Ricinus Research Articles

Factors affecting agrobacterium-mediated transformationin castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) of the Euphorbiaceae family has been an important oilseed crop for genetic transformations, particularly Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Many factors influence Agrobacteriummediated transformation, including bacterial strains, cell density, plant growth regulators, antibiotics, explant, explant genotype, light, and temperature. The available information on this topic was summarized, and prospects for improving transformation efficiency were discussed.

Studies on sex expression of novel pistillate lines and their suitability for hybriddevelopment in castor (Ricinus communis L.)

Studies on sex expression of new pistillate lines and their suitability for hybrid development in castor was carried out by involving five new pistillate lines developed by ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad along with three checks. Pistillate lines IPC-42, IPC-44 and IPC-46 observed very low number of interspersed staminate flowers (ISFs) i.e., 3.67, 5.33 and 2.33 respectively compared to checks M-574 (13.67), SKP-84 (8.33) and DPC-9 (17.33). Pistillate lines IPC-46 and IPC-44 expressed ISFs only in the quaternary order whereas they showed complete pistillateness in all other order of spikes even in the sixth order of spikes (S1T1Q1P1H1). Even under higher temperature (33.10C) and high diurnal range of temperature (13.40C) these lines expressed complete pistillateness. Hence, these female lines can be directly utilized in future breeding programme to develop high yielding potential hybrids.

Xanthomonas species causing leaf blight on eucalypt plants in Brazil and transfer of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. eucalyptorum to Xanthomonas citri pv. eucalyptorum comb. nov.

AbstractOutbreaks of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) frequently affect eucalypt plants under nursery and field conditions in several countries. Although research has been conducted to unveil the causal agent, different bacterial species have been associated with similar disease symptoms in different countries. In order to determine the causal agent of BLB in Brazil, a survey was conducted in nine states to recover bacterial isolates from eucalypt plants exhibiting typical BLB symptoms. A total of 41 yellow‐colony isolates with varying aggressiveness towards a susceptible eucalypt clone were obtained, with 16S rDNA sequences indicating that they belong to the Xanthomonas genus. Rep‐PCR analysis separated the Xanthomonas population affecting eucalypt into six distinct groups revealing its high genetic diversity. The same population formed three clusters together with reference strains of X. citri, X. euvesicatoria and X. phaseoli in a phylogenetic tree constructed with partial dnaK, fyuA, gyrB and rpoD gene sequences. Clustering in the phylogenetic tree was clearly related to grouping based on rep‐PCR. Genome sequence comparisons of representative eucalypt isolates with type strains of validly published Xanthomonas species confirmed that the population consisted of X. citri, X. euvesicatoria and X. phaseoli. Inoculation of tomato, common bean, castor bean and eucalypt plants showed that the representative eucalypt isolates can cause disease in these plant species. Based on the results, the transfer of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. eucalyptorum to Xanthomonas citri is proposed. These results are relevant for eucalypt BLB management under nursery and field conditions, including selection and deployment of effective plant resistance.

Rapid and efficient DNA extraction method from high oily content seeds:

Ricinus communis seeds harbor high oil and polyphenolics contents that hinder DNA extraction. Here, a rapid and efficient protocol for isolating total DNA from R. communis seeds was developed. The current method implies the use of repeated cycles of freeze/heat shock for the seed tissue to lyse the cells. DNA isolated with this protocol was successfully used as a template for PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA encoding gene that widely used for molecular identification of different plant species. As far to our knowledge, this study is the first one that report the efficient use of freeze/heat shock repeated cycles for isolation of a high-quality DNA from plant cells. The current protocol would support the subsequent analysis for seed lot purity analysis.

Assessment of Al3+ Ion Selectivity Coefficient (Kij) in Polyurethane Membranes Derived from Castor Oil (Ricinus communis. L) via Separated Solution Method

The influence of foreign ions on the response of Al3+ ISE-based polyurethane membranes from castor oil has been determined using SSM. The results showed that the presence of the foreign ions tested did not affect the sensitivity and response of Al3+ ISE. The influence of foreign ions Na+, K+, Li+, Pb2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, and Fe3+ on the selectivity of ion-selective electrodes (Al3+ ISE) in the concentration range 1x10-9 – 1x10-4 M has been performed using separate methods. The results show that the presence of foreign ions does not affect the performance of Al3+ ISE with a Kij value < 1. The selectivity sequence of foreign ions is Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Ni2+ > Co2+ > Ca2+ > Li+ > Na+ > K+ respectively.

PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT BERDASARKAN PENDEKATAN KEPERAWATAN MELALUI TANAMAN OBAT KELUARGA KHAS SUKU KAILI DA’A

This community service is carried out in the village of Doda, Central Sulawesi, which is a village inhabited by the majority of the Kaili da'a tribe and is a native tribe of the city of Palu. The residents of Kaili Da'a, Doda Village, live in the mountains of Palu City, which is quite far from the city center, so access to health services is also quite far. The people of the Kaili Da'a tribe like to use medicinal plants passed down from generation to generation from their tribe, but currently the lack of knowledge and interest of the community is decreasing in the cultivation of these medicinal plants even though the medicinal properties of their tribe are quite efficacious. The location of the village which is far from the city center allows them to have minimal access to medicines when emergencies occur. The method we apply is to re-empower these medicinal plants in the form of family medicinal plants which are planted in the yards of residents' houses with types of medicine including Sida rhombifolia, Ricinus communis, Jatropha curcas, Coleus atropurpureus, Andrographis paniculata and Alpinia galanga. The result is that these plants are very useful to help people when they need medicines during an emergency. In addition, we also provide explanations regarding the benefits of using these drugs to the public.

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica for sustainable ricinoleic acid production: A pathway to free fatty acid synthesis

Ricinoleic acid (C18:1-OH, RA) is a valuable hydroxy fatty acid with versatile applications. The current industrial source of RA relies on the hydrolysis of castor bean oil. However, the coexistence of the toxic compound ricin and the unstable supply of this plant have led to an exploration of promising alternatives: generating RA in heterologous plants or microorganisms. In this study, we engineered the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica to produce RA in the form of free fatty acids (FFA). First, we overexpressed fungal Δ12 oleate hydroxylase gene (CpFAH12) from Claviceps purpurea while deleting genes related to fatty acid degradation (MEF1 and PEX10) and oleic acid desaturation (FAD2). Since Δ12 oleate hydroxylase converts oleic acid (C18:1) located at the sn-2 position of phosphatidylcholine (PC), we next focused on increasing the PC pool containing oleic acid. This objective was achieved thorough implementing metabolic engineering strategies designed to enhance the biosynthesis of PC and C18 fatty acids. To increase the PC pool, we redirected the flux towards phospholipid biosynthesis by deleting phosphatidic acid phosphatase genes (PAH1 and APP1) and diacylglycerol acyltransferase gene (DGA1), involved in the production of diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol, respectively. Furthermore, the PC biosynthesis via the CDP-DAG pathway was enhanced through the overexpression of CDS1, PSD1, CHO2, and OPI3 genes. Subsequently, to increase the oleic acid content within PC, we overexpressed the heterologous fatty acid elongase gene (MaC16E) involved in the conversion of C16 to C18 fatty acids. As RA production titer escalated, the produced RA was mainly found in the FFA form, leading to cell growth inhibition. The growth inhibition was mitigated by inducing RA secretion via Triton X-100 treatment, a process that simultaneously amplified RA production by redirecting flux towards RA synthesis. The final engineered strain JHYL-R146 produced 2.061 g/L of free RA in a medium treated with 5% Triton X-100, constituting 74% of the total FFAs produced. Generating free RA offers the added benefit of bypassing the hydrolysis stage required when employing castor bean oil as an RA source. This achievement represents the highest level of RA synthesis from glucose reported thus far, underscoring the potential of Y. lipolytica as a host for sustainable RA production.

Phenolic Compounds from Moroccan <i>Retama monosperma</i> L. Boiss, <i>Berberis vulgaris</i> L. and <i>Ricinus communis</i> L.: Characterization, Antioxidant Activity and Performance Criteria of the Validated Method Using UHPLC/DAD/ESI-MS

Components of medicinal plants have many pharmacological activities, including antioxidant activity, playing an important role in limiting oxidative stress that can cause several damages. This paper characterizes polyphenols of Retama monosperma L., Berberis vulgaris L. and Ricinus communis L. plant extracts and evaluates their antioxidant activity by DPPH, conjugated diene and TBARS assay. To ensure the quality of analytical results, this paper presents performance criteria of the validated method using UHPLC/DAD/ESI-MS. Regarding method validation, the results confirm different used tests and evaluate detection and quantification limits. Concerning the characterization and study of antioxidant activity, realized testing showed that R. monosperma is rich in isoflavone, flavone and flavonol. For R. communis, we notice the presence of rutin as a major compound. Meanwhile, B. vulgaris contains significant amounts of gallic acid and p-coumaric acid. These plant extracts have high antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds.

Effect of Powder Bed Fusion Laser Sintering on Dimensional Accuracy and Tensile Properties of Reused Polyamide 11.

Polyamide 11 (PA11) is a plant-based nylon made from castor beans. Powder bed fusion laser sintering (PBF-LS) is an additive manufacturing process used for PA11 which allows for the reuse of the unsintered powder. The unsintered powder is mixed with virgin powders at different refresh rates, a process which has been studied extensively for most semi-crystalline polyamides. However, there is lack of information on the effect of using 100% reused PA11 powder and the effect of the number of times it is reused on its own, during powder bed fusion laser sintering. This paper investigates the effect of reusing PA11 powder in PBF-LS and the effect of the number of times it is reused on the dimensional accuracy, density and thermal and tensile properties. From the 100% virgin powder to the third reuse of the powder, there is a decrease in powder wastage, crystallinity and tensile strength. These are associated with the polymerisation and cross-linking process of polymer chains, upon exposure to high temperatures. This results in a higher molecular weight and, hence, a higher density. From the fourth reuse to the tenth reuse, the opposite is observed, which is associated with an increase in high-viscosity unmolten particles, resulting in defects in the PBF-LS parts.

Techno-economic analysis of Castor (Ricinus communis) Oil Refinery Process Simulation

Castor (Ricinus communis) plants have been cultivated. Castor oil has been cultivated and has become one of the world’s major commodities, with the leading producer being India. Castor oil’s primary products and derivatives include Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), polymers, lubricants, and biodiesel. Conventional extraction is usually done using a machine or hot water extraction methods. In large industries, extraction is carried out to obtain high purity with the help of solvents. Organic solvents are suitable for extraction, such as methanol, ethanol, and n-hexane, which are the most commonly used. This research aims to obtain techno-economic feasibility through a simulation of castor oil production using SuperPro Designer version 13.0. The extraction process is carried out in two stages: mechanical extraction followed by water degumming, neutralization, and adsorption with activated carbon. Production capacity and technology used are adjusted to existing companies and literature. From the results of the economic analysis, this production process is feasible with an IRR of 32.11%, a PBP of 3.25 years, and a BC Ratio of 1.05.

Molecular Characterization of Neoscytalidium spp. The Cause of Wilting of Branches and Blackening of the Stem

The study was conducted in the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences in the laboratories of the Plant Protection Department 2019, with the aim of diagnosing the pathogen of Branch Wilt and blackening of stems, outwardly and molecularly. The results of isolation from infected Malus domestica, Morus alba, Punica granatum, Citrus sinensis, C. aurantium, Ficus elastic, Ficus benjamina, Ricinus communis and Populus euphratica trees showed that twelve isolates of Neoscytalidium spp. were obtained. As a percentage of the frequency of the fungus in the visited orchards of apple trees (Al-Tarmiya and Saffronia) and berries (Al-Tarmiya) 88.9%, and in pomegranates (Al-Tarmiya) and sour oranges(Al-Jadriya) 66.6%, while the lowest frequency was recorded in orange trees (Al-Jadriya), which amounted to 33.3%. The results of the nucleotide sequencing of the isolates of the fungus Neoscytalidium spp. The presence of three types of fungi: N. novaehollandiae isolated from apple, Morus and pomegranate trees, Ficus, Castor and N. dimidiatum isolated from apple and Morus trees, Populus and N. hyalinum isolated from apple, orange, sour orange and ficus trees. The apple isolates 1, 2, and 3, Morus isolate 1, the pomegranate isolate, and the Ficus isolate showed a 100% congruence rate, while the Morus 2, orange, ficus, and Populus isolates showed a congruence rate of 99%, while the orange isolate congruence 98%, and the Castor isolate recorded a congruence rate of 97% with the isolates. Global registered in the International Gen Bank. The nucleotide sequences of the three species N. hyalinum, N. novaehollandiae, and N. dimidiatum in the International Genebank Organization, and this is the first record of these species in Iraq on the hosts isolated from them in this study.

Foliar epidermal and trichome micromorphological diversity among poisonous plants and their taxonomic significance

ABSTRACT Scanning microscopic imaging has become a valuable research tool in micromorphology with improved techniques playing an important role in analysing the ultrastructure of leaf specimens. The foliar epidermal anatomy of 25 selected poisonous plants with special emphasis on stomata and trichomes was reported using microscopic techniques, for instance, light micrographs (LMs) and scanning micrographs (SEMs). This study aimed to investigate micromorphologies of studied species that are helpful for the identification of poisonous plants. Plants were collected, pressed, dried, identified and then analysed for microscopic study. For making microscopic slides, 1 or 2 leaves were taken in a test tube and dipped in 30% nitric acid and 70% lactic acid for few minutes, and then placed on petri plates for separating the epidermis. Numerous quantitative and qualitative foliar anatomical features of adaxial and abaxial surfaces, including epidermal cell shapes, stomata size, subsidiary cell size, the pattern of the anticlinal wall, the morphology of the stomatal complex and trichome diversity, were examined. A small number of the considered species had anomocytic and anisocytic stomata; a few species had paracytic stomata, for instance, Ricinus communis, Euphorbia royleana, Buxus pilosula and Sorghum halepense; and only Ipomoea carnea had cyclocytic stomata in the studied taxa. The epidermal cells of the analysed species were irregular, while some exhibited polygonal, wavy, tetragonal and elongated cell morphologies. Overall, this study emphasises the significance of foliar micromorphology analysis as a valuable resource for identifying potentially poisonous plants and demonstrates its contribution to maintaining public welfare, thereby benefitting public health and safety.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of the Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, and Evaluation of Kaolin and Magnesium Oxide Nano-particles Efficacy to Control in Vitro

The study was conducted during season of 2018-2019 in the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad.The aim of examining and diagnosing the pathogenic fungus Neoscytalidium dimidiatum from apple, mulberry and castor plants. The results of the electrophoresis of DNA extracted from the pathogen on agarose gel showed the presence of one band with a molecular weight of 550bp, The nucleotide sequences of the fungus have been deposited in Genebank under accession number MW011739.1, MW011738.1, MW011740.1 respectively.The results showed that the magnesium oxide nanoparticles and the score pesticide achieved a high antagonistic capacity reaching 100%,while the effect of kaolin in its three concentrations as the concentration of 0.5% did not achieve any inhibition in the growth of the fungal hyphae,while the average percentage of inhibition reached 37.08% at the concentration of 2% and 35.69 at the concentration of 1%.

Plants Use in the Care and Management of Afro-Textured Hair: A Survey of 100 Participants

Afro-textured hair has unique characteristics and requires specific care due to its curly, coily, and often fragile nature. The care practices adopted by individuals with afro-textured hair increase the incidence of certain pathologies that have become specific to this hair type over time. To treat these pathologies, an increasing number of people are turning to the use of plants due to the harmful nature of certain chemical components present in hair care products available on the market. Therefore, our work aimed to list the plants used by individuals with afro-textured hair and to verify their effectiveness in managing various hair pathologies. After an initial bibliographic section focusing on hair, including its histology, growth cycle, and hair pathologies, we conducted a survey among 100 individuals with afro-textured hair in Rabat over a period of 3 months. We identified a total of twelve plant species, eleven of which possess a range of beneficial properties in managing pathologies of afro-textured hair. The most cited plant was Ricinus communis, followed by Cocos nucifera, Syzygium aromaticum, Aloe barbadensis, Argania spinosa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Vitellaria paradoxa, Olea europaea, Cannabis sativa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Prunus dulcis.

Biodiesel production: An updated review of evidence

This review paper highlights the production of biodiesel from different plant based feedstocks via the transesterification process. Biodiesel is a renewable, non-toxic, environment-friendly and an economically feasible option to tackle the depleting fossil fuels and its negative environmental impact. Biodiesel in general possess higher kinematic viscosity and density than conventional diesel. However, because of food security concerns, the use of edible oil in biodiesel production is criticized globally. Non-edible plant oils, waste cooking oils, and edible oil industry byproducts are suggested as effective biodiesel feedstocks because nonedible feedstock does not compete with food from human consumption. High-potential second-generation feedstock for biodiesel production uses waist cooking oil, acid oil, and animal tallow. Non edible crops in India as a feedstock for biodiesel production are yellow oleander oil (Cascabela thevetia), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata), Jatropha curcas, Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), Soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi), Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Karanja (Millettia pinnata), Castor (Ricinus communis), Polanga (Calophyllum inophyllum L), Cotton (Gossypium), Kusum (Carthamus tinctorius), Yellow oleander (Cascabela thevetia), Sea mango (Cerbera odollam), Tung (Vernicia fordii), and Bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris). Biodiesel is a sustainable liquid bio-energy resource that might be used to replace diesel fuel. Despite having numerous advantages over conventional diesel, the biodiesel industry is still struggling in India because of various reasons and challenges like availability, high feedstock pricing, operational hurdles, and supply-chain management challenges.

Organic fertilizer doses for top-dressing fertilization in jambu (Acmella oleracea [(L.) R. K. Jansen]) production

Due to the lack of specific fertilization recommendations for jambu cultivation, producers commonly usefertilizers recommended for other vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses oforganic fertilizers, namely hoof and horn powder and castor bean cake, on jambu plant production under anorganic system. The experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm of São Manuel, SP, belonging to theSchool of Agriculture (FCA) – UNESP, and at the “Estância Três Nascentes” site, located in Botucatu, SP, Brazil.Twelve treatments were evaluated, in a 2 x 6 factorial design, consisting of two organic fertilizers (castor beancake (CBC) and hoof and horn powder (HHP)) x 6 top dressing N doses (50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 0 (controlwithout these fertilizers)). The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. Plant height(PH), number of inflorescences (NI), the fresh weight of inflorescence (FWI), the fresh weight of vegetative parts(FWVP), and the total fresh weight (TFW) were evaluated at each location. Linear increases were observed in allcharacteristics in both locations as the fertilizer doses increased. Comparing the highest dose (150 kg ha-1 of N)with the control, increases of 109%, 251%, 218%, 283%, and 227% were obtained at the farm in São Manuel, and69%, 79%, 111%, 276%, and 118% in Botucatu, for PH, NI, FWVP, FWI, and TFW, respectively. When comparing thetwo fertilizers, HHP presented better results than CBC for most characteristics in both areas.

Impact of Age on Hemostasis of Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia

Introduction Incidence of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has two peaks: one in children and young adult and one in the elderly. Management of older patients represents a challenge, because older age is associated with increased frailty, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and worse outcome. Moreover, we cannot rule out the effect of old age on hemostasis of individuals without ITP. Objectives We aimed to compare characteristics of hemostasis in healthy controls and in patients with ITP stratified according to their age in ≤65 years old (yo) and >65 yo, in order to determine if old age modifies hemostasis and if there is an increased risk of bleeding in older patients with ITP. Methods This is a prospective project that was approved by the Ethics Committee from Hospital Universitario La Paz. Informed consent was signed before sampling. ITP patients (n=100≤65 yo and n=68>65 yo) and healthy controls (n=100≤65 yo and n=28>65 yo) were recruited. Patients with ITP and participants with uncontrolled hypertension, artery disease, abnormal hepatic or renal function tests, a diagnosis of a bleeding disorder or thrombopathy, treatment with drugs that could affect hemostasis or a history of thrombotic episodes were excluded. We evaluated platelet activation markers (TRAP and ADP-induced activation of fibrinogen receptor determined through PAC1-binding, and TRAP-induced P-selectin exposure with anti-P-selectin antibody); active caspase-3, -7, -8 and -9; surface loss of sialic acid determined by the binding of Ricinus Communis Agglutinin I (RCA) to galactose residues; and presence of GlcNAc residues on platelet's surface determined by the binding of Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA). Neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) associated to membrane of quiescent platelets were tested with anti-NEU1-Alexa 546 antibody. All samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. Thrombin generation was measured in platelet-poor plasma by Calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and coagulation was triggered by proper recalcification and the addition (final concentrations) of 1 pmol/l of recombinant human tissue factor and 4 µmol/l of phospholipid mixture (PPP-Reagent LOW). The following parameters were measured: Lagtime (= time when 10 nmol/l thrombin is formed); peak height (PH = maximum thrombin concentration reached); and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP = area under the thrombin-concentration-vs-time curve) were calculated with the Thrombinoscope software package (Thrombinoscope BV). Statistical analyses were performed with GraphPrism 6.0. Comparisons between controls vs ITP patients with similar range of age; controls ≤65 vs >65 yo; and ITP patients ≤65 vs >65 yo were performed with 2 way ANOVA and p<0.05 were considered as significant. Results Table 1 shows results obtained. There was no difference in age between controls and ITP groups with the same age range. Platelets from patients with ITP had a low ability to be activated when compared to their corresponding control group, and impairment in activation of fibrinogen receptor was even more evident for the older group of ITP patients.This fact was not due to a reduction in the number of fibrinogen receptors. Caspases 3, 8 and 9 were higher in ITP patients than their age-matched controls. Moreover, caspase 3 was higher in older ITP than in patients ≤65 yo. Regarding analyses of glycoside residues, platelets from patients with ITP had less sialic acid and more GlcNAc residues on their surface when compared with the corresponding controls. Surprisingly, sialic content in platelets from controls > 65yo was higher than in the controls ≤65 yo, and this fact is in accordance to the lowest content of NEU1 associated to their membrane. Plasma from ITP patients had a higher capacity to generate thrombin when compared with their age-matched control group. Nevertheless, both groups (control and ITP)> 65 yo generated less thrombin than the groups ≤65 yo. No differences were observed in other CAT parameters. Conclusion Platelets from patients with ITP are less functional than those from control groups. This impairment seemed to be more pronounced in platelets from patients >65 yo, putting forward the possibility of an increased risk of bleeding in older patients with ITP. This study also demonstrates that old age might modify hemostasis even in individuals without ITP. Work supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) (PI19/00772, PI22/01489), co-funded by the European Union.

Применение удобрений на клещевине (результаты исследований во ВНИИМК) (обзор)

The researches conducted in the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops showed that castor plant yield increased by 0.08–0.20 t/hа after fertilizers application on leached chernozem. The more effective dose of a primary fertilizer under castor is N40P60, which applied in autumn separately under the plowing. Higher doses of the fertilizers are less effective. Application of potassium fertilizers jointly with nitrogen-phosphorus ones in both typical (K40–45) and increased (K80–120) doses did not caused the yield increase of castor plant. Under application of the different doses of the nitrogen-phosphorous or full mineral fertilizers, oil content in castor seeds did not change significantly comparing with unfertilized control, and oil yield was determined by seed yield and increased by 0.06–0.09 t/hа. The local application of N20P30 during castor plant sowing proved the same level of yield comparing with the dose N40P60 – 1.73–1.74 t/hа. The local application of fertilizers during sowing is the most effective when placing the fertilizers strips in a distance of 2 cm sideways of the seeds. Against the backfilling into the soil of 6.2–6.6 t/hа of winter wheat residues, the application of mineral fertilizers under castor plant caused the increase of seed yield by 0.21–0.29 t/hа, oil yield – by 0.11–0.14 t/hа. The dependence of castor plant yield on nitrate nitrogen, mobile forms of phosphorous, and exchangeable potassium contents the in leached chernozem in spring was revealed. It is determined the castor plant does not react positively on the addi-tional fertilizer application when contents of mobile forms of phosphates and exchangeable potassium in a soil layer of 0–20 cm are equal to 26–28 mg/100 g (in the hood by Chirikov F.V.) and 31–32 mg/100 g (in the hood by Maslova А.L.), respectively, and content of nitrate nitrogen in a soil layer of 0–60 cm is more 17–18 mg/kg (by Grandval-Lyazhu).

An inferior competitor is a successful invader due to its stress tolerance and productivity

The invasion of ecosystems by non-native species is recognized as one of the most significant global challenges, particularly in semiarid regions where native biodiversity is already under stress from drought and land degradation. The implicit assumption is that invaders are strong competitors, but a greenhouse pairwise experiment conducted to examine intraspecific and interspecific competition effects of Opuntia ficus-indica, a widespread invader in semiarid ecosystems, with two species native to the highlands of Eritrea, Ricinus communis and Solanum marginatum, revealed that O. ficus-indica is a weak competitor. The unique ability of O. ficus-indica’s fallen cladodes to undergo vegetative growth becomes a fundamental trait contributing to its spread. This growth strategy allows O. ficus-indica to outgrow native species and establish a significant presence. In direct interaction, the competition in aboveground productivity measured by the logarithmic response ratio for O. ficus-indica was 3.4-fold and 5.9-fold higher than for R. communis and S. marginatum, respectively. Belowground, the native R. communis was facilitated (− 1.00 ± 0.69) by O. ficus-indica which itself suffered from high competition. This pattern became even more evident under water shortage, where aboveground competition for S. marginatum decreased 5.7-fold, and for O. ficus-indica, it increased 1.4-fold. Despite being a poor competitor, O. ficus-indica outperformed R. communis and S. marginatum in both aboveground (4.3 and 3.8 times more) and belowground (27 and 2.8 times more) biomass production, respectively. The findings of this study challenge the common interpretation that invasive species are strong competitors and highlight the importance of considering other factors, such as productivity and tolerance limits when assessing the potential impacts of invasive species on semiarid ecosystems.

Effect of rate of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Mokwa

This study determines the effect of rates of irrigation and brown bat manure on the growth and yield of castor. The experiment was conducted in Mokwa, Niger state. A completely randomized design (CRD) was set up potted with improvised drip irrigation system with five treatments replicated three times. The pots were spaced at 2m x 2m distance. The treatments were; T1 – 2 liters (Ls) of water per week (w), T2- 2 Ls daily for 2 days/w (4 liters per week), T3 – 2 L daily for 3 days /w (6 liters per week), T4 – 2 L daily for 4 days / w (8 liters per week) and T5 – one liter a week. The soil preparation was done by treating the soil with bat manure; 50 Kg bags were half filled with soil from the college orchard, each bag was mixed with 2 Kg of bat manure. The soil was moistened for three days and allow for partial decomposition. Soil physical and chemical analysis was done before treatment by taking sample from a pot at depth of 0 - 20 cm with soil augers. The plant parameters determined include; Seedling Emergence, Plant Height (cm), Number leaves, Number of branches, Days to 50% Flowering, total Pod Number and seed oil yield. From the trial conducted the following conclusions were drawn: although castor can tolerate moisture stress, it performs well with irrigation at 8 liters per week per plant. The appropriate rate of irrigation that gives a better growth and yield of Castor plant were determined to be 8 liters per every 4 days. No irrigation should be given during maturity stage because it delayed maturity and also influences new vegetative growth. Farmers can work with the recommended rate of 8 L/4 days for castor for optimum yield.