Kaya, Ozkan; Bozkurt, Abdurrahim; Karakus, Sinem; Daler, Selda; Yilmaz, Turhan; Turan, Metin

There is an urgent need for alternative, environmentally friendly post-harvest disease management solutions because of the growing concern over the use of chemical fungicides in agriculture and their detrimental impact on human health and the environment. This study examines the effects of thymol, eugenol, and 1,8-cineole essential oils on the sugar, organic acid, and amino acid profiles of 'Narince' grape berries as well as their effectiveness against gray mold (Botrytis cinerea). Our study has noted that the application of EOs, particularly eugenol, significantly alters the metabolic profile of 'Narince' grapes, enhancing sugar content and modifying the levels of organic acids and amino acids, which suggests a potential for improving grape quality and resistance to Botrytis cinerea. The combined use of eugenol with other EOs and fungicides, as indicated by the treatments OF and OSF, not only displayed a synergistic effect in elevating the concentration of key metabolites but also appeared to be more effective in combating fungal infection compared to individual EO applications. The PCA analysis and subsequent heatmap visualization revealed distinct metabolic clustering among the treatments, with combined EO treatments, especially those including eugenol, markedly influencing the amino acid profile of the berries. Our investigation's results suggest that EOs may offer a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fungicides. Our study also adds to the body of knowledge supporting the advancement of integrated pest management strategies that are efficacious yet environmentally considerate, aligning with the global shift towards more sustainable practices in agriculture and food security.

Shadidizaji, Azizeh; Tolga Cinisli, Kağan; Warda, Mohamad; Cicek, Betul; Hacimuftoglu, Ahmet

The co-evolutionary struggle between plants and pathogens shapes vital defense mechanisms crucial for survival. AvrM14 selectively removes the 5′ cap from mRNA, disrupting key aspects of plant mRNA regulation, enhancing the flax rust fungus's infection capabilities. In contrast, quercetin, a plant flavonoid, serves as an antioxidant, stress reliever, and immune protector. This in silico study explores quercetin's inhibition of AvrM14, revealing high-affinity binding to the Nidux domain through molecular docking. Confirming stability in dynamic simulations, this pioneering research establishes quercetin as a functional AvrM14 inhibitor, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent against Melampsora lini's harmful impact on plant health.

Kaya, Ozkan; Bozkurt, Abdurrahim; Karakus, Sinem; Daler, Selda; Yilmaz, Turhan

Grapes, rich in vitamins and minerals, could offer a healthy alternative. However, their potential contamination by the fungus Botrytis cinerea poses serious health risks, necessitating cautious consumption, particularly among those on restricted diets, to mitigate adverse effects. Therefore, the study investigated the effects of individual and combined application of individual components of essential oils (EOs) such as thymol, eugenol, and 1,8-cineole on various parameters such as antioxidant enzymes, mineral elements, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds in the treatment of B. cinerea infection in 'Karaerik' grapes. Our study provided important information about physiology and pathogen response, and results indicated that the pathogen-infected groups had higher levels of oxidative stress indicators, such as proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On the other hand, EOs elevate the activity of antioxidant enzymes, notably superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), whereas thymol treatments effectively reduced oxidative stress to levels comparable to the control group. Under thymol and eugenol treatments, nitrogen (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron were significantly higher than the control groups. Increases were also determined in the concentrations of mineral elements such as (B) and copper (Cu). Anthocyanin profiles were preserved by EO treatments, with combined EO applications yielding higher anthocyanin profiles percentages compared to individual treatments. In our results, there were notable differences in the overall quantities of phenolic compounds, and the combination of EO applications caused higher levels of phenolic compounds, especially in the groups that include the fungal infection. Overall, the study showed how effective EO treatments are at reducing B. cinerea infections and maintaining grape quality, which has significance for long-term disease control plans and maintaining berry quality in viticulture.