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Drivers for the behavioural receptiveness and non-receptiveness of farmers towards organic cultivation system

Research Abstract

Small, marginal, and large-scale farm production systems are common among farmers. According to popular belief, the upkeep of such farms necessitates the use of a chemical farming method in order to improve quantity and yields. Excessive chemical use is an inorganic food production approach, which has prompted health-conscious individuals to investigate and practice organic farming. The current study focuses on the acceptance and perspective deviations of farmers and consumers from farm level to final product marketing in terms of goals to ensure the future sustainability of their farms, incentive factors to make wise decisions, and personal views of farming preferences. Furthermore, it is critical for farmers to stand independently with self-interest and zeal in order to become “successful farmers” who follow the organic farming pattern, integration, and certification. On the other hand, social, cultural, psychological, economic, and personal variables have a negative impact on the consumer market, and organic food with improved quality and nutrition has seen a favorable trend. However, some shortcomings and impediments to switching to organic farming from conventional kinds of agricultural systems have been found, which farmers typically confront throughout the inter-conversion phase. With the correct solutions, agricultural farming hurdles could be overcome, restoring soil health, food quality, and sustainability. As a result, the current study examines the current state and future prospects of organic farming, underlining the challenges that must be overcome in adopting and investing sustainably. Organic system of farming calls for a sustainable future and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’S) with ecological benefits and nutritious food. It can be further concluded that organic farming is the need of the hour which requires awareness, educational training and scientific Know how so that it reaches farmers with ecologically sound environment and economically sound returns.

Research Authors
NitikaThakur, MohitNigam, RetikaTewary, Khushboo Rajvanshi, Manoj Kumar, Sudheesh K. Shukla, Ghada Abd-Elmonsef Mahmoud, Shivendra Gupt
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of King Saud University - Science
Research Member
Research Pages
102107
Research Publisher
Elsevier.com
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
35
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364722002889?via%3Dihub#!
Research Year
2022

Long-term correction of haemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration

Research Abstract

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated site-specific insertion of exogenous genes holds potential for clinical applications. However, it is still infeasible because homologous recombination (HR) is inefficient, especially for non-dividing cells. To overcome the challenge, we report that a homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy is used for permanent integration of high-specificity-activity Factor IX variant (F9 Padua, R338L) at the albumin (Alb) locus in a novel haemophilia B (HB) rat model. The knock-in efficiency reaches 3.66%, as determined by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The clotting time is reduced to a normal level 4 weeks after treatment, and the circulating FIX level is gradually increased up to 52% of the normal level over 9 months even after partial hepatectomy, demonstrating the amelioration of haemophilia. Through primer-extension-mediated sequencing (PEM-seq), no significant off-target effect is detected. This study not only provides a novel model for haemophilia B but also identifies a promising therapeutic approach for rare inherited diseases.

Research Authors
XiChena, XuranNiua, YangLiu, RuiZheng, LeiYang, JianLu, ShumingYin, YuWei, JiahaoPan, AhmedSayed, XueyunMa, MeizhenLiu, FengxiangJing, MingyaoLiu, JiazhiHu, LirenWang, DaliLi
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Research Publisher
ELSEVIER
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S167385272200159X?v=s5
Research Year
2022

Wheat Resistance to Stripe and Leaf Rusts Conferred by Introgression of Slow Rusting Resistance Genes

Research Abstract

Twenty-three wheat genotypes were evaluated for stripe and leaf rusts, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici, respectively, at seedling and adult stages under greenhouses and field conditions during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 growing seasons. The race analysis revealed that 250E254 and TTTST races for stripe and leaf rusts, respectively were the most aggressive. Eight wheat genotypes (Misr-3, Misr-4, Giza-171, Gemmeiza-12, Lr34/Yr18, Lr37/Yr17, Lr46/Yr29, and Lr67/Yr46) were resistant to stripe and leaf rusts at seedling and adult stages. This result was confirmed by identifying the resistance genes: Lr34/Yr18, Lr37/Yr17, Lr46/Yr29, and Lr67/Yr46 in these genotypes showing their role in the resistance. Sids-14 and Shandweel-1 genotypes were susceptible to stripe and leaf rusts. Twelve crosses between the two new susceptible wheat genotypes and the three slow rusting genes (Lr34/Yr18, Lr37/Yr17, and Lr67/Yr46) were conducted. The frequency distribution of disease severity (%) in F2 plants of the twelve crosses was ranged from 0 to 80%. Resistant F2 plants were selected and the resistance genes were detected. This study is important for introducing new active resistance genes into the breeding programs and preserving diversity among recently released wheat genotypes

Research Authors
Reda Ibrahim Omara 1, Atef Abdelfattah Shahin 1 , Shaimaa Mahmoud Ahmed 2, Yasser Sabry Mostafa 3, Saad Abdulrahman Alamri 3,4, Mohamed Hashem 3,5 and Mohsen Mohamed Elsharka
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of Fungi
Research Pages
622.
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Vol
7(8)
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/7/8/622
Research Year
2021

Vulnerability of rice production to temperature extremes during rice reproductive stage in Yangtze River Valley, China

Research Abstract

The increasing trend of extreme heat events poses serious implications for rice production in China, especially
when it coincides with the heat-sensitive reproductive growth period (RGP) leading to high
temperature-induced spikelet sterility. (2) Methods: This study analyzed the long-term meteorological
data of Jiangsu province, located at lower reaches of Yangtze River Valley, to ascertain changing trends
in temperature extremes. Moreover, stress days and nights were derived from temperature extremes,
during RGP as a proxy of rice sterility in the province. The stress days were defined in three ways, with
higher daily maximum (35 C, hot day, HD), and minimum temperature (28 C, hot night, HN) and
days with both critical limits (severe hot day, SHD). (3) Results: The analysis of data revealed that a definite
warming hiatus period in the 1970s and a transitional phase in 1980s were evident for daily maximum
temperatures (TMX) in the province. Warm phases since 1990s were evident for both day and
night temperature extremes. Asymmetric warming of TMX and daily minimum (TMN) temperatures
reduced diurnal temperature range (DTR) over time. The slight negative trend for TMX and HD were
observed, while trends for TMN, HN and SHD were strongly positive in the province with regional variations.
(4) Conclusion: Observed increasing trends of TMN, HNs, and SHDs, as well as the decreasing DTR
during rice RGP can be a threat to rice production in the province. Rice crop in the Southern Jiangsu is
more vulnerable to higher temperature extremes while in the northern Jiangsu, decreasing DTR can be
crucial. These findings could have useful implications for improving rice yield under changing climate.
 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.

Research Authors
Muhammad Ishaq Asif Rehmani a,b,c,d,⇑, Chengqiang Ding a,b,c, Ganghua Li a,b,c, Syed Tahir Ata-Ul-Karim a,e, Adel Hadifa f, Muhammad Amjad Bashir g, Mohamed Hashem h,i, Saad Alamri j, Fahad Al-Zubair j, Yanfeng Ding
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of King Saud University – Science
Research Pages
101599
Research Publisher
Science Direct
Research Vol
33(8)
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018364721002615?via%3Dihub
Research Year
2021

The link between microcystin levels in groundwater and surface Nile water, and assessing their potential risk to human health

Research Abstract

Although groundwater is an important source for drinking and irrigation water worldwide, particularly in arid countries, they have been paid little attention to their contamination with microcystins (MCs) compared to surface water. Our study is the fourth one reporting existence of MCs in groundwater due to surface-water and groundwater interaction. Dissolved MCs in groundwater were found with higher concentrations in summer (0.1 to 0.84 μg L−1) than in winter (0–0.06 μg L−1), in association with MCs detected in nearby surface Nile water. The chronic daily intake (CDI) of MCs for both adults and children (0–0.003 μg kg−1 body weight d−1) in groundwater were lower than the chronic reference dose (RfD, 0.003 μg kg−1 body weight d−1) during winter, with hazard quotient less than 1. Conversely, CDI values exceeded the reference dose during summer for both adults (0.005–0.024 μg kg−1 body weight d−1) and children (0.012–0.05 μg kg−1 body weight d−1), with hazard quotient greater than 1. This indicates that MCs concentrations in these groundwater wells might pose adverse health effects to both adults and children during summer, but not during winter. The study provides evidence for the risk of cyanotoxins in groundwater close to cyanobacteria-contaminated surface water. Therefore, regular monitoring for cyanotoxins in groundwater supplies used for drinking-water should be undertaken when cyanobacteria bloom events are noted in nearby surface waters.

Research Authors
Zakaria A.MohamedaSaadAlamribMohamedHashem
Research Date
Research Journal
Journal of Contaminant Hydrology
Research Pages
103921
Research Publisher
Elseveir
Research Vol
144
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169772221001601?via%3Dihub
Research Year
2022

The Antifungal Activity of Ag/CHI NPs against Rhizoctonia solani Linked with Tomato Plant Health

Research Abstract

Pathogenic infestations are significant threats to vegetable yield, and have become an
urgent problem to be solved. Rhizoctonia solani is one of the worst fungi affecting tomato crops,
reducing yield in some regions. It is a known fact that plants have their own defense against such
infestations; however, it is unclear whether any exogenous material can help plants against infestation.
Therefore, we performed greenhouse experiments to evaluate the impacts of R. solani on 15- and 30-
day old tomato plants after fungal infestation, and estimated the antifungal activity of nanoparticles
(NPs) against the pathogen. We observed severe pathogenic impacts on the above-ground tissues
of tomato plants which would affect plant physiology and crop production. Pathogenic infection
reduced total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, which subsequently disturbed plant physiology.
Further, total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and malondialdehyde (MDA)
contents were significantly increased in pathogen treatments. Constitutively, enhanced activities
were estimated for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)
in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS)in pathogen-treated plants. Moreover, pathogenesisrelated
genes, namely, chitinase, plant glutathione S-transferase (GST), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase
(PAL1), pathogenesis-related protein (PR12), and pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) were evaluated, with
significant differences between treated and control plants. In vitro and greenhouse antifungal activity
of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), chitosan nanoparticles, and Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites and
plant health was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. We found astonishing results, namely, that Ag and CHI have
antifungal activities against R. solani. Overall, plant health was much improved following treatment
with Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites. In order to manage R. solani pathogenicity and improve tomato
health, Ag/CHI NPs composites could be used infield as well as on commercial levels based on
recommendations. However, there is an urgent need to first evaluate whether these NP composites
have any secondary impacts on human health or the environment

Research Authors
Ameena A. Al-Surhanee 1, Muhammad Afzal 2,3,*, Nahla Alsayed Bouqellah 4, Salama A. Ouf 5 , Sajid Muhammad 6, Mehmood Jan 6, Sidra Kaleem 7, Mohamed Hashem 8,9 , Saad Alamri 8, Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef 10 , Omar M. Ali 11 and Mona H. Soliman
Research Date
Research Journal
Plants
Research Pages
2283
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Vol
10
Research Website
https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/10/11/2283
Research Year
2021

Synergistic degradation of phenanthrene by constructed Pseudomonas spp. consortium compared with pure strains

Research Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly persistent compounds as well as
they have a toxic impact to all living organisms. Removal of these xenobiotic compounds
by mixed bacteria is achieving a maximum degradation rate over the pure strains.
So, this study substantiates the application of constructed bacterial consortium for
degradation of 400 mg/L phenanthrene within 30 days of incubation at 30 ◦C. The
consortium consisted of two bacterial species Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (B1) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (B2). It exhibited a significantly higher phenanthrene degradation
efficiency (97.5%) compared to pure strains B1 and B2 (52.5 and 47.6%), respectively.
The phenanthrene degradation rate by the individual strains was enhanced in the
presence of salicylic and phthalic acids as intermediates pathway. On the other side,
the degradation rate was reduced in the presence of catechol suggesting a feedback
inhibition of catabolic enzymes. The ring-cleavage dioxygenases were induced in all
treatments. However, the induction of ortho cleavage dioxygenase (2.44 U/mg protein)
was higher than meta cleavage dioxygenase (0.42 U/mg protein). Six main metabolites
were detected by GC–MS analysis. Among them, four metabolites were detected in the
extract of phenanthrene growing consortium suggesting three main pathways, phthalate,
salicylic and benzocoumarin by the constructed consortium. Therefore, this study
provides a measuring of phenanthrene degradation efficacy by bacterial consortium and
paved the way to increase the potential of using the consortium for successful removal
of PAHs from the polluted environment

Research Authors
Asmaa Mawada,c,∗, Hiba Albasri a, Abdel-Gawad Shalkami d, Saad Alamri b, Mohamed Hashem
Research Date
Research Journal
Environmental Technology & Innovation
Research Pages
101942
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Vol
24
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352186421005903?via%3Dihub
Research Year
2021

Supplementing Pochonia chlamydosporia with botanicals for management of Meloidogyne incognita infesting chickpea

Research Abstract

Root-knot nematodes pose a severe threat to worldwide agricultural development. Due to the high
toxicity of chemical nematicides, eco-friendly control strategies against root-knot nematodes need
to be established. A pot and in vitro experiment were performed to estimate nematicidal potential
of Pochonia chlamydosporia. P. chlamydosporia was used alone or in combination with two
botanicals for controlling Meloidogyne incognita in chickpea. The laboratory assessment was
performed with four prepared concentrations (S, S/2, S/10, S/25) of fungal inoculum of
P. chlamydosporia against egg hatching and second-stage juvenile’s mortality of M. incognita. All
four concentrations reduced egg hatching and increased mortality of J2s. In pot experiment, P.
chlamydosporia was used with chopped leaves of two botanicals viz., Ageratum conyzoides and
Eichhornia crassipes against M. incognita in chickpea. All the treatments found significantly
suppressed root infestation caused by M. incognita and improved growth and physiological
attributes of chickpea. The combined application of P. chlamydosporia + A. conyzoides was found
highly effective, and E. crassipes alone was least. Therefore, using P. chlamydosporia with
botanicals is a promising sustainable strategy in agriculture against M. incognita infected chickpea

Research Authors
Amir Khan a, Manar Fawzi Bani Mfarrej b, Moh Tariq c, Mohd Asif d, Hera Nadeem a, Mansoor Ahmad Siddiqui a, Mohamed Hashem e,f, Saad Alamri e and Faheem Ahmad
Research Date
Research Journal
ACTA AGRICULTURAE SCANDINAVICA, SECTION B — SOIL & PLANT SCIENCE
Research Pages
164–175
Research Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Research Vol
72, NO. 1,
Research Website
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09064710.2021.2003853
Research Year
2022

SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER APPLICATION IMPROVES PLANT GROWTH IN SALINE SOILS OVERVIEW AND CHALLENGES

Research Abstract

Soil salinity and water scarcity has been recognized as an emerging threat towards food security globally. Since the beginning of the 21st century, it is projected that the salinity poses detrimental effects on the arable lands. It affects around 60 Mha or 20% of the total farmlands that accounts for more than 6% of the total cultivated area worldwide. This leads to the accumulation of various kinds of soluble salts (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, and Na2SO4) in productive soils probably because of lack of good quality irrigation water. Altogether, salinity arises osmotic stress, ion toxicities, and water deficit in the root zone of saline soils which poses severe risks to crop growth and productivity. Several conventional methods (e.g., excavation, flushing, and addition of organic and inorganic amendments) have been used to reclaim salt affected soils hence, disturbing the agro-ecosystems. Therefore, to address these risks, a novel

Research Authors
Muhammad Adnan Tabassum, Guanglong Zhu, Guisheng Zhou, Li Song, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Mohamed Hashem, Saad Alamri, Manal A El-Zohri
Research Date
Research Journal
FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN
Research Pages
12241-12249
Research Publisher
PARLAR SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS (PSP)
Research Vol
30
Research Website
https://www.prt-parlar.de/download_feb_2021/
Research Year
2021

Stress combination—when two negatives may become antagonistic, synergistic, or additive for plants: A review

Research Abstract

Plants in their natural environment are constantly subjected to various abiotic and biotic stressors and therefore have developed several defence mechanisms to maintain fitness. Stress responses are intricate and require various physiological, biochemical, and cellular changes in plants. The reaction mechanisms in plants subjected to drought, salinity, and heat stresses individually are explained in numerous studies. However, the field condition is far different from the controlled conditions of the labs. In the fields, crops or plants are simultaneously exposed to two or more abiotic and/or biotic stress conditions, such as a combination of salinity and heat, drought and cold, etc. or any of the significant abiotic stresses combined with pathogens’ infection. Studies have shown that plants’ reactions to combinations of more than two stress factors are distinct and cannot be explicitly deduced from their responses over different stresses when applied separately. Therefore, additional efforts are needed to understand the complete mechanism of plants’ responses to stress by analysing single stress with data on multiple stress responses. This review article aims to include an overview of current researches concentrating on plants’ responses to a combination of various stress conditions and their influence on the metabolic, transcriptional and physiological characteristics of plants.

Research Authors
Pedosphere
Research Date
Research Journal
Pedosphere
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1002016022000376?via%3Dihub
Research Year
2022
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