Understanding the genetic diversity and trait relationships in Anethum graveolens L. (dill) is essential for breeding high-yielding cultivars with enriched biochemical profiles suited to various growing conditions. This study characterized 25 Iranian dill accessions originating from distinct agro-climatic regions by evaluating their morphological, biochemical, and essential oil (EO) profile. A randomized complete block design field trial with three replications was conducted in Ardabil, Iran. Morphological traits, including biomass and yield-related parameters, were recorded at both flowering and physiological maturity stages. Biochemical analyses included quantification of chlorophyll pigments, total phenolic content, anthocyanins, proline, and EO profile determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Considerable genetic variability was observed among accessions for all measured traits. EO content reached a maximum of 1.43%, while plant fresh and dry weight also exhibited significant variation, indicating promising genetic sources for yield and biochemical improvement. High coefficients of variation were identified for carvone, limonene, α-pinene, and proline, suggesting their potential for targeted selection. Factor analysis extracted ten principal components that collectively accounted for 83.8% of the total variance, grouping traits related to yield capacity, reproductive traits, pigment composition, and EO constituents. The fourth factor, defined by high loadings of carvone, α-pinene, and limonene, was indicative of aromatic quality. Cluster analysis segregated the accessions into three primary groups, with Cluster-I comprising accessions demonstrating superior biomass production, seed yield, and EO content. These high-performing accessions (G8-Sarab, G19-Astara, G21-Dezful, G24-Rezvanshahr, and G25-Hamedan-2) originated from contrasting climates, suggesting considerable adaptability and breeding value. Traits were similarly clustered into four main groups reflecting agronomic, photosynthetic, yield, and EO profile, corroborating factor analysis results. The identified accessions represent valuable genetic resources for breeding programs focused on enhancing dill productivity, EO characteristics, and resilience, supporting its sustainable production across diverse agro-ecological systems.

This study presents a CNN-based deep learning framework to automate the accurate authentication of mericarp seeds from 15 commercially important medicinal Apiaceae species, which exhibit subtle morphological overlaps and face risks of toxic adulteration (e.g., hemlock contamination), threatening consumer safety and trade integrity. Six CNN models were evaluated, with DenseNet121 demonstrating superior performance in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and convergence stability, followed by MobileNetV2, InceptionV3, and VGG16. Confusion matrix analysis revealed that higher-resolution inputs significantly improved discrimination, particularly for similar seeds like Anethum graveolens L. and Apium graveolens L. Batch size minimally influenced outcomes. Analysis of accuracy-loss dynamics further indicated that EfficientNetB0 and ResNet50 underperformed, while DenseNet121, which excelled in performance, convergence stability, strong generalization, and minimal overfitting, highlighted the critical role of architectural design in feature learning and optimization of key performance metrics. Additionally, t-SNE visualization confirmed DenseNet121's superior feature learning, achieving distinct separation of all 15 species and resolving intricate visual ambiguities that confound traditional methods and limit clearer clustering in other architectures. These findings underscore the potential of CNNs as scalable tools for botanical authentication-particularly for detecting adulteration and species complexities using seed digital morphometric characters-to safeguard public health and reinforce supply-chain safety.

Essential oils (EO) are fragrant, hydrophobic natural products derived from aromatic and medicinal plants that can be highly sensitive to environmental conditions. Nanoencapsulation offers a promising solution to overcome environmental degradation by abiotic factors. In this work, ionic gelation was employed to synthesize formulations of EO extracted from Satureja montana, Thymus vulgaris, Anethum graveolens, and Coriandrum sativum encapsulated in chitosan/TPP (tripolyphosphate) nanoparticles. Despite their potential as biopesticides, ecotoxicological aspects have not been much explored. Herein, aquatic (Aliivibrio fisheri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna) and terrestrial (Folsomia candida and soil microbial activity) non-target organisms were used to assess the environmental impact of the EO encapsulated in chitosan/TPP nanoparticles. The chitosan nanoparticles had a positive charge, high homogeneity (PDI < 0.2), an average size of about 200 nm, and showed encapsulation efficiencies between 82% and 98%. Regarding hazard assessment, EO in their free form can cause toxic effects, even though they are prone to degradation by environmental factors. Encapsulation into chitosan/TPP nanoparticles resulted in a significant reduction of the essential oils' toxic profile. Overall, the observed toxicity comes mainly from the EO activity toward the aquatic test species. By reducing the ecotoxicity of EO toward non-target species (except for collembolans), the nanoformulations proved a promising solution to be explored as biopesticides, aiming to replace the use of synthetic pesticides. Only the nanoencapsulated C. sativum EO caused an inhibitory effect on nitrogen mineralization and arylsulfatase activity. Moreover, enhancing our understanding of the ecotoxicological impact of nanobiopesticides is essential before recommending their use in crop protection.

Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising natural antimicrobials for food safety applications. However, their direct use on food-contact surfaces-such as wood and plastic, commonly employed in artisanal cheese production-has been scarcely explored. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of dill (Anethum graveolens) and nettle (Urtica dioica) essential oils against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, both in culture media and on inert surfaces. EOs were extracted via steam distillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. In addition, bacterial reduction was quantified following EO application to contaminated wooden and plastic surfaces for 40 min. Dill EO exhibited a high anethole content (63.66%), while nettle EO was dominated by limonene (38.73%). Dill EO produced larger inhibition zones against E. coli (13.7 ± 1.5 mm) and L. monocytogenes (12.3 ± 1.5 mm) compared to nettle EO (6.3 ± 0.6 mm and 8.0 ± 1.7 mm, respectively). On plastic, both EOs achieved complete inhibition of E. coli (100%) and greater than 92% reduction in L. monocytogenes. On wood, dill EO maintained high efficacy (up to 87.9%), whereas nettle EO showed limited reduction (29.3%) against L. monocytogenes. These results demonstrate that EO efficacy is influenced by both surface type and target microorganism, supporting the potential of dill EO as a natural antimicrobial agent for surface sanitation in artisanal cheese production.

Although herbs can contain several secondary metabolites potentially harmful to insects, dried herbs, like all stored foods, can be damaged by various insect pests. These pests have the potential to diminish both the quantity and the quality of food, and the consequences of infestation often only become noticeable once the pest has already become established. This study investigates the ability of two Lepidoptera pests, one polyphagous, Plodia interpunctella, and one selective, Idaea inquinata, to complete the postembryonic development on eleven dried herbs commonly used in cooking: dill (Anethum graveolens L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), savory (Satureja hortensis L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The results show that tarragon, sage, savory, oregano and thyme did not allow growth of either species, suggesting the presence of chemical compounds that limit larval growth or survival. In addition, the time required for both species to complete development was longer than that obtained on a standard diet, suggesting that the nutritional requirements and water content of the herbs are not as optimal as those of the standard diet. To conclude, I. inquinata could develop on basil, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, and parsley, while P. interpunctella could develop only on chervil, chives, coriander, and dill.

Carvone-rich essential oils (EOs), and carvone specifically, exhibit a broad spectrum of protective effects against major agricultural threats. They display strong antifungal and moderate antibacterial effects, effectively inhibiting numerous phytopathogenic fungi. EOs exhibit significant insecticidal, acaricidal, and repellent activity against various insects and mites, and some EOs are highly effective against agricultural nematodes, suppressing mobility and egg hatching. Crucially, the EOs demonstrate a strong capacity to suppress the germination and initial growth of different weed species, highlighting their viability as natural herbicides. This review analyzes the chemical composition, biological effects, and potential agricultural applications of carvone and carvone-rich essential oils, primarily sourced from Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae), Carum carvi (Apiaceae), and Anethum graveolens (Apiaceae). The biological activity of these EOs is significantly influenced by their specific composition, which varies among plant species and chemotypes. While EOs' inherent volatility limits direct field application, this challenge is being successfully addressed by innovative formulation technologies, such as nanoemulsification and encapsulation, which enhance stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. In conclusion, carvone-rich EOs offer effective, environmentally low-risk agents for the integrated management of pathogens, pests, and weeds in sustainable agriculture. They help reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimize the potential for resistance development.

Enhancing selenium (Se) content of aromatic plants addresses micronutrient deficiencies affecting billions. Plants are the primary dietary Se source, so biofortification can enhance Se intake. This study examined the effects of Se biofortification with sodium selenate (5 μM Na2SeO4) and moderate salinity stress (10 mM sodium chloride NaCl) on dill (Anethum graveolens L.) grown in a Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT-PFAL) or Floating System (FS-PFAL), and in a Greenhouse with FS (FS-GH). Se biofortification and moderate salinity stress did not affect dill yield in any hydroponic system. Plants under combined Se biofortification and salinity stress (Se + NaCl) showed increased Se concentration in leaves of 31.78 mg kg-1, 33.12 mg kg-1, and 23.32 mg kg-1 in NFT-PFAL, FS-PFAL, and FS-GH, respectively, compared to Se alone. Total phenolics content in leaves increased under Se biofortification with salinity stress across all systems, showing 159.57%, 223.13%, and 82.64% increases over control in NFT-PFAL, FS-PFAL, and FS-GH. Oxidative stress enzymes increased in response to Se, NaCl, and combined treatments across systems. FS-GH showed highest ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase activities, while PFAL systems showed lower but comparable activities. This study demonstrates that combining Se biofortification with moderate salinity stress in hydroponic systems can enhance plant functionality and human nutrition.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a major global crop valued for its nutritional and commercial importance but is highly susceptible to postharvest fungal infections, particularly gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. This disease compromises fruit quality, reduces shelf life, and generates significant economic losses. This study evaluated natural coatings based on a carnauba wax-Aloe vera emulsion supplemented with cassia and/or Mexican lime essential oils (EOs) for their effects on gray mold development and tomato postharvest quality. Thiabendazole (TBZ) and the commercial coating Aloecoat® were used as controls. In vitro analyses showed that EOs inhibited 100 % the growth of B. cinerea, demonstrating a synergistic effect when combined, which reduced by eightfold the concentration needed to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination. Confocal fluorescence microscopy showed that the antifungal effect of the treatments is associated with the cell membrane. In vivo assays revealed that EO emulsions significantly outperformed TBZ and Aloecoat®, reducing gray mold incidence to 8.3 % compared with 33.3 % and 100 %, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). They also decreased disease severity (1.16 % to 7.5 %). EOs reduced weight loss (5.88 %-6.82 %) relative to TBZ (6.36 %) and Aloecoat® (10.91 %), maintained higher firmness (21.91-24.36 N) compared to TBZ (10.51 N) and Aloecoat® (9.36 N), and exhibited higher total soluble solids (4.06-4.16°Brix) and brightness (up to 40.78), clearly outperforming the control treatments (P ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight essential oil-based emulsions as effective natural alternatives to synthetic and commercial coatings, offering improved quality preservation, extended shelf life, and gray mold control, with reduced environmental impact.

Due to the limitations in antiviral treatments for viral infections, the search for natural compounds with biocompatible and antiviral activities has gained importance. In this study, we investigated the antiviral efficacy of a unique formulation (DEO/TA-mix, Uluvir®) at the stages of viral replication, adsorption, penetration, repeated doses, and direct inactivation of the selected model virus, Bovine coronavirus (BCoV). In the presence of DEO (from Anethum graveolens L.)/ TA (Quercus infectoria extract) mix, 99.94% inhibition was observed in the mean viral titer values of BCoV at the 48th h of replication, while the inhibition activity stopped at the 96th h. With the addition of DEO/TA-mix every 48 h after virus inoculation, viral replication was inhibited by 98.79% at the 120th h. Treatment of BCoV with DEO/TA-mix showed 99.58% inhibition at the adsorption stage and 43.77% inhibition at the penetration stage in the viral titer. In the direct inactivation efficacy of DEO/TA-mix on BCoV, the mean viral titers decreased by 0.5 to 3.0 log in a time-dependent manner. The antiviral activity of DEO/TA-mix is predicted to be more effective in the early stages of BCoV replication. In addition, an additional dose of DEO/TA-mix every 48 h during the viral replication phase increases and prolongs the inhibition rates on viral titers. This study has demonstrated that DEO/TA-mix shares high antiviral activity and may be evaluated as a potential drug for virus infections.

The effects of thermosonication - a non-thermal method considered an alternative to conventional thermal treatments - on the functional components in dill (Anethum graveolens) juice were comprehensively investigated in this study, as well as the post-digestion bioaccessibility levels of these components. In this study, samples from three different treatment groups- thermosonicated (TS-DJ), control (CDJ), and thermally pasteurized (P-DJ) were compared in terms of key parameters such as total chlorophyll content, total phenolic content (TPC), iron reducing capacity (FRAP), and β-carotene. Additionally, a controlled in vitro digestion system was used to analyze the stability and recovery rates of bioactive substances and volatile aroma compounds at different stages of the digestion process (gastric, oral, and intestinal phases). The findings revealed that thermosonication was highly effective in preserving the bioactive components both at the initial level and during the 21-day storage period and significantly increased their post-digestion bioaccessibility levels. Optimization of application parameters was achieved using a combination of Equilibrium Optimization algorithms and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and the resulting prediction models were validated with high statistical confidence. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations among β-carotene, characteristic volatile compounds, and total phenolic compounds. This suggests that the increase in these bioactive compounds may be directly related to the improvement in the aroma profile of dill juice. The data obtained indicate that thermosonication may offer an effective alternative to conventional thermal treatments in enhancing the functional quality of dill juice and its post-digestive bioaccessibility. However, further studies are needed to assess its potential for consumer acceptance and industrial integration. In this context, the study reveals important findings that will help develop new technologies for processing plant-based beverages.

This study assessed the preservative effects of Anethum graveolens essential oil emulsion (DSEO emulsion) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage. Freshly peeled shrimps were divided into five groups: control, butylhydroxytoluene (BHT)-treated (100 ppm), and three DSEO emulsion treatments (100, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Samples were examined over 12 days. DSEO-3 significantly reduced pH (6.62 ± 0.04), drip loss (0.82 ± 0.07%), and microbial counts (aerobic plate count: 4.11 ± 0.13 log CFU/g; coliforms: <2 log CFU/g) compared to control (pH: 7.21 ± 0.05; APC: 7.64 ± 0.16 log CFU/g). DSEO-1 and DSEO-3 also reduced cooking loss and improved sensory scores (overall acceptability: 7.4 ± 0.2 vs. control 4.6 ± 0.3 on day 9; p < 0.05). DSEO-treated groups showed enhanced lightness (L*) and whiteness index values. These findings suggest DSEO emulsion, especially at 2000 ppm, is effective as a natural preservative for extending shrimp shelf life and maintaining quality.

Periodontitis is an infection of the periodontium caused by a group of specific microorganisms, resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.Initial treatment for periodontitis is mechanical scaling and root planing, but this does not cause sufficient reduction of the bacterial load due to lack of accessibility to microorganisms. The incorporation of an adjunctive chemotherapeutic agent enhances the outcome at sites which are not responsive to conventional therapy. Chlorhexidine is regarded as the gold standard for local drug delivery systems; however, it has been associated with undesirable side effects, including tooth staining, xerostomia, and calculus formation. This has given rise to an increased demand for herbal medicine, as it is associated with fewer side effects and is cost-effective. Anethum graveolens, which contains natural phytochemicals, is a well-known herbal remedy with therapeutic properties. The present in-vitro microbiological study was therefore undertaken to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of Anethum graveolens gel with Chlorhexidine gel for Aa,Pg and Fn.The MIC and MBC of the ethanolic extract of Anethum graveolens against standard ATCC bacterial strains of A.a, P.g and F.n were determined using the broth dilution method and streaking on blood agar plates. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared Anethum graveolens gel was evaluated and compared with Chlorhexidine gel using the agar well diffusion assay. The zone of inhibition for Chlorhexidine gel was found to be 15.6 mm, 17 mm and 15.3 mm for A.a, P.g and F.n, respectively, whereas for A. graveolens gel, it was 12.6 mm, 13 mm and 12 mm for 24. A.a, P.g and F.n, respectively. The results obtained suggested that Chlorhexidine gel exhibited a marginally superior antimicrobial activity in comparison to the Anethum graveolens gel against Aa, Pg and Fn.