White leaf spot disease [Neopseudocercosporella capsellae (Ellis & Everhart) S.I.R.Videira & P.W.Crous] poses a significant threat to rapeseed production globally. The herbicides atrazine and glyphosate are widely applied to herbicide-tolerant major crops, including rapeseed. Herbicides can affect disease levels directly and indirectly [...] Read more.

White leaf spot disease [Neopseudocercosporella capsellae (Ellis & Everhart) S.I.R.Videira & P.W.Crous] poses a significant threat to rapeseed production globally. The herbicides atrazine and glyphosate are widely applied to herbicide-tolerant major crops, including rapeseed. Herbicides can affect disease levels directly and indirectly by stressing host plants, influencing pathogens, and altering abiotic and biotic stress levels in the environment. The specific effects of herbicides on the dimorphic pathogenN. capsellae regarding hyphal growth, conidial germination rate, and the morphological transformation from multi-celled hyphae or conidia into numerous single-celled blastospores remain unknown. Hence, studies were performed on two agar media [malt extract agar (MEA) and water agar (WA)] to determine how atrazine and glyphosate, each applied at 1 g a.i. L⁻¹ or the commercial recommended concentrations of 10 and 7.8 g a.i. L⁻¹, respectively, affect these characteristics in four highly pathogenic isolates ofN. capsellae. Across a 32-day assessment period, the hyphal growth of all four isolates subcultured individually on MEA or WA was significantly restricted by both concentrations of atrazine and glyphosate. For both atrazine and glyphosate, restriction of hyphal growth was much greater at the higher commercial recommended concentration. Glyphosate restricted hyphal growth more than atrazine for each comparative concentration. Using a mixture of all four isolates, a similar trend of suppression by atrazine or glyphosate occurred in relation to conidial germination and the morphological transformation from multi-celled hyphae or conidia into numerous single-celled blastospores. These new insights into how herbicides constrain hyphal growth, conidial germination, and morphological transformation suggest their potential as a control measure in herbicide-tolerant crops to limit the epidemic spread and development of not onlyN. capsellae in rapeseed but other dimorphic fungal pathogens as well.Full article

Urban ecosystems are increasingly shaped by multiple environmental stressors, which may threaten both biodiversity and human well-being. We summarised the current knowledge on the ecological and social consequences of seven major urban pressures: air pollution, freshwater degradation, biological invasions, noise pollution, habitat fragmentation, [...] Read more.

Urban ecosystems are increasingly shaped by multiple environmental stressors, which may threaten both biodiversity and human well-being. We summarised the current knowledge on the ecological and social consequences of seven major urban pressures: air pollution, freshwater degradation, biological invasions, noise pollution, habitat fragmentation, soil pollution and climate crisis. Air and soil pollution, largely driven by traffic and industrial activities, compromises vegetation functions, reduces ecosystem services, and affects human health. Urban freshwater systems face contamination from stormwater runoff, wastewater, and microplastics, leading to biodiversity loss, altered ecosystem processes, and reduced water availability. Biological invasions, facilitated by human activities and habitat disturbances, reshape ecological communities, outcompete native species, and impose socio-economic costs, while management requires integrated monitoring and citizen engagement. Noise pollution disrupts animal communication, alters species distributions, and poses significant risks to human physical and mental health. Simultaneously, habitat fragmentation and loss reduce ecological connectivity, impair pollination and dispersal processes, and heighten extinction risks for both plants and animals. Collectively, these stressors interact synergistically, amplifying ecological degradation and exacerbating health and social inequalities in urban populations. The cumulative impacts highlight the need for systemic and adaptive approaches to urban planning that integrate biodiversity conservation, public health, and social equity. Nature-based solutions, ecological restoration, technological innovation, and participatory governance emerge as promising strategies to enhance urban resilience. Furthermore, fostering citizen science initiatives can strengthen monitoring capacity and create community ownership of sustainable urban environments. Addressing the combined pressures of urban environmental stressors is thus pivotal for building cities that are ecologically robust, socially inclusive, and capable of coping with the challenges of the climate crisis and global urbanization.Full article

Tropospheric ozone (O₃) pollution is a major concern in urban environments because of its toxicity for both people and vegetation. This paper review provides an overview of atmospheric mechanisms, as well as the potential and best management practices of urban greening [...] Read more.

Tropospheric ozone (O₃) pollution is a major concern in urban environments because of its toxicity for both people and vegetation. This paper review provides an overview of atmospheric mechanisms, as well as the potential and best management practices of urban greening for reducing O₃ pollution in cities. Urban greening has often been proposed as a cost-effective solution to reduce O₃ pollution, but its effectiveness depends on careful species selection and integration with broader air quality management strategies. Ozone is a secondary pollutant and the volatile organic compounds emitted by vegetation (BVOCs) can play a prominent role in O₃ formation. A list of recommended and to-avoid species is given here to drive future planting at city scale. Planting low BVOC-emitting species and combining greening with reductions in anthropogenic emissions are key to maximizing benefits and minimizing unintended increases in O₃. Public and non-public institutions should carefully select plant species in consultation with expert scientists from the early stages, e.g., by considering local conditions and pollutant dynamics to design effective greening interventions. Collaborative planning among urban ecologists, atmospheric scientists, and municipalities is thus crucial to ensure that greening interventions contribute to overall air quality improvements rather than inadvertently enhancing O₃ formation. Such improvements will also translate into plant protection from O₃ stress. Therefore, future directions of research and policy integration to achieve healthier, O₃-resilient urban ecosystems are also provided.Full article

Arctic plants inhabit extremely cold environments and are exposed to a range of abiotic stress factors. Arctic species exhibit remarkable adaptability to multiple environmental challenges, including a short growing season, low summer temperatures, continuous 24-h daylight during the polar day, limited nitrogen availability [...] Read more.

Arctic plants inhabit extremely cold environments and are exposed to a range of abiotic stress factors. Arctic species exhibit remarkable adaptability to multiple environmental challenges, including a short growing season, low summer temperatures, continuous 24-h daylight during the polar day, limited nitrogen availability in soils, water scarcity, and strong winds. This review examines the key features of growth, development, and reproduction in Arctic plants, as well as their physiological and genomic adaptations to extreme climatic conditions. While Arctic plants show remarkable physiological tolerance, community-level resistance varies regionally and remains an open question.Full article

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Understanding the impact of hydric stress on medicinal plants in the context of climate change is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to assess the quality of a seed lot ofAgastache mexicana subsp.mexicana (Amm) through a novel calculation of [...] Read more.

Understanding the impact of hydric stress on medicinal plants in the context of climate change is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to assess the quality of a seed lot ofAgastache mexicana subsp.mexicana (Amm) through a novel calculation of the Vigour Index on time basis (${VI}_T$). The evaluation was based on relationships among plant height, leaf number, survival time, and plant density across six irrigation regimes, referred to as stages, which differed in the timing and quantity of water, designed to impose water stress from seedling emergence until plant death. To maximise growth and survival time, we utilised two input factors: Artificial Shade Levels (ASLs) of 38%, 87%, and 94%, as well as Silicon Dioxide Levels (SDLs) of 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%. The effects of these treatments were measured using the Survival Index (SI) and the${VI}_T$. The plants achieved their highest SI and${VI}_T$ values influenced by minimum mortality and maximum height and leaf number in stage three. This behaviour aligned with the field capacity of the substrate, supporting the evaluation of stages one and two as waterlogging stress, while the remaining stages were classified as drought stress. The${VI}_T$ results showed statistically significant effects from ASL, particularly at 94%. However, the${VI}_T$ in relation to SDL was not statistically significant. The${VI}_T$ measurements were visualised using spline interpolation, a method that provides an effective approach to quantify adverse conditions affectingAmm’s development and that it can support to identify the hydric stresses type.Full article

The development of remote methods for identifying plant light stress (LS) is an urgent task in agriculture and forestry. Evergreen conifers, which experience winter light stress (WLS) annually, are ideal subjects for studying the mechanisms of light stress and developing identification methods. Proximal [...] Read more.

The development of remote methods for identifying plant light stress (LS) is an urgent task in agriculture and forestry. Evergreen conifers, which experience winter light stress (WLS) annually, are ideal subjects for studying the mechanisms of light stress and developing identification methods. Proximal hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was used to identify WLS inPlatycladus orientalis. Using the random forest (RF), the spectral characteristics ofP. orientalis shoots were analysed and the conditions ‘Winter Light Stress’ and ‘Optimal Condition’ were classified with high accuracy. The out-of-bag (OOB) estimate of the error rate was only 0.35%. Classification of the conditions ‘Cold Stress’ and ‘Optimal Condition’—with an OOB estimate of error rate of 3.19%—can also be considered successful. The conditions ‘Winter Light Stress’ and ‘Cold Stress’ were more poorly separated (OOB error rate 15.94%). Verifying the RF classification model for the three states ‘Optimal condition’, ‘Cold stress’ and ‘Winter Light Stress’ simultaneously using data from the crown field survey showed that the ‘Winter Light Stress’ state was well identified. In this case, ‘Optimal condition’ was mistakenly defined as ‘Cold stress’. The following vegetation indices were significant for identifying WLS: CARI, CCI, CCRI, CRI₅₅₀, CTRI, LSI, PRI, PRI_m1, modPRI and TVI. Therefore, spectral phenotyping using HSI is a promising method for identifying WLS in conifers.Full article

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is very sensitive to fluctuations in micronutrient availability, and either an excess or a shortage of boron (B) may reduce the plant’s development and its ability to withstand stress. B is essential for photosynthesis and cell wall [...] Read more.

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is very sensitive to fluctuations in micronutrient availability, and either an excess or a shortage of boron (B) may reduce the plant’s development and its ability to withstand stress. B is essential for photosynthesis and cell wall integrity, but the physiological requirements for an optimal supply during early development remain unclear. The photosynthetic efficiency and oxidative stress reactions of sugar beet seedlings were tested under five different B concentrations: 0, 50, 500, 1000, and 2000 µM H₃BO₃. Integrating non-invasive methods like SPAD, delayed fluorescence (DF), and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) with red–green–blue (RGB) imaging enabled the detailed processing of both the initial and decay phases of DF. According to the results, SPAD and Fv/Fm were not sensitive indicators of early B stress; however, DF decay slopes and red–green–blue pixel distribution distinguished between optimum (500 µM), inadequate (0 µM), and hazardous (2000 µM) treatments. Moreover, lipid oxidation-related biochemical analyses were used to evaluate the ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. At the extremes of insufficiency and toxicity, MDA levels demonstrated enhanced lipid peroxidation, while FRAP increased with B concentration. The outcome of the research revealed optimum (500 µM) and toxicity-inducing (2000 µM) concentrations at early stages of sugar beet development. The study highlights that the combined use of DF kinetics and RGB analysis provides valuable, non-invasive markers for the early identification of B-stress, which is also confirmed by biochemical indicators, thereby promoting more efficient micronutrient management in sugar beet cultivation.Full article

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The plant microbiome plays a pivotal role in host development and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. In perennial crops like peach, microbial communities inhabiting dormant buds—critical yet vulnerable organs—may influence disease outcomes and plant fitness. This study characterized the bacterial and fungal [...] Read more.

The plant microbiome plays a pivotal role in host development and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. In perennial crops like peach, microbial communities inhabiting dormant buds—critical yet vulnerable organs—may influence disease outcomes and plant fitness. This study characterized the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the buds of three peach cultivars differing in susceptibility to Twig Canker and Shoot Blight (TCSB). Amplicon-based profiling revealed distinct microbiome signatures across cultivars, shaped by host genotype. The highly tolerant ‘Catherina’ harbored a structured and relatively diverse community enriched in beneficial bacterial genera such asPseudomonas,Sphingomonas, andCurtobacterium, alongside protective yeasts includingAureobasidium andCladosporium. In contrast, the susceptible cultivar ‘Pavoro^®-Pav 1605’ hosted a less balanced microbiome, marked by enrichment of opportunistic pathogens such asAlternaria andDiaporthe, as well as the bacterial lineage1174-901-12. The intermediate cultivar ‘Lami^®.COM’ displayed a transitional profile enriched inSphingomonas,Pelomonas, andVishniacozyma. Differential abundance analyses confirmed cultivar-specific enrichment patterns, underscoring the influence of genotype in shaping microbiota composition and potential disease outcomes. These findings support the integration of microbiome-based approaches into sustainable disease management via beneficial microbial promotion, early detection of harmful consortia, and microbiome-informed breeding to foster resilient, low-input peach cultivation systems.Full article

Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants with long biological half-lives and a high tendency for bioaccumulation, posing serious toxicological risks to humans and wildlife. This study investigates the modulatory role of rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, in promoting the excretion and reducing the systemic [...] Read more.

Dioxins are persistent organic pollutants with long biological half-lives and a high tendency for bioaccumulation, posing serious toxicological risks to humans and wildlife. This study investigates the modulatory role of rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, in promoting the excretion and reducing the systemic retention of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in vivo. Wistar rats were exposed to a controlled dioxin mixture (10 µg/kg body weight) and administered rutin orally (0.02 g/kg) for 30 consecutive days. Biological samples including feces, urine, and serum were collected and analyzed via high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Rutin significantly enhanced the excretion of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) by 30% in urine and 25% in feces, while reducing lipid-adjusted serum dioxin levels. Additionally, biochemical and hematological markers showed improved hepatic and renal function in the rutin-treated group. These findings suggest that rutin may facilitate dioxin detoxification through enhanced metabolic clearance and reduced tissue retention. The study contributes to understanding natural detoxification mechanisms and supports future research into bioactive compounds for mitigating environmental toxicant exposure.Full article

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix; they form by sticking to a surface, growing in number, spreading out, developing fully, and breaking apart. Biofilm represents a risk of infections linked to healthcare environments. It [...] Read more.

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix; they form by sticking to a surface, growing in number, spreading out, developing fully, and breaking apart. Biofilm represents a risk of infections linked to healthcare environments. It can be one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, which can colonize the surface of medical equipment, including respirators, urinary and central venous catheters, prosthetic heart valves, and orthopaedic devices. Biofilm formation in urinary catheters is the most common and plays a role in multidrug resistance, especially in patients with catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The supply of antibiotics for the treatment of biofilm bacteria is still inadequate due to continued antibiotic resistance, and the search for a cure for biofilm bacteria in urinary catheters is still under development. Most research currently focuses on preventing biofilm bacteria from adhering to the urinary catheter. This review discusses biofilm bacteria that form with catheter-associated urinary tract infection mechanisms and pathogenesis. In addition, the factors affecting the biofilm development by catheter-associated urinary tract infections were explained.Full article

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In this study, we aimed to evaluate physiological and agronomic traits in 120 sugarcane genotypes under early drought stress conditions in a field trial across various soil types. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement, with a randomized complete block design and two replications. [...] Read more.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate physiological and agronomic traits in 120 sugarcane genotypes under early drought stress conditions in a field trial across various soil types. The experiment used a split-plot arrangement, with a randomized complete block design and two replications. Two different water regimes were assigned to the main plot: (1) non-water stress (CT) and (2) drought (DT) at the early growth stage, during which sugarcane was subjected to drought stress by withholding water for 4 months. The subplot consisted of 120 sugarcane genotypes. The stalk height, stalk diameter, number of stalks, photosynthetic traits including SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured at 3, 6, and 9 months after planting (MAP). Yield and yield component parameters were measured at 12 MAP. Drought treatments lead to significant changes in various physiological traits in the sugarcane. Clustering analysis classified 36 sugarcane varieties grown in sandy loam soil and 15 genotypes in loam soil into two main clusters. In sandy loam soils, Biotec4 and CO1287 exhibited outstanding performance in drought conditions, delivering high cane yields. Meanwhile, in loam soil, MPT13-118, MPT07-1, Q47, F174, MPT14-1-902, and UT1 exhibited the best drought tolerance. Under drought conditions, cluster 1 showed higher values for SCMR, NDVI, height growth rate (HGR), cane yield, and drought tolerance index compared to cluster 2. These findings suggest that breeders can utilize these genotypes to enhance drought resistance, and the identified physiological traits can assist in selecting stronger candidates for drought tolerance.Full article

Emerging fungal plant pathogens are significant biotic stresses to crops that threaten global food security, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. Historically, these pathogens cause devastating crop losses and continue to evolve rapidly due to climate change, international trade, and intensified farming practices. Recent advancements [...] Read more.

Emerging fungal plant pathogens are significant biotic stresses to crops that threaten global food security, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability. Historically, these pathogens cause devastating crop losses and continue to evolve rapidly due to climate change, international trade, and intensified farming practices. Recent advancements in diagnostic technologies, including remote sensing, sensor-based detection, and molecular techniques, are transforming disease monitoring and detection. These tools, when combined with data mining and big data analysis, facilitate real-time surveillance and early intervention strategies. There is a need for extension and digital advisory services to empower farmers with actionable insights for effective disease management. This manuscript presents an inclusive review of the socioeconomic and historical impacts of fungal plant diseases, the mechanisms driving the emergence of these pathogens, and the pressing need for global surveillance and reporting systems. By analyzing recent advancements and the challenges in the surveillance and diagnosis of fungal pathogens, this review advocates for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to address the growing threats posed by these emerging fungal diseases. Fostering innovation, enhancing accessibility, and promoting collaboration at both national and international levels are crucial for the agricultural community to protect crops from these emerging biotic stresses, ensuring food security and supporting sustainable farming practices.Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa), a crucial global staple, grapples with environmental stress and resource constraints, necessitating sustainable farming. This review explores the transformative role of transcription factors (TFs) in revolutionizing rice agriculture and their potential impact on global food security. It underscores [...] Read more.

Rice (Oryza sativa), a crucial global staple, grapples with environmental stress and resource constraints, necessitating sustainable farming. This review explores the transformative role of transcription factors (TFs) in revolutionizing rice agriculture and their potential impact on global food security. It underscores TFs’ pivotal role in gene expression, particularly in responding to environmental stimuli, presenting a promising avenue for enhancing rice resilience. Delving into key TF families in rice, it highlights their multifaceted roles in abiotic stress responses, defense mechanisms, yield improvement, nutrient uptake, seed development, photosynthesis, and flowering regulation. Specific TFs, including DREB (Dehydration-Responsive Element-Binding), WRKY, NAC, MYB (Myeloblastosis), AP2/ERF (APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor), and bHLH (basic Helix–Loop–Helix), are examined for their contributions to stress resilience, defense mechanisms, and yield enhancement. Concrete examples from cutting-edge research illustrate the tangible benefits of harnessing these molecular regulators. However, manipulating TFs presents challenges, necessitating innovative approaches such as predictive models, collaborative field testing, and transparent communication to navigate intricate regulatory networks and regulatory hurdles. Ultimately, a promising future emerges where manipulating rice TFs leads to the development of resilient, high-yielding, and nutritious varieties. Embracing research advancements and addressing existing challenges is imperative to unlock the full potential of these concealed regulators, ensuring sustainable food security for a growing global population.Full article

Drought is the single largest abiotic threat to soybean yield, yet the lectin genes that mediate drought perception and signaling in this crop have never been systematically mapped. We reanalyzed the public RNA-seq dataset GSE237798 (Williams 82 leaves, 7-day water withdrawal) with an [...] Read more.

Drought is the single largest abiotic threat to soybean yield, yet the lectin genes that mediate drought perception and signaling in this crop have never been systematically mapped. We reanalyzed the public RNA-seq dataset GSE237798 (Williams 82 leaves, 7-day water withdrawal) with an updated fastp–HISAT2–featureCounts–DESeq2 pipeline and a curated catalog of 359 soybean lectin loci. Of the 127 lectin transcripts showing any drought-dependent shift, only 15 were stringently differentially expressed with substantial fold changes: 7 were upregulated and 8 downregulated. These genes span four families, GNA, legume, LysM and Nictaba-related lectins, and are heavily biased toward lectin receptor-like kinases (11 of 15), pinpointing the plasma membrane as the main control node. Gene Ontology enrichment highlights protein autophosphorylation and signal-transduction terms, and the inspection of AlphaFold models together with established lectin knowledge indicates that G- and L-type lectin domains have largely lost canonical carbohydrate-binding residues, whereas LysM and Nictaba proteins retain conserved folds compatible with ligand binding. The data expose a focused, modular lectin program rather than the broad activation often assumed: most soybean lectins stay silent under drought conditions, and only a defined subset toggles their expression, albeit mildly.Full article

Hypoxis species (Hypoxidaceae) comprises twenty-nine species, but the research spotlight is onHypoxis hemerocalldea (H. hemerocallidea). This study focused on the determination of phytochemical variations, total phenolic content, and antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of fiveHypoxis species from South Africa with [...] Read more.

Hypoxis species (Hypoxidaceae) comprises twenty-nine species, but the research spotlight is onHypoxis hemerocalldea (H. hemerocallidea). This study focused on the determination of phytochemical variations, total phenolic content, and antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of fiveHypoxis species from South Africa with the aim of averting over-harvesting and extinction ofH. hemerocallidea. Standard protocols were used to determine six classes of phytochemicals, their variations, and antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. Results obtained included variable phytochemicals (tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and deoxy sugar) content. All fiveHypoxis species tested positive for antioxidants with 0.2 mM 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl solution. In terms of quantitative antioxidant activity,Hypoxis obtusa displayed the best inhibition of 96.79% (IC₅₀ = 0.15 mg/mL) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 96.93% (IC₅₀ = 0.04 mg/mL) for hydrogen peroxide, whileHypoxis colchicifolia attained the lowest inhibition of 81.43% (IC₅₀ = 0.23 mg/mL) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 81.25% (IC₅₀ = 0.05 mg/mL) for hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore,Hypoxis obtusa andHypoxis hemerocallidea afforded the best antioxidant activity of 65.64% (IC₅₀ = 0.32 mg/mL) and 65.23% (IC₅₀ 0.81 mg/mL) for the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. The antidiabetic potentials were similar withHypoxis hemerocallidea andHypoxis obtusa equally inhibiting the two enzymes, with IC₅₀ of 0.21 mg/mL, 0.24 mg/mL, just like the standard acarbose with IC₅₀ of 0.20 mg/mL. The other threeHypoxis extracts exhibited comparative antidiabetic inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.34 to 0.55 mg/mL.Full article

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The allostatic load index (AL_index) measures the cumulative physiological burden on the body due to stress. This prospective cohort study examined the relationships between certain molecular biomarkers, physical variables, and psychometric variables during deload and overload microcycles to contribute to developing [...] Read more.

The allostatic load index (AL_index) measures the cumulative physiological burden on the body due to stress. This prospective cohort study examined the relationships between certain molecular biomarkers, physical variables, and psychometric variables during deload and overload microcycles to contribute to developing an AL_index in professional team-sport athletes. Twelve elite male basketball players (18.3 [0.9] years; 77.2 [5.7] kg; 185 [9.0] cm) were monitored during two microcycles (deload and overload). Blood creatine kinase (CK) and urea levels, countermovement jump (CMJ), session-RPE (RPE × session duration [min], its exponentially weighted moving average [EWMA]), and a cumulative wellness score (sleep, stress, fatigue, muscle soreness, and mood) were assessed at different time points. Bayesian and robust statistics (Cohen’s ξ) were employed. CK rose from 222 U/L (deload) to 439 U/L (overload; +98%, large effect ξ = 0.65), while session-RPE load more than doubled (270 [269] AU to 733 [406] AU, ξ > 0.8). No difference was found in urea and wellness scores (cumulative or other components). CK levels showed moderate positive correlations with both EWMA of session-RPE (ρ = 0.346,p = 0.002) and reduced sleep quality (ρ = 0.25,p = 0.018). Bayesian modeling identified the EWMA of session-RPE as the strongest predictor of jump-defined fatigue (β = 0.012, 95% HDI [0.004, 0.021]), while CK demonstrated a small negative association (β = −0.009, HDI [−0.016, −0.001]). Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that CK and the EWMA of session-RPE were robust indicators of physiological stress. A parsimonious index based on PCA loadings ([0.823 × CK] + [0.652 × EWMA of session-RPE]) demonstrated strong discriminative validity between microcycle phases (overload: 515, 95% HDI [442, 587] versus deload: 250, 95% HDI [218, 283], BF₁₀ > 100,000). CK and session-RPE may serve as sensitive biomarkers for inclusion in the AL_index for team sport athletes.Full article

Papaya cultivation is severely affected by the papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), for which one of the alternatives to counteract its damage is to use genetic sources of species and/or varieties tolerant or resistant to the virus. This study aimed to determine the [...] Read more.

Papaya cultivation is severely affected by the papaya ring spot virus (PRSV), for which one of the alternatives to counteract its damage is to use genetic sources of species and/or varieties tolerant or resistant to the virus. This study aimed to determine the tolerance or resistance of different papaya plant lines obtained through crosses and backcrosses between the Maradol variety and a wild species ofVasconcellea tolerant to PRSV. In this work, an evaluation was conducted on plant lines from a cross between a PRSV-tolerant species (Vasconcellea cauliflora) and the Maradol variety (Carica papaya), both belonging to the Caricaceae family. The study used RT-qPCR to measure the viral load and analyzed disease symptoms at two points (97 and 532 days after planting). Initially, it was observed that all the resulting papaya plants developed symptoms of PSRV; however, as time passed, the results showed that lines resulting from the Criolla, M4, and 54 crosses exhibited moderate tolerance, while papaya lines 89 and 90 proved to have high tolerance. Additionally, it was observed that the M4, 89, and 90 papaya lines exhibited disease recovery, as reflected in a decrease in viral loads and the characteristic symptomatology of the virus. Restoration from a viral infection can be associated with the activation of the plant’s RNA silencing mechanism, which can degrade or prevent the translation of viral RNA in plant cells, thus favoring recovery from the disease. Plants evaluated due to their tolerance and resistance levels could use the mechanisms mentioned above to recover from the damage caused by the PRSV.Full article

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an essential oilseed crop known for its adaptability to harsh environments including drought. However, salinity stress, affecting over 20% of global agricultural land, poses a serious threat to its productivity. This study evaluated the response of 17 [...] Read more.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an essential oilseed crop known for its adaptability to harsh environments including drought. However, salinity stress, affecting over 20% of global agricultural land, poses a serious threat to its productivity. This study evaluated the response of 17 sunflower genotypes under salinity stress (200 mM NaCl) and optimum (0 mM NaCl) conditions in the laboratory. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications and was validated through a second experimental run. Measured parameters included germination percentage and speed, root and shoot length, biomass, and water content. Stress tolerance indices (STIs) for germination, seedling length, and biomass were calculated. Combined ANOVA showed that genotype and environment interactions significantly (p < 0.001) affected all measured traits. Salinity stress significantly reduced germination, seedling growth, and biomass across genotypes, with some experiencing complete germination inhibition. Genotypes 9, 14, 16, and 17 consistently maintained higher germination, seedling length, and biomass under stress, with high STIs, indicating tolerance to salinity stress during the early growth stages. These results identified genotypes 9, 14, 16, and 17 as promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at enhancing salinity tolerance, offering sustainable solutions for the utilization of saline soils and for enhancing food security. Future research should focus on the field-based validation of these genotypic responses.Full article

Anaerobic germination (AG) is a pivotal trait for successful direct-seeded rice cultivation, encompassing rainfed and irrigated conditions. Elite rice cultivars are often vulnerable to flooding during germination, resulting in poor crop establishment. This drawback has led to the exploration of AG-tolerant rice landraces, [...] Read more.

Anaerobic germination (AG) is a pivotal trait for successful direct-seeded rice cultivation, encompassing rainfed and irrigated conditions. Elite rice cultivars are often vulnerable to flooding during germination, resulting in poor crop establishment. This drawback has led to the exploration of AG-tolerant rice landraces, which offer valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of AG tolerance. Over the years, substantial progress has been made in identifying significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with AG tolerance, forming the basis for targeted breeding efforts. However, the intricate gene regulatory network governing AG tolerance remains enigmatic. This comprehensive review presents recent advances in understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying AG tolerance. It focuses on their practical implications in breeding elite rice cultivars tailored for direct-seeding systems.Full article