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Source‐sink balance in plants determines carbon distribution, and altering it can impact carbon fixation, transport, and allocation. We aimed to investigate the effect of altered source‐sink ratios on carbon fixation, transport, and distribution in 'Valencia' sweet orange (Citrus x sinensis) by various defoliation treatments (0%, 33%, 66%, and 83% leaf removal). Gas exchange parameters were measured on 0 and 10 days after defoliation using A/Ci response curves, and leaf export was measured two days after defoliation using radioisotope tracer techniques. Greater defoliation increased the maximum rate of carboxylation (Vcmax), electron transport rate (J1200), and triose‐phosphate utilization rate (TPU). Leaf export was unaffected by defoliation but increased in leaves closer to the shoot apex. Basipetal translocation velocity in the trunk remained unaltered, indicating that more photosynthates remained in the shoot rather than being transported directly to the root sink. Defoliated plants initiated more new flush shoots but accumulated less shoot biomass per plant after 8 weeks. Carbon allocation to fine roots was smaller in defoliated plants, suggesting defoliation led to retention of carbohydrates in aboveground organs such as the trunk and other shoots from previous growing cycles. In conclusion, the low source‐sink ratio increased carbon fixation without impacting individual leaf export in citrus. The results suggest that intermediate sinks such as the aboveground perennial organs play a role in mediating the translocation velocity. Further research is necessary to better understand the dynamics of source‐sink regulation in citrus trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change, primarily caused by human activities, leads to persistent alterations in Earth's long-term weather patterns and temperatures, resulting in substantial regional climate disparities that significantly impact agricultural output. In the realm of sustainable citriculture, climate change poses a notable challenge by inducing abiotic stresses within citrus-producing regions. Projections suggest rising air temperatures by 2.2-5.1 °C, heightened instances of temperatures exceeding 30 °C during dry spells, freezing events, a reduction in rainfall by at least 4%, and amplified monsoonal precipitations. Such changes will inevitably affect citrus tree physiology and yield quality. The intricate connection between external climatic conditions and crucial physiological processes underscores the profound influence of climate change. Temperature fluctuations can disrupt leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, flower and fruit development, fruit sugar production, coloration, abscission, carbohydrate accumulation, and ultimate fruit yield. This comprehensive review delves into the specific repercussions of climate change on citrus cultivation, focusing on variables like temperature variations, water availability, light intensity, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and salinity stress. Our exploration elucidates the adverse impact of these stressors on citrus crops, while highlighting innovative tactics and emerging technologies, including advanced monitoring systems, precision irrigation, automated climate regulation, molecular priming through biostimulants, shade netting, and particle film technologies. By mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stressors, these strategies empower citrus growers to navigate challenges like excessive solar radiation, temperature fluctuations, soil moisture management, erosion prevention, and enhanced soil quality. These combined efforts forge a path toward a more resilient citriculture capable of effectively countering the abiotic stresses stemming from climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton is a precious commodity that offers raw material to the textile industry. This crop is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Abiotic stresses exerts negative impact on cotton production, but water scarcity has the worst impact. It is rising due to current situation, in which global warming is producing a decrease in precipitation while an increase in evapo-transpiration is causing an agricultural drought. Thus, it is a difficult task for cotton breeders to identify cotton lines that can respond to areas with limited water supplies without lowering yields and might be utilized as suitable parents in a breeding program to produce drought-tolerant indices. The primary objective of this research was the estimation of drought tolerance indices in upland cotton under water deficit conditions. For this purpose, fifty accessions of upland cotton were assessed for their ability to tolerate the water stress under three conditions, namely control, 50% FC, and 75% FC. These genotypes showed significant variations based on morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics. At control conditions, these genotypes exhibited enhanced growth and better performance. Whereas, the behavior of some indices under 75% FC showed less growth as compared to control, while under the 50% FC highly significant reductions were observed among genotypes. The genotypes that are resistant to drought and those that are susceptible were found using the K-means cluster and biplot analysis. In terms of performance, the genotypes namely Cyto-515, CIM-595, FH-142, and IR-3701 exhibited relatively better in all the treatments and low excised leaf water loss, high relative water contents, chlorophyll contents, free proline contents, and peroxidase activity were observed to be useful selection criteria for drought resistance. These identified genotypes namely, Cyto-515, CIM-595, FH-142, and IR-3701 may be grown in water deficit areas of the country to assess their potential, could be used in breeding programs for development of germplasm suitable for water stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interveinal chlorosis in old leaves is a common occurrence in citrus orchards in southern China. The present study investigates the 'Langfeng' navel orange (LF, Citrus sinensis) grafted onto a Trifoliate orange (TO, Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock, which exhibits healthy green leaves, and the 'Newhall' navel orange (NHE, C. sinensis) grafted onto TO, which has typical magnesium (Mg) deficiency-induced chlorosis. Chemical analysis of the rhizosphere soil revealed that the pH values were around 3.92 and that both Mg and calcium (Ca) were significantly deficient in the rhizosphere soil of both grafting combinations (LF/TO and NHE/TO). Furthermore, the chlorotic leaves of NHE/TO had significantly lower levels of Mg, Ca, and phosphorus (P), and the green leaves of NHE/TO had significantly lower levels of Mg and Ca compared to the green leaves of the LF/TO. This suggests that Mg deficiency may be the primary cause of chlorosis in NHE/TO. A greenhouse study using the same graft combinations showed that the LF/TO plants had better growth than the NHE/TO, possibly by promoting Mg uptake and/or improving Mg distribution to leaves, thereby increasing carbon dioxide (CO 2) assimilation and photosynthesis, optimizing carbohydrate distribution, and increasing plant biomass. This results in a phenotype that is tolerant to Mg deficiency. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the LF navel orange could be utilized in the development of new citrus varieties with improved Mg-use efficiency. • Interveinal chlorosis is common in southern China citrus orchards. • Study compares "Langfeng" navel orange (LF) on Trifoliate orange rootstock (TO) to "Newhall" navel orange (NHE) on TO. • Soil analysis showed Mg and Ca deficiencies and NHE/TO had lower levels of Mg, Ca, and P in chlorotic leaves. • Greenhouse study showed better growth in LF/TO plants, indicating improved Mg uptake and tolerance to Mg deficiency. • Findings suggest LF navel orange can be used in new citrus varieties with improved Mg-use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic and extrinsic traits of citrus fruits change throughout their developmental process, and, therefore, to ensure the highest quality, fruit must be harvested at an appropriate stage of maturity. In a 2-year study, mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cultivars (Kinnow and Feutrell's Early) grafted on rough lemon (C. jambheri Lush) rootstock were selected to analyze the effect of harvest time on their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant potential in two consecutive growing seasons in the Multan region of South Pakistan, which has a subtropical climate. Fruits were harvested from commercial citrus groves at intervals of one month (from September to February). The results showed that different maturity stages/harvesting dates have a significant effect on the fruit quality and yield characteristics of mandarin cultivars. An increase in fruit weight, juice content, total soluble solids, ripening index, juice pH, and total sugar content was observed with the advancement of fruit maturity, while juice acidity, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C content had a decreasing trend towards fruit maturity. Overall, both cultivars showed similar profiles to the change in fruit quality traits during growth and development, but their amounts showed great variation. Based on the comprehensive consideration, Kinnow attained the maximum fruit quality and yield values from mid-January to February, whilst Feutrell's Early attained the maximum values of these parameters from mid-December to mid-January, attributing to higher consumer acceptability. This study demonstrated that harvest time plays a key role in controlling the fruit quality and yield of mandarin cultivars. In practice, harvest time should be highly considered for the fresh and processed citrus market and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting is a technique that provides a substantial way to enhance nutrient utilization thereby improves plant growth and yield quality. Although it is commonly practised in horticultural crops, the impact of scion-rootstock interaction on nutrient distribution is still unclear. Here, 'Newhall' navel orange plants grafted on Trifoliate orange (T) as the original rootstock were inarched with trifoliate orange (N/Tt combination) or carrizo citrange (N/Tc combination) rootstock seedlings. The experimental plants were treated with isotope 10B solution for 7 weeks to investigate the effect of different inarched rootstocks on B distribution and translocation by using a two-root system. From this study, the original rootstock played a more dominant role in B distribution to scion tissues than the inarching rootstock either in N/Tt or N/Tc combination. From inarched combinations, the carrizo citrange in the N/Tc combination had a higher ability to distribute B to new leaves, new twigs and old twigs than trifoliate orange in the N/Tt combination. However, the original rootstock of N/Tt distributed more B to scion tissues than N/Tc and the B concentration in old leaves and new leaves of N/Tt plants was significantly higher than that of N/Tc plants. These results suggest that scion B status is influenced by the B distribution of two inarching rootstocks in an inarching plant, as well as the affinity between the inarching rootstock and grafted plant. In addition, by either adding 10B to the inarching rootstock or original rootstock, we could detect 10B in the other rootstock root in both N/Tt and N/Tc combinations. The results further suggest that B can translocate from rootstock to leaves and then, re-translocate from scion to rootstock through the cycling of B transportation. • 'Newhall' navel orange grafted plants with a split-root system were used to investigate the Boron distribution. • Different rootstocks have a specific characteristic of Boron distribution to scion tissues. • The carrizo citrange-inarching rootstock distributes more Boron to scion tissues than trifoliate orange-inarching rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrate is an important intermediate product for the biosynthesis of several metabolites in plants. As two important organs of the citrus plant, fruits and leaves have their own metabolites characteristics; among them, citrate is normally high in fruit juice sacs (JS) and low in leaves. In this study, citrate content and transcript levels of citrate synthesis, transport, storage, and utilization related genes were compared between leaves and fruit JS of Citrus reticulata cv. 'Huagan No. 2', C. grandis cv. 'Hirado Buntan', and C. sinensis cv. 'Anliu'. Results indicated that the citrate content in fruit JS was significantly higher than in leaves of each cultivar. Only the relative mRNA levels of a P-type proton pump gene, CsPH8 , was significantly lower in leaves than in fruit JS of three citrus cultivars, while other genes related to citrate biosynthesis, transport, storage, and utilization were highly expressed in leaves as compared to fruit JS. Furthermore, CsPH8 transient and stable transformation in leaves indicated that the change in citrate content is highly consistent with the change of CsPH8 transcript levels. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the low accumulation of citrate in citrus leaves is mainly due to the low expression level of CsPH8 ; additionally, the high level of expression of citrate-utilizing genes would prevent citrate accumulation in the leaf organ. • Citrus mature leaves have significantly low citrate contents than in fruit juice sacs. • A consistent change in citrate content with CsPH8 transcript level was found between leaves and fruit juice sac samples of three citrus cultivars. • Reduction of CsPH8 transcript level is the key reason for the low citrate accumulation in citrus leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the general role of the vacuolar pyrophosphatase proton pump (V-PPase) in sucrose accumulation in citrus species. First, three citrus V-PPase genes, designated CsVPP-1 , CsVPP-2 , and CsVPP-4 , were identified in the citrus genome. CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 belonging to citrus type I V-PPase genes are targeted to the tonoplast, and CsVPP-4 belonging to citrus type II V-PPase genes is located in the Golgi bodies. Moreover, there was a significantly positive correlation between transcript levels of type I V-PPase genes and sucrose, rather than hexose, content in fruits of seven citrus cultivars. Drought and abscisic acid treatments significantly induced the CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 transcript levels, as well as the sucrose content. The overexpression of type I V-PPase genes significantly increased PPase activity, decreased pyrophosphate contents, and increased sucrose contents, whereas V-PPase inhibition produced the opposite effect in both citrus fruits and leaves. Furthermore, altering the expression levels of type I V-PPase genes significantly influenced the transcript levels of sucrose transporter genes. Taken together, this study demonstrated that CsVPP-1 and CsVPP-2 play key roles in sucrose storage in the vacuole by regulating pyrophosphate homeostasis, ultimately the sucrose biosynthesis and transcript levels of sucrose transport genes, providing a novel lead for engineering or breeding modified taste in citrus and other fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) proton pump plays an important role in the acidification of vacuoles; however, genes encoding V-ATPase in the citrus genome and their roles in citric acid accumulation remain unclear in citrus fruit. In this study, we found at least one gene encoding subunit A, B, C, D, G, c", d or e; two genes encoding the subunit E, F, H or a; and four genes encoding subunit c in the citrus genome. Spatial expression analysis showed that most genes were predominantly expressed in the mature leaves and/or flowers but were less expressed in root and juice cells. Two sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cultivars, 'Anliu' (AL) and 'Hong Anliu' (HAL), which differ in terms of fruit acidity, were used in this study. The citric acid content was significantly higher in 'AL' fruits than in 'HAL' fruits over the entire experimental period (82 days–236 days after full blossom, DAFB). Transcript analysis showed that the transcript levels of most subunit genes, including V 1 - A, V 1 - B, V 1 - C, V 1 - E1, V 1 - G , V 1 - H2 and V 0 - a2, V 0 - c", V 0 - c4 , and V 0 - d , were significantly lower in 'HAL' than in 'AL' fruits during fruit development and ripening. Moreover, ABA injection significantly increased the citric acid content, simultaneously accompanied by the obvious induction of V 1 - A, V 1 - C, V 1 - E 1 , V 1 - F 1 , V 1 - H 2, V 0 - a 1 , V 0 - a 2 , V 0 - c 1 , V 0 - c 2 , V 0 - c 4, and V 0 - d transcription levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that V 1 - A, V 1 - C, V 1 - E1, V 1 - H2 , V 0 - a2, V 0 - c4 , and V 0 - d may play more roles than other subunit genes in the vacuole acidification of citrus fruits. The lower activity of V-ATPase caused by the transcript reduction of some subunit genes may be one reason for the low citrate accumulation in 'HAL' juice sacs. Graphical abstract * Figure (i) shows the Anliu (AL) and Hong Anliu (HAL) fruit samples at four development stages and their corresponding citric acid contents are in figure (ii). Figure (iii) shows the structure of V-ATPase subunits and the lower transcript levels of V 1 - A, V 1 - C, V 1 - E1, V 1 - H2 , V 0 - a2, V 0 - c4 , and V 0 - d (their corresponding subunits were in gray background) may be another reason resulting in the low accumulation of citric acid content in 'HAL' fruits as compared to 'AL' fruits. Image 1 Highlights • Genes encoding each V-ATPase subunit were identified from citrus genome. • The low accumulation of citric acid in 'HAL' juice sacs may also be caused by the decrease of V-ATPase activity. • ABA induced citric acid content in citrus fruits may also be attributed by the increase of V-ATPase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of citric acid metabolism during fruit ripening has a major impact on the production of high-quality fruit. The impact of citric acid on organoleptic fruit quality attributes, fruit storage performance and the synthesis of several secondary metabolites has led to an exponential increase in research efforts during the last two decades. Recent research has focused on the relationship among citric acid biosynthesis, transportation, storage, and utilization. Among citrate metabolic processes, activities of a proton pump, especially the plasma membrane HC-ATPase on tonoplast and citrate catabolism in cytosol play important roles in the regulation of citrate accumulation in cell vacuoles. Moreover, we highlight recent advances and provide an overview of citrate metabolism, postharvest physiology of citrate metabolism, and the influence of agro-climatic factors on citrus fruits. It is the first review that provides a comprehensive model for citrate metabolism in citrus fruit juice sacs. We anticipate that this model for the regulation of citrate metabolism will facilitate the study of fruit acidity in citrus and other nonclimacteric fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the inheritance pattern of grain yield and component traits related to grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using five varieties/lines -Pasban-90, Sehar-06, NR 356, DN-62 and ZAS-70 -, and their six derived F2 hybrids at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Heritability and genetic advance were determined for number of tillers per plant, flag leaf area, spike density, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant. The results revealed moderate to high heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance for tillers per plant, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant. These estimates for flag leaf area were relatively low, whereas spike density exhibited moderate heritability along with low genetic advance in all cross combinations. Prospects of quick genetic improvement through selection are evident for most of the traits studied due to presence of higher heritability and genetic advance values. The most promising cross combinations were Pasban-90×DN-62 and Sehar-06×NR-356, suggesting that these crosses deserve more attention in further breeding programs to develop high-yielding wheat varieties. Furthermore, correlation studies showed that flag leaf area, grains per spike and 1000-grain weight had significant positive association with grain yield, pointing out their utility as direct selection criteria for the isolation of superior genotypes/parents from genetically mixed populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Citrus APD2-like gene (CsAPD2) was successfully cloned from the citrus genome. • A significantly positive correlation was observed between the CsAPD2 transcript level and citric acid content in citrus fruits. • The significant increase of fruits citrate content under drought conditions may be related to the induction of the CsAPD2 transcript level. Aberrant pollen development gene 2 (APD2) encodes a plant-specific RING-finger ubiquitin-protein, which may play an important role in pollen development or fruit development and ripening. However, the role of ubiquitin-proteins in fruit quality formation is not clear. In this study, we successfully cloned an Arabidopsis APD2 homologous gene (CsAPD2) from the citrus genome. The full-length sequence of CsAPD2 has 1431 nucleotides, encoding a protein of 476 amino acids. This gene contains ten exons and nine introns with two transmembrane domains and one RING-finger domain. The tissue-specific transcript analysis showed that CsAPD2 was predominantly expressed in fruit juice sacs (JS), followed by young leaves. Moreover, temporal expression analysis in the JS of six citrus cultivars displayed a significantly positive correlation coefficient (0.939, P < 0.01) between the change in CsAPD2 transcript level and citric acid content. Additionally, when drought stress was applied to citrus trees, both the CsAPD2 transcript level and the citric acid content were significantly enhanced in fruit JS. Taken together, the present study results suggested that CsAPD2 possibly participates in the dynamic change of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A citrus P-type proton pump gene (CsPH8), participates in the citrus vacuolar acidification. • CsPH8 plays a key role in the diversity of citric acid accumulation among fruits of citrus cultivars. • The acid fluctuation under drought condition is at least partly influenced by CsPH8 transcript level. Citric acid homeostasis patterns and its content are diversified among the fruits of citrus cultivars, but the cause remained unclear. In this study we showed that changes of citric acid content were highly associated with the expression profiles of a P-type proton pump gene (CsPH8) in the fruits of six citrus cultivars; moreover, analysis of 21 different fruit samples indicated that the correlation coefficient between titratable acid content and CsPH8 transcript level was 0.5837 with a significant level (P < 0.05). Overexpression of CsPH8 in acidless pumelo juice sacs, strawberry fruit, and tomato fruit significantly increased the titratable acid or citric acid content besides the gene transcript level. On another hand, RNA interference of CsPH8 in acidic pumelo juice sacs significantly decreased the CsPH8 transcript level and the titratable acid or citric acid content as well. In addition, severe drought significantly increased the CsPH8 transcript level besides the titratable acid content. Taken together, these findings address the function of CsPH8 in citrus vacuolar acidification, confirm that CsPH8 plays a key role in the variation of citric acid content, and supported that the acid fluctuation influenced by drought, is at least partly due to the change of CsPH8 transcript level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractDifferent metallic nanoparticles are being explored, but manganese nanoparticles (MnNPs) have not yet been studied extensively. In this study, MnNPs were synthesized by a plant-based (clove extract) method, and the synthesized MnNPs were physically characterized using different techniques. SEM analysis showed a size range of MnNPs between 100 nm and 500 nm with spherical shapes. XRD analysis showed the crystalline nature of MnNPs. The PDI of 0.872 and the zeta potential at 10 mV indicate that the MnNPs are aggregated and polydispersed. MnNPs showed a maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, i.e. 30 mm. The DPPH assay confirmed the radical scavenging ability of nanoparticles with an IC50 of 51.18 µg/ml. The alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase assays indicated that green synthesized MnNPs can act as an anti-diabetic agent with 26.65 µg/ml and 27.37 µg/ml IC50 values, respectively. In conclusion, this work exhibited a cost-effective and non-toxic method of MnNPs synthesis with potential biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemon is a prominent citrus fruit that supports regional economies worldwide. Several agronomic and fruit quality attributes are affected by the rootstock selection, thus its selection is essential for a successful grove. This study aims to compare the agronomic and quality attributes of four lemon cultivars ('Mikrokarpo Messaras', 'Nouvel Athos', 'Femminello Commune,' and 'Zia gara Bianca') grafted onto three rootstocks ('Sour Orange', 'Yuma Ponderosa lemon', and 'Volkameriana'). The yield and rootstock/scion ratio were estimated along with fruit morphological characteristics (size, equatorial, and polar diameter). Internal fruit quality was also estimated (total soluble solids, total acidity, juiciness, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total antioxidant activity). 'Volkameriana' rootstock stood out among the studied rootstocks, as all grafted lemon varieties increased their productivity. Its combination with the Italian cultivar 'Femminello Commune' exhibited enhanced tree vigor and tree yield. For all studied cultivars, the use of 'Volkameriana' or 'Yuma Ponderosa lemon' rootstocks decreased the total soluble content and total acidity, increased the ascorbic acid content, and did not influence the TSS/TA ratio, total phenols or total antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the vigorous 'Volkameriana' and 'Yuma Ponderosa lemon' rootstocks are a promising replacement for 'sour orange'. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of 'Yuma Ponderosa lemon' as a rootstock for lemons, as existing literature is rather limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is an invasive pest in South Asia. The current paper documents farmers’ perceptions of fall armyworm in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal and explores the current management practices adopted by farmers. A structured survey was conducted with 526 farmers regarding current cropping practices, identification of fall armyworm and its damage, management, capacity-building activities, and support from government and non-government extension services. The results suggested that most of the farmers reported very high to moderate damage from fall armyworm, and that the damage and spread increased over time. Although farmers used a range of management practices to control fall armyworm, chemical pesticides were still the dominant tool. Farmers learnt about the pest and its identification from their fellow farmers and individual experiences, while services from government and non-government offices were limited. Therefore, there is a need for an innovative extension approach, including the promotion of digital technologies. Similarly, the evaluation and promotion of new technologies as part of integrated pest management strategies (IPM) must be deployed to manage fall armyworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Postharvest fruit quality and shelf life of pomegranate fruit transported directly and indirectly were investigated. • Results of study revealed significant differences between transportation system and days at shelf. • Fruit subjected to direct transportation system showed better quality due to higher aril juice pH, TSS, total antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents. • Maximum fruit physiological losses (weight loss, ethylene production and respiration rate) were observed in the fruit transported through indirect market transportation system. In developing countries, substantial losses occur during the fresh produce transit from orchard to consumer representing significant postharvest losses. This study was conducted to investigate the postharvest losses and fruit quality attributes dynamics of two pomegranate cultivars (Sandhora and Sawa) transported directly (Field Lab) and indirectly (Wholesaler→Retailer→lab). For this purpose, harvested pomegranate fruit of both cultivars were divided into two lots. One lot was transported directly and other lot indirectly. In the experiment, fruit of both cv were kept at ambient conditions (25 ± 2o C, 60-65% RH). The experimental design was completely randomize design (CRD) with factorial arrangement. Different parameters were studied during the study include physical parameter (fruit firmness) physiological parameter (weight loss, ethylene, respiration rate, colony forming unit), biochemical parameter [juice pH, TSS (Total Soluble Solids), TA (Titratable acidity) , ascorbic acid] and antioxidatative parameters (total anthocyanin, total phenolics contents, activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase enzyme). The data was analyzed by the application of standard statistical measures. Results of experiment revealed significant differences between transportation system and days at shelf. As far as the result of fruit subjected to direct transportation system showed better quality due to higher aril juice pH (4.2), TSS (16.9 oBrix), total antioxidant capacity (87.5 % inhibition) and phenolic contents (296.71 mg GAE 100g−1) as compared the fruit that was transported through indirect market transportation system. Maximum TSS (18 ° Brix) were recorded in indirect transportation of cv "Sawa" at the day-5 of study as compared to others. The maximum ascorbic acid contents were recorded in direct transportation of both cultivars (35.37 mg/100g) as compared to the indirect. Pomegranate fruit transported through direct transportation system exhibited higher fruit quality and lesser losses in fruit quality than the fruit transported indirectly irrespective to days at shelf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the comparative effect of pre- and post-storage quarantine heat treatments (hot water treatment (HWT) and vapor heat treatment (VHT)) on the post-harvest performance of the mango fruit cv. 'Chenab Gold'. The results indicate that the application of HWT at 48 °C for 60 min or VHT at 47 °C for 25 min after 21 days under cold storage enhanced the ethylene production and fruit weight loss, while decreasing fruit firmness and vitamin C content. Noticeably, the post-storage heat treatments ruptured the fruit and destroyed their market value. However, fruit treated with HWT or VHT at harvest exhibited slow weight loss, better skin color, and maintained biochemical attributes as compared to the control when kept under ambient storage conditions. Taken together, the application of hot water before storage has a positive influence on mango fruit quality, while post-storage heat treatment has a devastating impact upon fruit quality and shelf life, cancelling its potential commercial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wizened buds are frequently observed in pear (Pyrus spp.) trees, which greatly reduces the yield. However, little is known about the mechanism of wizened bud formation. Here, we analyzed physiological and transcriptomic differences between normal buds and wizened buds of '710' pear trees. The results indicated that the sorbitol and boron (B) contents, during bud differentiation, were significantly reduced in wizened buds. The microscopic observation and transcriptome analysis revealed that the collapse of the organ structure and cell wall loosening process may have a close relation with wizened bud formation. Moreover, reduced transcript levels of PpyMYB39.1 and its downstream genes (PpyHT1, PpyHT2, PpyPMEI1 and PpyPMEI2) were found in wizened buds. However, the transcript levels of pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway genes (PpyPME3, PpyPL18.1, PpyPL18.2, PpyPG1 and PpyPG2) and the concentration of pectin-degradation-related enzymes were increased in wizened buds. Correspondingly, the pectin concentration was significantly reduced in wizened buds. Taken together, PpyMYB39.1 may promote pectin degradation and decrease carbohydrate transport by regulating its downstream genes and is supposed to play a vital role in the wizened bud formation resulting from the cell wall loosening process. Our study provides fundamental insights into wizened bud formation and strategies to reduce the wizened bud occurrence in pear trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pear black spot disease significantly threatens pear trees. • Proteome and transcriptome profiling of resistant and susceptible pear cultivars were obtained. • PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 were identified as potential key genes in the defense response. Pear black spot disease (BSD), caused by the pathogen Alternaria alternata , poses a significant threat to pear trees. In this study, we investigated the defense mechanisms of sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) against BSD using iTRAQ and transcriptome analysis. Proteome sequencing and iTRAQ-UPLC MS/MS identified 6487 reliable proteins, including 6230 quantifiable ones. Further analysis revealed 237 differential proteins following inoculation with the H strain of A. alternata. Among these, 20 were common to both 'Jinjing' pear and the susceptible 'Hongfen' pear, while 138 were specific to 'Jinjing' and 79 were specific to 'Hongfen'. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis implicated these proteins in processes like "plastid", "ion binding", "ribosome", and "amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism". We further identified 100 common genes from the proteome and transcriptome data, with 69% showing consistent expression patterns. Among these, we discovered a candidate gene, Pbr037418, which shares a close phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis AtJAZ1 and was designated PpJAZ1. We confirmed that Pp JAZ1 is localized in the nucleus and interacts with Pp MYC2-2 in the defense response. Notably, expression levels of PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 were higher in resistant 'Jinjing' pear compared to susceptible 'Hongfen' pear after pathogen inoculation. Following H strain inoculation, sand pear leaves with silenced PpJAZ1 exhibited disease spots and showed reduced expression of PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 compared to control leaves. This study deepens our understanding of BSD resistance mechanisms and provides insights into proteomic and transcriptomic changes in sand pear during pathogen infection, and thus will facilitate future research on resistance gene discovery and functional studies in sand pear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of agricultural produce is fairly dependent on the availability of nutrients and efficient use. Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential macronutrient of living cells and is the second most prevalent free divalent cation in plants. Mg2+ plays a role in several physiological processes that support plant growth and development. However, it has been largely forgotten in fertilization management strategies to increase crop production, which leads to severe reductions in plant growth and yield. In this review, we discuss how the Mg2+ shortage induces several responses in plants at different levels: morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular. Additionally, the Mg2+ uptake and transport mechanisms in different cellular organelles and the role of Mg2+ transporters in regulating Mg2+ homeostasis are also discussed. Overall, in this review, we critically summarize the available information about the responses of Mg deficiency on plant growth and development, which would facilitate plant scientists to create Mg2+-deficiency-resilient crops through agronomic and genetic biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although there have been numerous studies conducted to better understand Parkinson's disease (PD), the epidemiology of its debilitating non-motor symptoms across different ethnicities remains understudied. Herein we explore the relationship between depression, anxiety and pain in PD patients of Caucasian or Indian ethnicity (PD Caucasians and PD Indians). Patients and Methods: All patients and healthy age and gender matched controls were assessed via semi-structured interviews for anxiety, pain and depression using structured questionnaires. Results: PD Indians did not differ from PD Caucasians on anxiety or depression. However, PD Caucasians were more likely to report aching pain by 80 times and dull pain by 108 times compared to PD Indians. PD Indians were 82% less likely to have pain interfering with social activities, and 90% less likely to have pain interfering with relations with others compared to PD Caucasians. Conclusion: Although an Indo-Caucasian difference may not be detected from mood dysfunction, important differences may exist from the influence of pain interfering with several dimensions of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The high acidity in bottom fruit is due to citrate but not malate, which is associated with low light intensity and low temperature. • High citrate content in bottom fruits is explained by low expression of degradation genes, high expression of biosynthesis and proton pump genes. • Low malate content in bottom fruits is explained by low expression of biosynthesis genes and high expression of degradation genes. Organic acids are key metabolites for diverse fruit flavoring and vital for fruit quality measures. Their contents are significantly varied regarding the canopy position. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study by using Citrus raticulata cv. Bendizao as research material, a significant 2-fold increase in citrate content and a 2-fold decrease in malate content were noticed in bottom-canopy fruits subjected to less light and low temperature compared to top-canopy fruits. Moreover, transcript levels of genes like citrate synthase (CS1), aconitate hydratase genes (ACO1 and ACO2), NAD-dependent malic enzyme gene (NAD-ME) and malate dehydrogenase genes (MDH1 and MDH2) were significantly higher, while transcript levels of other genes such as citrate utilization genes (ACL2, ACL3 and ACO3), malate synthase gene (MS) and cytosolic NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase gene (cytNAD-MDH) were significantly lower in bottom-canopy fruits compared to top-canopy fruits. Additionally, transcript levels of proton pump genes (CsPHs and VHA), two transporter genes (MATE and ALMT9), and four transcription factor genes (MYB73, Noemi, MYC-N , and bHLH) were significantly higher, while mRNA levels of two transcription factor genes (MYB10 and WRKY14) and transporter genes (CsCit1 and ALMT9-like) were significantly lower in bottom-canopy fruits than those in top-canopy fruits. Taken together, the variance of organic acid profiles in the canopy could be attributed to the microclimate change, which comprehensively influences the organic acid accumulation-related genes' transcript levels; reduced malate accumulation in bottom-canopy fruits is mainly due to the minimal expression of MS and cytNAD-MDH , and high expression of malate utilization genes (MDH and NAD - ME), while the higher citrate content in the bottom-canopy fruits is probably due to the enhanced vacuolar storage through increasing vacuolar proton pump genes and MATE transcript levels, and the minimal citrate degradation and efflux through decreasing ACL2, ACL3, ACO3 and CsCit1 transcript levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of bacterial population was estimated in discolored rice grains of seven different local and exotic varieties. Twelve bacterial species were isolated on Nutrient agar (N.A.) medium and maximum frequency among bacteria (19.32%) observed in KSK-133 and minimum (11.96%) in 140-4-1-2-5 among all rice varieties. Burkholderia pseudomallai and Burkholderia glumae had higher frequency almost in all tested rice varieties, while Acidovorax facilis had higher frequency only in CB- 38. Different extracts/solvents (benzene, ether and chloroform etc) were used to check the antibacterial activity on each rice variety. The aqueous extract showed evidence of low antibacterial activity as compared to other solvents. The maximum inhibition in vitro, was observed in benzene and ether solvent (up to 3.0-3.7 cm) against B. glumae, B. pseudomallei, K. oxytoca, K. sibirica and M. rhodesianum followed by chloroform extract with inhibition zone of 3.0 cm and 3.7 cm against B. glumae and K. oxytoca, respectively. Among different treatments, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied among 0.25-4.0 mg/mL when tested with all four solvent extracts of P. hysterophorus against rice pathogens. The main objective of the study was to minimize the bacterial diseases by using different extracts/solvents and to increase the high yield potential. The present investigation strongly indicated antibacterial potential of leaf extracts of P. hysterophorus against bacterial pathogens of rice in sustainable disease management and also helpful for increasing the yield of rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological procedures for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easily scalable as compared to chemical and physical methods. In the present study, a simple fungus based synthesis method was used for copper nanoparticles. After morphological and molecular characterization of fungal strains, Aspergillus niger strain STA9 was used for CuNPs synthesis. Particles synthesized by fungi were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, and Zetasizer. The MTT anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and antibacterial assays of CuNPs were performed. The CuNPs were produced at optimized conditions with a size of 500 nm, Z -average 398.2 nm, and 0.246 poly dispersion index. These particles were quantified at 480 nm and FTIR confirmed the existence of O H and -C=C- functional groups. MTT assay revealed that CuNPs have a significant cytotoxic effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh-7) with 3.09 μg/ml IC50 value. Alpha-glucosidase inhibition showed that CuNPs have a moderate antidiabetic effect. The agar well antibacterial effect indicated 19, 21, 16, 20, and 17 mm zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis respectively. Such biomedical applications of CuNPs reveal the importance of a targeted drug delivery system. • Microbial based synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger. • Characterization of nano particles • Cell lines activity indicate the anticancer effect of these particles • Antidiabetic assay showed significant results against diabetic enzymes • Antibacterial assay signifies these copper nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]