Acta Biologica Szegediensis

Mucoromycota tannases: activity screening, production and enzyme purification

2025-09-29T10:11:46+00:00

Tannases are industrial enzymes that catalyze the degradation of hydrolysable and complex tannins into gallic acid and glucose. While many filamentous fungi are known high-yield producers, members of Mucoromycota remain less studied regarding tannase production. This study screened Mucoromycota isolates for tannase production using plate tests with tannic acid as an enzyme production inducer. Isolates of Rhizomucor miehei, Mucor corticolus, Mucor lusitanicus, Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, and Rhizopus oryzae exhibited tolerance to the inducer, with tannase production detected in most strains post-incubation. Tannic acid effectively induced tannase production under both submerged fermentation (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions. In SSF, wheat bran as a substrate and Czapek-Dox solution as a moisturizing additive supported enzyme production. The highest tannase activity in SSF was observed in R. microsporus var. oligosporus and M. corticolus, while R. miehei excelled under SmF conditions. Tris buffer extraction followed by anion exchange chromatography yielded tannase-active protein fractions from M. corticolus. The isolated tannase exhibited optimal activity at 30 °C. These findings highlight Mucoromycota fungi as promising tannase producers for future research.

Diversity and Distribution of Boletoid Fleshy Pored Fungi in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India (2007–2023): A Comprehensive Study

2025-09-29T11:12:05+00:00

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of boletoid fleshy pored fungi across the elevational zones of Uttarakhand Himalaya, India, from 2007 to 2023. The study encompasses 167 collections representing 24 genera and 46 species, including lamellate members. Key genera include Aureoboletus, Austroboletus, Boletellus, Boletus, Borofutus, Cyanoboletus, Gyrodon, Gyroporus, Hemileccinum, Hortiboletus, Indoporus, Lanmaoa, lamellate boletoid members, Leccinellum, Leccinum, Phylloporus, Porphyrellus, Pulveroboletus, Rugiboletus, Strobilomyces, Suillus, Sutorius, Tylopilus, Xerocomellus, and Xerocomus. The paper includes field photographs, staining reactions on bruising of pores and sliced context, spore prints, microscopic images, and commentary on species determination, aiding readers in understanding the rich species diversity of boletoid mushrooms in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The compiled information serves as a baseline for aspiring researchers, guiding them to explore new localities for novel species of boletoid fleshy pored fungi. Recommendations for future research include extensive fungal forays, classical taxonomy, and advanced molecular studies, given the widespread occurrence of these mushrooms across before the Uttarakhand Himalaya's forest types.

Genomic data, effective communication through visualization

2025-09-29T11:24:45+00:00

Genomic data are inherently multidimensional and complex, therefore, presenting researchers with significant challenges in analysis and interpretation. Data visualization of genomic datasets can unravel the complexity and provide meaningful insights for effective communication. Here, we discuss that, in data-driven genomic studies, effective storytelling of formulated hypotheses can be significantly enhanced by using suitable data visualization tools. Further, with the ongoing advancement of technology, we argue that, the integration of these tools with artificial intelligence or machine learning concepts could potentially revolutionize the visualization trends within the field of genomic research.

Evaluation of the effect of organic soil amendments and irrigation regimes on the quantitative aspects of fatty acids in camelina seeds

2025-09-29T12:42:01+00:00

This study aimed to assess the impact of soil moisture regimes (FI: full irrigation throughout the growing season, DI: deficit irrigation at 60% of field capacity during vegetative growth) and farmyard manure (FYM) levels (F0: 0, F10: 10, and F20: 20 t ha-¹) on the fatty acid profile of oil extracted from camelina seeds in the Razan region, western Iran. The highest linolenic acid content was recorded under FI+F10 and DI+F10 conditions. The application of F10 under FI and DI increased linoleic acid content by 2% and 1.4%, respectively. Water deficit stress significantly reduced eicosadienoic acid content (by 0.95%). The highest eicosadienoic acid content was observed under FI+F20 conditions (14.53%). Soil amendments and irrigation improved oleic acid content by approximately 3%. The highest palmitic acid content (5.20%) was obtained with F10 and F20 under FI conditions. Erucic acid content decreased under both soil moisture regimes as FYM application increased. The highest saturated fatty acid content was recorded under FI+F20. Plants grown with F20 had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content (69%).

Extricating short-duration and bold-grained high-yielding soybean genotypes under waterlogging conditions

2025-09-29T11:48:29+00:00

Two experiments were conducted at BSMRAU, Gazipur, during 2021 and 2022 to analyze the effects of waterlogging (WL) on the performance of short-duration, bold-seeded soybean genotypes and assess the impact on seed quality. In 2021, twelve genotypes—BD2334, G00113, G00164, G00064, G00221, BD2331, G00138, G00321, G00058, G00060, G00025, and BU Soybean-1—were evaluated under control and WL conditions. In 2022, five selected genotypes (BD2334, G00164, BD2331, G00060, and BU Soybean-1) were assessed. Plants were subjected to WL stress for seven days in 2021 and five days in 2022 during the pod formation stage. A split-plot design with three replications was employed. Waterlogging stress significantly reduced yield, yield attributes, SPAD value, photosynthesis rate, photosynthetic pigments, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, germination rate, and early seedling growth. However, it increased electrolyte leakage in seeds as well as proline and malondialdehyde content in leaves. Waterlogged plants matured earlier than their respective control plants. Genotypic differences in WL tolerance were evident, with BD2334, G00164, G00221, and BD2331 exhibiting better yield performance under WL stress. Genotype G00060 demonstrated higher tolerance to WL based on specific physiological parameters. These findings suggest that these genotypes may be suitable for further field evaluation to identify WL-tolerant soybean varieties.

Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) ground prey abundance during its breeding season in central Greece

2025-09-29T12:13:09+00:00

The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a bird of prey, highly dependent on agricultural landscapes for foraging. This study examines the availability of its prey in different crop types within the Thessalian Plain, central Greece, and assesses how agricultural practices in different cultivations influence prey abundance. Results indicate variations in prey abundance among different crops and study periods. Fallow/ uncultivated fields and legume crops provided the highest prey availability, particularly for key prey groups such as Coleoptera and Orthoptera, making them crucial for Lesser Kestrel foraging. In contrast, intensive crops such as maize and cotton exhibited lower prey abundance, particularly in early growth stages, thus limiting their suitability as foraging habitats. The findings highlight the impact of intensive and extensive agricultural practices on Lesser Kestrel prey populations. Sustainable land management strategies are essential for supporting Lesser Kestrel conservation in agroecosystems.

Effect of light stress on the adrenal cortex of the Algerian saharan rodent Gerbillus tarabuli : Microscopic and morphometric changes

2025-09-29T12:20:31+00:00

In today's world, stress is prevalent, including the widespread exposure to high levels of light at night. This disruption of the natural light-dark cycle significantly affects circadian rhythms, making it a major source of physiological stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a modified light-dark cycle, as a model of stress, on the adrenal gland morphology in the wild desert rodent Gerbillus tarabuli. The animals were divided into two groups of 10 gerbils each. The first group, considered as the control group, was maintained under a standard 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. The second group, referred to as the stressed group, was exposed to a disrupted light-dark cycle, switching between a standard 24-hour cycle and a modified cycle with a 20-hour light phase every other day for three months. Following the experimental period, the adrenal glands were removed and processed for histomorphometric analysis. In the stressed group, various histological changes were noticed in the form of loss of normal adrenal architecture. Morphometric results demonstrated a significant increase (P<0.001) in the total length and area of the adrenal gland, as well as in its three cortical zones (glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis). We also observed an increase in the diameter of cells and their nuclear area within the adrenal cortex, except for the cells in the zona fasciculata, which demonstrated a decrease in size (P>0.05). The findings demonstrate that the histological organisation of the adrenal gland is directly affected by exposure to light stress, highlighting the significant impact of circadian disruption on adrenal structure and function.