International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

Longitudinal growth of bones occurs through endochondral ossification within the epiphyseal growth plate (GP) of the skeleton. The effect of growth hormone (GH) on the expression of the membrane sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE1) and anion exchanger (AE2) during skeletal growth was investigated using an ex-vivo model of rat bones. Tibia and metatarsal bones from day 10 pups were used for the investigation. The bones showed a steady rate of growth in the DMSO control media after 48 hours of incubation. The addition of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to the culture media resulted in a direct stimulation of the whole bone growth, the whole growth plate length, and the whole growth plate density of chondrocytes. No significant changes (P>0.05) between the DMSO control and rhGH-treated were noted. Incorporation of membrane inhibitors (NHE1 and AE2) (5-(N-ethyl-N-isoprophyl) amiloride [EIPA] and (4,4-diiodothiocyano-2,2-stilbenedisulphonate) [DIDS] respectively in the culture media in the presence of rhGH remarkably suppressed the whole bone growth, whole GP length, GP chondrocytes population, and tissue expression of NHE1 (Na+/H+ antiporter) and AE2 (HCO3 anion exchanger) along the GP. Using NHE1 and AE2 rabbit polyclonal antibodies, tissue expression of Na+/H+ antiporter and AE2 HCO3 anion exchangers were significantly higher in rhGH than DMSO control cultured bones. The hormonal treatment appeared not to have direct stimulating effects on the growth of the bone, but may have an indirect metabolic effect that enhances chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. EIPA and DIDS Plasma membrane inhibitors can still suppress longitudinal bone growth in the presence of rhGH.

Keywords: Long bone growth, Membrane transporters, Growth plate chondrocytes, Growth hormone.

Agriculture and animal husbandry cannot be separated from pest and disease attacks, which can cause losses to farmers. Pathogenic microbes generally cause disease in plants and livestock. Synthetic chemicals can cause poisoning in other living organisms, leading to the development of microbial resistance. Liquid smoke is a renewable natural material derived from biomass pyrolysis that can be used as an antipathogenic agent. The various pyrolysis processes and lignocellulose types, including hardwood, softwood, and nonwood, produce liquid smoke with differing chemical compositions, particularly phenol, due to their distinct lignin compositions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of liquid smoke phenols derived from the temperature stratification technique (200 and 400℃) and three raw materials of forest-industrial waste against pathogenic microbes: Xanthomonas oryzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV). The liquid smoke used for antimicrobial analysis was obtained from Tectona grandis, Pinus merkusii, and Andong bamboo (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinaceae (Steudel) Widjaja). The liquid smoke concentrations used for the antimicrobial analysis were 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30%, and for the plant antiviral, it was 1%. The results showed that pine liquid smoke at 400°C and 30% concentration had a higher inhibitory effect on X. oryzae. The teak liquid smoke (400°C, 30%) had a higher inhibitory diameter for S. aureus. Bamboo liquid smoke (400°C, 30%) had a higher inhibitory diameter for F. oxysporum than the other treatments. Teak liquid smoke (400°C, 1%) had a more substantial inhibitory effect on BCMV in Chenopodium amaranticolor.

Keywords: Antimicrobial, Liquid smoke, Lignocellulose, Pathogenic microbes, Pyrolysis.

The study focuses on the intensive cultivation of Azolla caroliniana L. and Lemna minor L. using wastewater from residential complexes to achieve high biomass productivity. The results of the analysis indicate that the obtained biomass, due to its high content of protein and nutrients, can be widely in demand as high-quality, economical, and environmentally friendly feed for freshwater fish. Azolla and Duckweed, in addition to effective water purification, provide a significant biomass yield per square meter and create an optimal nutrient medium for feed production. The produced biomass significantly enhances the efficiency of fish feed and contributes to increased economic benefits in the fish industry. The prospect of successful use of plant biomass generated in the process of biological wastewater treatment as fish feed contributes to environmental protection and rational waste management, which is both a scientific novelty and of practical significance.

Keywords: White amur fish, Duckweed, Azolla, Water temperature, Natural food, Growth rate.

Integrated pest management in wetland rice is a crucial strategy for enhancing the sustainability of this agricultural system. The study aims to examine sustainability and the factors that influence it. Respondents were 187 people from the total population of farmer households in Siak Regency, Riau Province. Data analysis using Rapid Appraisal with multidimensional scaling. The results of the study showed that four dimensions were included in the “quite sustainable” category, namely ecology (52.46), economy (65.53), social (69.12), and institutions (68.80), and “less sustainable” for technology (48.01), sustainability status was included in the “sustainable” category, with an average value of 60.78 percent. Soil pH is the most critical attribute for the sustainability of the ecological dimension. The economic dimension, with factors such as availability of capital, the dependence of household income sources on agriculture, availability of pest control facilities, and the price of dry-harvested grain, has a significant weight in agricultural decisions. The social dimension includes various factors, including participation in training, local knowledge of pest and disease control, farmer motivation to implement integrated pest management, farming experience, and periodic observations. The technological dimension refers to the physical, biological, and mechanical methods used for control. Finally, the institutional dimension is shaped by the availability of integrated pest management resources, access to information, and the presence of agricultural extension officers, pest control officers, and pest control teams.

Keywords: Integrated pest management (IPM); Multidimensional; Sustainability; Wetland rice.

Artificial insemination has transformed animal production. The technology facilitated rapid genetic improvement, maximizing the potential of male animal breeders. One component of the technology is cryopreservation. The process involves several techniques for cooling, freezing, and thawing. Exposing sperm cells to different temperatures can reduce sperm viability, thus affecting fertility. The supplementation of amino acids in the semen freezing medium served a crucial biological role in preventing cell damage. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of proline supplementation on the motility and velocity of cryopreserved goat sperm. Various concentrations of medium supplementation were used to cryopreserve goat semen (0, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003g). The processed goat sperm cells were subjected to the slow-freezing method of cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm motility and velocity were assessed using the Computer Aided Sperm Analyzer Machine. Based on the results obtained from the experiment, it was noted that the addition of 0.001 and 0.002 g of proline significantly (P<0.05) enhanced overall motility, progressive motility, and rapid motility, while reducing immotile sperm cells. The velocity, on the other hand, remained constant across treatments. According to these results, proline supplementation rates in the freezing medium, ranging from 0.001 to 0.002g, enhanced the quality of post-thaw goat sperm during cryopreservation.

Keywords: Cryopreservation; Goat, Frozen sperm; Motility, Proline, Amino acid.

This research was aimed to investigate the combination of microencapsulated-leaf extracts (mLEs), namely Cannabis sativa (mCSLE), Cannabis indica (mCILE), and Mitragyna speiosa (mMSLE) under in vitro fermentation. The experiment was conducted to assess their efficiency on different treatments; T1: control (un-supplemented), T2: mCILE+mCSLE, T3: mCILE+mMSLE, T4: mCSLE+mMSLE, and T5: mCILE+mCSLE+mMSLE. A completely randomized design was assigned to the supplementation of three mLEs randomly at 6% DM and various aspects of in vitro rumen fermentation were measured. The addition of three mLEs quadratically (P<0.05) mitigated the gas kinetics, specifically reducing the gas rate constant for the insoluble fraction and cumulative gas at 96 hours while linearly increasing their promoters, IVDMD, and ruminal NH3-N. This supplementation had a positive effect to increase the concentration of propionate (C3) and total VFA concentration, whereas it decreased the VFA proportion, particularly acetate (C2), butyrate (C4), and C2:C3 ratios, and CH4 production when compared with the control in this experiment (P<0.05). Additionally, all of the mLEs supplementation treatments raised the pH of the rumen, which led to more of the dominant microbial population. These included Ruminococcus albus followed by Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Megasphaera eldenii, Butyrivibro fibrisolvens, and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus. Contrarily, the mLEs addition dynamically reduced Methanobacteriales populations (P<0.05). The findings indicated that the combined of three mLEs might be a viable substitute for phytonutrient-based antioxidant supplements in animal feed additives.

Keywords: Chitosan encapsulation, Feed additives, Natural phytonutrients, Rumen manipulation, Methane emission.

Madiun Regency is the largest porang producing region in Indonesia, with the widest area of cultivated land. The region is expected to serve as a sustainable porang agribusiness development model, encompassing increased production, improved farmer income, and alignment with ecological conservation principles. This study aims to assess the sustainability status and identify the most sensitive attributes influencing the sustainability of the porang agribusiness in Madiun Regency. A survey was conducted with 368 porang farmers, and data were analyzed using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) method with the RAP-Porang Agribusiness approach. The analysis covered five dimensions: economic, social, ecological, institutional, and cultural. The results indicate that the porang agribusiness in the region falls into the “less sustainable” category with a sustainability index score of 46.01. The cultural dimension recorded the highest score (57.46), reflecting the deep-rooted traditional values associated with porang farming. In contrast, the ecological dimension showed the lowest score (28.14), highlighting the urgent need to enhance farmers’ ecological awareness to ensure long-term sustainability. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, particularly in environmental management, to promote the sustainable development of porang agribusiness in the region.

Keywords: Agribusiness, Amorphophallus muelleri B, Multidimensional Scaling, Porang, Sustainability.

Winter wheat is a strategic food crop in many countries. This crop is susceptible to a wide range of pathogens that can cause yield losses of up to 50-100%. The most important element in obtaining a high-quality harvest is properly selected soil cultivation, since it directly ensures favorable water, nutrient, and thermal conditions, as well as good aeration. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of soil cultivation methods in winter wheat cultivation against fungal diseases. The research was conducted in the experimental fields of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP) in Krasnodar, Russia, in 2022-2023. The experimental plots included two technologies – non-moldboard and moldboard tillage. The manifestation degree of the primary pathogens of leaf and root diseases of winter wheat was compared in experimental plots. The study revealed that the growth of phytopathogens on the non-moldboard tillage plot was higher than on the moldboard one. Thus, in 2023, climatic conditions favored the growth of pathogens. As a result, the incidence of powdery mildew was 3.3 times higher, yellow spot – 1.5 times, septoria – 1.3 times, and root rot – 1.2 times. The economic efficiency on the moldboard tillage plot was also higher, amounting to 6.45 t ha-1, whereas that on the non-moldboard tillage plot was 5.11 t ha-1. In 2024, no apparent effect of soil cultivation methods on disease development was found in the experimental plots. This is due to weather conditions and low pathogen growth. However, the impact of cultivation on crop yield was clearly visible. The yield on the moldboard tillage plot was t ha-1; on the non-moldboard one – 3.66 t ha-1. We can conclude from this research stage that moldboard tillage has several advantages, including reducing the incidence of winter wheat diseases and increasing grain yield.

Keywords: Non-moldboard and Moldboard tillage; Winter wheat; Leaf pathogens; Root rots; efficiency; Yield.

This study aims to explore the effect of electroacupuncture on the role of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a biomarker of physiological function in sterile female cats while analyzing hematological parameters such as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and differential leukocyte count. A total of nine sterile female cats were divided into three groups, namely P1 as a control without electroacupuncture stimulation, group 2 P2: sterile female cats were given electroacupuncture at points BL18, SP6, and SI3, and group three P3: cats were given electroacupuncture at points ST36, BL19, and LIV3 (=LR3). Electroacupuncture was administered five times at intervals of three days, with each session lasting 10minutes. Blood was taken after the last electroacupuncture session was completed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and followed by the Tukey Post Hoc test. The results of the analysis showed that ALP levels between the treatment groups were significantly different (P<0.05). There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in MCH, MCHC, or MCV levels. The differential leucocyte value was still within the normal range. The conclusion of this study showed that the administration of electroacupuncture, combined with specific acupuncture points, can potentially reduce ALP levels in sterile female cats.

Keywords: Electroacupuncture, Alkaline Phosphatase, Sterilized Cats, Reproduction, Alternative Treatment.

The limited availability of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions, compounded by the adverse effects of climate change, necessitates the adoption of efficient and sustainable irrigation strategies to optimize agricultural productivity. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of drip irrigation and hydroponic systems in terms of water use efficiency (WUE), crop yield, plant growth and nutrient management in arid regions of Jordan. The WUE of the hydroponic system was significantly higher (61.3kg/m³) than that of drip irrigation (18.9kg/m³), and the hydroponic system yielded slightly higher crop production (9.2kg/m²). In terms of vegetative growth, the hydroponic system increased plant height (92.7cm) and leaf area (1,450cm²/plant) due to its ability to precisely deliver water and nutrients. Water management under hydroponic systems -including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and nutrient concentrations- is highly efficient. Under the drip irrigation system, the soil moisture was maintained at proper levels but did not use water and nutrition optimally, especially in dry regions, which faced unfavorable environmental conditions including high temperature (exceeding 28.5°C), low humidity (45.0%), and intense solar radiation (22.3MJ/m²/day) in summer seasons. Although hydroponics demonstrates the highest water-saving potential and crop performance, its high initial costs and technical expertise requirements may hinder its mass adoption. Nevertheless, drip irrigation is still a viable and cost-effective alternative to conventional farming systems. These results highlight the importance of implementing irrigation practices tailored to specific contexts to improve WUE and agricultural sustainability in dry regions.

Keywords: Drip Irrigation, Hydroponic Systems, Water Use Efficiency (WUE), Crop Yield, Arid Regions, Water Scarcity.

An evaluation of the environmental impact and cost-benefit performance of management strategies for Chinese kale cultivation was conducted in Thamuang District, Kanchanaburi Province, during the period from March to May 2024. The study compared an Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategy with two conventional farming practices commonly adopted by local growers. Results indicated that the IRM approach significantly reduced both the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) and field impact ratings, with values of 87.16 and 27.58, respectively, compared to the higher values observed under traditional farmer practices. The elevated EIQ values associated with conventional methods were primarily attributed to the frequent and intensive use of insecticides such as fipronil and related chemical compounds. A risk level analysis according to the EIQ field use rating revealed that the IRM strategy presented a low risk, while both farmer practices fell under the moderate risk category. An economic analysis of insecticide usage, labor costs, yield, and return on investment demonstrated that the IRM strategy involved significantly lower production costs (13,440 Thai baht/ha), representing a reduction of 22.75 to 32.59% compared to conventional farmer practices. The benefit-cost ratio, indicating the relationship between total yield value and combined insecticide and labor costs, was highest for the IRM strategy (13.32) compared to ratios of 10.72 and 9.45 for the two farmer groups, respectively.

Keywords: Chinese kale, Insecticide resistance management, Environmental impact quotient, Benefit-cost ratio, Pest management.

Bee diseases significantly hinder the development of the beekeeping industry and reduce its profitability. The use of various chemical origin preparations for treating bee diseases ensures that the infestation of bee colonies is kept to a minimum. However, the preparations have a negative impact on the bee body and contaminate bee products. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a new phytopreparation in the conditions of West Kazakhstan region. The phytopreparation was developed using medicinal plants native to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The therapeutic dose of phytopreparation (10 and 15mL/1L of 20% and 50% sugar syrup) was established using the laboratory method of dosed feeding. The research and production experiment demonstrated that the phytopreparation exhibits a pronounced anti-varroosis and anti-nosemosis effect. In the treatment of varroosis, the intensity of invasion is reduced to a safe level when used by the method of feeding at a dose of 10-15mL/1L sugar syrup in the spring period, the therapeutic efficiency is 86-85.7%, when irrigated in the specified doses – 84.3-85%. In the treatment of nosemosis, the preparation’s effectiveness reaches 100%. The preparation can also be used for complex treatments and systematic therapeutic and preventive protection of bee colonies, as well as to stimulate the development of healthy bee colonies, an increasing their productivity.

Keywords: Honey bee, Varroosis, Nosemosis, Treatment, Phytopreparation.

This study was designed to compare the effects of different treatments on the expression of the IL-12 gene and its role in the healing of diabetic wounds. An experimental approach was employed to evaluate a novel treatment combining atmospheric nitric oxide (NO) and NPH insulin cream, which has been shown to impact IL-12 gene expression and enhance diabetic wound healing. A total of 24 diabetic rat samples were divided into four groups based on the treatment received: a) DC (Diabetic Control), b) DI (Diabetic + Insulin), c) DNO (Diabetic + Nitric Oxide), d) DINO (Diabetic + Insulin + Nitric Oxide) Gene expression analysis of the IL-12 gene was performed using RT-PCR. Comparisons were made among the four groups (DC, DI, DNO, and DINO) to understand better the impact of these treatments on IL-12 mRNA expression. The result was a statistically significant decrease in IL-12 expression in the DINO group compared to the DC group (P=0.0437). Since higher expression of the IL-12 gene is associated with inflammation and chronic wounds, its reduction indicates improved healing. Notably, nitric oxide (NO), which has antimicrobial properties, appeared to suppress IL-12 expression in the DNO group, suggesting that NO contributes to reduced inflammation and promotes faster wound healing.

Keywords: Interleukin-12; IL-12; Wound healing; Diabetic wound; Cold atmospheric nitric oxide; NPH Insulin.

For millennia, medicinal herbs have been utilized to enhance health and address many ailments, including infertility and reduced fertility in female animals. This review seeks to examine current research on the effect of medicinal herbs in enhancing fecundity and addressing infertility in female animal models, including rats, mice, and rabbits. Narrative reviews were conducted on 45 scientific articles published between 2014 and 2024. The findings indicated that extracts from 41 plant species belonging to 29 families significantly influenced reproductive hormone control, folliculogenesis, restoration of the estrous cycle, and enhancement of fertility indices. The species comprise Myrianthus arboreus, Rumex vesicarius, Jatropha tanjorensis, Schumanniophyton magnificum, Allium cepa, Allium ampeloprasum, Glycine max L., Curcuma longa L., Nigella sativa, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Moringa oleifera, and Viscum album. The primary bioactive substances identified include polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavones and phytoestrogens, which contribute to the regulation of hormonal equilibrium (estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH), mitigation of oxidative stress, and enhancement of ovarian morphology, oocyte quality, and the estrous cycle. Certain plant medicines, including Punica granatum, Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Cinnamomum verum, are efficacious in managing polycystic ovarian syndrome, reinstating reproductive function, and enhancing fertility. This study highlights the necessity of advancing medicinal plant extracts as a safe, cost-effective, and eco-friendly therapeutic alternative to improve female reproductive health and promote the sustainability of animal populations.

Keywords: Animal models; Female fertility; Infertility; Phytoestrogens; Medicinal plants.

The study examined the effect of a preparation made from walnut leaves and fruits on treating dyspepsia in calves. The primary research method was a comparative analysis of morphological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of the blood of calves with dyspepsia. The calves were divided into experimental (10 specimens) and control groups (11 specimens). The results showed that using the walnut-based preparation helped reduce the level of leukocytes, increase the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, improve metabolic processes, and increase immunity. The most pronounced effect in the experimental group was observed by the 10th day of the study when the number of erythrocytes increased by 24.7%, the hemoglobin content by 10.3%, and the total protein by 8.1%. There was also a significant decrease in residual nitrogen and catalase, indicating an acceleration in the elimination of toxic metabolic products. Including a walnut-based phytopreparation in the treatment regimen for calves with dyspepsia accelerated their recovery by 5-7 days compared with the control group. Thus, plant-based medicines can become an effective alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy. The obtained data confirm the prospects of using phytopreparations in veterinary medicine and the need for further research to optimize their dosage and application methods.

Keywords: Productivity, Component, Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, Total protein, Albumin.

The growing threat of insect pests and rising global human population in crop production drives farmers to rely on synthetic pesticides, but its misuse threatens health and the environment. Botanical insecticide offers a sustainable biochemical alternative in integrated pest management (IPM). This review integrates ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and taxonomy to identify insecticidal plants utilized by indigenous and local farmers in the Philippines. Following the PRISMA guidelines, 32 unique studies of high methodological quality and low bias risk selected from electronic databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library) and expanded search (Google Scholar and ResearchGate) were gathered from June 2024 to December 2024. A total of 112 primarily native plant species across 91 genera and 45 families were reported with insecticidal properties. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae were the most reported families, with Capsicum, Cymbopogon, and Gliricidia sepium as the most cited genera and species. Less explored species Coriaria intermedia, Selliguea taeniata, Homalanthus fastuosus, and Tetrapilus borneensis were also documented. Leaves were the most used plant part, extracted mainly through mechanical methods and applied via direct spraying. Network analysis identifies plant species used against key rice and corn pests, rice bugs, black bugs, and armyworms, providing a basis for further exploration of potential application against emerging global pest fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Botanical bioactive compounds identified can lead to growth abnormalities, feeding deterrence, and mortality. This review underscores traditional knowledge in sustainable pest management. Further phytochemical, toxicological, and pharmacokinetic studies are needed to validate efficacy and safety for broader application.

Keywords: Insecticidal plants, Pest management, Ethnobotany, Crop protection.

Nowadays, the production of feed mixtures from non-traditional perennial forage plants has become a promising area in Kazakhstan and worldwide. The current study evaluates the effects of the Topirum feed mixture, composed of local montmorillonite and green biomass of Rumex K-1 and Jerusalem artichoke, on the growth and metabolic health of sheep, to assess its ability to compensate for the deficiency in the daily diet of farm animals in arid regions. The experimental group, supplemented with 200g of Topirum daily, showed a significant improvement in average daily weight gain (220-280g) compared to the control group (140-170g), leading to a 24.1% weight increase over 30 days. Hematological analysis revealed substantial increases in red blood cell (RBC) count (33.9%) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels (18.5%) in the experimental group, indicating enhanced oxygen transport. Biochemical analysis indicated improved protein metabolism and nutritional status, with significant rises in protein (17.1%), albumin (26.2%), glucose (39.6%), and creatinine (70.0%). The activity of alkaline phosphatase also increased by 93.2%, confirming active musculoskeletal growth. These results suggest that Topirum effectively enhances growth and metabolic health in sheep, supporting its potential application in livestock nutrition to improve productivity in arid regions.

Keywords: Rumex; Helianthus; Bentonite; Blood biochemistry; Sheep.

Ball pythons or Python regius are well-known exotic pets, because of their gorgeous colors and patterns, particularly the albino morphs. There are different types of albino ball pythons, including the Candy and Candino variants, which differ in color intensity. In the Candino morph, the yellow color compared with the standard albino morph becomes a dark yellow, and the white stripe turns purple. In contrast, the Candy variants show a gold color that is more intense than both the standard albino and Candino morphs. The variation of the tyrosinase gene (TRY gene) expression is the major cause of the difference in coloration of the albino morph. This study is the first to report the expression levels of the TRY gene in these two albino morphs, Candy and Candino. The results indicate that the TRY gene expression in both variants is significantly lower than in wild-type ball pythons. Specifically, expression is reduced by a factor of 7.88 for the Candy variety and by 36.93 for the Candino variety. This means that the TRY gene expression in Candy is 4.69 times higher than in Candino. These results suggest that the TRY genes in both Candy and Candino morphs are still active and capable of expression.

Keywords: Ball python, Python regius, Tyrosinase, Level of expression.

Changes in climatic conditions in agricultural environments have significantly altered how we produce food. The introduction of more resilient species and technologies that enhance their productive potential has been continually studied. In this context, sorghum is a promising crop for cultivating areas less favorable for corn. When combined with growth-promoting and bioprotective bioinputs, it can support the establishment of the crop and mitigate the effects of adverse environmental conditions. This study evaluated the effect of applying Azospirillum brasilense and nicotinamide on the gas exchange and growth characteristics of sorghum plants under water deficit stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments were: T1 (control), T2 (foliar application of nicotinamide at 200mg L-1), T3 (foliar application of A. brasilense at 2mL L-1), and T4 (combined application of nicotinamide and A. brasilense). It was found that the application of both products, either together or separately, increased the gas exchange capacity of the plants after water stress, along with a gain in root volume ranging from 86% to 127%, which was accompanied by increased dry weight accumulation in both the shoot and the root system. We conclude that foliar application of A. brasilense and nicotinamide, alone or in combination, promotes improvements in gas exchange and growth in sorghum plants subjected to water stress, particularly in the root organs.

Keywords: Sorghum bicolor L., Azospirillum brasilense, Nicotinamide, Regenerative agriculture.

This study elucidates the protective role of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in mitigating drought stress responses in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR64). Through controlled application of 4 ppm ABA and 10% PEG 6000-induced drought stress, we investigated physiological and molecular adaptations, including: Morphological modifications (29.4% reduction in plant height, 49.9% shorter roots), Oxidative stress markers (10.2-fold increase in H₂O₂, 7-fold higher MDA levels), Photosynthetic efficiency (39.5% chlorophyll reduction), Cellular integrity (44.7% elevated electrolyte leakage), Gene expression patterns of OsSLAC1, OsCatA and Mn-SOD. Notably, ABA application demonstrated significant protective effects: 35.4% reduction in oxidative damage, 28.7% improvement in membrane stability, 22.1% enhancement of photosynthetic capacity. Gene expression analysis revealed treatment-specific activation of the ABA-dependent OsSLAC1 pathway and differential regulation of antioxidant genes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into ABA-mediated drought tolerance, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against water deficit stress in rice cultivation.

Keywords: Relative mRNA level, Drought stress, ABA-dependent pathway, Slow anion channel associated-1, Biochemical analysis R.