Nova Biologica Reperta

Abstract Objective: Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPMV) is a destructive Begomovirus with a bipartite. Despite reports of ToLCPMV in certain Iranian provinces, there is currently no information regarding the presence and genetic diversity of this virus in cucumber fields and greenhouses in Khouzestan province. Therefore, this study aims to detect ToLCPMV and determine the phylogenetic relationships of its isolates in this region.
Method: To detect and investigate the genetic diversity of ToLCPMV, suspected plants were sampled in spring and summer 2023. Using degenerate primers for whitefly-transmitted Begomoviruses, a fragment related to the pre-coat protein gene was amplified. To study the viral species precisely and confirm their nature, the movement protein gene was amplified, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Additionally, a comparison matrix was drawn with sequences received from GeneBank.
Results: The amplification of the studied genes indicated infection with Begomoviruses. Analysis and determination of relationships based on two gene regions showed that the Andimeshk, Dezful, and Soush isolates were placed in the Iranian isolate group and had the highest genetic similarity to the Jiroft isolates on the cucumber host. Also, the results showed the three mentioned isolates have a high similarity at the nucleotide level and showed the highest similarity with isolate FJ660426.1 (cucumber, Jiroft with 96.39%), isolate FJ660435.1 (cucumber, Jiroft with 98.30%), and isolate OP810507.1 (tomato, Iraq with 98.87%).
Conclusions: This is the first report of the widespread occurrence of ToLCPMV in cucumber-cultivating areas in the north of Khouzestan province.

Abstract Objective: Walnut is classified as a strategic species for human nutrition and is an important product widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its green husk, shell, kernel, and leaves.
Methods: To investigate the biochemical properties of walnut kernels in some regions of western Iran (Hamedan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah provinces), an experiment was designed, and walnuts were collected from three ecotypes: Tuyserkan, Marivan, Kangavar and the total phenolic content, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity of the kernels were studied.
Results: Results of variance analysis for each trait showed significant differences in total phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity among the three sites. The highest and lowest total phenolic content was observed in walnuts from Tuyserkan and Kangavar, respectively. The highest flavonoid content was found in the kernels of Tuyserkan walnuts, while the lowest was in Marivan walnuts; the highest antioxidant capacity was also obtained from the kernels of Tuyserkan county.
Conclusion: Therefore, it appears that among the studied regions, Tuyserkan County provides better conditions for the growth and accumulation of biochemical compounds in walnut kernels, making Tuyserkan walnuts suitable for both the food industry as a quality nut and for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to their favorable biochemical properties.

Abstract Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. This study investigated the effects of carvacrol and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on antioxidant and apoptotic markers, including MDA, SOD, catalase, and Caspase-3, in a mouse model of PCOS.

Methods: PCOS was induced in mice by estradiol valerate injection. Treatments included a single tail-vein injection of bone marrow-derived EPCs, daily oral gavage of carvacrol for one month, or their combination. One month after the interventions, serum antioxidant markers (MDA, SOD, and catalase) and ovarian Caspase-3 expression were assessed by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively.

Results: ELISA results showed that catalase and SOD levels were significantly reduced in the PCOS group compared with controls (p < 0.001), whereas they increased after treatment with carvacrol and EPCs (p < 0.05). In contrast, MDA levels were elevated in the PCOS group relative to controls (p < 0.01) and were significantly reduced following intervention (p < 0.001). Western blot analysis also showed that Caspase-3 expression was increased in the PCOS group compared with controls (p < 0.01) and decreased after carvacrol and EPC treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: EPCs and carvacrol reduced apoptotic markers and improved antioxidant status in the PCOS mouse model. These findings suggest that, following further preclinical validation, this approach may have potential for inclusion in therapeutic protocols for PCOS

Abstract Objective: Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a major source of edible oil, but its production is severely affected by osmotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Glycine betaine (GB) plays a key role in stress tolerance, yet many crops including canola cannot accumulate it. This study aimed to transfer the SoBADH gene from spinach into canola to enhance GB biosynthesis and improve osmotic stress tolerance.

Methods: The synthesized SoBADH gene was cloned into pUC57, digested with SalI and NdeI, and ligated into pRI201-AN using T4 ligase. The recombinant vector was transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens via freeze-thaw method. Canola cotyledonary explants were inoculated with Agrobacterium, and transgenic plants were regenerated on kanamycin-containing medium.

Results: The presence of the SoBADH gene was confirmed by PCR analysis, and its expression was verified by RT-PCR. Osmotic stress tolerance was evaluated using 20% PEG6000 ( 0.7 MPa). The results showed that transgenic plants exhibited a 60% increase in glycine betaine content compared to control plants and displayed greater leaf development and greener color under osmotic stress.

Conclusion: Transfer of the SoBADH gene into canola effectively enhances GB accumulation and osmotic stress tolerance, offering a practical approach for developing drought- and salt-tolerant cultivars for sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Introduction: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their antioxidant properties and agricultural applications. Green synthesis using plant extracts provides an eco-friendly approach that reduces toxic compounds and improves nanoparticle stability. This study aimed to synthesize ZnO-NPs using Valeriana officinalis extract and evaluate their effects on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius).

Materials and Methods: ZnO-NPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of V. officinalis and characterized by particle size analysis (PSA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Foliar applications at 0, 10, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/L were performed in a randomized complete block design. Morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, and defensive enzyme activities were subsequently evaluated.

Results: Spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 50 to 100 nm were successfully formed. Stem and leaf lengths increased over five weeks; however, differences in stem, leaf, and root lengths compared with the control were not significant (P>0.05). Fresh weight decreased significantly by 27.8% at 100 mg/L (P<0.05). The 1000 mg/L treatment significantly reduced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents (P<0.05). Guaiacol peroxidase activity decreased significantly at 100 and 500 mg/L (P<0.01), while dehydrogenase activity declined at 500 mg/L (P<0.05). Changes in polyphenol oxidase activity and malondialdehyde content were not significant.

Conclusion: Safflower responses to green-synthesized ZnO-NPs were concentration-dependent. Higher concentrations inhibited photosynthetic pigments, whereas intermediate concentrations affected specific enzymatic pathways. Therefore, determining an optimal concentration is essential for the safe and effective application of ZnO-NPs in sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Objective: Azo dyes are group of chemical dyes widely used in various industries. When released into the environment, these dyes cause environmental toxicity and reduce processes such as photosynthesis in aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the treatment of such wastewater is of great importance. The aim of this study was to isolate a microbial strain capable of removing pollutant compounds.

Method: For this purpose, 18 soil samples were collected from different areas of Behshahr forests. Microbial isolation was then performed, and the obtained isolates were screened for dye removal efficiency in dye-containing solutions.

Results: Among the nine isolates obtained, isolate number 6 was selected as the most efficient strain, achieving 79% dye removal. Molecular identification showed 100% sequence similarity to Bacillus tropicus LM1212-W3. Investigation of the effects of dye concentration and adsorbent dosage revealed that increasing both parameters led to an increase in dye removal efficiency. Evaluation of the adsorption capacity of autoclaved biomass showed a significant decrease in dye removal, indicating that dye removal is dependent on the cellular metabolism of Bacillus sp. A1.

Conclusions: Based on these results, the studied bacterial biomass is introduced as an effective dye-removal agent, which can be considered promising candidate for the removal of environmental pollutants.