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Soil salinization has become a major constraint affecting crop production worldwide. Salinity induces complex metabolic processes that involves ion toxicity, osmotic stress, biochemical and physiological perturbations. Sorghum is a gluten-free cereal crop, well adapted to semi-arid tropics, highly biomass productive and water-efficient. Sorghum crop's growing is an efficient way to utilize saline soils. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the tolerance behavior of sorghum genotypes under different salinity levels (60, 80, 100, 120, 140 mM NaCl) concerning the performance of physiological, biochemical, and quality traits. Amongst 23 screened sorghum genotypes and 300 lines of sorghum germplasm, SSG59–3 was identified as salt-tolerant and PC-5 as salt susceptible genotype based on germination studies. The photochemical quantum yield (PC-5: 39.1% and SSG59–3: 12.7% reduction), chlorophyll content (SPAD units), relative water content and chlorophyll stability index (PC-5: 65.3% and SSG59–3: 54.9%) were significantly higher in SSG59–3 (SSG59–3 was identified as salt tolerant). Similarly, significant percent reductions in plant height (SSG59–3: 76%, PC-5: 86%), fresh and dry weight were observed with increasing salinity levels from 60 to 140 mM NaCl. Total phenols and soluble sugars (SSG59–3: 62.5%, PC-5: 46.7%) exhibited an upward trend, while flavanoids and flavanols showed a reverse trend. Salinity also affected the nutritive value of sorghum adversely, but the effect was less pronounced in SSG59–3. Quality traits viz. crude protein (SSG59–3: 5.16% and PC-5: 3.22%) and in-vitro dry matter digestibility reduced with increasing salinity levels from 60 to 140 mM NaCl. Reversibly, HCN content increased with every increment of salt stress, from 121.12–133.55 μg/g but were under the threshold level. Based on the above results, it was concluded that SSG59–3 performed better by retaining higher plant water status, photosynthetic rate and phenolic compounds, thereby alleviating stress, which may be utilized as genetic resource to establish sorghum cultivars with improved quality in saline soils.

In the present era of climate change and global warming, high temperatures have increased considerably, posing a threat to plant life. Heat stress affects the biochemistry, physiology and molecular makeup of the plant by altering the key processes, i.e., photosynthesis, respiration and reproduction which reduces its growth and development. There is a dire need to manage this problem sustainably for plant conservation as well as the food security of the human population. Use of phytohormones to induce thermotolerance in plants can be a sustainable way to fight the adversities of heat stress. Phytohormone-induced thermotolerance proves to be a compelling approach to sustainably relieve the damaging effects of heat stress on plants. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential molecule in biotic and abiotic defense response signal transduction pathways. When supplied externally, it imparts heat stress tolerance to the plants by different means, viz., increased Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) production, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, protection of the reproductive system and enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. The effect of SA on plants is highly dependent on the concentration applied, plant species, plant age, type of tissues treated, and duration of the treatment. The present review paper summarizes the mechanism of thermotolerance induced by salicylic acid in plants under heat stress conditions. It includes the regulatory effects of SA on heat shock proteins, antioxidant metabolism, and maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis under heat stress. This review combines the studies conducted to elucidate the role of SA in the modulation of different mechanisms which lead to heat stress tolerance in plants. It discusses the mechanism of SA in protecting the photosynthetic machinery and reproductive system during high-temperature stress.

Among cereals, sorghum, a gluten-free cereal is a rich source of bioactive polyphenols and dietary antioxidants. Sorghum polyphenolic compounds were characterized and quantified in five sorghum genotypes by high performance liquid chromatography. Grain samples of five sorghum genotypes were grounded and subjected top extraction for profile of polyphenols via High Performance Liquid Chromotography. Results showed that red and brown pericarp genotypes had higher total proanthocyanidin and total phenolic content, therefore, resulting in overall high antioxidant activities. The phenolic acids that showed the higher antioxidant activity in red (SSG 59-3) and brown (G-46) genotypes were caffeic acid, taxifolin and apigeninidin. SSG 59-3 (20.55 ± 0.11a, 45.66 ± 0.23b, 15.34 ± 0.10c) had higher antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay. The concentrations of the sorghum-specific 3-deoxyanthocyanidins luteolinidin and apigeninidin were higher in red sorghum. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant activity had a linear relationship with their polyphenols. Thus, our findings indicated that there is cumulative effect of both high antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds which may be exploited for human food to improve the nutritional value and health properties.

The primary objectives of modern agriculture includes the environmental sustainability, low production costs, improved plants’ resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses, and high sowing seed value. Delayed and inconsistent field emergence poses a significant threat in the production of agri-crop, especially during drought and adverse weather conditions. To open new routes of nutrients’ acquisition and revolutionizing the adapted solutions, stewardship plans will be needed to address these questions. One approach is the identification of plant based bioactive molecules capable of altering plant metabolism pathways which may enhance plant performance in a brief period of time and in a cost-effective manner. A biostimulant is a plant material, microorganism, or any other organic compound that not only improves the nutritional aspects, vitality, general health but also enhances the seed quality performance. They may be effectively utilized in both horticultural and cereal crops. The biologically active substances in biostimulant biopreparations are protein hydrolysates (PHs), seaweed extracts, fulvic acids, humic acids, nitrogenous compounds, beneficial bacterial, and fungal agents. In this review, the state of the art and future prospects for biostimulant seedlings are reported and discussed. Biostimulants have been gaining interest as they stimulate crop physiology and biochemistry such as the ratio of leaf photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids and chlorophyll), enhanced antioxidant potential, tremendous root growth, improved nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and reduced fertilizers consumption. Thus, all these properties make the biostimulants fit for internal market operations. Furthermore, a special consideration has been given to the application of biostimulants in intensive agricultural systems that minimize the fertilizers’ usage without affecting quality and yield along with the limits imposed by European Union (EU) regulations.

Humanity depends (directly or indirectly) exclusively on agriculture for their survival. Due to the exponential growth in population, it is imperative to use new scientific tools and technologies such as nanotechnology in agriculture. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the use of nanomaterials (NMs) and nanoparticles (NPs) in form of nanofertilizers (NFs) to enhance plant nourishment, reflecting their potential benefits and possible uses, and also assessing their potential impact on ecosystem. NFs possess an alternative approach as compared to biofertilizers, biopesticides and organic fertilizers that started from green revolution. NFs affect crop’s nutritional quality and stress tolerance in plants. There are both pons and cons of NPs and NMs when used in agriculture. These studies are necessary because NPs and NMs can be transferred to ecosystems by various pathways where they can cause toxicity to organisms, affecting the biodiversity and abundance of such ecosystems, and may ultimately even be transferred to consumers. The progress in the crop improvement processes such as implementation of nanodevices for genetic manipulation of plants depends on advanced techniques used in nanotechnology.

Salt stress is one of the major constraints affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity worldwide. Sorghum is a valuable food source and a potential model for studying and better understanding the salt stress mechanics in the cereals and obtaining a more comprehensive knowledge of their cellular responses. Herein, we examined the effects of salinity on reserve mobilization, antioxidant potential, and expression analysis of starch synthesis genes. Our findings show that germination percentage is adversely affected by all salinity levels, more remarkably at 120 mM (36% reduction) and 140 mM NaCl (46% reduction) than in the control. Lipid peroxidation increased in salt-susceptible genotypes (PC-5: 2.88 and CSV 44F: 2.93 nmloe/g.FW), but not in tolerant genotypes. SSG 59-3 increased activities of α-amylase, and protease enzymes corroborated decreased starch and protein content, respectively. SSG 59-3 alleviated adverse effects of salinity by suppressing oxidative stress (H2O2) and stimulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD, APX, CAT, POD, GR, and GPX), as well as protecting cell membrane integrity (MDA, electrolyte leakage). A significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) was also observed in SSG 59-3 with proline, ascorbic acid, and total carbohydrates. Among inorganic cations and anions, Na+, Cl−, and SO42− increased, whereas K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ decreased significantly. SSG 59-3 had a less pronounced effect of excess Na+ ions on the gene expression of starch synthesis. Salinity also influenced Na+ ion efflux and maintained a lower cytosolic Na+/K+ ratio via concomitant upregulation of SbNHX-1 and SbVPPase-I ion transporter genes. Thus, we have highlighted that salinity physiologically and biochemically affect sorghum seedling growth. Based on these findings, we highlighted that SSG 59-3 performed better by retaining higher plant water status, antioxidant potential, and upregulation of ion transporter genes and starch synthesis, thereby alleviating stress, which may be augmented as genetic resources to establish sorghum cultivars with improved quality in saline soils.

Wheat contributes more than 50% of calories to the people worldwide. In terms of appearance, colour, texture and flavor, the quality is determined by raw material, processing methods and other ingredients. The glutenin and gliadin proteins influence dough properties. Thirty-six durum wheat genotypes were evaluated for various quality traits viz. grain appearance score, grain hardness, sedimentation value and wet and dry gluten content. The superior genotypes for the physical characteristics of grains were PDW 337, UAS 448 and PDW 335. Wet and dry gluten were maximum in UAS 448 and WHD 954. PDW 337 (44 ml) and DDW 27 (44 ml) had highest sedimentation value. Present study reveals the identification of superior durum wheat genotypes which may be used in future breeding programmes to enhance the quality for human nutrition and specific end-uses.

Forest and agricultural waste products have been the primary feedstock for energy and heat generation from biomass for centuries. The fossil fuel reserves are depleting, whereas the energy demand has increased dramatically over the last century. The global warming caused by rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and scarcity of fossil fuels critically limit our massive reliance on fossil fuels. The utilization of nanotechnology appears to be a realistic approach to resolving these environmental and economic problems. Biofuel has now gained significant interest as an alternative fuel worldwide because of its capacity to combine to form gasoline (maximum 85%) without alteration of engines. Some to its inherent properties include lower greenhouse gas emissions, renewability, and sustainability. Although nanotechnological products are currently manufactured and used in a range of fields, applications of nanotechnology in the bioenergy industry are yet to be explored. Presently, there is considerable attention in the use of nanosized materials for enzymatic processes, which aim to exploit the unique phenomena associated with these nanoscale materials to improve function of the enzymes’. Specific nanomaterials, such as nanoporous matrices, nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanofibers all have exhibited their capacity to revolutionize biocatalyst preparation and use. Enzyme-based biomass hydrolysis (an environmentally friendly route) can be enhanced economically by performance and reusability of enzymes, increasing the thermal stability, all of which could be assisted by encasing enzymes in support matrices. The principal candidates (enzymes) for the large-scale accomplishment of enzyme biofuels are cellulases and lipases. Lipases are important biocatalysts that have stunning applications in biodiesel production. Lignocelluloses have been identified as one of the most attractive biomass feedstocks for biofuel and biochemical production. The production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass is one of the essential applications of cellulases and, therefore, to drive progress in bioethanol production as a second-generation fuel. This chapter will discuss the use of nanomaterials in the production of new enzyme technologies to effectively fractionate lignocellulosic biomass for biofuel production.

Sorghum is a C4 cereal grain crop which is well adapted to harsh environment. It is a potential model for gaining better understanding of the molecular mechanism due to its wider adaptability to abiotic stresses. In this study, protein extraction was standardized using different methods to study the electrophoretic pattern of sorghum leaves under different salinity levels. The extraction of soluble protein with lysis buffer, followed by its clean-up was found to be the most effective method. The different profiles of salt-responsive proteins were analyzed in G-46 and CSV 44F sorghum genotypes based on their tolerance behavior towards salinity. The kafirin level also changed depending upon the concentration and exposure time to salts suggesting the stored proteins as energy source under stress conditions. The relative expression of salt-responsive genes was studied using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) which might be used as a molecular screening tool for identification of salt-tolerant genotypes in affected areas. The validated responses were examined in terms of metabolic changes and the expression of stress-induced proteins-viz. heat shock proteins (hsp) via immunoblotting assay. The results showed that the two sorghum genotypes adopted distinct approaches in response to salinity, with G-46 performing better in terms of leaf function. Also, we have standardized different protein extraction methods followed by their clean-up for electrophoretic profiling.

Sorghum is a C(4) cereal grain crop which is well adapted to harsh environment. It is a potential model for gaining better understanding of the molecular mechanism due to its wider adaptability to abiotic stresses. In this study, protein extraction was standardized using different methods to study the electrophoretic pattern of sorghum leaves under different salinity levels. The extraction of soluble protein with lysis buffer, followed by its clean-up was found to be the most effective method. The different profiles of salt-responsive proteins were analyzed in G-46 and CSV 44F sorghum genotypes based on their tolerance behavior towards salinity. The kafirin level also changed depending upon the concentration and exposure time to salts suggesting the stored proteins as energy source under stress conditions. The relative expression of salt-responsive genes was studied using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) which might be used as a molecular screening tool for identification of salt-tolerant genotypes in affected areas. The validated responses were examined in terms of metabolic changes and the expression of stress-induced proteins—viz. heat shock proteins (hsp) via immunoblotting assay. The results showed that the two sorghum genotypes adopted distinct approaches in response to salinity, with G-46 performing better in terms of leaf function. Also, we have standardized different protein extraction methods followed by their clean-up for electrophoretic profiling.

Food-based components represent major sources of functional bioactive compounds. Milk is a rich source of multiple bioactive peptides that not only help to fulfill consumers ‘nutritional requirements but also play a significant role in preventing several health disorders. Understanding the chemical composition of milk and its products is critical for producing consistent and high-quality dairy products and functional dairy ingredients. Over the last two decades, peptides have gained significant attention by scientific evidence for its beneficial health impacts besides their established nutrient value. Increasing awareness of essential milk proteins has facilitated the development of novel milk protein products that are progressively required for nutritional benefits. The need to better understand the beneficial effects of milk-protein derived peptides has, therefore, led to the development of analytical approaches for the isolation, separation and identification of bioactive peptides in complex dairy products. Continuous emphasis is on the biological function and nutritional characteristics of milk constituents using several powerful techniques, namely omics, model cell lines, gut microbiome analysis and imaging techniques. This review briefly describes the state-of-the-art approach of peptidomics and lipidomics profiling approaches for the identification and detection of milk-derived bioactive peptides while taking into account recent progress in their analysis and emphasizing the difficulty of analysis of these functional and endogenous peptides.

Salt stress is one of the major significant restrictions that hamper plant development and agriculture ecosystems worldwide. Novel climate-adapted cultivars and stress tolerance-enhancing molecules are increasingly appreciated to mitigate the detrimental impacts of adverse stressful conditions. Sorghum is a valuable source of food and a potential model for exploring and understanding salt stress dynamics in cereals and for gaining a better understanding of their physiological pathways. Herein, we evaluate the antioxidant scavengers, photosynthetic regulation, and molecular mechanism of ion exclusion transporters in sorghum genotypes under saline conditions. A pot experiment was conducted in two sorghum genotypes viz. SSG 59-3 and PC-5 in a climate-controlled greenhouse under different salt concentrations (60, 80, 100, and 120 mM NaCl). Salinity drastically affected the photosynthetic machinery by reducing the accumulation of chlorophyll pigments and carotenoids. SSG 59-3 alleviated the adverse effects of salinity by suppressing oxidative stress (H2O2) and stimulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (SOD, APX, CAT, POD, GR, GST, DHAR, MDHAR, GSH, ASC, proline, GB), as well as protecting cell membrane integrity (MDA, electrolyte leakage). Salinity also influenced Na+ ion efflux and maintained a lower cytosolic Na+/K+ ratio via the concomitant upregulation of SbSOS1, SbSOS2, and SbNHX-2 and SbV-Ppase-II ion transporter genes in sorghum genotypes. Overall, these results suggest that Na+ ions were retained and detoxified, and less stress impact was observed in mature and younger leaves. Based on the above, we deciphered that SSG 59-3 performed better by retaining higher plant water status, photosynthetic assimilates and antioxidant potential, and the upregulation of ion transporter genes and may be utilized in the development of resistant sorghum lines in saline regions.

The growth rate of each plant (dry matter accumulation rate) mainly depends on sun’s energy interception (electromagnetic radiation) and leaf nitrogen (N) content for carbon assimilation. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) is an essential factor utilized by many of the simpler plant growing models to simulate the process of photosynthesis, i.e., conversion of light energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) to plant biomass. The productivity of crop is limited by its thermodynamic properties and the sustained climate of both the plant and its ecosystem. The application of industrial N fertilizers in agricultural production has enhanced the crop yield two to three times more in the last century to meet the rising worldwide population demands. This chapter is focused on the efficient use of solar radiations and integrated N management to enhance crop nitrogen production, taking into account soils, increased utilization of fertilizer, and better crop management strategies. Therefore, optimizing the efficiency of radiations and nitrogen use in agricultural systems is critical and yet to be explored.

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary stream of science which deals with the synthesis and application of nanoparticles (NPs) ranging from 1 to 100 nm. Nanotechnology is seen as a new tool for the various problems faced in agriculture and other allied sectors. Agriculture system is facing problems like generation of resistance among microbes due to excessive use of pesticides and deteriorating soil health by the abundant use of fertilizers, exhibiting damaging effect on the environment. A large quantum of applied fertilizers and pesticides get lost in the surrounding and not consumed by plants which limit the use of conventional methods. Nanoscience could be the potential solution to these limitations because bioactive compounds are encapsulated here and release at a controlled rate, providing input use efficiency. Diseases could be easily detected by the use of nanosensors at an early stage and thus also be controlled at the earliest for better productivity. Various disease controlling products are in use, such as nano-pesticides, nano-fungicides and nano-bactericides, to protect the crops from various kinds of biological stresses caused by different microorganisms. Small surface area to volume ratio of NPs contributes to their better absorption ability. Post-harvest techniques using nanosensors help check food quality with better packaging and transport which results in reduced post-harvest losses. The agriculture sector also contributes to a large amount of agriculture waste which is being transformed using nanomaterials and put into efficient use. Productivity in agriculture has been improved using nanobiotechnology by the use of nanocarriers to transfer the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) fragment at the proper site and to bring the desired result. Thus, nanomaterials contribute to improved nutrients use efficiency. This chapter entails the use of nanomaterials in improving soil health, plant productivity, disease detection, control and treatment, genetic transformation, post-harvest value addition, and reducing agriculture waste. Along with these benefits, nanomaterials may cause harm to the environment, so proper hazard assessment and regulations should be brought in for the optimal use of nanotechnology. Use of nanomaterials can result in the achievement of sustainable agriculture, thus, could be promoted with proper regulation in place.

Antibodies or immunoglobulins are the vital component of adaptive immune system in mammals...