Imane HALASSI, Ismahan HALASSI, Ali ELAFRI, Moussa HOUHAMDI

Abstract. Exposure to agricultural chemical inputs can adversely affect essential biological functions, including growth, reproduction, and various morphological and physiological traits in living ogranisms. In this study we aim to evaluates the effects of sublethal exposure to the insecticide spirodiclofen on the survival patterns and three key biochemical parameters - malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total lipid content, and total protein content - of an aquatic insect species, the Southern darter Sympetrum meridionale (Anisoptera: Libellulidae) stemming from an agroecosystem located of northeastern Algeria. Larval stages of the species were subjected to a range of spirodiclofen concentrations (control, 0.6, 1.5, and 12 μg /L) over a two-week bioassay period to assess dose- dependent physiological and biochemical responses. Because 50% mortality was not observed at the tested concentrations, the LD₅₀ was obtained through model-based extrapolation and estimated at 45.34 μg/mL (CI95%: 10.41, 202.72). According to the Cox proportional hazards model larvae exposed to the highest dose of the insecticide experienced a mortality rate approximately three times greater than that observed in the control groups. The one-way ANOVA indicates that exposure to spirodiclofen did not significantly affect the protein (df = 3, F = 1.40, p = 0.27) and lipid (df = 3, F = 0.57, p = 0.64) content in the larvae across the treatment groups. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) content showed a significant difference (df = 3, F = 12.45, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that a single pulse exposure to spirodiclofen induced oxidative stress, but did not pose a critical risk to S. meridionale larvae, where by the end of the experiment (16 days) survival declined to about 50% at 0.6 and 1.5 μg/mL and 30% at 12 μg/mL. This underscores the importance of evaluating both acute and chronic toxicity in ecological risk assessments, especially for non-target aquatic organisms in environments subjected to recurrent pesticide applications.

Keywords: dragonfly; insecticide; physiology; toxicity; wetland.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.01 




Mehdi MOHEBODINI, Amir NIKROUZ-GHARAMALEKI, Karim FARMANPOUR-KALALAGH, Naser SABAGHNIA, Mohsen JANMOHAMMADI

Abstract. The development of new summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) varieties in genetic improvement programs requires well- structured methods for managing trait interrelationships. This study employs correlation coefficients and path analysis to identify the relationships between plant dry weight performance in summer savory and various morphological traits. Twenty-nine genotypes were cultivated to determine the key components influencing yield performance. The correlation analysis revealed positive and significant associations between plant dry weight and root. Essential oil content demonstrated no significant positive or negative association with other measured traits, except for a connection with leaflets per main stem. Plant height and stem length exhibited positive, significant associations with internode distance, leaf area in the leaves located in the main and lateral branches, and leaf area of lateral branch leaves. Conversely, these traits were negatively associated with root length, leaflets per main stem, and root dry weight. Path analysis identified stem length and root dry weight as primary traits with direct positive impacts on plant dry weight performance. These findings were validated using the bootstrapping method, which confirmed the significant association between plant dry weight and other morphological characteristics. Additionally, certain traits such as plant height, root length, internode distance, and leaflets per main stem were classified as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary order variables, underscoring their notable influence on yield performance. Thus, the traits most strongly related to yield performance include root characteristics, plant height, and leaflets. These findings can inform the genetic improvement processes aimed at enhancing yield performance.

Keywords: collinearity; direct effects; indirect effects; multiple regression; yield perforamnce.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.02




Ibrokhimjon ERGASHOV, Gulmira ISMONOVA, Gulbakhorkhon IBROKHIMOVA, Ziyoviddin YUSUPOV, Sardorbek MAMASOLIEV, Mirtemir BERDIYEV, Nasibakhon NARALIEVA

Abstract. The genus Rosa encompasses approximately 150–200 species distributed primarily across temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with Asia as a major center of diversity. Despite their ecological and economic importance, the phylogenetic relationships within Rosa remain incompletely resolved due to frequent hybridization, extensive polyploidy, and low sequence divergence. In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete chloroplast genomes of four wild Rosa species from Uzbekistan R. ecae, R. fedtschenkoana, R. kokanica, and R. canina and conducted comparative genomic analyses with a broader set of 71 Rosa plastomes. Our results revealed highly conserved plastome structure, gene content, and GC composition across species, with minor variations in IR boundary regions. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on whole plastome sequences delineated four major clades, highlighting clear evolutionary relationships and geographic patterns within the genus. However, pervasive interspecific hybridization and allopolyploidization complicate species delimitation and contribute to phylogenetic discordance between plastid and nuclear data. These findings emphasize the need for integrated nuclear and population genomic approaches to fully resolve Rosa evolutionary history. This study provides a refined plastome-based framework for Rosa systematics and offers molecular tools to support conservation and breeding efforts for wild and cultivated roses.

Key words: chloroplast genome; wild roses; Uzbekistan; comparative genomics; IR boundary variation; hybridization; polyploidy.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.03




Mykola PATYKA, Tetiana PATYKA, Serhyi KHABLAK

Abstract. Modern molecular-biological methods, such as Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis and real-time PCR, open up new possibilities for understanding the phylogenetic and functional diversity of microbial communities in agricultural soils. Studying the structure and diversity of the soil microbiome is crucial for assessing the state of agroecosystems and developing sustainable farming practices. This article presents the results of a long-term study on the comparative analysis of prokaryotic genetic diversity in sod-podzolic soil under long-term flax cultivation (Linum usitatissimum L.) in conditions of monoculture and crop rotation. It was found that continuous flax cultivation, as well as keeping the soil under bare fallow, lead to a significant depletion of the genetic resources of the soil microbiome and a fundamental change in its qualitative composition compared to crop rotation. The use of T-RFLP and real-time PCR methods allowed for a more comprehensive and rapid characterization and comparison of prokaryotic community structure, identification of dominant groups, and assessment of the impact of various agricultural practices. Understanding the real taxonomic diversity of the soil microbiome is necessary for an objective evaluation of the impact of agrotechnologies on soil biogeochemical processes and interactions in the soil-microorganism- plant system.

Keywords: Linum usitatissimum; sod-podzolic soil; microbial community; T-RFLP; real-time PCR; crop rotation.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.04




Anjali SHARMA, Kuldeep YADAV, Prabhjot KAUR, Nitu MOR, Jitender SHARMA

Abstract. Silicases, enzymes that facilitate silica dissolution, have garnered considerable interest due to their potential utility in agricultural industries. This study investigates the production, optimization, and characterization of silicase from Klebsiella quasipneumoniae (AJS), a bacterium exhibiting silicolytic activity isolated from a paddy field ecosystem. Employing submerged fermentation (SmF), we optimized the culture conditions for enhanced silicase production, assessing factors such as inoculum age, pH, temperature, incubation duration, and the influence of nitrogen and carbon sources. Highest silicase activity of 0.88 U/mL/min was observed with rice straw, a rich silica source, as the substrate. Maximum silicase activity of 0.88 U/mL/min was achieved using rice straw, a substrate rich in silica as the primary substrate. Optimization trials indicated that silicase production peaked with a 24- hour inoculum age, 1.0% inoculum volume, pH 7.0, and an incubation temperature of 40°C. Among evaluated nitrogen sources, urea and yeast extract proved most effective, resulting in silicase activities of 0.83 U/mL/min and 0.86 U/mL/min, respectively. Additionally, incorporating Triton X-100 as a supplement notably enhanced enzyme activity. Our results highlight the feasibility of leveraging agro-industrial by-products, particularly rice straw, for cost-effective silicase production, supporting sustainable biotechnological applications. This investigation delivers key insights into optimizing process parameters for scalable silicase sbiofuels.

Keywords: agricultural waste; enzyme optimization; Klebsiella quasipneumoniae; rice straw; silicase.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.05




Abderrezak CHEBOUTI, Nassila MEZIANI, Fadila BESSEDIK, Soraya AMRANI

Abstract. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the tolerance of isolate rhizobial strains nodulating Medicago laciniata and Medicago minima to high temperature, salinity and pH. Nodules collected in ten local populations of Medicago laciniata and Medicago minima, collected from Djelfa regions (Algerian central steppe), were used for the isolation of the rhizobia strains. Nineteen strains were isolated and purified in YEM medium containing Congo red. Strains were tested for their tolerance to high temperatures (30, 32, 35, 40 and 40°C), to different concentrations of NaCl (200, 400, 600 and 800 mM) and to different levels of pH (5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5). The tolerance assessment of strains to the main environmental stresses has allowed us to identify some strains with high tolerance. Results showed that some strains can tolerate high temperatures (40°C) and high concentrations of NaCl (800mM). The strains were also able to grow at pH 5.5 to 9.5.

Keywords: environmental stresses; Medicago laciniata; Medicago minima; rhizobia; tolerance.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.06




El-Sayed ZIEDAN, Elsayed OMER, Abdel Naser EL-GENDY, Ahmed SAHAB

Abstract. Date palm plants (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are a significant fruit grown worldwide under the biotic stress of red weevil pest (RWP) and microbial communities associated. Fermentation process in date palm trunk regarding infestation by RWP, yielding order and oozes, is the main diagnostic factor. These syndromes, related to activities of secondary infection by opportunic communities of bacteria, fungi and yeasts, which secrete volatile toxic materials, can suppress the growth of roots and apical meristem, as well as predispose date plants to root rot symptoms. The GC-MS analysis on the sample of fermented tissue of date palm infested by RWP yielded several volatile chemical components that phytotoxicity activities of seed germination of date palm and present its for development growth at seedlings stage such as ethyl alcohol, ethyl propanoate, limonene and linalool, these volatile were spread to apical meristem causing rotten of upper leaf base and down to induce root rot disease symptoms. So, the new strategy for suppressive degradable microbial communities and their secondary toxic materials secretion in the trunks of date palm trees is very important for reducing deterioration associated with the red weevil pest.

Keywords: deterioration; date palm; red weevil pest root rot; degradation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.07




Cristina MOLDOVAN, Tamara SÎRBU

Abstract: Fungi in freshwater ecosystems constitute an extremely diverse and ecologically important group, but aquatic filamentous fungi continue to be relatively poorly studied. Despite the recognition of their essential role in the decomposition of organic matter, in the recycling of nutrients and in maintaining ecological balance, current knowledge regarding the diversity, distribution and functions of these fungi remains limited. In this context, this paper aims to contribute to expanding knowledge on the diversity of filamentous fungi from 3 lakes of Chisinau municipality (La Izvor, Valea Morilor and Valea Trandafirilor). The research focused on the study of 476 strains of filamentous fungi, isolated from water, sediment and biofilm samples of the mentioned lakes. The density and diversity of filamentous fungi, in all studied lakes, varied depending on the location of water basins, the highest being identified in the sediment samples. As a result of the study of morpho-cultural characteristics, representatives of 18 genera were identified, which constitute 85% of the total number of isolates. The most frequently encountered were representatives of the genera: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Alternaria, Fusarium.

 Keywords: aquatic fungi; biotechnological potential; classification; diversity; isolation.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.08




Affaf GUERBOUZ, Soumia HADDAD, El-Yamine GUERGUEB, Yassine NOUIDJEM

Abstract. The biodiversity of urban environments is a major issue for conservation, particularly in arid areas where urban green spaces play a crucial role as refuges for wildlife. Unlike European and Mediterranean cities, the relationship between the structure of urban habitats and bird diversity remains underexplored in Saharan urban landscapes. Between October 2022 and September 2023, we conducted a study on the avifauna of the city of Ghardaïa (northern Algerian Sahara) using the point count method. Three types of habitats were distinguished along an urbanization gradient, based on the estimated percentage of vegetation cover around each point count: green spaces, intermediate environments, and built-up areas. Bird diversity was assessed through species richness, abundance, and the Shannon diversity index. Our results show that green spaces and intermediate habitats host a significantly higher avian diversity than heavily urbanized areas. Furthermore, vegetation cover and floristic richness have a positive and significant effect on species richness, abundance, and avian diversity. NMDS and PERMANOVA analyses also highlight marked differences in community composition between the different types of habitats. These results highlight the importance of green space arrangements for maintaining biodiversity in Saharan urban environments and shed light on their strategic role in sustainable urban planning in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

Keywords: algerian sahara; birds; green spaces; Ghardaia; urbain landscape.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.09



Maxim BÎRSA, Ludmila BALAN, Nina BOGDAN-GOLUBI, Cristina MOLDOVAN

Abstract. Exometabolites of strains B. velezensis CNMN-BB-16, M. yunnanensis CNMN-BM-19 and Actinomadura sp. 36, were tested in experiments of antagonism against F. oxysporum CNMN-FF-06 and F. solani CNMN-FF-07; and determination of plant growth promoting activity on S. melongena L. (Classic F1). According to the results, almost all experimental variants totally suppressed developing and proliferation of phytopathogenic strains in vitro. Eggplant seedlings had shown almost no symptoms of Fusarium wilt. In case of phytostimulation, the length of stems was by 0.83-29.58% more than in control. Significant increases in length were recorded by using solutions of the exometabolites of B. velezensis CNMN-BB-16 in concentration of 3.0% and M. yunnanensis CNMN-BM-19 in concentration of 2.0%. The dry weight of aerial part, increased further and ranged by 31.25-119.42% more. For root dry weight, the data had increased significantly, by 9.09-154.95%. The number of leaves on plants is significantly greater than in the control, and the plants are better developed. Obtained data had demonstrated efficacy of exometabolites both as Fusarium antagonists and as phytostimulators of Solanum melongena L.

Keywords: actinobacteria; bacteria; eggplant; Fusarium wilt; plant growth promoting.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.10




Kathia BELAID, Nadjette DJEMOUAI, Atika MEKLAT, Karima BOUTI, Khadidja OULAD HADJ YOUCEF, Carol VERHEECKE-VAESSEN

Abstract. Endophytic actinobacteria play vital roles in plant health and biocontrol, yet their potential in Algerian medicinal plants remains understudied. This research reports the isolation and characterization of Streptomyces sp. strain BT21 from the root of Artemisia herba-alba Asso collected in Batna Province, Algeria. Using morphological, biochemical, physiological, and molecular approaches, strain BT21 was identified and evaluated for its potential as a bioactive agent. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (1,454 bp) revealed 99.24% similarity between strain BT21 and Streptomyces specialis GW41-1564T, supporting its morphological identification. Strain BT21 also demonstrated halotolerance and growth over a wide range of temperatures and pH, indicating strong environmental adaptability. This strain also demonstrated plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, including positive ammonia production and atmospheric nitrogen fixation, although it lacked phosphate solubilization activity. Additionally, the strain exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities, with inhibition zones reaching up to 28 mm against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9314 on SMG and SMA media. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of strain BT21 was observed against all the tested fungi on various media, including SMG, SML, SMA, SSMG, and SSML, with inhibition zones ranging from 13 to 25 mm. Notably, the antimicrobial activities were significantly influenced by culture media composition. The strain produced key extracellular enzymes, including amylases, cellulases, esterases, proteases and chitinases, which are important for nutrient cycling and pathogen suppression. The combined biocontrol and PGP properties of strain BT21 suggest promising applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. Future work will focus on genomic analysis and in vivo evaluation to unlock the full potential of this endophytic Streptomyces strain.

Keywords: Artemisia herba-alba; endophyte; lytic enzymes; molecular identification; PGP; secondary metabolites; Streptomyces.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.11




Aicha KSOURI, Dahmane DAHMANE, Soumeya KRIMAT, Affaf LASSAMI

Abstract: The aims of our study are to describe the chemical composition, trichomes morphology, leaves and petioles density of Pelargonium graveolens from Algiers. The light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy defined three kinds of trichomes; non-glandular, capitate and peltate trichomes. We determinate the essential oil profile by GC and GC-MS; results show that ester terpenoids are the most dominant group of total P. graveolens essential oil. The main compounds are geranyl formate (11.8 %), citronellyl formate (11.6%) and 10-epi-γ-eudesmol (10.0%). The antioxidant activity of pure essential oil was evaluate by the (DPPH) radical assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power. It exhibited an antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 12.44 mg/mL. The antifungal screening showed that essential oil had a strong inhibitory effect against Aspergillus carbonarius and Umbelopsis ramanniana. These results indicate that this essential oil may serve as a potential source of antioxidants and antifungal compounds and for industrial uses.

Keywords: antifungal screening; antioxidant activity; essential oil profile; trichomes; Pelargonium graveolens.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.12




Deepak KHATAK, Ashok AGGARWAL, Kuldeep YADAV, Nishu MOUN, Anil GUPTA

Abstract. This study investigated the biodiversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi associated with thirty-three medicinal plant species belonging to twenty-one families in district Rewari, Haryana (India). The results showed significant variation in AM spore density and root colonization among plant species. Forty-one AM fungal species were identified, belonging to six genera, with Glomus, Gigaspora, and Acaulospora being the most predominant. Sclerocystis and Entrophospora were the least among the recovered AMF spores. The results revealed that the number of AM spores in the plant's rhizosphere was unrelated to the percentage of AM root colonization. The highest percentage of root colonization was reported in Cannabis sativa (90.91%), while Eucalyptus maculates (30%) had the minimum colonization. The highest AM spore density was found in the rhizospheric soil sample of Ocimum sanctum (583.2±11.95), while the lowest was found in Nerium oleander (17.6±1.52). The study confirmed that AM fungal diversity varies among plant species, with Tinospora cordifolia exhibiting the highest AM spore species richness followed by Artemisia arborescens and the least in Calotropis procera. In conclusion, these fungal communities play a vital role in plant health and growth, showcasing a symbiotic relationship shaped by local soil and environmental factors. Understanding this diversity can guide sustainable cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants, supporting regional biodiversity and ecological balance.

Keywords: AM fungi; biodiversity; medicinal plants; rhizosphere; root colonization.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.13




Linda Widad OUAHAB, Fatma YOUCEFI, Mohamed FRITEL, Abdellatif BOUBEKEUR

Abstract: The increasing risk of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains has fueled the quest for new and sustainable antimicrobial therapies. In this work, the in vivo antimicrobial activity of chitosan obtained from the shell of crustaceans, and propolis alone and combined, against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) using a Wistar rat infection model was explored. A total of 35 female Wistar rats (three months old) were randomly assigned to seven groups (n = 5), including untreated controls, infected controls, and groups treated with various concentrations of chitosan (0.5%, 1%, 2%), propolis (0.5%, 1%, 2%), and their combination. Following a two-week acclimatization period, all treatments were administered orally via gavage for 15 days. Quantitative microbiologic analysis indicated a marked reduction in bacterial load after as early as 48 hours of treatment, particularly in the chitosan-propolis combination group, which showed enhanced antimicrobial activity compared with the other treated groups. Hematologic and histopathologic analysis also indicated improvement in immune parameters and healing of tissue in the treatment groups. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of chitosan and propolis as natural bioactive compounds. The combined treatment may offer a promising strategy for combating bacterial infections, including drug-resistant strains, and warrants further mechanistic and clinical investigations

Keywords: antibiotic resistance; chitosan; natural antimicrobials; propolis; Staphylococcus aureus; Wistar rat model.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.14




Weni WILIA, Miranti Sari FITRIANI

Abstract. Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is an important constraint to sustainable maize production, and environmentally friendly control strategies are increasingly needed. This study aimed to isolate and characterize endophytic fungi from maize tissues and evaluate their potential as biological control agents against R. solani. Endophytic fungi were isolated from healthy maize plants collected from sheath blight–affected fields in Pudak Village, Jambi, Indonesia. Morphological characterization, pathogenicity, dual culture antagonism, volatile compound, chitinolytic, phosphate-solubilizing, and plant growth–promoting assays were conducted to evaluate their biocontrol potential. A total of 46 fungal isolates were successfully obtained from roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, with a high diversity index (H’ = 3.66). Pathogenicity screening selected 18 non-pathogenic endophytic isolates for further evaluation. In dual culture assays, 17 of 18 isolates inhibited the growth of R. solani, with the highest inhibition recorded in sterile hyphae 3 (93.33%). Volatile assays showed that 11 isolates suppressed pathogen growth, with sterile hyphae 2 exhibiting the highest inhibition (68.78%). Chitinolytic activity was detected only in unidentified fungi 4, while none of the isolates showed phosphate-solubilizing activity. Several isolates also promoted maize seedling growth. These findings demonstrate that maizeassociated endophytic fungi possess strong antagonistic activity against R. solani and have potential for development as environmentally friendly biological control agents in sustainable maize production systems.

Keywords: corn; fungi; induce resistance; parasitism; Rhizoctonia solani; Zea mays.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.15




Serhii KHABLAK, Lesia BONDAREVA, Yana ABDULLAIEVA, Valentyn SPYCHAK

Abstract. The article explores the evolution of plant immunity, comparing immune responses in monocotyledonous (Monocotyledonae) and dicotyledonous (Dicotyledonae) crops using winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) as models. It analyzes receptor systems crucial for immune signaling. In dicots, membrane receptors (RLK, RLP) and intracellular NLR receptors with TIR domains (TNL), together with co-receptors RNL (NRG1, ADR1), form the TNL–EDS1– PAD4–SAG101 network responsible for hypersensitive response (HR) to pathogens. In cereals, particularly wheat, TNL and RNL receptors are largely reduced due to evolutionary adaptation to their thick, lignified cell walls, which act as barriers against necrotrophic pathogens. Instead, cereal immunity relies mainly on receptors with CC-NBS-LRR (CNL) domains and RLKs specialized in recognizing biotrophic pathogens. The study highlights that the evolution of plant immune systems reflects the balance between structural adaptations and pathogen pressure. Dicotyledonous plants have retained a full complement of immune components, ensuring resistance to a wide spectrum of pathogens, including necrotrophs and hemibiotrophs. Monocots, by contrast, have compensated for the loss of TNL receptors through the enhanced use of CNL and RLK pathways. Understanding these evolutionary differences is essential for modern biotechnology, crop breeding, and plant protection. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving the immune potential of cultivated plants and guide future research in agronomy and molecular biology.

Keywords: biotrophs; dicots; disease resistance receptors; monocots; necrotrophs; pathogens; sunflower; winter wheat.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61215/auofb.2026.1.16