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Bioformulations with Trichoderma strains offer cost-effective and sustainable options for integrated disease management and plant nutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to selected isolates of Trichoderma with antagonistic and plant growth-promoting potential, specifically in the early development stage of soybean seedlings. Trichoderma isolated from the soybean rhizosphere were screened to assess their antagonistic activity against three phytopathogens; as well as their capability for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis and phosphate solubilization. Three promising were further examined for their tolerance to various in vitro conditions and agrochemicals. Experiments were performed to assess the effect of single inoculation and co-inoculation of strains on the growth and biochemical responses during early soybean development. Nine isolates showed effective antagonism against phytopathogens. Among them, T. reesei GT-31 and T. longibrachiatum GT-32 showed the highest IAA production, with 175.8 and 119.6 μg/mL, respectively, while the T. viride GT-8 showed the highest phosphate solubilization activity after 10 days of growth (285.6 μg P/mL). These strains displayed robust growth under various conditions and agrochemical treatments. The co-inoculation of three strains resulted in even higher dry shoot and root weights, increasing by 50.3% and 48.8%, respectively, compared to non-inoculated seedlings. Co-inoculated plants also exhibited elevated chlorophyll (31.9%), carotenoids (24.9%), flavonoids (13.2%), and phenolic compounds (42.3%). The results suggest that employing the three strains with beneficial mechanisms for plants could significantly enhance the growth and early development of soybean seedlings. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of these novel Trichoderma strains to enhance plant growth and offer benefits in soybean crops, providing a sustainable strategy for agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview is given on the significance of the oxime moiety in crop protection chemistry. This review focuses on the two most important aspects of agrochemical oximes, which are the occurrence and role of oxime groups in compounds with herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activity, as well as the application of oxime derivatives as intermediates in the synthesis of crop protection agents not bearing any oxime function. Especially noteworthy is the fact, that in the synthesis of agrochemicals, oximes can be cyclized to isooxazoline, isoxazole, oxadiazole, oxazine, pyrrole, isothiazole and imidazole rings. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Community Service & Empowerment is the property of Journal of Community Service & Empowerment and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Herbicides are often detected in aquatic ecosystems due to residential and agricultural applications and can harm aquatic organisms once deposited into water systems. Pendimethalin is part of the dinitroaniline chemical family and is applied to crops like corn, legumes, potatoes, and soybeans. The potential toxicity of pendimethalin to aquatic species is understudied compared to other widely studied herbicides, like atrazine and glyphosate. The objectives of this review were to (1) collate information on sub-lethal responses to pendimethalin exposure in fish, (2) evaluate how exposure studies relate to environmental concentrations, and (3) identify putative bioindicators for exposure studies. Overall, studies reporting pendimethalin in water systems worldwide indicate a range of 100–300 ng/L, but levels have been reported as high as ~15 µg/g in sediment. In teleost fish, studies demonstrate developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity, and behavioral disruptions. The strongest evidence for pendimethalin-induced toxicity involves oxidative stress, although studies often test toxicity at higher concentrations than environmentally relevant levels. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, pathway analysis reveals linkages to neurotoxicity and mechanisms of neurodegeneration like "Ubiquitin Dependent Protein Degradation", "Microtubule Cytoskeleton", "Protein Oxidation and Aggregation in Aging", and "Parkinson's Disease". Other prominent pathways included those related to mTOR signaling and reproduction. Thus, two potential mechanisms underlying pendimethalin-induced toxicity in fish include the neural and reproductive systems. This review synthesizes current data regarding environmental fate and ecotoxicology of pendimethalin in teleost fish and points to some putative physiological and molecular responses that may be beneficial for assessing toxicity of the herbicide in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesia, horticulture is a crucial part of agriculture, heavily reliant on agrochemicals. This study in East Java's Jember and Bondowoso regencies compared conventional and organic farming methods, focusing on their effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators. Research included sites practicing conventional horticulture (cabbage, chili) and organic rice farming. Measurements of water current, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature were taken, along with macroinvertebrate sampling. Significant differences were found in pH, conductivity, and water current, but not in dissolved oxygen and temperature. Organic farming showed higher macroinvertebrate diversity and lower dominance, especially the Baetidae family. While BMWP-ASPT and EPT scores were similar across methods, organic farming rated unpolluted in biotilik scores. Hierarchical cluster analysis, PCA, and CCA revealed factors influencing the ecological impacts of farming practices. The study underscores how different agricultural methods affect macroinvertebrate diversity, highlighting their role as environmental indicators. This reflects the diverse ecological impacts of agricultural management practices.

The rodent cancer bioassays are conducted for agrochemical safety assessment yet they often do not inform regulatory decision-making. As part of a collaborative effort, the Rethinking Carcinogenicity Assessment for Agrochemicals Project (ReCAAP) developed a reporting framework to guide a weight of evidence (WOE)-based carcinogenicity assessment that demonstrates how to fulfill the regulatory requirements for chronic risk estimation without the need to conduct lifetime rodent bioassays. The framework is the result of a multi-stakeholder collaboration that worked through an iterative process of writing case studies (in the form of waivers), technical peer reviews of waivers, and an incorporation of key learnings back into the framework to be tested in subsequent case study development. The example waivers used to develop the framework were written retrospectively for registered agrochemical active substances for which the necessary data and information could be obtained through risk assessment documents or data evaluation records from the US EPA. This exercise was critical to the development of a framework, but it lacked authenticity in that the stakeholders reviewing the waiver already knew the outcome of the rodent cancer bioassay(s). Syngenta expanded the evaluation of the ReCAAP reporting framework by writing waivers for three prospective case studies for new active substances where the data packages had not yet been submitted for registration. The prospective waivers followed the established framework considering ADME, potential exposure, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity, immunosuppression, hormone perturbation, mode of action (MOA), and all relevant information available for read-across using a WOE assessment. The point of departure was estimated from the available data, excluding the cancer bioassay results, with a proposed use for the chronic dietary risk assessment. The read-across assessments compared data from reliable registered chemical analogues to strengthen the prediction of chronic toxicity and/or tumorigenic potential. The prospective case studies represent a range of scenarios, from a new molecule in a well-established chemical class with a known MOA to a molecule with a new pesticidal MOA (pMOA) and limited read-across to related molecules. This effort represents an important step in establishing criteria for a WOE-based carcinogenicity assessment without the rodent cancer bioassay(s) while ensuring a health protective chronic dietary risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing overdependence and use of atrazine herbicide for the control of pre-and post-emergence broad leaf weeds on maize farms in rural agricultural communities in Nigeria. We carried out a survey of atrazine residue in 69 hand-dug wells (HDW), 40 boreholes (BH) and 4 streams from all the 6 communities (Awa, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, Oru and Ilaporu) in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria. The effect of the highest concentration of atrazine detected in the water from each of the communities on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of albino rats was investigated. Varying concentrations of atrazine were detected in the HDW, BH and stream waters sampled. The highest concentration of atrazine recorded in the water from the communities ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/L. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum levels of corticosterone, aldosterone and ROS of rats exposed to 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations of atrazine compared to control, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed at 0.08 mg/L. Catalase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) only at 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L of atrazine exposure. Butyrylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and serum ACTH of rats exposed to all the atrazine concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) compared to control. Atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L detected in the water may not affect the HPA axis, attention should be given to 0.08 mg/L, which increases the serum corticosterone and aldosterone of the exposed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina -- Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43-16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated program of community service and chemical teaching has been conducted to deliver proper information to handle chemical agents that are commonly used in agricultural activities. This initiative addresses the limitation of chemical understanding among local farmers and livestock breeders regarding the safety aspect of common agrochemicals, leading to either health risks or environmental problems. Knowledge regarding agrochemical handling and disposal was delivered through presentations, discussions, and hands-on practices. Accordingly, through this community service, we encouraged agricultural workers with a basic understanding of the chemical properties of hazardous agrochemicals and the safety induction in handling and disposing of those compounds. Based on the activities carried out, the results of the pre-test and post-test showed an increase of 62% in farmers' understanding of hazardous chemicals and proper handling of these chemicals. In addition to providing some beneficial scientific information to enhance agricultural workers’ safety in their working area, an activity related to education and training of agrochemicals could increase peoples’ awareness toward hazardous chemicals that would be still freely commercialized, for example, in terms of mitigating risks associated with chemical threats.

Public concern about the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms has increased in the recent years. Nevertheless, there is a limited number of studies that address the actual toxic effects of herbicides on insects. This study investigated the side effects of herbicides on non-target organisms inhabiting agroecosystems and performing essential ecological and economic functions such as crop pollination. We analysed morphological alterations in the gut, Malpighian tubules and circulating haemocytes of Apis mellifera workers as markers of exposure effects. A commercial formulation of a pendimethalin-based herbicide (PND) was administered orally under laboratory conditions at a realistic concentration admitted in the field (330gL−1 of active ingredient., 4 L ha−1 for cereal and vegetable crops). The worker bees were exposed to a single application of PND for a period of one week, to simulate the exposure that can occur when foraging bees accidentally drink drops of contaminated water upon treatments. Histopathological analyses of the midgut, ileum and Malpighian tubules showed alterations over time (from 24 to 72 h after the beginning of exposure) such as loss of epithelial organisation, cellular vacuolisation and altered pyknotic nuclei as well as disruption of the peritrophic membrane over time. Semiquantitative analyses of the midgut showed a significant increase in the organ injury index 24 and 72 h after the initial exposure in PND-exposed bees compared to control bees. In addition, a change in positivity to Gram staining was observed in the midgut histological sections. A recovery of cytotoxic effects was observed one week after the initial exposure, which was favoured by the periodic renewal of the intestinal epithelium and the herbicide dissipation time. Cytochemical staining with Giemsa of haemocytes from PND-treated workers over 24 and 72 h showed significant nuclear alterations such as lobed or polymorphic nuclei and micronuclei compared to bees in the control group. These results show that the dose of PND used to protect crops from weeds can lead to significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in non-target organisms such as honey bees. In croplands, the sublethal effects on cell morphology can impair vital physiological processes such as nutrition, osmoregulation, and resistance to pathogens, contributing to the decline in biodiversity and abundance of species that play a prominent ecological role, such as pollinators.

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43-16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment.

Abstract The primary factors that restrict agricultural productivity and jeopardize human and food safety are heavy metals (HMs), including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and aluminum, which adversely impact crop yields and quality. Plants, in their adaptability, proactively engage in a multitude of intricate processes to counteract the impacts of HM toxicity. These processes orchestrate profound transformations at biomolecular levels, showing the plant’s ability to adapt and thrive in adversity. In the past few decades, HM stress tolerance in crops has been successfully addressed through a combination of traditional breeding techniques, cutting-edge genetic engineering methods, and the strategic implementation of marker-dependent breeding approaches. Given the remarkable progress achieved in this domain, it has become imperative to adopt integrated methods that mitigate potential risks and impacts arising from environmental contamination on yields, which is crucial as we endeavor to forge ahead with the establishment of enduring agricultural systems. In this manner, nanotechnology has emerged as a viable field in agricultural sciences. The potential applications are extensive, encompassing the regulation of environmental stressors like toxic metals, improving the efficiency of nutrient consumption and alleviating climate change effects. Integrating nanotechnology and nanomaterials in agrochemicals has successfully mitigated the drawbacks associated with traditional agrochemicals, including challenges like organic solvent pollution, susceptibility to photolysis, and restricted bioavailability. Numerous studies clearly show the immense potential of nanomaterials and nanofertilizers in tackling the acute crisis of HM toxicity in crop production. This review seeks to delve into using NPs as agrochemicals to effectively mitigate HM toxicity and enhance crop resilience, thereby fostering an environmentally friendly and economically viable approach toward sustainable agricultural advancement in the foreseeable future.

Background. The high purchase price and the expansion of treatment volumes stimulate the production of oilseeds in general, including oilseed flax. However, it has not been enough done to determine the autecological aspects in the agrocenoses of oil flax and the scientific justification for the sustainable production of oilseed raw materials of this crop in conditions of the Central Non-Black Earth Region. Also, the problem of the sowing qualities of flax, the preservation of the crop in various weather conditions of the region has not been solved and such methods of agricultural technology as the use of biological microfertilizers, including complex interaction with mineral fertilizers, have not been worked out, which determines the relevance and necessity of conducting these studies. Materials and Methods. Research methods and methodology were based on generalization of scientific sources of domestic and foreign authors, laboratory and field studies, phenological observations, records, according to recommendations and generally accepted methods, using correlation and statistical analysis of the experimental data obtained. Microsoft Office Excel 10 was used for statistical work. Results. The maximum average yields were found in variants with N205P35K75 (24.4 dt/ha); N220P70K105 (25.1 dt/ha) against the background of Micropolidoc Plus application. The increase in oilseeds compared to options with introduction of N125 was without Micropolidoc Plus: +6.8 dt/ha (N205R35K75) and +8.9 dt/ha (N220R70K105), and against the background of using Micropolidoc plus it was +7.9 dt/ha (N205R35K75) and +8.6 dt/ha (N220Р70К105). Conclusion. The use of higher calculated doses of fertilizers stimulated an increase in yield, and spraying oil flax plants in the “herringbone” phase with Micropolidoc Plus microfertilizer at a dose of 0.5 l/ha, in combination with mineral fertilizers, gave a higher increase in seeds according to the options. Correlation-statistical analysis revealed that the relationship was enhanced when treated with agrochemical Micropolidoc Plus against the background of an average level of nutrition (r = 0.42), and an increase in the number of boxes per unit increased the crop yield by +0.84 dt/ha, which indicated the effectiveness of a biological product that improved conditions for increasing the responsiveness of yields to the formation of boxes.

Diflubenzuron (DFB) and pyriproxyfen (PPF) are larvicides used in crops to control insect plagues. However, these pesticides are known to impact non-target organisms like fish and mammals. Here, we aimed at assessing the embryotoxicity of purified DFB, PPF, and their mixtures in a non-target organism—zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations for 120 h: 0.025, 0.125, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/L of purified PPF and purified DFB, while we used 0.025 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix A), 0.125 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix B), and 0.25 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix C) for the mixtures of PPF + DFB. We observed mortality, teratogenicity, and cardiotoxicity. For the neurotoxicity tests and evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, embryos were exposed for 120 h to 0.379 and 0.754 mg/L of PPF and 0.025 and 0.125 mg/L of DFB. We established the LC50 for PPF as 3.79 mg/L, while the LC50 for DFB was not determinable. Survival and hatching were affected by PPF concentrations above 0.125 mg/L, DFB concentrations above 1.25 mg/L, and the lower pesticide mixtures. PPF exposure and mixtures induced different types of malformations, while a higher number of malformations were observed for the mixtures, suggesting a potentiating effect. Pesticides diminished avoidance responses and increased the levels of ROS across all concentrations, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings underscore the detrimental impact of PPF and DFB exposure, spanning from biochemistry to morphology. There is a critical need to reconsider the global use of these pesticides and transition to more ecologically friendly forms of pest control, raising an alarm regarding repercussions on human and animal health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) represent a large and diverse enzyme family involved in the detoxification of small molecules by glutathione conjugation in crops, weeds and model plants. In this study, we introduce an easy and quick assay for photoaffinity labeling of GSTs to study GSTs globally in various plant species. The small-molecule probe contains glutathione, a photoreactive group and a minitag for coupling to reporter tags via click chemistry. Under UV irradiation, this probe quickly and robustly labels GSTs in crude protein extracts of different plant species. Purification and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of labeled proteins from Arabidopsis identified 10 enriched GSTs from the Phi(F) and Tau(U) classes. Photoaffinity labeling of GSTs demonstrated GST induction in wheat seedlings upon treatment with safeners and in Arabidopsis leaves upon infection with avirulent bacteria. Treatment of Arabidopsis with salicylic acid (SA) analog benzothiadiazole (BTH) induces GST labeling independent of NPR1, the master regulator of SA. Six Phi- and Tau-class GSTs that are induced upon BTH treatment were identified, and their labeling was confirmed upon transient overexpression. These data demonstrate that GST photoaffinity labeling is a useful approach to studying GST induction in crude extracts of different plant species upon different types of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Tamoios is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rodent cancer bioassays are conducted for agrochemical safety assessment yet they often do not inform regulatory decision-making. As part of a collaborative effort, the Rethinking Carcinogenicity Assessment for Agrochemicals Project (ReCAAP) developed a reporting framework to guide a weight of evidence (WOE)-based carcinogenicity assessment that demonstrates how to fulfill the regulatory requirements for chronic risk estimation without the need to conduct lifetime rodent bioassays. The framework is the result of a multi-stakeholder collaboration that worked through an iterative process of writing case studies (in the form of waivers), technical peer reviews of waivers, and an incorporation of key learnings back into the framework to be tested in subsequent case study development. The example waivers used to develop the framework were written retrospectively for registered agrochemical active substances for which the necessary data and information could be obtained through risk assessment documents or data evaluation records from the US EPA. This exercise was critical to the development of a framework, but it lacked authenticity in that the stakeholders reviewing the waiver already knew the outcome of the rodent cancer bioassay(s). Syngenta expanded the evaluation of the ReCAAP reporting framework by writing waivers for three prospective case studies for new active substances where the data packages had not yet been submitted for registration. The prospective waivers followed the established framework considering ADME, potential exposure, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity, immunosuppression, hormone perturbation, mode of action (MOA), and all relevant information available for read-across using a WOE assessment. The point of departure was estimated from the available data, excluding the cancer bioassay results, with a proposed use for the chronic dietary risk assessment. The read-across assessments compared data from reliable registered chemical analogues to strengthen the prediction of chronic toxicity and/or tumorigenic potential. The prospective case studies represent a range of scenarios, from a new molecule in a well-established chemical class with a known MOA to a molecule with a new pesticidal MOA (pMOA) and limited read-across to related molecules. This effort represents an important step in establishing criteria for a WOE-based carcinogenicity assessment without the rodent cancer bioassay(s) while ensuring a health protective chronic dietary risk assessment.

IntroductionPollution has emerged as a significant threat to humanity, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its impacts. As a result, various methods for human biomonitoring have been proposed as vital tools for assessing, managing, and mitigating exposure risks. Among these methods, urine stands out as the most commonly analyzed biological sample and the primary matrix for biomonitoring studies.ObjectivesThis review concentrates on exploring the literature concerning residual pesticide determination in urine, utilizing liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, and its practical applications.MethodThe examination focused on methods developed since 2010. Additionally, applications reported between 2015 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed, utilizing Web of Science as a primary resource.SynthesisRecent advancements in chromatography-mass spectrometry technology have significantly enhanced the development of multi-residue methods. These determinations are now capable of simultaneously detecting numerous pesticide residues from various chemical and use classes. Furthermore, these methods encompass analytes from a variety of environmental contaminants, offering a comprehensive approach to biomonitoring. These methodologies have been employed across diverse perspectives, including toxicological studies, assessing pesticide exposure in the general population, occupational exposure among farmers, pest control workers, horticulturists, and florists, as well as investigating consequences during pregnancy and childhood, neurodevelopmental impacts, and reproductive disorders.Future directionsSuch strategies were essential in examining the health risks associated with exposure to complex mixtures, including pesticides and other relevant compounds, thereby painting a broader and more accurate picture of human exposure. Moreover, the implementation of integrated strategies, involving international research initiatives and biomonitoring programs, is crucial to optimize resource utilization, enhancing efficiency in health risk assessment.

The precarious potato disease known as late blight (LB), which is brought on by Phytophthora infestans, quickly decimates crops and economically detriment growers. The pathogen prefers relatively cold temperatures and that usually prevails in northern Bangladesh. To decrease the number of fungicide sprays with the changing climate, it is necessary to identify potato varieties that are most resistant to late blight. This study aims to assess the growth and production performance of late blight-tolerant potato varieties in the northern part of Bangladesh. The field study was conducted in the crop-growing years of 2017–18 and 2018–19. In this study, three exotic potato varieties [(BARI Alu-90 (Alouette), BARI Alu-91 (Carolus), and BARI Alu-77 (Sarpomira)] and two check varieties [BARI Alu‑8 (Cardinal) and BARI Alu-25 (Asterix)] were used. Compared with the two cultivated varieties BARI Alu‑8 (Cardinal) and BARI Alu-25 (Asterix), the BARI Alu-90 (Alouette) with the highest level of late blight resistance based on AUDPC scoring (late blight estimated mean value of 5.9). The result showed that the majority of the evaluated variety BARI Alu-90 (Alouette) and BARI Alu-91 (Carolus) were highly resistant and BARI Alu-77 (Sarpomira) is moderately resistant. In contrast, the check varieties were susceptible to late blight. The yield and shelf life (or storage) quality of BARI Alu-90 (Alouette) was also good compared with the other varieties. Considering the yield, yield contributing characters, shelf-life data and disease resistance level BARI Alu-90 (Alouette) can be grown in northern Bangladesh without chemical protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulosic ethanol production will decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, positively impacting global warming, energy security, and urban pollution. In the last few years, our group has screened a few enzyme inhibitors of the phenylpropanoid pathway. We have shown that when some enzyme inhibitors are sprayed in young plants, they increase the lignocellulose saccharification in the long term at the workbench scale. Here, we screened five aromatic compounds for their ability to improve the saccharification of maize plants. Benzohydrazide increased saccharification in a broad range of concentrations in growth-room experiments, and it was selected for field-scale assays. At 20 g ha−1 (500 μM, 300 L ha−1), benzohydrazide increased by 33 and 46%, respectively, the saccharification of lignocellulose from maize leaves and stems. When the lignocellulose biomass of maize plants, sprayed with benzohydrazide or not, was submitted to hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid delignification pretreatment, benzohydrazide increased the saccharification by up to 76%. Benzohydrazide did not significantly affect any other biometric (length or fresh and dry weights) or biochemical (lignin, monolignols, structural hydroxycinnamates) parameters assessed. In brief, benzohydrazide could be used to improve saccharification in agroenergy crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture is an action with a long-term aim that seeks to overcome the problems and restrictions faced by conventional agriculture, society in general, in order to ensure economic viability, the good state of the environment, the acceptance by society of agricultural production systems. This system of sustainable agriculture requires economically viable technologies over a long period of time, with high harvests, obtained at lower costs. Sustainable development combines the demands of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Among the materials used in agriculture, fertilizer is the most widely used. Each type of fertilizer, chemical or organic, has its advantages and disadvantages. These advantages must be integrated in order to achieve optimal performance by each type of fertilizer and to achieve a balanced nutrient management for crop growth. Biofertilizers differ from chemical and organic fertilizers in that they do not directly supply nutrients to crops, and they are crops of special bacteria and fungi. The production technology for biofertilizers is simple, and the cost of use is low compared with chemical fertilizers for plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) plant is cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes in the world due to its valuable benefits for health-promoting properties. The current study aimed to reveal the effects of chitosan applied at three different concentrations (50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm) in three different treatments with 21 days intervals on growth parameters and total phenolic and antioxidant contents of bitter gourd. The findings of the study demonstrated that the foliar treatment with 100 ppm chitosan at the second and third treatments had positive effects on the majority of growth parameters examined and on increasing total phenol and antioxidants in bitter gourd. As a result, chitosan could be a possible substance to be used to enhance bitter gourd plants' growth and development as well as in several industrial fields such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive application of pesticides and fertilizers has generated losses in biological diversity, environmental pollution, and harmful effects on human health. Under this context, nanotechnology constitutes an innovative tool to alleviate these problems. Notably, applying nanocarriers as controlled release systems (CRSs) for agrochemicals can overcome the limitations of conventional products. A CRS for agrochemicals is an eco-friendly strategy for the ecosystem and human health. Nanopesticides based on synthetic and natural polymers, nanoemulsions, lipid nanoparticles, and nanofibers reduce phytopathogens and plant diseases. Nanoproducts designed with an environmentally responsive, controlled release offer great potential to create formulations that respond to specific environmental stimuli. The formulation of nanofertilizers is focused on enhancing the action of nutrients and growth stimulators, which show an improved nutrient release with site-specific action using nanohydroxyapatite, nanoclays, chitosan nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and amorphous calcium phosphate. However, despite the noticeable results for nanopesticides and nanofertilizers, research still needs to be improved. Here, we review the relevant antecedents in this topic and discuss limitations and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzoxazole and benzothiazole have a broad spectrum of agricultural biological activities, such as antibacterial, antiviral, and herbicidal activities, which are important fused heterocyclic scaffold structures in agrochemical discovery. In recent years, great progress has been made in the research of benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles, especially in the development of herbicides and insecticides. With the widespread use of benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles, there may be more new products containing benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles in the future. We systematically reviewed the application of benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles in discovering new agrochemicals in the past two decades and summarized the antibacterial, fungicidal, antiviral, herbicidal, and insecticidal activities of the active compounds. We also discussed the structural–activity relationship and mechanism of the active compounds. This work aims to provide inspiration and ideas for the discovery of new agrochemicals based on benzoxazole and benzothiazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possibility of a reduced‐fumonisin corn cultivation method using two fungicides, azoxystrobin and propiconazole. A field‐based cultivation experiment was conducted, wherein Kimimaru and LG3490 corn were cultivated for 2 years with a fungicide applied. In the first year, the use of fungicides reduced the concentration of fumonisin in corn, but in the following years, no fumonisin‐reducing effect was observed. Differences in precipitation may be the cause, but details were unknown. Although a minor effect was observed, the results suggested that the method was not wholly effective. Next, in an in vitro incubation experiment, the relationship between fumonisin‐producing fungi (Fusarium fujikuroi) and fumonisin production was examined in the presence of two fungicides. Both fungicides reduced F. fujikuroi cell mass in a concentration‐dependent manner. Fumonisin production did not decrease noticeably at low fungicide concentrations but at high concentrations. This indicates that a fungicide concentration above a certain threshold is required to suppress fumonisin production. The fumonisin produced per fungal cell mass remained almost constant between 0.1 and 10 mg/L propiconazole, although it decreased to zero at higher propiconazole concentrations. Thus, the propiconazole‐induced decrease in fumonisin production was likely caused by a reduction in fungal cell mass. In contrast, fungal cell mass decreased as azoxystrobin concentration increased, and the azoxystrobin produced per cell mass reduced. Thus, fumonisin production was synergistically suppressed by decreased cell mass and production. The results of both experiments did not exhibit the desired level of reduction effect likely because a sufficiently high concentration of fungicide could not be maintained for outdoor cultivation. Various other factors, such as weather conditions, may have affected the disinfectant concentration, leading to the reduced fungicide concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity has become a very large concern worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions over the past several decades. Lifestyle factors, such as excess caloric intake and decreased physical activity, together with genetic predispositions, are well-known factors related to obesity. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that exposure to some environmental chemicals during critical windows of development may contribute to the rapid increase in the incidence of obesity. Agrochemicals are a class of chemicals extensively used in agriculture, which have been widely detected in human. There is now considerable evidence linking human exposure to agrochemicals with obesity. This review summarizes human epidemiological evidence and experimental animal studies supporting the association between agrochemical exposure and obesity and outlines possible mechanistic underpinnings for this link.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) plant is cultivated for both culinary and medicinal purposes in the world due to its valuable benefits for health-promoting properties. The current study aimed to reveal the effects of chitosan applied at three different concentrations (50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm) in three different treatments with 21 days intervals on growth parameters and total phenolic and antioxidant contents of bitter gourd. The findings of the study demonstrated that the foliar treatment with 100 ppm chitosan at the second and third treatments had positive effects on the majority of growth parameters examined and on increasing total phenol and antioxidants in bitter gourd. As a result, chitosan could be a possible substance to be used to enhance bitter gourd plants’ growth and development as well as in several industrial fields such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

The use of pesticides is one of the primary means of protecting crops. However, this class of compounds can be highly toxic to the environment and humans. In this aspect, developing analytical devices for monitoring pesticides such as carbendazim in food sources is of paramount importance. Thus, the present work presents the application of a paper-based microfluidic device coupled to an additive manufactured platform and electrochemical sensors (produced from lab-made conductive filaments based on carbon black) for the sustainable detection of carbendazim in honey samples. The microfluidic system presented satisfactory results for the analysis of carbendazim, in the linear range from 0.5 to 40.0 µmol L − 1 with a LOD of 0.09 µmol L − 1. The recovery test performed in honey samples showed values ranging between 92.4 and 108.8%. According to the results, the proposed microfluidic device demonstrated a good potential for detecting carbendazim in real samples, with the advantages of employing sustainable and renewable materials.

Diflubenzuron (DFB) and pyriproxyfen (PPF) are larvicides used in crops to control insect plagues. However, these pesticides are known to impact non-target organisms like fish and mammals. Here, we aimed at assessing the embryotoxicity of purified DFB, PPF, and their mixtures in a non-target organism—zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to different concentrations for 120 h: 0.025, 0.125, 0.25, 1.25, 2.5, and 10 mg/L of purified PPF and purified DFB, while we used 0.025 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix A), 0.125 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix B), and 0.25 mg/L PPF + 10 mg/L DFB (Mix C) for the mixtures of PPF + DFB. We observed mortality, teratogenicity, and cardiotoxicity. For the neurotoxicity tests and evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the brain, embryos were exposed for 120 h to 0.379 and 0.754 mg/L of PPF and 0.025 and 0.125 mg/L of DFB. We established the LC50 for PPF as 3.79 mg/L, while the LC50 for DFB was not determinable. Survival and hatching were affected by PPF concentrations above 0.125 mg/L, DFB concentrations above 1.25 mg/L, and the lower pesticide mixtures. PPF exposure and mixtures induced different types of malformations, while a higher number of malformations were observed for the mixtures, suggesting a potentiating effect. Pesticides diminished avoidance responses and increased the levels of ROS across all concentrations, indicating neurotoxicity. Our findings underscore the detrimental impact of PPF and DFB exposure, spanning from biochemistry to morphology. There is a critical need to reconsider the global use of these pesticides and transition to more ecologically friendly forms of pest control, raising an alarm regarding repercussions on human and animal health and well-being.

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide worldwide and is frequently found in water samples. This knowledge has prompted studies on its effects on non-target organisms, revealing significant alterations to liver structure and function. In this review, we evaluated the literature on the hepatotoxicity of 2,4-D, focusing on morphological damages, toxicity biomarkers and affected liver functions. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and 83 articles were selected after curation. Among these studies, 72% used in vivo models and 30% used in vitro models. Additionally, 48% used the active ingredient, and 35% used commercial formulations in exposure experiments. The most affected biomarkers were related to a decrease in antioxidant capacity through alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and the levels of malondialdehyde. Changes in energy metabolism, lipids, liver function, and xenobiotic metabolism were also identified. Furthermore, studies about the effects of 2,4-D in mixtures with other pesticides were found, as well as hepatoprotection trials. The reviewed data indicate the essential role of reduction in antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in 2,4-D-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of action of the herbicide is still not fully understood and further research in this area is necessary.

Background: The gradual increase in the global population has led to the rising demand for agricultural products worldwide. This required the introduction of environment- and public health-friendly advanced technologies for plant protection to guard yields from pest destruction in a sustainable way. Encapsulation technology is a promising procedure to increase the effectiveness of pesticide active ingredients while reducing human exposure and environmental impact. Despite the presumed favorable properties of encapsulated pesticide formulations on human health, it is necessary to systematically assess whether they are less harmful to human health than conventional pesticide products. Objectives: We aim to systematically review the literature to answer the question of whether micro- or nano-encapsulated pesticide formulations exert different degrees of toxicity than their conventional (not-encapsulated) counterparts in in vivo animal and in vitro (human, animal, and bacterial cell) non-target models. The answer is important to estimate the possible differences in the toxicological hazards of the two different types of pesticide formulations. Because our extracted data will come from different models, we also aim to perform subgroup analyses to investigate how toxicity varies across different models. A pooled toxicity effect estimate will also be performed by meta-analysis when appropriate. Methods: The systematic review will follow the guidelines developed by the National Toxicology Program’s Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP/OHAT). The protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses Protocol (PRISMA-P) statement. PubMed (NLM), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), Embase (Elsevier), and Agricola (EBSCOhost) electronic databases will be comprehensively searched in September 2022 to identify eligible studies using multiple search terms of “pesticide”, “encapsulation” and “toxicity” along with their synonyms and other words that are semantically related. The reference lists of all eligible articles and retrieved reviews will be manually screened to identify additional relevant papers. Eligibility criteria: We will include peer-reviewed experimental (non-target in vivo animal model and in vitro human, animal, and bacterial cell cultures) studies published as full-text articles in English language that simultaneously investigate the effect of any micro- or nano-encapsulated pesticide formulation, applied in all ranges of concentrations, duration, and routes of exposure, and its corresponding active ingredient(s) or its conventional non-encapsulated product formulation(s) used in the same ranges of concentrations, duration, and routes of exposure on the same pathophysiological outcome. We will exclude studies that examine pesticidal activity on target organisms, cultures of cells isolated from target organisms exposed in vivo or in vitro, and those using biological materials isolated from target organisms/cells. Study appraisal and synthesis: Studies identified by the search will be screened and managed according to the review inclusion and exclusion criteria in the Covidence systematic review tool by two reviewers, who will also blindly extract the data and assess the risk of bias of included studies. The OHAT risk of bias tool will be applied to evaluate the quality and risk of bias in the included studies. Study findings will be synthesized narratively by important features of the study populations, design, exposure, and endpoints. If findings make it possible, a meta-analysis will be performed on identified toxicity outcomes. To rate the certainty in the body of evidence, we will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

A composite radial filter was designed, fabricated and developed for the removal of agrochemicals particularly N, P, K and bacteriological contaminant in runoff water from rice field for recharging aquifer. Zeolite (Z), activated charcoal (C), coarse sand (CS) and gravel (G) filter materials were placed in annular concentric rings of composite radial filter in different combination of thickness in the ratio of 1:2:4:4, 1:3:4:4, 1:2:2:4, 1:3:2:4 and 0:2:1:2 for five treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) respectively. Sodium hypochlorite solution (5%) injected at the rate of 0.1 ml per unit discharge (lps) through chlorination unit at the outlet of the radial filter decreased bacteriological contamination to

Brood diseases and pesticides can reduce the survival of bee larvae, reduce bee populations, and negatively influence ecosystem biodiversity. However, major gaps persist in our knowledge regarding the routes and implications of co-exposure to these stressors in managed and wild bee brood. In this review, we evaluate the likelihood for co-exposure to brood pathogen and pesticide stressors by examining the routes of potential co-exposure and the possibility for pollen and nectar contaminated with pathogens and pesticides to become integrated into brood food. Furthermore, we highlight ways in which pesticides may increase brood disease morbidity directly, through manipulating host immunity, and indirectly through disrupting microbial communities in the guts of larvae, or compromising brood care provided by adult bees. Lastly, we quantify the brood research bias towards Apis species and discuss the implications the bias has on brood disease and pesticide risk assessment in wild bee communities. We advise that future studies should place a higher emphasis on evaluating bee brood afflictions and their interactions with commonly encountered stressors, especially in wild bee species.

Agrochemical use for crop protection may increase as a result of significant changes in pest abundance and behavior caused by human-caused climate change. Pesticides have been employed in agricultural contexts to manage weeds, diseases, and pests. However, their harmful impacts on beneficial insect groups that contribute to the upkeep and sustainability of agroecosystems have received not much attention. The widespread use of pesticides in industries, agriculture, and households poses risks to human health and natural environments, to fully assess their impact, one must consider their sublethal impacts on aquatic species and behavior, in addition to the direct mortality caused by them. The harmful effects of pesticides and insecticides are also causing climate change, which has altered the dynamics of many different types of pests. Additionally, it has an effect on the distribution and number of pests in coastal areas as a result of changes in sea levels. The present study investigates the use toxicological investigation of pesticides and herbicides in aquatic environments and the authors attempted to study the most recent research on pesticides and their impact on aquatic systems and the mitigation approach to remove these contaminants. The data presented here outlines the disadvantages of pesticide use as well as the advantages of various remediation procedures used to prevent or limit pesticide leaching and bioavailability in soil. [Display omitted] • Environmental importance and ecotoxicological assessment of pesticides, climatic changes and the consequences are discussed. • Adverse effects of various agrochemicals and their cellular toxicity in human and aquatic animals. • Different pesticide mitigation approaches for the effective removal of from soil and water studied. • Recent advancement and the microbial assisted remediation in coastal ecosystem were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria equipped with virulence systems based on highly bioactive small molecules can circumvent their host's defense mechanisms. Pathogens employing this strategy are currently threatening global rice production. In the present study, variations in the virulence of the highly destructive Burkholderia plantarii were observed in different rice-producing regions. The environment-linked variation was not attributable to any known host-related or external factors. Co-occurrence analyses indicated a connection between reduced virulence and 5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-thiol (ATT), a non-bactericidal organic compound. ATT, which accumulates in rice plants during metabolization of specific agrochemicals, was found to reduce virulence factor secretion by B. plantarii up to 88.8% and inhibit pathogen virulence by hijacking an upstream signaling cascade. Detailed assessment of the newly discovered virulence inhibitor resulted in mechanistic insights into positive effects of ATT accumulation in plant tissues. Mechanisms of virulence alleviation were deciphered by integrating high-throughput data, gene knockout mutants, and molecular interaction assays. TroK, a histidine protein kinase in a two-component system that regulates virulence factor secretion, is likely the molecular target antagonized by ATT. Our findings provide novel insights into virulence modulation in an important plant-pathogen system that relies on the host's metabolic activity and subsequent signaling interference.

Abstract New advances in nanotechnology are driving a wave of technology revolution impacting a broad range of areas in agricultural production. The current work reviews nanopesticides, nano-fabricated fertilizers, and nano activity-based growth promoters reported in the last several years, focusing on mechanisms revealed for preparation and functioning. It appears to us that with many fundamental concepts have been demonstrated over last two decades, new advances in this area continue to expand mainly in three directions, i.e., efficiency improvement, material sustainability and environment-specific stimulation functionalities. It is also evident that environmental and health concerns associated with nano agrochemicals are the primary motivation and focus for most recent work. Challenges and perspectives for future development of nano agrochemicals are also discussed.