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Humans have been using plants in the treatment of various diseases for millennia. Currently, even with allopathic medicines available, numerous populations globally still use plants for therapeutic purposes. Although plants constitute a safer alternative compared to synthetic agents, it is well established that medicinal plants might also exert adverse effects. Thus, the present investigation aimed to assess the phytotoxic, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of two plants from the Brazilian Cerrado used in popular medicine, Davilla nitida (Vahl) Kubitzki, and Davilla elliptica (A. St.-Hil.). To this end, germination, growth, and cell cycle analyses were conducted using the plant model Lactuca sativa. Seeds and roots were treated with 0.0625 to 1 g/L for 48 hr under controlled conditions. The germination test demonstrated significant phytotoxic effects for both species at the highest concentrations tested, while none of the extracts produced significant effects in the lettuce growth test. In the microscopic analyses, the aneugenic and cytotoxic action of D. elliptica was evident. In the case of D. nitida greater clastogenic action and induction of micronuclei, (MN) were noted suggesting that the damage initiated by exposure to these extracts was not repaired or led to apoptosis. These findings indicated that the observed plant damage was transmitted to the next generation of cells by way of MN. These differences in the action of the two species may not be attributed to qualitative variations in the composition of the extracts as both are similar, but to quantitative differences associated with synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the compounds present in these extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are usually considered harmless; however, these substances need to be consumed with caution. Biological assays with plant models are a suitable alternative for prospective studies to assess natural product-initiated toxicity. The aim of this study was to examine the toxic potential of leaf and flower extracts derived from Tropaeolum majus L. a widely used plant in traditional medicine. Seeds of Lactuca sativa L. were exposed to T. majus extracts and based upon the seedling growth curve values, the 50% Inhibition Concentration (IC50) was calculated and applied for cell cycle analysis exposure. Both extracts contained organic acids, proteins, amino acids, and terpene steroids. Sesquiterpene lactones and depside were detected in leaf extracts. The higher concentration tested exhibited a marked phytotoxic effect. The extracts induced clastogenic, aneugenic cytotoxic, and potential mutagenic effects. The possible relationships between the classes of compounds found in the extracts and effects on cells and DNA were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were carried out to evaluate the Allelopathic effect of extracts of leaves and pods of mesquite (P. juliflora) on germination and early growth of Vachellia nilotica and Vachellia seyal. Seeds of both Vachellia species were soaked in the extracts of leaves or pods of mesquite at four weights 3, 6, 9, and 12 grams. Leaf or pod extracts at the weight of 9 and 12 grams showed a significant reduction in germinated seeds of V. seyal and emerged seedlings of the two Vachellia species compared to the control. The radical length of the two species was significantly affected with leaf extracts of all weights and with pod extracts of weights of 9 and 12 g. The lowest plumule length of V. seyal and V. nilotica were achieved with leaf extracts of weights of 6, 9, and 12 g and pod extracts of weights of 9 and 12 g compared to the control. Pod extracts of all weights significantly decreased the shoot height of both Vachellia species and root length of V. nilotica, and water contents of the shoot and root of V. seyal and V. nilotica compared to the control. Significant reduction in root length of V. nilotica and shoot and root water content of V. seyal and V. nilotica associated with leaf extracts of all weights. The study concluded that; mesquite's leaf and pod extracts harm the germination and early growth of V. nilotica and V. seyal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was investigated the effects of CdO and nano-CdO as potential toxic pollutants on growth and redox response of barley. CdO and nano-CdO have been found to cause significant phytotoxicity in barley seedlings, with nano-CdO increasing plant tissue cadmium accumulation. This accumulation is linked to growth retardation and oxidative stress. Low molecular weight antioxidants like restored glutathione and ascorbate have been found to increase the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferase (GSTs), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in green tissues. Catalase (CAT) activity increased from 50 % with 100 mg/l CdO to 70 % with 1000 mg/l and nano-CdO. The observed disturbance in redox balance signals the upregulation of corresponding genes. Antioxidant enzyme isoform gene transcripts increased for SODB, CAT2, and APX. Cadmium buildup in root cells causes oxidative stress, leading to upregulation of SOD, CAT, GR, and GSTs isoform genes as well as protein carbonylation, sulfhydryl group degradation, and MDA accumulation. CdO and nano-CdO have similar phytotoxic effects, but bioavailability affects biochemical and molecular responses.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the most important crops in semiarid areas of the world, where it thrives in hot, dry conditions. While cowpea is able to withstand abiotic stresses, it suffers serious losses from biotic antagonists, including infestation by the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora). Cowpea aphid infestations are highly destructive, especially on young plants. However, it is unclear whether cowpea aphid damage is the result of aphids having phytotoxic effects on their hosts, or simple density effects. To better understand cowpea aphid damage and the potential for resistance traits to mitigate aphid impacts, we evaluated phenotypic changes in cowpea in response to variable aphid densities and systemic versus local infestations. Low aphid densities induced leaf distortions and pseudogalling, suggesting that cowpea aphids are phytotoxic to cowpea. Resistance to the cowpea aphid has been previously identified in an African cowpea germplasm, and near isogenic lines (NILs) containing resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were generated in the California blackeye cultivar background. Using a series of performance assays, we determined that resistance conferred by the two QTL counteracts aphid phytotoxicity and severely limits aphid growth and fecundity. Using choice assays, a preference by cowpea aphids for the susceptible NIL was observed. Electrical penetration graph analysis revealed that the resistance phenotype includes weak surface level deterrence and strong phloem-based resistance that manifests during the sap ingestion phase. Our study provides evidence of phytotoxic traits in A. craccivora while identifying a viable means of counteracting aphid damage and reproductive potential through resistance.

The aim of this research was to look at the various biological potentials and phytochemical components of S. glauca. Utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy, different functional groups were identified. Tests for total reducing power (TRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DPPH were employed to assess the antioxidant qualities of a specific medicinal plant. The antibacterial activity of five different strains of bacteria were assessed using the disc diffusion method. Laboratory-cultured nauplii were killed in the brine shrimp lethality experiment to assess the cytotoxic capability. Statistical software version 8.1 was utilized to conduct an analysis of variance (ANOVA), with each experiment being repeated three times. In S. glauca, ten distinct functional groups were found. TAC (SGM = 20.07 AAE/g) and DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50 = 28.38 µg/mL) were noted in the methanol extract of S. glauca (SGM) as well as the total reducing power (TRP) of 62.87 GAE/g was found in SGM. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using several types of bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition (MI) against P. aeruginosa (ATCC) was found in SGC (12 ± 1.0 mm mean value). The chloroform extract of S. glauca (SGC) exhibited the highest cytotoxic potential, with an LC50 of 31.12 µg/mL. The present investigation examined the remarkable biological capabilities exhibited by S. glauca. Future research in therapeutic development could potentially be enhanced by the isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds through further research.

Acmella radicans (Jacquin) R.K. Jansen is a new invasive species recorded in Yunnan Province, China, and little is known about its allelopathic potential and allelochemicals. In this study, the allelopathic effects of the essential oil (EO) of A. radicans on seed germination and seedling growth of four common plants, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Lolium multiflorum, were explored. The results showed that the seed germination index, germination rate, root length, stem length, and biomass of B. napus and B. rapa ssp. chinensis were significantly inhibited at all EO concentrations of A. radicans, but there was a 'low-promotion and high-inhibition effect' on the root length of D. sanguinalis and L. multiflorum at low concentrations of 0.5 μL·mL−1 and 0.5–1.0 μL·mL−1, respectively. With increasing concentrations of EO, the inhibition rates of seed germination and seedling growth of four common plants gradually increased, and D. sanguinalis and L. multiflorum were the most inhibited, followed by B. rapa ssp. chinensis, and the least inhibited was B. napus. Thirty-two components were identified using GC–MS, representing 99.07% of the EO in A. radicans. The major components were 2-tridecanone (30.46%), caryophyllene oxide (19.18%), 4,8,11,11-tetramethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-3-en-5-ol (7.84%), β-caryophyllene (7.67%), and widdrol (4.7%). Among the compounds we identified, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-tridecanone, γ-cadinene, δ-cadinene, (E)-α-cadinol, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, and widdrol have been previously reported as having possible allelopathic effects. Our study was the first to show that A. radicans could potentially release allelochemicals to influence neighboring plants during its invasion and expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into account the very important role of the environment and ecology in ensuring the health and food safety of the population, a consistent and efficient state policy is implemented in our country in the direction of protecting the ecological balance. Minimization of environmental pollution, improvement and protection of the ecological situation are the main directions of our state's policy in this direction. In modern times, when oil products are extracted, due to anthropogenic and technogenic effects, soils are subjected to the degradation process and some species of our flora are suppressed. In the phytoecological or ecological-geobotanical studies conducted by us for the first time in the soils polluted by crude oil, fuel oil and lysates in the Pirallahi oil field of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan "Shirvan Neft" Oil and Gas Extraction Department (NGCI), it is important to study the species composition and structure of the contaminated vegetation. Nowadays phytoecological studies and investigations on oil-contaminated soils are one of the most urgent environmental problems in our country. Therefore, while taking soil samples in the mines of "Shirvan Neft" in the territory of Shirvan region, the species composition of phytocenoses in the polluted areas was determined. The species composition and structure of the semi-desert type formations spread in the selected samples and areas (around the oil wells) were studied in the conducted scientific-research works. The clean plants and those contaminated with fuel oil (oil products) found in the area were herbarium, and the names of the species were specified. The results of the conducted phytoecological studies were used in "Vegetation Classification". Thus, the semi-desert vegetation recorded in the oil-contaminated lands of "Shirvan Neft" was classified in 1 association belonging to 1 formation group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Eucalyptus genus, characterized by its imposing stature and fragrant foliage, has been a source of fascination for humanity over the centuries. The focus of the present investigation was directed towards the essentials oils (EOs) of five Eucalyptus trees cultivated in Tunisia. The GC-MS analysis unveiled unique compositional profiles, a finding substantiated by both Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) conducted on the leaves EOs. These analyses resulted in the formation of discrete HCA clades, delineating 23 significant components. Notably, the percentage of eucalyptol emerged as the pivotal factor demarcating the separation between three distinct groups. The statistical analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship in both phytotoxicity evaluation and antibacterial activity. The EOs from Eucalyptus loxophleba and E. salubris exhibited the highest phytotoxicity, inhibiting radical elongation and germination of various seeds, especially Sinapis arvensis and Raphanus sativus. The antimicrobial assessment demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of the EOs on bacterial strains, with MIC values spanning from 14 to exceeding 50 mg/ml. The EOs also affected biofilm formation and cellular metabolism, displaying varied efficacy among different Eucalyptus species against some bacterial strains. The EOs exhibited selective inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. E. campaspe EO showed the highest AChE activity, while E. loxophleba and E. salubris EOs were most potent toward α-amylase. E. loxophleba EO demonstrated notable activity against α-glucosidase. Overall, these findings provide important data about the diverse biological activities of Eucalyptus EOs, suggesting potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and pharmacy.

Alternaria species produce several mycotoxins, such as alternariol (AOH), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), altenuene (ALT), altertoxin (ATX), tentoxin (TTX) and tenuazonic acid (TeA). This research aimed to isolate and identify mycotoxins from highly toxic Alternaria alternata (w19) and A. tennuisima isolates and their phytotoxicity effects. Fungal metabolites were extracted from 21-day cultures of Alternaria in a Czapek broth medium with the organic solvent chloroform/acetone and identified using the HPLC method. Alternaria metabolites were infiltrated in vivo into several plant leaves for phytotoxicity detection. The study investigated the impact of temperature, time, and metabolite concentration on phytotoxicity using the detached leaf infiltration technique. Five mycotoxins (TTX, TeA, ALT, AOH, and AME) were detected in A. alternata W19 isolate with 959.24, 102.03, 24.01, 9.04, and 2.44 ppm, respectively. A. tennuisima produce these toxins in a lower concentration. Infiltration of fungal metabolites induced leaf chlorosis and necrosis, which differs based on temperature, concentration and plant species. Based on our knowledge, this is the first report of Alternaria mycotoxins in Iran and a highly toxic isolate of A. alternata with rapid phytotoxicity on a wide range of susceptible hosts.

The use of medicinal plants exists before the existence of humans. Healing with herbal treatments is of utmost significance because medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the biological potential of methanolic (PAM) and chloroform (PAC) extracts of Portulacaria afra root, leaf, seed and flower. FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) spectroscopy was completed to detect the different functional groups. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total reducing power (TRP) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were done for the determination of antioxidant potential of medicinal plant P. afra. Five different bacterial strains were used to evaluate the antibacterial potential using disc diffusion method. Cytotoxicity assay was used to test the cytotoxic potential against brine shrimps and shown the maximum cytotoxic potential with lowest IC50 value (41.41 ± 0.80 µg/mL) in PAM. Radish seed germination phytotoxicity assay was performed and revealed the highest phytotoxic potential in PAM extract. ANOVA was applied via statistics version-8.1, and experimentations were done in triplicates. Maximum DPPH scavenging potential was observed in methanol extract of P. afra (PAM). The PAM extract has the highest flavonoid concentration (30.70 mg/g). PAM demonstrated maximum total reducing power (73.46 gallic acid equivalents per gram (GAE/g). Antibacterial activity was performed against different bacterial strains and PAM shown the best antibacterial activity with largest zone of inhibition (17 mm) contrary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bioactive compounds found in P. afra extracts have antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties, revealing their ability to induce cell death in cancerous cell lines, indicating potential anticancer agents and making them intriguing candidates for future research and the possible creation of new therapeutics. we advise the use of these extracts against biofilms as these extracts have shown significant antibacterial activity against gram negative bacteria“.

The chemical composition, insect antifeedant, in vtro/in vivo nematicidal activity, phytotoxicity, and in silico nematicidal activity of the essential oil (EO) of the African medicinal plant Drypetes gossweileri were studied. Chemical analysis using GC/MS indicated that benzyl isothiocyanate (96.23%) was the major compound, followed by benzyl cyanide (1.38%). The biocidal effects of this oil were tested against insect pests and root-knot nematodes. All the insect species tested were significantly affected by the oil according to their feeding adaptations (Spodoptera littoralis and Myzus persicae were less affected than Rhopalosiphum padi) with efficient doses (EC50) of 29.4 8.3 mg/cm2, 14.744 8.3 mg/cm², and 8.3 mg/cm2 , respectively. The oil was highly effective against juveniles J2 of the nematode Meloidogyne javanica, with LC50–LC90 values of 0.007 mg/mL–0.0113 mg/mL. D. gossweileri EO at minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) and below strongly inhibited egg hatching in vitro, whereas soil treatment caused a strong suppression of nematode population, infection frequency, and multiplication rate. The EO inhibited ryegrass (Lolium perenne) germination at 0.4 mg/mL, while at 0.1 mg/mL, its effects on germination, root and leaf growth were moderate (32.4%, 8.4%, and 18.3%, respectively). The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) germination was not affected by the EO, but the root growth was reduced (56% at 0.1 mg/mL) at a dose 10 times higher than the LD50 calculated for M. javanica J2 mortality. Molecular docking of the nematicidal effects of the oil using PyRx revealed a strong interaction between potassium chloride transporting KCC3 (PDB ID: 7D90) and benzyl cyanide at a distance of 2.20 A° with GLN C:350, followed by benzyl isothiocyanate at a distance of 2.78 A° with ARG B:294. The in vivo nematicidal effects of D. gossweileri EO on M. javanica penetration and reproduction in tomato roots further support the potential of this EO as a nematicidal agent with insect antifeedant effects, which could be used by local farmers for crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most abundant native plants that could be used as a bio-monitor of metal(loid) concentration in dry riverbeds affected by mining activities. Three plants species and their respective rhizospheric soils were sampled from the El Beal (Piptatherum miliaceum, 15 samples), La Carrasquilla (Foeniculum vulgare, 10 samples), and Ponce (Dittrichia viscosa, 12 samples) dry riverbeds from the mining district of Cartegena-La Unión (SE Spain). There is scanty bibliography of the capacity of these species to be used as bio-monitors in the dry riverbeds. Plants categorized as a bio-monitor were established according to the bioaccumulation factor (BF), mobility ratio (MR), and linear correlations between metal(loid) concentrations in plants tissues (root or stem)-rhizospheric soils. The rhizospheric soils were highly contaminated for As, Cd, Pb, and Zn (Cf ≥ 6), and moderately contaminated for Mn (1 ≤ Cf < 3). Piptatherum miliaceum presented on Cd similar mean concentrations on rhizospheric soil and root, BF = 1.07, with a strong correlation soil–root (r = 0.61, p = 0.02). Therefore, of the three species with the capacity to grow in the area, Piptatherum miliaceum showed characteristics to be considered as a bio-monitor for Cd, with a BF > 1, and a positive–significant correlation between the rhizospheric soil and roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition, insect antifeedant, in vtro/in vivo nematicidal activity, phytotoxicity, and in silico nematicidal activity of the essential oil (EO) of the African medicinal plant Drypetes gossweileri were studied. Chemical analysis using GC/MS indicated that benzyl isothiocyanate (96.23%) was the major compound, followed by benzyl cyanide (1.38%). The biocidal effects of this oil were tested against insect pests and root-knot nematodes. All the insect species tested were significantly affected by the oil according to their feeding adaptations (Spodoptera littoralis and Myzus persicae were less affected than Rhopalosiphum padi) with efficient doses (EC50) of 29.4 8.3 μg/cm2, 14.744 8.3 μg/cm2, and 8.3 μg/cm2, respectively. The oil was highly effective against juveniles J2 of the nematode Meloidogyne javanica, with LC50–LC90 values of 0.007 mg/mL–0.0113 mg/mL. D. gossweileri EO at minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) and below strongly inhibited egg hatching in vitro, whereas soil treatment caused a strong suppression of nematode population, infection frequency, and multiplication rate. The EO inhibited ryegrass (Lolium perenne) germination at 0.4 mg/mL, while at 0.1 mg/mL, its effects on germination, root and leaf growth were moderate (32.4%, 8.4%, and 18.3%, respectively). The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) germination was not affected by the EO, but the root growth was reduced (56% at 0.1 mg/mL) at a dose 10 times higher than the LD50 calculated for M. javanica J2 mortality. Molecular docking of the nematicidal effects of the oil using PyRx revealed a strong interaction between potassium chloride transporting KCC3 (PDB ID: 7D90) and benzyl cyanide at a distance of 2.20 A° with GLN C:350, followed by benzyl isothiocyanate at a distance of 2.78 A° with ARG B:294. The in vivo nematicidal effects of D. gossweileri EO on M. javanica penetration and reproduction in tomato roots further support the potential of this EO as a nematicidal agent with insect antifeedant effects, which could be used by local farmers for crop protection.

Currently, the world is facing a very serious issue of antibiotic resistance, the scientist is trying to develop new techniques and advance drug to compete with them. For this purpose, drug production from medicinal plants is a top trending act around the world. Keeping in view this idea the crude ethanolic extract and fractions of ethyl acetate and chloroform were screened to assess the preliminary phytochemical, phytotoxic and antimicrobial potential of leaves of Combretum indicum and also the same activities were carried out for the essential oil of Combretum indicum. The presence of various secondary metabolites in terms of alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and steroids determined through phytochemical screening. A comparison of the results were made with standard nystatin against Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus flavus, Polysphondylium pallidum and Fusarium oxysporum and tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Methicillin-resistant and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Serratia marcescens. The highest antibacterial activity among leaves extracts was shown by ethyl acetate with an 18.33 mm zone of inhibition at a concentration of 15 µg/mL of inhibition and the highest activity by of essential oil was obtained with 14.67 mm zone of inhibition at a concentration of 20 µg/mL, while among the ethanolic leaves extracts and fraction of essential oil the highest antifungal activity was shown at 80 µg/mL each, with inhibition zones 12.67 mm and 13.33 mm, respectively. An efficient phytotoxic effect was shown by extracts of both leaves and essential oil against Lemna minor at 2000 µg/mL, while their activity was low at 20 µg/mL. Ethyl acetate leaves extracts showed the highest activity with 70.21% inhibition. A fraction of essential oil showed significant activity with 57.44% inhibition. The tested medicinal plant thus proved by the current research can be used to cure many diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Toxicity of oil ofAzadirachta indica, Riccinus communisn, and its mixture: Effect on nutritional indices larvae and oviposition imago of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) on maize. Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) merupakan hama invasif yang menyebabkan dampak ekonomi yang besar pada tanaman jagung. Alternatif pengendalian yang relatif aman bagi serangga non-target perlu dikembangkan dan dapat dipadukan dengan pengendalian lainnya, yaitu pengendalian menggunakan insektisida nabati. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi toksisitas minyak Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae), dan campurannya (1:1) serta pengaruhnya terhadap indeks nutrisi dan oviposisi S. frugiperda. Pengujian toksisitas ekstrak dan campurannya serta pengaruhnya terhadap indeks nutrisi dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode celup pakan, sedangkan pengujian oviposisi dengan penyemprotan ekstrak pada tanaman. Data hubungan konsentrasi minyak nabati dengan kematian serangga uji dianalisis menggunakan analisis probit, sedangkan peubah lainnya dianalisis dengan sidik ragam. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan minyak A. indica, R. communis, dan campurannya bersifat toksik dengan nilai LC50 terhadap larva (II–VI) berturut-turut 0,039 (0,017–0,100)%, 0,144 (0,094–0,221)%, serta 0,034 (0,021–0,061)%, dan pada LC95 berturut-turut 0,391 (0,134–16,671)%, 4,379 (1,986–15,516)%, serta 0,219 (0,104–1,251)%. Toksisitas campuran tersebut meningkat 4,2 kali hingga 20,0 kali masing-masing pada LC50 dan LC95. Perlakuan minyak mengakibatkan penurunan laju konsumsi relatif, laju pertumbuhan relatif, efisiensi pemanfaatan makanan, dan peningkatan perkiraan jumlah makanan yang dicerna larva S. frugiperda. Selain bersifat insektisida, minyak nabati dapat berperan sebagai antioviposisi S. frugiperda. Namun, minyak A. indica, R. communis, dan campurannya terindikasi fitotoksik pada tanaman jagung. Oleh karena itu, potensi campuran minyak A. indica dan R. communis untuk digunakan sebagai insektisida perlu dievaluasi atau dapat digunakan pada tanaman lain yang lebih toleran.

In low pH condition of soils (pH

Acmella radicans (Jacquin) R.K. Jansen is a new invasive species recorded in Yunnan Province, China, and little is known about its allelopathic potential and allelochemicals. In this study, the allelopathic effects of the essential oil (EO) of A. radicans on seed germination and seedling growth of four common plants, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Lolium multiflorum, were explored. The results showed that the seed germination index, germination rate, root length, stem length, and biomass of B. napus and B. rapa ssp. chinensis were significantly inhibited at all EO concentrations of A. radicans, but there was a ‘low-promotion and high-inhibition effect’ on the root length of D. sanguinalis and L. multiflorum at low concentrations of 0.5 μL·mL−1 and 0.5–1.0 μL·mL−1, respectively. With increasing concentrations of EO, the inhibition rates of seed germination and seedling growth of four common plants gradually increased, and D. sanguinalis and L. multiflorum were the most inhibited, followed by B. rapa ssp. chinensis, and the least inhibited was B. napus. Thirty-two components were identified using GC–MS, representing 99.07% of the EO in A. radicans. The major components were 2-tridecanone (30.46%), caryophyllene oxide (19.18%), 4,8,11,11-tetramethylbicyclo[7.2.0]undec-3-en-5-ol (7.84%), β-caryophyllene (7.67%), and widdrol (4.7%). Among the compounds we identified, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, 2-tridecanone, γ-cadinene, δ-cadinene, (E)-α-cadinol, spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, and widdrol have been previously reported as having possible allelopathic effects. Our study was the first to show that A. radicans could potentially release allelochemicals to influence neighboring plants during its invasion and expansion.

Synthetic herbicides are available to control weeds but these herbicides have many concerns. Eco-friendly herbicides obtained from plants is a better alternative to synthetic ones. Despite that the herbicidal activity of Digera muricata extracts have been reported but there are no studies regarding the isolation and identification of herbicidal compounds from D. muricata. Herein, we are reporting the identification of two herbicidal compounds from chloroform extract obtained from D. muricata. The chloroform extract was initially tested on the germination and early growth of two weeds; Avena fatua and Melilotus indicus as well as wheat where a significant decline in % age germination and growth of both weeds was observed. Among the 8 different fractions obtained using different chromatographic techniques, fractions 2 and 7 were found to be phytotoxic to both test weeds. The herbicidal efficacy was tested at 200, 150, 100, 50, 25 μg/ml. These two fractions were further purified on Reversed Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC). Fraction 2 yielded 3 sub-fractions (2A, 2B & 2C), while fraction 7 yielded 2 sub-fractions (7A, 7B). Fraction 2B caused 43%, 53%, and 57% decline in seed germination, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight of A. fatua, while these values against M. indicus were 50%, 81% and 84%, respectively. Fraction 7A caused 25%, 36%, and 42% decline in seed germination, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight of A. fatua, while these values against M. indicus were 35%, 62% and 69%, respectively, at 200 μg/ml conc. Cyanazine caused 61% and 50% reduction in seed germination of A. fatua and M. indicus, respectively. The herbicidal effects of these two fractions were found nonsignificant against wheat. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis (C,H) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonanace (NMR) analyses of these two fractions depicted the presence of quercetin (Fraction 2B) and β-caryophyllene (Fraction 7A). In post emergence bioassays, the isolated compounds caused significant decrease in the biomass of both weeds. Plasma membrane integrity assays revealed electrolyte leakage in treated leaf discs of both weeds. It was concluded that quercetin and β-caryophyllene isolated from D. muricata exhibited toxicity towards both test weeds without harming wheat.

Herbicides are commonly used to control weed. However, some plants are resistant to such products. To identify less harmful herbicides, it is crucial to search for different mechanisms of action. Thymol is an easily acquired allelopathic compound, capable of producing its respective semisynthetic derivative, thymoxyacetic acid. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of thymol and thymoxyacetic acid molecules as bioherbicides in greenhouse at the concentration of 3 mmol L−1 in pre- and postemergence applications in five species: Amaranthus viridis L., Cucumis sativus L., Lactuca sativa L., Eleusine indica L., and Sorghum bicolor L. The initial seedling development and DNA changes were analyzed. These molecules were contrasting with the solvent, in the negative control, and with the glyphosate, in the positive control, promoting phytogenotoxic activities. The toxic effect of thymoxyacetic acid was more effective in preemergence and thymol's in postemergence. We also observed a reduction in the germination speed index and root growth with a negative correlation to the increase in potassium leaching. Damage to the root and shoot of the seedlings was verified at the DNA level, and the phytotoxicity of the plants treated with the herbicide glyphosate was similar to the plants treated with the natural molecules tested. The bioherbicidal effect of thymol and thymoxyacetic acid exacerbates the reduction of the environmental impact caused by the disordered and increased use of residual pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy damage to tomato crops due to wilt stress caused by the pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum and the insufficient availability of management strategies with desired control levels urged the researchers to investigate more reliable control methods to manage this issue in tomato and other horticultural crops. In this study, Parthenium hysterophorus, a locally and freely available herbaceous plant, was successfully used to manage bacterial wilt of tomatoes. The significant growth reduction ability of P. hysterophorus leaf extract was recorded in an agar well diffusion test and its ability to severally damage the bacterial cells was confirmed in SEM analysis. In both greenhouse and field trials, soil amended with P. hysterophorus leaf powder at 25 g/kg soil was found to effectively suppress the pathogen population in soil and significantly reduce the wilt severity on tomato plants, resulting in increased growth and yield of tomato plants. P. hysterophorus leaf powder at concentrations greater than 25 g/kg soil caused phytotoxicity in tomato plants. The results showed that P. hysterophorus powder applied through the mixing of soil for a longer period of time before transplanting tomato plants was more effective than mulching application and a shorter period of transplantation. Finally, the indirect effect of P. hysterophorus powder in managing bacterial wilt stress was evaluated using expression analysis of two resistance-related genes, PR2 and TPX. The upregulation of these two resistance-related genes was recorded by the soil application of P. hysterophorus powder. The findings of this study revealed the direct and indirect action mechanisms of P. hysterophorus powder applied to the soil for the management of bacterial wilting stress in tomato plants and provided the basis for including this technique as a safe and effective management strategy in an integrated disease management package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land management practices can have an impact on the environmental quality of soil and contribute to identifying the source of its pollution. The objective of this study was to determine presence of metallic and non-metallic elements as indicators of land use impact (livestock management, restoration strategies and without management practices) in the Monte Caldera communal lands located in Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Eighteen samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm for each land use. Total concentrations of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu were determined by X-ray fluorescence. Mean concentrations ranged in the following order: Ti>Zr>Rb>V>Sr>Zn>Cr>Pb> Cu>Th>U>As, with concentrations for Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceeding technical reference values for phytotoxic soils. Significant differences were evidenced by ANOVA between land use (Th, Pb, Rb, Cu) and soil depth (U, Pb, and As). Land use practices associated with restoration resulted in a positive environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to conduct follow-up studies in the area and further examine the relationship of such practices with other environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the most abundant native plants that could be used as a bio-monitor of metal(loid) concentration in dry riverbeds affected by mining activities. Three plants species and their respective rhizospheric soils were sampled from the El Beal (Piptatherum miliaceum, 15 samples), La Carrasquilla (Foeniculum vulgare, 10 samples), and Ponce (Dittrichia viscosa, 12 samples) dry riverbeds from the mining district of Cartegena-La Unión (SE Spain). There is scanty bibliography of the capacity of these species to be used as bio-monitors in the dry riverbeds. Plants categorized as a bio-monitor were established according to the bioaccumulation factor (BF), mobility ratio (MR), and linear correlations between metal(loid) concentrations in plants tissues (root or stem)-rhizospheric soils. The rhizospheric soils were highly contaminated for As, Cd, Pb, and Zn (Cf ≥ 6), and moderately contaminated for Mn (1 ≤ Cf < 3). Piptatherum miliaceum presented on Cd similar mean concentrations on rhizospheric soil and root, BF = 1.07, with a strong correlation soil–root (r = 0.61, p = 0.02). Therefore, of the three species with the capacity to grow in the area, Piptatherum miliaceum showed characteristics to be considered as a bio-monitor for Cd, with a BF > 1, and a positive–significant correlation between the rhizospheric soil and roots.

Land management practices can have an impact on the environmental quality of soil and contribute to identifying the source of its pollution. The objective of this study was to determine presence of metallic and non-metallic elements as indicators of land use impact (livestock management, restoration strategies and without management practices) in the Monte Caldera communal lands located in Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Eighteen samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm for each land use. Total concentrations of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu were determined by X-ray fluorescence. Mean concentrations ranged in the following order: Ti>Zr>Rb>V>Sr>Zn>Cr>Pb> Cu>Th>U>As, with concentrations for Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceeding technical reference values for phytotoxic soils. Significant differences were evidenced by ANOVA between land use (Th, Pb, Rb, Cu) and soil depth (U, Pb, and As). Land use practices associated with restoration resulted in a positive environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to conduct follow-up studies in the area and further examine the relationship of such practices with other environmental factors. Highlights: • Soil management practices can affect the environmental quality of this resource and help diagnose the source of its contamination. • It is necessary to evaluate the Impact of land use on livestock management, restoration strategies, and without management or conservation areas. • By X-ray fluorescence technique the total concentration of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu was determined. • Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceed the technical reference values for consideration as phytotoxic in soils. • Land use associated with reclamation practices is an indicator of a positive influence on improving soil quality.

Heavy damage to tomato crops due to wilt stress caused by the pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum and the insufficient availability of management strategies with desired control levels urged the researchers to investigate more reliable control methods to manage this issue in tomato and other horticultural crops. In this study, Parthenium hysterophorus, a locally and freely available herbaceous plant, was successfully used to manage bacterial wilt of tomatoes. The significant growth reduction ability of P. hysterophorus leaf extract was recorded in an agar well diffusion test and its ability to severally damage the bacterial cells was confirmed in SEM analysis. In both greenhouse and field trials, soil amended with P. hysterophorus leaf powder at 25 g/kg soil was found to effectively suppress the pathogen population in soil and significantly reduce the wilt severity on tomato plants, resulting in increased growth and yield of tomato plants. P. hysterophorus leaf powder at concentrations greater than 25 g/kg soil caused phytotoxicity in tomato plants. The results showed that P. hysterophorus powder applied through the mixing of soil for a longer period of time before transplanting tomato plants was more effective than mulching application and a shorter period of transplantation. Finally, the indirect effect of P. hysterophorus powder in managing bacterial wilt stress was evaluated using expression analysis of two resistance-related genes, PR2 and TPX. The upregulation of these two resistance-related genes was recorded by the soil application of P. hysterophorus powder. The findings of this study revealed the direct and indirect action mechanisms of P. hysterophorus powder applied to the soil for the management of bacterial wilting stress in tomato plants and provided the basis for including this technique as a safe and effective management strategy in an integrated disease management package.

Aim: Chromium (Cr) is a toxic elements and in high concentrations are phytotoxic. This study aimed to test the combined applications of poultry litter biochar and inorganic-fertilizers to ameliorate Cr toxicity. Methods: Biochar, made of poultry litter, was added to Cr contaminated soils (0, 30 and 60 mg kg-1 Cr) either solely or in combination with mineral N fertilizers to ameliorate Cr stress in wheat grown on the contaminated soils for six weeks. A eleven amendments were added to achieve fixed rates of NPK inputs among treatments. Several parameters were used to identify Cr stress coping mechanisms. Results: Root and shoot lengths and their dry weights decreased significantly with increasing Cr contamination level in soil. Under such stressful conditions, the amounts of oxidative stress indicators like Malonaldehyde (MDA) and H2O2 increased considerably. Antioxidants rose significantly in these plants. Biochar and/or NPK treatments lessened significantly the oxidative stress indicators in plant, while improved wheat growth parameters. The treatments of Biochar + NPK had the most profound effects for plant fresh weight and length, antioxidant constituents while recorded the least concentrations of Cr in both roots and shoot. Conclusions: Combined poultry litter biochar and NPK inorganic are potential improving biochemical attributes responsible of coping Cr stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of volatiles, antioxidant activity, phytotoxic activity, as well as in silico molecular docking and ADMET study, was conducted for essential oils from three Vitex species, viz., V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia. Essential oils (OEs) extracted by hydrodistillation were subjected to compositional analysis using GC-MS. A total number of 37, 45, and 43 components were identified in V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia, respectively. The antioxidant activity of EOs, assessed using different radical-scavenging (DPPH, H2O2 and NO), reducing power, and metal chelating assays, were found to be significant as compared with those of the standards. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was performed in the receptor species Raphanusraphanistrum (wild radish) and the EOs showed different levels of intensity of seed germination inhibition and root and shoot length inhibition. The molecular docking study was conducted to screen the antioxidant and phytotoxic activity of the major and potent compounds against human protein target, peroxiredoxin 5, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase protein (HPPD). Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to 13-epi-manoyl oxide for both the target proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agribusiness has been confronting a wide array of complications encompassing; stasis crop yields, climatic variation, water inaccessibility, agrochemicals buildup, less supplement use proficiency, reduced soil organic matter which has subsequently influenced the worldwide food demand. For the annihilation of those aforesaid concerns, there is a prerequisite of a pioneer innovation, such as Nanotechnology to be incorporated in the plant breeding sector, which can alleviate those snags alongside securing environmental parameters. Basically, nanotechnology is an emerging innovation that is doled out at a sub-atomic level, particle by iota for fabricating a structure, apparatuses, or gadgets forced with a new sub-atomic collection that can sustain and remediate the current status of plant breeding. The application of nanotechnology in plant breeding comprehends; disease and vermin control, seed technology, plant genetic modification, monitoring of plant growth stages, incitement of hormonal impacts, and precise farming. Other than this wide relevance of nanotechnology, a few investigations show that nanotechnology imparts phytotoxicity effects, which can be a restrictive risk for the environment, beings, and natural boundaries. However, if we can vanish the potential risks and outcomes of this innovation, it can potentially reform the entire agricultural cosmos. Furthermore, this review apportions the synopsis of innumerable nanotechnological applications in plant breeding, recompensing specific consideration to its current utilization, and moreover, scans the opportunities, potential advantages, associative risks, deterrents, and conceivable prospective changes. [Fundam Appl Agric 2021; 6(4.000): 403-414]

Chemical weed regulator process may source ecological hazards and produce residual effects in crops as well as in soil. Another method to switch weeds is accomplishment special treatment in bearable production scheme. Practice of liquid residue of produces is receiving systematic consideration as environmental substitute to copied weed-killer specifically below rapid scheme of growing herbicide refusal in the production of weeds. Therefore, current research was directed at Science Laboratory of weed, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during winter 2018 to determine the phytotoxic impact proceeding Glycyrrhiza glabra on winter vegetable crop Pisum sativum. The trials were placed out further down an entirely randomized plan, showing three replicates. Some experiments comprised of seven treatments with different concentrations of extract. The wood of G. glabra extracts comprised 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80% concentration applied on P. sativum. Data on seed sprouting, the measurement of shoot and original mass of weed and pea was recorded following standard procedures. Data stayed investigated through Fishers Study of Variance. The differences among treatments were divided with the action of a least significant difference test (LSD). Results revealed that aqueous extracts were possessed phytotoxic chemicals that cause phytotoxic effect to P. sativum and result in maximum propagation ratio (%), Mean Sprouting period (Days), Period to 50% germination and minimum, the length of root (mm), shoot dimension (mm), root fresh weight (mg), shoot fresh weight was recorded at 80 % concentration of G. glabra. It is concluded that there are phenolic compounds in the wood extract of G. glabra which cause allelopathic effects on P. sativum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to look at the various biological potentials and phytochemical components of S. glauca. Utilizing FT-IR spectroscopy, different functional groups were identified. Tests for total reducing power (TRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and DPPH were employed to assess the antioxidant qualities of a specific medicinal plant. The antibacterial activity of five different strains of bacteria were assessed using the disc diffusion method. Laboratory-cultured nauplii were killed in the brine shrimp lethality experiment to assess the cytotoxic capability. Statistical software version 8.1 was utilized to conduct an analysis of variance (ANOVA), with each experiment being repeated three times. In S. glauca , ten distinct functional groups were found. TAC (SGM = 20.07 AAE/g) and DPPH scavenging capacity (IC 50 = 28.38 µg/mL) were noted in the methanol extract of S. glauca (SGM) as well as the total reducing power (TRP) of 62.87 GAE/g was found in SGM. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using several types of bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition (MI) against P. aeruginosa (ATCC) was found in SGC (12 ± 1.0 mm mean value). The chloroform extract of S. glauca (SGC) exhibited the highest cytotoxic potential, with an LC 50 of 31.12 µg/mL. The present investigation examined the remarkable biological capabilities exhibited by S. glauca. Future research in therapeutic development could potentially be enhanced by the isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds through further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial leaf blight disease is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) which leads to severe infection in rice crop by various virulence factors. Among those factors, toxin production may be one of them. To study the toxin as virulence factor Xoo was cultured on wakimoto media for 3 days and then specialized media for 7 days. After incubation for 5 days at room temperature the culture was centrifuged and filter through filter assembly with the sieve size of 45mm. The filtrate was used as stock solution. The effect of toxin produced in the filtrate on seed germination and seedlings was tested with stock solution, its dilutions (1:10, 1:100). Single colony culture incubated for 72hrs was also used directly to check its effect on seeds germination and seedlings of seven advance commercial varieties of rice. It was revealed that seed germination and seedling of all varieties were badly affected by 100% stock solution and culture filtrate. The Xoo toxin was recorded as phytotoxic which is the one of the virulence factors in disease production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: A critical investigation into arsenic uptake and transportation, its phytotoxic effects, and defense strategies including complex signaling cascades and regulatory networks in plants. The metalloid arsenic (As) is a leading pollutant of soil and water. It easily finds its way into the food chain through plants, more precisely crops, a common diet source for humans resulting in serious health risks. Prolonged As exposure causes detrimental effects in plants and is diaphanously observed through numerous physiological, biochemical, and molecular attributes. Different inorganic and organic As species enter into the plant system via a variety of transporters e.g., phosphate transporters, aquaporins, etc. Therefore, plants tend to accumulate elevated levels of As which leads to severe phytotoxic damages including anomalies in biomolecules like protein, lipid, and DNA. To combat this, plants employ quite a few mitigation strategies such as efficient As efflux from the cell, iron plaque formation, regulation of As transporters, and intracellular chelation with an array of thiol-rich molecules such as phytochelatin, glutathione, and metallothionein followed by vacuolar compartmentalization of As through various vacuolar transporters. Moreover, the antioxidant machinery is also implicated to nullify the perilous outcomes of the metalloid. The stress ascribed by the metalloid also marks the commencement of multiple signaling cascades. This whole complicated system is indeed controlled by several transcription factors and microRNAs. This review aims to understand, in general, the plant–soil–arsenic interaction, effects of As in plants, As uptake mechanisms and its dynamics, and multifarious As detoxification mechanisms in plants. A major portion of this article is also devoted to understanding and deciphering the nexus between As stress-responsive mechanisms and its underlying complex interconnected regulatory networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) belongs to the asteraceae family, known worldwide and appreciated for generations. Due to the great acceptance, the lettuce is a vegetable of high consumption. In search of solutions for high productivity some techniques have been researched to reduce the stress suffered by the plant to the environment. This study aimed to verify that the aqueous extract of tiririca, in different strengths, present some allelopathic effect on the development of the lettuce. The use of the aqueous extract, which has in its composition the Indole Acetic Acid-AIA (Auxin), was used by capillary irrigation, with the following treatments: T0-control; T1- 25% of concentration; T2- 50% of concentration; T3- 100% of concentration. This study consisted of five replicates and five plants per treatment, with a total of 100 plants. The design was completely randomized. The analyzes were root size, shoot development by fresh mass plant, number of leaves and chlorophyll content. According to the data, it was observed that the concentration of the 100% root extract resulted in higher values of root development, however, affected shoot growth, a result verified in the fresh mass, in which the plants presented reduced weight when compared to the other treatments, and consequently affected the amount of leaves produced by the plants submitted to this treatment, the chlorophyll content was also lower for the plants treated with the maximum concentration of the extract. Therefore, it can be concluded that high dosages of the tiririca extract had an allelopathic effect inhibiting the growth and development of the lettuce plants, and did not present a satisfactory result.

Fungal contamination in vegetable crop seeds poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security. This manuscript investigates the presence of fungi in the main vegetable crop seeds and explores their fungal biological characteristics. The study employed a comprehensive approach involving sample collection, fungal isolation, morphological identification, and molecular characterization. The research collected a diverse range of vegetable crop seeds from different locations of Uzbekistan and examined them for the presence of fungal pathogens. Aseptic techniques were utilized to isolate and culture fungi from the seed samples. Morphological characteristics, including colony appearance, spore production, and hyphal structure, were evaluated to identify the fungal species. In cases where morphological identification was challenging, molecular techniques were employed for accurate species determination. The research of 36 species of fungal phytotoxic qualities was done using seeds that were collected and preserved during the growing of vegetable crops in farms in the Tashkent region of Uzbekistan. The findings are presented in this paper. Based on the impact on vegetable crop root and stem growth and seed germination, phytotoxic characteristics were identified. Phytotoxic fungi were defined as those that lowered these markers by 30% when compared to the control.

A new oleanane triterpene saponin 1 was isolated from Ligularia veitchiana. The structure of compound 1 was elucidated as olean-12-en-6β,16β,28-triol 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside by spectroscopic data (1H, 13C NMR, HMBC, HSQC, COSY, and NOSEY) and chemical evidence. Additionally, compound 1 presented phytotoxic effect on the growth of lettuce at 200 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Weed Management, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif 2018-19 to screen herbicides for weed control in little millet (Panicum sumatrense). The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of different pre-emergence herbicides (Pendimethalin, Oxyfluorfen, Oxadiargyl, Bensulfuron + Pretilachlor) and post emergence herbicides (2,4-D Na salt 0.5 kg/ha, Bispyribac Na 100 ml/ha), Inter cultivation twice at 20 and 40 DAS, Hand weeding at 20 and 40 and weedy check. Plots treated with the pre-emergence herbicides exhibited profound influence on germination of crop. Plots treated with pre-emergent herbicides showed phytotoxic to little millet and complete failure of germination was noted. It is recommended not to increase these pre emergence herbicide at the dosage tried. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of volatiles, antioxidant activity, phytotoxic activity, as well as in silico molecular docking and ADMET study, was conducted for essential oils from three Vitex species, viz., V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia. Essential oils (OEs) extracted by hydrodistillation were subjected to compositional analysis using GC-MS. A total number of 37, 45, and 43 components were identified in V. agnus-castus, V. negundo, and V. trifolia, respectively. The antioxidant activity of EOs, assessed using different radical-scavenging (DPPH, H2O2 and NO), reducing power, and metal chelating assays, were found to be significant as compared with those of the standards. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was performed in the receptor species Raphanusraphanistrum (wild radish) and the EOs showed different levels of intensity of seed germination inhibition and root and shoot length inhibition. The molecular docking study was conducted to screen the antioxidant and phytotoxic activity of the major and potent compounds against human protein target, peroxiredoxin 5, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase protein (HPPD). Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to 13-epi-manoyl oxide for both the target proteins.

This study examined the phytotoxicity of the extract of Datura metel. It involved the planting of seeds of monocot, yellow maize (Zea mays) and a dicot, brown bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), growth and analysis of seedlings of the two plants. Seeds of Z. mays were collected at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan and the seeds of P. vulgaris were collected at International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria. The leaf of D. metel was collected. The plant was identified and authenticated (FHI 111862) at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) Ibadan, Nigeria. The collected leaves were carefully washed under running tap water and air-dried at room temperature for four weeks. The dry leaves were milled into a fine powder and extracted. The phytotoxic potentials of the extract were evaluated using a standard method. At the end of the experiment, seedlings were harvested, stem and leaf were separately collected, and shoot length of seedlings was measured, and kept frozen for the estimation of total protein, soluble sugar, free amino acids, proline, and plant pigments. The findings revealed that different concentrations of aqueous extract of the leaf of D. metel retarded the rate of germination of seeds, significantly inhibited the shoot length of P. vulgaris and Z. mays and reduced concentrations of chlorophyll, free amino acids, protein, sugar, and proline. In conclusion, this study revealed that the extract exhibited a deleterious effect on germination, growth and biochemical parameters in seedlings of P. vulgaris and Z. mays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present investigation reports first phytochemical profile of Cordia sinensis Lam. stems utilising GC-FID and GC-MS analyses. Moreover, antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and insecticidal potential of stems was also evaluated. Altogether 33 (∼69%) compounds were identified. n-Hexadecanoic acid (15.62–35.55%), methyl hexadecanoate (11.22–29.49%), methyl octadecanoate (4.10–8.66%) and n-octadecanoic acid (4.24–6.64%), present in all the fractions were the major components identified. Overall 4 hydrocarbons, 7 fatty acids, 12 fatty acid esters, 3 phytosterols, 2 terpenes, a terpenoid and 4 aromatics were identified. It is important to note that methanolic mother extract showed moderate phytotoxic activity at higher dose only. However, GC-MS identifications revealed the presence of several phytoconstituents with reported bioactive potential. Moreover, biogenetic correlation of identified phytoconstituents with other parts of plant confirms their natural existence. Newly identified secondary metabolites of C. sinensis stems may also serve as the chemotaxonomic markers and can be correlated with the genus Cordia and Boraginaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eucalyptus genus, characterized by its imposing stature and fragrant foliage, has been a source of fascination for humanity over the centuries. The focus of the present investigation was directed towards the essentials oils (EOs) of five Eucalyptus trees cultivated in Tunisia. The GC-MS analysis unveiled unique compositional profiles, a finding substantiated by both Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) conducted on the leaves EOs. These analyses resulted in the formation of discrete HCA clades, delineating 23 significant components. Notably, the percentage of eucalyptol emerged as the pivotal factor demarcating the separation between three distinct groups. The statistical analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship in both phytotoxicity evaluation and antibacterial activity. The EOs from Eucalyptus loxophleba and E. salubris exhibited the highest phytotoxicity, inhibiting radical elongation and germination of various seeds, especially Sinapis arvensis and Raphanus sativus . The antimicrobial assessment demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of the EOs on bacterial strains, with MIC values spanning from 14 to exceeding 50 mg/ml. The EOs also affected biofilm formation and cellular metabolism, displaying varied efficacy among different Eucalyptus species against some bacterial strains. The EOs exhibited selective inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase. E. campaspe EO showed the highest AChE activity, while E. loxophleba and E. salubris EOs were most potent toward α-amylase. E. loxophleba EO demonstrated notable activity against α-glucosidase. Overall, these findings provide important data about the diverse biological activities of Eucalyptus EOs, suggesting potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and pharmacy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand (Myrtaceae) is a native and endemic species from Brazil. This study investigated the essential oil composition, phytotoxic potential, in vitro toxicity, antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of species. Chromatographic analysis of essential oil identified trans-calamanene, (E)-caryophyllene and spathulenol as major components. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the DPPH• scavenging method and phosphomolybdenum complex formation assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration test, demonstrating that the essential oil was active toward Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Phytotoxic activity of essential oil was analyzed by testing interference on germination and growth of Lactuca sativa, demonstrating significant inhibition of the hypocotyls and radicles of seeds. Preliminary toxicity studies were determined using Artemia salina, resulting in an LC50 of 409.92 µg/mL, and through hemolytic activity. The results of the phytotoxic activity point to a possible application for Myrcia hatschbachii in the development of natural herbicides and the in vitro toxicity assays suggests the performance of antitumoral activity tests, having in mind the prospection of antineoplastic drugs.

Fungi are well-known for their abundant supply of metabolites with unrivaled structure and promising bioactivities. Naphthalenones are among these fungal metabolites, that are biosynthesized through the 1,8-dihydroxy-naphthalene polyketide pathway. They revealed a wide spectrum of bioactivities, including phytotoxic, neuro-protective, cytotoxic, antiviral, nematocidal, antimycobacterial, antimalarial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. The current review emphasizes the reported naphthalenone derivatives produced by various fungal species, including their sources, structures, biosynthesis, and bioactivities in the period from 1972 to 2021. Overall, more than 167 references with 159 metabolites are listed.

This contribution reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extracts of D. mucronata and their diverse applications. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using diverse techniques, i.e. UV, XRD, EDS, SEM, TEM, FTIR and TGA/DTA. These techniques confirmed the authenticity of the synthesized nanoparticles. The bimodulated AgNPs revealed the highest radical scavenging potential, i.e. 86.4% relative to plant extract at 600 μg/ml. Escherichia coli was found to be the most susceptible strain to AgNPs. Growth of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was also inhibited. Hemolytic activity revealed negligible hemolysis, indicating the biocompatible nature of biomodulated AgNPs. Furthermore, no mutagenic properties were shown by the biogenic AgNPs. Synthesized nanoparticles possessed promising insecticidal potential and had no phytotoxic activity. No haemagglutination was observed for biogenic AgNPs.