Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture最新文献

{"title":"Influence on the growth of four different plant species and inhibition of pathogenic fungi by humic acids from soil and lignite in relation to their chemical structure","authors":"Antonella Vitti,&nbsp;Leonardo Coviello,&nbsp;Maria Nuzzaci,&nbsp;Alessandro Piccolo,&nbsp;Evangelos Giannakopoulos,&nbsp;Domenico Ronga,&nbsp;Li Xiong,&nbsp;Cheng Liu,&nbsp;Marios Drosos,&nbsp;Antonio Scopa","doi":"10.1186/s40538-025-00904-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-025-00904-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Humic acids (HA) represent the major fraction of humic substances, which are supramolecular mixtures formed through humification of organic matter in soils, sediments, and natural waters. Rich in carboxylic and phenolic groups, HA influence soil fertility, nutrient availability, plant growth, and stress tolerance. Their biostimulant effects depend on origin, chemical structure, and concentration, and, although still poorly understood, their fungistatic activity against phytopathogenic fungi is increasingly recognized. This study investigated the relationship between HA chemical features and biological activity by comparing two natural HA isolated from lignite (LHA) and soil (SHA) with a synthetic HA (HALP). The assays focused on germination and early growth of lettuce, tomato, lentil, and durum wheat, as well as inhibition of six pathogenic fungi.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Structural characterization highlighted distinct profiles. SHA contained abundant aliphatic C, unbound fatty acids, and sugars, whereas LHA and HALP were richer in aromatic and phenolic groups. Biostimulation trials revealed species- and dose- dependent responses. Lettuce and wheat showed consistent enhancement of germination and growth, especially with LHA and SHA at up to 100 ppm, while tomato and lentil were more sensitive, exhibiting reduced growth, in particular with HALP at higher concentrations. Redundancy analysis indicated that low-dose stimulation correlated with COOH-rich aliphatic fractions, while higher concentrations emphasized phenolic and aromatic domains, which promoted biomass in tolerant species but induced phytotoxicity in sensitive ones. Fungistatic assays showed that SHA exerted the strongest inhibition, particularly against <i>Fusarium</i> spp. and <i>Botrytis cinerea</i>, outperforming LHA and HALP. Correlation analyses identified carboxyl and aliphatic carbons as positive drivers of antifungal activity, whereas phenolic and aromatic fractions correlated negatively.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>HA biological efficacy is strongly linked to chemical structure and applied dose. SHA, enriched in aliphatic and carboxyl moieties and containing unbound fatty acids, displayed the best dual functionality, combining plant growth stimulation with effective inhibition of major fungal pathogens. These results emphasize the importance of dose optimization and structural tailoring of HA for use as sustainable biostimulants and natural antifungal agents in crop production.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-025-00904-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147558876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanoceria versus bulk cerium oxide: differential effects on growth, antioxidants, pigments, and essential oil of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.","authors":"Parisa Khanizadeh,&nbsp;Hasan Mumivand,&nbsp;Mohamad Reza Morshedloo,&nbsp;Maria Concetta Di Bella","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00926-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00926-y","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Dracocephalum kotschy&lt;/i&gt; Boiss., an endemic and vulnerable herb native to Iran, is highly valued for its distinctive botanical features and wide range of pharmacological properties. However, its growth and metabolite production can be affected by environmental conditions, necessitating strategies to improve agronomic performance and phytochemical quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs) and bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;) on growth parameters, antioxidant defense systems (both enzymatic and non-enzymatic), photosynthetic pigments, and essential oil production in &lt;i&gt;D. kotschyi,&lt;/i&gt; using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; at 100 and 200 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; and CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs at 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; significantly increased inflorescence length, plant height, and leaf length. Conversely, all CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NP treatments, along with the higher concentrations of bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, reduced leaf and stem dry weights, except for 200 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, where biomass remained comparable to the control. CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs, particularly at 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt;, markedly enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and modulated oxidative signaling, as indicated by elevated H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; levels. Both forms of CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; also improved carotenoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity, with the most pronounced effects at 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs, which additionally increased chlorophyll b content. Essential oil content was significantly enhanced by 50 and 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs and 200 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, with the highest essential oil yield recorded at 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs and 200 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; bulk CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;. Quantitatively, foliar application of 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs increased the essential oil percentage by 1.56-fold compared to the control, while APX and CAT activities rose by 3.29- and 2.88-fold, respectively. These quantitative comparisons highlight the pronounced stimulatory effects of CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; treatments on both phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activities in &lt;i&gt;D. kotschyi&lt;/i&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Overall, 100 mg L&lt;sup&gt;−1&lt;/sup&gt; CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs emerged as the most effective treatment, improving antioxidant capacity, pigment content, and essential oil yield, despite a slight reduction in biomass. These findings highlight the potential of CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs as a nanotechnological approach for enhancing the agronomic performance and phytochemical quality of &lt;i&gt;D. kotschyi&lt;/i&gt;. Thus, while CeO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;NPs show promise for improving agronomic and phytochemical traits, their potential pro-oxidant risks at higher doses warrant careful ecological consid","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00926-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antagonistic activity of Indigenous Algerian Trichoderma spp. and their secondary metabolites against major wheat crown rot pathogens","authors":"Hadjer Lasmer,&nbsp;Houda Boureghda,&nbsp;Alessia Staropoli,&nbsp;Laura Grauso,&nbsp;Saliha Chihat,&nbsp;Abdenour Zibani,&nbsp;Matteo Lorito,&nbsp;Francesco Vinale","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00927-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00927-x","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;Fusarium&lt;/i&gt; crown rot (FCR), caused mainly by a complex of &lt;i&gt;Fusarium&lt;/i&gt; species, is a destructive wheat disease worldwide that reduces yield and contaminates grain with mycotoxins. In Algeria, previous studies have shown that &lt;i&gt;Fusarium culmorum&lt;/i&gt; is the pathogen most commonly associated with FCR, alongside &lt;i&gt;Fusarium pseudograminearum&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Microdochium nivale&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;M. majus&lt;/i&gt;. To support sustainable disease management, this study investigates the biocontrol potential of indigenous &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma&lt;/i&gt; strains against FCR pathogens through in vitro and in vivo assays using in vitro confrontation tests and in vivo seed treatment bioassays. The antagonistic activity was evaluated with emphasis on antibiosis mediated by bioactive secondary metabolites, some of which were isolated and tested individually against &lt;i&gt;F. culmorum&lt;/i&gt; (Fc111).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The tests conducted in vitro (direct and indirect confrontation) and in vivo revealed the antagonistic potential of these strains. Direct confrontation led to 44.25–90.63% inhibition of mycelial growth across the tested pathogens, with &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma&lt;/i&gt; frequently overgrowing the colonies. In contrast, indirect assays mediated by VOCs resulted in 0.97–33.59% inhibition, indicating a relatively weaker antagonistic effect. Seed treatments with four &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma&lt;/i&gt; strains reduced FCR severity by 17.43–77.75% compared to controls. The three strains &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma atroviride&lt;/i&gt; (Ta.09), &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma orientale&lt;/i&gt; (To.15) and &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma afroharzianum&lt;/i&gt; (Taf.17), were found to produce distinct secondary metabolites, which change depending on the culture conditions. Notably, the strain To.15 proved to be a rich source of secondary metabolites, including 4-phenyl-1,3-butanediol, which, to the best of our knowledge, is reported in this study for the first time as a metabolite of fungal origin. Several other compounds newly identified in &lt;i&gt;Trichoderma&lt;/i&gt;, and additional metabolites, such as bisvertinolone, which was previously known in the genus, are reported here for the first time in strain To.15. The antifungal activity of the crude extracts and the main metabolites from each strain were evaluated against the Fc111 strain at different concentrations. Among these, the major compound from Ta.09, 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP), exhibited a significant inhibition rate, at the lowest concentration (100 µg plug-1), against Fc111 compared to the secondary metabolites identified from the other two strains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;These strains showed promising potential for controlling FCR disease, with diverse secondary metabolites, especially 6-PP in Ta.09, likely playing a key role in their biocontrol efficacy. These findings underscore the potential of these strains, as well as 6-PP, as candidates for integrated FCR management strategies and for the development of future biopesticide formulations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Graphical abstract&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;figure&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;di","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00927-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147440857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Germination-induced nutrient remodeling in wheat: linking molecular structural changes to rumen microbial community dynamics and metabolic shifts","authors":"Jing Ma,&nbsp;Fangshu Di,&nbsp;Xi Wang,&nbsp;Yaqiu Lin,&nbsp;Shenglan Guo,&nbsp;Haitao Shi","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00924-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00924-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Germination triggered by prolonged rainfall at maturity or high moisture levels during storage poses a major limitation to the use of wheat in food processing. Germinated wheat, however, represents a viable feed resource for ruminants and an opportunity for biological resource reutilization. This study systematically evaluated the effects of different germination durations on wheat nutritional composition, molecular structure, and ruminal degradability under laboratory conditions, and examined the mechanistic relationships between germination-induced molecular alterations and rumen microbial community dynamics.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Prolonged germination increased dry matter loss, elevated neutral detergent fiber and crude protein, and decreased starch and non-fiber carbohydrate levels (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.050). Molecular structures analysis revealed marked alterations in protein secondary structures and carbohydrate molecular features, closely associated with nutrient remodeling (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.050). In vitro rumen fermentation showed that extended germination increased ammonia nitrogen, butyrate, the acetate-to-propionate ratio, and CH₄ production, while microbial crude protein synthesis efficiency and propionate concentration decreased (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.050). Microbial analyses further demonstrated that 24 h-germinated wheat had minimal impact on rumen microbial communities or metabolites, whereas 72 h-germinated wheat enriched fiber- associated taxon (<i>Rikenellaceae</i> RC9 gut group), reduced starch-degrading bacteria (<i>Ruminobacter</i> and <i>Succiniclasticum</i>), and markedly downregulated the key metabolite N-acetyl-L-glutamate. In addition, integrated multi-omics analyses suggested that structural alterations in feed nutritional molecules may also be involved in shaping the characteristics of the rumen microbial community. Specifically, the relative abundances of <i>Ruminobacter</i> and <i>Succiniclasticum</i> were positively associated with TC₁ and TCA₁, whereas <i>Rikenellaceae</i> RC9 gut group showed positive associations with TC₂, TCA₂, TCA₃, CECH, CECA, STC₁, STC₂, STC₃, and STCA.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Germination markedly altered wheat nutritional and fermentative properties. Wheat germinated for 24 h can be directly included in rations, whereas wheat germinated for 72 h showed increased fiber content and enriched abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria, indicating its potential as a roughage component in ruminant diets. To ensure adequate energy supply, it should be appropriately combined with starch-rich feedstuffs to maximize nutritional value, optimize rumen fermentation and microbial activity, and enhance resource utilization efficiency.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00924-0.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147440855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the photodegradation of iron chelates: BHH/Fe3+ as an alternative to persistent iron fertilizers","authors":"Alejandra Arcas,&nbsp;María del Carmen García-Rico,&nbsp;Juan J. Lucena,&nbsp;Sandra López-Rayo","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00922-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00922-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Aminopolycarboxylic acids (APCAs) are widely used as chelating agents in agriculture to address iron (Fe) deficiency. However, the environmental concern of the most common APCAs, such as EDTA, has prompted the search for more sustainable alternative molecules. In this sense, the benzeneacetic acid 2-hydroxy-α-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino] (BHH) has been presented as a novel chelating agent for Fe fertilization. This study investigates the photodegradation behavior of BBH Fe chelate, and compares it to the traditional Fe chelates (EDTA, HBED, and <i>o</i>,<i>o</i>EDDHA).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Photodegradation experiments were conducted under various conditions, such as chelate concentration, pH, and light source, which can vary depending on the growing conditions where these fertilizers are used. The results showed that BHH/Fe³⁺ exhibited an intermediate behavior between traditional phenolic and non-phenolic Fe chelates, undergoing degradation under light and dark conditions. The novel chelate BHH/Fe³⁺ was more susceptible to light than its phenolic analogues. However, it maintained at least one-half of the initial Fe concentration under the most sensitive conditions (more extended time, low concentration, low pH, and high irradiation intensity). This stability was higher than that of the EDTA/Fe³⁺, indicating moderate stability under light exposure. In contrast, the traditional phenolic chelates remained the most stable under the tested conditions. Notably, the novel chelate BHH/Fe³⁺ presented a great stability at pH 8, typical of calcareous soils where Fe chelates are required.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study highlights the importance of assessing the photodegradation performance of Fe chelates, which are typically exposed to light during their agronomical use. The factors under investigation, including chelate concentration, pH, and light type, exhibited a differential impact on the stability of Fe chelates. The chemical structure of Fe chelates was found to be a predominant factor in determining their stability. The high stability observed for the BHH/Fe³⁺ at alkaline pH (less than 20–50% photodegraded in 7 days) suggests its potential as an alternative to traditional Fe chelates, especially EDTA/Fe³⁺. However, further research is still needed to determine its effectiveness in plants.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><img></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00922-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemicals as next-generation bioactive tools for plant protection: mechanisms, innovations and field applications","authors":"Lingareddy Usha Rani,&nbsp;Nishanth Mallappa,&nbsp;Theerthagiri Anand,&nbsp;Vaibhav Kumar Singh,&nbsp;Nagendran Tharmalingam,&nbsp;Govindasamy Senthilraja","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00913-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00913-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Plant diseases cause over 20% annual crop losses worldwide, with rising fungicide resistance and environmental concerns driving urgent demand for sustainable alternatives. Phytochemicals naturally occurring secondary metabolites such as thymol, berberine, and quercetin offer a promising solution due to their broad-spectrum antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral activities, coupled with low environmental persistence and biodegradability. However, their efficacy is highly dependent on plant species, developmental stage, and environmental factors including temperature, light intensity, soil quality, and nutrient availability, all of which influence biosynthesis and bioactivity. Moreover, extraction methods such as aqueous, ethanol, or organic solvent-based techniques significantly affect phytochemical stability, solubility, and antimicrobial potency, contributing to variability in performance. Despite their potential, challenges related to compositional heterogeneity, phytotoxicity risks, and inconsistent regulatory frameworks have limited widespread agricultural adoption. This review synthesizes recent advances (2015–2025) in phytochemical research for plant disease management, focusing on biosynthesis pathways, extraction optimization, mechanisms of action, and innovative formulation technologies. We highlight how phytochemicals exert dual effects: directly disrupting pathogen membranes, inhibiting viral replication, and interfering with essential enzymes, while also priming plant immune responses through salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and systemic acquired resistance signaling. Emerging technologies including ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical CO₂ extraction, and nanoencapsulation enhance yield, stability, and field efficacy, enabling targeted, sustained delivery. Furthermore, breakthroughs in genetic engineering, microbial bioproduction, AI-guided formulation design, and circular economy models such as valorizing agro-waste for extraction are overcoming scalability and standardization barriers. We propose a framework for “smart phytochemical deployment” that integrates precision delivery, resistance management, and systems biology. This review positions phytochemicals not merely as alternatives to synthetic pesticides, but as next-generation tools for resilient, climate-smart, and sustainable agriculture.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00913-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147363196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antagonistic activity and antagonistic mechanism of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Bacillus atrophaeus YL84 against Valsa pyri causing Korla fragrant pear Valsa cankers","authors":"Yuxin Tang,&nbsp;Qinyuan Xue,&nbsp;Yiwen Zhang,&nbsp;Zhe Wang,&nbsp;Zhen Zhang,&nbsp;Lan Wang,&nbsp;Hongzu Feng","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00921-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00921-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Valsa canker of the Korla fragrant pear severely reduces yield and fruit quality. Biological control, owing to its environmental friendliness and safety for humans and animals, has become a major focus of recent research on plant disease management. <i>Bacillus</i> species are well known for their antagonistic activity against plant pathogens, and a biocontrol strain previously isolated in our laboratory (<i>Bacillus atrophaeus</i> YL84) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against <i>Valsa pyri</i>. The present study aimed to further evaluate the inhibitory effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by YL84 on <i>V. pyri</i> and to elucidate the underlying antagonistic mechanisms.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A paired double-Petri-dish assay was employed to evaluate VOC effects on hyphal growth, conidial germination, sporulation, hyphal penetrability, and activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs). Extracellular leakage was quantified to assess cell membrane integrity, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by fluorescent probe staining and image analysis. SPME–GC–MS was used to characterize the VOC profile. Results showed that YL84 VOCs significantly inhibited <i>V. pyri</i> hyphal growth, with an inhibition rate of 54.94%. VOC treatment reduced sporulation, abolished hyphal penetrability, and significantly decreased the activities of three CWDEs. The peak extracellular conductivity in the treatment group was 6.15-fold that of the control. ROS levels accumulated significantly over time, with fluorescence intensity increasing by 24.66% and 68.01% on days 3 and 7, respectively, relative to day 1. YL84 VOCs also significantly suppressed toxin biosynthesis, including a 28.97% reduction in protocatechuic acid; assays on detached plant material demonstrated that reduced toxin levels correlated with diminished lesion expansion. Additionally, six potential bioactive compounds, including branched-chain aldehydes and dimethyl disulfide, were identified.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In summary, VOCs from YL84 exhibit notable antagonistic activity against <i>V. pyri</i>, providing a theoretical basis for further elucidation of their biocontrol mechanisms and potential application.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00921-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147336512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"XRD-characterized SiO₂ and CeO₂–nanoparticles synergize with earthworms to mitigate chromium toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): insights into plant physiology and health risk assessment","authors":"Ahmed Mahmoud Ismail,&nbsp;Ammara Saleem,&nbsp;Sharifullah Sharifi,&nbsp;Hossam S. El-Beltagi","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00923-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00923-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Soil contamination with toxic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr) is becoming a serious global problem due to rapid industrial and agricultural activities. Nanoparticles and earthworms (<i>Eisenia fetida</i>) are efficient, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable and they enhance the solubility, absorption, and stability of metals. Therefore, the present study investigated the individual and combined effects of a nanobio strategy integrating X-ray diffraction-verified silica (SiO₂) and cerium dioxide (CeO₂) nanoparticles (50 µM L⁻¹) with earthworms (<i>Eisenia fetida</i>) on wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) grown in chromium-spiked soil (100 mg kg⁻¹), focusing on plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic performance, oxidative stress regulation, antioxidant defense mechanisms, metabolic and nutritional status, chromium accumulation, molecular responses, and associated health risks. Results from the present study revealed that the Cr stress markedly reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, sugar metabolism, and mineral nutrient uptake, while inducing excessive oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels. Cr exposure also disrupted antioxidant homeostasis, cellular compartmentalization, and stress-responsive gene expression. In contrast, individual and combined application of NPs and <i>E. fetida</i> significantly improved plant growth, photosynthetic performance, antioxidant defense capacity, and nutritional status. These treatments enhanced enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, stimulated the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and proline metabolism, and reduced oxidative damage. Moreover, NPs and <i>E. fetida</i> effectively restricted Cr accumulation in plant tissues, leading to a notable reduction in estimated daily Cr intake and associated health risk indices. Gene expression analysis further supported the activation of antioxidant and detoxification pathways under these treatments. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NPs and <i>E. fetida</i>, particularly in combination, are effective in mitigating Cr toxicity, improving wheat growth and physiological stability, and enhancing food safety in Cr-contaminated soils.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00923-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147335747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selenium nanoparticles: small innovations with mighty impact on crop performance and nutritional quality?","authors":"Michal Šrámek,&nbsp;Lukáš Praus,&nbsp;Oldřich Benada,&nbsp;Pavel Tlustoš","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00919-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00919-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Selenium (Se), a trace element with dual roles as a micronutrient and toxicant, occupies a unique niche in plant physiology and agricultural science. While not essential for plant growth, selenium’s chemical resemblance to sulfur (S) enables its integration into metabolic pathways. This integration influences redox homeostasis, stress resilience, and the nutritional quality of crops. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have unlocked selenium’s latent potential through the use of engineered selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), primarily zero-valent elemental (Se⁰) SeNPs. These nanoparticles mitigate the toxicity risks associated with conventional selenite (Se^IVO₃²⁻) or selenate (Se^VIO₄²⁻) formulations. SeNPs combine enhanced bioavailability with distinctive physicochemical properties. This combination enables enhanced plant growth, stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and seed quality. Green synthesis methods using plant extracts offer eco-friendly routes to produce stable, biocompatible SeNPs with controlled size and morphology. In crops, SeNPs modulate metabolic pathways and improve photosynthetic pigments. They also synergize with S compounds to boost yield and nutritional content. Additionally, SeNPs contribute to sustainable agriculture by mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. They enhance food safety through antimicrobial properties in packaging and animal nutrition. Despite their promise, careful dose management is critical due to the narrow therapeutic window of Se and potential toxicity at higher concentrations. This review explores the latest SeNPs synthesis, selenium’s paradoxical role in plant systems, and its agrobiological impacts. Beyond applications, the review identifies critical methodological gaps in existing research, proposes a characterization set for SeNPs studies, and introduces a comprehensive framework for future research priorities.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00919-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147561490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Methyl salicylate/methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex modulates plant defense against cold and heat stress","authors":"Navneet Thakur,&nbsp;Vidhi Raturi,&nbsp;Aparna Sreeprakash,&nbsp;Shubham Sen,&nbsp;Sudesh Kumar Yadav,&nbsp;Gaurav Zinta,&nbsp;Ankit Saneja","doi":"10.1186/s40538-026-00915-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40538-026-00915-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Temperature fluctuations beyond optimal limits such as heat or cold severely impair plant growth and productivity. Biostimulants are emerging as sustainable tools to enhance plant resilience under stress. Methyl salicylate (MeSA), a known defense modulator, holds promise as a biostimulant; however, its volatility and poor aqueous solubility limit its applications. To overcome these drawbacks, we have developed methyl-<i>β</i>-cyclodextrin (M-<i>β</i>-CD) based inclusion complex (IC) of MeSA. This study evaluated MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC for improving temperature tolerance in <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i>, offering a novel and environmentally compatible strategy for stress mitigation.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Phase solubility analysis revealed that modified <i>β</i>-cyclodextrin (M-<i>β</i>-CD) enhanced MeSA solubility 4.41-fold, with a 1:1 inclusion stoichiometry. Spectroscopic, morphological and thermal analysis (FTIR, NMR, SEM and TGA) confirmed successful complexation and improved thermal stability. The in vitro release profile of MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC indicated ~ 91% cumulative MeSA release at 120 min, validating enhanced aqueous release. Biologically, MeSA inhibited seed germination at ≥ 2.5 mM, whereas M-<i>β</i>-CD promoted germination at low concentrations. Notably, the MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC alleviated MeSA-induced inhibition, enabling successful germination across all concentrations. Under cold and heat stress, plants treated with M-<i>β</i>-CD showed robust growth and biomass, while the MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC treatment achieved intermediate yet significant protection compared with MeSA alone. Photosynthetic efficiency (Φ_max, Fv/Fm, NPQ) and pigment contents were improved in IC-treated plants, reflecting enhanced photoprotection. Cold stress induced higher oxidative damage than heat, but MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC markedly reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde accumulation. Molecularly, MeSA/M-<i>β</i>-CD-IC pre-priming enhanced the expression of cold-responsive (<i>CBF</i>, <i>COR</i>) and heat-responsive (<i>HSFA</i>, <i>HSP</i>) genes, along with major antioxidant genes (<i>APX</i>, <i>CAT</i>, <i>GR</i>, <i>POD</i>, <i>SOD</i>), indicating coordinated activation of stress signaling and tolerance pathways.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Encapsulation of MeSA within M-<i>β</i>-CD substantially improves its aqueous solubility and biological efficacy. The inclusion complex strengthens <i>Arabidopsis</i> tolerance to cold and heat through activation of antioxidant and thermoprotective mechanisms. This work highlights cyclodextrin-based encapsulation as a sustainable, scalable approach for delivering volatile biostimulants to enhance crop resilience under climate stress.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":512,"journal":{"name":"Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40538-026-00915-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147342822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}