Abstract: Betalains are natural bioactive pigments characterized by their nitrogen-containing structure, water solubility, and non-toxic properties, occurring naturally in various plant species across different families. Among these plants, Celosia argentea, a member of the Amaranthaceae family, has been identified as a particularly rich source of betalains, synthesizing and accumulating significant quantities of both red-purple betacyanins and yellow-orange betaxanthins. The value of betalains extends far beyond their role as brilliant natural colorants; these bioactive substances possess an impressive array of health-promoting properties that have attracted significant scientific interest, with research demonstrating that betalains exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside notable antimicrobial properties, while studies have revealed their anticancer, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic effects, as well as their ability to provide hepatoprotective and neuroprotective benefits. This diverse profile of biological activities has positioned betalains as valuable ingredients across multiple industries, with applications spanning food and beverages, where they serve as natural colorants and functional ingredients; textiles, where they provide sustainable dyeing alternatives; and the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, where their therapeutic properties can be harnessed for various health-promoting products. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the current research status regarding betalain production in C. argentea, exploring the biosynthetic pathways responsible for betalain formation, analyzing their diverse biological properties, discussing their wide-ranging applications across different industries, and offering perspectives on future research directions in this promising field.

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the endogenous gibberellin levels and related genes analysis of noxious invasive weed Heracleum sosnowskyi. Genome-wide identification, phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif analysis and gene structure characterization of GA-oxidases were performed. We analysed endogenous GAs levels and the expression of target HsGAoxs in response to GA3 within H. sosnowskyi developing ovaries. Twenty-seven HsGAoxs genes were identified, distributed across eleven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified proteins into the HsGA20ox, C19-HsGA2ox and HsGA3ox subfamilies, facilitating functional predictions. Among the thirteen HsGA2ox protein members, there were no C20-GA2ox subfamily that distinguish H. sosnowskyi from other model plant species. Analysis of gene structure and conserved motifs confirmed the phylogenetic grouping and suggested that the evolutionary pattern was maintained within these subfamilies. The observed increase in precursor and bioactive GA levels provides evidence that they play a crucial role in promoting fruit growth. Ovary phenotypes reflected the timing of peak gibberellin levels, specifically during the cell expansion period. Exogenous GA3 treatment promoted HsGA3ox1 expression within both the central and lateral regions of the umbel ovaries. Overall, the results show that GA levels are precisely regulated by multiple HsGAox genes for stable early fruit development, and that disturbances in this stability affect fruit development. This opens up the possibility of investigating the role of GA in H. sosnowskyi fruit formation and developing measures for invasion control.

Abstract: Passion fruit is an underutilised fruit in northeastern India, known for its unique flavour and health benefits. This study analysed 15 genotypes (P1 to P15) to explore their morphological and biochemical traits related to fruit quality and yield. P. quadrangularis L. (P15) exhibited maximum traits such as flower length, fruit size, weight, juice content, shelf-life, and yield. P. edulis f. flavicarpa (P3, P5, P2) had the highest seed count per fruit and antioxidant activity, along with greater chlorophyll and anthocyanin levels. Passiflora edulis Sim (P8, P11) showed superior total soluble solids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The study found that fruit shelf life positively correlated with seed weight, while the number of fruits per vine negatively correlated with seed traits and peel weight. Additionally, certain traits, such as total carotenoids, had strong positive correlations with reducing sugar and flavonoids. Principal component analysis revealed distinct trait relationships, particularly for genotypes P7 and P10. SDS-PAGE protein profiling indicated a significant distance between P3 and P14, emphasising genetic diversity. In conclusion, this research highlights the diverse morphological and biochemical characteristics of passion fruit genotypes, paving the way for the region's improved fruit quality, yield, and breeding strategies.

Abstract: Among various host plants, Spodoptera frugiperda primarily infests corn.Once the long-term regional colonization,if the larvae feed on sweet waxy corn and fresh corn for a long time, what is the rhythm of the adults? Can sweet corn using the rhythm serve as a functional plant? There are no reports on this at present. To aid in the development of effective prevention and control measures, Zhengdan 958 and Zhenghuangnuo were utilized as representatives of normal and sweet waxy corn in laboratory. S. frugiperda was fed these two types of corn leaves over nine generations, establishing a lineage of S. frugiperda associated with both corn strains, with a strain fed an artificial diet serving as the control. A comparative analysis of the emergence, movement, nutritional foraging, resting, mating, and oviposition behaviors of S. frugiperda adults among different groups revealed that there were distinct emergence peaks for each strain. The emergence peaks for the Zhengdan 958 population, Zhenghuangnuo population, and artificial diet population were observed at 0:00–1:00, 22:00–23:00, and 0:00–1:00, respectively, with females emerging earlier than males in all three strains. Most movement, nutritional foraging, mating, and oviposition activities occurred during the dark phase, while resting behavior was predominantly observed in the light phase. The Zhengdan 958 and Zhenghuangnuo strains exhibited two mating peaks, occurring at 20:00–21:00 and 2:00–3:00 for the Zhengdan 958 population, and at 18:00–19:00 and 2:00–3:00 for the Zhenghuangnuo population. However, the artificial diet population demonstrated a single prominent peak (0:00–1:00). In terms of oviposition, the Zhengdan 958 population had three peaks (21:00–22:00, 0:00–1:00, and 2:00–3:00), while the Zhenghuangnuo population presented two peaks (21:00–22:00 and 1:00–2:00), and the artificial diet population exhibited two peaks (19:00–20:00 and 22:00–23:00). RT-qPCR analyses indicated significant differences in the expression levels of four circadian clock genes across various populations and tissues of S. frugiperda. Feeding on different host plants influenced the expression of circadian clock genes and their associated behavioral rhythms,our study showed that sweet corn is more conducive to pupation, mating, and egg-laying and could serve as one of functional plants for S. frugiperda in Huang-Huai-Hai corn planting area.

Abstract: Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr., known for its medicinal properties since the 15^th century, has been traditionally used across Europe, including the Balkan region, for tinder, spiritual practices, wound healing, and hemostasis. This study investigates the mycochemical profile of three Balkan strains, focusing on micro- and macroelements, polyamines (PAs), and phenolic compounds, alongside the bioactivity of hot water (H₂O), chloroform (CHCl₃), hydroethanolic (EtOH), and hydromethanolic (MeOH) extracts. Micro- and macroelements were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while PAs were quantified using HPLC-FD. Phenolic profiles were determined by LC-MS/MS, with total phenolic content (TPC) assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, NO scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays, in addition to anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activity assessments. This study represents the first investigation of polyamine profiles in F. fomentarius, with total PA levels ranging from 32.67 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. The Bosnian strain exhibited the highest PA levels, with spermidine (SPD) concentrations between 899.96 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive phenolics, including amentoflavone, baicalein, chrysoeriol, esculetin, and scopoletin, which are reported here for the first time in this fungus. H₂O and EtOH extracts from Croatia and Serbia showed higher TPC content, correlating with notable antioxidant activity. EtOH and MeOH extracts demonstrated significant anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activities, emphasizing their medicinal potential. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polar extracts from Balkan F. fomentarius as natural antioxidants with applications in oxidative stress-related chronic diseases.

Abstract: In the marine red alga Pyropia yezoensis, filamentous phases of the life cycle, e.g., the conchocelis (sporophyte) and conchosporangium (conchosporophyte), proliferate by tip growth. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of phosphoinositide turnover and actin polymerization in the spontaneous initiation and tip growth of new branches in conchocelis cells. Treatment with LY294002 and U73122, specific inhibitors of phosphoinositide-phosphate 3-kinase and phospholipase C, respectively, reduced side-branch formation and inhibited elongation of branches. In addition, two inhibitors of the actin cytoskeleton, cytochalasin B (CCB) and latrunculin B (LAT-B), had similar effects on tip growth. However, CCB did not alter the branching rate of single-celled conchocelis, whereas LAT-B did. Since CCB and LAT-B affect actin polymerization by different mechanisms, this result suggests differences in the contributions of actin polymerization to branch initiation versus tip growth. These findings demonstrate the critical and diverse functional roles played by phosphoinositide turnover and actin polymerization in the regulation of the initiation and maintenance of tip growth in the conchocelis phase of P. yezoensis.

Abstract: In a greenhouse setting, we tested for the first time whether there was a difference in the accumulation of trigonelline (TRG) in the leaves of two cultivars of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), i.e., ‘Jin Ma’ and ‘NWG’ under water-deficit stress by withholding water. Detectable levels of TRG were recorded in the leaves of both cultivars. The level of TRG increased 451% in response to the water-deficit stress treatment (1.64±0.51 OD262/gFW-1 to 7.41±3.64 OD262/gFW-1) in which leaf relative water amount (RWC) decreased 58.8%. However, there was no difference in TRG accumulation between the hemp cultivars. In summary, water-deficit stress influences the TRG and RWC in the leaves of C. sativa but the cultivars did not have any impact on the TRG and RWC lev-el. It is proposed that TRG provides a readily measured water-deficit stress biochemi-cal marker for commercial C. sativa.

Abstract: To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying Rlm1-mediated blackleg resistance, we performed a metabolomic analysis comparing a susceptible DH line of Topas and its isogenic Rlm1-carrying resistant counterpart. Our results revealed significant differences in metabolite profiles post-inoculation. Rlm1-mediated resistance was characterized by early and sustained upregulation of lysine degradation metabolites, particularly pipecolic acid (PA), which increased up to 326-fold, highlighting its role in resistance. Salicylic acid (SA) and its derivative gentisic acid (GA) were also elevated, suggesting a coordinated hormonal defense response. Increased accumulation of glucosinolates (GLS) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) likely contributed to antimicrobial defense and cell wall reinforcement. Additionally, activation of tryptophan metabolism and melatonin biosynthesis, indicated by elevated N-acetylserotonin and 5-methoxytryptamine, suggests their involvement in the defense responses. Conversely, resistant plants exhibited reduced accumulation of flavonoid and phenylpropanoid metabolites, potentially reflecting a strategic reallocation of metabolic resources. Exogenous application of PA, SA, GA and ferulic acid significantly reduced lesion sizes in susceptible canola lines, confirming their roles in defense. Moreover, treatment with piperonylic acid, a phenylpropanoid pathway inhibitor, also reduced infection, supporting the notion of metabolic shift in resistant plants. These findings provide new insights into Rlm1-mediated resistance mechanisms, complementing our prior transcriptome study of Rlm1 resistance and highlighting the role of lysine degradation, PA and SA signaling. Understanding these metabolic shifts may improve breeding strategies to enhance durable blackleg resistance in canola.

Abstract: Objectives. Biofilm infections caused by S. aureus present a significant threat to human health, leading to nosocomial infections on a global scale. To address this critical challenge and explore alternative antibiotic treatments, we investigated the potential of Solanum trilobatum (S. trilobatum), an edible and medicinally important herb plant in Ayurvedic medicine.

Abstract: Leaf rust (LR) is a destructive foliar disease that affects common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. For optimal disease protection, wheat cultivars should possess adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust. The aim of the present study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf rust resistance using 193 recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from N. Strampelli × Huixianhong. Four trials were conducted in China (three in Baoding, Hebei province, and one in Zhoukou, Henan province) to assesses the leaf rust response of the RILs and parental lines. The RIL populations were genotyped using the wheat 660K SNP array and additional SSR markers. Three QTLs for LR resistance were identified using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM). Previously published data were also reassessed with ICIM to identify QTLs with pleiotropic effects. The flanking sequences of all SNP probes were searched against the Chinese Spring wheat reference sequence using BLAST to determine physical positions. Three leaf rust resistance loci, two on chromosome 2A and 5B, were contributed by N. Strampelli. QLr.hbau-2AL.1 detected in three leaf rust environments with phenotypic variance explained (PVE); QLr.hbau-2AL.2 detected in two environments with 12.5-13.2% of the PVE; QLr.hbau-5BL detected in all leaf rust environments with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 17.8-19.1%. QLr.hbau-5BL exhibited potentially pleiotropic responses to multiple diseases. The QTLs and flanking markers identified herein may be useful for fine mapping, candidate gene mining, and marker-assisted selection(MAS).

Abstract: The present work was carried out in the laboratory and at the experimental station of the Oujda Faculty of Science, where we undertook a cultivation trial of two provenances of Argania spinosa from Morocco and Tunisia to see their germination and growth behavior. After one month's germination of Argania spinosa seeds in the laboratory, the germination rates of seeds from Foum El Hassen and Miouzour were the highest compared with seeds from the Faculté des Sciences d'Oujda and the Béni-Snassen region. In fact, seeds from Tunisia had an advantage over those from Morocco in terms of germination capacity. Monitoring growth over time showed no significant differences between seedlings of Tunisian and Moroccan origin. The growth in height of four provenances showed a similarity in the general growth pattern.

Abstract: Highly differentiated tissues and organs play essential biological functions in multicellular organisms. Coordination of organ developmental process with tissue differentiation is necessary to achieve proper development of mature organs, but mechanisms for such coordination is not well understood. We use cotyledon margin cells from Arabidopsis plant as a new model system to investigate cell elongation and cell division during organ growth, and found that margin cells endured developmental phase transition from the “elongation” phase to the “elongation and division” phase at the early stage in germinating seedlings. We also discovered that the stem cell factors BARELY ANY MERISTEM 1 (BAM1) and WUSCHEL-related homeobox1 (WOX1) are involved in the regulation of margin cell developmental phase transition. Furthermore, low concentration auxin promotes cell division, especially longitudinal cell division. This promotion of cell division is suppressed by BAM1 and WOX1. Based on these findings, we hypothesized a new “moderate auxin concentration” model which emphasizes that a moderate auxin concentration is the key to trigger developmental transition of meristematic cells.

Abstract: Mulberry anthocyanins, recognized as significant natural pigments and functional constituents, have garnered substantial interest due to their diverse biological activities, particularly in the areas of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. Recent advancements in extraction and purification methodologies for mulberry anthocyanins have resulted in the development of various highly efficient extraction techniques. These innovations not only enhance extraction yields but also preserve the bioactivity of the anthocyanins. Concurrently, the application of purification technologies, including macroporous resin and high-performance preparative liquid chromatography, has improved the purity of anthocyanins, thereby augmenting their applicability in pharmaceutical contexts. This study aims to review the most recent advancements in the extraction and purification of mulberry anthocyanins and to discuss research findings related to antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other bioactivities. The insights provided herein are intended to offer both theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the effective utilization and industrialization of anthocyanins in the future.

Abstract: Understanding the genetic basis of plant height (PH) in sorghum is essential for improving crop performance and breeding efficiency. This study analyzed 309 sorghum accessions using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with PH. Genotyping was conducted using SeqSNP with 5000 markers, of which 3143 high-quality SNPs were selected for analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and kinship analysis revealed two distinct genetic clusters. GWAS was performed using seven models: GLM, MLM, MLMM, CMLM, ECMLM, SUPER, FarmCPU, and BLINK. While GLM and SUPER identified a large number of significant SNPs, their Manhattan and QQ plots indicated high false-positive rates. FarmCPU and BLINK proved to be the most reliable models, detecting 10 and 8 significant SNPs, respectively, with four SNPs shared between both models. The most influential SNPs were located on chromosomes 1 and 8, in genes Sobic.001G017500 and Sobic.008G050800, known for their roles in plant growth and development. These findings demonstrate the advantage of multi-locus GWAS models in reducing false positives and enhancing SNP detection accuracy. The identified markers provide valuable insights for sorghum breeding programs, enabling the selection of desirable traits to optimize plant height and improve overall yield potential.

Abstract: Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are pivotal for identifying quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) in crops like barley. However, the performance of different methods varies depending on population structure and computational demands. This study compared eight GWAS methods (GLM, MLM, CMLM, SUPER, MLMM, FarmCPU, BLINK, and ECMLM) using a simulated dataset from the World Barley Core Collection (WBCC) with 6,332 SNPs, 318 samples, a heritability of 0.7, and 15 QTNs across 30 replicates. Statistical power, false discovery rate (FDR), Type I error, and computational efficiency were evaluated at a 10 Mb window size through Power vs FDR/Type I error curves, Area Under the Curve (AUC) boxplots, QQ plots, Manhattan plots, and timing bar graphs. MLMM consistently outperformed other methods in balancing power and error control, followed closely by BLINK and FarmCPU, which also demonstrated high mapping resolution in Manhattan plots. GLM exhibited the highest false-positive rate, as seen in its QQ plot, while ECMLM underperformed despite theoretical advantages. GLM and MLMM were the fastest, whereas CMLM was the slowest, highlighting significant computational trade-offs. These findings suggest that MLMM is ideal for high-quality QTN discovery in barley, while BLINK offers a balanced approach for routine analyses. The study provides a framework for selecting GWAS methods in barley, emphasizing the importance of balancing power, error control, and computational efficiency in structured populations like the WBCC.

Abstract: Background: Fungal plant diseases are a big problem to farmers and food markets. These infections reduce the plant’s production and yield, negatively affecting the food supply. The Curcubitaceae family is very susceptible to most fungal diseases, especially powdery mildew. Campuloclinium macrocephalum (pom-pom weed), an invasive exotic in South Africa, has antifungal properties. Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of pom-pom weed extract in controlling watermelon powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) fungal disease. Methods: Watermelon plants grown in plastic pots, were irrigated with a Hoagland nutrient solution. The plants were organised in a randomised block design. The treatments were: negative control, no treatment (Treatment A), positive control, plants sprayed with commercial fungicide (Treatment B), plants sprayed with buffered plant extract (Treatment C), plants sprayed with plant extract of 0.1 mg/ml (Treatment D) and plants sprayed with plant extract of 0.2 mg/ml (Treatment E). Foliar application of the different treatments on the watermelon plants was done once per week for five weeks. Results: The negative control (Treatment A) had the highest mildew leaf coverage at 77.69%. This was followed respectively by Treatment C at 13.10%, Treatment E at 7.56%, Treatment D at 2.05%, and lastly by Treatment B at 0%. There was a significant difference (p< 0.05) amongst the treatments. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that pom-pom weed extract at a minimum concentration of (0.1 mg/ml) can be used to control powdery mildew in watermelons, thus reducing the usage of chemical fungicides.

Abstract: While traditionally tied to infections and the immune system, inflammation is now recognized to manifest distinctive markers across a broader array of diseases, as suggested by recent evidence. It encompasses a series of cellular and microvascular reactions aimed at eliminating damaged tissue and promoting the generation of new, healthy tissue. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, has earned widespread popularity as a spice with ancient roots. Ginger contains predominantly gingerols, shogaols, and paradols as its main phenolic compounds. The primary phenolic compounds present in fresh ginger are gingerols, with 6-gingerol being the predominant form, accompanied by 4-, 5-, 8-, 10-, and 12-gingerols. Gingerols, acting as inhibitors of COX (Cyclooxygenase enzymes), have proven effective in a diverse array of pharmacological activities. Concerning a diverse spectrum of biological activities and documented mechanisms, the intricate interplay among three pivotal events—namely, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immunity—seems to contribute significantly to the myriad pharmacological effects of this compound. Through the inhibition of protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, gingerols exhibit the capacity to mitigate inflammation, resulting in a reduction of proinflammatory cytokines and an elevation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Through molecular modeling simulations, it was observed that gingerols preferentially interact with COX (cyclooxygenase enzymes) with a significant binding energy of -7 Kcal/mol. Exploration of hit compounds involves the application of tools such as ADMET@SAR, Discovery Studio, ADME/toxicity profiling, and molecular docking simulations. In conclusion, we utilized a computational technique to analyze interactions with drug targets.

Abstract: Pink-flowered Oriental lily cultivars exhibit significant color fading under high temperature, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We subjected Oriental lily ‘Souvenir’ plants to temperature treatments (20°C and 35°C) and performed transcriptome sequencing and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). High temperature (35°C) significantly reduced anthocyanin content in tepals. Transcriptome analysis identified 8,354 differentially expressed genes, with GO and KEGG analyses revealing a dynamic transition from early stress responses to metabolic adaptation. WGCNA revealed a module strongly correlated with anthocyanin content, from which we constructed a gene co-expression network using known anthocyanin-related genes, including the key transcription factor LhMYB12 and structural genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (LhANS, LhDFR, LhUGT78, and LhF3’H). Through this comprehensive network analysis, we successfully identified and screened LhERF109 as a promising regulatory candidate. Functional characterization through transient overexpression of LhERF109 enhanced anthocyanin accumulation and upregulated biosynthetic genes including LhMYB12, while silencing produced opposite effects. These findings identify LhERF109 as a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis under high temperature, providing new targets for breeding heat-tolerant lilies with stable flower coloration.

Abstract: Cotton, as a globally important fiber crop, is significantly affected by drought stress during production. This study uses the drought-resistant variety Jin and the drought-sensitive variety TM-1 as test materials. Through multi-period drought stress treatments at 0d, 7d, 10d, 15d, and 25d, combined with dynamic monitoring of physiological indicators, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), the molecular mechanism of cotton drought resistance is systematically analyzed. Dynamic monitoring of physiological indicators showed that Jin significantly accumulated proline, maintained superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and delayed chlorophyll degradation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Jin specifically activated 8,544 differentially expressed genes after stress, which were significantly enriched in lipid metabolism (α-linolenic acid, ether lipids) and secondary metabolic pathways. WGCNA identified co-expression modules significantly correlated with proline (r=0.81) and MDA (r=0.86) and selected the key hub gene Gh_A08G154500 (WRKY22), which was expressed 3.2 times higher in Jin than in TM-1 at 15 days of drought stress. Functional validation suggested that WRKY22 may form a "osmotic regulation-membrane protection" co-regulatory network by activating proline synthesis genes (P5CS) and genes involved in the jasmonic acid signaling pathway. This study reveals, for the first time, the possible dual regulatory mechanism of WRKY22 in cotton's drought resistance, providing a theoretical basis for cotton drought-resistant breeding.

Abstract: Tylosema esculentum and Tylosema fassoglense are highly nutritious, drought tolerant perennial legumes that typically grow in nutrient poor soil in hot environments. Despite marama beans being the ideal crop for domestication, the legume remains unexploited. Marama beans are prone to infestation by insect pests although limited information exists in literature on the pests of the legumes. Insect pests of marama beans that could pose a threat to yield were identified in this study. Active and passive insect collection methods were undertaken on marama plants growing in the wild in the North West and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. Sampled insects were identified manually and by molecular methods. Identified insects were from the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, Isoptera, Odonata, Mantodea, Diptera and Blattodea. Coleopteran, Orthopteran and Hemipteran adults caused damage to leaves and flowers while Lepidopteran larvae caused damage to the leaves, pods and seeds. Identified insects have the potential to limit yield of marama beans, therefore this study presents an opportunity for the determination of abundance of specific pests, the extent of damage as it relates to productivity to establish relevant pest management practices.