Category Archives: b_original_articles

Ty Viet Pham¹, Nguyen Thi Minh Phuoc², Tran Minh Duc³, Nguyen Duy Ngoc Tan³, Tran Nam Thang³, Le Cong Danh⁴, Thanh Pham^2*

¹Faculty of Chemistry, University of Education, Hue University, 34 Le Loi, Hue City, Vietnam

²Faculty of Biology, University of Education, Hue University, 34 Le Loi, Hue City, Vietnam

³University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, 102 Phung Hung, Hue City, Vietnam

⁴Hue Traditional Medicine Hospital, Hue City, Vietnam

*Corresponding author’s email: phamthanh@hueuni.edu.vn

Received: 18 June 2025 / Accepted: 28 July 2025 / Published Online: 01 August 2025

Abstract

Essential oils extracted from the leaves and stems of Limnophila rugosa, collected in Aluoi district, Hue city, Vietnam, were analyzed for their chemical composition and evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The oils, with yields of 0.6 ± 0.02% (leaves) and 0.4 ± 0.01% (stems) (w/w, fresh weight), were characterized as milky white liquids with a distinct aromatic odor and lower density than water. GC-MS analysis identified 14 volatile compounds in the leaf oil (99.83% of total content) and seven in the stem oil (99.03% of total content), with (E)-anethole as the predominant constituent (77.53% in leaf oil, 94.30% in stem oil). Other notable compounds in the leaf oil included 1-octen-3-ol (8.19%) and 2-octanol (7.94%), which were less abundant in the stem oil (1.93% and 1.24%, respectively). The stem oil exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 322.26 ± 15.16 µg/mL), while the leaf oil showed negligible activity (IC₅₀ > 500.00 µg/mL), compared to acarbose (IC₅₀ = 117.84 ± 7.25 µg/mL). Both oils demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against HEK-293A, HepG2, and SK-LU-1 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 35.56 ± 2.04 to 60.47 ± 2.53 µg/mL, compared to ellipticine (IC₅₀ = 0.34–0.38 µg/mL). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via nitric oxide (NO) production inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophages, with both oils showing significant NO inhibition but IC₅₀ values exceeding 100 µg/mL, compared to dexamethasone (IC₅₀ = 13.55 ± 1.26 µg/mL). The high (E)-anethole content likely contributes to these bioactivities, though the presence of 1-octen-3-ol and 2-octanol in the leaf oil may reduce its α-glucosidase inhibitory efficacy. This study establishes the foundation for future investigations into the medicinal potential of L. rugosa essential oils from Hue city, Vietnam, by being the first to report their chemical composition and α-glucosidase inhibitory, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Keywords: Limnophila rugosa, Essential oil, Cytotoxic activity, Alpha-glucosidase inhibition, Anti-inflammatory

My Syahrawati¹*, Muhammad Ilhamdi Rusydi², Arneti¹, Yolifa Alvira¹

¹Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, Kampus Unand Limau Manis, Padang 25163, West Sumatera, Indonesia

²Electrical Engineering department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Andalas, Kampus Unand Limau Manis, Padang 25163, West Sumatera, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: mysyahrawati@agr.unand.ac.id

Received: 19 January 2025 / Accepted: 02 July 2025 / Published Online: 17 July 2025

Abstract

The high abundance and severity of brown planthopper or BPH (Nilaparvata lugens Stal) attacks have resulted in losses and crop failures worldwide, including in Indonesia. Control using ultrasonic waves has the potency to inhibit BPH attacks and is safe for the environment. This study examined the effect of ultrasonic wave frequency exposed to BPH for 24 hours. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of seven treatments and five replications. The treatments were different ultrasonic wave frequencies (0, 20 kHz, 25 kHz, 30 kHz, 35 kHz, 40 kHz, 45 kHz). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and LSD at a significant level of 5%. A T-test was conducted to know the effect of treatment on males and females of BPH. A regression test determined the relationship between treatment and observation variables. The results showed that exposure to BPH using ultrasonic waves with different frequencies significantly affected the activity, mortality, longevity, number of eggs laid, and the percentage and intensity of BPH attacks. BPH behaves away from the emitter and clusters and moves passively. The higher the frequency of ultrasonic waves, the higher the adult mortality. Males were more affected by exposure than females. Conversely, high ultrasonic wave frequencies can significantly shorten adult longevity, reduce the number of eggs hatched, and reduce BPH’s attack percentage and intensity. Ultrasonic waves at 30-45 kHz were the best frequency for suppressing the population and attack level of BPH.

Keywords: Adult, Attack rate, Longevity, Mortality, Ultrasound

Kronsirinut Rothjanawan¹, Wasan Palasai², Rachchanon Yodrach³, Junjira Thipraksa⁴, Panisa Michu⁴, Alisa Kongthong⁴, Pimprapa Chaijak⁴*

¹Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Naradhiwas 96000, Thailand

²Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Naradhiwas 96000, Thailand

³Thaksin University Demonstration Secondary School, Thaksin University, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand

⁴Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung 93210, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: chaijak.pimprapa@gmail.com

Received: 24 April 2025 / Accepted: 20 June 2025 / Published Online: 28 June 2025

Abstract

Melanoidin is the primary pigment responsible for the dark brown color of various agricultural wastewaters including palm oil mill effluent (POME), presents a significant challenge for degradation due to its antimicrobial properties. This study focused on enriching and selecting a laccase-producing fungal consortium specifically for melanoidin degradation in real POME. Following selection, the consortium community was identified using next-generation sequencing. To simultaneously recover bioelectricity during the degradation process, an upflow microbial fuel cell (MFC) was integrated. The analysis revealed that the consortium TC, predominantly composed of Candida tropicalis, followed by Pichia sp., Issatchenkia orientalis, and Candida orthopsilosis, demonstrated the highest laccase activity (5.22 ± 0.07 U/L) and achieved significant melanoidin degradation (94.70 ± 0.26%). Furthermore, the integrated MFC system yielded a maximum open circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.534 ± 0.031 V and a maximum power density (PD) of 77.84 ± 2.78 mW/m². These findings highlight a novel approach for the concurrent removal of recalcitrant melanoidin from POME and the generation of bioelectricity using a tailored fungal consortium within an MFC system.

Keywords: Fungi, Melanoidin, Microbial fuel cell, Laccase, Electricity generation

Bajaree Chuttong¹, Supakhom Klaitanoad¹, Kanokwan Klaithin¹, Sampat Ghosh^2,3, Chuleui Jung^2,4, Ming Cheng Wu⁵, Khanchai Danmek^6*

¹Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University 50200, Thailand

²Agricultural Research Institute, Gyeongkuk National University, Andong GB 36729, South Korea

³Department of Life Science Sardar Patel University, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh 481331, India

⁴Department of Plant Medicals, Gyeongkuk National University, Andong GB 36729, Republic of Korea

⁵Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University 402202, Taiwan

⁶Biotechnology program, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao 56000, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: khandchai.da@up.ac.th

Received: 25 January 2025 / Accepted: 23 May 2025 / Published Online: 31 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Aspergillus flavus, a mycotoxin-producing fungus, on honeybee health in Thailand, where maize pollen is a key nutritional resource for apiculture but carries a significant risk of fungal contamination. Metabolomic analysis revealed that A. flavus produces aflatoxins B1 (AFB₁) at 3,753 ng/mL and B2 (AFB₂) at 327 ng/mL, while A. nomius is not toxin-producing. Co-culturing A. flavus with A. nomius led to a reduction in AFB₁ and AFB₂ to 218 and 26.52 mg/mL, respectively. Newly emerged worker honeybees were fed various diets: 50% sucrose syrup (S, T1), S + semi-synthetic media (T2), S + metabolites of A. flavus (T3), S + metabolites of A. nomius (T4), and S + metabolites of both A. flavus and A. nomius (T5). The results indicated that T3 resulted in the shortest lifespan and the smallest hypopharyngeal gland acini size (9.38 ± 1.02 nm compared to 21.07 ± 1.37 nm in T2). However, the lifespan of T4 and T5 was comparable to T1 and T2, indicating that A. nomius would not have any harmful impact on honeybee lifespan and may reduce any deleterious impacts of A. flavus. Similar inference was possible on the acini size of the hypopharyngeal gland which is an important health parameter of worker honeybees. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how microbial contamination affects honeybee health and the necessity to reduce the risks associated with toxin exposure under the situation of natural pollen sources declining.

Keywords: Fungal contamination, Honeybee health, Hypopharyngeal glands, Maize pollen, Toxin exposure

Aparicio-Ortiz Mónica¹, Juárez-Monroy Dilery¹, Canto-Canché Blondy², Tzec-Simá Miguel¹, Islas-Flores Ignacio^1*

¹Unidad de Biología Integrativa, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, México

²Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Chuburná de Hidalgo, C.P. 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, México

*Corresponding author’s email: islasign@cicy.mx

Received: 28 November 2024 / Accepted: 23 May 2025 / Published Online: 31 May 2025

Abstract

Highly methyl-esterified pectin (HME-P) is typically found in the primary cell walls of young and embryonic plant cells, where it plays a role in regulating differentiation and maturation processes. In this study, the JIM7 monoclonal antibody, which specifically targets HME-P, was utilized to examine tissue sections of coconut zygotic embryos and solid endosperms from the Yucatan green dwarf cultivar at various developmental stages. The expression of the pectin methyl-esterase gene was also assessed using RT-qPCR. The JIM7 antibody revealed the presence of HME-P surrounding the inner cells of immature embryos at the globular and coleoptile stages. As the embryos progressed to intermediate and mature stages, HME-P was found in various cell types, including those of the plumule. In the immature solid endosperm, HME-P was associated with syncytial cells. At the intermediate stage, it was observed in vesicle-like structures and by the mature stage, it surrounded compact cells in a distinct mosaic pattern, near the corrosion cavity. Analysis of the coconut PME gene expression in solid endosperm and zygotic embryos showed peak expression at the immature stage, followed by a decline at the intermediate and mature stages. These findings were consistent with the immunodetection results obtained with the JIM7 antibody in embryos and endosperms. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the coordinated expression of the PME gene and the dynamics of HME-P during the maturation of coconut zygotic embryos and solid endosperms. These findings suggest a potential role for pectin methyl esterification in zygotic embryogenesis in coconut.

Keywords: Endosperm, Coconut, Embryo, Pectin, JIM7, Methyl-esterification

Yuexia Wang^1,2, Shiming Han^1,2*, Muhammad Shahr Yar Ali³, Shuai Zheng², Jihong Dong¹, Muhammad Sajjad^3*, Yumei Fang²

¹School of Public Administration, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China

²School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Liupanshui Normal University, Liupanshui, P.R. China

³Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan

*Corresponding authors’ emails: hanshiliang888@163.com; msajjadpbg@gmail.com

Received: 04 March 2025 / Accepted:20 April 2025 / Published Online: 28 May 2025

Abstract

Actinidia valvata Dunn is a fruit tree that originated in China and is well recognized for its nutrient, health, and medicinal value. With the aim of identifying the nutrients involved, this study conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the stem, leaf, and fruit of A. valvata using the Illumina HiSeq platform. RNA-Seq analysis produced 39.03 GB of clean data and further identified a total of 50,928 unigenes with an average length of 1,236.40 bp. Functional annotation of these unigenes was carried out by comparing them with several databases. This resulted in the incorporation of annotated information regarding 32,202 unigenes, which constituted 63.23% of the total. Moreover, 11,809 unigenes participated in 129 unique metabolic pathways. Comparative analysis of gene expression across various tissues led to the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among these, 26 DEGs were closely associated with sugar metabolism pathways. Moreover, correlation analysis between total sugar content and expression of the DEGs implied in sugar metabolism proved that the identified key genes SUS, INV, SPS, HK, malZ, and GPI have strong functions in sugar metabolism in A. valvata. Our findings reveal that sucrose synthase (SUS) and invertase (INV) are critical drivers of sugar accumulation in fruits, providing targets for breeding sweeter kiwifruit varieties.

Keywords: Kiwi berry, A. valvata, Total phenolic, SUS, INV, SPS, DEGs, Sugar metabolism

Ahmed Raza^1,2,3*, Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel⁴, Sidra Iqbal⁵, Azhar Abbas Khan⁶, Tahira Abbas⁷, Ammarah Hasnain⁸, Mahmoud Ahmed Amer⁹, Abdul Majid², Adnan Ahmad¹⁰, Ummad Ud Din Umar¹¹, Muhammad Umer Iqbal¹², Muhammad Naveed Aslam⁴, Xifeng Wang³, Mingzheng Duan^1*

¹Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources Innovation Utilization and Cultivation, College of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Zhaotong,657000, China

²Plant Virology Lab, Crop Diseases Research Institute, National Agriculture Research Centre, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Islamabad, Pakistan

³State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China

⁴Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture & Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan

⁵Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture-Faisalabad, Constituent College Depalpur, Okara, 56300, Pakistan

⁶Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Layyah, Pakistan

⁷Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, University of Layyah, Pakistan

⁸Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Pakistan

⁹Plant Protection Department, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia

¹⁰GenEd, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan

¹¹Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan

¹²Department of Plant Pathology, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

*Corresponding author’s email: ahmedraza7128@parc.gov.pk; duanmingzheng@ztu.edu.cn

Received: 13June 2024 / Accepted: 20 April 2025 / Published Online: 28 May 2025

Abstract

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), causing yellowing disease in tomato, is a phloem-limited, whitefly-transmitted crinivirus that mainly affects plants by reducing chlorophyll content. During a survey conducted in 2019, cirinivirus-specific yellowing symptoms were observed in the tomato fields in Multan, Khanewal, and Lodhran districts of Pakistan. To confirm the etiology of the yellowing disease of tomato, a total of 76 symptomatic and 22 asymptomatic samples were collected out of which 72% of the tested plants were found to be positive for ToCV using RT-PCR. The full genomic nucleotide sequences of two selected ToCV-isolates were obtained by next-generation sequencing (NGS). RNA1 and RNA2 of each isolate comprised 8594 and 8242 nucleotides, respectively. The NGS results were verified by sequencing the amplified overlapping fragments of RNA1 and RNA2 using specific primers designed in this study. In BLASTn analysis for ToCV-Pak1 and ToCV-Pak2, RNA1 from both isolates had the highest similarities (99.41-99.46%) with a South Korean isolate; RNA2 had the highest similarities of 99.67-99.64% with a Greek isolate for Pak1 and Turkish isolate for Pak2, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that RNA1 of the Pakistani isolates clustered together, forming a subclade, and RNA2 from one of the Pakistani isolates (MN869006) clustered with a Brazilian isolate. At the same time, the other one (MN869007) fell close to a Turkish isolate. Statistical analysis indicated a low polymorphic frequency in RNA1 but a higher polymorphic frequency in RNA 2 quantifying the degree of variation in the analyzed isolates which may result in emergence of new strains with altered levels of virulence. One probable recombination event was detected in RNA1. Analysis revealed that RNA1 of Pak1 and Pak2 is recombinant between South Korean isolate (major parent) and Spanish isolates (minor parent) with recombinant breakpoints at 6172 and 6668 nucleotide positions from the 5′ end, respectively. This study provides the first full genomic analysis and the genetic diversity of ToCV-RNA1 infecting the tomato plant in Pakistan. Understanding the trends and rate of variation in the isolates may provide an insight into the development of resistance in tomato plants against tomato yellowing disease.

Keywords: ToCV, Phylogenetic analysis, Recombination, Genetic characterization, Tomato

L.S. Huseynova¹*, S.N. Mammadova², L.M. Suleymanova², G.A. Valiyeva²

¹Department of Natural Sciences, Western Caspian University, Baku, Azerbaijan

²Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan

*Corresponding author’s email: royahuseynova2006@gmail.com

Received: 13 January 2025 / Accepted: 15 May 2025 / Published Online: 24 May 2025

Abstract

Mutations in BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DLD and DBT are associated with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) in different populations worldwide, therefore screening of these genes is crucial for genetic counseling, diagnosis and treatments of MSUD in patients suffering from MSUD. The present study was therefore carried out by screening MSUD patients from different regions including Baku, Sheki-Zagatala, Guba-Khachmaz, Lankaran-Astara zones to establish the genetic spectrum of MSUD patients of in Azerbaijan population. The cohort consisted of 800 patients clinically diagnosed with MSUD from the year 2015 to 2020. The gene panel sequencing (BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DLD and DBT) was performed by amplification of exonic sequences using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method followed by Sanger sequencing of the amplified product. For the confirmation of identified mutation a control panel of 140 healthy individuals was also collected from the population. The sequencing of the exonic sequence of the four genes resulted in identification of four missense variants. One patient carried compound heterozygous variants 1221(A>G) and 972 (C>T) in exon 9 and 10 respectively while another patient had homozygous 508(C>T) variant in BCKDHB, and homozygous 1199(A>G) was found in DBT in another patient. All the three patients carrying the identified mutations were from Guba-Khachmaz zone: one was Azerbaijani Turk, and two were Lezgi ethnic group. The in silico analysis predicted the variants to be pathogenic for protein function. In conclusion, the present study highlights the genetic role of BCKDHB and DBT in onset of MSUD in Azerbaijan especially Guba-Khachmaz zone where BCKDHB variants found to be more common in MSUD patient with followed by DBT. The identified variants were absent from the control group, thus suggesting their role in disease manifestation. Out of the 800 MSUD screened patients excluded cases might be having deep intronic mutation either in BCKDHB and DBT or other gene or might be having novel gene which could only be identified through exome/genome sequencing of the remaining patient.

Keywords: MSUD, Genetic spectrum, Azerbaijani Turk, Guba-Khachmaz zone, Rare mutations, Ethnic specificity

Naeema A. Yahya^1,4*, Mohamed A. Awad², Shafik D. Ibrahim³, Mohamed A. Nagaty²

¹Genetic and Cytology Unit, Department of Genetic Resources, Desert Research Center, Cairo, 11753 Egypt

²Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Environmental Agricultural Sciences, Arish University, North Sinai, Egypt

³Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt

⁴Plant Research Department, Agricultural Research Department, Ministry of Municipality, Doha, P.O. Box 2727, Qatar

*Corresponding author’s email: nabdelhalem@mm.gov.qa

Received: 28 December 2024 / Accepted: 06 May 2025 / Published Online: 24 May 2025

Abstract

This study used 38 morphological characteristics, IRAP and SCoT markers, and DNA barcoding to assess the relationships among seven date palm cultivars commonly grown in North Sinai, Egypt—five classified and two unknowns. Results of morphological characterization analysis within date palm cultivars showed significant variability (P ≤ 0.05) in tree, leaf, fruit, and seed morphological traits. Principal component analysis revealed strong relationships among certain morphological traits and cultivars, forming four major homogeneous variable groups. Cluster analyses revealed that Beid El Gamal exhibited the lowest genetic similarity among the seven cultivars, while the highest similarity index was observed between Amri and Yellow Majhal, Hayani and Red Majhal, and Khedri and Kapoushi. The evaluation was performed using IRAP and SCoT markers; IRAP markers generated 97 amplicons with 36% polymorphism, while SCoT markers produced 89 amplicons with 45% polymorphism. Genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.83 to 0.93, with the highest similarity (0.93) observed between Amri and Yellow Majhal cultivars. DNA barcoding using rbcL, matK, and trnH genes successfully differentiated the cultivars into distinct phylogenetic groups. Molecular analyses revealed that Amri and Yellow Majhal cultivars were most closely related, while Beid El Gamal showed the lowest similarity. We concluded that analyzing morphological traits can distinguish date palm cultivars, but it is time-consuming and requires specific traits to identify each cultivar. By integrating morphological and genetic characteristics, we achieved more reliable identification. Molecular markers, such as IRAP and SCoT—particularly using IRAP-2204 or SCoT-09 primers—along with DNA barcoding, allow for quick and accurate differentiation of closely related cultivars, even unknown ones. This approach enhances sustainable date palm production by conserving genetic resources, improving breeding programs, verifying identities, tracking genetic diversity, and protecting local cultivars.

Keywords: Date palm, Morphological identification, DNA barcoding, Genetic diversity, IRAP markers, SCoT markers

Sirinda Sutthachai^1,2, Attachai Trunjaruen³, Ploinapat Mahatthanaphatcharakun^1,2, Worasitikulya Taratima^1,2*

¹Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

²Salt-tolerant Rice Research Group, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand

³Mahidol University, Amnatcharoen Campus, Amnatcharoen 37000, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: worasitikulya@gmail.com

Received: 19 December 2024 / Accepted: 05 May 2025 / Published Online: 24 May 2025

Abstract

Upland rice cultivation in highland regions is often challenged by drought, leading to poor seedling growth and low productivity. This study aimed to investigate the physiological, biochemical, and anatomical responses of the Thai rice landrace Nhonkhab under drought and rewatering conditions. After germination, 28-day-old Nhonkhab rice seedlings were deprived of water for 7 days (35 days old) and then rewatered for 5 days (40 days old). Growth, physiological, biochemical and anatomical characteristics of the 35 and 40-day-old seedlings were evaluated. Results showed that drought stress significantly reduced relative water content (RWC) (-36.38%) but was rapidly restored after rewatering (+12.15%) when compared to the control. After drought stress treatment, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage (EL) percentage increased (+150% and +59.37%, respectively), indicating oxidative stress and membrane damage. Growth and developmental adaptations, such as elongated roots and curled leaves, facilitated survival during drought, with leaves unfurling post-rewatering. Following rewatering, rice plants exhibited robust recovery, supported by internal structural adaptations such as increasing stomatal density, thickening of the cuticle layer around the midrib and leaf blades, increasing bulliform cells number and size, and modifications in vascular bundles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) revealed distinct patterns in growth, physiological, and anatomical traits across control and treatment groups. These findings provide valuable insights for rice production planning in drought-prone highlands and for selecting or breeding drought-resistant cultivars with improved resilience and productivity.

Keywords: Electrolyte leakage, Environmental stress, Leaf anatomy, MDA, Upland rice, Water deficiency