Acta Biologica Szegediensis

Path analysis of morphological traits influencing performance in Cicer arietinum genotypes under semi-arid conditions

2025-02-26T06:45:18+00:00

Identification of the most desirable genotypes and determining the correlation of different traits with seed yield performance, as well as understanding their cause and effect, provides plant breeders with the ability to select the most appropriate and logical combination of yield components that lead to higher economic performance. In order to identify yield components of chickpea, 50 genotypes were investigated in Gavshaleh, Saqqez, Iran (36°19′54″N and 47°19′07″E). Statistical analysis included simple correlation coefficients of traits, multiple stepwise regression, and path analysis. The traits measured included days to flower initiation (DF), canopy width (CW), days to maturity (DM), the first pod height from the ground (FPH), chlorophyll content (CHL), plant height (PH), number of subsidiary branches (SB), number of pods per plant (NPP), pod weight (PW), shuck weight per plant (SW), plant dry weight (PDW), number of seeds per pod (SP), hundred-seed weight (HSW), protein percentage (PP), and seed yield (SY). The results of simple correlations demonstrated positive significant association of seed yield with SB, SP, and NPP, while it was negatively associated with DF, DM, and PW. Path analysis revealed the primary-order roles of SP and HSW in determining SY, with SP having a larger direct effect (1.04) compared to HSW (0.25). Estimation of direct effects via bootstrapping indicated reliable results with low amounts of standard error and bias. Additionally, the number of subsidiary branches had the most significant indirectly impact on seed yield performance via the pods’ number per plant. Therefore, it is recommended that these two traits be prioritized in breeding programs aimed at increasing seed yield. Finally, SP, HSW, NPP, and SB can be beneficially utilized for selection in genetic improvement projects targeting chickpea yield enhancement.

Anatomical and micromorphological study of Phalaris (Poaceae) species in Iran

2025-02-26T06:57:15+00:00

The genus Phalaris, comprising 18 species globally, has a complex taxonomic history. Species of Phalaris hold significant importance as forage and weeds. Anatomical and micromorphological studies can provide diagnostic traits critical for taxonomy. In this study, we investigated the leaf sheath anatomy and the micromorphology of the lemma and palea to identify distinguishing traits among some Phalaris species in Iran. Twenty-one accessions of three Phalaris species (P. minor, P. brachystachys, and P. paradoxa) from different regions of Iran were studied. Leaf sheath cross-sections were stained using methyl green and Congo red, and both quantitative and qualitative anatomical traits were measured and evaluated. Micromorphological features of the lemma and palea were observed using a Hitachi SU3500 Scanning Electron Microscope. Eleven traits were assessed in the studied species. While the general leaf sheath anatomy showed significant similarities, micromorphological investigations of the lemma and palea epidermis highlighted the palea epidermis, the presence or absence of prickles, and papillae density as key distinguishing features. The findings are consistent with previous studies on this subfamily, enhancing the understanding of Phalaris species taxonomy.

GC-MS Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant potential and acute toxicity of Lupinus albus extracts

2025-02-26T07:44:22+00:00

Lupinus albus L., a leguminous plant, plays a therapeutic role due to its richness in bioactive compounds, which have diverse applications in human health, as a green fertilizer, and as fodder. This study aims to characterize Lupinus albus extracts using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and determine their total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The antioxidant activity (via DPPH free radical scavenging assay) and acute toxicity in Wistar rats were also evaluated. Results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest TPC (59.66 ± 0.56 mg GAE/g), while the methanolic extract had the highest TFC (14.44 ± 0.20 mg QE/g). GC-MS analysis identified 20 compounds in the ethanolic extract, with the major constituents being lupanine (54.34%), valeric acid (22.26%), and isolinoleic acid (20.94%). The ethanolic extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 0.86 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Acute toxicity tests indicated that the L. albus extract contributed to decreased cholesterol and stabilized glycemia at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.

Effect of Arthrospira platensis extracts on glycation of BSA

2025-02-26T07:56:23+00:00

Glycation, a non-enzymatic interaction between the carbonyl groups of sugars and the amino groups of macromolecules, leads to the formation of deleterious advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes are characterized by the involvement of glycated products. This study investigated the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of a well-known cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis, through its extract. In an in vitro glycation system involving BSA and glucose, A. platensis PCC 7345 extracts (prepared in water- APA and buffer- APB) were incubated at 37 °C for 28 days. Antioxidant assays like ABTS, DPPH and NO Radical Scavenging Assay was performed. Quantification of glycation products was performed using spectroscopic methods, including browning, NBT assay, individual AGEs and fluorescent AGEs assessment. Both extracts demonstrated inhibitory effects on fructosamine content and AGEs, within the glycation system. Both APA and APB extracts from A. platensis effectively reduced browning reactions, with APA showing a slightly higher efficiency (51.67%) than APB (48.07%). Fructosamine assays revealed substantial reductions in ketoamine formation for both extracts, while the fluorometric determination of total AGEs indicated that APB exhibited superior antiglycating potency compared to APA, consistent with outcomes from fructosamine assays and supporting its effectiveness in attenuating glycation processes.

Effect of palm peat as an alternative substrate for coconut peat on the morpho-physiological parameters of Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitaceae)

2025-02-26T09:35:30+00:00

Soilless cultivation offers a viable alternative to soil-based methods for greenhouse crops. Palm peat has potential as an organic substrate in hydroponic systems, providing an alternative to conventional substrates like coconut peat. Cucumis sativus (cucumber) is a widely cultivated plant with significant nutritional value globally. This study evaluated the effects of two substrates—palm peat and coco peat—compared to soil (control) on the morphological and physiological characteristics of cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design. Key parameters, including plant height, number of lateral branches, leaf number and diameter, and fruit number and width were assessed at three intervals (15, 45, and 70 days). Additional parameters were measured on the 60th day. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the physical and biochemical properties of the substrates, including EC, BD, pH, CEC, and WHC. Significant treatment effects were also observed on plant height, number of lateral branches, root fresh weight, leaf number and diameter, fruit number, width, and weight, as well as proline content. However, differences in relative water content (RWC), root dry weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content were not significant. This study highlights the positive influence of cultivation substrates on cucumber growth and development. Palm peat emerged as a promising cost-effective alternative to coco peat in soilless cultivation systems.

Investigation of aflatoxin production in three different Aspergillus species

2025-02-26T10:29:50+00:00

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by molds, particularly by Aspergillus species, with their production influenced by various environmental and other factors. The growth and physiology of fungi are affected by factors such as temperature, water activity, and time. The aim of this study was to identify the best aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus strain among known mycotoxigenic species and isolates and to fine-tune specific cultivation conditions to achieve the highest aflatoxin yield. For this purpose, aflatoxin production was tested in isolates belonging to Aspergillus pseudotamarii (1), A. minisclerotigenes (1), and A. parasiticus (3). The presence and quantity of aflatoxins were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Among the examined strains, A. parasiticus SZMC 22361 proved to be the most suitable toxin-producing strain. Our findings suggest that the optimal conditions for aflatoxin production by this isolate on a maize substrate involve a water-to-substrate ratio of 1:1 (m/m) over a production period of approximately one week.

Insights into the structure, function, and pathophysiology of Shigella dysenteriae through pangenome analysis

2025-02-26T10:37:03+00:00

Shigella dysenteriae, the causative agent of shigellosis, poses a significant global health threat due to its role in causing millions of cases of bacillary diarrhea and escalating antibiotic resistance. This study utilized bioinformatics analysis with the Pan Explorer to delve into the pangenome of S. dysenteriae. The aim was to uncover key bacterial functions, elucidate its pathogenicity and virulence, and identify factors contributing to genetic variability among strains. Results revealed a larger dispensable genome compared to the core genome and strain-specific genes. Metabolism-related Cluster of Orthologous Groups were predominant, followed by cellular processing and signaling pathways, while poorly characterized Cluster of Orthologous Groups had modest representation and those associated with information and storage processing were least prevalent. Notably, genes linked to the pathogenicity and virulence of S. dysenteriae were found in both dispensable and core genome regions, indicating their significance. Overall conservation was observed among strain genomes, but the open pangenome nature suggests potential for genetic exchange with other sources. These findings provide valuable insights for future microbial genomics research on S. dysenteriae.

PhD abstracts

2025-02-26T10:51:29+00:00

Abstracts of the Annual Conference of Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged – 2024.