<div>Background: Nitric oxide (NO) physiology is very complex in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM). While NO relaxes detrusor in some species, in contrary, it produces contraction in other. NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was found to inhibit CCh-induced contraction in goat DSM in earlier studies, but it is not known how SNP produces inhibitory action on goat DSM. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the mechanism of inhibitory action of SNP pertaining to involvement of G- protein and other second messenger on goat DSM.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Goat detrusor muscle strips collected from local abattoir were mounted in a thermostatically controlled (37o&plusmn;0.5oC) organ bath (20 ml capacity) containing physiological solution. Following 1 hr of equilibration, carbachol (CCh) (10-5 M) induced sub-maximal contraction was elicited both in the absence and presence of SNP (10-5 M). Involvement of NO and guanylyl cyclase was assessed using nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10-5 M) and guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10-5 M). Experiments were also carried out in the presence of G-protein activator aluminium fluoride (AlF) (10-5 M), protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol-12-myristate (PMA) (10-5 M), nifedipine, low Ca2+ PSS, theophylline and Zero Ca2+ PSS.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Inhibitory effect of SNP (10-5 M) on CCh-induced contraction on goat DSM was reversed by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-name (10-5 M) and guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (10-5 M). Prior incubation of the tissues with AlF and PMA also reversed the SNP mediated inhibition. On the other hand, nifedipine and low Ca2+ PSS; and theophylline and zero Ca2+ PSS potentiated the SNP-mediated inhibition. Thus, the present study shows that SNP elicited inhibitory effect on goat DSM is both NO-dependent and cGMP-dependent. In addition, the result shows that SNP inhibits G-protein coupled PKC leading to inhibition of both Ca2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ release with a resultant decrease in intracellular Ca2+.</div>

Sodium Nitroprusside Inhibits Detrusor Muscle Contraction through G-protein Mediated Inhibition of Intracellular Ca2+ Release

Background: Weed management during growing season has been a serious problem for many years. Worldwide, a 10% loss of agricultural products can be attributed to the competitive effect of weeds, despite their intensive control. Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album L. is an annual weed of cultivated fields.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This investigation was done in 2020-2021. Root parts of both weeds Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album were collected from a nearby area, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut. To determine the antifungal potentials of both weeds Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chenopodium album root extracts were determined by the food poisoning method against fungal phytopathogens. Methane, Ethyl acetate, Butyl alcohol, Benzene and Water-soluble root extracts of both weeds at different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were used against fungal phytopathogens growth in laboratory conditions and also used on fungal infected related attributes of Bengal gram in a pot culture experiment in 1:10 ratio. Antioxidants of both weed extracts were done by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods. 
 
Result: Findings showed that application of 15% concentrated extracts has maximum antifungal effects against Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsi (70-80%). In the pot experiment, we find that at increased concentrations of methanolic extract (15%) infected Bengal gram crops show high effectiveness against fungal phytopathogens and improve different parameters such as germination, plant physiology and morphological characteristics. However, higher concentrations of methanol extract promoted these parameters and reduced fungal growth in both in vivo and vitro conditions Results of this study reported highly significant suppressive effects of higher concentrations (10% and 15%).

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Weeds (Root) Extracts on Soil Borne Fungal Phytopathogens and Fungal Infected Legume Crop Bengal Gram (Cicer arietinum)

Background: This research aimed to assess the antifungal potential of oil and organic leaf extracts obtained from Ocimum gratissimum, Kopsia fruticosa and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis against fungal pathogens affecting solanaceous crops. 
 
Methods: Oil of O. gratissimum was obtained by hydro-distilled method using Clevenger apparatus. Leaf extracts of K. fruticosa and H. rosa-sinensis were extracted using three organic solvents namely hexane, ethanol and methanol. The antifungal activity of the oil and organic leaf extracts against the test fungal pathogens was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The efficacy of the oil and organic leaf extracts against the pathogens was evaluated by their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ability to inhibit spore germination and growth kinetic assay. 
 
Result: The oil of O. gratissimum (1000 ppm) significantly inhibited the growth of Cercospora capsici (81.4%), Alternaria alternata (73.7%) and Fusarium oxysporum (68.7%). Hexane extract of K. fruticosa and methanol extract of H. rosa-sinensis (1500 &micro;g/well) displayed strong antifungal activity against Colletotrichum acutatum with inhibition percentages of 75.9% and 82.4% respectively. Similarly, ethanol extract of K. fruticosa and methanol extract of H. rosa-sinensis showed effective inhibition against C. capsici and A. alternata. The oil of O. gratissimum showed MIC values of 50, 100 and 200 &micro;g/mL against C. capsici, A. alternata and F. oxysporum respectively. Ethanol extract of K. fruticosa showed MIC values ranging from 100 to 350 &micro;g/mL, while H. rosa-sinensis methanol extract displayed MIC values ranging from 50 to 200 &micro;g/mL against the fungal pathogens. The oil extract also demonstrated strong inhibition of spore germination of the test fungi. Our study suggests the potential of plant-derived essential oils and extracts as effective antifungal agents for crop protection.

In vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts against Fungal Pathogens Causing Diseases in Solanaceous Crops

<div>Background: Fungal phytopathogens are one of the main causes of deterioration of plant growth and productivity. Reliability of farmers on chemical fungicides poses a threat to humans and the environment. Therefore, exploration and uses of green and biological alternatives should be encouraged in the field of agriculture in order to maintain the overall health of a country. Plant essential oil is one such alternative that is currently researched and holds promises in unlocking the solution to this problem.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Effect of the oil extracted from K. galanga by hydro-distillation against fungal phytopathogens isolated from different plant parts were tested using two different methods of inhibition viz., by direct contact method (M1) and volatile/fumigation method (M2). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for both methods were also determined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used to show the effect of oil on the physiology of the pathogens. 
 
Result: MIC was in the range 1.5-6 &micro;l mL-1 for M1, whereas for M2 the MIC was in the range 2-10 &micro;l mL-1 air. The MFC for M1 ranges from 2-6 &micro;l mL-1, with the exception of Fusarium sp. and Cercospora sp. However for volatile/ fumigation assay, the MFC could not be determined. Thus the effectiveness of the oil for inhibiting the phytopathogens differ for different fungi and the methods used.&nbsp;</div>

​Antifungal Activity of Essential oil Extracted from Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizome against Fungal Phytopathogens

<div>Background: As it is well known that intensive and indiscriminate use of chemicals in agriculture has caused very serious problems to the environment and as well as the human beings as it has poisoned our food also contaminated for soil and water. Aim to make light of the adverse effect of these chemical pesticides the extract of Dactyloctenium aegyptium was used against the soil borne plant pathogens i.e., Fusarium oxysporium, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Sclerotium rolfsi. 
 
Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during 2018-19, different part of Dactyloctenium aegyptium extracts show the antifungal activity against soil born fungal phyto-pathogen and also show the effect on vigna (Moong) at different parameters. The antifungal activity was resolute by well diffusion method. It is very effortless and usual method to resolve the inhibition zone. 
 
Result: Our investigation in which the heptane extract of the Dactyloctenium weed both part s was found to be most effective against the fungal plant pathogens i.e. 0.00 over the control which was 6.3 and 5.8 in Fusarium oxysporium and Rhizoctonia solani respectively and extract in ethyl acetate and butyl alcohol was show lowest effectiveness against Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsi i.e 5.3 and 6.4. In case of green gram germination, Dactyloctenium aegyptium in different solvent at 25% concentration, butylalcohol was the highest in increasing the germination percentage (100) show effectiveness. The leaves, root and stem length show highest effectiveness respectively methanol, heptane and water. The overall effectiveness of the different extract against the fungal plant pathogens were found significantly effective.&nbsp;</div>

Impact of Dactyloctenium aegyptium Weed Extracts on Soil Borne Fungal Phytopathogens and Legume Crop-Vigna

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the present study is to identification and classification of different associated fungi from the seeds of Eruca sativa. Total 10 species of fungal pathogens belonging to 7 genera are isolated from the Saudi (Ss) and Indian seeds of Eruca sativa. Saudi seeds affected by the fungal pathogens namely, A. niger, A. flavus, A fumigates, Mucor spp., Pencillium spp., while Indian seeds affected by Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigates, Aspergillus terreus, Pencillium spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Humicola insolens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum. However, many of the soil borne or seed borne associated fungal pathogens spread the diseases in plants as well as in human beings. So the present study reveals that, the proper identification of fungal pathogens and their symptoms are easily recognized. Then the prevention care could be taken during the agriculture and high yield produced before the spread of symptoms and diseases. &nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Study of Associated Fungal Pathogens on Seeds of Eruca sativa Mill., (Gargeer)&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background: Bovine mastitis is a multifactorial and is one of the most challenging disease. It can be caused by many different bacterial species, the most common of which are Staphylococcus species and Streptococcus species. The prevalence of different species varies temporally, geographically and also due to control measures adopted in herds. The present study is on the biofilm forming Streptococcus uberis causing mastitis and the effect of antibiofilm agents on the antimicrobial resistance of the microorganisms.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The isolates were identified by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two antibiofilm agents, resveratrol and ursolic acid (UA) each at two concentrations (30 &mu;g/ml, 100 &mu;g/ml) were used for the study. Biofilm formation and rate of biofilm inhibition was detected using quantitative microtiter plate (MTP) assay and biofilm gene (lux S) was detected using PCR. The isolates treated with antibiofilm agents were subjected to standard disc diffusion test with 7 antibiotics and the change in antibiotic resistance was studied.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The mean&plusmn;SE values of inhibition rates of 29 S. uberis isolates by 30 &mu;g/ml UA, 100 &mu;g/ml UA, 30 &mu;g/ml resveratrol, 100 &mu;g/ml resveratrol were 33.96&plusmn;3.17%, 57.40&plusmn;2.8%, 31.35&plusmn;3.12% and 46.28&plusmn;3.47%, respectively. Biofilm inhibiting agents along with all antibiotics had reduced antimicrobial resistance by 1.5-2 times on in vitro antibiotic resistance testing by disc diffusion at 100 &mu;g/ml concentration. The antibiofilm agents were found to be very effective to control antibiotic resistance of S. uberis from mastitic milk samples in vitro.</div>

​Efficacy of Resveratrol and Ursolic Acid on Biofilm Inhibition and Antimicrobial Resistance of Streptococcus uberis

Background: Tomatoes play a pivotal role in global agriculture fostering economic growth while also significantly enhancing food security. This paper introduces a data-based approach to improve the early detection of fungal infections in tomatoes. 
 
Methods: The study utilises a dataset comprised of 4,362 high-resolution images obtained from Mendeley, showing healthy tomato plants alongside those damaged by leaf mold, early blight and late blight diseases. Deep learning techniques have been applied to develop a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for disease classification based on these images. 
 
Result: The CNN model exhibits an overall accuracy rate of 90.83%, underscoring its efficacy in identifying fungal growth in tomato plants. The study proposes the use of machine learning in the detection and treatment of fungal diseases affecting tomatoes, which consequently leads to increased crop yield and quality preservation. It recommends the development of automated tools for farmers to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, thus improving their agricultural practices. 
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Early Detection of Fungal Diseases in Tomatoes using Convolutional Neural Networks

Background: Guava (Psidium guajava) is a nutrient-rich tropical fruit with a very short postharvest shelf life due to its thin skin, high respiration rate and susceptibility to microbial spoilage. Chitosan is an edible film and a preservative, which can be developed from the fungal source and it benefiting the shelf life of perishable foods and vegetables. 
 
Methods: The fungal species were isolated and identified by standard methods. Acid and alkali treatments were used to extract the chitosan from the chosen fungal isolates. FTIR and XRD were used to characterize the isolated chitosan. The surface of the guava fruit was coated with the fungal-based chitosan (1% and 2%). Various physiological properties such as weight loss, ripening and shelf life were evaluated at regular intervals. The DPPH assay and the Agar well diffusion method were used to assess antibacterial and antioxidant properties. 
 
Result: Fungal isolates were selected, namely Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus fumigatus, based on morphological stability for the biomass yield for chitosan extraction. The yields of the chitosan for A. fumigatus (0.685 g/100 ml) and F. oxysorum (0.850 g/100 ml), respectively. Fruits that have been treated with 2% fungal-based chitosan exhibited a lower weight loss (3.2%), slow ripening and longer shelf life (9 days) and retained higher antioxidant activity (68.2%), than 1% and control group. 2% chitosan of A. fumigatus showed high antibacterial activity. The current study focusing on developing a fungal derived chitosan, which can be used as a suitable sustainable, non-toxic and safe alternative preservative to prolong the shelf life of guava. 
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Isolation and the Use of Fungal-derived Chitosan as a Substrate-Free Edible Coating to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Guava

Background: Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) is highly nutritious and economically important fruit crop, cultivated worldwide is severely affected by fruit rot disease, leading to significant yield and economic yield loss.Present study aimed to provide the first report of fungal pathogens associated with strawberry fruit rot, which cause significant losses in India. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the fungal pathogens responsible for strawberry fruit rot in India. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the disease and offer a foundation for effective field control measures against the disease. 
 
Methods: Survey and sampling (triplicate) of infected strawberry fruits were conducted from 2020-2023 across various sites of Gorakhpur division. The data analysis was performed by using R software. Isolation of fungal pathogen was done by Agar Plate methods and standard blotter technique. Morphological characterization was performed based on colony morphology and microscopic characteristics. 
 
Result: More than 350 symptomatic strawberry fruits were collected from 3 different cultivation sites, from which 211 fungal strains were isolated and morphologically identified as 15 different species. Among them, Botrytis cinerea, accounted for a higher proportion of all the strains present, comprising 64.6 % loss of fruits; followed by Colletotrichum spp. (17.4%,), Rhizopus stolonifer (9.6%), Fusarium spp. (4.6%) and rest of the isolated fungi like, Phytopthora spp., Mucor mucedo., Saccharomyces cerevisiae., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp and Curvularia spp caused 3.6% loss of fruits respectively. All isolates were found to be aggressive on both wounded and unwounded strawberry fruit.

Sodium Nitroprusside Inhibits Detrusor Muscle Contraction through G-protein Mediated Inhibition of Intracellular Ca²⁺Release

In vitro and in vivo Effect of Weeds (Root) Extracts on Soil Borne Fungal Phytopathogens and Fungal Infected Legume Crop Bengal Gram (Cicer arietinum)

In vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts against Fungal Pathogens Causing Diseases in Solanaceous Crops

Antifungal Activity of Essential oil Extracted from Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizome against Fungal Phytopathogens

Impact of Dactyloctenium aegyptium Weed Extracts on Soil Borne Fungal Phytopathogens and Legume Crop-Vigna

Study of Associated Fungal Pathogens on Seeds of Eruca sativa Mill., (Gargeer)

Efficacy of Resveratrol and Ursolic Acid on Biofilm Inhibition and Antimicrobial Resistance of Streptococcus uberis

Early Detection of Fungal Diseases in Tomatoes using Convolutional Neural Networks

Isolation and the Use of Fungal-derived Chitosan as a Substrate-Free Edible Coating to Extend the Postharvest Shelf Life of Guava

Fungal Diversity Associated with Strawberry Fruit Loss in the Gorakhpur Division, U.P. India