Plant Dry Weight Research Articles

Optimization of keratin hydrolysis from sheep wool waste for enhanced crop performance: A sustainable approach in agriculture

Protein hydrolysates have emerged as potent enhancers of agricultural productivity, attributed to their nitrogen and amino acid richness. This study focuses on extracting keratin from sheep wool waste via water-based hydrolysis, aiming for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical methods. To refine this process, a novel response surface methodology integrating a Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD) was devised, centering on temperature and hydrolysis time as pivotal factors affecting yield. Optimization yielded an impressive 99% w/v hydrolysis yield, with a fixed solid-liquid ratio (15:100 w/v) yielding 18.72 g/l of total nitrogen extraction. Analysis revealed a dominant presence of phenylalanine, noted for its role in plant water conservation. Agricultural trials demonstrated the hydrolysate's efficacy in enhancing maize crop physiology, evidenced by increased leaf surface area and fresh and dry plant weights across varied application rates. These results underscore the value of this innovative valorization process in agriculture. By harnessing keratin from sheep wool waste through water-based hydrolysis, the study proposes a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical techniques. The optimization of key parameters and subsequent positive impacts on maize crop physiology illustrate the potential of this approach to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

First Steps towards Pre-Breeding of Sideritis scardica: A Phenotypic, Agronomic, and Phytochemical Profiling Approach

Sideritis scardica (S. scardica) Griseb., also known as mountain tea, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant species. Due to the high cross-pollination ability of the species, diverse genotypes and phenotypes occur naturally. Considering that superior uniform genotypes are necessary for highly qualitative and sustainable production, this study aimed to conduct a pre-breeding evaluation of three clones (SID1, SID2, and SID3) originating from a selected S. scardica population growing in Greece. According to a phenotypic and agronomic evaluation, SID2 seemed to be superior among the three clones, expressing a good profile with desirable traits (i.e., desired inflorescence length and leaf surface, high length of stems, and high fresh and dry plant biomass). Furthermore, SID3 presented some remarkable measurements regarding morphological (upright growth habit) and agronomic (high number of stems and plant dry weight, desired plant surface) traits. The phytochemical profile of the three clones was assessed with regard to their volatile and polyphenolic compounds. Forty-four constituents were identified in S. scardica essential oil, including hydrocarbon monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, oxygenated monoterpenes, and other groups (monoterpene ketones, saturated fatty alcohols, benzoic esters). Liquid chromatographic analysis revealed SID2 as the clone most abundant in the major polyphenolic metabolites: verbascoside (2234.3 mg 100 g−1), isoscutellarein-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (1456.5 mg 100 g−1), and 4-methyl hypolaetin-7-O [6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1 → 2) glucoside (861.8 mg 100 g−1). The results indicate the ability to combine morphological, agronomic, and phytochemical traits, in order to identify superior S. scardica genotypes for further evaluation and utilization in breeding programs, aiming to create cultivars or varieties for farming purposes with desired performance and high quantitative and qualitative yields.

Effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on growth and yield of shallots on saline soils

Soil salinity is a limiting factor in agricultural productivity. One of the biological approaches to mitigate the impact of salt stress on plants is inoculating plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant roots. This study aimed to investigate the eff of PGPR dosage on the growth and yield of shallots at various salinity levels. This study was carried out in the experimental field of Poncokusumo, Malang. The treatments tested consisted of two factors. The first factor was soil salinity level, consisting of four levels: no salinity, NaCl 50 mM, NaCl 100 mM, and NaCl 150 mM. The second factor was PGPR concentration, consisting of four levels: no PGPR, PGPR 10 mL/L, PGPR 20 mL/L, and PGPR 30 mL/L. The sixteen treatment combinations were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The data obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level limit of 5%, followed by the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at a 5% significance level for any significant differences. The results showed that the application of 30 mL/L of PGPR reduced EC of the soil and improved plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area, bulb diameter, bulb weight, and the number of bulbs per plant by 33%, 47.3%, 81%, 13%, 34.2%, 98.5%, and 31%, respectively, compared to the treatment without PGPR application under NaCl 150 mM salinity. The application of PGPR at 20 and 30 mL/L dosages significantly increased chlorophyll, flavonoid, and proline indices at NaCl at 100 mM and 150 mM salinity levels compared to the treatment without PGPR.

Growth and yield response of maize to integrated nutrient management of chicken manure and inorganic fertilizer in different agroecological zones

The productivity of maize, an essential staple food crop in Africa, is severely constrained by the declining fertility of the soil. The combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers could ameliorate this challenge in a sustainable way to boost maize productivity. Two field trials were conducted at Ashanti -Mampong and Damongo, in the transitional and Guinea Savannah agroecologies of Ghana respectively, to assess the influence of sole and integrated application of chicken manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of maize. The treatments included two maize varieties; Abontem and Obatanpa, and five fertilizer rates; 3 t/ha chicken manure (CM), NPK (65:38:38 kg ha−1 NPK), ½ CM + ½ NPK and ¾ CM + ¼ NPK and control (no fertilizer). A 2 x 5 factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were revealed between varieties, fertilizer types and their interaction effects for phenological, growth and yield of maize in both locations. The superiority of the integrated application of NPK and chicken manure was also visible in the vegetative parameters such as plant height, number of leaves and shoot dry weight of the maize plants given them the comparative advantage to assimilate more photosynthates for partitioning to the ears and grains. Obatanpa treated with ½ CM + ½ NPK produced the highest yield of 4661.1 kg ha−1, which was 29.6 and 29.9 % higher than the same variety grown on sole NPK and sole chicken manure, respectively at Damongo. Abontem treated with ¾ CM + ¼ NPK recorded a grain yield of 4479.3 kg ha−1, 11.7 % higher than the sole NPK and 10.3 % higher than the sole CM at Damongo. Similarly, Obatanpa grown on the ½ CM + ½ NPK recorded the highest grain yield of 4349.3 kg ha−1at Mampong followed by Abontem treated with the sole NPK (4267.1 kg ha−1). Sole NPK and the combined application of NPK and chicken manure gave comparable responses for vegetative traits while the integrated application proved superior for grain yield of maize across the two agroecologies.

HcLEA113, a late embryogenesis abundant protein gene, positively regulates drought-stress responses in kenaf.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins have been widely recognized for their role in various abiotic stress responses in higher plants. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism responsible for the function of LEA proteins in plants has not yet been explored. This research involved the isolation and characterization of HcLEA113 from kenaf, revealing a significant increase in its expression in response to drought stress. When HcLEA113 was introduced into yeast, it resulted in an improved survival rate under drought conditions. Furthermore, the overexpression of HcLEA113 in tobacco plants led to enhanced tolerance to drought stress. Specifically, HcLEA113-OE plants exhibited higher germination rates, longer root lengths, greater chlorophyll content, and higher relative water content under drought stress compared to wild-type (WT) plants, while their relative conductivity was significantly lower than that of WT plants. Further physiological measurements revealed that the proline content, soluble sugars, and antioxidant activities of WT and HcLEA113-OE tobacco leaves increased significantly under drought stress, with greater changes in HcLEA113-OE plants than WT. The increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anions (O2 -), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly lower in HcLEA113-OE lines than in WT plants. Additionally, HcLEA113-OE plants can activate reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and osmotic-related genes in response to drought stress. On the other hand, silencing the HcLEA113 gene through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in kenaf plants led to notable growth suppression when exposed to drought conditions, manifesting as decreased plant height and dry weight. Meanwhile, antioxidant enzymes' activity significantly decreased and the ROS content increased. This study offers valuable insights for future research on the genetic engineering of drought resistance in plants.

The Effect of Adding Nutrients to Rice Washing Waste Water on Growth Results of Yellow Soybean Plant Microgreens (Glycine max (L.) Merill)

Soybeans contain many vitamins and minerals and are low in saturated fatty acids. Food ingredients derived from soybeans are also free from lactose, making them suitable for consumers who suffer from lactose intolerance. It is impossible to separate microgreens growth from their requirement for nutrients and water. Since microgreens are organic, chemical fertilizers are not used to them. Rice washing waste water is one substitute that can be utilized as fertilizer for microgreen plants. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the optimal concentration for maximizing the growth and yield of yellow soybean microgreens (Glycine max) and the impact of giving waste rice washing water on these microgreens. This study conducts quantitative research using an experimental design. A non-factorial randomized block design (RAK) was employed to collect the data, with concentration being the primary variable (P0: Control, P1: 50 ml rice washing water, P2: 100 ml rice washing water, P3: 150 ml rice washing water). Plant height, plant dry weight, plant wet weight, and chlorophyll levels are all significantly impacted by the availability of rice washing water, according to the research findings. The amount of leaves was unaffected by the presence of rice washing water. Plant height, dry weight, wet weight, and chlorophyll content can all be increased with P1 in as much as 50 milliliters of rice washing water.

Growth response of tissue culture-derived bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) Plantlets to sources and levels of inorganic nitrogen

Information on nitrogen nutrition of bamboo plants during the nursery stage is very limited. The study was conducted to generate more information regarding the nitrogen nutrition of bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) specifically to evaluate the effect of forms and levels of N on the early growth stage performance of tissue culture-derived bamboo plantlets and identify the best form and optimum level of nitrogen for bamboo plants during the nursery stage. The acclimatized tissue culture-derived bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) plantlets were grown in black polyethylene bags measuring 24x15cm containing potting medium composed of 1:1v/v mixture of garden soil and rice hull charcoal. These were applied with two forms of nitrogen (N1-nitrate-N and N2-ammonium-N) which served as the factor A and 3 levels of nitrogen (L1-0g N plant-1, L2-0.25g N plant-1, and L3-0.50g N plant-1 which was the factor B of a 2×3 factorial RCBD experiment. The effects of the treatments on the performance of the bamboo plantlets were evaluated by gathering growth parameters such as height, number of leaves and culms and leaf size, and dry weights of leaf, stem, root, and total biomass weight. The form of N applied did not significantly influenced the size of bamboo plants but significantly affected the plant dry weight. Plants fertilized with ammonium-N produced heavier biomass weight than those applied with nitrate-N. The levels of N-application significantly influenced both the plant size and weight. Application of 0.25g N and 0.5g N plant-1 significantly increased the number of culms and leaves and total plant biomass dry weight. Based on the effect on the size and weight of plants, application of 0.25g N plant-1 was already optimum for bamboo plants during the nursery stage. For bamboo plants at the nursery stage, ammonium-N was better than nitrate-N with 0.25g N plant-1 as the optimum level of application.

Potential of Thermal and RGB Imaging Combined with Artificial Neural Networks for Assessing Salt Tolerance of Wheat Genotypes Grown in Real-Field Conditions

Developing new bread wheat varieties that can be successfully grown in saline conditions has become a pressing task for plant breeders. High-throughput phenotyping tools are crucial for this task. Proximal remote sensing is gaining popularity in breeding programs as a quick, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool to assess canopy structure and physiological traits in large genetic pools. Limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of combining RGB and thermal imaging to assess the salt tolerance of different wheat genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining several indices derived from thermal infrared and RGB images with artificial neural networks (ANNs) for assessing relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), total chlorophyll (Chlt), and plant dry weight (PDW) of 18 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and their 3 parents irrigated with saline water (150 mM NaCl). The results showed significant differences in various traits and indices among the tested genotypes. The normalized relative canopy temperature (NRCT) index exhibited strong correlations with RWC, Chla, Chlb, Chlt, and PDW, with R2 values ranging from 0.50 to 0.73, 0.53 to 0.76, 0.68 to 0.84, 0.68 to 0.84, and 0.52 to 0.76, respectively. Additionally, there was a strong relationship between several RGB indices and measured traits, with the highest R2 values reaching up to 0.70. The visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI), a popular index derived from RGB imaging, showed significant correlations with NRCT, RWC, Chla, Chlb, Chlt, and PDW, with R2 values ranging from 0.49 to 0.62 across two seasons. The different ANNs models demonstrated high predictive accuracy for NRCT and other measured traits, with R2 values ranging from 0.62 to 0.90 in the training dataset and from 0.46 to 0.68 in the cross-validation dataset. Thus, our study shows that integrating high-throughput digital image tools with ANN models can efficiently and non-invasively assess the salt tolerance of a large number of wheat genotypes in breeding programs.

Histological Variations in Cucumber Grafted Plants and Their Effect on Yield

Cucumber is a vegetable crop of economic importance in Mexico. In 2023, fresh or frozen cucumber and pickle international sales reached USD 783M, placing Mexico in second rank among countries with the highest currency inflow in the world. This crop is mostly grown under protected environments with new production technologies, including rootstocks that are tolerant to biotic and abiotic factors that limit the yield and quality of the harvest. Therefore, the goal of this work was to assess three cucurbits as rootstocks (Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Citrullus lanatus), as well as studying the response of cucumber crop to the tested rootstocks. The following treatments were assessed: T1:PSP = cucumber Cv. Paraizo F1 without rootstock; T2:P/MA = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita maxima; T3:P/MO = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita moschata; T4:P/CL = cucumber grafted over Citrullus lanatus Citroides Var. The assessed variables included the number of fruits per plant (NFPP), fruit weight per plant (PFPP), average fruit weight (PPF), plant dry weight (PSP), xylem vessel area (AVX), number of xylem vessels (NVX), vascular bundle area (AHV) and number of vascular bundles (NHV) in roots (R), basal stalk (TB) and apical stalk (AT). Significant differences among treatments were found in the results for variables: NFPP, highlighting that T2:P/MA was superior by 46.15% versus T1:PSP and by 67.69% versus T3:P/MO. Regarding PFPP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (5445 g), as it proved superior by 99.45% than the cucumber without rootstock (T1:PSP). Regarding PSP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (196.65 g), significantly exceeding T1 by 137.5%. Regarding AVXR, T4:P/CL had the highest value (30,063 µm2). Regarding NHVR, watermelon had (T4:P/CL) 39.33% more vascular bundles than the root system of cucumber (T1:PSP). Treatments T2:P/MA and T4:P/CL had the highest values at AVXTB, while for variable NVXTB, treatments T3:P/MO and T2:P/MA were almost equal, surpassing non-grafted cucumber by 175.47%. However, T2:P/MA showed the greatest AHVTB, and T1:PSP was significantly superior to T3:P/MO, by 34.93%, for NHVTB. Furthermore, positive and significant correlations were found among PFPP, AHVR, and AVXTB, as well as among PSP, AVXTB, and AHVTB. Therefore, we may say that having a larger area of vascular vessels in the roots and a larger area of xylem vessels in the basal stalk leads to higher fruit yields per plant. In the same vein, the use of rootstocks is a sustainable alternative to increase fruit yield.

The Effect of Using NPK Fertilizer and Liquid Organic Fertilizer Vegetable Waste on the Vegetative Growth of Purple Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

An key factor in promoting the growth and development of plants is fertilizer. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers can be used for fertilization. If inorganic fertilizers are applied over an extended period of time without the incorporation of organic matter, the soil's quality may be compromised, leading to suboptimal plant development. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the optimal fertilizer dose for purple eggplant growth response, as well as the effects of NPK fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste, and a combination of both on the vegetative growth of purple eggplant plants. A two-factor Complete Random Design was employed in this study, with three replicates and five treatment levels for each of the liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste and NPK fertilizer treatment. The Anova two-way test was used to examine the data, and then the DMRT test was performed. The application of liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste and the combination of the two fertilizers had a real effect on plant height, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight but no real effect on the number of leaves, according to the results. On the other hand, the application of NPK fertilizer had a real effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, wet weight, and dry weight. The results of the DMRT test (5%) indicated that the optimal dosage for plant height, wet weight, and dry weight was 1.5 grams of NPK and 10 ml of liquid organic fertilizer made from vegetable waste; for the number of leaves, it was 1.5 grams of NPK and 2 grams, and for the area of leaves, it was 1 gram of NPK.

Evaluating Ecological Nano-Calcium from Eggshells: Effects on Calcium Nutrition and Oxidative Stress in Lettuce Under Saline and Boron Toxicity

AbstractNano-fertilizers with higher efficacy compared to conventional fertilizers can provide advantage for plant cultivation in both productive and problematic soils. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of nano-calcium (nano-Ca) on lettuce plants grown in saline-boron toxic soil. Nano-calcium fertilizer was prepared from eggshells. Functional and structural properties of nano-Ca was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before plant experiment. The treatments was; control, 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg−1 B with 4 mM Nano-Ca (NaCl + B + nano-Ca). The nano-Ca significantly increased the dry weight and calcium (Ca) concentration of lettuce plants under saline-B toxic conditions. Although there was a decrease in the concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), and boron (B) with nano-Ca treatment, it was not statistically significant. Salinity and boron toxicity lead to increased lipid peroxidation. In the present study, the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker for lipid peroxidation, along with a significant decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, was observed with the application of nano-Ca. There was no significant alteration in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) observed in lettuce grown under saline and boron toxic conditions. However, catalase activity (CAT) increased with nano-Ca application, while the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased. The study results suggest that nano-Ca serves a protective function for lettuce plants cultivated under saline and boron toxic conditions.

Isolation and characterization of native antagonistic rhizobacteria against Fusarium wilt of chilli to promote plant growth.

In the eastern coastal regions of Odisha, wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.capsici is an extremely damaging disease in chilli. This disease is very difficult to manage with chemical fungicides since it is soil-borne in nature. The natural rhizosphere soil of the chilli plant was used to isolate and test bacterial antagonists for their effectiveness and ability to promote plant growth. Out of the fifty-five isolates isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy chilli plants, five isolates, namely Iso 01, Iso 17, Iso 23, Iso 24, and Iso 32, showed their highly antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum f. sp. capsici under in vitro. In a dual culture, Iso 32 (73.3%) and Iso 24 (71.5%) caused the highest level of pathogen inhibition. In greenhouse trials, artificially inoculated chilli plants treated with Iso 32 (8.8%) and Iso 24 (10.2%) had decreased percent disease incidence (PDI), with percent disease reduction over control of 85.6% and 83.3%, respectively. Iso 32 and Iso 24 treated chilli seeds have shown higher seed vigor index of 973.7 and 948.8, respectively, as compared to untreated control 636.5. Furthermore, both the isolates significantly increased plant height as well as the fresh and dry weight of chilli plants under the rolled paper towel method. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization identified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (MH491049) as the key antagonist. This study demonstrates that rhizobacteria, specifically Iso 32 and Iso 24, can effectively protect chilli plants against Fusarium wilt while promoting overall plant development. These findings hold promise for sustainable and eco-friendly management of Fusarium wilt in chilli cultivation.

Mitigating salinity stress and improving cotton productivity through integrative use of gypsum and compost amendments with exogenous proline

Abiotic constraints, such as salinity, significantly damage crop yields worldwide. Cotton, though moderately salt-tolerant, suffers from reduced growth and yield under saline-sodic soil conditions. Effective integrated mitigation strategies are crucial to address this challenge. Our study, conducted in Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan, investigated six treatments using an integrated strategy such as gypsum, compost and exogenous proline combining effect in improving cotton productivity under salinity stress. We assessed plant growth, agronomic traits, physio-chemical parameters, cotton yield, and soil characteristics. Our experimental results showed that the combined application of amendments such as T5: gypsum + proline and T6: compost + proline gave better results as compared to individual treatments (T2, T3 & T4) over the control (T1). A significant improvement was observed in plant length and dry weights of shoot and root by 64 %, 81 % and 47 %, respectively under the effect of T5, also increased cotton yield up to 2 folds (888 kg) over control (324 kg ha−1). Likewise, significant improvement in the plant physio-chemical parameters was recorded such as high activities of antioxidant enzymes and the maximum accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 60–71 %, as well as reduction in the oxidative burst by 55–65 % after the integrated treatments (T5 & T6) as compared to salt-stressed plants (control). Likewise, contents of nutrients are improved in plants viz., N: 70; P: 61 %; K: 33 % and Mg: 86 % under the positive effect of gypsum + proline over control. Results of soil analysis showed that the soil was moderately saline-sodic. Furthermore, soil analysis revealed that there was a significant improvement in NPK, S and Mg content in the soil after treated salt-stressed soil with gypsum and compost (T2, T3, T5 and T6) while a significant reduction was observed in Ca (17 %) and Na content (28 %), as well as EC (dSm−1) was decreased by 38 % and SAR (mmol/L)1/2 by 27 % under the effect of gypsum + proline over the control treatment. The outcomes of the current study reveal that the reclamation potential of gypsum and compost applied individually or together with exogenous proline improved plant growth, yield and plant defense system under salinity stress.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi dan Frekuensi Pemberian Pupuk Organik Cair Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman dan Produksi Sawi Samhong (Brassica juncea L.)

In mustard cultivtion, the right combination of the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer given through the leaves and the frequency of application are factors that can optimize growth and yield. This research aimed to test the effectiveness of the concentration and frequency of NASA liquid organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of Samhong mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The research was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Pattimura University, Ambon. This research was conducted as an experiment using a Randomized Block Design with 2 factors. The first factor was the concentration of NASA liquid organic fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels, namely: concentration of 0 mL/L of water (without giving POC); 4 mL/L of water; 8 mL/ mL/L of water; and 12 mL/L of water. The second factor was the frequency of fertilizer application which consists of 3 levels, namely 6 times, 3 times and 2 times of application. There were 12 treatment combinations, with 3 replications, so there were 36 experimental units. The research results showed that the concentration of NASA liquid organic fertilizer had a very significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root dry weight. A concentration of 8 mL/L of water was the best concentration for plant fresh weight, namely 323.89 g. For the treatment of frequency of application, there was a very significant effect on the number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root dry weight, with a frequency of 3 applications being the best frequency for the growth and yield of Samhong mustard greens. The interaction between NASA liquid organic fertilizer concentration and application frequency did not significantly effect all observed variables.

Development and Evaluation of a Trichoderma-Based Bioformulation for Enhancing Sustainable Potato Cultivation

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most widespread and cultivated Solanaceae in the world. To overcome the increasing problems of intensive cultivation and climate change, finding new strategies to guarantee the needs of today and future generations has become mandatory. The use of biostimulants based on Trichoderma spp. can be an excellent alternative to reduce the use of pesticides, as well as to mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study we evaluated the effects of a new bioformulation containing two Trichoderma strains on potato growth and yield. Trichoderma strains were characterised morphologically and molecularly. Application of the new bioformulate was able to promote potato plant growth and caused a significant increase in plant fresh (+107%) and dry weight (+74%), and potato tuber fresh weight (+37%) and number (+41%), and it also improved potato yield (+36%). These findings suggest that the bioformulation is a viable alternative to reduce pesticide use and mitigate biotic and abiotic stress in potato cultivation.

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.

Effects of Substrate Composition on the Growth Traits of Grafted Seedling in Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) Nuts.

Macadamia nut plantings in China are expanding year by year. In order to breed and promote superior varieties, this study analyzed the effects of different rootstocks and scions on the survival rate of grafted seedlings, and then selected the best substrate composition for plant growth. The results showed that the survival rate of the HAES788 variety as rootstock and Guire No. 1 as scion was the highest, reaching 96%. The optimal grafting time in December was better than that in March. Furthermore, among 16 substrate formulations, T12, T13, T15, and T16 had advantages of agglomerated soil and more well-developed root systems compared to the CK made of loess. The plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and dry weight of the aboveground and underground parts of the grafted seedlings planted in these substrate formulations were significantly higher than those plants planted in the CK. In addition, the substrate formulations T12, T13, T15, and T16 significantly improved the organic matter, total nitrogen, and total potassium content of the substrate soils, but little improvement was observed for total phosphorus content after 13 months. Overall, macadamia grafting times are best in December, with HAES788 and Guire No. 1 being the best rootstock and scion. The optimal substrate formulations are T12, T13, T15, and T16. This study provides a solid foundation for the production of high-quality macadamia plants.

Tanggap Morfofisioligi Beberapa Varietas Kedelai di Lahan Pasang Surut Tipe C

This research aims to look for the best morphophysiology response of soybean varieties in the tidal land type C. Research activities conducted in Kalimas Village Subdistrict Sungai Kakap, Kuburaya District from November 12th 2017 to February 10th 2018. Methode used is Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 6 factors, there were A: Burangrang varieties, B: Anjasmoro varieties, C: Argomulyo varieties, D: Dena 1 varieties, E: Gema varieties and F: Dering 1 varieties. Each factor replicated four times, so there were 24 experimental units. Variables measured were plant height, root volume, number of effective root nodules, dry weight of plants, number of chlorophyll, flowering age, harvest age, number of productive branches, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, dry weight of 100 seed, dry weight of seed per plot. The result showed that morphophysiology response of some soybean varieties in the tidal land type C indicates a difference on number of effective root nodules, number of chlorophyll, flowering age , harvest age, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, dry weight of 100 seed and dry weight of seed per plot.

Synergistic effects of silicon and goethite co-application in alleviating cadmium stress in rice (Oryza sativa L.): Insights into plant growth and iron plaque formation mechanisms

Rice is one of the most important staple food crops; however, it is prone to cadmium (Cd) accumulation, which has negative health effects. Therefore, methods to reduce Cd uptake by rice are necessary. At present, there is limited research on the effects of co-application of silicon (Si) and goethite in mitigating Cd stress in rice. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of their combined application on iron plaque formation in rice roots remain unclear. Therefore, this study analyzed the effects of the combined application of Si and goethite on the biomass, physiological stress indicators, Cd concentration, and iron plaques of rice using hydroponic experiments. The results revealed that co-treatment with both Si and goethite increased the plant height and dry weight, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, photosynthetic pigment concentration, and root activity. Moreover, this treatment decreased the malondialdehyde concentration, repaired epidermal cells, reduced the Cd concentration in the roots by 57.2 %, and increased the number of iron plaques and Cd concentration by 150.9 % and 266.2 % in the amorphous and crystalline fractions, respectively. The Cd/Fe ratio in amorphous iron plaques also increased. Our findings suggest that goethite serves as a raw material for iron plaque formation, while Si enhances the oxidation capacity of rice roots. The application of a combination of Si and goethite increases the quantity and quality of iron plaques, enhancing its Cd fixation capacity. This study provides theoretical evidence for the effective inhibition of Cd uptake by iron plaques in rice, providing insights into methods for the remediation of Cd contamination.

Effectiveness of some plant extracts in biocontrol of induced onion basal rot disease in greenhouse conditions

One of Egypt’s most notable and historically significant vegetable crops is the Liliaceae plant, Allium cepa L. In this study, the effectiveness of methanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves, Calotropis procera latex, Moringa oleifera seeds, and Syzygium aromaticum clove was investigated in vitro and, in a greenhouse, setting against Fusarium oxysporum, the pathogen that causes onion basal rot in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The S. aromaticum extract exhibited the inhibition peak (63.3%), whereas the A. absinthium extract had the lowest inhibition impact against F. oxysporum growth (41.1%). The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis revealed that 82 important compounds, with abundances ranging from low to high, were present in the tested S. aromaticum’s methanolic extract. The primary components were acetaldehyde, hydroxy- and 2-propanone, 1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-(42.71%), 1,2-ethanediol, and methyl alcohol (34.01%). In comparison to the infected control, the disease severity was significantly reduced by 20% with the use of a plant extracts mixture and Dovex 50% and increased by 62.22% with the use of an extract from A. absinthium. When compared to the infected control, onion plant fresh weight and dry weight were considerably higher under the clove extract therapy. The plant extracts used in this study’s testing contain a number of active ingredients, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes, which is probably why they have such positive impacts. The application of a combination of plant extracts was suggested as a feasible strategy for improving the growth and productivity of onion plants by the study’s findings. More research is needed to comprehend the mechanisms by which plant extracts promote plant development and to optimize the concentration and timing of administration.