Dry Weight Accumulation Research Articles

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Genes in the 20-Hydroxyecdysone Biosynthesis in the Fern Microsorum scolopendria towards Challenges with Foliar Application of Chitosan.

Microsorum scolopendria is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the Polypodiaceae family. In this study, we analyzed the effects of foliar spraying of chitosan on growth promotion and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) production in M. scolopendria. Treatment with chitosan at a concentration of 50 mg/L in both young and mature sterile fronds induced the highest increase in the amount of accumulated 20E. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 3552 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to chitosan treatment. The identified DEGs were associated with 236 metabolic pathways. We identified several DEGs involved in the terpenoid and steroid biosynthetic pathways that might be associated with secondary metabolite 20E biosynthesis. Eight upregulated genes involved in cholesterol and phytosterol biosynthetic pathway, five upregulated genes related to the methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) and mevalonate (MVA) pathways, and several DEGs that are members of cytochrome P450s and ABC transporters were identified. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR confirmed the results of RNA-sequencing. Taken together, we showed that chitosan treatment increased plant dry weight and 20E accumulation in M. scolopendria. RNA-sequencing and DEG analyses revealed key enzymes that might be related to the production of the secondary metabolite 20E in M. scolopendria.

Effect of Duration of LED Lighting on Growth, Photosynthesis and Respiration in Lettuce.

Parameters of illumination including the spectra, intensity, and photoperiod play an important role in the cultivation of plants under greenhouse conditions, especially for vegetables such as lettuce. We previously showed that illumination by a combination of red, blue, and white LEDs with a high red light intensity, was optimal for lettuce cultivation; however, the effect of the photoperiod on lettuce cultivation was not investigated. In the current work, we investigated the influence of photoperiod on production (total biomass and dry weight) and parameters of photosynthesis, respiration rate, and relative chlorophyll content in lettuce plants. A 16 h (light):8 h (dark) illumination regime was used as the control. In this work, we investigated the effect of photoperiod on total biomass and dry weight production in lettuce plants as well as on photosynthesis, respiration rate and chlorophyll content. A lighting regime 16:8 h (light:dark) was used as control. A shorter photoperiod (8 h) decreased total biomass and dry weight in lettuce, and this effect was related to the suppression of the linear electron flow caused by the decreasing content of chlorophylls and, therefore, light absorption. A longer photoperiod (24 h) increased the total biomass and dry weight, nevertheless an increase in photosynthetic processes, light absorption by leaves and chlorophyll content was not recorded, nor were differences in respiration rate, thus indicating that changes in photosynthesis and respiration are not necessary conditions for stimulating plant production. A simple model to predict plant production was also developed to address the question of whether increasing the duration of illumination stimulates plant production without inducing changes in photosynthesis and respiration. Our results indicate that increasing the duration of illumination can stimulate dry weight accumulation and that this effect can also be induced using the equal total light integrals for day (i.e., this stimulation can be also caused by increasing the light period while decreasing light intensity). Increasing the duration of illumination is therefore an effective approach to stimulating lettuce production under artificial lighting.

Gradually increasing light intensity during the growth period increases dry weight production compared to constant or gradually decreasing light intensity in lettuce

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of gradually increasing or decreasing photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) during cultivation compared to a constant PPFD on biomass production. Lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L. ‘Expertise’) were grown in climate rooms in which every three days the PPFD was increased by 16 µmol m−2 s−1 (from 140 to 300 µmol m−2 s−1 from day 0 to 30), decreased (from 300 to 140 µmol m−2 s−1), or kept constant (221 µmol m−2 s−1), while the total light integral at the end of the cultivation period (30 d) was the same for all three treatments. Gradually increasing PPFD resulted in a 16 or 13% increase in total plant dry weight compared to treatments with decreasing or constant PPFD, respectively. This increase was explained by a higher light interception mainly because, in this treatment, most of the light was provided at the end of the cultivation period when the leaf area index was high. Consequently, the light use efficiency based on incident PPFD was highest when PPFD gradually increased, even though the light use efficiency based on intercepted PPFD was highest when PPFD gradually decreased during cultivation. Despite the higher shoot dry weight when PPFD gradually increased, shoot fresh weight was not significantly affected by the light treatments. This difference in response between fresh and dry weight resulted from a higher shoot dry matter content when PPFD gradually increased. Our results show that gradually increasing PPFD had a positive effect on dry weight accumulation and increased dry matter content, but did not affect the shelf life. So, although vertical farms enable growers to keep all conditions constant, some dynamic variation of conditions might be needed for optimizing the light use efficiency.

Crescimento e acúmulo de macronutrientes em tomateiro cultivado em sistema orgânico

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the growth and nutrient absorption of ‘Debora Victory’ tomato grown in organic system. The treatments consisted of nine sampling dates, at 2, 32, 46, 60, 77, 91, 109, 122 and 137 days after transplantation (DAT). In the last sampling, plants reached an estimated accumulation of dry and fresh weight in plant shoots of 550 and 9,528 g/plant, respectively. At the end of the cycle, the distribution of dry matter was 73% in the fruits, 16% in the leaves and 11% in the stem. The yield of total fresh fruits was estimated at 154.7 t/ha. The decreasing order of nutrient accumulation in plant shoots was K>N>Ca>P>S>Mg, with estimated values of 22.6; 10.4; 5.0; 2.3; 2.1 and 1.6 g/plant, respectively, corresponding to 431; 198; 95; 44; 40 and 30 kg/ha of K, N, Ca, P, S and Mg, respectively. The decreasing order of nutrient accumulation in the fruits was K>N>P>S>Mg>Ca, with estimated values of 16.6; 8.4; 1.7; 0.8; 0.7 and 0.2 g/plant, respectively, which corresponded to an estimated total extraction of 315; 153; 32; 16; 14 and 3 kg/ha of K, N, P, S, Mg and Ca, respectively. In the last sampling, the greatest accumulation of N, P and K occurred in the fruits and Ca, S and Mg in the vegetative organs (stem + leaves).

Effects of different nitrogen/phosphorus ratios on the growth and metabolism of microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus cultured in the mixed wastewater from primary settling tank and sludge thickener

Microalgae has great potential in wastewater treatment and resource utilization, but few studies have explored the impact mechanism of pollutants on its biochemical compositions. In this study, the effects of different ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus (N/P) on microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus grown in the mixed wastewater from primary settling tank (PSW) and sludge thickener (STW) were investigated. The optimum N/P ratio for the growth of S. obliquus was determined by nutrient utilization rates and the growth curve. On this basis, the effects of different N/P ratios on its biochemical compositions were explored, and reasons were further analyzed by proteomics. Results showed that at N/P=18, the growth of S. obliquus was optimal (OD680=2.34). And dry weight, lipid production, and chlorophyll-a accumulation were highest (1.70 g·L-1, 0.49 g·L-1, 7.43 mg·L-1), whereas protein production was lowest (0.10 g·L-1). Proteomic results showed that the metabolic activities of S. obliquus cells were the most active at N/P=18. Productivity processes were involved in protein up-regulation, producing more energy. Furthermore, lipid metabolism and fatty acid synthesis pathways were strengthened. The ribosome synthesis activity was significantly enhanced, but the protein content was low, which might attribute to the energy generated by the production activity for other activities.

Increased ATPase activity promotes heat-resistance, high-yield, and high-quality traits in rice by improving energy status.

Heat stress during the reproductive stage results in major losses in yield and quality, which might be mainly caused by an energy imbalance. However, how energy status affected heat response, yield and quality remains unclear. No relationships were observed among the heat resistance, yield, and quality of the forty-nine early rice cultivars under normal temperature conditions. However, two cultivars, Zhuliangyou30 (ZLY30) and Luliangyou35 (LLY35), differing in heat resistance, yield, and quality were detected. The yield was higher and the chalkiness degree was lower in ZLY30 than in LLY35. Decreases in yields and increases in the chalkiness degree with temperatures were more pronounced in LLY35 than in ZLY30. The accumulation and allocation (ratio of the panicle to the whole plant) of dry matter weight and non-structural carbohydrates were higher in ZLY30 than in LLY35 across all sowing times and temperatures. The accumulation and allocation of dry matter weight and non-structural carbohydrates in panicles were higher in ZLY30 than in LLY35. Similar patterns were observed in the relative expression levels of sucrose unloading related genes SUT1 and SUT2 in grains. The ATP content was higher in the grains of LLY35 than in ZLY30, whereas the ATPase activity, which determined the energy status, was significantly lower in the former than in the latter. Thus, increased ATPase activity, which improved the energy status of rice, was the factor mediating the balance among heat-resistance, high-yield, and high-quality traits in rice.

Combining green manure and cattle manure to improve biomass, essential oil, and thymol production in Thymus vulgaris L.

Green manure can be used as an alternative to animal manure and organic compounds and can also be part of the management practices for medicinal plant production systems. The objective of this study was to use a combination of sunn hemp ( Crotalaria juncea ) and cattle manure in the fertilization of Thymus vulgaris L. plants to design better production strategies. The effects on vegetative growth , nutrient accumulation, essential oil production and chemical composition, photosynthetic pigments , and antioxidant activity were investigated. On the basis of four rates of cattle manure (0, 3, 6, and 9 kg m −2 ), additional four rates of green manure (0, 3, 6, and 9 kg m −2 sunn hemp) were added to each rate of cattle manure plus a positive control treatment (chemical fertilizer), totaling 17 treatments. The combination of organic manures (green and cattle manure) as well as the chemical fertilizer positively affected the dry weight of thyme leaves, stems, and roots. The combination of the highest doses of cattle and sunn hemp manure (9 kg·m −2 and 9 kg·m −2 , respectively) resulted in an accumulation of total dry weight 10 times greater than that of the treatment without fertilization, which was significantly higher than that of the control treatment (0 kg m −2 cattle manure and 0 kg m −2 sunn hemp). Only application of green manure ( Crotalaria juncea ) has positive affected in dry weight. Significant increases in total and a and b chlorophylls and carotenoids were observed in thyme plants with the use of organic fertilizers . The essential oil production and chemical composition were improved by organic fertilization. The highest percentage of thymol (65.42%) was obtained in the group with 9 kg m −2 cattle manure and 3 kg·m −2 green manure. The application of both cattle manure and green manure increased the antioxidant activity of thyme, and this activity was correlated with high levels of carotenoids. The combined use of green and cattle manures is an inexpensive way to increase the yield of thyme and its essential oil and thymol production, and it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and thus is ecologically sound for the cultivation of medicinal plants. • Green manure improves the production and quality of thyme cultivation. • Essential oil and thymol are responsive to combined organic fertilization. • Organic fertilizer combination improves growth and antioxidant response. • Cattle manure in thyme fertilization results in better plant performance. • Nutrients in leaves was high under cultivation at the highest organic fertilization.

The Effects of Temperature and Water on the Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

The seed germination and seedling growth of rapeseed are crucial stages in plant life, especially when facing abiotic stresses. In the present work, the effects of water and temperature on seed germination and seedling growth were investigated in a rapeseed crop (Brassica napus L.). The plants were examined under different temperature levels (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C) and water levels (twenty-nine levels based on either one-milliliter intervals or as a percentage of the thousand-kernel weight (TKW)). Moreover, planting densities and antifungal application techniques were investigated in the study. The findings demonstrated substantial variations between all the growth parameters investigated at all the tested temperatures, and 20 °C was considered the optimum within a broad range of 15-25 °C. Water availability plays a significant role in germination, which can be initiated at 0.65 mL, corresponding to 500% of the TKW. The method of TKW is a more accurate aspect of water application because of the consideration of the seed weight and size. The optimal water range for the accumulation of dry weight, 3.85-5.9 mL (2900-4400% of TKW), was greater than that required for seedling growth, 1.45-3.05 mL (1100-2300% of TKW). Twenty to twenty-five seeds per 9 cm Petri dish exhibited the most outstanding values compared to the others, which provides an advantage in breeding programs, especially when there are seed limitations. Seed priming is a more effective antifungal application strategy. These data can be incorporated into future rapeseed germination in vitro studies, breeding programs, and sowing date predictions.

Relative growth response of some barley genotypes to deficient and adequate phosphorus levels

A pot experiment was conducted to study genotypes variation for P Uptake and utilization efficiency in four barley genotypes (Tramilo, Rahan, B12-3 and M97( to P applied at adequate and deficient levels (0 and 100 ppm P resp). Phosphorus level and variety interaction was significant for almost all the parameters studied. Substantial differences were observed among genotypes for accumulation of shoot and root dry weight , total biomass and relative reduction in shoot biomass due to phosphorus stress.
 Phosphorus stress factor ranged between 27.7% to 43.1% that is 2 folds differences in relative reduction in shoot dry weight due phosphorus stress factor among genotypes. Phosphorus utilization efficiency was almost doubled in the genotypes that were grown with no phosphorus supply compared to these grown with 100 ppm P supply. P concentration and uptake in genotypes were significantly different at deficient and adequate phosphorus levels.

Different types of explants and natural ventilation systems influence the accumulation of dry weight and of total phenolic compounds in Aloysia gratissima (Verbenaceae)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of different natural ventilation systems on the growth and accumulation of total phenolic compounds in Aloysia gratissima. Nodal and apical segments with 1 pair of leaves were inoculated in flasks containing ½ MS culture medium without sucrose and supplemented with 0.1 mg L-1 indole-butyric acid. The cultivation systems included a conventional system (NMS) and alternative membrane systems with 1 (AMS1), 2 (AMS2) and 4 (AMS4) low-cost membranes. After 30 days, the in vitro growth, leaf area, dry weight and accumulation of phenolic compounds were evaluated. Plantlets from apical segments showed superior results in all variables analyzed. The use of the NMS compromised plantlet growth. However, improved results were obtained with the use of porous membranes, with the best growth observed in AMS4. The leaf area of plantlets originating from apical segments was 3.03 times greater than that of plantlets from nodal segments. Plantlets in the NMS had the lowest values of leaf area, root length, number of leaves and dry weight. However, the use of membranes allowed higher growth. The AMS4 treatment increased the leaf dry weight accumulation by 6.13-fold compared to that obtained with the NMS treatment. The accumulation of total phenolic compounds increased with the use of greater numbers of porous membranes. The use of apical segments and lids with 4 porous membranes is recommended for micropropagation of the species. The use of an alternative membrane system positively influences the accumulation of total phenolic compounds.

Exploring the mechanism of the antithrombotic effects of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii based on network pharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevancePueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii (Benth.) Maesen are nutritious medicine food homology plants that are widely used in the food and health products industry and are excellent natural materials for the development of new health foods, with great potential for domestic and foreign markets. Clinically, P. lobata and P. thomsonii are used to treat coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction and other cardiovascular diseases, and antithrombotic actions may be their core effect in the treatment of thrombotic diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of the antithrombotic properties of P. lobata and P. thomsonii have not been clarified. MethodsFirst, P. lobata and P. thomsonii were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An arteriovenous bypass thrombosis rat model was established. Thrombus dry‒wet weight, platelet accumulation rate and the four coagulation indices, including activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (FIB), were detected in plasma to manifest the P. lobata and P. thomsonii antithrombotic function. Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods were used to obtain key targets and verify reliability. David 6.8 was used for GO and KEGG analyses to explore pathways and potential targets for P. lobata and P. thomsonii antithrombotic functions. Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe results indicated that P. lobata and P. thomsonii can reduce thrombus dry‒wet weight and platelet accumulation in rats and inhibit TT, APTT, FIB, and PT. A comprehensive network pharmacology approach successfully identified 9 active ingredients in P. lobata and P. thomsonii. The main active ingredients include polyphenols, amino acids and flavonoids. A total of 15 antithrombotic function targets were obtained, including 3 key targets (PTGS2, NOS3, MPO). Pathway analysis showed 10 significant related pathways and 29 biological processes. P. lobata and P. thomsonii inhibited platelet aggregation by upregulating PGI2 and downregulating TXA2, inhibited PTGS2 to reduce inflammation, and increased the level of eNOS to promote vasodilation. In addition, P. lobata and P. thomsonii alleviated oxidative stress by increasing SOD levels and significantly decreasing MDA contents. ConclusionThe results of the study further clarify the antithrombotic mechanism of action of P. lobata and P. thomsonii, which provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs for thrombogenic diseases and lays the foundation for the development of P. lobata and P. thomsonii herbal resources and P. lobata and P. thomsonii health products.

Monoterpenes accumulation inducing by nutrient status under rhizobacteria and organic manure supply in Cymbopogon nardus

Abstract. Larasati F, Sudiarso, Barunawati N, Aini N. 2022. Monoterpenes accumulation inducing by nutrient status under rhizobacteria and organic manure supply in Cymbopogon nardus. Biodiversitas 23: 4055-4063. The quality type of Cymbopogon nardus in Indonesia is called as Java Citronella Oil. One of the oil components determining the quality of C. nardus is citronellal content as well-known monoterpenes. The citronellal component in C. nardus is obtained through the redistillation process in leaves. This study aims to obtain citronellal content, organic matter, and carbon which are affected by dosage of fertilizer on C. nardus. In the overall, the citronellal component of plants without PGPR (P0) treatment at all levels of organic manure supply is 10% higher than those treated rhizobacteria (P20). The final content of carbon and organic matter in respectively (2,25%) and (3,08%) leaves of plant (P0) at K10, K20, K25, K30 is 20% higher than those treated with P20. This might be caused by the carbon that is distributed to the vegetative part during the fast-growth phase, by contrast, the component of citronellal was reduced. The growth rate of C. nardus depends on the accumulation of dry weight at 5 and 6 MAP, which increases significantly with organic manure treatment of K30 and supply of rhizobacteria (P20), which had nutrient status 1,362% nitrogen, 0,194% phosphorus, 0,882 % potassium in leaf following by citronellal and citronellol.

Biomass Fatty Acid Profile and Fuel Property Prediction of Bagasse Waste Grown Nannochloropsis oculata

The Chrythophyta alga Nannochloropsis oculata was mixotrophically grown in artificial media enriched with acid-prehydrolyzed bagasse waste as a source of organic carbon. The used growth medium was composed of F2 nutrients, sea salt (22.0 g L−1), and bagasse extract dissolved in sterile tap water. All of the determined growth parameters resulted in their maximums, as the alga was fed with 25% F2 growth medium enriched with 10% bagasse extract, while bagasse-extract-free medium engaged the total chlorophyll and carotenes at the expense of dry weight accumulation during the vegetative growth period. On the contrary, the dry weight under induction growth slightly differed among the different employed treatments; however, all the treatments surpassed the control one, and variation was obviously found in the cases of chlorophyll and carotene. A slight increase in oil content (6.19–11.89%) was observed, as the vegetative cells were grown under induction conditions. The fatty acids ranged between C16 and C20, and the proportions of SFA and MUFA increased from a sum of 63.57% to 88.31%, while the PUFA, including linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, declined from 36.3 to 11.69%. Concerning the fuel properties, the induction-produced oil surpassed the vegetative one.

Border effects of the main and ratoon crops in the rice ratooning system

The border effect (BE) is widely observed in crop field experiments, and it has been extensively studied in many crops. However, only limited attention has been paid to the BE of ratoon rice. We conducted field experiments on ratoon rice in Qichun County, Hubei Province, Central China in 2018 and 2019 to compare the BE in the main and ratoon crops, and to quantify the contribution of BE in the main crop to that in the ratoon crop. The BE of two hybrid varieties was measured for the outermost, second outermost, and third outermost rows in each plot of both crops. To determine the contribution of BE between the two crops, portions of hills in the outermost and second outermost rows were uprooted during the harvest of the main crop so that the second and third outermost rows then became the outermost rows in the ratoon crop. Overall, the BE on grain yield was greater in the main crop than in the ratoon crop. In the main crop, the BE on grain yield was 98.3% in the outermost row, which was explained by the BE on panicles m−2, spikelets/panicle, spikelets m−2, and total dry weight. In the ratoon crop, the BE on grain yield was reduced to 60.9 and 27.6% with and without the contribution of the BE in the main crop, respectively. Consequently, 55.1% of the BE on grain yield in the ratoon crop was contributed from the main crop. High stubble dry weight and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) accumulation at the harvest of the main crop were responsible for the contribution of BE in the main crop to that in the ratoon crop. Our results suggest that increases in stubble dry weight and NSC accumulation at the harvest of the main crop could be important strategies for developing high-yielding cropping practices in the rice ratooning system.

White wine grape pomace as a suitable carbon source for lipid and carotenoid production by fructophilic Rhodorotula babjevae.

We aim to explore the non-structural sugars from white wine grape pomace (WWGP) as the input carbon source for the co-production of multiple high-value products by the non-fastidious yeast Rhodotorula babjevae to create a sustainable and economically appealing process. Water extraction of unfermented, soluble sugars from WWGP yielded extracts with similar amounts of glucose and fructose, which were used to prepare a growth medium. Rhodorotula babjevae multiplied as fast on WWGP-based medium as on a reference medium but achieved higher cell dry weight (CDW) and lower intracellular triacylglycerol accumulation (22.5% vs. 28.6%) in WWGP-based medium. In addition, R. babjevae produced mannitol and arabitol and carotenoids and secreted polyol esters of fatty acids, a rare type of glycolipid as confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses. Remarkably, R. babjevae consumed simultaneously both fructose and glucose when on WWGP-based medium and left glucose practically untouched in the reference medium, evidencing a fructophilic character. Rhodorotula babjevae, a metabolic versatile yeast, proliferated on a minimally processed extract and successfully converted glucose and fructose into high-value products. Different chemicals with market potential can be produced through the valorization of abundant waste feedstocks generated by the wine industry to which R. babjevae can contribute.

Circadian rhythm promotes the biomass and amylose hyperaccumulation by mixotrophic cultivation of marine microalga Platymonas helgolandica

BackgroundMicroalgal starch can be exploited for bioenergy, food, and bioplastics. Production of starch by green algae has been concerned for many years. Currently commonly used methods such as nutrient stress will affect cell growth, thereby inhibiting the production efficiency and quality of starch production. Simpler and more efficient control strategies need to be developed.ResultWe proposed a novel regulation method to promote the growth and starch accumulation by a newly isolated Chlorophyta Platymonas helgolandica. By adding exogenous glucose and controlling the appropriate circadian light and dark time, the highest dry weight accumulation 6.53 g L−1 (Light:Dark = 12:12) can be achieved, and the highest starch concentration could reach 3.88 g L−1 (Light:Dark = 6:18). The highest production rate was 0.40 g L−1 d−1 after 9 days of production. And this method helps to improve the ability to produce amylose, with the highest accumulation of 39.79% DW amylose. We also discussed the possible mechanism of this phenomenon through revealing changes in the mRNA levels of key genes.ConclusionThis study provides a new idea to regulate the production of amylose by green algae. For the first time, it is proposed to combine organic carbon source addition and circadian rhythm regulation to increase the starch production from marine green alga. A new starch-producing microalga has been isolated that can efficiently utilize organic matter and grow with or without photosynthesis.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators at Different Levels of Zinc on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

The field experiment entitled “Effect of Plant Growth Regulator at different levels of Zinc on growth and yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)” was conducted during kharif season of 2021 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly acidic in soil reaction (PH 6.9), low in organic carbon (0.112%), available N (278.93Kg/ha), available P(10.8Kg/ha) and available K (206.4Kg/ha).The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design, treatments of different plant growth regulator levels (75, 100 and 125 ppm) and zinc levels viz.(20,25 and 30 kg/ha) were imparted in the experiment and were replicated thrice.
 The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprised of 3 replications and total 9 treatments viz. T1: (GA3)75PPM + 20 kg/ha ZnSO4, T2: (GA3) 75PPM + 25 kg/ha ZnSO4, T3: (GA3) 75PPM+ 30 kg/ha ZnSO4, T4:(GA3) 100PPM + 20 kg/ha ZnSO4, T5: (GA3) 100PPM +25 kg/ha ZnSO4, T6: (GA3) 100PPM + 30 kg/haZnSO4, T7: (GA3) 125PPM + 20 kg/ha ZnSO4, T8: (GA3) 125PPM + 25 kg/ha ZnSO4, T9: (GA3) 125PPM +30 kg/ha ZnSO4. Results obtained indicated that there was significant increase in growth parameters at harvest viz., plant height (58.40cm), number of nodules/plant (59.77), dry weight accumulation(38.1g),and yield attributes viz., No.pods/plant(19.3), No.kernals/pod (4.3), seed index(44.50), seed yield (3169 kg/ha), Haulm yield (4747.3kg/ha) were recorded with the application of (GA3125ppm+ ZnSO4 30kg/ha). However, Maximum Gross return (142636.5 INR/ha), Net return (102971.1INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.59) was recorded with the application of (GA3125ppm+ ZnSO4 30kg/ha). Therefore, it is concluded that the application of (GA3125ppm+ZnSO430kg/ha) was more productive and economically feasible.

New SFT2-like Vesicle Transport Protein (SFT2L) Enhances Cadmium Tolerance and Reduces Cadmium Accumulation in Common Wheat Grains.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metal elements to the environment, which seriously threatens the safe production of food crops. In this study, we identified a novel function of the cytomembrane TaSFT2L protein in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Expression of the TaSFT2L gene in yeast showed no transport activities for Cd, which could explain the role of TaSFT2L in metal tolerance. It was observed that increased autophagic activity in roots caused by silencing of TaSFT2L enhanced Cd tolerance. Transgenic wheat revealed that RNA interference (RNAi) lines enhanced the wheat growth concerning the increased shoot or root elongation, dry weight, and chlorophyll accumulation. Furthermore, RNAi lines decreased root-to-grain Cd translocation in wheat by nearly 68% and Cd accumulation in wheat grains by 53%. Meanwhile, the overexpression lines displayed a compromised growth response and increased Cd accumulation in wheat tissues, compared to wild type. These findings show that TaSFT2L is a key gene involved in regulation of Cd translocation in wheat, and its silencing to form transgenic wheat can inhibit Cd accumulation. This has the ability to alleviate the food chain-associated impact of environmental pollution on human health.

Effect of Nitrogen Levels on the Growth and Yield of Spring Maize

The research entitled the "Effect of different nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of spring maize" was conducted in the agriculture research farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara. Three different doses of nitrogen was used at different concentrations from lowest to highest. The doses of Nitrogen are denoted as N1, N2 and N3 viz 80kgN2ha-1, 120 kg N2ha-1and 160 kg N2ha-1 respectively. All the doses of nitrogen are compared with each other for the measurement of morphological parameters like plant height, the number of leaves and dry weight accumulation. In yield parameters, the grain yield, test weight, stover yield and shelling percentage was calculated. From the experiment, it was observed that the highest results were found in the treatment with the highest nitrogen dose with 160 Kg N/ha. The morphological parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant and dry weight accumulation were found highest in N3 which is 160Kg N/ha. The yield parameters like grain yield, shelling percentage, stover yield and test weight are also found high in the treatment with the application of the highest amount of nitrogen that is 160Kg N/ha. From this research, the best results are provided by N3 which is 160 Kg N/ha, after that the moderate results are provided by N2 which is 120Kg N/ha and the least results were provided by N1 which is 80Kg N/ha.

Resposta da planta ornamental de forração Impatiens walleriana ao tamanho de recipiente e sistema de floating durante a fase de produção de mudas

Abstract In ornamental plants, the need to optimize nursery management has led to a tendency to decrease plug cell tray volume. However, in ornamental plants such as Impatiens walleriana, a lower plug cell volume can negatively affect leaf area expansion and biomass accumulation during the pre-transplant cycle. Because these results have been associated with a decrease in root growth, a floating system where roots come out of the plug cell has been proposed. The aim of this work was to describe pre-transplant biomass accumulation in plants from different plug cell volumes and the response to two propagation systems: media-based plug cell trays and floating system. The relationship found between plug cell volume and growth in both the media-based and floating systems is in agreement with that found in previous reports. With respect to the traditional media-based system, the floating system showed higher leaf area expansion, as a result of higher leaf appearance rate and relative leaf area expansion. Higher fresh and dry weight accumulation were estimated through the relative growth rate (RGR), with a strong relationship with the capacity of photo assimilate production (net assimilation rate) and RGR. However, all these changes cannot be exclusively associated with a higher root growth in the floating system. Our experiments validate the positive results in favor of the use of a floating system and also shows the physiological mechanisms involved.