One of the most important and well-known crops worldwide is the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). It is an important member of the Solanaceae family and can be easily propagated by seed. A two-factor experiment was executed to determine how different doses of gamma irradiation impact the growth and yield performance of three genotypes of tomatoes, namely, LTS, LT, and BTP. Four levels of gamma irradiation, namely, control (without irradiation), 200 Gy, 250 Gy, and 300 Gy from a ⁶⁰Co source, were applied to the seeds of the three genotypes. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data on growth parameters were collected on different days after transplanting, and the yield attributes were recorded at harvest. The LTS genotype treated with 200 Gy gamma irradiation showed superior results for plant height (160.13 cm), number of leaves per plant (161.60), leaf length (20.30 cm), leaf diameter (20.57 cm), fruit weight per plant (3.95 kg), fruit yield per plot (35.55 kg), and yield per hectare (88.88 t). The LT genotype with the 300 Gy treatment showed the greatest number of branches per plant (26.87), the most flower clusters per plant (33.67), and the highest number of fruits per plant (83.67). The BTP with the control treatment did not perform well. The highest yield (77.82 t/ha) was noted at 200 Gy, while the lowest (60.47 t/ha) occurred under the control treatment. In case of genotypes, LTS produced the maximum yield (81.68 t/ha) and BTP the minimum (59.73 t/ha). The best treatment–genotype combination was LTS with 200 Gy (88.88 t/ha), whereas BTP under the control treatment showed the lowest yield (52.02 t/ha). The experimental outcome will be useful for comparative evaluation of the irradiated tomato genotypes in subsequent generations for potential varietal improvement through induced mutation.

Molecular markers linked to specific traits are essential for accelerating marker-assisted selection in crop improvement. Castor (Ricinus communis L.), a non-edible oilseed crop, is highly valued for its high oil content (40–55%) and exceptionally high ricinoleic acid content (>85%), making it a key resource for industrial applications. In this study, we developed and characterized functionally relevant EST-derived SSR markers associated with oil biosynthesis. A total of 62,105 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were retrieved from the NCBI dbEST database and assembled into 13,811 unigenes using TGICL. Mining these sequences revealed 2,425 SSRs across 1,955 unigenes, averaging one SSR every 4.7 kb. Tri-nucleotide repeats were the most abundant (54.4%), followed by di-nucleotide repeats (42.0%). Functional annotation using Blast2GO identified several SSR-containing sequences involved in fatty acid metabolism pathways. From 1,555 designed primer pairs, 30 were selected for validation across 24 genetically diverse castor genotypes. Of these, 15 primers produced clear amplification, and 10 were polymorphic, with polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranging from 0.239 to 0.454 and an average of 2.5 alleles per locus. UPGMA clustering grouped the genotypes into three major clusters, revealing substantial genetic diversity. Notably, the polymorphic markers were associated with key genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, including oleosin 1, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydrase, and 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase. These newly developed EST-SSR markers represent the first functional SSR resource specifically targeting fatty acid metabolism in castor. They offer valuable tools for genetic diversity analysis and marker-assisted breeding, supporting efforts to enhance oil quality traits in this economically important crop.

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has drawn global attention to natural methods of supporting health during recovery. Adaptogens — plant-derived substances enhancing resilience to stress and boosting immunity — may play a vital role in post-infection rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine the content of essential (Mn, Mg, Cu, K, Na, Fe) and toxic (Cr, Cd, Pb, Sr) elements in selected adaptogenic plants used in recovery after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods:
Six plant materials — Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Centella asiatica (gotu kola), Schisandra chinensis (schisandra), Lycium barbarum (goji berries), Lepidium meyenii (maca), and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) — were analyzed. Elemental concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (ContrAA 700, Analytik Jena). Results were compared with literature data and international safety limits for heavy metals in herbal products.

Results:
Gotu kola exhibited the highest concentrations of most elements, including Fe (1274.76 mg/kg), Mn (251.95 mg/kg), K (21866.10 mg/kg), Na (2895.86 mg/kg), Cu (12.35 mg/kg), and Cr (29.09 mg/kg). Licorice root showed the highest Sr content (68.90 mg/kg). Cd levels slightly exceeded the permissible limit (1 mg/kg) in gotu kola (1.735 mg/kg) and maca (1.023 mg/kg). Pb concentrations in all plants were below 3.0 mg/kg. The lowest Fe content was found in goji berries (39.61 mg/kg), while schisandra had the lowest Na (25.12 mg/kg) and Sr (2.42 mg/kg) levels.

Conclusions:
The elemental analysis confirmed notable variability among the tested adaptogens, reflecting differences in their origin, cultivation conditions, and possible environmental exposure. Although Cd concentrations in gotu kola and maca slightly exceeded regulatory thresholds, overall heavy metal levels remained within safe limits for human consumption when adhering to recommended dosages. The high mineral content in certain species, particularly gotu kola, indicates their potential contribution to dietary mineral intake during convalescence. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring elemental composition in medicinal plants to ensure both safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a high-value spice and medicinal crop, yet its global production is constrained by infrequent sexual reproduction and pathogen accumulation in vegetatively propagated rhizomes. Micropropagation offers a means of producing disease-free planting materials; however, genotype-dependent protocols with well-defined hormonal requirements remain limited. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro protocol for the sustainable production of disease-free planting materials of ‘Bentong’ ginger. The synergistic effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were evaluated for shoot multiplication, while Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium at quarter, half, and full-strength supplemented with 3 µM NAA and varying sucrose concentrations was assessed for rooting and acclimatization. MS medium containing 3% sucrose, 12 µM BAP, and 1.5 µM NAA significantly enhanced shoot proliferation (>6 shoots per explant). However, in subsequent subcultures, continued BAP supplementation suppressed shoot growth and induced callus formation in some cultures, likely due to residual BAP accumulation; hormone-free MS medium achieved comparable multiplication rates. Rooting was optimized on quarter-strength MS medium with 2% sucrose and 3 µM NAA, resulting in vigorous root development and successful acclimatization. The optimized protocol provides a reliable platform for large-scale production of disease-free planting materials of ‘Bentong’ ginger. By reducing dependence on rhizome-based propagation, this approach offers a sustainable strategy to strengthen 'Bentog' ginger production systems and enhance food security.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seedlings do not contain cannabinoids, which are the species' typical active compounds, but synthesize flavonoids, including the anti-inflammatory compounds cannflavin A and B. The aim of this study was to analyse the content of flavonoids in different commercial hemp cultivars, Fibrol, Finola, Epsilon 68, Secuieni Jubileum, Fedora, Henola, Uso 31, Earlina 8FC, Kompoliti, and Lipko, using the HPLC-MS/MS method. The plants were grown in pots at temperature of 25°C (±2°C) under a 16-hour photoperiod with 80–100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ fluorescent daylight. Fifteen days after germination, the aerial parts were collected, weighed, and dried. The catechin, vitexin, cannflavins (A and B), quercetin, isovitexin, apigenin, orientin, naringenin, luteolin, and myricetin content was determined in the isopropanol extracts. The chromatographic analysis was performed using a Shimadzu 8040 LC-MS chromatograph and Zorbax SB-C18 column (3.0 mm x 150 mm 3.5 μm). Mobile phase A consisted of acetonitrile and formic acid solution in water 0.1% (V/V), both HPLC grade. Mobile phase B consisted of water and formic acid at a concentration of 0.1% (V/V). The analysis was performed in negative ion charge, using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for qualitative and quantitative analyses. The analysis was performed in triplicate (3 n). Statistical significance was determined applying Duncan’s post hoc (p value of 0.05). Significant variation in flavonoid content was found. The Kompolti cultivar had the most diverse flavonoid profile (cannflavin A and B, isovitexin, vitexin, and apigenin). The highest concentrations of cannflavin A were recorded for the Epsilon 68 (18.3 ± 1.1 µg/g) and Fibrol (18.2 ± 4.3 µg/g) cultivars. The content of cannflavin B was much lower and ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 µg/g. Genotypes such as Kompolti, Epsilon 68, and Fibrol are potential sources of valuable flavonoids and can be used as parental material in further breeding work.

Hawthorns (Crataegus L., Rosaceae) possess numerous health-promoting and medicinal properties affecting the circulatory system, and they are widely used in the prevention of coronary heart disease, cardiac disorders, and in the stabilization of blood pressure. High morphological variability and the presence of many spontaneous hybrids make it necessary to evaluate such diverse plant material from a genetic perspective. The study aimed to preliminarily assess the differentiation of native hawthorns in Poland using ISSR markers on samples obtained from the collection of the Garden of Medicinal Plants in Plewiska near Poznań (Western Poland, INF&MP-NRI). In this work, we present our findings on the natural hybrid Crataegus ×macrocarpa Hegetschw., which is considered suitable for cultivation due to its large fruits. Molecular analysis enabled the generation of both monomorphic and polymorphic bands using 11 primers. Genotypes exhibiting high variability were identified, with a polymorphism index ranging from 50 to 75%. These results provide a basis for the identification of species-specific genetic markers and will facilitate the selection of forms with favourable yield-related traits for further breeding and cultivation of hawthorns.

This research was funded by the National Science Centre (NCN), Poland, under the grant entitled ‘Evaluation of phenotypic and genotypic variability of native hawthorn towards the selection of forms with high value of herbal raw material’ (MINIATURA 9, project no. 2025/09/X/NZ8/00209).

The increasing global demand for Chenopodium quinoa has driven a significant increase in grain processing, generating large volumes of scarification residues. This fine yellowish powder, which accounts for about 8% of the processed grain weight, has no commercial value and is typically discarded. However, it contains approximately 15% saponins, representing a valuable yet underutilized resource with potential applications in agriculture and other industries. In this study, an integrated valorization strategy was developed to recover and purify saponins from quinoa residues. Hydrodynamic cavitation-assisted extraction (HC) yielded an extract containing 12 g/L saponins with a purity of 30%. Subsequent purification through sequential membrane filtration (MF, UF, NF) increased purity to 42%, while final adsorption on macroporous AB-8 resin further enhanced it to 70%. This multi-step process demonstrates an efficient, scalable approach for producing high-quality saponins from agro-industrial byproducts. Saponins are bioactive compounds with well-documented insecticidal, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Their recovery from quinoa residues provides a renewable, sustainable source of agrochemicals, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. By valorizing this processing waste, the approach contributes to circular bioeconomy principles while promoting environmentally safe crop protection. Future work will focus on formulating saponin-based bio-inputs, including their application as natural surfactants, and conducting field trials to evaluate their effectiveness in pest management. This research highlights the potential of quinoa byproducts as a novel resource for sustainable agriculture.

This study was supported by the National Council for Science, Technology, and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC) and the National Program for Scientific Research and Advanced Studies (PROCIENCIA), Peru. Grant No. PE501086190-2024.

This study elucidates the ecophysiological mechanisms of olive trees (Olea europaea), using the historic Menara Garden in Marrakech as a case study, and highlights their central role in the resilience of semi-arid urban agroecosystems. By integrating hyperspectral remote sensing, bioeconomic modeling (via i-Tree Eco software), and biophysical analysis results, we comprehensively quantify the ecosystem services provided by this urban park (spanning 100 ha and hosting over 10,000 trees).
The findings demonstrate optimized microclimate regulation, with evapotranspiration accounting for 53.21% of the local water balance, thereby mitigating the urban heat island effect. This park sequesters 0.2264 t of CO₂, 5.130909 t of O₃, 0.34 t of NO₂, 0.0282727 t of SO₂, and 1.28 t of atmospheric particulate matter (PM₂.₅–PM₁₀) annually, while stabilizing soils through a deep root system (up to 6 m). Additionally, biomass flow analysis reveals a circular valorization of 268 tons per year into renewable energy, illustrating the integration of circular economy principles. These functions stem from adaptive functional traits: adjustable stomatal conductance (50–150 mmol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹), a moderate leaf area index (2.5–4.0), and high phenotypic plasticity under water stress. Hydraulic simulations reveal exceptional optimization of water fluxes (Ψₘₐₓ = -4.2 MPa), resulting in water savings of 35 ± 5% without significant yield reduction (*p* > 0.05).
This study presents a conceptual and empirical framework that integrates plant physiology, ecosystem services, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need to reorient urban policies around green infrastructure as pillars of sustainability. The results advocate for agroecological management of urban parks that combine climate mitigation, economic circularity, and biodiversity preservation in semi-arid and dry environments.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) represent a major constraint for tomato production worldwide, causing significant yield losses. The most efficient and sustainable approach to nematode management is the deployment of resistant cultivars. The Mi-1 gene, particularly Mi-1.2, confers resistance to several Meloidogyne species and has become a key target for marker-assisted selection.

A total of 174 tomato accessions (169 mutant lines and 5 wild relatives) from the germplasm collection of the Federal Research Centre for Biological Plant Protection (Russia) were analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted using optimized CTAB and SDS protocols. PCR was conducted with the Mi23 SCAR marker linked to Mi-1.2. Standard controls included resistant tomato DNA, the susceptible accession L25, and nuclease-free water. In heterogeneous cases, seedlings were regenerated in vitro on MS medium and tested individually.

The Mi-1 marker was detected in 12 accessions (6.9%). Resistant genotypes included mutant lines (MO122, MO137, MO324, MO417, MO580, MO628, MO753, GK1971, MO147) and wild relatives (L. glandulosum CGN-15803, L. chilense CGN-15877, L. peruvianum CGN-17047). The majority (162 accessions) lacked Mi-1. Some bulk seed samples produced both resistant (380 bp) and susceptible (~430 bp) fragments, indicating heterogeneity, which was confirmed in in vitro clones.

Mi-1-mediated resistance was rare (<7%) in the analyzed collection, but its presence in wild relatives highlights their role as valuable donors for breeding. The identification of heterogeneous accessions stresses the importance of complementing bulk screening with individual plant testing. The resistant accessions identified here can be employed in marker-assisted breeding to develop nematode-resistant tomato cultivars, contributing to sustainable crop production.

The authors thank the staff of the Laboratory of Biorational Protection Technologies (FGBNU FNTSBZR, Krasnodar, Russia) for technical support. The research was performed according to the State Assignment of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of research project No. FGRN-2024-0001.

The development of sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides has become essential due to their negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and public health. This study explores the biocontrol potential of Genista ulicina, a Mediterranean plant species, as a source of bioactive phytochemicals.

Crude extracts were obtained from both the roots and aerial parts of G. ulicina and analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify their major phytochemical constituents. These extracts were tested for antifungal activity against three economically important phytopathogenic fungi: Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea. In parallel, phytotoxic activity was evaluated on two common weed species: Euphorbia peplus L. and Oxalis corniculata L.

To gain further insights into the herbicidal mechanisms, in silico molecular docking analyses were conducted targeting three key plant enzymes: acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). Several identified compounds, such as linolelaidic acid methyl ester, 1-monolinolein, stearic acid, and palmitic acid derivatives, exhibited favorable binding affinities and interaction patterns compared to reference herbicide ligands.

The integration of in vitro bioassays within silico modeling demonstrates the potential of G. ulicina phytochemicals as natural biocontrol agents with dual antifungal and herbicidal effects. These findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly, plant-based crop protection solutions and align with current goals in sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management.