Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV) is an economically important bipartite begomovirus in the agro-ecological regions in south and western Asia. This study was designed to investigate the sequence variation dynamics, regional delineation, genetic diversity, population structure, and cross-border dispersal patterns of ToLCPalV. The research revealed clear geographical structuring, with distinct Indo–Pak subcontinent and Middle Eastern clades, but no host-specific differentiation. Genetic diversity analysis indicated higher diversity in the Indo–Pak subcontinent, particularly in the DNA-B component, suggesting an older, more diverse population of ToLCPalV prevailing in this region. Neutrality tests and selection pressure analyses revealed predominantly purifying selection, with limited positive selection observed in BV1 of DNA-B. The primary source of dispersal of ToLCPalV progenitor was estimated in Varnasi, India in 1955, from where the virus was spread. No recombination events were detected, suggesting that mutation and selection are the primary drivers of ToLCPalV evolution. Furthermore, a detailed SDT-based nucleotide sequence comparison analysis also identified two potential strains of ToLCPalV. This study elucidates the spatiotemporal dynamics and evolutionary history of ToLCPalV, revealing its cross-border spread and adaptive evolution. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of begomovirus epidemiology and provide valuable insights into ToLCPalV’s phylogeography and evolutionary dynamics.

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a swiftly spreading bipartite begomovirus infecting ~43 plant species across Asia, Africa, and Europe, poses a major agricultural threat. This study comprehensively investigated the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of ToLCNDV using a large dataset of sequences from diverse geographic regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA-A (TA) and DNA-B (TB) components revealed seven major clades for each component, demonstrating regional but not host-specific clustering. Notably, TA and TB exhibited distinct geographic segregation and genetic diversity, with cognate segments often clustering separately. Extensive recombination events were detected (44 in TA and 45 in TB), involving both intra- and interspecies events. While TA displayed higher overall genetic diversity indices, TB exhibited greater nucleotide diversity (π = 0.11%) compared to TA (π = 0.057%) and a slightly faster evolutionary rate (8.15 × 10^‒04 substitutions/site/year vs. 7.25 × 10^‒04 for TA). Demographic analysis indicated strong negative selection on both components (TA and TB) and their coding regions, albeit with varying intensity. India and Pakistan, known ToLCNDV hotspots, harbored the highest viral diversity and isolate numbers. This study highlights the complex interplay of genetic diversity, recombination, and selection in shaping ToLCNDV evolution, revealing distinct evolutionary trajectories for its genomic components and in different countries. These findings enhance understanding of ToLCNDV evolution and support informed control strategies.

Enterobacteriaceae can contaminate meat during various processing stages, including slaughter, evisceration, and b utchering, potentially causing foodborne illnesses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae in carcass samples obtained from slaughterhouses and meat cuts collected from butcher shops. A total of 120 samples of camel, cattle, and sheep meat were analyzed for microbial contamination and isolates were identified using the PCR test. Total viable count ranged from 4.91 to 5.37 Log₁₀ CFU/g in slaughterhouses and butcher shops. E. coli dominated, with 84 out of the 120 samples (70%) contaminated, where contamination was highest in camel meat and lowest in sheep meat with 100% and 30% of contaminated samples, respectively. Salmonella was confirmed in 40% of camel, 47.5% of cattle, and 32.5% of sheep samples. In addition, twenty-five Enterobacteriaceae strains belonging to 19 different genera were detected in the meat samples. The highest occurrence was in the sheep samples with 15 different genera followed by the camels and the cattle samples with 14 different genera each. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae in camel, cattle, and sheep carcasses raises significant concerns regarding food safety. Adherence to good hygiene practices throughout animal slaughtering is crucial to minimize the risk of infection and transmission and ensure food safety.

Thermostable xylanases contribute to enhancing dough properties and bread quality in industrial baking. This study aimed to identify a high-yield thermophilic xylanase producer, optimize its heterologous expression, and evaluate its functional role in baking applications. Screening of 19 Anoxybacillus species identified A. bogrovensis as the highest xylanase producer. The xyn gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21, and the recombinant enzyme (iAboXYN) was purified using heat treatment, ion-exchange, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Biochemical characterization confirmed high thermal and pH stability, with over 50 % activity retained up to 80 °C and moderate stability observed at 90 °C, along with broad pH adaptability (5.0-8.5) and metal ion resistance. The enzyme's functional role in dough processing was assessed using a direct dose-response analysis, demonstrating improvements in dough stability, elasticity, and hydration efficiency while reducing mixing time and water absorption. Application in bread formulations led to enhanced loaf volume, improved crumb structure, and better texture, with sensory evaluation confirming superior quality. Preference ranking tests further validated the improved consumer perception of iAboXYN-treated bread. These findings establish iAboXYN as a functional biocatalyst for enzyme-assisted baking, offering a scalable approach to optimizing dough properties and improving bread quality.