The present study explores the developmental biology and age-stage specific life table parameters of Apertochrysa astur (Banks), a promising green lacewing species with high potential as a biological control agent against the invasive coconut rugose spiralling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin). Detailed observations were carried out under controlled laboratory conditions to assess the predator’s developmental duration, survival, and reproductive potential. The developmental stages lasted as follows: egg (3.3 ± 0.61 days), larval instars I–III (10.31 ± 1.53 days), total developmental period (13.61 ± 2.2 days), pupal stage (7.3 ± 0.7 days), and adult longevity (15.22 ± 1.48 days). Reproductive attributes revealed that the adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) averaged 6.08 ± 0.75 days, while the total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) was 26.77 ± 0.83 days. Each female laid an average of 218 ± 5.02 eggs during her lifetime, with a mean daily fecundity of 28.92 ± 1.55 eggs, demonstrating a high reproductive output and strong potential for rapid population buildup. The life table analysis showed a net reproductive rate (R₀) of 70.9, a gross reproductive rate (GRR) of 95.24, and an intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.14 per day, with a finite rate of increase (λ) of 1.15 per day. The mean generation time (T) was estimated at 30.01 days, and the doubling time (DT) was 6.88 days, indicating rapid population growth under favorable conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that A. astur is an efficient, ecologically compatible, and sustainable predator suitable for integration into biological control strategies targeting A. rugioperculatus in coconut ecosystems.

Descurainia sophia Willd. belongs to the genus Descurainia of Cruciferae. Its dried, mature seeds are known as “Tinglizi” and are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The seeds of D. sophia are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, glucosinolates, flavonoids, and a variety of compounds with biological activity. In order to obtain detailed information on the genome of D. sophia and to explore the molecular basis of glucosinolate biosynthesis in D. sophia. We assembled a high-quality telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome of the D. sophia genome (2n=4x=28) using PacBio and ONT long-reads, in combination with Illumina short-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. The assembled genome was 266.23 Mb in size, with 36.12% GC content and 23.28% repeat content. There are 14 pseudo-chromosomes in the Hi-C-assembled genome sequence. A total of 57,590 genes and 87 pseudogenes were predicted, 98.94% of which can be annotated to Nr, GO, KEGG, TrEMBL, Swissport, Pfam, and InterPro databases. Comparative genomic analyses indicated that the expanded gene families were significantly involved in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, homologous recombination, and inositol phosphate metabolism. Moreover, we identified 55 genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis in D. sophia. UGT74B1 and SOT16 catalyze the final two steps of glucosinolate biosynthesis; we cloned these genes and verified their functions using in vitro catalysis and transgenic A. thaliana. Over-expression of the DsUGT74B1 gene can significantly promote the growth of A. thaliana by regulating IAA and BR signal pathways, and the content of glucosinolates and flavonoids in the transgenic plants was remarkably higher than that in the wild-type A. thaliana. The high-resolution reference genome generated by this study will provide accurate sequence information for glucosinolate biosynthesis research of D. sophia.

Introduction
Bacterial genomics has been transformed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), enabling faster, large-scale, and cost-effective analyses. However, the complexity of computational tools and multi-step processing pipelines often poses difficulties for researchers with limited bioinformatics expertise. To address this, we created a modular bioinformatics pipeline optimized for Illumina bacterial genomes. The workflow combines essential steps, including quality control, trimming, read mapping, variant calling, de novo assembly, annotation, and visualization into an automated, reproducible, and user-friendly pipeline.

Methods
Raw sequencing reads of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 2025SY-00129 (SRR33893847) were retrieved from NCBI SRA using SRA-Toolkit. Quality control and trimming were performed using FastQC, MultiQC, and Trimmomatic. BWA was used to map the reads to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain-2507 reference, and FreeBayes was used to identify variations. De novo assembly was generated with SPAdes, assessed using QUAST, and annotated with Prokka. All processes were carried out using automated shell scripts in Conda environments to ensure reproducibility.

Results
The workflow produced a high-quality Pseudomonas aeruginosa draft genome of approximately 6.93 Mb, comprising 193 contigs, with robust assembly statistics (N50 = 298,141 bp, GC content = 66.11%, and average coverage depth = 29x) indicating high completeness. The genome annotation provided a thorough insight into the genomic architecture by identifying 6,379 coding sequences, including 2,767 hypothetical proteins, 68 tRNAs, one tmRNA, and one CRISPR array. The workflow also produced comprehensive outputs, including alignment summaries, variant density plots, and coverage maps, demonstrating its efficiency, strength, and reproducibility for bacterial genome analysis.­

Conclusion
This modulated workflow offers a reproducible approach to bacterial genome analysis with open-source tools. It offers the generation of accurate genome assemblies and annotations, providing a solid basis for downstream analysis of bacterial genomes. The complete workflow and documentation are available at https://github.com/mdarsikdar/bacterial-upstream-analysis.

Introduction: Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a nutritionally rich legume widely cultivated across diverse agro-ecological zones. In Morocco, it is mainly grown by smallholder farmers under rainfed conditions on limited areas. The grain yield of lentil is strongly influenced by environmental variability, leading to genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) that slow breeding progress. Understanding GEI interactions is critical for identifying high-yielding and stable genotypes to improve productivity. Methods: 40 lentil genotypes were evaluated across multiple field trials in major lentil-growing regions of Morocco. Trials were conducted under representative rainfed conditions with limited inputs. Grain yield data were collected, and the effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction were analyzed using appropriate statistical models to assess performance and stability. Results: Significant effects of genotype, environment, and GEI were observed for grain yield, indicating differential genotype performance across environments. Some genotypes exhibited consistently high yield and stability across environments, whereas others were more sensitive to environmental variation. The analysis allowed the identification of genotypes combining high productivity with broad adaptation. Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of considering GEI interactions in lentil breeding under Moroccan conditions. High-performing and stable genotypes identified here represent promising candidates for enhancing lentil yield and supporting sustainable production. These findings provide valuable insights to increase genetic gain and guide future lentil breeding strategies in Morocco.

In aquaculture, short-term sperm storage is crucial for selective breeding programs since it helps synchronize gamete availability, enables controlled fertilization, and aids in genetic management and conservation efforts. In the present study, the percentage of motile sperm (MP) and motility time (MT) in the Bulatmai barbel (Luciobarbus capito) were evaluated after chilled storage for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours at 4 °C. Samples were collected from five mature males with an average weight of 1910.0 ± 420.4 g. Before any manipulation, fish were anesthetized using clove powder extract. Sperm was collected using a sterile syringe by applying gentle pressure to the abdominal region. Each sperm sample (0.5 mL) was stored in plastic tubes at 4 °C. The results indicated significant differences in MP at all intervals after chilled storage compared to the initial sampling (P < 0.05). A considerable reduction in the MT was observed starting at 72 hours after chilled storage compared to the initial time (P < 0.05). All samples remained active for up to 48 hours following storage. The results indicated that sperm quality significantly declines even after 24 hours in chilled storage (with a 24% reduction in active spermatozoa). Future studies should investigate various storage media to assess their potential for extending the duration of sperm preservation under specific storage conditions. Considering the significance of broodstock management, it is recommended to limit the storage of Bulatmai barbel sperm samples to a maximum of 24 hours for controlled reproduction purposes.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a high-value crop, but its seeds often exhibit uneven and delayed germination. To address this, the use of priming agents that promote uniform, rapid germination and enhance seed vigor is being investigated. Rice wash (RW), locally known as hugas bigas, is a common household by-product derived from rinsing rice grains. Anecdotal reports suggest that when used for watering ornamentals, RW promotes better plant growth and flowering. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of RW from different rice cultivars as a seed-priming agent to improve the germination and vigor of eggplant seeds. Seeds were soaked in RW for 12 hours, air-dried for another 12 hours, and germinated on moist filter paper using the top-of-paper method. Daily germination counts were recorded, and germination rate (GR), vigor index (VI), and seedling dry weight (SDW) were determined. Treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and means were compared using LSD at α = 0.05. Results showed that seeds soaked in white rice wash (WRW), red rice wash (RRW), and brown rice wash (BRW) exhibited earlier germination—observed as early as one day after sowing—and higher germination percentages. In terms of vigor, WRW and RRW treatments resulted in more uniform and faster germination than other rice wash types. Seedling dry weights at seven days after sowing were comparable across treatments. In conclusion, WRW, RRW, and BRW enhanced early, uniform, and rapid germination of eggplant seeds.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2021), approximately 833 million hectares of soil are affected by salinity globally. A pot experiment (3 salinity levels × 4 folic acid concentrations; 3 replicates) was carried out at the Botanical Garden, University of Education, Vehari, to test whether foliar folic acid (FA; 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mM) improves garlic performance under 0, 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Key morphological and biochemical traits were measured three weeks after treatments. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of salinity and FA on growth and biochemical parameters. Under non-saline conditions, foliar FA at 0.6 mM increased root length from about 11 cm (control) to 23 cm. Even at 100 mM NaCl, FA maintained root length around 20 cm compared with 12 cm in untreated plants. Shoot fresh weight at 100 mM NaCl increased from about 13.5 g (control) to 21 g with FA (≈56% improvement). Salt stress increased malondialdehyde (MDA) to nearly 2.8 nmol g⁻¹ FW, but foliar FA reduced it to ~1.5 nmol g⁻¹ FW. Antioxidant enzymes also responded strongly: catalase activity under 100 mM NaCl rose from ~20 U mg⁻¹ protein (control) to ~38 U mg⁻¹ protein with FA. Total soluble sugars also increased with FA, particularly at 0.6 mM. These results indicate that foliar FA, especially 0.6 mM, mitigates salt-induced damage and improves growth and biochemical resilience of garlic under controlled pot conditions. This study provides novel evidence that FA can serve as a low-cost foliar amendment for enhancing salt stress tolerance in garlic.

Aerenchyma is a tissue formed via programmed cell death and lysis function for gas exchange in rice. Unlike roots, stem aerenchyma remains poorly characterized among different rice varieties and management conditions. This study investigated the morphological characteristics of stem aerenchyma among four rice varieties grown under contrasting water conditions (non-flooded and flooded) and N fertilizer applications (0 and 120 kg ha^–1). Rice plants were grown under a pot experiment in the greenhouse condition. The aerenchyma tissues of each rice variety were assessed in the early heading stage (98–105 days old from seed sowing). The stems were sectioned at the first node (~20–30 mm above the node) for 1 mm in thickness and aerenchyma tissues were quantified using Lugol’s solution staining under stereomicroscopy. The variation of aerenchyma tissues was found among different rice varieties. The varieties Pathum Thani 1 (PTT1) and Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) showed markedly higher aerenchyma traits (total cell area, average cell area, and percentage of formation) than the other varieties, particularly applying N fertilizer under flooded conditions. In PTT1, these traits increased by 1.57, 1.57, and 1.66 times, and 2.61, 2.54, and 1.63 times in KDML105, respectively, compared with the non-N. In contrast, the CMU K4 advanced line exhibited an increase in aerenchyma formation only when N fertilizer was applied under non-flooded conditions, with 1.23 times the increase relative to non-N, whereas San Patawng 1 (SPT1) showed morphological responses only in aerenchyma cell number, which increased by 1.23 times under non-flooded conditions when N fertilizer was applied. These results have demonstrated the variation in stem aerenchyma development among different rice varieties under varying management conditions, providing crucial physiological insights that may help explain differential gas exchange capacities among rice varieties under varying cultivation practices. The appropriate management may be a key solution for reducing aerenchyma density and consequently decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in rice cultivation. The knowledge gained from this study would be very useful in selecting rice varieties with different aerenchyma densities in breeding programs for developing high N use efficiency with low-greenhouse-gas-emission rice varieties.

Bayoud disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA), poses a severe threat to date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivation in North Africa. Biological control using antagonistic microorganisms represents a promising sustainable strategy to protect date palms. In this study, healthy oases (Tolga and Foughala) in the Biskra region of Algeria were explored for potential biocontrol agents. A total of 115 bacterial isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soils and roots of healthy date palms, among which six strains exhibited strong antifungal activity against FOA in dual culture assays. Molecular identification revealed that GF17, TF6, and GR2 belonged to Bacillus spp., while TT11, GT15, and TF13 were assigned to Actinobacteria (Gordonia terrae, Streptomyces sp., and Microbacterium sp., respectively). Antagonistic activity varied depending on culture media, indicating media-driven differences in metabolite production. Volatile organic compounds showed no significant inhibition of FOA. In vivo assays on germinated seeds demonstrated notable protection by strains GT15, TT11 and GR2. Additionally, these isolates tolerated various abiotic stresses and displayed multiple plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, including extracellular enzyme production. Under hydroponic conditions, treated seedlings exhibited improved root architecture, enhanced fresh biomass, and increased chlorophyll content. These findings highlight the potential of selected PGPR strains as effective biocontrol agents for managing Bayoud disease and promoting date palm growth in affected regions.

Malignancy remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with global cases projected to exceed 35 million by 2050. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, though effective, are often costly and accompanied by severe toxic effects, underscoring the need for safer, natural, and affordable alternatives. This experimental and quantitative study evaluated the tumoricidal activity of Aratiles (Muntingia calabura L.) leaves ethanolic extract stabilized with chitosan derived from Dalagang Bukid (Caesio cuning) against UVB-induced tumors in Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen). The ethanolic extract was obtained through maceration, while chitosan was isolated from fish scales through deproteinization, demineralization, and deacetylation. Tumor-bearing fruit flies were grouped into 25%, 50%, and 75% extract concentrations, alongside positive (doxorubicin) and negative (distilled water) controls. Data were gathered through microscopic and behavioral observations, focusing on tumor regression, mortality, and overall flies' vitality. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids such as lupenone, compounds known for their tumor-suppressive properties. Results showed that the 50% extract concentration exhibited the highest tumor regression (51.86%), comparable to doxorubicin (54.37%) but with reduced mortality (66.67% vs. 100%). Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in tumor size reduction (F = 76.12, p < 0.001) but no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.392). These findings suggest that the synergistic effects of lupenone-rich triterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and chitosan enhanced tumor regression while minimizing toxicity. Overall, the study concludes that Aratiles ethanolic leaf extract with chitosan shows promising potential as a sustainable, safe, and low-cost alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics, meriting further validation in mammalian models for clinical application.