Fresh Wt Research Articles

Changes in root nodules dynamics under mixed cropping with varying nutrient management of berseem crop and succeeding fodder cowpea

Intercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity.

Improvement of Vicia faba plant tolerance under salinity stress by the application of thiamine and pyridoxine vitamins

Enhancement of plant growth at early growth stages is usually associated with the stimulation of various metabolic activities, which is reflected on morphological features and yield quantity and quality. Vitamins is considered as anatural plant metabolites which makes it a safe and ecofriendly treatment when used in appropriate doses, for that this research aimed to study the effect of two different vitamin B forms (thiamine and pyridoxine) on Vicia faba plants as agrowth stimutator in addition to study it’s effect on plant as astrong antioxidant under salinity stress.Our findings demonstrated that both vitamin forms significantly increased seedling growth at germination and early growth stages, especially at 50 ppm for pyridoxine and 100 ppm for thiamine. Pyridoxine at 50 ppm increased seedling length by approximately 35% compared to control, while thiamine at 100 ppm significantly promoted seedling fresh and dry wt by 4.36 and 1.36 g, respectively, compared to control seedling fresh wt 2.17 g and dry weight 1.07 g. Irrigation with 100 mM NaCl had a negative impact on plant growth and processes as well as the uptake of several critical ions, such as K+ and Mg+2, increasing Na uptake in comparison to that in control plants. Compared to control plants irrigated with NaCl solution, the photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and total antioxidant capacity increased in the presence of pyridoxine and thiamine, both at 50 and 100 ppm salinity. The proline content increased in both treated and untreated plants subjected to salt stress compared to that in control plants. Thiamine, especially at 50 ppm, was more effective than pyridoxine at improving plant health under saline conditions. An increase in Vicia faba plant tolerance to salinity was established by enhancing antioxidant capacity via foliar application of vitamin B through direct and indirect scavenging methods, which protect cell macromolecules from damage by oxidative stress, the highest antioxidant capacity value 28.14% was recorded at 50 ppm thiamine under salinity stress.The provided results is aguide for more researches in plant physiology and molecular biology to explain plant response to vitamins application and the suggest the sequence by which vitamins work inside plant cell.

Montmorillonite nanoclay triggers immunity responses in wheat against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, and suppresses uredospore germination

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causes the important disease, yellow rust of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Montmorillonite nanoclay (MNC) is naturally occurring and biodegradable. This study assessed in vitro anti-germination effects of MNC on P. striiformis uredospores. Application of MNC at 150 mg L-1 completely inhibited uredospore germination, and MNC at 100 mg L-1 reduced yellow rust severity in wheat plants by 89%. Expression of defense-related genes was increased after MNC treatment at 100 mg L-1, by 5.23-fold for jasmonate and ethylene-responsive factor 3 (JERF3), 4.89-fold for chitinase class II (CHI II), and 2.37-fold for pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1). Applying MNC at 100 mg L-1 also activated the antioxidant enzymes POD to 62.1 unit min-1 g-1 fresh wt, PPO to 21.6 units min-1 g-1 fresh wt, and CAT to 36.6 units min-1 g-1 fresh wt. MNC also enhanced phenolic content in wheat leaves (to 1489.53 mg 100 g-1 f. wt), and reduced lipid oxidation levels (to 5.6 μmol MDA g-1 fresh wt). MNC at 100 mg L-1 also mitigated damaging effects of P. striiformis infections on host leaf cell ultrastructure, increased leaf photosynthetic pigments, and increased wheat plant growth. These results show that MNC has potential as a natural control agent for yellow rust of wheat, although field testing of MNC is necessary before this material can be recommended for wheat production.

Enhancing growth and Cadmium remediation in red alga, Gracilaria edulis through silicate intervention

This study investigates the potential of silicate to alleviate cadmium (Cd) toxicity in Gracilaria edulis, an agarophyte. Under various culture conditions spanning 21 days, alga was grown in control, Silicate (Si) medium, and different Cd concentrations (100, 200, and 300 µM) with or without Si100 µM and the effect was measured by photosynthesis O2 evolution, relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, biochemical compositions such as chlorophyll a, phycobilipigments (phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, and phycoerythrin), carbohydrate, protein, lipid peroxidation and Cd accumulation. Cd, a toxic heavy metal, negatively impacts plant and algal growth and metabolism. In contrast, traditionally considered non-essential, Si has growth-promoting properties under various stress conditions. The present study reveals that Si significantly enhances photosynthesis except for Cd300. In Cd100, the photosynthetic O2 evolution was 0.08 nM s−1, whereas in Cd100 + Si, it increased to 0.09 nM s−1. The Cd300 + Si treatment exhibited a rate of 0.07 nM s−1, but in Cd300, it was 0.05 nM s-1 on the 9th day of culture, and the rate was proportionately high on the 18th day of culture. The RGR and biomass significantly improved, particularly when Cd100 was combined with Si. Alga shows a decrease in the chlorophyll a, phycobilin pigments, carbohydrate, and protein content when grown at Cd300 concentration but significantly increased when combined with Si treatment. Alga showed less carbohydrate content (0.30 ± 0.02) at Cd300 µM exposure, of which was increased by adding Si (Cd300 + Si) to 0.34 ± 0.02 mg g−1 alga fresh wt. Cd uptake by the alga is high at Cd300 but considerably low at Cd100 + Si and Cd200 + Si concentrations. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level indicating lipid peroxidation-induced oxidative damage was significantly reduced in Si-treated Cd concentrations compared to heavy metal treatment alone. This study demonstrates that silicate can potentially mitigate the adverse effects of Cd on G. edulis by creating a favorable environment for its growth. Thus, it exhibits promise in alleviating Cd toxicity in G. edulis.

Methylmercury Effects on Birds: A Review, Meta-Analysis, and Development of Toxicity Reference Values for Injury Assessment Based on Tissue Residues and Diet.

Birds are used as bioindicators of environmental mercury (Hg) contamination, and toxicity reference values are needed for injury assessments. We conducted a comprehensive review, summarized data from 168 studies, performed a series of Bayesian hierarchical meta-analyses, and developed new toxicity reference values for the effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on birds using a benchmark dose analysis framework. Lethal and sublethal effects of MeHg on birds were categorized into nine biologically relevant endpoint categories and three age classes. Effective Hg concentrations where there was a 10% reduction (EC10) in the production of juvenile offspring (0.55 µg/g wet wt adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations, 80% credible interval: [0.33, 0.85]), histology endpoints (0.49 [0.15, 0.96] and 0.61 [0.09, 2.48]), and biochemical markers (0.77 [<0.25, 2.12] and 0.57 [0.35, 0.92]) were substantially lower than those for survival (2.97 [2.10, 4.73] and 5.24 [3.30, 9.55]) and behavior (6.23 [1.84, >13.42] and 3.11 [2.10, 4.64]) of juveniles and adults, respectively. Within the egg age class, survival was the most sensitive endpoint (EC10 = 2.02 µg/g wet wt adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations [1.39, 2.94] or 1.17 µg/g fresh wet wt egg-equivalent Hg concentrations [0.80, 1.70]). Body morphology was not particularly sensitive to Hg. We developed toxicity reference values using a combined survival and reproduction endpoints category for juveniles, because juveniles were more sensitive to Hg toxicity than eggs or adults. Adult blood-equivalent Hg concentrations (µg/g wet wt) and egg-equivalent Hg concentrations (µg/g fresh wet wt) caused low injury to birds (EC1) at 0.09 [0.04, 0.17] and 0.04 [0.01, 0.08], moderate injury (EC5) at 0.6 [0.37, 0.84] and 0.3 [0.17, 0.44], high injury (EC10) at 1.3 [0.94, 1.89] and 0.7 [0.49, 1.02], and severe injury (EC20) at 3.2 [2.24, 4.78] and 1.8 [1.28, 2.79], respectively. Maternal dietary Hg (µg/g dry wt) caused low injury to juveniles at 0.16 [0.05, 0.38], moderate injury at 0.6 [0.29, 1.03], high injury at 1.1 [0.63, 1.87], and severe injury at 2.4 [1.42, 4.13]. We found few substantial differences in Hg toxicity among avian taxonomic orders, including for controlled laboratory studies that injected Hg into eggs. Our results can be used to quantify injury to birds caused by Hg pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1195-1241. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Effect of Salinity Stress on Oxidative Stress Parameters and the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes in Eight Durum Wheat Genotypes

This study was carried out at the Tissue Culture Laboratory, which belongs to the General Commission of Biotechnology, in order to evaluate the influence of NaCl-induced salinity stress on some oxidative parameters (MDA and H2O2) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, APX, and SOD) in eight durum wheat genotypes (Doma1, Bouhoth11, Cham3, Bezater, Cham5, Aghamatales, Icaverve, and Icamber) in vitro, to determine the most salinity tolerant genotypes. Salinity stress was applied by adding different levels of NaCl to the growing medium (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM). The experiment was laid according to a complete randomized design (CRD) with sixteen replicates. Increasing salinity level caused an increase in both the Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of the investigated antioxidant enzymes (SOD، APX، CAT) compared with the control. The leaf content of both H2O2 and MDA was significantly higher in the genotype Icaverve at the salinity level of 150 mM NaCl (45.67 and 130.74 µmol g-1 fresh wt. respectively), while the activity of the enzymes SOD, APX and CAT were significantly higher in the two durum wheat genotypes, Bouhoth11 and Doma1 at the highest salinity level (150 mM NaCl). Antioxidant enzymes play a pivotal role in the defense mechanisms in the durum wheat under salinity stress conditions, and the in vitro screening tool can be effectively used to assess the genetic variability for salinity tolerance in the durum wheat crop.

Trace elements exposure through the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables collected from a divisional city of Bangladesh: Human health implications

BackgroundDietary exposure is the main source of bioaccumulation of trace elements through contaminated fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, but also toxic elements, which harm our health and well-being. ObjectivesThis study focused on human health nutrition and risks associated with the cancer-causing and non-cancerous trace elements in commonly available winter fruits and vegetables collected from Mymensingh divisional city markets. MethodsSix locally available fruits (viz. pineapple, guava, hog plum, water chestnut, banana, Indian olive) and six seasonal vegetables (viz. red amaranth, radish leaves, brinjal, bottle gourd, radish, and carrot) were collected. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the contents of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Cd. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cumulative Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (∑ILCR) were calculated to estimate non-cancer and cancer health risks. ResultsAll trace element contents were higher in vegetables than in fruits except Cu. Chromium contents were below the detectable limit for all fruits and vegetables. The highest amounts of Zn (10.54 µg g−1 fresh wt.), Fe (68.75 µg g−1 fresh wt.) and Mn (55.65 µg g−1 fresh wt.) were found in radish leaves. On the other hand, the maximum amounts of Pb (0.388 µg g−1 fresh wt.) and Cd (0.180 µg g−1 fresh wt.) were found in red amaranth, while the highest content of Cu (5.67 µg g−1 fresh wt.) was determined from banana. The calculated HI was <1 in every case except red amaranth suggesting none of the fruit and other vegetable samples poses individual non-cancerous risk after consumption. On the other hand, the measured ILCR values for Cd for both males and females ranged from 1.51E-04 to 6.45E-03 and 2.12E-04 to 9.03E-03, respectively, indicating cancer risk in all fruit and vegetable samples, either individually or cumulatively. ConclusionThe locally available fruits and vegetables of the Mymensingh divisional city area posed significant human health risks. However, regular monitoring of toxic metal contents is necessary to ensure the food safety of locally grown indigenous fruits and vegetables for the city dwellers.

Vermicompost induced growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at sustainable rooftop farming system

Rooftop farming is gaining rapid popularity in urban areas, especially since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For housebound people rooftop farming is not only a way of potentially management of their time but also the execution of creativity. For rooftop farming vermicompost (VC) can be the most sustainable media for growing high value fruits and vegetables crops. In this regard, an experiment was carried out as a rooftop farming system at Charfassion upzila in the Bhola district of Bangladesh to observe the growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum) grown in different combinations of vermicompost in the winter season (2020-2021). Different agronomic and yield parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, and 90 days and at the final harvest of 120 days after sowing. Among the measured parameters a mixed type of performance was achieved from varied doses of vermicompost applications and inorganic fertilizer treatment. Among the measured valuable parameters; the highest fruit length (8.85 cm), fruit diameter (10.3 cm), no. of fruits (9.51 plant-1), total wt. of fresh fruits (405.32 g/plant), fresh fruits yield (11.26 t ha-1), no. of branches (30.0 plant-1), stem girth (6.3 cm), root fresh wt. (8.80 g/plant), stem fresh wt. (23.35 g/plant), petiole fresh wt. (6.09 g/plant), total fresh biomass (65.54 g/plant), dry wt. of fruits (76.91 g/plant), dry wt. of total fruits: biomass ratio (7.35) and benefit-cost ratio (12.40), respectively, were observed in T5 (20t VC ha-1). So, from the overall findings of this study T5 with 20t VC application ha-1 is recommended to achieve better growth and yield of capsicum through the sustainable way of rooftop and urban farming systems and to improve soil fertility status.

LIGHT COLOUR INFLUENCES THE MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF THE Cryptocoryne elliptica Hook F., AN AQUATIC PLANT

Light is used to enhance the appearance of the fish and supports the survival of living ornamental aquatic plants in aquariums. The light required by the fresh aquatic plants is different among the species. This study examined the effects of light colours, which are white, blue, red, and green on tissue culture-derived Cryptocoryne elliptica grown under submergence conditions. The morphological traits and chlorophyll content of the planets were measured for ten weeks. Results showed that plantlets’ growth under blue light exhibited the longest petioles (4.9 ± 0.5 cm), leaf length (3.0 ± 0.2 cm), leaf width (1.3 ± 0.4 cm), and leaf number per plantlet (p &lt; 0.05) compared to other lights. The highest chlorophyll content (0.72 mg/g fresh wt.) was recorded in the leaves of plantlets under white light. The number of newly produced shoot tips did not significantly differ among the light treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Experimenting with different propagation methods, hormone treatments, or adjustments to light intensity or duration may provide insights into improving the production of new plantlets in future studies.

Dammarane-type triterpenoid saponin-rich elite genotypes of Bacopa monnieri from south India and their edaphic-ecological preferences

High domestic and export demands are prompting the uncontrolled collection of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) from its natural habitats in India; therefore, selection and cultivation of elite genotypes is one of the priorities for generating its quality biomass for industrial purposes. Here sixty BM accessions collected from diverse geographical regions of south India were screened for the two major bioactive dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, bacoside A (BA) and bacopaside I (BI), by HPTLC-densitometry. Among these sixty accessions, BA, BI and (BA+BI) contents ranged from 0.36 ± 0.05 to 5.68 ± 0.18%, 0.00 ± 0.00 to 1.53 ± 0.12% and 0.41 ± 0.13 to 7.17 ± 0.35%, respectively. Industries consider BM accessions with (BA+BI) ≥ 5.5% as elite lines; this study identified eight elite accessions (1/Bm-11, 2/Bm-55, 3/Bm-57, 11/Bm-68, 19/Bm-76, 33/Bm-90, 36/Bm-93, 44/Bm-102) of BM, satisfying this benchmark. In bi-location trials, six BM elite genotypes were cultivated at two geographical locations (plot 1, low altitude and plot 2, high altitude). In Plot 1, highest (BA+BI) contents and biomass yields were observed in 2/Bm-55 (6.60 ± 0.09%) and 19/Bm-76 (4090.28 Kg/ha, fresh wt.), respectively. Elite accession 2/Bm-55 was subjected to agrotechnology standardization trails at Plot 1 with 10 combinations of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (N-P-K), cow dung, cocopeat and soil (only) treatments. Two treatments, N:P:K 150:90:90 and soil (only), gave elite contents of BA+BI (≥ 5.5%) (5.89%, 6.62%) and high biomass yields (64152.84 Kg/ha, fresh wt., 63076.45 Kg/ha, fresh wt.). Significantly, five of the eight elite BM accessions identified viz., 1/Bm-11, 3/Bm-57, 44/Bm-102, 36/Bm-93, 19/Bm-76, were collected from ≤ 10 m altitude locations; this study provides experimental evidence to the preference of BM to low altitude, wet and marshy habitats. Briefly, this study reports conservation, sustainable utilization and edaphic-ecological preferences of the natural resources of this high value memory enhancing herb.

Phytoalexins of the crucifer Barbarea vulgaris: Structural profile and correlation with glucosinolate turnover

Phytoalexins are antimicrobial plant metabolites elicited by microbial attack or abiotic stress. We investigated phytoalexin profiles after foliar abiotic elicitation in the crucifer Barbarea vulgaris and interactions with the glucosinolate-myrosinase system. The treatment for abiotic elicitation was a foliar spray with CuCl2 solution, a usual eliciting agent, and three independent experiments were carried out. Two genotypes of B. vulgaris (G-type and P-type) accumulated the same three major phytoalexins in rosette leaves after treatment: phenyl-containing nasturlexin D and indole-containing cyclonasturlexin and cyclobrassinin. Phytoalexin levels were investigated daily by UHPLC-QToF MS and tended to differ among plant types and individual phytoalexins. In roots, phytoalexins were low or not detected.In treated leaves, typical total phytoalexin levels were in the range 1–10 nmol/g fresh wt. during three days after treatment while typical total glucosinolate (GSL) levels were three orders of magnitude higher. Levels of some minor GSLs responded to the treatment: phenethylGSL (PE) and 4-substituted indole GSLs. Levels of PE, a suggested nasturlexin D precursor, were lower in treated plants than controls. Another suggested precursor GSL, 3-hydroxyPE, was not detected, suggesting PE hydrolysis to be a key biosynthetic step. Levels of 4-substituted indole GSLs differed markedly between treated and control plants in most experiments, but not in a consistent way.The dominant GSLs, glucobarbarins, are not believed to be phytoalexin precursors. We observed statistically significant linear correlations between total major phytoalexins and the glucobarbarin products barbarin and resedine, suggesting that GSL turnover for phytoalexin biosynthesis was unspecific. In contrast, we did not find correlations between total major phytoalexins and raphanusamic acid or total glucobarbarins and barbarin.In conclusion, two groups of phytoalexins were detected in B. vulgaris, apparently derived from the GSLs PE and indol-3-ylmethylGSL. Phytoalexin biosynthesis was accompanied by depletion of the precursor PE and by turnover of major non-precursor GSLs to resedine. This work paves the way for identifying and characterizing genes and enzymes in the biosyntheses of phytoalexins and resedine.

Response of Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.) to Integrated Nutrient Management

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2019 at, All India Co-ordinate Research Project, (AICRP), College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agricultural and Technology (OUAT).The experiment consisted of twelve treatments with three replications evaluated in randomized block design. Results of field experiment revealed that the minimum days to seed germination (7.00days), maximum vine length (49.8, 187.7, 285.95 cm at 30, 60, 75 DAS, number of branches (6.18, 7.43, 8.12) at 30, 60, 75 DAS, leaf length (22.87cm), leaf width ( 21.76cm), leaf weight (48.14g), stem diameter (2.77cm), number of nodes on main vine (42.12), node bearing 1st male flower (4.16), node bearing 1st female flower (6.87), fresh wt. of fruit (1231g), dry wt. of fruit (48.75g), no. of seeds fruit-1 (448), fruit yield (28.01 q ha-1) was recorded with treatment 50%RDF+ FYM @ 7.5t ha-1+VC @ 2.5 t ha-1+ biofertilizer Consortia (T12) and minimum under control (T1).

Biochemical Attributes of Grapes Grown at High Elevations in Himachal Pradesh

A large extent of biochemical diversity was recorded in 53 grape genotypes grown at different altitudes in Himachal Pradesh. The average values for TSS, TA, TSS/TA, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, colour intensity, phenols, tannins and anthocyanin were 15.5Brix; 0.76%; 22.26; 147.25 (mg/g fresh wt.); 186.67 (mg/g fresh wt.); 0.62%; 0.91(mg/g fresh wt.); 2.24 (mg/g fresh wt.) and 244.75 mg/litre respectively. Although statistically insignificant, we observed +ve correlation between elevation with colour intensity and phenols in the berries. However, our results are based on different genotypes growing at different elevations and planned experiments for growing selected wine varieties at different elevations may yield better results on this aspect. At higher altitude, enhanced exposure of berries to UV-B radiation and cool climate can lead to an enhancement in colour intensity due to an increase in the synthesis of anthocyanins, flavanols and tannins, therefore, potentiality of high ranges in Himachal Pradesh for growing best quality wine grapes needs to be explored through planned research and infrastructural development.

BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUM L.) DURING PATHOGENESIS OF COLLAR ROT FUNGI (SCLEROTIUM ROLFSII SACC)

Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc.), causing collar rot (CR) of chickpea is one of the most perilous soil-borne pathogens that parasitize chickpea at a very early stage, therefore, leading to huge yield loss. The present experiment aimed to study the relative changes in defence-related enzymes and phenolics which take place in chickpea (both in resistant and susceptible genotypes) upon CR infection. Emphasis was given to study the changes in total soluble proteins, peroxidase and total phenol content at 7, 14, and 21-days post inoculation (dpi). The experiment was set up by taking moderately resistant (MR), moderately susceptible (MS), susceptible (S) and highly susceptible (HS) genotypes and the experiment was conducted under both inoculated and non-inoculated conditions. The results indicated that total phenol content was signicantly higher (3 folds) at 7dpi and then declined gradually upto 21dpi. MR cultivars had higher phenol content than the (MS) and the susceptible non-inoculated control. Total soluble protein content decreased with the days after post-inoculation and this reduction is greater in the susceptible cultivar as compared to the MR cultivars. Total soluble protein content was 3 times higher in the inoculated cultivars than in the in-inoculated control. Peroxidase (POD) activity was also decreased from 7dpi to 21dpi and maximum POD activity was recorded at 7dpi in MR cultivars (12.61 g-1 fresh wt.) than the susceptible one (1.31 g-1 fresh wt.). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also done to compare the extent of the mycelial network within the xylem vessels of inoculated MR, MS and susceptible cultivars.

Impact of nano-glass (NG) particles on seed germination and it’s accumulation in plant parts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Micro/nano-contaminants have been the focal pollutants in environmental science, which includes several nanomaterials, nanocomposites, fibers, glass, plastics etc. Micro/nano size pollutants are more harmful than macro pollutants due to their size. Therefore, there is an urgent need for research on the possible fate of glass particles in the environment, especially in plant and soil systems. Here, the synthesized nano-glass (NG) from the waste windshield and analyzed its uptake and effect on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant system in a hydroponic solution. The findings provided direct evidence that NG reduced the germination % with increasing NG concentrations as 100, 96, 92, and 92% for 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L−1. The lowest root and shoot height (15.40 and 22.42 cm) was achieved in the 40 mg L−1 NG treatment. Decrement in fresh and dry wt. with a maximum reduction of chlorophyll a, b and total content (6.19, 4.98, and 11.17 mg g−1 fresh wt.) was obtained at 40 mg L−1 at 21 days. Rhodamine B was used for fluorescence imaging in seedlings to detect NG movement, Results showed that NG moves via xylem tissues of root part to other parts of the plant. Based on the currently limited or no data and uncertainty regarding the actual impact of NG on soil and plant systems, suggested considerations to address key knowledge gaps are delineated. Further studies are required as a flora build-up of NG can have both environmental influence and consequences on agronomic sustainability and food safety.

In vitro bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity in yoghurts enriched with mango peel powder

This study investigated the potential health benefits and functional properties of mango peel powder (MPP) as a source of antioxidants and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors in yoghurts with probiotic bacteria. The study involved plain yoghurt (PY, control), yoghurt fortified with 2% mango peel powder (MY), and yoghurt fortified with 2% MPP and 1% of each probiotic culture of L. casei, L. rhamnosus, B. lactis (MPY). Bioactive potential and individual polyphenols in the products were analysed before and after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Results showed that both MY (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE) and MPY (0.28 ± 0.04 mg/g GAE) had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher phenolic contents than PY (0.17 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE). Among the 15 quantified phenolic compounds, quercetin-3-rhamnoside was highest in MPP (432.86 ± 11.02 mg/100g dry wt.), followed by MPY (47.97 ± 1.20) and MY (34.44 ± 2.76 mg/100g fresh wt.). The quantities of the major individual phenolic compounds declined significantly (p < 0.05) in MPP only after gastric digestion, while remained stable in MY and MPY. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) increments in α-glucosidase inhibition activity (6.06% and 8.47%, in MY and MPY, respectively) post intestinal digestion. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis of all the sample extracts (undigested and digested) identified a total of 108 phenolic metabolites including 33 phenolic acids, 42 flavonoids, 11 lignans, 3 alkylphenols, 4 coumarins, 3 tyrosols, 1 stilbene, 2 xanthones, 4 phenolic terpene, and 3 tyrosols, 2 hydroxybenzoketones, 1 hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2 other phenolic metabolites. This study provides scientific evidence for the utilization of MPP fortified yoghurts as functional food products.

Effect of Foliar Application of Chitosan on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Qualities of Red Amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus L.)

Chitosan is a promising natural biopolymer that stimulates growth, increases yield, and boosts-up plants' immune systems. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar application of chitosan on growth, yield and quality attributes (viz. chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total ash and major nutrient contents) of red amaranth. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and six treatments [viz. T0 = Control (no chitosan application); T1 = 100 mg L-1; T2 = 150 mg L-1; T3 = 200 mg L-1; T4 = 250 mg L-1 and T5 = 300 mg L-1 chitosan solution]. The study results revealed that the application of chitosan at different doses had no significant effect on plant height, the number of leaves plant-1, and the moisture content of red amaranth. But there were significant variations in stem diameter, root length, and yield of red amaranth. Similarly, the application of chitosan at different doses also showed a significant effect on chlorophyll contents, carotenoids and total ash contents of red amaranth. The average chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophylls, carotenoids and ash content of red amaranth ranged from 6.02-9.51, 3.67-5.92 and 9.68-15.15 mg g-1 tissue, 0.20-0.28 µg g-1 sample (fresh wt.), and 16.36-17.69%, respectively. Among the major nutrient elements, the amount of Ca, Mg, Na, K and P in red amaranth was statistically insignificant among the treatments. On the contrary, the effect of foliar application of chitosan at different doses disclosed a statistically significant difference in S, Zn and Fe contents of red amaranth. The highest amounts of chlorophyll-a, carotenoids, total ash, S, and Fe in red amaranth were obtained from treatment T5. Finally, the study results concluded that foliar application of chitosan at 300 mg L-1 has a significant positive effect on the growth, yield, pigments, S, and Fe contents of red amaranth.

Role of spraying with urea- phosphate and cytokinin on some morphological properties of two cultivars of maize (Zea mays L.)

Field experiment was conducted in Karbala province during the spring season of 2018-2019. The experiment was arranged as split plot within RCBD with three replications. Urea- phosphate (UP) was applied at 0, 1 and 2ml L-1 cytokines at 0.5 and 1 ml L-1sprayed on two cultivars of corn namely: Baghdad and fager. Results revealed that Baghdad cultivar was superior giving the highest values of all studied traits lie, plant light, leaves no, leaf area, stem diameter and fresh weight. the corresponding valves were 171.9 cm ,13.6 leaves, 370.2cm2, 21.93 mm and 3.49 kg respectively. Whereas fager cultivar gave 159.1 cm ,12.13 leaves ,286.2 cm2 ,18.15 mm and 3.27 kg Cytokines at 1 ml L-1 gave highest values of plant height, stem diameter and fresh wt. giving 181.3 cm ,21.98 mm and 3.80 kg respectively whereas Urea – Phosphate at 2 mlL-1 gave highest value of leaves nunber .and leaf area giving 13.50 leaves and 378.9 cm2.

Growth performance evaluation of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers. x Cynodon transvaalensis) under different nitrogen application methods and sprigging intensities

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers, commonly called Bermuda grass is one among the most commonly used warm season grasses which can withstand drought stress and produce quality turf. Establishing high quality turf is a key management concern. The selection of suitable method of its establishment and precise nutrient management are the first and most important factors for a well-established lawn. N has the greatest impact on grass growth of all the nutrients, and an appropriate N fertiliser can quicken up the development of high-quality mats. Hence a field trial was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study the growth response of Bermuda grass to 4 different sprigging intensities: S1- 10×10 cm, S2- 15×15 cm, S3- 20×20 cm, S4- 25×25 cm and 3 different methods of N application at fortnight intervals: N1- Granular application at 4g/m2, N2- 2% Foliar spray and N3- IFFCO Nano Urea at 5ml/l of water. Morphological parameters including leaf length, internodal length, shoot length, root length, percent cover and physiological parameters including total chlorophyll content, relative greenness and proline content for drought estimation have been evaluated at 90 days after planting. Plots treated with nano urea showed improved growth response rather plots treated with granular urea. Closer and medium spacing showed quick grass spread compared to wider spacing. Among 12 treatments, Treatment S1N3 (10 X 10 cm spacing with 5 ml/ l of water Nano Urea Foliar Spray) recorded the highest values for almost all the morphological (Leaf length 3.43 cm, Internodal length 3.63 cm, Shoot length 52.46 cm, Root length 11.51 cm and Percent cover 101.25%) and physiological parameters (TCC 3.42 mg/ g fresh wt., Relative greenness 13.86 and Proline content 2.52 mg/ g of fresh wt.). Future thrust can be relied on such encapsulated slow-release N fertilizer to ease out nitrogen loss concern and improved turf quality.

Deciphering the iPBS retrotransposons based genetic diversity of nanoparticles induced in Vitro seedlings of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

The phytochemicals contained in hemp are highly significant and can be modified or altered by employing in vitro elicitors like nanoparticles (NPs). Application of NPs type, concentration, and treatment time regulate the germination, growth, and phytohemicals. In vitro sterilized seeds of cannabis were augmented on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600mg/L) for one month. Results revealed that supplementation of NPs resulted in reduced germination (%), root length and longer shoots and seedling fresh wt compared to control. Maximum germination was recorded on MS medium supplemented with 1600mg/L TiO2NPs (92.50%) followed by 1600mg/L AgNPs (80.00%). Supplementation of 800mg/L AgNPs yielded longer shoots, roots, seedlings fresh weight, and chlorophyll-b contents compared to all other treatments. Whereas, maximum chlorophyll-a, carotenoids, and MDA contents were attributed to 1200mg/L TiO2NPs. PCR results using eight iPBS-retrotransposons primers yielded a total of 101 bands with 98 polymorphic bands. Whereas, minimum (0.28) and maximum (0.42) gene diversity was associated with 2095 and 2228 primers.