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The rapid industrial revolution significantly increased heavy metal pollution, becoming a major global environmental concern. This pollution is considered as one of the most harmful and toxic threats to all environmental components (air, soil, water, animals, and plants until reaching to human). Therefore, scientists try to find a promising and eco-friendly technique to solve this problem i.e., bacterial bioremediation. Various heavy metal resistance mechanisms were reported. Omics technologies can significantly improve our understanding of heavy metal resistant bacteria and their communities. They are a potent tool for investigating the adaptation processes of microbes in severe conditions. These omics methods provide unique benefits for investigating metabolic alterations, microbial diversity, and mechanisms of resistance of individual strains or communities to harsh conditions. Starting with genome sequencing which provides us with complete and comprehensive insight into the resistance mechanism of heavy metal resistant bacteria. Moreover, genome sequencing facilitates the opportunities to identify specific metal resistance genes, operons, and regulatory elements in the genomes of individual bacteria, understand the genetic mechanisms and variations responsible for heavy metal resistance within and between bacterial species in addition to the transcriptome, proteome that obtain the real expressed genes. Moreover, at the community level, metagenome, meta transcriptome and meta proteome participate in understanding the microbial interactive network potentially novel metabolic pathways, enzymes and gene species can all be found using these methods. This review presents the state of the art and anticipated developments in the use of omics technologies in the investigation of microbes used for heavy metal bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin (40, 80, and 120 µg/mL), β-carotene (5, 10, and 20 µg/mL), and TBHQ (200 µg/mL) were used to test how well they protected corn oil from oxidation under accelerated oxidation conditions. Linoleic acid has the highest amount (51.1 %), while linolenic acid has the lowest content (1.3%). Corn oil supplemented with 200 µg/mL TBHQ was shown to have the longest induction time (12.9 h) of the oils studied, followed by corn oil supplemented with 20 µg/mL β-carotene (11.78 h) and 40 µg/mL curcumin (11.53 h). Curcumin, and β-carotene showed greater antioxidant potential in all tested samples compared to the control in the accelerated storage experiment. Curcumin and β-carotene can potentially improve the shelf life of corn oil compared with TBHQ-200 µg/mL. It can be concluded that curcumin, and β-carotene were found to be effective antioxidants activity at 40, 80, and 120 µg/mL for curcumin and 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL for β-carotene, so TBHQ was not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops are essential for providing essential nutrients and energy in the daily human diet. Additionally, they have a crucial role as a significant constituent of cattle feed, hence enhancing meat production. Drought, being an abiotic stressor, adversely affects the growth and yield of numerous crops on a global scale. This issue poses a significant and pressing obstacle to maintaining global cereal crop production and ensuring food security. Nanoparticles have become a valuable resource for improving cereal crop yield and productivity under ongoing rapid climate change and escalating drought conditions. Among these, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) have demonstrated their potential for agricultural applications in regions with limited water availability. Drought stress has detrimental effects on cereal crops, impacting their growth, metabolic, and physiological processes, hampering water and nutrient absorption, disrupting cellular membranes, damaging the photosynthetic apparatus, and reducing antioxidant activities by altering gene expression. SiNPs help preserve cellular membranes, regulate water balance, and improve water and nutrient absorption, resulting in a substantial enhancement in plant growth under water-deficit conditions. SiNPs also protect the photosynthetic system and enhance its efficiency, facilitate the accumulation of phenolics, hormones, osmolytes, antioxidant activities, and gene expression, thus empowering plants with increased resistance to drought stress. Moreover, SiNPs decrease leaf water loss by promoting stomatal closure, primarily by fostering the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and mitigating oxidative stress damage by activating the antioxidant defence system and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, a limited number of studies examine the role of SiNPs in cereal crops under drought stress conditions. In this review, we highlighted the promising potential of SiNPs to improve cereal crop resilience by changing morpho-histological traits, antioxidant properties, and gene expression to maintain food security in drought-prone areas. This study will aid researchers in using SiNPs as an environmentally benign way to improving drought resistance in cereal crops in order to fulfill global food supply needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anise is one of the plants with therapeutic potential, which is classified among the most important medicinal plants with interesting biological effects. Its components could be perceived so as "natural" and "safe" alternatives to antibiotics as well as they are applied in different industries such as food and cosmetic purposes. Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, however, its importance to improve oil yield and quality of anise has not been adequately investigated, specifically under drought. Therefore, two successive seasons were conducted to investigate the effect of selenium foliar application upon anise plants under drought stress. Selenium was applied at three different concentrations (0.0 1.0 and 2.0 mM denoted Se0, Se1 and Se2, respectively) along with two levels of crop evapotranspiration (ET): Full irrigation, 100% of ET (FI) and 60% of ET (DI). The promotive effect of combinations of DI × Se1 or Se2 (for Fv/Fm, RWC%, and MSI% in the first season) and DI × Se2 (for Fv/Fm, and MSI% in the second season) were as similar as FI × Se2. Compared to the counterpart control treatment (DI × Se0), the highest increases in total free amino acids (31.5 and 31.6%), total soluble sugars (84.2 and 86.4%) and free proline content (84.2 and 86.4%) were recorded with application of DI × Se2 practice in both seasons, respectively. Under DI, Se2 recorded the maximum values of root length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight in the second season. Under drought, the increases in seed yield due to application of Se1 and Se2 amounted to 1.72 and 1.62 folds in the 1st season and 1.50 and 1.43 folds in 2nd one, respectively. The most effective practice for improving IWUE was Se1× DI in both seasons, followed by Se2 × DI. Based on the chromatographical detection, the maximum values of Anethole were recorded with FI × Se2 while L-Linalool has greatly increased with DI × Se2. In conclusion, the growers in arid and semi-arid zones are advised to use selenium (2.0 mM) in anise fertilization to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought, and keeping crop yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract scientists are concerned about the utilizing of biostimulants-based amino acids in plant feeding and mitigating negative effects of water stress. As a result, two-year field experiments were conducted at Faculty of Agriculture's experimental station at Cairo University to study the effectiveness of liquid yeast waste (CMS) and Cargo amino acids (AAs) on the agro-physiological features of broccoli plants with different irrigation frequencies (every 5, 10, and 15 days). Compared with control plants, the foliar application of AAs and CMS significantly increased plant height, photosynthesis pigments, head weight, head diameter, head height, plant yield, and quality at different irrigation frequencies. Likewise, both treatments (CMS and AAs) significantly improved ascorbic acids by 16.65% and 15.95% and increased total phenol content by 24.10% and 36.60%, respectively, compared to control plants. Accordingly, the highest productivity was achieved for broccoli grown under irrigation every five days with the CMS bio-stimulant, where it was 3111.17 kg ha-1, while the lowest productivity was achieved for the control treatment in which no biostimulants were added and irrigation frequency every 15 days, and the productivity was 1376.22 kg ha-1. Plants irrigated every 15 days produced the highest levels of abscisic acid (ABA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), followed by plants irrigated every 10 days and every 5 days. Exogenous application of amino acids bio-stimulants could be suggested to improve vegetative growth, biochemical characteristics, productivity, and nutritional value as well as to mitigate negative effects of water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effects of gamma ray, UV-C, UV-A (ultraviolet) treatments as seed priming on the growth, yield, quality, and the storage ability of cauliflower heads. The seeds were exposed to the following treatments: 50 and 75 kGy (gamma ray), UV-C for 15, 30, 45 minutes, and UVA for 15, 30, 45 minutes. Plant growth and yield parameters were evaluated at the harvest time. The cauliflower heads from previous treatments were stored at 5° C for 16 days to evaluate their shelf-life traits. The results indicated that gamma ray, UV-C, and UV-A treatments enhanced the plant growth characteristics including plant height, leaf length, number of leaves, plant fresh weight, SPAD reading, and plant dry weight. Additionally, the cauliflower seeds treated with different treatments showed higher total yield, head diameter, and head weight than the control plants. The storage ability including weight loss, total soluble solids, and antioxidant capacity during refrigerated storage of cauliflower heads was not affected by the different treatments, however UVA treatment enhanced vitamin C and phenolic compounds compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most harmful soil-borne pathogens that cause root rot, damping-off, and wilt disease in many plant species. Management of Fusarium oxysporum diseases is often by using many harmful and expensive chemical fungicides which have many harmful effects on the environment and human health. The current study was conducted to identify the chemical constituents of black cumin seeds' methanolic extract and investigate the ability of the major constituents to inhibit the Fusarium oxysporum trypsin-like serine protease, which play an important role in F. oxysporun pathogenicity. The HPLC-MS analysis of black cumin seeds' methanolic extract revealed the presence of seven major compounds: amentoflavone, Procyanidin C2, Quercetin3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside, 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyflavone, Borapetoside A, tetrahydroxy-urs-12-en-28-O-[b-D-glucopyranosyl (1-2)-b-D-glucopyranosyl] ester, and kudzusapongenol A-hexA-pen. The results of molecular docking between these compounds and the active site of Fusarium oxysporium trypsin showed that only four compounds were able to bind to the active site of F. oxysporum trypsin. Amentoflavone, 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyflavone, and Quercetin3-O-sophoroside-7-O-rhamnoside have the highest binding energy, −6.4, −6.5, and −6.5 Kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, the results clarify that 5,7-Dihydroxy-3,4-dimethoxyflavone was the only compound to form a hydrogen bond with Asp189 (the residue responsible for substrate specificity). The results of the study strongly indicate that flavonoids of black cumin seeds' methanolic extract could be used as effective inhibitors for the F. oxysporum trypsin-like serine protease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing the deficit irrigation pattern has become a major strategy in crop production systems. However, using less water than is required to irrigate crops is associated with changes in plant physiology and lower productivity. Therefore, the current research aimed to assess the integrated effect of humic acid and cytokinin on faba bean under water deficit. Under two irrigation levels (full irrigation, FI and deficit irrigation, DI), two humic acid treatments (without addition, H0 and with addition of 10 kg ha−1, H10) and two cytokinin concentrations (without spray, C0 and spraying with 25 mg L−1, C25), faba bean growth, physiology, and productivity were evaluated. The experiment was implemented for two winter seasons of 2019/20 and 2020/21 and performed in a split–split plots design with three replicates. The findings revealed that under low water supply (DI), H10 plus C25 was the most efficient treatment for enhancing faba bean growth. All physiological faba bean traits estimated under DI showed remarkable increases with the application of H10 plus C25 in both seasons. The increases in proline, catalase, and total soluble sugars under DI due to H10 plus C25 were 31.4 and 31.8%, 51.9 and 55.1% as well as 43.8 and 46.6%, in the first and second seasons, respectively. There was no significant difference between FI × H10 plus C25 and DI × H10 plus C25 in phosphorus content in both seasons. FI × H10 plus C25 and DI × H10 plus C25 in the second season produced a similar number of pods plant−1 and seed yield of faba bean. Conclusively, the combined application of humic plus cytokinin achieved physiological and nutrient homeostasis, adjusting the biochemical compounds in faba bean under water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) represent one of the plant-based natural spices. This study aims to improve the fruit yield and essential oil (EO) quality by reducing the undesirable component, estragole, under different fertilizer treatments. The fertilizers included chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), and also the organic additive, rabbit manure (RM). For bio-fertilization, plants were inoculated with a mixture of N-fixing bacteria, and P- and K-solubilizing bacteria with/without vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The results showed that fruit and EO yield parameters, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH scavenging activity of fruit extracts were enhanced by fertilizer treatments in both growing seasons. NPK at 150% of the recommended dose (NPK150) and RM at 60 m3/fed (RM60) recorded the highest values of plant height, umbel number/plant, 100-fruit weight, fruit yield, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, N and P content, EO content, and yield. TPC and TFC were enhanced by using biological fertilizers. DPPH scavenging activity was higher in organically and biologically fertilized fennel. The GC-MS analyses of EO revealed higher contents of the desirable trans-anethole in the organically and chemically fertilized fennel. However, the highest proportion of estragole, the undesirable compound, was recorded for NPK150 and unfertilized plants. On the contrary, increases in the EO content and yield of fennel fruits were achieved by RM along with a reduction in estragole, enhancement in trans-anethole, and increments in other favorable compounds such as fenchone and limonene. In addition, the inhibition of estragole formation was recorded with bio-fertilizers, which also increased the trans-anethole content. Furthermore, the trans-anethole/estragole ratio was significantly higher with the application of organic and bio-fertilization. Hence, organic and bio-fertilizer resources can produce high-quality fennel fruit and EO. The reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers can help to reduce environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catharanthus roseus is a medicinal plant that produces indole alkaloids, which are utilized in anticancer therapy. Vinblastine and vincristine, two commercially important antineoplastic alkaloids, are mostly found in the leaves of Catharanthus roseus. ĸ-carrageenan has been proven as plant growth promoting substance for a number of medicinal and agricultural plants. Considering the importance of ĸ-carrageenan as a promoter of plant growth and phytochemical constituents, especially alkaloids production in Catharanthus roseus, an experiment was carried out to explore the effect of ĸ-carrageenan on the plant growth, phytochemicals content, pigments content, and production of antitumor alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus after planting. Foliar application of ĸ-carrageenan (at 0, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) significantly improved the performance of Catharanthus roseus. Phytochemical analysis involved determining the amount of total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (F), free amino acids (FAA), alkaloids (TAC) and pigments contents by spectrophotometer, minerals by ICP, amino acids, phenolic compounds and alkaloids (Vincamine, Catharanthine, Vincracine (Vincristine), and vinblastine) analysis uses HPLC. The results indicated that all examined ĸ-carrageenan treatments led to a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in growth parameters compared to the untreated plants. Phytochemical examination indicates that the spray of ĸ-carrageenan at 800 mg L−1 increased the yield of alkaloids (Vincamine, Catharanthine and Vincracine (Vincristine)) by 41.85 μg/g DW, total phenolic compounds by 3948.6 μg gallic/g FW, the content of flavonoids 951.3 μg quercetin /g FW and carotenoids content 32.97 mg/g FW as compared to the control. An amount of 400 ppm ĸ-carrageenan treatment gave the best contents of FAA, Chl a, Chl b and anthocyanin. The element content of K, Ca, Cu, Zn and Se increased by treatments. Amino acids constituents and phenolics compounds contents were altered by ĸ-carrageenan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction in shelf-life and nutritional value of cauliflower florets are the most vital problems during cold storage. This research was performed to explore the impact of the pre-harvest foliar implementation of proline (PR), methionine (MT), and melatonin (ML), at a rate of 25 mg.L-1, on shelf-life and active composites of cauliflower florets (cv. 'Arasya') stored at 10 °C for 14 d. The obtained results exhibited that florets from treated plants with PR, MT, and ML were lower in water loss, electrolyte leakage, browning index, and titratable acidity (TA) compared with untreated plants, at the end of storage. Furthermore, these pre-harvest treatments significantly slow down the loss of total sugar content, reducing sugar, total soluble solid (TSS), glucosinolates concentration (Gly), total phenols (TP), vitamin C (VC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH) than control samples. After 14 days of storage, the application of PR, MT, and ML significantly improved the activity levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and catalase (CAT) as well as declined the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) activates in the florets during the cold storage. Therefore, the pre-harvest application of PR, MT, and ML might be promising substances to keep the nutritional quality of cauliflower forests and reduce the browning index during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prickly pear peel makes up around half of the fruit and is typically thrown away, creating an environmental issue. Due to its high bioactive chemical content, prickly pear peel can easily be used as a functional and nutraceutical ingredient in several food recipes, such as baked products. This study's objective was to determine whether prickly pear peel flour (PPPF) could successfully be combined (5, 10, and 15%) with wheat flour to make cakes, by analyzing the physical and chemical characteristics of the cakes and performing a descriptive sensory analysis. Prickly pear peel flour contains high amounts of fiber, ash, carbohydrate, phenolic, flavonoid compounds, or antioxidant activity. In addition, PPPF contains high amounts of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium. The ethanolic extract of prickly pear peel revealed the presence of 11 phenolic compounds using UPLC-MS/MS. The main constituents in the peel extract were isorhamnetin (27.1%), eucomic acid (19.6%), kaempferol (14.07%), 3-O-Methylquercetin (13.7%), Feruloyl-D-glucose (10.01%) and piscidic acid (8.89%). Results showed that adding PPPF significantly enhanced the amount of fibers, total polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals in the cakes prepared by the addition of 5, 10 and 15% PPPF as compared to the control cake. Moreover, the addition of different levels of PPPF increased antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS%) and decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in cakes as compared to the control cake. The descriptive sensory analysis ultimately revealed that cakes made with 10% prickly pear flour received a higher score for their smell, taste or color. In conclusion, prickly pear peel has antioxidant potential and contains biochemical compounds that can be utilized in the enhancement of functional foods and also help to reduce the waste accumulation that causes environmental issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, we investigated the effect of potassium humate (Kh) and salicylic acid (SA) in mitigating the salinity stress of common bean plants. Common bean seedlings were treated with 0.2 g/L SA as a foliar application and 0.3 g/L Kh as a soil application individually or in combination. After 7 days of germination, plants were treated with 50 mM NaCl and normal water as a control. Our results indicate that salt treatment reduced the plant growth (fresh and dry shoots and roots), leaf pigments (total chlorophyll and carotenoids), ascorbic acid (AA), glutathione (GSH), and potassium (K) contents. On the contrary, proline content; sodium (Na); hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); superoxide anion (O2•−); and antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were increased by saline stress. However, applying either individual Kh and SA or their combination stimulated seedling growth under salinity stress by increasing growth parameters, leaf pigment contents, AA, GSH, proline content, K content, and antioxidant enzymes compared with the control. Additionally, Na content, H2O2, and O2•− were reduced by all applications. The application of the Kh (0.3 g/L) + SA (0.2 g/L) combination was more effective than using the individual compounds. In conclusion, applications of Kh + SA can mitigate salt stress and improve the seedling growth of common bean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to synthesize, characterize, and explore the eco-friendly and antifungal potential of precocenes and their derivatives. The organic synthesis of the mono-O-alkyl-2,2-dimethyl 2H-1-chromene series, including the natural product precocene I, and the di-O-alkyl 2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-chromene series, including the natural 2H-1-chromenes precocenes II and III, was achieved. The synthetic compounds were subjected to spectroscopic analysis, 1HNMR,13CNMR, and mass characterization. The antifungal activity of synthesized precocenes I, II, and III, as well as their synthetic intermediates, was evaluated by the poison food technique. Precocene II (EC50 106.8 µg × mL−1 and 4.94 µg mL−1), and its regioisomers 7a (EC50 97.18 µg × mL−1 and 35.30 µg × mL−1) and 7d (EC50 170.58 × µg mL−1), exhibited strong fungitoxic activity against Aspergillus niger and Rhizoctonia solani. Some of the novel chromenes, 11a and 11b, which had never been evaluated before, yielded stronger fungitoxic effects. Finally, docking simulations for compounds with promising fungitoxic activity were subjected to structure–activity relationship analyses against the polygalactouronases and voltage-dependent anion channels. Conclusively, precocenes and their regioisomers demonstrated promising fungitoxic activity; such compounds can be subjected to minor structural modifications to yield promising and novel fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress is notably a critical environmental condition restricting plant growth and economic outputs in semi-arid and arid environments. In a pot experiment, we explored the potential function of α-tocopherol (α-toc) and/or ascorbic acid (AsA) on the agronomic and physio-biochemical features of oat grown in water-scarce conditions. Drought duration significantly reduced the soil electrical conductivity and pH but increased the soil temperature, influencing the nutrient availability and uptake. For example, post-drought (25 days) soil analysis indicated that electrical conductivity decreased from 597 to 306 mS/m, total dissolved solids from 298 to 153 mg/L, and pH from 7.5 to 6.3 in 25 days of drought. Further, the drought-stressed leaves also contained significantly lower metabolites, such as proline, protein, sugar, and glycine betaine, than the control leaves, indicating impaired plant defense mechanisms. Significantly increased enzymatic antioxidants in leaves (e.g., superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase) suggested the inability of oat plants to overcome drought-induced oxidative damage. In contrast, AsA and/or α-toc significantly amplified the seed germination rates and plant growth. Taken together, our results demonstrate that AsA and α-toc have the capability to mitigate adverse effects of drought conditions on oat plants by improving leaf relative water contents, photosynthetic pigments, and the antioxidant defense system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants that produce bioactive chemicals provide a viable in vitro method for producing key nutraceutical substances, especially in the presence of appropriate elicitors. The goal of this study is to use elicitors in Hassawi rice cell suspension culture to enhance production of phenolic compounds. Salicylic acid (SA), yeast extract (YE), and pectin were utilized at 50, 100, and 200 mg L−1. Impacts of elicitors on cell culture were measured in terms of biomass packed cell volume (PCV), dry and fresh weight, total phenolic, total flavonoid, anthocyanin, tannins content, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds using ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-mass spec). Except for high doses of pectin (200 mg L−1), the 50, 100, and 200 mg L−1 SA–, YE–, and pectin–treated cell culture produced increased PCV, dry (DW), and fresh weight (FW), and all of the aforementioned contents. The cell suspension supplied with 50 mg L−1 SA demonstrated greatest increases in PCV, FW, DW, all total secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activities as compared to other treatments. The highest concentrations of epigallocatechin and chlorogenic acid were found in cell cultures supplied with 100 mg L−1 SA and 50 mg L−1 pectin. Rutin and quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1–2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside were detected at highest concentrations in cultures supplied with 50, 100 mg L−1 YE and 200 mg L−1 SA, respectively. These findings would facilitate in vitro mass production of nutraceuticals using rice cell cultures to assist commercial agronomic sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radish is a root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that is grown and eaten all over the world. It is often consumed raw as a crisp salad vegetable with a strong flavor. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the stimulating effect of different γ-rays dose levels (0.0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 Gy) on the quality properties of radish, in addition to its nutritional elements, as well as some of the metabolites found in the red radish roots. The results indicated that the irradiated seeds showed a high germination rate of ≥96% for dose levels of ≤20 Gray (Gy). In addition, the use of gamma rays had a stimulating effect on the vegetative growth, particularly at the doses of 10 and 40 Gy, which provided the largest values of plant height (32.65 cm) and leaf number/plant (8.08), respectively, whereas all the irradiation treatments led to a rise in the length and width of leaves. However, the maximum root characteristics (length, diameter, size, and weight) were confirmed at the dose of 20 Gy (17.51 cm, 5.45 cm, 85.25 cm3 as well as 78.12 g, respectively). It was also noted that the content of plant pigments was significantly higher at a dose of 20 Gy. Additionally, there was an increase in the content of vitamin C using gamma rays, and the highest content (19.62 mg/100 g FW) was at the dose of 20 Gy. The use of γ-radiation caused an increase in some metabolite contents, such as anthocyanin, phenols, and flavonoids, which resulted in an enhancement in the antioxidant activity, achieving the greatest value at the dose of 40 Gy. Exposure of red radish seeds to gamma irradiation before cultivation improved the root contents of the elements (N, K, S, P, Ca, and Mg). The results indicated an increase in the content of organic acids (oxalic, succinic, and glutaric acids) using the radiation dose of 20 Gy, except for malic acid, which had the highest value at a dose of 80 Gy. Similarly, the amino acid pool was significantly increased by irradiation, and the levels of amino acids, which act as originators of the glucosinolate (GLS) phenylalanine, tyrosine and methionine), increased after exposure to gamma radiation, especially at doses of 40 and 80 Gy. Therefore, the red radish roots produced from seeds exposed to gamma rays were of high quality and nutritional value compared to those obtained from un-irradiated seeds. For this reason, gamma-rays are one of the tools that are utilized to improve the growth and quality of crops, especially in low doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out in order to demonstrate that mulching the ground helps to conserve water, because agricultural sustainability in dryland contexts is threatened by drought, heat stress, and the injudicious use of scarce water during the cropping season by minimizing surface evaporation. Improving soil moisture conservation is an ongoing priority in crop outputs where water resources are restricted and controlled. One of the reasons for the desire to use less water in agriculture is the rising demand brought on by the world's growing population. In this study, the use of organic or biodegradable mulches was dominated by organic materials, while inorganic mulches are mostly comprised of plastic-based components. Plastic film, crop straw, gravel, volcanic ash, rock pieces, sand, concrete, paper pellets, and livestock manures are among the materials put on the soil surface. Mulching has several essential applications, including reducing soil water loss and soil erosion, enriching soil fauna, and improving soil properties and nutrient cycling in the soil. It also reduces the pH of the soil, which improves nutrient availability. Mulching reduces soil deterioration by limiting runoff and soil loss, and it increases soil water availability by reducing evaporation, managing soil temperature, or reducing crop irrigation requirements. This review paper extensively discusses the benefits of organic or synthetic mulches for crop production, as well as the uses of mulching in soil and water conservation. As a result, it is very important for farmers to choose mulching rather than synthetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maturity stages on the physicochemical characteristics of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi cv. 'Shamber Tarnab') under storage conditions for 60 days at ambient temperature (16±1 °C with 55-60% relative humidity). Grapefruits were harvested at different maturity stages, namely mature green (MG) and full ripe (FR). The fruits of both stages were assessed for different physical quality parameters at 15 days interval. The experimental results showed that ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, percent disease incidence was higher at FR stage. In contrast, weight loss, percent juice content, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/acid ratio at MG (mature green) were lower than that of FR fruits. Regarding storage durations, the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, percent juice content, ascorbic acid content decreased significantly, whilst total soluble solid, TSS/Acid ratio, weight loss, and percent disease incidence increased significantly with the extension of storage duration from 0 to 60 days. As concerned to its interactive effects, the highest ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, percent juice content, and maximum fruit firmness were observed in fresh grapefruit, harvested at (MG) mature green stages, whereas the maximum total soluble solid, percent disease incidence, and TSS/Acid ratio were recorded in fruit harvested at (FR) full ripe stage, stored for 60 days at room temperature. Similarly, the Pearson's Correlation Analysis (p> 0.05) of grapefruit was positive effect for most of the quality traits of grapefruit at different storage durations and maturity stages. It was concluded that grapefruit could be harvested at the mature green stage (MG) for sustaining quality attributes up to 60 days of storage at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential (volatile) oil from leaves of Artemisia monosperma L. belonging to family Asteraceae, and aerial parts of Tamarix aphylla L. (Athel) belonging to family Tamaricaceae were collected from the desert of Ha'il region, northern region of Saudi Arabia, hydro distilled by Clevenger apparatus and analysed by means of GC-MS techniques. Antioxidant activities of essential oils of A. monosperma and T. aphylla compared with ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as reference antioxidant compound were determined by method of DPPH radical scavenging assay and ABTS assay. In vitro screening of potential cytotoxicity of essential oils was also evaluated against human promyelocytic leukaemia cell lines (HL60 and NB4). The GC/MS analysis of A. monosperma essential oil resulted in identification of 61 components predominated mainly by β-Pinene as principal component (29.87%) and T. aphylla resulted in identification of 37 components of essential oil predominated mainly by 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (21.43%) as principal component. Antioxidant activity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and 2,2 -azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) increased with increasing essential oil concentrations of A. monosperma and T. aphylla (25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 µg mL-1). The most pronounced increases detected in the high concentrations of the two essential oils. Biologically, essential oil extracts exhibited cytotoxicity effects in dose dependent manner against human promyelocytic leukaemia cell lines (HL60 and NB4). In conclusion, A. monosperma and T. aphylla essential oils could be valuable source for cytotoxic agents with high safety and selective cytotoxicity profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the excessive impact of synthetic drugs, unravelling and employing safe, natural alternatives are now needed to resolve a number of diseases. In this research, we have evaluated hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice in rats against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Spirulina crude carotenoid extract was screened by UPLC-MS / MS. Activities of liver marker enzymes; measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and determined lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status as reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver homogenate. The infusion of CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants. Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj)or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status. Chromatographic separation showed that ß-carotene is the predominant carotenoid extract. This carotenoid extract was tested for colon carcinoma (HCT-116), liver carcinoma (HepG2) and intestinal carcinoma cell lines (CACO) LC50 for 21.8, 14 and 11.3 ug / ml, respectively. Total phenolic phytochemicals, total carotenoids and total flavonoids were also measured in Spirulina. Our study clearly demonstrates that Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice had hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celery seed oils can help in detoxification processes of the body as it facilitates the elimination of toxins and other harmful substances out of the body. This study aimed to assess biological activity of essential oils extracted from un-irradiated and irradiated celery seeds by gamma rays. Celery seeds were irradiated with different dose levels of gamma radiation; control, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 kGy. The highest increase of essential oil extracted was registered with a dosage level of 10.0 kGy (2.42%). The GC-MS analysis showed that, there were new compounds detected in the irradiated samples and others compounds were increased or decreased. The FTIR spectra showed alterations in functional groups of essential oils extracted from celery seeds upon gammairradiation. Total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity increased proportional to the increase in the irradiation dose level and the maximum increase obtained in the irradiation dose level 10.0 kGy. This may be an evidence on the biological value, there were anticancer activity against 2 cell lines, breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell line (A549). The best IC50 in A549 was 145 μg/ml in sample with irradiation dose level 5.0 kGy while the best IC50 in MCF-7 was 124 μg/ml in irradiated sample with dose 5.0 kGy. Also, the highest inhibition zone of S. aureus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae were obtained with the oil extracted from seeds irradiated with 5 kGy dose level, where E. coli and C. albicans were more pronounced for the oil gotten from the seeds irradiated with 10.0 kGy. The irradiation process for celery seeds may be promising for biological value of celery oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today synthetic food dyes are being used most commonly as food colorant in confectionaries for children. Present study was designed to evaluate effect of tartrazine and chocolate brown as a synthetic color and turmeric, cocoa as a natural color on Swiss albino mice. The rats have been fed on color biscuits and after the acclimation period, rats were divided into 7 groups (5 rats each one). Rats treated with dose level 7.5 mg/kg/day (ADI) in tartrazine and turmeric and 0.15 mg/kg /day (ADI) in chocolate brown and cocoa. The study revealed a highly noticeable decrease in the body weight gain, food intake and feed efficiency in synthetic color of mice compared to the control group, the mixture improvement this effects and non-significant with natural color. A significant increase in the average weight of the major organs liver, spleen, heart, pancreas and kidney of the mice has been increased significantly in synthetic color treated groups with tartrazine and chocolate brown. Total cholesterol level, T-lipid, LDL and vLDL were no significant change in all mice administration color foods, but significant increase in T.G with tartrazine and chocolate brown and has significant decrease in HDL-C with tartrazine and chocolate brown. There was a significant increase in the level of ALT, AST and ALP with tartrazine and chocolate brown while compared to control group. The mixture synthetic and natural color improved the results. Bilirubin levels were significantly increased with tartrazine and chocolate brown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher plants have been utilized worldwide as characteristic drug a long time to cure human diseases. About 80% of individuals globally use plants as safe sources of medication to cure human diseases through completely different medicine system. One of the available indigenous medicinal plants, Ficus sycomorus belongs to the Moraceae family. The plant contains totally different teams of biologically active compounds that square measure chargeable for the biological activity. Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Ficus sycomorus contain higher concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and steroids than the fruit extracts. Ethanolic extract in both fruits and leaves gave higher concentrations of phytochemical compounds than the ethyl acetate extracts. Therefore, fruit and leaves extract have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against gram positive, negative bacteria and fungus. Also, the percentage of Liver cell line (HepG2), Colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and Breast cell line (MCF-7) viability was decreased with increasing the concentrations of the ethanolic extract of fruits and leaves of Ficus sycomorus. The high concentrations of ethanolic extract of fruits caused high reduction in the viability of cancer cells, especially in Colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line. In addition, phytochemical compound screened by GC-MS method. In GC-MS analysis, 12 bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in fruits and 29 bioactive compounds were detected in leaves extract. These totally different active phytochemicals are found to possess a good vary of activities, which can facilitate within the protection against incurable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have been used long ago through man history of life for their use in food and medicinal drives. In modern life, natural products have been extracted and isolated from several kinds of plants for the development of new drugs. There are numerous interests in natural antioxidants extracted from medicinal plants, vegetables and fruits, which might help to prevent oxidative damage. One of such plants is plum Prunus domestica L., family Rosaceae. Samples from 'African Rose', and 'Santa Rosa' plum cultivars were collected from local market in Giza governorate, Egypt. The main phytochemicals of plums (fruit flesh and skin) were analyzed. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, and reducing power were higher in 'African Rose' fruit. The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of two plum cultivars were both high in the antioxidant effect with IC50 13.923 and 18.416 μg/ml of ethanolic extract of 'African Rose', and 'Santa Rosa' respectively. The IC50 of 'African Rose' and 'Santa Rose' extract against Caco-2 was 4 and 8.5 μg/ml. GC-MS analysis was carried out, fourteen and twenty one compound were identified in 'Santa Rosa' and 'African Rose' respectively. The fruits had an antimicrobial action against gram positive and negative bacteria. There was anticancer activity against 3 cell lines: Liver cell line (HepG2), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line, and breast cell line (MCF-7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable agriculture is essential to attain food security and address increasing climate change concerns. Population, abiotic and biotic stresses and limited agricultural water supplies and land are important barriers to cereal crops production, in addition to extreme weather. These factors influence their quality and productivity. Therefore, there is a pressing need for effective methods of food production under these conditions. For many individuals in low- and middle-income nations, cereals represent a key food source. Developing cereal crops with enhanced flexibility, high yields, and the ability to tolerate these biotic and abiotic problems is therefore essential. Modern OMICS techniques, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics tools and the most recent improvements in genome editing tools (GET) have made targeted mutagenesis conceivable. By altering a crop variety's endogenous genome, which is free of any foreign genes, genome editing (GE) enhances the crop variety. Therefore, crops that have undergone GE but have not integrated foreign genes are not considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a number of countries. GE is being used by researchers to promote the nutritional value of cereal crops and increase their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review critically discusses the activities of GET, the role of bioinformatics tools and its application to sustainable agriculture for cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biscuit is one of the most popular processed ready to eat snacks that have possesses several attractive features including wide consumer base, relatively less expensive, more convenient with long shelf-life and have ability to serve as vehicles for important nutrients. It's usually available in different sizes, tastes and shapes. It can also be enriched or fortified with other ingredients in order to meet specific nutritional or therapeutic needs of consumers. In recent years, numerous studies have shown the potential of utilizing natural plant such as green leafy vegetable in cookies and biscuit production; the potential of amaranthus leaves used as a source of iron and β-carotene inpakora, vada, namakpal, kurmure, biscuit and cake. The present research was carried out to throw the light on the effect of wheat flour and barley flour with natural and synthetic colors to improve chemical composition, the nutritional value and quality characteristics of producing biscuits. The results indicate that that treatment 100% barley flour 72% with turmeric and cocoa as a natural colors recorded a significant increase in the content of protein, ash, minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium and some physical analysis like weight, volume, density as well as sensory evaluation. As compared with wheat flour 72% and synthetic color tartrazine ADI 7.5 mg/kg.bw and chocolate brown ADI 0.15 mg/kg.bw. In conclusion, results showed that barley flour improved nutritional quality, physical characteristics and sensory characteristics of produce biscuit with mixture natural and natural color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pizza being the most popular food worldwide, quality and sensory appeal are important considerations during its modification effort. This study was aimed to evaluate the quality of pizza made using two different sources of proteins, chickpea (Cicer arietinum) flour and dried carp fish powder (Cyprinus carpio). Analysis indicated nutrients richness specificity of chickpea flour (higher fiber, energy, iron, zinc, linoleic acid and total nonessential amino acids) and dried carp fish powder (higher contents of protein, fats, ash, oleic acid and total essential amino acids) complementing wheat flour to enhance nutritional value of pizza. Total plate count and thiobarbituric acid were increased (P<0.05) in dried carp fish powder after 45 days of storage, but no Coliform were detected. Wheat flour was substituted with 5, 7.5 and 10% chickpea flour or dried carp fish powder and chemical, textural, sensory and storage evaluation parameters of in pizza were investigated. Dried carp fish powder increased (P<0.05) contents of protein, ash, fats, zinc and protein digestibility of pizza. Chickpea flour increased iron and zinc contents of the pizza. Water activity (aw) was decreased in fish powder and chickpea pizza. Pizza firmness and gumminess were significantly (p<0.05) increased at every level of protein source, but cohesiveness was decreased with 10% chickpea flour. Pizza chewiness was the same (P>0.05) across the levels of two protein sources. Springiness was decreased (P<0.05) with high level (10%) dried fish powder and low/intermediate level of chickpea flour. Chickpea and dried carp fish incorporation up to 7.50% in pizza at the expense of wheat flour had no effect (P>0.05) on all sensorial parameters except for odor values. The results could be useful in utilization of chickpea flour and carp fish powder in designing nutritious pizza for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief of Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology. The article is a duplicate of a paper that has already been published in the Egyptian Journal of Phytopathology (2009, 37: 59–77; https://doi.org/10.21608/EJP.2009.235030). As per the author guidelines, PMPP does not permit the publication of previously published studies and doing so contributes to diminishing the importance of published findings and distorts the academic record of the authors. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is therefore that authors declare explicitly that the paper has not been previously published and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. As such this article represents a misuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process, which occurred in 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous plant metabolites, especially amino acids, are accumulated as a result of stress. These amino acids are crucial for plant metabolism and development and have historically been viewed as the building blocks of proteins. Several studies suggested that there is a link between proline buildup and exposure plants to stress. Proline performs important functions under stress in addition to be a great osmolyte, antioxidant enzyme, acts as an antioxidant defense and signaling molecules. Two field trials were during two successive winter seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). The effects of proline foliar application (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L-1) and irrigation water levels (irrigation by 100, 80 and 60% of crop water requirements, CWR, CWR100, CWR80 and CWR60, respectively) on plant pigments, antioxidants activity, yield traits and nutrient contents of wheat were assessed. The experiment was designed in a split-plot involving 4 replicates. Drought stress (CWR80 and CWR60) led to reductions in photosynthetic pigments, and yield components. Under severe water stress (CWR60), proline 200 and 300 mg L-1 recorded the highest values of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total pigments. Application of proline 300 mg L-1 was the potent practice for enhancing the antioxidant activity% (DPPH radical scavenging) and phenols content under CWR100 and CWR80. Indole acetic acid (IAA) possessed the maximum values with proline 200 mg L-1 under all irrigation patterns. Under severe deficit water (CWR60), without proline spraying (for super oxide dismutase), 200, 300 or 400 mg L-1 proline (for peroxidase) and 200 or 400 mg L-1 proline (for polyphenol oxidase) recorded the highest values. Spraying proline 300 mg L-1 achieved the highest values of grain number spike-1, weight of 1000 grains and grain yield ha-1 under different irrigation regimes. In conclusion, proline is considered a good mitigator for drought stress, due to it increased wheat plant tolerance to water deficiency throughout improving plant physiology and consequently yields quantity and quality. The most efficient concentrations of proline for coping the adverse impact of drought were 200 and 300 mg L-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of ingested synthetic food colourants or flavourants on total lipids content feces. The feces of rats ingested synthetic food colourants or flavourants has more lipids than that of control feces. In treated rat feces some fatty acids were disappeared (C19) or appeared (C14) while the other were increased (C15, C20, C18:2) or decreased (C6) when compared with the control feces. Most of unsaturated fatty acids (un SFA) might bind with the synthetic food colourants or flavourants and secreted in feces, but less consumed than saturated fatty acids (SFA) which, observed on hydrocarbon components, but sterols including cholesterol were more secreted by synthetic food additives treatments. Generally, the increase of total lipids and lipid fractions in feces such as unsaturated fatty acids (un SFA), total sterols (TS) especially cholesterol maybe due to their abilities to bind with food additives and form complex which secreted in feces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate whether quercetin treatment could modulate acrylamide (ACR)-induced DNA damage and oxidative changes in rat brain, liver, kidneys and testes tissues. Fifty adult albino rats were divided into five groups. The first group served as normal control, second group received 50 mg/kg quercetin (QTN) and third group received 20 mg/kg ACR. Fourth and fifth groups received dose of ACR along with 25 or 50 mg/kg QTN, respectively. ACR and QTN were given by oral administrations for 30 days. The results showed that, ACR administration induced significant elevation of alanine transferase, aspartate transferase activities, urea, creatinine and Malondialdehyde levels in serum, whereas, Acetylcholine esterase and testosterone levels were reduced after ACR administration. Moreover, ACR treatment increased Glutathione-S-transferase, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione peroxidase activity, 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide contents in all tissues. QTN significantly improved the previous parameters. It played a role in ameliorating toxic effects of ACR in rats by reducing oxidative stress. Practical Applications Acrylamide was found in various fried, deep fried and oven-baked foods that are regularly consumed like chips, crisps and bread, also biscuits, crackers and breakfast cereals. Acrylamide exposure led to increase of alanine transferase, aspartate transferase activities, urea, creatinine and Malondialdehyde levels in serum, whereas, Acetylcholine esterase and testosterone levels were reduced. Moreover, ACR treatment increased Glutathione-S-transferase, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione peroxidase activity, 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide contents in all tissues. Our study revealed the protective role of quercetin on acrylamide-induced oxidative stress in rats. Quercetin regulate the generation of inflammatory markers and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in rat liver, kidneys, brain and testes tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grape seed and green tea extracts are reported to produce antioxidant scavenging activities against free radical toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that a specific combination of these extracts presents a synergistic antioxidant scavenging activities. The extracts of grape seed, green tea and their mixtures were characterized by phytochemical studies and tested for phenolics and flavonoids. In vitro antioxidant activity for individual extract and its mixtures was determined by DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide free radical scavenging methods. The amount of total phenolics varied among the different extracts and ranged from 43.74 to 67.68 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) / g dry weight, whereas total flavonoids content ranged from 4.25 to 11.66 mg of quercetin equivalents (QU)/g dry weight. The present results suggest that both extracts reported a highly contents of total phenolic and flavonoids compounds, also the mixtures of these extracts can synergistically enhance antioxidant activity. Antioxidant potential from mixture 2 (grape seed extract 200 mg: green tea extract 100 mg) was comparable to that of standard. HPLC results showed that the most abundant components in the mixture 2 extract were epigallocatechingallate while the lowest was the procyanidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature (HT) stress is a major environmental factor that limits plant growth, metabolism and productivity worldwide. Plant growth and development involve numerous biochemical reactions that are sensitive to temperature. Plants' responses to HT vary with the degree and duration of HT and the plants' adaptability. The protective effect of exogenous nitric oxide in alleviating high temperature induced damages of wheat (Triticum aestivum) callus tissues was investigated. Heat treatment (35 and 40 °C) alone or in combination with 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP; nitric oxide donor) was applied for 72 h to callus tissues cultured on MS medium. Heat stress significantly increased lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical levels, whereas ascorbate and total glutathione contents markedly decreased. In addition, heat stress increased the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes: superoxide distumase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. In contrast, the addition of SNP in the culture media prevented the callus from the heat-induced oxidative damage as indicated by the decrease of MDA, H2O2 and O2- contents, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant constituents. These results provided support for the hypothesis that the exogenous applications of NO confer tolerance to high temperature stress by reducing the oxidative damage in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) possess unique properties, making them a popular material across various industries. However, traditional methods of synthesizing ZnO-NPs are associated with environmental and health risks due to the use of harmful chemicals. As a result, the development of eco-friendly manufacturing practices, such as green-synthesis methodologies, has gained momentum. Green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using biological substrates offers several advantages over conventional approaches, such as cost-effectiveness, simplicity of scaling up, and reduced environmental impact. While both dried dead and living biomasses can be used for synthesis, the extracellular mode is more commonly employed. Although several biological substrates have been successfully utilized for the green production of ZnO-NPs, large-scale production remains challenging due to the complexity of biological extracts. In addition, ZnO-NPs have significant potential for photocatalysis and adsorption in the remediation of industrial effluents. The ease of use, efficacy, quick oxidation, cost-effectiveness, and reduced synthesis of harmful byproducts make them a promising tool in this field. This review aims to describe the different biological substrate sources and technologies used in the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs and their impact on properties. Traditional synthesis methods using harmful chemicals limit their clinical field of use. However, the emergence of algae as a promising substrate for creating safe, biocompatible, non-toxic, economic, and ecological synthesis techniques is gaining momentum. Future research is required to explore the potential of other algae species for biogenic synthesis. Moreover, this review focuses on how green synthesis of ZnO-NPs using biological substrates offers a viable alternative to traditional methods. Moreover, the use of these nanoparticles for industrial-effluent remediation is a promising field for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the environmental sustainability issues is salinity. Basil seedlings (Ocimum basilicum L.) were treated using NaCl solutions of three different concentrations prepared using irrigation (40, 80, and 130 mM), and various biochemical analyses were performed on basil leaves. The number of leaves, leaf area, moisture, weights, and MDA content of basil decreased significantly as salinity levels increased from 40 to 130 mM; however, dry matter increased. As well, the current study investigated a significant increase in osmolytes (including total soluble sugars and proline) and Na+ contents. The highest activities of CAT and SOD in the leaf tissues of basil were recorded after treatment with 130 mM NaCl, whereas the polyphenol and total flavonoid contents were negatively influenced. On the other hand, the highest ABTS scavenging activity was observed in the 40 mM-treated leaves at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL; however, the DPPH scavenging potential increased significantly in the 80 mM-treated leaves at 3000 µg/mL. Furthermore, the correlation between in vitro antioxidant potentials and biochemical responses was described. A strong correlation was identified between the in vitro antioxidant capacities of salinized O. basilicum leaves and SOD activity, total flavonoids, and the presence of phenolic acids, particularly p-hydroxybenzoic and o-coumaric acids at various concentrations. As a result, this is the first study to explain how basil may resist salinity by producing specific antioxidant compounds; therefore, our research recommends use of salinity issue to obtain a better plant material for producing dietary supplements or herbal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three white sorghum varieties (named 'Dorado', 'Shandaweel-6' and 'Giza-15') were investigated for grain characteristics and processed whole meal flour (via soaking, cooked, germinated and fermented sorghum). 'Giza-15' variety was the highest one in 1,000 kernel weight and hectolitre, followed by 'Dorado' and 'Shandaweel-6' that were significant lower. Sorghum varieties were non-significant different in L scales. 'Giza-15' was the highest variety in a and b scales. Sorghum varieties were significant different in c scales and nonsignificant different in h scales. 'Shandaweel-6' recorded the highest value in water holding capacity (WHC). 'Giza-15' recorded the highest variety in oil holding capacity (OHC). The most significant increase in WHO was after fermentation treatment, followed by cooking treatment. Regarding OHC, the most significant increase was after germination treatment. Biscuits prepared from 50% whole meal flour of raw, soaked, cooked, germinated and fermented sorghum were evaluated for sensory and physical characteristics. The sensory results showed that 50% sorghum whole meal flour could be incorporated to prepare acceptable quality biscuits. The diameter of sorghum biscuits increased, while the diameter of wheat biscuits decreased. Hardness of sorghum biscuits was significant decreased in all treatments compared with wheat biscuits. Hardness of germinated sorghum biscuits was close to wheat biscuits values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture can cause uncontrolled gas emissions, such as N2O and CO2, leading to global warming and serious climate change. In this study, we evaluated the greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) that are concomitant with applied different rates of N fertilization, such as 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of the recommended dose in green beans grown under three irrigation systems (surface, subsurface, and drip irrigation). The obtained results showed that GHGs were positively correlated with increasing the rate of N fertilization. Meanwhile, the subsurface irrigation system followed by drip irrigation achieved the highest significant (p ≤ 0.05) values regarding the growth and pod yield attributes. Furthermore, N supplements at 90% and/or 100% of the recommended dose under the subsurface irrigation system led to the highest concentration of chlorophyll, vitamin C, total protein, and activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POX). Proline and pod fibers were decreased in parallel with increasing the N rate, while water use efficiency (WUE) was improved with increasing the rate of N supplements up to 100% or 110% of the recommended dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their distinctive physicochemical characteristics, nanoparticles have recently emerged as pioneering materials in agricultural research. In this work, nanopowders (NP) of seaweed (Turbinaria triquetra) were prepared using the planetary ball milling procedure. The prepared nanopowders from marine seaweed were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). When the seaweed nanopowder of Turbinaria triquetra was subjected to FT-IR analysis, it revealed the presence of different functional groups, including alkane, carboxylic acids, alcohol, alkenes and aromatics. Moreover, the methanol extract was used to identify the polyphenolic components in seaweed (NP) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the extract revealed the presence of a number of important compounds such as daidzein and quercetin. Moreover, the pot experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of prepared seaweed (NP) as an enhancer for the growth of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The date palm seedlings received four NP doses, bi-distilled water was applied as the control and doses of 25, 50 or 100 mg L−1 of seaweed liquid NP were used (referred to as T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Foliar application of liquid NP was applied two times per week within a period of 30 days. Leaf area, number of branches, dry weight, chlorophylls, total soluble sugars and some other secondary metabolites were determined. Our results indicated that the foliar application of liquid NP at T3 enhanced the growth parameters of the date palm seedlings. Additionally, liquid NP at T3 and T4 significantly increased the photosynthetic pigments. The total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activities were stimulated by NP foliar application. Moreover, the data showed that the T3 and T4 doses enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX or PPO) compared to other treatments. Therefore, the preparation of seaweed NP using the planetary ball milling method could produce an eco-friendly and cost- effective material for sustainable agriculture and could be an interesting way to create a nanofertilizer that mitigates plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out to study the role of calcium chloride in enhancing tolerance and reducing cadmium toxicity in pea seedlings. Some treatment with 1 and 5 mM CaCl2 mitigated cadmium stress by increasing antioxidanr enzyme activities: catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as by elevating contents of ascorbic acid (ASA), tocopherol and carotenoids. On the other hand, total carbohydrate and total soluble proteins decreased with increasing cadmium concentrations in comparison with control plants. However, total phenol, total free amino acids, proline and lipid peroxidation increased with increasing concentrations of cadmium acetate. Electrophoretic studies of protein revealed that cadmium treatments alone or in combination with calcium chloride were associated with the disappearance of some bands or appearance of new bands in pea seedlings. Electrophoretic studies of α-esterase, β-esterase and acid phosphatase isozymes showed wide variations in their intensities and densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is one of the most severe factors limiting growth and physiological response in cowpea plants. In this study, the possible role of γ-irradiation in alleviating soil salinity stress during plane growth was investigated. Increasing salinity in the soil (25, 50, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) decreased plant growth, photosynthetic pigments content, total carbohydrate content and mineral uptake compared to control, while increased total phenol content, proline, total free amino acids and lipid peroxidation. Seed irradiation with gamma rays significantly increased plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, total carbohydrate, total phenol, proline, total free amino acids and the contents of N, P, K+, Ca+2 and Mg+2 compared to non irradiated ones under salinity. On the other hand, irradiation with gamma rays decreased lipid peroxidation, Na+ and Cl- contents which may contribute in part to activate processes involved in the alleviation of the harmful effect of salt at all concentrations used (25,50 and 100 mM) except at the high concentration (200 mM). Electrophoretic studies of α-esterase, β-esterase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and acid phosphatasc isozymes showed wide variations in their intensities among all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of medicinal plaints for health purposes has increased dramatically due to their great importance to the public health. In this study levels of phenolic, flavonoid contents of Ginkgo biloba and Rosmarinus officinalis from Egypt were deter HPLC was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds in selected plaints. The plant extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activities using various antioxidant methodologies, (i) scavenging of free radicals using 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl, (it metal ion chelating capacity, and (iii) scavenging of superoxide anion radical. The antimicrobial activity of both plant's extracts were evaluated against a panel of microorganisms by using agar disc diffusion method. The total phenolic content (75.30 and 98.31 mg/g dry weight in G. biloba and R. officinalis, respectively) was significantly (p<0.05) different. Among the identified phenolic compound quercetin, kaempferol and caffeic acid were the predominant phenolic compounds in Ginkgo biloba, whereas carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, narinigen and hispidulin were the predominant phenolic compound in Rosmarinus officinalis leaves. The antioxidant activity increased with the concentration increase. The R. officinalis was more active than G. biloba extract against Gram-negative bacteria. This study reveals that the consumption of these plants would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid peroxidation can be defined as the oxidative deterioration of lipids containing any number of carbon-carbon double bonds. Lipid peroxidation is a well-established mechanism of cellular injury in both plants and animals, and is used as an indicator of oxidative stress in cells and tissues. Lipid peroxides are unstable and decompose to form a complex series of compounds including reactive carbonyl compounds. The oxidation of linolcates and cholesterol is discussed in some detail. Analytical methods tor studying lipid peroxidation were mentioned. Various kinds of antioxidants with different functions inhibit lipid peroxidation and the deleterious effects caused by the lipid peroxidation products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several methods have been suggested as effective for inhibition of sprouting of potato tubers during storage. Three methods; γ-irradiation, volatile oils and iodine vapor were used for the inhibition of potato tuber cv. 'Diamond'. Gamma irradiation, essential oils (caraway, clove, carvone, eugenol) and Iodine vapor were used to achieve the purpose. The results proved that γ-irradiation and essential oils maintain potato as well as inhibit sprouting for 9 weeks while iodine vapor maintain potato for six weeks. Alpha amylase activity showed an increase after six weeks and then reduced to lower value compared to control. During the metabolic pathway the concentration of lactate was decreased and reached to the level of control when potato tuber treated even with essential oils, radiation as well as with iodine vapor. The levels of NADP and NADPH+H were decreased during potato storage proving that synthesis of this metabolite were very low. The level of glycoalkaloids was fluctuated during storage depending on the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in chemical composition, amylose and minerals content after soaking, cooking, germination and fermentation of three white sorghum varieties, named 'Dorado', 'Shandaweel-6', and 'Giza-15' were investigated. The chemical composition concluded including crude protein, oils, crude fiber and ash. Crude protein content ranged from 10.62 to 12.46% in raw sorghum. 'Shandaweel-6' was the highest variety in crude protein content (12.46%). 'Dorado' was the highest variety in oils and ash (3.91 and 1.45%). 'Shandaweel-6' was the highest variety in crude fiber (1.85%). Amylose content ranged from 18.30 to 20.18% in raw sorghum. Amylose was higher in 'Giza-15' than other varieties. Minerals content i.e., Zn, Fe, Ca, K, Na, Mg, Mn and Cu were investigated. Results indicated that raw 'Dorado' was the highest variety in K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Mn (264.53, 137.14, 33.09, 7.65 and 1.98 mg/100g). While, 'Shandaweel-6' was the highest variety in Zn and Cu (5.02 and 0.84 mg/100 g). Finally 'Giza-15' was the highest variety in P and Na (381.37 and 119.29 mg/100 g). After treatments chemical composition, amylose and minerals were decreased. Processing techniques reduce the levels of antinutritional organic factors, which including phytates, phenols, tannins and enzyme inhibitors by releasing exogenous and endogenous enzymes such as phytase enzyme formed during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin is a natural product obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a medicinal and aromatic plant that is widely spread in the Mediterranean region. Both Curcumin and rosemary essential oil are natural products of high medicinal and pharmacological significance. The hepatoprotective effect of both natural products is well-established; however, the mechanism of such action is not fully understood. Thus, this study is an attempt to explore the hepatoprotective mechanism of action of these remedies through their effect on MEK and ERK proteins. Furthermore, the effect of rosemary essential oil on the plasma concentration of curcumin has been scrutinized. Materials and methods: The major constituents of REO were qualitatively and quantitatively determined by GC/MS and GC/FID, respectively. Curcumin and rosemary essential oil were given to mice in a pre-treatment model, followed by induction of liver injury through a high dose of paracetamol. Serum liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activities, the inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the MEK and ERK portions, were verified. The plasma levels of curcumin were determined in the presence and absence of rosemary essential oil. Results: The major constituents of REO were 1,8-cineole (51.52%), camphor (10.52%), and α-pinene (8.41%). The results revealed a superior hepatoprotective activity of the combination when compared to each natural product alone, as demonstrated by the lowered liver enzymes, lipid peroxidation, mitigated inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, and enhanced antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the combination induced the overexpression of MEK and ERK proteins, providing evidence for the involvement of this cascade in the hepatoprotective activity of such natural products. The administration of rosemary essential oil with curcumin enhanced the curcuminoid plasma level. Conclusion: The co-administration of both curcumin and rosemary essential oil together enhanced both their hepatoprotective activity and the level of curcumin in plasma, indicating a synergistic activity between both natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many root diseases can cause serious damage to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production during the seedling growth period, particularly Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and Alternaria spp. Paclobutrazol (PBZ) has proved to reduce the damage of the Alternaria blight disease on tomato seedlings. The present investigation was designated to evaluate the growth of infected tomato seedlings with R. solani under applications of Trichoderma harzianum alone, PBZ alone, both PBZ and T. harzianum, and comparing with applied fungicide. PBZ enhanced the chlorophyll system in tomato seedlings, enzymatic antioxidants, and the total antioxidants, besides the vegetative parameters. The combined application of both PBZ and Trichoderma significantly improved growth parameters, decreased the damping off percent of R. solani, as well as increased the enzymatic antioxidants and the total antioxidants of tomato seedlings. It was found that applying 100 mg L−1 PBZ did not affect the effectiveness of the biocontrol agent of T. harzianum. The images of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirm that PBZ showed twisting, shrinking, and collapsing of lysis and hyphae in cultures of R. solani. This is the first report that confirms the biochemical control of R. solani on tomato seedlings using the combined application of PBZ and T. harzianum. Further studies are still needed to test more Trichoderma species and different phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic amendments, composts (1, 2, 3), neem and poultry as well as inorganic fertilizers (NPK compound and commercial, A three(r)) and the nematicide nemacur 10 G applied singly were effective in reducing M. incognita number of galls, nematode reproduction and fecundity. The effectiveness seemed to be material origin dependent. Neem, compost 1,3(5 g/pot) gave the best results. Yet, achieved results were less than those of nemacur 10% G. The antioxidant substances content and enzymes activities due to nematode infection and application of organic and inorganic fertilizers pointed to significant increase of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide as a result of nematode infection and nemacur treatment. While all organic and inorganic fertilizers reduced such materials with significant differences among treatments. Likewise, nematode infection resulted in slight but significant increase in glutathione and ascorbic acid in tomato shoots and roots. All treatments increased antioxidant substances comparing to healthy and infected plants. Glutathione-S-transferase activity highly increased in infected roots but the lowest activities were achieved by organic fertilizers. Nematode infection and nemacur treatment increased slightly phenylalaine ammonia lyase activity but enormous increase was observed in shoots and roots of treated plants with organic fertilizers followed by NPK treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in lipid and fatty acid contents after soaking, cooking, germination and fermentation of three white sorghum varieties were studied to improve cereal quality. The results revealed that oil in raw sorghum varieties ranged from 3.58 to 3.91%, respectively and 'Dorado' represents the highest variety in oil content. As general trend after germination, oil content was decreased. Fatty acid contents of raw sorghum contains palmitic (12.10 to 13.41%), palmitoleic (0.47 to 1.31%), stearic (1.13 to 1.36%), oleic (33.64 to 40.35%), linoleic (42.33 to 49.94%), linolenic (1.53 to 1.72%), arachidic (0.10 to 0.18%) and eicosenoic acid (0.24 to 0.39% of total lipid). 'Dorado' was the highest variety in oleic acid while 'Shandaweel-6' was the highest variety in palmitic, stearic, linolenic, arachidic, eicosenoic acid and total saturated fatty acids. 'Giza-15' was the highest variety in palmitoleic, linoleic, total unsaturated fatty acids and ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids. Fatty acids relative percentage changed after soaking, cooking, germination and fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in crude protein, free amino acids, amino acid composition, protein solubility, protein fractionation and protein digestibility after germination of sorghum were investigated. Sorghum varieties (Dorado, Shandaweel-6, Giza-15) were soaked for 20 h followed by germination for 72 h; the results revealed that crude protein and free amino acids in raw sorghum varieties ranged from 10.62 to 12.46% and 0.66 to 1.03 mg/g, respectively. Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in crude protein and free amino acids content. After germination, crude protein was decreased and free amino acids were increased. There was an increase in content of valine and phenylalanine amino acids after germination. On the other hand, there was a decrease in most of amino acids after germination. After germination protein solubility was significantly increased. Regarding protein fractions, there was an increase in albumin, globulin and kafirin proteins and a decrease in cross linked kafirin and cross linked glutelin after germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]