Dark Green Color Research Articles

Assessment of spinach seedling health status and chlorophyll content by multivariate data analysis and multiple linear regression of leaf image features

Plant health and physiological status significantly influence chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity. Analysis of leaf reflectance information from digitized leaf images allows high-throughput, non-invasive and real-time estimation of chlorophyll content in a cost-effective manner. In the present study the application of multivariate data analysis tools, viz. principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis (AHCA), has been discussed for distinguishing between spinach seedlings having high and low chlorophyll contents by simultaneously using the information provided by various image features. Further, leaf color information contained within different color spaces, viz. RGB (red, green and blue), rgb (normalized red, green and blue), HSI (hue, saturation and intensity), CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) L∗a∗b∗, CIE-XYZ, and CIE-xyY color spaces, has been used to predict chlorophyll content in terms of SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) chlorophyll meter values by multiple linear regression. It was observed that the color indices R, G, R + G, R−B, G−B, R + G−B, Y (luminance) and DGCI (dark-green color index) exhibited high correlation (R2 > 0.8) with the SPAD values. Further, subjecting the leaf reflectance information provided by these color indices to PCA and AHCA enabled a clear segregation of seedlings with high and low chlorophyll contents. SPAD values predicted by the L∗a∗b∗ color space information yielded the lowest RMSE (root mean square error) and the highest R2 (coefficient of determination) amongst the six color space features assessed. The findings of the present study indicate that concatenation of leaf reflectance information provided by different color indices may be more useful than individual color indices for assessing plant health status and predicting chlorophyll content using machine vision.

The Salinity Tolerance of Seeded-type Common Bermudagrass Cultivars and Experimental Selections

Turfgrass managers are using reclaimed water as an irrigation resource because of the decreasing availability and increasing cost of fresh water. Much attention, thereby, has been drawn to select salinity-tolerant turfgrass cultivars. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the relative salinity tolerance of 10 common bermudagrasses (Cynodon dactylon) under a controlled environment in a randomized complete block design with six replications. ‘SeaStar’ seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) was included in this study as a salinity-tolerant standard. All entries were tested under four salinity levels (1.5, 15, 30, and 45 dS·m−1) consecutively using subirrigation systems. The relative salinity tolerance among entries was determined by various parameters, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), percentage green cover determined by digital image analysis (DIA), leaf firing (LF), turf quality (TQ), shoot vertical growth (VG), and dark green color index (DGCI). Results indicated that salinity tolerance varied among entries. Except LF, all parameters decreased as the salinity levels of the irrigation water increased. ‘Princess 77’ and ‘Yukon’ provided the highest level of performance among the common bermudagrass entries at the 30 dS·m−1 salinity level. At 45 dS·m−1, the percent green cover as measured using DIA varied from 4.97% to 16.11% among common bermudagrasses, where ‘SeaStar’ with a DIA of 22.92% was higher than all the common bermudagrass entries. The parameters LF, TQ, NDVI, DGCI, VG, and DIA were all correlated with one another. Leaf firing had the highest correlation with other parameters, which defined its value as a relative salinity tolerance measurement for common bermudagrass development and selection.

Niche Modeling of Dengue Fever Using Remotely Sensed Environmental Factors and BRT

Niche Modeling of Dengue Fever Using Remotely Sensed Environmental Factors and BRT

Effect of Growth Regulators on In-vitro Shooting of <em>Calathea ornata</em> for Commercial Cultivation

Calathea ornata is a member of the family Marantaceae, with glossy, leathery leaves in attractive dark or olive green colors. Its uniquely patterned feathered or fish-bone design of distinct white lines makes it a high demand in the foliage industry as a house plant. The aim of this study was to develop a shoot induction protocol with efficient sterilization technique, best explant type and different combination of growth regulators as a cost-effective method for commercial invitro propagation. Meristem tissue of C. ornata was successfully established with minimum contamination percentage, by following the protocol developed for surface sterilization, using stepwise rinsing with several disinfections. Different concentrations of BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) and NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) were tested for explant initiation and multiplication in ten replicates. The data were analyzed using ANOVA in Complete Randomized Design. The highest number of shoots was induced on MS basal media supplemented with 3.0 mgL-1 BAP and 3.5 mgL-1 NAA. Subsequently, initiated shoots were sub-cultured for shoot multiplication and the highest number of shoots and shoot length were observed in MS media in combination with BAP 3.0 mgL-1 with NAA 3.5 mgL-1 . Above stated effective sterilization and shoot multiplication protocols could be used in commercial in-vitro propagation of Calathea ornata.

Дослідження жирнокислотного складу деяких рослин родини айстрові (Аsteraceae)

Introduction. Recently, much attention has been paid to the study of medicinal plants’ lipophilic complexes, part of which is fatty acids, which play an important role in the life activities of a human body. The plants of the Asteraceae family — yacon (the Smallanhus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Endl.) H. Robinson), stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsley and cat’s paw (Antennaria dioica (L.) Gaertn.) contain the complex of biologically active substances, among which a significant place is given to lipophilic components (fatty acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, etc.). In the sources of scientific literature, there is not enough information about the studied species’ fatty acid composition. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to study the lipophilic fractions of stevia leaves, yacon root tubers and leaves, cat’s paw herbs, and to determine the content of fatty acids in their composition.Research Methods. Lipophilic fractions of the studied species are obtained by exhaustive extraction of raw materials with chloroform in the Soxhlet apparatus. Determination of qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids in the investigated medicinal plant material is carried out by the gas-liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric method of fatty acids methyl esters on the gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric system Agilent 6890N/5973inert (Agilent Technologies, USA). The identification of fatty acid methyl esters in the test mixture is carried out by comparing the retention time of fatty acids methyl esters standard mixture (Supelco, USA). The NIST 02 mass spectrum library is used.Results and Discussion. The isolated lipophilic fraction from yacon root tubers – a thick oily homogeneous mass of brown colour with a pleasant specific odor; not soluble in water and ethanol, is readily soluble in chloroform. Lipophilic fractions of stevia leaves are of dark green colour; cat’s paw herbs – light green colour; according to other physical indicators, the obtained substances do not differ. It is established that the yield of lipophilic substances from yacon and stevia leaves are almost the same – (9.55±0.09)% and (9.05±0.07) %, from yacon roots – in 2.4 and 2.2 times smaller than leaves, respectively. The yield of the lipophilic fraction from cat’s paw herbs is (8.25 ± 0.09) %.9 fatty acids are detected in the lipophilic extract of yacon leaves and cat’s paw herbs, 2 of which are polyunsaturated (linoleic and linolenic). 8 fatty acids are detected in the lipophilic extract of stevia leaves, where linolenic acid is present in the largest number. The lipophilic extract of stevia leaves and cat’s paw herbs contains the saturated palmitic acid. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in the studied lipophilic extracts predominates over saturated. Their ratio in yacon leaves is 55.35:8.63; stevia leaves – 3.04:1.87; cat’s paw herbs – 29.09:20.26, respectively. Only the linoleic and linolenic acids are identified in the lipophilic extract of yacon root tubers.Conclusions. 1. The fatty acid composition of the lipophilic fractions of stevia leaves, yacon root tubers and leaves, and cat’s paw herbs is determined by the gas-liquid chromatographic/mass spectrometric method for the first time.2. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in stevia and yacon leaves, and cat’s paw herbs predominates over saturated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) are dominant in the investigated objects.3. Only the linoleic and linolenic acids are identified in yacon root tubers.

Predicting Nitrogen Requirements for Maize with the Dark Green Color Index under Experimental Conditions

Core Ideas Current N fertilizer recommendations for maize based on yield goals and soil texture do not account for native soil fertility.Assessing plant nitrogen status using the dark green color index may allow for more targeted N fertilizer recommendations.The dark green color index method averaged between 92 and 112 kg N ha−1 less than standard extension recommendations in low residual N soils.Grain yield was similar between treatments based on the dark green color index method and standard extension recommendations. Nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for maize (Zea mays L.) should be adequate to ensure high yields but should be both economical and environmentally sound. Previous research developed algorithms using a digital camera to determine the dark green color index (DGCI) that predicted N recommendations from leaves of maize between V6 and V10. This study evaluated those algorithms by comparing them with recommendations from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. There were no significant differences in yield between recommendations for N using the DGCI method between V6 and V10 and extension recommendations on fields with either low‐ or medium‐residual N. The DGCI method averaged about 112 and 92 kg N ha−1 less than extension recommendations in low residual N soils when 67 and 0 kg N ha−1 was applied preplant, respectively. Future research should simplify the DGCI method for use in the field and evaluate DGCI method recommendations over a range of soils and environments.

Lines, spots and trails: a microscopic and mineralogical study of antimonate-opacified glass beads from Lofkënd, Albania

This study focuses on a group of decorated glass beads (twelfth–tenth century BC), belonging to a larger assemblage that was excavated from the prehistoric burial tumulus at Lofkend, Albania. The bulk glass, opaque glass decorations, and corroded areas were examined and analyzed using variable pressure-scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (VP-SEM-EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The four glass beads analyzed were made using a plant ash-based alkali and colored with an iron containing chromophore which gave the glass its dark green color. Calcium antimonate was the predominant white opacifier used. Sodium antimonate was found as the opacifier in one sample. Its occurrence is likely accidental and formed due to a low concentration of calcium in the glass. Lead antimonate was identified in one sample and, along with calcium antimonate which was also present, would have acted as an opacifier for the white glass.

Effects of controlled atmosphere, edible coating, and 1-methylcyclopropene on improving storage quality of ‘Bartlett’ pears after long-term storage

ABSTRACTRecent trends towards greater fresh market use of ‘Bartlett’ pears has increased the need to extend its storage life to prolong the packing and marketing season in the United States Pacific Northwest region. Sixteen and 38%, respectively, of control fruit developed senescence disorders following 5 and 6 months of storage at −1.1°C. Commercial standard controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (O2 at 1.5 kPa and CO2 < 1 kPa) or edible coating (Semperfresh™, SF) prevent the appearance of senescence disorders for 5 months, but 9% and 16% of fruit, respectively, developed senescence disorders after 6 months. The combination of CA+SF completely inhibited senescence disorders for 6 months. Treatment with CA and SF, alone or in combination, maintained high-storage quality and developed ripening capacity with characteristic melting texture during storage. Senescence disorders were inhibited for 6 months by 0.3 µL l−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), alone or combination with CA or CA+SF. In part these pears developed ripening capacity after 6 months of storage. The combination of CA+SF+1-MCP maintained the highest storage quality with dark green colour and hard firmness, which might be associated and proportional with reductions in ethylene synthesis and respiration rate after long-term storage.

Effect of Paclobutrazol Application on Plant Photosynthetic Performance and Leaf Greenness of Herbaceous Peony

Paclobutrazol (PBZ) has been associated with effects on the photosynthetic capacity of plants. PBZ affects the growth and development of plants in general. However, little is known about the effects of PBZ on photosynthetic performance and related anatomical features of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) leaves. In the present study, PBZ application resulted in a significant reduction in peony plant height. Furthermore, PBZ application significantly increased photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and water use efficiency (WUE), but significantly decreased intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) at some stages from the bolting stage to the bud stage of the plants, compared to controls. Moreover, PBZ application increased the maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP) and intrinsic PSII efficiency (ΦPSII), but decreased the coefficient of non-photochemical quenching (qN) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Leaves treated with PBZ had a heavy aggregation of chloroplasts close to the cell wall, with distinct grana lamellae, more and bigger starch grains (on average for a chloroplast), and fewer plastoglobuli, as compared to the control. PBZ increased chlorophyll content (SPAD) and the number of chloroplasts in individual cells in the foliar ultrastructure. PBZ-treated leaves had a darker green color with decreased luminosity (L*) and increased hue angle (h°). The results indicated that plants treated with PBZ were superior in terms of increased photosynthetic characteristics when compared with untreated controls. The direct cause of the increase in Pn and leaf greenness of PBZ-treated P. lactiflora may be the increase in chlorophyll content.

Raman spectroscopic study on structure and phase transition of zirconium tungstate synthesized with a CO2 laser

Negative thermal expansion material of ZrW2O8 has been successfully synthesized by rapid solidification with a CO2 laser. The materials solidified in densely packed blocks with both smooth surface and dark green color. Raman spectroscopic and XRD analysis reveal that the samples solidified in an orthorhombic structure. It is analyzed that the compressive stress can be effectively reduced by lowering the laser scan speed. ZrW2O8 samples with cubic structure were produced when the laser scan speed was less than 2mm/s. The samples cooled by water are mainly dominated by α phase which demonstrates that a phase transition from γ to α has occurred after annealing.

Photosynthesis of Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) Seedling at Different Air Temperatures

Photosynthetic activities of the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) were studied to find out its sensitivity to changes in ambient air temperature. The minimum ambient air temperature designed for the experiment was 25–29 °C, while the higher end was 29–33 °C. Several photosynthetic parameters were studied to support our analysis in sago photosynthetic activity, including diurnal leaf gas exchange, assimilation rate vs. CO2 concentration, leaf greenness, leaf chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate vs. irradiance. We found that sago palm photosynthetic activity tends to be more sensitive to minimum than to maximum ambient air temperature. The plants exposed to higher air temperatures had dark green leaf color associated with higher rates of diurnal photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and rubisco limited photosynthetic activity. They also exhibited higher trend in optimum irradiance absorption level. Consequently, maximum light energy dissipation occurred at higher temperatures.

Role of nitrogen, phosphorus and bio-fertilizer in improving performance of fodder sorghum-A Review

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal fodder crop which fulfils over 2/3rd of the fodder demand during kharif season. It responds well to high doses of fertilizer due to its excellent growing habit, high potential, better nutritive value and quick regrowth. Fodder sorghum is a heavy feeder of nutrients and remove large amount of nutrients from the soil. Its yield and quality suffers heavily if proper amount of fertilizers is not applied. Nitrogen being an important constituent of chlorophyll and protein, imparts dark green colour, promotes vegetative growth, rapid early growth and improves the quality and biomass production by increasing the protein content and dry matter yield of fodder crops. Phosphorus gradually increase plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area per plant and fodder yield. Biofertilizers plays an important role in atmospheric nitrogen fixation and phosphorous solubilisation; these also help in stimulating the plant growth hormones, providing better nutrient uptake and increased tolerance towards drought and moisture stress. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this article to review works done on several aspects of nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizer management.

Effect of compositions of derivatives of oxone and carbon minerals on the growth and development of wheat crop

The purpose of the study was to discover an effect of the composition on the basis of heterocyclic series containing derivatives of oxone FGSK-2, 2 (dinitrophenylhydrazine 2, 2-dimethyltetrahydropyran-4-one) with a concentration of 0.00001%, in different proportions with 20% raw carbon mineral on the growth and development of the spring wheat under laboratory conditions. The standard techniques of seeds’ germination and plant culture were used in this study. Observations on germination, plant growth and thickness, as well as the photopigments’ content were recorded. It was observed that plants in treatment with such composition grew up very well and contained a large amount of chlorophyll. Thus, it showed the rising productivity of plant culture. We observed a stimulating effect of the 20%-concentrated shungite on seed germination of spring wheat. The results of the study showed a decrease in linearity of a bark of the axial bodies and increase in a thickness of plant stems after treatment in a 1: 1 ratio by means of the compositions of dinitrophenylhydrazine 2, 2-dimethyltetrahydropyran-4-one and shungite. Furthermore, wheat leaves had the rich dark-green colour due to chlorophyll content in wheat plant leaves of all kinds of treatment that was higher in comparison with control plants. Plants in treatment by means of composition in a 2: 1 ratio had the highest chlorophyll content. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that the treatment of spring wheat seeds by means of composition derived from oxone FGSK-2, 2 (dinitrophenylhydrazone 2, 2-dimethyltetrahydropyran-4-one) and 20%-concentrated shungite of 1: 1, 2: 1 and 1: 2 ratios showed germination. The aqueous solution of shungite in the vegetative phase of wheat had an inhibitory effect on the plant height. There was found the stimulating effect of the composition of dinitrophenylhydrazone 2, 2dimethyltetrahydropyran-4-one and carbon mineral of 1: 1, 2: 1 and 1: 2 ratios on the plant stem thickness.

Uso del fertilizante (15-20-25) en la etapa de floración de Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Se evaluaron 4 dosis del fertilizante 15-20-25 fueron 2, 3, 4 y 5 gramos por litro de agua más un testigo. El objetivo fue Determinar la mejor dosis de 15-20-25 para favorecer la floración de Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. Los resultados mostraron que la variable Contenido de clorofila a los 90 días el mejor tratamiento fue el No. 4, con54.95 unidades SPAD, con una diferencia significativa del tratamiento 5 que fue el testigo con 44.64. En la variable de Diámetro de tallo el tratamiento que tuvo mejor resultado fue el tratamiento 2 con 0.741 centímetro, teniendo una diferencia significativa con el testigo. En la variable de número de hojas, el Tratamiento que tuvo mayor número fue el 4 con un total de 20 hojas. En este sentido vemos que el tratamiento que funcionó de mejor manera y que obtuvo mayor contenido de clorofila, mayor diámetro de tallo y numero de hojas fue el tratamiento No. 4, con una dosis de 5 gramos por litro, donde se pudo observar plantas vigorosas de hojas gruesas y color verde obscuro por el alto contenido de nitrógeno registrado en la planta siendo además las que primero iniciaron la etapa de floración y mejor calidad de ramo floral.

Nitrogen (N) Mineral Nutrition and Imaging Sensors for Determining N Status and Requirements of Maize

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most limiting factors for maize (Zea mays L.) production worldwide. Over-fertilization of N may decrease yields and increase NO3− contamination of water. However, low N fertilization will decrease yields. The objective is to optimize the use of N fertilizers, to excel in yields and preserve the environment. The knowledge of factors affecting the mobility of N in the soil is crucial to determine ways to manage N in the field. Researchers developed several methods to use N efficiently relying on agronomic practices, the use of sensors and the analysis of digital images. These imaging sensors determine N requirements in plants based on changes in Leaf chlorophyll and polyphenolics contents, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Dark Green Color index (DGCI). Each method revealed limitations and the scope of future research is to draw N recommendations from the Dark Green Color Index (DGCI) technology. Results showed that more effort is needed to develop tools to benefit from DGCI.

Effect of Immature Green Tomato Fruit Color on Yellow Shoulder Incidence and Soluble Solids Content of Ripe Fruit

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeders have observed that plants with uniform green-shouldered fruit are less prone to yellow shoulder (YS) than are plants with (dark) green-shouldered tomatoes and thus have selected for tomato cultivars with uniform green-shouldered fruit. However, a recent publication reported that a cultivar with green-shouldered fruit had significantly higher soluble solids content (SSC) than an isogenic cultivar with uniform green-shouldered fruit and postulated that selection of uniform green shoulder has negatively affected tomato flavor and processing quality. Lines with dark green (u+), uniform green (u), uniform gray-green (ug), apple green (uAg), medium green, and pale green (uPg) immature fruit colors were crossed in all combinations to produce F1 plants that were self-pollinated to produce F2 seed. Parents, F1, and F2s were planted in the field in completely randomized block designs over two seasons. Plants were visually phenotyped for immature fruit color, and fruit from each plant were selected to measure shoulder and base color with a colorimeter. Ripening fruit were harvested to measure the incidence of YS, and SSC was measured on ripe fruit from each plant with a refractometer. In the spring season, fruit from F2 plants with green-shouldered fruit had significantly higher YS incidence than all phenotypes with uniform fruit colors. In the fall, phenotypes with medium-green shoulders were also tested, and these had greater YS than all other phenotypes except green shoulder. YS incidence for green shoulder was not significantly greater than that in the other phenotypes. Fla. 7956, the apple green parent, had 0% YS and appeared to be resistant. Higher SSC was observed in the spring season than in the fall season. However, in both seasons, when comparisons were made between phenotypes that segregated in the F2s, the SSC of green-shouldered phenotypes was not significantly higher than that of other phenotypes. Plants with apple green fruit tended to be higher in SSC in the fall, but this may relate to the dark green foliage of apple green plants and not just the fruit color. A hypothesis that stress may relate to reported SSC increases because of u+ is discussed.

Effect of Rolling on the Lateral Spread of Khakiweed (Alternanthera pungens Kunth)

The dark green color and abundant seed production of khakiweed (Alternanthera pungens Kunth) interfere with playability and aesthetic quality of home lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. In 2009 and 2010, the effect of rolling on lateral spread of khakiweed was investigated in Lubbock, TX. Rolling treatments were conducted using a ride‐on roller that applied a static pressure of 58 kPa at a speed of 1.55 m s−1. Weekly rolling treatments were: nonrolled, low (4 passes × 3 events), moderate (8 passes × 3 events), and high (12 passes × 3 events). Khakiweed lateral plant diameters were recorded at trial initiation and every 2 wk over 12 wk. Statistical differences in khakiweed diameters were not observed until 10 wk after initial treatment (WAIT). Nonrolled plots exhibited 30.1 cm plant diameter, similar to low rolling (24.4 cm) but greater than moderate (23.3 cm) and high (20.4 cm) rolling 10 WAIT. A decrease in plant diameter was observed in response to high rolling (19.9 cm) 12 WAIT compared with nonrolled plots (28.8 cm). Although numerically less than the nonrolled check (28.8 cm), khakiweed plant diameters in response to low (23.5 cm) and moderate (23.1 cm) rolling were statistically similar. Although rolling treatments reduced khakiweed diameter compared with the nonrolled check, plants increased in size from initial trial diameters while hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] cover decreased over time in response to high rolling. Therefore, practices that reduce soil compaction may be important to increase bermudagrass competition with khakiweed.

PRODUCTION OF FLOUR Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pernambucoensis (FACHEIRO) AND USE AS ADDITIVE IN CEREAL BARS

Summary:. The cacti are an important element of the landscape, presenting succulent stems, covered with spines of various shapes, sizes and dimensions. The facheiro (Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pernambucoensis) is a xerophytic cactacea, rugged, sparsely branched, dark green color, armed with sharp thorns, with large flowers isolated and tall. In the present work flour was produced from the stem bark and facheiro, in order to be used as an additive in proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% replacing the traditional flour, in the production of cereal bars. Were made microbiological, physico-chemical and particle size of the flour, and the final product (cereal bar). In microbiological terms the flour presented negative results for coliforms, Salmonella and B. cereus, however, showed colonies of yeasts and molds, not compromising the quality of the samples. As to the physical-chemical they are in compliance. Thus, facheiro flour is a food that can be used in the manufacture and consumption of food to be ingested by the public.

Comparison of the photosynthetic efficiency, agar yield, and properties of Gracilaria salicornia (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) with and without adelphoparasite

The red seaweed Gracilaria salicornia is widely distributed along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman sea coast. In nature, the adelphoparasite Gracilaria babae is mostly found to grow on this alga, and it appears as a gall with dark green or yellowish orange color. This study was conducted to examine the photosynthetic efficiency, agar yield, and properties of G. salicornia in plants with (PGs) and without the adelphoparasite (Gs). The results showed that the photosynthetic efficiency of the PGs and Gs was influenced by environmental factors. The agar yield extracted from the Gs was mostly lower than that from the PGs. The gelling temperature of agar solution from the PGs was lower than in the Gs but was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The gel melting point and the viscosity of the agar solution of the PGs was significantly higher than those of the Gs (p < 0.05). The gel strength and total carbohydrate content of the PGs agar were higher than those obtained from the Gs agar, except for the sample collected in June. The content of 3,6-anhydrogalactose was higher in the PGs than in the Gs collected in February and August, when the PGs agar had greater gel strength. Similarly, the PGs agar had a higher sulfate content than did the Gs agar. This study showed that changes in the photosynthetic efficiency, yield, and properties of agar extracted from G. salicornia were influenced by the environmental factors in association with the presence of the adelphoparasite G. babae.

High Frequency of Plant Regeneration through Adventitious Shoots Proliferation from Leaf Explant of Patchouli–Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth

Plant regeneration potential through adventitious shoots proliferation was studied from leaf explant of evergreen perennial aromatic herb, patchouli plant, or Pogostemon cablin. Leaf explant showed differentiation of embryogenic callus on Murashige and Skoog’s medium (MS) supplemented with 2,4-D 0.5 mg L-1, 3% sucrose and 0.9% agar. Embryogenic callus was further transfer to same medium with BA 0.5 mg L-1 produced somatic embryos and adventitious shoots having dark green colour after four weeks. The maximum range of embryogenesis frequency was 89%, depending on the BAP concentration in combination with 2,4-D. The best response was observed on MS medium containing 0.5 mg L-1 BAP along with 0.5 mg L-1 2,4-D. The embryos or adventitious shoots matured and developed on fresh MS medium with growth regulators. Maximum numbers of 74 adventitious shoots germination were observed and developed further for root induction on the medium containing 0.5 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA after six weeks of culture. Regenerated shoots were separated and rooted on same half strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l of NAA alone for three weeks. Approximately 30-105 plantlets were regenerated from each leaf explant. Well-regenerated plants grew vigorously after transplanting to a soil-less container in shade house.