheat development, with an accelerated growth cycle due to high temperatures and arid conditions. Further analyses reveal that WRA and PGPR significantly affect agronomic parameters such as the number of leaves, tillers, ears, and chlorophyll content. The study also assesses the impact on leaf temperature, wheat yield, plant-root development, and soil parameters such as organic matter and nutrient content. The combined use of WRA and PGPR shows promising results, highlighting their potential synergistic effects on wheat growth and development, especially in challenging environmental conditions. These findings offer practical solutions for enhancing wheat resilience and have broader implications for the sustainable development of agricultural systems confronting increasing climate-induced stresses.

Keywords: Climate change, Wheat resilience, Aagronomic parameters, PGPR, WRA

Naphat Somala¹, Nutcha Manichart¹, Muanfan Thongbang¹, Pattharin Wichittrakarn², Chamroon Laosinwattana^1*, Montinee Teerarak¹

¹School of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

²King Mongkut Chaokhunthahan Hospital, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand

Abstract

Fungal extract-based natural herbicides are a promising avenue for the development of sustainable weed management. The study investigates the herbicidal activity of fungal extracts against the prominent aquatic invasive weed Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). The ethanol crude fraction derived from Diaporthe sp. strain EC010 demonstrated the highest phytotoxicity. Chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 2(3H)-furanone, dihydro-4-hydroxy- (22.81%), linoelaidic acid (6.87%), and hordenine (6.62%) as major constituents. Phytotoxicity was evaluated by wrapping bioassay under greenhouse conditions. Observable foliar damage, such as necrosis, chlorosis, and depigmentation, occurred within 1 day after treatment (DAT). The rapid onset of visible damage within 1 DAT and the detailed analysis of tissue damage are particularly noteworthy. Lesion progression reflected the phytotoxicity of the extract, increasing to 77.33% visible phytotoxicity at 14 DAT for the highest concentration (8.0% w/v). Microscopic analysis revealed disintegration and complete deformation of epidermal and parenchymal tissues, and treated plants featured extensive aerenchyma spaces. Furthermore, the Diaporthe sp. extract decreased chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid concentrations while increasing electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde, indicative of weed deterioration. The current work offers valuable insights for sustainable and eco-friendly strategies in the management of water hyacinth populations in a lentic ecosystem. The findings suggest that Diaporthe sp. extract could serve as a natural herbicide, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals in managing water hyacinth.

Keywords: Allelopathy, fungi extract, natural herbicide, water hyacinth

Rungravee Chaiyod¹, Benyapa Prakit¹, Kittiya Khongkool¹, Wankuson Chanasit², Monthon Lertworapreecha^2*

¹Biotechnology program, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

²Microbial Technology for Agriculture, Food, and Environment Research Center, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates the production and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC) by Novacetimonas pomaceti KMPG_12, focusing on enhancing its prebiotic properties through size reduction via high-pressure homogenization (HPH). Optimal conditions for BC production were established using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), yielding a maximum dry weight of 9.78 g/L under conditions of 15% glucose, 0.4% peptone, and 4.5% alcohol over a 14-day cultivation period. The produced BC was subjected to HPH at 20,000 psi for eight cycles, significantly reducing fiber size, as confirmed by SEM analysis. The transformation from a compact, net-like structure to a more separated fibrous network at the nanometer scale was observed. FTIR analysis revealed modifications in the BC’s molecular framework post-HPH, indicating a disruption of hydrogen bonds and a transition towards a less crystalline structure. The prebiotic potential of HPH-treated BC was assessed through in vitro experiments with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, showing a significant enhancement in bacterial proliferation (P=0.0437) compared to untreated BC. This study highlights the potential of BC, particularly when processed to the nanoscale, to serve as a functional ingredient that supports gut health and microbial growth, marking a significant advancement in the development of sustainable and effective prebiotic products.

Keywords: Bacterial cellulose, High pressure homogenization, Prebiotic, Acetic acid, Bacteria, Novacetimonas pomaceti

Xue Jing Wong¹, Shiamala Devi Ramaiya², Wan Hee Cheng¹, Zheng-Feng Wang³, Muhammad Syahmi Hishamuddin^4*, Shiou Yih Lee^1*

¹Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

²Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

³Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, Guangdong, China

⁴Department of Forestry Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Coelostegia griffithii is a member of Malvaceae, which is native to the west Malaysia region. It has been exploited as a timber species to produce clogs, furniture, and construction materials. However, genetic studies of this species are limited. Thus, this study describes the first complete plastid genome (plastome) sequence of C. griffithii. The quadripartite-structured plastome was 163,159 bp long, consisting of large (95,536 bp) and small (20,435 bp) single-copy regions, which are separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions (each 23,594 bp). A total of 133 genes were annotated, including 88 protein-coding (CDS), 37 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. Repeat analyses recorded 250 simple sequence repeats and 50 large repeats. The preferred amino acid often ended with codon A/T based on relative synonymous codon usage analysis. When compared to the plastid CDS of Reevesia thyrsoidea, a total of 12 genes displayed positive selection. There was no evidence of gene block rearrangement or inversion in comparison to four other closely related species of Helicteroideae. To ascertain its molecular placement, the phylogenetic analysis was carried out with the concatenated dataset of 79 shared unique CDS of 32 taxa of Malvaceae, using maximum likelihood (ML) and approximate Bayesian test (aBayes) methods. Both the ML and aBayes trees revealed a nearly resolved and well-resolved relationship within Malvaceae, respectively; C. griffithii is placed in the Helicteroideae clade and has a close relationship to the three Durio species.

 Keywords: Chloroplast genome, Durian, Durioneae, Genetic resources, Phylogenomics

Annum Jabar^1, Muhammad Athar², Kashf Mehmood⁴, Taha Ishfaq², Saqib Bashir ^2,3*, Zafar Iqbal⁵, Mureed Hussain², Anaam Zahra¹, Javaria Sherani⁶, Shahbaz Khan⁷*, Mohamed A. El- Sheikh⁸, Temoor Ahmed^9,10

¹Department of Botany, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

²Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

³CAS Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China

⁴Department of Biological Science, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan

⁵Department of Botany, Sargodha University, Sargodha, Pakistan

⁶Department of Horticulture, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan

⁷Colorado Water Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

⁸Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

⁹Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

¹⁰MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan

Abstract

Recently, conversion of organic waste into useful products (organic fertilizers) is an emergent option for soil health restoration and sustainable ecosystem. In developing countries, excessive use of untreated wastewater and agrochemicals caused serious impact on food security and soil health. In this regard, the incorporation of recycled organic byproducts like compost (CP) and vermicompost (VC) have significant contribution in soil restoration by providing carbon and nutrients in polluted soil. A pot study was carried out to investigate the influence of CP and VC on maize growth and yield under copper stress. Maize was sown as a test plant in pots with 7 different treatments along with three repeats, such as T1: Control (CK); T2: 1% compost (CP 1%); T3: 2% Compost (CP 2%); T4: 5% Compost (CP 5%); T5: 1% vermicompost (VC 1%); T6: 2% Vermicompost (VC 2%) and T7: 5% Vermicompost (VC 5%). The current findings exhibited that incorporation of CP and VC prominently enhanced maize growth, biomass, plant height, chlorophyll contents, NPK status in soil and plant tissues. In addition, the results revealed that soil pH was prominently reduced by 0.54 and 0.59 units when CP and VC were mixed in Cu polluted soil. The addition of CP and VC at 5% rate presented the profound reduction in soil Cu by 24.41% and 43.02% respectively over control. Whereas Cu uptake by maize tissues was also reduced by 45% and 47% when CP and VC were incorporated at 5% rate. Overall, among all the treatments and application rates VC at 5% exhibited prominent results over control as well as other soil additives.

Keywords: Copper, Compost, Vermicompost, Immobilization, Maize

Mahmoud Ahmed Amer^1*, Zaheer Khalid¹, Khadim Hussain¹, Muhammad Amir¹, Muhammad Zaman¹, Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Shahwan¹, Mohammed Ali Al-Saleh^2*

¹Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

²Chair of Date Palm Research, Plant Protection Department, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Tomato leaf curl disease is the most harmful disease of tomato caused by different begomovirus species mainly Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and Tomato leaf curl Sudan virus (TLCSDV). Both are single-stranded DNA begomoviruses that cause leaf curling, stunting, vein banding, yellowing and results in significant crop losses in tomato in Saudi Arabia. In the first objective of this study, infectious clones of TLCSDV and TYLCV were constructed by cloning and subcloning of partial dimer genome containing two origins of replication on PstI-KpnI/KpnI sites in binary plasmid vector pGreenII 0000. To assess the functionality of agro-infectious clones, those were transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 strain and infiltrated into the leaves of model host plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Three weeks post inoculation begomovirus symptoms were observed and infectivity of our infectious clones were confirmed by PCR using begomovirus diagnostic primers (AC1048 and AV494). In the second phase, 13 available commercial cultivars of tomato crop grown in open fields as well as greenhouse were inoculated with agro-infectious clones of TLCSDV and TYLCV to assess their tolerance against these important pathogens of tomato. The obtained results observed after 30 days of inoculation showed all cultivars were susceptible to both begomoviruses showing variable symptoms severity. These results were confirmed by PCR using AC1048 and AV494 primer. The significance of response of different cultivars against infection of TLCSDV and TYLCV were discussed.

 Keywords: Tomato, TLCSDV, TYLCV, Agroinfiltration, Infectious clone, Cultivars, Virus resistance

Sana Riaz¹, Ghulam Mustafa^1*, Muhammad Sarwar Khan¹, Muhammad Amjad Abbas²

¹Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

²Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Colletotrichum falcatum is the most infectious pathogen of sugarcane which not only affects crop productivity but also lowers sugar recovery. Vegetative mode of propagation, long breeding cycle and anatomy of the plant further vulnarize it to pathogen infection. Owing to limitations in the control of pathogen with chemicals and conventional methods, mycoparasitic agents are more effective and efficient. Indigenous Trichoderma strains were used in these studies to see their impact on the control of this infectious pathogen under in vitro and in planta conditions. Both, the pathogen and Trichoderma isolates were purified and confirmed through molecular tools. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out to assess their genetic relatedness with other Colletotrichum species. In vitro dual plate culture assay was performed to assess mycoparasitic potential of all of the isolates. Trichoderma harzianum showed 85.5% inhibition in the growth of Colletotrichum falcatum whereas Trichoderma viride showed 81.1% growth inhibition. Further, in planta infection assay was conducted in red rot susceptible sugarcane genotype SPF-234 to seek for its potential to suppress pathogen infestation. Six months old plants were inoculated with C. falcatum alone and in combination with T. viride by plug method of inoculation. The infected canes were dissected out and observed for red discoloration. Both of the biocontrol agents inhibited growth of the pathogen yet T. harzianum appeared to be more effective for the control of aforementioned pathogen. Hence, Trichoderma harzianum isolates can effectively be used for the control of red rot infection in sugarcane leading to enhanced crop production and sugar recovery.

Keywords: Red rot, Biocontrol agent, Sugarcane, Dual plate culture assay, In planta infection assay

Mahmood Rasool^1*, Khalid I. Alhassan², Sajjad Karim¹, Absarul Haque³, Mohammed H.Z. Mutwakil², Mohammed Alharthi⁴, Adeel G. Chaudhary¹, Peter Natesan Pushparaj¹

¹Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

²Department of Biological Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

³King Fahd Medical Research Center, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

⁴Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The aim of our research was to identify molecular targets that can be targeted by drugs and patient-specific models for personalized medicine for colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we obtained high-throughput RNA sequencing data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with accession number GSE205787 and analyzed it using next-generation knowledge discovery tools such as BioJupies and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the raw counts from 47 CRC patient-derived spheroids (CRC-CSCs) with those from normal spheroids from the epithelium of the colon and rectum of healthy individuals, using BioJupies tools. IPA was used to identify differentially regulated canonical pathways, upstream regulators of CRC, non-directional networks, diseases, and biofunctions, as well as to conduct subsequent perturbation analysis using the Molecular Prediction Analysis (MAP) tool. Our study demonstrates that several KEGG pathways, including the AMPK, Phospholipase D, MAPK, and PI3-AKT signaling pathways, were significantly downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Additionally, Wnt signaling and FGFR pathways were significantly upregulated. Moreover, according to Wikipathways, the EGF/EGFR signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, G-protein signaling pathway, and Focal Adhesion-PI3-AKT pathway were downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Furthermore, based on the Reactome, the Metabolism, Vesicle-mediated transport, RAF signaling, and G-alpha (12/13) signaling pathways were also downregulated in the CRC-CSC group. Utilizing innovative drug combination approaches and innovative drug delivery techniques, CRC treatments can be enhanced by modulating the FGFR, EGFR, and AMPK signaling pathways, which may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Cancer stem cell spheroids, AMP‐activated protein kinase signaling, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, BioJupies, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis

Uğur Yegül^*

Department of Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, 06135 Ankara, Türkiye

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a kit to collect data on important parameters for cultivation in a hydroponic farming environment and send and store these data online. This Study was carried out between February and August 2022. The area where the experiment was conducted is fully controlled (coordinates 39.962013 and 32.867491) and established within Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye. The kit developed for indoor use in agriculture consisted of a microcontroller, different sensors, and hardware components. For all the hardware to be combined and work properly, a closed box was designed using SolidWorks solid modeling software and fabricated with a 3D printer. The code developed for the kit to fulfill the desired function was written in C++ and transferred to the microcontroller via Arduino software using a personal computer. This kit can measure T (temperature), H (humidity: %), carbon dioxide (CO₂), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), LUX (luminous intensity: lux), Ultra-violet (UV) W m^-2, P (air pressure: pascal), and AQ (air quality: ppm). The developed kit can transmit and store the data simultaneously on the Internet. IoT technologies need further agricultural studies, and more data to be obtained can contribute to resolving more problems. The kit obtained in the study can be used in domestic agriculture and various agricultural activities.

Keywords: Internet of things, Indoor farming, Arduino, Sensor, Environmental parameters

Hammad Anwar¹, Moazzam Jamil¹, Azhar Hussain^1*, Abubakar Dar¹, Maqshoof Ahmad¹, Saleh H. Salmen², Mohammad Javed Ansari³, Rashid Iqbal^4,5*

¹Department of Soil Science, the Islamia University, Bahawalpur-63100, Pakistan

²Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

³Department of Botany, Hindu College Moradabad, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, India

⁴Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

⁵Department of Life Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) is the most limiting micronutrient responsible for malnutrition. World Health Organization (WHO) reported deficiency of Zn is the 5^th most significant cause of death and disease in underdeveloped world. However, 70% Pakistani soils are Zn deficient and responsible for Zn deficiency in crops. The present study aimed to mitigate Zn deficiency and improve them a nd Zn use efficiencies through synergizing dry region Zn solubilizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) by coating on Zn coated urea. Pre-isolated dry region Zn solubilizing isolates were evaluated for zinc solubilization, urease activity, siderophores production, organic acid production and ACC-deaminase activity. Four effective strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (IUB-34), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-96), Klebsiella variicola (IUB-80) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae (IUB-93) and their consortium coated on Zn coated urea. This improved product was tested for N and Zn release pattern, growth promotion and Zn biofortification in pot trial on wheat. Results showed that SPAD chlorophyll value, root, shoot length and their dry weight was significantly improved (p≤ 0.05) by 19.4, 20.3, 45.9, 27.3 and 39.5%, respectively, over control. Similarly, N, P, K, Zn, Fe in grains and 100-grain weight was significantly increased (p≤ 0.05) by 97.5, 23.5, 61.1, 63, 32 and 50.5%, respectively, over control. The results confirmed that dry region Zn solubilizing bacterial consortium coated on Zn coated urea is an efficient method for the biofortification of Zn in wheat grains and can effectively overcome Zn deficiency in humans.

Keywords: Zinc, Dry region, Wheat, Consortium, Zn coated urea, Biofortification