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Abstract Iron (Fe) deficiency in calcareous soils is a significant agricultural challenge, affecting crop productivity and nutritional quality. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate Fe solubilizing rhizobacterial isolates from maize rhizosphere in calcareous soils as potential biofertilizers. Forty bacterial isolates coded as SG1, SG2, …, SG40 were isolated and screened for siderophore production, with ten showing significant Fe solubilizing capabilities. These isolates were further assessed for phosphate solubilization and exopolysaccharides production. The selected bacterial isolates were also screened under axenic conditions for their ability to improve maize growth. The isolates SG8, SG13, SG24, SG30 and SG33 significantly enhanced growth parameters of maize. Notably, SG30 showed highest increment in shoot length (58%), root length (54%), root fresh and dry biomass (67% and 76%), SPAD value (67%), relative water contents (69%), root surface area (61%), and Fe concentration in shoots (79%) as compared to control. The biochemical characterization of these strains showed that all these strains have capability to solubilize insoluble phosphorus, produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ammonia with catalase, urease and protease activity. Molecular identification through 16s rRNA gene sequencing confirmed high similarity (99.7–100%) of the selected isolates to various Bacillus species, including B. pyramidoids, B. firmicutes, and B. cereus. The study provides a strong base for developing eco-friendly, cost-effective biofertilizers to address Fe deficiency in crops and promote sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Synthetic dyes, such as Alizarin Red S, contribute significantly to environmental pollution. This study investigates the biosorption potential of Alhagi maurorum biosorbent for the removal of Alizarin Red S (ARS) from aqueous solutions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the biosorbent’s adsorption sites. Various parameters were optimized to maximize dye adsorption. An optimal removal efficiency of 82.26% was attained by employing 0.9 g of biosorbent with a 25 ppm dye concentration at pH 6 and 60 °C over 30 min. The data were modeled using various isothermal and kinetic models to understand the adsorption behavior. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the data, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. The data matched best to the Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption occurs as a monolayer on uniform surfaces with a finite number of binding sites. The model showed a strong correlation (R² = 0.991) and a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of 8.203 mg/g. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified temperature as the dominant factor, with the primary component, PC1 capturing 100% of its effect. The mechanisms involved in ARS biosorption on A. maurorum include electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, dipole-dipole interactions, and π-π stacking. Alhagi maurorum showed promising potential for biosorbing toxic dyes from contaminated water, suggesting further investigation for practical applications.

Abstract The Asteraceae family is a prominent group of flowering plants found across the globe, with the exception of Antarctica. The Asteraceae family is a largest flowering family pivotal group in plant evolution and diversification. Despite its importance, the genetic diversity within this family remains understudied. We focused on the rps-11 gene, a chloroplast marker previously utilized in phylogenetic studies, to investigate its potential in resolving Asteraceae relationships. The focus was on examining genetic diversity within sixteen specifically chosen species from the Asteraceae family. This assessment was based on an analysis of a chloroplast gene responsible for encoding the ribosomal protein of the smaller subunit 11 (rps 11). Nearly 417 bp of rps 11 gene was amplified, sequenced, computationally translated into amino acid sequence and the data was used for phylogenetic analysis as well as for rps 11 protein structure predictions. Based on nucleotide and amino acid sequences phylograms were drawn with the help of Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis (MEGA 6), which exhibited clear genetic relationship among species under investigation. The observed genetic distance was 0.02 for Maximum likelihood tree based on nucleotide sequences whereas it was 0.05 for phylogram based on amino acid sequences. These values revealed that amino acid-based tree has demonstrated greater diversity among selected species in comparison to nucleotides-based tree. On the basis of pair wise distance calculations, genetic divergence values were found within the range of 0.015–0.309. Moreover, 3D protein modeling for rps 11 protein of sixteen selected species was also carried out by iterative threading assembly refinement (I-Tasser) software. The models exhibiting the highest C-score were picked with satisfactory plot statistics (> 90%) and structurally validated by PROCHECK. Furthermore, Ramachandran plots displayed that the rps 11 protein structures of Tagetes minuta, Xanthium strumarium, Lactuca sativa and Chrysanthemum indicum have best feature models with > 90% of residues in the allowed region and ≤ 2% in the disallowed region. The research is not enough to stand alone to validate the viability of the rps11 gene as a prospective contender for phylogenetic analysis. İn future we will focus on the maximum genetic diversity theory for phylogenetic analysis of this family.

Abstract The root architecture, more seminal roots, and Deeper roots help the plants to uptake the resources from the deeper soil layer to ensure better growth. The Gibberellic acid-sensitive (GA-sensitive) Rht genes are well known for increasing drought tolerance in wheat. Much work has been performed on the effect of these genes on the plant agronomic traits and little work has been done on the effect of Rht genes on seminal roots and root architecture. This study was designed to evaluate 200 wheat genotypes under normal and osmotic stress. The genotypes were sown in the solution culture and laid under CRD factorial arrangement with three replications and two factors i.e., genotypes and treatments viz. normal and osmotic stress (20% PEG-6000) applied one week after germination. The data was recorded for the root traits. Results demonstrated that out of 200 genotypes, the GA-sensitive Rht13 gene was amplified in 21 genotypes with a fragment length of 1089 bp. In comparison, the GA-insensitive Rht1 gene was amplified in 24 genotypes with a band size of 228 bp. From 200 wheat genotypes, 122 genotypes produced 5 seminal roots, 4 genotypes 4 seminal roots, and 74 genotypes 3 seminal roots. The genotypes G-3 (EBW11TALL#1/WESTONIA-Rht5//QUAIU#1), G-6 (EBW01TALL#1/SILVERSTAR-Rht13B//ROLF07) and G-8 (EBW01TALL#1/SILVERSTAR-Rht13B//NAVJ07) produced 5 seminal roots and have longer coleoptile (> 4.0 cm), root (> 11.0 cm) and shoot (> 17 cm) under normal and osmotic stress. Furthermore, Ujala 16, Galaxy-13, and Fareed-06 produced 3 seminal roots and have short coleoptile (

Abstract Drought poses a significant ecological threat that limits the production of crops worldwide. The objective of this study to examine the impact of soil applied biochar (BC) and peatmoss (PM) on the morpho-biochemical and quality traits of tobacco plants under drought conditions. In the present experiment work, a pot trial was conducted with two levels of drought severity (~ well-watered 75 ± 5% field capacity) and severe drought stress (~ 35 ± 5% field capacity), two levels of peatmoss (PM) @ 5% [PM+ (with peatmoss) and PM- (without peatmoss)] and three levels of rice straw biochar (BC0 = no biochar; BC1 = 150 mg kg− 1; and BC2 = 300 mg kg− 1 of soil) in tobacco plants. The results indicate that drought conditions significantly impacted the performance of tobacco plants. However, the combined approach of BC and PM significantly improved the growth, biomass, and total chlorophyll content (27.94%) and carotenoids (32.00%) of tobacco. This study further revealed that the drought conditions decreased the production of lipid peroxidation and proline accumulation. But the synergistic approach of BC and PM application increased soluble sugars (17.63 and 12.20%), soluble protein (31.16 and 15.88%), decreased the proline accumulation (13.92 and 9.03%), and MDA content (16.40 and 8.62%) under control and drought stressed conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the combined approach of BC and PM also improved the leaf potassium content (19.02%) by limiting the chloride ions (33.33%) under drought stressed conditions. Altogether, the balanced application of PM and BC has significant potential as an effective approach and sustainable method to increase the tolerance of tobacco plants subjected to drought conditions. This research uniquely highlights the combined potential of PM and BC as an eco-friendly strategy to enhance plant resilience under drought conditions, offering new insights into sustainable agricultural practices.

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles have wide range biological, biomedical and environmental applications. However, traditional nanofabrication of ZnONPs uses various toxic chemicals and organic solvents which limit their bio-applications. To overcome this hurdle, Bauhinia variegata derived buds extract was utilized to fabricate ZnONPs. The greenly generated ZnONPs were successfully prepared and extensively characterized using different analytical tools and the average crystalline size was calculated as 25.47 nm. Further, bioengineered ZnONPs were explored for multiple biological activities that revealed excellent therapeutic potentials. The antibacterial potential was determined using different bacterial strains. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 137.5 µg/mL) was reported to be the most resistant variant while Bacillus subtilis (MIC: 34.38 µg/mL) was observed to be most susceptible bacterial strain. DPPH radical scavenging potential was measured to determine the antioxidant capacity of ZnONPs and the highest scavenging potential was observed as 82% at highest of 300 µg/mL. The fungicidal effect of green ZnONPs in comparison with Amphotericin B was assessed against five selected pathogenic fungal strains. The results revealed, Fusarium solani (MIC: 46.875 µg/mL) was least resistant and Aspergillus flavus (MIC: 187.5 µg/mL) was most resistant in fungicidal examination. Cytotoxicity potential of B.V@ZnONPs was analyzed against newly hatched nauplii of brine shrimps. The results for greenly produced ZnONPs was recorded as 39.78 µg/mL while 3.006 µg/mL was reported for positive control vincristine sulphate. The results confirmed the category of general cytotoxic for greenly synthesized nano sized B.V@ZnONPs.

Abstract Wheat is an important staple crop not only in Pakistan but all over the globe. Although the area dedicated to wheat cultivation expands annually, the quantity of wheat harvested is declining due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Global wheat production and output have suffered as a result of the drought, which is largely driven by a lack of water and environmental factors. Organic fertilizers have been shown to reduce the severity of drought. The current research was conducted in semi-arid climates to mitigate the negative effects of drought on wheat during its critical tillering (DTS), flowering (DFS), and grain filling (DGFS) stages through the application of three different abscisic acid treatments: ABA0 (0 mgL−1) control, ABA1 (100 mgL−1) and ABA2 (200 mgL−1). Wheat growth and yield characteristics were severely harmed by drought stress across all critical development stages, with the DGFS stage being particularly vulnerable and leading to a considerable loss in yield. Plant height was increased by 24.25%, the number of fertile tillers by 25.66%, spike length by 17.24%, the number of spikelets per spike by 16.68%, grain count per spike by 11.98%, thousand-grain weight by 14.34%, grain yield by 26.93% and biological yield by 14.55% when abscisic acid (ABA) was applied instead of the control treatment. Moreover, ABA2 increased the more physiological indices (water use efficiency (36.12%), stomatal conductance (44.23%), chlorophyll a (24.5%), chlorophyll b (29.8%), transpiration rate (23.03%), photosynthetic rate (24.84%), electrolyte leakage (− 38.76%) hydrogen peroxide (− 18.09%) superoxide dismutase (15.3%), catalase (20.8%), peroxidase (− 18.09%), and malondialdehyde (− 13.7%)) of drought-stressed wheat as compared to other treatments. In the case of N, P, and K contents in grain were maximally improved with the application of ABA2. Through the use of principal component analysis, we were able to correlate our results across scales and provide an explanation for the observed effects of ABA on wheat growth and production under arid conditions. Overall, ABA application at a rate of 200 mgL−1 is an effective technique to boost wheat grain output by mitigating the negative effects of drought stress.

Abstract In the current arena, new-generation functional nanomaterials are the key players for smart solutions and applications including environmental decontamination of pollutants. Among the plethora of new-generation nanomaterials, graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites are in the driving seat surpassing their counterparts due to their unique physicochemical characteristics and superior surface chemistry. The purpose of the present research was to synthesize and characterize magnetite iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (FeNPs/rGO) via a green approach and test its application in the degradation of methylene blue. The modified Hummer's protocol was adopted to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) through a chemical exfoliation approach using a graphitic route. Leaf extract of Azadirachta indica was used as a green reducing agent to reduce GO into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Then, using the green deposition approach and Azadirachta indica leaf extract, a nanocomposite comprising magnetite iron oxides and reduced graphene oxide i.e., FeNPs/rGO was synthesized. During the synthesis of functionalized FeNPs/rGO, Azadirachta indica leaf extract acted as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. The final synthesized materials were characterized and analyzed using an array of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis, and UV–visible spectrophotometry. The UV–visible spectrum was used to evaluate the optical characteristics and band gap. Using the FT-IR spectrum, functional groupings were identified in the synthesized graphene-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites. The morphology and elemental analysis of nanomaterials and nanocomposites synthesized via the green deposition process were investigated using SEM–EDX. The GO, rGO, FeNPs, and FeNPs/rGO showed maximum absorption at 232, 265, 395, and 405 nm, respectively. FTIR spectrum showed different functional groups (OH, COOH, C=O), C–O–C) modifying material surfaces. Based on Debye Sherrer's equation, the mean calculated particle size of all synthesized materials was

Abstract Sugarcane smut is the most damaging disease that is present almost across the globe, causing mild to severe yield losses depending upon the cultivar types, pathogen races and climatic conditions. Cultivation of smut-resistant cultivars is the most feasible and economical option to mitigate its damages. Previous investigations revealed that there is a scarcity of information on early detection and effective strategies to suppress etiological agents of smut disease due to the characteristics overlapping within species complexes. In this study, 104 sugarcane cultivars were screened by artificial inoculation with homogenate of all possible pathogen races of Sporisorium scitamineum during two consecutive growing seasons. The logistic smut growth pattern and the disease intrinsic rate were recorded by disease growth curve. Variable levels of disease incidence i.e., ranging from 0 to 54.10% were observed among these sugarcane cultivars. Besides, pathogen DNA in plant shoots of all the cultivars was successfully amplified by PCR method using smut-specific primers except 26 cultivars which showed an immune reaction in the field trial. Furthermore, the plant germination and tillering of susceptible sugarcane cultivars were greatly influenced by pathogen inoculation. In susceptible cultivars, S. scitamineum caused a significant reduction in setts germination, coupled with profuse tillering, resulting in fewer millable canes. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between reduction in setts germination and increase in the number of tillers. The present study would be helpful for the evaluation of smut resistance in a wide range of sugarcane germplasm, especially from the aspects of setts germination and tillers formation, and it also screened out several excellent germplasm for potential application in sugarcane breeding.

Abstract Drought stress (DS) is a significant abiotic stress that limits agricultural productivity worldwide. In semi-arid climates, one potential solution to alleviate the deleterious effects of drought is the use of soil amendments such as nanoparticles. The current research was conducted out to probe the sway of drought at critical growth stages (CGS) of wheat crop (D0: Control, D1: Drought at tillering stage, and D2: Drought at anthesis stage) and the application of Cu-nanoparticles (T0: 0 mg L−1, T1: 300 mg L−1, T2: 700 mg L−1, and T3: 950 mg L−1) in order to improve drought resilience. Results of the study revealed that DS considerably decreased the wheat growth and yield during CGS. However, Cu-nanoparticles application alleviated the detrimental backlash of DS and led to improvements in various aspects of wheat growth and yield, including plant height, spike length, 1000 grain weight, stomatal conductance, leaf chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, leaf turgor potential, relative water content, and ultimately the grain yield. The use of principal component analysis allowed us to integrate and interpret the diverse findings of our study, elucidating the impact of Cu-nanoparticle treatment on wheat growth and yield under drought. Overall, the study concluded that DS during the anthesis stage had the most significant negative impact on crop yield. However, applying Cu-nanoparticles at the rate of 300 mg L−1 proved to be an effective strategy for improving crop productivity by reducing the harmful effects of drought.

The Ciprofloxacin (CIP) toxicity and salinity stress in agricultural soils cause risk to environmental and food safety. Consequently, it is essential to devise or use more effective techniques for mitigating salinity and ciprofloxacin-induced stress in soil. This study includes the nZVI-loaded biochar synthesis, integrating the unique characteristics of raw biochar with nZVI. The present study examined the impact of raw and nZVI-loaded biochar on soil quality and the mitigation of salinity stress and Ciprofloxacin toxicity in wheat plants. The results showed that the application of nZVI-loaded biochar treatments led to substantial enhancement in shoot biomass, root biomass, grain biomass, and spike biomass by 152.1, 54.3 %, 59.8 %, and 151 %, respectively compared to control treatment. The treatment with nZVI-loaded biochar significantly increased the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as the conductance of stomata. It also resulted in higher levels of intercellular CO2, photosynthetic pigments, and water use efficiency with increases of 49 %, 59 %, 57 %, 37 %, 40 %, and 95 %, respectively. The nZVI-loaded biochar significantly decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide levels compared to the NaCl treatment alone. It also enhanced the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The non-enzymatic antioxidants including total soluble sugars (TSS), flavonoids, total soluble proteins (TSP), phenolics, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, proline, and glycine betaine significantly influenced by the nZVI-loaded biochar. The nZVI-loaded biochar effectively alleviates the stress of soils that are contaminated with hazardous amounts of Ciprofloxacin while improving the soil and plant health.

Pea powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe pisi, is a major limitation to global pea production. The emergence of fungicide-resistant pathogen populations due to frequent and injudicious pesticide application highlights the importance of exploring the synergistic properties of fungicide combinations. This study investigated the efficacy of difenoconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and sulfur, both individually and in mixtures, against powdery mildew and assessed the interaction types between these fungicides. The results demonstrated that the combination of difenoconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and sulfur was the most effective in reducing, reducing disease severity to 6.10% and minimizing conidial production on foliage. Additionally, this fungicide combination reduced conidial germination by 89.26% in vitro and by 87.50% in a detached leaf assay compared to the control. The treatment also positively impacted leaf chlorophyll content (55.18), green pod yield (22.21 tons ha−1), seed yield (12.29 tons ha−1), and other yield-related parameters. Although statistically significant, this ternary fungicide combination was closely followed by the binary combination of thiophanate-methyl and sulfur, which was the only combination exhibiting synergism in both laboratory and field trials with a synergy factor (SF) > 1. In conclusion, this approach offers improved disease control as part of integrated disease management (IDM) while minimizing the risk of resistant pathogen strains.

Inhibiting cholinesterase (ChE) such as AChE and BChE is thought to be one of the most effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. In the present work, a new facile method for (1S,4S)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-n-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-amine based analogues 4 (a–p) in good yield (66–93 %) were synthesized by refluxing demethylsertraline (2) with different aldehydes and ketones 3 (a–p). The newly synthesized analogues 4 (a–p) were characterized by physical and spectroscopic techniques for instance FTIR, LR-MS and HR-MS. The synthesized demethylsertraline based analogues 4 (a–p) were examined for their biological activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). In case of AChE activity, electron donating substituents have shown more inhibition as 4–hydroxyphenyl– (4b, IC50, 0.98 ± 0.99 µM) and 3,4–dimethoxyyphenyl– (4c, IC50, 1.0 ± 0.98 µM) and exhibited excellent binding affinity. In case of BChE activity, 4e consisting of electron withdrawing substituent has shown potent inhibition (1.26 ± 0.34 µM). Similarly, 4i and 4n depicted good inhibition with IC50 values 1.66 ± 0.78 µM and 1.66 ± 0.98 µM respectively as they possess weakly donating substituents. The structure activity relationship of BChE inhibition has shown opposite trend than AChE inhibition. It has been scrutinized that strong electron donating substituent decrease the BChE inhibitory activities whereas electron withdrawing groups greatly enhance the enzyme inhibition activity. In silico study of the synthesized compounds 4 (a–p) of the series was carried out. Compound 4b demonstrated excellent interaction with AChE compare with Eserine (standard) with a score of 6228 and an ACE value of –101.33 kcal/mol. Compound 4e demonstrated potent interaction with BChE compare with Eserine (standard) with a score of 6028 and ACE value of –258.53 kcal/mol. Compound 4b has the potential to serve as a lead molecule in medication development for Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

The present study reports the design and synthesis of new benzimidazole-oxadiazole compounds as potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The synthesized molecules were characterized through different techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS and evaluated for their in vitro inhibitory activities against these enzymes. Among the compounds screened, compound 8 demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against both α-glucosidase (IC50 = 11.60 µM) and α-amylase (IC50 = 6.20 µM). Molecular docking analyses were conducted to investigate the binding modes and interactions of the active compounds within the enzyme active sites. The results demonstrate that several benzimidazole-oxadiazole hybrids exhibited potent inhibitory effects on both α-glucosidase and α-amylase, suggesting their promise as antidiabetic agents.

We have synthesized thiadiazole-isatin hybrid analogues (1–20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS, and evaluated against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. All analogues showed potent inhibitory potentials, having an IC50 values ranged from 22.08 ± 0.09 to 54.03 ± 0.07 μM (against α-amylase) and 19.03 ± 0.04 to 50.03 ± 0.02 μM (α-glucosidase) when compared with the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 22.07 ± 0.02 μM for α-amylase and IC50 = 18.01 ± 0.06 μM for α-glucosidase respectively). Among the series, analogues 13 (IC50 = 19.03 ± 0.04 and 22.08 ± 0.09 μM), 12 (IC50 = 21.03 ± 0.07 and 24.03 ± 0.07 μM), and 5 (IC50 = 22.02 ± 0.03 and 26.02 ± 0.04 μM) were identified as the most active inhibitors. The structure–activity relationship was carried out, mainly associated with the nature, number, position, and electron-donating and electron-withdrawing effects of the substituent (s) on the phenyl ring. With the help of molecular docking, the binding interaction of the most active analogues within the active site of enzymes was confirmed. Almost twelve compounds were also screened for antibacterial potential, and few were found to be effective against Bacillus subtilis. All compounds were verified for cytotoxicity against the 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line and detected non-toxic.

In this study we have adopted a new synthetic route for different substituted Schiff base derivatives (1–10) and examined their anti-diabetic potential. All these compounds exhibited a varied range against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with antidiabetic potential. Analog (6) with triflouro methyl substituent, present on the para position of the ring was emerged as most potent compound. Acarbose was used as reference drug with IC50 = 6.80 ± 0.40 μM and 7.20 ± 0.70 μM for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Furthermore, antibacterial and antifungal activity of these compounds was also evaluated against E. coli and A. alternate in the presence of marketed drug Terbinafine and Streptomycin. Binding modalities of synthesized compounds with the receptor residues of target enzymes were explored by in silico docking. Additionally, ADME analysis and DFT were also conducted to assess the drug-like characteristics and electronic properties of the potent derivatives. The synthesized compounds were confirmed through spectroscopic techniques such as 13C NMR, 1H NMR and HREI-Mass spectrometry.

The current study was aimed to investigate the ethno-pharmacology, diversity, biological potentials of different mushrooms species from District Swabi, Pakistan. Ethno-pharmacological data was collected from 73 respondents based on interview, group discussion and field visits. Quantitative analysis such as informant consent factor (ICF), Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were done. Morphological identification of mushrooms, extract preparation, phytochemical screening and statistical analysis of data was conducted. Phytochemical analysis of six mushroom species revealed that saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and phenols were present in six selected mushrooms, while tannin and steroids (−) present in Agaricus arvensis. In Morchella conica only steroids (−) was absent, Qunion (−) in Polyporus tuberaster, Pleurotus ostreatus and Omphalotus olearius were found absent. Moisture contents (10.17 ± 1.27) and crude fats (5.26 ± 1.50) present in Omphalotus olearius. Highest content of crude fibers (26.57 ± 0.86) and carbohydrates (62.18 ± 0.73) were found in Pleurotus ostreatus. Highest ash contents (12.62 ± 0.46) were reported in Polyporus tuberaster. The respondents’ consensus factor values ranged from 1.66 to 61.74 in which highest ICF value was 61.74 while the lowest was 1.66. The high RFC was recorded for Agaricus (0.67) while lowest RFC was observed in Clitocybe frondasa (0.05). The results of analgesic activity were compared to the diclofenac (Standard drug). The extracts of aqueous and methanolic extract were most active at the level of (400 mg/kg). As antipyretic agents, methanolic and aqueous extracts of Agaricus species were analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity compare to diclofenac (Standard drug) where the aqueous (200 mg/kg) and methanolic (400 mg/kg) were found to be very active. Finally, mushrooms with high (ICF and UV) were further investigated for phytochemicals and pharmacological analysis which revealed significant biological potentials. This provides basic ground information which can be used to explore novel mushroom-based medicines for the treatment of various diseases. The commercial cultivation of mushrooms represents a promising opportunity to leverage their diverse health benefits and nutritional properties. By prioritizing research and cultivation methods while educating the public, the potential of mushrooms as vital components of both nutrition and medicine can be significantly realized, impacting health outcomes and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

A series of new benzohydrazide based thiourea derivatives were synthesized, characterized through different spectroscopic techniques like 1HNMR, 13CNMR and HREI-MS and screened against Bacillus pasteurii (B.P) and Jack bean (J.B) ureases enzymes. All derivatives showed good inhibitory potential ranging from 20.05 ± 0.03 to 39.34 ± 1.05 (against J.B Urease) and 23.54 ± 0.21 to 58.65 ± 0.41 (against B.P Urease) as compared to the standard thiourea (IC50 = 14.02 ± 0.25 and 18.01 ± 0.13 µM, respectively). It was observed that the two scaffold 1 (IC50 = 23.54 ± 0.21 and 20.05 ± 0.03 µM) and 2 (IC50 = 26.20 ± 0.32 and 21.33 ± 0.17 µM) among the series showed good inhibitory potential. The binding interaction of the most potent analogues with the active site of enzyme were examined through the molecular docking study.

Abstract Background Acacia nilotica Linn. is a widely distributed tree known for its applications in post-harvest and medicinal horticulture. However, its seed-based growth is relatively slow. Seed is a vital component for the propagation of A. nilotica due to its cost-effectiveness, genetic diversity, and ease of handling. Colchicine, commonly used for polyploidy induction in plants, may act as a pollutant at elevated levels. Its optimal concentration for Acacia nilotica's improved growth and development has not yet been determined, and the precise mechanism underlying this phenomenon has not been established. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of optimized colchicine (0.07%) seed treatment on A. nilotica's morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical attributes under controlled conditions, comparing it with a control. Results Colchicine seed treatment significantly improved various plant attributes compared to control. This included increased shoot length (84.6%), root length (53.5%), shoot fresh weight (59.1%), root fresh weight (42.8%), shoot dry weight (51.5%), root dry weight (40%), fresh biomass (23.6%), stomatal size (35.9%), stomatal density (41.7%), stomatal index (51.2%), leaf thickness (11 times), leaf angle (2.4 times), photosynthetic rate (40%), water use efficiency (2.2 times), substomatal CO2 (36.6%), quantum yield of photosystem II (13.1%), proton flux (3.1 times), proton conductivity (2.3 times), linear electron flow (46.7%), enzymatic activities of catalase (25%), superoxide dismutase (33%), peroxidase (13.5%), and ascorbate peroxidase (28%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging activities(23%), total antioxidant capacity (59%), total phenolic (23%), and flavonoid content (37%) with less number of days to 80% germination (57.1%), transpiration rate (53.9%), stomatal conductance (67.1%), non-photochemical quenching (82.8%), non-regulatory energy dissipation (24.3%), and H2O2 (25%) and O−2 levels (30%). Conclusion These findings elucidate the intricate mechanism behind the morphological, anatomical, physiological, fluorescent, and biochemical transformative effects of colchicine seed treatment on Acacia nilotica Linn. and offer valuable insights for quick production of A. nilotica’s plants with modification and enhancement from seeds through an eco-friendly approach.

Abstract Large amount of wastes are burnt or left to decompose on site or at landfills where they cause air pollution and nutrient leaching to groundwater. Waste management strategies that return these food wastes to agricultural soils recover the carbon and nutrients that would otherwise have been lost, enrich soils and improve crop productivity. The incorporation of liming materials can neutralize the protons released, hence reducing soil acidity and its adverse impacts to the soil environment, food security, and human health. Biochar derived from organic residues is becoming a source of carbon input to soil and provides multifunctional values. Biochar can be alkaline in nature, with the level of alkalinity dependent upon the feedstock and processing conditions. This study conducted a characterization of biochar derived from the pyrolysis process of eggplant and Acacia nilotica bark at temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. An analysis was conducted on the biochar kinds to determine their pH, phosphorus (P), as well as other elemental composition. The proximate analysis was conducted by the ASTM standard 1762-84, while the surface morphological features were measured using a scanning electron microscope. The biochar derived from Acacia nilotica bark exhibited a greater yield and higher level of fixed carbon while possessing a lower content of ash and volatile components compared to biochar derived from eggplant. The eggplant biochar exhibits a higher liming ability at 600 °C compared to the acacia nilotica bark-derived biochar. The calcium carbonate equivalent, pH, potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) levels in eggplant biochars increased as the pyrolysis temperature increased. The results suggest that biochar derived from eggplant could be a beneficial resource for storing carbon in the soil, as well as for addressing soil acidity and enhancing nutrients availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus in acidic soils.

Abstract Fertilizers application are widely used to get a higher yield in agricultural fields. Nutrient management can be improved by cultivating leguminous species in order to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms that increase the amount of available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) through fertilizer treatments. A pot experiment was conducted to identify the leguminous species (i.e., chickpea and pea) under various fertilizer treatments. Experimental design is as follows: T0 (control: no fertilizer was applied), T1: P applied at the level of (90 kg ha−1), T2: (K applied at the level of 90 kg ha−1), and T3: (PK applied both at 90 kg ha−1). All fertilizer treatments significantly (p

Abstract A novel hyper cross-linked polymer of 2-Aminobenzoic acid (HCP-AA) is synthesized for the adsorption of Cr3+ and CO2. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of HCP-AA is 615 m2 g−1. HCP-AA of particle size 0.5 nm showed maximum adsorption of Cr3+ for lab prepared wastewater (93%) while it was 88% for real industrial wastewater. It is might be due to electrostatic interactions, cation-π interactions, lone pair interactions and cation exchange at pH 7; contact time of 8 min; adsorbent dose 0.8 g. The adsorption capacity was calculated 52.63 mg g−1 for chromium metal ions at optimum conditions. Freundlich isotherm studies R2 = 0.9273 value is the best fit and follows pseudo second order kinetic model (R2 = 0.979). The adsorption is found non-spontaneous and exothermic through thermodynamic calculations like Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were 6.58 kJ mol−1, − 60.91 kJ mol−1 and − 45.79 kJ mol−1 K−1, respectively. The CO2 adsorption capacity of HCP-AA is 1.39 mmol/g with quantity of 31.1 cm3/g (6.1 wt%) at 273Kwhile at 298 K adsorption capacity is 1.12 mmol/g with quantity 25.2 cm3/g (5 wt%). Overall, study suggests that carboxyl (–COOH) and amino (–NH2) groups may be actively enhancing the adsorption capacity of HCP-AA for Cr3+ and CO2.

Abstract The use of saline water under drought conditions is critical for sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil properties such as water-holding capacity and the source of nutrition elements of plants. Thus, the research was carried out to assess the impact of biochar treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics and production of Solanum lycopersicum in greenhouses exposed to drought and saline stresses. The study was structured as a three-factorial in split-split-plot design. There were 16 treatments across three variables: (i) water quality, with freshwater and saline water, with electrical conductivities of 0.9 and 2.4 dS m− 1, respectively; (ii) irrigation level, with 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of total evapotranspiration (ETC); (iii) and biochar application, with the addition of biochar at a 3% dosage by (w/w) (BC3%), and a control (BC0%). The findings demonstrated that salt and water deficiency hurt physiological, morphological, and yield characteristics. Conversely, the biochar addition enhanced all characteristics. Growth-related parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry and wet weight, and leaf gas exchange attributes, such rate of transpiration and photosynthesis, conductivity, as well as leaf relative water content were decreased by drought and salt stresses, especially when the irrigation was 60% ETc or 40% ETc. The biochar addition resulted in a substantial enhancement in vegetative growth-related parameters, physiological characteristics, efficiency of water use, yield, as well as reduced proline levels. Tomato yield enhanced by 4%, 16%, 8%, and 3% when irrigation with freshwater at different levels of water deficit (100% ETc, 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) than control (BC0%). Overall, the use of biochar (3%) combined with freshwater shows the potential to enhance morpho-physiological characteristics, support the development of tomato plants, and improve yield with higher WUE in semi-arid and arid areas.

Abstract Chilli peppers are widely consumed for their pungency, as used in flavoring the food and has many pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. Based on these properties an experiment was held using 83 varieties of chilli (Hot pepper and sweet pepper) were grown in suitable environment using Augment Block design and evaluated for fruit pungency and phytochemical contents using high proficiency liquid chromatography. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of traits showed highly significant for all traits except for fruit length and capsaicin contents. The value of Least significant increase (LSI)was ranged 0.27-1289.9 for all traits showed high variation among varieties. Highly significant correlation was found among fruit diameter to fruit weight 0.98, while moderate to high correlation was present among all traits. The most pungent genotype 24,634 was 4.8 g in weight, while the least pungent genotypes i.e. PPE-311 (32.8 g), green wonder (40.67) had higher in weight. The genotypes 24,627, 32,344, 32,368 and 1108 marked as higher number of seeds in their placental region. It was observed that chilli genotype 24,621 had maximum length with considerable high amount of pungency act as novel cultivar. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the high variability of 46.97 for two PCs with the eigen value 2.6 and 1.63 was recorded. Biplot analysis showed a considerable variability for fruit pungency, while huge variability was found for all traits among given varieties. PPE-311, T5 and T3 are found as highly divergent for all traits. The findings of this study are instrumental for selecting parents to improve desirable traits in future chilli pepper breeding programs. It will help plant/vegetable breeders for development of highly nutrient and pungent varieties and attractive for the consumer of food sector.

Abstract Background Potato serves as a major non-cereal food crop and income source for small-scale growers in Punjab, Pakistan. Unfortunately, improper fertilization practices have led to low crop yields, worsened by challenging environmental conditions and poor groundwater quality in the Cholistan region. To address this, we conducted an experiment to assess the impact of two fertilizer application approaches on potato cv. Barna using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) coated biofertilizers. The first approach, termed conventional fertilizer application (CFA), involved four split applications of PGPB-coated fertilizers at a rate of 100:75 kg acre–1 (N and P). The second, modified fertilizer application (MFA), employed nine split applications at a rate of 80:40 kg acre–1. Results The MFA approach significantly improved various plant attributes compared to the CFA. This included increased plant height (28%), stem number (45%), leaf count (46%), leaf area index (36%), leaf thickness (three-folds), chlorophyll content (53%), quantum yield of photosystem II (45%), photosynthetically active radiations (56%), electrochromic shift (5.6%), proton flux (24.6%), proton conductivity (71%), linear electron flow (72%), photosynthetic rate (35%), water use efficiency (76%), and substomatal CO2 (two-folds), and lowered non-photochemical quenching (56%), non-regulatory energy dissipation (33%), transpiration rate (59%), and stomatal conductance (70%). Additionally, the MFA approach resulted in higher tuber production per plant (21%), average tuber weight (21.9%), tuber diameter (24.5%), total tuber yield (29.1%), marketable yield (22.7%), seed-grade yield (9%), specific gravity (9.6%), and soluble solids (7.1%). It also reduced undesirable factors like goli and downgrade yields by 57.6% and 98.8%, respectively. Furthermore, plants under the MFA approach exhibited enhanced nitrogen (27.8%) and phosphorus uptake (40.6%), with improved N (26.1%) and P uptake efficiency (43.7%) compared to the CFA approach. Conclusion The use of PGPB-coated N and P fertilizers with a higher number of splits at a lower rate significantly boosts potato production in the alkaline sandy soils of Cholistan.

Abstract The current research aimed to study the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata (RC) aqueous extract as a potent reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained RC-AgONPs were characterized using UV, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, and EDX to investigate the morphology, size, and elemental composition. The size of the RC-AgONPs was found to be ~ 21.66 nm and an almost uniform distribution was executed by XRD analysis. In vitro studies were performed to reveal biological potential. The AgONPs exhibited efficient DPPH free radical scavenging potential (71.3%), reducing power (63.8 ± 1.77%), and total antioxidant capacity (88.5 ± 4.8%) to estimate their antioxidative power. Antibacterial and antifungal potentials were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against various bacterial and fungal strains, and the zones of inhibition (ZOI) were determined. A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was conducted to measure the cytotoxicity potential (LC50: 2.26 μg/mL). In addition, biocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate the biocompatible nature of RC-AgONPs using red blood cells, HEK, and VERO cell lines (

Abstract Biochar is a promising solution to alleviate the negative impacts of salinity stress on agricultural production. Biochar derived from food waste effect was investigated on three plant species, Medicago sativa, Amaranthus caudatus, and Zea mays, under saline environments. The results showed that biochar improved significantly the height by 30%, fresh weight of shoot by 35% and root by 45% of all three species compared to control (saline soil without biochar adding), as well as enhanced their photosynthetic pigments and enzyme activities in soil. This positive effect varied significantly between the 3 plants highlighting the importance of the plant-biochar interactions. Thus, the application of biochar is a promising solution to enhance the growth, root morphology, and physiological characteristics of plants under salt-induced stress.

Abstract Radiative balance, local climate, and human health are all significantly influenced by aerosol. Recent severe air pollution over Lahore, a city in Pakistan calls for more thorough research to determine the negative impacts brought on by too many aerosols. To study regional aerosol characteristics and their differences from various aspects, in-depth and long-term (2007–2020) investigations of the columnar aerosol properties over the urban environment of Lahore were carried out by using AERONET data. The Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD400) and Angstrom Exponent (AE400–870) vary from low values of 0.10 to a maximum value of 4.51 and from 0.03 to 1.81, respectively. The huge differences in the amount of AOD440 as well as AE440–870 show the large fluctuation of aerosol classes because of various sources of their emission. During the autumn and winter seasons, the decreasing trend of the optical parameters of aerosols like Single Scattering Albedo (SSA) and Asymmetry Parameter (ASY) with increasing wavelength from 675 to 1020 nm indicates the dominance of light-absorbing aerosols (biomass burning (BB) and industrial/urban (UI). Due to the long-distance dust movement during spring, summer, and autumn, coarse mode particles predominated in Lahore during the study period. Dust type (DD) aerosols are found to be the dominant one during spring (46.92%), summer (54.31%), and autumn (57.46%) while urban industry (BB/UI) was dominant during the winter season (53.21%). During each season, the clean continental (CC) aerosols are found to be in negligible amounts, indicating terrible air quality in Lahore City. The present research work fills up the study gap in the optical properties of aerosols in Lahore and will help us understand more fully how local aerosol fluctuation affects regional climate change over the urban environment of Lahore.

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of Pistia stratiotes for treatment of domestic wastewater in a free surface water flow constructed wetland. The objective of the study was to evaluate contaminants removal efficiency of the constructed wetland vegetated with P. stratiotes in treatment of domestic wastewater against Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10, 20 and 30 days was investigated. This asks for newer and efficient low-cost nature-based water treatment system which along with cost takes into consideration the sustainability of the ecosystem. Five constructed wetland setups improved the wastewater quality and purify it significantly by reducing the TDS by 83%, TSS by 82%, BOD by 82%, COD by 81%, Chloride by 80%, Sulfate by 77%, NH3 by 84% and Total Oil and Grease by 74%. There was an increase in pH of about 11.9%. Color and odor of wastewater was also improved significantly and effectively. It was observed that 30 days’ HRT was optimum for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The final effluent was found to be suitable as per national environmental quality standards and recycled for watering plants and crop irrigation but not for drinking purposes. The treatment in constructed wetland system was found to be economical, as the cost of construction only was involved and operational and maintenance cost very minimal. Even this research was conducted on the sole purpose of commuting the efficiency of pollutant removal in short span time.

Abstract This study encompasses a quick, efficient, repeatable and reproducible analytical method for simultaneous determination of Bromoxynil (3, 5-Dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) and MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) using RP-HPLC with UV-Detector. Bromoxynil + MCPA is one of the most selective post emergent herbicide formulations for the control of important broad leaf weeds infesting small grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye), conservation reserve program areas and grass grown for seed. Optimum weed control is achieved when Bromoxynil + MCPA is applied to actively growing weed seedlings. So, a simple, repeatable, reproducible and efficient simultaneous analytical method was developed for Bromoxynil + MCPA. The developed method was applied for the detection and quantitation of these pesticides in formulations and raw materials with excellent recoveries. It was validated according to ICH Guidelines with excellent linearity R2 = 0.992 for Bromoxynil and 0.998 for MCPA. For Bromoxynil, LOD = 1.57 mg/L and LOQ = 5.22 mg/L while for MCPA the LOD = 1.08 mg/L and LOQ = 3.62 mg/L was found. The proposed method has shown high precision (RSD %) 0.06% and 0.11% for Bromoxynil and MCPA respectively while the trueness has been calculated in terms of recovery percentage obtained as “mean value of Bromoxynil 99.53% and MCPA 100.10%” which is excellent under optimized conditions. For repeatability and reproducibility, five replicate readings of standard and sample were taken and had found within acceptable limits of relative standard deviation (RSD ≤ ± 2%). Finally, the robustness of the developed method was determined by changing flow rate and mobile phase ratios that has found within the permissible limits (% RSD NMT 1.5). So, the proposed analytical method has found to be more precise, valid and accurate at commercial scale. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Geospatial methods, such as GIS and remote sensing, map radon levels, pinpoint high-risk areas and connect geological traits to radon presence. These findings direct health planning, focusing tests, mitigation, and policies where radon levels are high. Overall, geospatial analyses offer vital insights, shaping interventions and policies to reduce health risks from radon exposure. There is a formidable threat to human well-being posed by the naturally occurring carcinogenic radon (222Rn) gas due to high solubility in water. Under the current scenario, it is crucial to assess the extent of 222Rn pollution in our drinking water sources across various regions and thoroughly investigate the potential health hazards it poses. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the concentration of 222Rn in groundwater samples collected from handpumps and wells and to estimate health risks associated with the consumption of 222Rn-contaminated water. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 30) were collected from handpumps, and wells located in the Mulazai area, District Peshawar. The RAD7 radon detector was used as per international standards to assess the concentration of 222Rn in the collected water samples. The results unveiled that the levels of 222Rn in the collected samples exceeded the acceptable thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) of 11.1 Bq L−1. Nevertheless, it was determined that the average annual dose was below the recommended limit of 0.1 mSv per year, as advised by both the European Union Council and the World Health Organization. In order to avoid the harmful effects of such excessive 222Rn concentrations on human health, proper ventilation and storage of water in storage reservoirs for a long time before use is recommended to lower the 222Rn concentration.

Abstract The current decline in freshwater resources presents a significant global challenge to crop production, a situation expected to intensify with ongoing climate change. This underscores the need for extensive research to enhance crop yields under drought conditions, a priority for scientists given its vital role in global food security. Our study explores the effects of using humic and chitosan treatments to alleviate drought stress during critical growth phases and their impact on crop yield and water efficiency. We employed four different irrigation strategies: full irrigation, 70% irrigation at the early vine development stage, 70% irrigation during the storage root bulking stage, and 85% irrigation across both stages, complemented by full irrigation in other periods. The plants received either humic treatments through foliar spray or soil application, or chitosan foliar applications, with tap water serving as a control. Our findings highlight that the early vine development stage is particularly vulnerable to drought, with a 42.0% decrease in yield observed under such conditions. In normal growth scenarios, foliar application of humic substances significantly improved growth parameters, resulting in a substantial increase in yield and water efficiency by 66.9% and 68.4%, respectively, compared to the control treatment under full irrigation. For sweet potatoes irrigated with 70% water at the storage root bulking stage, ground application of humic substances outperformed both foliar applications of chitosan and humic in terms of yield results. The highest tuber yield and water efficiency were attained by combining chitosan and humic ground applications, regardless of whether 70% irrigation was used at the storage root bulking stage or 85% irrigation during both the early vine development and storage root bulking stages.

We have synthesized 1,2,4-triazole bearing benzenesulfonohydrazide analogues (1–21), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HREI-MS and were evaluated against Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. All the newly synthesized analogues showed excellent to good inhibition potential with IC50 values ranged from 0.30 ± 0.050 to 15.21 ± 0.50 µM (against AChE) and 0.70 ± 0.050 to 18.27 ± 0.60 µM (against BuChE) as compared to the standard drug Donepezil (IC50 = 2.16 ± 0.12 and 4.5 ± 0.11 µM, respectively). Analogues 2 and 4 which were found inactive against these enzymes. However, analogues 17 (IC50 = 0.30 ± 0.050 and 0.70 ± 0.050 µM) and 13 (IC50 = 0.70 ± 0.05 and 1.70 ± 0.050 µM) were found to have potent inhibitory potentials against the targeted enzymes. Structure-activity relationship was carried out which mainly depends upon the nature, position and numbers of the substitution present on phenyl rings that may be electron withdrawing/donating. Molecular docking study was carried out to know about the binding mode of interaction of the most active site of the synthesized analogues with the targeted enzymes.

In search for a potent anti-Diabetes therapeutic agent, we have synthesized a series of indole based triazole derived sulfonothioate derivatives (1–15). These compounds were structurally elucidated via different techniques like 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and HREI-MS. Biological potential of all the derivatives against diabetes mellitus was contrasted with the reference drug Acarbose. In this regard, analog 7 (IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.10 and 4.20 ± 0.50 µM), 9 (IC50 = 5.10 ± 0.10 and 5.70 ± 0.30 µM) and 15 (IC50 = 3.20 ± 0.70 and 3.40 ± 0.50 µM) emerged as the leading inhibitor with captivating potential in comparison to standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 10.40 ± 0.50 and 11.50 ± 0.20 µM). Structure activity relationship determined the influence of substitution (−F, −Cl, –OH, NO2 etc.) on drug profile of the synthesized analogs. Drug profile of these compounds was also analyzed through molecular docking investigations, assessing the bonding interactions between ligands and enzymes. Furthermore, ADME analysis was performed on the promising compounds, revealing traits akin to those of pharmaceuticals.

We have developed new thiadiazole-containing Schiff base derivatives and examined their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among the members of series, analogue 1 showed excellent inhibitory potential (IC50 = 1.60 ± 0.20 and 2.40 ± 0.10 µM for α-amylase and α-glucosidase) as compare to standard Acarbose (IC50 = 5.30 ± 0.20 and 6.10 ± 0.10 µM). Trifluoromethyl substituted analogue-1 showed best properties because of hydrogen bond formation. Analogue 3 and 9 were also found potent against the target enzymes. All the compounds were investigated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Analogue 1, 3 and 9 exhibited bacterial inhibition of 42.3 %, 40.1 %, 38.2 %, and 36.5 %, respectively in contrast to streptomycin (44 %). Analogue 1, 4 and 9 exhibited excellent anti-fungal potency of 43.4, 31.9 and 34.3 %, respectively as compared to standard terinafine (50.6675 %). Scaffolds (1–12) were analyzed through HREI-mass spectrometry, 13C NMR, and 1H NMR. The functioning of active interacting residues for the enzymes was determined by molecular docking (MD), and it was found that thiadiazole bearing Schiff base derivatives could be considered suitable anti-diabetic drugs. ADMET and DFT analysis was also performed to determine stability, drug properties and electronic properties (electrophilic, nucleophilic, HOMO, LUMO) of the synthesized compounds.

Objective: To analyze the role of ASA status in carrying out laparoscopic cholecystectomies by evaluating the perioperative findings of patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jan 2019 to Jan 2021. Methodology: Laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed on 385 patients with symptomatic gallstones. The inclusion criteria comprised of symptomatic cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and chronic cholecystitis. Data for the perioperative findings such as gallbladder grades, bile, cystic duct, cystic artery and Common Bile Duct were recorded during the study. Results: The study included 226(59%) female patients and 159(41%) males. The mean age was 48.15±15.5 years. There were 145(37.66%) patients in American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification ASA-I, 174(45.20%) patients in ASA-II and 66(17.14%) in ASA-III. Results showed that the abnormalities of cystic duct were 34(23.4%) in ASA-I, 68(39.1%) in ASA-II and 43(65.2%) in ASA-III. For CBD, they were 7(4.8%) in ASA-I, 49(28.2%) in ASA-II and 44(66.2%) in ASA-III. The complications of cystic artery and bile were 34(23.4%) in ASA-I, 60(34.5%) in ASA-II, 46(69.7%) in ASA-III and 82(56.6%) in ASA-I, 119(68.4%) in ASA-II, 50(75.8%) in ASA-III respectively. The gallbladder grades I were 27(18.6%) in ASA-I and (4.5%) in ASA-III whereas, grades V were 7(4.8%) in ASA-I and 20(30.3%) in ASA-III. Conclusion: Peri-operative morbidity increased with increasing ASA status, therefore, there is a significant relationship between ASA Status and peri-operative findings.

In order to explore new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors, a series of benzimidazole-fused-thiazole bearing Schiff base derivatives (1–16) were designed and synthesized and further their precise structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic tools including 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HREI-MS. All the synthesized derivatives demonstrated better acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory potential with IC50 values ranging from 0.10 ± 0.10 µM to 11.60 ± 0.40 µM (against AChE) and 0.90 ± 0.10 µM to 22.10 ± 0.60 µM (BuChE) when the results were compared with Donepezil (IC50 = 2.16 ± 0.12 µM (against AChE) & 4.5 ± 0.11 µM (against BuChE) as standard inhibitor. Specifically, the analogues 4, 5, 11, 14 and 15 were identified to be significant potent, even more active than standard drug having IC50 values of 0.80 ± 0.10, 0.50 ± 0.10, 0.60 ± 0.10, 0.10 ± 0.10, 0.10 ± 0.10 µM (against AChE) and 2.40 ± 0.10, 1.10 ± 0.10, 1.30 ± 0.10, 0.90 ± 0.10 & 0.80 ± 0.10 µM (against BuChE) respectively. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies were carried out for all synthesized derivatives based on substitution pattern around aryl ring. Furthermore, the molecular docking approach was developed to explore the binding mode of interactions between most active scaffolds and active sites of targeted acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes.

In this approach, fused triazole thiazole derivatives (1–14) were synthesized and designed as dual inhibitors of AChE and BuChE which exhibit promising inhibitory activity to cure one of the progressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease. Different spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, 1H NMR and HREI-MS) were employed for the synthetic confirmations of all the derivatives. Using the standard drug donepezil (IC50 = 10.60 ± 0.20 for AChE and 11.80 ± 0.49 µM for BuChE). All the analogues in the current series showed a wide range of inhibitory potentials such as (IC50 = 7.20 ± 0.10 to 17.50 ± 0.10 µM for AChE and IC50 = 8.10 ± 0.20 to 18.20 ± 0.10 µM for BuChE). The nature, number and position of the attached substituents in the phenyl ring greatly influenced the inhibitory activity of the current analogues in the series. However, Analogue 4 with IC50 values (7.20 ± 0.10, 8.10 ± 0.20 µM) showed immense potency due to para substituted tri-fluoro methyl moiety. Molecular docking studies and ADME analysis was also conducted for the excellent binding interactions with target enzymes and drug like properties of the potent analogues.

Zinc (Zn) malnutrition is a major concern to many crops and human health in terms of food security. In addition to the Zn deficiency, there was also a serious climate threat to wheat cultivation with global warming causing severe droughts. There is a dire need to develop the synergistic use of organic and inorganic stimulants in enhancing tolerance and nutrient uptake under arid zone agricultural environments. Recently, moringa leaf extract (MLE30) obtained prominence emerging as an organic bio-stimulant and its combined ue with zinc solution (ZnSO4·7H2O) may have potential results in producing the Zn biofortified wheat grains. Two years of field research trials were planned for improving the tolerance with Zn bio-fortified grains by inducing the Zn application via MLE30 as a novel agronomic biofortification approach in Cholistan's arid environment. The experiments laid out by following the various factors including Zn application techniques having treatments control (dry seed), hydro-priming, Zn-priming MLE30, Zn-foliar MLE30, Zn-soil MLE30; wheat cultivars having Ghazi-2019, Zincol-2016; terminal drought stress having treatments normalCondition (irrigation was applied at tillering, booting, grain formation, milking stages), terminal droughtTillering, terminal droughtMilking in experimental research area, Arid Zone Research Institute, Bahawalpur, Pakistan during the winter season 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. A randomized complete block design was used with three factorial designs and replicated thrice. Data revealed the significant interaction of applied various treatments of Zn with MLE30 in wheat cultivars under terminal drought conditions during both years of trials. It was observed that Zn-priming MLE30 improved the morphological growth and yield attributes of the Zincol-16 cultivar under the induced terminal droughtTillering and Milking after normalCondition during year-II as per year-I. Seed Zn-priming MLE30 achieved the maximum results in anti-oxidant contents production against terminal droughtMilking following Tillering as compared to normalCondition in Zincol-16 as per Ghazi-19 wheat plants during the second year of the experiment. Observation illustrated that grains Zn contents obtained the highest values by the applied treatment of seed Zn-priming MLE30 followed by Zn-foliar MLE30, Zn-soil MLE30, hydropriming under the induced terminal droughtTillering as compared to normalCondition during both years of trials. Average economic analysis depicted the best benefit-cost ratio of seed Zn-priming MLE30 treatment under normalCondition followed by terminal droughtMilking in Zincol-16 as compared to Ghazi-19 wheat cultivar. So, the findings of this project research suggested that seed Zn-priming MLE30 with wheat Zincol-16 is the most cost-effective and easily adaptable approach for healthy Zn biofortified grains production during unfavorable terminal drought conditions.

Hybrid molecules based on the 1,3,4-thiadiazole were always the choice of different researchers due to their significant application in medicinal as well as pharmaceutical application. In the present study, twenty analogs of 1,3,4-thiadiazole-bearing thiosemicarbazide moiety (1–20) were synthesized and screened for their anti-diabetic profile. The synthesized compounds were spectroscopically characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and HREI-MS. Comparing the whole set of afforded compounds to the standard glimepiride drugs (16.01 ± 0.02 μM), the inhibition profiles against α-amylase ranged from 21.02 ± 0.08 to 54.08 ± 0.04 μM. Comparing synthetic analogs to normal glimepiride (IC50 = 14.06 ± 0.05 μM), the range of α-glucosidase activity was likewise variable, ranging from 18.04 ± 0.07 μM to IC50 = 51.05 ± 0.03 μM (against α-glucosidase). Compound 19 demonstrated high potency among the produced analogs since it had both ortho-nitro substitution at the aryl ring. The pattern of substitutions around the aryl ring was used for all analogs to determine the structure–activity relationship. In addition, a molecular docking study was conducted on the potent analogs to examine the interactions between the active residues of the targeted enzymes with the synthesized compound. The synthesized molecule showed different types of interactions with amino acid. The outcome demonstrates that these compounds provide several essential interactions with the active sites of enzymes, hence strengthening their enzymatic activity for the future prediction as drug competitors.

Strigolactones (SLs) are an emerging class of plant hormones that play important roles in plant growth, development, and response to environmental stresses. This review summarizes recent findings on the roles of SLs in mitigating heat, drought, and salinity stresses in plants. Under high temperatures, SLs help maintain photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and expression of heat shock proteins to confer thermotolerance. During drought, SLs regulate stomatal closure and promote root growth and mycorrhizal associations to enhance water uptake and retention. SLs also modulate ion homeostasis and antioxidant systems under salinity stress. On the physiological level, exogenous SL can increase chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, proline accumulation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes like SOD, POD, and CAT across plant species. On the molecular level, SLs regulate genes involved in the cell cycle, heat shock proteins, hormone signaling (auxin, ABA, ethylene), and SL biosynthesis and signaling components like MAX1-4, D14, and D53. Overall, SLs are emerging as promising plant growth regulators that can potentially be applied exogenously to improve abiotic stress tolerance in crops through coordinated molecular, biochemical, and physiological responses. More studies are needed to fully elucidate SL signaling cascades in different plant species and environments.

Abstract Micronutrient application has a crucial role in mitigating salinity stress in crop plants. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) as foliar applications on fenugreek growth and physiology under salt stress (0 and 120 mM). After 35 days of salt treatments, three levels of zinc (0, 50, and 100 ppm) and two levels of boron (0 and 2 ppm) were applied as a foliar application. Salinity significantly reduced root length (72.7%) and shoot length (33.9%), plant height (36%), leaf area (37%), root fresh weight (48%) and shoot fresh weight (75%), root dry weight (80%) and shoot dry weight (67%), photosynthetic pigments (78%), number of branches (50%), and seeds per pod (56%). Fenugreek’s growth and physiology were improved by foliar spray of zinc and boron, which increased the length of the shoot (6%) and root length (2%), fresh root weight (18%), and dry root weight (8%), and chlorophyll a (1%), chlorophyll b (25%), total soluble protein content (3%), shoot calcium (9%) and potassium (5%) contents by significantly decreasing sodium ion (11%) content. Moreover, 100 ppm of Zn and 2 ppm of B enhanced the growth and physiology of fenugreek by reducing the effect of salt stress. Overall, boron and zinc foliar spray is suggested for improvement in fenugreek growth under salinity stress.

Abstract Early blight (EB), caused by Alternaria solani, is a serious problem in tomato production. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria promote plant growth and inhibit plant disease. The present study explored the bio-efficacy of synergistic effect of rhizobacterial isolates and ginger powder extract (GPE) against tomato EB disease, singly and in combination. Six fungal isolates from symptomatic tomato plants were identified as A. solani on the basis of morphological features i.e., horizontal septation (6.96 to 7.93 µm), vertical septation (1.50 to 2.22 µm), conidia length (174.2 to 187.6 µm), conidial width (14.09 to 16.52 µm), beak length (93.06 to 102.26 µm), and sporulation. Five of the twenty-three bacterial isolates recovered from tomato rhizosphere soil were nonpathogenic to tomato seedlings and were compatible with each other and with GPE. Out of five isolates tested individually, three isolates (St-149D, Hyd-13Z, and Gb-T23) showed maximum inhibition (56.3%, 48.3%, and 42.0% respectively) against mycelial growth of A. solani. Among combinations, St-149D + GPE had the highest mycelial growth inhibition (76.9%) over the untreated control. Bacterial strains molecularly characterized as Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus and were further tested in pot trials through seed bacterization for disease control. Seeds treated with bacterial consortia + GPE had the highest disease suppression percentage (78.1%), followed by St-149D + GPE (72.2%) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (67.5%). Maximum seed germination was obtained in the bacterial consortia + GPE (95.0 ± 2.04) followed by St-149D + GPE (92.5 ± 1.44) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (90.0 ± 2.04) over control (73.8 ± 2.39) and chemical control as standard treatment (90.0 ± 2). Ginger powder extracts also induce the activation of defence-related enzymes (TPC, PO, PPO, PAL, and CAT) activity in tomato plants. These were highly significant in the testing bacterial inoculants against A. solani infection in tomato crops.

Abstract Terminal irrigation drought stress is one of the most drastic abiotic stress to diminish the wheat crop development and grains yield in arid regions of the world. The use of moringa leaf extract (MLE30) via seed priming technique is investigated as an organic and sustainable approach for the mitigation of drought stress along with curtailed seed rate in wheat crop. The study investigated the interaction of organic seed priming: control (dry seeds), hydro-priming, MLE30-priming, seed rate: recommended @ 125 kg ha−1, curtailed @ 25 kg ha−1, and terminal irrigation drought (TID): normal irrigation, mild-TID, severe-TID in wheat crop at agronomic research station, Bahawalpur, Pakistan during the wheat winter season of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The application of organic MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity especially total soluble proteins by 15%, superoxide dismutase by 68%, peroxidase by 16%, catalase by 70%, ascorbic acid by 17% and total protein contents by 91% under severe-TID. Yield and yield-related morphological attributes performed better in MLE30-priming as compared to hydro-priming. An effective trend was observed in the plant's chlorophyll contents, K+, and water use efficiency after being treated with MLE30-priming followed by hydro-priming under curtailed seed rate. The higher benefit–cost ratio and net income return were observed with the application of MLE30-priming with curtailed seed rate under mild-TID and severe-TID. So, it is suggested to adopt the MLE30-priming technique along with a curtailed seed rate for improving the crop establishment, stress regulation, and economic return under limited availability of irrigation water. The project findings recommended that the application of exogenous application of organic MLE30-seed priming favored and compensated the maximum wheat grains production under curtailed seed rate @ 25 kg ha−1 and induced terminal drought stress at flowering and milking conditions.

Abstract Meteorological factors play a crucial role in affecting air quality in the urban environment. Peshawar is the capital city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and is a pollution hotspot. Sources of PM10 and the influence of meteorological factors on PM10 in this megacity have yet to be studied. The current study aims to investigate PM10 mass concentration levels and composition, identify PM10 sources, and quantify links between PM10 and various meteorological parameters like temperature, relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and rainfall (RF) during the winter months from December 2017 to February 2018. PM10 mass concentrations vary from 180 – 1071 µg m−3, with a mean value of 586 ± 217 µg m−3. The highest concentration is observed in December, followed by January and February. The average values of the mass concentration of carbonaceous species (i.e., total carbon, organic carbon, and elemental carbon) are 102.41, 91.56, and 6.72 μgm−3, respectively. Water-soluble ions adhere to the following concentration order: Ca2+ > Na+ > K+ > NH4 + > Mg2+. Twenty-four elements (Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Co, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Kr, Ag, Pb, Cu, and Cd) are detected in the current study by PIXE analysis. Five sources based on Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) modeling include industrial emissions, soil and re-suspended dust, household combustion, metallurgic industries, and vehicular emission. A positive relationship of PM10 with temperature and relative humidity is observed (r = 0.46 and r = 0.56, respectively). A negative correlation of PM10 is recorded with WS (r = − 0.27) and RF (r = − 0.46). This study’s results motivate routine air quality monitoring owing to the high levels of pollution in this region. For this purpose, the establishment of air monitoring stations is highly suggested for both PM and meteorology. Air quality standards and legislation need to be revised and implemented. Moreover, the development of effective control strategies for air pollution is highly suggested.

Abstract Urban atmospheric pollution is global problem and and have become increasingly critical in big cities around the world. Issue of toxic emissions has gained significant attention in the scientific community as the release of pollutants into the atmosphere rising continuously. Although, the Pakistani government has started the Pakistan Clean Air Program to control ambient air quality however, the desired air quality levels are yet to be reached. Since the process of mapping the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants in urban areas is intricate due to its dependence on multiple factors, such as urban vegetation and weather conditions. Therefore, present research focuses on two essential items: (1) the relationship between urban vegetation and atmospheric variables (temperature, relative humidity (RH), sound intensity (SI), CO, CO2, and particulate matter (PM0.5, PM1.0, and PM2.5) and (2) the effect of seasonal change on concentration and magnitude of atmospheric variables. A geographic Information System (GIS) was utilized to map urban atmospheric variables dispersion in the residential areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Pearson correlation and principal component analyses were performed to establish the relationship between urban atmospheric pollutants, urban vegetation, and seasonal variation. The results showed a positive correlation between urban vegetation, metrological factors, and most of the atmospheric pollutants. Furthermore, PM concentration showed a significant correlation with temperature and urban vegetation cover. GIS distribution maps for PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, and CO2 pollutants showed the highest concentration of pollutants in poorly to the moderated vegetated areas. Therefore, it can be concluded that urban vegetation requires a rigorous design, planning, and cost–benefit analysis to maximize its positive environmental effects.

Abstract The pollution of soil and aquatic systems by inorganic and organic chemicals has become a global concern. Economical, eco-friendly, and sustainable solutions are direly required to alleviate the deleterious effects of these chemicals to ensure human well-being and environmental sustainability. In recent decades, biochar has emerged as an efficient material encompassing huge potential to decontaminate a wide range of pollutants from soil and aquatic systems. However, the application of raw biochars for pollutant remediation is confronting a major challenge of not getting the desired decontamination results due to its specific properties. Thus, multiple functionalizing/modification techniques have been introduced to alter the physicochemical and molecular attributes of biochars to increase their efficacy in environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in developing multiple functionalized/modified biochars via biological and other physiochemical techniques. Related mechanisms and further applications of multiple modified biochar in soil and water systems remediation have been discussed and summarized. Furthermore, existing research gaps and challenges are discussed, as well as further study needs are suggested. This work epitomizes the scientific prospects for a complete understanding of employing modified biochar as an efficient candidate for the decontamination of polluted soil and water systems for regenerative development.

Abstract Maize (Zea mays) is an influential crop in its production across the world. However, the invasion of many phytopathogens greatly affects the maize crop yield at various hotspot areas. Of many diseases, bacterial stalk rot of maize caused by Dickeya zeae results in severe yield reduction, thus the need for efficient management is important. Further, to produce epidemiological information for control of disease outbreaks in the hot spot regions of Sialkot District, Punjab Pakistan, extensive field surveys during 2021 showed that out of 266 visited areas, the highest disease incidence ranging from 66.5 to 78.5% while the lowest incidence was ranging from 9 to 20%. The Maxent modeling revealed that among 19 environmental variables, four variables including temperature seasonality (bio-4), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio-8), annual precipitation (bio-12), and precipitation of driest month (bio-14) were significantly contributing to disease distribution in current and coming years. The study outcomes revealed that disease spread will likely increase across four tehsils of Sialkot over the years 2050 and 2070. Our findings will be helpful to policymakers and researchers in devising effective disease management strategies against bacterial stalk rot of maize outbreaks in Sialkot, Pakistan.

Abstract Drought stress is a worldwide threat to the productivity of crops, especially in arid and semi-arid zones of the world. In the present study, the effect of selenium (Se) seed priming on the yield of quinoa under normal and drought conditions was investigated. A pot trial was executed to enhance the drought tolerance in quinoa by Se seed priming (0, 3, 6, and 9 mg Se L−1). The plants were exposed to water stress at three different growth stages of quinoa, viz. multiple leaf, flowering, and seed filling. It was noticed that drought significantly affected the yield components of quinoa, however, Se priming improved the drought tolerance potential and yield of quinoa by maintaining the plant water status. Se priming significantly increased main panicle length (20.29%), main panicle weight (26.43%), and thousand grain weight (15.41%) as well as the gas exchange parameters (transpiration rate (29.74%), stomatal conductance (35.29%), and photosynthetic rate (28.79%), total phenolics (29.36%), leaf chlorophyll contents (35.97%), water relations (leaf relative water contents (14.55%), osmotic potential (10.32%), water potential (38.35%), and turgor potential (31.37%), and economic yield (35.99%) under drought stress. Moreover, Se priming markedly improved grain quality parameters i.e., phosphorus, potassium, and protein contents by 21.28%, 18.92%, and 15.04%, respectively. The principal component analysis connected the various study scales and showed the ability of physio-biochemical factors to describe yield fluctuations in response to Se seed priming under drought conditions. In conclusion, a drought at the seed-filling stage has a far more deleterious impact among other critical growth stages and seed priming with Se (6 mg L−1) was found more effective in alleviating the detrimental effects of drought on the grain yield of quinoa.