Broad Leaf Research Articles

Implications of atrazine concentrations in drinking water from Ijebu-North, Southwest Nigeria on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

There is an increasing overdependence and use of atrazine herbicide for the control of pre-and post-emergence broad leaf weeds on maize farms in rural agricultural communities in Nigeria. We carried out a survey of atrazine residue in 69 hand-dug wells (HDW), 40 boreholes (BH) and 4 streams from all the 6 communities (Awa, Mamu, Ijebu-Igbo, Ago-Iwoye, Oru and Ilaporu) in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Southwest Nigeria. The effect of the highest concentration of atrazine detected in the water from each of the communities on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of albino rats was investigated. Varying concentrations of atrazine were detected in the HDW, BH and stream waters sampled. The highest concentration of atrazine recorded in the water from the communities ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/L. Although there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum levels of corticosterone, aldosterone and ROS of rats exposed to 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L concentrations of atrazine compared to control, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed at 0.08 mg/L. Catalase activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) only at 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L of atrazine exposure. Butyrylcholinesterase activity, lipid peroxidation and serum ACTH of rats exposed to all the atrazine concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) compared to control. Atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations of 0.01, 0.03 and 0.04 mg/L detected in the water may not affect the HPA axis, attention should be given to 0.08 mg/L, which increases the serum corticosterone and aldosterone of the exposed rats.

Analyses of leaf morphological changes and expressed genes related to water shortage of Fagus orientalis populations in a drought gradient

Climate change models predict an increase in mean annual temperature, a decrease in precipitation and consequently a scarcity of water resources during the growing season for Iran, including the northern forests of the country. One of the consequences is increased water shortage stress during the summer season. Fagus orientalis Lipsky is one of the most important commercial broad leaf species in the Hyrcanian forests and its potential of phenotypic and genetic adaptation to the climate change is essentially vital. The present research was carried out along two precipitation gradients from very humid to semi-humid conditions on four beech populations. The results of the flexibility of the leaf morphological traits showed that the populations of dryer regions had smaller and more elongated leaves than other populations. Evaluation of the expression of seven candidate genes in response to water shortage showed that the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase, ascorbate peroxidase, Dehydrin (DHN), early responsive to dehydration, late embryogenesis abundant and Cys/His-Type Zinc-Finger in the eastern population was higher than that in the western population, while a difference in elevation gradient was only observed in the expression of some genes. Therefore, the natural selection pressure in the past evolutionary periods in the westeast gradient seems to be higher than the elevation gradient and has led to greater resistance to drought. Principal component analysis revealed that aldehyde dehydrogenase genes (ALDH), early responsive to dehydration (ERD), late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) and DHN are the most effective genes responding to water shortage stress for Oriental beech in the Hyrcanian forests. Keywords: drought gradient, Fagus orientalis, gene expression, leaf morphology

The range and habitat suitability of François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in Mayanghe Nature Reserve, China.

The François' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is an endangered primate living in limestone forests in Vietnam and China. From October 2017 to August 2018, the habitat preferences and the range of the Francois' langur were surveyed in the Mayanghe Nature Reserve, Guizhou, People's Republic of China. To estimate the range and predict suitable habitat of François' langur, a Gaussian normal kernel density estimation and species distribution models (BIOMOD2) were used along with data on environmental variables and records of the langur's occurrence. The total range of François' langur in the reserve is 68.76 km2, accounting for 22.1% of the total area of the reserve. The elevation of the main utilisation area is 500-800m, accounting for 48.53% of the total area of the reserve. The maximum slope utilised is 20°-30°, 30.19 km2 and accounting for 30.56% of the total area. The habitat used is largely distributed along valleys, preferred broad leaf forest, lower elevation, and close to rivers. Broad leaf forest is the main habitat type utilised, totalling 25.57 km2 and accounting for 37.19% of the total area. Our models predicted that the suitable habitat in the reserve is 62.46 km2, accounting for 20.08% of the total reserve area, with 32.93-km2 suitable habitat occurring in the core zone, 22.44 km2 in the buffer zone, and 7.02 km2 in the experimental zone. Our results indicate that only limited suitable habitat (51%) adverse reserve zoning exists in the Mayanghe Nature Reserve of François' langur.

EFFECT OF TILLAGE AND WEEDING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE

The experiment was conducted to assess the effect of tillage and weeding practices on the growth, yield, and weed infestation of maize at the research field of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Sunamganj substation, from December 2020 to April 2021. Three tillage (conventional tillage, zero tillage, strip tillage) and three weeding practices (pre-plant herbicide application, one manual weeding and no weeding) were tested using factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The results revealed that maize growth, yield and its attributes as well as weed infestations were significantly affected by the tillage, weeding practices and their interactions. Weeds of all categories, including grass, sedge, and broad leaf, were present and affected by tillage and weeding activities. In the weed affected plots, Eleusine indica L., Fimbristylis maliaceae, Eclipta prostrata L., Echinochloa crusgalli L. were found prominent. It was observed that conventional tillage plots treated with herbicide produced the highest grain yield (10.78 t ha-¹) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) (2.26), as well as the lowest weed density (5.75 m-²) and maximum weed control efficiency (84.15%). The lowest yield was found in zero tillage plots with no weeding (4.89 t ha-¹) due to higher weed density (88.50 m-²). However, strip tillage along with herbicide treated plots produced yield of 8.01 t ha-¹ incurring a moderate cost of production (81,477 Tk.) and good BCR (2.13). As conventional tillage plots treated with herbicide resulted in higher plant growth and yield and lower weed density than conservation tillage practices with or without weeding it can be practiced in the field for better outcome. However, considering farmer’s income, strip tillage with herbicide application can be suggested for good yield and BCR with the low cost of production.

Graphene electrochemical transistors decorated by Ag nanoparticles exhibiting high sensitivity for the detection of paraquat over a wide concentration range.

Paraquat (PQ) is a nonselective contact herbicide used in agriculture for the control of broad leaf weeds, which would cause irreversible damage to human organs even at very low concentrations. Therefore, the trace residue detection of PQ in the environment is of vital importance. Here, a novel graphene electrochemical transistor (GECT) for PQ detection is reported for the first time. The key to the device design is the application of a layer of Ag nanoparticle (Ag NP) modified monolayer graphene as the channel layer. Due to the good electrochemical activity of Ag NPs for PQ detection, the device exhibits excellent sensitivity for PQ with the detection limit of 0.068 nM and a wide linear range from 0.1 nM to 5 mM. The GECT sensor also reveals good selectivity toward several common interferents and exhibits satisfactory recoveries for PQ detection when using Chinese cabbage as a simulant to deduce the real detection situation. The GECT sensor not only provides an efficient method for the detection of PQ residues, but also provides an effective grafting platform for the construction of novel high-sensitivity electrochemical sensors.

Weed Management in Linseed: A Review

Slow initial growth makes linseed crop more vulnerable to weed infestation, which requires proper attention to obtain expected plant growth and yield. Control of weeds at early stages play a vital role for attaining robust plant growth that results in higher yield. Depending on location and method of cultivation, various types of weeds such as broad leaf, sedges and grasses are found in linseed field. In linseed crop, weeds can be controlled by manual, chemical or both the methods. As manual weeding is labour intensive and needs more time, chemical method of weed control is preferred to enhance profitability of the crop. Pre-emergence application of herbicide controls the weeds from the initial stage of plant growth that culminates with higher yield and more profit.

An Enclosed Plant Terrarium is a Renewable Source of an Aqueous f\ Form of Hybrid-Plasma

Introduction: In previous reports we described a newly discovered non-thermal plasma formed without input of external energy. Moreover, this Hybrid- plasma consisted of the gas/water combination. In the present study we used the gaseous form to produce a mainly aqueous Hybrid-plasma. Methods: A dehumidifier was activated and placed in a sealed plastic container holding twelve broad leaf plants in which maximum levels of ion counts and humidity had been registered indicative of the presence of Hybrid-plasma gas. After 24 hours, the device was removed and 100-125 cc of water was collected. When the ion counts and humidity returned, to initial levels in the plant container the water extraction process was repeated (n=7). Protocol 1: Cut flowers of pink carnations were obtained from a local garden center. Two beakers were filled with either 150 cc of distilled water or dehumidified water. Branches with buds starting to flower were photographed daily for 10 days. Protocol 2: Distilled water, 150 cc was placed in snap cover plastic containers (n=5). Another set of 5 were similarly filled with the dehumidified water. Both sets were instrumented with hygrometers. Results: After dehumidifying, the percent changes of the ion count and humidity values from starting levels averaged 36% and 41%, in the enclosed plant terrarium respectively. After 24 hours the ion count was restored to maximum levels and humidity registered close to 90% after 7 iterations. After 10 days the bud in tap water had blossomed into a full grown flower, buds in Hybrid-water was essentially the same as at the start of the study. After 24hours humidity in all plastic containers with dehumidified water registered 99% whereas the humidity in the distilled water containers ranged from 89-92%. Conclusions: The aqueous form of Hybrid-plasma can be extracted from a gaseous form by using a dehumidifier. Flower buds grown in Hybrid-water fail to bloom whereas those in tap water blossomed over the same time period. Placed in a sealed container, Hybrid water uniformly registered maximum levels (99%, n=7); Distilled water values ranged from 89-92%.

PENGARUH KOMPOS BIOMASSA GULMA DAUN LEBAR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN SAWI KERITING PADA TANAH ALUVIAL

This research aimed to know the influence of broad leaf weeds biomassa compos and the exact dose toward the growth and the result of curly cabbage on aluvial land. This research was conducted in the farm of agriculture faculty in Tanjungpura university from 6 july 2013 until 14 august 2013.This research used field experiment method with randomized system, consists of 6 treatments and 4 tests, each test consists of 3 sample of plants. The treatments is: k0 = without give compos, k1 = give compos about 38,43 g /polybag same with 4720 kg/ha, k2 = give compos about 74,43 g /polybag same with 8720 kg/ha, k3 = give compos about 110,43 g /polybag same with 12720 kg/ha, k4 = give compos about 146,43 g /polybag same with 16720 kg/ha, k5 = give compos about 182,43 g /polybag same with 20720 kg/ha. The variable that has examined is the volume of root (cm3), amount of leaf clorofil (spad unit), wide of leaf (cm2),weight of dry plant s(g), weight of fresh plants(g), weight of leaf (sheet).The result of this research shows that the given of biomassa weeds broad leaves compos can increase the growth of mustrad greens on aluvial land. Biomassa weeds broad leaves compos is effective for the growht and result of mustrad greens on aluvial land is with dose 38,43 g/polybag. Keywords: broad leaf weeds biomassa compos, growth, result, curly cabbage, aluvial land

Environmentally relevant atrazine exposure leads to increases in DNA damage and changes in morphology in the hepatopancreas of crayfish (Faxonius virilis)

The herbicide atrazine is widely used for controlling broad leaf weeds and increasing crop yields in agricultural areas. Atrazine enters aquatic environments through runoff, ground water discharge and seepage where concentrations have been recorded above 300 ppb. Exposure to the herbicide atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations has been shown to negatively impact aquatic organisms, including crayfish. Because xenobiotics are concentrated in the crayfish hepatopancreas (digestive gland), we examined changes in morphology and DNA damage in hepatopancreatic tissue structure and cells following a 10-day exposure to atrazine (0, 10, 40, 80, 100 and 300 ppb). We found that there were marked morphological changes, post-exposure, for all atrazine concentrations tested. Hepatopancreatic tissue exhibited degenerated tubule epithelium with necrosis of microvilli, tubule lumen dilation, changes in tubular epithelium height and vacuolization of the epithelium. Likewise, we also performed a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay which showed the percentage of cells with DNA damage increased following atrazine exposure. Crayfish hepatopancreatic tissue displayed significant increases in TUNEL-positive cells following exposure to atrazine at 100 ppb and above. Overall, exposure to atrazine at environmentally relevant concentrations damages hepatopancreatic tissue. This impairment could lead to changes in biotransformation, detoxification, digestion and molting, subsequently reducing crayfish populations and negatively impacting the aquatic ecosystem.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS GULMA PADA AREAL PERTANAMAN KELAPA DI DESA HATIVE BESAR

Coconut is one of the plantation crops that has decreased production in Ambon City. One of the causes of the decline in coconut production in every planting area in Ambon City is weeds. The decline in coconut production drastically from year to year in Hative Besar Village it is necessary to know the dominant weed types in the coconut plantation area in Hative Besar Village, Ambon City. The hypothesis proposed in this study is that there are dominant weeds in the coconut platation area. This study used the square method to collect data by direct observation in the fields 6 samples of weeds were taken from 6 samples of coconut plants. Qualitative and quantitative data were taken. The data needed ini this study consisted of primary data and secondary data. The dominant weed in the coconut plantation area in Hative Besar Village, Ambon City is the broad leaf weed Clidemia hirta

Weeds of vineyard ecosystem and their management with selected broad spectrum herbicides

A field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 to study weed diversity and their management by using broad spectrum herbicide. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The weed vegetation analysis was done before herbicide treatment. Herbicides evaluated were glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL at 375, 495 and 615 g a.i./ha, diuron 80% WP at 1600 g a.i./ha and paraquat dichloride 24% SL at 500 g a.i./ha along with hand weeding and weedy check. The weed vegetation analysis indicated that, 17 weed species were predominant which includes seven grass and eight broad leaf weed (BLW). Among the grasses, Digitaria sanguinalis (30.81 and 29.04%) and Paspalidium spp. (23.52 and 22.03) could be rated as highly predominant being much higher species density during 2018 and 2019. Among the BLW, Ageratum conizoides (35.6 and 36.54%) and Parthenium hysteroporus (24.75 and 24.19%) being predominant during 2018 and 2019. The higher control efficiency of grasses was achieved with application of glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL applied at 615 g a.i./ha at 30 and 45 DAT (99.51 and 98.18% and 95.31 and 98.03%, respectively during 2018 and 2019). BLW were also effectively killed by application of glufosinate-ammonium 13.5% SL at 615 g a.i./ha as evident by higher control efficiency at 30 and 45 DAT (96.30 and 94.87% and 93.97 and 94.39%, respectively during 2018 and 2019). Hence, glufosinateammonium13.5% SL is having greater efficacy on mixed weed population of vineyards when compared with paraquat and diuron applied at 615 g a.i./ha.

High-resolution impacts of green areas on air quality in Madrid

This study numerically investigates the influence of trees on air quality in Madrid urban area (Spain). Simulations are performed using the mesoscale model WRF/Chem (EPA, US) and the microclimate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model PALM4U (IMUK, DE) configured as LES (Large Eddy Simulation). PALM4U is running over one of the 1 km × 1 km grid cells with 5 m very high spatial resolution using three different scenarios. In the simulation domain, there is a zone (approximately 25% of the domain) of vegetation where the dominant species are broadleaf trees included in the BAU (Business as Usual) scenario. The second scenario is focused on changing the type of the tree from broad leaf at BAU scenario to needle leaf the so-called ND scenario and the third scenario called NOTREE which comprise the replacement of the trees located in the green zone. The base simulations (BAU) are compared with data from the Madrid air quality monitoring network for the evaluation of the simulation results. The effects of the trees are calculated comparing scenarios (BAU-NOTREE and BAU-ND), so a brute force methodology has been used. This paper shows that the effects of the trees and type of trees are not uniform across the urban area because there are variations in the energy fluxes and the aerodynamic effect and there are important interactions of trees with wind flow dynamics. The mitigation potential effect of trees on gaseous air pollutants concentrations is showed and also may enhance substantially air pollution in other areas.

English

Weed infestation is one of the main menaces of irrigated wheat production and productivity in Ethiopia. This experiment was conducted at Amibara and Fentale districts, to determine the appropriate period of herbicide application in irrigated wheat in Awash Valley. A total of ten treatments; 13, 18, 23, 28, 32, 38, 43 and 48 days after sowing along with a weed-free and weedy check were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication. The result revealed that weed density and biomass increased as weed competition periods increased, with the highest weed densities and biomass reported in weedy check in both study locations. The current study found that critical period of weed crop competition in wheat crop irrigated lowland areas were between 18 to 28 days after planting to avoid economic yield loss. Furthermore, weed growth was faster in the hot area and weed attained an economic threshold level earlier than in Ethiopia&#39;s highlands. Weed management in irrigated wheat conditions must be at the early seedling wheat crop stage. Future research should focus on evaluating various herbicides against broad leaf and grass weeds. Key words: Critical-period, weed populations, pallas herbicide, yield loss.

Effect of preceding rice herbicide residue towards control of weeds and urdbean productivity in rice -Bhendi-urdbean sequence under high rainfall area

Field experiment was conducted at Field Crops Research unit, ICAR- Central Island Research Institute, Bloomsdale, Port Blair during summer season, 2018. To study the preceding rice herbicide residual effect in control of weeds, growth and yield of urdbean in rice-bhendi-urdbean sequence under high rainfall area. At 20 DAS, grassy weeds (48.00 weeds/m2) were predominant species of weeds followed by sedges and broad leaf weeds of 29.67 and 22.67 nos./m2 respectively. Among the irrespective of weed control treatments, at 20 DAS, residual effect of 1.25 kg/ha butachlor at 3 DAP + manual weeding at 40 DAP in rice + two manual weeding on 20 and 40 DAS in both bhendi and urdbean recorded significantly lower grass, sedges, broad leaf weeds population and weed biomass of 11.67, 8.67, 6.67 weeds/m2 and 2.93, 2.02, 1.84 g/m2 respectively. Residual effect of 1.25 kg/ha butachlor applied at 3 DAP along with manual weeding at 40 DAP in rice + two manual weeding on 20 and 40 DAS in both bhendi and urdbean obtained 299 kg/ha higher seed yield as compared to weedy control.

Vegetation and climate changes since the Last Glacial Maximum inferred from high-resolution pollen records from the Sichuan Basin, southwest China

Reconstructing the vegetation history of southwest China since the Last Glacial Maximum is crucial for understanding the evolution of the Indian summer monsoon. In this study, we present a high-resolution palynological investigation from a 5 m core from the Ganchi peatland (southwest margin of the Sichuan Basin, southwest China) in order to reconstruct regional vegetation and climate over the last 25 kyrs. The succession, from bottom to top, comprises lake, wetland, and peat deposits, and wetland/aquatic pollen types are found to be a sensitive indicator of palaeoenvironmental change. Deciduous broad leaf forests dominated by Betula were present between 25-18 cal kyrs BP, suggesting a cold and dry climate during the Last Glacial Maximum. After 18 cal kyrs BP, temperature and summer insolation increased gradually, marking the Lateglacial transition. Thermophilous and hygrophilous species expanded between 11-8 cal kyrs BP, indicating a progressively warmer and wetter climate. From 8-4 cal kyrs BP, evergreen forests developed, while Tsuga reached its maxim abundance, implying a warm and humid climate coincided with the mid-Holocene climatic optimum. Results indicate that residual ice sheets may have impeded the northward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, resulting in peak Holocene warmth lagging behind peak summer insolation forcing. Vegetation change was primarily controlled by climate, with no obvious evidence of anthropogenic disturbance until the last 1 cal kyrs BP. Our study shows that vegetation and climate in the southwest margin of the Sichuan Basin were controlled by summer insolation and ice sheet dynamics, and also influenced by sea surface temperature in the Indian Ocean.

Habitat and river riparian assessment in the Hyrcanian Forest Ecoregion in Iran: providing basic information for the river management andrehabilitation.

The Hyrcanian Forest holds broad leaf forest remnants dating back to the early Cenozoic Era, which once covered a vast area of the North Temperate Zone. Today, many rivers within this region have been altered by human activities and urgently need rehabilitation. In this regard, 35 wadeable rivers including 14 reference and impacted sites were investigated to determine how different human pressures altered riverine landscapes and habitats. Hence, five common human pressures (agriculture, urbanization, aquaculture, dams, aggregate mining) were identified, then the riverine landscape and habitat condition of each site were assessed. At each site, 17 aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial features, including abiotic and biotic substrate types, were investigated. The number and ratio of pressure-influenced channel features and substrate types differed from those in reference sites. Reference sites were dominated by microlithal, mesolithal, and macrolithal abiotic substrates and large wood, algae, and coarse particulate organic matter biotic substrates. Urbanized sites were most altered and dominated by single channels, steep unvegetated riprap banks, and algae substrate. The results provide valuable information for managers and decision-makers to restore riverine ecosystems considering the impaired parameters resulting from human pressures.

A note on the taxonomy and occurrence of broad leaf wild rice (Oryza latifolia: Oryzeae, Poaceae) in Eastern Ghats, India

One of the important wild relatives of crops, Oryza latifolia is documented from Eastern Ghats of Telangana. A detailed description with a photo plate is provided to facilitate easy identification.

​Efficacy of Pre and Post-emergence Herbicides for Weed Management in Groundnut

Background: Herbicides are used in agriculture to reduce the density of weeds and improve the crop yield. Pendimethalin 30% EC is widely used pre-emergent herbicide to control annual grasses and certain broad leaf weeds; is no longer effective against established weeds like Cyperus and Commelina benghalensis, Acalypha indica and Phyllanthus spp. that are dominant in groundnut crop. Combination of Pendimethalin 30% and Imazethapyr 2% EC is a broad-spectrum herbicide that controls most broadleaf weeds and some annual grasses. The current study aimed to improve the profitability of farmers by effectively and economically by controlling the targeted weeds. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Babbur Farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka during Kharif 2018, 2019 and 2020, to study the efficacy of pre and post-emergence herbicides for weed management in groundnut. The trial comprised of nine treatments involving two pre-emergence herbicides (Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 1.0 kg/ha PE and Pendimethalin 30 EC+Imazethapyr 2 EC 1.0 kg/ha PE (ready mix)) alone and in combinations with post-emergence herbicides (quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g/ha at 15-20 DAS (PoE)), along with pre-emergence herbicides super imposed with hand weeding at 30 DAS and compared with two inter cultural operation at 15 and 30 DAS followed by manual weeding for intra rows and weedy check. Result: The experimental results revealed that, among the different herbicides treatments, the higher net return (Rs. 92,835/ha) and B:C ratio (2.70) were noticed in Pendimethalin 30 EC+Imazethapyr 2 EC 1.0 kg/ha PE (ready mix)+manual weeding at 30 DAS as compared to control plot (Rs. 2620/ha and 0.96, respectively) this has effectively controlled most of the weed flora present in the experimental field.

Gamma ray induced positive alterations in morphogenetic and yield attributing traits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) in M2 generation

Induced mutagenesis by gamma rays plays a potent promising technology to be applied for crop improvement through breeding methods, especially in tiny florets possessing self- pollinated plants such as cereals. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) which always ensured for valuable nutrients, as well as famine tolerant crop to supply food for global population throughout the year. The present study was performed to assess the spectrum and frequency of macro mutants induced by gamma radiations in M2 generation finger millet. The chlorophyll mutants viz., albina, xantha, chlorina and viridis and morphological mutants such as tall, dwarf, bushy, brittle stalk and broad leaf were recorded in different doses. Among the mutagen doses 600 Gy dose induced maximum increase in mean values and phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for the plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length (cm), number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per plant, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, and 1000 seeds weight. Except for panicle number/plant and 1000 seed weight, all traits showed high heritability in all doses. The results revealed a progressive decrease in mean values of quantitative traits with the increase in doses. The present study provides an idea about the optimum dose of gamma rays from a pool of doses that could be employed in future breeding programmes.

Diazabicyclo derivatives as safeners protect cotton from injury caused by flumioxazin

Flumioxazin, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO; EC 1.3.3.4) inhibitor, has been used in soybean, cotton, grapes, and many other crops to control broad leaf weeds. Unfortunately, it can cause damage to cotton. To ameliorate phytotoxicity of flumioxazin to cotton, this work assessed the protective effects of diazabicyclo derivatives as potential safeners in cotton. A bioactivity assay proved that the phytotoxicity of flumioxazin on cotton was alleviated by some of the compounds. In particular, the activity of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) was significantly enhanced by Compound 32, which showed good safening activity against flumioxazin injury. The physicochemical properties and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) predictions proved that the pharmacokinetic properties of Compound 32 are similar to those of the commercial safener BAS 145138. The present work demonstrated that diazabicyclo derivatives are potentially efficacious as herbicide safeners, meriting further investigation.