Poonam Devi

Salvia somalensis Vatke is a source of specialized metabolites with potential biological and agrochemical applications. Previous studies on the dichloromethane plant surface extract demonstrated strong antifungal activity associated with abietane diterpenoids. Building on these findings, the present study aimed to characterize the methanolic extract of S. somalensis and evaluate its antifungal potential against major phytopathogenic fungi, with the broader goal of exploring the extract as a sustainable source of antifungal metabolites for crop protection. LC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract revealed a diverse phytochemical profile comprising phenolic acids, including caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rosmarinic acid, as well as abietane-type diterpenoids such as carnosol, rosmanol, and carnosic acid. Quantitative analysis showed that carnosic acid was present only at low levels (0.09% w/w of fresh biomass). The extract exhibited antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum coccodes, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. More than 80% inhibition of mycelial growth was observed against B. cinerea and C. coccodes at 1000 μg/mL. In addition, as in vitro cultivation of this species has not previously been explored, micropropagated plants and callus culture were established. Phytochemical profiling revealed distinct chemical compositions in the in vitro biomass. Extracts obtained from micropropagated plants inhibited mycelial growth of the tested phytopathogens by 60–70% at 1000 μg/mL, except for F. oxysporum, which showed 35.29% inhibition at the same concentration. Collectively, these findings highlight S. somalensis as a source of bioactive metabolites with antifungal potential.

The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is recognized as a highly destructive pest affecting members of the Solanaceae family, particularly tomato crops, where infestations may cause total crop loss. Its rapid spread and increasing resistance to chemical insecticides underscore the urgent need for innovative, environmentally compatible control strategies. In this context, the present study investigates the bioactivity of surface extracts derived from four Salvia species (S. buchananii, S. corrugata, S. discolor, and S. namaensis) against T. absoluta larvae, focusing on their insecticidal and feeding-deterrent effects. Chemical characterization through LC–MS analysis demonstrated that these Salvia species contain diverse secondary metabolites, including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. Initial screening using a leaf-dip bioassay at a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL showed that S. discolor was particularly effective among the Salvia extracts tested. Subsequent dose–response assays with S. discolor extracts (0.16–5.00 mg/mL) confirmed strong larvicidal and feeding inhibitory effects, with LC₅₀ and FI₅₀ values of 0.12 and 0.13 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was observed, suggesting a minor contribution of neurotoxic effects to the overall activity of the extract. The findings suggest that S. discolor extracts may be useful for managing T. absoluta infestations, pending evaluation of their effects on non-target organisms.

Plants have evolved sophisticated innate immune systems to combat pathogens, starting with pattern recognition receptors that detect microbial signals to trigger PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI), countered by pathogen effectors that lead to effector-triggered immunity (ETI) via resistance proteins. Systemic defenses like salicylic acid-driven systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent induced systemic resistance (ISR) amplify protection. Specialized metabolites, such as carnosic acid, selectively activate JA/ET pathways against necrotrophs, such as Botrytis cinerea, in Arabidopsis thaliana, as shown by phenotypic and gene expression analyses (e.g., PDF1.2 upregulation). Bioinformatics tools advance this field by enabling transcriptome profiling, R-gene identification via databases such as PRGdb, and the prediction of stress-responsive pathways, offering future insights for crop improvement and chemical defense studies.

Global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and population growth are reshaping agricultural priorities toward sustainability and efficiency. Within this framework, metabolomics has emerged as a powerful analytical platform for exploring plant biochemical diversity, resilience, and adaptation. This review highlights the integration of metabolomics with digital technologies, such as big data and bioinformatics, under the “Agriculture 4.0” paradigm to enhance the valorization of aromatic ecotypes. By combining NMR and LC-MS profiling with advanced statistical and machine learning tools, metabolomics enables the identification of biomarkers linked to geographic origin, stress response, and nutritional potential. Moreover, the development of specialized databases, such as the sesquiterpenoid platform, facilitates data sharing and accelerates the discovery of bioactive compounds. The integration of metabolomics and digital innovation thus represents a cornerstone for next-generation, data-driven sustainable agriculture.

Phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria pose a serious threat to global agriculture, leading to significant economic losses and potential health risks. Consequently, the search for natural alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals has garnered increasing scientific attention, with plant extracts emerging as promising environmentally friendly solutions. In this context, the surface extract of Salvia discolor, obtained using dichloromethane, was analyzed for its bioactive potential. Chemical profiling revealed a rich composition of terpenoids and flavonoids. The antimicrobial potential of the ground extract was evaluated against nine phytopathogenic fungi (Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 1, Phoma betae, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Pythium dissotocum, and Stemphylium sp.), and two phytopathogenic bacteria (Clavibacter michiganesis subsp. michiganesis and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum), selected from common pathogens of agricultural interest. Complete inhibition of P. chlamydospora at 1000 µg mL⁻¹ and strong activity against P. dissotocum, F. solani and B. cinerea was observed, and low inhibition (C. lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum f. sp. lactucae race 1. However, the extract showed promising results in the post-harvest protection of tomatoes against gray mold. Moderate antibacterial activity was seen against C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. These findings indicate that S. discolor extract has the potential to serve as an effective natural crop protection agent, though further optimization may be needed for broader application.

Plant secondary metabolites have great applications in the nutritional and cosmetic aspects of human health. Terpenes, and in particular bioactive diterpenoids, represent an important group of compounds found in Salvia species. Their production in plants is often limited, and chemical synthesis is often not economically feasible. Biotechnological approaches using plant cell and tissue cultures can be routinely established under sterile conditions from explants for biomass production and the extraction of secondary metabolites. The biosynthesis and accumulation of bioactive diterpenoids in vitro in Salvia cells and tissues can be enhanced by strain improvement, techniques to select high-producing cell lines, optimisation of the growth medium, use of specific precursors or elicitors, induction of their release into the culture medium, and the overexpression of genes. This review analyses the biotechnological techniques applied to the in vitro culture of Salvia cells and tissues to enhance the production and accumulation of bioactive diterpenoids and summarises their biological activities.

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Sunset Yellow’ and A. mexicana ‘Sangria’ are aromatic plants with edible flowers characterized with good flavors, nutritional values and pleasant aromas. The aim of this study was to establish a successful protocol to ensure fast shoot propagation, rooting and in vivo acclimatization to obtain many vigorous plants for edible flower production. Micropropagation was tested with an agarized Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with different 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) levels. In vitro rooting trials were carried out using a half-strength MS medium comparing the traditional jar method with an agarized medium and the temporary immersion system (TIS) bioreactor with a liquid medium. After acclimatization in a greenhouse, the survival of plants and their development were recorded. Microscopical analyses were performed on both in-jar and in-TIS leaves at rooting stages and compared with in vivo leaves. In both species, the greatest number of new shoots was noted at 2.22 µM and 3.33 µM of BAP. In TIS, rooting started earlier, resulting in larger plants with more roots and longer roots than in the jar substrate. Any anatomical difference was observed in leaves collected from the jar and TIS during the rooting stage. The best acclimatization performances were recorded in plants coming from the TIS bioreactor.