Assessing the health risks of heavy metals and seasonal minerals fluctuations in Camellia sinensis cultivars during their growth seasons

The risk assessment of heavy metals in tea is extremely imperative for the health of tea consumers. However, the effects of varietal variations and seasonal fluctuations on heavy metals and minerals in tea plants remain unclear. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to evaluate the contents of aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and antimony (Sb) in the two categories of young leaves (YL) and mature leaves (ML) of tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivars throughout the growing seasons. The results showed significant variations in the contents of the investigated nutrients both among the different cultivars and growing seasons as well. Furthermore, the average concentrations of Al, Mn, Mg, B, Ca, Cu, Co, Fe, Na, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb in YL ranged, from 671.58-2209.12, 1260.58-1902.21, 2290.56-2995.36, 91.18-164.68, 821.95-5708.20, 2.55-3.80, 3.96-25.22, 37.95-202.84, 81.79-205.05, 27.10-69.67, 0.028-0.053, 0.065-0.127, 2.40-3.73, 10.57-12.64, 0.11-0.14 mg kg-1, respectively. In ML, the concentrations were 2626.41-7834.60, 3980.82-6473.64, 3335.38-4537.48, 327.33-501.70, 9619.89-13153.68, 4.23-8.18, 17.23-34.20, 329.39-567.19, 145.36-248.69, 40.50-81.42, 0.089-0.169, 0.23-0.27, 5.24-7.89, 18.51-23.97, 0.15-0.19 mg kg-1, respectively. The contents of all analyzed nutrients were found to be higher in ML than in YL. Target hazard quotients (THQ) of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb, as well as the hazard index (HI), were all less than one, suggesting no risk to human health via tea consumption. This research might provide the groundwork for essential minerals recommendations, as well as a better understanding and management of heavy metal risks in tea.

Comparative analysis of endophytic fungal communities in bamboo species Phyllostachys edulis, Bambusa rigida, and Pleioblastus amarus

Fungal endophytes in plant leaf mesophyll form mutually beneficial associations through carbon assimilation, synthesis of biologically active chemicals, and enhancement of aesthetic and nutritional value. Here, we compared community structure, diversity, and richness of endophytic fungi in the leaves of three bamboo species, including Phyllostachys edulis (MZ), Bambusa rigida (KZ), and Pleioblastus amarus (YT) via high-throughput Illumina sequencing. In total, 1070 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were retrieved and classified into 7 phylum, 27 classes, 82 orders, 185 families, 310 genus, and 448 species. Dominant genera were Cladosporium, Trichomerium, Hannaella, Ascomycota, Sporobolomyces, Camptophora and Strelitziana. The highest fungal diversity was observed in Pleioblastus amarus, followed by Bambusa rigida, and Phyllostachys edulis. Comparatively, monopodial species Ph. edulis and sympodial B. rigida, mixed P. amarus revealed the highest richness of endophytic fungi. We retrieved a few biocontrol agents, Sarocladium and Paraconiothyrium, and unique Sporobolomyces, Camptophora, and Strelitziana genera. FUNGuild analysis revealed the surrounding environment (The annual average temperature is between 15 and 25 °C, and the relative humidity of the air is above 83% all year round) as a source of fungal accumulation in bamboo leaves and their pathogenic nature. Our results provide precise knowledge for better managing bamboo forests and pave the way for isolating secondary metabolites and potential bioactive compounds.

Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition

Silicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m-1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.

Hemolytic Anemia-Related Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report With Complications Including Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The condition known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and vision problems due to brain swelling, which often can be seen in brain scans. While there have been some cases of PRES linked to conditions such autoimmune diseases and high blood pressure, we're sharing a unique case here. Our case involves severe kidney damage caused by idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. The patient also experienced loss of consciousness, seizures, and headache. Brain scans confirmed the signs of PRES. We managed to help the patient recover fully through careful treatment, including fluids, managing seizures, and transfusions.

CASE DETAILS

Our patient was dealing with severe kidney damage from idiopathic hemolytic anaemia. They had episodes of loss of consciousness, seizures, and headaches. Brain scans showed that they had PRES.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

We found out that the patient had severe kidney damage because of hemolytic anaemia, and she also had PRES. We treated her by giving fluids, managing her seizures, and doing blood transfusions, along with other supportive care.

CONCLUSIONS

With our treatment, the patient got better, her neurological symptoms improved, and her brain scans showed fewer signs of PRES. This case tells us something interesting - sometimes, anaemia can lead to rare neurological problems like PRES. We need to be aware of these possibilities to help patients better. Our successful treatment in this case emphasizes how important quick and comprehensive care can be for good outcomes.

A Case Report of Enteric Fever Caused by Consumption of Lettuce

When Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi) is present in the water, food supply, or both, it leads to the rapid development of typhoid fever. Because lettuce is an ideal host for S. Typhi's survival, lettuce grown in animal manure can be the probable source of typhoid fever. Prompt identification and proper antibiotic treatment can lessen the burden of typhoid fever on the public health system. A male farmer, age 29, was admitted to our hospital with a serious major complaint of abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and runny diarrhea. The newly hospitalized patient had a 2-week history of high-grade fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, watery diarrhea, back pain, and generalized body aches. Blood culture is the most accurate test for the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Blood culture was positive and showed sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and other drugs. To cure the typhoid, 500 mg of ciprofloxacin was administered twice daily for 7 days. Pathogenic components, species that are infected, and host immunity all play a role in typhoid fever pathogenesis. Typhoid fever is common in underdeveloped countries due to tainted food or hazardous water sources. This report's main goals are to draw attention to the significance of food safety procedures and to the potential dangers of consuming raw vegetables.

Unveiling the Uncommon: Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Presenting As Gastritis

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is a specific type of duodenal obstruction marked by a blockage of the inferior part of the duodenum as a result of compression between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta. Depletion of the mesenteric fatty pad causes this complication. In the current study, we describe a case of SMAS involving a 36-year-old lady who presented with postprandial pain, weight loss, and hematemesis. The patient was investigated for chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, and intestinal tuberculosis due to a vague presentation, which yielded normal results. Subsequently, esophagogastroduodenostomy (EGD) was performed during a follow-up visit, which revealed erosive gastritis and antral inflammation. The patient was eventually given the go-ahead for a CT scan which led to the diagnosis of SMAS leading to erosive gastritis and distal duodenal obstruction.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Presented in Dengue Epidemic: A Case Report

In Pakistan, hemorrhagic diseases, including dengue and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), are common. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is challenging in the early stages of sickness owing to geographic overlap and early clinical similarities between the two disorders. A 35-year-old man who had previously experienced hematemesis and high-grade fever presented to our hospital. Despite receiving supportive care for a preliminary diagnosis of dengue hemorrhagic fever, the patient's condition worsened. The results of the dengue IgM antibody test were negative. On the fourth day of admission, a qualitative polymerase chain reaction test for CCHF virus RNA was performed, and the result returned positive. All medical personnel and attendants who had contact with the patient had to receive ribavirin prophylaxis, which required significant investment in resources. Because CCHF can have long-term financial and health repercussions for contacts, including healthcare personnel in developing nations, it is essential to identify and treat it as soon as possible. It is necessary to keep track of dengue and CCHF cases more closely to develop predictors of disease diagnosis that are reasonably trustworthy, affordable, and quick. These predictors can aid in directing future choices regarding the care of similar situations. Ultimately, such an approach might result in improved cost control in environments with limited resources. Consideration should also be given to patients who receive ribavirin prophylaxis.

Zinc Nanoparticles (ZnNPs): High-Fidelity Amelioration in Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) Production under Drought Stress

The detrimental effects of drought have adverse impacts on the crop yield as global climatic changes put unusual pressure on water resources. The challenge of attaining water security is key for the sustainable development of crops. Zinc (Zn2+) is an important nutrient that helps to alleviate drought stress by modulating the growth and yield of crops. Recently, zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) have been used as a novel strategy for the fertilization of crops. This study was specifically developed to observe the comparative effects of ZnNPs and conventional zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) at diverse concentration levels (0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) that could effectively decrease the injurious effect of drought stress on turnip plants. In experiments on the golden turnip variety, drought stress caused a significant reduction in all growth and biochemical attributes, and increased antioxidant enzymatic activity. In a comparison with the conventional fertilizer ZnSO4, the foliar application of 0.1% ZnNPs significantly improved plant height, biomass, root/turnip length, turnip diameter, antioxidant defense system, secondary metabolites, and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves under drought stress. Based on the collected results, it is suggested that the foliar application of ZnNPs, instead of ZnSO4, under drought stress is helpful in increasing the growth and yield of turnip plants.

Primary plant nutrients modulate the reactive oxygen species metabolism and mitigate the impact of cold stress in overseeded perennial ryegrass

Overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf on dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. L) in transitional climatic zones (TCZ) experience a severe reduction in its growth due to cold stress. Primary plant nutrients play an important role in the cold stress tolerance of plants. To better understand the cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass under TCZ, a three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a regression model was used to study the interactive effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization on lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and their detoxification by the photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The study demonstrated substantial effects of N, P, and K fertilization on ROS production and their detoxification through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress. Our results demonstrated that the cold stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide contents, while simultaneously decreasing ROS-scavenging enzymes, antioxidants, and photosynthetic pigments in overseeded perennial ryegrass. However, N, P, and K application mitigated cold stress-provoked adversities by enhancing soluble protein, superoxide dismutase, peroxide dismutase, catalase, and proline contents as compared to the control conditions. Moreover, N, P, and, K application enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress as compared to the control treatments. Collectively, this 2-years study indicated that N, P, and K fertilization mitigated cold stress by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants defense systems, thereby concluding that efficient nutrient management is the key to enhanced cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass in a transitional climate. These findings revealed that turfgrass management will not only rely on breeding new varieties but also on the development of nutrient management strategies for coping cold stress.

Interplay of silymarin and clove fruit extract effectively enhances cadmium stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Introduction

Osmoprotectant supplementation can be used as a useful approach to enhance plant stress tolerance. However, the effect of silymarin and clove fruit extract (CFE) on wheat plants grown under cadmium (Cd) stress has not been studied.

Methods

Wheat seeds were planted in plastic pots filled with ions-free sand. A ½-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution was used for irrigation. Pots were treated with eight treatments thirteen days after sowing: 1) Control, 2) 0.5 mM silymarin foliar application [silymarin], 3) 2% CFE foliar application [CFE], 4) CFE enriched with silymarin (0.24 g silymarin L-1 of CFE) [CFE-silymarin], 5) Watering wheat seedlings with a nutritious solution of 2 mM Cd [Cd]. 6) Cadmium + silymarin, 7) Cadmium + CFE, and 8) Cadmium + CFE-silymarin. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with nine replicates.

Results and discussion

The Cd stress decreased grain yield, shoot dry weight, leaf area, carotenoids, chlorophylls, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, membrane stability index, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content by 66.9, 60.6, 56.7, 23.8, 33.5, 48.1, 41.2, 48.7, 42.5, 24.1, 39.9, and 24.1%, respectively. On the other hand, Cd has an Application of CFE, silymarin, or CEF-silymarin for wheat plants grown under Cd stress, significantly improved all investigated biochemical, morphological, and physiological variables and enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities. Applying CFE and/or silymarin enhanced plant tolerance to Cd stress more efficiently. Our findings suggest using CFE-silymarin as a meaningful biostimulator for wheat plants to increase wheat plants' tolerance to Cd stress via enhancing various metabolic and physiological processes.

Natural resistance of tomato plants to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most harmful afflictions in the world that affects tomato growth and production. Six regular antagonistic genes (Ty-1, Ty-2, Ty-3, Ty-4, ty-5, and Ty-6) have been transferred from wild germplasms to commercial cultivars as TYLCV protections. With Ty-1 serving as an appropriate source of TYLCV resistance, only Ty-1, Ty-2, and Ty-3 displayed substantial levels of opposition in a few strains. It has been possible to clone three TYLCV opposition genes (Ty-1/Ty-3, Ty-2, and ty-5) that target three antiviral safety mechanisms. However, it significantly impacts obtaining permanent resistance to TYLCV, trying to maintain opposition whenever possible, and spreading opposition globally. Utilizing novel methods, such as using resistance genes and identifying new resistance resources, protects against TYLCV in tomato production. To facilitate the breeders make an informed decision and testing methods for TYLCV blockage, this study highlights the portrayal of typical obstruction genes, common opposition sources, and subatomic indicators. The main goal is to provide a fictitious starting point for the identification and application of resistance genes as well as the maturation of tomato varieties that are TYLCV-resistant.

Rural Farmers' Cognition and Climate Change Adaptation Impact on Cash Crop Productivity: Evidence from a Recent Study

The world faces a once-in-a-century transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adversely affecting farmers' employment, production practices, and livelihood resilience. Meanwhile, climate change (CC) is a crucial issue limiting agricultural production worldwide. Farmers' lives, severely affected by extreme weather conditions, are resulting in the reduced production of major economic crops. The CC has drastically influenced the major agricultural sectors of Pakistan, leading to a significant decline in farmers' living standards and the overall economy. Climate-smart and eco-friendly agricultural practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and ameliorate agricultural productivity under extreme environmental conditions. This paper highlights farmers' autonomous CC adaptation strategies and their influence on cash crop (maize for this study) yield under prevailing circumstances. The current study used a simultaneous equation model to examine the different adaptation impacts on adapters and non-adapters. The survey results of 498 maize farmers in rural Pakistan revealed that growers were aware of the recent CC and had taken adequate adaptive measures to acclimatize to CC. Farmers' arable land area, awareness level, and information accessibility to CC are the most crucial factors that impart a significant role in their adaptation judgments. However, most growers have inadequate adaptation strategies, including improved irrigation and the utilization of extensive fertilizers and pesticides. Using a simultaneous equation model of endogenous switching regression, the study found that farmers not adapted to CC were negatively affecting maize productivity. Therefore, this study suggests that policymakers pay attention to the countermeasures farmers have not taken to mitigate the impact of CC. In addition, policymakers should deliver appropriate adaptation strategies to assist growers in coping with climate-related natural hazards and ensure farmers' livelihood security, rural revitalization, and sustainable agricultural development.

Foliar Application of NH4 +/NO3 - Ratios Enhance the Lodging Resistance of Soybean Stem by Regulating the Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Under Shade Conditions

Shading is one of the most chronic restrains which can lead to the lodging of intercropped plants. In order to increase the soybean stem lodging resistance, a 2-year field trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different ratios and concentrations of NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^- on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of soybean stem under shade conditions. The total 5 ratios of NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^- were applied as follows: T0 = 0/0 (control), T1 = 0/100 (higher ratio), T2 = 25/75 (optimum), T3 = 50/50 (optimum), and T4 = 75/25 (higher ratio) as a nitrogen source. Our findings displayed that the T2 (25/75) and T3 (50/50) treatments alleviated the shading stress by improving the photosynthetic activity, biomass accumulation, carbohydrates contents, and lignin related enzymes (POD, CAD, and 4Cl) which led to improvement in stem lodging resistance. The correlation analysis (p ≤ 0.05, p ≤ 0.01) revealed the strong relationship between lodging resistance index and stem diameter, stem strength, lignin content, photosynthesis, and lignin related enzymes (POD, CAD, and 4CL) evidencing the strong contribution of lignin and its related enzymes in the improvement of lodging resistance of soybean stem under shade conditions. Collectively, we concluded that optimum NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^- ratios (T2 and T3) can boost up the lodging resistance of soybean stem under shade stress.

COVID-19 Vaccination Behavior Among Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: The Theory of Planned Behavior, Perceived Susceptibility, and Anticipated Regret

Healthcare workers in Pakistan are still fighting at the frontline to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have been identified as the earliest beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccination by the health authorities of the country. Besides, the high vaccination rates of frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) are essential to overcome the ongoing pandemic and reduce the vaccines hesitancy among the general population. The current research employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate the COVID-19 vaccination behavior among FHWs in Pakistan as well as the predictors of such behavior. Following the epidemic control and prevention policies, a sample of 680 FHWs were accessed to fill in the questionnaire evaluating the components of the TPB. Moreover, the potential role of anticipated regret (AR) and perceived susceptibility (PS) on COVID-19 vaccination behavior was also assessed. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) results revealed that the TPB components, as well as the AR, have positive associations with the COVID-19 vaccination behavior. The results further confirmed that PS positively affects the anticipated regret, attitude (ATT), and subjective norm (SN) to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2. The perceived susceptibility also has a positive association with COVID-19 vaccination behavior through the mediation of anticipated regret, ATT, and SN. Our findings highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers, which can be applied to reduce vaccine hesitancy among the general public.

Technologies for municipal solid waste management: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a reflection of the culture that generates it and has a negative impact on the health of the humans and the environment. In the global context, people are abandoning increasing volumes of garbage, and the content of that waste is becoming more complicated than it has ever been, as plastic and electronic consumer goods spread. At the same time, the world is rapidly urbanizing. These changes place a burden on cities to manage garbage appropriately on both a social and environmental level. Globally, extensive research has been conducted to develop a comprehensive MSW management system that includes treatment. The primary objective of this article is to examine municipal solid waste in eight of China's eastern coastal regions. With the use of this review, we found that MSW generation is increasing in Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Fujian provinces, but declining in other eastern coastal cities, provinces, and special zones. Furthermore, municipal solid waste in China is treated utilizing 52 percent landfill, 45 percent incineration, and 3 percent composting techniques, resulting in significantly lower usage efficiency than in developed countries. The effectiveness of China's municipal waste management system must be improved. In addition, this review examines MSW management issues and prospects in China, as well as recommendations for strengthening the MSW management system.

Silver Nanoparticle's Toxicological Effects and Phytoremediation

The advancement in nanotechnology has brought numerous benefits for humans in diverse areas including industry, medicine, and agriculture. The demand in the application of nanomaterials can result in the release of these anthropogenic materials into soil and water that can potentially harm the environment by affecting water and soil properties (e.g., soil texture, pH, organic matter, and water content), plants, animals, and subsequently human health. The properties of nanoparticles including their size, surface area, and reactivity affect their fate in the environment and can potentially result in their toxicological effects in the ecosystem and on living organisms. There is extensive research on the application of nano-based materials and the consequences of their release into the environment. However, there is little information about environmentally friendly approaches for removing nanomaterials from the environment. This article provides insight into the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as one of the most commonly used nanomaterials, their toxicological effects, their impacts on plants and microorganisms, and briefly reviews the possibility of remediation of these metabolites using phytotechnology approaches. This article provides invaluable information to better understand the fate of nanomaterials in the environment and strategies in removing them from the environment.

Commercial techniques for preserving date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit quality and safety: A review

The popularity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit is increasing, therefore the demand for high-quality date palm fruit with less or no chemical treatment is the topic of interest for date producers and consumers. The quality of date palm fruit is much dependent on its postharvest handling and processing. For preventing the degradation and maintenance of the high quality of dates during the storage an appropriate harvest and post-harvest processes are required. The process should control the biotic and abiotic factors like insects, fungus, temperature, as well as handling and processing of dates. Therefore, in this work, we reviewed the literature related to the protection of date fruits during their post-harvest life. The commercially viable advance and updated techniques that can be used to avoid storage losses and problems while keeping fruit quality (nutritional, color, flavor, and texture) and microbial safety under optimal conditions are discussed.

Food Consumption Behavior of Pakistani Students Living in China: The Role of Food Safety and Health Consciousness in the Wake of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has considerably changed global food production, processing, and consumption at different levels. Sojourners are among those who have experienced a higher level of food insecurity during the crisis of the COVID-19 outbreak. The current research aimed to investigate the immediate consumption behavioral intentions of the Pakistani international students in the People's Republic of China (PRC) during the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. This study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and background factors of food safety and health consciousness that influence the consumption behavioral intention of Pakistani students toward unfamiliar local food in China. A relational model was analyzed where food safety and health consciousness were hypothesized to serve as background variables associated with TPB components. Moreover, the indirect effects of food safety and health consciousness on behavioral intentions were assessed. The data were collected through convenience samples from 462 Pakistani international students and were analyzed through partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirmed that food safety and health consciousness were positively associated with attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC). However, food safety and health consciousness were indirectly associated with the behavioral intention only through ATT and SN. The results highlighted the role of food safety and health consciousness as important antecedents of classical TPB components that affect intentions and behaviors to avoid unfamiliar local food in a migrated context. The present study provides enlightenment to those who aim to investigate the consumption behavioral intentions of sojourners in the wake of the pandemic situation based on food safety and health consciousness. The findings of the current study are also applicable to general consumption patterns in the food sector.

Molybdenum-Induced Regulation of Antioxidant Defense-Mitigated Cadmium Stress in Aromatic Rice and Improved Crop Growth, Yield, and Quality Traits

Cadmium (Cd) stress causes serious disruptions in plant metabolism, physio-biochemical responses, crop yield, and grain quality characteristics. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the role of molybdenum (Mo) in mitigating Cd-induced adversities on plant growth, yield attributes, and grain quality characteristics of a popular aromatic rice cultivar ‘Xiangyaxiangzhan’. The Mo was applied at 0.15 mg kg⁻¹ soil in both control (no Cd) and Cd-contaminated (100 mg kg⁻¹) soils. A treatment with Mo-free (−Mo) soil was also maintained for comparison. The results showed that Cd toxicity significantly (p < 0.05) reduced plant dry biomass, grain yield, photosynthetic efficiency, and pigment contents, and impaired chloroplast ultra-structural configuration and simultaneously destabilized the plant metabolism owing to higher accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde contents. However, Mo supply improved grain yield and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content by 64.75% and 77.09%, respectively, under Cd stress, suggesting that Mo supply mitigated Cd-provoked negative effects on yield attributes and grain quality of aromatic rice. Moreover, Mo supply enhanced photosynthesis, proline, and soluble protein content, and also strengthened plant metabolism and antioxidant defense through maintaining higher activities and transcript abundance of ROS-detoxifying enzymes at the vegetative, reproductive, and maturity stages of aromatic rice plants under Cd toxicity. Collectively, our findings indicated that Mo supply strengthened plant metabolism at prominent growth stages through an improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, thereby increasing grain yield and quality characteristics of aromatic rice under Cd toxicity.

Magnetic Field (MF) Applications in Plants: An Overview

Crop yield can be raised by establishment of adequate plant stand using seeds with high germination ratio and vigor. Various pre-sowing treatments are adopted to achieve this objective. One of these approaches is the exposure of seeds to a low-to-medium level magnetic field (MF), in pulsed and continuous modes, as they have shown positive results in a number of crop seeds. On the basis of the sensitivity of plants to MF, different types of MF have been used for magnetopriming studies, such as weak static homogeneous magnetic fields (0–100 μT, including GMF), strong homogeneous magnetic fields (milliTesla to Tesla), and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields of low-to-moderate (several hundred μT) magnetic flux densities. The agronomic application of MFs in plants has shown potential in altering conventional plant production systems; increasing mean germination rates, and root and shoot growth; having high productivity; increasing photosynthetic pigment content; and intensifying cell division, as well as water and nutrient uptake. Furthermore, different studies suggest that MFs prevent the large injuries produced/inflicted by diseases and pests on agricultural crops and other economically important plants and assist in reducing the oxidative damage in plants caused by stress situations. An improved understanding of the interactions between the MF and the plant responses could revolutionize crop production through increased resistance to disease and stress conditions, as well as the superiority of nutrient and water utilization, resulting in the improvement of crop yield. In this review, we summarize the potential applications of MF and the key processes involved in agronomic applications. Furthermore, in order to ensure both the safe usage and acceptance of this new opportunity, the adverse effects are also discussed.

Optimization of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilization Rates for Overseeded Perennial Ryegrass Turf on Dormant Bermudagrass in a Transitional Climate

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf loss due to severe cold in transitional climates is a major concern. To overcome this problem, warm-season grass is often overseeded with a cool-season turfgrass. In this study, modeling and efficient nutrient management were used to evaluate this problem. A three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a simulation of a regression model was used to optimize fertilization rates. The study investigated the combined effects of fertilization with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) on both the morphological and physiological attributes and on the integrated turf performance (ITP) of overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Fertilization with N and P significantly increased turf height, density, color, fresh and dry weights, while N, P, and K significantly affected turf cover, quality and winter-kill. The Spring transition was delayed by fertilization with N and P, and accelerated by fertilization with K. Photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) were considerably enhanced by fertilization with N, P, and K. Protein levels and total chlorophyll levels were substantially increased by fertilization with N and P and with N, P, and K, respectively, during a 2-year period. During two separate experiments conducted during 2 consecutive years, the optimal combinations of N, P, and K were N: 30, P: 24, K: 9, and N: 30, P: 27, K: 6 g m-2. The major conclusion of this study is that a balanced nutrient application utilizing N, P, and K is key to enhancing the winter performance of perennial ryegrass.