Dry Root Research Articles

Root Growth in Single Shoots Tabah Bamboo Eye Cuttings (Gigantochloa nigrociliata Kurz) Using Auksin IBA (Indole Butyric Acid) and Growing Media

Tabah Bamboo has potential that needs to be developed both in the food sector, industry and environment. This type can be processed into food ingredients worth exporting, especially bamboo shoots. To meet the needs of raw materials need to multiply plants in the field through nurseries one of them using stem cuttings. Root growth is an indicator of the success of nurseries using cuttings. The research was conducted at KHDTK Rarung, Central Lombok from October 2020 until January 2021. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of concentration IBA (Indole Butyric Acid), growing media, and long soaking cuttings in the solution of IBA concentration on the growth of cutting roots. The results showed that the best root emergence time occurred in a combined concentration of 400mg.1-l IBA and soil media +cocopeat + manure. Each factor independently has a noticeable effect on the number of roots. Concentration of 400mg.1-l IBA, soaking length of 1 hour, and soil media+cocopeat+manure result in a better number of roots. Combination concentration of 400mg.1-l IBA and a 1-hour soaking length result in better root length at 43 hst, while a combined concentration of 400mg.1-l IBA and soil media + cocopeat + manure produce better root length at the age of 50 hst and 57 hst. Combination concentration of 400mg.1-l IBA, soaking length cuttings 1 hour, and soil media + cocopeat + manure produce fresh weight and dry roots best

Alteration of Hordeum vulgare and Sinapis alba germination and early growth in response to airborne low-metallic automotive brake wear debris

Road transportation significantly contributes to environmental pollution, both in terms of exhaust and non-exhaust (brake wear) emissions. As was proven, brake wear debris is released in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and compositions. Although studies confirming the possible adverse health and environmental impact of brake wear debris were published, there is no standardized methodology for their toxicity testing, and most studies focus only on one type of brake pad and/or one test. The lack of methodology is also related to the very small amount of material released during the laboratory testing. For these reasons, this study deals with the mixture of airborne brake wear debris from several commonly used low-metallic brake pads collected following the dynamometer testing. The mixture was chosen for better simulation of the actual state in the environment and to collect a sufficient amount of particles for thorough characterization (SEM, XRPD, XRF, chromatography, and particle size distribution) and phytotoxicity testing. The particle size distribution measurement revealed a wide range of particle sizes from nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, elemental and phase analysis determined the standard elements and compounds used in the brake pad formulation. The Hordeum vulgare and Sinapis alba were chosen as representatives of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. The germination was not significantly affected by the suspension of brake wear debris; however, the root elongation was negatively influenced in both cases. Sinapis alba (IC50 = 23.13 g L−1) was more affected than Hordeum vulgare (IC50 was not found in the studied concentration range) the growth of which was even slightly stimulated in the lowest concentrations of brake wear debris. The plant biomass was also negatively affected in the case of Sinapis alba, where the IC50 values of wet and dry roots were determined to be 44.83 g L−1 and 86.86 g L−1, respectively.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ БИОМЕТРИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ ПРИ ВНЕСЕНИИ КУРИНОГО ПОМЕТА

In this work, the analysis of bushiness, stem height and other biometric indicators of winter wheat was carried out. The research was carried out in the fields of the Pestrechinsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan by Ak Bars Pestretsy LLC. The soils of the studied areas are classified as light gray forest, with humus content - 3.0%, acidity - 8.0, phosphorus - 295.0 mg/kg, potassium - 70.0 mg/kg. Three plots were taken for the experiments: control - experimental plot (without the introduction of chicken manure and Mephosphon preparation), experimental 1 (rotted chicken manure was introduced), experimental 2 (chicken manure treated with Mephosphon was introduced). The aim of the research is to study the effect of chicken manure on crop yields. The experiments were carried out when sowing winter wheat of the “Skipetr-E” variety in the period from 04/19/2021 to 06/01/2021. Wheat bushiness in the soil, with the introduction of rotted chicken manure, increased by 36.84%, the weight of the raw stem by 15.9 %, dry stem weight by 22.2%, raw root weight by 138%, and dry root weight decreased by 14.3-3% compared to the control (soil without chicken manure). The bushiness of wheat in the soil, with the introduction of chicken manure treated with Mephosphon, increased by 73.68%, the weight of the raw stem by 43.74%, the weight of the dry stem by 77.7%, the weight of the raw root by 200%, and the weight of the dry root 157 % increased compared to control. Thus, the use of chicken manure treated with Mephosphone improves soil fertility due to the nutrient cycle caused by changes in the dynamics of soil microbes.

Drought Priming and Subsequent Irrigation Water Regimes Enhanced Grain Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat Crop

The most important factor impacting wheat production is water stress that occurs during the reproductive growth stage. Therefore, the plant responses and water productivity as affected by drought priming were investigated during Rabi seasons 2021 and 2022. The field trials were conducted in the research field of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. The Hamal-BNS wheat variety was subjected to differing irrigation water regime levels (40%, 50% and 60% of soil water holding capacity, SWHC) after being subjected to drought priming, irrigation water recovery (water closure period) and drought priming. There were six treatments: (1) DPP-40 (drought priming plants at 40% of SWHC), (2) DPP-50, (3) DPP-60, (4) CTP-40 (controlled treated plants at 40% of SWHC), (5) CTP-50 and (6) CTP-60. During the experiment period, soil moisture content was significantly affected by the different treatments at various growth stages of wheat. The results indicated that winter wheat pre-exposed to drought priming attained a stress imprint that improved the subsequent deficit water levels which occurred during the later plant growth stage as demonstrated by the progress of test weight, grain yield, plant level water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency as well as relative yield compared to CTP-50 (control treatment). Under the irrigation water regime levels during the post-anthesis period, primed wheat plants sustained grain yield and higher relative yield than wheat plants without priming due to the better irrigation water regime for drought-primed wheat plants. Similarly, primed wheat plants consumed 18.3% less irrigation water as compared to non-primed plants, which significantly increased plant level WUE and irrigation WUE and decreased dry biomass and root development of drought-primed wheat plants. Therefore, to conserve fresh water for other field crops and increase water productivity in the Sindh province, it is recommended that drought priming is used during the early growth period of wheat plants as a successful irrigation method.

Deficit irrigation strategies (PRD, SDI) and titanium nanoparticles improve water use efficiency and flower quality in greenhouse-grown cut roses

This study explored the use of deficit irrigation techniques for water management in the hydroponic greenhouse cultivation of cut roses. A factorial experiment was conducted using three irrigation treatments: full irrigation (FI), partial root drying (PRD), and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI), and three doses of titanium dioxide nanoparticle foliar application (0, 15, and 30 ppm) as stress alleviation. Results showed that drought stress increased biochemical parameters such as the plants' proline and total phenol content. Compared to SDI treatment, the PRD treatments have an increase in flower number by 40%. The PRD strategy has positive effects on drought tolerance by increasing osmotic and elastic adjustment. Therefore, higher relative water content and longer root length in PRD treatments were observed. Thus, Biomass water use efficiency significantly increased in PRD treatments compared to others. In the PRD treatment, yield WUE increases by 26% and 61% compared to FI and SDI, respectively. The results showed TiO2-NPs positively affected mitigating and even improving some traits in drought stress conditions. These results suggest the superiority of the PRD strategy, which improves growth characteristics and water use efficiency, leading to increased sustainability, reduced environmental impact of greenhouse toxic wastewater, and total profitability of the greenhouse.

Bacillus Strains with Catalase Enzyme Improve the Physiology and Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Catalase can decompose hydrogen peroxide in plants under controlled and stressed conditions. In a stressed environment, an increase in hydrogen peroxide production makes catalase activity a major defense system for plant growth. The current study was conducted to evaluate the catalase activity of the pre-isolated and identified bacterial strains Bacillus aryabhattai (AN30), Bacillus megaterium (AN24), Bacillus megaterium (AN31) and Bacillus megaterium (AN35) and their potential for rice seedling growth promotion. These strains were characterized for quantitative catalase, urease, siderophore and exopolysaccharide production using LB media. Subsequently, the effectiveness of these strains was checked by quantifying the catalase activity in the rhizosphere, roots and shoots of rice seedlings. The secretion of organic and phenolic compounds produced by the tested strains in liquid culture was also investigated. Plant growth parameters were also studied in a growth room trial. Our results showed that the strain AN24 showed the maximum catalase activity (1.36 mol cm−1), urease activity (1.35 mol cm−1) and exopolysaccharide (4.20 µg mL−1) and siderophore (2.32%) production in LB media. All tested strains showed significantly higher catalase activity in soil compared to the control. Among sole applications, strain AN24 showed better results; however, the consortium application of strains AN24 + AN30 + AN35 + AN31 showed the maximum improvement in dry biomass, shoot and root length, and increase in catalase activity of rice seedlings. The results showed that a consortium of these Bacillus strains with catalase activity has greater potential to enhance the antioxidant defense system and growth promotion of rice seedlings. However, further experimentation under natural conditions is required before using these strains as potential bioinoculants for improving rice growth and yield.

Sweetpotato cultivation: characteristics, constraints and preferred traits of producers and consumers in Côte d'Ivoire.

In an environment where the adoption of improved varieties resulting from plant breeding programs is limited, it is essential to identify end-user preferences beforehand. A participatory survey was conducted in eight localities in Korhogo and Bouaké regions (central and northern Cote d'Ivoire respectively) to identify producers' preferences and increase the adoption of improved varieties. The study involved 160 producers and consumers through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Sweetpotato is mostly grown on small plots (<1 ha) of land (89.2%), with women (66%) as the main producers. In the Bouaké region, sweetpotatoes are grown on mounds (100%), whereas in Korhogo they are grown on ridges (86.2%). The main food products or forms of preparation from roots are fries (34.7%), boiled (34.3%), mashed (12.4%), and sweetpotato stew (9.1%). Major constraints, including low price of roots (26.3%), low productivity (16.2%), and post-harvest storage issues (14.5%), were identified as affecting sweetpotato production. The selection of new varieties should be oriented towards high-yielding varieties with high dry matter content, deployed stems, and roots of round, oblong, or elliptical shape with good culinary characteristics (dry matter, sweet taste, dry texture, absence of fiber). Plants must be drought resistant, be tolerant to poor soil, diseases, and pests, and have a good yield. The color of skin and flesh of the sweetpotato, although constituting criteria of choice, are not essential for the acceptance or the rejection of a variety by users. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Seed Priming and Growing Medium on Germination and Seedling Vigour of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

A field experiment was conducted in 2020–21 at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur. The AFRBD (Asymmetrical Factorial Randomized Block Design) was set up with 20 distinct treatment combinations of soil media Soil + Sand, Soil + Vermicompost, Soil + Sand + Vermicompost, Soil +Vermicompost + Biofertisol, Soil + Vermicompost + Azatobactor + PSB + KSB and plant growth regulator i.e. GA3 0 ppm (control), GA3 100 ppm, GA3 200 ppm, GA3 300 ppm. The vigour and germination of seeds were significantly impacted by the type of media used and the usage of plant growth regulators. In regard to the growth parameter, better values for seedling height, number of leaves and stem girth at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing were found with treatment GA3 200 ppm. Growth metrics, such as root length, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight and dry root weight at 120 days, revealed improved results with a higher vigour index when the combination of GA3 200 ppm + growing medium (soil+ vermicompost+ Biofertisol) were applied. The GA3 200 ppm with growing medium (Soil+ Vermicompost+ Biofertisol) were proven to be better in terms of the seed germination parameters. Minimum time was taken for seed germination and increased seed germination percentage had been recorded at 30 days after planting.

Growth response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) exposed to Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas stutzeri, and Pseudomonas gessardii in lead contaminated soil

Lead (Pb) is a major contaminant among heavy metals in the soil environment that has negative impacts on the growth of plants, which ultimately cause health risk via entering into the food chain. In this regard, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) might improve plant growth by counteracting the harmful effects of Pb stress. Therefore, the present pot study was conducted to evaluate the role of PGPR in improving the growth of cowpea in Pb-contaminated soil. Three different concentrations of Pb (250, 350, and 750 mg kg−1) were applied alone (control) and in combination with bacterial inoculums [S1 (Pseudomonas fluorescens), S2 (Pseudomonas stutzeri) and S3 (Pseudomonas gessardii)] using completely randomized design each with three replicates. Results showed that plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, shoot length, root length, and chlorophyll contents of cowpea plants were improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by applying bacterial isolates as compared to the un-inoculated contaminated control. Among bacterial isolates, S3 performed better as compared to other bacterial isolates. The maximum increase in plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, shoot length, root length, and chlorophyll content was observed under S3 bacterial strain. Bacterial inoculation also enhanced the Pb concentration in the plant and the maximum uptake was recorded under S3 bacterial strain at 750 mg kg−1. Consequently, it has been concluded that PGPR has the great potential to enhance the plant growth and physiological characteristics of cowpea in Pb-contaminated sites and can also be used for bioremediation purposes.

The Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana Alleviates Adverse Effects of Salt Stress in Potato Plants

The considerable decrease in crop productivity associated with the expansion of saline soils is an acute problem in agriculture. Endophytic fungi positively affect plant fitness under salinity conditions. The effects of potato inoculation with the conidia of the Beauveria bassiana strain Sar-31 on growth (the weight of fresh and dry biomass, shoot and root length, numbers of stolons and leaves, and the leaf surface) and physiological indices (the concentration of pigments, free proline and malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzymes’ activity) were evaluated under moderate chloride salinity (100 mM). The results indicated that the plant’s association with the fungus mitigated the negative impact of salinity probably because of the activation of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of free proline in potato tissues. Moreover, under the influence of B. bassiana Sar-31, the number of stolons significantly increased, which is one of the main characteristics of potato as an agricultural crop. Thus, Sar-31 may be a promising candidate for further investigation of its ability to stimulate growth and increase the stress tolerance of potato plants.

Study on the plant and fish production in the aquaponic system as affected by different hydraulic loading rates

Aquaponics is the combined culture of fish and plants in recirculating aquaculture systems, considered to be an innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable technology. The effect of the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) on the performance of fish and plants in the aquapoinc system was the main aim of this study. Four hydraulic loading rates were applied, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 m day−1 under stocking density tilapia fish of 5 kg m−3 and lettuce population of 25 plant m−2 for a period of January to March, 2023. Water parameters, plant and fish parameters were determined. The most important results revealed that the highest plant nutrients removal was at HLR of 2.4 m day−1. The highest value of water parameters were found at the HLR of 2.4 m day−1. Root length increased with increasing HLR. Fresh and dry shoot and root weight values were higher at 2.4 m day−1 compared to other treatments under study. Meanwhile, fish growth parameter showed higher values at the HLR of 3.0 m day−1 compared to other treatments. The highest values of weight gain, feed growth rate, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were 81.72 g, 1.36 g day−1, 1.88% day−1 and 1.20 g feed g−1 fish, respectively, for all treatments under study.

Okra productivity and nutrient concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting parts as a result of mineral fertilization and fertilizer application sites

A field experiment was carried out in one of the farms in the district of Al-Suwaira-Wasit governorate for the 2021 agricultural season. To find out the effect of adding levels of NPK and the places of addition on their concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting part and the productivity of the okra crop. Six treatments were produced from the fertilizers levels, and the addition distances are C2D2, C2D1, C1D2, C1D1, C0D2, and C0D1. With three replications, experimental units become 18 units. A completely randomized block design (RCBD) was used to distribute treatments. The dry weight and root diameters of the plant were taken, and the NPK concentrations were estimated in the vegetative part at the end of the season, as well as the NPK concentrations in the fruiting part of the first and last fairies and the cumulative yield was taken. The results showed a significant effect of NPK levels on nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting parts, while the effect was not significant on potassium concentration. The position of the fertilizer application did not significantly affect the concentration of NPK in the plant. The second level of fertilization, C2, had a significant effect on the dry weight of the plant, while the fertilization levels had no significant effect on the diameter of the roots. Fertilizer levels had a significant effect on yield. Keywords: mineral fertilization, application sites, NPK, okra.

Phytotoxicity of nitrobenzene bioaccumulation in rice seedlings: Nitrobenzene inhibits growth, induces oxidative stress, and reduces photosynthetic pigment synthesis

Nitrobenzene (NB) has been used in numerous industrial and agricultural fields as an organic compound intermediate. NB has mutagenicity and acute toxicity, and is typically a toxic pollutant in industrial wastewater worldwide. To evaluate its phytotoxicity, we treated rice (Oryza sativa) with different concentrations of NB (0, 5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg L−1). NB inhibited growth indices of rice (shoot and root length, fresh shoot and root weight, and dry shoot and root weight) as NB treatment concentrations increased. High concentrations (>25 mg L−1) of NB significantly inhibited rice root and shoot growth; root growth was more susceptible to NB. NB treatment could damage the structure and reduce the activity of rice seedling roots. The result of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicated that the bioaccumulation of NB in rice seedlings had a dose-dependent effect on the growth inhibition. NB reduced the photosynthetic pigment content and the expression levels of chlorophyll synthesis genes. NB treatment increased active oxygen radicals, electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and soluble sugar contents. The expressions of antioxidant enzyme genes were induced by NB stress, and exhibited a phenomenon of initial increase followed by decrease. When the NB concentration was higher than 50 mg L−1, the gene expression levels decreased rapidly. This study provides insight into the association between exposure to NB and its phytotoxic effects on rice seedlings, and assesses the potential risk of NB bioaccumulation for crops that require a large amount of irrigation water.

Saikosaponin a activates tet1/dll3/notch1 signalling and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis to improve depression-like behavior in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRadix Bupleuri, also named “Chaihu” in Chinese, is a substance derived from the dry roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. [Apiaceae] and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. [Apiaceae]. Radix Bupleuri was initially recorded as a medicinal herb in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the earliest monograph concerning traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Ever since, Radix Bupleuri has been broadly used to alleviate exterior syndrome, disperse heat, modulate the liver-qi, and elevate yang-qi in TCM. Radix Bupleuri has also been utilized as an important component in Xiaoyaosan, a classical formula for relieving depression, which was originated from the famous Chinese medical book called “Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang” in Song Dynasty. Currently, many valuable pharmacological effects of Radix Bupleuri have been explored, such as antidepressant, neuroprotective activities, antiinflammation, anticancer, immunoregulation, etc. Former studies have illustrated that Saikosaponin A (SSa), one of the primary active components of Radix Bupleuri, possesses potential antidepressant properties. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain unknown. Aim of the studyWe used a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) mouse model to explore the ameliorative effects and potential mechanisms of SSa in depressive disorder in vivo. Materials and methodsThe CSDS mouse model was established and mice underwent behavioral studies using assays such as the social interaction test (SIT), sucrose preference test (SPT), forced-swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT). Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and Golgi staining were performed to investigate signaling pathway activity, and alterations in synaptic spines in the hippocampus. To model the anticipated interaction between SSa and Tet1, molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis (MST) techniques were employed. Finally, sh-RNA Tet1 was employed for validation via lentiviral transfection in CSDS mice to confirm the requirement of Tet1 for SSA efficacy. ResultsSSa dramatically reduced depressed symptoms, boosted the expression of Tet1, Notch, DLL3, and BDNF, encouraged hippocampus development, and enhanced the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons. In contrast, Tet1 knockdown in CSDS mice dampened the beneficial effects of SSa on depressive symptoms. ConclusionsTherefore, our results suggest that SSa significantly activates the Tet1/Notch/DLL3 signaling pathways and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis to exert antidepressant effects in the CSDS mouse model in vivo. The present results also provide new insight into the importance of the Tet1/DLL3/Notch pathways as potential targets for novel antidepressant development.

Influence of Biomass Characters of Different Grafted Scion on the Rootstock of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) under Shade Net Condition of Prayagraj Region, India

The experiment was conducted during the year 2019-20 &amp; 2021-22, at Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj with the object to study the success and initial Biomass characters of the grafts of some important varieties of mango under net house condition. The experiment consists of ten different varieties of mango Amrapali, KishanBhog, Gulabkhas, Kesar, Totapuri, Dasheri, Malgoa, Himsagar, Nisar Pasand &amp; Bombay Green as treatments and replicated thrice in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The results of present investigation clearly showed that, grafts of different mango varieties studied had a significant influence on the maximum values of biomass characters like Length of tap root (25.97 cm), No. of secondary roots (37.73) was recorded in kesar. Fresh shoot weight (19.37 g) , Dry shoot weight (g) (11.19 g), Fresh root weight (9.66 g), Dry root weight (5.04 g ) was found maximum in Dasheri. Shoot root ratio (Fresh on weight basis) (2.75g) and Shoot root ratio (Dry on weight basis) (2.77 g) was maximum in Amrapali.

Standardization of Cultivation Practices of Kod (Kutaki, Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.): An Endangered Medicinal Plant Species of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herbaceous alpine species commonly known as Kod or Kutaki, used by local and tribal people for curing fever, asthma, jaundice, stomach ache, indigestion, common fever and bronchial asthma. This has resulted in the loss of biodiversity of the species. Roots of P. kurroa have been used in traditional medicine for years for treating various kinds of diseases. The species has been ruthlessly harvested from the wild source and has become endangered. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to standardize the cultivation practices using organic manures and inorganic fertilizers in P. kurroa. The experiment comprised of 28 treatments {M1P0N0, M1P0N1, M1P0N2, M1P1N0, M1P1N1, M1P1N2, M1P2N0, M1P2N1, M1P2N2, M2P0N0, M2P0N1, M2P0N2, M2P1N0, M2P1N1, M2P1N2, M2P2N0, M2P2N1, M2P2N2, M3P0N0, M3P0N1, M3P0N2, M3P1N0, M3P1N1, M3P1N2, M3P2N0, M3P2N1, M3P2N2 and M0P0N0} with three replications each, including one control treatment. The dry root weight recorded by the application of poultry (20 tonnes ha-1), sheep (25 tonnes ha-1) and farm yard manure (25 tonnes ha-1), was 533.60, 509.60 and 476.70 kg ha-1, respectively. Dry root yield increased significantly with increasing levels of phosphorus (453.6 to 550.4 kg ha-1), and nitrogen (444.8 to 565.6 kg ha-1) as well. Application of organic manure and higher levels of inorganic fertilizers resulted in increase in the root weight with maximum dry root biomass of 640.00 kg ha-1 was observed in treatment M1 P2 N2 (20 tonnes of PM, 100 kg P and 150 Kg N ha-1) compared to the lowest dry yield of 328.0 kg ha-1 as observed in control treatment M0P0N0 (zero tonnes of FYM, 0 kg P and 0 kg N ha-1), although the effect of their interaction was non-significant. It is concluded that highest dry weight of root (692.80 kg ha-1) in P. kurroa was obtained by the application of phosphorus @ 100 kg ha-1 as compared to various organic manures or/different levels of nitrogen used and among the organic manures used viz. poultry, sheep and farmyard manure, the highest root biomass of 533.60 kg ha-1 was recorded by the application of poultry manure. Since the species in Kashmir Himalayan region is endangered but has high commercial demand, hence immediate conservation measures are needed to protect the species from extinction.

The Natural Alternatives: The Impact of Plant Extracts on Snowbush (Breynia disticha Forst.) Cuttings’ Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics

The utilization of cuttings remains a prevalent method for vegetative propagation in various plant species. Synthetic rooting hormones have conventionally been employed to enhance the rooting process; however, their high cost and potential environmental risks have necessitated the exploration of natural alternative compounds. In this study, the efficacy of natural plant extracts (pure honey, aloe extract, willow extract, moringa extract, and cinnamon powder) and synthetic auxin derivatives (indole-3-butyric acid and α-naphthaleneacetic acid) at a concentration of 2000 ppm was compared for their influence on rooting and vegetative growth of snowbush (Breynia disticha) cuttings, a significant ornamental and medicinal shrub. Results demonstrated that while the synthetic hormones produced the highest survival percentages and root number, the roots were consistently short, thick, friable, and largely void of secondary roots. Conversely, the alternative natural plant extracts, particularly aloe extract, exhibited promising outcomes, showcasing good rooting percentage and root number, significantly increased root length, and fresh and dry root weight. Furthermore, aloe extract demonstrated the potential to enhance shoot length and alter the chemical constituents of the cuttings. The highest values of total phenols and nitrogen percentage were recorded with cuttings treated with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by cuttings treated with aloe extract. While using aloe extract, we recorded the highest values of total carbohydrates, phosphorus, and potassium percentages. Notably, the highest endogenous levels of indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid, along with the lowest abscisic acid concentration in cutting tissues, were associated with the highest rooting percentage observed with indole-3-butyric acid, followed by the use of aloe extract. We hypothesized that natural plant extracts, specifically aloe extract, have potential as a viable alternative for synthetic auxins in promoting successful rooting and vegetative growth in snowbush cuttings. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of these natural compounds in vegetative propagation techniques.

Initial growth of seedlings in two yellow melon cultivars with seed reuse

Farmers adopt sowing in melon seedling production using hybrid seeds, which increases production costs, making crop management more expensive. At the same time, small producers reduce these costs by reusing seeds over successive generations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds from two yellow melon cultivars across two generations based on the initial growth components of the seedlings. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment was tested (2 yellow melon cultivars (cv. Gladial and Gold Mine) × 2 generations - F1 and F2), using 5 replicates with 20 seeds per replicate, totaling 100 plants. To determine the physiological quality of the seeds, the following measurements were made: dry mass of the aerial part (g per plant), height of the aerial part (cm), stem diameter (cm), dry root mass (g per plant), germination percentage (%), seedling emergence (%), speed of emergence (index), abnormal seedlings (%) and non-viable seeds (%). The variable values were subjected to analysis of variance with the application of the F-test at the 5% probability level. The cultivars influence the dry mass of the root, emergence percentage, and emergence speed index. The results obtained from the generations show negative effects on various variables, mainly on unviable and abnormal seeds, due to the attack of phytopathogenic fungi. The Gold Mine cultivar presents seeds of better physiological quality and are more vigorous.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce severity of fusariosis (Fusarium oxysporum) in cowpea plants (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)

Mycorrhizal symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provides plants with high nutrient absorption and non-nutritional benefits such as resistance to diseases. Fusariosis (Fusarium oxysporum) affects cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) production, which is a common culture in household farms in the northeast region of Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of native AMF from Maranhão Cerrado to provide resistance/non-nutritional benefits to cowpea plants infected with F. oxysporum f.sp. tracheiphilum. The bioassay was conducted using cowpea plants to assess their responses to different AMF species and F. oxysporum under controlled greenhouse conditions. Vegetative development of cowpeas (fresh and dry shoot and root mass, leaf number, and plant height) benefited from AMF symbiosis, especially with Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Acaulospora morrowiae. All AMF species reduced the severity score of the disease, confirming the potential use of mycorrhizal fungi species to reduce F. oxysporum damage in cowpea cultures.

Influence of Seed Cake as Organic Fertilizer on Growth, Dry Matter Production and Root Development of Two Cultivars of C4 Plant, Maize (Zea mays) under Lab Conditions

A pot culture experiment was conducted with the C4 plant (Zea mays) in the lab during the period of vegetative growth to evaluate the influence of organic fertilizer in the form of mustard oil seed cake on growth, biomass yield and root development of two maize cultivars, hybrid yellow and hybrid purple. The seed cake fertilizer treatments imposed in the experiment were control (T0), others at 2.6%, 3.5% and 4.4% of soil weight respectively against T1, T2 and T3 treatment. The results indicated moderately elevated seed cake application showed considerable improvement in vegetative growth and the plant biomass components including height and other morphological parameters as leaf numbers, length of leaves, number of node and internodal distance per plant, root yield, fresh weight and dry matter production including the root to shoot ratio of the plants, in both the cultivars and in most of the cases found highest in hybrid yellow compared to hybrid purple. Among the plant components, shoot, root dry weight and root to shoot ratio had the greatest decrease under fertilizer deficiency at control (T0) treatment. Among the different doses of seed cake applications, the highest values recorded at moderate treatments for most of the parameters, both at vegetative growth and post harvesting after three months of experiment.&#x0D; The result shows that morphological parameters, biomass yield and its components of the plant were maximum when fertilized with seed cake at 2.6 % and 3.5% of soil weight in treatments T1 and T2, found to be the perfect doses of fertilizer for the maize vegetative growth and biomass yield compared to T0 and other treatments. So, based on the result it can be concluded that T1 and T2 treatment is the best fertilizer treatment for the hybrid yellow maize yield.