Increase In Growth Parameters Research Articles

Proteomic and biochemical responses of canola (Brassica napus L.) exposed to salinity stress and exogenous lipoic acid

To evaluate the mitigating effects of exogenous lipoic acid (LA) on NaCl toxicity, proteomic, biochemical and physiological changes were investigated in the leaves of canola (Brassica napus L.) seedlings. Salinity stress decreased the growth parameters and contents of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), and increased the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, cysteine and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The foliar application of LA alleviated the toxic effects of salinity stress on canola seedlings and notably decreased MDA content and increased growth parameters, cysteine content, and activities of CAT and POD. In the proteomic analyses, total proteins from the leaves of control, LA, NaCl and NaCl+LA treated-seedlings were separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A total of 28 proteins were differentially expressed. Of these, 21 proteins were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. These proteins had functions related to photosynthesis, stress defense, energy metabolism, signal transduction, protein folding and stabilization indicating that LA might play important roles in salinity through the regulation of photosynthesis, stress defense and signal transduction related proteins. The proteomic findings have provided new insight to reveal the effect of LA on salinity stress for the first time.

Sustainable management of root-knot disease of tomato by neem cake and Glomus fasciculatum

AbstractA pot experiment was conducted during winter season of 2009–2010 in the department of Botany, AMU, Aligarh, India, to determine the nematicidal potential of organic matter, neem cake at third level of dose, and bioagent, Glomus fasciculatum in terms of various growth parameters of tomato, when inoculated individually as well as concomitantly with respect to root-knot development. Neem cake and G. fasciculatum showed potential for sustainable management while providing nutrient sources for proper plant growth. Disease intensity of root-knot nematode decreased while increasing the doses of neem cake along with the G. fasciculatum. Chlorophyll contents have been found to be increased in single and combined application as well. There is a progressive increase in growth parameters raised in soil amended with 10, 20, and 30 g neem cake/kg soil and inoculated with G. fasciculatum. Significant improvement in the plant growth was observed when G. fasciculatum and neem cake were inoculated simultaneously. N...

Studies on method and rate of fertilizer application in apple under mulch in north-western Himalayas

ABSTRACTDifferent methods of fertilizer application-drip fertigation and conventional fertilizer application under drip, surface irrigation, and rainfed conditions were evaluated during 2009–2012 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shimla, India. The experiment was arranged in randomized block design (RBD), replicated thrice. Results suggest that fertigation significantly increased growth parameters over conventional methods. Fruit yield was significantly higher under fertigation (13.7 t ha−1) over conventional fertilizer application with drip (11.6 t ha−1), surface irrigation (10.6 t ha−1), and under rainfed (8.6 t ha−1). Fruit quality parameters were also superior under fertigation. Fertigation maintained higher available nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) content in 0-30 cm soil layers. Available phosphorus (P) was higher in 0-20 cm soil depths in all the treatments. Fertigation with 80 and 100 percent recommended NPK dose registered statistically comparable results. In addition to higher productivity, fertigation resulted in 20 percent fertilizer savings over drip irrigation and 20 percent fertilizer besides 40 percent water savings over surface irrigation.

Blue LED light enhances growth, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant enzyme activities of Rehmannia glutinosa cultured in vitro

The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of light quality on enhancement of growth, phytochemicals, antioxidant potential, and antioxidant enzyme activities at in vitro cultures of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. In vitro-grown shoot tip explants were cultured on the plant growth regulator (PGR)-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and cultured under a conventional cool white fluorescent light (control), blue light emitting diode (LED) light or red LED light. After four weeks, the growth traits along with total phenol content, total flavonoid content, free radical scavenging activities, and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured. Interestingly, the blue or red LED treatments showed a significant increase in growth parameters compared with the cool white florescent light. In addition, the LED treatments increased the total phenol and flavonoid levels in leaf and root extracts. Furthermore, data on the total antioxidant capacity, reducing power potential, and DPPH radical scavenging capacity also revealed the enhancement of antioxidant capacity under both blue and red LED treatments. Especially, the blue LED treatment significantly increased the antioxidant enzyme activities in both the leaf and root, followed by the red LED treatment. Modulation in the spectral quality particularly by the blue LED induced the antioxidant defense line and was directly correlated with the enhancement of phytochemicals. Therefore, the incorporation of blue or red LED light sources during in vitro propagation of R. glutinosa can be a beneficial way to increase the medicinal values of the plant.

Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of golden rod (Solidago canadensis L.) cv. LOCAL

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth and yield of golden rod ( Solidago canadensis L.) cv. LOCAL using twelve treatment combinations consisting of three levels of nitrogen viz. , 150, 200 and 250 kg/ha, two levels of phosphorus i.e. , 100 and 150 kg/ha, two levels of potassium 50 and 100 kg/ha were tried in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept (FRBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the application of nitrogen @ 250 kg/ha, phosphorus 150 kg/ha and potassium 100 kg/ha (half dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potash at the time of planting and remaining half dose of nitrogen at 30 days after planting) significantly increased growth parameters viz. , plant height, plant spread, fresh and dry weight of plant, number of suckers per plant and yield attributes like fresh and dry weight of panicles, number of panicles per plant and number of panicles per hectare.

English

Late blight incited by Phytophthora infestans is a destructive disease of tomato worldwide. The plant growth-promoting antagonists, which elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) and enhance plant growth, are being used as safe alternatives to synthetic fungicides for the management of plant diseases. In this study, a combination of Trichoderma harzianum OTPB3 and Bacillus subtilis OTPB1 and Pseudomonas putida OPf1 alone were evaluated for induction of systemic resistance in tomato against P. infestans in comparison with fungicides and growth promotion. Seed treatment with fresh suspensions of a combination of T. harzianum OTPB3 and B. subtilis OTPB1 caused significant increase in growth parameters compared to P. putida OPf1, mancozeb and untreated control due to higher production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Reduction in the incidence of late blight was positively linked to increase of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and β-1,3-glucanase, the defense-related enzymes in tomato seedlings treated with microbial consortium of OTPB3 and OTPB1 followed by foliar spray of P. putida OPf1. The effects were on par with fenamidone and mancozeb treatments. The results reveal that seed treatment with microbial consortium containing T. harzianum OTPB3 and B. subtilis OTPB1 and foliar spray of P. putida OPf1 have practical significance in the management of late blight disease and also plant growth enhancement in tomato. Key words: Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, Phytophthora infestans, Growth promotion, late blight, Growth hormones, induction of systemic resistance.

Effect of irrigation scheduling on the growth and yield of wheat genotypes

An investigation was carried out on the effect of irrigation schedules and genotypes on the growth and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) in the year 2001-02. The design of the experiment was split plot with three replications. Irrigation schedules(I7) at crown root initiation + tillering + jointing + flowering + milky + dough stages recorded maximum effective tillers at harvest (94.66), total dry matter production (217.58 g m-1 row length), leaf area (49.31 dm2 m-1 row length), leaf area index (2.18), the mean ear length (6.89 cm), number of grains per ear (34.58), 1000 grain weight (39.83 g). Due to increased growth parameters, I7 irrigation schedule resulted in maximum grain yield (2669 kg ha-1) over I1 (1626 kg ha-1), I4 (2128 kg ha-1), I2 (2150 kg ha-1) and I3 (2240 kg ha-1) but was on par with I5 (2463 kg ha-1) and I6 (2580 kg ha-1). Significantly higher (2128 kg ha-1) grain yield was observed in I4 irrigation schedule over I1 (1626 kg ha-1) but was on par with I2 (2150 kg ha-1) and I3 (2240 kg ha-1) irrigation schedule. Significantly lowest (1626 kg ha-1) grain yield was recorded in irrigation schedule at crown root initiation and tillering stage. Among the wheat genotypes, DWR-1006 (durum wheat) recorded higher effective tillers at harvest (84.28), total dry matter production (206.06 g m-1 row length), leaf area (46.45 dm2 m-1 row length), leaf area index (2.06), number of grains per ear (33.46), 1000 grain weight (40.83 g), harvest index (0.379) and grain yield (2390 kg ha-1). The grain yield was affected due to wheat genotypes. Significantly higher (2390 kg ha-1) grain yield was recorded in wheat genotype DWR-1006 over DWR-162 (2140 kg ha-1).

In Vitro Micro-propagation of Cordyline and Dieffenbachia Plants

This study was carried out in Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Faculty of Environmental AgriculturalSciences, El-Arish, North Sinai, Suez Canal University, Egypt during the period from April 2013 to March 2015. Theobjective of this study was to optimize the micro-propagation protocol for Cordyline terminals and Diffenbachia pictacv. Tropica in order to make the in vitro propagation feasible and economical by enhancing the slow rate ofmultiplication of traditional methods. Results indicated that BA at 1.0 mg/l-1 combined with 0.1 mg/l-¹ NAA surpassedall other cytokinins (Kin and 2ip) with significant increase on number of axillary shoots/explant, axillary shoot length,number of leaves/shoot. During establishment stage, Main shoot length (2.55, 3.90 cm, 7.33 and 7.04 cm, respectively)on cordyline and (2.33, 4.19 cm, 9.40 and 6.33 cm, respectively) on dieffenbachia. However, in multiplication stage,data revealed that increasing BA concentrations significantly increased growth of cordyline and dieffenbachia comparedwith control. Data showed that addition of 2 mg/l-1 BA combined with NAA at 0.1 mg/l-1 recorded the highest values ofnumber of axillary shoots/explant, axillary shoot length, number of leaves/shoot and main shoot length (2.86, 5.55 cm,9.40 and 8.77 cm, respectively) on cordyline, while values were 2.66, 5.66 cm, 9.88 and 8.66 cm, respectively ondieffenbachia. The combination between licorice extract and sucrose significantly increased growth parameters ofcordyline. The highest values of number of axillary shoots/explant, axillary shoot length, number of leaves/shoot andmain shoot length (2.30, 3.25, 6.15 and 4.20, respectively) were recorded with on cordyline belongs MS medium + 30g/l-1 sucrose and licorice at 40 mg/l-1, combined with (BA) at 2 mg/l-1 and 0.1 mg/l-¹ NAA. On the other side, number ofaxillary shoots/explant of dieffenbachia was not affected by the medium supplementation with the mentioned factors.For rooting stage, results revealed that NAA was the best auxin in roots induction of cordyline and dieffenbachia withhigh significant increase in root length and number of roots. While, there was no difference among NAA, IBA and IAAin rooting percentage. Moreover, NAA at 1.0 mgl-1 recorded the highest values of number of roots and root length(10.00 and 21.33 cm, respectively) on cordalyine and (8.00 and 8.53 cm, respectively) on dieffenbachia. Rootedplantlets were ex vitro acclimatized (95% survival) of cordyline and dieffenbachia when they were cultured in (1:1:1:1,v/v/v/v) peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and sand before transferred to soil.

English

In this study, the effects of NaCl and CaCl 2 on growth and nutrients uptake of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp cvs. Mouola GG; Mouola PG, Garoua GG, Garoua PG and Tsacre) were investigated. Three treatments [0 (unsprayed), 50 mM NaCl or 50 mM CaCl 2 ] were adopted, with five replications. NaCl and CaCl 2 were applied as foliar spray twice a week during 30 days after sowing. Application of NaCl resulted in significant decreases in plant height, dry weights of root and shoot of Garoua GG, Mouola PG and Tsacre compared to Garoua PG and Mouola GG cultivars, while those growth parameters were significantly reduced under CaCl 2 treatment in all cowpea cultivars except Mouola PG. K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ contents decreased under NaCl stress in leaves of Garoua PG and Mouola GG, but no significant changes were observed in those of Garoua GG, Mouola PG and Tsacre. The main strategy of salt tolerance in Mouola GG and Garoua PG seems to be as a result of increased osmotic adjustment through the accumulation of Na + in leaves while in salt sensitive Mouola PG, Garoua GG and Tsacre, the osmotic adjustment may be due to the accumulation of inorganic ions (K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) in leaves, contributing to the maintenance of water uptake and cell turgor, allowing for physiological processes. In the analysis of growth parameters measured, the results suggested that Mouola GG and Garoua PG cultivars were relatively more tolerant to salinity than others, suggesting that those cultivars could be cultivated in the environment with varying salinity. CaCl 2 treatment significantly increased growth parameters and nutrients uptake specially Ca 2+ in Mouola PG cultivar, suggesting that it could grow and develop on calcareous soils. Keyword: Foliar spray, growth, nutrients uptake, saline and calcareous soils, Vigna unguiculata. African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(47) 4382-4389

Growth Parameters, Leaf Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Banana as Influenced by Organics, Biofertilizers and Bioagents

Nutrients play an important role in improving productivity and quality of banana. It has been observed that the nutrient applied alone was less effective in improving banana production as compared to nutrients applied in combination with organic manures and biofertilizers. Keeping in view the conservation of soil health and quality production on a long-term basis, a field experiment was conducted during 2009–2011 to find out the influence of Integrated Nutrient Management of banana on leaf characteristics, growth and nutrient status of tissue cultured banana cv. ‘Grand Naine’. The study indicates that combination of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures, biofertilizers and bioagents significantly increased growth parameters, leaf characteristics, and leaf nutrient status of banana. The leaf characteristics in terms of functional leaves, total number of leaves, phyllochron, leaf area, and leaf area index were significantly influenced by the combination of inorganic fertilizers with different biofertilizers and organic manures. Similarly, leaf nutrient status like nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, (P2O5), potassium dioxide (K2O), and leaf relative water content were also influenced greatly by different nutrients. Treatment involving combination of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + Azospirillum+ Trichoderma harzianum showed overall superiority in most of the parameters.

Influences of ascorbic acid and gibberellin on alleviation of salt stress in summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.)

Soil salinity is one of the most important constraints that limit crop production in arid and semi arid regions. This research was carried out in order to investigate the effects of exogenous ascorbic acid (0 and 4 mM), gibberellin (0 and 4 mM) and different salinity levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl) on some growth parameters and physiological attributes in summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.). The results showed that growth parameters such as root weight, leaf weight, shoot weight as well as leaf area decreased due to salinity stress. In addition, salinity stress decreased membrane stability and chlorophyll a content. On the other hand, application of 4 mM ascorbic acid considerably increased growth parameters, relative water content, membrane stability and chlorophyll a content. Similar results were obtained when 4 mM gibberellin was applied. Under conditions of salinity stress 4 mM ascorbic acid and 4 mM gibberellin could increase transpiration rate, relative water content, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and xanthophyll content. In general, it was concluded that synergistic interaction between ascorbic and gibberellin could alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on summer savory plants.

EFFECT OF MINERAL POTASSIUM, COMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZERS ON SOIL PHYSIO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SESAME GROWN ON SALT AFFECTED SOILS

A field experiment was conducted in salt affected soils during the summer season 2010 at El- Amel village, Sahl El-Tina, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of potassium fertilizer applied at a rate of 25, 50 or 75 K2O kg fed-1 as mineral fertilizer (K2SO4) individually or combined with compost at a rate of 5 Mg fed-1or biofertilizer on sesame yield and yield components as well as some soil physical and chemical properties and available macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn). The results showed that potassium sulfate combined with compost significantly increased growth parameters and sesame yield and its contents of macro and micronutrients. The seed inoculation with biofertilizer in the presence of potassium sulfate significantly affected the sesame yield and its contents of the studied nutritive elements. The interaction between potassium sulfate combined with compost and biofertilizers exhibited significant effect on plant growth, nutrients status in the seeds of sesame. Also, it enhanced some physical and chemical soil properties, where it reduced both pH, EC, bulk density, HC and increased total porosity, field capacity, wilting point and available water as well as availability of some nutrients such as N, P and K. It could be concluded that the seed inoculation with biofertilizer combined with compost in the presence of potassium sulfate resulted in high productivity of sesame under new reclaimed salt affected soils. Overall, compost treatments improved soil physical and chemical properties compared to mineral potassium fertilizer and initial soils.

The changes induced in the physiological, biochemical and anatomical characteristics of Vicia faba by the exogenous application of proline under seawater stress

The depletion of fresh water resources leads to the utilisation of various alternative sources of water, such as seawater. In this regard, the foliar application of proline is one of the alternative shotgun approaches to increase plant stress tolerance. A pot experiment was conducted in the wire house of the National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, during the winter season of 2010–2011. The experiment consisted of three concentrations of proline (0, 25 and 50mM) and two concentrations of diluted seawater (3.13 and 6.25dSm−1), whereas control plants were irrigated with tap water (0.23dSm−1). Diluted seawater caused significant reductions in growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, some mineral contents (P, K, Ca+2), the K+:Na+ ratio and the level of total carbohydrates. In contrast, N, Na+, and Cl− contents, osmoprotectants (soluble carbohydrates, total phenolic concentrations, free amino acids, proline), and activities of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) significantly increased with an increasing salinity level compared with control plants. The foliar application of 25mM proline caused significant increases in growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, N, P, K+, and Ca+2 %, the K+:Na+ ratio, total carbohydrates, and soluble carbohydrates, accompanied by significant decreases in Na+, Cl−, phenolic contents, free amino acids, proline, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes compared with the control. In addition, 25mM proline minimised the deleterious effect of salinity on the anatomical structure of the faba bean stem and leaf. The proline treatment at 50mM was as essentially toxic to faba bean plants as to that of salinity stress. This toxicity was apparent by the reduction of growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, N, P, K+, and Ca+2, K+:Na+ ratio and significant increases in Na+ and Cl− concentrations. Therefore, the exogenous application of proline at a concentration of 25mM partially alleviated the toxicity of diluted seawater on faba bean plants, whereas the 50mM proline treatment was toxic.

Effects of dietary Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on growth performance, immunological parameters, digestive enzymes, and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This work investigated the potential immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The dietary supplementation with APS (1500 mg/kg of diet) caused a significant increase in growth parameters (initial and final weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed intake (FI), when compared to non-supplemented control basal diet. In addition, APS upregulated the phagocytic activity, the respiratory burst activity, plasma lysozyme, the bactericidal activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and amylase activity. However, it had no effect on serum nitric oxide (NO) or Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. While APS had no effect of intestinal histology, a slight increase in the villi length was recorded. Collectively, our results indicate that dietary APS supplementation could improve the growth performance and the immune parameters of cultured tilapia fish.

Mutations in the DNA methyltransferase gene DNMT3A cause an overgrowth syndrome with intellectual disability

Overgrowth disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by increased growth parameters and variable other clinical features, such as intellectual disability and facial dysmorphism1. To identify novel causes of human overgrowth we performed exome sequencing in 10 proband-parent trios and detected two de novo DNMT3A mutations. We identified 11 additional de novo mutations through DNMT3A sequencing of a further 142 individuals with overgrowth. The mutations were all located in functional DNMT3A domains and protein modelling suggests they interfere with domain-domain interactions and histone binding. No similar mutations were present in 1000 UK population controls (13/152 vs 0/1000; P<0.0001). Mutation carriers had a distinctive facial appearance, intellectual disability and increased height. DNMT3A encodes a key methyltransferase essential for establishing the methylation imprint in embryogenesis and is commonly somatically mutated in acute myeloid leukaemia2-4. Thus DNMT3A joins an emerging group of epigenetic DNA and histone modifying genes associated with both developmental growth disorders and haematological malignancies5.

Effect of INM on Vegetative Growth, Flowering and Fruiting of Andrographis Paniculata

An experiment was conducted to find out the effect of INM on vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting of Andrographis paniculata. The experiment was followed in a randomized block design with 8 treatments. The different treatments were T1- no treatment, T2- vermicompost, T3-biofertilizers, T4-chemical fertilizers, T5- biofertilizers + vermicompost, T6- biofertilizers + chemical fertilizers, T7- chemical fertilizers + vermicompost, T8- biofertilizers + chemical fertilizers + vermicompost. The results indicated that maximum growth i.e. plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf length and breadth, leaf area, land area occupied by per plant and leaf area index, number of flowers and fruits of A. paniculata was found in T8 plot treatment compare to other plots. From the analysis of result it has concluded that integrated use of biofertilizers, chemical fertilizers and vermicompost treatments significantly increased growth parameters of A. paniculata.

Early infant growth is associated with the risk of islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible children.

Islet autoimmunity commonly develops early in infancy. We assessed whether specific parameters of early growth (including weight gain) were associated with the development of islet autoimmunity in children of type 1 diabetes patients, taking individual developmental patterns into account. Growth parameters were estimated in n = 1011 children followed from birth in the prospective BABYDIAB and BABYDIET studies using longitudinal models. Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for study, sex, gestational age, birth weight percentile, and maternal type 1 diabetes status, were calculated to assess hazard ratios (HR) for islet autoimmunity with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) by 2 SD increases in growth parameters. In a subset of n = 170 infants, we investigated whether the growth hormones insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were in the causal pathway. We found an early age at infant body mass index (BMI) peak to be associated with the development of islet autoimmunity [HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.41-0.87), per 2 SD increase in age]. Islet autoimmunity was also associated with BMI difference between infant BMI peak and childhood BMI rebound [HR 1.52 (95% CI 1.04-2.22)], but not after adjustment for age at infant BMI peak, and not with other parameters such as peak height and weight velocity during infancy. Serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 at birth, 9 months, and 2 yr, respectively, were not significantly different between children with and without later islet autoimmunity. Variations in early growth rate have subtle effects on the risk of islet autoimmunity with growth hormones unlikely to be in the causal pathway.

Combination of endophytic Bacillus and Beauveria for the management of Fusarium wilt and fruit borer in tomato

Most of the approaches for biocontrol of pests and diseases have used a single biocontrol agent as antagonist to a single pest or pathogen. This accounts for the inconsistency in the performance of biocontrol agents. The development of a bioformulation possessing a mixture of bioagents could be a viable option for the management of major pests and diseases in crop plants. A bioformulation containing a mixture of Beauveria bassiana (B2) and Bacillus subtilis (EPC8) was tested against Fusarium wilt and fruit borer in tomato under glasshouse and field conditions. The bioformulation with B2 and EPC8 isolates effectively reduced the incidence of Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici) and fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under glasshouse and field conditions compared with the individual application of B2 and EPC8 isolates and control treatments. In vitro studies showed a higher larval mortality of H. armigera when fed with B2 + EPC8-treated leaves. Further, plants treated with the B2 + EPC8 combination showed a greater accumulation of defence enzymes such as lipoxygenase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase against wilt pathogen and fruit borer pest than the other treatments. Moreover, a significant increase in growth parameters and yield was observed in tomato plants treated with B2 + EPC8 compared with the individual bioformulations and untreated control. The combined application of Beauveria and Bacillus isolates B2 and EPC8 effectively reduced wilt disease and fruit borer attack in tomato plants. Results show the possibility of synchronous management of tomato fruit borer pest and wilt disease in a sustainable manner.

Enhancement of Growth Parameters and Productivity of Basmati Rice through Summer Green Manuring and Zinc Fertilization

Field experiments were conducted during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons (April-November) of 2009 and 2010 for two consecutive years at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the effects of summer green manuring crops and zinc (Zn) fertilizer sources on growth and physiological development of Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). Summer green manure residue incorporation and zinc fertilization significantly enhanced the growth and physiological development of Basmati rice. Incorporation of Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) led to a significant increase in growth parameters, yield attributes and grain and straw yields of succeeding Basmati rice. EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) application significantly improved the growth parameters, yield attributes and grain and straw yields of succeeding Basmati rice over other zinc sources as well as control (no zinc application). Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) residue incorporation and EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) treatments were found to be a better combination with respect to Basmati rice growth and physiological development. The correlation among the various yield attributes and yield indicated that all the yield attributes were highly correlated with yield. Thus, adequate Zn fertilization along with green manure incorporation can lead to better growth and physiological development for higher productivity of Basmati rice.

Improving Biocontrol of Damping-off, Root Rot and/or Wilt Diseases of Faba Bean by Salicylic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide

Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina were found to be associated with root rot and/or wilt symptoms of faba bean plants collected from different fields in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. All the obtained isolates were able to attack faba bean plants (cv. Giza 40) causing dampingoff, root rot and wilt diseases. Pathogenicity test revealed that five isolates, i.e. two of R. solani (No. 2 and 5), one of F. solani (No. 8), one of F. oxysporum (No. 12) and one of M. phaseolina (No. 14), were the most virulent ones on faba bean plants. The bioagents Bacillus megaterium and Trichoderma viride as well as the inducer chemicals salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide were examined, either individually or in combinations, for controlling damping-off, root rot and/or wilt diseases, in addition to their in vitro and in vivo effects as growth promotions on faba bean plants. All bioagents and inducer chemicals applied either individually or incombinations, inhibited the growth of the tested pathogenic fungi. Bioagents combined with inducer chemicals recorded the highest inhibition, especially in case of SA + T. viride and SA + B. megaterium. Under greenhouse and field conditions, all treatments significantly reduced damping-off, root rot and/or wilt diseases and increased the survived plants. Also, in pots experiment, tested treatments increased fresh and dry weight of the survived plants compared to the control treatment. Moreover, combinations of the tested bioagents and inducer chemicals were more effective than using each of them individually. Treatment of SA + T. viride recorded the best results in this respect. Under field conditions, all tested treatments significantly increased growth parameters (plant height and No. of branches/plant) and yield components (No. of pods and seeds/ plant, weight of 100 seeds and total yield/feddan) and protein content in both growing seasons of 2010/11 and 2011/12. Faba bean seeds soaked in SA + T. viride and SA + B. megaterium recorded the highest growth parameters and yield components. Generally, the combination between the bioagents and inducer chemicals recoded the best results for controlling damping-off, root rot and wilt diseases under the greenhouse and the field conditions, in addition to improve plant growth and increase yield components, protein content in seeds under field conditions.