Higher Number Of Nodules Research Articles

Influence of Different Levels of Hydrogel on Root Nodulation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

This study investigated the impact of varying levels of hydrogel on the root nodules of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during Rabi seasons of 2019-20 and 2021-22 at the Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, (U.P). The experimental design was a randomized block design with four levels of hydrogel (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and two levels of irrigation (one irrigation and two irrigation) and all treatments replicated thrice. Observations on the number of nodules per plant, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded at 30, 60, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at maturity and analysed using Fisher's ANOVA. The results indicated that hydrogel application significantly affected nodule formation at all growth stages across both years. The highest number of nodules, active nodules, and inactive nodules were recorded in treatment T10 (2 irrigations + 100% hydrogel), followed by T9 (2 irrigations + 75% hydrogel), in both years. The enhanced nodule formation with hydrogel application was attributed to improved water availability to the roots during periods of water scarcity, highlighting hydrogel's role in optimizing nitrogen availability and promoting chickpea growth, which is crucial for enhancing soil fertility.

An Immunohistochemical Study of MAGE Proteins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one the most common primary malignancies with high mortality and morbidity. The melanoma-associated antigen (MAGE) gene family includes several genes that are highly expressed in numerous human cancers, making many of them part of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family. MAGE-C1 is expressed in various malignancies but is absent in normal cells, except for the male germ line. Its presence is associated with a worse prognosis, increased tumor aggressiveness, and lymph node invasion. Similarly, MAGE-C2 is linked to the development of various malignant tumors. Despite these associations, the roles and mechanisms of MAGE-C1/MAGE-C2 in HCC remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 in HCC and correlate it with clinicohistological characteristics. Our findings indicated that MAGE-C1 expression is associated with a higher number of nodules, elevated AFP levels, HBV or HCV positivity, older age, male sex, and lymph node invasion. MAGE-C2 expression was correlated with these characteristics and the presence of cirrhosis. These results align with the limited literature, which suggests a correlation between MAGE expression and older age and HBV infection. Consequently, our study suggests that MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 are promising novel biomarkers for prognosis and potential therapeutic targets in HCC.

Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation on nodulation dynamics in Glycine max (L.) roots

Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria on the intensity of nodulation during nine phenophases (R1-R7) in relation to the isoflavone content in soybean seeds. Nine domestic soybean varieties were sown in three replicates, with Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculated and non-inoculated seeds. The different morphological characteristics of nodules, the number and mass of nodules were studied during plants’ ontogenesis. The content of individual isoflavones in the sowing seed material was determined using high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The most abundant isoflavone was acetylgenistin in the variety Galeb (2741.4 μg/g), and the highest content of all isoflavones was recorded in the variety Gorštak (8117.7 μg/g). The variety Sava of the inoculated treatment exhibited the highest average values of the nodule mass (21.1 mg) and the highest number of nodules (23.3) in the phenophase, in which 10% of pods reached full length (R4). The average values of mass and number of nodules were calculated for the entire vegetation period, being higher in the inoculated treatment. There was no positive correlation between the content of isoflavones in seeds and the number and mass of nodules. The impact of quantity of isoflavone on nodulation intensity in soybeans was not significant,, which could be related to already saturated soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Impact of Pre-Liver Transplant Treatments on the Imaging Accuracy of HCC Staging and Their Influence on Outcomes.

The outcome of liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocarcinoma (HCC) is strongly influenced by HCC staging, which is based on radiological examinations in a pre-LT setting; concordance between pre-LT radiological and definitive pathological staging remains controversial. To address this issue, we retrospectively analyzed our LT series to assess concordance between radiology and pathology and to explore the factors associated with poor concordance and outcomes. We included all LTs with an HCC diagnosis performed between 2013 and 2018. Concordance (Co group) was defined as a comparable tumor burden in preoperative imaging and post-transplant pathology; otherwise, non-concordance was diagnosed (nCo group). Concordance between radiology and pathology was observed in 32/134 patients (Co group, 24%). The number and diameter of the nodules were higher when nCo was diagnosed, as was the number of pre-LT treatments. Although concordance did not affect survival, more than three pre-LT treatments led to a lower disease-free survival. Patients who met the Milan Criteria (Milan-in patients) were more likely to receive ≥three prior treatments, leading to a lower survival in multi-treated Milan-in patients than in other Milan-in patients. In conclusion, the concordance rate between the pre-LT imaging and histopathological results was low in patients with a high number of nodules. Multiple bridging therapies reduce the accuracy of pre-LT imaging in predicting HCC stages and negatively affect outcomes after LT.

Mode and Dose of Boron Nutrition on Growth, Productivity, Nutrient Uptake and Quality of a Rice-groundnut Cropping System

To assess the effect of boron (B) nutrition on growth, productivity, uptake and crop quality of rice-groundnut cropping system under medium land Inceptisols Odisha, a field experiment was conducted during Kharif and Rabi 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments being replicated thrice. The results revealed that rice crop showed higher growth rate (9.4 mm day-1) than groundnut crop of 9.1 mm day-1. Soil application of B in split doses maintained higher growth rate than foliar spray irrespective of crops. B fertilization to rice crop reduced chaffiness from 35% in no B fertilization to 15% in B applied in split doses. It also showed 15.6% higher number of nodules than no B application in groundnut crop. Economic yield produced in different mode of B application in rice-groundnut cropping system, the 2nd crop was influenced by 22.5% against 16.0% for the 1st crop. B improved the economic yield by 19.5%over no B application. Application of B@1kg.ha-1 to each crops increased the economic yield by 8.7% compared to its half rate application (0.5 kg.ha-1). Based on rice-equivalent yields (REY) of rice-groundnut cropping system practices followed the order: Split application (288)>Full dose basal (250)>Full dose B to groundnut (199)>Half dose B basal to each crop (188)>Full dose B to rice (186) = Foliar spray of B (186)>STD (100). The recovery of added N increased by (42.2%) when B was applied to 1st crop with full dose (53.5%), again it increased further by 60.8% when applied in split. B nutrition to rice-groundnut system influenced P and K uptake by 36.4% and 48.4% respectively over no application. In rice-groundnut cropping system split application of B@0.5 kg.ha-1 to both crops at active growth stages improved the yield, uptake, crop quality and economic benefit was found superior over no or sub optimal dose of B application in a deficient medium land Inceptisols of Jajpur district.

Role of bioproducts in the improvement of soybean productivity

The paper studies the influence of bioproducts on soybean plants under the conditions of Primorsky kray. The research was conducted on released soybean variety Primorskaya 86. The research evaluates the efficacy of bioproducts Biocomposite correct, Rhizoform + Static, and plant biostimulator Biosteam Start. The variant with inoculant Rhizoform + Static (seed treatment) had 20% efficacy against Septoria blight. The highest biological efficacy (50.8%) against downy mildew was observed in the variant with Biocomposite-correct and biostimulator Biosteam Start + foliar treatment with Biocomposite-correct. The studied products had a positive effect on the morphometric characteristics of soybean plants. The maximum gain in plant height was noted in the variant with Rhizoform + Static (48.3 cm) at the flowering stage compared to the control (33.2 cm). Using the products increased the number of nodules relative to the control (56.9 pcs.). The highest number of nodules was observed after seed treatment with Rhizoform + Static (77.6 pcs.). The largest grains formed after seed treatment with Rhizoform + Static (203.3 g) (the TKW was 159.4 g in the control variant). Biological yield varied from 3.3 t/ha (seed treatment with Biocomposite-correct + seed treatment with Biosteam Start + foliar treatment with Biocomposite-correct) to 3.8 t/ha (seed treatment with Rhizoform + Static) among variants compared to 2.5 t/ha in the control. The research results allowed us to conclude that the studied bioproducts and biostimulator were effective in increasing the productivity of soybean plants.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEONARDITE DOSES AND CROSS-SOWING METHODS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF RED LENTIL

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different cross-sowing methods and different doses of leonardite on the growth of red lentils under rain-fed conditions. Treatments consisted of different cross-sowing methods (control, 45° cross-sowing and 90° cross-sowing) and different leonardite doses (0, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 kg ha−1). The trial was carried out in Diyarbakır province in Türkiye. The same rate of leonardite was applied to the same plots for two consecutive years to observe the two-year effect of leonardite in the experiment, which was established with four replications according to the factorial experimental design in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 production seasons. A positive effect of leonardite application was observed on the number of nodules and fresh root weight in the first production season. The highest nodule number (11.84) was obtained with 2500 kg ha−1 and the highest fresh root weight (0.24, 0.25 and 0.24 g) was obtained at 500, 1000 and 1500 kg ha−1 doses, respectively. The highest plant height, number of main branches, and number of pod parameters were obtained at a dose of 1500 kg ha−1 in the second production season (36.63 cm, 3.95 and 17.43, respectively). The highest grain yield (889.5 kg ha−1), dry root weight (0.125 g) and number of nodules (50.01) were obtained at a dose of 1000 kg ha−1 in the second production season. It was determined that different sowing methods did not affect grain yield in either production season.

Effect of Phosphorous and Boron on Growth and Yield of Rice Bean

A field experiment titled “Effect of Phosphorus and Boron on Growth and Yield of Rice Bean” conducted during the Zaid season of 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of Phosphorus and Boron on the growth and yield of Rice Beans. The treatments consist of Phosphorus 20, 40, 60 kg/ha and Boron (Borax 0.01% 20 DAS, Borax 0.02% 40 DAS, and Borax 0.03% 60 DAS). The experiment was laid down in a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), and low in organic carbon (0.35%). Results obtained that the higher plant height (106.90 cm), higher number of nodules (30.94), higher number of branches (8.84) higher plant dry weight (49.25 g/plant), a higher number of pods/plant (26.25), higher number of seeds/pod (7.19), higher 1000 seed weight (58.19 g), higher seed yield (2.10 t/ha) and higher stover yield (4.66 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03% at 60 DAS. Higher gross return (INR 1,15,500.00 /ha), higher net return (INR 84,155.70/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.68) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Phosphorus 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03% 60 DAS).

Assessment of the Responses of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to the Exogenous Application of Gibberellic Acid and Indole Butyric Acid at Different Crop Development Stages

Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important pulse crops in the world. In Tunisia, the chickpea is vulnerable to fluctuation in production in the last few decades. However, phytohormones are known to play crucial roles in regulating different development processes in plants. Methods: This research was conducted in Petri dish and pot experiments in order to determine the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole butyric acid (IBA) phytohormones on some growth parameters of chickpea. In this study, GA3 at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2 g/l and IBA at concentrations of 0, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3 and 10-2 g/l were applied at different stages of chickpea development. Result: Results of Petri dishes trial revealed that IBA (10-4g/l) and GA3 (0.2 g/l) hormones improved significantly the shoot and root length of chickpea plant. Results of pots pointed out that the chickpea achieves the highest plant height when IBA (10-4 or 10-3 g/l) and GA3 (0.2 g/l) were used at pre-flowering stage. The IBA and GA3 application with concentrations of 10-3 g/l and 0.1 g/l, respectively allowed the highest nodule number at post-flowering stage. The parameters number of branches, fresh and dry weight of the aerial part and leaves number were improved in chickpea plants treated with IBA and GA3 at pre-flowering and post-flowering, respectively. Similarly, the number of flowers was promoted by the two hormones. The weight and the number of seeds were significantly enhanced by all IBA treatments in plants. An increase in weight and the number of seeds was observed at post-flowering phase of GA3 treatment. Thus, these results identified the beneficial effect of tested phytohormones in chickpea growth.

Impact of nitrogen-fixation bacteria on nitrogen-fixation efficiency of Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc] genotypes.

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria is essential for sustaining the growth, development, and yield of legumes. Pot experiments were carried out at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in the glasshouse between August to December 2018/2019 cropping season in Ibadan, Nigeria. Field studies were also performed in two different agroecological zones, "Ibadan and Ikenne" between August and December of 2019/2020 cropping season. The studies were set up to determine the potential of nitrogen-fixation bacteria strain inoculation on the nitrogen-fixation potential of 10 Bambara groundnut (BGN) genotypes, namely, TVSu-378, TVSu-506, TVSu-787, TVSu-1,606, TVSu-1,698, TVSu-1739, TVSu-710, TVSu-365, TVSu-475, and TVSu-305. The strains were inoculated as a broth to seedlings of each BGN genotype in the pot experiment. While six seeds from each BGN genotype were coated with each of the following nitrogen-fixation bacteria (Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains), FA3, USDA110, IRJ2180A, and RACA6, nitrogen fertilizer (urea, 20 kg/ha) was applied as a check to the nitrogen-fixation bacteria to seedlings of BGN genotypes 2 weeks after planting in both glasshouses and fields. Uninoculated plants served as controls (zero inoculation and zero fertilization). The field experiments were arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), while the glasshouse experiments were arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in triplicate. The result gotten showed that higher nodule numbers and weight were recorded in TVSu-1739 and TVSu-475 in both locations and seasons compared to other genotypes; the highest nitrogen fixed values were recorded among BGN genotypes TVSu-1739, TVSu-1,698, TVSu-787, TVSu-365, TVSu-305, TVSu-710, and TVSu-1,606, with a range of (62-67 kg ha-1), and were mostly enhanced by RACA6 and USDA110 strains compared to other strains that were used.

Impact of Paper Mill Effluent on Groundnut Root Nodulation and Soil Microorganisms for Inclusion of Compost

A Field experiment was conducted at Mondippatti village in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu to study the effect of paper mill effluent irrigation with or without compost application on root growth, biological properties and soil nutrient status in Alfisol with groundnut as the test crop. The results revealed that the application of paper mill effluent along with compost favourably increased the soil nutrient status during the crop period. The highest concentrations of available nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron and zinc in the surface layer were 309.4 kg/ha, 14.2 kg/ha, 211.9 kg/ha, 64.9 meq/100g, 32.5 meq/100g, 38.8 mg/kg,11.4 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively in 75% paper mill effluent and press mud compost applications. Similarly, the use of paper mill effluent along with compost has a positive impact on soil microbial properties and highest population of bacteria was observed in 50% paper mill effluent and press mud application was 9.79 CFU (x106/g) followed by 100% paper mill effluent and press mud application (7.63 CFU (x106/g). While fungi and actinomycetes populations are higher in 75% paper mill effluent and farm yard manure application which were 5.64 CFU (x104/g) and 5.62 CFU (x104/g) respectively. The highest number of nodules was noticed in 100% paper mill effluent with press mud at 5 t/ha (45 numbers) followed by 75% paper mill effluent with press mud at 5 t/ha (42 numbers). From the study, it was concluded that the application of paper mill effluent with compost was found to be a promising source for soil fertility and root growth in groundnut.

Effect of Zinc and Thiourea Fertilizer at Different Stages for Growth and Yield of Green Gram

The field experiment titled “Effect of zinc and thiourea fertilizer at different stages for growth and yield of green gram” was conducted during Zaid - 2023 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of zinc and thiourea fertilizer at different stages for growth and yield of green gram. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The treatments consist of three levels of Zinc – 2.5 kg/ha, Zinc – 4.0 kg/ha, Zinc – 5.5 kg/ha. Three levels of Thiourea, Thiourea (500 ppm), Thiourea (500 ppm)- 30 DAS, Thiourea (500 ppm)- 45 DAS. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Results revealed that the higher plant height (38.32 cm), higher number of nodules (23.55), higher plant dry weight (9.93 g/plant), higher crop growth rate (9.17 g/m2/day) higher number of pods/plant (22.88), higher number of seeds/pod (10.06), higher test weight (34.23 gm), higher seed yield (1222.69 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (2006.02 kg/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Zinc 5.5 kg/ha+ Thiourea (500 ppm) – 45 DAS. Higher gross return (94758.22 INR/ha), higher net return (65643.22 INR/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.25) were also recorded in treatment-9 Zinc 5.5 kg/ha + Thiourea (500 ppm) – 45 DAS.

Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Lentil

A field experiment titled “Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Lentil” was conducted during Rabi season of 2022-23 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of Nitrogen and zinc on growth and yield of Lentil. The treatment combinations are T1: Nitrogen 10 kg/ha+ Zinc 8.0 kg/ha, T2: Nitrogen 10 kg/ha + Zinc 10 kg/ha, T3: Nitrogen 10 kg/ha + Zinc 12 kg/ha, T4: Nitrogen 20 kg/ha + Zinc 8.0 kg/ha, T5: Nitrogen 20 kg/ha + Zinc 10 kg/ha, T6: Nitrogen 20 kg/ha + Zinc 12 kg/ha, T7: Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Zinc 8.0 kg/ha, T8: Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Zinc 10 kg/ha, T9: Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Zinc 12 kg/ha, T10: Control (RDF: 20:40:20 kg/ha) are used. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). Results obtained that the higher plant height (34.01 cm), higher number of nodules (9.20), higher plant dry weight (14.73 g/plant), higher number of pods/plant (153.60), higher number of seeds/pod (1.87), higher 1000 seed weight (21.51 g), higher seed yield (1.61 t/ha) and higher stover yield (3.13 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Zinc 12 kg/ha. Higher gross return (INR 96,480/ha), higher net return (INR 64,094/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.98) were also recorded in treatment 9 (Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Zinc 12 kg/ha).

Nodulation Potential of Annual Sweet Lupins (Lupinus spp. L.) and its Effect on Soil Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Acidic Soils of Western Amhara, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia livestock feed shortage and soil acidity are serious problems. In recent years sweet lupins (white and blue species) were introduced as multipurpose crops in the country. However, there is no information about their nodulation potential. This study was conducted to evaluate nodulation potential of these sweet lupins and their effect on nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) content of the soil. Seven lupin varieties were evaluated using factorial arrangement (seven varieties * two inoculations) in a randomized complete block design in two locations for two years. The result showed that effect of inoculation and location was not significant (P > 0.05) on biomass, seed, nodule number and soil parameters. While the effect of variety was significant (P < 0.05) on nodule parameters. Its effect on dry biomass and seed yields was also significant in either of the years. Variety and year had no effect on soil N and P contents. In the first year, blue sweet lupin entries had the highest nodule number per plant, 222 nodules. In the second year similar nodulation performance was observed among species and varieties. Soil N and P were not affected by varieties and inoculation. In addition to their yield advantage, compared to the sweet white entries, blue sweet lupin varieties had high potential in nodulation. Therefore, these introduced sweet blue lupins can be used as multipurpose crops in acidic soils of Ethiopia.

Response of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield Components of Cluster Bean

Field test carried out during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P). The soil in the field was found to be sandy loam, neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.10), natural carbon (0.50%), accessible N (183.40 kg/ha), accessible P (37.56 kg/ha) and accessible K (200.06 kg/ha). The experiment was a randomized block design as the experiment consisting of nine treatments each repeated three times. The treatment combinations are 1: Sulphur 10 kg/ha + Zinc 3 kg/ha, 2: Sulphur 10 kg/ha + Zinc 6 kg/ha, 3: Sulphur 10 kg/ha + Zinc 9 kg/ha, 4: Sulphur 20 kg/ha + Zinc 3 kg/ha, 5: Sulphur 20 kg/ha + Zinc 6 kg/ha, 6: Sulphur 20 kg/ha + Zinc 9 kg/ha, 7: Sulphur 30 kg/ha + Zinc 3 kg/ha, 8: Sulphur 30 kg/ha + Zinc 6 kg/ha, 9: Sulphur 30 kg/ha + Zinc 9 kg/ha, 10: Control 20:40:25 (N:P:K) kg/ha are used. The important findings of the experiment have been summarized and concluded here under the objectives taken. The application of Sulphur 30 kg/ha + Zinc 6 kg/ha, observed maximum Plant height (104.00 cm), highest number of nodules per plant (16.93) Plant dry weight (26.56 g/plant). Maximum pods/plant (41.07), Seeds/pod (10.00), Test weight (4.45g), Seed yield (2.03 t/ha), stover yield (3.98 t/ha), Harvest index (33.76%) were noted with the treatment combination of Sulphur 30 kg/ha + Zinc 6 kg/ha.

Phosphorus and Sulphur's Impact on Lentil Growth and Yield (Lens culinaris Medik.)

During the Rabi season of 2022–2023, a field experiment was carried out at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. to research how the nutrients phosphorus and sulphur affect the productivity and growth of lentil. The treatments consist of Phosphorus 20, 30, 40 kg/ha and Sulphur 10, 20, 30 kg/ha. The soil in the experimental plot had a sandy loamy texture, a pH of 7.8 that was virtually neutral, and just 0.35 percent organic carbon. The results showed that the application of phosphorus 40 kg/ha + Sulphur 30 kg/ha significantly influenced the higher plant height (39.81 cm), higher number of nodules (6.07), higher plant dry weight (14.40 g/plant), higher number of pods/plant (158.77), higher number of seeds/pod (1.94), higher 1000 seed weight (24.94 gm), higher seed yield (1.t/67 ha), and higher stover yield (2.92 t/ha). Treatment 9 (Phosphorus 40 kg/ha + Sulphur 30 kg/ha) likewise achieved greater net return (INR 68,600/ha), higher gross return (INR 1,00,200/ha), and higher B:C ratio (2.17).

Exogenous silicon alleviates salinity stress in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) by enhancing photosystem activities, biological nitrogen fixation and antioxidant defence system

Silicon (Si) application has emerged as a promising solution to improve plant growth under stressful conditions. However, the mechanisms by which Si alleviated salt damage, especially on photosynthetic machinery and symbiosis establishment in legume plants are not fully understood. Thus, this research was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of Si-treatment on salt stress tolerance in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.). Fenugreek plants were exposed to 150 mM NaCl with or without 3 mM Si, to evaluate the effects of Si on photosynthetic traits, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), membrane stability and oxidative stress metabolism. Results indicated that salinity significantly decreased plant growth in terms of plant biomass and high, relative water content and photosynthetic traits, including chlorophyll content and photosystems (PSI and PSII) functions, whereas the treatment of salt-stressed fenugreek with exogenous Si remarkably improved the same traits. As compared to salt-stressed control, the fenugreek-rhizobia symbiosis was also improved under salt stress in response to Si supplementation, reflected by higher nodule number and nitrogen content. On the other hand, Si supplementation to salt-stressed fenugreek plants lead to a significant decline in malonyldialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in both shoot and root, indicating the protective effect of Si on membrane stability. This was shown to be related to the ability of Si to boost the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase. This research suggests the protective role of Si on salt-stressed fenugreek by enhancing photosynthesis, BNF and oxidative stress metabolism.

Analysis of 665 thyroid nodules using both EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification systems

BackgroundUltrasound-based classification systems allow stratification of thyroid nodules to recommend fine-needle aspiration (FNA) based on their malignancy risk. However, these have discrepancies that may have an impact in thyroid cancer detection. We aimed to compare European Thyroid Association (EU-TIRADS) and American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS), in terms of FNA indication and diagnostic performance.MethodsRetrospective study of 665 thyroid nodules from 598 patients who underwent ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration at a tertiary-care institution between January 1st of 2016 and July 31st of 2019. Based on their sonographic features they were classified according to the EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification and then their cytological results were obtained. Differences in FNA indications according to these two classifications were analysed. In patients who underwent surgical removal of the nodules, the final pathological diagnosis was obtained.ResultsA statistically significant association was found between EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS classification systems (p < 0.001). ACR TI-RADS allowed greatest reduction in FNA performed (32% vs 24.5%). A different risk category was obtained in 174 (26.1%) nodules, mostly higher with EU-TIRADS. The indication to FNA changed in 54 (8.1%) nodules (49 only indicated following EU-TIRADS recommendations), of which 4 had Bethesda IV and 5 had Bethesda III cytology. The FNA indication in a higher number of nodules using EU-TIRADS was due to difference in the dimensional threshold for FNA on low-risk nodules; to the fact that hypoechogenicity in a mixed nodule ascribes it moderate risk, while using ACR TI-RADS it would only be considered of low risk, and to the use of isolated sonographic features, namely marked hypoechogenicity, microcalcifications and irregular margins, to automatically categorize a nodules as high risk in EU-TIRADS, while ACR TI-RADS requires a group of potentially suspicious features to consider a nodule of high risk. The analysis of pathology proven nodules revealed equally good sensitivity of both systems in the detection of malignancy, but weak specificity, slightly greater with ACR TI-RADS (27.1% vs 18.6%).ConclusionsThe EU-TIRADS and ACR TI-RADS are both suitable to assess thyroid nodules and through risk stratification avoid unnecessary FNA. FNA was less performed using ACR TI-RADS, which was slightly more efficiency in excluding malignancy.

The Effect of Phosphorus and Molybdenum on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season (March to June; Summer season crop) of 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India to determine the “The effect of phosphorus and molybdenum on the growth and yield of summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)”. The results showed that the treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50 kg/ha) + Molybdenum (2 kg/ha)] recorded significantly higher plant height (73.43 cm), higher number of nodules per plant (17.66), higher plant dry weight (23.07 g/plant), higher crop growth rate(18.87g/m2/day) maximum number of pods per plant (15.10), maximum number of seeds per pod (14.67), higher seed index (16.03 g), higher seed yield (1550.27 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (1615.50 kg/ha) and higher harvest index (49.05%) was recorded in treatment 8 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + Molybdenum (1.5kg/ha)]. Similarly, maximum gross return (94954.8 INR/ha), higher net return (65670.3 INR/ha) and highest Benefit Cost ratio (2.24) was also recorded in treatment 9 [Phosphorus (50kg/ha) + Molybdenum (2kg/ha)] as compared to other treatments.

Effect of Different Organic and Inorganic Inputs on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max) in Southeastern Nigeria

This study was carried out at the teaching and Research farm, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, to investigate the integrated effects of organics (lime, Inoculum) and mineral fertilizers, (single superphosphate and muriate of potash) on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The input omission trial was composed of 16 treatment combinations of phosphorus (75 kg/ha), potassium (88 kg/ha), lime (1500 kg/ha), and inoculum (400g/100kg seed). Each set of 16 treatments were randomized and replicated 3 times. The soybean variety “TGX1951-3F” was planted in 0.5 m by 1 m plots with a seed spacing of 5 cm. Data on number of nodules and nodule viability at 45 days after planting, plant height at 90 days after planting, number and weight of 100 seeds per plot and yield per plot at harvest were collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in R using the package “car” to test the main treatment effects, 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way treatment interactions in the omission trial. Results showed highly significant effects of treatments on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The no input treatment generally had the most appreciable improvement in plant height, nodule viability, weight of 100 seeds and yield. Inoculated seeds had the highest number of nodules and percent nodule viability (5 and 69% respectively). . 2.12ton/ha yield generated by the no input treatment shows the potential for future higher yield especially when climatic and good agronomic strategies are employed.