Efficacy of modified biochar for enhancing maize photosynthesis and yield under various irrigation regimes.

Maize (Zea mays L.), a globally significant cereal of the Poaceae family, plays a pivotal role in food and feed security. However, its productivity is increasingly threatened by climate-induced drought stress and low organic matter content of soil, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Detection of the Early Sensitive Stage and Natural Resistance of Broad Bean ( L.) Against Black Bean and Cowpea Aphids.

Broad bean is one of the most important leguminous crops worldwide. However, its productivity is greatly affected by the infestation of and (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The main objective of the current study was to identify the most susceptible phenological stages of the broad bean variety (Histal) against black aphids' herbivory.

The shifting dynamics of plant and mushroom foraging in Kashmir.

Background: In the mountainous region of Kashmir, wild food plants (WFPs) are vital to traditional food systems and security. Ethnic communities possess rich foraging practices; however, current sociocultural and environmental impacts may affect the transmission of local plant knowledge among younger generations. This study explores traditional foraging practices and provides a cross-cultural analysis of five groups: Gujjar, Bakarwal, Lone, Syed, and Mughal.

Ethnomedicinal documentation of plants used for gastrointestinal disorders in Sahiwal District Pakistan.

The gastrointestinal tract is regarded as vulnerable due to frequent exposure to a variety of foods. Diarrhea, ulcers, constipation, and parasitic infections are considered to be the most prevalent disorders worldwide. The present study was conducted in the District Sahiwal to appraise the local flora for the treatment of a diverse range of gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs) for the first time.

Phytoremediation of hypersaline soils by salt excretory C halophytic pan dropseed grass (Sporobolus ioclados Nees ex Trin.) through alteration in foliar architecture.

Plants inhabiting saline areas develop specific morpho-anatomical and physiological features to survive. Sporobolus ioclados is among the few grass species that dominate highly saline habitats. This is a salt excretory species and can potentially be important for phytoremediation of salt-affected lands.

Genome-wide identification of chitinase gene family in Hordeum vulgare: insights into stress response mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics.

Background: Chitinase, a key enzyme family within the pathogenesis-related (PR) protein, plays a crucial role in plant defense by degrading chitin, a major component of fungal cell walls. The HvCHT genes in barley are involved in responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, although their full range of functions is not yet fully understood.

Results: In this study, we identified 24 potential HvCHT genes through a genome-wide analysis.

Exploring synergistic insecticidal effects of binary mixtures of major compounds from six essential oils against Callosobruchus maculatus.

The cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, causes significant damage to stored grains of food legumes. Given the environmental and health hazards associated with synthetic fumigants and residual insecticides, there is an urgent need for safer alternatives. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of six different essential oils and their major components based binary mixtures activities against C.

Cd stabilizes HIF-1α under normoxic conditions via lysine-63-linked ubiquitination and induces ER stress and cell proliferation.

Unlabelled: Cadmium, a carcinogenic and toxic substance released into the environment, has emerged as a potent activator of lysine-63 ubiquitination, and lysine-63 is a crucial regulator of signal transduction pathways. Although critical, very little information is currently available about how the activation of lysine 63 ubiquitination by Cd might contribute to cancers and inflammatory diseases. The present study provides the first evidence that Cd stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha, a transcription factor, under normoxic conditions via lysine 63 ubiquitination.

Altitudinal impacts on phytochemical composition and mycorrhizal diversity of Reinwardtia indica Dumort, a medicinally valuable herb.

Background: Reinwardtia indica, a highly valued ethnomedicinal plant, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments due to its rich phytochemical composition. However, the impact of environmental factors, particularly altitude, on its medicinal properties remains unexplored. This study investigates the effects of altitudinal variation on phytochemicals, mycorrhizal diversity, and soil physico-chemical parameters of R.

Enhancing starch properties through dual modification: Ultrasonication and acetic acid treatment of non-conventional starches.

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonication (US) and acetic acid treatments on starches extracted from non-conventional sources: elephant foot yam (NES), cassava (NCS) and sweet potato (NSP). The starches underwent ultrasonication at 40°C for 3, 9, and 15 min, followed by acetylation, with native starches used as control. The morphological, physicochemical, and functional properties were comprehensively analyzed.

Trends in insecticide resistance in natural populations of Culex quinquefasciatus and its impact on mosquito fitness in Dschang, West Cameroon.

Specific information about the dispersion of Culex quinquefasciatus from Dschang in western Cameroon is scarce, and evidence-based interventions are needed. Common use of larvicides and adulticides conduct to the development of vectors resistance which can lead to deep biological changes, including fitness costs. We assessed the profile of insecticide resistance in field populations of Cx.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals potential roles of polyamine and proline metabolism in waterlogged peach roots inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Serendipita indica.

Root-associated endophytic fungi can create symbiotic relationships with trees to enhance stress tolerance, but the underlying mechanisms, especially with regard to waterlogging tolerance, remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Funneliformis mosseae and Serendipita indica on the growth, root cross-section structure, and root transcriptional responses of peach under waterlogging stress, with a focus on polyamine and proline metabolism. Genes and transcription factors associated with secondary cell wall biosynthesis were selected, and their expression profiles were analyzed.

Anatomical characterization of Semi-arid Bignoniaceae using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Background: The present research work was done to evaluate the anatomical differences among selected species of the family Bignoniaceae, as limited anatomical data is available for this family in Pakistan. Bignoniaceae is a remarkable family for its various medicinal properties and anatomical characterization is an important feature for the identification and classification of plants.

Methodology: In this study, several anatomical structures were examined, including stomata type and shape, leaf epidermis shape, epidermal cell size, and the presence or absence of trichomes and crystals (e.

An exploration of RSM, ANN, and ANFIS models for methylene blue dye adsorption using Oryza sativa straw biomass: a comparative approach.

This study focused on simulating the adsorption-based separation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye utilising Oryza sativa straw biomass (OSSB). Three distinct modelling approaches were employed: artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), and response surface methodology (RSM). To evaluate the adsorbent's potential, assessments were conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Optimizing soil health through activated acacia biochar under varying irrigation regimes and cultivars for sustainable wheat cultivation.

Wheat, a staple food crop globally, faces the challenges of limited water resources and sustainable soil management practices. The pivotal elements of the current study include the integration of activated acacia biochar (AAB) in wheat cultivation under varying irrigation regimes (IR). A field trial was conducted in the Botanical Garden, University of the Punjab, Lahore during 2023-2024, designed as a split-split-plot arrangement with RCBD comprising three AAB levels (0T, 5T, and 10T, T = tons per hectare) three wheat cultivars (Dilkash-2020, Akbar-2019, and FSD-08) receiving five IR levels (100%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50% field capacity).

Fertigation with alpha-tocopherol enhances morphological, physiological, and antioxidant responses in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under drought stress.

Water scarcity is a foremost environmental concern and is expected to hasten in the forthcoming years due to severe fluctuations in weather patterns worldwide. The present work was designed to explore the potential role of alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc), a form of vitamin E, on the morphological, physio-biochemical, and cellular antioxidant responses of two radish genotypes grown under drought conditions (38 ± 3% of field capacity). The individual and combined applications of α-Toc (100 ppm) were used as T0- Control, T1- Control + TF (TF-alpha-tocopherol), T2- Drought (D), and T3- D + TF with three replications.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles-Induced Genotoxic Effects in Mosquito .

Titanium dioxide (TiO) nanoparticles are being extensively used in a wide range of industrial applications for producing a variety of different consumer products, including medicines and even food items. The consumption of these products is increasing at an alarming rate, and this results in the release of these nanoparticles in the environment, causing a threat to organisms thriving in aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems. That is why screening such materials for their genotoxic effects, if any, becomes essential.

Biofabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles using Dalbergia sisso leaf extract for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities.

One of the biggest challenges encountered by the current generation is the evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria as a result of excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. This problem has led to the development of alternative approaches to treat the diseases caused by these multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR). One of the most promising and novel approaches to combat these pathogens is utilization of nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents.

Drought-tolerant fungal microbes, and , elevate physiohormonal and antioxidant responses of maize under drought stress.

Introduction: Temporary and extended drought stress accelerates phytohormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants, however, the fate of the plants under stress is mostly determined by the metabolic and molecular reprogramming, which can be modulated by the application of habitat-adapted fungi that triggers resistance to stress upon symbiotic association.

Methods: The present research exhibited the exploitation of the newly isolated, drought habitat-adapted fungal endophytic consortium of SAB () and CBW (), on maize under drought stress. SAB and CBW primarily hosted the root tissues of L.

Unlocking the adaptation mechanisms of the oleaginous microalga sp. BHU1 under elevated salt stress: a physiochemical, lipidomics and transcriptomics approach.

Microalgae are vital for their photosynthetic abilities, contributing significantly to global oxygen production, serving as a key trophic level in aquatic ecosystems, aiding in biofuel production, assisting in wastewater treatment, and facilitating the synthesis of valuable biochemicals. Despite these advantages, photosynthetic microalgae are sensitive to salt stress, which alters their physiochemical and metabolic status, ultimately reducing microalgal growth. This sensitivity highlights the importance of understanding the impact of elevated salt content on the physiochemical, metabolic, and transcriptomic profiling of sp.

Comparative study of endophytic bacterial strains from non-host crops for enhancing plant growth and managing early blight in tomato.

, , and are potent bacterial endophytes, which typically exhibit host-specific interactions. However, comparative studies of these endophytes and in non-host crops are lacking. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the potential of endophytes strain HP3d, strain PGSS1, strain A6, and P42, isolated from various crop ecosystems in promoting plant growth and inducing systemic resistance against early blight disease in tomato.

Assessing the efficacy of pearl millet and finger millet enriched breakfast cereals to combat obesity.

This research explores the development and evaluation of breakfast cereals formulated from pearl millet (P-1) and finger millet (F-1) flours, with a focus on their nutritional composition and potential anti-obesity properties. The techno-functional properties were assessed, revealing that P-1 exhibited a bulk density of 0.40 ± 0.

Integrated organic and mineral fertilizer strategies for achieving sustainable maize yield and soil quality in dry sub-humid inceptisols.

Maize is one of the important cereal crops grown in rainfed regions of northwestern Himalayas, however, persistent use of chemical fertilizers coupled with poor soil nutrients and water holding capacity due to coarse textured soils poses serious threat to sustaining maize yield and soil health. To address these bottlenecks, a long-term experiment with application of organic manures and mineral fertilizer provides insights to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), crop yield and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed area having low water use efficiency. A twelve years field experiment was conducted under dry sub-humid Inceptisols in northern India to study the potential impacts of organic and mineral fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.

Plant growth regulators improve the yield of white lupin (Lupinus albus) by enhancing the plant morpho-physiological functions and photosynthesis under salt stress.

Background: White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a multi-purpose, climate resilient, pulse crop with exceptionally high protein content that makes it a suitable alternative of soybean in livestock feed. Although white lupin grows well on marginal sandy soils, previous studies have reported its sensitivity towards salinity stress.