Foliar Application Of Methanol Research Articles

Impact of Methanol and Glycine Betaine on Yield and Quality of Fodder Beet Genotypes (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris)

Two field experiments were carried out during 2018–2019 at the Hamedan and Qom sites, which are different ecological locations of Iran. Hamedan was selected as a temperate climate and Qom as semi-arid to study some of the morphological and physiological traits of fodder beet in various climatic conditions. The experimental map was designed as a split–split-plot in the form of a randomized complete block with three replications. The main plots were assigned three levels of methanol (i.e., control, 15, and 30% by volume). The sub-plots were restricted to two glycine betaine (GB) concentrations (i.e., control and four grams per liter of methanol consumed, and the sub-sub-plots consisted of six different genotypes of fodder beet). The results showed that root length, root and foliage yield/ha, as well as sugar content increased with the incremental level of methanol and/or GB concentration. Foliar application of methanol and GB also significantly changed the qualitative parameters including sodium content, catalase value, crude protein percentage, and dry matter digestibility. It should be noted that two sites differed in most of the investigated traits, so that Hamedan treatment had a more active role on fodder beet growth, yield, and quality compared with Qom. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference between fodder beet genotypes. Generally, spraying fodder beet with 15%by volume methanol or GB with concentration of four grams per liter of methanol is the recommended treatment for raising forage yield under the ecological circumstances of this research.

Effect of Foliar Application of Methanol on Changes of Antioxidant Enzymes of Vigna unguiculata L. in Water-Deficit Stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar application of methanol on the activity of antioxidant enzymes of Vigna unguiculata L. in water-deficit stress conditions. The trials were performed in a split plot design arranged in completely randomized block design with three replications in two years cultivation (2017 and 2018). Water-deficit stress treatments were considered in the main plots in four levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% of plant water requirement) and combined foliar application of methanol treatment in three levels (control, 10 and 20% vol.), and genotype treatment in two cultivars of Omidbakhsh 1057 and Mashhad in sub plots. The results showed that the effect of water-deficit stress and foliar application of methanol on the activity of antioxidant enzymes were significant (P £ 0.01). The effect of genotype on the activity of ascorbate peroxidase was just significant (P £ 0.01).

Effects of foliar application of methanol on some physiological characteristics of Lavandula stoechas L. under NaCl salinity conditions

In order to study the effects of foliar applications of methanol (0, 15, and 30%) and NaCl salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM) on some physiological characteristics of Lavandula stoechas L. plants, a pot experiment was carried out at the Research Greenhouse of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. Physiological characteristics (stem and leaf dry weights, total phenolic and flavonoids compounds, chlorophyll a and K+ contents, and K+/Na+ ratio) were significantly affected by the interaction effects of Methanol foliar application and salinity levels. The highest K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio, chl a and stem dry weight, belonged to NaCl 0 × Methanol 30% and NaCl 50 × Methanol 30%. For the leaves’ dry weight, the greatest data were recorded for NaCl 0 × Methanol 30% and NaCl 0 × methanol 15%. Methanol spray promoted the total phenolic content, especially at NaCl 50 × methanol 30% and NaCl 100 × methanol 15% and 30% and flavonoid content at NaCl 50 × methanol 30%. Anthocyanin content, essential oil percent, and flower dry weight were affected by NaCl salinity levels, and the highest amount of anthocyanin was recorded for the control treatment. The highest data for Essential oil was attained by the NaCl 0 and 50 mM. The Na+ content was affected by methanol foliar application and the highest amount was obtained in the control treatment. Both foliar application levels and salinity levels influenced the flower dry weight. The highest amount of the flower dry weight was recorded at 30% methanol spray level and 0 mM NaCl treatments. The results reveal that methanol application had significant effects on the physiological characteristics of Lavandula plants growing under salinity stress condition.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ON FLAG LEAF PIGMENTS AND GRAIN YIELD OF SPRING WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) GENOTYPES

Application of phenolic compounds such as proline, glycinebetaine, silicon, cytokinins, methanol etc. are getting important consideration in modern agricultural research for managing plants to get maximum yield under different environmental conditions. However there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of these phenolic compounds on grain yield, yield components and physiological properties such as leaf photosynthetic pigments. In the context the the present study was conducted during 2015-2016 growing season at the experimental field in the faculty of agriculture, University of Cukurova, Adana, Turkey to evaluated the effects of some phenolic compounds such as proline, glycinebetaine, silicon, cytokinins, methanol etc on chlorophyll (Chl) as well as total carotenoid contents of four bread wheat genotypes (‘Adana-99’, ‘FSD-2008’, ‘Basribey-98’ and ‘Seher-06’) under two nitrogen levels viz., low nitrogen level, LN: 60 kg N ha-1 and high nitrogen level, HN: 180 kg N ha-1 under well-watered condition. The results of the LN showed that the grain yield was only significantly correlated with Chla/b (r=-0.751**) of wheat genotypes. While, under HN, Chla, Chlb, carotenoid and Chla/b were strongly correlated with grain yield (r=0.422*, r=0.635**, r=0.444* and r=-0.590**) respectively. Among the phenolic compounds, proline highly sitimulated the relationships between grain yield and Chlb, carotenoids and Chla/b (r=0.795*, r=0.795* and r=0.811*), respectively. Similary, methanol effects were strongly correlated with grain yield and Chlb and Chla/b (r=0.844** and r=-0.772*), respectively. Therefore it is concluded that foliar application of methanol and proline were significantly increased the flag leaf Chlb concentration which ultimately lead to increase the grain yield of wheat genotypes.

The effect of foliar application of methanol on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plants grown in drought conditions

The effect of foliar application of methanol on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plants grown in drought conditions

Interaction of Methanol Spray and Water-Deficit Stress on Photosynthesis and Biochemical Characteristics of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Sadry.

This study was a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design and three replications. The four levels of methanol spraying were used. Spraying was carried out three times during the growing season at 10-day intervals beginning at 4 weeks after sowing. The spraying of solution continued until saturation of droplets on the leaves was achieved. The levels of water-deficit stress applied were nonstress, moderate water stress and severe water stress. The results showed that there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the methanol and water-deficit stress treatments for chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b, carotenoid, total chlorophyll, net photosynthesis (PN ), intercellular CO2 (Ci ), maximal quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv /Fm ), leaf moisture, water use efficiency and relative water content. The application of foliar methanol at all levels of water-deficit stress significantly decreased the catalase activity of the roots. Under all levels of water-deficit stress, the 30% (v/v) methanol treatment significantly decreased peroxidase activity in the roots over that for the control. The results suggest that foliar application of methanol can decrease the negative effects of water-deficit stress on Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Sadry.

The effect of methanol on photosynthetic parameters of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under water deficit

Water availability is the main factor limiting crop growth and productivity in dry regions. This study was carried out in order to determine the effect of spraying methanol solution on the photosynthetic characteristics of bean plants. The main aim of our experiment was to improve plant performance under stress caused by water shortage. Two factors were involved: water-deficit stress, such as severe stress (25% of field capacity), mild stress (75% of field capacity), and no stress (100% of field capacity), and application of methanol solution spray at four concentrations: control (without spraying), 10, 20, and 30%. Methanol was applied three times at different growth stages (seedling, flowering, and podding stage) in 10-d intervals. The treatment with 20% methanol at the seedling stage resulted in increased net photosynthesis (P N), intercellular CO2 concentration (C i), and decreased transpiration rate (E) under no stress and mild stress conditions. Under severe stress, 10 and 20%-methanol treatments resulted in increased C i, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, and decreased E. At the flowering stage, methanol treatments resulted in decreased E and increased C i under mild and severe stress. At the podding stage, 10 and 20%-methanol treatments resulted in increased P N, C i, and total chlorophyll content under mild stress. In conclusion, we suggested that foliar application of methanol had a positive role in enhancing photosynthetic performance.

Foliar application of methanol influences on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under different barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) densities

espanolEl crecimiento vegetativo y la produccion de cultivos C3 se estimulan por la aplicacion foliar de metanol y mejoran la eficiencia del uso total de agua. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicacion foliar con metanol y la densidad de las pasto dentado en el rendimiento de arroz (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi). El experimento se realizo en la Estacion Experimental del Arroz de Tonekabon, Iran en 2012. El diseno experimental fue de bloques completos al azar con un arreglo factorial 5X4, con tres repeticiones. Los factores estudiados fueron soluciones acuosas de metanol en concentraciones de 0, 6, 12, 18 y 24% (v/v) y densidades del pasto dentado (Echinochloa crus-galli) de 0, 16, 24 y 32 plantas m-2.. El metanol se aplico sobre el follaje de arroz cada dos semanas durante su periodo de crecimiento. Los resultados indican que el rendimiento del grano fue afectado por la aplicacion de metanol (P EnglishRecent reports indicate that vegetative growth and yield of C3 crops are enhanced by foliar methanol application and that overall crop water use is reduced by methanol sprays. In order to evaluate the effects of methanol and barnyard grass density on rice (Oryza sativa cv. Shiroudi) yield and its components, a field experiment was conducted at the Rice Research Station of Tonekabon, Iran in 2012. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replicates. Studied factors were aqueous methanol solutions (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24% (v/v)) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) densities (0, 16, 24 and 32 plants m-2). Methanol was sprayed on the foliage of rice three times during its growth period with two-week intervals. Results indicated that effect of methanol was significant for tiller number and grain yield (P

Can methanol foliar application improve the productive performance of sunflower under water deficit stress

In order to investigate the effect of water deficit stress and methanol foliar application on yield and yield components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L), an experiment was conducted in the split plot form based on Completely Randomized Block Design with three replications during growing seasons of 2011-2012. Treatments were water deficit stress in four levels: a1: severe stress (25% FC irrigation), a2: mild stress (50% FC irrigation), a3: fair stress (75% FC irrigation) and a4: normal irrigation (100% FC irrigation) and the foliar application of methanol in six levels [b1:0, b2:7, b3:14, b4:21, b5:28 and b6:35 (v/v)]. The analysis of variance showed significant effect of interaction between water deficit stress and methanol foliar application on plant height, stem and head diameter, empty and full seed number (p<0.01). The results showed that foliar application with 21% (v/v) methanol and normal irrigation produced 35% more plant height, 65% more head diameter. Besides, the results also proved that 14% (v/v) methanol foliar application in normal irrigation had the highest stem diameter (34 cm).furthermore, the lowest empty seed number (248) and the highest full seed number (1611) were observed for 7% (v/v) methanol and normal irrigation.

Effects of methanol on the yield and growth of soybean in different irrigation conditions

To investigate the effects of methanol on the yield and growth of soybean (Glysine max L.) in different conditions of irrigation a split plot experiment was conducted in the form of randomized complete block design during three replications at the Research field of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch in the year 2012. Aqueous solutions 0 (control), 7, 14, 21 and 28% (v/v) of methanol as well as three levels of irrigation 40, 65 and 70% soil water depletion were factors of this study. The results of the ANOVA indicated that the interaction effects of methanol and irrigation on harvest index, leaf area index, dry leaf weight, dry pods weight and phonological levels were significant. Generally, it can be stated that foliar application of methanol in moderate concentrations in different conditions of irrigation on soybean variety of Williams caused relative improvement in growth indexes. Due to the indeterminate growth of soybean, on the one hand increase in photosynthesis and dry matter production and the other hand relative accelerated flowering phase due to the use of methanol lead to decrease in remobilization time, therefore no significant difference was observed in grain yield.

Effects of methanol and some micro-macronutrients foliar applications on maize (Zea mays L.) maternal plants on subsequent generation yield and reserved mineral nutrients of the seed

Tests were done to investigate effects of foliar applications in various combinations on maternal corn plants for reserved mineral nutrients and seed yield in a subsequent generation. The experiment was done as a factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the growing season of 2009 to 2011. Treatments tested in the investigation were as follows: Four growth stages; 8 to 10 leaf, tasseling, seed-filling and at all stages and seven foliar applications of methanol, Zn, B, Mg, N, Mn, a mixture of all combinations and a separate plot as the control. Data analysis showed a significant effect of the combination type of foliar application in different stages on reserves of N, Mg, Zn, Mn, B, and seed yield of a subsequent generation. Detailed results of the study showed that foliar application with a mixture of all combinations in all stages had the highest reserve of N in seeds (1/45%). Results also proved that Mg foliar application at all stages had the highest effect on Mg reserve in seeds (0/172 mg kg-1) and Zn foliar application at the tasseling stage had the highest effect on reserved Zn of seed (44 mg kg-1). Results showed that Mn foliar application at the 8 to 10 leaf stage had the highest effect on reserved Mn of seed (12 mg kg-1) and B foliar application at all stages had the highest effect on reserved B of seed (9/1 mg kg-1). In conclusion a mixture of all combinations at all stages had the highest (1309 g m-2) and at the tasseling stage had the lowest (713 g m-2) seed yield in the subsequent generation. Key words: Foliar application, methanol, micro-macronutrients, Zea mays.

Effects of foliar application of methanol on growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Rasht, Iran

In order to study the effect of the time and concentration of methanol spraying on the growth and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), a factorial experiment in the form of randomized complete blocks was done with three replications in the research farm of the College of Agriculture of the Islamic Azad University, Rasht branch in the north of Iran in 2009. The concentration factor of spraying methanol was applied at four levels, that is control (without spraying (0)), 10, 20 and 30 volumetric percentages of methanol; while the time of spraying methanol was another factor used at three levels: in the morning (8:00 to 10:00 a.m.), at noon (13:00 to 15:00 p.m.) and in the evening (17:00 to 19:00 p.m.). Results showed that there was a significant difference between different methanol concentrations regarding number of seeds per pod, harvest index (p < 0.01) and seed yield per m2 (p < 0.05). The largest numbers of seeds per pod and harvest index were in 30% methanol, while the highest seed yield was that of the 20% methanol with an average of 13.11 seeds, 38.22% and 55.97 g/m2, respectively. Moreover, spraying times had also had a significant difference in terms of the seed yield per m2 and the harvest index at the level of 5%; the highest average values of seed yield and harvest index corresponding to spraying in the afternoon were 55.52 g/m2 and 36.69%, respectively. The interaction of these two factors with none of the studied traits was not significant. Key word: Mungbean, methanol spraying, concentration and time, pod yield, seed yield.

Effects of Foliar and Root Applications of Methanol on the Growth of Arabidopsis, Tobacco, and Tomato Plants

The effects of aqueous methanol solutions applied as a foliar spray or via irrigation were investigated in Arabidopsis, tobacco, and tomato plants. Methanol applied to roots leads to phytotoxic damage in all three species tested. Foliar application causes an increase of fresh and dry weight in Arabidopsis and tobacco plants, but not in tomato plants. The increase in fresh and dry weight of Arabidopsis plants does not correlate with increased levels of soluble sugars, suggesting that increased accumulation of other products is responsible for the differences in the methanol-treated leaves. Foliar application of methanol can induce pectin methylesterase (PME) gene expression in Arabidopsis and tomato plants, activating specific PME genes.

A new insight into foliar applied methanol influencing phylloplane methylotrophic dynamics and growth promotion of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sugarcane ( Saccharum officinarum L.)

Foliar applied methanol has been purported to enhance growth and yield of cotton and sugarcane possibly by stimulation of plant hormone production mediated by pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic (PPFMs) bacteria. In vitro studies were performed on the relations between leaf methanol and pectin methylesterase (PME: EC 3.1.1.11) in young and old leaves of cotton and sugarcane. Results of field trials and pot culture studies of cotton showed that application of 30% methanol or PPFMs as foliar spray significantly increased plant height, plant dry weight, leaf area, boll number, and boll dry weight, leading to an increase of seed cotton yield (SCY) over control. Foliar application of PPFMs increased plant height and specific leaf area of sugarcane and led to a cane yield increase of 9.8% over control. The overall PPFMs population in the phyllosphere of cotton remained higher than sugarcane. Applications of methanol or PPFMs increased the total cytokinins in cotton and sugarcane. The methanol emission process, regulated by PME activity that catalyzes demethoxylation of pectins, could trigger PPFMs population on the leaf surface and subsequent cytokinin production in plants, and might play a role in plant growth promotion. In our study, the foliar applications of methanol or PPFMs increased the PPFM populations and cytokinin production resulting in increased yield in cotton and sugarcane.

Growth of Douglas-Fir and Ponderosa Pine Seedlings with Foliar Applications of Methanol and Ethanol

Abstract To test whether methanol or ethanol stimulated growth of coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii vat. menziesii) or ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seedlings, we sprayed concentrations of 1 to 10% (v/v) on the foliage twice a week for 13 wk during the growing season. Foliar applications of methanol and ethanol neither significantly stimulated nor inhibited growth, and signs of damage at these concentrations were lacking. West. J. Appl. For. 14(4):183-185.

Soybean Response to Foliar Applied Methanol in Humid and Semiarid Environments

Recent research from a desert environment in Arizona suggested that foliar application of dilute solutions of methanol substantially increased yield, quality, and water-use efficiency of several C 3 plant species. However, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], which is one of the major agronomic C 3 crops of the USA, was not included. Therefore, this research was initiated to compare effects of methanol solution concentrations applied to soybean at different reproductive growth stages under field conditions in humid and semiarid environments. The experiment was conducted in 1994 and 1995 at two irrigated (limited and full) locations in semiarid, northwestern Kansas and at one dryland location in humid, southeastern Kansas. Soil moisture was determined for these growing seasons. Each of two methanol concentrations (20 and 40%, v/v) was applied either in a single application at growth stages R1, R3, and R5 or in multiple applications involving all combinations of these three for a total of seven treatments involving stage of growth. One untreated control plot was maintained in each replication. Neither methanol concentration nor time of application affected grain yield, yield components, or seed quality or soil-plant water relations. In addition, no difference was detected between the average responses to methanol application and the untreated control. Thus, we conclude that soybean responses to foliar applications of methanol are not effective under either humid or semiarid conditions typical of those found in Kansas and much of the Great Plains.

Foliar-applied methanol effects on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) gas exchange and growth

Reports that foliar-applied methanol greatly enhanced growth of C 3 crops has stimulated considerable interest. Experiments were conducted to evaluate foliar application of methanol on cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth, leaf gas exchange and water use. Aqueous solutions of 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% (v/v) methanol were applied to well-fertilized and watered plants of cultivar G&P 74 + grown under field and greenhouse conditions. Foliar-applied methanol increased CO 2 assimilation ( A) and leaf conductance to CO 2 ( g) in both field and greenhouse experiments up to 3 weeks after application, but did not consistently change intercellular CO 2 concentration ( c i) or leaf water-use efficiency (LWUE, μmol CO 2/mol H 2O). Increasing the concentration of aqueous methanol above 10% solution did not further increase A or g in both field and greenhouse experiments. Dry matter accumulation, leaf area, fruit number, main stem node number and plant water use did not differ between the control and methanol-treated plants. Although these results indicate that methanol increases leaf gas exchange of cotton, they fail to validate previous reports of large increases in cotton growth and transpiration efficiency.

Effect of methanol on soybean photosynthesis and chlorophyll

Abstract Recently, an increase in the growth and yield of C3 plants in arid environments due to foliar application of methanol has been reported. The mechanism for these changes is not clear as little information is available on the changes in photosynthesis and chlorophyll content of plants caused by methanol application. The objective of this study was to measure the net photosynthesis (PN) and chlorophyll (CHL‐a, b) formation in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] by foliar applications of methanol at the pod‐filling R5) stage. No changes were found in PN or CHL content with 0, 25, or 50% (v/v) methanol during 1, 2 or 3 weekly applications. Seed weight, seed yield, and pod number (per plant) were significantly higher for plants treated with methanol. A single application of methanol (25%) resulted in the highest increase in soybean growth and yield.

212 FIELD TESTS OF METHANOL AS A CROP YIELD ENHANCER

A 1992 article by Nonomura and Benson (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 89:9794-979X) reported increased yield and drought tolerance in a wide range of C3 species following foliar applications of methanol. The article was widely reported in the trade and popular press, which created a huge grower demand for information on the use and efficacy of methanol. To test the validity of the reports, we applied methanol with and without nutrients to a wide range of crops across California following Nonomura and Benson's (1992) protocol. Crops included watermelon, creeping bentgrass, lemons, savoy cabbage, carrots, romaine lettuce, radish, wheat, corn and peas. Environments included the greenhouse and field tests in coastal, inland valley, and desert locations. To test whether methanol improved drought tolerance, the savoy cabbage and watermelon experiments included both reduced and full irrigation. In no case was yield increased or drought tolerance attributable to methanol treatment. In some cases, methanol caused significant injury and decreased yield.