Salicylic acid mitigates photosynthetic damage and oxidative stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) induced by combination of mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl herbicide

Weeds and nutrients, particularly N, are two crucial aspects of conservation agriculture (CA), whose management often poses challenge. The combined effects of weed and N management have hardly been studied under CA. This experiment was undertaken to evaluate their effects on weed suppression, soil properties and productivity in a maize (Zea mays L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori & Paol) system under conservation agriculture during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Three weed control treatments as main plots and four nitrogen levels as sub-plots treatments were based on integrated weed management, soil test and plant sensor–GreenSeeker (GS)-aided approach. It was observed that the herbicide combination (atrazine + pendimethalin) and the brown manuring + 2,4-D weed management in maize resulted in 66% and 31% weed control index, respectively over weedy check. But, in wheat, clodinafop-propargyl + carfentrazone-ethyl (post-emergent) and pendimethalin + carfentrazone (pre-emergent) resulted in 81% and 58% weed control index, respectively. The mean maize grain and stover yields were increased by 12% and 8%, respectively due to the optimised GS–N treatments (N2, N3, and N4) than entire N basal application (N1). Also, mean wheat grain and straw yields increased by 9% and 8%, respectively over whole N basal application. The ‘best optimised’ GS–N (N2– 50% basal + 25% broadcast at 25 DAS + rest N guided by GS) had 6%, 7% and 15% greater mean weight diameter, saturated hydraulic conductivity and microbial biomass carbon over whole N basal application after two years of cropping. While brown manuring (maize) + herbicide combination (wheat) had 4%, 7% and 6% greater mean weight diameter, saturated hydraulic conductivity and microbial biomass carbon, respectively over herbicide combinations alone. Available N, P, and K in soil were 8%, 11% and 2% higher in the optimised GS–N treatments over entire N applied as basal. It may be concluded that the integration of brown manuring (in maize)+ herbicide combinations (in wheat), and the optimisation and synchronisation of N fertilisation can suppress weeds, enhance soil fertility with improved maize and wheat productivity.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2023–24 at Crop research Centre 1 (CRC-1) of ITM University Gwalior, (M.P.), to investigate the response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to nano-urea under different combinations of herbicide. The experiment consisted a split-plot design involving 4 herbicide-based weed management treatments, H1- Mesosulfuron-methyl 3% + Iodosulfuron-methyl sodium 0.6 WG @ 400 g ha-1, H2- Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron-methyl 1% WP @ 400 g ha-1, H3- weed-free check and H4- weedy check in main plots and 4 nutrient management treatments, N0- control (no nitrogen), N1- 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), N2- 75% RDN + 1 Spray of Nano urea at 40 days after sowing (DAS), and N3- 50% RDN + 2 Spray of Nano urea (at 40DAS and 60 DAS) in sub plots and replicated thrice. Results revealed that maximum grain and straw yield were significantly higher in weed-free check, being at par with H2-Clodinafop propargyl 15% + Metsulfuron methyl 1% WP @ 400 g ha1 (3373.19 and 4232.63 kg ha-1), followed by H1- Mesosulfuron-methyl 3% + Iodosulfuron-methyl sodium 0.6 WG @ 400 g ha-1 (3086.44 and 3941.72 kg ha-1). Among nutrient management practices, grain and straw yield were significantly higher in N1-100% RDN (3610.96 and 4310.33 kg ha-1), which was being at par with N2-75% RDN + 1 spray of nano-urea (3409.74 and 4221.20 kg ha-1) over N3-50% RDN+ 2 sprays of nanourea, respectively.

Fifteen genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and fifteen genotypes of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) were evaluated in the multi-environment trial during 2010-11. and 2011-12 vegetation seasons to investigate components of variance, heritability in a broad sense (h2), expected genetic advance (GA), and stability of phytic acid (PA), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), phytic phosphorus (Pp)/Pi relation, yellow pigment (YP), water soluble phenolics (WSPH) and free protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH) content. The field trials were carried out at three locations in Serbia, as randomized complete block design with four replications. The genetic component of variance (?2g) predominated the genotype ? environment interaction (?2ge) component for: Pi in bread wheat (3.0 times higher), Pp/Pi in bread wheat (2.1 times higher) and in durum wheat (1.2 times higher), YP content in bread wheat (2.2 times higher) and in durum wheat (1.7 times higher), and WSPH content in bread wheat (1.4 times higher). The relation ?2g/?2ge for Pi content in durum wheat was equal to one. The ?2ge prevailed ?2g for: PA in bread wheat (1.7 times higher) and in durum wheat (5.7 times higher), PSH in durum wheat (3.7 times higher), and WSPH in durum wheat (5.2 times higher). High h2 coupled with high expected genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) were observed for: Pi (93.7% and 26.1%, respectively) in bread wheat, Pp/Pi relation in bread wheat (92.4% and 20.7%, respectively) and in durum wheat (87.2% and 20.8%, respectively), YP content in bread wheat (92.6% and 28.0%, respectively) and in durum wheat (90.7% and 28.1%, respectively), and WSPH content (88.9% and 25.8%, respectively) in bread wheat. PA content in bread and durum wheat had medium to medium high h2 (50.5% and 77.9%, respectively), and low expected GAM (9.9% and 3.7%, respectively). GGE biplots with average-environment coordination (AEC) indicated less stability of durum wheat for PA, WSPH and PSH content.

The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in countermanding heat-inhibited photosynthetic features were studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Heat stress (HS) was employed at 40 °C after establishment for 6 h daily, and then plants were allowed to recover at 25 °C and grown for 30 days. Glucose (Glc) content increased under HS and repressed plant photosynthetic ability, but the application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, as NO donor) either alone or with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, as H2S donor) reduced Glc-mediated photosynthetic suppression by enhancing ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) metabolism and antioxidant system, which reduced oxidative stress with decreased H2O2 and TBARS content. Oxidative stress reduction or inhibiting Glc repression was maximum with combined SNP and NaHS treatment, which was substantiated by 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) and hypotaurine (HT), scavengers for NO and H2S, respectively. The scavenge of H2S reduced NO-mediated alleviation of HS suggesting of its downstream action in NO-mediated heat-tolerance. However, a simultaneous decrease of both (NO and H2S) led to higher Glc-mediated repression of photosynthesis and oxidative stress in terms of increased H2O2 content that was comparable to HS plants. Thus, NO and H2S cooperate to enhance photosynthesis under HS by reducing H2O2-induced oxidative stress and excess Glc-mediated photosynthetic suppression.

Priming agents combat copper stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under hydroponic conditions: Insights in impacts on morpho-physio-biochemical traits and health risk assessment.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital cereal crop contributing significantly to global food security. The cultivation of wheat in rainfed subtropical regions faces multifaceted challenges, with weed infestation being a primary concern. Herbicides are crucial tools for weed management, and the synergistic or antagonistic effects of herbicide mixtures have gained attention as potential strategies to enhance their efficacy. This review synthesizes existing literature on the effects of herbicides mixtures on the productivity and profitability of rainfed wheat cultivation in subtropical climates. The review systematically analyzes studies conducted globally, focusing on various herbicides combinations and their application methodologies. It encompasses investigations into the ecological impact, weed control efficiency, and effects on wheat yield when utilizing herbicides mixtures. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the interactions between herbicides, considering factors such as climate, soil characteristics, and cropping practices unique to rainfed subtropics. In addition to agronomic outcomes, this review critically examines the economic aspects associated with the use of herbicides mixtures. Cost-benefit analyses, return on investment, and considerations of long-term sustainability are explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the profitability implications for farmers engaged in rainfed wheat cultivation. The synthesis of this information aims to guide future research directions, inform agricultural practices, and aid policymakers in formulating sustainable strategies for weed management in rainfed subtropical wheat cultivation. By consolidating the current state of knowledge, this review contributes to the development of evidence-based recommendations for optimizing productivity and profitability while ensuring environmental stewardship in rainfed subtropical wheat production systems.

Effects of salicylic acid and organic selenium on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exposed to fenoxaprop-p-ethyl

IMPACT OF SOIL STERILIZATION FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, WHEAT SEEDS CLEANING AND THEIR INTERACTIONS ON WEED CONTROL, AND YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

Oxidative stress defence responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and chilli (Capsicum annum L.) cultivars grown under textile effluent fertilization

Methylene blue (MB) contamination in agricultural systems, primarily from industrial wastewater, disrupts plant physiology by interfering with photosynthesis, inhibiting root nutrient uptake, and altering microbial dynamics. This leads to oxidative stress, nutrient imbalances, and stunted growth, reducing crop yields. Hydroxyapatite (HP) has been previously explored for its role in soil remediation and nutrient management, but its potential in alleviating dye-induced oxidative stress in crop plants has not been reported until now. This study is the first to demonstrate that HP can be repurposed as a dual-function biocompatible amendment to both adsorb MB and mitigate its phytotoxic effects in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Wheat seedlings were hydroponically exposed to MB (20 mg L−1 and 40 mg L−1), and key physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed. MB stress significantly reduced chlorophyll a (54%), chlorophyll b (52%), and carotenoids (40%), while increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by 35%–56% and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 109% at MB40 treatment. HP (1 mg L−1) application improved dry weight (89%) and seedling length (68%), enhanced chlorophyll a (108%), chlorophyll b (84%), and carotenoids (65%), while reducing H2O2 (32%) and MDA (48%). Additionally, HP enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, including ascorbate peroxidase (155%), catalase (88%), and peroxidase (55%) under MB stress. HP alleviated growth inhibition and oxidative stress by causing enhancement of the activity of the enzymes and related metabolites of the xenobiotic detoxification system and the secondary metabolism pathway. These findings suggest that HP effectively alleviates MB-induced oxidative stress, improving photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant defense mechanisms. This research supports HP as a sustainable amendment to enhance crop resilience in contaminated agricultural systems.

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 201213 and 201314 at Udaipur (Rajasthan), to study the effect of 12 different herbicide combinations to control complex weed flora in wheat (Triti- cum aestivum L.) crop. Pooled data of 2 years experimentation indicated that the application of various herbicide combinations significantly reduced density and biomass of complex weed flora. The yield attributes, viz. plant height, effective tillers, days to heading; days to maturity and 1,000-seed weight were significantly influenced by application of various herbicide combinations. The application of herbicides increased the yield, harvest index and monetary income of wheat crop compared to weedy check, although maximum grain yield was recorded under weed free plots. Amongst the herbicides, application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron @ 30 + 2 g a.i./ha rsulted in higher number of effective tillers (485.8/m2), the maximum grain yield (5.29 t/ha), harvest index (37.9%), net re- turns ( 79,480/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.06), which was superior to rest of the treatments, as the same treat- ment caused significant reduction in weed density (6.65/m2) and weed biomass (6.24 g/m2). Two-year study indi- cates that application of a ready-mixed herbicide (sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron) @ 32 g a.i/ha was best for weed- control, higher yield and net returns from wheat in southern plain zone of Rajasthan.

Both cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils and drought stress pose a serious problem for crop quality and human health. Owing to the specific physical and chemical characteristics, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in agriculture as a nanofertilizer but their impact on Cd accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains under normal and limited water conditions remains insufficient. In this study, the efficiency of ZnO NPs on Cd intake by wheat was investigated under normal and water-limited conditions grown in Cd-contaminated soil for 125 days after seed sowing. The lower biomass and higher oxidative stress were observed in the tissues of the control and drought stress further decreased the plant biomass and caused oxidative stress. Zinc oxide NP treatments increased the tissue dry weight and minimized the oxidative stress either Cd stress alone or combined with drought. Drought stress enhanced the Cd contents in wheat tissues and grains, while ZnO NPs significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in tissues and grains by reducing the soil bioavailable Cd and its accumulation by roots. These findings depicted that NP application to contaminated soils can promote wheat productivity and effectively alleviate soil Cd contamination either alone or under water-limited conditions. The baseline data demonstrated in this study provide insights that pave the way towards safer wheat production under combined drought and metal stress. However, the application of NPs at field levels with numerous crops and climatic conditions needs to be investigated before final recommendation.

The present study was conducted to examine the potential role of Plantago ovata Forsk leaf extract (POLE) which was applied at various concentration levels (control, hydropriming, 10, 20, 30, and 40% POLE) to the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Drought stressed was applied at 60% osmotic potential (OM) to the T. aestivum seedlings to study various parameters such as growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress and response of various antioxidants and nutritional status of the plants. Various growth parameters such as gaseous exchange attributes, antioxidants and nutritional status of T. aestivum were investigated in this study. It was evident that drought-stressed condition had induced a negative impact on plant growth, photosynthetic pigment, gaseous exchange attributes, stomatal properties, and ion uptake by different organs (roots and shoots) of T. aestivum. The decrease in plant growth resulted from oxidative stress and overcome by the antioxidant (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) compounds, since their concentration increased in response to dehydration. Seed priming with POLE positively increased plant growth and photosynthesis, by decreasing oxidative stress indicators and increasing activities of antioxidant (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) compounds, compared to the plants which were grown without the application of POLE. Our results also depicted that optimum concentration of POLE for T. aestivum seedlings under drought condition was 20%, while further increase in POLE (30 and 40%) induced a non-significant (P < 0.05) effect on growth (shoot and root length) and biomass (fresh and dry weight) of T. aestivum seedling. Here we concluded that the understanding of the role of seed priming with POLE in the increment of growth profile, photosynthetic measurements and nutritional status introduces new possibilities for their effective use in drought-stressed condition and provides a promising strategy for T. aestivum tolerance against drought-stressed condition.

Ba, Q. S., Zhang, G. S., Wang, J. S., Che, H. X., Liu, H. Z., Niu, N., Ma, S. C. and Wang, J. W. 2013. Relationship between metabolism of reactive oxygen species and chemically induced male sterility in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 675–681. Chemically induced male sterility (CIMS) systems in wheat are among the male sterility types used for hybrid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in China. Some studies suggested that male sterile line Xi'nong 1376-CIMS induced by chemical hybridizing agents (CHA) may suffer from oxidative stress as its cyanide-resistant respiration is lower than that of Xi'nong1376. To elucidate the metabolic mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the CIMS anthers, the metabolism changes in the production and scavenging of ROS and gene expression related to ROS-scavenging enzymes were investigated in the anther of Xi'nong 1376-CIMS and Xi'nong1376.Anthers of Xi'nong 1376-CIMS had higher contents of [Formula: see text] and H2O2 than those of 1376, which corresponds to expression level of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) gene, and has higher contents of malondialdehyde compared with 1376. Simultaneously, there were lower activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascrodate peroxidase (APX) in scavenging ROS in the anthers of the Xi'nong 1376-CIMS line than in Xi'nong1376. Meanwhile, the expressions of SOD, POD, CAT and APX genes in 1376 were always higher at different levels than those in the Xi'nong 1376-CIMS line except for POD in stage 1. Therefore, it is possible that the sterility in Xi'nong 1376-CIMS is related to the abortion of microspores induced by chronic oxidative stress caused by an abnormal increase in ROS.

Aluminum-Dependent Root-Growth Inhibition in Arabidopsis Results from AtATR-Regulated Cell-Cycle Arrest