Increase In Fresh Weight Research Articles

Potential of three aquatic plants as phytoremediator for liquid waste of tofu

Phytoremediation is a method of using plants to remove pollutants from contaminated soil or waters. Several species of aquatic plants have been used in reducing pollutants in the waters. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of three species of aquatic plants as phytoremediators to reduce levels of COD and BOD of liquid waste, the effect of tofu liquid waste on the fresh weight of the species, and the chlorophyll of the plants content after treatment. Data obtained through experimental methods through a quantitative approach with non-factorial Complete Randomized Design. Data analysis used Analysis of Variance. The results showed that three types of water plants were effectively used as phytoremediator in tofu waste water with the highest percentage of BOD and COD reduction obtained in a combination of Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) and Yellow velvetleaf (Limnocharis flava L.) which was 99.42%. Besides, liquid tofu waste is effective in an increase in the species chlorophyll content. In brief, the aquatic plant species are effective to reduce COD and BOD levels and to increase of chlorophyll content and fresh weight of the species.

The Endophyte Pantoea alhagi NX-11 Alleviates Salt Stress Damage to Rice Seedlings by Secreting Exopolysaccharides.

Endophytes have the potential to enhance the ability of plants to resist salt stress, improving crop development and yield. Therefore, in this study, we isolated an endophyte that produced large amounts of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from the roots of sea rice and examined its effects on the physiological responses of rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica “Nipponbare”) seedlings to salt stress using hydroponic experiments. The endophyte was named Pantoea alhagi NX-11 based on its morphological characteristics and 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence alignment. Rice seedlings that had been inoculated with P. alhagi NX-11 exhibited a 30.3% increase in fresh weight, a 28.6% increase in root length, a 51.6% increase in shoot length, and a 26.3% increase in chlorophyll content compared with control seedlings under normal conditions. In addition, inoculated rice seedlings had a 37.5% lower malondialdehyde content, a 133% higher K+/Na+ ratio, and a 52.8% higher proline content after 7 days under salt stress, as well as up-regulated expression of proline synthase, down-regulated expression of proline dehydrogenase, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities. Interestingly, rice seedlings that were inoculated with an EPS-deficient strain named NX-11eps– that was obtained by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis were damaged by salt stress and had similar physiological and biochemical indicators to the control group. Therefore, we speculate that the ability of P. alhagi NX-11 to enhance the salt tolerance of rice seedlings is related to the EPSs it produces.

Effect of exogenous application of IAA and GA3 on growth, protein content, and antioxidant enzymes of Solanum tuberosum L. grown in vitro under salt stress

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) are essential for the growth and development of plants. In the present study, the ameliorative potential of these phytohormones on growth, protein content, and antioxidant enzymes was investigated in in vitro-grown Solanum tuberosum L. cultivars ‘Cardinal’ and ‘Desiree’ under salt stress. A 4 × 3 factorial combination of 0, 40, 60, or 80 mM NaCl with 0, 7, or 14 μM IAA, or 0, 14, or 21 μM GA3, were added to Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium, followed by inoculation of nodal explants or callus cultures. The data for root and shoot number and length, number of nodes and leaves, fresh weight of plants, increase or decrease in fresh weight of callus cultures, total soluble protein, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were recorded after 30 d. The growth of both callus cultures and nodal explants subjected to NaCl stress was substantially reduced compared with the control. Both IAA and GA3 successfully alleviated the harmful effects of salt stress on all of the growth parameters studied. Salt stress resulted in decreased protein content, which increased when the media also contained phytohormones. The activities of SOD and POD were increased with either IAA or GA3 under NaCl stress. Therefore, the exogenous application of both IAA and GA3 not only played a positive role in terms of in vitro potato growth but also significantly affected the biochemical parameters tested.

Comparative transcriptome analyses of a table grape ‘Summer Black’ and its early-ripening mutant ‘Tiangong Moyu’ identify candidate genes potentially involved in berry development and ripening

ABSTRACT Early ripening is an important desirable attribute for fruit crops. ‘Tiangong Moyu’, a bud mutant of the grape cultivar ‘Summer Black’ (Vitis vinifera L.× Vitis labrusca L.), ripens nearly 10 days earlier and shows earlier increase in fresh weight, sugar accumulation, and color change and faster decrease in titratable acid than ‘Summer Black’. To identify the genes controlling early fruit development and ripening in ‘Tiangong Moyu’, RNA-Seq profiles of the two cultivars were compared at five different berry developmental stages. Based on GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, the differentially expressed genes were clustered into various functional groups, including plant hormone signal transduction, transcription factors, anthocyanin-associated biosynthesis pathway, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant–pathogen associated and plant–pathogen interaction, and ripening-related protein genes. Our results provided a global transcriptional profile of candidate genes involved in regulating berry development and ripening and a genetic basis for the understanding of grape berry ripening.

Effect of silver nanoparticles and Chlorella sp. suspension on vegetative growth of Eruca sativa

Both Microalgae and nanoparticles have been currently reported as promising tools for many biotechnological and agricultural applications. In the present study, different experimental treatments were followed including either soaking seeds of Eruca sativa or foliar spray with different concentrations of Chlorella sp. MF1suspension (1, 2, 3 and 4 g/L) and either soaking seeds or foliar spray with different concentrations of AgNPs (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L), respectively. The results indicated that the root length increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the control. Also, there was a significant increase in both fresh weight and dry weight of almost treatments compared with the control, except for treatments of spraying with Chlorella. The most effective treatments were spraying of AgNPs at 40 and 20 mg/l as they caused the highest increases in the studied parameters. These data add an evidence that the application of silver nanoparticles and Chlorella sp. MF1 as biostimulatnts improve vegetative growth of Eruca sativa.

Effects of Meteorological Factors on Yield Characters of Waxy Corn at Different Sowing Dates

In production, the yield of waxy corn is often improved by adjusting fertilization and planting density, while the influence of metecological factors on yield is ignored. In this study, the change of waxy corn growth stage and the influence of main meteorological factors on the yield of fresh ear at the best harvest time were analyzed by adjusting the sowing date. The results showed that the duration of each growth stage was shortened with the delay of sowing date. Correlation analysis showed that daily temperature difference, rainfall, sunshine duration and effective accumulated temperature in the filling stage had significant correlation with most yield characters. The daily temperature difference, sunshine duration and effective accumulated temperature were significantly positively correlated with ear diameter, grain number per row, 100-grain weight and fresh ear yield, but negatively correlated with bald tip length. Combined with regression analysis, the fresh ear yield had a significant quadratic curve relationship with the main meteorological factors in the filling stage. The fresh ear yield had an increasing relationship with the daily temperature difference, sunshine duration and effective accumulated temperature in the filling stage, and a decreasing relationship with the rainfall, and an increase and then decrease relationship with the daily average temperature. The results showed that hot and rainy during filling stage of spring waxy corn in central Zhejiang Province was not conducive to the increase of fresh ear yield, commodity and 100-grain weight. It was suggested that early sowing was beneficial to weaken the influence of unfavorable meteorological factors during filling stage.

Light intensity and spectrum affect metabolism of glutathione and amino acids at transcriptional level.

The effects of various light intensities and spectral compositions on glutathione and amino acid metabolism were compared in wheat. Increase of light intensity (low—normal—high) was accompanied by a simultaneous increase in the shoot fresh weight, photosynthetic activity and glutathione content. These parameters were also affected by the modification of the ratios of blue, red and far-red components (referred to as blue, pink and far-red lights) compared to normal white light. The photosynthetic activity and the glutathione content decreased to 50% and the percentage of glutathione disulfide (characterising the redox state of the tissues) in the total glutathione pool doubled in far-red light. The alterations in the level and redox state of the antioxidant glutathione resulted from the effect of light on its synthesis as it could be concluded from the changes in the transcription of the related genes. Modification of the light conditions also greatly affected both the amount and the ratio of free amino acids. The total free amino acid content was greatly induced by the increase of light intensity and was greatly reduced in pink light compared to the normal intensity white light. The concentrations of most amino acids were similarly affected by the light conditions as described for the total free amino acid content but Pro, Met, Thr, ornithine and cystathionine showed unique response to light. As observed for the amino acid levels, the expression of several genes involved in their metabolism also enhanced due to increased light intensity. Interestingly, the modification of the spectrum greatly inhibited the expression of most of these genes. Correlation analysis of the investigated parameters indicates that changes in the light conditions may affect growth through the adjustment of photosynthesis and the glutathione-dependent redox state of the tissues. This process modifies the metabolism of glutathione and amino acids at transcriptional level.

Бактеріальна біоінокуляція як спосіб підвищення морфометричних показників однорічних сіянців сосни звичайної

За результатами дослідження встановлено, що бактеріальний штам P. abietaniphila є представником рістстимулювальних бактерій. Він проявив одну із ключових властивостей Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB), а саме здатність продукувати фітогормон ауксинової природи – індолілтриоцтову кислоту (ІОК) у кількості 85,06 мг на літр поживного середовища. З'ясовано, що ця властивість бактерій сприяє розвитку системної резистентності рослин та збільшенню морфофізіологічних показників проростків після біоінокуляції. Спостерігали за збільшенням довжин кореневих систем в однорічних сіянців, що попередньо інокулювалися з бактеріальним штамом P. abietaniphila на 57,7–58,7 %. Виявлено, що тенденція до збільшення довжини кореневої системи сіянців відобразилася на збільшенні сирої маси однорічних сіянців. Для дослідної групи, що обробляли суспензією з 109 КУО/мл, це значення становило 0,283 г, а для інокулянту з 108 КУО/мл – 0,210 г, тоді як для контрольної групи сіянців – 0,117 г. Загалом вдалося встановити, що загальна довжина інокульованих сіянців з бактеріальним штамом P. abietaniphila у всіх варіантах дослідження зростає завдяки збільшенню довжини кореневої системи. Проте з'ясовано, що оброблення 14-добових проростків суспензією, що містила 109 КУО/мл, спричинило збільшення довжини надземної частини однорічних сіянців на 20 %, порівняно з відповідним контролем. Результати наших досліджень свідчать, що бактеріальний штам P. abietaniphila потенційно покращить адаптацію сіянців сосни до природних умов середовища. Це свідчить про на перспективність використання його у практиці лісового господарства, для отримання високоякісних сіянців та саджанців сосни звичайної.

Determination of the maturity stage and the most suitable age for harvesting of sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce, Mill)

Sweet fennel is a native Mediterranean plant and has widely naturalised and escaped from cultivation worldwide. We aimed to study the changes occurred in the physical, chemical and biochemical characteristics during development and under cold storage to determine the maturity stage and the most suitable age for harvesting. Two experiments were carried out on sweet fennel cultivar in the winter seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 at a private farm located in Behiera Governorate. Bulbs of 70, 90, 110, 130, 150 and 170 days age from seed sowing were examined The obtained results showed that there were gradual increases in the bulb fresh weight, size and diameter till the age of 130 days after which a rapid increase took place up to the last examined age of170 days exhibiting statistically a curvilinear pattern. However, the bulb firmness increased gradually with the age proceeding till 170 days age. Moreover, an increase in the T.S.S, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity was detected up to the age of 130 days then followed by a decline up to the age of 170 days showing statistically a curvilinear shape. Furthermore, storing the developmental stages at 15oC and 95% RH showed that the bulbs of 130 days age reflected the minimum loss in weight and the lower unmarketable percentage during storage and the highest contents of T.S.S, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity. From the obtained results, it was clear that the bulb maturity stage of the variety Florence of sweet fennel was reached after 130 days and this age was fortunately the most suitable age for harvesting.

Influence of length of cutting on root and shoot growth in dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus)

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Vasad, Gujarat during 2016–17 to observe the influence of different cuttings lengths on root and shoot growth in dragon fruit for optimizing/standardizing the length of cutting for diverse environmental/edaphic conditions. Presently, farmers are cultivating dragon fruit in harsh climates and degraded lands, where establishment of plants is challenging. Hence, quality planting material is prerequisite for achieving success. The results showed that length of new shoots, dry weight of shoots and fresh weight of roots were higher when 35–40 cm long cutting was used for multiplication at 30 days of planting (DAP), whereas increase in fresh weight of shoots, number of 1st order roots and length of longest 1st order root were highest when 20–25 cm long cuttings were utilized. However, at 60 DAP, length of new shoots (33.06 cm), dry weight of shoots (32.56 g), number of 1st order roots (7.25) and length of longest 1st order root (32.37 cm), fresh and dry weight of roots (12.52 g and 4.75 g respectively) recorded highest in larger cuttings, i.e. above 30–35 cm cutting length, whereas fresh weight of shoots was highest in 25–30 cm cutting length while least values were observed in smaller cuttings. Therefore, though dragon fruit is propagated with ranges of cutting lengths, larger cuttings (40±5 cm) are recommended for better growth and development.

Improving the quality and quantity of hemp fiber (Boehmeria nivea) by giving indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid

Abstract. Rahman SF, Mudyantini W, Anggarwulan E. 2019. Improving the quality and quantity of hemp fiber (Boehmeria nivea) by giving indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid. Cell Biol Dev 3: 19-29. Hemp plant (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.) is an annual plant that is easy to grow and reproduce in a tropical region. Hemp fiber has a higher strength than cotton fiber, so it is not easily broken off. It provides less reduction than other fibers, the humidity of hemp fiber can achieve 12%, and hemp fiber has a smooth characteristic, long-lasting, and its glint is similar to silk. This research used complete random design (CRD) using two factors that were GA3 with 3 concentration variations (G), such as 0 ppm, 175 ppm, 200 ppm, and 3 water availability variations (A), such as 50%, 75%, and 100%. The treatments were given to the rhizome before it was planted, and the water availability was given when the shoot started to form. The measured parameters were parameters of growth and fiber quality. This research concludes that GA3 treatment influences the increase of shoot stem height, dry weight, fresh weight, and fiber pulling test (fiber’s strength), but it does not influence the change of shoot number, leaf number, and elasticity of the fiber. The water availability treatment does not influence the entire parameter. The interaction between GA3 and water availability influences hemp (B. nivea) fiber elasticity. The giving of GA3 in the concentration of 200 ppm shows the best influence on the entire parameter of growth and fiber quality observed except in fresh and dry weight. Water availability treatment in SQ 100% strongly influences fresh and dry weight; in SQ 75%, it influences the fiber's elasticity.

Seed priming effect on germination of Doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica Mart) and development of small seedling

Doum palm Hyphaene thebaica Mart is a very important natural flora in the Egyptian territory. It is integrated in food, drink and medicine of the Egyptian population. Seeds germination faces difficulties due to hardness and viability. the fruit (a date) is edible, the foliage is also used for local crafts, the stems for construction purposes, and the roots for phytomedicine, mainly for the treatment of bilharziasis. This study tried different priming methods after removal hard kernel. First treatment; non-treated as direct plantation (control). Second; Cold water (tap water for 48 hours), third; freezing storage in Deep-freezer at -18°C for 12 hours then immersed in 60°C water for 1 hour, fourth; hot water at 60°C  5 for 3 hours then left till gradually cooled, fifth; soaking seeds in a solution of gibberellic acid 200 ppm for 48 hours, sixth; Soaking seeds in 3% solution of KNO3 for 48 hours, seventh; soaking seeds in diluted sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at 30% for 15 minutes. Data collected were germination percentage %, roots length, root diameter, root fresh and dry weight, root dry weight, seedling length, wide of leaf, Fresh and dry weight of above ground parts. Freezing followed by hot water gave the highest seed germination % (90%) followed by KNO3 (80%). The lowest germination % was obtained from non-treated control and cold water in a range between 45-65%. cold water treatment gave significant increase in root fresh weight in both seasons when compared to other treatment. Freezing and cold water treatment gave significant increase in plant height in both seasons when compared to other treatments. Moreover, the effect of various priming treatment demonstrated significant effect on characteristics of young growing seedling. The best performance obtained from seeds treated with cold water and freezing treatment. Thus, treating Doum palm seeds after removal of hard kernel with freezing at -18 for 12 hours followed by immersing seed in hot water at 60°C for one hour.

Response of vegetative growth and chemical properties in tomato plant (Tariz) for organic fertilization.

The experiment was carried out in agricultural land in Sorman between 4 - 2017 to 7 - 2017, in the design of Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to study the response of vegetative traits and chemical properties in the tomato plant of Tariz for organic fertilization, by 6 treatments and 3 replicates, For SPSS statistical analysis at a significant level of LSD 0.05). The experiment included four types of semi-decomposed organic fertilizer (sheep manure, cattle manure, camel manure, horse manure) in 6 treatments, in addition to the control treatment, which included four treatments for each type of organic fertilizer as: fertilizer: soil by ratio (1: 3) that is 5Kg of fertilizer : 15 kg of soil, mixed treatment of fertilizer : soil (1: 1) (10 kg of fertilizer: 10 kg of soil), and double treatment (3: 1) (15 kg of fertilizer: 5 kg soil). The seedlings were planted in experimental units of 7.20 m2. The seedlings were treated in biological control using the garlic extract for insect protection after 15 days of planting, as well as the addition of simple proportions of hay as a cover to reduce the growth of herbs. The experiment showed that the treatment of cattle manure significantly increased most of the studied morphological traits (length of root, plant length, number of flowers, number of leafy branches), as well as significant increase in fresh and dry weight of leaves and average weight of five fruits.. There were significant differences in the content of the N, P in leaves and NPK elements in the fruits, while there was a significant increase in vitamin C content in fruits for all treatments.

Enhancement of Calli Production from Three Cultivars of Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) family (Asterceae) is a perennial species known for its tubers rich in inulin, a valuable source of fructose for diabetics.This study aimed to establish an applicable protocol for calli induction and production from different explants of Jerusalem artichoke (Balady, Fuza and Alba) cultivars. For this purpose; leaf, stem and root explants derived from in vitro growing plantlets were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS medium) augmented with different combinations of benzyl adenine (BA) and naphthalenacetic acid (NAA).The highest percentage of calli induction (100%) was recorded with all tested media except MS free growth regulators medium and MS fortified with 1mg L-1 BA. On the other hand, the maximum value of calli fresh weight was obtained by culturing stem explants on MS supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BA + 2 mg L-1 NAA for all cultivars. NAA for all cultivars. Moreover and concerning calli growth dynamic for each cultivar, the recorded data clearly showed that gradually increase in calli fresh weights by week reaching the maximum value at eighth week for all used explants cultured on the best medium for calli initiation. The results proved that Balady cultivar recorded the best results for calli induction and production compared with Fuza and Alba cultivars. In the same context, stem explant was the superior explant when it compared with root and leaf explants for all examined cultivars. Moreover and concerning calli growth dynamic for each cultivar, the recorded data clearly showed that gradually increase in calli fresh weights by week reaching the maximum value at eighth week for all used explants cultured on the best medium for calli initiation. The results proved that Balady cultivar recorded the best results for calli induction and production compared with Fuza and Alba cultivars. In the same context, stem explant was the superior explant when it compared with root and leaf explants for all examined cultivars. MS medium fortified with 1 mg L-1 BA + 2 mg L-1 NAA was the most suitable medium compared to the other tested media for inducing calli and to enhance calli production from stem explant for all cultivars.

Using Treated sewage water for irrigation to Reduce Environmental Pollution

This study is conducted to investigate the validity of using different levels of Rustumiya sewage water for irrigation and their effects on corn growth and some of the chemical properties of the soil such as electrical conductivity and soil pH in extract soil paste, the micro nutrient content in soil and plant which are (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb ). Three levels of sewage water (0, 50, 100)% in two stages were used, the three levels of wastewater (without soil fertilization ) were used in the first stage, Where 320 Kg N/ha+200 Kg P2O5/ha was added to the soil as fertilizer in the control (0%) treatment and 160 Kg N/ha+100Kg P2O5/ha were added to 50 and 100% levels in the second stage. Corn seeds were planted in10 kg plastic pots in Completely Randomized Block Design in three replicates. The results show a high significant increase in plant height, fresh and dry weight for all treatments in comparison with control treatment. The low added level of sewage water in both stages gave a significant increase of plant height and fresh and dry weight. The results showed a high increased of electrical conductivity for 50, 100% wastewater added levels for both stages compared with control treatment, The high added level 100% gave high significant increase in electrical conductivity compared with the low level of the sewage water. Whereas the values of soil pH were close to the neutral for all treatment. The results showed a significant increase in micro nutrients content (which include Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) in soil and plant for all treatments compared with control treatment. This increase was continued with the increase of additional level of sewage water. However all the micro nutrient were within the allowable natural limits and not reached the toxic limits in soil and plant.

Optimization of cell suspension culture of transformed and untransformed lettuce for the enhanced production of secondary metabolites and their pharmaceutical evaluation.

In vitro suspension culture techniques are cost effective for large-scale production of secondary metabolites. In the present study, firstly, suspension cultures of untransformed Lactuca sativa were prepared using different hormonal combinations and were subjected to different pH, temperature and salt concentrations. Maximum biomass was obtained for suspensions supplemented with 1.5mg/L BAP and 0.1mg/L NAA, at pH 5.8, temperature 28°C and 0mM NaCl concentration. Using these parameters, suspensions were produced for rol ABC- and rol C-transformed lines of L. sativa. All the transgenic lines showed prominent increase in fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW) with maximum values for rol ABC2 line producing 169.8mg/mL FW and 25.3mg/mL DW. The exudates of transformed and untransformed plants were tested for the antioxidant activity and in vivo assays on rats. Maximum phenolic content (261μg/mL) and flavonoid content (637.6μg/mL) were obtained for rol C1 transgenic line. Total antioxidant capacity was found maximum (1451.7μg/mL) for untransformed lettuce, whereas rol C1 showed maximum total reducing power activity (637.6μg/mL). In DPPH assay, maximum activity (104.7μg/mL) was shown by rol ABC3 line. In rats analgesic assay, maximum activity (74.9%) was shown by rol C2. Line rol C1 showed maximum anti-inflammatory activity (69.2%) and maximum antidepressant activity (minimum immobility time of 55s). Maximum anticoagulant activity was observed for rol ABC2 with maximum clotting time of 130s. The present study could help in using lettuce suspension culture as platform for the enhanced production of important metabolites.

Application of Bromoxynil+MCPA+Metribuzin at Varied Doses for Broad-Spectrum Weed Control in Forage Maize (Zea mays L.)

Weed control is one of the crucial factors to achieve higher yield of good quality forage maize. A field trial was conducted during summer 2013 to investigate the effect of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin (Valent 470 EW pre mixed formulation) application at varied doses to control weeds in forage maize (Zea mays L.) at Agronomy Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Application of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 470, 528.75 and 587.50 g a.i/ha was made after emergence of weedsand crop. A check with no application and hand hoeing was included for comparison. The experiment was conducted with four replications under randomized complete block design. The data regarding the weed parameters, yield and yield components of maize were recorded. The results revealed that among the herbicide treatments minimum weed density (three weeks after sowing 35.75 m2 and at harvest 12.25/m2) and dry biomass (20.80 g/m2) was observed with the application of bromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 587.50 g a.i./ha. Same herbicidal treatment caused significant increase in plant height (248.75 cm), stem diameter (1.45 cm), fresh weight (467.25g) and forage yield (31.47%) of maize. Therefore, use ofbromoxynil+MCPA+metribuzin @ 587.50 g a.i./ha is the best option to manage broad leaved as well as grassy weeds in forage maize to get higher yield of forage .

The impact of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet on seed germination and seedlings growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

The effects of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (CAPPJ) were investigated on germination and early seedling growth of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) seeds. A two-electrode argon CAPPJ system with and without an additional grounded electrode [accelerating grounded (AG) electrode] was used at different exposure times. After 16 h of observation, the germination rates increased by 4 and 7 times, without and with using an AG electrode, respectively, for 1 min of plasma exposure. An increase in shoot fresh weight was observed, especially at 10 min exposure time. A high dry weight of root and shoot at 1 min-AG exposure time was observed. The root:shoot ratio was lower in plasma-treated seedlings, compared with the control plants. The study found that the O-radical emission line (777.4 nm) enhanced 5 times, due to the presence of an AG electrode, which increased the axial electric field and led to the formation of more streamers. The three stated effects (O-radicals, enhancement of the electric field and streamers) could be the cause for the stimulation of seed germination and seedling growth parameters when using the CAPPJ. The scanning electron microscope images showed the etching of the seed surface layers, which was more pronounced when an AG electrode was applied. The results of the current study indicate that the germination rates increased due to the increase of O-radical concentration and the etching of the seed surfaces.

Propagation of Opuntia ficus-indica by cladode fragments

Agamic propagation of Opuntia ficus-indica by cladode rooting allows a low rate of plant multiplication as compared with other woody plants. One-year-old cladode fragmentation is a possibility for obtaining many small cuttings having homogenous characteristics. However, some physiological characteristics of these cuttings are not well known, such as the relationship among tissue loss of water, storability, viability and rooting ability. One-year-old cladodes of the cultivar 'Gialla' were taken from plants growing in Sardinia in May. Cladodes were portioned into parallelepipeds of 10-12 cm(3) volume always having at least two bud areolas in one of the bases. Average dry matter concentration of cladodes at the start of the experiment was around 8%. Cuttings were submitted to a drying treatment in a ventilated oven at 35°C for 72, 96 or 120 h. Cutting weight loss was, respectively, 30.7, 34.4 and 35.4% after these treatments. Dried cuttings were tested for rooting ability by deposition over a sandy substrate for 120 days under open-air conditions. In September, variation in fresh weight among the cuttings with respect to initial weight was recorded. Only rooted cuttings previously subjected to 96 h of drying treatment showed an increase in fresh weight, of 6.9%, while cuttings treated for 72 and 120 h, respectively, lost 18.8 and 24.8% of their fresh weight. Rooted cuttings comprised 85.7, 92.6 and 83.9% of all cuttings in the 72, 96 and 120 h treatments, respectively, with two roots per cutting recorded in all treatments. However, the cuttings treated for 96 h showed the highest root dry weight of 1.0 g, root mean length of 17.0 cm, and number of shoots per cutting of 0.45.

English

The Apiaceae family known for vegetable crops rich in essential oils, includes numerous genera of high medicinal and economic value. This study investigates the effects of red and far-red light treatments through the dark period (night-break), on the growth characteristics, essential oil quantity and composition, in Coriandrum sativum L., Anethum graveolens L., and Petroselinum crispum. Treatments began 20 days after sowing, with exposure to red or far-red light for 4 h, nightly, from 10 pm to 2 am. Control plants had no treatment. The plants shoots were harvested after 30 days of treatment. The fresh and dry weight, height, petiole length, internode length, leaf number, leaf area, and total chlorophyll of plant samples were measured. Essential oils were evaluated and then analyzed using gas chromatography&ndash;mass spectrometry. The results showed that the red and far-red light led to non-significant increase in fresh and dry weight, plant height, petiole length, leaf number, leaf area, essential oil content, and concentration of individual oil components, while the internode length and total chlorophyll showed a significant increase in all treated plants. Therefore, the controlled use of red light and far-red light may be useful for initiating a response in plants, and enhancing their nutritional value. Key words: Apiaceae, light, night-break, essential oil constituents. &nbsp