Increased Shoot Length Research Articles

Biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plant by plant growth promoting Penicillium expansum and Trichoderma harzianum

Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) were employed in the present study to biocontrol Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plants. Two of the five fungal isolates were chosen based on biochemical characteristics such as their production of hydrocyanic acid, siderophores, and IAA, phosphate solubilization, and in vitro antifungal activities. The most potent fungal isolates were identified as Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum). Using GC-MS, it was found that PGPF extracts contain compounds with antifungal activity, antioxidants, and plant growth stimulators. The combined effect of T. harzianum and P. expansum increased the protection against fusarial wilt by (76.74%), followed by T. harzianum by (50%), then P. expansum by (17.64%). Significant improvement because of using the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum) showed an increase in shoot length (59.4%), root length (129%), and number of leaves (52.6%). Chlorophyll A and B levels in infected plants were consistently raised by 28.71% and 67.58%, respectively; as a result of application the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum). Also, there was an increase in soluble proteins and carbohydrates in infected plants treated with (T. harzianum) by 25.42% and 31.78% over untreated infected plants, respectively. It could be recommended that the use of targeted PGPF strains, especially a mixture of T. harzianum and P. expansum could be commercially used as therapeutic nutrients against Fusarium wilt of pepper plants.

Effects of Four Photo-Selective Colored Hail Nets on an Apple in Loess Plateau, China

Hail, known as an agricultural meteorological disaster, can substantially constrain the growth of the apple industry. Presently, apple orchards use a variety of colored (photo-selective) hail nets as a preventative measure. However, it is unclear which color proves most effective for apple orchards. This study provides a systematic investigation of the impact of four photo-selective colored hail nets (white, blue, black, and green; with white being the control) on the microenvironment of apple orchards, fruit tree development, fruit quality, and yield over a two-year period (2020–2021). Different photo-selective nets do not evidently alter the intensity of light, although the nets’ shading effects decrease in the order from black to green to blue. Among them, blue nets increased the proportion of blue light, while green nets enhanced the proportion of green light. On the other hand, black, green, and blue nets diminished the proportion of red and far-red light. Such photo-selective nets effectively lowered soil temperature but did not have an impact on relative humidity and air temperature. Encasing apple trees with blue nets promoted growth, increasing shoot length, thickness, leaf area, and water content, while simultaneously decreasing leaf thickness. Black nets had comparable effects, although the impacts of green nets were inconsistent. Different photo-selective nets did not significantly influence the leaf shape index or overall chlorophyll content. However, black and green nets reduced the chlorophyll a/b ratio, while blue nets slightly boosted this ratio. Additionally, blue nets proved beneficial for apple trees’ photosynthesis. With the employment of a principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation, this study concludes that blue nets offer the most favorable environmental conditions for apple growth while protecting apple orchards against hail, compared to black, white, and green nets.

English

Nanotechnology has obtained importance over conventional technologies to enhance crop growth, yield and environmental sustainability. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most ecotoxic heavy metals that directly enter the food chain and accumulate in different human body organs such as kidneys, lungs, and liver. Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils has now become a big issue, which affects food quality and causes a serious threat to human health and the environment. Nanoparticles (NPs) are effectively used to remediate Cd-contaminated soils, due to having a large surface area and high adsorption capacity. The present study evaluated the effects of three NPs i.e., iron (Fe), silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) NPs on the growth, and physiology of plants as well as the accumulation of Cd in different parts of plants. The collected soil was spiked with different Cd levels (0, 5, 10, 20 mg kg-1), and NPs were applied at 60 mg kg-1 of soil prior to sowing. At maturity, plants exhibit significant increases in shoot length by 14, 12, 10% and 48, 30, 29% in root length in treatments amended with Fe, Si and Zn-NPs at 5 mg kg-1 Cd contamination levels. The grain yield was enhanced by 78% at 5mg kg-1 Cd level amended with Fe-NPs as compared to the control (no NPs application). The results revealed that NPs have a beneficial effect on stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and photosynthetic rate compared to control. The Cd concentration in various plant parts viz. roots, shoot and grains decreased by 36%, 35% and 69% after the application of NPs. However, this reduction was more distinct at 5 mg kg-1 Cd with Fe-NPs followed by Zn-NPS and Si-NPs. Overall, it was concluded that NPs play a significant role in the enhancement of plant biomass, increase in nutrient availability, and decrease the Cd accumulation in different plant parts

EVALUATION OF PEA GENOTYPES FOR SALT STRESS TOLERANCE

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a highly nutritious vegetable, is extremely sensitive to salt stress conditions. A pot study evaluated four pea genotypes (Samrina Zard, Climax, Ambassador, and Green Arrow) by exposing them to control, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.0 dS m-1 by applying NaCl, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaCl2 salts. The pots under a completely randomized design (CRD) layout had four replications. Immense genetic variations occurred among the pea genotypes under salt stress. Samrina Zard showed better physiological (transpiration and photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll) and morphological traits (shoot/root length, shoot/root dry weight, number of leaves per plant, and leaf area). Genotype Samrina Zard significantly maintained the highest percentage of shoot length (14.54%), root length (28.28%), shoot dry weight (19.58%), root dry weight (36.36%), number of leaves (27.24%), and leaf area (21.59%) at a higher level of salinity 7 dS m-1 compared with the control and all other treatments. In contrast, the Ambassador genotype was categorically salt-sensitive based on the least percentage increase in shoot length (22.42%), dry weight of shoot (67.57%), dry weight of root (59.59%), number of leaves (47.69%) and leaf area (23.72%). However, salinity reduced the physiological attributes in both genotypes. Regardless of salt treatments, Samrina Zard performed better than Ambassador regarding photosynthesis (48.07%), transpiration rate (18.76%), stomatal conductance (45.42%), water use efficiency (55.88%), and chlorophyll contents (29.44%). According to study findings, Samrina Zard performed best against salinity stress.

Influence of biosynthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles on growth and physiological aspects of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) plant, cowpea beetle, and cytotoxicity.

Recently, agricultural management innovation has incorporated engineered nanoparticles. The current investigation was carried out to produce magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) for the first time applying S. cerevisiae extract. FTIR, XRD, HRTEM, and zeta potential analysis were used to characterize the MgONPs. The FTIR data show that the bioactive substances reduce and cap the synthesized MgONPs. The crystalline metallic MgONPs had four significant peaks in the XRD pattern. The size and form of MgONPs were validated by TEM, which exhibited spherical structures with an average size of 27nm. The effect of various dosages of MgONPs administered to the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) plant on all in vitro parameters was shown to be significant in the study. The concentration 200ppm was the most significant treatment which increased shoot length, shoot dry-weight and root dry-weight by 27.35%, 45.09%, and 31.91% when compared with the untreated cowpea plants. MgONPs significantly increased photosynthetic pigments, with 150ppm treatment significantly increasing soluble proteins and carbohydrates. MgONPs effectively treated cowpea C. maculatus, with dose and time-dependent insecticidal activity. MgONPs death rates varied by 82.66% and 100% on fifth day. Biochemical and histopathological studies of rats were investigated. Rats treated with MgONPs showed higher GOT, GPT, Urea levels, but lower creatinine, indicating significant differences. MgONPs-treated rats' liver showed mild to moderate histopathologic changes, including portal blood vessel congestion, lymphocytic cholangitis, and degenerative changes. MgONPs has the potential to improve cowpea development outcomes and suppress grain insects (C. maculatus).

Radiation cross-linked ultra-absorbent hydrogel to rationalize irrigation water and fertilizer for maize planting in drought conditions

The study addresses the potential negative impacts of climate change on water resources, specifically irrigation water for crops. The radiation technique produces the biomaterial hydrogel as a soil conditioner by polymerizing hydroxy ethyl cellulose/acrylamide (HEC/AAm) at various irradiation doses and copolymer concentrations. A maximum swelling of 23.4 g/g is attained by (HEC/PAAm) hydrogel at 1/7.5 ratio, prepared by 10 kGy gamma irradiation. The study introduces a new class of ultra-absorbent hydrogel (UAH) to address the low swelling limitation for soil conditioner applications. The alkaline hydrolysis treatments with NaOH, LiOH, and KOH enhance the water absorbency of (HEC/PAAm) hydrogel, with the highest capacity of 1220 g/g achieved by the KOH treatment, surpassing NaOH (622 g/g) and LiOH (540 g/g). The cumulative release of fertilizers from the UAH sample shows a slow and controlled release behavior. Urea takes 22 days to reach 100 % release. The UAH demonstrates water retention for 28 days, improving the growth of Zea mays L. at drought stress levels of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, and 100 %, revealing an increase in shoot length by 16 %, 19 %, 24 %, and 20 %, respectively. Also, UAH increased the contents of chlorophyll a, b, a + b, and carotenoid on maize plant leaves compared to the control sample.

Efficient Utilization of Agro-industrial Waste through Vermicomposting and its Impact on Growth and Yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Background: Application of vermicompost produced from diverse organic wastes could be one of the most economical and attractive methods of solving waste disposal problem and increasing the nutrient contents of soil simultaneously. Vermicompost is used as an organic fertilizer, the effects of vermicompost obtained from different organic wastes on plant growth and yield. Methods: The vermicomposting of sugarcane trash and bagasse waste was carried out during (January-March) and by using the vermicompost a field culture experiment was conducted in brinjal for three months from April-June, 2019. There are 6 treatments namely T1-T6 and control. Vegetative parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of leaves, fresh weight, and dry weight at different stages (30, 60 and 90 DAS), number of flowers and number of branches on 60 and 90 DAS. On 90th day yield characters like number of fruits, diameter of fruits, fruit length, single fruit weight, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per plot were analyzed. Results: A significant increase in shoot length (32.9, 55.3 and 98.5), root length (17.85, 25.10 and 33.30), number of leaves (21.33, 50.00 and 77.00), fresh weight (31.10, 48.30 and 55.55) and dry weight (7.10, 7.95 and 9.30) was observed in T5 - C5 (Predecomposted Sugarcane bagasse, Trichoderma asperelloids and earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) 5t/h) treatment, followed by T2 - C2 (Predecomposted Sugarcane trash, Trichoderma asperelloids and earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) 5t/h) treatment on 30, 60 and 90 DAS. A significant increase in number of flowers (27.50 and 55.50) and number of branches (22.50 and 27.50) was observed in T5 treatment followed by other treatments on 60 and 90 DAS. The maximum amount in number of fruits (22.00), fruit length (15.70), single fruit weight (93.15), fruit yield per plant (10.35) and fruit yield per plot (37.25) were noted in T5 treatment, followed by T2 treatment on 90 DAS and minimum amount were reported in control (soil). The results of the study clearly indicated that treatment T5 significantly increased the vegetative parameters and yield characters in brinjal.

Оценка ростостимулирующих свойств ризобактерий Bacillus sp. и их влияние на морфофизиологические характеристики рапса

Abstract. The use of biofertilizers based on plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria is a promising direction in agri-biotechnology. The purpose was to evaluate the PGP-attributes of Bacillus sp. and to reveal the morphophysiological features of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) when inoculated with these rhizobacteria. Methods. The ability of Bacillus sp. strain TO15c isolated from the rhizosphere of Taraxacum officinale on Zack's nitrogen-free medium to produce indol-3-acetic acid (IAA) and phosphates was studied. In pot-scale experiments, the assessment of changes in the morphophysiological characteristics of rapeseed upon inoculation with rhizobacteria both in the absence and in the presence of nitrogen fertilizer was performed. At the end of 100-day vegetation, shoot length, total leaf area, fresh biomass, content of macronutrients and photosynthetic pigments were determined. Results. The ability of TO15c to produce IAA (up to 26 mg/L) and solubilize phosphate (up to 60 mg/L) has been proven. Soil inoculation with rhizobacteria in the presence of ammonium nitrate led to the increase in shoot length by 24 % and total leaf area by 16 %. The aboveground fresh biomass increased by 1.5 times, the underground by 2.5 times, and the content of macronutrients improved. The rise in the photosynthetic pigment content (1.5 times on average) was also noted when inoculated with TO15c. The maximum effect was achieved with the rhizobacteria and nitrogen fertilizer combined application. Scientific novelty. The effectiveness of Bacillus sp. TO15c on rapeseed increased in the presence of nitrogen fertilizer, despite the fact that these PGPR were able to fix atmospheric nitrogen.

Micropropagation of Three Citrus Rootstocks by Tissue Culture

The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Tissue culture/Department of Forestry/College of Agriculture and Forestry/the University of Mosul. To propagate three citrus rootstocks (Citrus aurantium L., Citrumelo swingle, and Cariso 35 (C35))In vitro. During the Initiation stage, the single nodes were planted on a solid MS medium supplemented with five concentrations of BA (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg L-1). After four weeks, the best significant percentage of response for Cariso35 and Citrumelo swingle, while the highest value of BA effect was at 2 mg BA L-1(96.67%). The No. of shoots there are nonsignificant differences, While the best No. of the shoot (1.41) obtained at 2 mg BA L-1, The highest significant shoot length (2.14cm) was obtained at Cariso35 compared with other rootstocks, so that, 1mg BA L-1 was achieved (2.01 cm). At the multiplication stage, Citrumelo swingle achieved the highest significant value (2.68shoots), whereas adding 4 mg BA L-1 gave the best significant No. shoots (3.10). as soon as, the shoot length (1.03cm) was obtained for Cariso35, while control treatment achieved a significant increase in shoot length (1.30cm) which differ significantly from other treatments. The highest significant number of leaves was (11.50 leaves) for Citrumelo swingle, while BA at 2 mgL-1 was dominated value achieved at 11.00 leaves. In the rooting stages, the best rooting percentage was 60% for Cariso 35 cultured on MT solid medium, but a non-significant difference between all IBA concentrations. While the significant No. of roots was 3.28 obtained from Citrumelo swingle, and the concentration 1.5 and 2 mg IBA L-1 achieved the highest significant values (2.90 and 2.24 root) respectively. Citrumelo swingle and the 1.5 mg IBA L-1 gave the shortest significant duration to formed roots which were 21.56 and 18.60 days respectively.

Halotolerant Citrobacter sp. remediates salinity stress and promotes the growth of Vigna radiata (L) by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and biofilm formation: a novel active cell for microbial desalination cell (MDC).

To address soil salinization and its impact on crop production, microbial desalination cells (MDCs) offer a promising solution. These bioelectrochemical systems integrate desalination and wastewater treatment through microbial activity. A halotolerant beneficial bacterial strain called Citrobacter sp. strain KUT(CKUT) was isolated from India's salt desert Run of Kutch, Gujrat, highlighting its potential application in combating soil salinization. CKUT exhibits high salt tolerance and has the ability to produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) at a concentration of 0.04mg/ml. It forms biofilm that enable it to withstand up to 10% NaCl concentration. Additionally, CKUT shows promise in remediating salinity levels, reducing it from 4.5 to 2.7 gL-1. These characteristics are driven by biofilm formation and EPS production. In an experiment where V. radiata L. seedlings were inoculated with CKUT, the treated plants exhibited enhanced chlorophyll content, growth, and overall plant characteristics compared to seedlings treated with sodium chloride (NaCl). These improvements included increased shoot length (150mm), root length (40mm), and biomass. This indicates that CKUT treatment has the potential to enhance the suitability of V. radiata and other crops for cultivation in saline lands, effectively addressing the issue of soil salinization. Furthermore, integrating CKUT into microbial desalination cells (MDCs) offers an opportunity for freshwater production from seawater, contributing to sustainable agriculture by promoting improved crop growth and increased yield in areas prone to salinity. HIGHLIGHTS : • Soil salinization reduces crop yield, including Vigna radiata L. • Citrobacter sp.strain KUT (CKUT) is a halotolerant bacterium isolated from the salt desert Run of Kutch, Gujarat, which can tolerate high salt concentrations. • CKUT mitigates salinity by producing extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and forming biofilms. • CKUT treatment demonstrated increased plant growth, biomass, and chlorophyll content under salinity stress, showcasing its potential in microbial desalination cell (MDC) for enhancing crop yield in salinized soils.

Effect of PGPR and Biogas Slurry on Growth and Yield Parameters of Pea under Salt Affected Conditions

Salt stress is a significant abiotic plant growth restrictive factor; it is becoming a severe environmental threat. The microorganism in the rhizosphere especially fungi and bacteria can increase the plant production under stress conditions both by direct and indirect mechanisms. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of biogas slurry and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) at different levels of salinity to improve the growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum ). In field experiment biogas slurry @ 600 kg ha-1 and 800 kg ha-1 and PGPR strain “bacillus subtilis” was applied along with 6 dS m-1 and 8 dS m-1 levels of salt stress in addition to recommended doses of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus fertilizer. The results revealed that the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry under normal soil conditions increased shoot length by 30.27% while under saline conditions it increased up-to 65.27%. Soil salinity reduced root length up-to 79.155% at 8 dS m-1 as compared to control. Application of biogas slurry improved 5.93% root length under salt stress as compared to respective control, on the other hand the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry increased root length by 33.128% under normal conditions and under salinity stress it increased by 73.53%.Soil salinity reduced chlorophyll content 36.54% of pea decrease under salt stress, the application of biogas slurry under the same condition improved 29.26% chlorophyll content of pea but the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry enhanced the chlorophyll contents 4.68% as compared to solely application of biogas slurry. The results clearly indicated that the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry is the best source to enhance the growth and yield of pea under normal as well as under salinity stress.
 Key Words: PGPR, Bio gas, Salinity, Peas, Growth, Yield.

Bacterial strains effect on the nursery plants growth of ‘Granny Smith’ apple grafted on M-9, MM-106, and MM-111 rootstocks

Sapling treatment with plant growth promoting bacterial strains (PGPBs), is not spread on a wide scale for horticultural crops; basically, their application in fruit crops has not received much attention. For this reason, ‘Granny Smith’ apple was grafted on three clonal rootstocks using the chip budding method on 15 May 2013; at the end of the vegetative season, saplings with shoot lengths of 40 or less than 40 cm were selected as plant materials for the second year of research (2014) at the Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye to consider bacterial strains including Burkholderia gladia BA7, Bacillus subtilus OSU142 and Bacillus megatorium M3 in combination with different apple clonal rootstocks effectivity on the growth of saplings. Considering the results, the sapling weight at initially recorded between 8.6 and 36.0 g, the sapling weight at the end of the growing season 66.6–110.7 g, and the sapling weight increase rate between 181.7 and 789.1%. Root fresh and dry weight and root dry mater ratio obtained respectively 34.9–61.6 g, 15.3–34.1 g, and 44.8–57.8%. Sapling shoot length at the beginning was recorded between 15.1 and 35.6 cm, sapling shoot length at the end of the growing season ranged from 77.7 to 103.7 cm, sapling shoot length increase rate between 150.4 and 549.3%, and the number of lateral branches varied between 1.0 and 7.5 pcs. Briefly, bacterial strains application combined with the different apple rootstocks significantly affected all the evaluated characteristics of apple saplings. In light of the result findings, bacterial application in the nursery of apples as well as other fruit crops would be advised for better development and organically production of nursery plants.

Proline doped ZnO nanocomposite alleviates NaCl induced adverse effects on morpho-biochemical response in Coriandrum sativum

Salinity stress is a major abiotic factor causing destructive impact on plant growth. Therefore, an approach is needed to alleviate the negative effect of salinity stress. Considering the distinct and advantageous effects of proline and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on plant growth, ZnO NPs were functionalized by proline (ZnOP NPs) under the concept of nanofertilizer and slow release of molecules. An in vitro study was performed to investigate the effect of nanocomposite on Coriandrum sativum (coriander) exposed to 50 mM NaCl stress. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed 14.73 nm and 20.59 nm size of ZnO NPs and ZnOP NPs, respectively with spherical to hexagonal structures. Vegetative parameters of plants like height and biomass were improved by the application of NPs. ZnOP NPs at 100 mg/L depicted 200% increase in shoot length while 157% increase in root length when applied with NaCl stress. Fresh weight of shoots and roots increased upto 387 mg and 127 mg, respectively at 100 mg/L ZnOP NPs. Antioxidant and phytochemical activities that were increased due to salinity stress, decreased by ZnOP NPs. Radical scavenging activity reduced upto 55%, antioxidant potential upto 35%, and reducing power by 20% in shoots of plants as compared to NaCl stressed plants. A similar trend was also observed in roots. Likewise, phenolic content decreased by 30% in shoots and 43% in roots at 100 mg/L of ZnOP NPs and same for flavonoid contents. Application of ZnOP NPs to salt stressed plants also reduced the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxide dismutase (POD). In conclusion, proline functionalized ZnO NPs were proved effective against salinity stress. This nanofertilizer can be promoted as a potential candidate for combating the negative effects of saline condition.

Assessing rhizosphere Trichoderma asperellum strains for root colonizing and antagonistic competencies against Fusarium wilt through molecular and biochemical responses in castor

The study was aimed at identifying the effective strain(s) of Trichoderma asperellum to colonize castor roots, promote growth and limit pathogen infection. Two castor genotypes; DCS-107 and 48-1 varying for stress tolerance to Fusarium wilt were treated with four Trichoderma asperellum strains; 7316, N13, TV5 and TV2B16 to analyze root colonizing and antagonistic competencies. A significant decline in the colony-forming unit (CFU) counts was observed in Trichoderma-treated bulk and rhizosphere soil compared to controls indicating a high rhizosphere competence of the Trichoderma asperellum strains; 7316 followed by N13. These strains also showed high mycoparasitic propensity against Fusarium oxysporum through dual culture-confrontation and in-planta assays. Bio-priming with Trichoderma strains enhanced plant growth in the tolerant genotype, DCS-107 compared to the susceptible genotype, 48-1 suggesting differential responses of the host genotypes. An increase in shoot length by 46.2, 28.9 and 21.7% was observed upon treatment of DCS-107 genotype with the Trichoderma strains, 7316, N13 and TV5 respectively. Further, a quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCRs) of 13 stress and defence response genes revealed gene transcript reprogramming, causing a transient repression of the plant immune responses to enable root colonization. Further, biochemical analysis revealed higher antioxidant enzyme activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and total phenol content in co-stressed conditions compared to the controls suggesting that Trichoderma confers protection against oxidative stress damage. Trichoderma strains, 7316, N13 and TV5, either individually or in combination could be utilized as potential biocontrol agents to enhance growth and confer resistance to wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum ricini.

Promoting Rooting and Vegetative Growth in 41 B Vine Rootstock Cuttings with Encapsulated Nano Silver and IBA Applications

Globally, viticulture is carried on by grafting onto vine rootstocks obtained by hybridizing different vitis species or on their own roots due to their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, especially phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae). Sustainable regeneration of vineyard areas and new vineyard establishments require significant amounts of vine saplings each year. In addition to hormonal applications, nano products are also tested in the production of high quality vine nursery material. In this study, single nodal cuttings prepared from the vine rootstock 41 B (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chasselas × Vitis berlandieri) in the resting period were used as plant material. The effects of encapsulated nano silver particles (AgNPs, 0.5 mg L-1 and 1 mg L-1), and IBA (0 and 1 g L-1) applications produced by green synthesis with cv. Öküz Gözü grape seed extract and AgNO3 on promoting rooting and vegetative growth in 41 B vine rootstock cuttings were evaluated in this study. AgNPs and IBA applications promoted rooting of cuttings, and vegetative growth of rooted cuttings. Applications increased shoot length, shoot diameter, number of nodes, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots, and the highest value among these was achieved by the 1 mg L-1 AgNPs application. Leaf area and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) were determined by 1 g L-1 IBA application. AgNPs and IBA treatments resulted in increased rooting and vegetative growth compared to control. In conclusion, 1 mg L-1 AgNPs was recommended for vine propagation material and sapling producers as nano promotors for rooting and vegetative growth of 41 B rootstock cuttings.

Mixed Consortium of Salt-Tolerant Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria Improves Maize (Zea mays) Plant Growth and Soil Health Under Saline Conditions.

The rhizobacterial isolate SP-167 exhibited considerable phosphate solubilization, IAA production, exo-polysaccharides, proline, APX, and CAT at a concentration of 6% NaCl (w/v). 16S rDNA sequencing and BLAST analysis showed that isolate SP-167 was Klebsiella sp. In this study, T2 and T8 consortium was developed on the basis of the compatibility of isolate SP-167 with Kluyvera sp. and Enterobacter sp. At 6% NaCl (w/v) concentration, T2 and T8 showed increased PGP properties such as phosphate solubilization, IAA, Proline activity, CAT, POD, and EPS than isolate SP-167. The maximum increase in shoot length was recorded in T2-treated maize plants as compared to the control after 60days in 1% NaCl stress. The N, P, and K content of leaves were significantly increased in maize plants with the inoculation of both the T2 and T8 consortium. The electrical conductivity of soil was decreased significantly in the T2 inoculated 1% NaCl (w/v) treated pot after 30, 60, and 90days. In this study, soil enzymes DHA and PPO were significantly increased in both T2 and T8 treated combinations. The Na concentration in root and shoot were significantly decreased in T8 inoculated plant than in T2, as confirmed by the translocation factor study.

ESTIMATION OF HEIGHT AND HABITUS OF THE STEM APPARATUS OF FLORIBUNDA ROSE VARIETIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT-BANK FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE

Peculiarities of the stem apparatus of 20 Floribunda rose varieties which differ in origin, morphological and decorative features, as well as resistance to agro-climatic environmental factors, in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are evaluated. It has been established that the habitus of the bush and its height are important in the selection of rose varieties because these features form the object of landscaping. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that the floribunda rose varieties are mostly tall or medium-height plants with a semi-upright habit. Among the studied cultivars are those in which the average value of height exceeded 100 cm, namely Pomponella, Lovely Green and Novalis. They are classified as very high varieties. We classified the Friesia variety as very low. The average value of the height of this variety was 39 cm. It was determined that the diameter of the bush directly depends on the habit of the variety and its height. The diameter of the bushes of the studied varieties varied between 38-94 cm, with the highest value in Novalis and the lowest in Friesia and Santa Monika.The study of the Floribunda rose varieties in the dynamics of their growth over the years showed that the maximum increase in the length of the shoots is observed in two-year-old plants, with the maximum value of rose shoots length in the third growing season. The most significant increase in shoot length was observed in two-year-old plants of the Pomponella and Carmagnola. The length of their shoots increased by more than 100% compared to the previous growing season. Starting from the fourth year, the increase in the length of the shoots slows down significantly. A significant increase in the length of shoots in four-year-old plants was observed only in Pomponella variety 15%. In Goldelse, Henri Matisse, Let's Celebrate and Gebruder Grimm, stable growth was observed throughout the research with a difference of no more than 4%. The corresponding growth dynamics is primarily related to the peculiarities of their ontogenesis and may change depending on their individual development and environmental conditions.

Mitigation of Salinity Stress on Soybean Seedlings Using Indole Acetic Acid-Producing Acinetobacter pittii YNA40

Soybean is an important oil crop with multiple uses. Soybeans can grow in various soil types and climates; however, salt stress reduces their yield. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms are an environmentally benign way to combat stress and boost plant tolerance. In the present study, we have identified plant growth-promoting bacteria that can produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and induce distinct growth characteristics in soybean plants under salt stress. The YNA40 isolate was identified as Acinetobacter pittii through 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A pure culture of Acinetobacter pittii YNA40 was subjected to chromatographic and mass spectrometry selected-ion monitoring (GC-MS/SIM) for IAA quantification. The results revealed that the YNA40 bacterial strain showed a significantly higher IAA concentration (473.88 ng/mL) at 4% sodium chloride (NaCl). Moreover, in a salt-stress condition, inoculation with Acinetobacter pittii YNA40 was able to induce increased shoot length (23.48%), shoot weight (24%), root length (2.47%), and root weight (44.82%) compared to the uninoculated control. Therefore, soybean seedlings were inoculated with YNA40 to examine their potential for promoting growth and reprogramming after salt stress. Inoculation with YNA40 isolates mitigated the salt stress and significantly improved the growth of the plant, enhanced the chlorophyll contents, and improved the quantum efficiency of chlorophyll fluorescence, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, the diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, and antioxidant activities of soybean plants during and after salt stress. The present research demonstrated that the application of the YNA40 isolate is promising for reducing salt stress in soybean plants and helps plants grow better in a salt-stressed environment.

Predation pressure regulates plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bacterivorous soil protists on plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes of bacterial species and their co-inoculative impact on rice seedling growth. The effect of protists on the PGP attributes of bacteria was tested using standard protocols. The results revealed that the plant-beneficial properties of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) were altered in the presence of various protist species. A significant increase in the production of siderophore units (86.66%), ammonia (34.80µmol mL-1), and phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (5.6) was observed when Bacillus cereus (Bc) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Ps) were co-inoculated with unidentified species belonging to the family Kreyellidae (C5). In the case of Enterobacter cloacae co-inoculated with C5 (Kreyellidae), a higher amount of siderophore (51.33%), ammonia (25.18µmol mL-1), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-like substance (28.59µg mL-1) production were observed. The biofilm-forming ability of B. cereus is enhanced in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. (C2Bc), unidentified Kreyellidae (C5Bc), and Colpoda elliotti (C12Bc), whereas E. cloacae showed higher biofilm formation in the presence of Tetrahymena sp. alone Although IAA production decreased under predation pressure, a significant increase in shoot length (64.24%) and primary root length (98.18%) in co-inoculative treatments (C12Bc and C5Bc) compared to bacteria alone (25% and 61.50% for shoots and roots respectively) was observed. The results of enhanced PGP attributes and rice seedlings growth under predation pressure correlated with the enhanced bacterial activity under predation pressure and protist involvement in plant growth development. Protists may act as regulators of the bacterial activities involved in plant growth promotion and thus enhance plant growth.

Biomass valorization of agriculture wastewater grown freshwater diatom Nitzschia sp. for metabolites, antibacterial activity, and biofertilizer

The sustainable utilization of agricultural wastewater is a major global challenge. This study evaluated the impact of agricultural fertilizer on the biomass potential of Nitzschia sp. for metabolite production, antibacterial activity, and slow release biofertilizer. Cultivation of Nitzschia sp. in agriculture wastewater (0.5 mg ml−1) exhibited maximum cell density (12×105 cells ml−1), protein content (10.0 mg g−1), and lipid content (14.96%). Carbohydrate and phenol content increases in a dose-dependent manner with 8.27 mg g−1 and 2.05 mg g−1 at a concentration of 2 mg ml−1 respectively. There was a 2.1-fold increment in chrysolaminarin content. Both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to the antibacterial activity of the biomass. The effects of using diatom biomass as a biofertilizer were evaluated on the growth of periwinkle plants, which showed significant improvements in leaf development, branching at an early stage, flowering, and a marked increase in shoot length. Diatom biorefinery holds immense potential in addressing agriculture wastewater recycling and sustainable generation of high-value compounds.