Salt stress has an adverse impact on the growth and development of plants. The harmful effects of salt stress differ depending on factors such as duration, severity, timing, the type of plant tissues involved, and the growth stage of the plant. Cluster bean is recognized as one of the most significant industrial crops worldwide, owing to its extensive application in various food and non-food products. The cluster bean crop is somewhat tolerant of salinity stress. But by improving the soil environment by application of organic amendment, improved growth and yield of better cluster bean crops can be achieved. The present greenhouse experiment was carried out to assess the effects of organic amendments (control, biochar, compost, and pressmud) on the yield of four cluster bean genotypes (BR-2017, S-5885, S-6165, and S-6547) in a saline environment with an electrical conductivity of 8 dSm-1.The salinity of 8 dSm-1 was developed with NaCl salt in the pot. The experiment was replicated thrice within a Completed Randomized Design (CRD). The application of organic amendments helped to ameliorate the salinity effect. The plant showed better growth where organic amendments over control were no organic amendment was applied. The control exhibited higher sodium levels in both the leaf and root, while lower potassium levels were also observed in the control. Consequently, the sodium-potassium ratio was elevated in control compared to the plots treated with organic amendments. In BR-2017, the application of biochar, compost, and pressmud resulted in sodium contents in the leaf that were 24.3%, 42.1%, and 9.3% lower, respectively, when compared to the control. Among the cultivars, S-6165 displayed higher sodium levels in the root than the other cultivars (BR-2017, S-5885, and S-6547) across all treatments (Control, biochar, compost, and pressmud). Organic amendments can be a helpful option to improve the soil environment for better growth of cluster beans in saline conditions. However, long-term field studies are recommended to revalidate the findings.

In this study, the ameliorative roles of leonardite-derived liquid humic acid (HA) on growth parameters and essential oil yield and constituents of Artemisia dracunculus L. under salinity stress were examined. Salt stress, which is caused by the accumulation of salts in the rhizosphere after the evaporation of water in the soil due to reasons such as high temperature, is one of the most important abiotic stress factors that negatively affect plants in all aspects. Humic acids are natural substances that can alleviate the effects of abiotic stress factors on plants by making the soil suitable for plant survival in all aspects.

Salt stress caused a significant decrease in measured growth parameters (plant height, fresh weight of leaves and stems, dry weight of leaves and stems, number of leaves and leaf area). HA had a positive effect on growth parameters at 75 mM NaCl concentration, except for leaf number, but its effect was limited at 150 mM NaCl concentration.

Salt stress caused a significant decrease in measured growth parameters (plant height, fresh weight of leaves and stems, dry weight of leaves and stems, number of leaves and leaf area). HA had a positive effect on growth parameters at 75 mM NaCl concentration, except for leaf number, but its effect was limited at 150 mM NaCl concentration.

Essential oil yields (%) increased at 75 and 150 mM NaCl concentrations compared to humic acid treated groups. A total of 24 essential oil components were detected in the essential oil at ratios of 0.5% and above. The predominant components are elemycin, isoelemycin, methyl eugenol, phytol and sabinene. The relative percentages of the components differed between all experimental groups.

Arsenic (As), a naturally occurring contaminant poses a significant threat to plant growth and agriculture worldwide. It can disturb the nutrients uptake, decrease the chlorophyll contents, and induce oxidative stress in plants. To overcome this issue, use of biochar-coated phosphorus (BCP) and rhizobacteria (RB) can be effective amendments. Biochar, a carbon-rich material, can be coated with phosphorus to improve P availability for minimization of As uptake. It can also proliferate RB which secretes growth hormones and improve root hairs that facilitates water and nutrients uptake. Therefore, current study investigates the effects of RB+BCP as amendments for mitigation of As toxicity and improvement of spinach plant growth. Four treatments (control, BCP, RB, and RB+BCP) were applied using a completely randomized design in four replications. Results showed that treatment RB+BCP under As toxicity significantly enhanced spinach plant height (22.79%), plant fresh weight (30.40%), and plant dry weight (36.76%) compared to the control. A significant improvement in chlorophyll a (24.36%), chlorophyll b (65.08%), and total chlorophyll (31.99%) content over control under As toxicity, validated the effectiveness of RB+BCP. In conclusion, RB+BCP has potential to improve chlorophyll b by enhancement in P uptake and modulation of antioxidants which in turn can improve spinach growth under As toxicity. Further field-level investigations are recommended to establish RB + BCP as best amendment in terms of cost-benefit ratio, considering its effectiveness in toxicity alleviation and soil fertility enhancement across various crops and under diverse climatic conditions

Excessive copper (Cu) levels in plants cause toxicity, stunted growth, root damage, and deficiencies in essential minerals. It also generates oxidative stress, disrupts microbial activity, and alters soil structure, making it harder for roots to grow and absorb nutrients. However, using salicylic acid (SA), chitosan (Chi), and nanoparticles (NP) can be effective, environment-friendly amendments to mitigate copper stress in plants. Nanoparticles significantly enhance plant growth by improving nutrient availability, boosting photosynthesis, and increasing stress tolerance. Salicylic acid acts as a plant hormone, improving seed germination, root development, and photosynthesis. Chitosan improves seed germination, root growth, and shoot expansion by enhancing cell multiplication and nutrient uptake. That’s why the current study aims to explore the potential of salicylic acid, chitosan, and nanoparticles as an amendment on three safflower varieties (Saff-64, Saff-50, and Saff-62) cultivated under Cu stress. Treatments include control, 400Cu, 0.01SA, Chi, 400Cu+0.01SA, 400Cu+Chi, 0.01NP, 0.1NP, 400Cu+0.01NP, and 400Cu+0.01NP in three replicates following a completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed that 0.01NP caused the highest increase in shoot length (~14%), shoot fresh weight (~51%), shoot dry weight (~55%), root fresh weight (~45%), and root dry weight (~10%) of variety Saff-62 compared to the control over the other varieties. The increase in chlorophyll a (~1%), chlorophyll b (~18%), and total chlorophyll (~2%) of variety Saff-62 above the other varieties under Cu stress also validated the effect of 0.0NP. It is concluded that variety Saff-62 is a resistant variety in contrast to the other varieties, and 0.01NP is an effective amendment for alleviating Cu stress in safflowers. Under Cu stress, farmers are suggested to maximize their crop growth by using the Saff-62 variety and applying 0.01NP as an amendment.

Sustainable agricultural production strategies are essential for achieving food security in water limited regions. Among these, the use of biochar as a soil amendment conditioner is one of the strategies being practiced to conserve water and improve soil properties. Assessing the effect of biochar on cucumber yield using deficit irrigation is important to develop management strategies for the greenhouse production to conserve water and increase yield. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effects of biochar addition on the growth and quality of cucumbers under water stress conditions. Cucumber plants were grown under three irrigation regimes: 100% (no-water stress), 80% (moderate-water stress), and 60% (high-water stress) of the field capacity (FC). Two different feedstocks of date palm biomass were used to produce biochar, i.e., empty bunch (EB) and pit (PT), whereas sandy loam alone was used as a control. Findings of the experiment revealed that cucumber plants grown in EB and PT biochar-amended potting media and received water at 100% FC enhanced the crop growth, physiology, yield, and quality attributes. The study also found that cucumber plants grown in EB and PT biochar-amended media at 80% and 60% FC showed superior growth and development traits compared to the control at 100% FC. Cucumber plants grown in control at 80% and 60% FC showed significantly negative results. EB biochar at 100% FC produced superior results; however, at 80% and 60% FC, water conservation is possible at a slight compromise to cucumber growth, yield, and quality attributes.

Nanoparticles have showcased prime importance in reducing the negative effects of drought stress in plants. The study aimed at biogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Aspergillus flavus and to test ZnO-NPs against drought tolerance in two mung bean varieties (AZRI-2021, NM-54). After isolation and characterization of fungus, cell free filtrate and zinc acetate was used to synthesize ZnO-NPs followed by their characterization. After one week of seed germination, water stress was maintained at 60% of field capacity for fourteen days in a pot experiment. Foliar application of ZnO-NPs at varying levels (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/L) was performed on the test plants. Data regarding growth, enzymatic activities, photosynthetic pigments, and biochemical components were recorded after two weeks of ZnO-NPs application. Drought stress significantly abridged growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments of all subjects. A substantial increase in shoot fresh weight (64.36%) and chlorophyll content (73.55%) of var. AZRI-2021 was observed at 10 mg/L ZnO-NPs treatment. A maximum increase in root fresh weight (51.5%), root dry weight (65.35%), and shoot length (39.92%) of var. NM-54 was recorded under the same level of application. Both vars. under study exhibited a significant difference regarding total free amino acids (TFAA), total soluble protein (TSP), total soluble sugars (TSS), and proline contents under drought stress. The plants treated with 5 mg/L ZnO-NPs demonstrated a maximum increase in TFAA (37.42 and 30.72%), while 10 mg/L treatment exhibited a maximum rise in TSP (46.26 and 46.39%), proline (47.48 and 33.04%), and TSS (40.10 and 40.20%) contents in var. AZRI-2021 and var. NM-54, respectively, under drought. The treatment of ZnO-NPs at 10 mg/L was found to be most effective in both mung bean vars. and restored the negative impacts of drought stress. In future, molecular research will reveal more about the induction of drought stress tolerance by biogenically synthesized ZnONPs

Plant trichome is the first protective barrier of plants, which is regulated by various genes and plant hormones. Ethylene is closely related to plant growth and development, but the specific mechanism of its regulation on plant trichomes is still unclear. In this study, Arabidopsis ethylene-signaling defective mutants (ein2-1, etr1-3) and wild type (WT) were used to investigate the initiation of plant trichomes via the ethylene signaling pathway. It was found that the trichome number of ein2-1 and etr1-3 was significantly less than that of WT on the sepal, stem and rosette leaf of main stem inflorescence. Ethylene synthesis precursor (ACC) solution treatment could promote trichome formation on the main stem inflorescence, main stem and rosette leaves in Arabidopsis. Through expression analysis of ACC-treated WT, it was found that ethylene induces the expression of key trichome genes in Arabidopsis. At the same time, the expression of key trichome-key genes of the ein2-1 and etr1-3 was significantly different from that of the WT. In summary, this study demonstrated that ethylene regulates the trichome initiation by regulating the expression of key trichome genes in Arabidopsis. This study offers a significant theory for enhancing the network of plant hormones that regulate trichome initiation.

Vitis jacquemontii is a wild grape, and indigenous people use it as a substitute for cultivated grapes. Human activities pose a significant threat to the plant's biodiversity. Plants are disappearing due to these activities. Plant tissue culture is recommended for protecting plants through In vitro conservation methods. This study aimed to develop an effective method for inducing callus and shoots and also to analyze the chemical constituents in the fruit and leaf extracts. The maximum callus induction response (57%) was achieved from nodal explant weighing (3.12 grams) on an MS medium containing naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 1.5 mg/L). The MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) produced a maximum shoot proliferation of 8.34 per explant.  The highest rooting percentage (51.23%) and largest number of roots (5.62) of shoots were obtained on MS medium augmented with 1.0 mg/l NAA. HPLC analysis confirmed eight compounds in the Vitis jacquemontii fruit methanol extract (VJFME) and six in the leaf methanol extract (VJLME). Rutine was abundant in the VJLME extract, and quercetin was in the VJFME extract. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed higher total tannin (TTC), phenol (TPC), and flavonoids in the VJFME extract than in the VJLME extract. In conclusion, a regenerative system was established to produce materials from V. jacquemontii for bioactive compounds

This study was conducted to explore the possible rooting efficacy of the mature zygotic embryo of Pinus roxburghii. Megagametophytes with zygotic embryos were aseptically removed from surface-sterilized mature cones. After aseptic extraction, mature zygotic embryos (MZE) and megagametophytes (Mgt) were individually cultured on modified LP 505 media supplemented with 0.45 mg/L BAP, 2 mg/L NAA, and 0.43 mg/L Kinetin for initiation and extrusion of cultures in the dark for 20 days. The cultures were then changed to a 16-h photoperiod for an additional 20 days. In light (40-day-old cultures), embryos extruded 75% and Mgt 19.04%. The shoot length was 2 cm after 30 days of cultivation, while Mgt produced 3 cm shoots. Developing shoots (40 days old) were moved to DCR or LP semi-solid media enriched with 2, 4, 6, or 8 mg/L of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) + α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in a 16 h photoperiod. Rooting was unsuccessful in these media; however, shoots developed up to 4 cm in length on LP + 6 mg/L IBA + NAA after 20 days (using 2-month-old cultures). Both MS and DCR cultures exhibited 50% rooting with 2 cm long roots in half DCR, LP, or whole MS media. After a month, rooted shoots were transferred to 8 × 15 cm plastic pots filled with a 3:1 peat moss and sand potting media. Pots were wrapped in plastic bags to constrain moisture and kept under the culture room conditions. For one month, irrigation with ¼ DCR was done every 10 days. Plants from MS lasted 35 days, whereas DCR plants stayed green in the potting mix for 15 days and successfully grew under field conditions.

 

Early Flowering (ELF) genes are crucial in plant photoperiod pathways and are negative regulation genes of plant flowering. At present, the identification of ELFs in Nicotiana tabacum (NtELFs) has not been systematically carried out. Using the Arabidopsis ELF family genes as a reference, 28 NtELF family members were identified, which were divided into four subfamilies. The ELF4 subfamily exhibited the highest membership counts of 13 members and owned a unique motif 1; with the exception of NtELF4-9. All members of the ELF4 subfamily had only one CDS. The results of chromosome localization of the ELF family members showed that there were three sets of tandem repeat events in the NtELFs. Promoters of NtELFs contained four cis-acting element types, and the light response elements were significant abundance. The NtELF family proteins within the same subfamily exposed comparable 3D structures and demonstrated analogous gene expression patterns. GO enrichment analysis of NtELFs showed that terms related to stimulus, photoperiodism, and reproduction were significantly enriched. This study systematically identifies NtELF family members for the first time, thereby paves the way for further investigations into their biological functions and provides a valuable background information for gene editing breeding

To elucidate the genetic basis of drought tolerance at the seedling stage in sorghum, we used the drought‑tolerant restorer line LNR‑6 and the drought‑sensitive restorer line LR‑2381 as parents to construct an F₂ segregating population. Drought stress was carefully applied at the six‑leaf seedling stage, and two extreme phenotype bulks (highly tolerant and highly sensitive) were established based on phenotypic evaluation. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) combined with high‑throughput sequencing was then employed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seedling drought tolerance. The results showed that two significantly associated genomic regions were detected on chromosomes 9 and 10, designated qKH9 (29.677 kb) and qKH10 (400.118 kb), respectively. The qKH9 region contained 231 variant sites involving 17 transcripts, whereas qKH10 harbored 4,039 variant sites involving 144 transcripts. Functional annotation indicated that qKH9 includes candidate genes related to zinc finger proteins and protease‑mediated protein degradation, while qKH10 contains putative drought‑responsive genes involved in peroxidase activity and kinase‑mediated signal transduction. These QTL provide key genomic intervals for dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying seedling drought tolerance in sorghum and lay an important foundation for fine mapping, marker development and molecular breeding for drought tolerance

As the substrate for seedling growth, its physicochemical properties and nutrient composition directly affect the growth and development of plants after transplantation. However, there are few studies on the suitable substrate ratio for ginger tissue-cultured seedlings. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effect of different substrate ratios on the survival rate and growth of transplanted tissue-cultured seedlings of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). The garden soil, peat soil, perlite and vermiculite were used as substrates in the experiment. A total of nine groups of substrate ratio (J1-J9) were designed by using L9(34) orthogonal experimental design. The seedlings were comprehensively evaluated using physicochemical properties, nutrients content, growth status, defensive enzyme activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, combined with the method of subordinate function for multi-dimensional evaluation. Results showed that a substrate consisting of garden soil, peat soil, perlite and vermiculite at a ratio of 2:2:3:1 was in the desirable range of bulk weight (0.441 g/cm³) and total porosity (71.47%). Its water-holding capacity (130.14%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other ratios and its nutrient balance (384.02 mg/kg of available phosphorus and 63.00% of organic matter) significantly contributed to the growth rate of plant height (367.78%), leaf length (12.27 cm) and SOD activity (168.20 U/g). Furthermore, the highest transplanting survival rate and affiliation function value were observed in this substrate ratio. The study revealed that the best survival rate and growth of ginger tissue-cultured seedlings were achieved under the ratio of garden soil: peat soil: perlite: vermiculite=2:2:3:1, and this result can provide technical support for the establishment of ginger tissue-cultured seedlings multiplication technology system and the application of low-cost production

Bupleurum chinense DC. is an important medicinal plant widely cultivated in the Qinba Mountains of China. In this study, nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers specific to the genus Bupleurum were employed to genotype, 232 individuals from 19 B. chinense populations across the region, in order to assess genetic diversity and population structure. A low to moderate level of genetic diversity (nHE = 0.235, cpH = 0.195) and high genetic differentiation (nFST = 0.22, cpFST = 0.53) were revealed. Principal coordinate analysis, UPGMA phenogram, and STRUCTURE analysis, which were based on the nSSR dataset, divided the 19 populations into three clusters, with no clear genetic structure observed. Genetic differentiation in the cpSSR dataset revealed weak geographical patterns. This was consistent with a non-significant isolation-by-distance pattern, suggesting frequent gene flow among populations. Seed exchange and historical genetic mixing between cultivated and wild populations likely influence the genetic patterns of B. chinense in the Qinba Mountains. Our findings provide crucial baseline data for conserving wild genetic resources and managing breeding programs for B. chinense.

Thirty-two vegetation stands, comprising nine forested (gymnosperm-dominated) and twenty-three non-forested (angiosperm-dominated shrublands), were quantitatively analyzed in Central Karakoram National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, using the Point-Centered Quarter method for trees and circular plots and quadrats for understorey, shrub, and herbaceous vegetation. Vegetation composition, community structure, and their relationships with environmental gradients (elevation, slope, and edaphic factors) were examined using multivariate techniques, including Ward’s hierarchical cluster analysis and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Ward’s cluster analysis classified the vegetation into four major groups and one isolated stand. Group I represented conifer-dominated forests, primarily composed of Picea smithiana with Pinus wallichiana and Juniperus excelsa. Group II consisted mainly of angiosperm-dominated shrublands, while Group III comprised mixed communities of angiosperms and gymnosperms, with dominance of Hippophae rhamnoides. Group IV included angiosperm shrub vegetation with a distinct floristic composition. Stand 17 formed an isolated unit due to its unique species assemblage and higher elevation. Based on dominance and stability across environmental gradients, Picea smithiana, Rosa webbiana, and Hippophae rhamnoides were identified as climax communities of the region. Associated species included Ribes orientale, Berberis lyceum, and Tamarix arceuthoides/T. leptostachya, while Juniperus excelsa and Pinus wallichiana showed strong affinity with Picea smithiana forests.

Several rare species, including Juniperus communis, Ribes alpestre, Artemisia brevefolia, and Urtica dioica, were recorded, highlighting the conservation value of the park. Understorey vegetation was classified into six groups, with Rosa webbiana and Hippophae rhamnoides exhibiting the highest frequencies and widest ecological amplitudes.DCA ordination revealed strong correlations of Axis I with slope, soil conductivity, and total dissolved salts, indicating that topography and soil physico-chemical properties play a significant role in vegetation distribution. Weaker correlations observed for certain soil nutrients are attributed to habitat heterogeneity and anthropogenic pressures such as overgrazing, fuelwood extraction, and soil erosion, which disrupt natural species–environment relationships.

The study highlights pronounced vegetation differentiation along altitudinal and edaphic gradients and demonstrates the influence of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on forested and non-forested ecosystems. These findings provide valuable ecological insights into successional dynamics, conservation of climax and rare species, and habitat heterogeneity, offering a scientific basis for forest conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management in Central Karakoram National Park under changing environmental conditions.

This study was conducted in the desert of southern Basra for the year 2021-2022 by selecting ten stations, namely Juwaibdah, Al-Haritha, Jabal Sanam, Khidr Al-May, Um-Qasr, Northern Rumaila, Al-Zariji, Qarmat Ali, Southern Rumaila, and Jarishan. The vegetation cover for each station was studied, and frequency and density were calculated. The results of the study showed that the highest number of plant species recorded was at Southern Rumaila station, with 60 plant species, followed by 56 plant species at Khader Al-May station, while the lowest number of recorded species was 14, 15, 16 plant species in Northern Rumaila, Al-Haritha and Juwaibdah stations, respectively. The highest density of species was recorded at Jarishan station, and the lowest density was at Al-Zariji station. At the species level, Cynodon dactylon exhibited the highest plant coverage (70%) in all the stations. Whereas the highest frequency (80%) in all stations was shared by Medicago polymorpha and Plantago boissieri. In this study, remote sensing technology was also used to assess the distribution pattern of natural vegetation in the study sites, as it was found that the vegetation of Safwan district had bigger cover compared to the rest of the studied sites. Khader Al-May and Jarishan stations recorded the highest similarity percentage according to the Jaccard index, amounting to 60%, while Simpson index showed the highest similarity between Juwaibdeh and Jabal Sanam stations (86.67%) and according to Bray-Curtis index, the highest similarity was 75% between Khudari Al-May and Jrishan stations.

 

Endophytes include microorganisms that live in/between the tissues of plants but do not cause any visible signs of disease in their host. In this study, in silico analyses were performed on the whole genome data obtained using Illumina HiSeq sequencing technology for Staphylococcus sp. G15S1, isolated as an endophyte from Avena sativa L. cv. Albatros. The isolate was also examined İn vitro for its plant growth promoting (PGP) properties, biochemical characterization, resistance profile to some metals and antibiotics, and ability to synthesize hydrolytic enzymes. Detailed genomic analyses revealed that Staphylococcus sp. G15S1 genome consisted of a circular chromosome (2.21 Mbp; 31.4% G+C content). In the whole genome-based phylogenetic analysis, G15S1 was clustered together with Staphylococcus hominis NCTC 11320 with a digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 92.9%. Annotation showed that the G15S1 genome consisted of 2199 protein-coding genes, 60 tRNAs, and 9 rRNA operons. Although genomic analyzes predicted that G15S1 encoded genes for phosphate solubility, siderophore, and indole acetic acid (IAA) synthesis, which were useful in promoting plant growth, İn vitro tests were negative for phosphate solubility and IAA synthesis. Genes for production of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidases stress regulator that confer resistance to oxidative stress in plants were also identified in G15S1. Moreover, genes for choline and glycine betaine biosynthesis were also found in the genome related with osmotic stress.  The core genome data revealed 44 genes responsible for the defense properties of the G15S1 isolate, including virulence, disease, resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds. Furthermore, genomic mining for pathogenicity revealed 14 gene clusters encoding proteins such as regulatory protein BlaR1, QacA, beta-lactamase, LysR-type transcriptional regulator, transposase and staphylococcal accessory regulator A proteins. These findings strongly suggested that G15S1 matched with Staphylococcus hominis, might also be a human pathogen. This is the first report of the isolation of S. hominis from Avena sativa L. as an endophyte, supporting the hypothesis that the internal tissues of plants can be a reservoir for opportunistic human pathogenic bacteria

Citrus limon peel is a rich source of bioactive monoterpenes that exhibit potential antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the phytochemical composition and biofunctional mechanisms of the indigenous Singhar seedless variety C. limon peel essential oil (EO) by using integrated experimental and in silico approaches. The EO was extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed via GC–MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to elucidate molecular targets and pathways underlying the EO’s antibacterial mechanisms. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and H₂O₂ assays, while antibacterial and antibiofilm assays were performed against Staphylococcus aureus strains. GC–MS, revealed 21 compounds, including limonene (61.2%), p-menth-8-en-ol acetate (14.1%), α-terpinene (10.2%), and linalyl anthranilate (9.2%). Network pharmacology identified 71 overlapping targets, including STAT3, MAPK14, and MAPK1, which are enriched in MAPK, IL-17, and VEGF signaling pathways. Docking simulations revealed favorable binding energies (−4.6 to −6.5 kcal/mol), suggesting that EO compounds can disrupt microbial and inflammatory signaling cascades. During experimental validation, the EO demonstrated potent antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 12.4 µg/mL) and exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy with MIC values ranging from 1.3–21.3 µg/mL, particularly against S. aureus ST-2. Biofilm inhibition reached 77.4% at 2% (v/v), and time-kill kinetics confirmed sustained activity up to 18 h. It was concluded that Singhar C. limon peel EO exerts its bioactivity through multitarget mechanisms, including antibacterial, antibiofilm, and oxidative stress modulation, thus substantiating its potential application as a natural therapeutic agent for managing S. aureus pneumonia infections. Given its food-grade origin, this essential oil also shows strong potential as a natural preservative and antioxidant ingredient for improving food safety and shelf-life.

Technological advances laid the foundation for an emerging field in the form of nanotechnology, playing a role in every discipline of life, from material, chemistry to computational and life sciences. This emerging field transformed the agricultural sector by integrating nanobotany and nanoagronomy with artificial intelligence (AI). As AI can handle large datasets and can accomplish complicated tasks independently, it has the potential to transform future agricultural practices with better yield and sustainability. AI can incorporate nanobotany by improving the efficiency, accuracy, and versatility of nanobots to interact with plant systems. AI tools can make satellite imaging, monitoring, and crop data analysis more accurate than traditional methods. The integration of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms with mobile detection algorithms could facilitate early disease detection, optimization, prediction of plant status, and breeding processes. The production of AI-aided nanosensors, nanobots, nanomedicines, nanocarriers, nanomaterials (nanoparticles, nano-fertilizers, and nano-pesticides, etc.), and their transformative roles in nanoscale imaging, phyto-mining, nanotoxicity analysis, NPs optimization, pest management, early disease detection, genetic manipulation, precision farming, environmental monitoring, targeted delivery of pesticides, and biocontrol agents are briefly described in the present study. The challenges, ethical concerns about use of AI in nanobotany, and their possible solutions are also discussed here. This study reflects an integrative approach of nanotechnology, AI, and plant sciences, which will pave the way for innovation by assisting policymakers, scientists, and farmers to address sustainability challenges. In conclusion, AI-based nanotechnology holds promise as the future of sustainable agriculture

Abiotic stressors (AS), particularly heat, drought, and salinity have caused notable decreases in crop yield and nutritional quality under changing climatic scenarios. These AS negatively impact the growth of plants, metabolism, and economic yield by seriously disrupting several vital biochemical, physiological, and molecular processes. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), endophytes, and certain microalgae are examples of microbial biostimulants, representing innovative approaches to enhance crop resistance to AS.  The PGPR work through a variety of processes, including phytohormone regulation, increased nutritional acquisition, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant induction, ion homeostasis, ACC-deaminase activity, and the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and exopolysaccharides (EPS). This review covers recent advances in microbial biostimulants, including their stress-specific ameliorative effects, challenges in formulation and application, and future research directions needed for their wide-scale application of microbial biostimulants to boost yield and quality of field crops. Future research should concentrate on how the PGPR mediates AS by promoting the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as gibberellins, indole-3-acetic acid, cytokinins, and abscisic acid, as well as enhancing nutrient acquisition.