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Introduction: Silybum marianum is a medicinal plant that produces silymarin, which has been demonstrated to possess antiviral, anti-neurodegenerative, and anticancer activities. Silybin (A+B) are two major hepatoprotective flavonolignans produced predominantly in S. marianum fruits. Several attempts have been made to increase the synthesis of silymarin, or its primary components, silybin (A+B). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are considered a highly efficient Zn source widely used to promote crop development and productivity. Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the foliar application of ZnO-NPs on the growth, yield, photosynthetic pigment content, silybin (A+B) content, and the expression of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene in S. marianum plants. Different concentrations of ZnO-NPs were administered as foliar sprays to S. marianum plants growing in greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, we evaluated the anti-osteoporotic efficacy of the corresponding fruit extract against dexamethasone (Dex)-induced osteoporosis. Results and discussion: Foliar treatment at all ZnO-NP concentrations increased the amounts of bioactive components of silybin (A+B), which enhanced the growth and yield of S. marianum plants while increasing the levels of N, P, K, and Zn in their leaves, roots, and fruits; the levels of photosynthetic pigments in their leaves; and silybin (A+B) content in their fruits, thereby increasing the medicinal value of S. marianum. The highest gains were observed in plants sprayed with the highest ZnO-NP concentration (20.0 mg/L). In addition, gene expression studies revealed that ZnO-NPs stimulated silybin (A+B) production by activating CHS genes. The administration of S. marianum extracts to Dex-administered rats increased osteoblast and bone formation while inhibiting osteoclast and bone resorption, thereby protecting the animals against Dex-induced osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Paenibacillus favisporus CHP14 inoculation on selenium (Se) accumulation and Se tolerance of Pakchoi were studied by a pot experiment conducted in greenhouse. The results revealed that the growth traits such as plant height, root length, and biomass were significantly elevated during CHP14 treatment at 0 ∼ 8.0 mg·kg−1 Se(IV) levels. CHP14-inoculated plants accumulated more Se in root and shoot, which were 24.1%∼57.3% and 7.5%∼50.9% higher than those of non-inoculated plants. The contents of leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), as well as the ratio of indoleacetic acid and abscisic acid contents (IAA/ABA) were increased by CHP14 inoculation, and positively associated with photosynthetic pigment contents (p < 0.05). At ≥ 4.0 mg·kg−1 Se(IV) levels, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase activities of Pakchoi roots were increased with CHP14 inoculation, by 9.9%∼17.1%, 28.4%∼40.7%, and 7.4%∼15.3%, respectively. Moreover, CHP14 inoculation enhanced ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) metabolism in roots by upregulating the related enzymes activities and antioxidant contents under excess Se(IV) stress. These findings suggest that CHP14 is beneficial to improve plant growth and enhance Se(IV) resistance of Pakchoi, and can be exploited as potential inoculants for phytoremediation process in Se contaminated soil. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This work assesses the effects of plant growth-promoting bacterium (PGPB) on physiology and biochemistry of Pakchoi plant under different exogenous selenite levels. P. favisporus CHP14 inoculation was found to be a positive way for promoting plant growth, improving Se accumulation and reducing Se toxicity in plant. It also provides the first evidence that PGPB improves plant Se tolerance by influencing ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle. HIGHLIGHTS: Both Se deficiency and Se pollution cause a serious threat to the ecological environment and human health. The absorption of Se from soil by plant is not only a desirable way to supplement this micro-nutrient in human body, but also an effective method for Se remediation. However, the range between the beneficial and toxic doses of Se to plants is extremely narrow. The Se application slightly exceeding the required dose would significantly inhibit growth and Se accumulation in plants, since most of them have a very limited tolerance to Se. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) are drawing much attention due to their important benefits for improving resistance of plant to various biotic or abiotic stresses. Recent evidences have suggested that PGPBs may become the potential enhancers for Se biofortification. Therefore, the study on plant-bacteria interaction in Se-rich conditions should be strengthened. The significance of our research is in revealing the effect of endophyte inoculation on Se accumulation and Se tolerance of Pakchoi and in providing a microorganism material with potential application values for Se biofortification and improving Se tolerance of Pakchoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral reflectance curves (SRCs) of ethanol extracts of leaf pigments concentrated on filter paper were analyzed. The areas of the spectrum that were the most subject to change in the process of pathogenesis were identified. A change in the slope of the SRC was noted in the area connecting the point of maximum absorption of the studied pigment and the nearest point that was not related to its content. The range 510−590 nm was informative for the analysis of carotenoids in apple rootstock forms; 640−670 nm and 670−700 nm, for chlorophyll. The angular coefficients in the equations of the trend lines in different genotypes changed in the studied SRC sectors (k510–590, k640–670, and k670–700) depending on the resistance of the host plant's pigment apparatus to the parasite. The forms that showed the greatest resistance to the complex of pathogenic micromycetes and to the bacterium P. syringae were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis, while carotenoids assist in light absorption and provide photoprotection by dissipating excess energy. Both pigments are essential for plant growth and development, playing distinct and complementary roles in maintaining photosynthetic efficiency and protecting plants from oxidative stress. Because of their function in photosynthesis and photoprotection, chlorophyll and carotenoid accumulation are strongly associated with light conditions, especially blue and red lights, which play key roles in regulating their metabolisms. Despite advancements in understanding pigment metabolism, there remains a limited comprehensive overview of how various parts of the light spectrum influence these pathways throughout the entire process. The effects of other spectral ranges of light, such as green light, far-red light, and UV, are not yet fully understood. This review aims to synthesize recent findings about the regulatory network of chlorophyll and carotenoid pathways under different light spectral bands, emphasizing the interplay between light-regulated transcription factors and genes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stable and sustainable agricultural production is essential for social stability. The plant factories with sustainable planting and less affected by bad weather appeared as an efficient agricultural system. Near-infrared (NIR) phosphors-converted light-emitting diodes are widely used in the field of plant growth lighting. In this study, a series of garnet-based Ca 3 Al 2 Ge 3 O 12 :xCr3+ (CAG: xCr3+) phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-phase method to investigate their applicability in the field of plant growth lighting. The experimental results showed that the prepared CAG: xCr3+ phosphors had good thermal stability and high color purity (99.47 %), and possessed relatively high quantum yield (52.59 %) than other reported Cr3+-doped phosphors. Meanwhile, the prepared CAG: xCr3+ phosphors encapsulated with a commercial blue chip can emit bright red light, and the electroluminescence emission spectra overlapped considerably with the absorption spectra of the plant photosensitive pigment P FR. The results showed that the CAG: xCr3+ phosphors have great potential applications in plant growth lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Chlorophyll serves as a crucial pigment in plants, essential for photosynthesis, growth, and development. Our previous study has shown that PpnCCT39 can increase leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate in poplar. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we observed that overexpression of PpnCCT39 not only elevates chlorophyll content and photosynthesis, but also induces alterations in leaf morphology, basal diameter, and chloroplast structure. By performing RNA‐seq on terminal buds and leaves at leaf positions 1, 3, 5, and 10, we determined that PpnCCT39 predominantly exerts its effects in young leaves. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (ChIP‐seq) performed on PpnCCT39‐overexpressing poplars identified 17 194 potential regulatory target genes. By integrating RNA‐seq and ChIP‐seq datasets along with validation assays for protein‐DNA interactions, we determined that PpnCCT39 directly stimulated the transcription of three key genes involved in the chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis pathways: PagHO1, PagLIL3, and PagPYG7. Furthermore, protein interaction assays revealed that PpnCCT39 interacts with PagRD19 and PagATP2, localized in vesicles and mitochondria respectively, with these interactions occurring within chloroplasts. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which the PpnCCT39 transcription factor in poplar promotes chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis. It also highlights the critical role of PpnCCT39 in nucleocytoplasmic interactions. These findings underscore the significance of PpnCCT39 in regulating chlorophyll biosynthesis and enhancing photosynthesis through molecular design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Arabidopsis plants were grown in white light (400–700 nm) or in white light supplemented with far‐red (FR) light peaking at 730 nm. FR‐enriched light induced the typical shade avoidance syndrome characterized by enhanced length of seedling hypocotyl and leaf petiole. FR supplementation also caused a noticeable decrease in the carotenoid and chlorophyll content that was attributable to a block of pigment accumulation during plant development. The carotenoid decrease resulted from a downregulation of their biosynthesis pathway rather than carotenoid degradation. The losses of photosynthetic pigments are part of structural and functional rearrangements of the photosynthetic apparatus. The plastoquinone pool was chronically more oxidized in plants acclimated to white + FR light compared to white light‐grown plants. Growth in FR‐enriched light was associated with a higher photochemical efficiency of PSII compared to growth in white light and with a substantial increase in root and shoot biomass production. Light distribution between the photosystems was modified in favor of PSII by an increase in the PSII/PSI ratio and an inhibition of state transitions. Neither LHCII abundance nor nonphotochemical energy dissipation in the PSII chlorophyll antennae were modified significantly by the addition of FR light. A PSI supercomplex, not previously observed in Arabidopsis, was specifically found in plants grown in FR‐enriched light. This large PSI complex contains a supplementary Lhca1‐4 dimer, leading to a total of 6 LHCI antennae instead of 4 in the canonical PSI. Through those photosystem rearrangements and the synergistic interaction with white light, FR light is photosynthetically active and can boost photosynthesis and plant growth. Significance Statement: Arabidopsis plants were grown in white light supplemented or not with far‐red light. Far‐red‐enriched light induced both structural and functional modifications of the photosystems, with noticeable changes in photosynthetic pigment content, photosystem stoichiometry, PSI supercomplex organization, and state transition capacity. Those modifications were associated with an enhancement of photosynthetic electron‐transport efficiency and plant biomass productivity. Through photosystem rearrangements and synergistic interaction with white light, far‐red light is photosynthetically active and can boost photosynthesis and plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effects of varying exposure times of microelement fertilization on hydrochemical parameters, plant growth, and nutrient content in an aquaponic system cultivating Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) with Cyprinus carpio (Common carp L.). It also investigates the potential of visible–near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy to differentiate between treated plants based on their spectral characteristics. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of microelement dynamics in aquaponics and optimize the use of VIS-NIR spectroscopy for nutrient and stress detection in crops. The effects of microelement exposure on the growth and health of Cyprinus carpio (Common carp L.) in an aquaponic system are investigated, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and optimal growth performance. The findings suggest that microelement treatments, when applied within safe limits, can enhance system productivity without compromising fish health. Concerning hydrochemical parameters, conductivity remained stable, with values ranging from 271.66 to 297.66 μS/cm, while pH and dissolved oxygen levels were within optimal ranges for aquaponic systems. Ammonia nitrogen levels decreased significantly in treated variants, suggesting improved water quality, while nitrate and orthophosphate reductions indicated an enhanced plant nutrient uptake. The findings underscore the importance of managing water chemistry to maintain a balanced and productive aquaponic system. The increase in root length observed in treatments 2 and 6 suggests that certain microelement exposure times may enhance root development, with treatment 6 showing the longest roots (58.33 cm). Despite this, treatment 2 had a lower biomass (61.2 g), indicating that root growth did not necessarily translate into increased plant weight, possibly due to energy being directed towards root development over fruit production. In contrast, treatment 6 showed both the greatest root length and the highest weight (133.4 g), suggesting a positive correlation between root development and fruit biomass. Yield data revealed that treatment 4 produced the highest yield (0.144 g), suggesting an optimal exposure time before nutrient imbalances negatively impact growth. These results highlight the complexity of microelement exposure in aquaponic systems, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning exposure times to balance root growth, biomass, and yield for optimal plant development. The spectral characteristics of the visible–near-infrared region of pepper plants treated with microelements revealed subtle differences, particularly in the green (534–555 nm) and red edge (680–750 nm) regions. SIMCA models successfully classified control and treated plants with a misclassification rate of only 1.6%, highlighting the effectiveness of the spectral data for plant differentiation. Key wavelengths for distinguishing plant classes were 468 nm, 537 nm, 687 nm, 728 nm, and 969 nm, which were closely related to plant pigment content and nutrient status. These findings suggest that spectral analysis can be a valuable tool for the non-destructive assessment of plant health and nutrient status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee pollen is a good nutrient storage and a natural source of phenolic acids and flavonoids with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Pollen color is related to flavonoids and carotenoids groups of structurally different plant pigments which are also non-enzymatic antioxidants. This study aims to indicate the biochemical differences between bee pollen of different color fractions concerning antioxidant properties. We separated the different colored bee pollens as light and dark to determine their botanical origins and biochemical compositions. According to their botanical origins, seventeen genera belonging to fourteen families were identified in the different colored bee pollen samples. Scandix sp. (Apiaceae), Arbutus sp. (Ericaceae), Trifolium sp., Caesalpinia sp. (Fabaceae), and Morus sp. (Moraceae) pollen were only encountered in dark pollen grains, whereas Betula sp. (Betulaceae), Quercus sp. (Fagaceae), and Crataegus sp. (Rosaceae) were only seen in light pollen grains. Total phenolics and carotenoids showed higher values in light color fraction however total flavonoids were higher in dark color. Four different antioxidant assays (ABTS, CERAC, CUPRAC, and DPPH) were performed for better comprehension. Although the bioactive ingredients were different based on pollen color fractions, there were no significant differences in antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial development of Cavendish bananas still faces many obstacles, including the availability of seedlings/suckers at low prices, so technological substitution is needed to stimulate the growth of Cavendish banana suckers in the form of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) biological agents. The research aims to determine the correlation between AM doses and colonization levels, tissue nutrient concentrations, and photosynthetic pigments in Cavendish banana seedlings/suckers. It is also a novelty in this research study. The research was carried out in Parepare city at coordinates 3°59'30.204" S; 119°38'42.936" E using four AM doses as independent variables, namely 0 g, 5 g, 10 g, and 15 g pot-1. The variables observed (dependent variables) were the level of colonization, nutrient concentration in the tissue, and photosynthetic pigment content. Using Microsoft Excel software, statistical tests, regression, and correlation analyses were conducted to see the relationship between treatment (independent variable) and observed parameters (dependent variable). The research showed that AM dosage was positively correlated with the level of root colonization, the concentration of N, P, and K elements in the tissue, and the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids). A dose AM of 15 g pot-1 gave a better effect on Cavendish banana suckers, which can be recommended for the development of Cavendish banana seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Algae such as diatoms and haptophytes have distinct photosynthetic pigments from plants, including a novel set of carotenoids. This includes a primary xanthophyll cycle comprised of diadinoxanthin and its de‐epoxidation product diatoxanthin that enables the switch between light harvesting and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ)‐mediated dissipation of light energy. The enzyme responsible for the reversal of this cycle was previously unknown. Here, we identified zeaxanthin epoxidase 3 (ZEP3) from Phaeodactylum tricornutum as the candidate diatoxanthin epoxidase. Knocking out the ZEP3 gene caused a loss of rapidly reversible NPQ following saturating light exposure. This correlated with the maintenance of high concentrations of diatoxanthin during recovery in low light. Xanthophyll cycling and NPQ relaxation were restored via complementation of the wild‐type ZEP3 gene. The zep3 knockout strains showed reduced photosynthetic rates at higher light fluxes and reduced specific growth rate in variable light regimes, likely due to the mutant strains becoming locked in a light energy dissipation state. We were able to toggle the level of NPQ capacity in a time and dose dependent manner by placing the ZEP3 gene under the control of a β‐estradiol inducible promoter. Identification of this gene provides a deeper understanding of the diversification of photosynthetic control in algae compared to plants and suggests a potential target to improve the productivity of industrial‐scale cultures. Significance Statement: This work reveals the identify of the enzyme responsible for the deactivation of the xanthophyll cycle and photoprotection in diatoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) has been extensively studied for its ability to decrease sodium (NaCl) toxicity in various plant species. Nonetheless, the processes that drive these responses are still not well understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of silicon (Si) on the modification of hydrogen peroxide concentration [H2O2], photosynthetic pigment content, nutrient accumulation, and the production of root and shoot dry biomass in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants hydroponically grown with NaCl (0 and 100 mM) in combination with Si (0 and 2.0 mM). Salt stress induced a significant decrease in plant growth due to high [H2O2] and a decrease in photosynthetic pigment content and nutritional status, denoting that there is oxidative and ionic stress. Nevertheless, Si addition to the growth medium consistently decreased the [H2O2] in sunflower and photosynthetic pigment content, and macro- and micronutrient accumulation, which was associated with an increase in root and shoot dry matter production. These findings indicate that adding Si to the growth medium is crucial for enhancing plant resistance to salt-induced ionic and osmotic stress, making it a promising strategy for improving crop growth and management under salinity conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

General education plays a vital role in enhancing students' holistic knowledge framework and cultivating their ability to integrate science with culture. It also serves as a platform for promoting traditional cultural knowledge, inspiring students to strengthen their national cultural confidence. This paper takes the discussion on ancient Chinese textile dyeing techniques with plant pigments from the author's general education course "Chemistry in Liberal Arts" as an example. It explores the practical wisdom accumulated by ancient Chinese laborers in botanical dyeing and the underlying chemical principles. The paper delves into how to integrate cultural heritage into scientific knowledge within general education, aiming to cultivate students' scientific and humanistic literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild Iris plants are usually found in spontaneous flora, but due to their ornamental characteristics, they can also be used for ornamental purposes, which means that it is very important to find the perfect conditions for plant growth. This research aimed to evaluate the ornamental value and adaptive behavior of wild Iris aphylla L. in "ex situ" conditions. Plants from wild flora were cultivated experimentally in the Floriculture field at the Faculty of Horticulture, IULS, Iași, Romania. The biometric determinations revealed the significantly higher ornamental value of conserved plants grown in "ex situ" conditions compared to wild plants. In "ex situ" conditions, the plants displayed more vigorous growth (~100%) and had a higher number of flowers per stem (5–9 flowers), whereas, in wild conditions, this species has from two to a maximum of five flowers. Given the absence of anatomical studies in the literature, detailed anatomical investigations of the leaf structure were performed, complemented by analyses of the photosynthetic pigment content to assess the plant's physiological performance. Additionally, the molecular phylogenetic analyses conducted using two plastid markers (rbcL and trnL-F) confirmed the taxonomic classification of the native I. aphylla L. species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular phylogeny of the wild Iridaceae species in Romania. These findings provide insights into the taxonomy, morphology, cultivation potential, and ornamental value of the species, supporting future conservation and horticulture development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, Basella alba L., yields high quantities of gomphrenin pigments in its dark-violet fruits which can be converted to their decarboxylated derivatives while still possessing coloring properties. These pigments are much less investigated in terms of the health-promoting properties than their source counterparts. Hence, decarboxylated derivatives with potential health-promoting properties were generated by controlled thermal modifications of gomphrenin structure. Bioactivity experiments were performed on gomphrenin acylated (malabarin and globosin) and decarboxylated derivatives (17-decarboxy-gomphrenin, 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin, and 2,17-bidecarboxy-gomphrenin) derived from the fruit extracts using preparative HPLC. High-resolution mass spectrometric analyses of decarboxylated gomphrenins brought deep fragmentation patterns in the positive ionization mode. The combination of elimination pathways specific to 17-decarboxygomphrenin and 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin contributed to the generation of pyridinium, dihydroindolic, as well as indolic and dehydrated indolic derivative ions characteristic of the fragmentation spectra of 2,17-bidecarboxy-gomphrenin.First studies on two Duke’s type C colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were performed on the isolated pigments. HT-29 cell line was obtained from a primary (“ in situ ”) colon tumor, SW620 cancer cells was derived from a metastatic site, whereas non-cancerous CHO-K1 cell line served for comparative purposes. Gomphrenin, 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin and malabarin revealed the highest cytotoxic properties towards cancer cells, affecting cell proliferation and aggravating cancer cell survival due to programmed cell death. The obtained results show specific, beneficial health properties of decarboxylated and acylated gomphrenins.

Abstract Nanoparticles impose multidimensional effects on living cells that significantly vary among different studies. Machine learning (ML) methods are recommended to elucidate more consistence and predictable relations among the affected parameters. In this study, nine ML algorithms [Support-Vector Regression (SVR), Linear, Bagging, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Gaussian Process, Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Kernel Ridge, and Random Forest] were applied to evaluate their efficiency in predicting the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs: 0.5, 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) and microparticles (ZnO MPs: 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) on Carum copticum. The plant root/shoot biomass; number of leaves, branches, umbellates, and flowers; protein content; reducing sugars; phenolic compounds; chlorophylls (a, b, Total); carotenoids; anthocyanins; H2O2; proline; malondialdehyde (MDA); tissue zinc content; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and media ΔpH were measured and considered input variables. All levels of ZnO MPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control (ZnSO4). The highest shoot/root fresh and dry mass were recorded at 5 µM ZnO MPs compared with the control. The root fresh/dry mass under ZnO NPs treatments was more sensitive than shoot parameters. The number of flowers increased by 134 and 79% in MPs and NPs treatments compared to the control, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced protein content by up to 81% in 125 µM NPs compared to ZnSO4. Reducing sugar content increased to 25, 40 and 36% in 5, 25, 125 µM MPs and 67, 68, 26, 26 and 21% in 0.5, 1, 5, 25 and 125 µM NPs treatments, respectively. The pH alteration was more significant under NPs and affected zinc uptake. All levels of ZnO NPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control. All ML algorithms showed varied efficiencies in predicting the nonlinear relationships among parameters, with higher efficiency in predicting the behavior of root and shoot dry mass, root fresh weight and number of flowers according to R2 index. The model obtained from SVR with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel was selected as a comprehensive model for predicting and determining the efficacy of the results.

Summary Plant pigments are diverse natural molecules involved in numerous biological functions such as development, growth, and metabolism. As plants age, not only new organs will be formed, but also, they will acquire the necessary pigments in response to the environment and endogenous programming in order to achieve reproductive success. Among the endogenous cues, the small RNAs (sRNAs), an endogenous group of ubiquitous regulatory molecules, may regulate the pigments‐associated biosynthetic pathways at posttranscriptional level. Although plant pigments and sRNAs have been comprehensively studied in several processes throughout the entire plant cycle in model and nonmodel species, connections among these central players must be revised. Studying these complex networks allow us not only to know the progress that has been made in this area, but also generate research questions to be explored in order to unravel novel mechanisms for improving plant yield; therefore, in this review we have summarized the emerging roles of sRNAs‐regulated nodes in mediating plant pigmentation‐associated biosynthetic pathways, focused on chlorophylls, flavonoids, carotenoids, and betalains. In addition, we discuss perspectives related to the manipulation of those genes associated with plant pigments for obtaining genetically improved plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are the main plant pigments responsible for the color of flowers, fruits, and vegetative organs of many plants, and are applied also as safe food colorants. They are efficient antioxidants. In this review, the reactivity of anthocyanins and their aglycones, anthocyanidins, in the main antioxidant assays, and their reactions with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, effects of interactions with other compounds and metal ions on the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and the electrochemical properties of anthocyanins are presented. Numerous cases of attenuation of oxidative stress at the cellular and organismal levels by anthocyanins are cited. The direct and indirect antioxidant action of anthocyanins, the question of the specificity of anthocyanin action in complex extracts, as well as limitations of cellular in vitro assays and biomarkers used for the detection of antioxidant effects of anthocyanins, are critically discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light intensity and wind are critical environmental factors of abiotic stress on plants, triggering a considerable number of morphological and physiological responses. This study tested the hypothesis that different light and wind conditions (full sunlight ± wind, shade ± wind) would affect the leaf content of photosynthetic pigments and anthocyanins, as well as the plant height, the fresh and dry weight of the aboveground part, and Water-Use Efficiency on Ocimum basilicum plants. About 16 days after the application of the different conditions, all leaf pigments of the shaded plants exhibited increased contents compared to the lightened ones. Subsequently, this response was enhanced until the 39th day, which was the final day of the experiment. Furthermore, shaded plants grew taller, although their fresh and dry weight and Water-Use Efficiency were lower than that of the corresponding lightened ones. On the other hand, wind did not have any effect on pigment content. Concerning the plant growth indexes, reduced values were observed on the wind-treated plants. The above results demonstrate a considerable effect of light intensity while the applied wind seems to be mild enough to induce important plant responses, partially confirming the hypothesis studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most profitable crops among the legumes grown worldwide. The occurrence of rust epidemics, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, has greatly contributed to yield losses and an abusive use of fungicides. Within this context, this study investigated the potential of using a phosphite of nickel (Ni) and potassium (K) [referred to as induced resistance (IR) stimulus] to induce soybean resistance against infection by P. pachyrhizi. Plants were sprayed with water (control) or with IR stimulus and non-inoculated or inoculated with P. pachyrhizi. The germination of urediniospores was greatly reduced in vitro by 99% using IR stimulus rates ranging from 2 to 15 mL/L. Rust severity was significantly reduced from 68 to 78% from 7 to 15 days after inoculation (dai). The area under the disease progress curve significantly decreased by 74% for IR stimulus-sprayed plants compared to water-sprayed plants. For inoculated plants, foliar concentrations of K and Ni were significantly higher for IR stimulus treatment than for the control treatment. Infected and IR stimulus-sprayed plants had their photosynthetic apparatus (a great pool of photosynthetic pigments, and lower values for some chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters) preserved, associated with less cellular damage (lower concentrations of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and anion superoxide) and a greater production of phenolics and lignin than plants from the control treatment. In response to infection by P. pachyrhizi, defense-related genes (PAL2.1, PAL3.1, CHIB1, LOX7, PR-1A, PR10, ICS1, ICS2, JAR, ETR1, ACS, ACO, and OPR3) were up-regulated from 7 to 15 dai for IR stimulus-sprayed plants in contrast to plants from the control treatment. Collectively, these findings provide a global picture of the enhanced capacity of IR stimulus-sprayed plants to efficiently cope with fungal infection at both biochemical and physiological levels. The direct effect of this IR stimulus against urediniospores' germination over the leaf surface needs to be considered with the aim of reducing rust severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding a way to establish a sustainable cultivation system to produce celery as an important source of human being nutrition system due to its health and nutritional advantages is increasing by the day. Amino acids have a deep impact on plant metabolism; they improve mineral uptake and increase shoots and root growth, yield, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and photosynthesis rate as well as encouraging stimulation of several enzymes and coenzymes which lead to improved plant development and production besides quality. A two-year (2021/2022–2022/2023), trial was conducted to discuss two essential amino acids Glycine (GLY) and Tryptophan (TRP) effect on celery's growth, production, photosynthetic pigments, vitamin (C), total phenols, total flavonoids, total antioxidant activity, total indoles, nutritional status, and amino acids contents. During the winter season, three levels of each amino acid (0, 50, and 75 mg/l) were sprayed in two doses after 30 days of cultivation and 15 days from the first foliar. Results showed that the best performance of amino acids on plants vegetative growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, biochemical constituents, yield, and amino acids content was conducted by using (GLY + TRP) mix followed by TRP then GLY, while the best level of foliar applied amino acids was 75 mg/l in concentration. The best results on celery's vegetative growth, yield, chemical content, and amino acid content were recorded by using the (GLY + TRP) mix at the highest level of 75 mg/l in concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of red-emitting phosphors, Na3.6Y1.8−x(PO4)3:xEu3+, have been synthesized by a high-temperature solid-phase method. The impact of the partial Li+/K+ ion substitution on the crystal structure and photoluminescence (PL) performance of Na3.6Y1.05(PO4)3:0.75Eu3+ phosphor have been investigated. Various techniques have been used for characterization of the as-obtained materials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was utilized to confirm the composites of these samples, and the morphology and element distribution were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). This study found that the developed Na3.6Y1.8−x(PO4)3:xEu3+ phosphors exhibited a prominent emission peak at ~620 nm when excited at 393 nm, which corresponded to 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of Eu3+ ions. Furthermore, the robust emission peak at ~705 nm (5D0 → 7F4) of these phosphors enables a better match with plant pigment absorption. Beyond that, the partial substitution of Li+/K+ ions probably changed the crystal structure, and reduces the symmetry around Eu3+, leading to significantly enhanced luminous intensities by 23.24% and 18.29%, with the highest quantum yields (QYs) reaching 99.85% and 96.29%, respectively. Additionally, the prepared phosphors show non-thermal quenching and superior thermal stability at elevated temperatures from 298 to 473 K. These findings and results suggest that Li⁺/K⁺-substituted Na3.6Y1.05(PO₄)₃:0.75Eu3⁺ phosphors can serve as promising red-emitting phosphors for plant lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are one of the most widely planted vegetables all over the world since it has several health advantages and add a delicious flavor to a range of recipes. Drought stress is accounted as the most abiotic environmental condition that can negatively impact the quality and production of many crops. In this context, a factorial randomized design study was conducted in open field pots to determine how irrigation deficit affects the plant's agronomic and physiological characteristics. Capsicum spp. was subjected to three drought stress conditions (once every day, once every two days, and once every three days representing light or low, moderate, and severe drought stress). At the same time, biostimulants Alga600, moringa leaf extract (MLE), and homemade fertilizer (H-made) were foliar sprayed to determine whether they might minimize abiotic stress or increase plant susceptibility to drought. The results demonstrate that severe drought stress resulted in a considerable drop in fruit quality and production, followed by moderate and light drought. Whereas, minimum chlorophyll and carotenoids are influenced by deficient irrigation. On the other hand, biostimulants could mitigate the detrimental impact of drought stress on yield, chlorophyll concentration, and other physical characteristics such as leaf area. Among the biostimulants, Alga600 had the greatest impact on increasing chili pepper stress tolerance, followed by 6% MLE and H-made biostimulants when compared to their controls (plants treated with deionized water only). However, the combination of biostimulants with drought stress was more obvious in drought roses. The interaction was less influenced by the drought, which intensified the physical and economic aspects. While some biostimulants, such as MLE and Alga600, may have a greater impact on plant production and pigment content as drought stress increases. The correlation coefficient also indicates that the measured parameters had both positive and negative correlations to each other. Physical parameters like leaf area, number of fruits, fruit diameter, and length have a significant positive correlation to the total yield while chlorophyll content can have a positive and negative correlation to the physical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of Ce3+‐activated Sr4La6(SiO4)6Cl2 (SLSOC) cyan‐emitting phosphors are designed to satisfy the demands of plant growth and full‐spectrum white‐light diode (white‐LED). Herein, to modify the luminescence behaviors of phosphors, Ce3+ is designed to occupy the different sites in SLSOC host lattices. Excited at 353 nm, the resultant phosphors emit glaring cyan emission originating from Ce3+ with an asymmetric emission band, which is assigned to the two‐site occupation of Ce3+ at Sr2+ or La3+ crystallographic sites. Moreover, the quantum efficiency and thermal quenching performances of synthesized phosphors are also analyzed, which are all dependent on the crystallographic sites taken by Ce3+. Via using the designed phosphors, two cyan‐emitting LEDs are packaged and their emissions are highly overlapped with the absorption spectra of plant pigments, which allow their feasibilities in plant growth. Furthermore, the artificial plant growth experiments are performed to clarify the significant positive influence of the packaged cyan‐emitting LEDs on plant growth. Additionally, via using the prepared cyan‐emitting phosphors to compensate the cyan gap, the full‐spectrum white‐LEDs with high electroluminescence performances are designed. These achievements reveal that the Ce3+‐activated SLSOC phosphors with controllable luminescence properties are promising cyan‐emitting converters for artificial plant growth LED and full‐spectrum white‐LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a non-essential and toxic metal for plants. Current study was planned to assess Pb-induced toxicity with and without NaCl in a halophyte Arthrocaulon macrostachyum. Three month old seedlings (after germination) were grown in pots containing quartz sand and sub-irrigated with 300 mM NaCl and different Pb(NO 3) 2 concentrations (0, 0.75, 3, 6 and 12 mM) in plastic trays where 0 mM NaCl and Pb(NO 3) 2 were taken as control for monitoring growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Plant growth (height and biomass) was optimized in 300 mM NaCl while progressive increases in fresh weights up to 3 mM Pb(NO 3) 2 may be related to better shoot turgor, succulence and more plant pigments. Growth was substantially reduced in 6 and 12 mM Pb(NO 3) 2 both with and without NaCl. Plant shoots accumulated higher levels of Pb and Na+ of up to 3 mM Pb;while root Pb increased in > 6 mM Pb(NO 3) 2 treatments. Decreased pigments, potential quantum yield (F v /F m) and yield of photosystem II (ɸ PSII) enhanced the accumulation of H 2 O 2 , electrolyte leakage and consequently reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 12 mM Pb(NO 3) 2. The scavenging of ROS was manifested with the increased in vitro activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of up to 6 mM Pb(NO 3) 2 ; whereas higher Guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) may be related to cell wall hardening and poor growth. The increases in SOD, marginal changes in catalase (CAT) and unchanged APX of up to 6 mM Pb(NO 3) 2 demonstrated the activation of stress-responsive metabolism in Arthrocaulon machrostachyum ; and Pb accumulation of up to 200 mg kg-1 making this species a useful candidate for Pb phytoremediation. [Display omitted] • Arthrocaulon macrostachyum plants were able to tolerate up to 6 mM while 12 mM Pb (NO 3) 2 concentration was highly inhibitory to growth. • Arthrocaulon macrostachyum plants accumulated up to 200 mg kg−1 Pb under saline conditions. • The dual stress tolerance to Pb and salts in Arthrocaulon macrostachyum was associated with optimised regulation of water balances, ion fluxes and antioxidant feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing nanofertilizers in cultivation to enhance food security is important and gaining great significance, as they have good properties to improve plant production, phytochemicals, and nutrient efficiency and thereby meet the demands of the increasing world population for food. This work demonstrated the impact of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (Ca-NPs) and Ca bulk at three concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg L−1) on growth, productivity, photosynthetic pigments, phytochemical content, antioxidant activity enzymes, minerals, toxicity, and genomic DNA of lettuce plants. In this regard, Ca-NPs at a concentration of 200 mg L−1 reinforced the vegetative growth characteristics of lettuce plants, increasing head length by 15.7 and 19.2%, head diameter by 20.3 and 19.9%, head fresh weight by 54.4 and 52.9%, and production per hectare by 54.7 and 52.8% as compared to the control during the two growing seasons. Furthermore, the percentages of total chlorophyll (62.6 and 59.5%), carotenoids (48.4 and 56.5%), total phenolics (63.6 and 65.7%), total indoles (39.4 and 36.4%), vitamin C (39.7 and 39.6%), antioxidant activity (57.8 and 53.7%), nitrogen (70.5 and 67.5%), phosphorus (120 and 110.5%), potassium (33.0 and 33.2%), and calcium (67.14 and 63.2%) were also increased compared with the control during two consecutive growing seasons. Additionally, Ca-NPs and Ca bulk had an impact on the plants' genomic DNA compared to the control. In addition, lettuce plants treated with Ca-NPs were proven to be nontoxic and safe for humans by using the Microtox 500 analyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Eu3+/Mn4+ doped La 2 MgSnO 6 double-perovskite phosphors were successfully synthesized by solid-state method. The crystal structure, optical properties, and temperature sensitivity of the phosphors were investigated systematically. Under excitation at 310 and 394 nm, the La 2 MgSnO 6 : Eu3+, Mn4+ phosphor exhibits intense red emission of Mn4+ (2E g →4A 2g) and orange-red emission of Eu3+ (5D 0 →7F 2). Within the temperature range of 298–473 K, Eu3+ exhibits excellent thermal stability, whereas the Mn4+ shows significant thermal quenching behavior. A luminescence thermometer for dual-wavelength operation with high sensitivity was designed based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) method. The value of maximum relative sensitivity (S r) was calculated as 1.58 % K−1 at 423 K. Particularly, the wavelength-dependent of La 2 MgSnO 6 : Eu3+, Mn4+ phosphor was investigated over a range of 270–340 nm, revealing promising potential with a remarkably high maximum wavelength sensitivity of 18.2 % nm−1 at 300 nm. Subsequently, a prototype LED device was fabricated by integrating the La 2 MgSnO 6 : Eu3+, Mn4+ phosphors and a near-UV LED chip, demonstrating significant spectral overlap with the absorption curves of plant pigments. These results suggest that the La 2 MgSnO 6 : Eu3+, Mn4+ multifunctional phosphor has promising applications in optical thermometry, wavelength detection, and promoting plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tardigrades are captivating organisms known for their resilience in extreme environments, including ultra-high-dose radiation, but the underlying mechanisms of this resilience remain largely unknown. Using genome, transcriptome, and proteome analysis of Hypsibius henanensis sp. nov., we explored the molecular basis contributing to radiotolerance in this organism. A putatively horizontally transferred gene, DOPA dioxygenase 1 (DODA1), responds to radiation and confers radiotolerance by synthesizing betalains--a type of plant pigment with free radical-scavenging properties. A tardigrade-specific radiation-induced disordered protein, TRID1, facilitates DNA damage repair through a mechanism involving phase separation. Two mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assembly proteins, BCS1 and NDUFB8, accumulate to accelerate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) regeneration for poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) and subsequent poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated DNA damage repair. These three observations expand our understanding of mechanisms of tardigrade radiotolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., an endemic and endangered medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran, showcases distinct botanical characteristics and therapeutic promise. According to the IUCN grouping criteria, this plant is facing challenges due to overcollection from its natural habitats. To address this issue, there is an increasing inclination towards cultivating this species within agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of applying Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg L-1), as well as bulk Fe2O3 at the same concentrations, on the growth, essential oil production, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of D. kotschyi. The foliar application of 100 and/or 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the greatest leaf length and dry weight, while Fe2O3 NPs at the level of 100 mg L-1 led to the highest leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, spraying 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs and all concentrations of bulk Fe2O3 positively impacted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Both nano and bulk Fe2O3 supplements stimulated H2O2 production and subsequently enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity. The use of 50 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the highest flavonoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the highest essential oil content and yield was achieved by the application of 50 and/or 100mg L-1 Fe2O3 NPs. The addition of low concentration of Fe2O3 NPs (50 mg L-1) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of geranial, while a higher supply of Fe2O3 NPs (200 mg L-1) significantly decreased the percentage of neral in the essential oil. Overall, the application of Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated significant potential for increased biomass, enhanced yield, essential oil production, and phytochemical attributes. The findings highlight the versatility of Fe2O3 NPs at optimal concentrations, acting as both a nano-fertilizer and a nano-inducer, promoting the production and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf pigment content can reflect the nutrient content of the cultivation medium indirectly. To rapidly and accurately predict the pigment content of tomato leaves, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll and carotenoid were extracted from the leaves of tomato seedlings cultured at different nitrogen concentrations. The visible/near-infrared hyperspectral imaging non-destructive measurement technology, 430-900 nm and 950-1650 nm, with total variables of 794, was used to obtain the reflection spectra of leaves. An improved strategy of the sparrow search algorithm (SSA) based on logistic chaotic mapping was proposed, and it optimized the back propagation neural network to predict the pigment content of leaves. Different pretreatment methods were used to effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the model. The results showed that when the nitrogen concentration in the nutrient solution was 302.84 mg·L-1, the pigment content of the leaves reached its maximum. Meanwhile, the inhibition effect of high concentrations was much stronger than that of low concentrations. To address the problem that the SSA is prone to premature convergence due to the reduction of population diversity at the end of the iteration, the initialization of the SSA population by logistic chaotic mapping improves the initial solution quality, convergence speed, and search capacity. The root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and relative percent deviation (RPD) of chlorophyll a were 0.77, 0.77, and 2.08, respectively. The RMSE, R2 and RPD of chlorophyll b were 0.30, 0.66, and 1.71, respectively. The RMSE, R2 and RPD of chlorophyll were 0.88, 0.81, and 2.28, respectively. The RMSE, R2 and RPD of carotenoid were 0.14, 0.75, and 2.00, respectively. Hyperspectral imaging technology combined with machine learning algorithms can achieve rapid and accurate prediction of crop physiological information, providing data support for the precise management of fertilization in facility agriculture, which is conducive to improving the quality and output of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles impose multidimensional effects on living cells that significantly vary among different studies. Machine learning (ML) methods are recommended to elucidate more consistence and predictable relations among the affected parameters. In this study, nine ML algorithms [Support-Vector Regression (SVR), Linear, Bagging, Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Gaussian Process, Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC), Partial Least Squares (PLS), Kernel Ridge, and Random Forest] were applied to evaluate their efficiency in predicting the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs: 0.5, 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) and microparticles (ZnO MPs: 1, 5, 25, and 125 µM) on Carum copticum. The plant root/shoot biomass; number of leaves, branches, umbellates, and flowers; protein content; reducing sugars; phenolic compounds; chlorophylls (a, b, Total); carotenoids; anthocyanins; H2O2; proline; malondialdehyde (MDA); tissue zinc content; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; and media ΔpH were measured and considered input variables. All levels of ZnO MPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control (ZnSO4). The highest shoot/root fresh and dry mass were recorded at 5 µM ZnO MPs compared with the control. The root fresh/dry mass under ZnO NPs treatments was more sensitive than shoot parameters. The number of flowers increased by 134 and 79% in MPs and NPs treatments compared to the control, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced protein content by up to 81% in 125 µM NPs compared to ZnSO4. Reducing sugar content increased to 25, 40 and 36% in 5, 25, 125 µM MPs and 67, 68, 26, 26 and 21% in 0.5, 1, 5, 25 and 125 µM NPs treatments, respectively. The pH alteration was more significant under NPs and affected zinc uptake. All levels of ZnO NPs treatments increased growth parameters compared to the control. All ML algorithms showed varied efficiencies in predicting the nonlinear relationships among parameters, with higher efficiency in predicting the behavior of root and shoot dry mass, root fresh weight and number of flowers according to R2 index. The model obtained from SVR with the radial basis function (RBF) kernel was selected as a comprehensive model for predicting and determining the efficacy of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is moderately sensitive to salinity. Seed priming and exogenous supplementation are technique that enhances germination, growth, and crop yield by overcoming salt stress. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the role of seed priming and copper (Cu) supplementation in modulating salt tolerance in eggplant. When exposed to salt stress, eggplant seedlings showed significantly higher Na+ content, an increased Na/K ratio, prolonged mean germination time, higher relative water loss, more days to flower bud initiation and first flowering, along with decreased germination rate, growth factors, water content, photosynthetic pigments, ionic contents (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), and yield. The results demonstrated that the germination rate, final germination percentage, germination index, germination energy, and seed vigor index significantly improved, while the mean germination time decreased in Cu-primed seeds. The results also revealed that Cu supplementations increased seedling traits, leaf water content, photosynthetic pigment contents, ionic contents (K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), and yield while decreasing the contents of Na+, and Na/K ratio, mean germination time, relative water loss, days to flower bud initiation, and days to 1st flowering under salt stress. Germination of seeds, seedlings growth traits, plant water status, plant pigments, yield, and ionic contents with the NaCl and Cu treatments were found to substantially interact with each other according to both hierarchical clustering and PCA. Overall, Cu seed priming and exogenous supplementation emerged as a promising strategy to enhance salt tolerance and promote germination, growth, and yield by regulating water status, photosynthetic pigments, and ion homeostasis in eggplant seedlings under NaCl stress. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of Cu-mediated stress alleviation in eggplant, with implications for sustainable crop production in saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β‐Al2O3 phosphors show good optical properties for highly symmetric lattices and dense frameworks. Here, an abnormal lattice shrinkage phenomenon is found in BaMg1‐xZnxAl9.8O17: Cr3+ (BM1‐xZxA: Cr3+) phosphors, which can be attributed to the variation in the covalency of the chemical bond. Accordingly, the denser crystal structure caused by the abnormal shrinkage improves the luminescent intensity (67%↑) and the thermal stability (69%→76%@150 °C). Internal/external quantum efficiency (IQE/EQE) of BZA: 0.2Cr3+ reaches 95% and 52.7%, respectively. In addition, the preferential occupation of the Cr3+ ion is discussed through the crystal field strength calculation, low‐temperature spectra, and fluorescent lifetime. The unique spectrum of the phosphor derives from the occupation of Cr3+ on the octahedral sites (Al4 and Al1) and the formation of Cr3+‐Cr3+ coupling pairs. Finally, the high matching rate between the absorption curve of plant pigment Pfr and the EL spectrum of the as‐prepared pc‐LED expresses that it can be applied in plant lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Vermicompost increases the ability to absorb water and has a great effect on improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. The present study investigates the effects of salinity stress and vermicompost on Euphorbia tirucalli L. in pot culture conditions. Materials and Methods: Plants were cultivated under three salinity treatments of 4, 8 and 12 dsm-1 alone and with the use of vermicompost at the levels of 10, 20 and 30% of the soil were tested factorially in the form of a completely randomized design. Growth parameters including length, dry and fresh weight (whole plant, root and shoot) and content of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and proline were measured in the plant. Results: According to the obtained results, the increase in salinity levels had a negative effect on the growth parameters, while the combined use of vermicompost fertilizer increased the length and dry weight of aerial parts at all salinity levels. Regarding the root dry weight, an upward trend was observed at the highest salinity level (12 dsm-1) at all vermicompost the use of levels. According to the results of this research, the use of salinity stress reduced chlorophyll pigments, but the use of vermicompost fertilizer at the highest level (30 percent vermicompost) reduced the negative effects of salinity on them and increased their amount despite the high concentration of salt. In the case of carotenoid pigments, severe salinity (12 dsm-1) decreased their amount, but the use of vermicompost at this level of stress increased it. Also, the results of this research showed that the amount of anthocyanin pigments in medium and severe salinity (8 and 12 dsm-1), increasing the level of vermicompost decreased the amount of this compound in the aerial parts of the plant. The amount of proline and soluble sugars of shoots and roots also went up under the influence of different salinity levels. In the case of soluble sugars, the use of vermicompost at low levels of salinity caused an increase, and at higher levels of salinity, the use of 30% vermicompost treatment decreased these compounds. In the case of proline, the use of fertilizer in high amounts led to the reduction of this compound at higher levels of salt. Conclusion: In general, the results of this research showed that the use of vermicompost, especially at higher levels, could reduce the negative effects of high salt concentrations on Euphorbia tirucalli L. and improve the plant's morphophysiological responses to salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect plant growth. To mediate and boost plant tolerance against this abiotic stress, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis is commonly thought to be an effective tool. So, the main purpose of this study was to estimate the role of AMF (applied as a consortium of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus fasciculatum, and R. intraradices species) symbiosis in mitigating deleterious salt stress effects on the growth parameters (shoot length (SL), root length (RL), shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), root surface area (RSA), total root length (TRL), root volume (RV), root diameter (RD), number of nodes and leaves) of Cenchrus ciliaris L. plants through improved accumulations of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll), proline and phenolic compounds. The results of this experiment revealed that the roots of C. ciliaris plants were colonized by AMF under all the applied salinity levels (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 mM NaCl). However, the rate of colonization was negatively affected by increasing salinity as depicted by the varied colonization structures (mycelium, vesicles, arbuscules and spores) which were highest under non-saline conditions. This association of AMF induced an increase in the growth parameters of the plant which were reduced by salinity stress. The improved shoot/root indices are likely due to enhanced photosynthetic activities as the AMF-treated plants showed increased accumulation of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll), under saline as well as non-saline conditions, compared to non-AMF (N-AMF) plants. Furthermore, the AMF-treated plants also exhibited enhanced accumulation of proline and phenolic compounds. These accumulated metabolites act as protective measures under salinity stress, hence explaining the improved photosynthetic and growth parameters of the plants. These results suggest that AMF could be a good tool for the restoration of salt-affected habitats. However, more research is needed to check the true efficacy of different AMF inoculants under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum graminicola, can greatly reduce yield in maize and alternatives for its management are needed. The hypothesis that maize plants with higher foliar silicon (Si) concentration will increase their resistance against anthracnose was investigated. Methods: Plants were grown in substrate non-supplied or supplied with Si (-Si and + Si plants, respectively) and used to evaluate: (i) the photosynthetic apparatus (leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters and photosynthetic pigments concentration), (ii) the activities of defense and antioxidant enzymes and (iii) concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Results: The + Si plants showed reduced anthracnose symptoms, lower severity and less production of MDA and H2O2 due to higher foliar Si concentration compared to -Si plants. The + Si infected plants showed less impairment in photosynthesis (increased values for rate of net CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance to water vapor, transpiration rate, variable-to-maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence ratio, photochemical yield and yield for dissipation by down-regulation) and showed higher concentrations of chlorophyll a + b and carotenoids compared to -Si infected plants. Activities of defense (chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenoloxidase and lipoxygenase) and antioxidative (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) enzymes were higher for infected + Si plants compared to infected -Si plants. Conclusion: Maize supplied with Si had their resistance boosted due to a more operative defense response, a robust antioxidative metabolism and a better photosynthetic performance. Using Si to reduce anthracnose epidemic rate and yield losses should be encouraged to promote a more sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】The study aims to elucidate the change patterns of related genes during the color transition of Cymbidium sinense ‘Red Sun’, in order to provide guidance for the improvement of C. sinense leaf color.【Method】The Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform was used to sequence the red, yellow and green leaves of C. sinense ‘Red Sun’, analyze the enrichment pathway of differentially expressed genes, and conduct a joint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data. Key differential genes were also verified by fluorescent quantitative PCR.【Result】The results showed that a total of 861 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened during the transition from red to yellow leaves, with 204 up-regulated genes and 657 downregulated genes; during the transition from yellow to green leaves, a total of 815 DGEs were screened, with 492 up-regulated genes and 323 down-regulated genes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that genes related to pigment synthesis and metabolism were significantly enriched during the color transition process of C. sinense ‘Red Sun’. During the leaf color transition, the expression levels of transcription factor families such as MYB, NAC, WRKY, and bHLH showed significant differences. Joint analysis with metabolome data indicated that flavonoids, isoflavonoids, flavones, and flavonols, as well as differential genes and metabolites in the metabolites synthesis pathways, were significantly enriched during the color transition process of C. sinense ‘Red Sun’. A total of 26 differentially expressed genes in the flavonoid metabolic pathway were identified, which all showed significant down-regulation during the transition from red to yellow leaves. Additionally, the contents of five differential metabolites were significantly decreased during this transition. During the transition from yellow to green leaves, 17 genes and two metabolites (neohesperidin and naringin chalcone) showed significant differences.【Conclusion】The reduction in the content of anthocyanin synthesis precursors and the expression levels of related synthetic enzyme genes leads to the gradual disappearance of the red color in leaves of C. sinense ‘Red Sun’, and the high expression of photosynthetic pigment synthesis-related genes is the main reason for the leaves of C. sinense ‘Red Sun’ changing from yellow to green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, Basella alba L., yields high quantities of gomphrenin pigments in its dark-violet fruits which can be converted to their decarboxylated derivatives while still possessing coloring properties. These pigments are much less investigated in terms of the health-promoting properties than their source counterparts. Hence, decarboxylated derivatives with potential health-promoting properties were generated by controlled thermal modifications of gomphrenin structure. Bioactivity experiments were performed on gomphrenin acylated (malabarin and globosin) and decarboxylated derivatives (17-decarboxy-gomphrenin, 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin, and 2,17-bidecarboxy-gomphrenin) derived from the fruit extracts using preparative HPLC. High-resolution mass spectrometric analyses of decarboxylated gomphrenins brought deep fragmentation patterns in the positive ionization mode. The combination of elimination pathways specific to 17-decarboxygomphrenin and 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin contributed to the generation of pyridinium, dihydroindolic, as well as indolic and dehydrated indolic derivative ions characteristic of the fragmentation spectra of 2,17-bidecarboxy-gomphrenin. First studies on two Duke's type C colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines were performed on the isolated pigments. HT-29 cell line was obtained from a primary ("in situ") colon tumor, SW620 cancer cells was derived from a metastatic site, whereas non-cancerous CHO-K1 cell line served for comparative purposes. Gomphrenin, 2-decarboxy-gomphrenin and malabarin revealed the highest cytotoxic properties towards cancer cells, affecting cell proliferation and aggravating cancer cell survival due to programmed cell death. The obtained results show specific, beneficial health properties of decarboxylated and acylated gomphrenins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to evaluate response of plant pathogenic fungi to the amino acid L-tyrosine through the production of melanin. Methods: Potato dextrose broth (PDB) and PDB with 1% L-tyrosine were used for current evaluation. Melanin was produced, extracted and characterized from pathogenic fungi that infected rice in Iraq. Results: Results indicated that L-tyrosine was used as a source of the precursor by fungi belonging to Bipolaris. spicifera R15, Alternaria. alternata R18. Exserohilum. rostratum R19, Alternaria. alternate R20, and Alternaria. tenuissima R23, also produced higher levels of condensed black pigment. While, fungi like Nigrospora oryzae R9, Curvularia lunata R7, C lunata R21 and A tenuissima R24 were used more than one pathway for melanin production. UV transmittance increased significantly from 600 nm to 300 nm whereas absorbance decreased at 260 and 280 nm for all of the studied fungi. Analysis of FT-IR spectra and related assignment group of resolved that melanin extracted from B. spicifera R15 (3408.22), A. alternate R20 (3392.79), and A. tenuissima R24 (3387). Wavenumbers 2924 cm-1 and 2854 cm-1 were found in E. rostratum R19, A. alternative R20, and A. tenuissima R24 melanin extracts, respectively. Meanwhile, B. spicifera R15 revealed a single peak at 2929 cm-1. 3007.02 cm-1, 3072.6 cm-1, 3074.53 cm-1, 2920.3 cm-1, 2704.2 cm-1, and 1861.31 cm-1 are also assigned wavenumbers. Conclusion: Melanin-like pigments are produced via L-tyrosinedependent and independent pathways. All colors extracted from fungal hyphae were morphologically and chemically identical to melanin. A UV scan and FT-IR analysis revealed differences in the physical appearance of building units and the structure of the melanin pigment produced by plant pathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored whether and how prohexadione calcium (Pro-Ca) regulated wheat tolerance to drought stress (DS). Findings displayed that DS had significant influence on antioxidant metabolism, water balance and the photosynthesis. DS significantly improved the activity level of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the contents of osmotic regulatory substances soluble protein (SP), soluble sugars (SS) and proline (Pro), compared with control. Whereas DS significantly reduced transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (gs) and relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), plant height and biomass. Compared to DS, Pro-Ca plus DS significantly promoted the antioxidant metabolism by improving the activity level of SOD, CAT, POD and APX and increasing AsA and GSH contents, which in turn reduced MDA content and EL. In addition, Pro-Ca plus DS significantly maintained water balance by promoting the accumulation of osmolytes SP, SS and Pro, which in turn increased RWC, Tr and gs. Pro-Ca plus DS also significantly promoted photosynthesis by increasing the contents of the above photosynthetic pigments, Pn and Fv/Fm, thereby promoting plant growth. These findings indicated that Pro-Ca was a potential agent to improve wheat tolerance under water deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Heavy metal toxicity adversely affects plants by changing physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants. Hence this study investigated changes caused by exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA; 20 and 100 µM) and salicylic acid (SA; 2 and 20 mM) elicitors in local Karacadağ rice exposed to Pb stress (0, 100, and 400 ppm). The effects of elicitors on photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoid), proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolic and flavonoid, Pb, and total protein contents in stressed plants were evaluated. All parameters studied increased and decreased at varying rates in the treatment groups compared to the Pb-free group (control), indicating that rice plants were affected by Pb stress. The elicitors (MeJA, SA, and MeJA + SA) were applied by foliar spraying. The elicitor treatments increased photosynthetic pigment content, total protein, proline, total flavonoid, and phenolic contents depending on the elicitor type and concentration. MDA and Pb contents, increasing with Pb toxicity, decreased with elicitor treatments, and the stress degree was reduced. When the elicitors were compared, SA was more effective than MeJA in total flavonoid content at 400 ppm Pb toxicity. However, MeJA was more effective in photosynthetic pigment contents, MDA, total protein, Pb, total phenolic, and proline contents. The best results for all parameters examined in rice plants exposed to Pb toxicity were obtained from the 400 ppm Pb + 2 mM SA + 20 µM MeJA treatment group. In conclusion, this study showed that the combined application of MeJA + SA alleviated the harmful effects of Pb by reducing MDA and increasing photosynthetic pigments, total protein, proline, and secondary metabolites, especially at high Pb concentrations. Consequently, this study demonstrated that the combined use of MeJA and SA in rice plants eliminated the negative effects of stress quite effectively, even at high Pb concentrations. Therefore, future studies should focus on the synergistic application of different elicitors to better understand the effects of heavy metal toxicity on plant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWith the gradual prohibition of antibiotic fungicides, it is of great significance to develop high-efficient, nontoxic and environmental-friendly antimicrobial agents. Anthocyanin is a natural plant polyphenol pigment which shows antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell wall, interfering bacterial respiratory metabolism, and inducing bacterial autolysis. As a typical antibacterial agent, anthocyanins have been widely used in various fields, including biological pesticides or feed additives in agricultural production, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial wound dressings in medicine, etc. However, the structure of anthocyanins is unstable, which limits its practical application. In this article, the biological activity, antibacterial mechanism and stabilization strategy of anthocyanins as antibacterial agents were reviewed. The safety, application scope and methods of anthocyanins were discussed. In addition, the challenges and development prospects of anthocyanin extract antibacterial technology were also prospected. This will be the direction for researchers to further explore and better apply anthocyanins to practical production and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins are vivid pigments found in fruits, flowers, and leaves of plants. They are a subclass of flavonoid polyphenols formed via conjugating anthocyanidin with sugar, and have garnered significant interest in various industries owing to their potential in serving as natural pigments and therapeutic agents. Anthocyanins have medical therapeutic potential due to their pharmacological mechanisms of action, such as scavenging free radicals in organisms, anti-inflammation and prevention of diabetes. However, the broad application of anthocyanins remains limited due to their poor stability and low bioaccessibility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and research advancements on anthocyanins, including 1) the various species, molecular structure, properties, stability and biosynthesis, 2) the extraction, purification and identification methods, and 3) the functions and recent applications of anthocyanins. By providing insights into the latest advances and applications of anthocyanins, this review aims to facilitate their efficient and scientific utilization as natural pigments in food processing and their integration into nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. And this review will contribute valuable guidance for future studies and innovative applications in food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red emission is crucial for fabricating high-quality phosphor-converted light emitting-diode (LED) to satisfy its vivid applications. Herein, Lu 2(1- x) W 3 O 12 :2 x Eu3+ (Lu 2 W 3 O 12 :2 x Eu3+) red-emitting phosphors were developed through sol-gel reaction method. Through adding Eu3+, phase transition, from orthorhombic to monoclinic phase, happened in studied samples. Excited at 394 nm, the resulting phosphors emitted intense red emission and their intensities can be manipulated via phase transition. Specifically, the phase transition can delay concentration quenching in resultant phosphors, of which the optimal state was realized at x = 0.7, resulting in enhanced luminescence properties. Besides, the color purity and thermal stability of prepared phosphors can also be improved by means of phase transition. Based on Judd-Ofelt theory, the local symmetric performances of Eu3+ in synthesized phosphors were analyzed via calculating the corresponding Ω 2 values. Via using the designed phosphors as red-emitting components, different types of LED devices were packaged, i.e. red-emitting LED and white-LED. For red-emitting LEDs, their emission bands matched well with the absorption bands of plant pigments, allowing their applications in plant growth, which had been confirmed by rice growth experiments. Furthermore, the packaged white-LED can emit warm white light with high color rendering index and low correlated color temperature, which were slightly impacted by working current. Our finding revealed that phase transition was an efficient route to delay the concentration quenching effect and regulate the luminescence characterizations of Eu3+-activated phosphors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal stability holds particular significance for phosphors intended for LEDs. Abnormal thermal quenching was successfully reached by strategic point defect engineering by inserting Frenkel defects and nonequivalent substitution defects in novel Sm3+ ions doped Na-rich distorted double perovskite Na 1.5 La 1.5 TeO 6 phosphors. Its integral intensity at 420 K (115.03 %) was far higher than that of room temperature. Besides, the phosphors exhibited a pronounced orange-red emission peak at 644 nm when excited at 404 nm, which was ascribed to the 4G 5/2 -6H 9/2 transition of Sm3+ ions. The concentration quenching phenomenon resulting from dipole-dipole interactions was observed in the phosphors, and the optimal concentration of dopant Sm3+ was determined to be 1 mol%. After calculation, it was surprising that the color purity values of all phosphors were not less than 99.9 %. Additionally, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) reached 65.30 %, and the activation energy (E a) of Na 1.5 La 1.5 TeO 6 :1 mol%Sm3+ was 0.570 eV. Meanwhile, the emission spectrum of the produced orange-red light emitting diodes (LEDs) exhibited a close correspondence with the absorption curves of various plant pigments (chlorophyll b , allophycocyanin, phycocyanin, phytochrome red and far red (P R and P FR)). The prepared white light emitting diodes (WLEDs) possessed low correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4769 K and as high general color rendering index (CRI, R a) value as 91. In summary, the phosphors presented promising options for plant-cultivating LEDs and high CRI WLEDs based on their superior optical and thermal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has investigated the effect of different concentrations of nanoparticles (zinc, iron, titanium) and smoke-water on some growth and physiological characteristics of the medicinal plant sage. A factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a randomised complete block design with three replications in the research greenhouse of the Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Iran, over two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. The first factor included foliar spraying of nanoparticles of Fe, Zn, Ti with two levels: 0 and 50 mg l−1. The second factor was foliar spraying using smoke-water with two levels of 0.5 and 1 mg l−1. Treatments were applied in three stages after graft establishment. Results indicated that the highest stem dry weight (68.477 g) occurred with 0.5 mg l−1 smoke-water without nanoparticles. At 0 mg l−1 smoke-water, titanium (64.493 g) and iron (65.193 g) nanoparticles yielded the highest stem weights. Application of 0.5 mg l−1 of smoked water improved the dry weight of leaves and stems. Foliar spraying of 50 mg l−1 of zinc and titanium nanoparticles also increased growth characteristics and chlorophyll content of sage leaves. In both cuttings, different concentrations affected some growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments of sage plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study is to identify physiological characteristics, including Chl a, b, total Chl "a+b" and carotenoids, in potato genotypes under the influence of lead (Pb+2) and cadmium (Cd+2) heavy metals. Two potato genotypes from the Netherlands, Riviera and Agria, were used in the study. Potato tubers were transferred to 2 kg compost pots and placed in a controlled environment with a 12 photoperiod, a day/night temperature of 25/19°C and a relative humidity of 75%. Since Pb+2 and Cd+2 poisoning was greater than in the control and different fractions of heavy metal residues in the substrate were transferred to plant organs, the amounts of these two metals in each treatment (outside the control) were measured. Plant pigments were extracted from fresh leaves in amounts ranging from 60 to 100 mg and these were then extracted into samples containing 80/20% (v/v) acetone/water with 0.5% w/v MgCO3 at room temperature for a full day. Photosynthetic pigments of each sample were extracted three times. The absorbances obtained at 663 nm, 644 nm and 452.5 nm for the maximum absorption of Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids, respectively, were used to measure the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Differences between Pb+2 and Cd+2 and physiological markers were examined with the Duncan Multiple Range test. Information on Pb+2 and Cd+2 content in applications revealed wide variability. When potato genotype seedlings were exposed to varying levels of Pb+2 and Cd+2, the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in their leaves was lower than the control group. The results showed that there were significant and statistically significant changes in carotenoid and chlorophyll concentration at the LSD p = 0.01 level. Similar to Pb+2 and Cd+2 inhibiting plant growth, it had a negative effect on photosynthesis as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Moreover, these effects became more pronounced when the concentrations of two stress factors (Pb+2 and Cd+2) increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]