Elsayed Fathi Abd-Allah’s research while affiliated with King Saud University and other places

Food security remains a pressing global concern, particularly in regions where traditional agriculture is increasingly challenged by climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation. Wild edible plants have gained attention as viable alternatives to enhance food security and diversify diets. This study focuses on Wild Snake Gourd (WSG) (Trichosanthes cucumerina subsp. cucumerina), a non-timber forest product with significant potential for food security and income in subtropical managed forests (Changa Manga, Chichawatni, Daphar, and Jhok). The research investigated the influence of different host trees on the leaf and fruit traits along with an economic evaluation of its collection in subtropical region of Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were gathered through structured interviews with local collectors, while leaf and fruit functional traits were measured across four host trees: Dalbergia sissoo, Morus alba, Ziziphus nummularia, and Vachellia farnesiana. Economic analysis revealed that WSG collection contributes to rural livelihoods, with Changa Manga Forest providing the highest financial returns (average daily income: $10.72 per collector). Results showed that Dalbergia consistently supported the highest productivity, with an average of 16 fruits per plant, significantly higher than Ziziphus (5 fruits per plant, p < 0.001). Leaf area was also largest under Dalbergia (101.8 cm², p < 0.001), indicating its superior suitability as a host tree. Significant variations in leaf and fruit traits among host trees were observed, and canopy cover notably influenced WSG density (Adjusted R² = 0.592). The outcomes highlight the significant role of host-tree selection in optimizing the productivity of WSG, demonstrating its potential to enhance food security and economic resilience in subtropical managed forests. These insights emphasize the need to integrate WSG into agroforestry policies, promote sustainable harvesting practices, and improve market access for forest-dependent communities. Future research should explore genetic diversity and climate adaptability of WSG to further enhance its role in global food security strategies.

The cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, causes significant damage to stored grains of food legumes. Given the environmental and health hazards associated with synthetic fumigants and residual insecticides, there is an urgent need for safer alternatives. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of six different essential oils and their major components based binary mixtures activities against C. maculatus. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The insecticidal activity of each EO was evaluated by fumigation in vitro. The major components of the EOs showing significant insecticidal activity (1,8-cineole, carvacrol, pulegone, and eugenol) were evaluated individually and in sublethal binary mixtures to determine synergistic effects at a 1:1 ratio. Notably, the EO of R. officinalis exhibited the highest fumigant toxicity, with an LC50 of 29.06 µl/l air in males and 44.27 µl/l air in females at 48 h. The major components were more potent than the complete EOs, particularly 1,8-cineole (males: LC50 = 17.83 µl/l air and females: LC50 = 28.08 µl/l air at 48 h) and pulegone (males: LC50 = 23.04 µl/l air and females: LC50 = 38.25 µl/l air at 48 h). Binary combinations of these compounds were even more effective than single compounds, particularly the eugenol and carvacrol mixture, which resulted in 76.67% mortality in males and 63.33% in females at 48 h, and the 1,8-cineole and carvacrol combination, which produced 70.00% mortality in males and 60.00% in females. Interestingly, males C. maculatus were more susceptible to the treatments than females. These results highlight the potential of natural fumigants as environmentally friendly solutions for seed preservation and sustainable pest management.

Pollen morphology has proven valuable for plant taxonomists in identifying plants. This study aimed to assess the palynological characteristics of 20 Arecaceae species, including some species not found in the flora of Pakistan such as Chamaedorea cataractarum, Chamaerops humilis, Chrysalidocarpus decaryi, Hyophorbe lagenicaulis, Raphia vinifera, Syagrus romanzoffiana and Wodyetia bifurcata. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to examine their taxonomic significance. The quantitative parameters were documented through statistical analysis, encompassing both correlation and principal component analysis. In the present investigations observations of pollen morphology within Arecaceae revealed a spectrum of shapes, ranging from circular to semi-circular, prolate, elliptic, spheroidal, elliptic to pyriform and sub-elliptic. The polar axis size varied from a minimum of 30 (26–34) μm in Phoenix sylvestris to a maximum of 90 (85–95) μm in Hyophorbe lagenicaulis. The equatorial axis values range from a minimum of 30.5 (28–37) μm in Calamus rotang to a maximum of 110 (105–115) μm in Hyophorbe lagenicaulis. Various pollen types were observed including colpate, porate, colporate, tricolporate and monosulcate. Colpate pollen was observed in Caryota urens, Chamaedorea cataractarum, Chamaerops humilis, Chrysalidocarpus decaryi and Wodyetia bifurcata. Variations were seen in exine sculpturing of the studied Arecaceae taxa. The pollen sculpturing showed extensive variations in the studied Arecaceae taxa such as granulate, reticulate, punctate, striate, psilate, striate, echinate and foveolate. A strong positive relationship among the examined taxa in equatorial diameter, followed by colpi width. This study details the pollen morphological characteristics that help in accurately identifying Arecaceae taxa across different taxonomic levels.

In recent years, there has been a discernible acknowledgment within the global economic landscape of the intricate nexus between sustainable development and food security. This chapter embarks on an exploration of the nuanced relationship between these pivotal elements, delving into the strategic utilization of sustainable development methodologies to fortify food security for both current and forthcoming generations. At its essence, sustainable development embodies the convergence of economic advancement, environmental stewardship, and societal equity. Through the implementation of sustainable agricultural methodologies, the fortification of resilient food systems, and the empowerment of rural communities, nations stand poised to confront the multifaceted challenges stemming from climate variability, dwindling resources, and demographic shifts, thereby safeguarding food security. The strategic integration of sustainable development principles within the contours of the global economy presents a promising trajectory toward achieving universal food security. By embracing a culture of innovation, fostering synergistic collaborations, and ensuring policy coherence, the global community can architect a food system that is not only resilient but also sustainable, ensuring equitable access to nutritious sustenance for present and future generations.

Background Reinwardtia indica, a highly valued ethnomedicinal plant, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments due to its rich phytochemical composition. However, the impact of environmental factors, particularly altitude, on its medicinal properties remains unexplored. This study investigates the effects of altitudinal variation on phytochemicals, mycorrhizal diversity, and soil physico-chemical parameters of R. indica. Results The phytochemical study of R. indica revealed significant variations in phytochemical content across different altitudes. The methanol extract from the high-altitude site (i.e. Chail, 2000 m) exhibited the highest levels of phenol (142.63 ± 1.88 mg/g GAE), tannins (146.11 ± 1.73 mg/g GAE), flavonoid (51.59 ± 2.20 mg/g RUT), carbohydrate content (485.00 ± 1.52 mg/g GLU), and protein (12.95 ± 0.35 mg/g GAE). GC-MS analysis identified different bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. HPLC analysis showed varying rutin content across altitudes, with the highest amount at higher altitude. The plant’s association with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decreased with increasing altitude, as evidenced by reduced mycorrhizal spore diversity and root colonization. Soil physico-chemical properties like soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen also increased with the altitude. Conclusion This study demonstrates that altitudinal variation significantly influences the phytochemical composition, mycorrhizal diversity, and soil properties of R. indica. High-altitude sites exhibited increased phytochemical content, particularly phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, suggesting enhanced medicinal value. Conversely, mycorrhizal association decreased with altitude, potentially due to environmental and soil property changes. These findings have implications for optimizing cultivation and conservation strategies for R. indica, highlighting the importance of altitude considerations in harnessing its medicinal potential.

Specific information about the dispersion of Culex quinquefasciatus from Dschang in western Cameroon is scarce, and evidence-based interventions are needed. Common use of larvicides and adulticides conduct to the development of vectors resistance which can lead to deep biological changes, including fitness costs. We assessed the profile of insecticide resistance in field populations of Cx. quiquefasciatus and its potential fitness cost in a lineage selected for deltamethrin and permethrin resistance in the laboratory for two generations. The resistance intensity of the Cx. quinquefasciatus population was moderated when the population was exposed to deltamethrin at 10 × . Preexposure to PBO led to the restoration of full susceptibility to both deltamethrin and permethrin. Compared with that of the control group, female fecundity rates, egg hatchability, and pupation rates were significantly lower in the insecticide exposed groups. Larval development time and adults emergence rates were comparable between insecticide-exposed groups and the control. Insecticide-exposed adults lived longer than control adults did. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms selected for pyrethroid resistance are associated with negative impacts on different life-trait parameters and support the hypothesis that insecticide resistance is related to a high fitness cost.

Background The present research work was done to evaluate the anatomical differences among selected species of the family Bignoniaceae, as limited anatomical data is available for this family in Pakistan. Bignoniaceae is a remarkable family for its various medicinal properties and anatomical characterization is an important feature for the identification and classification of plants. Methodology : In this study, several anatomical structures were examined, including stomata type and shape, leaf epidermis shape, epidermal cell size, and the presence or absence of trichomes and crystals (e.g., prisms, raphides, and druses). Three statistical tools—heat map analysis, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA)—were used to highlight distinctions and similarities among the species. Results On both the upper and lower leaf surfaces, polygonal, irregular, and hexagonal epidermal cells with thick cell walls were observed. Three patterns of anticlinal cell walls were detected: curved, straight, and sinuous. Distinct stomatal types were also identified across the different species. For instance, sunken stomata were observed in Kigelia africana and Jacaranda mimosaefolia, while anomocytic stomata were found in Oroxylum indicum, Pyrostegia venusta, Tecoma stans, Tecomella undulata, Mansoa alliacea, Heterophragma adenophylla, Handroanthus impetiginosus, Campsis radicans, and Anemopaegma chamberlaynii. Paracytic stomata were examined in B. callistegioides and Dolichandra unguis-cati. Tabebuia aurea was the only species with Tetracytic stomata. A contiguous type of stomata was only observed in Millingtonia hortensis. This family contained three types of trichomes. Glandular peltate trichomes contained a basal epidermal cell, a very small monocellular stalk and a circular or round multicellular head containing 12 cells arranged in a single circle. Non-glandular trichomes had a thin apex without a head and a pointed end. Branched trichomes contained several arms arising from a common base. Conclusion This anatomical examination, using advanced microscopic techniques, is the first to classify several species that are not listed in the e-flora of Pakistan. Leaf anatomical research has proven valuable in resolving challenging taxonomic issues.

Peaches are a climacteric and highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life under ambient storage conditions which hampers further marketing and leads often to economic losses. Consequently, searching for pre-storage treatments to maintain shelf life and preserve the quality of peach fruit is an important task. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the efficiency of marigold flower extract (MFE) application on the shelf life and some quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient storage conditions. Peach fruit of cv. Early grand was treated with different concentrations of MFE (control, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and stored at 25 ± 2 °C for 8 days. The results revealed that at the end of the storage period, MFE (30%) suppressed the decrease of weight loss (21.51%), decay incidence (10.74%), solid-acid ratio (20.91%), pH (4.57), MDA (2.23 nmol/g FW) and H2O2 (3.01 nmol/g FW) compared to the control. Moreover, MFE (30%) increased the fruit firmness (93.93 N), soluble solid content (11.97 Brix), titratable acidity (0.57%), total sugar (10.01%), reducing sugars (5.15%), ascorbic acid (29.53 mg/100 mL), the total phenolic content (130.26 mg GAE/100 g FW) as well as the superoxide dismutase (309.79 U/mg), peroxidase (42.65 U/mg) and catalase (56.30 U/mg) enzyme activity compared to the untreated peach fruits. The results of our study suggested that the application of MFE particularly at 30% might be employed commercially as an environment-friendly approach to delay postharvest senescence and maintain quality attributes of peach fruit under ambient conditions.

This study focused on simulating the adsorption-based separation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye utilising Oryza sativa straw biomass (OSSB). Three distinct modelling approaches were employed: artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), and response surface methodology (RSM). To evaluate the adsorbent’s potential, assessments were conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The evaluation of RSM, ANN, and ANFIS included the quantification of R², mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) metrics. The regression coefficients from the process modelling demonstrated that RSM (R² = 0.9216), ANN (R² = 0.8864), and ANFIS (R² = 0.9589) all accurately predicted MB adsorptive removal. However, comparative statistical analysis revealed that the ANFIS model exhibited superior accuracy in data-based predictions compared to ANN and RSM models. The ideal pH for MB adsorption utilizing OSSB was established as 7. Additionally, favourable outcomes were obtained with 60-minute contact durations, 20 mg adsorbent quantities, and temperatures of 30 °C. The pseudo 2nd -order kinetic model for MB adsorption by OSSB was confirmed. The equilibrium data exhibited a superior fit with the Langmuir isotherm model in comparison to the Freundlich model. The thermodynamic adsorption parameters, including (∆G = -9.1489 kJ/mol), enthalpy change (∆H = -1457.2 kJ/mol), and entropy change (∆S = -19.03 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) indicated that the adsorption of MB onto the OSSB surface is exothermic and spontaneous under the experimental conditions. This research effectively showcased the potential of RSM, ANN, and ANFIS in simulating dye removal using OSSB. The generated parameter data proved valuable for the design and control of the adsorption process.