Biochemical defense in maize against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants

54-63Biochemical defense against herbivores is one of the most important components of plant resistance to insects. Here, we studied the constitutive and induced biochemical defense through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in response to damage by the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in six maize genotypes including resistance and susceptible checks. The levels of total sugars, total soluble protein and starch were significantly lower, while total phenol and total antioxidant higher in resistant than susceptible maize genotypes both under damaged and healthy plant conditions. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like AO, CAT, APX, PAL and TAL were significantly higher in resistant than susceptible genotype, Basi Local, which further increased in response to damage by C. partellus. The nonenzymatic antioxidant scavenging activity of FRAP was also significantly higher in resistant maize genotypes, which further increased upon damage by C. partellus. Total antioxidant activity increased from 22.2 to 96.3% across test maize genotypes in response to damage by C. partellus, wherein maximum increase was recorded in CML 345. These findings clearly demonstrate that both constitutive and induced biochemical compounds through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems impart resistance against C. partellus in CPM 8, CPM 13, CPM 15, CPM 18 and CML 345, thus could be used in insect resistance breeding program. These studies could also be useful for detailed understanding on metabolic pathways regulating biochemical defense and up- and down-regulation of associated genes in plant defense against biotic stresses

Biochemical defense in maize against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants

Biochemical defense against herbivores is one of the most important components of plant resistance to insects. Here, we studied the constitutive and induced biochemical defense through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in response to damage by the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in six maize genotypes including resistance and susceptible checks. The levels of total sugars, total soluble protein and starch were significantly lower, while total phenol and total antioxidant higher in resistant than susceptible maize genotypes both under damaged and healthy plant conditions. The activity of antioxidant enzymes like AO, CAT, APX, PAL and TAL were significantly higher in resistant than susceptible genotype, Basi Local, which further increased in response to damage by C. partellus. The nonenzymatic antioxidant scavenging activity of FRAP was also significantly higher in resistant maize genotypes, which further increased upon damage by C. partellus. Total antioxidant activity increased from 22.2 to 96.3% across test maize genotypes in response to damage by C. partellus, wherein maximum increase was recorded in CML 345. These findings clearly demonstrate that both constitutive and induced biochemical compounds through activation of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant defense systems impart resistance against C. partellus in CPM 8, CPM 13, CPM 15, CPM 18 and CML 345, thus could be used in insect resistance breeding program. These studies could also be useful for detailed understanding on metabolic pathways regulating biochemical defense and up- and down-regulation of associated genes in plant defense against biotic stresses

COVID-19, deforestation, and green economy

Corona has severely impacted many sectors in the past 2. 5 years, and forests are one of the major hits among all sectors affected by the pandemic. This study presents the consolidated data on deforestation patterns across the globe during COVID and also analyzes in depth the region-specific contributing factors. Exacerbated deforestation during COVID alarms biodiversity conservation concerns and pushes back the long-term efforts to combat pollution and climate change mitigation. Deforestation also increases the risk of the emergence of new zoonotic diseases in future, as deforestation and COVID are intricately related to each other. Therefore, there is a need to check deforestation and inculcation of conservation measures in building back better policies adopted post-COVID. This review is novel in specifically providing insight into the implications of COVID-19 on forests in tropical as well as temperate global regions, causal factors, green policies given by different nations, and recommendations that will help in designing nature-based recovery strategies for combating deforestation and augmenting afforestation, thus providing better livelihood, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and better environmental quality

Unveiling the Genetic Symphony: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Effective Insect Pest Management

Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants

Underutilized legumes: nutrient status and advanced breeding approaches for qualitative and quantitative enhancement

Underutilized/orphan legumes provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor rural populations during periods of drought and extreme hunger, thus, saving millions of lives. The Leguminaceae, which is the third largest flowering plant family, has approximately 650 genera and 20,000 species and are distributed globally. There are various protein-rich accessible and edible legumes, such as soybean, cowpea, and others; nevertheless, their consumption rate is far higher than production, owing to ever-increasing demand. The growing global urge to switch from an animal-based protein diet to a vegetarian-based protein diet has also accelerated their demand. In this context, underutilized legumes offer significant potential for food security, nutritional requirements, and agricultural development. Many of the known legumes like Mucuna spp., Canavalia spp., Sesbania spp., Phaseolus spp., and others are reported to contain comparable amounts of protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), dietary fiber, essential minerals and vitamins along with other bioactive compounds. Keeping this in mind, the current review focuses on the potential of discovering underutilized legumes as a source of food, feed and pharmaceutically valuable chemicals, in order to provide baseline data for addressing malnutrition-related problems and sustaining pulse needs across the globe. There is a scarcity of information about underutilized legumes and is restricted to specific geographical zones with local or traditional significance. Around 700 genera and 20,000 species remain for domestication, improvement, and mainstreaming. Significant efforts in research, breeding, and development are required to transform existing local landraces of carefully selected, promising crops into types with broad adaptability and economic viability. Different breeding efforts and the use of biotechnological methods such as micro-propagation, molecular markers research and genetic transformation for the development of underutilized crops are offered to popularize lesser-known legume crops and help farmers diversify their agricultural systems and boost their profitability