The accumulation of allelochemicals in farming land has attracted a great deal of research attention, and biochar has shown positive effects in alleviating allelopathy. This study investigated how oligotrophic biochar application modulated salicylic acid (SA) generation in soybean roots through nutrient and oxidative stress pathways. Biochars were applied to soybean cultivation, with analyses conducted on nutrient adsorption, allelochemical profiles, and plant growth parameters. Results revealed that biochar suppressed benzoic acid (BA) while elevating SA levels, which correlated with the presence of persistent free radicals (PFRs) and nutrient retention. The retention of phosphorus (P) and ammonium (NH4+-N) dominated plant height reduction, surpassing oxidative stress effects linked to PFRs. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) identified P retention as the primary driver of SA generation, linked to adaptive phosphorus solubilization via acid secretion. Conversely, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation resulted from lipoxygenasemediated lipid peroxidation under nutrient stress and PFRs-induced oxidative stress. The strong adsorption of P and nitrate (NO3--N) by biochar exacerbated soil oligotrophy, triggering SA overproduction as a stress compensation mechanism. The significant correlation between SA and MDA indicated bidirectional stress signaling, wherein allelochemicals exacerbate oxidative damage while activating defense responses. These findings emphasize the dual role of biochar as both a stress inducer and an allelopathy modulator, highlighting the necessity for optimizing pyrolysis and developing soil-specific strategies to balance agricultural benefits with ecological risks.

BACKGROUNDPlants emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which serve as critical cues for herbivorous insects to locate hosts for feeding and oviposition. Understanding how adults identify host plants is essential to develop pest management strategies, particularly for hemiedaphic insects like click beetles, the larvae of which are significant soil-dwelling pests. To investigate click beetle attraction towards plant VOCs and their relevance for oviposition, we tested the attractiveness of constitutive VOCs (emitted by intact plants) and damage-induced VOCs (released by chopped plants) from 11 plant species to male and female Agriotes sputator beetles.RESULTSAgriotes sputator beetles exhibit plant species-specific olfactory preferences, which are influenced by beetle sex and female maturity and differ between constitutive and damage-induced VOCs. Female beetles showed the greatest attraction to buckwheat VOCs, especially during their main oviposition period, whereas males were more attracted to clover and ryegrass. EAG recordings show strong female antennal responses to ryegrass, carrot, maize, wild carrot, barley, and buckwheat VOCs, while male antennae responded significantly only to peas. Antennae from female beetles show overall stronger responses to constitutive VOCs than those of males (P = 0.02).CONCLUSIONThese findings facilitate the development of new approaches for Agriotes pest management. Understanding preferred plant VOCs aids in identifying attractive semiochemicals that can be used for monitoring female beetles. Additionally, recognizing attractive plants aids wireworm management by either avoiding them in crop rotations before sensitive crops (thus reducing oviposition) or by attracting beetles to specific areas where they can be targeted by control measures. (c) 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The global wide threatening problem is the pollution, especially water and soil pollution are biggest threats to our people. The pollution not only damages the resources but also enters the ecosystem and impairs our health. The pollution disfigures the fertility of the soil and contaminates the groundwater table which is the most reliable source of all living organisms. Due to urbanization of people and scarcity of the water resources, the people rely on the groundwater for the domestic and drinking needs. Earlier researches include the bioremediation and physico-chemical mechanisms in removal of toxic/heavy metals from water but still faced several post-treatment issues. The advancement in science and technology paved a path as nanotechnology to overcome these problems. In this current investigation, the CuO nanoparticles (CuONPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized from endophytic fungal strain and characterized which were previously reported. The groundwater samples were collected near, in, and around of the garbage-dump site of Vellalore-Kurichi village, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India; three areas were selected, and water samples were collected. The basic physico-chemical parameters such as BOD, COD, TDS, hardness, pH, chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, and heavy metal(s) of the collected samples were analyzed. The adsorption studies were initiated with three different concentrations of CuONPs and ZnONPs in 100 mL of polluted groundwater samples, and the kinetics was started with 0th min and extended till 180 min. The adsorption rate increased with the increase in time; the CuONPs and ZnONPs adsorbed the few pollutants that also included arsenic (V) effectively. The nanoremediated samples were further taken to determine the effectiveness in aiding the plant growth promotion, and this was executed in Trigonella sp. plants. The plants were grown well which was compared to the control plants, and the phytochemical assessment was carried out. The presence of phytochemicals of the plants grown in nanoremediated samples was similar to that of control plants. Further, the CuONPs and ZnONPs have the ability in remediating the pollutants/contaminants in the groundwater.

The soil environment has been considered capable of storing toxic substances without serious consequences for the inhabitants since plants are able to bioaccumulate pollutants without compromising their survival. The application of chemicals to increase soil productivity and the dumping of waste have worsened soil quality. Recently, following a greater awareness of the importance of monitoring the damage deriving from the consumption of contaminated crops for humans and of the protection of biodiversity, studies aimed at identifying the effects of soil contamination on terrestrial animals have increased considerably. Studies using field lizards as model organisms fit into this scenario; this research has shed light on the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of soil pollutants on reptiles. This review summarizes data collected on lizards of the Podarcis genus, a group of resilient wild species capable of living in both pristine and anthropized areas; the data reveal that many of the effects recorded in lizard tissues at the molecular, biochemical, and histological levels are independent of the chemical composition of the contaminants and are mostly linked to the type of cellular response. Overall, these studies confirm Podarcis lizards as a good model system in ecotoxicological and cytotoxicological research, providing an accurate description of the effects of pollutants, clarifying the defense mechanisms activated in relation to different exposure routes and, finally, providing predictive information on the risks faced by other animals. Since the effects recorded in lizards have often also been observed in mammals, it can be concluded that the results obtained from studies on these animals can be translated to other terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals.

In conventional agricultural practices, agrochemicals, including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other soil conditioners optimize crop production and combat insect-pest damage to satisfy the food demands of constantly growing global human populations. Long-term usage of expensive agrichemicals contaminates the soils and destroys biodiversity, deteriorating soil fertility, and microbiome-plant ecosystems. In this context, nanotechnology offers effective and powerful tool against factors that limit the legume production due to the compact size, ease of transport and handling, long shelf life, and high efficiency of nanomaterials. Thus, the application of nanoparticles in agricultural sectors are gaining momentum in developing nano-biosensors, nanoformulations (nanofertilizers/nanopesticides- NPs), and plant nutrient management. Indeed, nanotechnology is set to transform crop production systems, because NPs significantly reduce the environmental release of active ingredients. Unlike conventional fertilizers and pesticides, which often fail to reach their target sites and contribute to environmental contamination, NPs offers a more precise and eco-friendly solution. This review provides a broad view of the complex interactions between nanoparticles and phytomicrobiome-legumes, focusing both on the potential benefits and risks associated with the widespread use of nanoparticles. The emerging field of nanotechnology, especially nanoformulations, offers a green alternative to conventional fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing yields and managing legume diseases.

The global food demand is increasing with the world population, burdening agriculture with unprecedented challenges. Agricultural techniques that ushered in the green revolution are now unsustainable, owing to population growth and climate change. The agri-tech revolution that promises a robust, efficient, and sustainable agricultural system while enhancing food security is expected to be greatly aided by advancements in nanotechnology, which have been reviewed here. Nanofertilizers and nanoinsecticides can benefit agricultural practices economically without major environment impact. Owing to their unique size and features, nanoagrochemicals provide enhanced delivery of active ingredients and increased bioavailability, and posing lesser environment hazard. Nano-agrochemicals should be improved for increased efficiency in the future. In this context, nanocomposites have drawn considerable interest with regard to food security. Nanocomposites can overcome the drawbacks of chemical fertilizers and improve plant output and nutrient bioavailability. Similarly, metallic and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) can potentially improve sustainable agriculture via better plant development, increased nutrient uptake, and soil healing. Hence, they can be employed as nanofertilizers, nanopesticides, and nanoherbicides. Nanotechnology is also being used to enhance crop production via genetic modification of traits for efficient use of soil nutrients and higher yields. Furthermore, NPs can help plants overcome salinity stress-induced oxidative damage. We also review the fate of NPs in the soil system, plants, animals, and humans, highlight the shortcomings of previous research, and offer suggestions for toxicity studies that would aid regulatory bodies and benefit the agrochemical sector, consequently promoting efficient and sustainable use of nano-agrochemicals.

Microplastic particles (MPs) have been detected in a variety of environmental samples, including soil, water, food, and air. Cellular studies and animal exposures reported that exposure to MPs composed of different polymers might result in adverse effects at the portal of entry (local) or throughout the body (systemic). The most relevant routes of particle uptake into the body are oral and respiratory exposure. This review describes the various processes that may contribute to the adverse effects of MPs. Only MPs up to 5 mu m were found to cross epithelial barriers to a significant extent. However, MPs may also exert a detrimental impact on human health by acting at the epithelial barrier and within the lumen of the orogastrointestinal and respiratory tract. The potential for adverse effects on human health resulting from the leaching, sorption, and desorption of chemicals, as well as the impact of MPs on nutritional status and dysbiosis, are reviewed. In vitro models are suggested as a means of (1) assessing permeation, (2) determining adverse effects on cells of the epithelial barrier, (3) examining influence of digestive fluids on leaching, desorption, and particle properties, and (4) role of microbiota-epithelial cell interactions. The contribution of these mechanisms to human health depends upon exposure levels, which unfortunately have been estimated very differently.

The scale of the threat in Poland from major industrial accidents resulting from the functioning of the chem. industry in the years 2014-2023 was examd. on official statistical data. No. of industrial accidents in Poland decreased from 154 in 2001 to 29 in 2022. In 2023, a small increase in the accident no. (36) was obsd. The no. of serious accidents meeting the criteria of the Minister of the Environment regarding the obligation to report them to the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection decreased in the years 2014-2023 and annually varied in the range 4-10 a year. The most accidents were recorded in road and pipeline transport. The most common causes of accidents still included human error and damage to installation components. The gas emissions or leakage of hazardous substances into the soil, sewage system or surface waters occurred most often as a result of emergency situations. The distribution of accidents in the country was not uniform and increased with the increasing no. of chem. plants in the voivodships.

Permafrost is a crucial part of the Earth's cryosphere. These millennia-old frozen soils not only are significant carbon reservoirs but also store a variety of chemicals. Accelerated permafrost thaw due to global warming leads to profound consequences such as infrastructure damage, hydrological changes, and, notably, environmental concerns from the release of various chemicals. In this perspective, we metaphorically term long-preserved substances as dormant chemicals that experience an awakening during permafrost thaw. We begin by providing a comprehensive overview and categorization of these chemicals and their potential transformations, utilizing a combination of field observations, laboratory studies, and modeling approaches to assess their environmental impacts. Following this, we put forward several perspectives on how to enhance the scientific understanding of their ensuing environmental impacts in the context of climate change. Ultimately, we advocate for broader research engagement in permafrost exploration and emphasize the need for extensive environmental chemical studies. This will significantly enhance our understanding of the consequences of permafrost thaw and its broader impact on other ecosystems under rapid climate warming.

Crop management techniques and sustainable agriculture offer a comprehensive farming method that incorporates social, economic, and ecological factors. Sustainable agriculture places a high priority on soil health, water efficiency, and biodiversity conservation in order to develop resilient and regenerative food systems that can feed both the current and future generations. Our goal in this review is to give a thorough overview of current developments in the use of polysaccharides as raw materials for the encapsulation of natural chemicals in nanoparticles as novel crop protection products. The search for recent research articles and latest reviews has been carried out through pubmed, google scholar, BASE as search engines. Offer cutting-edge solutions for sustainable crop management that satisfy the demands of an expanding population, comply with changing legal frameworks, and address environmental issues by encasing natural compounds inside polysaccharide-based nanoparticles. A variety of natural substances, such as essential oils, plant extracts, antimicrobials compounds and miRNA, can be included in these nanoparticles. These materials have many advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and controlled release of active compounds. Thanks to their action mechanism, they are able to mediate hormone signaling and gene expression in different plant physiological aspects, as well as enhance their tolerance to abiotic stress conditions. Sustainable agriculture can be supported by this type of treatments, correctly developing food safety through the production of non-toxic nanoparticles, low-cost industrial scale-up and the use of biodegradable materials. Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles have a wide range of uses in agriculture: they improve crop yields, encourage eco-friendly farming methods and can decrease the concentrations of active ingredient used, providing an accurate and affective dosage without damaging further species, as well as avoiding treatment resistance risks. These nanoparticles can also reduce the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to the environmentally friendly agricultural development. Furthermore, the application of polysaccharide-based nanoparticles is consistent with the expanding trend of green and sustainable agriculture.