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Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation in Pakistan faces challenges, with black scurf disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn being a significant concern. Conventional methods like chemical fungicides partially control it, but an effective solution is lacking. This study explores the potential of biofertilizers and soil amendments from Asteraceae weed biomass to manage the disease. Two potato varieties, Karoda and Sante, were chosen, and two biofertilizers, Fertibio and Feng Shou, were tested alone or with Xanthium strumarium biomass. Disease pressure was highest in the positive control, with significant reduction by chemical fungicide. X. strumarium biomass also decreased disease incidence significantly. Fertibio showed better efficacy than Feng Shou. Physiological and biochemical attributes of plants improved with biofertilizer and biomass application. Tuber weight, photosynthetic pigments, total protein content, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, and PPO) were positively correlated. Combined application of Fertibio and S. marianum biomass effectively managed black scurf disease. These eco-friendly alternatives could enhance disease management and yield. Future research should explore their cost-effectiveness, commercialization, and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous microwave-assisted flow synthesis has been used as a simple, more efficient, and low-cost route to fabricate a range of nanosized (<100 nm) strontium-substituted calcium phosphates. In this study, fine nanopowder was synthesized via a continuous flow synthesis with microwave assistance from the solutions of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (with strontium nitrate as Sr2+ ion source) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate at pH 10 with a time duration of 5 min. The morphological characterization of the obtained powder has been carried out by employing techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. The chemical structural analysis to evaluate the surface properties was made by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Zeta potential analysis was performed to evaluate the colloidal stability of the particles. Antimicrobial studies were performed for all the compositions using four bacterial strains and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. It was found that the nanoproduct with high strontium content (15 wt% of strontium) showed pronounced antibacterial potential against M. luteus while it completely arrested the fungal growth after 48 h by all of its concentrations. Thus the synthesis strategy described herein facilitated the rapid production of nanosized Sr-substituted CaPs with excellent biological performance suitable for a bone replacement application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a highly destructive pathogen of tomato causing wilt disease. In search of an alternative strategy to synthetic fungicides for the control of this pathogen, methanolic stem extract of a winter weed Chenopodium murale L. was investigated against this pathogen. The methanolic stem extract (1 to 5 %) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) suppressed the fungal growth by 39-74 %. This extract was partitioned using 3-organic solvents of different polarities. Bioassays with different concentrations (1.562 to 200 mg mL-1) showed the best antifungal activity was of chloroform > n-hexane > ethyl acetate sub-fraction causing 51-100 %, 52-98 % and 29-98 % reduction in biomass of FOL, respectively. GC-MS analysis of chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed 20 and 8 compounds, respectively. Acetic acid, butyl ester (22.72 %), cyclopentanol (20.15 %), 2-hexanol (21.36 %), oleic acid (13.92 %), morphine (12.97 %) and β-sitosterol (11.79 %) were abundant compounds in these two sub-fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to explore the bioactive compounds from the n-hexane fraction of methanolic extract of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) roots. For this purpose, C. quinoa roots were collected, shade dried, and crushed into a fine powder. The powdered material was extracted in methanol, filtered, and the filtrate was partitioned with n-hexane, followed by GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction. The quantitative determination of this fraction revealed the presence of 15 phytochemical constituents of diverse nature. Among these, octadec-9-enoic acid (44.18%); n-hexadecanoic acid (18.87%); methyl (Z)-octadec-9-enoate (12.87%); methyl hexadecanoate (4.30%); 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (3.63%); phthalic acid (3.08%); methyl octadecanoate (2.27%) and 1,12-tridecadiene (2.00%) were prevailing as the most abundant to moderately occurring compounds. A thorough literature survey was carried out to collect information regarding the pharmaceutical properties of the identified compounds. It showed some of the identified compounds namely dodecanoic acid; tetradecanoic acid; 2-benzoyl-d-galactosan; n-hexadecanoic acid; methyl octadecanoate; octadec-9-enoic acid; and 2,3- dihydroxypropyl elaidate possess antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and/or anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five flavonoids, viz. (-)-epicatechin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy- 3-(4-hydroxylphenyl)pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-4(8H)-one (2), 6-(p-hydroxybenzyl) taxifolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (tricuspid) (3), quercetin-3-O-α-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-β-glucopyranoside (4) and (-)-epicatechin(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)- 3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,5,7-triol) (5), were isolated from the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L.). The antibacterial activity of different concentrations of these flavonoids (100, 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 ppm) was evaluated against four bacterial species, namely Lactobacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Azospirillium lipoferum and Bacillus sp. All the tested concentrations of the five flavonoids significantly reduced the growth of all the five tested bacterial species. However, differences in the antibacterial activity of the flavonoids were evident. Compound 1 exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity, resulting in a 7-75 % reduction in the growth of the different bacterial species. Compound 5 showed the greatest antibacterial activity and the different concentrations reduced the bacterial growth by 45-99.9%. A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp. showed the highest susceptibility to this compound. Compounds 2-4 also depicted pronounced antibacterial activity. Different concentrations of these compounds decreased bacterial growth by 52-96 %. From the present study, it can be concluded that compound 5 is the most effective of the tested flavonoids against A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a newly introduced crop in Pakistan. We evaluated the antifungal efficacy of root extracts of 4-quinoa varieties (PI 596293, Ames 13730, Ames 13737 and PI 634919) against the most harmful soil inhabiting fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Methanolic root extracts (1 to 5 %) of these varieties reduced the fungal biomass by 33-70 %. Due to its higher antifungal activity, Ames 13737 variety was selected for further studies and fractionated with 4-organic solvents (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) based on their increased polarities. All concentrations of chloroform and the lowest concentration of n-butanol (1.562 mg mL-1 ) completely inhibited the pathogen growth. These fractions were further subjected to GC-MS analysis that revealed the presence of 7-antifungal phytoconstituents (decane; undecane; oleic acid; benzene, 1,2,3-trimethyl; cycloheptasiloxane, tetradecamethyl-; cyclohexasiloxane, dodecamethyl- and 9-octadecanoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester). This study concluded that chloroform and n-butanol fractions of root extract of quinoa possess strong antifungal potential against M. phaseolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is produced in response to active vitamin D and produces immunomodulatory effects and inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis replication in vitro. To date, no such clinical studies have been conducted to show relationship between 25hydroxyvitamin D and drug resistant tuberculosis patients in Pakistan. Objective: This study was conducted to find the association between insufficiencies of vitamin D with Cathelicidin LL-37 in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients and compare them with the control group. Methodology: Newly diagnosed drug-resistant TB patients and healthy controls ages 15-50 years old (mean 27.17, SD ± 10.37 years) were enrolled. Plasma LL-37 and serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured by ELISA technique in 46 patients and 94 controls. Results: There was a significant difference (p-value <.001) in the level of Vitamin D in both case and control group. Vitamin D insufficiency prevalence was 57.8% and 42.2% with the mean baseline concentrations of 34.39ng/mL (SD ± 15.28) and 39.41ng/mL (SD ± 18.28) in cases and control respectively. In the mean serum concentrations 52.95ng/mL (SD ± 19.67) and 39.00ng/mL (SD ± 18.02) of LL-37 in cases and control respectively, there was a significant difference of P-value <.001 was found. However, concentrations of vitamin D did not associate with serum LL-37 concentrations (p-value>0.05). Conclusion: Cathelicidine LL-37 is a potential biomarker of TB disease. However, the relationship between vitamin D & LL-37 requires further studies in TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The main aim of the study was to evaluate some methods of application of Aspergillus niger AD1 and Trichoderma hamatum T-113 for enhancing the growth and yield of wheat var. Ibaa99 in pots and field conditions. Methodology and results: Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) loaded with peat moss were used at a rate of 100, 150 and 200 mL pot-1 or m-2 in filed soil; seed treatment (coating) with fungi suspension 19 x 107, soil treatment and combination of all the three methods was employed in the study. Wheat seeds were sown in pots and field plots during 2018-2019, and data regarding various growth and yield attributes were recorded. In both pot and field trials, the results revealed that the best treatments for the desired plant growth and yield attributes were peat moss 150 mL alone or in combination with soil and seed treatments. The soil physicochemical parameters were also improved after inoculation with selected fungal isolates in different application methods compared with un-inoculated control treatment in both pot and field conditions. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The PGPF play a vital role represented phytoremediation, phytostimulation and bio-fertilization. The isolates of PGPF, which were applied with peat moss at 150 mL to the pot and in the field alone or combined with seed treatment and soil application, were significantly the best effective method for improving wheat attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an exotic weed that has spread in different parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir to an alarming extent and is now threatening natural vegetation and ecosystems. In the present study, laboratory bioassays were carried out to evaluate the effect of heavy metal ion Cr(VI) on germination and root/shoot growth of parthenium. Five concentrations of the metal ion viz. 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 ppm were used in the experiment. A gradual decline in germination and growth of seedlings was recorded with the increase in metallic ion concentration. Lower concentrations viz. 10, 20, and 40 ppm reduced seed germination by 11, 15, and 37% over control, respectively. Likewise, 10, 20, and 40 ppm metal solution reduced shoot length by 35, 67, and 93%, root length by 69, 93, and 95%, and plant dry biomass by 47, 69, and 97% over control, respectively. An 80 ppm solution of Cr(VI) completely arrested the germination. This study concludes that parthenium is highly susceptible to Cr(VI) stress, where an 80 ppm solution of these metallic ions can completely stop the germination of parthenium seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaf extract of Melia azedarach L. was obtained by soaking plant material in ethanol for one week and its toxic effect was assessed on the third instar larvae of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts). Four concentrations of the extract (2, 4, 6 & 8 µL mL-1 acetone) were applied through contact method in Petri plates. Mortality was recorded after 12, 24 and 36 h. All the concentrations showed toxic effects against the larvae to variable extents. The highest mortality i.e. 72% was recorded at 8 µL mL-1 acetone concentration after 36 h incubation period. At the same concentration, the mortality was 61.67% and 48.34% after 24 and 12 h, respectively. Minimum mortality (23.33%) was observed at 2 µL mL -1 acetone concentration after 12 h. GC-MS analysis of ethanolic leaf extract of parthenium revealed the phytol as the predominant compound with 72.25% peak area. Other compounds were 2(4H)-benzofuranone, 5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl-(6.30%), 1-(3,6,6-trimethyl-1,6,7,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1-yl)ethanone (6.11%), methyl stearate (4.60%), (+/-)-phytone (4.38%), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.24%), and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (3.12%). It is concluded that an 8 µL mL-1 acetone concentration of leaf extract of M. azedarach can kill up to 72% larvae of T. granarium in 36 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two Aspergillus species as biocontrol agents together with Chenopodium quinoa dry biomass were used to investigate their effects on histochemical features of mungbean plant inoculated with M. phaseolina. In a pot experiment, Aspergillus flavipes and Aspergillus versicolor were added either alone or together with 1%, 2%, and 3% dry biomass of quinoa (DBQ) to the pot soil already inoculated with M. phaseolina. After 4 weeks of sowing, root and lower‐stem sections of the mungbean plants were stained with ferric chloride, phloroglucinol‐HCl and Lugol's iodine to detect the presence of polyphenols, lignin, and starch granules, respectively, and observed under light microscope. Stem and root sections were also observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to reveal the effect of soil amendments on cell structures. The findings revealed that mungbean plant cross sections from all the treatments except positive control (only inoculated with M. phaseolina) showed very clear cell structures. In positive control, distorted, fragmented, and collapsed cell structures were observed. Moreover, M. phaseolina blocked vascular vessels in comparison to negative control where the cell structures were intact and normal in size. Plant sections from treatments with A. flavipes and A. versicolor alone or together with DBQ were without pathogen colonization, with normal cell structures and a high deposition of gel. The results suggested that the two Aspergillus spp. and C. quinoa induced defense responses in mungbean plants. Highlights: Macrophomina phaseolina causes significant yield losses in mungbean.Pot soil was amended with two species of Aspergillus as biocontrol agents along with plant biomass.Aspergillus spp. markedly saved the root and stem structures from the damage caused by M. phaseolina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mungbean production is affected by a fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. A pot experiment was carried out to check the effect of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) dry biomass on the histopathological features of mungbean exposed to M. phaseolina. For this, 1%, 2% and 3% (wt/wt) of C. quinoa dry biomass was mixed in the soil inoculated with M. phaseolina. The highest disease incidence (36%) was recorded in the positive control (only M. phaseolina). Different treatments of quinoa dry mass reduced disease incidence to 4–7%. After 4 weeks of germination, stem and root sections were stained in phloroglucinol‐HCl, ferric chloride and Lugol's iodine stains for the detection of lignin, polyphenols and starch granules, respectively, and studied under light microscope. Plants of positive control showed damaged cells, and heavy deposition of lignin, phenolics and starch granules as compared to plants of the negative control and those grown in the soil amended with different doses of dry biomass of quinoa. For better understanding, plant root and stem sections were studied under a scanning electron microscope. Plant sections from positive control exhibited the presence of M. phaseolina sclerotial bodies and hyphal growth, whereas in negative control normal cell structures were observed. However, C. quinoa amended stem and root sections revealed the presence of high gel deposition with normal cell structures and no pathogen establishment. This study concludes that application of C. quinoa is an effective and natural remedy to activate the resistance mechanism in plants and to combat the adverse effects of M. phaseolina. Highlights: Macrophomina phaseolina causes charcoal rot in mungbean.Chenopodium quinoa amendment significantly reduced incidence of charcoal rot disease.M. phaeolina increased concentrations of polyphenols, lignin and starch granules in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal herbs are promising source of biologically active phytochemicals, many of which possess antifungal activities against phytopathogens. This research presents in vitro antifungal activity and analysis of a medicinally important herb Centaurium erythraea Rafn extracts against a highly problematic pathogen of tomato namely Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL). In-vitro results prominently disclosed that the extracts showed good percentage growth inhibition (PGI) against FOL. Methanolic extract of C. erythraea at 200 mg mL-1 showed 93.3% growth inhibition while the synthetic fungicide benomyl showed only growth inhibition of 90.2% at the same concentration. Phytochemical analysis indicated that methanolic extract of this plant possess phytochemicals of all the major classes such as alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins etc. This study concludes that the extracts of C. erythraea are the best alternatives to fungicides to control Fusarium wilt pathogen of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suaeda fruticosa Forssk. ex J.F. Gmelin is a halophytic weed of the family Amaranthaceae (previously in Chenopodiaceae) that covers vast stretches of salty alluvial flats on drier sites and coastal belts in Pakistan. In this study, mature plants of S. fruticosa were collected from district D.G. Khan in May 2021. After shade drying, the roots were crushed thoroughly, and 5 g of material was soaked in methanol for two weeks. After filtration, GC-MS analysis of the extract was done, which showed the presence of 14 compounds in the extract. Major compounds in the root were n-hexadecanoic acid (16.70%), oleic acid (16.39%), dodecanoic acid (15.68%), and dihydroxymaleic acid (15.58%). Other compounds were erythritol (6.31%), 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (6.01%), tetradecanoic acid (4.78%), 1,2-ethanediamine, N-ethyl-N'-methyl- (3.46%), pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (3.66%), 8,11-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (2.85%), 2,4,6-cycloheptatriene-1-one, 3,5-bis-trimethylsilyl (2.44%), 2-oxo-3-methyl-cis-perhydro-1,3-benzoxazine (2.24%), cyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyl- (2.13%), and 1-hexadecanol (1.73%). Compounds present in the roots of S. fruticosa are known to possess antifungal, antibacterial, nematicidal, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava is one of the most popular fruits in the world by its taste and nutritional value. In Pakistan, it is the third most rapidly growing fruit. The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata is one of the major hindrances in the yield and productivity enhancement of fruits. The entomopathogenic fungi are considered an effective managemental practice against fruit flies. In order to estimate the efficiency of two species of fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were tested at concentrations of conidia, 1x108, 1x107 and 1x'06 against adults of B. zonata in the laboratory conditions. The mortality was recorded after 7 and 15 days of treatment. Both fungal species were found significant at the concentration of 1x108. For B. bassiana mortality observed were 40% and 43.33% at the interval of 7 and 15 days respectively, on the concentration of 1x108 conidia/ml. While M. anisopliea showed 35% and 40% mortality against adults of B. zonata. The use of EPF in IPM plans can lead to effective management against fruit fly since there is a need for sustainable and environmentally safe practices in fruit farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]