Search Results (109)

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world’s most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products. Full article

Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs. Full article

The spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is required for the infection of human cells. It is the main target that elicits neutralizing antibodies and also a major component of diagnostic kits. The large demand for this protein has led to the use of plants as a production platform. However, it is necessary to determine the N-glycan structures of an RBD to investigate its efficacy and functionality as a vaccine candidate or diagnostic reagent. Here, we analyzed the N-glycan profile of the RBD produced in rice callus. Of the two potential N-glycan acceptor sites, we found that one was not utilized and the other contained a mixture of complex-type N-glycans. This differs from the heterogeneous mixture of N-glycans found when an RBD is expressed in other hosts, including Nicotiana benthamiana. By comparing the glycosylation profiles of different hosts, we can select platforms that produce RBDs with the most beneficial N-glycan structures for different applications. Full article

This study conducted phenotypic evaluations on a wheat F₃ population derived from 155 F₂ plants. Traits related to seed color, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, anthocyanin, L*, a*, and b*, were assessed, revealing highly significant correlations among various traits. Genotyping using 81,587 SNP markers resulted in 3969 high-quality markers, revealing a genome-wide distribution with varying densities across chromosomes. A genome-wide association study using fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) and Bayesian-information and linkage-disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway (BLINK) identified 11 significant marker–trait associations (MTAs) associated with L*, a*, and b*, and chromosomal distribution patterns revealed predominant locations on chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 4B. A comprehensive annotation uncovered 69 genes within the genomic vicinity of each MTA, providing potential functional insights. Gene expression analysis during seed development identified greater than 2-fold increases or decreases in expression in colored wheat for 16 of 69 genes. Among these, eight genes, including transcription factors and genes related to flavonoid and ubiquitination pathways, exhibited distinct expression patterns during seed development, providing further approaches for exploring seed coloration. This comprehensive exploration expands our understanding of the genetic basis of seed color and paves the way for informed discussions on the molecular intricacies contributing to this phenotypic trait. Full article

In the quest for sustainable agricultural practices, there arises an urgent need for alternative solutions to mineral fertilizers and pesticides, aiming to diminish the environmental footprint of farming. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) emerge as a promising avenue, bestowing plants with heightened nutrient absorption capabilities while alleviating plant stress. Cereal and oilseed crops benefit from this association in a number of ways, including improved growth fitness, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms shaping the impact of AMF on these crops offers encouraging prospects for a more efficient use of these beneficial microorganisms to mitigate climate change-related stressors on plant functioning and productivity. An increased number of studies highlighted the boosting effect of AMF on grain and oil crops’ tolerance to (a)biotic stresses while limited ones investigated the molecular aspects orchestrating the different involved mechanisms. This review gives an extensive overview of the different strategies initiated by mycorrhizal cereal and oilseed plants to manage the deleterious effects of environmental stress. We also discuss the molecular drivers and mechanistic concepts to unveil the molecular machinery triggered by AMF to alleviate the tolerance of these crops to stressors. Full article

Durum wheat is one of the main crops in the Mediterranean region, which is characterized as the hotspot of climate change, with large year-to-year weather fluctuations. Although chemical input reduction in agriculture is strongly demanded, as well as healthy food, there is still a lack of stable and high-yielding crop varieties specifically adapted for organic conditions. This study evaluates the performance of fifteen durum wheat varieties in terms of suitability for organic farming in central Italy and assesses the impact of the genotype–environment interaction (GEI) on productive and quality traits. Variety performance was evaluated in field experiments over four successive seasons. In addition, a genotypic diversity analysis of 38 microsatellites associated with traits important for organic farming was performed. The AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) stability analysis revealed that the best and most stable genotype regarding quality traits, such as thousand-kernel weight, protein content, and test weight was the ancient variety, Senatore Cappelli. The most stable and high yield was determined for the Fuego, Iride, and Mv-Pelsodur genotypes. Moreover, SSR markers that could be used for plant breeding, targeting organic farming systems based on molecular markers and GEI results, were identified. Full article

Plants are increasingly used for the production of high-quality biological molecules for use as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in industry. Plants have proved that they can produce life-saving therapeutic proteins (Elelyso™—Gaucher’s disease treatment, ZMapp™—anti-Ebola monoclonal antibodies, seasonal flu vaccine, Covifenz™—SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine); however, some of these therapeutic proteins are difficult to bring to market, which leads to serious difficulties for the manufacturing companies. The closure of one of the leading companies in the sector (the Canadian biotech company Medicago Inc., producer of Covifenz) as a result of the withdrawal of investments from the parent company has led to the serious question: What is hindering the exploitation of plant-made biologics to improve health outcomes? Exploring the vast potential of plants as biological factories, this review provides an updated perspective on plant-derived biologics (PDB). A key focus is placed on the advancements in plant-based expression systems and highlighting cutting-edge technologies that streamline the production of complex protein-based biologics. The versatility of plant-derived biologics across diverse fields, such as human and animal health, industry, and agriculture, is emphasized. This review also meticulously examines regulatory considerations specific to plant-derived biologics, shedding light on the disparities faced compared to biologics produced in other systems. Full article

The rhizosphere microbiota, which includes plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), is essential for nutrient acquisition, protection against pathogens, and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, agricultural practices affect the composition and functions of microbiota, reducing their beneficial effects on plant growth and health. Among PGPR, rhizobia form mutually beneficial symbiosis with legumes. In this study, we characterized 16 clover nodule isolates from non-farmed soil to explore their plant growth-promoting (PGP) potential, hypothesizing that these bacteria may possess unique, unaltered PGP traits, compared to those affected by common agricultural practices. Biolog profiling revealed their versatile metabolic capabilities, enabling them to utilize a wide range of carbon and energy sources. All isolates were effective phosphate solubilizers, and individual strains exhibited 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and metal ion chelation activities. Metabolically active strains showed improved performance in symbiotic interactions with plants. Comparative genomics revealed that the genomes of five nodule isolates contained a significantly enriched fraction of unique genes associated with quorum sensing and aromatic compound degradation. As the potential of PGPR in agriculture grows, we emphasize the importance of the molecular and metabolic characterization of PGP traits as a fundamental step towards their subsequent application in the field as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and supplements. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most significant staple foods worldwide. Carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are just a few of the many nutrients found in domesticated rice. Ensuring high and constant rice production is vital to facilitating human food supplies, as over three billion people around the globe rely on rice as their primary source of dietary intake. However, the world’s rice production and grain quality have drastically declined in recent years due to the challenges posed by global climate change and abiotic stress-related aspects, especially drought, heat, cold, salt, submergence, and heavy metal toxicity. Rice’s reduced photosynthetic efficiency results from insufficient stomatal conductance and natural damage to thylakoids and chloroplasts brought on by abiotic stressor-induced chlorosis and leaf wilting. Abiotic stress in rice farming can also cause complications with redox homeostasis, membrane peroxidation, lower seed germination, a drop in fresh and dry weight, necrosis, and tissue damage. Frequent stomatal movements, leaf rolling, generation of reactive oxygen radicals (RORs), antioxidant enzymes, induction of stress-responsive enzymes and protein-repair mechanisms, production of osmolytes, development of ion transporters, detoxifications, etc., are recorded as potent morphological, biochemical and physiological responses of rice plants under adverse abiotic stress. To develop cultivars that can withstand multiple abiotic challenges, it is necessary to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the deterioration of rice quality under multiple abiotic stresses. The present review highlights the strategic defense mechanisms rice plants adopt to combat abiotic stressors that substantially affect the fundamental morphological, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms. Full article

Drought stress threatens global food security and requires creative agricultural solutions. Recently, phyto-synthesized nanoparticles NPs have garnered attention as a way to reduce food crop drought. This extensive research examines how phyto-synthesized NPs improve crop growth and biochemistry in drought-stressed situations. The review begins with an introduction highlighting the urgency of addressing the agricultural challenges posed by drought. It also highlights the significance of nanoparticles synthesized from photosynthesis in this context. Its purpose is to underscore the importance of sustainable farming practices. This approach is contrasted with conventional methods, elucidating the ecological and economic advantages of phyto-synthesized NPs. This review discusses phyto-synthesized nanoparticles, including titanium dioxide, iron oxide, gold, silver, and copper. In addition, we review their ability to enhance crop growth and stress resistance. The primary focus is to elucidate the effects of phyto-synthesized NPs on plant development under drought stress. Noteworthy outcomes encompass improvements in seed germination, seedling growth, water absorption, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, and the modulation of hormonal responses. These results underscore the potential of phyto-synthesized NPs as agents for enhancing growth and mitigating stress. The review assesses the risks and challenges of using phyto-synthesized NPs in agriculture. Considerations include non-target organisms, soil, and environmental impacts. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects, dangers, and benefits of phyto-synthesized NPs. Nanoparticles offer a targeted and sustainable approach for improving plant drought tolerance, outpacing traditional methods in ethics and ecological balance. Their mechanisms range from nutrient delivery to molecular regulation. However, the long-term environmental impact remains understudied. This review is critical for identifying research gaps and advancing sustainable agricultural practices amid global water scarcity. Full article

Background: Plant-derived pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in feed cause metabolic disturbances in farm animals resulting in high economic losses worldwide. The molecular pathways affected by these PAs in cells and tissues are not yet fully understood. The objective of the study was to examine the dose-dependent effects of orally applied PAs derived from tansy ragwort in midlactation dairy cows. Methods: Twenty Holstein dairy cows were treated with target exposures of 0, 0.47, 0.95 and 1.91 mg of total PA/kg of body weight/d in control, PA1, PA2 and PA3, respectively, for 28 days. Liver tissue biopsy and plasma and milk samples were taken at day 28 of treatment to assess changes in metabolic pathways. A targeted metabolomics approach was performed to detect the metabolite profiles in all compartments. Results: The PA-affected metabolite profiling in liver tissue, plasma and milk revealed changes in three substrate classes: acylcarnitines (ACs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins (SMs). In addition, in the plasma, amino acid concentrations were affected by PA exposure. Conclusions: PA exposure disturbed liver metabolism at many sites, especially devastating pathways related to energy metabolism and to amino acid utilization, most likely based on mitochondrial oxidative stress. The effects on the milk metabolite profile may have consequences for milk quality. Full article

This study focused on the assessment of the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from bovine mastitis milk samples and the revealing anti-mastitis potential of phytocompounds of Ziziphus jujube and Acacia nilotica through molecular docking analysis. The mastitis milk samples were collected from various dairy farms for the isolation of the bacteria (S. aureus and E. coli) and their response to antibiotics. Ethanolic extracts of both plants were prepared. Their antibacterial activity was evaluated, and they were processed for phytochemical analysis after which, molecular docking analysis with pathogenic proteins of the bacteria was carried out. Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed to reach the conclusions of this study. The findings of the study revealed a higher drug resistance (≥40%) of E. coli against ampicillin, amikacin, and vancomycin, while S. aureus exhibited the highest resistance to ampicillin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. The ethanolic extracts of the Ziziphus jujube and Acacia nilotica plants produced a ZOI between 18 and 23 mm against multidrug-resistant S. aureus and E. coli. Gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry (GC–MS) was used to explore 15 phytocompounds from Ziziphus jujube and 18 phytocompounds from Acacia nilotica. The molecular docking analysis of 2cyclopenten−1-one,3,4,4 trimethyl and Bis (2ethylhexyl) phthalate of Ziziphus jujube showed a binding affinity of −4.8 kcal/mol and −5.3 kcal/mol and −5.9 kcal/mol and −7.1 kcal/mol against the DNA Gyrase and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 proteins of S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. The suberic acid monomethyl ester of Acacia nilotica showed a binding affinity of −5.9 kcal/mol and −5 kcal/mol against the outer membrane protein A and Topoisomerase IV protein of E. coli and −5.1 kcal/mol and −5.8 kcal/mol against the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and Enterotoxin B proteins of S. aureus. Similarly, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol di-iso-butyrate showed a binding affinity of −6.5 kcal/mol and −5.3 kcal/mol against the outer membrane protein A and Topoisomerase IV of E. coli and −5.2 kcal/mol and −5.9 kcal/mol against the toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and Enterotoxin B proteins of S. aureus, respectively. The study concluded that there was an increasing trend for the antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus and E. coli, while the Ziziphus jujube and Acacia nilotica plant extracts expressed significant affinity to tackle this resistance; hence, this calls for the development of novel evidence-based therapeutics. Full article

Fusarium basal rot disease (FBR) is a destructive threat to onion crops around the globe. It causes seedlings’ death, development disruption, and pre- and post-harvest bulb infection and rotting, with a concern for toxin infestation. It is an emerging disease in Israel, with new reports from farms nationwide. Recently, we reported on a full-season pot experiment to protect two leading commercial cultivars against FBR chemically. Here, we present new real-time qPCR molecular tracking of the pathogens inside the host plant and compare the infection levels to a deep analysis of the impacts of this experiment’s treatments on plant growth and health indexes. The new findings reveal variations within each treatment’s effectiveness regarding sprout development and bulb ripening stages. For instance, in the yellow Orlando cv., high protection was obtained with Azoxystrobin + Tebuconazole (Az-Te) in sprouts against F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae and with Fludioxonil + Sedaxen in mature plants against Fusarium acutatum. Thus, combining these fungicides may protect plants throughout their lifecycle. Also, Prochloraz at low dose was highly efficient in the Orlando cv. Still, to shield red Noam cv. plants from both pathogens, increasing this fungicide concentration towards the season-ending should be preferred. The qPCR tracking showed that all chemical treatments tested could reduce infection from pathogens by 80–90%, even with compounds such as Az-Te that were less effective. This implies that the pesticide was effective but probably phytotoxic to the plants, and thus, lower dosages must be considered. The molecular-based analysis discloses the high infection ability of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae compared to F. acutatum in both cultivars. It also indicates an antagonism between those species in the Orlando cv. and synergism in the Noam cv. The current work reveals weak and strong points in chemical FBR protection and offers new ways to improve its application. The qPCR-based method enables us to closely monitor the pathogenesis and efficacy of chemical-preventing treatments and optimize crop-protection protocols. Full article

Irrigation is important in many crop production systems. However, irrigation water can be a carrier of plant pathogens that can enter the system and spread to fields, resulting in crop damage and yield losses. The Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is an important area for agricultural production which depends on the Rio Grande River as a source of water for irrigation. Thus, the presence of plant pathogens in the Rio Grande River could have important implications for crop productivity in the region. Cultured-based methods and molecular identification methods are used for monitoring plant pathogens in irrigation water. However, these methods are labor-intensive and just detect targeted pathogens. To overcome these limitations, in this study, the ITS2 amplicon metagenomic method was applied for evaluating the fungal diversity, composition, and presence of fungal plant pathogens in irrigation water from the Rio Grande River as it leaves the water reservoir (WR) and it arrives at an irrigation valve at a farm (FA). Results from the Shannon (WR = 4.6 ± 0.043, FA = 3.63 ± 0.13) and Simpson indices (WR = 4.6 ± 0.043, FA = 3.63 ± 0.13) showed that there are significant differences in the fungal diversity and community structure between the two locations and the PCA analysis showed a clear differentiation between both fungal communities. Several OTUs identified in both locations included potential plant pathogens from diverse genera including Cladosporium, Exserohilum, and Nigrospora, while others such as Colletotrichum and Plectosphaerella were found only in one of the two locations assessed. This work indicates that microbes, including plant pathogens, may enter or exit throughout the irrigation-water distribution system, thereby modifying the microbial community composition along the way. Understanding the dynamics of plant pathogen movement in irrigation water systems can help growers identify risk factors to develop measures to mitigate those risks. This study also shows the usefulness of the metagenomic approach for detecting and monitoring plant pathogen in irrigation water. Full article

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a class of immunotherapy agents capable of alleviating the immunosuppressive effects exerted by tumorigenic cells. The programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint is one of the most ubiquitous checkpoints utilized by tumorigenic cells for immune evasion by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation and cytokine production of T lymphocytes. Currently, the most frequently used ICIs targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) pembrolizumab and nivolumab that bind to PD-1 on T lymphocytes and inhibit interaction with PD-L1 on tumorigenic cells. However, pembrolizumab and nivolumab are costly, and thus their accessibility is limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, it is essential to develop novel biomanufacturing platforms capable of reducing the cost of these two therapies. Molecular farming is one such platform utilizing plants for mAb production, and it has been demonstrated to be a rapid, low-cost, and scalable platform that can be potentially implemented in LMICs to diminish the exorbitant prices, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in cancer-related mortalities within these countries. Full article