Rhizome Dry Weight Research Articles

Nutrient distribution in various tissues of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and the influence of soil fertility on the levels of its bioactive compounds

This study aimed to optimize the production of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) in field conditions using two licorice ecotypes and various types of nutrient sources. Licorice yield, leaf and root nutrient content, and its bioactive compounds were assessed. Mycorrhiza inoculation resulted in the highest rhizome dry weight in the Lalehzar (101.3 g) and Kermanshah (395.6 g) ecotypes in the first and second years, respectively. Rhizome dry weight was higher than the roots in both ecotypes. Two years old Kermanshah ecotype exhibited the highest root dry weight by using urea. The harvest index increased in Lalehzar ecotype by application of vermicompost in the first year and cow manure coupled with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in the second year. Nitrogen content in leaves and roots significantly increased in the Kermanshah ecotype using cow manure and PGPB. Application of mycorrhiza (in Lalehzar ecotype) and cow manure combined with urea (in Kermanshah ecotype) led to leaf phosphorus (P) content improvement. The highest root P content in Lalehzar and Kermanshah ecotypes achieved by using cow manure and urea, respectively. Fertilization by urea and mycorrhiza led to higher leaf potassium (K) content in Kermanshah and Lalehzar, respectively, while urea yielded the highest root K content in the Kermanshah ecotype. Root glycyrrhizic acid (GA) content peaked in the Kermanshah ecotype with cow manure and PGPB (138 and 372.8 mg g-1 DW in the first and second years, respectively). Rhizome GA content performed better in the Lalehzar ecotype using cow manure and PGPB (191.34 mg g-1 DW, first year) and in the Kermanshah ecotype with cow manure and urea (239.62 mg g-1 DW, second year). Fertilizers had not significant effect on glabridin (GL) content. Notably, GA and GL exhibited a negative correlation with potassium and nitrogen. This study highlights the importance of balanced nutrient management for licorice cultivation.

Cytokinin and Metabolites Affect Rhizome Growth and Development in Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

Rhizome growth and development is regulated by phytohormone. However, endogenous phytohormones affect rhizome initiation, and sustained growth in perennial grass species remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the morphological characteristics and the content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin (ZT), gibberellic acid (GA3), and abscisic acid (ABA) in the rhizomes of two different Kentucky bluegrass. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), we performed metabolite analysis of two different rhizomes. In our study, the multi-rhizome Kentucky bluegrass material 'Yuzhong' had an average of 1113 rhizomes, while the few-rhizome material 'Anding' had an average of 347 rhizomes. The diameter of rhizome and length of rhizome internode in 'Yuzhong' were 1.68-fold and 1.33-fold higher than that of the 'Anding', respectively. The rhizome dry weight of 'Yuzhong' was 75.06 g, while the 'Anding' was 20.79 g. 'Yuzhong' had a higher ZT content (5.50 μg·g-1), which is 2.4-fold that of 'Anding' (2.27 μg·g-1). In contrast, the IAA, ABA, and GA3 content of rhizome were markedly higher in 'Anding' than 'Yuzhong'. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between ZT and ZT/ABA with the number of rhizomes, diameter of rhizome, and length of rhizome internode, whereas IAA, ABA, GA3, and IAA/ZT were opposite. In the metabolic profiles, we identified 163 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) (60 upregulated and 103 downregulated) in positive ion mode and 75 DEMs (36 upregulated and 39 downregulated) in negative ion mode. Histidine metabolism and ABC transporters pathways were the most significantly enriched in the positive and negative ion mode, respectively, both of which are involved in the synthesis and transport of cytokinin. These results indicate that cytokinin is crucial for rhizome development and promotes rhizome germination and growth of Kentucky bluegrass.

Carbon and nitrogen metabolism affects kentucky bluegrass rhizome expansion

BackgroundRhizome is vital for carbon and nitrogen metabolism of the whole plant. However, the effect of carbon and nitrogen in the rhizome on rhizome expansion remains unclear.ResultsThree wild Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) germplasms with different rhizome expansion capacity (strong expansion capacity, ‘YZ’; medium expansion capacity, ‘WY’; and weak expansion capacity, ‘AD’) were planted in the field and the rhizomes number, tiller number, rhizome dry weight, physiological indicators and enzyme activity associated carbon and nitrogen metabolisms were measured. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to analyze the metabolomic of the rhizomes. The results showed that the rhizome and tiller numbers of the YZ were 3.26 and 2.69-fold of that of the AD, respectively. The aboveground dry weight of the YZ was the greatest among all three germplasms. Contents of soluble sugar, starch, sucrose, NO3−-N, and free amino acid were significantly higher in rhizomes of the YZ than those of the WY and AD (P < 0.05). The activities of glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) of the YZ were the highest among all three germplasm, with values of 17.73 A·g− 1 h− 1, 5.96 µmol·g− 1 min− 1, and 11.35 mg·g− 1 h− 1, respectively. Metabolomics analyses revealed that a total of 28 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were up-regulated, and 25 DEMs were down-regulated in both comparison groups (AD vs. YZ group and WY vs. YZ group). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that metabolites related to histidine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism were associated with rhizomes carbon and nitrogen metabolism.ConclusionsOverall, the results suggest that soluble sugar, starch, sucrose, NO3−-N, and free amino acid in rhizome are important to and promote rhizome expansion in Kentucky bluegrass, while tryptamine, 3-methylhistidine, 3-indoleacetonitrile, indole, and histamine may be key metabolites in promoting carbon and nitrogen metabolism of rhizome.

Water stress influence of Rajendrasonia and Pitamber turmeric varieties

Turmeric varieties viz., Rajendrasonia and Pitamber were subjected to water stress by irrigating at different intervals. Impact of water stress on morphological, physiological and yield parameters of both the varieties were investigated. In this study irrigation treatments divided into three groups. Group A, control receives water weekly once. For every two weeks once group B was irrigated and for every three weeks once group C was irrigated. Plants which are under heavy water stress showed gradual reduction in morphological, physiological and yield parameters, i.e. plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, Net Assimilation rate, Relative Growth rate , fresh and dry weight of rhizome. Pitamber and Rajendrasonia growth parameters, physiological and yield parameters were slightly affected in moderate stress compared to control. In heavy stress condition the two varieties severely affected compared to control and moderate stress. Among the two selected varieties Pitamber was less affected in all parameters except in leaves number, tuberous roots length and in dry weight in moderate and heavy stress.

UJI PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI KOMPOS ORGANIK DAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR (POC) KULIT PISANG TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN JAHE MERAH (Zingiber officinale Rosc. Var. Rubrum)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction of various organic composts and banana peel POCs on the growth and production of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var Rubrum). This study used a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD), which consisted of two factors and 3 replications. The first factor was various organic compost (P), consisting of 4 levels, namely 0.600 (Vegetable Compost), 600 (Ketapang Compost), 600 (Straw Compost) g/plant and the second factor was banana peel organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely 0, 125, 250, and 375 ml/L of water. Parameters observed were plant height (cm), number of tillers (stem), the weight of wet safe (g), wet weight of rhizome (g), dry weight of rhizome (g), and harvest index (g). The data were statistically analyzed and continued to the BNJ test at the 5% level. The results showed that the interaction of various organic compost and banana peel POC treatments affected the number of clumps of tillers (stems), wet rhizome weight (g), wet rhizome weight (g), and dry rhizome weight (g). The best treatment was found on a combination of 600 g/Plot Straw Compost and Banana Peel POC with a dose of 375 ml/L water. The main effect of various organic composts affects all parameters of the observation with the best treatment was the 600 g/plant Ketapang Compost. The main effect of POC Banana Peel affected the observation parameters Wet rhizome Weight (grams), Wet Rhizome Weight (grams), Dry Rhizome Weight (grams), and Harvest Index. The best dose for POC Banana Peel Treatment ws 375 ml/L water.

A comparative study on impacts of water stress in turmeric varieties Acc 48 and Acc 79

Water stress created in turmeric varieties Acc 48 and Acc 79 by irrigating them in different intervals. Water stress influence on morpho-logical features, physio-logical and yield features of both the varieties was investigated. In this study irrigation treatments divided into three groups. Group A control receives water weekly once. For every two weeks once group B was irrigated and for every three weeks once group C was irrigated. Plants which are under heavy water stress showed gradual reduction in morphological, physiological and in yield parameters, i.e. ‘plant height, number of leaves, width of the leaf, fresh and dry weight of rhizome, Relative Growth Rate, Net Assimilation Rate’. Acc 48 &amp; Acc 79 morphological- parameters, physiological and yield parameters was slightly affected in moderate stress compared to control. Among the two Acc 48 resisted water stress in moderate stress condition than Acc 79. In heavy water stress condition, the two varieties severely affected compared to control and moderate stress. Among the two varieties Acc 48 was less affected. In all the treatments Acc 48 was less affected in all aspects except in thin and tuberous roots number. To cope up with water stress length of thin and tuberous roots of both the varieties were increased in heavy and moderate water stress condition. Irrigating turmeric two weeks once showed minor impact on plants than irrigating them three weeks once. In heavy water stress, plants was affected in all morphological, physiological and yield aspects.

Effect of nano cobalt on some agro-biological characteristics of DT96 soybean cultivated in Vinh Phuc province

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials were successfully applied in several countries to increase crop yield and quality. In Vietnam, some studies have focused on evaluating the effectiveness of using metal nanoparticles in many different plants. This study showed that the utilisation of nano-cobalt proved a good impact on the seed germination and agro-biological characteristics of the DT96 soybean cultivar (Glycine max L. Merr). Results exhibited that the treatment of DT96 soybean seeds with cobalt nanoparticle solutions increased the germination rate and remarkably increased the germination rate, in which the dose of 0.33 mg/kg of seeds gave good results (93.03%). In addition, nano cobalt also improved the growth of DT96 soybean; stem height, root length, and dry weight of rhizomes... all increased more than the control and reached the maximum when being treated with a dose of 0.33 mg/kg of seeds.

Growth and Yield Components of Some Turmeric Varieties (Curcuma Longa L.) As Affected by Inorganic Fertilizer Levels in Umudike, South-Eastern, Nigeria

A research on growth and yield components of some turmeric varieties (Curcuma longa L.) as affected by inorganic fertilizer levels in Umudike, South Eastern Nigeria was carried out at the teaching and research farm of the University, during 2018/2019 cropping seasons. It was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Results, showed that plant height and number of tillers for both varieties and fertilizers levels increased at 2, 4, and 6 months after planting (MAP) during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Variety 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) Kg-1 produced tallest plants and highest number of tillers over other varieties and fertilizer levels. Crop growth rate was positive at 2 – 4 MAP and negative at 4 – 6 MAP, with 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) kgha-1 producing higher growth rate. Heaviest rhizomes fresh weight (kg plot-1) of 3.74 and 3.75, rhizome dry matter content of 14.49 and 16.8%, rhizome dry weight of 23.57 and 23.90g and harvest index of 2.60 and 2.70% was yielded by UMT 021 variety over other varieties. The level of 400 NPK (15:15:15) kg ha-1 produced heaviest rhizome fresh weight of 4.47 and 4.57 kg plot-1; rhizome dry matter content of 19.42 and 25.8%; rhizome dry weight of 27.54 and 27.8g and harvest index of 2.81 and 3.20%, over other levels. Consequently, variety 021 and 400 NPK (15:15:15) kgha-1 are recommended for sole production of turmeric in Umudike, South Eastern Nigeria.

Effects of different day length and wind conditions to the seedling growth performance of Phragmites australis

BackgroundTo understand shade and wind effects on seedling traits of common reed (Phragmites australis), we conducted a mesocosm experiment manipulating day length (10 h daytime a day as open canopy conditions or 6 h daytime a day as partially closed canopy conditions) and wind speed (0 m/s as windless conditions or 4 m/s as windy conditions).ResultsMost values of functional traits of leaf blades, culms, and biomass production of P. australis were higher under long day length. In particular, we found sole positive effects of long day length in several functional traits such as internode and leaf blade lengths and the values of above-ground dry weight (DW), rhizome DW, and total DW. Wind-induced effects on functional traits were different depending on functional traits. Wind contributed to relatively low values of chlorophyll contents, angles between leaf blades, mean culm height, and maximum culm height. In contrast, wind contributed to relatively high values of culm density and below-ground DW.ConclusionsAlthough wind appeared to inhibit the vertical growth of P. australis through physiological and morphological changes in leaf blades, it seemed that P. australis might compensate the inhibited vertical growth with increased horizontal growth such as more numerous culms, indicating a highly adaptive characteristic of P. australis in terms of phenotypic plasticity under windy environments.

EFFECTS OF THE PROPAGULE SIZE ON THE TUBEROUS RHIZOME PRODUCTION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

As a crop that is rich in oligosaccharides, Jerusalem artichoke is considered one of the most promising plants for production because of its ability to survive in marginal lands, strong resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, ease of conversion into biofuels, and use for food consumption. In the present study, the effects of propagule size on tuberous rhizome production and the physicochemical characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke were evaluated. Five propagule sizes of tuberous rhizome, 10 g (T1), 30 g (T2), 50 g (T3), 70 g (T4), and 90 g (T5), were used in a completely randomized experiment with 5 replicates and 11 plants per replicate. Harvesting was carried out 164 days after planting. The results showed that T1 resulted in the lowest emergence rate, number of tuberous rhizomes and aboveground fresh weight per plant of all the treatments. However, there was no significant difference among treatments in the tuberous rhizome dry weight, pH, titratable acidity, Brix, or reducing sugar. Propagule with tuberous rhizome of 30-50 g is recommended to achieve a high emergence rate and yield.

The Efficacy of Different Mulching Materials in Influencing Growth, Yield, Soil and Quality Parameters of Ginger Cultivated in Low Country Intermediate Zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka

Even though mulching is a well-known fact among cultivators they are seemingly unaware of its contribution to growth and yield of Ginger and its ability to cope with temperature and water stress. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Intercropping and Betel Research Station, Narammala to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, yield, quality parameters of Ginger and the soil parameters in the Low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. The study was also extended to find out the best mulching material for Ginger under certain field conditions. The findings are expected to contribute to eliminate the uncertainty faced by farmers when selecting suitable mulch for Ginger. The mulches tested were straw, gliricidia leaves, coconut leaves, coir dust and polythene. A control treatment was used without the use of mulch. Experiment was carried out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Plant and soil parameters were measured at monthly intervals. All the treatments showed better performances than the control treatment which did not use mulch. The maximum number of sprouted plants was obtained in plots mulched with gliricidia. Further, the significantly highest plant height and number of pseudostems per clump were observed in gliricidia mulched plants. Fresh weight and dry weight of rhizomes too followed the similar pattern of measured growth parameters. Plots that did not used mulch recorded the lowest growth rate and yield of Ginger. Soil moisture conservation was significantly higher in the treatments with mulch than the control treatment. Polythene mulch was more effective for conserving of soil moisture than other mulches. However, all the soil parameters significantly contributed to the highest yield of Ginger in Gliricidia mulch treatment. The pungency level of Ginger was significantly higher in the control treatment. In this study gliricidia mulch positively contributed to increase the yield of Ginger (43.66% per hectare) more than the average yield denoted by DEA. Keeping the above facts in view, gliricidia proved to be the best mulch for Ginger cultivation in the low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the results of this study will help the farmers to use the correct mulch to get significantly higher yield.

Shade, Establishment Method, and Varietal Effects on Rhizome Yield and Curcumin Content in Turmeric in Alabama

ABSTRACTGrowing interest in curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for medical and health purposes has led to interest in turmeric cultivation in the United States. The warm growing season in Alabama is short relative to tropical environments where the plant is normally grown, and research on cultural practices is lacking. A split‐split‐plot experiment was performed in Alabama to assess the effects of shade (40% shade vs. no shade), establishment method (early establishment in greenhouse over heat vs. direct seeding), and variety on rhizome yield and curcumin content. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed distinctive trends based on varietal differences, establishment methods, and presence or absence of shade. Extending the growing season by early establishment in the greenhouse increased rhizome and curcumin yield, as well as curcumin concentration in lateral rhizomes. Shade increased plant height, leaf size, and fresh weight of rhizomes, but an apparent increase in rhizome dry weight was not significant. Shade decreased curcumin concentration and yield in mother rhizomes but had little effect on curcumin concentration in lateral rhizomes. An apparent increase in curcumin yield in lateral rhizomes with shade was not significant. Significant differences among varieties were observed for rhizome yield and curcumin concentration and yield. Cultivation of turmeric in Alabama is feasible by extending the growing season and selection of short‐season varieties high in curcumin.

Association of candidate genes with drought tolerance traits in zoysiagrass germplasm

Drought stress negatively influences the growth and physiology of perennial grasses. The objective of this study was to identify associations of candidate genes with drought tolerance traits in 96 zoysiagrass (Zoysia Willd.) accessions. Germplasm varied largely in leaf wilting, canopy and air temperature difference (CAD), leaf water content (LWC), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), leaf dry weight (LDW), stolon dry weight (SDW), rhizome dry weight (RZW), and root dry weight (RDW) under drought stress across the two experiments in 2014 and 2015 in a greenhouse. The population exhibited three subgroups based on molecular marker analysis and had minimum relative kinship. Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in BADH encoding betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase, DREB1 encoding DREB-like protein 1, Ndhf encoding NADH dehydrogenase subunit F, CAT encoding catalase, and VP1 encoding H+-pyrophosphatase were analyzed with trait under drought stress (D) and relative values compared to the control (R). Twenty-seven mark and trait associations were detected in year 2014, 2015, and a two-year combination across four genes, including 13 associations in 7 SNP loci in BADH, 9 associations in 5 SNP loci in DREB1, 3 associations in one SNP locus in Ndhf, and 2 associations in one SNP locus in CAT. Of them, one SNP in BADH was associated with D-RDW or D-SDW, three SNPs in DREB1 were associated with D-RZW, D-RDW, R-LWC, and D-CAD, and one SNP in CAT was associated with D-SDW. Nucleotide changes in these SNP loci caused non-synonymous amino acid substitutions. The results indicated that allelic diversity in genes involved in antioxidant metabolism, osmotic homeostasis, and dehydration responsive transcription factor could contribute to growth and physiological variations in zoysiagrass under drought stress.

Population genetic structure and diversity analysis in Hedychium coronarium populations using morphological, phytochemical and molecular markers

Hedychium coronarium (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial rhizomatous herb widely used for its aromatic, cosmetic and medicinal value. In the present research, the morphological, phytochemical and molecular diversity was assessed for 50 H. coronarium accessions collected from different states of Eastern India. The accessions were morphologically diverse with leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, rhizome diameter and rhizome dry weight characters showing the highest variation. A total of 44 constituents were identified in the essential oils with β-pinene (11.87–35.16%), eucalyptol (13.12–39.82%), linalool (1.58–41.33%) and coronarin-E (1.14–33.87%) as the predominant constituents. Using 10 Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and 5 Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers, a total of 71 and 34 bands were amplified, respectively. The average polymorphism, polymorphic information content, marker index were found to be 86.30%, 0.57, 3.26 and 87.58%, 0.55, 3.01 for ISSR and RAPD markers, respectively. Cluster analysis based on phytochemical and molecular characterization exhibited a clear relationship between diversity pattern and geographical origin. The percentage of variance explained using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was 70.31% and 71.91% for ISSR and RAPD markers, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) analysis revealed high genetic variability occurred among the population than within populations. Bayesian analytical model and cluster analysis showed similar grouping patterns. The findings of the present research revealed a high degree of molecular and phytochemical variation among H. coronarium populations in relation to geographic locations. The results of the present research can be exploited for conservation and breeding programmes of H. coronarium for its genetic improvement.

Ocena potencjału allelopatycznego Solidago gigantea Aiton w odniesieniu do suchej masy Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. oraz Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Laboratory analyses using the 1st generation bioassay were conducted in the years 2013-2014 to investigate the allelopathic potential of wateralcoholic and aqueous extracts from dry weight of rhizomes and roots as well as stems and leaves of Solidago gigantea. Analysed acceptors were two weed species, i.e. monocotyledonous Echinochloa crus-galli and dicotyledonous Amaranthus retroflexus. When the acceptors (E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus) reached the 2-leaf stage (BBCH 12) they were sprayed with wateralcoholic and aqueous extracts (at concentrations of 12.5%, 10%, 5% and 2.5%) obtained from the donor, i.e. S. gigantea. Results indicate an inhibitory effect of wateralcoholic extracts from aboveground parts (leaves and stems) of S. gigantea in relation to dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus. The volume of dry weight reduction in acceptors was dependent on the concentration of extracts produced from the donor plant S. gigantea. Dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus was reduced most effectively by two concentrations: 12.5% and 10%. In turn, aqueous extracts from rhizomes and roots of S. gigantea, irrespective of the applied concentration, caused an increase in dry weight of E. crus-galli and A. retroflexus. Only aqueous extracts produced from leaves and stems of S. gigantea, irrespective of their concentration, reduced dry weight in only E. crus-galli.

Effect of different doses of glyphosate applied through rope-wick applicator for the control of Sorghum halepense L. growing in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) orchards

A field experiment was carried out in Diyala province/Al-Muqdadiya district during growing season of 2016–17. The aim of the present study was to control Sorghum halepense L. growth in newly planted pomegranate orchards by using glyphosate and two application methods-first by knapsack spryer in rate (4.8 kg a. i./ha) and the second use of ropewick wiper technique in different rates (1 l herbicide diluted with water from 1–6 l) parts of herbicide to water (h: w) treatments. The experiment was set out as factorial design in randomized complete block design (CRBD) with three replicates. Total eight treatments of glyphosate were used in this study. In the first control treatment (C1), only water without glyphosate. The second treatment (C2) contained 1 litre glyphosate in 1 litre of water. The third treatment (C3) contained 1 litre glyphosate in 2 litres of water. Likewise, C4, C5, C6 and C7 treatments contained 1 litre glyphosate in 3, 4, 5 and 6 litres of water, respectively. In eighth treatment (C8), herbicide glyphosate @ 4.8 kg a. i./ha was sprayed with a knap sack pressure sprayer. The results showed superiority treatment C2 1: 1 (h: w) gave high degree killing up (7.69), degrees (in a scale of 1 to 10) and treatment C2 1: 1 (h: w) and C3 1: 2 (h: w) gave average less effect in percentage of regrowth got 6.44 and 6.88, respectively, and gave time periods 90 and 120 days after control high degree killing up 8.07 and 8.34 and reduced average percentage of regrowth after control 120 and 360 days got to 6.45 and 6.78, respectively, and method application rope-wick wiping gave less effect in tree pomegranate compared with sprayer. Moreover, the efficacy of glyphosate in weed continued until 360 days after control. The treatment C4 1: 3 (h: w) gave significantly less plant height (35.66 cm) and rhizome (37.33 cm). Significantly less foliage dry weight of rhizomes (92.21 g/m2) was recorded under treatment C2 1: 1 (h: w) as compared to treatment C8 (4.8 kg a. i/ha).

High-elevation cultivation increases anti-cancer podophyllotoxin accumulation in Podophyllum hexandrum

Podophyllum hexandrum, a perennial alpine herb produces the anti-cancer metabolite podophyllotoxin (PPT) that is in large part responsible for the plant’s endangered species status. Since PPT commercial production via chemical synthesis, biotechnological intervention and/or cultivation by ex situ conditions have yet to meet the ever-increasing demand for this potent anticancer drug, identifying cultivation practices to improve PPT accumulation is essential. While P. hexandum is indigenous to the mountainous Himalayan region of Asia, effect of elevations on plant growth and PPT accumulation has not been systematically investigated. Here is reported plant growth and PPT production at two elevations: 2300 and 3300 m. To dissect genetic versus environmental conditions responsible for enhanced growth at the higher elevation, plants adapted to each elevation were transplanted to the alternative site. Aerial and rhizome dry-weight was 1.4- to 2.0-fold and 1.2- to 2.0-fold greater, respectively at the 3300 m versus the 2300-m site for 3- to 5-year-old plants. Other growth parameters including leaf area, rhizome length/diameter, number of petioles, root and fruit per plant and fruit dry weight per plant showed an increased value at the higher elevation. PPT content in the aerial portions and rhizomes for all years studied was greater at the 3300 m with 2.2- to 5.3-fold and 2.2- to 3.5-fold on a per plant basis compared to the 2300-m site. Based on the plant’s perennial and fruiting characteristics, a sustainable harvesting scheme that includes the plant’s aerial portions, rhizomes and seeds is proposed for improving PPT yield without over harvesting of this endangered species.

Effect of glyphosate doses applied through different methods on the control of Congo grass (Imperata cylindrica L.) growing in newly planted pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) orchards in Iraq

Congo grass, Imperata cylindrica L. is one of the most harmful invasive perennial grasses in Iraq, infesting newly planted pomegranate orchards. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted to control Congo grass by spraying different concentrations of glyphosate (0.36 kg a. i./l). The complete randomized block design (CRBD) was used for the experiment with three replications. Total eight treatments of glyphosate were used in this study. In first control treatment (T1), only water was used i. e. without glyphosate. The second treatment (T2) contained 1 litre glyphosate in 1 litre of water. The third treatment (T3) contained 1 litre glyphosate in 2 litres of water. Likewise, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th treatments contained 1 litre glyphosate in 3, 4, 5 and 6 litres of water, respectively. In eighth treatment (T8), herbicide glyphosate @ 1.8 kg a. i./hawas sprayed with a Knap Sack pressure sprayer on Congo grass. The results indicated the superiority of T2 treatment for the control of Congo grass as compared to other treatments. It showed the highest control rate which reached to 62.40% in the scale of 1 to 100. Whereas T2 and T3 treatments indicated the lowest average regrowth rates of Congo grass to the tune of 6.03 and 6.98%, respectively, in the scale of 1 to 10. It appeared that the effectiveness of the glyphosate continued beyond 360 days after treatment. Significant differences were found in the reduction of the plant height to 74.3 cm under T5 as compared to other treatments. Significantly lowest foliage dry weight (125.67 g/m2) of Congo grass was recorded under Tas compared to T4 T1 and T7 treatments. The other treatments (T8, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were at par in respect to production of foliage dry weight. Significantly lowest rhizome dry weight was observed under T5 (141.33 g/m2) as compared to T1, T3, T6, T7 and T8), whereas rest of the treatments (T2 and T4) were at par with T5 in respect to rhizome dry weight production. The Rope-wick sprayer gave greater control of Congo grass compared with Knap Sack sprayer and that too without affecting pomegranate plants.

Do differences in herbivore resistance contribute to elevational niches of species and hybrids in the central European Senecio nemorensis (Compositae, Senecioneae) syngameon?

Elevational gradients with adjacent distribution zones of closely related and hybridising plant species provide a suitable natural set-up for studying evolutionary processes like adaptation and speciation. Transplantation experiments along these gradients are a straightforward strategy to infer fitness differences among genotypes and to pinpoint intrinsic and extrinsic factors that govern elevational stratification. Senecio germanicus, S. ovatus, and S. hercynicus belong to the S. nemorensis syngameon and show differential elevational distribution with mutual hybridisation in their range overlaps. We here report on the results of transplantation experiments with the three species and their reciprocal F1 hybrids along an elevational transect in the Bavarian Forest, SE Germany, in which we measured leaf area loss through mollusc herbivores and through withering caused by climatic influences. We find a strong correlation of the amount of the remaining photosynthetically active leaf area and rhizome dry weight as a proxy for overall viability of plants and their reproductive and propagational success. In the S. hercynicus-S. ovatus system, higher damage values caused by herbivores in the former species and by withering in the latter one, along with intermediate values found for hybrid genotypes, suggests a trajectory following an ́advancing wave modeĺ of introgressive hybridisation. In the S. germanicus-S. ovatus system, the more effective herbivore deterrent strategy of S. ovatus, together with its higher susceptibility to colder conditions should follow a ́mosaic hybrid zone modeĺ and eventually to a patchy distribution of pure parental and hybrid populations governed by the heterogeneity of climatic conditions at lower elevations.

Effects of Different NH4:NO3 Ratios on Growth and Nutrition Uptake in Iris germanica ‘Immortality’

The form of nitrogen (N) in fertilizer can influence plant growth, nutrient uptake, and physiological processes in the plant. However, few studies have been conducted on the effects of N form on tall bearded (TB) iris (Iris germanica L.). In this study, five NH4:NO3 ratios (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0) were applied to investigate the response of TB iris to different N form ratios. NH4:NO3 ratios in fertilizer did not affect the leaf, root, and rhizome dry weight, or total plant dry weight. Plant height and SPAD reading were affected by NH4:NO3 ratios in some months, but not over the whole growing season. Neither spring nor fall flowering was influenced by NH4:NO3 ratios. Across the whole growing season, leachate pH was increased by higher NH4:NO3 ratios. At the end of the growing season, concentrations of phosphorous (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) in leaf; calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), Mn, boron (B) in root; and N, P, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn in rhizome tissues were affected by NH4:NO3 ratios. Greater NH4:NO3 ratios increased the uptake of Fe, Mn, and Zn. The net uptake of N was unaffected by NH4:NO3 ratios, which indicates TB iris may not have a preference for either ammonium or nitrate N.