Ginger is a significant ethnobotanical and pharmacological crop consisting of potential bioactive constituents responsible for their nutraceutical value, they can have anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, antimicrobial, pain alleviation, antitumor, antioxidant and protective effects on respiratory disease, and agerelated disease. Ginger possesses a substantial value, but its production and general quality are greatly harmed by various biotic and abiotic stressors, to which it is highly susceptible. Fungi are the most damaging disease-causing agents, one of the devastating fungal pathogens in ginger is Fusarium spp., a soil and seed-borne pathogen resulting in poor production, poor quality, and decreased economic returns to the farmers. It infects ginger in every stage of development and each plant part even during post-harvest storage. This review emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the nutraceutical value of ginger compounds, and Fusarium disease in ginger with its pathogenicity. Moreover, this review elaborates on an improvement of ginger yield by the management of the Fusarium pathogen through the biological and biotechnological approach.

Cadmium (Cd) in soil and water streams is now recognized as a significant environmental issue that harms plants and animals. Plants damaged by Cd toxicity experience various effects, from germination to yield reduction. Plant- and animal-based goods are allowing more Cd to enter our food chain, which could harm human health. Therefore, this urgent global concern must be addressed by implementing appropriate remedial measures. Plantbased phytoremediation is one safe, economical, and environmentally acceptable way to remove hazardous metals from the environment. Hyperaccumulator plants possess specialized transport proteins, such as metal transporters located in membranes of roots, as well as they facilitate Cd uptake from soil. This review outlines the latest findings about these membrane transporters. Moreover, we also discuss how innovative modern tools such as microbiomes, omics, nanotechnology, and genome editing have revealed molecular regulators connected to Cd tolerance, which may be employed to develop Cd-tolerant future plants. We can develop effective solutions to enhance tolerance of plant to Cd toxicity by leveraging membrane transporters and modern biotechnological tools. Additionally, implementing strategies to increase tolerance of Cd and restrict its bioavailability in plants' edible parts is crucial for improving food safety. These combined efforts will lead to the cultivation of safer food crops and support sustainable agricultural practices in contaminated environments.

Arsenic contamination poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security, especially in Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea). This study evaluates the potential of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) to mitigate arsenic stress in C. arietinum (Noor 2022). The experiment was conducted at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement and three replications. A pot experiment was conducted using seven treatments comprising various concentrations of SiNPs applied alone or combined with arsenic [T0 (control, no SiNPs), T1 (3.5% SiNPs), T2 (7% SiNPs), T3 (10.5% SiNPs), T4 (3.5% SiNPs + 30 ppm Ar), T5 (7% SiNPs + 30 ppm Ar), and T6 (10.5% SiNPs + 30 ppm Ar)]. SiNPs were applied as foliar sprays in three splits from the second to fourth weeks after sowing. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters were assessed, including chlorophyll content, total soluble proteins, proline, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The results demonstrated that SiNPs significantly enhanced stress tolerance in chickpea plants. At 10.5% SiNPs, chlorophyll content increased by 35%, carotenoids by 42%, and proline by 68% compared to arsenic-stressed plants without SiNPs, indicating improved photosynthetic efficiency and osmotic adjustment. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), increased by 50%, 47%, and 53%, respectively, mitigating oxidative damage. Soluble sugars and phenolic content also rose by 28% and 32%, respectively, under 10.5% SiNPs. However, when combined with arsenic, some antagonistic effects were observed, with a slight decrease in chlorophyll and antioxidant activity compared to SiNPs alone. These findings suggest that SiNPs are a promising tool for improving crop resilience in arsenic-contaminated soils, offering insights into sustainable agricultural practices. Further research is warranted to explore long-term impacts and optimize application strategies.

This study investigates the potential of green-fabricated manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) to mitigate chromium (Cr) toxicity in wheat, presenting a novel approach to enhancing ion homeostasis and physiological resilience under Cr stress. Chromium contamination in agricultural soils is a significant concern, severely impacting crop productivity and disrupting the physiological homeostasis of wheat. Chromium exposure compromises nutrient uptake, induces oxidative stress, and impairs plant growth and yield. This study explored the use of green-fabricated MnO2NPs to mitigate Cr-induced oxidative stress in two bread wheat cultivars, Borlaug-16 and SKD-1. Seed nano-priming with MnO2NPs (100, 250, and 500 mg kg-1) was applied, followed by Cr (100 mg kg-1) exposure, and key physiological, biochemical, and ionomic responses were evaluated. Manganese dioxide nanoparticles significantly reduced Cr uptake and improved ion transport. In Borlaug-16, NP250 enhanced seedling height by 74 %, while NP100 reduced H2O2and TBARS by 60.28 % and 50.17 %, respectively, indicating improved oxidative stress tolerance. SKD-1 exhibited greater Cr stress tolerance, with NP250 improving root length by 31.03 % and relative water content by 56.66 %, supporting better water retention. Additionally, MnO2NP treatments boosted antioxidant enzyme activities, increasing APX and GPX by up to 12.47 %, and restored root and leaf anatomy, reversing Cr-induced structural damage. Furthermore, MnO2NPs enhanced the uptake of essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, while restricting Cr translocation, improving overall nutrient efficiency. These findings emphasize the potential of MnO2NPs as an eco-friendly strategy for enhancing crop resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture in Cr-contaminated soils.

ObjectiveAcanthamoeba spp. are microscopic single-celled protozoa commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, water sources, and dust. These parasites are associated with serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Recent epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis cases. Current treatment methods are generally effective only in the early stages and show limited success when applied late, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective therapeutic and cultivation approaches. The laboratory cultivation of Acanthamoeba spp. is traditionally performed using axenic or monoxenic cultures. However, these methods have notable drawbacks, including the loss of virulence, reduced encystment capability, errors in bacterial inoculation, and time-consuming procedures. To address these limitations, nanotechnological approaches have been proposed. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for developing new drug formulations and diagnosing, preventing, and treating various diseases.ObjectiveAcanthamoeba spp. are microscopic single-celled protozoa commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil, water sources, and dust. These parasites are associated with serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amebic encephalitis. Recent epidemiological studies have highlighted a significant increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis cases. Current treatment methods are generally effective only in the early stages and show limited success when applied late, emphasizing the urgent need for more effective therapeutic and cultivation approaches. The laboratory cultivation of Acanthamoeba spp. is traditionally performed using axenic or monoxenic cultures. However, these methods have notable drawbacks, including the loss of virulence, reduced encystment capability, errors in bacterial inoculation, and time-consuming procedures. To address these limitations, nanotechnological approaches have been proposed. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for developing new drug formulations and diagnosing, preventing, and treating various diseases.MethodsIn this study, we developed humic acid-coated magnetic nanocomposites capable of adhering to the cyst wall of Acanthamoeba spp. without causing damage. Experimental results demonstrated that these nanocomposites bind with high affinity to macromolecules on the cyst wall, facilitating the aggregation of parasites in the pellet. Additionally, biologically enriched leech saliva was incorporated into the culture medium to enhance the growth rate. Leech saliva provides a rich source of organic matter and bioactive molecules that promote cell division. The addition of leech saliva resulted in a significant increase in the growth rate of Acanthamoeba spp., with maximum growth density observed at 120 h.ResultsThese findings indicate that humic acid-coated magnetic nanocomposites and leech saliva -enriched culture media offer a promising alternative to conventional methods for the rapid and efficient cultivation of Acanthamoeba spp. Our study concludes that humic acid-coated magnetic nanocomposites effectively concentrate parasites, increasing their quantitative density, while leech saliva provides a nutrient-rich environment that stimulates trophozoite feeding and division.ConclusionThis study is noteworthy for presenting an innovative and effective method for the rapid laboratory cultivation and potential treatment of Acanthamoeba spp.

Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient required for optimal plant growth and soil fertility. Its use in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention in agricultural applications. Green synthesized Zn-based NPs offer an eco-friendly solution to several conventional problems in agriculture. Several plants, bacteria, fungi and yeast have shown significant potential in fabricating Zn NPs that can provide environmentally friendly solutions in agriculture and the approach is aligned with sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the dependency on harmful agrochemicals. Zn-based NPs act as plant growth promoters, enhance crop yield, promote resilience to abiotic stressors and are efficient crop protection agents. Their role as a smart delivery system, enabling targeted and controlled release of agrochemicals, further signifies their potential use in agriculture. Because agriculture requires repeated applications hence, the toxicological aspects of Zn NPs cannot be ignored. Zn NPs are reported to cause phytotoxicity, including root damage, physiological and biochemical disturbances, and genotoxic effects. Furthermore, exposure to Zn NPs poses risks to soil microbiota, and aquatic and terrestrial organisms potentially impacting the ecosystem. The green synthesis of Zn-based NPs has a promising aspect for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing agrochemical use and improving crop productivity. Their diverse applications as plant growth promoters, crop protectants and smart delivery systems emphasize their potential. However, the toxicological aspects are essential to ensure the standardization of doses for their safe and effective use. Further research would help address such concerns and help in developing viable and eco-friendly solutions for modern agriculture. (c) 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

High lime content in agricultural soils poses a significant challenge to crop production, particularly in viticulture. Due to the persistent and detrimental effects of lime stress on plant growth, the present study investigated the potential of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) to mitigate lime-induced stress in 1103 Paulsen American grapevine rootstock. We examined the effects of Fe3O4-NPs (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 ppm) under varying lime stress conditions (0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% CaCO3). Our findings revealed that increasing lime content progressively inhibited grapevine growth, with significant reductions in shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot length, and leaf number. Fe3O4-NP application demonstrated pronounced protective effects: 0.1 ppm Fe3O4-NPs optimized growth under non-stressed conditions, while 1 ppm Fe3O4-NPs significantly improved plant performance under 60% lime stress. Notably, nanoparticle treatments mitigated oxidative stress by reducing membrane damage, lipid peroxidation, and leaf temperature while maintaining photosynthetic efficiency and osmotic balance. Fe3O4-NPs demonstrated significant potential in mitigating lime-induced stress in grapevines, with optimal concentrations of 0.1 ppm for low-moderate lime environments and 1 ppm for high lime content areas. These findings provide a targeted nanobiotechnological approach to enhance grapevine resilience in calcareous soils, advancing sustainable viticulture strategies.

The global spread of Fall Armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) has posed significant challenges to crop productivity and food security, with current pest management relying heavily on synthetic pesticides. This study explores the green synthesis of neem extract and neem oil-based Azadirachtin nanopesticides using cellulose acetate (CA) as a carrier polymer, focusing on their efficacy against FAW. The objective was to assess whether CA-NEP (neem extract nanopesticides) and CA-NOL (neem oil nanopesticide) formulations were effective at FAW control with minimal ecological impact. The nanopesticides were synthesized by electrospinning at concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, 33 %, and 50 % (w/w) and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Azadirachtin content was quantified using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. CA-NEP and CA-NOL followed first-order, and Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics, respectively. Feeding bioassays showed high FAW mortality rates, with 20 %-50 % CA-NEP achieving greater than 40 % mortality in less than 3 days and 50 % CA-NEP reaching 100 % mortality by day five. The mortality rates of FAW due to feeding on CA-NOL-treated corn leaves reached 40 % after 4 and 6 days, respectively, for 50 % and 33 % CA-NOL. Placing nanopesticide fibers next to corn seeds during planting significantly reduced FAW leaf damage. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) analyses showed that 13 % CA-NEP is the optimal concentration for FAW control. Environmental safety assessments on earthworms showed no acute or chronic toxicity, indicating that the nanopesticides suit ecologically sensitive areas. Therefore, these nanopesticide formulations provide a promising, eco-friendly alternative for sustainable FAW control and management with enhanced efficacy and safety.

The increasing demand for sustainable road infrastructure necessitates alternative materials that enhance soil stabilization while reducing environmental impact. This study investigated the application of organosilane-based nanotechnology to improve the structural performance and durability of road corridors in Peru, offering a viable alternative to conventional stabilization methods. A comparative experimental approach was employed, where modified soil and asphalt mixtures were evaluated against control samples without nanotechnology. Laboratory tests showed that organosilane-treated soil achieved up to a 100% increase in the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), while maintaining expansion below 0.5%, significantly reducing moisture susceptibility compared to untreated soil. Asphalt mixtures incorporating nanotechnology-based adhesion enhancers exhibited a Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) exceeding 80%, ensuring a superior resistance to moisture-induced damage relative to conventional mixtures. Non-destructive evaluations, including Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) and Pavement Condition Index (PCI) tests, confirmed the improved long-term durability and load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the International Roughness Index (IRI) revealed a mean value of 2.449 m/km, which is well below the Peruvian regulatory threshold of 3.5 m/km, demonstrating a significant improvement over untreated pavements. Furthermore, a comparative reference to IRI standards from other countries contextualized these results. This research underscores the potential of nanotechnology to enhance pavement resilience, optimize resource utilization, and advance sustainable construction practices.

Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scales to produce structures and devices ranging from 1 to 100 nm, is increasingly being applied in agriculture. Nanoscale materials possess distinct optical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties that enable the smart, targeted delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, and genetic materials to plants, as well as rapid sensing and on-site monitoring of plant health, soil fertility, and water quality in a digital format. This review explores the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, examining the challenges and benefits related to all aspects of crop production, with a particular focus on regulatory issues. Key findings indicate that nanotechnology can improve crop production and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture through precise input management. However, several critical issues need to be addressed, including the limited knowledge of the long-term environmental impacts associated with agricultural nanotechnology and the ambiguity of current regulations. This underscores the need for further research to elucidate its impact on soil, water, and environmental and human health, to inform evidence-based regulations. (c) 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.