Article
Microbiology
Julia Mironenka, Sylwia Rozalska, Adrian Sobon, Przemyslaw Bernat
Summary: Trichoderma species are known for producing secondary metabolites in response to different fungal pathogens, with the metabolites showing inhibitory effects on the growth of popular pathogen Fusarium culmorum. The presence of certain proteins in the culture extract indicated oxidative stress, leading to activation of defense mechanisms in the pathogen and a reduction in major mycotoxin production.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Sajid Ali, Mohammad Jamal Khan, Muhammad Mehran Anjum, Gul Roz Khan, Nawab Ali
Summary: The combination of Trichoderma, single super phosphate, and compost was found to be effective in enhancing the availability of micronutrients in soil. Applying Trichoderma alone or in combination increased the availability of nutrients without negative impacts on environmental quality.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carla Gomes Machado, Givanildo Zildo da Silva, Simerio Carlos Silva Cruz, Rafael Cardoso Lourenco dos Anjos, Caique Lopes Silva, Lucas Ferreira Lima de Matos, Alex Oliveira Smaniotto
Summary: The use of mixed mineral fertilizers in the treatment of corn and soybean seeds improves germination and seedling development. The fertilizers tested in this study had positive effects on soybean seeds, while their effects on corn seeds were limited. However, overall, the use of mixed mineral fertilizers did not negatively affect the physiological potential of both soybean and corn seeds.
Article
Agronomy
Lucas da Silva Alves, Cinthia Elen Cardoso Caitano, Samuel Ferrari, Wagner Goncalves Vieira Junior, Reges Heinrichs, Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira, Arturo Pardo-Gimenez, Diego Cunha Zied
Summary: Synthetic fertilization can increase maize yields, but it also has negative effects on the environment, production costs, and food security. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of maize under different combinations of synthetic fertilizers and spent mushroom substrate doses. The results showed that the application of spent mushroom substrate increased maize germination and growth, and had positive effects on maize biometric parameters.
Article
Agronomy
Zhoujie Ma, Peizhen Wu, Lei Deng, Kaiwu Zhang, Wenpeng Yang, Hong Ren, Li Song, Wei Wang
Summary: The nutritional composition of maize grains can be enhanced by introducing a mutation with increased lysine content. This study utilized a molecular-marker-assisted selection technique to obtain double-recessive mutant lines for o16 and wx genes in order to explore the molecular mechanism responsible for maize's nutritional quality. The results showed differential gene expression in lysine and tryptophan metabolism pathways, suggesting potential strategies for improving maize grain quality.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Natan R. S. da Hora, Lucia F. Santana, Victor Diogenes A. da Silva, Silvia L. Costa, Leonardo Zambotti-Villela, Pio Colepicolo, Caline G. Ferraz, Paulo R. Ribeiro
Summary: In this study, a large-scale chemical characterization of corn silk extracts was conducted, and chemometrics was used to identify potential candidate metabolites for antioxidant and anti-glioma activities. The results indicate that two flavone glycosides and one O-methylated anthocyanidin are likely the main contributors to the biological activities of the corn silk extracts.
Article
Plant Sciences
Sneha Gupta, Penelope M. C. Smith, Berin A. Boughton, Thusitha W. T. Rupasinghe, Siria H. A. Natera, Ute Roessner
Summary: Inoculation with fungal endophytes can effectively alleviate the impact of soil salinity on plant growth, especially in sensitive cultivars. Metabolomics analysis showed that inoculation led to changes in sugar content and reduced lipid changes in roots under salt stress. However, the effects of inoculation varied between cultivars depending on their salt tolerance levels.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamed Taha Yassin, Ashraf Abdel-Fattah Mostafa, Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Shaban R. M. Sayed, Ahmed Mostafa Rady
Summary: The study evaluated the antagonistic efficacy of Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum strains against the major causative agents of stalk rot disease of maize, with Trichoderma viride showing higher antifungal activity. Mycoparasitic action of T. harzianum against fungal pathogens was detected, while no mycoparasitism was observed for T. viride against them.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juan Hu, Baizhao Ren, Shuting Dong, Peng Liu, Bin Zhao, Jiwang Zhang
Summary: The research shows that the application of 6-BA can enhance the tolerance of summer maize to waterlogging, improve chloroplast ultrastructure and photosynthetic performance, ultimately increasing photosynthesis rate and grain yield.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Righetti, Dhaka Ram Bhandari, Enrico Rolli, Sara Tortorella, Renato Bruni, Chiara Dall'Asta, Bernhard Spengler
Summary: This study used advanced imaging technology to investigate the response of maize plants to aflatoxin B1, revealing that AFB1 had the most significant impact on anthocyanin biosynthesis and chlorophyll metabolism in roots, while also triggering a series of biochemical responses in above-ground organs.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyue Mei, Ying Wang, Zuran Li, Marie Larousse, Arthur Pere, Martine da Rocha, Fangdong Zhan, Yongmei He, Linlong Pu, Franck Panabieres, Yanqun Zu
Summary: Intercropping and assistant endophytes can enhance the tolerance and phytoremediation capacities of hyperaccumulators to heavy metals. They significantly influence the expression of root-associated microbial genomes and the structure of endophytic communities, thus shaping the phytoremediation potential of the plants and providing a basis for improving remediation practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shan Huang, Si Ying Lim, Hazel Lau, Wuzhong Ni, Sam Fong Yau Li
Summary: The exogenous application of glycinebetaine (GB) at an appropriate concentration effectively stabilizes the quality-related metabolites of cold-stored strawberries, including sugars and amino acids, while reducing the acid content. Moreover, the GB content in strawberries also increases. These findings suggest that GB is a natural and safe treatment that can maintain the quality of cold-stored strawberries and potentially provide methyl-donor supplementation in our daily diet.
Article
Agronomy
Piotr Szulc, Daniel Krauklis, Katarzyna Ambrozy-Deregowska, Barbara Wrobel, Waldemar Zielewicz, Gniewko Niedbala, Przemyslaw Kardasz, Mohsen Niazian
Summary: This study assessed the nutritional status of maize in critical growth stages by analyzing three different maize cultivars. The research showed significant response of maize to nitrogen fertilizers, especially during the period from the five-leaf stage to the full flowering stage. It also highlighted the importance of nitrogen and potassium content in determining the kernel weight in the ear.
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniele Maria Marquesa, Paulo Cesar Magalhaes, Ivanildo Evodio Marriel, Carlos Cesar Gomes Jr, Adriano Bortolotti da Silva, Caroline Oliveira dos Reis, Kamila Rezende Dazio de Souza, Thiago Correa de Souza
Summary: This study investigates whether Azospirillum brasilense mitigates water stress and reduces nitrogen fertilizer consumption in maize. The findings suggest that Azospirillum brasilense positively affects the growth of maize, as evidenced by improved physiological traits and root morphology.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Raphael Tiziani, Begona Miras-Moreno, Antonino Malacrino, Rosa Vescio, Luigi Lucini, Tanja Mimmo, Stefano Cesco, Agostino Sorgona
Summary: Root exudates play a crucial role in helping plants cope with abiotic stress. This study investigated the modulation of root exudation profiles under drought, heat stress, and their combination, as well as the differences in root types and zones. The results showed that the composition of root exudates is significantly modulated by the presence of stress and the root zone, but not by the root type. Additionally, stress-specific exudates were found to influence the abundance of specific beneficial bacterial taxa. This research contributes to understanding plant-soil interactions under abiotic stress and has important implications for developing resilient agricultural practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Giovanni Falcone, Pierluigi Mazzei, Alessandro Piccolo, Tiziana Esposito, Teresa Mencherini, Rita P. Aquino, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Paola Russo
Summary: The study focused on improving the performance of alginate ink gels through pre-crosslinking treatment, with findings indicating that pre-crosslinked gels with calcium concentrations between 0.15 and 0.25 exhibit good extrudability and shape retention, demonstrating excellent printing results.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mariavittoria Verrillo, Davide Savy, Silvana Cangemi, Claudia Savarese, Vincenza Cozzolino, Alessandro Piccolo
Summary: The study found that lignosulfonates exhibited the strongest antiradical/antimicrobial capacity, while other substrates were less effective. The observed antioxidant/antibacterial properties were positively correlated with lignin aromatic/phenolic content. The positive correlation between antiradical and antimicrobial activities suggests that lignin scavenging capacity was also involved in its antibacterial activity.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Claudia Savarese, Vincenzo di Meo, Silvana Cangemi, Mariavittoria Verrillo, Davide Savy, Vincenza Cozzolino, Alessandro Piccolo
Summary: This study explores the use of different humic materials as biostimulants for plant growth. The results show that humic materials with polar bioactive molecules, such as oxidized lignin fragment, saccharides, and peptides, have a significant impact on seed germination and plant growth. The combination of humic materials with diverse molecular properties could serve as a new tool for producing environmentally friendly plant growth promoters. The bioactivity of these materials can be modulated to enhance biomass yield and root elongation.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Mariavittoria Verrillo, Melania Salzano, Davide Savy, Vincenzo Di Meo, Massimiliano Valentini, Vincenza Cozzolino, Alessandro Piccolo
Summary: The extraction of bioactive humic substances from composts may provide a sustainable and eco-compatible way to enhance the value of agricultural byproducts. These substances exhibit antimicrobial activity against certain bacterial strains and also show bioactivity in seed germination experiments.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pierluigi Mazzei, Silvana Cangemi, Ali Malakshahi Kurdestani, Torsten Mueller, Alessandro Piccolo
Summary: The study found that humic substances have a strong ability to adsorb nitrification inhibitor DMPP, with humic acid showing a stronger affinity. The adsorption of humic substances is mainly related to aromatic signals and alkyl methyl groups. The hydrophobic nature of organic matter affects the efficacy of nitrification inhibitors, indicating the importance of nitrogen management and reducing environmental impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Silezio Ferreira da Silva, Riccardo Spaccini, Carlos Eduardo de Rezende, Luciano Pasqualoto Canellas
Summary: In weathered tropical soils, the turnover of soil organic matter (SOM) is fast, and the humid climate accelerates the impact of land use on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics, highlighting the importance of water extractable organic matter (WEOM). By evaluating the natural delta C-13-OC signature, this study investigated the short-term dynamics of bulk SOM and WEOM pools in weathered Brazilian soil, focusing on the effects of land use and type of plant inputs. The results showed that the bulk SOM was mainly affected by inherited conditions, while WEOM played a significant role in the short-term SOM dynamics.δC-13 analysis of WEOM revealed the influence of forest litter as a reactive pool in SOC dynamics.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Luciano P. Canellas, Natalia O. A. Canellas, Rakiely M. da Silva, Riccardo Spaccini, Gabriela Petroceli Mota, Fabio L. Olivares
Summary: Traditional agriculture is the largest food-producing sector globally, but it is closely associated with rural poverty. Socially adapted technologies, such as the use of humic substances as biostimulants, can enhance subsistence crop production and help impoverished farmers. This study evaluated the effect of a humic/PGPB mixed biostimulant on cassava and okra crops, improving plant development and increasing yields by 70% and 50% respectively. The use of biostimulants can contribute to food security and the autonomy of farmers, bridging traditional knowledge with modern science for sustainable agroecosystem management.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mariavittoria Verrillo, Gunda Koellensperger, Marlene Puehringer, Vincenza Cozzolino, Riccardo Spaccini, Evelyn Rampler
Summary: In this study, humic substances and compost teas extracted from artichoke and coffee grounds were applied on Ocimum basilicum plants to enhance the yield of specific metabolites with nutraceutical and antibacterial features. The results showed that these substances improved the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of basil metabolites and promoted the synthesis of aromatic amino acids and phenolic compounds.
Article
Archaeology
Alessia D'Auria, Fabio Marzaioli, Isabella Passariello, Riccardo Spaccini, Stefano Conti, Giuseppe Melchionna, Maurizio Teobaldelli, Gaetano Di Pasquale
Summary: Since 1738, archaeological sites near Mount Vesuvius have yielded a significant collection of botanical remains, offering valuable insights into Roman dietary habits. A recent study revealed historical misconceptions and inadequate research regarding these materials from archaeobotany.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mariavittoria Verrillo, Muhammad Rehan Khan, Stefania Volpe, Riccardo Spaccini, Elena Torrieri
Summary: The study examined the effects of fennel and coffee humic substances on the properties of composite materials made with sodium caseinate, guar gum, and beeswax. The results showed that the active films with coffee humic substances had more hydrophilic groups but worse water vapor barrier properties compared to fennel films. The presence of aromatic rings in the extracts affected the optical properties of the films, and the addition of humus extract reduced the elasticity of the films.
Review
Plant Sciences
Melania Parisi, Mariavittoria Verrillo, Maria Antonietta Luciano, Giuseppina Caiazzo, Maria Quaranta, Francesco Scognamiglio, Vincenzo Di Meo, Alessia Villani, Mariateresa Cantelli, Lucia Gallo, Giovanna G. G. Altobelli, Serena Poggi, Riccardo Spaccini, Gabriella Fabbrocini
Summary: Photoaging is the premature aging of the skin caused by UV ray exposure. It is a significant challenge in the medical field, and consumers are seeking care products with multiple benefits and reduced environmental impact. The use of bioactive compounds from aromatic plants and sustainable methods can increase the effectiveness of new active formulations. The reuse of organic biomass and waste supports the principles of sustainable practices and the circular economy. This review explores how natural renewable sources and specific bioactive derivatives can manage photoaging.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Cappetta, Carmine Del Regno, Marisa Conte, Christian Castro-Hinojosa, Susel Del Sol-Fernandez, Chiara Vergata, Matteo Buti, Rossella Curcio, Anil Onder, Pierluigi Mazzei, Nicola Funicello, Salvatore De Pasquale, Mattia Terzaghi, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Antonietta Leone, Federico Martinelli, Maria Moros, Alfredo Ambrosone
Summary: Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture, but its use is hindered by high cost, limited knowledge of plant interactions, and unpredictable effects. Nanopriming is an innovative seed priming technology that can meet the economic, agronomic, and environmental needs of agriculture. This study focused on uncovering undisclosed aspects of seed priming mediated by iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in pepper seeds. The application of these nanoparticles significantly enhanced the growth of pepper plants and led to extensive transcriptional reprogramming.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. C. Bridoux, G. Gaiffe, P. Pacholski, S. Cangemi, G. Vinci, R. Spaccini, S. Schramm
Summary: This study compares the molecular composition of solid phase extracted dissolved organic matter (SPEDOM) in fractured-rock groundwater with surface river water in two different watersheds in the unconfined chalk aquifer of Champagne in France. The findings show that groundwater SPEDOM contains a higher contribution of aliphatic compounds, while surface river waters SPEDOM are enriched in carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM), acetate derivatives, and oxygenated units. In addition, the use of photoionization (APPI(+)) is key in aquifer studies, ionizing about eight times more compounds than ESI in surface river water samples and targeting the dissolved organic nitrogen pool. The study also reveals the presence of polar, anthropogenic sulfur-containing surfactants in the groundwaters, possibly originating from agricultural runoff.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rakiely M. Silva, Alice N. A. Peres, Lazaro E. P. Peres, Fabio L. Olivares, Sara Sangi, Natalia A. Canellas, Riccardo Spaccini, Silvana Cangemi, Luciano P. Canellas
Summary: Intensive agriculture relies on chemical inputs for high crop yields, but these inputs have negative effects on the environment and human health. Plant biostimulants made from humic substances provide an alternative to conventional agrochemicals without compromising crop yield. The application of humic acids from vermicompost in tomato seedlings promotes plant growth and alters the levels of jasmonic acid, a crucial metabolite in plant defence and growth.
Article
Horticulture
Catello Pane, Riccardo Spaccini, Michele Caputo, Enrica De Falco, Massimo Zaccardelli
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the use of suppressive bio-compost as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides in controlling soil-borne diseases in garden cress. The results showed that composts made from wood chips, escarole, and aromatic plant residues demonstrated promising levels of disease suppression, indicating their potential for non-chemical production of garden cress vegetables.
