Content Of Grains Research Articles

Histological and ionomics assessment to elucidate tolerance mechanisms of nickel-tolerant and sensitive cultivars of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Recent literature has raised concerns over crop safety due to nickel (Ni) contamination of irrigation water and agricultural soil in Pakistan. Consequently, wheat crop has suffered in terms of nutrient disbalance and yield reduction. Therefore, it is important to screen tolerant wheat cultivars against Ni toxicity with the ability to accumulate low concentration in grains. In this regard, two wheat cultivars (SKD-1 and Borlaug-16) were exposed to Ni stress (100 mg/L) in a pot experiment for 21 days. In the present study, trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Cd, Mn, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and mineral nutrients (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and P) were tested by ICP-OES. To understand tolerance mechanisms, wheat tissues were tested for morphological parameters, anatomical alteration, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity. The translocation of Ni was higher in SKD-1 (0.62) compared to Borlaug-16 (0.45) due to low Ni accumulation in roots of Borlaug-16. In the roots of Borlaug-16, trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) were comparatively higher than SKD-1. On the contrary, nutrients (Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, and P) were higher in leaves of SKD-1. Under Ni stress, the root anatomy of Borlaug-16 exhibited a marked increase in the cellular thickness of the cortex by 130.38% and stele by 46.2%. Conversely, the bundle sheath cell thickness rose by 68.36% in the SKD-1. In terms of leaf anatomy, Borlaug-16 showed enhanced thickness in the xylem by 13.01% and bundle sheath cells by 84.95%. Meanwhile, the upper epidermis and phloem of SKD-1 registered thickness increases of 21.80% and 24.47% under Ni stress. Oxidative stress (MDA and H2O2) was comparatively highly induced in SKD-1 tissues compared to Borlaug-16. On the other hand, antioxidants (SOD, CAT, and APX) were comparatively higher in root and leaf tissues of Borlaug-16. The lower Ni uptake, less cellular damage, and high antioxidant capacity of Borlaug-16 makes it more tolerant to Ni stress. Such findings will pave the way towards sustainable crop production.

Root Distribution, Agronomic Performance, and Phosphorus Utilization in Wheat as Mediated by Phosphorus Placement under Rainfed Coastal Saline Conditions

Rainfall variations between seasons could affect phosphorus translocation from rainfed saline soil to wheat plants. Whether deep-banded P application increases wheat yield compared to traditional P placement under rainfed coastal saline conditions remains a question. This study investigated the impact of season, P placement, and genotype on root distribution, agronomic performance, and P utilization in wheat grown under rainfed coastal saline conditions. Four wheat genotypes (two tall genotypes (Alice and Shavano) and two dwarf genotypes (AK58 and LX99)) were grown in a saline field with five P placement treatments (Top-dressed High P input (TopHP), Deep-banded High P input (DeepHP), Top-dressed Reduced P input (TopRP), Deep-banded Reduced P input (DeepRP), and no P supply (No P)) for two consecutive seasons. Root length density (RLD), agronomic traits, nutrient concentrations in grain and straw, and P utilization efficiency were determined. Statistical analysis was employed to compare the P utilization across treatments. TopHP increased RLD at a 0–20 cm depth, while deep-banded P increased RLD at a 20–40 cm depth. The wet season (2021–2022) resulted in higher grain yields, more fertile spikelets, and fewer non-fertile spikelets in all four genotypes than the dry season (2020–2021). The highest 1000-kernel weights occurred in DeepHP or TopHP. Deep-banded P outperformed top-dressed P placement in terms of P utilization efficiency for LX99, Shavano, and AK58 (not Alice) in both seasons. Nutrient concentrations/accumulations showed inconsistent patterns due to significant genotype × P placement interactions. PCA analysis revealed that first two PCs accounted for 56.19% and 60.13% of the variance in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 seasons, respectively. The first component (PC1) represented root spatial distribution and straw weight, while the second component (PC2) represented 1000-kernel weight, grain number per head, and grain yield. Altered P utilization efficiency mediated by P placement was associated with changes in wheat root distribution, agronomic traits, and nutrient concentrations in straw and grain. The increased wheat yield in the wet season (2021–2022) was attributed to higher rainfall.

Impact of Herbicides on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Uptake by Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Eastern U.P, India

A field experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Varanasi during kharif 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the nitrogen intake by transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) and the available nutrient status of soil under ten weed control treatments. The treatment bispyribac-Na 9.1% (24.57 g/ha) + metsulfuron-methyl 1.2% (3.24 g/ha) + chlorimuron ethyl 1.2% (3.24 g/ha) recorded higher Organic carbon (0.47%), pH (7.38), EC(0.18 dS m-1), available N193.48 kg/ha, P22.46 kg/ha, and K 221.56 kg/ha in soil, higher nutrient (N, P and K) content in grain 1.14, 0.33, 0.38%, and straw 0.74, 0.12, 1.74% and protein content 6.81 & 4.42% in grain and straw, respectively. improved N, P, K uptake in grain 58.57, 17.06, 19.23 kg/ha and straw 71.00, 11.36, 166 kg/ha, respectively over weedy check (grain 46.09, 13.35, 15.10 kg/ha and straw 58.58, 9.38 and 137.65 N, P and K respectively). This treatment exhibited positive performance of soil fertility and N, P and K uptake by transplanted rice.

ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ БИОПРЕПАРАТОВ НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ УРОЖАЯ ЯРОВОГО ЯЧМЕНЯ

The results of field researches on the experimental fields of the Agrobiotechnopark of KSAU conducted in 2020-2022 are given. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of double treatment during the growing season with various biological preparations on the formation of the crop and the quality of spring barley grain. The objectives of the research included studying the nature of changes in the biometric parameters of plants, leaf surface area, yield and protein content in grain when using a biofungicide and biofertilizer. The variety of spring two-row barley Kamashevsky was the object of research. Biopreparations were studied - biofungicide Orgamica S (biological agent - Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and biofertilizer Organit P (biological agent - Bacillus megaterium). The treatment was carried out twice during the growing season - in the tillering phase and in the earing phase with a working fluid flow rate of 200 l/ha. The preparations were used separately and as part of a tank mixture. The studies were carried out on a gray forest highly cultivated soil. The agro-climatic conditions of vegetation during the years of the study varied significantly. In 2021, soil-air drought was noted, and in 2020, and especially in 2022, the moisture conditions were favorable for the growth and development of spring barley plants. It has been established that the treatment of spring barley crops with biological preparations contributes to an increase in the length of the ear, stems and roots. This effect was especially significant when using a biofertilizer in the tillering phase, and a biofungicide during the heading of barley. The use of all treatment schemes with biological preparations showed an increase in the area of spring barley leaves and, at the same time, the development of root rots of the crop decreased by an average of 50%. The greatest increase in yield (by 0.56 t/ha), the maximum protein content in the grain and the best profitability indicators were obtained using a treatment scheme in which Organit biofertilizer was used during the tillering period, and Orgamica S biofungicide during the heading period. Especially significant positive effect from treatment with biological preparations was in the conditions of a well-moistened 2022, but even in the conditions of a drought in 2021, treatment with biological preparations showed high efficiency.

Influence of weather conditions on yield and protein content in winter wheat grain

The results of three-year studies (2020–2022) conducted in the forest-steppe zone of the Samara region in the agrocenosis of winter wheat are presented. The purpose of the work was to study the influence of natural and climatic conditions of the research area on the formation of yield indicators, protein content in winter wheat grain. The material was 10 varieties from the Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) collection and 5 varieties of selection of the Povolzhsky Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov. Yield, grain protein content and protein yield per hectare were determined. Varieties characterized by high yield and high amount of protein in grain, showing maximum protein yield in different weather conditions of the years were identified. Over the years of research, the year 2022 was the most favorable for the formation of high yields (between 6 and 8.5 t/ha were harvested in the indicated year), where a large amount of precipitation was observed in May – the first ten-day period of June. The protein content in grain was the highest in 2021 (14–19%), when high temperatures were observed during the grain filling period in the absence of precipitation. For each variety, the correlation dependence of the sum of active temperatures and the amount of precipitation during the spring-summer vegetation period with the studied indicators was established. There was a negative correlation between the sum of active temperatures and yield (from –0.553 to –0.981) and a positive correlation with the protein content indicator (from 0.605 to 0.984) depending on the variety. The amount of precipitation was in a positive correlation with the yield index, the dependence on the protein content in the grain was ambiguous and depended on the variety. The studied indicators were influenced not only by natural and climatic conditions, but also by the genotypic features of the studied varieties, which explains the diverse correlation dependence.

Investigation on the Integration of Low-Cost NIR Spectrometers in Mill Flour Industries for Protein, Moisture and Ash Content Estimation.

The flour milling industry-a vital component of global food production-is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the integration of smart devices and advanced technologies. This transition promises improved efficiency, quality and sustainability in flour production. The accurate estimation of protein, moisture and ash content in wheat grains and flour is of paramount importance due to their direct impact on product quality and compliance with industry standards. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a non-destructive, efficient and cost-effective method for measuring the aforementioned essential parameters in wheat and flour by investigating the effectiveness of a low-cost handle NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, a novel approach using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is proposed to estimate the protein, moisture and ash content in grain seeds and flour, marking the first known application of FCMs in this context. Our study includes an experimental setup that assesses different types of wheat seeds and flour samples and evaluates three NIR pre-processing techniques to enhance the parameter estimation accuracy. The results indicate that low-cost NIR equipment can contribute to the estimation of the studied parameters.

Effects of Nitrogen Sources on Soil Properties and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production

An experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Shri Durga Ji Post Graduate College, Chandeshwar, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh during winter session of 2019-20. Among nitrogen content in grain and total uptake of nitrogen were significantly affected by 05 treatments and highest with T1-(Recommended dose of nitrogen through inorganic source (120 Kg) urea) recommended dose of N through inorganic source and significantly superior over T2 recommended dose of N through organic source. The availability of N was not significantly influenced by various treatments.

Impact Assessment of Zinc and Sulphur Application through Front Line Demonstrations in Paddy in Tribal Region of Central India

Front-line demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s fields of tribal villages of Jabalpur (7 No.) and Mandla (6 No.) districts during Kharif 2012 and 2013, respectively. Results revealed that the application of 5 kg Zinc +Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (Zn+ RDF ha-1) significantly increased the grain yield (4.53 and 4.70 t ha-1) zinc content in grain (13.18 and 12.97 mgkg-1) and total Zn uptake (190.31 and 184.79 g ha-1) and post-harvest available Zn (0.73 and 0.71 mg kg-1) over farmer’s practices or RDF during both the years. While, the S content in grain and straw of rice, their total S uptake and post- harvest available S increased significantly with the application of 40 kg S ha-1 +RDF and 5 kg Zn+40 kg S ha-1+RDF over farmers practice/ RDF/5 kg Zn ha-1+ RDF during both the years.
 With the application of 5 kg Zn +40 kg S +RDF ha-1, the extension gap was maximum (0.93 and 1.12 t ha-1) while, the least technology gap (0.47 and 0.30) and technology index (9.4 and 6.0%) were recorded. The performance of improved technology (5 kg Zn + RDF) emphasized the need to organize Kisan School in the deficient areas for the acceptance of improved technologies to bridge the wide extension gap.

Effects of Dietary Corn Malt-Sactic Mixed Concentrate with Rice Straw and Corn Husk on Rumen Fermentation, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Growth Performance in Growing Beef Heifers

The enhancement of protein content in grains is interesting because starch is the main energy component used in beef cattle feeds. Corn malt-sactic is a modified corn grain with increase protein content and improve digestibility through the process of malt germination and microbial fermentation. Therefore, the effects of feeding malt-sactic from corn grain as a high protein energy source in diet were investigated on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, and growth performance in beef heifers. Sixteen of 1-year-old Brahman crossbred growing beef heifers with an initial weight of 220 ± 24.5 kg were randomly assigned into 4 different rations according to completely randomized design (CRD). Experimental treatments were corn grain or corn malt-sactic mixed concentrates with roughage sources as follow, T1; corn grain mixed concentrate with corn husk, T2; con grain mixed concentrate with rice straw, T3; malt-sactic mixed concentrate with corn husk, and T4; corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate with rice straw. The results showed that total feed intake and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF were significantly higher in the heifers fed corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet than corn mixed concentrate diet (p < 0.05). Ruminal pH post-feeding, blood urea nitrogen, and blood glucose were not different among treatments (p > 0.05). Body weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while feed conversion ratio was lower in corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet as compared with corn mixed concentrate diet (p < 0.05). The source of roughage did not affect rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, or growth performance (p > 0.05). Results indicated that using corn malt-sactic as an ingredient in beef heifer diets can improve digestibility and growth performance. HIGHLIGHTS The addition of corn malt-sactic enhances both malt germination and microbial fermentation. Incorporating a corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet boosts heifers' feed intake and improves digestibility. Utilizing a corn malt-sactic mixed concentrate diet leads to improved Average Daily Gain (ADG) and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in heifers. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Exploring Genetic Variability for Health benefiting Grain Nutritional Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

In the present study variability parameters and association of grain mineral (Ca and Mg) with yield and its attributing traits were determined for fifty pearl millet genotypes at CCS, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2020. Grain Ca content, grain yield/plant and dry fodder yield/plant were found to have high heritability along with genetic advance as percent of mean. A positive correlation was found for grain yield with 1000- seed weight but a negative and non-significant correlation with Ca and Mg content of grain indicating that these could be improved without compromising grain yield/plant. Highly significant and positive association between Ca and Mg content suggested that both these traits can be simultaneously improved. The lines viz., HMC-94-2, GP-69, GP-80, GP-70 and HMC-283 with high grain yield/plant (>30g) along with moderately high grain Ca (>115 mg/kg) and Mg (>1600 mg/kg) content were identified in present study.

Maize straw application reduced cadmium and increased arsenic uptake in wheat and enhanced the rhizospheric bacterial communities in alkaline-contaminated soil

Many fields where wheat is grown in northern China are co-polluted by arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd). Thus, remediation of As and Cd-contaminated alkaline soils is crucial for safe wheat production. In this study, a pot experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of 1% and 2% maize straw (MS) incorporation on As and Cd bioavailability, binding forms, uptake by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and bacterial communities in smelter (SS) and irrigation (IS) alkaline contaminated soils. The results indicated that 2% MS incorporation significantly (p < 0.05) increased bioavailable-As by 37% (SS) and 39% (IS) with no significant change in the bioavailable-Cd in SS2% (31.95%) from 31.95% (SSCK) and IS2% (33.33%) from 32.82% (ISCK). Incorporation of 2% MS increased the grain As concentration from 0.22 mg kg−1 (SSCK) to 0.51 mg kg−1 (SS2%) and from 0.59 mg kg−1 (ISCK) to 0.84 mg kg−1 (IS2%) which is above the acceptable standard of 0.5 mg kg−1 (GB2726-2017). In contrast, the Cd content in grains was maintained at 0.09 (SS1%), 0.04 (SS2%) and 0.03 (IS1%), 0.02 (IS2%) below the acceptable standard of 0.10 mg kg−1 (GB2762–2017). The amendment through dissolved organic carbon mediated As desorption enhanced As transfer to wheat grain, decreasing DTPA-Cd in the soils and its consequent translocation to wheat leaves and grain. The 2% MS incorporation increased the active As fractions, reduced mobile Cd into immobile fractions, and promoted the abundance of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes in the two soils. These attributes of MS in decreasing the accumulation of Cd in wheat leaves and grains signified its potential as a suitable ingredient for Cd sequestration and food safety in Cd-contaminated soils.

NaCl stress enhances pigment accumulation and synthesis in red rice during the germination stage

Red rice has become increasingly popular as a viable dietary choice due to its nutritional value. The germination process has been found to enhance the nutritional content of grains, particularly anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, and the presence of salt stress can further intensify this effect. In this study, the changes in bioactive phenolic compounds during the germination of red rice under salt stress were evaluated via chemical methods and UPLC-QToF/MS. The PLS-DA was used to analyze the upstream synthesis substrates of pigments in red rice treated with different NaCl concentrations. The results showed that NaCl stress inhibited red rice germination compared to the untreated group but that the total polyphenol content of red rice increased significantly after NaCl stress. Three anthocyanins and two proanthocyanidins were identified, and proanthocyanidins were the main components in pigment compounds. All these pigments tended to increase under 60 mmol/L NaCl treatment. Furthermore, upstream pigment substrates such as L-phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and leucocyanidin were also increased under NaCl stress. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, leucoanthocyanidin reductase, and anthocyanin reductase related to these upstream metabolic substrates were up-regulated after NaCl stress. This study showed that NaCl stress effectively stimulated the accumulation of red rice pigments and their upstream substrates.

INOCULAÇÃO ANTECIPADA DE SOJA ON FARM COM USO DE INSUMOS BIOLÓGICOS COMERCIAIS E O PACOTE QUÍMICO DA BASF

The objective was to analyse a agronomic traits and production components in soybean grown in Pindorama, São Paulo State, Brazil, 2018/19 season, submitted to different treatments of seeds with inoculants of unlike concentrations of bacteria associated or not with the use of a protector in others periods before sowing, together with BASFs chemical technology package. The tested treatments were: T1 – control; T2 – chemical nitrogen fertilization; T3 - standard comercial inoculant applied on the day of sowing; T4, T5 and T6 – commercial inoculant with the highest conceentration of Bradyrhizobium associated with the use of a protector applied respectively at 0,7 and 14 days before sowing. In R8, plant height and insertion height of the first pod were evaluated, lodging (Lo); tousand grain mass (TGM); number of pods (NP); average number of grains per pod (NAGP); grain yield (GY) and total nitrogen content in grains (NG). From the results obtained it was verified that for Lo and NAGP no significant diferences were noticed between the tested treatments. As for TGM, it is noted that treat ments T2, T3, T4 and T5 did not differ form each other and were statistically superior to control T1 and T6. In Terms of GY, the T4 stood out for its higher productivity with 2860 kg ha-1. It is not worthy that T3 and T5 obtained means statistically similar to the same with respectively 2695 and 2690 kg ha-1. Under these conditions, the use of the T4 treatment can e recommended and as a second option to the soybean grower if the is unable to carry out the seed treatment on the day of sowing, the T5, that is, inoculated within 7 days before sowing.

Phytoavailability of cadmium in rice amended with organic materials and lime: Effects of rhizosphere chemical changes and cadmium sequestration in iron plaque

Excessive Cd in rice grains produced with acidic paddy soil is receiving increasingly widespread attention because it endangers human health. Applying organic materials (OM) and lime (L) is a common technique used to reduce Cd concentration in grains (CdG). Nevertheless, the mechanism by which their simultaneous application affects the Cd phytoavailability in soilrice systems remains ambiguous. In the current study, we adopted a rhizobag pot culture test to explore the influences of single application of OM [rice straw (RS), milk vetch (MV)], L, and their co-utilization on Cd phytoavailability and the associated mechanisms. The results showed that the application of RS, MV, L, L + RS (LRS), and L + MV (LMV) significantly decreased CdG by 26.9%, 38.2%, 48.6%, 50.0%, and 53.0%, respectively. Fe plaque (IP) formation was not affected by these treatments; however, Cd sequestration in IP (CdIP) was significantly reduced. CdIP was significantly reduced by 18.3%, 23.6%, 43.8%, 33.1%, and 41.4%, after RS, MV, L, LRS, and LMV treatments, respectively. Additionally, available Cd concentrations in rhizospheric soil (RHS) were significantly reduced by 11.5%, 14.8%, 15.1%, and 18.4%, after MV, L, LRS, and LMV treatments, respectively. Cd availability in RHS was significantly influenced by pH, dissolved organic carbon concentration, and Zn, Fe, and Mn availability. The results of the structure equation mode showed that CdG was mainly affected by CdIP, followed by Cd availability and the pH of RHS. In conclusion, the reduction of CdG by OM, L, and their co-utilization was the results of their combined effects of reducing Cd availability in RHS, CdIP, and Cd uptake by the roots. This study emphasizes that the reduction of CdG is a result of the dual effects of reducing Cd availability in RHS and CdIP after amendments application. L application alone or in conjunction with OM is an efficient practice to reduce CdG in acidic Cd-contaminated paddy fields.

Evaluating the collection of maize inbred lines originating from Primorsky Krai

Background. The modern breeding of maize hybrids for high heterosis pays considerable attention to the creation of new starting material, i. e. inbred lines. Their genetic potential depends primarily on the quality of forms used in self-pollination, on the selection and evaluation of progeny aimed at achieving the homozygosity of economically important traits.Methods. The study on maize inbred lines was carried out by the Laboratory of the Breeding and Breeder Seed Production of Maize in an experimental field plot at FSBSI «FSC of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaika». A standard method was employed, which included the self-pollination and selection of lines for a complex of economically important traits over several years to achieve homozygosity.Results. The research resulted in the selection of genotypes that combined high yield with a low moisture content in grain at harvest maturity PK 160, PK 139, PK 65, and PK 155. We identified sources of such economically important traits as the height of plants and cobs (PK 26, PK 36, PK 39, PK 42, PK 55, PK 78, and PK 181), cob length (PK 55, PK 57, PK 58, PK 65, PK 69, PK 153, PK 155, PK 160, PK 164, and PK 175), cob weight (PK 160, PK 65, PK 155, PK 139, and PK 52), the number of grains per cob (PK 42, PK 52, and PK 65), grain weight per cob (PK 65, PK 155, and PK 160), the 1000 kernel weight (PK 160, PK 175, PK 181, PK 139, and PK 65), and a high general combining ability (PK 58, PK 124, PK 176, PK 1/3, and PK 3). The selected accessions will be involved in a breeding program to create highly heterotic maize hybrids.

Effect of Storage Containers on Nutritional Qualitiy of Indegenous Scented Rice (cv. Gobindabhog)

A storage study was done during 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Rice Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, BCKV, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India. The change in mean relative humidity over two years from 71.2 (2-month) to 82.2% (6-month) in the laboratory experiments probably caused a slight increasing trend in moisture content in grain irrespective of storage container used in the study. The variation in material of the containers including their temperature sensitivity, porosity, etc. influenced the moisture content of whole paddy grains at different storage period during both 2011 and 2012. Among containers (viz. Gunny bag, Polythene bag, Cloth bag, Earthen pot and Galvanized iron (GI) bin), earthen pot recorded lowest moisture content than other four tested in the experiment. The physical properties of grain (viz. kernel length, kernel breadth, L / B ratio, shape, colour, etc.) did not differ significantly among five storage containers during the ageing or storage period. On an average, the protein content in the Gobindabhog rice grain remained largely unchanged during entire 6-month storage time, but amylose content improved slightly upto 4-month, and alkali value and elongation ratio upto 6-month period including non-significant variations among the containers in the experiment. There was a steady decrease in intensity of aroma of Gobindabhog rice during post-harvest storage from 2-month to 6-month period irrespective of container used in the study. The average aroma score over containers after 2-month storage (score 2.53 ± 0.18) declined by 13.83% after 4-month (score 2.18 ± 0.06) and 29.64% after 6-month (score 1.78 ± 0.37). Among storage containers, earthen pot performed best for retention of aroma while jut-made gunny bag appeared unfit for long-term storage of Gobindabhog paddy with respect to grain quality parameters, especially aroma.

Knocking Out OsAAP11 to Improve Rice Grain Quality Using CRISPR/Cas9 System.

The demand for rice grain quality, particularly in terms of eating and cooking quality, is increasingly concerning at present. However, the limited availability of rice-quality-related gene resources and time-consuming and inefficient traditional breeding methods have severely hindered the pace of rice grain quality improvement. Exploring novel methods for improving rice grain quality and creating new germplasms is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed. In this study, an amino-acid-transporter-encoding gene OsAAP11 (Os11g0195600) mainly expressed in endosperm was selected as the target for gene editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in three japonica genetic backgrounds (Wuyungeng30, Nangeng9108, and Yanggeng158, hereafter referred to as WYG30, NG9108, and YG158). We successfully obtained homozygous osaap11 mutants without transgenic insertion. Subsequently, we conducted comprehensive investigations on the agronomic traits, rice grain quality traits, and transcriptomic analysis of these mutants. The results demonstrate that loss of OsAAP11 function led to a reduced amino acid content and total protein content in grains without affecting the agronomic traits of the plants; meanwhile, it significantly increased the peak viscosity, holding viscosity, and final viscosity values during the cooking process, thereby enhancing the eating and cooking quality. This study not only provides valuable genetic resources and fundamental materials for improving rice grain quality but also provides novel technical support for the rapid enhancement of rice grain quality.

Influence of Micronutrient Application on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Residual Soil Nutrient Status in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Western Uttar Pradesh Condition

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different nutrient treatments on nutrient content, uptake and residual soil fertility in rice crop at Crop Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut during kharif 2022 on clay loam soil, low in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc and iron, medium to high in available potassium and slightly alkaline in reaction. The treatments comprising of different combinations (10) of NPK, Zn and Fe with VAM {Control,100% NPK, 100% NPK + 25kg ZnSO4 ,100% NPK+ 25 kg FeSO4, 100% NPK + 25kg ZnSO4+25 kg FeSO4, 100% NPK + 12.5 kg ZnSO4+ 12.5 kg FeSO4+VAM, 100% NPK+ZnEDTA+FeEDTA, 100% NPK + 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering and panicle initiation, 100% NPK + 0.5% FeSO4 at tillering and panicle initiation and 100% NPK + 0.5% ZnSO4 +0.5% FeSO4 at tillering and panicle initiation}were tested in RBD with 3 replications. Rice variety PB-1637 was transplanted on 23rd July and harvested on 10th November, 2022 with recommended package of practices except the treatments. Nutrient content, uptake and residual soil fertility were significantly affected by different nutrients treatments. Zn, Fe, Zn+Fe and Zn+Fe+VAM application favored nutrient content, uptake and residual soil fertility when compared to 100% NPK. Among the various treatments crop was applied with 100% NPK + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 registered highest nutrient content in grain (N- 1.33% ,P-0.43%, K-0.39%, Zn-36.5 mg kg-1 and Fe-127.31 mg kg-1), nutrient uptake in grain (N-57.5 kg ha-1,P- 18.6 kg ha-1 K-16.8 kg ha-1 ,Zn- 157.7 g ha-1 and Fe-550.0 g ha-1) and residual soil nutrient status (N-221.1 kg ha-1, P-17.6 kg ha-1, K-214.7 kg ha-1, Organic Carbon-0.47%, Zn-0.98 mg kg-1 and Fe-6.56 mg kg-1).

Interaction between long noncoding RNA (lnc663) and microRNA (miR1128) regulates PDAT-like gene activity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Amylose, a starch subcomponent, can bind lipids within its helical groove and form an amylose-lipid complex, known as resistant starch type 5 (RS-5). RS contributes to lower glycaemic index of grain with health benefits. Unfortunately, genes involved in lipid biosynthesis in wheat grain remain elusive. Our study aims to characterize the lipid biosynthesis gene and its post-transcriptional regulation using the parent bread wheat variety ‘C 306’ and its EMS-induced mutant line ‘TAC 75’ varying in amylose content. Quantitative analyses of starch-bound lipids showed that ‘TAC 75’ has significantly higher lipid content in grains than ‘C 306’ variety. Furthermore, expression analyses revealed the higher expression of wheat phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase-like (PDAT-like) in the ‘TAC 75’ compared to the ‘C 306’. Overexpression and ectopic expression of TaPDAT in yeast and tobacco leaf confirmed its ability to accumulate lipids in vivo. Enzyme activity assay showed that TaPDAT catalyzes the triacylglycerol synthesis by acylating 1,2-diacylglycerol. Interestingly, the long non-coding RNA, lnc663, was upregulated with the TaPDAT gene, while the miRNA, miR1128, downregulated in the ‘TAC 75′, indicating a regulatory relationship. The GFP reporter assay confirmed that the lnc663 acts as a positive regulator, and the miR1128 as a negative regulator of the TaPDAT gene, which controls lipid accumulation in wheat grain. Our findings outline TaPDAT-mediated biosynthesis of lipid accumulation and reveal the molecular mechanism of the lnc663 and miR1128 mediated regulation of the TaPDAT gene in wheat grain.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

During the Rabi season of 2018-19, a field experiment was undertaken at Vivekananda Global University's Research Farm in Jaipur to investigate the "Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)." The experiment followed a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisting of nine treatment combinations viz., 100% RDF (T1), 100% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 (T2), 100% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T3), 75% RDF (T4), 75% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 (T5), 75% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T6), 50% RDF (T7), 50% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 (T8) and 50% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T9) were applied to the barley var. RD-2035. The experimental results demonstrated that several integrated nutrient treatments greatly boosted barley growth, yield characteristics and yield, quality, and economics. With the application of 100% RDF + vermicompost 2.5 t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T3), the maximum plant height at 60 DAS and 90 DAS, total number of tillers at 60 DAS and 90 DAS, effective number of tillers, ear length, number of grains ear-1, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield, and nitrogen content in grain and straw of barley were obtained. However, the application of 100% RDF yielded the significantly largest net returns and B: C ratio of barley (T1).