Dry Weight Yield Research Articles

Effects of Mountain Microorganisms on the Growth and Development of the Bean Crop (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in the Municipality of Caldono, Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACTBean monoculture deteriorates soil fertility, decreases organic matter, reduces microbial diversity, and accelerates erosion, depleting nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This leads to dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing environmental pollution. A viable solution is mountain microorganisms, improving nutrient availability, disease resistance, environmental stress, and soil structure. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding their specific efficacy in supporting the growth and development of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under specific agroecological conditions. This research aims to help fill this knowledge gap, so in the Municipality of Caldono, Cauca, Colombia, the effect of mountain microorganisms was evaluated in about 900 seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L. variety Cargamanto. A randomized complete block design with three treatments was used: T0 (control, no inoculation), T1 (inoculation with mountain microorganisms for 1 h), and T2 (inoculation with mountain microorganisms for 3 h). Growth parameters such as plant height, number of nodules, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, dry weight, and grain yield per hectare were evaluated. The results suggest that inoculation with mountain microorganisms significantly improved all measured parameters compared to the control samples. T2 consistently outperformed T1, indicating that more extended inoculation periods increase the efficacy of the parameters evaluated. These results suggest that applying mountain microorganisms is a promising and sustainable approach to improve bean productivity, which could reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and promote more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Thus, the study provides valuable information on mountain microorganisms as a biotechnological alternative to improve crop yield and soil health in bean monoculture systems.

Drought stress at different growth stages decrease dry weight and active constituent yield accumulation by inhibiting root morphology in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Drought stress at different growth stages decrease dry weight and active constituent yield accumulation by inhibiting root morphology in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield Attributes of Citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus) under Moringa (Moringa oleifera) based Agroforestry and Open-field Systems

A field investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) vermicompost and neem-cake on the growth and yield of citronella java (Cymbopogon winterianus) under moringa-based agroforestry and open-field systems during 2022 and 2023. Growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant and number of tillers per plant and yield attributing parameters like fresh weight (kg ha-1), Dry Weight (kg ha-1) and total herbage yield (t ha-1). The findings highlight the superior performance of the treatment combining FYM, vermicompost, and neem cake (T13), particularly in shaded conditions provided by moringa trees, which created a favourable microclimate. This study demonstrates the significant role of integrated organic amendments in enhancing citronella productivity while fostering environmental sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for farmers and policymakers, advocating for the adoption of sustainable practices in aromatic crop production through agroforestry systems.

Response of Yield of Shallot (<i>Allium ascalonium</i> L.) to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Spacing Under Irrigation at Mulo, Ethiopia

The shallot (<i>Allium ascalonium</i> L.) is one of the important alliaceous crops cultivated in many tropical countries. It is an important horticultural crop used to flavor the local stew "wot" and a source of income for farmers in Ethiopia. However, the productivity of shallot is low at study area due to various limiting factors such as low soil fertility, plant population and lack of improved agronomic practices. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of shallot at Mulo District, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia during 2021/22 off season. The treatments consisted of four intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15 and 20) cm and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150) kgNha<sup>-1</sup> tested in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on shallot yield was collected. The interaction effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer influenced the marketable yield, unmarketable yield, bulb weight, bulb fresh weight, bulb dry weight, dry matter and total yield. As a result, the treatment combination of 150kgha<sup>-1</sup> nitrogen and 15cm intra-row spacing yielded the highest net benefit of shallot (Eth-Birr 1,012,274), followed by the treatment combination of 150kgha<sup>-1</sup> nitrogen and 20 cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the above findings indicated that the combined application of 150kgNha<sup>-1</sup> with 15 cm spacing can improve shallot growth and productivity in the Mulo district area. However, more research needs to be done in different seasons and locations, taking into account the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer and different intra-row spacing, to generate more reliable information.

Impact of climate change on the kelp Laminaria digitata – simulated Arctic winter warming

The Arctic is seasonally exposed to long periods of low temperatures and complete darkness. Consequently, perennial primary producers have to apply strategies to maximize energy efficiency. Global warming is occurring in the Arctic faster than the rest of the globe. The highest amplitude of temperature rise occurs during Polar Night. To determine the stress resistance of the ecosystem-engineering kelp Laminaria digitata against Arctic winter warming, non-meristematic discs of adult sporophytes from Porsangerfjorden (Finnmark, Norway) were kept in total darkness at 0°C and 5°C over a period of three months. Physiological variables, namely maximum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) and dry weight, as well as underlying biochemical variables including pigments, storage carbohydrates, total carbon and total nitrogen were monitored throughout the experiment. Although all samples remained in generally good condition with Fv/Fm values above 0.6, L. digitata performed better at 0°C than at 5°C. Depletion of metabolic products resulted in a constant decrease of dry weight over time. A strong decrease in mannitol and laminarin was observed, with greater reductions at 5°C than at 0°C. However, the total carbon content did not change, indicating that the sporophytes were not suffering from “starvation stress” during the long period of darkness. A decline was also observed in the accessory pigments and the pool of xanthophyll cycle pigments, particularly at 5°C. Our results indicate that L. digitata has a more active metabolism, but a lower physiological and biochemical performance at higher temperatures in the Arctic winter. Obviously, L. digitata is well adapted to Arctic Polar Night conditions, regardless of having its distributional center at lower latitudes. Despite a reduced vitality at higher temperatures, a serious decline in Arctic populations of L. digitata due to winter warming is not expected for the near future.

Investigation of the impact of dual inoculations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on drought tolerance of maize grown in a compost-amended field under Mediterranean conditions.

In the current context of rapid climate change, water scarcity and soil poverty are becoming increasingly alarming, leading to growing losses of 30-50% of global agricultural production. It is imperative to find environmentally-friendly approaches for improving plant tolerance to drastic conditions, particularly in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. Biostimulants based on symbiotic microbes are emerging as effective strategies for improving tolerance and agricultural productivity. This study aims to evaluate the effects of single and double inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (My) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (Ba) on the growth, physiological and biochemical traits of maize crop grown in compost (Co) amended soil under two irrigation regimes: well-watered (WW: 100% of crop evapotranspiration [ETc]) and drought-stressed (DS: 50% ETc) using drip irrigation system. Reducing irrigation to 50% reduced shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), 1,000-grains weight (TGW) and grain yield (Y). However, Ba alone increased SDW by 63%, while CoMyBa improved RDW, TGW and Y by 197, 43 and 175%, respectively compared with the control under DS conditions. Dual inoculation boosted root colonization intensity, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), total chlorophyll and leaf area of maize seedlings in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls. The application of Ba significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde by 46%, in maize seedlings grown in compost-amended soil, compared to the controls under DS. Our results indicated that My and Ba significantly boost the ability of maize to tolerate drought by improving water supply and physiology and stimulating the accumulation of organic and inorganic osmolytes, as well as improving the properties of soils such as cation exchange capacity particularly amended by Co. The dual inoculations were the most effective and represent an environmentally-friendly and relatively inexpensive approach to optimizing agricultural production and soil restoration programs in Mediterranean regions.

Extraction of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Ulva sp. Using Acid and Toxicity Testing with the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT)

This study investigates the extraction of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. at pH 3 and evaluates their toxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) with Artemia salina. Artemia salina is utilized for its rapid life cycle and sensitivity to various chemical compounds, making it an effective bioassay organism for assessing the toxicity of natural extracts. The extraction process was conducted at both hot (80°C) and cold (room temperature) conditions, with the hot extraction yielding higher amounts of polysaccharides. The results indicated a wet extraction yield of 890 mL at 80°C and 800 mL at room temperature, while the highest dry weight yield was achieved at 80°C (0.57 g). The toxicity assessment revealed an LC50 value of 15,815.85 ppm, classifying the sulfated polysaccharides as non-toxic to Artemia salina. Maintaining optimal water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels, is essential for the successful cultivation of Artemia salina. Furthermore, the acidic extraction pH significantly influences the structure and chemical properties of the resulting polysaccharides, emphasizing the importance of this parameter in future applications. These findings support the potential use of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. as a safe and effective feed ingredient in aquaculture.

Photoperiod and temperature interactions drive the latitudinal distribution of Laminaria hyperborea (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) under climate change.

Due to global rises in temperature, recent studies predict marine species shifting toward higher latitudes. We investigated the impact of interacting abiotic drivers on the distribution potential of the temperate kelp Laminaria hyperborea. The ecosystem engineering species is widespread along European coasts but has not yet been observed in the High Arctic, although it can survive several months of low temperatures and darkness. To investigate its ability to extend northward in future, we conducted a long-term multifactorial experiment with sporophytes from Porsangerfjorden, Norway-close to the species' documented northernmost distribution margin. The samples were exposed to three different photoperiods (PolarDay, LongDay, and PolarNight) at 0°C, 5°C, and 10°C for 3 months. Optimum quantum yield of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm), dry weight, pigments, phlorotannins, and storage carbohydrates were monitored. Both physiological and biochemical parameters revealed that L. hyperborea was strongly influenced by the different photoperiods and their interaction with temperature, while temperature alone exerted only minor effects. The Fv/Fm data were integrated into a species distribution model to project a possible northward expansion of L. hyperborea. The combination of extended day lengths and low temperatures appeared to be the limiting reason for northward spread of L. hyperborea until recently. However, with water temperatures reaching 10°C in summer, this kelp will be able to thrive also in the High Arctic. Moreover, no evidence of stress to Arctic winter warming was observed. Consequently, L. hyperborea has a high potential for spreading northward with further warming which may significantly affect the structure and function of Arctic ecosystems.

Effect of Iron Nanoparticles Prepared from Onion Extract on Cucumber Plant Growth and Production

In recent years, it has been shown that the use of chemical fertilizers negatively affects the environment and public health. Nano fertilizer have been discovered and used, and one of their many advantages is the speed and ease of obtaining them from various plant sources, which are cheap and currently available it's friendly for environment. The field experiment was carried out in the spring season of 2021 in a mixture of salty clay (cohesive soil) for the purpose of studying the effect of spraying synthetic nanoparticles used from iron oxide particles with onion plant extract at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 parts per million on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus). The prepared nanoparticles were identified by the following assays: UV-visible spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, TEM, SEM and AFM. The results showed a significant effect of using Nano pesticides, especially with high concentration, in increasing average plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area and total plant yield. It was concluded from this study that the positive effect of Nano-fertilizer prepared with onion extract on plant growth, which led to an increase in cucumber productivity and the quality of its fruits, from that there is the possibility of using it as an alternative to conditional mineral fertilizers, after conducting several studies on the safety of using these plants treated with Nano-fertilizers for humans.

Liver Biopsy Technique for Analysis of Hepatic Content during Pregnancy and Early Lactation in Dairy Goats.

Biopsy techniques in dairy goats are currently limited. This study aimed to describe a liver biopsy technique in dairy goats and to evaluate liver triglyceride levels and glycogen content. Sixty-nine dairy goats in the final stage of pregnancy and early lactation period were selected. Fifty goats were selected randomly for hepatic biopsy (HB) according to gestational period and were characterized according to fetus number (single: n = 16, multiple: n = 34), supplementation with propylene glycol (diet: n = 23, diet+PG: n = 27), and milk production levels (high: 3.0 ± 0.4 L/day, n = 15; low: 1.4 ± 0.4 L/day, n = 26). Liver tissue samples were obtained through biopsy on days -30, -20, -15, -10, -5, and 15 days after calving. Hepatic triglyceride and glycogen were quantified. The results were analyzed using the F-test at a 5% significance level and a comparison of means using the Tukey test. The liver biopsies did not influence dry matter intake, body weight, or milk yield. Hepatic glycogen concentration was lower 15 days after calving than it was prior to calving, except on day -20. Goats that generated high levels of milk production had lower triglyceride levels than goats that generated low levels of milk production. The biopsy technique is a safe method for obtaining tissue and evaluating liver content in dairy goats. The milk production level and days relative to parturition influence the hepatic triglyceride and glycogen content in dairy goats.

Screening and Selection of Antibiotics for Enhanced Production of Astaxanthin by Haematococcus lacustris.

Haematococcus lacustris (Girod-Chantrans) Rostafinski (Chlorophyta) is the richest microalgal source of astaxanthin. Natural astaxanthin from H. lacustris has been widely studied and used for commercial production worldwide. In this study, we examined the effects of 11 antibiotics (dihydrostreptomycin sulphate, neomycin, chloramphenicol, penicillin, streptomycin, ampicillin, kanamycin, gentamycin, hygromycin B, tetracycline, and paromomycin) on the biomass dry weight, growth, and astaxanthin yield of H. lacustris using Jaworski's medium without a nitrogen source. Astaxanthin content in H. lacustris was improved in the presence of ampicillin (0.25 g/L, 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L), chloramphenicol (0.25 g/L), and penicillin (0.25 g/L, 0.5 g/L, 1 g/L) in comparison to the control on day 15. The greatest increase in astaxanthin content on day 15 (6.69-fold) was obtained with the addition of penicillin (0.5 g/L) in comparison to the control. Similarly, on day 15, the cell numbers were also the highest for the H. lacustris culture grown with the addition of penicillin (0.5 g/L).

Numerical Variables Analysis and Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Groundnut with Microbial Cultures in Coastal Zone of Puducherry

Background: The precise application of phosphorus fertilizer is pivotal in determining Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity. The high demand of phosphorus for energy transfer molecules involved in nitrogen fixation makes it essential for leguminous crop. A field experiment was conducted at Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puducherry during 2021 to 2023 to explore the performance of groundnut by employing an optimal combination of microbial culture alongside varying levels of phosphorus. Methods: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of different doses of phosphorus (@ 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) with and without seed treatment with DGRC culture. Result: The experiment results of the three years study revealed that a variable response of groundnut to P fertilizer rates and rhizobium inoculant on sandy loam soil in puducherry. P fertilizer rates combined with DGRC inoculant had a significant influence on growth, root nodule, nodule dry weight, pod and kernel yield. From this study, it may concluded that combined application of P fertilizer @ 60 kg/ha and seed treatment of DGRC culture inoculants @ 20 g/kg seed have the potential to increase the productivity and profitability of groundnut. Correlation and Regression analysis also indicated that the yield attributes had a positive impact on groundnut yield.

Biostimulant and Arbuscular Mycorrhizae Application on Four Major Biomass Crops as the Base of Phytomanagement Strategies in Metal-Contaminated Soils.

Using contaminated land to grow lignocellulosic crops can deliver biomass and, in the long term, improve soil quality. Biostimulants and microorganisms are nowadays an innovative approach to define appropriate phytomanagement strategies to promote plant growth and metal uptake. This study evaluated biostimulants and mycorrhizae application on biomass production and phytoextraction potential of four lignocellulosic crops grown under two metal-contaminated soils. Two greenhouse pot trials were setup to evaluate two annual species (sorghum, hemp) in Italy and two perennial ones (miscanthus, switchgrass) in China, under mycorrhizae (M), root (B2) and foliar (B1) biostimulants treatments, based on humic substances and protein hydrolysates, respectively, applied both alone and in combination (MB1, MB2). MB2 increased the shoot dry weight (DW) yield in hemp (1.9 times more), sorghum (3.6 times more) and miscanthus (tripled) with additional positive effects on sorghum and miscanthus Zn and Cd accumulation, respectively, but no effects on hemp metal accumulation. No treatment promoted switchgrass shoot DW, but M enhanced Cd and Cr shoot concentrations (+84%, 1.6 times more, respectively) and the phytoextraction efficiency. Root biostimulants and mycorrhizae were demonstrated to be more efficient inputs than foliar biostimulants to enhance plant development and productivity in order to design effective phytomanagement strategies in metal-contaminated soil.

Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Varieties under Different Salt Stress Levels

Tomato is a crop of immense economic importance worldwide and salinity is one of the major abiotic factors limiting its production and productivity in Ethiopia. The study was conducted to assess growth, physiological activities and yield responses of two tomato varieties to six different salinity levels. Evaluation of the varieties for salt tolerance was carried out in greenhouse in 2018/19. Each treatment was replicated three times and arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement. Most of the traits showed significant decrease (P<0.0001) as salinity level increased from lower to higher concentration. The highest shoot fresh weight (163.13g/plant), shoot dry matter (32.8g/plant) and leaf area (26.93cm2) were recorded for the control treatment and the highest root fresh weight (12.27g/plant), root dry weight (5.53g/plant) and fruit yield (22.71 tone/ha) were recorded at 1dSm-1for variety Melka Shola, while the lowest shoot fresh weight (79.9g/plant), shoot dry matter (22.67g/plant), leaf area(17.63 cm2), root fresh weight (6.12g/plant) and root dry weight (3.8g/plant) were recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The lowest yield (16.73 tone/ha) was recorded at 5 dSm-1 for variety ARP tomato-d2. The highest and the lowest values of photosynthetic rate (0.82 µmolCo2m-2s-1 and (0.47 µmolCo2m-2s-1 respectively) were obtained from the control treatment and the highest salinity level for variety Melka Shola, whereas, corresponding values of (0.84µmolCo2m-2s-1 and 0.56 µmolCo2m-2s-1 were recorded for variety ARP tomato-d2. Results of laboratory analysis showed that, sodium and Na/K significantly increased with increased salinity level. However, potassium, Sulfur and phosphorus showed significant decrease with increasing salinity level. Melka Shola was found to be more salt tolerant as compared to ARP tomato-d2. Since the present experiment was conducted for one season and under controlled condition, it deserves further evaluation and verification under field condition in salt affected areas and the effect of salinity on tomato quality also deserves further investigation.

Mitigation of drought stress in chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) using mango fruit waste biochar, fulvic acid and cobalt

Drought stress can have negative impacts on crop productivity. It triggers the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative stress. Limited water and nutrient uptake under drought stress also decreases plant growth. Using cobalt and fulvic acid with biochar in such scenarios can effectively promote plant growth. Cobalt (Co) is a component of various enzymes and co-enzymes. It can increase the concentration of flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) and proline. Fulvic acid (FA), a constituent of soil organic matter, increases the accessibility of nutrients to plants. Biochar (BC) can enhance soil moisture retention, nutrient uptake, and plant productivity during drought stress. That’s why the current study explored the influence of Co, FA and BC on chili plants under drought stress. This study involved 8 treatments, i.e., control, 4 g/L fulvic acid (4FA), 20 mg/L cobalt sulfate (20CoSO4), 4FA + 20CoSO4, 0.50%MFWBC (0.50 MFWBC), 4FA + 0.50MFWBC, 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC, 4FA + 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC. Results showed that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC caused an increase in chili plant height (23.29%), plant dry weight (28.85%), fruit length (20.17%), fruit girth (21.41%) and fruit yield (25.13%) compared to control. The effectiveness of 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC was also confirmed by a significant increase in total chlorophyll contents, as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in leaves over control. In conclusion4g/L, FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC can potentially improve the growth of chili cultivated in drought stress. It is suggested that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC be used to alleviate drought stress in chili plants.

Enhancing Lettuce Drought Tolerance: The Role of Organic Acids in Photosynthesis and Oxidative Defense

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maleic acid (MA), salicylic acid (SA), and citric acid (CA) on alleviating the drought stress of a lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) hydroponic culture. The effect of these organic acids was tested under stress conditions induced by polyethene glycol (PEG 6000) at 5% and 7.5% concentrations. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry matter yields of plants. The acid treatment caused increasing tendencies in the fresh weight yield:control (SA, MA), PEG 7.5% (SA, MA, CA)) and dry weight yield (control (SA, MA), PEG 5% (MA), PEG 7.5% (SA, MA)). The acid treatment also enhanced the nutrient uptake of stressed plants: SA: N (PEG 7.5%), K (PEG 5 and 7.5%); MA: N, P, K, Ca (PEG 5 and 7.5%). This work found that chlorophyll a and b amounts did not change under applied experimental conditions. Most parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence did not depend on either the level of applied water stress (PEG level) or the type of spraying. Drought stress increased leaf superoxide anion (O2•−) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels but decreased H2O2. Proline (Pro) and phenolic compounds (TFC), including flavonols (Fla), accumulated more in stressed plants. Drought stress also affected the chlorophyll fluorescence. Our results suggest that acids can improve plant tolerance to drought stress by boosting the antioxidant defence system and reducing the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

Phytotoxicity and Residual Effect of Some Herbicides on three Egyptian Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was carried out at the experimental farm of Rice Research Department, Sakha Agricultural Research Station and Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, ARC, Egypt during the summer season of 2021 and 2022 to study the sensitivity of three Egyptian rice cultivars against four common herbicides and its effect on physiological and agronomic characteristics of rice as well as herbicide residues in rice seeds. The field study was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Three rice cultivars (Giza 177, Giza 179 and Sakha 108) were randomly distributed in main plots, while weed control treatments included four herbicides at recommended doses (penoxsulam 2.5% OD, bispyribac-sodium 2% SL, cyhalofop-butyl 10% EC and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 7.5% EW) as compared to hand weeding were devoted in sub plots. The obtained results revealed that Sakha 108 as Japonica rice cultivar was resistant against tested herbicides and recorded the highest values of rice dry weight, chlorophyll content, number of panicles m-2, panicle weight and grain yield, while scored the lowest values of total phenols. On the other hand, Giza 177 as short duration Japonica rice cultivar showed the higher sensitivity against tested herbicides and achieved the lowest values of abovementioned agronomic traits and chlorophyll content. Cyhalofop-butyl as ACCase herbicide was safer on studied rice cultivars and recorded the highest values of studied agronomic characteristics for rice as well as chlorophyll content, while recorded the lowest values of total phenols during the study. On the other hand, bispyribac-sodium 2% SL resulted in more toxic effect for rice cultivars and recorded the lowest values of studied agronomic traits for rice. fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 7.5% EW achieved the lowest chlorophyll content and highest values of total phenols during the study. Giza 179 as Indica-Japonica rice cultivar appeared high sensitivity when sprayed with bispyribac-sodium and fenoxaprop-ethyl but made recovery after 12 days from herbicidal application and recorded the highest chlorophyll content, dry weight, panicles m-2 and grain yield with no significant differences between Sakha 108 rice cultivar during the study. In respect of herbicide residues in rice seeds, all tested herbicides didn’t have residues in rice seeds at 100 days after treatment. It means that tested herbicides didn’t have any residues in rice seeds.

Alpha lipoic acid mitigates adverse impacts of drought stress on growth and yield of mungbean: photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidative defense mechanism.

Exogenous use of potential organic compounds through different modes is a promising strategy for the induction of water stress tolerance in crop plants for better yield. The present study aimed to explore the potential role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in inducing water stress tolerance in mungbean lines when applied exogenously through various modes. The experiment was conducted in a field with a split-plot arrangement, having three replicates for each treatment. Two irrigation regimes, including normal and reduced irrigation, were applied. The plants allocated to reduced irrigation were watered only at the reproductive stage. Three levels of ALA (0, 0.1, 0.15 mM) were applied through different modes (seed priming, foliar or priming+foliar). ALA treatment through different modes manifested higher growth under reduced irrigation (water stress) and normal irrigation. Compared to the other two modes, the application of ALA as seed priming was found more effective in ameliorating the adverse impacts of water stress on growth and yield associated with their better content of leaf photosynthetic pigments, maintenance of plant water relations, levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants, improved activities of enzymatic antioxidants, and decreased lipid peroxidation and H2O2 levels. The maximum increase in shoot fresh weight (29% and 28%), shoot dry weight (27% and 24%), 100-grain weight (24% and 23%) and total grain yield (20% and 21%) in water-stressed mungbean plants of line 16003 and 16004, respectively, was recorded due to ALA seed priming than other modes of applications. Conclusively, 0.1 and 0.15 mM levels of ALA as seed priming were found to reduce the adverse impact of water stress on mungbean yield that was associated with improved physio-biochemical mechanisms. The findings of the study will be helpful for the agriculturalists working in arid and semi-arid regions to obtain a better yield of mungbean that will be helpful to fulfill the food demand in those areas to some extent.

Zeolite application coupled with film mulched drip irrigation enhances crop yield with less N2O emissions in peanut field

Zeolite has been previously reported to increase nitrogen (N) use efficiency in lowland paddy fields. However, few results are available regarding its effect on N2O emissions from upland field, especially with mulched drip irrigation. In present study, two-year peanut field experiments were conducted utilizing a split-plot design to assess the impact of zeolite application and irrigation regimes on plant dry weight and N accumulation, soil inorganic N content, peanut yield, N2O emissions, and soil physicochemical properties. Different irrigation regimes (MD, mulched drip irrigation; RF, rain-fed) as well as zeolite application rates (0 t ha−1 (Z0, control), 5 t ha−1 (Z5), and 10 t ha−1 (Z10)) were applied. Results showed that the MD treatment increased plant dry weight, N accumulation, soil NH4+-N, NO3−-N content and mean soil temperature compared to the RF control. Furthermore, cumulative N2O emissions and peanut yield were raised by 24.3% and 15.8%, respectively, with the MD treatment. The increased peanut yield by mulched drip irrigation might be resulted from the promoted soil inorganic N, soil temperature, and plant N accumulation. Regardless of irrigation, zeolite addition increased dry weight and N accumulation during all measured stages except seedling, mean soil NH4+-N, NO3−-N content, mean soil pH, and peanut yield. In contrast, cumulative N2O emissions were decreased compared to the non-zeolite control. Moreover, findings showed that Z10 performed better in increasing peanut yield by 12.7% and decreasing N2O emissions by 35.7% than Z5. Increasing soil inorganic N content with zeolite addition contributed to improve plant N accumulation and promote dry weight and peanut yield. Furthermore, the reduction of N2O emissions by zeolite was related to improved soil inorganic N and pH. Though MD increased N2O emissions, the MDZ10 treatment had 20.6% of cumulative N2O emissions lower than the conventional practice (RFZ0), indicating that zeolite application alleviated the adverse effect of mulched drip irrigation on N2O emissions. It was concluded that zeolite dose at 10 t ha−1 coupled with mulched drip irrigation gave a high peanut yield with less N2O emissions. Our findings could be adopted in arid areas to enhance peanut production and mitigate environmental risk induced by N2O emissions.

Response of green chiretta to different bio-fertilizers and their effect on phosphorus availability in the soil

When cultivating medicinal plants, the use of chemical substances such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers should be avoided, as these can be contaminated with hazardous substances. Bio-fertilizers are a good alternative for growing herbs, as they are produced from organic materials that contain fewer hazardous substances. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different bio-fertilizers on growth, yield, andrographolide content, nutrient accumulation, and different pigments in green chiretta. In addition, the effectiveness of bio-fertilizers on the convertible phosphorus content in the soil was investigated. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replicates. The details of the experiment were 1) control (no bio-fertilizer), 2) phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), 3) plant growth promoter, and 4) mycorrhiza. The findings revealed that the application of PSMs provided the highest leaf dry weight (yield) of green chiretta (20.8±3.58 g/plant). This treatment also gave the highest chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content (699±70, 178±24, 880±94 mg/sqm, respectively) and andrographolide yield (0.38±0.06 g/plant). Regarding the phosphorus content in the soil, the PSMs application showed the highest available phosphorus and the highest phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) in the soil, namely 52.0±4.76 mg/kg and 4.22±0.32 percent, respectively. These results indicate that the use of PSMs as a bio-fertilizer is most suitable for the cultivation of green chiretta, especially when this plant grows on acid sulfate soils.