Drought-induced reduction in crop yield is becoming a serious threat worldwide, especially in arid to semiarid regions. The introduction of medicinal plants into cropping patterns in arid regions is a suitable alternative to conventional crops because of their high demand and market value. Keeping in view the situation, an experiment was planned under natural arid conditions to screen out the best psyllium varieties in less time for cultivation in arid regions. The experiment included three psyllium varieties (V1 = Gujrat isabgol-2, V2 = Vallabh isabgol and V3 = Jawahar isabgol-4) and three irrigation regimes (control = CK, partial rootzone drying = PRD and deficit irrigation = DI) and was carried out in a completely randomized design with eight replications. The results of our experiment revealed that although cell stress indicators (electrolyte leakage, relative cell injury, methylglyoxal, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide contents) were less and photosynthesis, water relationships, and membrane stability were greater in the control irrigation, the activities of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were greater in the PRD and DI regimes. Among the water deficit treatments, more water potential, proline contents, ascorbic acid contents, membrane stability index, and yield were recorded in the PRD than in the DI. Among the varieties, V3 performed the best under water deficit conditions, whereas variety V2 presented the lowest values. It was concluded that under less water availability, the combination of the PRD with the variety V3 optimized physiological and yield outcomes by sustained higher relative water contents (77.10%), mesophyll conductance (0.67 mol CO2 m[-2] s[-1] bar[-1]), photosynthesis (15.10 µmol of CO2 m[-2]s[-1]), and membrane stability index (78.80%). Consequently, maximized water use efficiency (0.21 g L[-1]) and antioxidant activities, leading to higher yield (0.76 g plant[-1]). Future research should focus on integrating PRD with other water management techniques like mulching, osmoprotectants spray to enhance its efficacy under water deficit conditions.

The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis) is a carnivorous plant that captures invertebrates using an electrically excitable trap mechanism. Invertebrates stimulate trigger hairs, initiating action potentials (APs) that drive rapid closure. Trap lobes are electrically isolated from one another by non-excitable petioles. We examined thermal wounding to leaf petiole's ability to produce detectable electrical activity in the isolated trap and if wounding stimulation is sufficient to trigger closure. Using a within-subject design across 15 mature plants, we compared trap-recorded electrical signals following trigger hair (TH) stimulation and petiole branding with a heated soldering iron. Primary spike morphology did not differ significantly between treatment groups for either Spike/Baseline Ratio or Depolarization Fraction. Within-Brands primary-to-secondary Spike/Baseline Ratios differed significantly consistent with non-regenerative signal attenuation rather than canonical AP propagation from the petiole. Differences are consistent with thermal petiole wounding disrupting xylem continuity and generating a hydraulic pressure transient that initiates trap-derived APs through the trap's own excitation machinery. The trap's closure threshold is accessible via sufficiently large, likely non-electrical, systemic perturbation.

Plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as part of their defense mechanisms when attacked by phytopathogens and herbivores. These specific volatile emissions can help plants avoid damage. In this study, we investigated the effects of the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, and the phytopathogens "Candidatus phytoplasma mali", causing apple proliferation (AP) or "Ca. P. pyri", causing pear decline (PD) on the volatile emissions from apple (Malus domestica) or pear (Pyrus communis) trees. We analyzed VOCs emitted by uninfected and infected trees exposed to male and female BMSB. Using random forest analysis, the profiles of uninfected trees and those singly infected with PD- or AP-phytoplasma were clearly distinguishable from those infested with BMSB and double-infections with both phytoplasma and BMSB. BMSB-infested apple and pear trees emitted higher levels of linalool and 4,8-dimethyl-1(E)-3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) compared to uninfested trees. In addition, dual infections with phytoplasma and BMSB showed an induction in the content of these VOCs. Phytoplasma-infected apple trees significantly increased emissions of methyl salicylate (MeSA), whereas MeSA content was significantly increased in pear trees exposed to BMSB and also dual infections with phytoplasma and BMSB. In apple trees, α-farnesene was emitted at a higher amount only from phytoplasma-infected trees exposed to BMSB males, whereas in pear trees this VOC was significantly induced in response to female BMSB and dual infections with phytoplasma and female BMSB. Furthermore, we found three acids in healthy pear trees, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, and oleic acid, which were not detected in phytoplasma-infected or BMSB-infested trees. It was demonstrated that this information can help to identify specific chemical signatures and specific VOCs, which may be used as biomarkers for detecting and monitoring these pests.

Soil salinity limits wheat productivity by disrupting water uptake, Na[+]/K[+] homeostasis, photosynthesis, reproductive development, and grain filling. Although wheat salinity tolerance is often discussed in terms of individual traits such as Na[+] exclusion, antioxidant defense, osmolyte accumulation, or abscisic acid signaling, these responses operate as interconnected signaling networks. This review reframes wheat salinity adaptation as a crosstalk-driven process linking early root perception with whole-plant acclimation and yield-related outcomes. At the root-soil interface, salinity rapidly lowers external water potential, alters membrane potential, disturbs ion fluxes, and induces early Ca[2][+], reactive oxygen species (ROS), pH, nitric oxide, electrical, and phosphorylation signals. Ca[2][+] sensors and decoders, including CaM/CMLs, CDPKs, and CBL-CIPK modules, connect these early signals with ROS regulation, ion-transporter activity, kinase cascades, and transcriptional reprogramming. ABA integrates osmotic stress with stomatal closure, hydraulic adjustment, compatible-solute accumulation, and water-use regulation, whereas additional hormonal and metabolic signals shape root architecture, growth restraint, senescence, source-sink balance, and reproductive protection. Wheat-specific evidence strongly supports the importance of HKT1;5-mediated Na[+] retrieval, SOS-like ion regulation, K[+] retention, antioxidant capacity, ABA-associated water regulation, osmotic adjustment, and genotype-dependent transcriptional responses. However, several important signaling models, including precise Ca[2][+] signatures, real-time Ca[2][+]-ROS feedback dynamics, guard-cell ABA-ROS-Ca[2][+] signaling, systemic Ca[2][+]/ROS waves, and salinity-specific sugar-redox-hormone control of grain filling, remain incompletely validated in wheat. By distinguishing wheat-supported mechanisms from conserved model-plant frameworks, this review identifies key signaling hubs and physiological trade-offs that may guide breeding, genome editing, priming, and agronomic strategies for improving wheat performance under saline environments.

Combined drought and heat stress (DS+HS) represents one of the most devastating multi-factorial constraints on global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production, imposing synergistic physiological and molecular damage that far exceeds the effects of each stress applied individually. Emerging evidence suggests that selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) and biochar independently confer abiotic stress tolerance in cereal crops; however, their combined soil application under concurrent DS+HS in wheat has not been previously investigated. The present study was conducted at the wire house facility of the Four Brothers Group (FBG), Lahore, Pakistan, using soil collected from Faisalabad, to evaluate the individual and combined effects of soil-applied Se NPs (50 mg kg[-1]) and wheat straw biochar (2% w/w) on wheat cv. FBG-1800 subjected to drought (30% field capacity) and heat stress (42 °C, 6 h d[-1]) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Combined DS+HS severely impaired growth, photosynthetic function, and grain yield, while markedly elevating oxidative damage markers and disrupting ionic homeostasis. Notably, combined Se NPs + biochar application produced superior synergistic amelioration relative to either amendment alone, restoring net photosynthetic rate and grain yield to approximately 89%-90% and 88% of control values, respectively, alongside significant reductions in oxidative stress indicators. Gene expression analysis confirmed marked upregulation of key stress-responsive genes (TaSOD1, TaDREB2, TaHSP70, TaNHX1) and coordinated antioxidant enzyme activation. These findings establish that soil co-application of Se NPs and biochar is an effective, agronomically feasible strategy to sustain wheat productivity under the increasingly prevalent combined DS+HS conditions in Pakistan's irrigated cropping systems.

Phosphorylation, carried out by kinases, is a pivotal mechanism for all cell signal transduction pathways. In eukaryotic cells, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) form modules with three kinases (MAPKKK, MAPKK, and MAPK) that are sequentially activated, participating in multiple signaling mechanisms. The second kinase forming a typical module is called MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK or MKK), which receives the signal from MAPKKK and transmits it to MAPK. The Arabidopsis thaliana genome has 10 MKKs and they are classified into four different groups (A, B, C, and D). To date, several aspects of the MKK functioning are known, but there is little information about MKK expression in plant tissues. Here, each MKK upstream region was fused to the UidA reporter, and these pMKK1-10:UidA constructions were used to reveal the MKK expression patterns in the tissues of the seedlings during their early development. This experimental expression analysis was complemented with a detailed bioinformatic analysis focused on identifying the cis-regulatory elements present in these upstream promoter regions.

The soybean plant (Glycine max L.) is an important crop for valuable food source because of its high levels of protein and oil, thus contributing greatly to a sustainable system for producing food through biological nitrogen fixation. Recent research supports the theory that the soybean-associated microbiome located in the rhizosphere is a crucial regulatory mechanism governing plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and stress tolerance. Additionally, advances in metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics, and root exudate profiling via LC‒MS have shown that soybean roots alter the microbial communities found in their rhizosphere by utilizing dynamic chemical signaling and targeted microbial recruitment, thereby enhancing the ecological interpretation of the processes that drive microbiome assembly. Microbial consortia (AMF & PGPR) assess cycling through nutrients, phytohormones, suppressing diseases, as well as having a legacy effects on the productivity of agroecosystems. Factors such as plant genotype, physical and chemical soil properties, and environmental conditions greatly affect the assembly and functioning of the soybean microbiome, thus this is difficult to transfer this information to field applications. Unlike previous reviews focused primarily on biological nitrogen fixation, this review integrates recent advances in multi-omics technologies, species-level microbiome characterization, root exudate chemistry, microbiome-assisted breeding, and translational microbiome engineering approaches to provide a systems-level perspective of soybean-microbiome interactions. while also identifying significant knowledge gaps and future areas of research within this aspect of agriculture.

Salt stress severely limits wheat growth by disturbing photosynthesis, osmotic balance, and cellular redox homeostasis. This study evaluated whether agmatine and N-hydroxy pipecolic acid, applied alone or in combination, could improve wheat tolerance under 200 mM NaCl stress. Wheat plants were grown under greenhouse conditions and treated with agmatine at 100 µM, N-hydroxypipecolic acid at 0.01 µM, or their combined application. Salt stress reduced growth, leaf area, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, gas exchange, Rubisco activity, and biomass accumulation while increasing hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage. Both compounds improved wheat performance under salinity, but their combined application produced the strongest response across the measured growth, photosynthetic, osmotic, and antioxidant traits. The combined treatment improved root and shoot growth, maintained higher chlorophyll content and Rubisco activity, supported gas exchange, and increased soluble sugar accumulation. It also reduced oxidative injury by strengthening catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities. In addition, the combined treatment increased proline accumulation and activated key enzymes involved in proline metabolism, indicating improved osmotic adjustment under salt stress. These findings suggest that agmatine and N-hydroxy pipecolic acid act through complementary physiological and biochemical pathways to improve wheat salt tolerance. The combined treatment may offer a useful foliar strategy for improving wheat performance under saline conditions, although field validation and dose optimization are needed before practical recommendation.

The accumulation of plant hormones in different tissues leads to transcriptional reprogramming that guides the downstream phenotypic response. Current models are largely derived from Arabidopsis, and increasing evidence indicates that monocots only partially conform to these canonical pathways, with additional variability even within the clade. In cereals, salicylate (SA), jasmonate (JA), and ethylene (ET) signaling play important roles in both inflorescence development and pathogen defense. This communication focuses on the transcriptional responses of wheat inflorescence tissue in three genotypes 8 h following exogenous applications of salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and the ethylene-releasing compound, ethephon (ETp). Nearly 8000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in response to MeJA, approximately half of which were conserved across all three genotypes. In contrast, SA and ETp elicited limited responses, each inducing fewer than 100 DEGs with little to no overlap among genotypes. The comparatively feeble response to SA and ETp suggests a delayed response compared to MeJA. Other studies have assessed differential transcriptomes at 24 h or later. Notably, other studies in cereals, including wheat, have also reported less pronounced transcriptional changes to salicylate and ethylene signaling. These findings demonstrate both conservation and genotype-specific variation in the transcriptional response to plant hormones.

Chloroplast division is a complex process influenced by various proteins, among which bacteria-derived MinE plays a vital role in correctly placing the FtsZ-based division apparatus and initiating the division. This study aimed to elucidate the intrachloroplastic localization of MinE in the living mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis thaliana using the MinE-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion. Fluorescence microscopy of the complemented A. thaliana minE mutant, expressing MinE-YFP under the native MinE promoter, showed normal chloroplast division and revealed a mid-chloroplast MinE ring composed of array-of-dots and filaments, as well as other distinct localization patterns of MinE during chloroplast division. The MinE ring relatively maintained its configuration during chloroplast constriction, as does the FtsZ ring, suggesting a dynamic protein dissociation correlating with division progression. We also observed a unique "twin dot" structure and one-sided distribution of MinE in chloroplasts with slight over-accumulation of MinE-YFP in transgenic tissues. These observations deviate from the well-accepted model of the MinE behavior during Escherichia coli cytokinesis, suggesting fundamental differences in the division mechanisms between chloroplasts and bacteria. The present findings deepen our understanding of the protein organization at the chloroplast division site and highlight the distinctive nature of the MinE protein's behavior in plants.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of agricultural soils disrupts plant signaling networks, impairing nutrient communication, photosynthetic efficiency, and stress responses. Microbial inoculants offer eco-biotechnological solutions by modulating signal perception and transduction under heavy metal stress. This field study investigated the role of Acinetobacter schindleri strain SR-5-1 in influencing pea (Pisum sativum L.) signaling pathways under Cd toxicity. Plants exposed to environmentally relevant Cd concentrations (250 and 500 µM) exhibited disrupted chlorophyll biosynthesis, elevated oxidative stress markers, and impaired nutrient signaling. Inoculation with SR-5-1 restored chlorophyll levels, enhanced ROS-scavenging enzyme activities, and reduced lipid peroxidation, indicating microbial effects on oxidative signaling cascades. Importantly, the inoculated plants accumulated less Cd in the roots and leaves, reflecting microbial mediation of ion transporter activity and rhizosphere detoxification. SR-5-1 also improved nitrogen, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium acquisition, highlighting its role in nutrient uptake and homeostasis. These findings demonstrate that SR-5-1 functions as a bio-communicator, alleviating xenobiotic stress by modulating ROS and nutrient signaling pathways. The study underscores the ecological relevance of microbial inoculants in supporting integrative plant communication and resilience, positioning SR-5-1 as a promising bioresource for signaling-driven sustainable agriculture in Cd-affected soils.

Paphiopedilum malipoense, a critically endangered orchid, depends entirely on mycorrhizal fungi for germination, complicating its conservation. This study isolated 12 fungal strains from wild roots, all identified as Tulasnella, confirming strict host specificity. Cross-species germination assays revealed functional divergence: strains MLP116, MLP027, and MLP232 supported full protocorm-to-seedling development with germination rates of 54.27%, 54.88%, and 62.01%, respectively, while others induced developmental arrest. Seedling symbiosis showed stage-specific effects: MLP217, ineffective during germination, increased seedling biomass by 131%. MLP232 performed excellently in both stages, achieving the highest germination rate and 98% biomass increase, with elevated IAA and soluble protein. Physiological profiling demonstrated functional complementarity: MLP161 enhanced nutrient acquisition; MLP246 boosted chlorophyll and antioxidants; and MLP281 increased antioxidant activity but suppressed growth. These results indicate that part Tulasnella strains exhibit stage-specific efficiency and functional complementarity. We recommend using tailored fungal consortia in orchid conservation to synergistically support complete life cycle development, providing a practical framework for safeguarding endangered species like P. malipoense.

Colletotrichum species are a taxonomically complex group of hemibiotrophic fungi that cause anthracnose diseases, posing a major constraint to global crop productivity. Their broad host range, high genetic diversity, and ability to shift between biotrophic and necrotrophic phases complicate effective disease management. Although synthetic fungicides are widely used, their prolonged application has raised concerns regarding pathogen resistance, environmental contamination, and food safety, driving the search for sustainable approaches. Unlike previous reviews that mainly discuss Colletotrichum biology or Trichoderma biocontrol mechanisms separately, this review integrates pathogen taxonomy and infection biology with mechanistic, applied, and future-oriented perspectives on Trichoderma-based anthracnose management. Evidence from laboratory, greenhouse, field, and postharvest studies indicates that Trichoderma has promising potential for suppressing Colletotrichum, particularly under controlled conditions, although its efficacy remains influenced by environmental factors, strain specificity, formulation stability, and application method. Integrating Trichoderma-based products into disease management systems offers a promising strategy to reduce chemical inputs and enhance crop resilience. Future research should focus on multi-omics approaches, strain optimization, formulation development, and field validation to ensure consistent performance across diverse agroecosystems.

Floral scent is a primary determinant of pollinator attraction and reproductive success in the Orchidaceae family. In the genus Phalaenopsis, floral volatiles are typically dominated by terpenoids; however, this study identifies a significant exception in the novel cultivar Phalaenopsis DSM2049. Utilizing thin film solid phase microextraction (TF SPME) coupled with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), Methoxy-Phenyl-Oxime (MPO) was identified as the predominant floral volatile. Mass spectrometry confirmed a molecular formula of C₈H₉NO₂, characterized by a molecular ion at m/z 151 [M]⁺, a base peak at m/z 133 [M-H₂O]⁺, and a phenyl ring at m/z 77. The compound was detected as two distinct E/Z geometric isomers with retention times of 12.35 and 12.32 minutes. MPO emission followed an extreme diurnal ON/OFF rhythm, with peak levels at 07:30-09:00 being 13.4-fold higher than those recorded at 01:30-03:00, while only trace amounts were detectable by mid-afternoon. These findings represent the first report of an oxime as the dominant scent component in Phalaenopsis, challenging the conventional view of terpenoid exclusivity in the genus and suggesting a highly regulated biosynthetic mechanism with specialized ecological implications for pollinator recruitment.