Citrus Research Institute

Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L.) is one of the most widely utilized rootstocks in citrus production; however, it exhibits a relatively high sensitivity to salt stress. When cultivated in salinized soil, it frequently develops nutrient uptake disorders, leaf chlorosis, as well as reduced fruit yield and quality. To enhance the salt stress tolerance of citrus plants, this study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on the growth and response mechanisms of citrus seedlings under salt stress conditions. The results showed that salt stress significantly inhibited the growth of citrus seedlings, while T. harzianum inoculation effectively alleviated the inhibitory effect. After treatment with T. harzianum, the plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and biomass of citrus seedlings increased significantly. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content were significantly increased by T. harzianum inoculation. Meanwhile, T. harzianum inoculation increased the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, and decreased sodium content in citrus seedlings. In addition, T. harzianum inoculation significantly up-regulated the expression of stress-responsive genes such as SOSs, PIPs, TIP1, TIP4, and TIP9. In conclusion, T. harzianum inoculation improved the salt stress tolerance of citrus seedlings through increasing photosynthetic efficiency, promoting nutrient absorption, sodium efflux, and water utilization via up-regulating the expression of SOSs and aquaporin genes.

BackgroundPatients with coronary disease are commonly diagnosed, revascularised and discharged from hospital within 24-72 hours and only about one third access cardiac rehabilitation often with delays of weeks before joining such programmes.PurposeTo bridge this care gap we developed the INTERCEPT digital model for secondary prevention. It comprises an I-App on a smart device, linked to wearables, and a Health Professional Portal overseen by a nurse prescriber in hospital to monitor and manage patients virtually. It was developed by co-design with patients, health professionals and a software company. The I-App encompasses lifestyle, risk factor control to targets and cardioprotective medications.MethodsWe conducted a feasibility study in the CCU/CTU at a University Hospital in patients with an acute coronary syndrome or elective revascularisation. The primary objective was to examine the feasibility of patient recruitment, engagement and usage from the I-App analytical data and acceptability of this form of preventive care among patients through qualitative interviews.Results40 patients were recruited: mean age of 61.9 years (13% female); 56% STEMI/NSTEMI, 18% unstable angina, 26% elective PTCA/CABG. 25% were smoking, Mediterranean diet score 6.5 (SD 1.8), 87% BMI > 25 Kg/m2 and 68% low or moderate (IPAQ) physical activity. HADS: 27% anxiety >8 and 14% depression score >8. 58% had a BP <130/80 mmHg, 21% had a LDL-C <1.4 mmol/l and 29% of those with diabetes had a HbA1c <53.The commonest reason for non-enrolment was not owning a smart phone followed by early transfer back to the referring hospital and no interest in technology or research. For the patients recruited retention of I-App usage was 100%.Total number of I-App views was 25,965 (average 7.2 times per user per day) over 3 months. The most frequently viewed pages were: ‘My numbers’ (weight, waist, cholesterol, blood glucose, HbA1c); ‘My devices’ (heart rate, blood pressure, steps, active minutes); ‘My health tracker’ (healthy eating, physical activity, mood); ‘Medications’(reminders); and ‘Goals’.Qualitative interviews with 11 patients revealed the I-App as a trusted source of information, education and inspiration providing: (i) information in their hands and recording daily activities and medications; (ii) remote monitoring by the nurse providing reassurance, confidence and actions; (iii) self-management through prompts motivating goal setting and tracking progress.ConclusionThe INTERCEPT programme bridged the gap in preventive care but not having a smart phone and rapid discharge limited recruitment. Patients require immediate support following discharge to address lifestyle, risk factors and medication adherence all provided by the INTERCEPT digital intervention. The I-App information was trusted, provided reassurance and encouraged self-management. We now plan to test INTERCEPT in a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate clinical and cost effectiveness.INTERCEPT App and Portal

Abiotic stresses, including salt stress, drought, extreme temperature, heavy metal pollution, and waterlogging, interfere with the normal physiological activities of plants through multiple pathways. These stresses destroy the structure and function of cell membranes, inhibit enzyme activity, cause protein denaturation, and trigger oxidative stress. Such effects not only slow plant biomass accumulation but may also initiate a series of secondary metabolic reactions, increasing the metabolic burden on plants. Abiotic stress poses a serious threat to agricultural production through yield reductions, while exerting profound negative impacts on ecosystem stability, causing many adverse effects. This review focuses on how Trichoderma promotes plant growth and nutrient uptake through multiple mechanisms under abiotic stress conditions. Additionally, it produces abundant secondary metabolites to activate the antioxidant system, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress and their defense capabilities. It can boost soil nutrient availability, enhance agrochemical-contaminated soil, promote crop growth, and improve yield and quality, while reducing the use of chemical pesticides and lessening environmental impacts. Therefore, as a crucial soil microorganism, Trichoderma has great potential in alleviating crop abiotic stress. Through deep research and technological innovation, Trichoderma is expected to become an important tool for sustainable agricultural development.

BackgroundThere is a need for a user-led, evidence-based digital application (app.) that meets the identified information and support needs and preferences of young people and young adults aged 12–35 years (YP/YA) with Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) in the United Kingdom (UK). The password protected novel Nephrotic Syndrome Trust (NeST) app was therefore co-designed with YP/YA with NS to empower them to: access news of NS related events, take more control of their treatment and feel confident in sharing and accessing their data. The app allows YP/YA with NS to record regular urine dipstick readings, blood pressure, weight, temperature, medications, immunisations, symptoms (e.g. swollen feet), relapse or remission episodes, and the name of their renal unit. Additional features include an appointment diary to record feedback from their renal multidisciplinary team, treatment information and hospital admission episodes. The software was approved for release on iOS & Android app stores and the NHS Digital verification programme, meaning that users can be identified against their NHS records. The aim of the survey was to evaluate the NeST App from the perspective of YP/YA with NS.MethodsThrough a consultative process, an online survey involving a combination of closed and open-ended questions was created and circulated via social media and email to target users of the app.ResultsTwenty YP/YA with NS aged 12 years and older tested the app, completed the survey and provided quantitative and qualitative data. All found this app helpful, and easy to use and all would use it in future as part of standard practice.ConclusionsThese data provide important feedback and suggestions for further app refinement and will integrate it with current national data collection via the UK Renal Registry (UKRR). To build on this collaborative project the developers will continue to collaborate with patients and health care professionals to ensure the app is a continually evolving and relevant resource, providing a voice for those living with NS. The app technology could potentially be rebooted and relaunched at minimal cost to support patients with other kidney conditions.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-025-04684-1.

Green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum significantly impacts the citrus industry economically. Enhancing postharvest disease resistance in citrus fruit remains challenging due to the complex pathogen-citrus interaction. Previous researches have indicated that PgSCP, a cysteine-rich secretory protein derived from Pichia galeiformis, activates resistance responses in citrus fruit. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. This study showed that PgSCP enhances disease resistance gene expression and substance accumulation in citrus fruit. Additionally, potential citrus proteins that may interact with PgSCP was identified. Among these, four candidate transcription factors were identified: CsFAR1, CsMIKC, CsLBD, and CsGRAS. Subsequent validation demonstrated that PgSCP interacts with the citrus transcription factor CsFAR1. Transient overexpression analysis demonstrated that CsFAR1 positively regulates resistance to green mold, and CsFAR1 also enhances the disease resistance gene expression in citrus fruit. The CsFAR1 protein enhances resistance by activating DHAPS-1, GSH1, ACO1, INVA, PAL6, OMT, CYP73A16, CCOAOMT1, CYP73A4, and PER16. These findings suggest that the yeast-secreted protein PgSCP may act as an elicitor that interacts with citrus transcription factors CsFAR1 to enhance host defense responses, thereby contributing to improved postharvest resistance to green mold.

Kombucha is gaining global popularity due to its recognized health benefits, supported by testimonials and confirmed through cellular and clinical studies. Citrus-enriched Kombucha, known for its refreshing qualities, has seen increased demand. This study examined metabolic changes during the production of citrus-enriched Kombucha using Hamlin and LB8–9 Sugar Belle varieties with varying initial sucrose concentrations. Targeted and untargeted metabolomics revealed that higher sucrose levels increased concentrations of sugars, organic acids, and flavonoids. A notable conversion from aromadendrin to quercetin in the flavonoid synthesis pathway was observed in Hamlin Kombucha, possibly due to accelerated malolactic fermentation. The bioactivities of nine compounds, namely, neodiosmin, N-acetyl-dl-tryptophan, limonene, diosmin, indole-3-acetyl-l-aspartic acid, phloretin, (l)-2-aminoadipate, kaempferol 3-rhamninoside, and (R)-mevalonate, were successfully predicted using bioactivity-incorporated metabolomics, avoiding labor-intensive individual bioactivity assays. The model’s predictive power was validated by applying authentic standards in corresponding bioassays. This approach demonstrates that metabolomics combined with bioactivity assays can effectively predict the bioactivity of individual compounds in complex samples, offering a time-saving and less laborious alternative to traditional fractionation methods.