Vigorous Growth Research Articles

Differences in Vegetative, Productive, and Physiological Behaviors in Actinidia chinensis Plants, cv. Gold 3, as A Function of Cane Type

This study investigated the influence of cane diameter on vegetative, productive, and physiological behaviors in Actinidia chinensis, cv. Gold 3. Conducted over two years (2021–2022), the experiment compared canes with larger (HD) and smaller (LD) proximal diameters. This research focused on parameters such as shoot morphology, leaf gas exchange, fruit quality, and hydraulic resistance. The results revealed that HD canes promoted more vigorous growth, with a higher proportion of long and medium shoots, whereas LD canes resulted in shorter shoots. Additionally, the HD canes demonstrated a higher leaf area and more extensive leaf coverage, contributing to enhanced photosynthetic activity, as evidenced by enhanced gas exchange, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rates. This higher photosynthetic efficiency in HD canes resulted in more rapid fruit growth, with a larger fruit size and weight, particularly in fruits from non-terminate shoots. By contrast, fruits on LD canes exhibited slower growth, particularly in terms of fresh weight and dry matter accumulation. Despite these differences, maturation indices, including soluble solids and acidity levels, were not significantly affected by cane type. The findings suggest that selecting HD canes during winter pruning could lead to earlier harvests, with improved fruit quality and productivity, making this practice beneficial for optimizing vineyard management in Actinidia chinensis.

Effect of Pre-Germination Treatments for Breaking Seed Dormancy in Psoralea corylifolia L.

The dormant state of seeds is a major damping propagation factor in most medicinal plants including Psoralea corylifolia L., because of hard seed coats that limit exchange of water and gases. The present research examined the effectiveness of the four different dormancy-breaking methods i.e. hot water immersion, chemical scarification, mechanical abrasion and abrasive media shaking of seed germination, seedling vigor, and initial plant growth. Of these, shaking with abrasive sand proved to be most promising non-chemical treatment, and was capable of germinating up to 56% in 4 days. Although the best germination percentage was achieved by (84%) in sulfuric acid treatment, this is not practically useable because of its danger. Mechanical scarification and heat treatments provided partial success that needed careful calibration since embryo damage could occur. Interestingly the time to germination was also shorter in seeds treated by shaking, and the seedlings of these seed had longer rooted, taller shoots, and grew taller as whole plants than controls- indicating greater early vigor and potential photo-synthetic biomass accumulation. Sustainability of the shaking method as an alternative to laboratory research and field implementation is feasible, given that it is reproducible and safe, as well as scalable. Moreover, the approach is compatible with the objectives of restoration ecology since it helps to establish healthy seedlings without the residuals of toxicity. The paper highlights the importance of species-specific pre-germination procedures and presents an effective scheme of large-scaled cultivation of P. corylifolia, which guarantees sustainability of medicinal resource, as well as ecological recovery. The results support the use of abrasive shaking, as a potential and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical scarification in breaking the physical barrier to seed germination.

Adaptation analysis of two Asteraceae invasive plants in Lhasa, Tibet

Invasive plants pose a major threat to global ecosystems, especially in ecologically fragile high-altitude regions. Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Tibetan Plateau is considered highly susceptible to biological invasions. This study investigates the germination capacity and early growth performance of two invasive species, Bidens pilosa and Tagetes minuta, under the natural climatic conditions of Lhasa, Tibet. We assessed how seed burial depth, geographical provenance, and climatic variables affect their establishment potential. The results showed that B. pilosa exhibited the highest germination rate in shallow soil layers, especially for seeds originating from Kunming (KM). However, seeds from the same source that matured in Lhasa following one local growing season (LS), showed a significant reduction in germination capacity, indicating the negative effects of high-altitude stress on maternal seed quality. Seeds from different altitudes displayed varied adaptive performance, with high-altitude provenances showing greater plant height in Lhasa’s cold, dry environment. Although T. minuta exhibited generally low germination rates across all burial depths, the individuals that successfully emerged demonstrated vigorous early growth, particularly under deeper burial conditions. This suggests that once established, the species may possess strong potential for rapid population expansion and severe invasion. Climate data over the past three years showed that the growing season from May to October in Lhasa—characterized by increased temperature and precipitation—provided a favorable climate window for both species. Our findings suggest that the ongoing warming and humidification trend on the Tibetan Plateau, driven by global climate change, may further facilitate the expansion and establishment of these invasive species. This study provides essential insights for risk assessment and management of invasive plants in Lhasa and other high-altitude regions, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and targeted early-warning strategies in response to shifting environmental conditions.

Rootstock of distant hybrid activates transcription factors of scion cultivar to promote growth and yield in walnut.

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a significant commercial tree, valued both for its timber and nut production and it is extensively cultivated across the globe. We exploit heterografting by using cultivar-'Shangsong14' (Juglans regia; 'S14') as scion and hybrid elite-'Zhongningqi' (Juglans hindsii × Juglans regia; 'Q') as rootstock and self-grafting each other as both scion and rootstock to investigate the genetic effects of the rootstock. Heterografting induces vigour and yield in walnut scions through 15 years of continuous observation. Grafting experiment indicated that 'Q' as a rootstock caused a reduction of miR396a in scions (S14/Q) compared to self-grafting (S14/S14), while the transcript levels of JrGRF4b and JrGIF1a were upregulated in S14/Q compared with S14/S14. Moreover, we indicated that JrGRF4b might directly target and enhance JrGATA4 expression, further upregulating JrCycD4;1 and JrCycJ18 transcript abundance and affecting the proliferation of cambium cells. To examine the role of miR396a-JrGRF4b/JrGIF1a in growth vigour, we produced white birch transgenic lines that overexpressed miR396a, rJrGRF4b and JrGIF1a. Overexpression of rJrGRF4b and JrGIF1a enhanced plant vigour and cambium cell proliferation, while overexpression of miR396a had the opposite effect in white birch. Our findings suggest that Jr-miR396a was decreased in S14/Q compared to S14/S14, where mRNAs of JrGRF4b were released to enhance the JrGATA4 transcript level, strengthening cell proliferation in scions. The research revealed a novel molecular mechanism about rootstocks enhancing vigour in scions, which have the potential to accelerate breeding rootstocks for perennial woody species.

Ampelographic Characterization of the A’asmi Cultivar of Yemeni Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

The study was conducted to characterize the morphological traits of A’asmi Cultivar of Yemeni grape (Vitis vinifera L.) in the Bani Hashish district during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, based on OIV, UPOV, and IPGRI standards. The aim was to establish a database documenting the morphological characteristics and certain chemical properties of the Cultivar, to support breeding programs, preserve genetic diversity, and enhance agricultural productivity amid environmental challenges. The study involved 10 fruiting vines from a farm in the village of Bayt al-Nukhif, Wadi al-Sir, where 105 traits were measured, encompassing young and mature shoots, leaves, flowers, clusters, berries, and seeds, in addition to the evaluation of selected chemical properties such as soluble sugars, acidity, pH, and vitamin C using standardized methodologies. The results revealed a notable coherence in the morphological traits of the Cultivar. The young shoot was characterized by an open and fully developed apex before the node, indicating vigorous vegetative growth and an ability to adapt to warm seasons, while a weak expression of anthocyanins on the pubescence suggested a potential genetic limitation in expressing this pigment and its effect on the plant’s response to environmental stresses. The mature shoot exhibited a nearly vertical growth pattern with a balanced color distribution on its sides and a reduced pubescence density, which may improve ventilation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The leaves maintained stability in terms of shape, size, and number of lobes, with a balanced pigment distribution that reflects an equilibrium between genetic and environmental factors to enhance photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient transport. At the cluster and berry level, productive traits were manifested through a loose distribution of berries and a long conical shape, along with an increase in berry number and stability in dimensional ratios and weight. The seeds showed dimensional stability with variations in biomass accumulation, reflecting the influence of environmental factors. Furthermore, the hermaphroditic floral structure contributed to both self- and cross-pollination, thereby enhancing genetic diversity. Overall, the study comprehensively documented and evaluated the morphological and chemical performance of the A’asmi Cultivar under changing environmental conditions.

Impact of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) on Growth, Quality and Yield of Eggplants

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) on the growth, quality, and yield of eggplants. The research was conducted at the Agriculture Research farm of Kabul University from April to September 2024. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments was employed: T1 (40 ppm), T2 (50 ppm), T3 (60 ppm), T4 (70 ppm), and T5 (Control). Data were collected on various growth parameters, fruit quality traits, and yield components. The recorded data were analyzed using the Statistical Tools for Agricultural Research (STAR) software. Results showed that NAA significantly enhanced eggplant growth, yield, and quality. T1 (40 ppm NAA) had the highest plant height (73.73 cm), branch number (9.20), leaf count (97), and leaf area (235.75 cm²), while the control group had the lowest values. T1 also produced the longest fruit (23.87 cm), largest diameter (4.21 cm), highest weight (186.67 g), and most fruits per plant (10.11). Similarly, T1 yielded the highest per plant (1.31 kg) and per hectare (41.9 metric tons), whereas the control recorded the lowest. Post-harvest results indicated no significant difference in shelf life. T1 had the best fruit appearance, texture, and flavor, with the highest overall acceptability (Like Moderately), while the control had the least (Neither Like nor Dislike). The results can be concluded that spraying eggplants with 40 ppm Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) at two stages (50% flowering and 20 days after the first application) can significantly improve their growth, quality, and yield. Farmers can spray this concentration of NAA to achieve vigorous growth, higher yield, and improved fruit quality.

Interspecific grafting compatibility studies between tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grafted on eggplant (Solanum melongena) and its wild relatives

Tomato grafting has proven to overcome the biotic and abiotic stresses as well as improve growth, yield, fruit quality. However, in India the graft compatibility between eggplant rootstocks and tomato varieties has not been explored extensively. The total 18 grafting combinations were developed by using three different (including two breeding lines) varieties of tomato as a scion and varieties of brinjal including two wild species i.e., ST05 and SG06. Tomato var. EC97, EC98 and DOrg and Brinjal varieties and its wild species i.e., SM01, SM02, SM03, SM04, ST05 and SG06 were used as root stock for this study. The experiment was laid out Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 18 treatments and 3 replications and data were analyzed statistically. The results revealed that the plants are compatible with the grafting through cleft grafting method viz., graft success rate (95.71%), days taken to sprouting (10.60 days), number of leaves (27.12), plant height (32.99 cm), stem diameter (0.45 cm), root length (21.59 cm), root fresh weight (16.23 g) and root dry weight (10.51 g) for the graft combination SM01 x DOrg. The 2nd graft combination which exhibited highest graft success rate (93.03%) was SM01x EC98. The highest root length was recoded in graft combination SM01 x EC97 (22.85 cm) followed by ST05 x DOrg and SM01 x EC98. Better root growth as root fresh weight was recorded in graft combination ST05 x EC97 (18.39 g) followed by SM01 x EC98 and ST05 x DOrg (17.65 g and 17.05 g, respectively) but root dry weight was recorded maximum in graft combinations i.e., ST05 x DOrg (13.20g) followed by ST05 x EC98 and SM01 x EC97 (12.59 and 12.23 g, respectively). Further studies are required for the selection of best rootstocks that support vigorous growth of the scions under interspecific grafting for improved graft compatibility and plant growth.

EFFECT OF BIOFERTILIZER, TECAMIN MAX AND BENZYL ADENINE ON LEAVES MINERALS OF SWEET ORANGE SEEDLINGS

This research was aimed to study the effect of soil application of Bio health and foliar application with Tecamin max and Benzyl adenine on leaves minerals content of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) seedlings during two successive seasons (2020 and 2021) using Randomized Complete Design with four replications. Bio health was added with three concentrations (0, 6 and 12 g.L-1) to the soil and foliar application of Tecamin max with three concentration (0, 5 and 10 ml.L-1) and Benzyl adenine with three concentration (0, 100 and 200 mg. L-1) on the sweet orange seedlings which were brought from private nursery in Duhok city and have two- years old and almost uniform in growth vigor. The results showed that all parameters such as, N, P, K, Ca and Fe leaves content in both seasons were increased significantly as compared with control, accept proline and Na was significantly decreased with increasing application of the bio-health, Tecamin max and Benzyl adenine, Furthermore, combination among high concentration of Bio health, Tecamin max and Benzyl adenine improved all parameters in comparison with the control.

Improvement of culture and acclimation conditions in a bio-nursery system for Paeonia lactiflora.

Paeonia lactiflora, the roots of which are used as a crude drug, is one of the most widely used and important medicinal plants. The long cultivation period and low proliferation rate of P. lactiflora makes it difficult to propagate large numbers of plants within a short period. We developed a bio-nursery system using plant tissue culture techniques to contribute to the supply of P. lactiflora seeds and seedlings in Japan. Here, we report on the improved tissue culture and acclimation conditions for a more stable and efficient bio-nursery system. We investigated the effect of culture conditions on shoot proliferation and the effect of calcium concentration during root induction and acclimation of cultured plantlets. The results demonstrated that the number of shoots increased under the 15/5°C diurnal temperature changing treatment [15°C, 12 h light (fluorescent light, 80-130 µmol m-2 s-1)/5°C, 12 h dark] compared to a constant temperature of 15°C. A higher calcium concentration (6 mM Ca2+) during root induction resulted in more vigorous growth after transplantation to the soil. In addition, it was found that planting in a closed greenhouse at a constant temperature of 20°C after cold treatment was suitable for acclimation of cultured plantlets. These findings are expected to contribute to the future seedling supply of P. lactiflora.

Effect of cold air plasma and seaweed extract treatment on wheat seed germination and gene expression under salt stress conditions

This study investigated the potential of cold air plasma (CAP) and seaweed extract (SWE), individually and in combination, to enhance wheat seed germination and molecular responses under salinity stress. A factorial CRD experiment was conducted using four treatment types (control, cold air plasma (CAP), seaweed extract (SWE), CAP+SWE) and four salinity levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 dS/m), with detailed physiological and gene expression analyses. The dual CAP+SWE treatment significantly outperformed all other treatments across key parameters. Germination percentage increased from 63.59% in untreated seeds to 89.42%, while mean germination time decreased from 4.53 to 3.56 days. Radicle length improved from 4.23 cm to 5.44 cm, and total chlorophyll content rose from 34.24 to 40.57 SPAD units. Enzymatic activity also increased, with α-amylase rising from 3.00 to 3.96 U/mg protein and SOD from 84.08 to 92.86 U/g fresh weight under CAP+SWE. At the molecular level, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the CAP+SWE treatment significantly upregulated salt-responsive genes: P5CS (3.42-fold), NHX1 (3.14-fold), and APX1 (3.18-fold), compared to control levels. Notably, the highest gene expression values were observed at 8 dS/m salinity, suggesting optimal stress-induction synergy. These findings showed that combining physical (CAP) and biological (SWE) priming produces complementary physiological and molecular responses, hence improving the salt stress resistance in wheat. In saline conditions, this combined priming technique is a sensible, environmentally friendly way to raise seed vigour and early growth performance.

Multiomic analysis of the synthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in tobacco leaves at different developmental stages

IntroductionNicotiana tabacum, widely cultivated for its economic and scientific value, produces a broad range of secondary metabolites that play critical roles in determining leaf quality and flavor. Despite substantial progress, the comprehensive regulatory landscape governing secondary metabolite biosynthesis during N. tabacum leaf development remains largely unclear.MethodsTo better understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids, during N. tabacum leaf development, we conducted a transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolomic sequencing and analysis at three critical developmental stages: vigorous growth stage (T1), topping stage (T2), and harvest stage (T3).ResultsBased on our transcriptomic and metabolomic data, 25 unigenes exhibiting stage-specific expression patterns that were strongly associated with flavonoid accumulation were identified. We found that during early developmental stages (T1-T2), upregulated expression of chalcone synthase (CHS) and chalcone isomerase (CHI) correlated with enhanced flavonoid backbone biosynthesis. In contrast, during the later stage (T3), increased expression of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) was consistent with elevated anthocyanin accumulation.ConclusionThis study systematically analyzed the coordinated regulatory network of flavonoid biosynthesis during leaf development in N. tabacum, revealing dynamic metabolic shifts across developmental stages. The findings offer novel molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying leaf quality formation and establish a theoretical framework for functional studies of candidate genes, reinforcing the utility of N. tabacum as a model species for secondary metabolism research and breeding innovation.

SUPLEMENTAÇÃO LUMINOSA NA CULTURA DA SOJA EM SISTEMA DE IRRIGAÇÃO

Light supplementation in soybean cultivation can optimize photosynthesis, promoting vigorous growth and increasing yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of light supplementation on the agronomic, physiological, and biochemical parameters of the plant. The experiment was conducted in Cascavel-PR, using three soybean cultivars: BMX Zeus IPRO (C1), BMX Trovão I2X (C2), and BMX Lança IPRO (C3) under controlled light and irrigation conditions. Light supplementation was applied during the V3-V4 to R5-R6 stages of soybean growth, with full-spectrum LED lamps installed in the irrigation pivot. The cultivars did not show significant differences in protein and crude fiber, but variables such as moisture, volatiles, dry matter, ether extract, and mineral residue differed. Zeus IPRO had higher dry matter and mineral residue, Lança IPRO had higher moisture and volatiles, and Trovão I2X had higher ether extract. Cultivar C1 had better performance in germination, initial development, productivity, and weight of 1000 grains, despite having fewer plants per hectare. On the other hand, cultivar C3 had more plants but lower weight of 1000 grains and productivity. Both cultivars surpassed the average productivity of Paraná, indicating that light supplementation combined with irrigation can increase soybean yield.

Studies on crossability among different varieties of Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae)

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L). Merr.) is a self incompatible plant. But hybridization is possible between different cultivars and varieties of pineapple. In the present study crossing experiments were carried out among different varieties of pineapple to assess the crossability among these varieties. In vitro pollen germination studies showed maximum pollen germination in A. comosus cv. MD2 in Brewbaker’s medium with 25% sucrose (85.57%). In self pollinated pistil, pollen grains were germinated on the stigma and penetrated into the style, but never grew deep into the style. After cross pollination, the pollen grains germinated on the stigmatic surface, penetrated and grow deep into the style. No seed set was observed in commercial cultivars after self pollination. But, a few seeds were produced in A. comosus var. bracteatus. In cross pollination experiments, seed set was observed in all crosses. The percentage of crossability and the number of seeds per fruitlet varied among different crosses. The cross between A. comosus cv. Mauritius female and A. comosus cv. Kew male showed maximum percentage of crossability and cross between A. comosus cv. MD2 female and A. comosus cv. Mauritius male produced the maximum number of seeds per fruitlet. The percentage of seed germination showed significant variation among the seeds produced from different crosses. The seedlings transferred to pots containing potting mixture showed vigorous growth.

Short-Season Direct-Seeded Cotton Cultivation Under Once-Only Irrigation Throughout the Growing Season: Investigating the Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Application

To identify optimal strategies for high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation under a “short-season direct-seeded cotton with once-only irrigation” regime, we conducted two-year field experiments (2022 and 2023) using a split-plot factorial design with three planting densities (30,000 (D1), 45,000 (D2), and 60,000 (D3) plants·ha−1) and three nitrogen application rates (150 (N1), 180 (N2), and 210 (N3) kg·ha−1). Our study systematically examined how these treatment combinations influenced canopy architecture, physiological traits, yield components, and fiber quality. The results showed that increased planting density significantly enhanced plant height, the leaf area index (LAI), and the number of fruiting branches, with the highest density (D3) contributing to a more compact and efficient canopy. Moderate nitrogen input (N2) significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, delayed functional leaf senescence, and prolonged the canopy’s photosynthetic performance. A significant interaction between planting density and nitrogen application was observed. The D3N2 treatment (high density with moderate nitrogen) consistently achieved the highest fruiting branch count, boll number per plant, and yields of both seed cotton and lint in both years, while maintaining stable fiber quality. This indicates its strong capacity to balance high yield with quality and maintain physiological resilience. By contrast, the D1N1 treatment (low density and low nitrogen) exhibited a loose canopy, premature photosynthetic decline, and the lowest yield. The D3N3 treatment (high density and high nitrogen) promoted vigorous early growth but reduced stress tolerance during later growth stages, leading to yield instability. These findings demonstrate that moderately increasing planting density while maintaining appropriate nitrogen levels can effectively optimize canopy structure, improve stress resilience, and enhance yield under short-season direct-seeded cotton systems with once-only irrigation. This provides both theoretical underpinning and practical guidance for achieving stable and efficient cotton production under such systems.

Effect of Seed Size and Presowing Treatments on Germination, Early Seedling Growth and Seedling Vigour of Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter and Mabb. in Nursery Condition

Background: Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter and Mabb. (S. catechu) is a versatile leguminous tree of the Fabaceae family. Commonly termed "khair," it is widely distributed across the country occurring naturally and as a plantation crop. This species flourishes in the Sub-Himalayan region of India, ranging from an altitude of 300 to 1,300 meters. Species is commercially valuable due to the extraction of Katha and cutch, apart from various other uses in traditional medicine. However, natural regeneration is severely hampered in wild due to seed dormancy resulting from the hard seed coat. Methods: Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter and Mabb. seeds were sorted into two size categories i.e. small (L1) and large (L2) and then subjected to eight presowing treatments to evaluate their effect on germination and initial seedling development in split plot design at Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The treatments were replicated thrice. Result: Large seed size (p≤0.05) significantly took lesser number of days taken to emergence (4.79 days), higher germination per cent (71.04%), maximum germination energy (30.57%). Large size seeds also exhibited superior growth and seedling biomass parameters. Amid the presowing treatments, cow dung slurry for 3 days (T8) showed lesser number of days taken to emergence (3.00 days), higher germination percentage (78.33%), germination value (18.46) and germination rate index (2.30 per cent/days) and minimum mean germination time (8.03 days). Maximum seedling growth and seedling vigour index were found in seeds treated with cow dung slurry for 3 days (T8).Further, this study seeks to explore the research avenues for conservation and utilization of Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter and Mabb. in central and sub mountainous region of Punjab and other parts of India.

Comprehensive Study on Supplements Significance and Their Impact on Contamination, Growth and Yield of Oyster Mushrooms

This study examines the effects of substrate supplements on contamination, growth, and yield in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation, along with their economic feasibility. Mushroom cultivation is an eco-friendly agribusiness that requires minimal space and utilizes lignocellulosic agricultural residues. Traditionally, agricultural wastes such as wheat straw, rice straw, and sawdust have served as common substrates. However, the productivity and quality of mushroom crops can be significantly enhanced through supplementation with various organic and inorganic additives. The addition of substrate supplements can significantly influence the contamination dynamics in mushroom cultivation. While supplements enrich the substrate with essential nutrients that promote vigorous mycelial growth and higher yields, they also create a nutrient-dense environment that may favor the proliferation of undesirable microorganisms, such as molds, bacteria, and competitor fungi. High-nutrient supplements like soybean meal, though beneficial for yield improvement, require sterilization to mitigate contamination risks, thereby increasing production costs. The choice of supplementation strategy must balance productivity, economic viability, and contamination control to ensure sustainable and efficient mushroom cultivation. Future research should focus on optimizing supplement combinations, refining sterilization techniques, and identifying novel, cost-effective additives to further enhance the profitability and sustainability of oyster mushroom production.

Recombinant humanized collagen combined with nicotinamide increases the expression level of rat basement membrane proteins and promotes hair growth

BackgroundHair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) play crucial roles in hair growth and are expected to be potential targets in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.MethodThis study aims to investigate the positive effect on hair growth by the recombinant human collagen complex (RHC complex), composed of rhCOL III, rhCOL XVII, and rhCOL XXI, along with nicotinamide, both in vitro and in vivo, by HFSCs and rat models. The survival rate, function, and differentiation of HFSCs were investigated.ResultsThe CCK-8 experiment showed that the RHC complex was non-toxic to HFSCs, and the cell survival rate exceeded 80% after 8 and 16 h of treatment. The ELISA method showed that the RHC complex significantly increased the intracellular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. In addition, the increase in the content of trichohyalin (a key structural protein of hair) indicates that the structure and function of hair follicles may be enhanced. The expression levels of β-integrin and p63 were significantly upregulated, which are crucial for cell adhesion, migration, and maintenance of HFSCs homeostasis. In the rat model, significant hair growth was observed after a 7-day treatment period. The period of vigorous hair growth in rats was selected for immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining analysis. The results showed that the RHC complex could promote the expression of Integrin, Laminin and Perlecan, which were conducive to maintaining the stability of the microenvironment of HFSCs. Additionally it facilitated the migration and differentiation of HFSCs, as evidenced by an increased number of hair follicles in HE-stained skin tissues. In conclusion, the RHC complex exhibited high HFSCs survival rates and enhanced the expression of HFSCs-associated factors and basement membrane proteins. These properties make the RHC complex a promising novel ingredient for promoting hair growth, preventing hair loss, and maintaining hair health.

Taiwan telecommunication AI industry ESG disclosure

In recent years, Taiwan’s high-tech chip industry has experienced vigorous growth, with the telecommunications sector being the largest consumer of chips. Since the global outbreak of the pandemic in 2019, the telecommunications industry has played a major role in shaping human life and commercial activities. Moreover, advancements in chip technology are making telecommunications-related Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly powerful. Taiwan’s telecommunications AI industry has secured a significant position globally; however, its production processes often generate toxic substances, posing environmental risks. Therefore, companies should emphasize both operational profitability and sustainable development. This study covers a five-year period from 2018 to 2022, using Taiwan’s telecommunications AI industry as the research sample. The main contribution of this study lies in applying the Dynamic Network Directional Distance Function (DN-DDF) to analyze efficiency across four stages: profitability, sustainability, market performance, and overall efficiency. The study aims to enhance technical capabilities and promote rational resource allocation to assist businesses in making decisions that balance profitability with environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance. It also considers market value, which is highly regarded by investors, to improve overall efficiency. Empirical results indicate that the average overall dynamic efficiency is highest at the market stage, followed by the profitability stage, and lowest at the sustainability stage. When dividing the industry into four major segments, branded terminals exhibit the highest average dynamic efficiency, followed by design, manufacturing, assembly, and key semiconductor chips. In contrast, telecommunications companies, being at the most downstream end, show the greatest need for improvement in the future.

Rising Trends in Winter Phytoplankton Blooms in the Northern Arabian Sea Over the Last Two Decades: Drivers and Implications

Abstract The interannual variability of winter phytoplankton blooms in the northern Arabian Sea (NAS) and the underlying mechanisms are investigated using observations, atmospheric reanalysis, and simulation results. An increasing trend in NAS winter phytoplankton blooms is observed over the past two decades. Scenarios of high‐blooms (HBS) and low‐blooms (LBS) during boreal winter in the NAS are identified, and the corresponding weekly chlorophyll‐a evolutions are analyzed in relation to mixed layer depth (MLD) and atmospheric processes. In the LBS scenario, the southward shift of the westerly subtropical jet (STJ) in winter leads to cyclonic and cold flows in the NAS, which induces a transient deepening of MLD and slow restratification, resulting in prolonged but subdued phytoplankton growth. Conversely, in the HBS scenario, the northward movement of the STJ generates anticyclonic and warm flows and consequent rapid MLD shoaling, promoting nutrient retention and vigorous phytoplankton growth. Climate change over the past two decades favors the latter scenario.

Impact of Nitrogenous Fertilizers on Root Porosity and Nitrogen Mineralization Rates in Rice Soil

Aims: Our understanding of how different fertilizer sources affect root air space formation and subsequent nitrogen transformation rates in rice soil remains limited. An experiment was conducted in rice fields using the VL Dhan158 cultivar to examine how different nitrogen-based fertilizers affect rice root porosity, nitrogen mineralization rates, nitrification, and nitrifier population size. Study Design: The study employed a completely randomized block design in triplicate. Experimental plots received either urea, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium chloride at 100-kg N ha-1 in three split doses, of 40 kg N ha-1 soon after planting, followed by 30 kg N ha-1 during both the active tillering and flowering phases. VL Dhan 158 seeds were dibbled (4-6 seeds per hill) into each plot, maintaining 20 cm between rows and 15 cm between hills, with an untreated control for comparison. Place and Duration of Study: The experimental plots were established in the Jeoli village cluster of the Hawalbag block, lying between the coordinates of 29° 36' and 29° 38' N latitude and 79° 34' and 79° 36' E longitude. This region has a dry tropical climate with pronounced monsoon features. Results: The control group exhibited the lowest rates of N-mineralization, nitrification, and nitrifier population, followed by urea, NH4NO3, and NH4Cl in ascending order. Conversely, plant growth vigor, grain yield, and root porosity were highest for NH4Cl, followed by NH4NO3, urea, and the control. A significant relationship was found between the population of nitrifying bacteria and the rate of N-mineralization, as well as root biomass and root air space. The various fertilizer sources led to significant differences in aerenchyma tissue development, resulting in varying degrees of rhizosphere aeration. This variation explains the differences in nitrifier populations supported by VL Dhan 158 under different fertilizer treatments and the subsequent variations in soil processes. Conclusion: The study concludes that fertilizer selection impacts both nitrifier population and their functions. The effectiveness in ranking of fertilizers with respect to present study is ammonium chloride>ammonium nitrate>urea>control. Efficient management and synchronization of soil nitrogen transformation involves selection and application of ecofriendly sustainable fertilizer type that support nitrifying bacteria in rice rhizosphere and soil so that nitrogen is accessible to rice plants during growth and consequently improve the grain yield.