Arifa IBRAHIMI, Kuldeep YADAV, Somveer JAKHAR

Abstract. Soil salinity is one of the serious environmental threat causing significant reduction in crop growth and productivity in different parts of the globe. Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek is considered sensitive to salt stress. Potassium (K⁺), a major essential nutrient of plants ensures growth and quality of crops under salinity stress. In view of that, experiments were designed to assess the impact of various doses of potassium nitrate (KNO3) application (K1- 0.24 g, K2- 0.40 g and K3- 0.48 g) under three salinity levels (S1- 50 mM, S2- 75 mM, and S3- 100 mM) of NaCl on growth attributes, physiological and biochemical traits, antioxidant activities of mungbean variety (MH 2-15). Salinity stress had adverse effects on the growth and physiological responses of V. radiata. Plants treated with KNO3 (0.48 g) under 50 mM salt stress produced the best growth characteristics viz. length of shoot and root, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, while the least performance in respect of above traits were observed without KNO3 under stressful conditions (at 100 mM). Application of KNO3 significantly improved various biochemical components such as different photosynthetic pigments, proline and total soluble proteins contents, thereby restoring the activity of various antioxidant enzymes counteract the oxidative stress under salinity stress. The results revealed that the adequate application of KNO3 not only improves the performance of all traits but also diminish the negative effect of salt stress and contributes to accomplishing sustainable productivity.

Key words: mitigation; antioxidant enzymes; mungbean (MH 2-15); potassium nitrate; salt tolerance.




Tamara SIRBU, Cristina MOLDOVAN, Olga TURCAN, Maxim BIRSA

Abstract. Food security is a fundamental problem worldwide. Ecological alternatives to pesticides and chemical fertilizers are microorganisms with a strong potential to produce compounds with high biological activity for agriculture. Trichoderma is the most promising microorganism for the development of sustainable agriculture due to their proven role as a biofertilizer and plant biological control agent. The T. longibrachiatum CNMN FD 27 strain, was used as the study object. Antifungal and antibacterial activities were tested on test cultures which cause losses for numerous agricultural crops, and the solution of exometabolites, were tested on sunflower seeds (length of the seedlings, dry mass of the seedlings and dry mass of the roots were evaluated). According to the present study T. longibrachiatum CNMN FD 27 provides essential activity against A. alternata and F. oxysporum. The obtained results had shown that, before sowing, the treatment of sunflower seeds with the aqueous solution of metabolites of the T. longibrachiatum strain (variant M 3) has a positive effect on the germination of the seeds, which constituted by 10% more than M 1 (H2O). The tested metabolites also had a positive effect on seedling growth, stimulating their length by 9.7% in comparison with M 1 variant. The dry mass of seedlings and roots per 100 seedlings from variant M 3 exceeded them by 31.2% in comparison with M 1. Metabolites of the fungal strain T. longibrachiatum, used in the treatment of sunflower seeds before sowing, can contribute to seed germination and stimulate the growth of the crop.

Key words: antimicrobial activity; inhibition zone; metabolites; nutrient medium; phytopathogens; stimulation.




Hassiba TAREK, Said AMRANI, Saadia OULED-AMRAN

Abstract. The study of bacterial diversity in Zea mays L. cultivated in the Saharan oases of El Minea, Algeria, revealed that microbial diversity was higher in bulk soil compared to the rhizosphere and endosphere, although the number of bacterial phyla was similar among the three compartments. The main bacterial phyla identified were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria, present in all three studied compartments. The abundance percentages of these phyla were higher in the rhizosphere and endosphere compared to the bulk soil, indicating a preference of microorganisms for root environments. The study also revealed the presence of unclassified bacterial genera, suggesting the existence of bacterial groups hitherto uncultured. Variations in the abundance of bacterial genera among bulk soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere compartments highlighted the complex interactions between host plants and soil microorganisms. Some bacterial genera, such as Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas, were found to be abundant in the rhizosphere, positioning them as potential candidates for agricultural biotechnology due to their ability to confer resistance to maize plants and improve yield. This information can be utilized to optimize agricultural practices and develop soil management strategies aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability of maize crops in Saharan environments.

Key words: Algeria (El Minea); endospheric bacteria; rhizospheric bacteria; Saharan oases; Zea mays.




Lilya BOUCELHA, Réda DJEBBAR, Ouzna ABROUS-BELBACHIR

Abstract. Silicon is considered an inorganic biostimulant and a prophylactic extracellular agent that allows the stimulation of a wide range of natural defences against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, little or no work has focused on the direct action of silicon on some enzymes. Indeed, during this study, the action of silicon was studied in vitro by direct contact of this element at different doses with the enzymatic extracts of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek) seeds. Our results showed that silicon strongly inhibited antioxidant and hydrolytic enzymatic activities. The percentage of this inhibition depends on the dose of silicon and the type of enzyme. The most sensitive enzymes to this inhibition were SOD and lipases whose activity was totally inhibited at 4 mM and 7 mM respectively. However, we report that the inhibitory action of silicon was limited to 50% for GPOX whatever the concentration of silicon used, the plateau being reached at 10 mM for GPOX and at 70 mM for proteases. Since these enzymes are mainly metallo-dependent, we hypothesize that their inhibition by silicon may be due to interactions between silicon and the metals involved in the functioning of each enzyme. Our study shows that silicon can be used as an inhibitor of enzymes involved in certain diseases.

Key words: antioxidants; hydrolases; inhibition; in vitro; seeds; silicon.




Adefunke Oluwaseun OGUNNIRAN, Titilayo Olufunke FEMI-OLA, Olufemi Samuel BAMIDELE

Abstract: Lipases are hydrolytic enzymes that are used in different biotransformation processes. This study aimed to purify and characterize lipase with suitable biochemical properties and to determine its compatibility with commercial detergents. The broth culture was centrifuged to obtain the crude lipase, which was purified by precipitating ammonium sulphate, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. Some of the biochemical properties of the purified enzyme were determined using standard procedures. In addition, the compatibility of the purified lipase with some commercial detergents was evaluated. The purification of lipase from P. aeruginosa ECS3 gave the yield, specific activity, and purification fold as 4.35%, 2.40 μmol/min/mg, and 8.35, respectively. Purified lipase recorded 37.42 kDa on denaturing electrophoresis. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km), maximum velocity (Vmax), maximum activity, and pH of the purified lipase were 14.79 μg/mL, 9.55 μmol/min, 50℃, and 8.0, respectively. K⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺ stimulated the enzyme activity, while heavy metal ions inhibited the enzyme activity. Triglycerides improved the activity of P. aeruginosa lipase, while some organic solvents inhibited its activity. The purified enzyme was stable with some commercial detergents and therefore suggests the use of the enzyme as a detergent component. The results indicated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa ECS3 lipase has promising biochemical properties for use in the detergent industry.

Key words: characterization; detergents; lipase; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; purification.




Naser SABAGHNIA, Yousef NASIRI, Mohsen JANMOHAMMADI

Abstract. Silicon can significantly enhance crop productivity, especially in semi-arid areas which exhibit low organic matter content, leading to insufficient water retention and nutrient imbalances that can negatively impact crop yields. In current investigation, we assessed the positive influences of nano-silicon and various fertilizer treatments on Carthamus tinctorius yield and morphological traits. The treatments included the spraying of 0.0- and 20-mM nano-silicon in combination with fertilizers, including a control group, 90 kg‧ha-1 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and organic manure at rates of 15 and 30 t‧ha-1 which were tested at Maragheh (37°23′N; 46°14′E), Iran. Principal components (PC) analysis revealed that PC1 and PC2 described for 50% and 20% of the observed variation, respectively. A positive association was observed among straw yield, seed yield, height of the first branch, and harvest index. The NPK treatment with 20 mM nano- silicon resulted in high seed yield, while the usage of 30 t‧ha-1 organic manure with 20 mM nano-silicon showed increased morphological and yield components. Cluster analysis of measured traits and treatment combinations generally supported the results of the PC analysis but revealed some differences, particularly in the separation of organic manure fertilizers based on consumption levels. For achieving sustainable farming goals, apply 30 t ha-1 of organic manure with 20 mM nano-silicon, improves biomass and yield components. This study underscores the positive impact of nano-silicon on safflower growth and emphasizes the potential benefits of its foliar application in conjunction with NPK or organic fertilizer to enhance Carthamus tinctorius performance in upland semi-arid regions.

Key words: cluster analysis; nanoparticles; principal components analysis; sustainable agriculture




Zulkarnain ZULKARNAIN, Eliyanti ELIYANTI, Budiyati ICHWAN, Neliyati NELIYATI, Jasminarni JASMINARNI, Dedek PRATAMAYATNO

Abstract. Banana has a high economic value and is in great demand by consumers, but efforts to increase banana production require large quantities of healthy and uniform seeds. Generative propagation of bananas is not possible because they do not produce seeds, while vegetative propagation using sucker is hampered by the limited availability of plant materials. Therefore, we studied an alternative technology for propagating banana seeds by tissue culture technique. This study aimed to obtain an effective concentration of growth regulator (Benzylamino Purine) and photoperiod to encourage in vitro shoot multiplication in ‘Barangan’ banana. Plant materials used were in vitro shoots of ‘Barangan’ banana cultured on MS basal medium. The concentration of Benzylamino Purine tested were 0 (control); 2.5 mg-L-1, 5.0 mg-L-1, 7.5 mg-L-1, and 10.0 mg-L-1; and photoperiod of 16 hours per day, 24 hours per day and total darkness. The trial used a factorial completely randomized design with 4 replications, and each experimental unit consisted of 4 cultures. The results showed that both Benzylamino Purine concentrations and photoperiods had a significant effect on the time of shoot initiation, number of shoots, number of leaves, number of roots and the longest root length. Benzylamino Purine concentration of 10.0 mg-L-1 and a photoperiod of 16 hours per day was the best combination to support shoot multiplication in ‘Barangan’ banana explants in an in vitro system. To obtain more optimal results and determining the efficiency of the multiplication rate, this study needs to be continued by testing BAP concentration beyond 10.0 mg-L-1 and 16-hours photoperiod.

Key words: BAP; Benzyladenine; in vitro culture; Musa acuminata; plant propagation




Nina BOGDAN-GOLUBI, Valerina SLANINA, Ludmila BALAN

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are one of the most important groups of bacteria in the food industry, and are able to inhibit the growth of spoilage or pathogenic microorganisms due to the biosynthesis of various compounds with antibacterial activity. The study included 5 strains of subspecies Lactococcus lactis, 2 strains Streptococcus thermophilus and 11 bacterial strains of Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera stored and deposited in National Collection of Non-pathogenic Microorganisms (NCNM) of Republic of Moldova. Antagonistic activity was determined using agar well diffusion method. The obtained results had shown that after long-term storage by lyophilization autochthonous strains demonstrated viability and stability of morphological, cultural and technological characteristics such as acidification and coagulation, which are important for dairy industry. According to the present study LAB possesses inhibitory effect which varied significantly depending on strains and cultivation media used. It was observed that some strains are potential candidates for development of microbial preparations against food spoilage causing bacteria such as Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The research suggests to the need to selection of nutrient components that will allow to enhance strain-specific properties of studied strains of biotechnological interest and to expand the directions of their implementation.

Key words: antibacterial activity; inhibition zone; Pseudomonas; Bacillus; lactic acid bacteria.




Nadejda EFREMOVA, Natalia CHISELIţA, Oleg CHISELIţA

Abstract: The present work refers to the elaboration of a new procedure for obtaining of proteoglycan preparation with high content of sulfated polysaccharides from the remaining biomass of Arthrospira platensis from the production of remedy BioR. Proteoglycans have a great potential for application, especially in the animal husbandry, food and cosmetics industry. The process consists in the following steps: the dried at the temperature of 50±5°C remaining biomass Arthrospira platensis was subjected to grinding; then it was mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a volume of 1:10, the obtained suspension was placed in a water bath at a temperature of +45°C, for 30 minutes and subjected to centrifugation at 3500 rpm. for 15 minutes, the separation of supernatant (pigments); the sediment was mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a volume of 1:2, the obtained suspension was placed in a water bath at a temperature of 60°C, for 60 minutes, and subjected to centrifugation at 3500 rpm for 15 minutes, the separation of supernatant (lipids); the sediment was mixed with distilled water at a ratio of 1:3 v/v and subjected to autoclaving at a temperature of 115°C (0.5 atm.) for 30 minutes, the obtained suspension was subjected to centrifugation at 3500 rpm; EDTA was added to the final proteoglycan preparation. The proteoglycan preparation has a total content of sulfated polysaccharides 733.41±1.55 mg/L, proteins 26.50±0.06% DW, carbohydrates 20.71±0.42% DW and the total antioxidant activity 25.43±0.29% inhibition, superoxide dismutase activity 38.41±0.42 U/mg protein and catalase activity 27.20±1.2 mmol/min/mg protein.

Key words: Arthrospira platensis; cyanobacteria; extraction; proteoglycans; sulfated polysaccharides




Affaf LAASSAMI, Atika MEKLAT, Noureddine BOURAS, Amine YEKKOUR

Abstract. In this study, a strain of actinobacteria designed Stp-x was isolated from a soil sample obtained from the Tassala region of the Sidi Bel Abbès province (northern Algeria). The strain was characterized morphologically and genetically. According to morphology and 16S rRNA gene analysis, it was classified as Streptomyces and has shared high sequence similarity (98.82%) with Streptomyces pilosus NBRC 12807T. Then, the strain Stp-x was subjected to in vitro screening for antimicrobial activity, plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, and hydrolytic enzymes production. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 44300, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa CIP A22 and the highest activity was obtained against S. aureus, resulting in an inhibition zone of 45 mm. Also, moderate activity was observed toward target fungi: Aspergillus niger OT304, A. flavus NRRL 3251, A. carbonarius M333, Fusarium culmorum NRRL1829 and Umbelopsis ramanniana NRRL 1829. Whereas, no activity was detected against the yeast Candida albicans IPA 200. Regarding PGP characteristics, the strain was positive for IAA, siderophores and ammonia production, phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation. Whereas, it was also able to produce extracellular enzymes: cellulase, amylase, protease, gelatinase, chitinase and lipase. This study showed the importance of the strain Stp-x in antimicrobial molecules production and plant growth promotion.

Key words: 16S rRNA; antimicrobial activity; hydrolytic enzymes; PGP traits; Streptomyces.




Ibrokhimjon ERGASHOV, Ziyoviddin YUSUPOV, Jorabek TOSHTEMIROV, Shukhratjon MAMAJONOV, Mukhayyo AKBAROVA, Akmaljon MARUPOV, Zokhidakhon YUSUPOVA, Dilbar ESANKULOVA, Alijan ESANKULOV

Abstract. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on the distribution of ten threatened Allium species (A. pskemense, A. viridiflorum, A. majus, A. praemixtum, A. giganteum, A. isakulii, A. backhousianum, A. eremoprasum, A. aflatunense, and A. alaicum) in Central Asia. We employed MaxEnt modeling and ENVIREM datasets to predict current and future habitat suitability, classifying areas into high, moderate, low, and unsuitable categories. Key environmental factors influencing species distributions included the Topographic Wetness Index (TopoWet), Terrain Roughness Index (TRI), Minimum Temperature of the Coldest Month (Bio6), and Precipitation of the Coldest Quarter (Bio19). Our findings show that, except for A. eremoprasum, A. isakulii, A. praemixtum, and A. pskemense, most species will experience a reduction in highly suitable habitats under future climate scenarios, with shifts toward less suitable areas. Lithosols and calcic xerosols were the predominant soil types in areas of high habitat suitability. The study underscores the vulnerability of these species to climate change and anthropogenic pressures such as grazing, bulb collection, and habitat degradation. We recommend targeted conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, expansion of protected areas, and community-based management, to mitigate these threats. This research provides a scientific basis for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of integrating both climatic and topographic factors in species distribution modeling for the long-term survival of Central Asia's endemic Allium species.

Key words: Central Asia; climate change; ENVIREM datasets; habitat suitability; maxEnt modeling; protected areas.




Moussa Abderrazak BAMBRA, Yamina BOUATROUS, Ramazan ERENLER, Ilyas YILDIZ

Abstract. A limited number of studies investigate the chemical composition and effects of Algerian bee products specially propolis, beeswax, bee bread. This study investigated the chemical composition and biological activities of Algerian bee productspropolis, beeswax, bee bread, and honey-focusing on total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, anti-diabetic potential, and antimicrobial effects. Extracts obtained using 70% acetone showed varying yields, with honey A and propolis exhibiting the highest (78.7% and 24.26%, respectively). All products demonstrated significant levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Antioxidant activity, measured via DPPH radical-scavenging assay, was strongest in Algerian propolis (IC₅₀ = 0.0744 ± 0.0007 mg/mL). LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified rutin and 21 phenolic compounds in propolis. While all samples were tested at 126 µg/mL for anti-diabetic activity, hexokinase inhibition was minimal. Disk diffusion assays revealed that Algerian bee honey exhibited notable antimicrobial activity. These findings highlight the rich bioactive profile and therapeutic potential of Algerian bee products.

Key words: Algerian bee products; antioxidant activity; antihexokinase effect; anti-diabetic activity; antimicrobial activity; LCESI-MS/MS.




Imane ZOUAGRI, Lilya NOURI, Smail CHAFAA, Mohamed KEBIECHE, Fateh MIMECHE

Abstract. Apricot orchards are a vital part of Algeria's agricultural economy. However, production levels are inconsistent, and low yields are largely due to aging trees and the general decline of orchards. In this context, callus induction plays a vital role in orchard renewal by enabling the mass propagation of disease-free plants and helping to rejuvenate apricot orchards while preserving local genetic resources. This study aimed to improve the efficiency of callus induction in apricot tissue culture by evaluating the effects of various combinations of plant growth regulators. Prunus armeniaca L. leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and kinetin. The results showed that a sterilization protocol using a combination of bleach and potassium permanganate most effectively disinfected both leaf and bud explants. The highest callus induction rates were achieved with MS9 and MS8 media, containing 10 mL of 2,4-D and 3 or 2 mL of kinetin, resulting in callus formation rates of 94.44% and 88%, respectively. Three types of callus were also obtained: friable, compact, and nodular, which varied in color. Callogenesis from leaf explants primarily occurred as cream-colored cell clusters that formed along the veins and excision zones. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that an MS medium supplemented with optimized concentrations of 2,4-D and kinetin effectively promotes callogenesis in Prunus armeniaca L. This offers a promising approach for renewing and sustainably propagating apricot orchards in Algeria.

Key words: 2,4-D; apricot; callogenesis; kinetin; morphogenetic; Prunus armeniaca L.