Plant Fresh Weight Research Articles

Supplementation of Jasmonic acid Mitigates the Damaging Effects of Arsenic Stress on Growth, Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism in Rice

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of exogenously applied jasmonic acid (JA; 0.1 and 0.5 µM) in alleviating the toxic effects of arsenic (As; 5 and 10 µM) stress in rice. Plants treated with As showed considerable decline in growth attributes like height, fresh and dry weight of plant. Arsenic stress reduced the content of δ-amino livulenic acid (δ-ALA), glutamate 1-semialdehyde (GSA), total chlorophylls and carotenoids, with more reduction evident at higher (10 µM) As concentrations, however exogenously supplied JA alleviated the decline to considerable extent. Arsenic stress mediated decline in photosynthetic gas exchange parameters, Fv/Fm (PSII activity) and Rubisco activity was alleviated by the exogenous treatment of JA. Arsenic stress caused oxidative damage which was evident as increased lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase activity and hydrogen peroxide concentrations however, JA treatment declined these parameters. Treatment of JA improved the activity of nitrate reductase and glutamate synthase under unstressed conditions and also alleviated the decline triggered by As stress. Activity of antioxidant enzymes assayed increased due to As stress, and the supplementation of JA caused further increase in their activities. Moreover, the content of proline, free amino acids and total phenols increased significantly due to JA application under stressed and unstressed conditions. Treatment of JA increased the content of nitrogen and potassium while as reduced As accumulation significantly.

Endophytic fusarium solani exhibiting potential stress tolerance and enhances growth of maize in South Africa

New technological approaches harness the potential of endophytic fungi as growth promoters, utilizing their bioactive compounds to protect against herbivores, insects, and various unfavourable abiotic stresses, including temperature, salinity, drought, and heavy metals. Zea mays (L.) is considered as a staple food source in many countries including South Africa. Endophytic fungi are natural growth promoters without causing any disease or symptoms of diseases. In the current study, nine endophytic fungi were examined for abiotic stress tolerance and were inoculated in the maize seeds prior to plantation. The construction of the phylogenetic tree was based on consensus sequences (ITS) using endophytic fungi produced three clades with four subgroups. Among the 9 endophytic fungi, only 3 fungal isolates (END 15, MHE 55, RNK 4) grew on 3% and 6% salinity PDA. Boeremia exigua was the only isolate that could withstand 6%. Fusarium solani (MHE 55) survived at low pH. Furthermore, Neurospora sp. (GG 9) and Fusarium solani (MHE 55) grew at 37 ºC. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to establish the growth promoting properties. The highest plant height was observed in the treatment which was inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum (GG 8) followed by Fusarium solani (MHE 55), reaching 46 cm and 44 cm respectively. The significant enhancement in plant height, root weight, fresh weight and leaf size, demonstrate the potential use of the selected isolate as a growth promoter for maize. In contrast Chaetomium (PG 9) and Alternaria (MHE 68) displayed none to limited growth promoting properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential use of F. solani isolated from South African geranium as a growth promoter. As the world is aiming at a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the use of such endophytes will contribute to better crop production and protection, hence more food availability. Key words: Fusarium solani, Endophytes, Growth promotion, Maize, Stress tolerance, Boeremia exigua, Chaetomium, Alternaria

Effects of combined treatment of light quality and melatonin on health-promoting compounds in Chinese kale sprouts

Chinese kale sprouts have garnered attention owing to its rich health-promoting compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light qualities (white, blue, and red light) and melatonin (100 μmol L−1), both individually and in combination, on the growth and accumulation of health-promoting compounds in Chinese kale sprouts. Red light positively influenced sprout growth (compared with white light, plant height and fresh weight increased by 16.67 % and 4.87 %, respectively), and the red light + melatonin treatment further enhanced growth (compared with single red light, the plant height and fresh weight increased by 14.97 % and 12.29 %, respectively), while increasing glucosinolate accumulation through the up-regulation of glucosinolate biosynthetic genes (UGT74B1, CYP83B1, SOT18 and IGMT1). Conversely, blue light inhibited sprout growth, elevated the expression levels of PAL, CHS, CHI, GGP, and PAX, improved antioxidant levels, and accelerated the accumulation of aliphatic glucosinolates, reducing indolic glucosinolates. The blue light + melatonin treatment promoted the accumulation of sprout biomass and anthocyanins (11.91 % and 13.33 % higher than that of single blue light). The study unveiled various pathways influencing plant growth, development, and secondary metabolite accumulation, including plant circadian rhythms, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and glucosinolate biosynthesis.

Amelioration of chromium toxicity in wheat plants through exogenous application of nano silicon

Chromium (Cr) contamination in agricultural soils poses a risk to crop productivity and quality. Emerging nano-enabled strategies show great promise in remediating soils contaminated with heavy metals and enhancing crop production. The present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of nano silicon (nSi) in promoting wheat growth and mitigating adverse effects of Cr-induced toxicity. Wheat seedlings exposed to Cr (K2Cr2O7) at a concentration of 100 mg kg−1 showed significant reductions in plant height (29.56%), fresh weight (35.60%), and dry weight (38.92%) along with enhanced Cr accumulation in roots and shoots as compared to the control plants. However, the application of nSi at a concentration of 150 mg kg−1 showcased substantial mitigation of Cr toxicity, leading to a decrease in Cr accumulation by 27.30% in roots and 35.46% in shoots of wheat seedlings. Moreover, nSi exhibited the capability to scavenge oxidative stressors, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage, while significantly enhancing gas exchange parameters, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activities (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) in plants grown in Cr-contaminated soil. This study further found that the reduced Cr uptake by nSi application was due to downregulating the expression of HMs transporter genes (TaHMA2 and TaHMA3), alongwith upregulating the expression of antioxidant-responsive genes (TaSOD and TaSOD). The findings of this investigation highlight the remarkable potential of nSi in ameliorating Cr toxicity. This enhanced efficacy could be ascribed to the distinctive size and structure of nSi, which augment its ability to counteract Cr stress. Thus, the application of nSi could serve as a viable solution for production of crops in metal contaminated soils, offering an effective alternative to time-consuming and costly remediation techniques.

Influence of low-cost Thai leucoxene minerals on the growth, bioactive compounds, and antibacterial activities of Chrysanthemum indium L. cuttings in in vitro culture

The effects of low-cost Thai leucoxene mineral (LM) at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/L) on the growth and antibacterial properties of Chrysanthemum indium L. cuttings under in vitro were evaluated. The primary chemical composition of LM was approximately 86% titanium dioxide (TiO2), as determined by dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The crystalline structure, shape, and size were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. LM at 40 and 50 mg/L significantly increased plant height, leaf number, node number, and fresh and dry weight. These growth-promoting properties were accompanied by improved chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Additionally, LM treatment at 40 and 50 mg/L had positive effects on antibacterial activity, as indicated by the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. The high levels of phenolic compounds in the plants contributed to the MIC and MBC values. In conclusion, these findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of LM in enhancing the growth of Chrysanthemum plants in in vitro culture and improving their antibacterial abilities.

Nutrient management through organic amendments to ensure sustainable and economic cultivation of radish

Radish cultivation heavily relies on fertilizers, adversely affecting soil health. Shifting to organic practices is crucial for sustainability. This study explores combinations of organic amendments (farmyard manure, vermicompost, and poultry manure) to enhance radish growth and yield economically. Ten treatments were tested using a Randomized Block Design. One-way ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted. The combination of 50% vermicompost and 50% poultry manure yielded the best results in plant height, leaf growth, fresh and dry weights, and root size. The highest yield (280 q/ha) was achieved with this combination, followed closely by 75% vermicompost and 25% poultry manure (245 q/ha), and 50% farmyard manure with 50% poultry manure (228 q/ha). This combination also proved the most economically and environmentally sustainable, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.48. Compared to the control, it delivered a gross return 2.44 times higher and a net return 2.85 times higher. Incorporating poultry manure and vermicompost as nutrient sources in radish cultivation is a scientifically sound and economically viable approach, contributing to sustainable agriculture and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Temperature fluctuation in soil alters the nanoplastic sensitivity in wheat

Despite the wide acknowledgment that plastic pollution and global warming have become serious agricultural concerns, their combined impact on crop growth remains poorly understood. Given the unabated megatrend, a simulated soil warming (SWT, +4 °C) microcosm experiment was carried out to provide a better understanding of the effects of temperature fluctuations on wheat seedlings exposed to nanoplastics (NPs, 1 g L−1 61.71 ± 0.31 nm polystyrene). It was documented that SWT induced oxidative stress in wheat seedlings grown in NPs-contaminated soil, with an 85.56 % increase in root activity, while decreasing plant height, fresh weight, and leaf area by 8.72 %, 47.68 %, and 15.04 % respectively. The SWT also resulted in reduced photosynthetic electron-transfer reaction and Calvin-Benson cycle in NPs-treated plants. Under NPs, SWT stimulated the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolism and bio-oxidation process. The decrease in photosynthesis and the increase in respiration resulted in an 11.94 % decrease in net photosynthetic rate (Pn). These results indicated the complicated interplay between climate change and nanoplastic pollution in crop growth and underscored the potential risk of nanoplastic pollution on crop production in the future climate.

Exploring the Impact of Phosphorus Application on Boron Toxicity Tolerance in Maize and Sunflower Under Aerobic Conditions, and Rice Under Anaerobic Conditions

ABSTRACT Both phosphorus (P) and boron (B) can interact with each other due to their similar properties and P can hinder the uptake of boron by plants. In this study, the effect of P and B concentrations on the growth of rice, sunflower, and maize plants grown under greenhouse conditions in an environment that would induce boron toxicity was investigated. To create a toxic environment, 40 mg kg−1 B was applied to rice plants, and 30 and 25 mg kg−1 B were applied to sunflower and maize plants, respectively. To alleviate the toxicity, 500 mg kg−1 P was added to the respective pots. The results of the study showed that B application reduced the fresh and dry weight of all plant species, while significant increases were observed with the addition of P. Among the applied P sources, TSP was found to be more effective than H3PO4 in terms of fresh and dry weight of maize plants. Plant-B concentrations increased with B application but were significantly reduced by the applied P sources, with no difference observed among the P sources. Plant-P concentrations, which decreased with B applications, increased as a result of P applications. In particular, H3PO4 was found to be more effective than TSP in terms of plant-P concentration, especially in sunflower and maize plants. This study determined that P fertilization can be beneficial in reducing the damage caused by boron toxicity, which is a stress factor that severely limits agricultural production in regions with arid and semi-arid climates.

Impact of cobalt and proline foliar application for alleviation of salinity stress in radish

Salinity stress ranks among the most prevalent stress globally, contributing to soil deterioration. Its negative impacts on crop productivity stem from mechanisms such as osmotic stress, ion toxicity, and oxidative stress, all of which impede plant growth and yield. The effect of cobalt with proline on mitigating salinity impact in radish plants is still unclear. That’s why the current study was conducted with aim to explore the impact of different levels of Co and proline on radish cultivated in salt affected soils. There were four levels of cobalt, i.e., (0, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L) applied as CoSO4 and two levels of proline (0 and 0.25 mM), which were applied as foliar. The treatments were applied in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that 20 CoSO4 with proline showed improvement in shoot length (∼ 20%), root length (∼ 23%), plant dry weight (∼ 19%), and plant fresh weight (∼ 41%) compared to control. The significant increase in chlorophyll, physiological and biochemical attributes of radish plants compared to the control confirms the efficacy of 20 CoSO4 in conjunction with 10 mg/L proline for mitigating salinity stress. In conclusion, application of cobalt with proline can help to alleviate salinity stress in radish plants. However, multiple location experiments with various levels of cobalt and proline still needs in-depth investigations to validate the current findings.

Impact of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic on growth, photosynthesis and nutrient uptake of Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato)

Microplastics (MPs) pollution and their impact on plants have become a global threat, but their effect at the molecular level remains scarce. This study aims to gain insight into the effects of polyvinylchloride microplastic (PVC-MP) on tomato plants at the genetic and protein levels. In this study, we found that increasing concentrations of PVC-MP (2.5, 5,7.5, and 10% w/w) in the soil did not cause any phytotoxic (chlorosis or necrosis) symptoms but it did result in a dose-dependent reduction in plant growth-related parameters, such as height, leaf area, stem diameter, and plant fresh and dry weight. Additionally, the number of secondary roots was reduced while the primary roots were elongated. Furthermore, PVC-MP also caused a significant decrease in light-harvesting pigments chlorophylls, and carotenoids while increasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in plants. Microscopic analysis of the roots revealed the uptake of PVC-MP of size less than 10 μm. Micro- and macro-element analysis showed changes in concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Zn, upon PVC-MP exposure. Results from western blotting and q-PCR showed that higher doses of PVC-MP significantly reduced the CO2-fixing enzyme RuBisCO and D1 proteins of PSII at both protein and transcript levels. These findings suggest that lower levels of light-harvesting pigments, D1 protein, RuBisCO, and modulation of nutrient absorption are among the factors responsible for growth suppression in tomato plants upon exposure to PVC-MP. As tomato plants are economically significant crops, an increase in PVC-MP in agricultural fields may have a detrimental influence on crop production, resulting in economic loss.

Comparison of Struvite as a P Source with Chemical Fertilizers and Evaluation of Additional Contribution to Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Lettuce Grown on Acidic and Calcareous Soils

This study investigated the effects of two different struvites (Struvite1 (STR1) and Struvite2 (STR2)) with different P amounts on the P nutrition of lettuce grown in acid and calcareous soils and fertilizer efficiency against di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), triple superphosphate (TSP), and 20–20-20 (NPK fertilizer). Two distinct forms of STR1 and STR2 obtained from the biogas liquid digestate (LD, liquid fraction of a centrifuge decanter) at different molar ratios (NH4+/Mg2+/PO43−), STR1 (1.0/1.3/1.0), and STR2 (1.0/1.3/1.3) were used. The results showed that struvites were the most effective treatments for plant growth. STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant fresh weights by 2.7-fold in acidic soil and 2.1-fold in alkaline soil. As for the plant dry weights, STR1 and STR2 treatments increased the plant dry weights by 2.4–2.2-fold and 2.3–2.2-fold in acid and alkaline soils, respectively. Struvites were more effective on the total plant weights than other fertilizers. Struvite-applied plants yielded higher P concentrations, uptakes, and recovery than MAP, DAP, TSP, and 20–20-20 fertilizers for both soils. Due to its constituent Mg, STR1 and STR2 were found to be the most effective materials for the Mg nutrition of the plants. It was also determined that they contributed to the N and K nutrition of the plants more than most other fertilizers. In conclusion, it was seen that struvites are not only a good source of P but also a fertilizer material with a high agronomic value. Therefore, they can be evaluated as an alternative fertilizer source.

Salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS-6 in combination with organic manure enhances rice yield, improves nutrient content and soil properties under salinity stress.

In the current study salt tolerant-plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (ST-PGPR) Pseudomonas atacamensis KSS-6, selected on the basis of prominent plant growth-promoting (PGP) and stress tolerance properties was tested as bioinoculant to improve yield of rice grown in saline soil. The ST-PGPRKSS-6 was capable of maintaining the PGP traits up to 200 mM NaCl, however, higher salt stress conditions affected these activities. The study was designed to determine the effect of developed talc-based bioformulation using KSS-6 along with organic manure (OM) on growth and yield of paddy under saline conditions. Bioformulation broadcasting was also done to examine the effect on soil properties. It was found that the combinatorial treatment showed positive impact on growth and yield of rice under saline conditions. Co-application of KSS-6 with OM showed maximum increment in growth, chlorophyll content, plant fresh weight, and dry weight as compared to untreated control plants. Furthermore, the combinatorial treatment improved the nutrient content (P, K, Zn, Fe, Mg, and Mn) by more than 35% and enhanced the biochemical parameters such as proline, flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidant content of rice grains by more than 32%. Soil parameters including pH and electrical conductivity(EC), moisture content, total organic carbon, OM, sodium, and chloride ions were also improved upon treatment. There was significant lowering of EC from 7.43 to 4.3 dS/m when combination of OM and bacteria were applied. These findings suggest that the application of KSS-6 in the form of bioinoculant could be a promising strategy to mitigate negative impacts of salt stress and enhance the yield and nutritional properties of rice grown in degraded and saline soil.

Effect of Windbreaks (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) on Productivity of Paddy in South Gujarat

The intentional integration of trees into an agroecosystem results in agroforestry practices such as windbreak, which simultaneously help the economy, the environment, and society. It is a crucial tool for safeguarding agricultural land and boosting crop productivity. An investigation was therefore conducted to determine the impact of windbreaks (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) on paddy productivity in South Gujarat. In the current study, we found that environmental competition caused paddy growth and production to decrease close to the Casuarina windbreak. The impact of the windbreaks on paddy growth and yield became positive, and the continuously increased distance from the windbreaks reached its maximum at 17 m (Plant height 97.34 cm, number of tillers per plant 11.17, total fresh weight plant 17,799 kg ha-1, dry straw weight 6,577 kg ha-1 and grain yield 4,103 kg ha-1) and then gradually decreased (plant height 83 cm, tillers per plant 8.17, total fresh weight plant 12,315 kg ha-1, dry straw weight 4,855 kg ha-1 and grain yield 3,101 kg ha-1). The wind velocity maximum (4.57 km hr-1) close to windbreaks exhibits an opposite tendency, decreasing continually to a minimum (3.32 km hr-1) at a distance of 17 meters from the windbreaks before increasing once again. In addition, this system's net returns (Rs. 40,619) and benefit-cost ratio (0.61) were noticeably higher than those of open fields (Rs. 34,749 and benefit cost ration 0.52). In contrast to the control, the pH of the soil beneath the windbreak was reported to be considerably closer to neutral (7.46), while electrical conductivity (0.19 dS/m) was reduced. The impact of windbreaks was found to considerably increase soil organic carbon (0.68%), accessible nitrogen (234.46 kg/ha), phosphorus (75.75 kg/ha), and potassium (398.07 kg/ha) as compared to control. According to the study's overall findings, windbreak-protected paddy fields perform noticeably better than open ones.

Control of citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae) using plant-based products under in vitro and in vivo conditions

The citrus nematode (Tylenchulus semipentrans) is one of the most important parasitic nematodes affecting citrus trees, causing gradual decline and reduced yield. Potential risks, high costs and environmental consequences of chemical compounds have led researchers to explore non-chemical methods such as using plant-based products for nematode management. The present study was conducted to control citrus nematodes using essential oil and water extract of Artemisia annua and methanolic extract of Melia azederach under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In vitro bioassays were carried out, and the effects on toxicity, mortality, and egg hatching were assessed. The highest in vitro nematistatic activity was recorded for 250 ppm of A. annua essential oil and 500 ppm of M. azederach methanol extract by 100% paralysis of nematodes after 48 h. Furthermore, the highest nematicidal activity of A. annua essential oil, aqueous extract and methanolic extract of M. azederach was recorded to be about 60−100%, 40−87% and 38−100%, respectively. Among all concentrations of M. azederach methanolic extract and high concentrations of A. annua essential oil and aqueous extract, the repellents and motility inhibitors for nematodes were found. The results of egg hatching showed that essential oil of A. annua at a concentration of 250 ppm had the greatest reduction of egg hatching. In a greenhouse experiment, all the treatments were found to be significantly effective against the citrus nematode population in soil and roots compared to the control. Maximum reduction was observed in 500 ppm of methanolic extract of Melia azederach. Growth parameters (plant height, fresh and dry shoot and root weight) increased compared to the control when treatments were applied. Based on the results, plants such as A. annua and M. azedarach are considered to be promising control agents for citrus nematodes. The results indicate that products derived from these plants may be potential candidates for formulating new nematicides suitable for sustainable nematode management, although field trials are still needed to demonstrate their effectiveness for commercial use.

Is dual-purpose flax production feasible in the Amik Plain? A preliminary study on cultivar performance and harvesting stage

The research aimed to investigate the yield and quality parameters of three flax varieties (Linum usitatissimum L.) at four different harvesting stages in Amik Plain in the 2021 growing seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangement with three replications. Seed yield and quality parameters were determined after the maturation of seeds at the final harvesting. Harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, capsule formation, green-yellow ripening, and full ripening stages) significantly affected plant height, technical stem length, stem ratio, moisture, and plant fresh weight. Among the cultivars, significant differences were observed in terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, stem ratio, 1000 seed weight and seed yield. Interaction effects were determined in terms of plant height and moisture ratio. While the cv. Noreum had greater fiber ratio (19.45%), stem ratio (50.97%) and seed yield (241.33 kg da-1), the cv. Karakız had the highest 1000 seed weight (7.99 g). The cv. Beyaz Gelin had the highest technical stem length (67.39 cm). In terms of technical stem length, fiber ratio, and stem ratio parameters, the cv. Beyaz Gelin and the cv. Noreum were in the same statistical group. The fact that harvesting stages do not affect the fiber ratio has led to the conclusion that planting for both purposes may be appropriate in the region.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Beauveria Bassiana Terhadap Intensitas Serangan Serangga Hama Ulat Daun (Plutella xylostella L.), Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Beberapa Varietas Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.)

This research aims to determine the interaction between administering concentrations of B. bassiana and several varieties on attacks by leaf caterpillar insect pests in increasing plant growth, plant fresh weight and quality of pakcoy plants. The experiment was carried out on experimental land in Cibedug Village, Cikole Village, Lembang District, West Bandung Regency with an altitude of 1100 m above sea level (asl) with Andisol soil order and was carried out from August 2023 to September 2023. The experimental design used was an environmental design experiment using a Split Plot Design consisting of 12 treatment combinations repeated 3 times. consists of two treatment factors, namely B. bassiana concentration (K) with the following levels: k0 : 0 g L-1 Solution (control), k1 : 2 g L-1 Solution, k2 : 4 g L-1 Solution and k3 : 6 g L-1 Solution and the second factor are several Pakcoy varieties (V) with the following levels: v1: Nauli F1 variety, v2: Flaminggo variety, v3: Masbro variety, which is repeated three times. The results of the research showed that there was no interaction between the concentration of B. bassiana and several pak choy varieties on all observed parameters. Giving a B.bassiana concentration of 4 g L-1 Solution had the most efficient effect on the intensity of attacks, weight and length of the 3rd instar larvae of P.xylostella. The Nauli F1 variety gave the best results in terms of plant height and number of leaves and the Flaminggo variety gave the best results in terms of fresh weight per plant and fresh weight per plot.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa HG28-5 improves salt tolerance by regulating Na+/K+ homeostasis and ABA signaling pathway in tomato

Salinity stress badly restricts the growth, yield and quality of vegetable crops. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a friendly and effective mean to enhance plant growth and salt tolerance. However, information on the regulatory mechanism of PGPR on vegetable crops in response to salt stress is still incomplete. Here, we screened a novel salt-tolerant PGPR strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa HG28–5 by evaluating the tomatoes growth performance, chlorophyll fluorescence index, and relative electrolyte leakage (REL) under normal and salinity conditions. Results showed that HG28–5 colonization improved seedling growth parameters by increasing the plant height (23.7%), stem diameter (14.6%), fresh and dry weight in the shoot (60.3%, 91.1%) and root (70.1%, 92.5%), compared to salt-stressed plants without colonization. Likewise, HG28–5 increased levels of maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) (99.3%), the antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD, 85.5%), peroxidase (POD, 35.2%), catalase (CAT, 20.6%), and reduced the REL (48.2%), MDA content (41.3%) and ROS accumulation in leaves of WT tomatoes under salt stress in comparison with the plants treated with NaCl alone. Importantly, Na+ content of HG28–5 colonized salt-stressed WT plants were decreased by15.5% in the leaves and 26.6% in the roots in the corresponding non-colonized salt-stressed plants, which may be attributed to the higher K+ concentration and SOS1, SOS2, HKT1;2, NHX1 transcript levels in leaves of colonized plants under saline condition. Interestingly, increased abscisic acid (ABA) content and upregulation of ABA pathway genes (ABA synthesis-related genes NCED1, NCED2, NCED4, NECD6 and signal genes ABF4, ABI5, and AREB) were observed in HG28–5 inoculated salt-stressed WT plants. ABA-deficient mutant (not) with NCED1 deficiency abolishes the effect of HG28–5 on alleviating salt stress in tomato, as exhibited by the substantial rise of REL and ROS accumulation and sharp drop of Fv/Fm in the leaves of not mutant plants. Notably, HG28–5 colonization enhances tomatoes fruit yield by 54.9% and 52.4% under normal and saline water irrigation, respectively. Overall, our study shows that HG28–5 colonization can significantly enhance salt tolerance and improved fruit yield by a variety of plant protection mechanism, including reducing oxidative stress, regulating plant growth, Na+/K+ homeostasis and ABA signaling pathways in tomato. The findings not only deepen our understanding of PGPR regulation plant growth and salt tolerance but also allow us to apply HG28–5 as a microbial fertilizer for agricultural production in high-salinity areas.

Effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of <i>Rhizophora racemosa</i> g. Mayer grown in garden soil

This study investigated the effect of charcoal and spent engine oil on some growth indices of mangrove seedlings Rhizophora racemose G. Mayer grown in garden soil. The aim was to discover means of improving mangrove nursery growth and survival in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Rhizophora racemose was planted in garden soil amended with four different treatments: C (Garden soil only), PC (Garden soil + Charcoal), PCSEO (Garden soil + Charcoal + 6% Spent engine oil), and SSEO (Garden soil + 6% Spent engine oil), with three replicates each and randomized complete block design was adopted for the study. The effect of these treatments was monitored biweekly on some growth indices – plant height, leaf area, leaf length, number of leaves and stem girth, except for root length, number of roots, fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content of R. racemosa which were obtained at 18th week after planting. The study revealed that PC treatment had the highest values for plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, plant girth, root length when compared to other treatments (C, PCSEO and SSEO) while SSEO recorded the least values. Among the treatments, there were significant differences in the plant height, fresh weight and root length of R. racemosa at P = 0.05. The garden soil amended with charcoal improved the performance of R. racemosa than in spent engine oil alone (PC > PCSEO > SSEO). This could be attributed to the presence of heavy metals in spent engine oil. Again, the charcoal amended soil had higher values for growth indices when compared with the control (C) treatment. This suggest that charcoal has the potency of improving garden soil fertility, plant survival and productivity. Therefore, charcoal could be beneficial in environmental conservation, restoration of endangered forest especially the mangroves in the Niger Delta polluted with crude oil. The study recommends that, charcoal should be incorporated in reforestation and afforestation approaches of mangrove forests.

The Effect Of Dosage And Vermicast Types With Different Ingredients As An Organic Fertilizer Of Shallot (Alium Ascolonicum L.)

Vermicast is a used soil from worm maintenance that is product composting from its maintenance in the form of organic fertilizer and it is very suitable for plants. Vermicast contains various ingredients needed by plants that is hormones such as gibberellins, cytokinins, and auxins, and contains of nutrients (N, P, K, Mg and Ca) and Azotobacter sp. which is a non-symbiotic N-fixing bacterium which can help enrich the N element for plants. In the use of vermicast can be solid or liquid. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of dosage and vermicast with different ingredients of feed as organic fertilizer for shallot. This research was conducted at the FPP Experiment Garden UMM in Tegalgondo Village with a height of ± 560 m above sea level. The study used a Randomized Block Design with two factors. The first factor: worm feed ingredients (K) consist of (K1); Blotong waste (K2); rumen waste (K3); combination of blotong and rumen waste. The second factor: the dosage of administration (U) consists of (U1); 4 Ton / ha (U2); 5 Tons / ha (U3); 6 Tons / ha (U4); 7 tons / ha. This research included nutrient content in vermicast and on the growth of shallot including: Length of plant, number of leaves, number of tubers, weight of fresh plant, weight of dry plant. The results of this research showed that the dosage and feed ingredients given had no significant effect on plant height parameters, number of leaves, weight of fresh plant, and weight of dry plant of shallot (Alium asconolicum L.) for However it was given significant effect for the height parameters of the plant at the age of 13 HST and the number of leaves at the age of 13 HST. And the best is the combination of K3U3 (Vermicast which is given a combination of blotong and rumen waste feed ingredients) with a dosage of 54 grams / plant.

The Influence of Combined Pruning and the Use of Root Application of Two Biostimulants and Foliar Nutrition on the Growth and Flowering of Panicle Hydrangea Plants

The aim of this experiment was to assess how the interaction of two treatments influenced the growth and flowering of two varieties of Panicle hydrangea shrubs. The first treatment was plant pruning. Simultaneously, the plants received one of the three following treatments: root application of Trichoderma atroviride, root application of BlackJak biostimulant, or foliar application of a multi-component fertilizer. Simultaneous pruning and inoculation of the plants with the Trichoderma atroviride mycelium improved the length of hydrangea shoots the most, as compared with the control plants (18%). These two treatments also increased the number of flowers (16–47%, depending on the variety) and the fresh weight of plants (10–28%) compared with the control plants. T. atroviride alone improved the number of flowers in both varieties (19–24%) and the diameter of inflorescences in the ‘Silver Dollar’ one (17%). The foliar nutrition increased the fresh weight of plants by 7–57%, depending on the cultivar and pruning. It also increased the diameter and number of inflorescences in one of the varieties. Together with pruning, it intensified the growth of shoots in both cultivars (5–10%). The BlackJak biostimulant treatment gave ambiguous results. In combination with pruning, it improved the length of shoots (15%) in one cultivar and the fresh weight in the other (18%). Without pruning, the treatment increased the number of flowers (16%) and the diameter of inflorescences (9%) in one cultivar. It increased the fresh weight of plants in both cultivars (19–21%). Regardless of the other treatments, pruning increased the length of the shoots and the fresh weight of the plants. On the other hand, it reduced the number of flowers and their diameter. In most cases, the biostimulant treatment and foliar fertilization improved the growth and flowering of the plants. In combination with pruning, they improved the growth of the hydrangea shrubs but reduced the number and diameter of flowers. The simultaneous Ta treatment and pruning were the most beneficial for the growth and flowering of the panicled hydrangea plants grown in containers in a nursery.