Article
Plant Sciences
Sergio G. Hernandez-Leon, Elisa M. Valenzuela-Soto
Summary: This review summarizes the role of glycine betaine (GB) in plant response to abiotic stress and its potential as a phytohormone-like compound. GB participates in various plant responses to cope with stressful conditions and influences plant growth, development, and productivity.
JOURNAL OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gulshan Kumar Sharma, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Manoj Shrivastava, Ranjan Bhattacharyya, Anil Sharma, Dipak Kumar Gupta, Prabhat Kishore, Navindu Gupta
Summary: The study demonstrates that phycoremediation coupled with biofertilizers production from algae biomass can effectively reduce eutrophication, recycle wastewater, plant nutrients, and improve soil quality in circular economy fertilization.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaiza Gara Padilla, Ramon Gisbert-Mullor, Eduardo Bueso, Leilei Zhang, Javier Forment, Luigi Lucini, Salvador Lopez-Galarza, Angeles Calatayud
Summary: In the face of climate change, water stress poses a serious threat to crop growth and yields. The development of water stress-tolerant plants and understanding the mechanisms behind their tolerance are crucial. This study investigates the response of NIBER & REG; (a proven water stress-tolerant pepper hybrid rootstock) and A10 (a sensitive pepper accession) to short-term water stress, uncovering differences in gene expression and metabolite content. The findings highlight the strategies employed by NIBER & REG; to overcome water stress, including the upregulation of transcription factors, increased levels of certain hormones and antioxidants, and enhanced gene expression for water channel proteins and molecular chaperones.
Review
Plant Sciences
Ahmed M. Eid, Amr Fouda, Mohamed Ali Abdel-Rahman, Salem S. Salem, Albaraa Elsaied, Ralf Oelmuller, Mohamed Hijri, Arnab Bhowmik, Amr Elkelish, Saad El-Din Hassan
Summary: Endophytic bacteria form symbiotic relationships with plants, enhancing plant physiology, growth, and stress tolerance while also producing beneficial metabolites. They have a wide range of applications including bioremediation, disease control, and the production of nanoparticles.
Article
Horticulture
Rabia Perveen, Azhar Hussain, Allah Ditta, Abubakar Dar, Ayesha Aimen, Maqshoof Ahmad, Abed Alataway, Ahmed Z. Dewidar, Mohamed A. Mattar
Summary: Crop yields, soil fertility, and soil quality decline due to overuse of agrochemicals, but the negative effects can be minimized by integrating eco-friendly approaches such as biofertilizers. This research aims to increase okra production by using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to promote growth. Different organic carriers were used for PGPR inoculation, and the treatment with peat and PGPR showed the highest increase in nutrient contents, growth attributes, and okra yield. The study recommends using peat and studying the PGPR consortium as a suitable carrier for sustainable okra production.
Article
Agronomy
Alina Wiszniewska, Aleksandra Kozminska, Ewa Hanus-Fajerska, Kinga Dziurka, Michal Dziurka
Summary: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of defense mechanisms under different soil salinity levels in two related species with varying salt tolerance. The results showed that the two species had different strategies in accumulating compounds for defense mechanisms, particularly in soluble carbohydrates and betaines. The phytohormone profiling revealed correlations between plant growth regulators and parameters related to defense mechanisms.
Review
Plant Sciences
Abdul Wahab, Gholamreza Abdi, Muhammad Hamzah Saleem, Baber Ali, Saqib Ullah, Wadood Shah, Sahar Mumtaz, Ghulam Yasin, Crina Carmen Muresan, Romina Alina Marc
Summary: Water is a crucial component for the existence of life on Earth. However, extreme climate changes have led to water scarcity in many regions, posing significant challenges. This review aims to analyze and understand the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to drought stress and their ability to mitigate its damaging effects. It also explores the role of plant hormones in drought stress responses and signaling. The information for this review was gathered from various sources, including global search engines and scientific literature databases.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Faria Fatima, Arshya Hashim, Sumaiya Anees
Summary: With the increasing global population, farmers have been forced to increase fertilizer use to meet the growing demand for food, leading to environmental issues and resource shortages. Therefore, biofertilizers and nanotechnology-mediated nanofertilizers have emerged as viable solutions to enhance crop production and minimize environmental pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akhila Punchakara, Ganshyam Prajapat, Himanshu Kumar Bairwa, Shikha Jain, Akhil Agrawal
Summary: Recent years have seen a growing interest in mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) due to their potential as a natural microbial sunscreen. In addition to UV absorption, MAAs also have various biomedical applications.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Abigail L. Whittock, Nazia Auckloo, Adam M. Cowden, Matthew A. P. Turner, Jack M. Woolley, Martin Wills, Christophe Corre, Vasilios G. Stavros
Summary: This study investigates the ultrafast dynamics of two photoprotective compounds and reveals their relaxation and cooling processes in solution after photoexcitation. The findings shed light on the essential components of microbial life and have implications for the development of molecular photon-to-heat converters for various applications.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hesham F. Alharby, Muhammad Rizwan, Azka Iftikhar, Khalid Mahmud Hussaini, Muhammad Zia Ur Rehman, Atif A. Bamagoos, Basmah M. Alharbi, Muhammad Asrar, Tahira Yasmeen, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: The study showed that TiO2 NPs can enhance plant growth, chlorophyll contents, and nutrient concentrations in tissues, with the highest level (600 mg/kg) showing a decrease in these parameters. The NPs also increased antioxidant activities and reduced oxidative stress in leaves. Foliar GA improved growth, yield, nutrients, and antioxidant activities while reducing oxidative stress compared to only NPs treatments.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Marko Kebert, Vanja Vuksanovic, Jacqueline Stefels, Mirjana Bojovic, Rita Horak, Sasa Kostic, Branislav Kovacevic, Sasa Orlovic, Luisa Neri, Massimiliano Magli, Francesca Rapparini
Summary: This work compared the leaf-level responses of Quercus cerris and Quercus robur to water deficit and high temperatures. The two tree species activated different osmoregulation and antioxidant mechanisms depending on the stress condition. Under water deficit, Q. cerris had a higher antioxidant capacity compared to Q. robur. On the other hand, exposure to high temperatures induced a strong osmoregulation capacity, largely conferred by DMSP in Q. cerris and by glycine betaine in Q. robur.
Article
Plant Sciences
Swarnavo Chakraborty, Ankur Singh, Aryadeep Roychoudhury
Summary: Seed priming with dopamine reduces fluoride bioaccumulation and enhances fluoride tolerance in rice by stimulating growth, modulating phytohormone homeostasis, and promoting antioxidant and osmolyte metabolism. Dopamine also promotes the utilization of biogenic amines for toxicity mitigation and alters the expression of related genes. This study provides the first documented evidence of the remedial role of dopamine priming against fluoride stress in plants, opening up new possibilities for sustainable agriculture.
PLANT CELL REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Gabriel Silva Guimaraes, Artur Berbel Lirio Rondina, Mariana Sanches Santos, Marco Antonio Nogueira, Mariangela Hungria
Summary: Studies have shown that the use of elite plant-growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) in grass pastures can improve productivity and sustainability, as well as provide various benefits such as improved root and shoot growth, increased nutrient content, and facilitation of nutrient uptake. PGPM also have biocontrol properties. However, the application of PGPM in grass pastures is still limited.
Article
Plant Sciences
Awatif M. Abdulmajeed, Ghalia S. H. Alnusairi, Mona Hajed Alharbi, Amina Almushhin, Md. Mahadi Hasan, Mona H. Soliman
Summary: The study found that ASA and NO have a significant effect in mitigating the impact of excess Cu on plant growth, reducing oxidative damage and decreasing ROS accumulation by increasing antioxidant activity and modulating enzyme reactions. Additionally, by regulating the expression of related proteins, the oxidative effects of Cu can also be alleviated.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maya P. Stoyneva-Gartner, Cedric Morana, Alberto Borges, William Okello, Steven Bouillon, Loris Deirmendjian, Thibault Lambert, Fleur Roland, Angela Nankabirwa, Erina Nabafu, Francois Darchambeau, Jean-Pierre Descy
JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariana Radkova, Katerina Stefanova, Blagoy Uzunov, Georg Gaertner, Maya Stoyneva-Gaertner
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maya Stoyneva-Gartner, Katerina Stefanova, Jean-Pierre Descy, Blagoy Uzunov, Mariana Radkova, Vera Pavlova, Mariya Mitreva, Georg Gartner
Summary: This study provides new data on the spread of toxic strains of Microcystis aeruginosa and M. wesenbergii in Bulgaria, highlighting their contribution to the total species composition and phytoplankton abundance. The identification of potential MC-producers through LM and PCR techniques revealed the presence of Microcystis aeruginosa and M. wesenbergii in shallow waterbodies, even when filamentous cyanoprokaryotes dominated.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dobril Valchev, Irina Ribarova, Blagoy Uzunov, Maya Stoyneva-Gartner
Summary: This study aims to improve algal-based wastewater treatment technologies by using a specific strain Klebsormidium nitens, which shows promising results in phosphorus removal efficiency and resistance to culture contamination. The innovative working mode of the Sequencing Batch reactor proposed in this study has the potential to reduce Hydraulic Retention Time and required land area.
WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Georg Gartner, Maya Stoyneva-Gartner, Blagoy Uzunov
Summary: This review summarizes the knowledge on toxins and their producers from diverse extreme environments, highlighting the potential importance and applications of algal toxins in the global ecosystem.
Article
Ecology
Loris Deirmendjian, Jean-Pierre Descy, Cedric Morana, William Okello, Maya P. Stoyneva-Gartner, Steven Bouillon, Alberto Borges
Summary: Lake Victoria experienced severe degradation of water quality, with a shift in phytoplankton dominance, but the physical and ecological conditions in 2018-2019 showed improvements such as lower chlorophyll-a concentrations and the reappearance of certain phytoplankton taxa.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Blagoy Uzunov, Katerina Stefanova, Mariana Radkova, Jean-Pierre Descy, Georg Gaertner, Maya Stoyneva-Gartner
Summary: This study reveals the presence of potential microviridin producers in some lakes and reservoirs in Bulgaria, with the genus Microcystis being the main toxigenic producer. The molecular-genetic analysis conducted in this study contributes to understanding the occurrence, producers, and sequence diversity of microviridins.
Review
Toxicology
Iliyana Sazdova, Milena Keremidarska-Markova, Mariela Chichova, Blagoy Uzunov, Georgi Nikolaev, Mitko Mladenov, Rudolf Schubert, Maya Stoyneva-Gaertner, Hristo S. Gagov
Summary: Cyanotoxins, produced by peculiar photosynthetic prokaryotes, pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. The study of these toxins on single cells and cell cultures provides valuable insights into their effects on human and animal cells, research methods, cell lines used, and intracellular targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various cyanotoxins and their impact, facilitating future toxicological, pharmacological, and physiological studies using cell cultures.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maya Stoyneva-Gartner, Katerina Stefanova, Blagoy Uzunov, Mariana Radkova, Georg Gaertner
Summary: This paper presents the first evidence that the planktonic cyanoprokaryote genus Cuspidothrix is a producer of anatoxin A (ATX) in Bulgarian wetlands. PCR results from two summer sampling campaigns in 26 selected lakes and reservoirs revealed the presence of the anaC gene responsible for ATX production in 21 strains of the genus. The genetic diversity detected was consistent with observations made using light microscopy, identifying three species of Cuspidothrix.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maya Stoyneva-Gartner, Blagoy Uzunov, Miroslav Androv, Kristian Ivanov, Georg Gaertner
Summary: The flourishing development of modern cosmetics, especially green cosmetics, has led to rapid innovation in the use of novel natural ingredients, including a peculiar group of slime molds. Chemical analyses have shown that these slime molds produce a wide range of biologically active compounds that can be valuable natural ingredients for cosmetics. However, there is a lack of research on these organisms, leaving a great potential for new discoveries and applications in the field of cosmetics.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maya P. Stoyneva-Gartner, Jean-Pierre Descy, Blagoy A. Uzunov, Peter Miladinov, Katerina Stefanova, Mariana Radkova, Georg Gaertner
Summary: This study investigates the use of drones and HPLC as reliable methods for rapid water quality assessment based on phytoplankton analysis. The results also reveal significant correlations between certain algal phyla and classes with different environmental variables, suggesting their potential as bioindicators in future studies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maya Stoyneva-Gartner, Blagoy Uzunov, Georg Gaertner
Summary: Microalgae, including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic algae, are gaining interest in the cosmetics industry due to their ability to be grown in mass cultures. While aquatic algae have received the most attention, species from terrestrial and extreme environments have been underestimated. These algae accumulate high amounts of valuable lipids and have the potential to be used in novel skin care products. This review provides comprehensive data on the lipids from microalgae in terrestrial and extreme habitats, demonstrating their promising potential in the cosmetics industry.
Article
Plant Sciences
Maya P. Stoyneva-Gaertner, Georg Gaertner, Blagoy Uzunov, Jean-Pierre Descy, William Okello
Summary: The paper introduces a new genus and species of Cyanoprokaryota named Cyanocystopsis kitagatae gen. et sp. nov. This new taxon exhibits unique characteristics in terms of filamentous stages and the formation of claviform cell clusters through cell division. Additionally, spores and vegetative reproductive stages of the alga have been observed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maya Stoyneva-Gaertner, Blagoy Uzunov, Georg Gaertner
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Katerina Stefanova, Mariana Radkova, Blagoy Uzunov, Georg Gaertner, Maya Stoyneva-Gartner
BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
(2020)