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Background and Aim: Ovine anaplasmosis is a rickettsial disease caused by Anaplasma spp. These Gram-negative intracellular bacteria are mainly transmitted by ticks and infected blood cells of caprine, ovine, and wild small ruminants. At present, epidemiological data on anaplasmosis in cattle, dogs, and camels in Egypt are available, but the data about Anaplasma spp. in sheep and goat are scarce. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in small ruminants and assess the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in 300 sheep and 300 goats from four governorates in North Egypt using a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays kit, and the associated risk factors for the infection were evaluated. Results: Overall, the seroprevalence of anti-Anaplasma antibodies was 18.3% and 21.3% in sheep and goats, respectively. Amultivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between risk factors and Anaplasma spp. infection. Conclusion: Age, animal husbandry, acaricide use, tick infestation, and contact with cattle were the primary risk factors for Anaplasma seropositivity. This study confirms the presence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp. in small ruminants from Egypt. This is the first study to assess the associated risk factors for Anaplasma infection in small ruminants from Egypt. Further studies are needed to improve the understanding of the associated disease factors, facilitating the development of new procedures for control of anaplasmosis in livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify new rice lines and hybrids that are tolerant to water deficit and produce high yields under water stress conditions. A line × tester mating design was used to study the lines and testers' general combining ability (GCA) effects. The specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrid rice combinations was measured under three different irrigation regimes; 6, 9, and 12 days. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during the 2018 and 2019 rice growing seasons. Due to the genotypes and their partitions to the parents and the crosses, the mean squares were highly significant for all studied traits under the three irrigation regimes. The additive gene effects play an important role in expressing most of the studied traits. Therefore, the selection procedures based on the accumulation of the additive effect would be successful at improving these traits and the grain yield. The cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line G46A (L1) was the best combiner for most yield component traits in the three irrigation regimes. The newly devolved restorer lines T11, T1, T2, T5, T4, and T3, as well as the new hybrids L2 × T10, L2 × T6, L1 × T7, L1 × T5, L1 × T3, L2 × T7, L2 × T9, L2 × T8, L2 × T4, L1 × T4, L2 × T2, L1 × T8, L1 × T9, and L2 × NRL 10, showed good, desirable values of the studied traits such as earliness of flowering, short plant height, number of panicles/plant, panicle length, number of spikelets/panicle, number of filled grains/panicle, panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, hulling percentage, milling percentage, head rice percentage, and grain yield under the irrigation regimes of 6, 9, and 12 days. The hybrids L2 × T10, L2 × T6, L1 × T7, and L1 × T5, showed significant positive SCA effects for grain yield, under all three irrigation regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out at the Experimental Farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Sakha, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, during the 2018–2020 rice-growing seasons to develop and evaluate four iso-cytoplasmic rice-restorer lines: NRL79, NRL80, NRL81, and NRL82, as well as Giza 178, with ten new hybrids in order to estimate genotypic coefficient, phenotypic coefficient, heritability in a broad sense, and advantage over Giza 178 as a check variety (control) of new restorer lines. This study also estimated combining ability, gene action, better-parent heterosis (BP), mid-parents heterosis (MP), and standard heterosis (SH) over Egyptian Hybrid one (IR69A × Giza 178) as a check hybrid (control) for grain yield, agronomic traits, and some grain quality characters in restorer lines and hybrids. The percentage of advantage over commercial-variety Giza 178 (check) was significant, and highly significant among the newly developed restorer fertility lines for all the studied traits. This indicates that the selection is a highly effective factor in improving these traits. New restorer fertility lines showed highly significant positive values over commercial restorer for grain yield; the values ranged from 51% for NRL80 to 100.4% for NRL82, respectively. Meanwhile, in regard to the grain shape of paddy rice, three lines of the promising lines showed highly significant negative desirable values compared with Giza 178; the values ranged from −7.7% for the NRL80 to −15.2% for NRL79, respectively. Based on the superiority of the new lines, the new lines can be used as new restorer fertility lines to breed promising new hybrids and new inbred rice lines or varieties. From the results of the testcross experiment, the four promising lines were identified as effective restorer fertility lines for two cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines. Moreover, the six rice hybrids showed values for SH heterosis of grain yield/plant of more than 15% over the check hybrid variety, with high values of 1000-grain weight and desirable grain shape; these hybrids were G46A × NRL81 (125.1%), G46A × NRL80 (66.9%), IR69A × NRL79 (47.2%), G46A × NRL79 (24.6%), IR69A × NRL81 (23.4%), and IR69A × NRL82 (16.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice cultivation in Egypt is limited by the scarcity of water resources. The main strategy of rice breeders to overcome this problem is to develop new high-yielding varieties that are tolerant to drought stress. In this study, an drought-tolerant (IR60080-46A) variety was crossed with commercial Egyptian varieties using the back-cross method and marker-assisted selection (MAS) approach. The advanced lines of these crosses were selected under drought stress conditions. The best-performing candidate line, RBL-112, and its parental genotypes, were evaluated under drought stress and control conditions. The RBL-112 line showed superior its root system, which in turn produced higher grain yield under drought-stress conditions than its parental and check genotypes. Furthermore, physiological and biochemical studies showed that the RBL-112 line maintained higher relative water content (RWC), maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) values, proline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to its parents and the check. The functional expression profiles of 22 drought tolerance-related genes were studied, out of which the genes OsAHL1, OsLEA3, OsCATA, OsP5CS, OsSNAC1, Os1g64660, OsRab21, OsAPX2, OsDREB2A, OsSKIPa, and OsLG3 were strongly induced in the newly developed RBL-112 line under drought-stress conditions. It could be concluded that the new line has a higher capacity to modulate physiological activities and expression levels of several drought-induced genes to withstand drought stress with high yielding ability. This finding suggests that the RBL-112 line presents a promising new addition to enable sustainable rice cultivation under water-limited conditions, and confirms the efficiency of the approach implemented in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ovine anaplasmosis is a tick borne disease, mainly affecting small ruminants and causes economic losses in Egypt. • The prevalence of Anaplasma ovis was highly significant in elder ewe particularly in animals infested with ticks. • The analysis of A. ovis msp4 sequences revealed two different genotypes classified in the old world sub-cluster with other Egyptian isolates. Anaplasma ovis is the most common etiologic agent of ovine anaplasmosis, mainly transmitted by ticks. The present study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of A. ovis in sheep from Egypt and assessed the associated risk factors. The study was conducted, between January and December 2020, in four governorates situated in Northern Egypt. Blood samples from 355 asymptomatic sheep were collected and examined by the use of PCR specific to A. ovis. Diversity analysis and phylogenetic study based on partial msp4 gene sequence were performed on revealed A. ovis DNA. Overall, the molecular prevalence rate of A. ovis was 15.5% and the highest rate was observed in Kafr ElSheikh governorate (16.8%). Statistical analysis revealed that A. ovis infection was significantly related to sheep gender and to tick infestation. The risk factors that were found to be associated with A. ovis infection in exposed sheep were: female sex (OR=2.6, 95%CI: 1.13–6.12), and infestation with ticks (OR=2.1, 95%CI: 1.11–3.79). The analysis of A. ovis msp4 sequences revealed two different genotypes classified in the Old World sub-cluster with other Egyptian isolates. Investigation on prevalence, risk factors and genetic variability of A. ovis in sheep reported in this study is important for the implementation of control programs. Further studies are needed to determine the vectors and reservoirs of A. ovis in Egyptian small ruminants and to identify the real economic impact of A. ovis infection on the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Johne's disease is a chronic disease with great concern in ruminants and caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2019 to January 2020 to estimate the prevalence of MAP infection among camels which are kept in three governorates in Nile Delta of Egypt. A total of 440 serum samples were examined by ELISA for detection of MAP antibodies. The multivariable logistic regression model was performed to determine the associated risk factors for MAP infection in examined camels. Overall, the seroprevalence of MAP infection was found to be 7.5% among examined camels. The multivariable logistic regression model was performed to determine the associated risk factors for MAP infection in examined camels. The main findings revealed that the risk of getting MAP infection increased among elder camels (>10 years old) with signs of diarrhea, having communal water source and in camels grazing in the same pasture (odds ratio >1). However, geographic location, sex and contact with cattle had not significant impact regarding to seroprevalence of MAP infection in camels. The present findings confirm presence of MAP among camels which is a potential risk factor for contamination of environment and spreading of infection. Therefore, further studies for detection of infected animals in early stage are needed beside the estimated risk factors in this study to build an efficient control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The small ubiquitin-related modifier genes regulate the function of the cellular proteins, which are associated with cell stress-tolerance. Identification and understanding the functional localization of these genes are very important to mitigate the stresses. In this study, we identified a novel small ubiquitin-related modifier gene and studied its functional localization in the cell. This new finding will be very valuable in increasing our understanding of the mechanism of stress-tolerance. Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) regulates the cellular function of diverse proteins through post-translational modifications. The current study defined a new homolog of SUMO genes in the rice genome and named it OsSUMO7. Putative protein analysis of OsSUMO7 detected SUMOylation features, including di-glycine (GG) and consensus motifs (ΨKXE/D) for the SUMOylation site. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the high homology of OsSUMO7 with identified rice SUMO genes, which indicates that the OsSUMO7 gene is an evolutionarily conserved SUMO member. RT-PCR analysis revealed that OsSUMO7 was constitutively expressed in all plant organs. Bioinformatic analysis defined the physicochemical properties and structural model prediction of OsSUMO7 proteins. A red fluorescent protein (DsRed), fused with the OsSUMO7 protein, was expressed and localized mainly in the nucleus and formed nuclear subdomain structures. The fusion proteins of SUMO-conjugating enzymes with the OsSUMO7 protein were co-expressed and co-localized in the nucleus and formed nuclear subdomains. This indicated that the OsSUMO7 precursor is processed, activated, and transported to the nucleus through the SUMOylation system of the plant cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the overexpression of the rice ( Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica var. Zhonghua 11) flowering control gene ( rFCA-RRM2) in monocotyledonous model rice. Constitutive expression of rFCA-RRM2 from the Act 1–5 rice promoter caused late flowering in transgenic rice and increased grain weight that was more than 50% higher than that of control plants, which is the first demonstration of rFCA-RRM2 being able to increase rice production. Late flowering was accompanied by strong phenotype and some morphological modifications. These observations suggest that rFCA-RRM2 is a useful tool for phenotype improvement and yield enhancement in cereal crops. (Managing editor: Ping HE) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient low-cost adsorbent was prepared using raw and chemically modified cellulose isolated from sugarcane bagasse for decontamination of Cr(VI) from wastewater. First, cellulose pulp was isolated from sugarcane bagasse by subjecting it to acid hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis and bleaching with sodium chlorate (NaClO3). Then, the bleached cellulose pulp was chemically modified with acrylonitrile monomer in the presence Fenton's reagent (Fe+2/H2O2) to carry out grafting of acrylonitrile onto cellulose by atom transfer radical polymerization. The developed adsorbent (acrylonitrile grafted cellulose) was analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Both raw cellulose and acrylonitrile grafted cellulose were used for chromium removal from wastewater. The effects of metal ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose and time were studied, and their values were optimized. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of Cr(VI) onto raw and chemically modified cellulose were: metal ion concentration: 50 ppm, adsorbent dose: 1 g, pH: 6, and time: 60 min. The maximum efficiencies of 73% and 94% and adsorption capacities of 125.95 mg/g and 267.93 mg/g were achieved for raw and acrylonitrile grafted cellulose, respectively. High removal efficiency was achieved, owing to high surface area of 79.92 m2/g and functional active binding cites on grafted cellulose. Isotherm and kinetics studies show that the experimental data were fully fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo first-order model. The adsorbent (acrylonitrile grafted cellulose) was regenerated using three different types of regenerating reagents and reused thirty times, and there was negligible decrease (19%) in removal efficiency after using it for 30 times. Hence, it is anticipated that acrylonitrile could be utilized as potential candidate material for commercial scale Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surra is a non-cyclic parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi) and spread by biting flies. The disease has a severe impact on camel health, productivity, and market value, posing a significant threat to food safety and the economy. In a cross-sectional study, 370 blood samples were collected from camels in three Egyptian governorates. Samples were tested using parasitological (thin blood smear (TBS)), card agglutination test for T. evansi (CATT), and PCR to estimate the prevalence of T. evansi infection. Overall, the prevalence of T. evansi among examined camels was 17.3%, 18.9% and 22.7% using TBS, CATT and PCR methods, respectively. The risk of T. evansi infection in older camels (> 10 years) is higher than that in young ones (odds ratio (OR) = 9; 95% CI: 3.5–23.1), particularly during spring (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.7). Furthermore, females and poor conditioned camels were 2.6 and four times more likely to get infection than males and good conditioned camels, respectively. The level of agreement between diagnostics tests were perfect kappa (> 0.83). Moreover, CATT showed higher sensitivity (0.83; 95% CI: 0.74–0.91) than TBS (0.76; 95% CI: 0.66–0.85) and both had perfect specificity (100%). In conclusion, our findings revealed a high rate of T. evansi infection in camels from the three Egyptian governorates. The CATT is a good test for routine use in control program of trypanosomiasis in camels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of bio-agent Bacillus subtilus , nano titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) as well as the combination compared with fungicide (Topas100) was investigated under laboratory (in vitro) and greenhouse conditions against powdery mildew disease caused by Podosphaera xanthi i. Most of treatments were strong to inhibit the spore germination of P. xanthii. B. subtilus and B. subtilus + nano-Tio 2 were the most effective followed by Topas100, B. subtilus + nano-ZnO, nano-ZnO and Nano-TiO 2 compared with control. Most of treatments significantly reduced the disease symptoms and diseases severity (%) particularly bio-agent, nano-ZnO and combination of B. subtilus + nano-ZnO, however, the fungicide treatment showed the best inhibition. As a consequence of treatments histo-biochemical and growth parameters of cucumber were changed. Reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide) were accumulated early. Chlorophyll content, catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activities were increased under various treatments, however, electrolyte leakage (EL) was decreased. The growth characters e.g. plant height, leaves number, fresh and dry weight/plant was significantly improved because of treatments. Combined of B. subtilus and nano-Zinc oxide treatment was the best treatment and promising to be an alternative to fungicide, consequently, decreasing the environmental pollution, cost and harmful effect of fungicide on human health. • Application of Bacillus subtilus as bio-agent led to improve cucumber plants under powdery mildew disease. • Combination of B. subtilus and nano-Zinc oxide treatment give the best results and promising to be an alternative to fungicide. • Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide and electrolyte leakage (EL) were decreased, however chlorophyll content and fruits yield were increased with B. subtilus + nano-Zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress deleteriously affects the growth and yield of many plants. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and chitosan both play an important role in combating salinity stress and improving plant growth under adverse environmental conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of PGPR and chitosan on the growth of sweet pepper plant grown under different salinity regimes. For this purpose, two pot experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the role of PGPR (Bacillus thuringiensis MH161336 106–8 CFU/cm3) applied as seed treatment and foliar application of chitosan (30 mg dm−3) on sweet pepper plants (cv. Yolo Wonder) under two salinity concentrations (34 and 68 mM). Our findings revealed that, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm ratio), chlorophyll a and b concentrations, relative water content (RWC), and fruit yield characters were negatively affected and significantly reduced under salinity conditions. The higher concentration was more harmful. Nevertheless, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide (O2−) significantly increased in stressed plants. However, the application of B. thuringiensis and chitosan led to improved plant growth and resulted in a significant increase in RWC, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence parameter (Fv/Fm ratio), and fruit yield. Conversely, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, O2−, and H2O2 were significantly reduced in stressed plants. Also, B. thuringiensis and chitosan application regulated the proline accumulation and enzyme activity, as well as increased the number of fruit plant−1, fruit fresh weight plant−1, and total fruit yield of sweet pepper grown under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most harmful abiotic stresses in arid and semiarid regions, so, field experiments were performed to examine biochar impact (15 or 20 t ha-1) on soil properties, physiological, morphological, and yield of barley under drought conditions. Our results displayed that drought caused a remarkable decrease in stem height and leaf area. Additionally, relative water contents (RWC%), chlorophyll a and b concentrations, as well as yield parameters were significantly reduced under drought. Conversely, lipid peroxidation (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL%), and enzymatic activity were significantly augmented in the stressed plants during both seasons. Application of biochar led to improve leaves number (15.3), stem height (57%) and leaf area. Also, physiological characters like chlorophyll (72%) and RWC (33%), as well as yield, were increased considerably. Contrariwise, MDA and EL were reduced significantly (47 and 54%) under biochar application; furthermore, biochar led to regulate peroxidase and catalase activity in the stressed plants. It is concluded that biochar treatment can significantly improve soil properties, particularly soil EC (dSm4), soil organic matter % and soil pH as well as increase yield characters via improving stress tolerance of barley under drought conditions; the best treatment was 20 t biochar ha-1 in the plants irrigated twice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of biochar and chitosan on barley plants under drought stress conditions was investigated during two field experiments. Our results confirmed that drought stress negatively affected morphological and physiological growth traits of barley plants such as plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll concentrations, and relative water content. However, electrolyte leakage (EL%), lipid peroxidation (MDA), soluble sugars, sucrose and starch contents significantly increased as a response to drought stress. Additionally, 1000 grain weight, grains yield ha−1 and biological yield significantly decreased in stressed barley plants, also anatomical traits such as upper epidermis, lower epidermis, lamina, and mesophyll tissue thickness as well as vascular bundle diameter of flag leaves significantly decreased compared with control. The use of biochar and chitosan led to significant increases in plant height, number of leaves, and chlorophyll concentrations as well as relative water content; nevertheless these treatments led to significant decreases in electrolyte leakage (EL%) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the stressed plants. Moreover, anatomical and yield characters of stressed barley plants were improved with application of biochar and chitosan. The results proved the significance of biochar and chitosan in alleviating the damaging impacts of drought on barley plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brucellosis remains a threat to the cattle and sheep industry in Egypt. • Detection of B. abortus from unvaccinated cattle and sheep. • PCR is a better alternative to bacteriological methods for diagnosing brucellosis. • Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that two distinct B. abortus strains are circulating among cattle and sheep. • Sex and age are considered as risk factor for brucellosis in cattle and sheep. Brucellosis is one of the most economically significant infectious diseases in Egypt. The study aimed to assess the seroprevalence by indirect ELISA by examining serum samples from 720 cattle and 320 sheep and detection and characterization of Brucella spp. from 24 clinical samples (placenta) by bacterial culture (BC) and PCR targeting bcsp31 gene. The seroprevalence was 16.7% and 16.25% in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a significant association (P < 0.05) between the seroprevalence of brucellosis and sex at the level of cattle and age at the sheep level, where seroprevalence was 18.7% in female cattle and 22% in sheep > 2 years. Likewise, seroprevalence was significantly (P < 0.05) different among locations for cattle. Of the 24 clinical samples tested by BC, B. abortus was isolated and identified in 100% of clinical samples. Using PCR, all Brucella strains were positive (100%) regarding bcsp31 gene. Nucleotide analyses of seven bcsp31 sequences of the identified strains revealed 99.3–100% identity, with one nucleotide divergence. These results provide an insight into the brucellosis, particularly with the detection of B. abortus from sheep, therefore, further wide epidemiological studies are needed to develop appropriate prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most extensively cultivated cereal crop in the world; however, its growth and development are affected by different types of biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the physico-chemical diversity in different wheat genotypes under rain-fed conditions. Principle component analysis (PCA) showed that significant variation for different components contributed 77.87% of total variability among all genotypes. In the scree plot, the first two PCs (PC1 = 44.75%, PC2 = 14.28%) had significant differences for numerous agronomic traits. The scatter biplot depicted eight genotypes (Zardana, NR-462, D-97, BARS-2009 (a check), NR-481, Tarnab-73, NR-489 and Pirsabak-91) with high diversity (variation ~90%) for different morphological traits, identifiable as they were located further away from the origin than other genotypes. Factor analysis of loading factors among wheat genotypes across different morpho-physiological traits also showed significant diversity for positive and negative loads. In cluster analysis, genotypes such as BWP-97, BARS-2009, NR-489, NR-448 and Pak. 13 were outliers, indicating significant diversity among all genotypes for different agronomic traits. Biochemical analysis showed maximum values for antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content in lines NR-485 (93.76%), NR-489 (3.55 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), and the variety Suleman-96 (3.45mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g), respectively. This study provides new insights for understanding the diversity of different wheat genotypes under rain-fed conditions, and the selected genotypes can be evaluated for further breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MYB transcription factor (TF) are among the largest gene families of plants being responsible for several biological processes. The R2R3-MYB gene family are integral player regulating plant primary and secondary metabolism, growth and development, and responses to hormones and stresses. The phylogenetic analysis combined with gene structure analysis and motif determination resulted in division of R2R3-MYB gene family into 27 subgroups. Evidence generated from synteny analyses indicated that CqR2R3-MYBs gene family is featured by tandem and segmental duplication events. On the basis of RNA-Seq data, the expression patterns of different tissues under salt treatment were investigated resulting CqR2R3-MYB genes high expression both in roots and stem of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) plants. More than half of CqR2R3-MYB genes showed expression under salt stress. Based on this result, CqR2R3-MYB s may regulate quinoa plant growth development and resistance to abiotic stresses. These findings provided comprehensive insights on role of CqR2R3-MYBs gene family members in quinoa and candidate MYB gene family members can be further studies on their role for abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) produces nutritious and gluten-free grains with a fine balance between carbohydrates, essential amino acids, oils, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibres. The transcription factors (TFs) are the proteins regulating rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA. The R2R3-MYB transcription factors are the largest subfamily of the MYB family in plants, whereas the numbers of 4R-MYB and 3R-MYB genes are relatively small. In this study, we identified 103 poplar R2R3-MYB transcription factor genes. This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SPL gene family (for Squamosa Promoter-binding like Proteins) represents specific transcription factors that have significant roles in abiotic stress tolerance, development and the growth processes of different plants, including initiation of the leaf, branching and development of shoot and fruits. The SPL gene family has been studied in different plant species; however, its role is not yet fully explored in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). In the present study, 11 members of the CcSPL gene family were identified in C. cajan. The identified SPLs were classified into nine groups based on a phylogenetic analysis involving SPL protein sequences from C. cajan , Arabidopsis thaliana , Cicer arietinum , Glycine max , Phaseolus vulgaris , Vigna unguiculata and Arachis hypogaea. Further, the identification of gene structure, motif analysis, domain analysis and presence of cis -regulatory elements in the SPL family members were studied. Based on RNA-sequencing data, gene expression analysis was performed, revealing that CcSPL2.1, 3 and 13A were significantly upregulated for salt-tolerance and CcSPL14 and 15 were upregulated in a salt-susceptible cultivar. Real-time qPCR validation indicated that CcSPL3, 4, 6 and 13A were upregulated under salt stress conditions. Therefore, molecular docking was performed against the proteins of two highly expressed genes (CcSPL3 and CcSPL14) with three ligands: abscisic acid, gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid. Afterward, their binding affinity was obtained and three-dimensional structures were predicted. In the future, our study may open avenues for harnessing CcSPL genes in pigeon pea for enhanced abiotic stress resistance and developmental traits. The pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) is a diploid legume, grown in humid and subtropic regions around the world. The gene family of Squamosa Promoter-binding like Proteins has been studied in different plant species, but is not yet fully explored in pigeon pea. The identified genes were classified into nine groups based on a phylogenetic analysis. Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing revealed that CcSPL2.1, 3 and 13A were significantly upregulated in salt-tolerant cultivars, which could be further explored. This article belongs to the Collection Functional Genomics for Developing Climate Resilient Crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important macro element for all living cells, phosphorus is essential in agricultural production systems and is required in large quantities by elite varieties of crops to maintain yields. Approximately 70% of the worldwide cultivated land suffers from phosphorous deficiency, and it has recently been estimated that the worldwide phosphorous resources will be shattered by the end of this century, thereby increasing the need to develop phosphorus-efficient crops. A greater understanding of how plants can maintain yield with lower phosphorous availability is highly desirable to both breeders and farmers. For this research, we focused on the phosphorusstarvation tolerance 1 (PSTOL1) gene, which is known to be involved in enhancing early root growth, thereby enabling plants to acquire more phosphorus and other nutrients and enhancing grain yield in phosphorus-deficient soil. As there is no reported structure and function of the PSTOL1 gene, this project involves a distinct set of opportunities and challenges and requires different approaches to model the interaction between PSTOL1 and the gene phosphorous uptake 1 (PUP1). This article covers the modeling, docking, and simulation of PSTOL1 to check the protein stability and its behavior over time. The physiochemical properties were ascertained, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to find the evolutionary relationship, and the conserved domains were analyzed for functional annotation. This study reports that the advancement of the PSTOL1-mediated phosphorous uptake 1 (PUP1) signaling cascade using structural bioinformatics is a potent biological mechanism against phosphorous starvation in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites of plants. They offer diverse pharmacological properties. Peganum harmala is reported to have pharmaceutical effects like insecticidal, antitumor, curing malaria, anti-spasmodic, vasorelaxant, antihistaminic effect. Rosa brunonii has medicinal importance in its flower and fruits effective against different diseases and juice of leaf is reported to be applied externally to cure wounds and cuts. Dryopteris ramosa aqueous leaf extract is used to treat stomach ulcers and stomachaches. Each of these three medicinal plants have been indicated to have anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antifungal effects but efficacy of their bioactive compounds remained unexplored. Study was aimed to explore In-vitro and In-silico anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antifungal effects of bioactive compounds of above three medicinal plants. DPPH and ABTS assay were applied for assessment of antioxidant properties of compounds. Antibacterial properties of compounds were checked by agar well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed to check cytotoxic effect of compounds. Molecular docking was conducted to investigate the binding efficacy between isolated compounds and targeted proteins. The compound isomangiferrin and tiliroside presented strong antioxidant potential 78.32% (± 0.213) and 77.77% (± 0.211) respectively in DPPH assay while harmaline showed 80.71% (± 0.072) at 200 µg/mL in ABTS assay. The compound harmine, harmaline and PH-HM 17 exhibited highest zone of inhibition 22 mm, 23 mm, 22 mm respectively against Xanthomonas while Irriflophenone-3-C-β- D-glucopyranoside showed maximum zone of inhibition 34 mm against E. coli. The compound isomangiferrin and vasicine contained strong antibacterial activity 32 mm and 22 mm respectively against S. aureus. The compound mangiferrin, astragalin, tiliroside, quercitin-3-O-rhamnoside showed maximum inhibitory zone 32 mm, 26 mm, 24 mm and 22 mm respectively against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Highest cytotoxic effect was observed by compound tiliroside i.e. 95% with LD50 value 73.59 µg/mL. The compound tiliroside showed the best binding mode of interaction to all targeted proteins presenting maximum hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The binding affinity of tiliroside was − 17.9, − 14.9, − 14.6, − 13.8, − 12.8 against different proteins 6VAR, 5C5S, IEA3, 2XV7 and 6LUS respectively. Bioactive compounds are significant natural antioxidants, which could help to prevent the progression of various diseases caused by free radicals. Based on molecular docking we have concluded that phytochemicals can have better anticancer and antiviral potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a grain crop that is an important source of protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. It is highly sensitive to salt stress, and salt damage to cellular homeostasis and protein folding affects production. Plants have several mechanisms to prevent cellular damages under abiotic stresses, such as proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (protein isulfide somerases (PDIs) and PDI-like proteins), which help prevent the build-up of mis-folded proteins that are damaged under abiotic stresses. In this study, we completed initial comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the chickpea PDI gene family. We found eight PDI genes are distributed on six out of eight chromosomes. Two pairs of paralogous genes were found to have segmental duplications. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the PDIs have a high degree of homology in C. arietinum, Cicer reticulatum, Lens culinaris, Phaseolus acutifolius, Pisum sativum and Oryza sativa. The gene structure analysis displayed that CaPDI1-CaPDI8 have 9-12 exons except for CaPDI5, which has 25 exons. Subcellular localisation indicated accumulation of CaPDIs in endoplasmic reticulum. Protein-conserved motifs and domain analysis demonstrated that thioredoxin domains of PDI family is present in all CaPDIs. CaPDI proteins have strong protein-protein interaction. In silico expression analysis showed that four out of eight PDI genes (CPDI2, CaPDI6, CaPDI7 and CaPDI8) were expressed under salt stress. Of these, expression of CaPDI2 and CaPDI8 was the highest. This work indicated that PDI genes are involved in salt stress tolerance in chickpea and the CaPDIs may be further studied for their role of inducing salt tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a major crop around the globe and different techniques are being used for its productivity enhancement. Germplasm evaluation to improve crop productivity mainly depends on accurate phenotyping and selection of genotypes with a high frequency of superior alleles related to the trait of interest. Therefore, applying functional kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers for drought-related genes is essential to characterise the genotypes for developing future climate-resilient wheat crop. In this study, eight functional KASP markers and nine morphological traits were employed to evaluate the 40 wheat genotypes for drought tolerance. Morphological traits showed significant variation (P = 0.05) among the genotypes, except tiller count (TC), fresh root weight (FRW) and dry root weight (DRW). PCA biplot showed that 63.3% phenotypic variation was explained by the first two PCs under control treatment, while 70.8% variation was explained under drought treatment. It also indicated that root length (RL) and primary root (PR) have considerable variations among the genotypes under both treatments and are positively associated with each other. Hence, the findings of this study suggested that both these traits could be used as a selection criterion to classify the droughttolerant wheat genotypes. KASP genotyping accompanied by morphological data revealed that genotypes Markaz, Bhakar Star, China 2, Aas and Chakwal-50 performed better under drought stress. These outperforming genotypes could be used as parents in developing drought-tolerant wheat genotypes. Hence, KASP genotyping assay for functional genes or significant haplotypes and phenotypic evaluation are prerequisites for a modern breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an economically important crop, but its productivity is often hindered by the soil‐borne pathogen Verticillium dahliae. This study aimed to investigate the response of cotton roots to V. dahliae infection by analysing the proteome of Gossypium thurberi (resistant) and Gossypium raimondii (susceptible) at 0 h, 24 h, and 48 h post‐infection. Through weighted protein coexpression network analysis, fifteen hub proteins crucial for defense against V. dahliae were identified. Expression analysis revealed the pivotal role of GthGAPC2, encoding GLYCERALDEHYDE‐3‐PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE 2, in conferring resistance to V. dahliae in cotton. Virus‐induced gene Silencing (VIGS) of GthGAPC2 increased susceptibility to V. dahliae, which was supported by oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, GthGAPC2 silencing influenced lignin content, indicating its involvement in lignin biosynthesis regulation. Transient overexpression of GthGAPC2 in tobacco supported its role in cell death processes. Subcellular localization studies showed predominant nuclear localization of GthGAPC2. Overexpression of GthGAPC2 in Arabidopsis also confirms its significant role in V. dahliae resistance. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in Gossypium thurberi. Identification of GthGAPC2, as a key protein involved in V. dahliae resistance, and its functional implications can aid breeding strategies for enhancing cotton's disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructure gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are well-known biological active materials, synthesised under different environment-friendly approaches that has gained significant interest in the field of biomedicine. This study investigated a novel, fast, easy, cost-effective and the eco-friendly method to synthesise Au NPs from mediated Viscum album Linn plant extract, where the plant metabolites act as stabilising and reducing agents. The synthesised Au NPs were analysed by UV/Vis spectroscopy that gave strong signals and a sharp absorption peak at 545 nm due to the presence of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed that strong signals of Au NPs appeared at 9.7 and 2.3 keV, as the rays of light passed. X-ray diffraction recognised the crystalline material and provided information on the cell unit that the synthesised Au NPs are face-centreed cubic in structure. The diffraction of X-ray spectra showed intense peaks at 38.44°, 44.7°, 44.9° and 77.8°. The mediated V. album plant extracts and synthesised Au NPs were screened against gram-positive and gram-negative (Enterobacter , Salmonella typhi , Escheria coli and Bacillus subtilis) bacterial strains, confirming their antibacterial potential. Au NPs showed strong antibacterial activity due to its unique steric configuration. Au NPs damaged bacterial cell membrane leading to the leakage of the cytoplasm and death of the cell. Nanostructure gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are biological active materialsthat has gained significant interest in the field of biomedicine. We investigated a novel and cost-effective way to synthesise Au NPs from mediated Viscum album Linn plant extract, where the plant metabolites act as stabilising and reducing agents. The mediated V. album plant extracts and synthesised Au NPs were screened against gram-positive and gram-negative (Enterobacter , Salmonella typhi , Escherichiacoli and Bacillus subtilis) bacterial strains, confirming their antibacterial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major environmental stress affecting the growth and development of plants. Saline soils limit crop productivity, resulting in economic losses by compromising morpho-physiological and yield attributes of plants. However, the exogenous application of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) helps to ameliorate the negative effects of salinity. A study was carried out to explore the impact of foliar applications of different PGRs i.e. Salicylic Acid (SA) 250µM, Thiourea (TU) 10mM, dry Moringa Leaf Extract (MLE) 10% and Proline 1µM to mitigate salt stress (NaCl 120mM) in medicinally important plant, Plantago ovata. Salinity hampered shoot length, root and shoot dry matter, fresh weight as well as number of leaves. However, foliar application of PGRs helped to improve various growth attributes like total number of leaves per plant, root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. Moreover, biochemicals i.e. hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were substantially increased under salt stress indicating increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). In response to ROS, antioxidants were found to be upregulated when the expression of antioxidant genes like catalase (CAT), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and Glutathione Reductase (GR) were analyzed under salinity stress. However, the expression of GR, CAT, and GST was further enhanced after the application of PGRs. Their expression was many folds higher (GR up to 7.4, CAT up to 9.5, and GST up to 7.9 folds higher) in salt-subjected plants as compared to control, suggesting their role in salt stress tolerance. It is concluded that foliar application of PGRs particularly TU and MLE improved morphological parameters and may be recommended for improved growth of plants under salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (2n = 36) is a monocotyledonous, dioecious plant, which belongs to the family Arecaceae. Pollens are the primary source of diversity and improvement in quality, yield, ripening time, and size. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the differential behavior of nine pollen sources, collected from different locations, upon pollination with date palm female cultivar Hillawi. Metaxenia effect of pollen grains on the maternal tissues of fruits was carried out at khalal stage, whereas the seeds obtained from these fruits were planted in a nursery for hybrid confirmation. Biochemical characteristics; proximate analysis; individual sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), total sugar, ascorbic acid, total soluble solid, and total phenolic contents; and 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and enzymatic activities (catalase, peroxidase, protease, and superoxide dismutase) were significantly variable. Dendrogram for biochemical parameters of cultivar Hillawi, created using Ward's method, revealed three clusters. Among the nine pollen sources, M8 was superior because it was positively associated with most of the variables. M7 shortened the ripening time, and its progeny exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content. Fruits developed from M8 pollination exhibited higher total sugar contents, protein, antioxidant and enzymatic activity, and had shortened ripening time. For more positive correlation of pollen parents, M8 was followed by M7, M3, M5, and M4. Strong positive correlation was found among most of the traits. Biochemical analyses revealed that these traits were suitable for metaxenia studies and breeding programs, as they exhibited quality and yield enhancement. The seedlings developed from these seeds, which were a result of controlled pollination, were identified as true date palm hybrids using 12 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers. Out of 12, only six primers clearly differentiated between true and ambiguous hybrids. Primer mpdCIR-10 identified the highest number of true hybrids 13 (81.25%). These findings will be useful for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phenotypic, grain quality, molecular fingerprinting, and biodiversity for 13 rice varieties were investigated. • SEM scan revealed differences in the outer surface of brown rice (decorated rice) and grain coat (rough rice) for the studied genotypes. • Phylogenetic analysis classified the varieties into clusters revealing the wide biodiversity based on grain quality. • DNA barcoding using matK and rpoC1 chloroplast genes was identified and sequences were registered in the NCBI. • This study documented the grain quality among other traits of the thirteen rice varieties based on the UPOV and the IRRI. As a result of climatic, political, and economic changes, rice has become a major food crop in maintaining global food security. This study is designed to describe the phenotypic and grain quality, make molecular fingerprinting profiles, and assess the biodiversity using DNA barcoding for thirteen high-yielding genotypes. A variety of biochemical parameters and molecular marker techniques were used. The chemical composition was studied and labeled among the genotypes. The results using electronic imaging showed the phenotypic characteristics of rice grains, such as grain dimensions were all significantly different amongst studied genotypes. Furthermore, the SEM scan results revealed differences in the outer surface of brown rice (decorated rice) and grain coat (rough rice) for the studied genotypes. Eighteen start codon-targeted (SCoTs) primers were used to assess the biodiversity of the studied genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis classified the thirteen varieties into three clusters based on SCoTs data, revealing the wide biodiversity among them. DNA barcoding using matK and rpoC1 chloroplast genes was identified and sequences were registered with accession numbers in the NCBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a major animal health hazard in many countries throughout the world, caused by bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1). The study's goal was to evaluate the prevalence of BoHV-1 seropositivity among dromedary camels in three governorates in northern Egypt, as well as to identify risk variables related with BoHV-1 seropositivity. A total of 321 blood samples were collected randomly from dromedary camels living in the selected governorates and examined for presence of BoHV-1 antibody using ELISA test. The overall seroprevalence of BoHV-1 among examined camels was 5.92% (95%CI: 3.82–9.06). Univariable analysis confirmed that the significant association (P < 0.05) between sex, history of abortion, contact with small ruminants and herd size and BoHV-1 seropositivity. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the following risk factors were identified to be related with the presence of BoHV-1 infection: sex (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 0.63–10.22), history of abortion (OR = 4.16, 95%CI: 1.30–13.27), contact with small ruminants (OR = 5.61, 95%CI: 1.67–18.80) and large herd size (OR = 10.52, 95%CI: 2.46–44.91). This study estimated the disease's seroprevalence in Egyptian dromedary camels, implying that camels could act as a BoHV-1 reservoir for transmission to other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-borne, non-contagious viral disease which affects domestic ruminants including camels and is transmitted by Culicoides spp. Clinical symptoms of BT are typically seen in sheep, although subclinical BT infections are mostly seen in cattle, goats, and camelids. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in camels from some governorates in Egypt's southern and northern regions, as well as the infection's potential risk factors. During 2020–2021, a cross sectional study was conducted to screen presence of anti-BTV antibodies in 400 serum samples, which were collected randomly from camels, examined using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The sera of 102 out of 400 camels tested positive for BTV, representing a frequency of 25.5%. Moreover, the odds of sero-positivity were higher among camels living in Aswan (OR = 5.33, 95%CI: 2.35–12.11), especially in females (OR = 2.63, 95%CI = 1.44–4.09) during summer season (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 1.20–4.81). Furthermore, the probability of getting BTV infection increased when camels were exposed to the insect vectors (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 0.87–3.09). The high prevalence of BTV in camels in several Egyptian regions highlights the need for more epidemiological investigations of BTV infection in other ruminant species in order to better control BT disease in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing need for pharmaceutical agents that possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and absence of side effects has driven the advancement of nanomedicine research, which lies at the convergence of nanotechnology and medicine. The study aimed to synthesize non-toxic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) and Cinnamon cassia (C. cassia) extracts. It also sought to develop and evaluate versatile nanomedicine formulations i.e. selenium nanoparticles of G. sylvestre and C. cassia (SeNPs), drug (lupeol) loaded SeNPs (DLSeNPs), drug-loaded and coated (PEG) SeNPs (DLCSeNPs) without side effects. The SeNPs formulations were hydrothermally synthesized, loaded with lupeol to improve efficacy, coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for targeted delivery, and characterized using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential analysis, size distribution analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Hemolytic cytotoxicity, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydzayl (DPPH), total Reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) antioxidant assays, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and histological studies were used to estimate the acute anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized SeNPs. The final form of PEGylated and drug (lupeol)-loaded selenium nanoparticles (DLCSeNPs) exhibited an average particle size ranging from 100 to 500 nm as evidenced by SEM, and Zeta potential results. These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxic effects and displayed remarkable antioxidant (IC50 values 19.29) and anti-inflammatory capabilities. These results were fed into Graph-pad Prism 5 software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.001). All nano-formulations exhibited significant overall antioxidant activity, with IC50 values ≤ 386 (p < 0.05) as analyzed by ANOVA. The study's results suggest that G. sylvestre outperformed C. cassia in terms of reducing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical, potassium ferricyanide, and ammonium molybdate in respective antioxidant assays. As far as anti-inflammatory activities are concerned drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated G. sylvestre SeNPs exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory potential from all other nano-formulations including drug (lupeol)-loaded and PEG-coated C. cassia SeNPs, as exhibited to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory signals i.e. cytokines and NF-kB, making them innovative anti-inflammatory nanomedicine. The study synthesized lupeol-loaded and PEG-coated SeNPs, showcasing the potential for biocompatible, cost-effective anti-inflammatory nanomedicines. G. Sylvester 's superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory performance than Cinnamon cassia emphasizes medicinal plant versatility. • Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are of particular relevance for biomedical applications due to their unique properties. • The study aimed to synthesize non-toxic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using Gymnema sylvestre (G. sylvestre) and Cinnamon cassia (C. cassia) extracts. • These nanoparticles demonstrated no cytotoxic effects and displayed remarkable antioxidant (IC50 values 19.29) and anti-inflammatory capabilities. • This study significantly advances the understanding of SeNP synthesis, characterization, and potential applications, with a focused exploration of their biological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a common mastitis pathogen in dairy cows, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has been found in dairy farms all over the world. The study carried out on bovines from three governorates in Egypt, with the goal of determining the prevalence of MRSA in positive milk samples of subclinical mastitis, performing an antibiotic susceptibility test against MRSA isolates and determining the risk factors associated with MRSA. A total of 350 quarter milk samples (n = 200 mixed breed cow; n = 150 water buffalo) were collected and examined for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test (CMT) before being exposed to standard microbiological procedures for S. aureus isolation. The disc diffusion method was used to phenotypically analyse the positive S. aureus isolates for MRSA, which was verified by a PCR assay targeting the mecA gene. According to the findings of the study, 41.4% (145/350) milk samples were positive based on CMT, while 35.7% (125/350) of positive samples identified as MRSA based on PCR assay. However, the obtained results revealed non-significant disparity between cattle and buffalo and all predicted risk factors were strongly associated with prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that cefoxitin was completely resistant, whereas linezolid, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole were sensitive against the MRSA isolates. The relevance of S. aureus to public health, as well as the development of resistance to antibiotics like methicillin, needs ongoing testing of antimicrobial medications against MRSA isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a common mastitis pathogen in dairy cows, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has been found in dairy farms all over the world. The study carried out on bovines from three governorates in Egypt, with the goal of determining the prevalence of MRSA in positive milk samples of subclinical mastitis, performing an antibiotic susceptibility test against MRSA isolates and determining the risk factors associated with MRSA. A total of 350 quarter milk samples (n = 200 mixed breed cow; n = 150 water buffalo) were collected and examined for subclinical mastitis using the California mastitis test (CMT) before being exposed to standard microbiological procedures for S. aureus isolation. The disc diffusion method was used to phenotypically analyse the positive S. aureus isolates for MRSA, which was verified by a PCR assay targeting the mecA gene. According to the findings of the study, 41.4% (145/350) milk samples were positive based on CMT, while 35.7% (125/350) of positive samples identified as MRSA based on PCR assay. However, the obtained results revealed non-significant disparity between cattle and buffalo and all predicted risk factors were strongly associated with prevalence of subclinical mastitis. The in-vitro antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that cefoxitin was completely resistant, whereas linezolid, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim + sulphamethoxazole were sensitive against the MRSA isolates. The relevance of S. aureus to public health, as well as the development of resistance to antibiotics like methicillin, needs ongoing testing of antimicrobial medications against MRSA isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a global issue and the application of untreated wastewater for irrigation is a general practice in developing countries. Major drawbacks of wastewater irrigation include the presence of heavy metals and disease-causing bacterial pathogens. The present study was conducted for identification of the bacterial strains in wastewater and wastewater irrigated vegetable and crops. XLT-4 cultural media was used for culture-based detection of different bacterial pathogens (red with black center for Salmonella, yellowish for E. coli and small pink colonies for Shigella). The presence of these diseasecausing pathogens was indicated in almost all samples. For further confirmation, microscopic analysis was performed, which showed gram negative rod shaped colonies. Various biochemical identification tests (catalase, urease, oxidase and lactase) also confirmed the presence of pathogenic bacterial species in analyzed samples. PCR based diagnosis was carried out using species specific primers for Mdh gene of E. coli, IpaB gene of Salmonella and IpaH gene of Shigella. 16s rRNA was amplified in all observed samples as positive control. The Mdh gene amplification was observed in wastewater, pumpkin, sugarcane, maize, brinjal, lettuce, spinach, cabbage and radish samples, while IpaB gene was amplified in pumpkin, sugarcane, maize, brinjal, lettuce, spinach, cabbage and radish samples, and IpaH gene was amplified only in lettuce. These observations depicted that wastewater irrigated vegetables and crops were highly contaminated with pathogenic bacterial strains. Therefore, treated wastewater should be used for irrigation otherwise it may lead to health problems in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding the germination and seedling growth behavior of a potential weed species is an important tool to manage weeds without the use of agricultural chemicals that cause harmful effects on human health and the environment. A series of experiments were directed to investigate the influence of different environmental factors (temperature, pH, NaCl, moisture stress, and seed burial depth) on germination and seedling emergence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) under controlled conditions. Results suggested that 25 °C is the optimum temperature for maximum germination (95%) and seedling growth of perennial ryegrass, however, a quick decline was observed at 35 °C. Seed germination was unaffected by pH levels ranging from 5 to 10. The 92% seed germination was recorded where no salt stress was applied and germination was reduced by 87% at 250 mMNaCl concentration. Seed germination was unaffected by osmotic potential ranges from 0 to − 0.4 MPa thereafter declined and completely inhibited at − 0.8 or − 1.0 MPa. No seed emerged at the soil surface or a soil depth of 6 or 7 cm and 90% emergence occurred at 1 cmsoil depth. The germination and seedlings parameters like time to initial germination, mean germination time, time taken to 50% germination and germination index, root and shoot length, and fresh and dry weight of root and shoot are significantly affected with the environmental factors. The information obtained in this study will be helpful to develop better management strategies for germination and the emergence of perennial ryegrass in areas where it has the ability to rapidly colonize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capture and utilization of rainwater by crops under various mulching conditions have great importance in agriculture production systems, especially in dry-prone regions. Understanding the effect of mulching on rainwater use efficiency growth and yield of a crop is very important. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the potential of ridge-furrow mulching on maize growth and development under rain-fed conditions. The field study compared four treatments, i.e., ridge-furrow without mulch (WM), black plastic mulch (BM), transparent plastic mulch (TM) and grass mulch (GM). The BM treatment consistently increased the soil moisture and temperature, resulting in earlier emergence, as well as increased plant height and plant biomass, compared to the WM treatment. Compared to WM, the two-years mean yield of maize with BM, TM and GM were recorded to be increased by 33.6%, 28.1% and 10.8%, respectively. The BM produced a maximal crop growth rate at 90 days after sowing (DAS) as specified by a greater leaf area index. Transpiration rate and leaf stomatal conductance were significantly higher with BM and TM than with WM, however, the BM treatment showed the highest net photosynthetic rate in both years. Net income for the BM treatment was the highest (USD 1226 ha−1) of all the treatments and USD 335 ha−1 greater than WM. As growth, yield and net income of maize were improved with BM, therefore this treatment was found to be the most effective for maize production in rain-fed conditions. This system is evaluated at a small scale, hence to maximize its effectiveness on a large scale, a simulation design needs to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently food shortage has become the major flagging scenario around the globe. To resolve this challenge, there is dire need to significantly increase crop productivity per unit area. In the present study, 24 genotypes of rice were grown in pots to assess their tillering number, number of primary and secondary branches per panicle, number of grains per panicle, number of grains per plant, and grain yield, respectively. In addition, the potential function of miR156 was analyzed, regulating seed sequence in rice. Furthermore, OsSPL14 gene for miR156 was sequenced to identify additional mutations within studied region. The results demonstrated Bas-370 and L-77 showed highest and lowest tillers, respectively. Bas-370, Rachna basmati, Bas-2000, and Kashmir Basmati showed high panicle branches whereas, L-77, L-46, Dilrosh, L-48, and L-20 displayed lowest panicle branches. Bas-370 and four other studied accessions contained C allele whereas, L-77 and 18 other investigated accessions had heterozygous (C and T) alleles in their promoter region. C-T allelic mutation was found in 3rd exon of the OsSPL14 gene. The sequence analysis of 12 accessions revealed a novel mutation (C-T) present ~2bp upstream and substitution of C-A allele. However, no significant correlation for novel mutation was found for tillering and panicle branches in studied rice accessions. Taken together present results suggested novel insight into the binding of miR156 to detected mutation found in 3rd exon of the OsSPL14 gene. Nevertheless, L-77, L-46, Dilrosh, L-48, and L-20 could be used as potential breeding resource for improving panicle architecture contributing yield improvement of rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a corrigendum for an article titled "Physiological and biochemical assortment in different wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) under rain fed conditions" published in Functional Plant Biology. The corrigendum states that the authors failed to acknowledge funding in the original paper and provides the correct acknowledgement. The authors express their appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP2023R369), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The corrigendum provides the corrected information and is published by CSIRO Publishing. [Extracted from the article]

The effect of foliar treatment with jasmonic acid at 0.5 mM (JA) and biochar (15 ton ha−1) as a soil amendment for the faba bean (Vicia faba L. Sakha 4) was studied under salinity conditions. Salt stress led to a significant decrease in leaf numbers, leaf areas and plants, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and yield parameters. In contrast, reactive oxygen species, the proline concentration, level of malondialdehyde, and amount of electrolyte leakage were noticeably increased during both seasons under salt levels of 1500 and 3000 ppm sodium chloride (NaCl). Also, enzyme activities (i.e., of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) were increased, especially under a high level of salinity stress (3000 ppm). Application of biochar, jasmonic acid, or biochar + jasmonic acid significantly reduced the catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities in salt-stressed plants to values approaching those of the control (unstressed) plants, especially under 1500 ppm of NaCl stress. Biochar and jasmonic acid treatments mitigated the damaging effects of salinity and improved the plant status as indicated by the plant height, leaf area, relative water content, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations. Moreover, biochar and jasmonic acid treatments of the salt-stressed plants enhanced plant productivity, number of flowers, number of seeds per plant, and weight of 100 seeds during two successive seasons. Overall, this study suggests that biochar or jasmonic acid treatments might be promising for mitigating the detrimental impact of salt stress on faba beans. • Saline irrigation becomes an essential practice to sustain food production. • Faba bean is the main source of protein in the Mediterranean Sea region • Application of Jasmonic acid (JA) showed a promising role in the salinity stress tolerance. • Biochar as a soil amendment proved to reduce salinity stress. • Combination of JA and biochar led to improved soil properties and crop production under salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Among abiotic stress factors, drought is one of the most detrimental factors in arid and semiarid regions, causing a significant decrease in plant growth and yield in most species, including crops. Under drought conditions, morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics such as plant height and enzymatic activities are negatively affected. This negative effect may be alleviated with the aid of plant growth-promoting bacteria. Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria such as Paenibacillus, Azospirillum, Rhizobium, Bacillus, Azotobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Serratia can enhance hormonal balance, maintain nutrient status and improve plant growth characters as well as increase yield. This review discusses the pivotal role of plant growth-promoting bacteria in mitigating drought stress by improving plant growth characters and yield. Plant growth-promoting bacteria play an essential role in enhancing the physical, chemical and biological characters of soils by facilitating nutrient uptake and water flow, especially under abiotic stress conditions, which are major constrains to agricultural development and production. Drought is one of the most harmful abiotic stress and perhaps the most severe problem facing agricultural sustainability, leading to a severe shortage in crop productivity. Drought affects plant growth by causing hormonal and membrane stability perturbations, nutrient imbalance and physiological disorders. Furthermore, drought causes a remarkable decrease in leaf numbers, relative water content, sugar yield, root yield, chlorophyll a and b and ascorbic acid concentrations. However, the concentrations of total phenolic compounds, electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, amounts of proline, and reactive oxygen species are considerably increased because of drought stress. This negative impact of drought can be eliminated by using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). Under drought conditions, application of PGPB can improve plant growth by adjusting hormonal balance, maintaining nutrient status and producing plant growth regulators. This role of PGPB positively affects physiological and biochemical characteristics, resulting in increased leaf numbers, sugar yield, relative water content, amounts of photosynthetic pigments and ascorbic acid. Conversely, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage and amounts of proline, total phenolic compounds and reactive oxygen species are decreased under drought in the presence of PGPB. The current review gives an overview on the impact of drought on plants and the pivotal role of PGPB in mitigating the negative effects of drought by enhancing antioxidant defense systems and increasing plant growth and yield to improve sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the main environmental stressors that can alter the water status of plants; negatively affect growth, assimilation, and photosynthesis; and eventually reduce crop yield. We explored the dependence of drought tolerance traits on chlorophyll-A content. Local sunflower cultivars (FH-01, FH-628, FH-633, FH-572, and FH-653) were grown in pots and subjected to drought by withholding water for 10, 15, or 20 d. One month after germination, the leaves of the treated and non-treated plants were collected and subjected to biochemical analyses. Under different water stress levels, the levels of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and proline increased, whereas those of chlorophyll-A decreased. Regression analysis clearly found that proline (−0.442), POD (−0.528), SOD (−0.532), and CAT (−0.814) have negative beta coefficient values. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the LHC gene family is divided into six clades. Subcellular locations indicated that most LHC genes were located in the chloroplast; however, only few genes were present in the peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum. Our research found that Arabidopsis thaliana LHC genes were highly homologous to the LHC genes of Helianthus annuus. Furthermore, the LHC genes of both species are located in the chloroplasts; therefore, they play a role in photosynthesis and renewable energy production. This study opens a new horizon for discussing the role of chlorophyll-A in the drought-related traits of sunflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desert plants are able to survive under harsh environmental stresses inherent to arid and semiarid regions due to their association with bacterial endophytes. However, the identity, functions, and the factors that influence the association of bacterial endophytes with desert plants are poorly known. These bacterial endophytes can be used as an untapped resource to favor plant growth and development in agro-ecosystems of arid regions. The present study is therefore focused on the isolation and identification of bacterial endophytes from two native medicinal plants (Fagonia mollis Delile and Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk) Sch. Bip.) growing spontaneously in the arid region of the South Sinai (Egypt), and characterization of their plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Thirteen putative bacterial endophytes were isolated from the leaves of both plant species and characterized for their plant growth promoting abilities using molecular and biochemical approaches, as well as greenhouse trials. Selected endophytic bacterial strains were applied to maize plants (Zea mays L. var. Single cross Pioneer 30K08) to further evaluate their PGP abilities under greenhouse conditions. Isolated bacterial strains have variable plant growth promoting activities. Among these activities, isolated bacterial endophytes have the efficacy of phosphate solubilizing with clear zones ranging from 7.6 ± 0.3 to 9.6 ± 0.3 mm. Additionally, the obtained bacterial endophytes increased the productivity of indole acetic acid (IAA) in broth media from 10 to 60 µg·mL−1 with increasing tryptophan concentration from 1 to 5 mg·mL−1. Bacillus and Brevibacillus strains were frequently isolated from the leaves of both plant species, and had significant positive effects on plant growth and shoot phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) contents. Results suggest that these endophytes are good candidates as plant growth promoting inoculants to help reduce chemical input in conventional agricultural practices and increase nutrient uptake and stress resilience in plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the individual fecal culture (IFC), fecal PCR (FPCR), and serum ELISA for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infections in sheep from four governorates in Egypt, using a latent class model (LCM) fitted within a Bayesian framework. Furthermore, the within-governorate prevalence of MAP infection in sheep was estimated as a secondary objective. Fecal and blood samples were collected from 370 sheep in four Egyptian governorates. Fecal samples were analyzed by IFC and RT-PCR based on ISMav2 gene, while ELISA was performed on serum samples. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the three diagnostic tests were estimated using a three-tests-four-populations Bayesian LCM to obtain posterior estimates [medians and 95% Bayesian credible intervals (95% BCI)] for each parameter. The median Se estimates (95% BCI) for IFC, FPCR, and serum ELISA were 31.8% (22.8–41.4), 49.7% (31.8–79.9), and 61.2% (39.8–81.4), respectively. The median Sp estimates (95% BCI) for IFC, FPCR, and serum ELISA were 97.7% (96.1–98.9), 97.7% (95.6–99.5), and 98.4% (96.9–99.3), respectively. The median within-governorate paratuberculosis prevalence (95% BCI) was 5.2% (1.1–13.6), 8.4% (2.9–17.7), 9.4% (3.0–20.7), and 18.2% (10.5–29.5) for the Gharbia, Menoufia, Qalyubia, and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates, respectively. In conclusion, at a ratio of the optical density (OD) sample/OD positive control threshold of > 45%, ELISA showed the highest Se among the three tests and comparable Sp to IFC and FPCR. The test ELISA evaluated in this study is an interesting alternative for detecting MAP in sheep due to its higher Se, lower cost, and shorter turnaround laboratory time compared to IFC and FPCR. • Serum ELISA had the highest sensitivity (61.2%) compared to fecal PCR (49.7%) and culture (31.8%) for MAP detection. • Serum ELISA showed comparable specificity (98.4%) to both fecal culture and PCR (97.7%). • Kafr El-Sheikh governorate had the highest median within-governorate paratuberculosis prevalence (18.2%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning approaches have been increasingly utilized in the field of medicine. Brucellosis is one of the most common contagious zoonotic diseases with significant impacts on livestock health, reproduction, production, and public health worldwide. Therefore, our objective was to determine the seroprevalence and compare the logistic regression and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) data-mining analysis to assess risk factors associated with Brucella infection in the densest cattle populated Egyptian governorates. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 animals (383 cows, 17 bulls) distributed over four Governorates in Egypt's Nile Delta in 2019. The randomly selected animals from studied geographical areas were serologically tested for Brucella using iELISA, and the animals' information was obtained from the farm records or animal owners. Eight supposed risk factors (geographic location, gender, herd size, age, history of abortion, shared equipment, and disinfection post-calving) were evaluated using multiple stepwise logistic regression and CART machine-learning techniques. A total of 84 (21.0%; 95% CI 17.1–25.3) serum samples were serologically positive for Brucella. The highest seroprevalence of Brucella infection was reported among animals raised in herd size > 100 animals (65.5%), with no disinfection post-calving (61.7%), with a history of abortion (59.6%), and with shared equipment without thorough cleaning and disinfection (57.1%). The multiple stepwise logistic regression modeling identified herd size, history of abortion, and disinfection post-calving as important risk factors. However, CART modeling identified herd size, disinfection post-calving, history of abortion, and shared equipment as the most potential risk factors for Brucella infection. Comparing the two models, CART model showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC = 0.98; 95% CI 0.95 – 1.00) than the binary logistic regression (AUROC = 0.89; 95% CI 0.73 – 0.92). Our findings strongly imply that Brucella infection is most likely to spread among animals raised in large herds (>100 animals) with a history of abortions and bad hygienic measures post-calving. The CART data-mining modeling provides an accurate technique to identify risk factors of Brucella infection in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a devastating, emerging viral disease of cattle. It causes significant economic losses due to trade restrictions that are placed on infected animals and the biological effects of the disease: infertility, dramatic loss in milk production, induction of abortion and mortality. It is caused by lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which belongs to the Poxviridae family. Vaccination has been determined to be the most effective way to control LSD infection among livestock. However, some adverse effects have been reported in animals vaccinated with live vaccines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the systemic lesions that are associated with LSD vaccination in xenogeneic animals. The aim of our study was to compare the immunogenicity and pathogenicity of a live attenuated vaccine of Romanian strain of sheeppox virus (SPPV) through study of two different routes of administration in xenogeneic animals (mice). Swiss male mice were inoculated with two doses of SPPV vaccine by two different routes intranasal (IN, through nebulisation), and intraperitoneal (IP) injection) and the levels of immunoglobulins and histopathological findings were reported. Our results showed marked increases in levels of immunoglobulins (Ig) dependent on the administration route: IgG in IP-inoculated mice and IgA in IN-vaccinated mice. IgM levels became markedly high after vaccination via both routes. Histologically, nebulisation of mice with SPPV vaccine caused more pulmonary lesions than did IP injection and promoted the proliferation of megakaryocytes in splenic tissues. In contrast, IP injection had less effect on pulmonary tissues and induced activation of extramedullary haematopoiesis (EH) in the hepatic tissues. LSD vaccination in xenogeneic animals caused serious systemic complications and the severity of the lesions caused to tissue depended on the route of administration. • Lumpy skin disease is chronic infectious disease of cattle and vaccination is best way to control it. • Nebulisation of mice with sheeppox virus vaccine caused more pulmonary lesions than did intraperitoneal injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) genes are plant-specific transcriptional factors known to play diverse roles in various plant developmental processes. We describe the rice ( Oryza sativa) OsNAC genes expression profiles (GEPs) under normal and water-deficit treatments (WDTs). The GEPs of the OsNAC genes were analyzed in 25 tissues covering the entire life cycle of Minghui 63. High expression levels of 17 genes were demonstrated in certain tissues under normal conditions suggesting that these genes may play important roles in specific organs. We determined that 16 genes were differentially expressed under at least 1 phytohormone (NAA, GA3, KT, SA, ABA, and JA) treatment. To investigate the GEPs in the root, leaf, and panicle of three rice genotypes [e.g., 2 near-isogenic lines (NILs) and IR64], we used two NILs from a common genetic combination backcross developed by Aday Selection and IR64. WDTs were applied using the fraction of transpirable soil water at severe, mild, and control conditions. Transcriptomic analysis using a 44K oligoarray from Agilent was performed on all the tissue samples. We identified common and specific genes in all tissues from the two NILs under both WDTs, and the majority of the OsNAC genes that were activated were in the drought-tolerant IR77298-14-1-2-B-10 line compared with the drought-susceptible IR77298-14-1-2-B-13 or IR64. In IR77298-14-1-2-B-10, seventeen genes were very specific in their expression levels. Approximately 70 % of the genes from subgroups SNAC and NAM/CUC3 were activated in the leaf, but 37 % genes from subgroup SND were inactivated in the root compared with the control under severe stress conditions. These results provide a useful reference for the cloning of candidate genes from the specific subgroup for further functional analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AP2/EREBP genes play various roles in developmental processes and in stress-related responses in plants. Genome-wide microarrays based on the gene expression profiles of the AP2/EREBP family were analyzed under conditions of normal growth and drought stress. The preferential expression of fifteen genes was observed in specific tissues, suggesting that these genes may play important roles in vegetative and reproductive stages of growth. A large number of redundant genes were differentially expressed following phytohormone treatments (NAA, GA3, KT, SA, JA, and ABA). To investigate the gene expression responses in the root, leaf, and panicle of three rice genotypes, two drought stress conditions were applied using the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) under severe (0.2 FTSW), mild (0.5 FTSW), and control (1.0 FTSW) conditions. Following treatment, transcriptomic analysis using a 44-K oligoarray from Agilent was performed on all the tissue samples. We identified common and specific genes in all tissues from two near-isogenic lines, IR77298-14-1-2-B-10 (drought tolerant) and IR77298-14-1-2-B-13 (drought susceptible), under drought stress conditions. The majority of the genes that were activated in the IR77298-14-1-2-B-10 line were members of the AP2/EREBP gene family. Non-redundant genes (sixteen) were found in the drought-tolerant line, and four genes were selected as candidate novel reference genes because of their higher expression levels in IR77298-14-1-2-B-10. Most of the genes in the AP2, B3, and B5 subgroups were involved in the panicle under severe stress conditions, but genes from the B1 and B2 subgroups were down-regulated in the root. Of the four subfamilies, RAV exhibited the highest number of up-regulated genes (80%) in the panicle under severe stress conditions in the drought-tolerant line compared to Minghui 63 under normal conditions, and the gene structures of the RAV subfamily may be involved in the response to drought stress in the flowering stage. These results provide a useful reference for the cloning of candidate genes from the specific subgroup for further functional analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

cDNA sequences of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were cloned from various species, and MDH was identified to play an important role in cell energy metabolism. Here, we present the isolation and characterization of its homologue (OscMDH) in Oryza sativa. Comparison of the results to the genome details indicated that OscMDH consisted of seven exons. Sequence alignment showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of OscMDH shared a significant similarity with cMDH protein in Zea mays, as well as with other cMDH gene products. The different expression patterns of OscMDH in different tissues revealed that OscMDH mRNA was highly transcribed in either young panicle or immature seed, while its abundance was much low in green leaf and root. A nearly 56-kDa fusion protein generated by adding a Trx-His-tag at the N-terminal of OscMDH was induced by IPTG in Escherichia coli BL21 and an obvious MDH activity was detected in the protein by native PAGE analysis. All these results suggest that OscMDH encodes a cytosolic MDH in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppression subtractive hybridization was carried out to enrich gene fragments over-expressed in rice leaves by subtraction to rice roots, from which two identical cDNA fragments were identified to encode putative phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. Then the corresponding fulllength cDNA (Osppc) is isolated by RT-PCR and sequenced, which indicates an open reading frame of 2895 bp is contained. Its deduced protein is encoded in 10 exons and shows high similarity to many other plant PEPCs. Comparing with maize and bacterial PEPCs, it is revealed that OSPPC shares many conserved domains and active sites that responsible for the structure, activity and regulation of this enzyme. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that OSPPC is grouped with C3 form PEPCs of wheat, maize and sorghum, which is consistent with the classification of rice. And a putative promoter element is predicted with DOF binding box, CAAT box and TATA box in the 5'-flanking sequence of Osppc gene. Moreover, Quantitative RT-PCR analyses are performed in hybrid rice and its parents, which show that Osppc is specifically expressed in leaf including leaf vein and sheath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]