Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture最新文献

Background

Striga asiatica (L.) O. Kuntze is a traditional medicinal plant rich in flavonoids, which has various pharmacological effects such as anti-hepatitis and antioxidant activities. However, there is a scarcity of resources, and artificial cultivation has not yet been achieved. This study explored the association between flavonoid metabolites and soil physicochemical properties and trace elements in different habitats, with the aim of offering theoretical guidance for the high-quality artificial cultivation of S. asiatica.

Results

The results showed that S. asiatica has low requirements for soil fertility and prefers to grow in acidic soil with high contents of potassium and available potassium, while low contents of phosphorus, nitrogen and alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen. Additionally, 1592 kinds of metabolites were identified from S. asiatica, including 78 flavonoids.

Conclusions

The flavonoid metabolites were strongly related to soil factors. Reasonable application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers as well as controlling the contents of sodium, manganese and boron in the soil, can promote the synthesis of flavonoid metabolites in the plant. Moreover, kaempferide, glycitein, luteolin, apigenin and genistein may be the metabolic markers for identifying different regions.

Graphical Abstract

Chenopodium album L. (CAL) has many bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities. Fermentation is the preferred modification method of releasing target bioactive. We prepared two crude polysaccharides: SLC (the polysaccharide from the unfermented stem and leaves of CAL) and FSLC (the polysaccharide from the fermented stem and leaves of CAL). In vitro antioxidant and composition of SLC and FSLC were compared, and the effects of FSLC on antioxidant activity in the IPEC-J2 cells model and development-promoting activity in the zebrafish model were evaluated. The results revealed that FSLC possesses stronger DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and reducing power than SLC. The levels of total polysaccharide, polyphenol, and flavonoid, as well as the molar ratio of glucuronic acid increased in FSLC. Compared with SLC, the relative contents of protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, ferulic acid methyl ester, hispidulin, diosmetin, cinnamic acid, isorhamnetin, syringic acid and kaempferol in FSLC increased. In IPEC-J2 cells, antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH levels were significantly increased, while the MDA level was reduced by treatment with 0.25 mg/mL FSLC. In the zebrafish model, treatment with 25 ~ 300 μg/mL of FSLC had no harmful impact on the morphology and viability of embryos at 12 ~72 hpf. At 48 and 60 hpf, treatment with 100 ~ 300 μg/mL FSLC increased the hatching rate of embryos. At 72hpf, treatment with 100 ~ 300 μg/mL FSLC could relieve morphological abnormalities caused by LPS in zebrafish and improve the hatching rate of embryos. Together, these results provide useful information on the potential for applying polysaccharides from the stems and leaves of CAL as natural feed additives to exert its antioxidant and development-promoting functions.

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Background

Effective control of shot-hole disease in flowering cherries is challenging because of multiple causative pathogens (bacteria and fungi). Bacillus species are well-known for their ability to control plant pathogens; therefore, biological control potential of a Bacillus isolate, B. velezensis 8–2, against SH disease on flowering cherry trees was investigated.

Results

This study revealed strong antimicrobial activity of Bacillus velezensis 8–2 against various plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, particularly focusing on Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) and Mycosphaerella cerasella (Mc), which cause shot-hole (SH) disease in flowering cherry trees. In vitro assays showed that the fermentation filtrate of B. velezensis 8–2 inhibited bacterial and fungal growth with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.25–10% and 2.5–10%, respectively. UPLC-Q–Orbitrap–MS analysis revealed that B. velezensis 8–2 produced antagonistic compounds, including polyketides (difficidin and oxydifficidin) and cyclic lipopeptides (iturin A, fengycin, and surfatin). To enhance antimicrobial activity, fermentation parameters for optimal production of two antibacterial and three antifungal compounds were investigated in a 5 L jar fermenter. By regulating the agitation speed to sustain the state of vegetative cells, the production period was extended by 20 h at 400 rpm, resulting in maximum yields of 86.6 μg/mL for difficidin and 150.0 μg/mL for oxydifficidin within a 72 h fermentation period. In a field trial, a 500-fold diluted 10% suspension concentrate formulation of B. velezensis 8–2 effectively inhibited the development of SH disease, demonstrating 66.6% disease control and a 90.2% disease symptoms reduction.

Conclusions

This is the first report to assess the disease control efficacy of B. velezensis for the biocontrol of SH disease in the field. These results suggest that the application of B. velezensis 8–2 could serve as a practical alternative for managing various bacterial and fungal diseases, including the management of SH disease in flowering cherry trees.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Small-secreted peptides are increasingly recognized as a novel class of intracellular signal molecules, playing crucial roles in plant growth and development. However, the precise role and mechanism governed by peptides containing Tyrosine Sulfation (PSY) are still under investigation. Currently, there is a lack of accessible information concerning the PSY gene family in wheat.

Results

Therefore, in this investigation, we identified 29 PSY genes in Triticum aestivum, with the aim of unraveling their significance in plant development processes and their response to a variety of stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TaPSY genes clustered into five groups. Additionally, an analysis of the gene structure of TaPSYs displayed a conserved evolutionary path. The syntenic relationship demonstrated the 69 orthologous gene pairs in T. dicoccoides, Ae. tauschii, T. turgidum, and H. vulgare, respectively. Furthermore, the Ka/Ks analysis indicated that TaPSY genes have experienced purifying selection during their evolutionary processes. The promoters of TaPSY genes were found to contain numerous CAREs, and these elements are known to perform essential functions in various development processes, phytohormone responses, as well as defense and stress mechanisms. In addition, the identification of potential miRNAs targeting TaPSY genes was followed by an examination of their expression patterns across various tissues. Among the 29 TaPSY genes, twenty miRNAs were discovered to target eighteen of them. Moreover, TaPSY genes displayed a distinct expression across different tissues and stress conditions.

Conclusions

Hence, these discoveries offer a significant reference point for forthcoming molecular investigations and hold promise for bolstering wheat yield and stress resilience through targeted genetic enhancements and strategic breeding approaches.

Graphical Abstract

Glyphosate, widely used to manage weeds in cassava crops, simultaneously inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, screened 262 cassava varieties, identifying the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. Transcriptomic analysis via Illumina sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes associated with resistance, including Cytochrome P450, GST, GT, ABC transporters, and others such as MIOX1, LHCA1, PPH, HSP26, HSP83A, and UGT73C5. Notably, the EMB3004 gene, involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, was significantly upregulated in resistant varieties, suggesting a key role in countering glyphosate’s inhibition of the shikimic acid pathway. These genes are pivotal in enhancing cell wall biosynthesis, optimizing photosynthesis, and improving detoxification processes. This research elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cassava’s resistance to glyphosate, thereby laying the groundwork for breeding programs aimed at developing herbicide-resistant varieties.

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Background

Terrestrial snails, specifically Theba pisana, represent significant agricultural pests in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Egypt. They are gastropods that cause substantial damage to a variety of vegetation, rendering them important agricultural pests that result in economic losses. In response, we have developed unique and non-toxic molluscicides. The study assessed nine novel heterocycles compared with methomyl as a reference compound, to study their molluscicidal effects on T. pisana. These heterocycles include 2-pyrazolines, 2-oxocyclohex-3-ene, and 3-cyano-2-ethoxypyridine.

Results

The obtained data revealed that the majority of the produced chemicals were remarkably effective against T. pisana snails, exhibiting different degrees of toxicity seven days post-treatment. Methomyl exhibited the highest toxicity, followed by prop-2-en-1-one and 1-thiocarbamoyl-2-pyrazoline derivatives, with LC₅₀ values of 44.14, 59.54, and 72.00 ppm, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings will inform the potential of these synthetic compounds as one of the sources for molluscicide development and their integration into pest management strategies.

Graphical Abstract

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are generated during fermentation in silages, especially in barley silage. However, little is known regarding the dynamics of GHG production in silages during fermentation. In the present study, GHG accumulation and reduction were assessed in barley silage. Barley was harvested at the milk stage and ensiled without (CK) or with two commercial lactic acid bacterial (LAB) additives (L1 or L2). Gas and GHG (CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄) production, fermentation quality, fermentation weight loss (FWL), and bacterial communities were analyzed at d 0, 1, 3, 6, 15, 35, and 90 after ensiling. Gas and GHG production rapidly increased in CK during the first 3 days and in L1 and L2 during the first day and then decreased (P < 0.05), and these values were higher in CK than in L1 and L2 from d 1 to d 35 (P < 0.05), with the peak production of gas and GHG observed at d 6 in CK and at d 3 in L1 and L2. Gas and GHG production were positively correlated with the count of Coliforms and the abundances of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Atlantibacter from d 0 to 6 (P < 0.05) but were negatively correlated with the abundances of Lentilactobacillus, Lactiplantibacillus, and Lacticaseibacillus from d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). L1 and L2 had increasing pH and acetic acid (AA) and decreasing lactic acid after d 15 (P < 0.05). Lentilactobacillus in L1 and L2 dominated the bacterial communities from d 35 to 90 and correlated positively with pH and AA, and negatively with LA from d 6 to 90 (P < 0.05). FWL had a positive correlation with gas and GHG from d 1 to 35 (P < 0.05). The ensiling fermentation process can be divided into gas accumulation and reduction phases. Inoculation with LAB reduced gas and GHG production. The activities of enterobacteria were the main contributors to gas and GHG accumulation. Lentilactobacillus activity mainly caused deterioration of fermentation quality during the late fermentation phase. The GHGs generated in silage contributed to the FWL during fermentation.

Graphical Abstract

Background

Elucidating the mechanism of fiber transformation underlying microbial metabolism is critical for improving fiber-rich silage digestibility and preserving silage energy for ruminant nutrient absorption. However, few studies have combined quantitative microbial function and transformation products in silage to explain this mechanism. Here, we constructed a workflow to detect the substrates and products of fiber transformation in mixed silage of Sesbania cannabina and sweet sorghum (SS) and combined the absolute quantification 16S rRNA sequencing to reveal this mechanism.

Results

The synergistic effect of Lactobacillus cocktail and cellulase (LC) simplified the microbial diversity and minimized the microbial quantity, making Lentilactobacillus buchneri the dominant species in SS silage. As a result, the LC-treated silage had greater lactic acid content, lower pH value, and less NH₃-N content. The indigestible fibers were significantly decreased due to the synergistic effect of the Lactobacillus cocktail and cellulase. Changes in microbial structure during ensiling also resulted in metabolic alterations. The increased levels of microbial enzymes, including β-glucosidase and sucrose phosphorylase, involved in starch and sucrose metabolism led to the enrichment of monosaccharides (including glucose, xylose, mannose, galactose, ribose, rhamnose, and arabinose) in the LC-treated silage. We found that L. buchneri was positively associated with β-glucosidase and sucrose phosphorylase, reflecting the crucial contribution of L. buchneri to fiber decomposition in SS silage.

Conclusion

Using an absolute quantitative microbiome, we found that LC treatment decreased the microbial biomass in SS silage, which in turn promoted the energy preservation in the SS silage. The cooperative interaction of the Lactobacillus cocktail and cellulase improved the fiber decomposition and in vitro dry matter digestibility rate by changing the microbiome structure and function in the SS silage, providing guidance and support for future fiber-rich silage production in the saline-alkaline region.

Graphical Abstract

Background

This study utilized ultrasonication-assisted green extraction techniques to explore the physicochemical, rheological, biological, and prebiotic properties, alongside gut modulation abilities of novel polysaccharides extracted from date pomace. The extraction aimed at enhancing the utilization of date pomace, a by-product of date fruit processing, by investigating its potential as a functional food ingredient. The research focused on optimizing the extraction process, understanding the complex structure of the polysaccharides, and assessing their various health-related functionalities.

Results

The ultrasonically extracted polysaccharides (UPS) were identified as a mixture of significant bioactive compounds including galacturonic acid, galactose, glucose, arabinose, and fructose, showcasing a high molecular weight of 537.7 kDa. The study found that UPS exhibited outstanding antioxidant activities, with scavenging abilities ranging from 59 to 82% at a concentration of 1000 mg/L. Additionally, UPS demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on α-amylase (83%), α-glucosidase (81%), and ACE-inhibition (45%), alongside strong antiproliferative activities against Caco-2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Remarkably, UPS also enhanced the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota, including Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, during in vitro fermentations and positively modulated gut metabolic pathways, promoting the production of major short-chain fatty acids. UPS had higher abundance in pathways related to cofactors, vitamins, electron carriers, and prosthetic groups biosynthesis compared to blank.

Conclusions

The findings affirm the potential of UPS extracted from date pomace as an innovative and promising functional food ingredient. Its high molecular weight, complex sugar composition, significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative activities, and prebiotic properties make it a valuable resource for promoting health and managing diseases. This study paves the way for further research on the bioavailability and physiological effects of UPS in vivo, highlighting the importance of sustainable utilization of agricultural by-products in developing functional foods that support human health.

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