Microbial inoculants, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, have great potential for sustainable crop management. In this study, monoxenic culture of indigenous R. irregularis was developed and used as a tool to determine the minimum phosphorus (P) level for maximum spore production under the in vitro conditions. This type of starter AM fungal inoculum was then applied to an in vivo substrate-based mass-cultivation system. Spore production, colonization rate, and plant growth were examined in maize (Zea mays L.) plant inoculated with the monoxenic culture of R. irregularis in sand graded by particle size with varying P levels in nutrient treatments. In the in vitro culture, the growth medium supplemented with 20 µM P generated the maximum number of spores (400 spores/mL media) of R. irregularis. In the in vivo system, the highest sporulation (≈500 spores g⁻¹ sand) occurred when we added a half-strength Hoagland solution (20 µM P) in the sand with particle size between 500 µm and 710 µm and omitted P after seven weeks. However, the highest colonization occurred when we added a half-strength Hoagland solution in the sand with particle sizes between 710 µm and 1000 µm and omitted P after seven weeks. This study suggests that substrate particle size and P reduction and regulation might have a strong influence on the maximization of sporulation and colonization of R. irregularis in sand substrate-based culture.

Among all cancers, breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall, both in the developed and less developed country. It is a matter of concern worldwide, that there is no effective drug is available for cancer treatment. Although, Surgery, radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and chemotherapy are being used for treatment of breast cancer in recent years, due to life threatening side effects, these treatment approaches becoming more vulnerable. However, researchers from across the world searching a safe and effective treatment approach that can be a breakthrough for this situation, as it is evident that natural compounds like shikonin from Lithospermum erythrorhizon can fight against aggressiveness of breast cancer by regulating apoptosis, necroptosis and estrogen receptor signaling pathway. In this review, we discussed about potential green chemical compounds with their mechanisms of actions, which can be very effective treatment regimen for breast cancer and can be more potent by their proper modifications and further molecular research. Hopefully in future, research focusing on the “shikonin” will open a new door for increasing the survival rate of breast cancer patients as well as cancer cure.

Due to growing population, there is an increasing demand of rice production but the productivity of rice is lessened day by day. To overcome this problem various biotechnological tools can be used for developing various rice varieties. However, the lack of a simple and efficient protocol for callus induction, embryogenic callus formation and quick plant regeneration in this cereal crop. In this study embryogenic calli from mature seeds of five indica rice varieties viz. Binadhan-5, Binadhan-6, BRRI dhan-48, BRRI dhan-58 and IR-64were observed that is done in four different concentration of growth regulators (2,4-D). The highest callus induction were observed in media containing 2 mg/L 2,4-D. Among those varieties BRRI dhan-48 showed highest rate of callus induction. In this experiment Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer is also tried although plants were found nut need to be tested by molecular methods and tested the desired characters for selecting those plantlets as transgenic plant. This study will be useful for selecting suitable callus induction medium for callus induction in future.

Due to growing population, there is an increasing demand of rice production but its productivity is lessened day by day. Aromatic rice has a great demand during festivals in many countries. Kalijira is one of them not only Bangladesh but also all over the world due to its attractive flavor, fine grain and good taste which is generally used to prepare dishes in different special occasions. But there are some limitations to cultivate aromatic rice Such as lack of high yielding variety, fine grain quality, disease or pest resistant, stress and salt tolerance variety and proper cultural management. To overcome this problem tissue culture can be used. However, the lack of a simple and efficient protocol for callus induction in this cereal crop. In this study we tried to find out the potentiality of aromatic rice variety named kalijira for callus induction from mature embryo and to find out the suitable concentration of 2, 4-D for callus induction and proliferation. The highest callus induction were observed when the media was supplemented with 2 mg/L of 2, 4-D and the frequency of callus induction was lowest in 0.5 mg/L concentration of 2, 4-D. This study will be useful for selecting suitable concentration of growth regulator (2, 4-D) for callus induction in future that will be useful for not only national but also international plant breeders.