The plant growth-boosting biofilm-forming bacteria Bacillus pseudomycoides is able to promote growth and drought stress tolerance in wheat by suppressing the MYB gene, which synthesizes Myb protein (TaMpc1-D4) through secreted volatile compounds. In the present study, Triticum aestivum seeds were inoculated with five distinct bacterial strains. The growth, germination rate, root-shoot length, RWC, and chlorophyll content of seedlings were investigated. Furthermore, the levels of soluble sugars, proteins, H2O2, NO, cell death, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD, and APX) were observed throughout the growth stage. All of the results showed that B. pseudomycoides had a substantially higher ability to form biofilm and promote these traits than the other strains. In terms of molecular gene expression, B. pseudomycoides inoculation strongly expressed the Dreb1 gene by silencing the expression of MYB gene through secreted volatile compounds. For identifying the specific volatile compound that silenced the MYB gene, molecular docking with Myb protein was performed. Out of 45 volatile compounds found, 2,6-ditert-butylcyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione and 3,5-ditert-butylphenol had a binding free energy of − 6.2 and − 6.5, Kcal/mol, respectively, which predicted that these compounds could suppress this protein's expression. In molecular dynamics simulations, the RMSD, SASA, Rg, RMSF, and hydrogen bonding values found assured the docked complexes' binding stability. These findings suggest that these targeted compounds may be suppressing Myb protein expression as well as the expression of Dreb1 and other drought response genes in wheat. More research (field trial) into plant growth and drought stress is needed to support the findings of this study.

Bentonite has been modi ed using H 2 SO 4 at various concentrations to alter Si/Al ratio that is responsible for catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene (SUWP). The XRF analysis con rmed a gradual decrease of Al 2 O 3 content with an increasing concentration of H 2 SO 4 . The highest liquid hydrocarbon yield (87.48%) was obtained at Si/Al ratio of 34.24. To further activate acid-modi ed bentonite, bimetals (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni, and Co/Ni) impregnation was conducted. The catalytic performance was compared with monometals (Ru, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) impregnated bentonite counterparts. The Co, Ni, or Cu impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 86, 83, and 86% yield) outperformed Fe and Ru impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 68% and 79% yield). However, bimetallic (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni and Co/Ni) catalysts enhanced severe cracking leading to the formation of more gaseous hydrocarbons and thus less amount of liquid (70-80%) is obtained. Incorporation of iron into bentonite or Ni/bentonite increased the amount of 2-Octene, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)-compared to acid-treated bentonite and Ni/ bentonite catalysts. Moreover, Fe/Ni/bentonite has also increased the amount of 2-Octene, 2,6-dimethyl-compounds. The BET analysis shows that both surface area and pore diameter increased due to acid treatment resulting in an increase in the percent yield of liquid compared to raw bentonite. The FTIR and GC-MS analysis con rmed that the liquid hydrocarbon consists of linear and branched alkanes and alkenes with some cyclic hydrocarbons.The NMR analysis showed the liquid hydrocarbon is free from the aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Statement Of NoveltyAlthough twenty-rst century modern society is highly dependent on plastic products, we cannot overlook the environmental pollution caused by waste plastics. However, single-use plastic wastes have become a major environmental concern since plastic is not biodegradable. Plastic wastes escape from land ll sites generally end up in drains, rivers, and oceans if not disposed of safely. Plastic waste is a dangerous threat to aquatic life. So we could neither ban using plastics nor cause harm to the environment. A more feasible solution would be converting these plastic wastes into liquid fuels. Modi ed bentonite has been found to be a suitable catalyst to convert these plastic wastes into energy. Wastes generated from singleuse plastic commodities could be converted into liquid hydrocarbon in presence of modi ed bentonite catalysts. The liquid hydrocarbon produced in this manner could be used as fuel while reducing plastic waste and eventually protecting the environment.

The coastal area of Bangladesh is affected by soil salinity which threatens rice production. Saline soils are mainly caused by excessive Na+ which interferes with the uptake of the essential nutrient K+. Certain K+ transporters may cause leakage of Na+ ions and the OsAKT1 transporter was earlier shown to be downregulated under salt stress in a tolerant rice landrace called Horkuch. We therefore targeted this gene for Crispr-mediated downregulation by Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transformation in salt sensitive IR29 rice. The gene was shown to be significantly downregulated in at least 3 independent transformants. One of the gene edited IR29 transformants showed significantly high survival, low loss in chlorophyll content, low electrolyte leakage as well as low H2O2 after 15-days of salt stress at 120mM NaCl at the T3 generation. Therefore the potassium transporter OsAKT1 gene is a good target for downregulation to produce salt tolerant rice. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 33(1): 71-84, 2023 (June)

Bentonite has been modified using H2SO4 at various concentrations to alter Si/Al ratio that is responsible for catalytic pyrolysis of single-use waste polyethylene (SUWP). The XRF analysis confirmed a gradual decrease of Al2O3 content with an increasing concentration of H2SO4. The highest liquid hydrocarbon yield (87.48%) was obtained at Si/Al ratio of 34.24. To further activate acid-modified bentonite, bimetals (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni, and Co/Ni) impregnation was conducted. The catalytic performance was compared with monometals (Ru, Co, Ni, Cu, and Fe) impregnated bentonite counterparts. The Co, Ni, or Cu impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 86, 83, and 86% yield) outperformed Fe and Ru impregnated bentonite catalysts (with 68% and 79% yield). However, bimetallic (Cu/Ni, Fe/Ni and Co/Ni) catalysts enhanced severe cracking leading to the formation of more gaseous hydrocarbons and thus less amount of liquid (70–80%) is obtained. Incorporation of iron into bentonite or Ni/bentonite increased the amount of 2-Octene, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)- compared to acid-treated bentonite and Ni/ bentonite catalysts. Moreover, Fe/Ni/bentonite has also increased the amount of 2-Octene, 2,6-dimethyl- compounds. The BET analysis shows that both surface area and pore diameter increased due to acid treatment resulting in an increase in the percent yield of liquid compared to raw bentonite. The FTIR and GC-MS analysis confirmed that the liquid hydrocarbon consists of linear and branched alkanes and alkenes with some cyclic hydrocarbons. The NMR analysis showed the liquid hydrocarbon is free from the aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).