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Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed. The results showed that NaCl-stress negatively impacted the germination parameters, grain, and straw yield, and agronomic and soil parameters. Biochar treatments restored these parameters compared to control (no biochar), but the effects were inconsistent across NaCl levels. Among the different biochars, wheat-straw biochar performed better than rice-husk and sawdust-derived biochar regarding germination and agronomic parameters. Biochar application notably increased soil pHs and electrical conductivity (ECe). Imposing NaCl stress reduced K concentrations in the wheat shoot and grains with concomitant higher Na concentrations in both parts. Parameters like foliar chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were also positively influenced by biochar addition. The study confirmed that biochar, particularly wheat-straw biochar, effectively mitigated the adverse effects of soil salinity, enhancing both soil quality and wheat growth. The study highlighted that biochar application can minimize the negative effects of salinity stress on wheat. Specifically, the types and dosages of biochar have to be optimized for different salinity levels under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current investigation demonstrates that the application of MEL (0, 1, and 2 μmol L−1) mitigates the effects of Cr stress 0 (no Cr), 50 and 100 mg kg−1 on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) plants. Results from the present study showed that the increasing levels of Cr concentration in the soil induced a significant decrease in shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid contents, net photosynthesis, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance by 36%, 24%, 17%, 64%, 27%, 23%, 19%, 29%, 36%, 18%, 73%, 83%, and 43% respectively. Results findings also showed that the increasing Cr stress in the soil significantly (p< 0.05) decreases calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus contents by 69%, 51%, 89%, and 109% respectively in the roots and decreased by 164%, 97%, 66%, and 124% respectively in the shoots. However, Cr toxicity boosted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the contents of oxidative stress indicators. Although activities of various antioxidative enzymes and their specific gene expression and also the nonenzymatic antioxidants initially increased up to a Cr level of 50 μM but decreased gradually with the further increase in the Cr level of 100 μM in the medium, compared to those plants which were grown in the control treatment. Results also revealed that the soluble sugar, reducing sugar, and nonreducing sugar were decreased in plants grown under elevating Cr levels but increased the Cr accumulation in the roots and shoots of C. sativum. Although results also illustrated that the application of MEL also decreased Cr toxicity in C. sativum by increasing antioxidant capacity and their gene expression and thus improved the plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and decrease oxidative stress in the roots and shoots of C. sativum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution with heavy metals has grown to be a big hassle, leading to the loss in farming production particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where no proper channel is present for irrigation and extraction of these toxic heavy metals. The present study aims to ameliorate the damages caused by heavy metal ions (Hg-Mercury) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) via a growth regulator (α-tocopherol 150 mg/L) and thermopriming technique at 4 °C and 50 °C to maintain plant agronomical and physiological characteristics. In pot experiments, we designed total of 11 treatments viz.(T0 (control), T1 (Hg4ppm), T2 (Hg8ppm), T3 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C), T4 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 m/L)), T5 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C), T6 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T7 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C), T8 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T9 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C), T10 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L) the results revealed that chlorophyll content at p < 0.05 with growth regulator and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and malondialdehyde enhanced up to the maximum level at T5 = Hg4ppm + 50 °C (50 °C thermopriming under 4 ppm mercuric chloride stress), suggesting that high temperature initiate the antioxidant system to reduce photosystem damage. However, protein, proline, superoxide dismutase at p < 0.05, and carotenoid, soluble sugar, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) 50 °C thermopriming under 8 ppm high mercuric chloride stress (T9 = Hg8ppm + 50 °C) representing the tolerance of selected specie by synthesizing osmolytes to resist oxidation mechanism. Furthermore, reduction in % MC (moisture content) is easily improved with foliar application of α-tocopherol and 50 °C thermopriming and 4 ppm heavy metal stress at T6 = Hg4ppm + 50 °C + α-tocopherol (150 mg/L), with a remarkable increase in plant vigor and germination energy. It has resulted that the inhibitory effect of only lower concentration (4 ppm) of heavy metal stress was ameliorated by exogenous application of α-tocopherol and thermopriming technique by synthesizing high levels of proline and antioxidant activities in maintaining seedling growth and development on heavy metal contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the effects of different concentrations (0.05 and 0.15 mM) of a benzothiazine (BTh) derivative on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in normal (100% field water capacity, FWC) and drought (60% FWC) conditions. Various morphological and physiological characteristics, and the uptake of osmo-protectants and nutrients were measured under the two FWC conditions. Results show that the drought conditions significantly reduced plant growth, affected plant composition, reduced the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and affected gaseous exchange attributes, stomatal behaviour, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients, while increasing the contents of different osmo-protectants and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants to decrease the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cells/tissues. However, seed priming with BTh reduced water stress conditions by increasing plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal behaviour, different gaseous exchange attributes, and uptake fluxes of essential nutrients compared with unprimed plants. In addition, the plant has a strong antioxidant defense system, which further increased its activities under BTh derivative treatments, to scavenge ROS production and maintain cell turgor under water stress conditions. In conclusion, drought stress-induced oxidative stress and altered the growth of T. aestivum , whereas seed priming increased plant growth and antioxidant production by improving the plant tolerance to drought. We suggest that seed priming with a BTh derivative as an effective priming technique in T. aestivum for reducing drought stress tends to benefit a grower in terms of better growth to fulfil the market demand for food cereals. Approximately 33% of the arable land around the world, including Pakistan, is vulnerable to drought, affecting the yield and productivity of cereal crops. It is hypothesised that benzothiazine (BTh) could alleviate abiotic stress caused by drought through salicylic acid accumulation in plants. We found that wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds primed with BTh derivatives could alleviate oxidative stress by increasing antioxidants, proline, soluble sugars and increasing fluxes of essential nutrients under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is an annual grass and is known as a Cd-hyperaccumulator. The current study aims to use a natural biostimulant, i.e., yeast extract, to improve the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum in a pot experiment. S. nigrum was cultivated in a Cd-contaminated soil and treated with yeast extract (20% w/v) via soil or foliar application. The experiment included four treatments: control (C), yeast extract applied via soil (S), yeast extract applied via foliar spraying (F), and yeast extract applied via soil and foliar application (SF). The treatments of yeast extract were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates. The plants of S. nigrum sprayed with yeast extract in combination with soil addition had the highest significant values of Cd in the plant shoot. The addition of yeast extract significantly increased the phytoremediation indexes compared to the control. The addition of yeast extract to the soil or via foliar spraying significantly enhanced the translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Cd in S. nigrum plants. The combined addition of soil and foliar spraying of yeast extract (SF) was more effective than the sole addition of S or F in increasing the TF and BAF of Cd by S. nigrum. The addition of SF increased both the TF and BAF by 50% above the control. The yeast extract significantly enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The combined addition of SF was more effective in enhancing the concentrations of proline and soluble carbohydrates in the plant leaves than the sole addition of each treatment. The maximum nutrient uptake and photosynthesis pigments, i. e., chlorophyll, were achieved from the addition of yeast extract to the soil in combination with foliar spraying. The yeast extract improved S. nigrum 's Cd-phytoextraction capacity by protecting photosynthesis pigments and increasing antioxidant defenses and plant nutrient uptake. S. nigrum plants have many characteristics that qualify them for use in cleaning Cd-contaminated soils. However, it is recommended that yeast extract be sprinkled on the leaves and added directly to the soil to improve phytoremediation efficiency. [Display omitted] • Black nightshade (S. nigrum) is able to extract Cd from polluted soils. • Yeast extract enhances the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum. • Yeast extract increases antioxidant defenses and nutrient availability and uptake. • Yeast extract improves Cd-phytoextraction by protecting photosynthesis pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Elevated NaCl, 200 mM, caused tomato plants death rather than restricted growth or even decreased cell operation. • Ca-NPs co-treatment had the priority over Ca in bulk form in lessening the applied dose toxicity. • Ca-NPs a mitigator manifested potential resilience strategies via instigating antioxidant defense system and renovation protein profile for enzymatic activity. Due to increasing global climate change problems to biota, salinity has been recognized as a realistic hazard critically affects the sustain agri-food production and crop quality in many regions of the world. Nanotechnology as an innovative approach can effectively improve plant performance under risky conditions such as salinity. Taking in consideration the ameliorative role of nanoparticles such as calcium nanoparticles (Ca-NPs) in enhancing plant growth and tolerance against various abiotic stresses, the present study was undertaken to illuminate the powerful effect and the underlying mechanism of soil-applied Ca-NPs (20 mM) in preventing salt damage at saline conditions (NaCl at 50, 100 and 200 mM) in tomato. Data revealed that NaCl drastically imposed the morphological parameters, primary and secondary metabolism, photosynthesis pigment content, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, mineral contents, and protein patterns. In contrast, the supplementation of exogenous Ca-NPs modified salinity toxicity effects by improving the survival, growth parameters, anabolic (soluble ions and osmolytes) and defense mechanisms (enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants). Interestingly, under lethal salinity level (200 mM), Ca-NPs was capable of suppressing the excessive damage effect of salinity by up-regulating the performance of the plants when these plants were completely dead in the absence of Ca-NPs. The descriptive cluster analysis separated treatments and characteristics into 3 to elucidate negative and positive correlations. Moreover, Ca-NPs was more efficient than CaCl 2 in eliciting salt tolerance under all investigated NaCl levels. Therefore, all these findings together conclude that Ca-NPs have a positive role in motivating resilience strategies in tomato plants toward salt stress via lessening the ROS overproduction, stimulating enzymatic antioxidants, promoting osmolytes accumulation, and renovating protein profile under mild and severe salinity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quail bush [Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Wats] plants were used in removing 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP) from wastewater in a hydroponic experiment. The hydroponic system contained three doses of DNP, i.e., 0, 10, and 20 mg L−1. Quail bush plants were sprayed with 0.1 mM salicylic acid (SA) to study its role in resisting DNP toxicity. DNP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plant growth. Exposure of A. lentiformis plants to 20 mg L−1 of DNP reduced the total chlorophyl and relative water content by 39 and 24%, respectively. SA improved the antioxidant defense in terms of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities. SA alleviated DNP toxicity by enhancing the production of osmoprotectants, e.g.,proline, phenols, and carbohydrates. SA enhanced the removal efficiency of DNP and the highest removal efficiency (96%) was recorded in the plants sprayed with SA and grown on 10 mg L−1 of DNP. A. lentiformis is a halophytic plant that has good physiological characteristics to resist 2, 4-dinitrophenol toxicity in wastewaters and is qualified to purify water from these harmful compounds. Exogenous application of 0.1 mM SA increased the defense system in A. lentiformis against 2, 4-dinitrophenol toxicity and enhanced the removal efficiency. 2, 4-dinitrophenol inhibited the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. Salicylic acid protects the vital bio-compounds in plant cells. Atriplex plants are able to remove (96%) of 2, 4-dinitrophenol from the wastewater. Atriplex plants have a strong antioxidant defense enable them to survive in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Eggshell concrete is a novel green material that aids the recycling of eggshell powder (ESP) waste while decreasing the environmental damage due to higher manufacture to develop sustainable energies. Nevertheless, current investigations on eggshell concrete are limited, and the results might vary according to admixture design variations. Despite the fact that the design of experiments is utilized to simplify and optimize the research of sustainable energies, the studies employing eggshell concrete are still uncommon. The powdered egg shells were employed as fine concrete aggregate as a tool of sustainable energies. The flexural and compressive strength of concrete with (5%, 10%, and 15%) and without egg shell are examined, and the findings are predicted by artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) as a hybridized model of ANN‐GA. The contour plot research revealed that eggshell powder boosted the energy stability in an appropriate replacement proportion of 5% to 10%. Conversely, for mix designs with a larger water ratio, the partial substitution with eggshell powder is preferable. The findings demonstrate that with 5% ESP replacement, the strengths were greater than in control concrete, indicating that 5% ESP is an ideal content for maximal strength. Furthermore, in terms of transport qualities, the performance of ESP concretes was equivalent to control concrete up to 15% ESP substitution. The statistical regression indices as determination coefficient (R2) and root‐mean‐square error demonstrated that the ANN‐GA model is an effective tool for formulating and predicting the flexural and compressive strength of eggshell concrete to develop sustainable energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Mitigation effect of alpha-tocopherol and thermo-priming in Brassica napus L. under induced mercuric chloride stress" published in BMC Plant Biology. The correction involves updating the affiliation of one of the authors, Arwa Abdulkreem AL-Huqail. The original affiliation has been revised to include a specific address. The correction does not impact the overall findings or conclusions of the article. The publisher, Springer Nature, maintains a neutral stance on jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Panicum miliaceum L. is a medicinally effective plant used in indigenous system of medicine for a variety of ailments. However, there is no comprehensive study explaining its effectiveness in gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and cardiovascular system ailments. This study was designed to validate the pharmacological basis for the folkloric use of Panicum miliaceum L. in diarrhea, asthma, and hypertension. Panicum miliaceumextract was analyzed to detect the presence of bioactive compounds by HPLC. The isolated rabbit jejunum, trachea, and aorta were used for in vitro experiments using tissue bath assembly coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system to explore their relative effects. In-vivo experiments were performed for anti-diarrheal activity. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, catechin, and quercetin. Concentration dependent activities were observed by relaxing K+ (low) induced contractions having spasmolytic effect with EC50 = .358 ± .052, bronchodilator (EC50 = 2.483 ± .05793), and vasorelaxant (EC50 = .383 ± .063), probably due to the ATP dependent potassium channel activation. It was confirmed through pre-exposure of glibenclamide (specific ATP-dependent K+ channel blocker) having similarities with cromakalim. Pm.Cr revealed its antidiarrheal via in vivo experiments on rats. This study indicates that Panicum miliaceumhas antidiarrheal, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, and vasorelaxant activities probably due to the ATP dependent K+ channel activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) was treated with jasmonic acid (JA). • JA increased the growth of C. roseus and mitigated the salt stress. • JA enhanced compatible solutes and regulated antioxidant enzymes. • Foliar application of JA can be a promising approach for improving alkaloids yield. Catharanthus roseus is a vital medicinal plant due to its content of alkaloids vincristine and vinblastine which are known to have a special interest in the pharmaceutical industries. Little is known about the effects of jasmonic acid (JA) on C. roseus plants grown under saline conditions. Pots experiment was conducted to explore the impacts of four treatments of JA (0, 0.50, 1.0, and 1.50 mM) on the growth of C. roseus plants which were irrigated with saline (EC = 5.27 dS m−1) or tap water (EC = 0.53 dS m−1). The growth of C. roseus plants was reduced due to the irrigation with saline water; on the other hand, the salinity induced the accumulation of alkaloids. Salt stress induced a 41% increase in the alkaloid yield of C. roseus plants compared to the control plants irrigated with fresh water. Some defense mechanisms including: osmoregulation, ion compartmentalization, and antioxidants accumulation were activated in C. roseus plants upon salt stress. The foliar application of JA to the C. roseus plants increased the growth parameters and mitigated the salt stress; moreover, it enhanced nutrients uptake. Spraying of C. roseus plants with JA significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of compatible solutes and decreased the activity of pyrogallol peroxidase (PPX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Foliar application of JA increased the alkaloids yield of C. roseus plants. JA reduced the negative effects of salt stress in C. roseus plants through increasing osmoregulation compounds and regulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Spraying of C. roseus with JA could be used as a sustainable strategy for promotion its medicinal property by augmenting secondary metabolites production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of Iyengaria stellata for its nutritional composition. • Detection of chemical constituents through GC-MS, FT-IR, Total Flavonoid and Phenolic contents. • Evaluation of pharmacological potential for hypoglycemic activity. • Evaluation of potential for pharmacological antimicrobial. • Evaluation of pharmacological potential for antioxidant. Seaweeds have gained significant attention for their bioactive compounds and extensive use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Therefore, comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the nutritional composition, identify and quantify the Phyco-chemicals and to evaluate the pharmacological potential using hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Iyengaria stellata extract. The results of nutritional analysis revealed 39.72±2.60 % total ash, 14.54±0.44 % crude fat, 9.61±0.60 % proteins, 5.29±0.52 % crude fibers, 10.49±1.00 % moisture content, and total energy was 108.26±2.01 Kcal 100 g −1 of dry powder. Approximately, 15 compounds were tentatively detected in ethyl acetate extract with major compounds being Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, easter (31.62 %), (Z) -9- stearic acid, methyl easter (13.36 %), Elaidic acid, methyl easter (11.46 %), Phytol (6.31 %), n -Hexadecanoic acid (7.47 %), Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester (5.64 %) and 1-octadecyne (5.34 %). Similarly, n -butanol extract contained 16 compounds with primary compounds being Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (25.96 %), Elaidic acid methyl ester (21.39 %), Linolelaidic acid methyl ester (11.53 %), Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (5.89 %), and Hexanedioic acid, dioctyl ester (5.26 %). FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of similar groups of compounds i.e. alcohols, phenols, lipids, carboxylic acids, amines, aromatics, ketones and halogens. Total phenolic contents (TPC) in ethyl acetate and n -butanol extract were measured as 2.982±0.876 mg GAEg−1 and 1.538±0.711 mg GAE g −1, whereas Total Flavonoids contents (TFC) were 2.058 ± 0.121 mg QE g −1 and 1.614 ± 0.643 mg QE g −1, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited more antioxidant potential with an IC 50 (2.59±1.34) compared to n -butanol extract (2.75±1.60). Moreover, n -butanol extract exhibited strong antimicrobial activity. The most susceptible strains were E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In terms of in-vivo hypoglycemic activity, the n -butanol extract proved to be more effective which significantly reduced the blood glucose level up to 226.17±3.43, 201.33±4.63 and 265.17±3.92 at 300, 200 and 100 mg kg−1 doses respectively after 24 h. In conclusion, the seaweed I. stellata exhibited significant potential in terms of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NRAMPs (natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins) are major transporters for the absorption and transport of metals like Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cd in plants. While NRAMP gene family members have been extensively studied as metal transporters in model and other plants, little information has been reported on their role in Triticum aestivum , particularly in response to Cd stress. Current study reported 13 NRAMP candidates in the genome of T. aestivum. Phylogenetic analysis divided these into three clades. Motif and gene structure study showed that members in the same clades shared the same location and pattern, which further supported the phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of cis -acting elements in promoter sequences of NRAMP genes in wheat identified stress-responsive transcription factor binding sites. Multiple sequence alignment identified the conservation of important residues. Based on RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis, Cd stress-responsive variations of TaNRAMP gene expression were reported. This study provides comprehensive data to understand the TaNRAMP gene family, its features, and its expression, which will be a helpful framework for functional research. [Display omitted] • Role NRAMP gene family in cadmium tolerance in wheat has been reported. • RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis showed variations in TaNRAMP gene expressions under Cd in wheat. • Comprehensive information on the TaNRAMP gene family in wheat under Cd stress have been reported. • This study contributes wheat response to Cd tolerance at molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, significant attention has been directed toward the synthesis and application of nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture sector. In current study, nanoceria (CeO 2 NPs) synthesized by green method were employed to address cadmium (Cd) accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in field with excess Cd. The application of CeO 2 NPs was carried out through foliar spraying, performed twice during the growth of T. aestivum. Four levels of CeO 2 NPs were used: T0, T1, T2, and T3 as 0, 50, 75, and 100 mgL−1, respectively. Results highlighted the positive effects of CeO 2 NPs on various growth parameters, including plant height, spike length, photosynthetic related attributes, as well as straw and grain of grains in comparison to T1 (control group). Furthermore, CeO 2 NPs led to a reduction in oxidative stress in the leaves and enhanced in enzyme activities in comparison to T1. Notably, Cd concentrations in straw, roots, and grains exhibited a decline following the treatment with CeO 2 NPs, in contrast to the control group. In terms of health implications, the calculated health risk index associated with dietary consumption of grains by adults remained below the defined threshold with supply of nanoparticles. Foliar application of CeO 2 NPs proved to be an effective approach in reducing cadmium content in wheat grains. This reduction holds significant potential for minimizing the risk of cadmium exposure to human health through the food chain. Employing the green synthesis method amplifies the potential for extensive production and a wide array of environmental applications for CeO 2 NPs. This dual capacity makes them proficient in tackling environmental stresses while concurrently mitigating adverse ecological effects. [Display omitted] • Wheat plants were grown in Cd-polluted soil and CeO 2 NPs were foliar sprayed • CeO 2 NPs boosted plant growth and photosynthesis of Cd-stressed wheat • CeO 2 NPs increased grain and biomass yield and reduced Cd accumulation in plants • CeO 2 NPs decreased human health risk index due to consumption of wheat grains [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity has emerged as a major threat to food security and safety around the globe. The crop production on agricultural lands is squeezing due to aridity, climate change and low quality of irrigation water. The present study investigated the effect of biogenic silicon (Si) sources including wheat straw biochar (BC-ws), cotton stick biochar (BC-cs), rice husk feedstock (RH-fs), and sugarcane bagasse (SB), on the growth of two consecutive maize (Zea mays L.) crops in alkaline calcareous soil. The application of SB increased the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and internal CO 2 concentration by 104, 100, 55, and 16% in maize 1 and 140, 136, 76, and 22% in maize 2 respectively. Maximum yield (g/pot) of cob, straw, and root were remained as 39.5, 110.7, and 23.6 while 39.4, 113.2, and 23.6 in maize 1 and 2 respectively with the application of SB. The concentration of phosphorus (P) in roots, shoots, and cobs was increased by 157, 173, and 78% for maize 1 while 96, 224, and 161% for maize 2 respectively over control by applying SB. The plant cationic ratios (Mg:Na, Ca:Na, K:Na) were maximum in the SB applied treatment in maize 1 and 2. The study concluded that the application of SB on the basis of soluble Si, as a biogenic source, remained the best in alleviating the salt stress and enhancing the growth of maize in rotation. The field trials will be more interesting to recommend the farmer scale. [Display omitted] • Different organic amendments enhanced the maize yield under salts stress • Presence of silicon (Si) in amendments improved the growth and yield of maize crops • Among biogenic Si sources, sugarcane bagasse (SB) efficiently reduced the toxic effects of salts • The SB increased the nutrient availability and maintained ionic homeostasis in plants [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) are released and dispersed in the environment because of increased manufacturing and use of nano products. NPs disturb the growth of plants depending upon types, exposure duration and plant species. The purpose of this research was to explore the role of gibberellic acid (GA) exposure through foliar route on wheat growth under alone or combined soil application of cerium oxide (CeO 2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO 2) NPs. GA was foliar-applied (200 mg/L) on the wheat plants treated with individual and in all possible combination of the selected NPs. Explorations have revealed that the combination of NPs and GA worked well to enhance the plant growth and selected nutrient status than NPs alone. Furthermore, GA decreased the boosted antioxidant enzyme activities under the combination and individual NPs compared to the alone NPs treated plants, lowered the oxidative stress in wheat plants which provided the additional proof that GA decreased oxidative damage in plants. Combined NPs showed differential effects than individual NPs application irrespective of GA exposure which varied with NPs combination and studied parameters of plants. GA + NPs differentially affected the potassium, phosphorus, iron and manganese concentrations in wheat tissues than NPs alone treatments. Overall, GA can be applied when there is excess of NPs (either alone or in combination) in the growth medium to ensure the growth of crops. However, further studied are needed with other plant species and alone or combined use of different NPs under GA treatment before any final recommendation. [Display omitted] • Nanoparticles were toxic to plants and decreased the plant mineral nutrients and wheat growth. • Effect of ZnO, CeO 2 , TiO 2 NPs varied with combination type and plant attributes. • Foliar-applied GA boosted wheat growth and nutritional quality when exposed to NPs. • The GA minimized the oxidative stress and boosted the growth of NPs-stressed wheat. • GA showed positive effect on wheat irrespective of NPs combinations or alone supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful mining soil reclamation promotes ecosystem recovery, reduces negative environmental effects, adds more area for forestry or agricultural purposes, and increases carbon (C) sequestration. In order to increase soil erosion management, improve soil quality, reduce pollutants, and assure safe land application of traditional amendment materials, nanoparticles with exceptionally high deliverability and reactivity may be used as amendments. Iron oxide is being researched for the remediation of industrial soil that is co-contaminated with arsenic (AS) due to the absence of Nano enhanced materials for mine soil reclamation. In order to improve the soil quality of a mine waste that was heavily polluted with As (1807 mg/kg), the effects of iron oxide on the non-specifically and specifically-sorbed As were investigated. Iron oxide was added to the polluted soil at concentrations of 0.5 percent, 2 percent, and 5 percent (w/w). The goal of this work is to define the effect of iron oxide and Zero Valent I nanoparticles (nZVI) in reducing the contamination of soil by the use of soft computing models of extreme learning machines (ELM) with particle swarm optimization (PSO). In this case, the hybrid ELM-PSO has shown good performance as a trustworthy approach after the regression study of RMSE, R-square, and r. The addition of iron oxide dosages decreased the easily accessible As by 92.4 when compared to the untreated soil, with the 5 percent doses having a noticeably greater effect. [Display omitted] • Effects of iron oxide on the non-specifically and specifically-sorbed As were investigated. • Iron oxide was added to the polluted soil at concentrations of 0.5, 2 and 5 percent (w/w). • Effect of iron oxide and Zero Valent I nanoparticles in reducing the contamination of soil assessed. • Combination of soft computing models of ELM with PSO as hybrid model used. • Addition of iron oxide dosages decreased the easily accessible As by 92.4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of compost amendment on the soil properties, as well as the morphophysiological responses, seed yield, oil content, and fatty-acid profile. of Nigella sativa plants under drought stress conditions. In a split-plot design, the field experiment was carried out during two seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022), involving three irrigation regimes (named I100, I75, and I50 of crop evapotranspiration) with three levels of compost application (C0, C15, and C30). Soil porosity, permeability, pore geometry, water-holding capacity, organic content, and soil cation exchangeable capacity were improved in response to applied compost levels. The growth, physiology, biochemistry, and yield characteristics of Nigella sativa plants were positively affected by compost addition but negatively affected by increasing water stress severity. Deficit irrigation regimes increased osmoprotectant substances (i.e., proline, total free amino acids, carbohydrates, and total soluble sugar). Compared to the control (I100), deficit irrigation (I50) reduced fixed and essential oil by 16.64% and 39.57% over two seasons. Water stress increased the content of saturated fatty acids, while unsaturated fatty acids decreased. Compost application of (C30) resulted in a significant increase in seed yield, fixed oil, and essential oil of Nigella sativa plants by 34.72%, 46.55%, and 58.11% respectively, compared to the control (C0). Therefore, this study concluded that compost amendment improved soil properties and significantly mitigated the detrimental effects of drought on Nigella sativa plants, resulting in a considerable increase in seed yield and its oil content, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are distinguished by their beneficial effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drought evoked the over production of reactive oxygen species. • Sodium nitroprusside maintained redox status and improved water use efficiency. • Sodium nitroprusside water use efficiency and phytopharmaceutical production. • Sodium nitroprusside increased essential oil yield and improved its quality. Nitric oxide (NO) represents a crucial signal particle that plays a pivotal function in plant development, but its roles in improving drought tolerance in marjoram still unknown. The protective roles of foliage-spraying NO (as sodium nitroprusside, SNP; 0, 30, and 60 μM) on inducing drought tolerance in marjoram herb was evaluated by measuring the antioxidant defense system and phytopharmaceutical characteristics in an outdoor pot experiment. Under well-watered, SNP (30 and 60 μM) application significantly enhanced growth, essential oil (EO) yield, up-regulating antioxidant system, and improved water use efficiency (WUE) compared to untreated plants (0 μM SNP). Drought significantly inhibited marjoram growth, WUE, EO yield, catalase, and peroxidase activity as well as herbal extract reducing power and reflective index, whereas oxidative biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl group accumulation, and electrolyte leakage) and EO specific gravity were drastically amplified relative to well-watered plants in the absence of SNP. Alternatively, under drought, SNP application mitigated drought induced-oxidative burst and improved WUE that associated with increasing plant biomass and EO assimilation relative to those in drought-affected herbs only. Phytopharmaceuticals of herbal extract (ascorbic acid, total soluble phenol, anthocyanin, and flavonoid) were significantly improved by drought and/or SNP foliar application. The promotive roles of SNP in moderating the depressing effect of drought on marjoram was attributable to up-regulating antioxidant capacity, improving secondary metabolite assimilation, and increasing WUE that accelerate drought tolerance and EO yield as well as improved EO fractions. The existing outcomes open innovative opportunities for obtaining precious natural antioxidants and phytopharmaceuticals by using arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy has always been the most concerned topic worldwide due to its large consumption. Among various types of energies, light has amazing characteristics and have interesting effects on living organisms. Interest is increasing in the use of laser kernel treatment as an environment friendly physical technique for better results in agronomic crops, but the work is still in progress. The present study was conducted with the aim to examine the application of range of Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed laser exposures (200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400 J/cm2) as pre-sowing kernel treatment on seedling survival rate, leaf photosynthetic activity in relation with photosynthetic pigments and visual morphological effects at seedling to maturity stage. Results showed that the low laser exposure (200, 400 and 600 J/cm2) improved the photosynthetic activity in parallel with improvement in chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , total chlorophyll, carotenoids as well as morphological traits. Kernel treatments with higher laser fluences (800, 1000, 1200 and 1400 J/cm2) showed irregular responses in studied attributes examined at the individual plant level. At 800 and 1000 J/cm2 improvements were found in some plants but at higher doses clear negative impacts were recorded on studied attributes. In conclusion, the lower doses of Nd:YAG pulsed laser fluences are found beneficial for induction of improvement in maize plants for better growth but higher doses were found toxic ones. In future further studies are needed to check the impacts of low laser doses on yield related attributes under field conditions and the high doses might also be used to create variants with beneficial characteristics if possible. • Kernel were treated with range of Nd:YAG pulsed laser exposures (200 to 1400 J/cm2). • Low exposure of Nd:YAG pulsed laser (≤ 600 J/cm2) as kernel treatment were beneficial for better growth of maize. • Higher exposure of Nd:YAG pulsed laser (800, 1000, 1200 and1400 J/cm2) as kernel treatment were found lethal. • Low exposure of Nd:YAG pulsed laser as kernel treatment might be used for better plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid industrialization and extensive agricultural practices are the major causes of soil heavy metal contamination, which needs urgent attention to safeguard the soils from contamination. However, the phytotoxic effects of excessive metals in plants are the primary obstacle to efficient phytoextraction. The present study evaluated the effects of hesperidin (HSP) on metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn) phytoextraction by hyperaccumulator (Celosia argentea L.) plants. For this purpose, HSP, a flavonoid compound with strong antioxidant potential to assist metal phytoextraction was used under metal stress in plants. Celosia argentea plants suffered significant (P ≤ 0.001) oxidative damage due to the colossal accumulation of metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Zn). However, HSP supplementation notably (P ≤ 0.001) abated ROS generation (O 2 •‒, •OH, H 2 O 2), lipoxygenase activity, methylglyoxal production, and relative membrane permeability that clearly indicated HSP-mediated decline in oxidative injury in plants. Exogenous HSP improved (P ≤ 0.001) the production of non-protein thiol, phytochelatins, osmolytes, and antioxidant compounds. Further, HSP enhanced (P ≤ 0.001) H 2 S and NO endogenous production, which might have improved the GSH: GSSG ratio. Consequently, HSP-treated C. argentea plants had higher biomass alongside elevated metal accumulation mirrored as profound modifications in translocation factor (TF), bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), and bioconcentration factor (BCF). In this context, HSP significantly enhanced TF of Cr (P ≤ 0.001), Cd (P ≤ 0.001), and Zn (P ≤ 0.01), while BAC of Cr (P ≤ 0.001), Cd (P ≤ 0.001), and Zn (P ≤ 0.001). Further, BCF was significant (P ≤ 0.05) only in plants grown under Cr-spiked soil. Overall, HSP has the potential for phytoremediation of metals by C. argentea , which might be a suitable strategy for metal-polluted soils. • Hesperidin mitigated oxidative damage in plants under metal toxicity. • Hesperidin maintained redox balance in plants under excess metal toxicity. • Hesperidin augmented phytoextraction of Cr, Cd, and Zn by C. argentea. • Hesperidin improved H 2 S and nitric oxide levels in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZn) have emerged as vital agents in combating arsenic (As) stress in plants. However, their role in mitigation of As induced oxidative stress is less studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the comparative role of nZn and ZnO in alleviating As toxicity in rice genotype "9311". The results of this study revealed that nZn demonstrated superior efficacy compared to ZnO in mitigating As toxicity. This superiority can be attributed to the unique size and structure of nZn, which enhances its ability to alleviate As toxicity. Exposure to As at a concentration of 25 μM L-1 led to significant reductions in shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight by 39%, 51%, 30%, and 46%, respectively, while the accumulation of essential nutrients such as magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) decreased by 25%–47% compared to the control plants. Additionally, As exposure resulted in stomatal closure and structural damage to vital cellular components such as grana thylakoids (GT), starch granules (SG), and the nucleolus. However, the application of nZn at a concentration of 30 mg L−1 exhibited significant alleviation of As toxicity, resulting in a reduction of As accumulation by 54% in shoots and 62% in roots of rice seedlings. Furthermore, nZn demonstrated the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) like hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and superoxide anion (O 2 .-), while significantly promoted the gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll content (SPAD value), fluorescence efficiency (F v/m) and antioxidant enzyme activities under As-induced stress. These findings highlight the potential of nZn in mitigating the adverse impacts of As contamination in rice plants. However, further research is necessary to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms responsible for the protective effects of nZn and to determine the optimal conditions for their application in real-world agricultural settings. [Display omitted] • Aarsenic (As) exposure led to a decrease in the nutritional profile, resulting in reduced rice biomass. • Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZn) effectively mitigated As toxicity in rice. • nZn played a vital role in enhancing plant growth and improving the physio-biochemical profile under As stress. • nZn offers a sustainable solution for rice cultivation in agriculture fields contaminated with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop simulation models can be effective tools to assist with optimization of resources for a particular agroecological zone. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of N rates with different timing of application to wheat crop using prominent varieties using the CSM-CERES-Wheat model of the decision support system for agrotechnology transfer (DSSAT). Data were focused for yield traits, i.e., number of tillers, number of grains, grain weight, grain yield, biomass, and grain N content. To test the applicability of the CSM-CERES-Wheat version 4.7.5 model for agroclimatic conditions of Peshawar, Pakistan, experimental data from two years of experiments (2016–17 and 2017–18) were used for model calibration and evaluation. The simulation results of two years agreed well with field measured data for three commercial varieties. The model efficiency (R2) for wheat varieties was above 0.94 for variables tiller number per unit area (m−2), number of grains (m−2) and number of grains (spike−1), 1000 grain weight (mg), biomass weight (kg ha−1), grain yield (kg ha−1), and harvest N content (kg ha−1). Statistics of cultivars indicated that yield traits, yield, and N can be simulated efficiently for agroecological conditions of Peshawar. Moreover, different N rates and application timings suggested that the application of 140 kg N ha−1 with triple splits timings, i.e., 25% at the sowing, 50% at the tillering, and 25% at the booting stage of the crop, resulted in the maximum yield and N recovery for different commercial wheat varieties. Simulated N losses, according to the model, were highly determined by leaching for experimental conditions where a single N application of 100% or existing double splits timing was applied. The study concluded that 140 kg N ha−1 is most appropriate for wheat crop grown on clay loam soils under a flood irrigation system. However, the N fertilizer has to be given in triple splits of a 1:2:1 ratio at the sowing, tillering, and booting stages of the crop growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of banana plants, one of the most important tropical and subtropical plants, to low temperatures causes a severe drop in productivity, as they are sensitive to cold and do not have a strong defense system against chilling. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the growth and resistance to cold stress of banana plants using foliar treatments of chitosan nanoparticles (CH-NPs). CH-NPs produced by nanotechnology have been used to enhance tolerance and plant growth under different abiotic stresses, e.g., salinity and drought; however, there is little information available about their effects on banana plants under cold stress. In this study, banana plants were sprayed with four concentrations of CH-NPs—i.e., 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg L−1 of deionized water—and a group that had not been cold stressed or undergone CH-NP treatment was used as control. Banana plants (Musa acuminata var. Baxi) were grown in a growth chamber and exposed to cold stress (5 °C for 72 h). Foliar application of CH-NPs caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in most of the growth parameters and in the nutrient content of the banana plants. Spraying banana plants with CH-NPs (400 mg L−1) increased the fresh and dry weights by 14 and 41%, respectively, compared to the control. A positive correlation was found between the foliar application of CH-NPs, on the one hand, and photosynthesis pigments and antioxidant enzyme activities on the other. Spraying banana plants with CH-NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and superoxide anions (O2•−). CH-NPs (400 mg L−1) decreased MDA, H2O2, •OH, and O2•− by 33, 33, 40, and 48%, respectively, compared to the unsprayed plants. We hypothesize that CH-NPs increase the efficiency of banana plants in the face of cold stress by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and, in consequence, the degree of oxidative stress. The accumulation of osmoprotectants (soluble carbohydrates, proline, and amino acids) contributed to enhancing the cold stress tolerance in the banana plants. Foliar application of CH-NPs can be used as a sustainable and economically feasible approach to achieving cold stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-enabled strategies have emerged as promising alternatives to resolve heavy metals (HMs) related harms in an eco-friendly manner. Here, we explored the potential of biogenic silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) in alleviating cadmium (Cd) stress in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) plants by modulating cellular oxidative repair mechanisms. Biogenic SiNPs of spherical shapes with size ranging between 14 nm and 35 nm were synthesized using rice straw extract and characterized through advanced characterization techniques. A greenhouse experiment results showed that SiNPs treatment at 250 mg kg−1 significantly improved growth parameters, including fresh weight (33.3 %) and dry weight (32.6 %) of rapeseed plants than Cd-treated control group. Photosynthesis and leaf gas exchange parameters were also positively influenced by SiNPs treatment, indicating enhanced photosynthetic efficiency. Additionally, SiNPs treatment at 250 mg kg−1 increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (19.1 %), peroxidase (33.4 %), catalase (14.4 %), and ascorbate peroxidase (33.8 %), which may play a crucial role in ROS scavenging and reduction in Cd-induced oxidative stress. TEM analysis revealed that SiNPs treatment effectively mitigated Cd-induced damage to leaf ultrastructure, while qPCR analysis showed that SiNPs treatment changed the expressions of the antioxidant defense and stress related genes. Moreover, SiNPs treatment significantly influenced the Cd accumulation and Si contents in plants. Overall, our findings revealed that biogenic SiNPs have great potential to serve as a sustainable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic alternative for the remediation of Cd toxicity in rapeseed plants. [Display omitted] • Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soil poses a serious threat to crop production. • Biosynthesis and characterization of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) to mitigate Cd toxicity. • SiNPs improved plant growth, photosynthesis and antioxidative enzymes activity in plants. • SiNPs amendments reduced the Cd translocation by improving Si concentrations in plants. • Defense-related gene expression was upregulated in plants treated with SiNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]