Article
Agronomy
Yu Wang, Junqian Zhou, Wenxu Wen, Jin Sun, Sheng Shu, Shirong Guo
Summary: Soil salinization presents a major challenge to agriculture by decreasing crop yield and quality. Grafting has emerged as an important technique to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress. This study demonstrates that grafting watermelon onto bottle gourd improves salt tolerance. Transcriptome and proteome analyses reveal the involvement of genes related to carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and stress defense in the salt-stress response of bottle gourd rootstock-grafted watermelon seedlings.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gaoyuan Zhang, Qian Ding, Bingqiang Wei
Summary: The study identified seven SODs in watermelon and melon, and found that they play a crucial role in response to abiotic stresses. The SOD genes were classified into six sub-groups based on phylogenetic analysis, with key roles in stress and hormone responses.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zebus Sehar, Noushina Iqbal, M. Iqbal R. Khan, Asim Masood, Md. Tabish Rehman, Afzal Hussain, Mohamed F. AlAjmi, Altaf Ahmad, Nafees A. Khan
Summary: Exogenously sourced ethylene plays a crucial role in protecting wheat plants from glucose sensitivity and enhancing photosynthesis under salt stress by influencing the antioxidant system. Ethylene-induced glutathione production helps protect PSII activity and photosynthesis, reducing Glu-mediated photosynthetic repression in salt-stressed plants. Ethylene also increases the utilization of glucose and reduces the Glu-mediated repression of photosynthesis by influencing photosynthetic potential and sink strength.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Giulia Franzoni, Giacomo Cocetta, Alice Trivellini, Christian Garabello, Valeria Contartese, Antonio Ferrante
Summary: Salinity is a serious environmental issue that negatively affects crop growth and productivity worldwide. Different cultivars of lettuce may have different adaptive mechanisms to salt stress. The application of biostimulants, such as glutamic acid, has shown to improve plant responses to abiotic stresses. This study aimed to explore the physiological mechanisms of Romaine lettuce plants in response to salt stress and glutamic acid treatment.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Bhaskara Anggarda Gathot Subrata, Ismail Sezer, Zeki Mut, Hasan Akay
Summary: Salinity stress is a major issue for cereal crops such as corn, rice, and wheat. Melatonin has been found to enhance the growth and physiological activity of these crops under salinity stress. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively assess the effects of melatonin treatment on salinity stress tolerance and determine the parameters influenced by melatonin. The analysis included 325 datasets from 28 published articles, examining different melatonin application methods and concentrations. The results showed that increased melatonin concentration was associated with improvements in various growth and physiological parameters, including shoot and root biomass, photosynthetic rate, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble protein content.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amparo Galvez, Alfonso Albacete, Cristina Martinez-Andujar, Francisco M. del Amor, Josefa Lopez-Marin
Summary: The study reveals that grafting and salinity can affect the vegetative growth and fruit yield of plants, with significant impacts from rootstock and salinity levels, and the balance of hormones in plants plays a crucial role in these effects. Through experiments with different rootstock plants, it was found that the vegetative growth and fruit yield of plants are regulated by hormones.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bilal Ahmad, Tariq Ahmad Dar, M. Masroor A. Khan, Ajaz Ahmad, Joerg Rinklebe, Yinglong Chen, Parvaiz Ahmad
Summary: This study demonstrates that foliar application of irradiated chitosan (ICn) can effectively alleviate arsenic (As) stress in peppermint plants, promoting growth and production.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Aman Ullah, Rashid Said Al-Rajhi, Abdullah M. Al-Sadi, Muhammad Farooq
Summary: This study investigated physiological and morphological traits related to drought tolerance in different bread wheat genotypes. Drought stress significantly affected various morphological, biochemical, and physiological traits of wheat, with differences observed among genotypes. Higher activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were noted under drought stress, and an overall increase in different physiological traits was observed across genotypes compared to well-watered conditions. The study also identified specific wheat genotypes with higher chlorophyll contents, antioxidant activities, and water use efficiencies that were better able to tolerate drought stress.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Bizon, Agata Tchorz, Pawel Madej, Marcin Lesniewski, Mariusz Wojtowicz, Agnieszka Piwowar, Grzegorz Franik
Summary: This study investigated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as well as the gene polymorphism of SOD1. The results showed lower SOD1 activity and Cu, Zn concentration in women with PCOS compared to the control group. Insulin resistance in PCOS further decreased SOD1 activity and increased Cu concentration and Cu/Zn value.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jose C. Diaz, Jovan Kamcev
Summary: Accurate measurements of membrane ionic conductivity are essential for understanding ion transport, but there is no standardized technique for such measurements. Discrepancies in reported ionic conductivity values for common commercial membranes are common. This study presents a non-invasive method based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to address external resistances in thin membranes equilibrated with dilute salt solutions.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Muhammad Zia, Joham Sarfraz Ali, Saad Hanif, Anila Sajjad, Bilal Haider Abbasi
Summary: This study is the first to report on the efficacy of lupeol as a salt stress mitigating molecule in plants. It found that lupeol can alleviate the adverse effects of salt stress on plant growth and biomass traits. However, when lupeol was applied along with salt stress, the activity of antioxidative enzymes and the concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids decreased.
PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Saleh Salehi, Amirali Sadeghi, Ahmad Karimi
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of fermented kombucha on green tea in broiler chickens with white sugar or sugar beet molasses. Results showed that fermented kombucha had growth promoting effects, with the best performance seen when 6 ml of fermented kombucha on sugar beet molasses was added per 100 ml of drinking water.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Kabala, Malgorzata Reda, Anna Wdowikowska, Malgorzata Janicka
Summary: The up-regulation of NADPH oxidase and endogenous H2O2 seems to be an early response to salinity in cucumber plants. Increasing salt concentration leads to elevated activity of NADPH oxidase and H2O2 levels, as well as the activation of antioxidant enzymes.
Article
Agronomy
Jaroslaw Tyburski, Natalia Mucha
Summary: This study acclimated callus cultures from red beet tubers to salt stress by gradually increasing NaCl concentrations. The acclimated callus lines showed comparable growth rates on salt-supplemented media to the control culture. Increased proline and ascorbate concentrations were observed in the salt-acclimated callus lines, while glutathione concentration remained unchanged. The total activities of antioxidant enzymes were also increased in salt-acclimated cultures, indicating the important role of antioxidant defense in the growth of acclimated callus cultures.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Monika Oldakowska, Milena Sciskalska, Marta Kepinska, Grzegorz Marek, Halina Milnerowicz
Summary: Interleukin-6 plays a key role in acute pancreatitis, while superoxide dismutase isoenzyme SOD1 may protect against oxidative damage.
Article
Plant Sciences
Josipa Perkovic, Nikola Major, Dean Ban, Danko Cvitan, Smiljana Goreta Ban
Summary: The study utilized vegetative and bulb morphology descriptors to investigate 35 Croatian shallot accessions, finding that this method is effective for shallot species discrimination. Additionally, two subtypes of A. cepa Aggregatum group were identified in the study based on bulb morphology descriptors.
Article
Agronomy
Snjezana Keresa, Katarina Kurtovic, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Darko Voncina, Ivanka Habus Jercic, Snjezana Bolaric, Boris Lazarevic, Sara Godena, Dean Ban, Anita Bosnjak Mihovilovic
Summary: The study successfully established a protocol for the regeneration of virus-free garlic plants through somatic embryogenesis. The success rate ranged from 55% to 81%. Plant conversion was significantly higher in somatic embryos developed in media containing 0.1 mg L-1 2,4-D than those developed in media containing 1 mg L-1 2,4-D + 0.5 mg L-1 Kin.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nikola Major, Iva Bazon, Nina Isic, Tvrtko Karlo Kovacevic, Dean Ban, Sanja Radeka, Smiljana Goreta Ban
Summary: This study compared the properties of sauerkrauts from traditional cabbage cultivars and commercial samples. It found that sauerkrauts from traditional cultivars had higher total phenolic contents and total antioxidant capacities. Differences in the volatile profile were observed among the sauerkrauts, and the sensory properties of traditional cabbage cultivars were comparable, if not better, than commercially available sauerkraut products. Cold storage conditions preserved the antioxidant capacity and color characteristics of sauerkraut.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Bruna Mimica, Viljemka Bucevic Popovic, Ines Banjari, Antonia Jelicic Kadic, Livia Puljak
Summary: This study analyzed the methods and reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the bioavailability of systemic oral curcumin. The analysis found that a high number of diverse methods were used in these trials, but very few trials compared different curcumin products. More studies are needed to explore the comparative bioavailability and efficacy of different curcumin products.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nikola Major, Jasper Schierstaedt, Adam Schikora, Igor Palcic, Marko Cerne, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Igor Paskovic, Josipa Perkovic, Zoran Uzila, Dean Ban
Summary: The addition of compost or biochar to soils is an effective strategy to increase soil organic matter. Turning sewage sludge into compost or biochar can help mitigate its negative effects on soil and provide a viable solution for sewage sludge management.
Article
Plant Sciences
Igor Lukic, Nina Isic, Dean Ban, Branka Salopek Sondi, Smiljana Goreta Ban
Summary: In this study, the volatilomes of various Brassicaceae species were investigated using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The data obtained were analyzed using uni- and multivariate statistical analysis. The study provides general knowledge about the volatile composition of different Brassicaceae species.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dominik Andelini, Danko Cvitan, Melissa Prelac, Igor Paskovic, Marko Cerne, Ivan Nemet, Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Zoran Uzila, Tea Zubin Ferri, Branka Njegic Dzakula, Marko Petek, Dean Ban, Igor Palcic
Summary: In recent years, the production and application of biochar as a soil amendment made from pruning residues have become a global focus. This study aimed to investigate the effect of grapevine rootstock type on the composition of grapevine-pruning residues used for biochar production. The results showed that higher pyrolysis temperature decreased yield but increased EC, ash, TC content, and most of the studied elements. Moreover, grapevine rootstock type affected biochar EC, ash content, and specific surface area. This research highlights the potential value of biochar produced from grapevine-pruning residues as a soil amendment, especially at temperatures of 500°C or 600°C.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ana Cehic Maric, Tajana Cop, Milan Oplanic, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Mario Njavro
Summary: This study focuses on the Mediterranean Basin, specifically Adriatic Croatia, which is more affected by climate change compared to other parts of Europe. The aim was to assess the opinions of policymakers regarding climate change adaptation strategies, rank the importance of adaptation measures, examine implemented measures, and identify future measures. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with sectoral agencies, the national government, and the regional government. The main findings indicate that policymakers prioritize irrigation, organic agriculture, crop crossbreeding and optimization of agrotechnical practices, and agricultural insurance as important strategies. Education, agricultural extension, and information exchange are considered crucial actions by policymakers currently and in the future.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ivanka Habus Jercic, Anita Bosnjak Mihovilovic, Ana Matkovic Stankovic, Boris Lazarevic, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Dean Ban, Nikola Major, Ivana Tomaz, Zrinka Banjavcic, Snjezana Keresa
Summary: Drought negatively affects garlic plants and reduces yields. This study investigated the effects of drought stress on morphological and physiological characteristics, as well as phenolic, sugar, inulin, and amino acid content, and antioxidant activity in two Croatian garlic ecotypes. The results showed that drought decreased plant height, number of leaves, and plant weight, but increased root length. The two ecotypes differed in physiological characteristics and antioxidant activity. IB exhibited higher inulin accumulation and amino acid levels, while IC had better root growth and increased levels of certain amino acids.
Article
Horticulture
Marija Polic Paskovic, Nikolina Vidovic, Igor Lukic, Paula Zurga, Valerija Majetic Germek, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Tomislav Kos, Lepomir Coga, Tea Tomljanovic, Suncana Simonic-Kocijan, Dean Ban, Sara Godena, Igor Paskovic
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different sampling periods and olive cultivars on the quantity and composition of olive leaf phenolic compounds and mineral nutrients. The results showed that the pruning collecting period had higher oleuropein leaf content, with 'Leccino' and 'Buza' having the highest levels. Cultivar significantly influenced the phenolic compounds, with higher concentrations in the pruning period. Differences in mineral composition were related to phenolic profiles and significantly affected by genotype. Some mineral nutrients were found to be correlated with the most abundant phenolic compounds, oleuropein and verbascoside.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Melissa Prelac, Igor Palcic, Danko Cvitan, Dominik Andelini, Maja Repajic, Josip Curko, Tvrtko Karlo Kovacevic, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Zoran Uzila, Dean Ban, Nikola Major
Summary: Agricultural waste poses a threat to the environment, but biochar production from grapevine pruning residues can reduce this impact. The produced biochar was investigated as an adsorbent of polyphenolic compounds, showing potential for adsorption and recovery.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Melissa Prelac, Igor Palcic, Danko Cvitan, Dominik Andelini, Maja Repajic, Josip Curko, Tvrtko Karlo Kovacevic, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Zoran Uzila, Dean Ban, Nikola Major
Summary: This study investigated the potential of biochar in removing polyphenolic compounds from onion peel extracts. The results showed that the studied biochar exhibited a high affinity for polyphenols, indicating its potential for green adsorption of valuable compounds.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariem Zakraoui, Hedia Hannachi, Igor Paskovic, Nikolina Vidovic, Marija Polic Paskovic, Igor Palcic, Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Lamia Hamrouni
Summary: This study investigated the impact of pedological parameters and altitude variation on the mineral nutrients, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activities of olive leaves. Samples from the Chetoui cultivar were collected from eight locations with varying altitudes. Levels of phenolic compounds showed variation based on altitude, with high levels of secoiridoids and simple phenols at altitude 1 (>500m), and higher flavonoid levels at altitude 2 (500-300m) and altitude 3 (<300m). The abundance of oleuropein and luteolin-7-O glucoside, the most important phenols in Chetoui olive leaves, were significantly correlated with levels of Mn, Ca, and B in the leaves, as well as Zn in the soil. These findings suggest that environmental conditions, in addition to pedological criteria, influence the formation of phenolic compounds.
Article
Horticulture
Nikolina Vidovic, Igor Paskovic, Sime Marcelic, Igor Lukic, Karolina Brkic Bubola, Dora Klisovic, Anja Novoselic, Igor Palcic, Marija Polic Paskovic, Mirjana Herak Custic, Marko Petek, Maja Jukic Spika, Marija Pecina, Paula Pongrac, Smiljana Goreta Ban
Summary: This study investigated the effects of combined sulfur and nitrogen foliar application on volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of virgin olive oil (VOO). The results showed that increasing the S and N concentration significantly affected the composition of volatile compounds and odor and taste attributes. Significant differences were observed between VOOs from different treatments, cultivars, and years. However, all samples had overall sensory scores higher than eight, indicating good quality.
Article
Horticulture
Sime Marcelic, Nikolina Vidovic, Igor Paskovic, Marina Lukic, Maja Jukic Spika, Igor Palcic, Igor Lukic, Marko Petek, Marija Pecina, Mirjana Herak Custic, Dean Ban, Kristina Grozic, Marija Polic Paskovic, Marin Cukrov, Paula Pongrac, Smiljana Goreta Ban
Summary: This study investigates the effect of combined sulfur and nitrogen foliar fertilization on leaf S and N concentration, as well as on the growth of olive fruit and on the quantity and quality of olive oil. The results show that supplying S and N can enhance oil production without affecting its nutritional quality.