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Geminiviruses primarily encode only few factors, such as replication initiator protein (Rep), and need various host cellular machineries for rolling-circle replication (RCR) and/or recombination-dependent replication (RDR). We have identified a host factor, RAD54, in a screen for Repinteracting partners and observed its role in DNA replication of the geminivirus mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). We identified the interacting domains ScRAD54 and MYMIV-Rep and observed that ScRAD54 enhanced MYMIV-Rep nicking, ATPase, and helicase activities. An in vitro replication assay demonstrated that the geminiviral DNA replication reaction depends on the viral Rep protein, viral origin of replication sequences, and host cell-cycle proteins. Rad54-deficient yeast nuclear extract did not support in vitro viral DNA replication, while exogenous addition of the purified ScRAD54 protein enhanced replication. The role of RAD54 in in planta replication was confirmed by the transient replication assay; i.e., agroinoculation studies. RAD54 is a well-known recombination/repair protein that uses its DNA-dependent ATPase activity in conjunction with several other host factors. However, this study demonstrates for the first time that the eukaryotic rolling-circle replicon depends on the RAD54 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural mechanization plays a pivotal role in transforming the farming sector across the globe. The number of patents granted in the field of agricultural mechanization hold significance as they encourage innovation, protect intellectual property and drive technological advancements. The present study examined patents data collected from XLPAT database, wherein 500,000 records out of which 479,010 patent grants/applications were considered. Trajectory of patents during COVID pandemic showed there was an apparent downturn in both the quantity of patent applications submitted and the number of patents officially granted. Developed countries have exhibited varying trends in agricultural mechanization and patent activities. China, the United States and India stand as examples. China has rapidly adopted mechanization in its agriculture, contributing to higher yields and efficiency. The United States has a long history of mechanized farming, and its advancements in this field have greatly impacted global agriculture. The standardization of reaping and threshing offer better agricultural equipments by agricultural startups. Expansion of patents in farm mechanization has led to increased productivity, resource efficiency, equity for small and marginal holders, affordability, eco-consciousness and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]