Publications by authors named "B Xoconostle-Cazares"

COVID-19 infections continue due to accessibility barriers to vaccines and the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. An effective, safe, accessible, and broad-spectrum vaccine is still needed to control the disease. We developed a multivalent protein subunit vaccine comprising antigens designed from a non-N-glycosylated region of the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

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Plant breeding plays a pivotal role in the development of improved tomato cultivars, addressing various challenges faced by this crop worldwide. Tomato crop yield is affected by biotic and abiotic stress, including diverse pathogens and pests, extreme temperatures, drought, and soil salinity, thus affecting fruit quality, and overall crop productivity. Through strategic plant breeding approaches, it is possible to increase the genetic diversity of tomato cultivars, leading to the development of varieties with increased resistance to prevalent diseases and pests, improved tolerance to environmental stress, and enhanced adaptability to changing agroclimatic conditions.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The soybean is a critical global crop known for its high protein and oil content, essential for nutrition and bioenergy, and the review focuses on recent advances in genetic improvement to enhance resistance to environmental stresses and improve yields and nutritional value.
  • - The study highlights various breeding techniques, including traditional methods, marker-assisted selection, and modern biotechnological approaches such as genetic engineering, which aim to create transgenic soybeans with desirable traits like herbicide resistance and pest tolerance.
  • - Despite advancements, challenges persist in transformation processes and regulatory issues, but exploring wild soybean varieties and genetic diversity through epigenetics and microbiomes could enhance resilience, supporting food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.
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Article Synopsis
  • Huanglongbing (citrus greening) is a highly damaging citrus disease, with few effective control methods available.
  • A study explored genetically modified citrus trees with antimicrobial proteins targeting vascular tissues, analyzing their effect on soil microbiome diversity.
  • Results showed that the modified trees did not significantly change microbial community structure, indicating they have minimal ecological impact while still offering a potential strategy for managing vascular diseases.
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Modern crop production relies on the application of chemical pesticides and fertilizers causing environmental and economic challenges. In response, less environmentally impactful alternatives have emerged such as the use of beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms, particularly plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), have demonstrated their ability to enhance plant growth, protect against various stresses, and reduce the need for chemical inputs.

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