Abiotic stress is responsible for a significant reduction in crop plant productivity worldwide. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a natural component of sunlight and a permanent environmental stimulus. This study investigated the distinct responses of young wheat and einkorn plants to excessive UV-B radiation (180 min at λ_max 312 nm) following foliar pretreatment with 1 µM synthetic cytokinin 4PU-30. Results demonstrated that UV radiation significantly amplified hydrogen peroxide levels in both wheat and einkorn, with einkorn exhibiting a more pronounced increase compared to wheat. This elevation indicated the induction of oxidative stress by UV radiation in the two genotypes. Intensified antioxidant enzyme activities and the increased accumulation of typical stress markers and non-enzyme protectants were evidenced. Transcriptional activity of genes encoding the key antioxidant enzymes POX, GST, CAT, and SOD was also investigated to shed some light on their genetic regulation in both wheat and einkorn seedlings. Our results suggested a role for POX1 and POX7 genes in the UV-B tolerance of the two wheat species as well as a cytokinin-stimulated UV-B stress response in einkorn involving the upregulation of the tau subfamily gene GSTU6. Based on all our findings, it could be concluded that 4PU-30 had the potential of alleviating oxidative stress by attenuating the symptoms of superfluous UV-B illumination in the two examined plant species.

Abiotic stress is responsible for significant reduction in crop plant productivity worldwide. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a natural component of sunlight and a permanent environmental stimulus. This study investigated the distinct responses of young wheat and einkorn plants to excessive UV-B radiation (180 min at λmax 312 nm) following foliar pretreatment with 1 µM synthetic cytokinin 4PU-30. Results demonstrated that UV radiation significantly amplified hydrogen peroxide levels in both wheat and einkorn, with einkorn exhibiting more pronounced increase compared to wheat. This elevation indicated the induction of oxidative stress by UV radiation in the two genotypes. Intensified antioxidant enzyme activities and increased accumulation of typical stress markers and non-enzyme protectants were evidenced. Transcriptional activity of genes encoding key antioxidant enzymes was also investigated aiming to elucidate the genetic regulation of the antioxidant systems in both wheat and einkorn seedlings. Our results suggested a role for POX1 and POX7 genes in the UV-B tolerance of the two wheat species as well as a cytokinin stimulated UV-B stress response in einkorn mediated through upregulation of the tau subfamily gene GSTU6. Based on these findings it could be concluded that 4PU-30 had the potential of alleviating oxidative stress by attenuating the symptoms of superfluous UV-B illumination in the two examined plant species.

The depletion of soil resources associated with the application of intensive agricultural practices requires new approaches aimed at building and improving soil fertility. Integration of organic farming into modern agriculture plays a key role in maintaining the ecological balance, thereby ensuring the sustainable existence of the human population. Regenerative agriculture includes practices that stimulate plant growth and protection, improve soil physicochemical parameters and biodiversity, and at the same time provide nutrient-rich agricultural production. The present project aims to investigate the mechanisms that affect plant productivity, the rhizosphere microbiome and the soil substrate after the application of mulch of natural origin in the model plants potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) and bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ). The effect of mulching is being monitored within the framework of a multi-year program for regenerative agriculture on selected experimental fields, adding techniques such as the use of cover crops, green manure, minimal tillage, precise monitoring of soil and physiological parameters. Our initial results show differences in soil parameters - control versus fields planted with potato and bean, as well as a trend towards improved redox soil potential and plant yield under mulched conditions. Phytopathological analyses of the plants did not show symptoms of fungal diseases on the collected leaf samples. Isolations made on solid nutrient media yielded fungal colonies with different phenotypes and growth patterns (Fig. 1). The knowledge acquired will contribute to clarifying the effects of mulching on model crops and their interactions with soil substrates and microbiome in the context of local climatic and geographical conditions. Molecular techniques, such as DNA barcoding and metabarcoding, will provide information on taxonomic diversity in the different experimental setups, which will further improve our understanding of the mechanisms of action of cover crops and mulching. The project aims to raise awareness among scientists and the general public of the concepts of organic farming, the importance of microorganisms for soil processes, as well as to foster the application of advanced DNA sequencing technologies. Successful implementation of the project will stimulate the development of novel strategies to reduce the adverse impact on the environment and promote sustainable organic agriculture in Bulgaria.