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Root growth is influenced by soil nutrients and neighbouring plants, but how these two drivers affect root interactions and regulate plant growth dynamics is poorly understood. Here, interactions between the roots of maize (Zea mays) and faba bean (Vicia faba) are characterized. Maize was grown alone (maize) or with maize (maize/maize) or faba bean (maize/faba bean) as competitors under five levels of phosphorus (P) supply, and with homogeneous or heterogeneous P distribution. Maize had longer root length and greater shoot biomass and P content when grown with faba bean than with maize. At each P supply rate, faba bean had a smaller root system than maize but greater exudation of citrate and acid phosphatase, suggesting a greater capacity to mobilize P in the rhizosphere. Heterogeneous P availability enhanced the root‐length density of maize but not faba bean. Maize root proliferation in the P‐rich patches was associated with increased shoot P uptake. Increased P availability by localized P application or by the presence of faba bean exudation stimulated root morphological plasticity and increased shoot growth in maize in the maize/faba bean mixture, suggesting that root interactions of neighbouring plants can be modified by increased P availability.

Background Salinity is a major abiotic stress, and the use of saline water in the agricultural sector will incur greater demand under the current and future climate changing scenarios. The objective of this study was to develop a dual-functional nanofertilizer capable of releasing a micronutrient that nourishes plant growth while enhancing salt stress resilience in faba bean ( Vicia faba L.). Results Moringa oleifera leaf extract was used to synthesize sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), which were applied as a foliar spray at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l) to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) on faba bean plants. The SNPs were characterized and found to be spherical in shape with an average size of 10.98 ± 2.91 nm. The results showed that salt stress had detrimental effects on the growth and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm) of faba bean compared with control, while foliar spraying with SNPs improved these parameters under salinity stress. SNPs application also increased the levels of osmolytes (soluble sugars, amino acids, proline, and glycine betaine) and nonenzymatic antioxidants, while reducing the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and H 2 O 2 ). Moreover, SNPs treatment under salinity stress stimulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO)) and upregulated the expression of stress-responsive genes: chlorophyll a-b binding protein of LHCII type 1-like (Lhcb1), ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large chain-like (RbcL), cell wall invertase I (CWINV1), ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), and ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1) , with the greatest upregulation observed at 50 mg/l SNPs. Conclusion Overall, foliar application of sulfur nanofertilizers in agriculture could improve productivity while minimizing the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants. Therefore, this study provides a strong foundation for future research focused on evaluating the replacement of conventional sulfur-containing fertilizers with their nanoforms to reduce the harmful effects of salinity stress and enhance the productivity of faba beans.

The volatiles released from several aphid and host plant species, alone or associated, were studied for their infochemical role in prey location. Using a four-arm olfactometer, the attraction of several combinations of three aphid (Myzus persicae, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Brevicoryne brassicae) and three plant (Vicia faba, Brassica napus, and Sinapis alba) species toward Adalia bipunctata larvae and adults was observed. Both predatory larvae and adults were attracted only by A. pisum and M. persicae when they were crushed, whatever the host plant. (E)-beta-Farnesene, the aphid alarm pheromone, was the effective kairomone for the ladybird. Plant leaves alone (V. faba, B. napus, and S. alba) or in association with nonstressed whole aphids (the three species) did not have any attraction for the predator. The B. brassicae specialist aphid is the only prey that was not attracted to A. bipunctata larvae and adults, even if they were crushed. Release of B. brassicae molecules similar to the host plant allelochemicals was demonstrated by GC-MS analysis. The lack of behavioral response of the ladybird at short distance toward the cruciferous specialist aphid was related only to the absence of (E)-beta-farnesene in the aphid prey volatile pattern.

Background One of the primary challenges that the expanding population faces is water scarcity. Thus, a global imperative has been established to safeguard extant water resources and optimize their utility through sustainable practices and efficient management. In the present investigation, Azolla pinnata , a pteridophyte (fern), was employed to phytoremediate Cr (VI) from chromium-polluted water. The potential of this treated water for agricultural purposes was verified through the use of Vicia faba plants. Results In vitro, A. pinnata effectively remediates Cr (VI) from an array of liquid concentrations (0.05 to 90 ppm) in a ratio of 25:1 {volume (mL): fresh weight of Azolla (g)} after 2 days incubation period at room temperature. At low concentrations (0.1 ppm), the phytoremediation capacity peaked at 70%, falling to 19.53% at a high concentration (90 ppm). Upon continuous irrigation with Cr-polluted water (0.05 to 50 ppm), the in vivo pot experiment on Vicia faba plants revealed high Cr accumulation in the roots reached 52.5 mg Kg -1 dry weight (Dwt) at the 50 ppm Cr treatment. Nevertheless, a reduced Cr content of 19.5 mg Kg -1 Dwt was observed when the plants were irrigated with 50 ppm Cr-polluted water that had been treated with Azolla . At 50 ppm of Cr, Azolla's  treatment significantly increased shoot length, fresh weight, and Chl a content to 25.25 cm, 3.4 g, and 6.5 mg g -1 Dwt, respectively, up from 10.25, 1.8, and 4.7 in untreated plants. The chromosomal aberrations were significantly induced in the dividing cells of all Cr treatments, with the highest value of 4.8% at 50 ppm. This value was reduced to 2.88% at the same concentration when treated with Azolla . At a concentration of 10 ppm Cr, the mitotic index was significantly improved to 6.99% when combined with Azolla , as opposed to 3.63% when the same concentration was used without Azolla . The DNA degradation assay showed partial DNA degradation at 50 ppm Cr, which the Azolla treatment eliminated. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of both the PM H + -ATPase and the calcium-dependent protein kinase CDPK5 were upregulated in response to Cr, despite the fact that the expression level was altered in a dose- and concentration-dependent manner by Azolla treatment. Conclusion Azolla exhibits substantial potential for reducing the detrimental effects of chromium stress including oxidative stress on plants. It modulates stress-related gene expression, protects DNA integrity, enhances cell mitosis, and reduces chromosomal damage. These results indicate that Azolla has the potential to be a valuable asset in phytoremediation strategies for chromium-contaminated environments, and that it may enhance plant survival and growth under Cr stress conditions. Key message Azolla pinnata can be effectively utilized as an environmentally-friendly method to remediate chromium-contaminated water for agricultural usage. Highlights • A. pinnata remediates Cr(VI) from liquid concentrations with 70% phytoremediation capacity at low concentrations. •  A. pinnata treatment greatly decreased Cr buildup and improved Vicia faba growth under Cr stress. • In Vicia faba , A. pinnata increased mitotic index, reduced Cr-induced chromosomal aberrations, and modulated the expression of genes linked to stress.

Magnesium plays a vital role in enhancing plant resilience under salt stress. However, its specific function in maintaining ion homeostasis, particularly in regulating sodium uptake, remains unclear. Recognizing that magnesium deficiency leads to increased potassium uptake and accumulation, and given that sodium and potassium possess the same charge, we hypothesize that salt stress disrupts ion homeostasis to a greater extent in magnesium-deficient plants compared to those deficient in potassium. To test this hypothesis, Vicia faba plants were cultivated hydroponically and subjected to moderate salinity stress (50 mM NaCl) for 2 weeks starting from four weeks after transplanting. The plants were grown under varying levels of magnesium (0.5 mM sufficient; 0.02 mM deficient) and potassium (2 mM sufficient; 0.3 mM deficient), with harvesting occurring two weeks after exposure to salinity. The results indicated that under salinity conditions, magnesium deficiency had a more severe adverse effects on plant growth and gas exchange parameters than potassium deficiency. Stomatal movement was notably restricted in magnesium-deficient plants, potentially due to the over accumulation of soluble sugars and chloride. In magnesium-deficient plants the Na + /Mg 2+ ratio was significantly higher in leaves (17-fold) and in roots (14-fold) relative to Mg 2+ sufficient plants under salinity stress. Furthermore, the higher K + /Mg 2+ ratio in magnesium-deficient conditions, observed under both saline and non-saline environments, suggests that potassium’s antagonistic effect remains unchanged even under stress conditions. Our findings emphasize for the first time that magnesium, rather than potassium, serves a crucial function in regulating the ion homeostasis necessary for normal plant growth and development in saline environments.

Soil salinization constrains faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) production across North Africa and the Near East. Three Egyptian cultivars, Nubaria 1, Giza 716, and Sakha 5, were subjected to 0, 150, and 200 mM NaCl under controlled greenhouse conditions. Twenty morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits were quantified, along with quantitative RT-PCR profiling of 11 salt-responsive genes. Two-way ANOVA detected significant effects of cultivar, NaCl treatment, and their interaction for a subset of traits, including root length, leaf K⁺ concentration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂, and three epicuticular wax fractions, indicating that these traits responded differently to salinity across genotypes. For a separate subset branch number, root dry weight, root-to-shoot ratio, and leaf nitrogen, only the cultivar term was significant, with no detectable effect of treatment or interaction. Nubaria 1 showed the smallest reductions in shoot dry weight (14% at 200 mM NaCl), maintained leaf K⁺ concentration across all salinity levels (13.3–13.6 g kg⁻¹), and retained the highest pod number at 200 mM NaCl (1.78 pods per plant). It also showed the lowest fold induction across all 11 genes at both stress levels. Sakha 5 showed the largest increase in root length under stress, from 3,577 cm in the control to 8,664 cm at 200 mM NaCl (+ 142%), the highest fold-induction across all gene categories, and produced zero pods at 200 mM NaCl in all replicates. Giza 716 had the highest net photosynthetic rate under control conditions (10.33 µmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) and was intermediate for most traits across treatment levels. In all three cultivars, net photosynthesis declined, and intercellular CO₂ rose simultaneously with increasing NaCl, from 327 to 364 µmol mol⁻¹ under control to 378–413 µmol mol⁻¹ at 200 mM NaCl. Total epicuticular wax reached its maximum at 150 mM NaCl in all cultivars and declined at 200 mM NaCl in Sakha 5 and Giza 716, despite continued CER1 induction in Sakha 5. Principal component analysis explained 70.7% of total variance across two components (PC1: 39.5%; PC2: 31.2%), with cultivar samples remaining separated along PC1 across all treatment levels. Leaf K⁺ concentration and net photosynthesis under stress showed the most consistent differences among cultivars and are identified as practical traits for early-stage phenotyping in salt-tolerance screening programs.

In light of the detrimental consequences of climate change and global warming, drought (water deficit) has emerged as a major abiotic stressor that adversely affects plant development, productivity, and sustainable agriculture globally. Vicia faba L. (faba bean), a highly nutritious leguminous crop, is especially vulnerable to water scarcity. As a possible solution, this study highlighted the recent advances in plant stress physiology regarding the role of kinetin (20 mg/L) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in enhancing V. faba resilience to drought (30% water holding capacity) with emphasis on their growth, physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Under controlled conditions, drought markedly decreased plant growth, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a + b and total pigments), and relative water content (RWC), while increasing stress markers (hydrogen peroxide and electrolyte leakage). Nevertheless, these negative effects were considerably lessened by AM fungi and kinetin application. Their application led to the improvement of V. faba growth parameters, maintaining cellular hydration (high RWC), higher activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase) and organic adjustments which include total soluble protein, proline and total soluble carbohydrate. The most surpassing effect is that AM fungal inoculation enhanced the soil-rich glomalin content, both easily and total extractable. Regarding the effect of drought stress on mycorrhizal colonization; microscopic observation showed a noticeable reduction in the formation of arbuscules and vesicles under drought. Although reduced colonization, AM fungi can nevertheless benefit host plants. These findings highlight the potential of integrating AM fungal inoculation or kinetin treatment as an eco-friendly strategy to enhance drought resilience in V. faba cultivation.

Background Due to limited water supplies and rapid population growth, most countries are facing significant challenges with agricultural output. Most efforts have concentrated on utilizing soil additives to enhance soil properties and boost water use efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of thiourea and hydrogel applications on faba bean ( Vicia faba ) plants under water shortage conditions. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effects of thiourea at concentrations of (200, 400, and 600 mg/L) and hydrogel soil amendments at rates of (0 and 75 kg/ha) on faba bean plants under 100% (5950 m 3 /ha/season) and 50% (2975 m 3 /ha/season) of irrigation water requirements (IWR) in sandy soil. Results The findings revealed that an irrigation water shortage (50%) of irrigation water requirements; induced significant reductions in all growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, and yield in contrast with 100% IWR. The seed yield was lowered by 35.91 and 32.54% at 50% IWR without and with hydrogel addition, respectively. However, the external application of thiourea significantly mitigated the negative effects of water shortage. The plants treated with thiourea showed increases in all growth criteria, photosynthetic pigments, compatible solutes, IAA, and phenolics and also improved the activities of peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as compared with untreated plants. Also, the amendment of hydrogel to soil mitigates all tested parameters. The amount of absorbed water increased by 39.68 and 45.53% with thiourea (400 mg/L) in the absence and presence of hydrogel, respectively as compared with the control (50% IWR). In general, the application of 400 mg/L thiourea with hydrogel (75 kg/ha) induced the most pronounced increase in seed yield (quantity and quality) and its attributes. Conclusion Under drought conditions (50% IWR), foliar spraying with thiourea and hydrogel amendment to sandy soil not only positively affected water potential, osmolytes, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, but also significantly changed the activities of antioxidant enzymes that enabled faba bean plants to withstand drought and increased productivity.

Drought stress is a major limitation to legume productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effectiveness of two novel natural biostimulant formulations (NBFs), composed of bee honey, potassium iodate, and silymarin selected for their complementary antioxidant and osmoprotective functions in enhancing drought tolerance in faba bean ( Vicia faba L.). Plants were subjected to deficit irrigation (withholding one irrigation after every two cycles) and foliar-sprayed with NBFs containing either 7.5 g L⁻¹ (F1) or 15 g L⁻¹ (F2) bee honey combined with 25 mg L⁻¹ potassium iodate and 0.2 mg L⁻¹ silymarin. Deficit irrigation markedly reduced growth, photosynthetic pigments, water status, and yield, while elevating oxidative stress markers. Application of NBFs significantly alleviated these adverse effects by enhancing osmolyte accumulation, improving antioxidant defenses, and restoring photosynthetic efficiency. Hormonal regulation was also improved, with increases in auxin, gibberellins, and cytokinins, alongside reduced abscisic acid levels. Notably, F2 was more effective than F1 in maintaining leaf integrity and maximizing pod yield under drought. These results highlight the potential of honey–iodine–silymarin formulations as eco-friendly, cost-effective biostimulants to promote crop resilience and productivity under water-limited conditions, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Plants respond to insect attack by releasing blends of volatile chemicals that attract their herbivores’ specific natural enemies, while insect herbivores may carry endosymbiotic microorganisms that directly improve herbivore survival after natural enemy attack. Here we demonstrate that the two phenomena can be linked. Plants fed upon by pea aphids release volatiles that attract parasitic wasps, and the pea aphid can carry facultative endosymbiotic bacteria that prevent the development of the parasitic wasp larva and thus markedly improve aphid survival after wasp attack. We show that these endosymbionts also attenuate the systemic release of volatiles by plants after aphid attack, reducing parasitic wasp recruitment and increasing aphid fitness. Our results reveal a novel mechanism through which symbionts can benefit their hosts and emphasise the importance of considering the microbiome in understanding insect ecological interactions. Bacterial symbionts are increasingly known to influence behaviour and fitness in insects. Here, Frago et al. show that plants fed on by aphids with symbionts have altered volatile chemical profiles, leading to reduced parasitoid attack of aphids.