Initial Plant Research Articles

Comparison of Growth and Physiological Effects of Soil Moisture Regime on Plantago maritima Plants from Geographically Isolated Sites on the Eastern Coast of the Baltic Sea.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphological and physiological responses of P. maritima plants from five geographically isolated sites growing in habitats with different conditions to different substrate moisture levels in controlled conditions. Plants were produced from seed and cultivated in a greenhouse at four relatively constant soil moisture regimes: at 25, 50, and 75% soil water content and in soil flooded 3 cm above the surface (80% F). The two morphological traits that varied most strikingly among P. maritima accessions were the number of flower stalks and the number of leaves. Only plants from two accessions uniformly produced generative structures, and allocation to flowering was suppressed by both low moisture and flooding. Optimum shoot biomass accumulation for all accessions was at 50 and 75% soil moisture. The Performance Index Total was the most sensitive among the measured photosynthesis-related parameters, and it tended to decrease with an increase in soil water content for all P. maritima accessions. The initial hypothesis-that plants from relatively dry habitats will have a higher tolerance against low soil water levels, but plants from relatively wet habitats will have a higher tolerance against waterlogged or flooded soil-was not proven. The existence of three ecotypes of P. maritima within the five accessions from geographically isolated subpopulations on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea at the level of morphological responses to soil water content can be proposed. P. maritima plants can be characterized as extremely tolerant to soil waterlogging and highly tolerant to soil flooding and low soil water content.

Longitudinal Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and Metabolomic Response of Citrus sinensis to Diaphorina citri Inoculation of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a fatal citrus disease that is currently threatening citrus varieties worldwide. One putative causative agent, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is vectored by Diaphorina citri, known as the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). Understanding the details of CLas infection in HLB disease has been hindered by its Candidatus nature and the inability to confidently detect it in diseased trees during the asymptomatic stage. To identify early changes in citrus metabolism in response to inoculation of CLas using its natural psyllid vector, leaves from Madam Vinous sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) trees were exposed to CLas-positive ACP or CLas-negative ACP and longitudinally analyzed using transcriptomics (RNA sequencing), proteomics (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; data available in Dryad: 10.25338/B83H1Z), and metabolomics (proton nuclear magnetic resonance). At 4 weeks postexposure (wpe) to psyllids, the initial HLB plant response was primarily to the ACP and, to a lesser extent, the presence or absence of CLas. Additionally, analysis of 4, 8, 12, and 16 wpe identified 17 genes and one protein as consistently differentially expressed between leaves exposed to CLas-positive ACP versus CLas-negative ACP. This study informs identification of early detection molecular targets and contributes to a broader understanding of vector-transmitted plant pathogen interactions.

Achievements in the creation of the “Vegetation of Moldova” exhibition over 50 years

A review is made of the work carried out over the course of 50 years in creating the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”. From the initial plantings in 1972 until the year 2023, design, planting, and mobilization of the gene pool have been undertaken. Currently, the Moldavian present Vegetation Exhibition includes 12 micro-exhibitions of forest vegetation, 2 micro-exhibitions of meadow vegetation, 1 micro-exhibition of steppe vegetation, and 1 microexhibition of aquatic and marsh vegetation. In 2020, the exhibition area was settled, parcel divisions were elaborated, boundary markers were installed, and borders were delineated. The article presents the results of inventorying trees, tree seedlings, shrubs, and herbs for each micro-exhibition and sub-plot. Flora of the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition at the National Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru” includes 560 species of vascular plants, of which 258 species grow in 12 forest micro-exhibitions, 152 species grow in the micro-exhibition with steppe vegetation and 150 species of plants grow in meadows vegetation. For each sub-plot within the forest micro-exhibitions, data is provided on the number of specimens for each tree species, the composition of the shrub layer, and the herb layer. 61 species of rare plants are preserved ex situ, in the „Vegetation of Moldova” Exhibition in the Botanical Garden „Alexandru Ciubotaru”, of which 32 species are included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova.

Chemical Control of Powdery Mildew of Bigleaf Hydrangea

The efficacy of the fungicide pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole (Postiva) was evaluated at varying application rates and intervals for the control of powdery mildew (Golovinomyces orontii, formerly Erysiphe polygoni) in bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’). Container-grown hydrangeas were arranged in a completely randomized design with six single-plant replications. Experiments were done in 2022 and 2023 under both greenhouse and shade house conditions (56% shade). Powdery mildew in hydrangea was developed naturally. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole at 1.1, 1.6, and 2.2 ml·L−1 and a standard fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr (Mural) at 0.5 g·L−1 were sprayed to runoff on 2-, 4-, and 6-week intervals. Plants that were not treated with fungicide served as the control. Plants were evaluated weekly for disease severity (0% to 100% foliage affected) and defoliation (0% to 100% defoliation). The season-long area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and defoliation progress curve (AUDFC) were calculated for the evaluation period. The initial and final plant height and width were recorded, and height and width increase were determined. Pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr significantly reduced final disease severity, AUDPC, and defoliation both in the greenhouse and shade house compared with control plants. In both greenhouse trials and the 2022 shade house trial, AUDFC was reduced in all treatments compared with the control plants. However, AUDFC was not reduced by all treatments in the 2023 shade house trial. Pooled over application intervals, the low rate of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole was as effective as the medium and high rates of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole and azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr in reducing final powdery mildew severity and AUDPC both in the greenhouse and shade house in both 2022 and 2023. No significant differences between application intervals were noted in final disease severity and progress. Control of powdery mildew with fungicides failed to increase plant dimensions (i.e., plant height and width) compared with the no fungicide control. Because all application rates and intervals of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole provided comparable powdery mildew disease control, it is suggested that using a low rate of pydiflumetofen + difenoconazole with the longest application interval (6 weeks) is the most cost-effective approach for managing powdery mildew in bigleaf hydrangeas.

Analisis Neraca Air Lahan untuk Perencanaan Tanaman Padi Gogo dan Jagung pada Sub Das Wolasi

Infomation climate data of a place plays an important role in the development of agriculture in the region. This can be used to find out about the relationship between plants and climate, estimates of planting time, harvest time, drought (water deficit), flooding (water surplus) can be made, and determining the types of plants used. In accordance. This study aims to determine the level of groundwater availability based on land water balance analysis in the Wolasi sub-watershed and to find out how to plan planting patterns of upland rice and corn according to groundwater availability in the Wolasi sub-watershed. This study uses monthly rainfall data for 10 years (2012-2021) and other climate data (air temperature) for 10 years (2012-20121). Calculation of land water balance using the Throntwaite-Mather method. The result of land water balance calculation under conditions of monthly average rainfall distribution of water availability in the Wolasi sub-watershed are classified as very adequate where a surplus occurs from January to July and December. While the water deficit occurs from August to October. At a 75% chance of rainfall, the distribution of water availability is classified as very adequate,where a surplus occurs from January to July and November to December and a water deficit occurs from July to October. In the Wolasi sub-watershed, the montly average rainfall for upland rice can be planted in January and the final harvest in April, while for corn, the initial planting can be done in May and the final harvest in July, upland rice and corn can be planted twice in a row. a year and can also be planted in intercropping. With a 75% chance of rainfall in the Wolasi sub-watershed, the initial planting of upland rice can be done in January and the final harvest in April, while corn plants can be intercropped, planting upland rice and corn can be done once a year.

Formation of productivity of maize hybrids of different ripening groups in the Forest-Steppe region

The relevance of the study is determined by the necessity of scientifically substantiating the rational ratio of maize hybrids of different ripening groups to ensure the realisation of the genetic potential in forming pre-harvest grain moisture at the level of 18-22%. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to identify the most adapted and plastic ripening groups considering biological features and to identify stable hybrids based on economic efficiency through the calculation of the hybrid’s productivity efficiency index. The method of plot division was used to conduct field research in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology. The results revealed that maize hybrids of different ripening groups react differently to temperature conditions, especially during the interphase period – 3-5 leaves. Maize hybrids with FAO (ripening group of the hybrid) 180-250, having a flint grain subtype, are characterised by faster linear plant growth due to higher cold resistance, making them suitable for early sowing when the soil temperature is 6-80C. Hybrids with FAO 300 and above, with a dent grain subtype, exhibit slower initial plant growth and are more thermophilic. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them after the soil has been thoroughly warmed to 8-100C. Studies have established that the highest grain yield was obtained from mid-late maturity maize hybrids (FAO 401-500) – 10.04-10.17 t/ha, with a maximum level of 14.89 t/ha in 2017. However, considering the dynamics of productivity levels over the years, the most plastic hybrids, i.e., those with the smallest difference in yield between years, are phenotypes with FAO 201-300. It was determined that early and mid-early ripening group hybrids had lower pre-harvest grain moisture – 0.6-23.9% compared to 28.7-2.7% in mid-ripening and mid-late ripening groups. This resulted in a higher productivity efficiency index for these hybrids. The materials of the study contain results for further research on optimising the use of maize hybrids with different FAO numbers and are of practical significance for farms of various ownership forms

Antifungal activity of copper oxide nanoparticles derived from Zizyphus spina leaf extract against Fusarium root rot disease in tomato plants

Incorporating green chemistry concepts into nanotechnology is an important focus area in nanoscience. The demand for green metal oxide nanoparticle production has grown in recent years. The beneficial effects of using nanoparticles in agriculture have already been established. Here, we highlight some potential antifungal properties of Zizyphus spina leaf extract-derived copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-Zs-NPs), produced with a spherical shape and defined a 13–30 nm particle size. Three different dosages of CuO-Zs-NPs were utilized and showed promising antifungal efficacy in vitro and in vivo against the selected fungal strain of F. solani causes tomato root rot disease, which was molecularly identified with accession number (OP824846). In vivo results indicated that, for all CuO-Zs-NPs concentrations, a significant reduction in Fusarium root rot disease occurred between 72.0 to 88.6% compared to 80.5% disease severity in the infected control. Although treatments with either the chemical fungicide (Kocide 2000) showed a better disease reduction and incidence with (18.33% and 6.67%) values, respectively, than CuO-Zs-NPs at conc. 50 mg/l, however CuO-Zs-NPs at 250 mg/l conc. showed the highest disease reduction (9.17 ± 2.89%) and lowest disease incidence (4.17 ± 3.80%). On the other hand, CuO-Zs-NPs at varied values elevated the beneficial effects of tomato seedling vigor at the initial stages and plant growth development compared to either treatment with the commercial fungicide or Trichoderma Biocide. Additionally, CuO-Zs-NPs treatments introduced beneficial results for tomato seedling development, with a significant increase in chlorophyll pigments and enzymatic activity for CuO-Zs-NPs treatments. Additionally, treatment with low concentrations of CuO-Zs-NPs led to a rise in the number of mature pollen grains compared to the immature ones. however the data showed that CuO-Zs-NPs have a unique antifungal mechanism against F. solani, they subsequently imply that CuO-Zs-NPs might be a useful environmentally friendly controlling agent for the Fusarium root rot disease that affects tomato plants.Graphical

Responses of radial growth to climate change for two dominant artificial coniferous trees

The adaptability of plantation ecosystems to climate change has become an important issue in many drylands worldwide. The plantation forests of the Loess Plateau, one of the driest areas in China, have greatly increased, and Picea crassifolia and Pinus tabuliformis are the dominant artificial coniferous species in this region. However, quantitative evaluations of the responses of radial growth to climate change for these two dominant artificial coniferous trees are rare. In this study, we collected tree-ring sample data from four sampling sites in Huajialing and Chankou in the arid Loess Plateau and analysed the radial growth of two artificial conifers and their climate response characteristics (precipitation, temperature, and standardised precipitation evaporation index (SPEI)) using Pearson correlation and the Climwin model. The results showed that (1) low precipitation during the growing season (April-August) and the resulting drought stress were major growth-limiting factors for plantation forests in the arid Loess Plateau, and this impact increased with the duration of drought stress. (2) P. tabuliformis was more susceptible to drought stress than P. crassifolia, and its soil water content at the 0–200 cm depth was already close to the wilting point. (3) The site conditions of planted areas, including initial planting density, elevation, and stand structure (canopy cover), significantly influenced the response of the same tree species to drought stress. (e.g., P. tabuliformis in high-density and low-elevation areas was more susceptible to drought stress than trees in low-density and high-elevation areas). We concluded that forest managers should select appropriate initial planting densities and altitudes and implement pruning and thinning measures at specific ages (15 years for P. crassifolia and 20 years for P. tabuliformis) based on basal area growth curves. Our results provide valuable information for the sustainable management of plantations against the background of climate warming.

Effect of Seed Priming Treatments on Germination, Growth and Yield of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.)

Aim: To discern the most effective seed priming treatment among several priming treatments, which provide early and maximum germination, prosperous growth, and prodigious yield.
 Study Design: Nine treatments with one control treatment in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Chilli and Vegetable Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M.S), during the rabi season of 2022.
 Methodology: The ajwain seeds were primed with treatments comprised of, Gibberellic acid at 100 ppm and 200 ppm, Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) at 2% and 3%, moringa leaf extract at 5% and 7.5%, tulsi leaf extract at 5% and 7.5%, hydro-priming (soaking in water), control (without soaking), for 24 hours before sowing. After that, primed seeds shade-dried for 4-5 hours. Then, the seeds were sown in the field.
 Results: The outcomes unveiled fascinating insights. Notably, treating the seeds with 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) revealed remarkable results, exhibiting the swiftest germination at 11.67 days, a staggering initial plant stand of 99.38%, and an impressive germination percentage of 93.33%. Meanwhile, the utilization of 200 ppm GA3 led to a maximum plant height of 89.70 cm. Furthermore, the application of 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) observed the minimum days to 50% flowering at 92.98 days and days to harvesting at 156.17 days and boasting the maximum primary branches plant-1 at 11.55. Among the myriad treatments, the application of 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) emerged as a standout, showcasing unparalleled results with a maximum number of umbels and umbellets at 200.72 and 18.03, respectively. A prodigious yield of 10.49g plant-1, 2.67 kg plot-1 and 11.86q ha-1.
 Conclusion: These findings underscore the potency of specific seed priming treatments, particularly, the 7.5% moringa leaf extract (T6) and 200 ppm Gibberellic acid (T2), in fostering robust ajwain seed germination, growth, accelerated plant development, and prodigious yield.

Phytotoxicity and cytogenetic action mechanism of leaf extracts of Psidium cattleyanum Sabine in plant bioassays.

The search for more environmental friendly herbicides, aiming at the control of agricultural pests, combinated with less harmfulness to human health and the environment has grown. An alternative used by researchers is the application of products of secondary plant metabolism, which are investigated due to their potential bioactivities. Thus, species belonging to the Myrtaceae family are potential in these studies, since this family is recognized for having high biological activity. A species belonging to this genus is Psidium cattleyanum, which has a medicinal effect and its fruits are used in human food. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate and compare the phyto-cyto-genotoxicity of aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts of the specie P. cattleyanum, from plant bioassays, as well as to identify the main classes of compounds present in the extracts. For this, the extracts were prepared, characterized and biological tests were carried out by evaluating, in seeds and seedlings of lettuce and sorghum, the variables: percentage of germination, germination speed index, root growth and aerial growth; and in meristematic lettuce cells the variables: mitotic phases, mitotic index, nuclear alterations and chromosomal alterations. Flavones, flavonones, flavonols, flavononols, flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, xanthones and anthraquinone glycoside were characterized in the ethanolic extract. Both evaluated extracts, in the highest concentration, inhibited the initial plant development. All treatments caused alterations in the mitotic phases and inhibited mitotic index. In addition, the treatments promoted an increase in nuclear and chromosomal alterations. The mechanism of action presented was aneugenic, clastogenic and determined in epigenetic alterations. The ethanolic extract was more cytotoxic, since it had a more expressive effect at a lower concentration. Despite the cytotoxicity of the extracts under study, they promoted alterations at lower levels than the glyphosate positive control.

Impact of fodder cutting management and splitting of nitrogen doses on growth and yield of fodder Oat (Avena sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of fodder cutting and splitting of nitrogen management on growth and yield of various varieties of fodder oat during Rabi 2019-2020. The experiment was carried out with three treatments consisting of (Main plot) three varieties (RO-19, JHO-851, UPO-212) and (Sub plot) four fodder cutting and splitting of nitrogen viz. (T1 ) two cuttings (55 DAS & 50% flowering) with 60% N as basal + 40% N at Ist cut, (T2 ) Two cuttings (55 DAS & 50% flowering) with 50% N as basal + 50% N at I st cut, (T3 ) Three cuttings (55 DAS, 35 days after 1st cut & 50% flowering) with 50% N as basal+ 25% N at Ist cut + 25% N at IInd cut and (T4 ) Three cuttings (55 DAS, 35 days after 1st cut & 50% flowering) with 40% N as basal + 30% N at Ist cut + 30% N at IInd cut were laid out in split plot design with three replications. As per the results the values of RO-19 obtained the highest Initial plant population and Plant height (cm) as compared to JHO-851 and UPO-212, while JHO-851, Number shoots (m-1), Number leaves (m-1), Leaves : Stem ratio (Plant-1) and Green fodder yield (q ha-1) as compared to RO-19 and UPO-212. As regarded to cutting and splitting of nitrogen management on Initial plant population, Plant height (cm), Number leaves (m-1), Leaves : Stem ratio (Plant-1), Green fodder yield (q ha-1) and Total green fodder yield (q ha-1) were found maximum under Two cuttings (55 DAS & 50% flowering) + 50% N as basal + 50% N at Ist cut, while Number shoots (m-1) were found maximum under Two cuttings (55 DAS & 50% flowering) + 60% N as basal + 40% N at Ist cut respectively.

Biochar from different waste sources as alternative substrates for lettuce and tomato seedling production

The biochar applied to the soil create complex interactions that impact the plant development and soil quality. The search for alternatives to decrease the use of substrates of limited use has been a challenge for science and agricultural producers. The use of biochar from different waste sources and the relationship between seed germination and plant parameters show potential; however, there is need for a better understanding of these factors. Although the potential benefits of biochar, such as improved plant growth and seed germination rates, have been demonstrated, there is still a need for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing these effects. Here, we investigated the use of biochar from different sources as alternative substrate in the production of lettuce and tomato seedlings. To test this hypothesis, seed germination, plant growth, and soil parameters were assessed using two biochar sources (poultry litter-PL, and viticulture waste-VW) at different doses [1% (1), 2.5% (2.5), and 5% (5)]. Our study shows that both biochar sources, mainly PL, promoted the germination and initial development of lettuce plants, similar to commercial substrate; however, they showed no effects on tomato. Moreover, the multivariate analysis revealed that the commercial substrate and PL1 are correlated with most vectors of lettuce plant parameters. In contrast, the commercial substrate and PL5 are in the same quadrant and clustered along with most vectors of tomato plant parameters, proving to be the most efficient for initial plant development. Overall, our findings expand the knowledge on waste reuse transformed into biochar as an effective alternative component of substrate for the production of lettuce seedlings, mainly biochar from PL.

Опыт приготовления гранулированной травяной муки в Ульяновской области

Production of artificially dried feeds is the more effective method of preservation the nutritive value of initial plant mass. But this approach is expensive because of high costs of energy. In the 70–80s of the last century in Soviet Union, USA and Western Europe countries the method was very often used for preparation the natural ingredients in concentrated feeds for pigs, birds and cattle as well as for protein-vitamin additives. However, because of world energetic crisis, the volumes of production the such feeds and additives were decreased. On the current moment the demand on the artificially dried grass meal again increases as this product able to change particularly the expensive premixes and synthetic vitamins in the rations. In this trend the experience of the Limited Liability Company "ASK-GRUPP" in Ulyanovsk region is very interesting and practically important, because they produce granulated grass meal during last 10 years. The specialists of the organization have development and installed in the farm specialized line for highly temperature drying of grasses. In this study we have presented the short review of the economic activities in the LLC "ASK-GRUPP" as well as some results of researchers in Federal Williams Research Center of Forage Production and Agroecology on the development the enhanced technology of production the artificially dried grassed feeds with high nutritive value.

The first large-scale indoor tropical garden with Brazilian native tree species: Challenges and lessons

This commentary reports the challenges faced and lessons learned during the formation of the first large-scale tropical garden inside a building with native tree species in Brazil. This garden, set entirely over cement slab, is inside the Albert Einstein Education and Research Center (AEERC) – Campus Cecília and Abram Szajman in São Paulo city, and comprises 11 tree species, ten of which are native to the Atlantic Forest. The indoor environment, in the shape of an atrium, is controlled and isolated from the external environment, which imposes a unique and new habitat for those tree species, especially considering that this garden is shared with people during their daily activities. Over one year, we followed the growth and development of 95 trees and noticed that the acclimation potential varied among species as well as the susceptibility to pest and disease outbreaks and low temperature (due to an imbalance in the air conditioning system), which were identified as the main limiting factors. Among the species monitored, Lafoensia glyptocarpa was the most sensitive to mites, aphids and mealybugs, and effective and rapid phytosanitary management was crucial for maintaining a healthy garden. Aspidosperma polyneuron, Eriotheca candolleana, Holocalyx balansae, Poecilanthe parviflora and Euterpe edulis were the species with the most acclimation potential to the new environment, which was based on leaf area development. On the other hand, poor acclimation was observed for Calycophyllum spruceanum, which was replaced two years after the initial planting. As an important lesson, continuous monitoring of both plants and the environment is needed to enhance our knowledge and management of indoor tropical gardens.

Advancement in Tissue Culture Techniques for Fruit Crops

Tissue culture is a highly promising approach that enables the efficient propagation of many plants from tiny fragments of the parent plant within a relatively brief timeframe and confined area. Tissue culture, a contemporary approach, is primarily employed for the efficient and extensive replication of many commercially significant plant species, such as the date palm. Utilizing the tissue culture technique presents a potential approach for generating a substantial quantity of genetically homogeneous palm plants that resemble other plants and yield typical fruit within four years from initial planting. Furthermore, this technique allows to produce date palm plants devoid of diseases, exhibiting an exceptionally high survival rate of nearly 100% when compared to the traditional vegetative propagation of shoots, owing to the robustness of their root system. The process of surface sterilization holds significant importance in the production of explants for in vitro studies, as it effectively addresses the issue of bacterial and fungal contamination originating from field sources, which might vary considerably across different fruit plant species. The efficacy of tissue culture techniques for date palm acclimatization in vitro is contingent upon the observation of leaf count prior to transplantation in the greenhouse. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the determinants that govern the tissue culture of fruit trees. India is known for being the native land of various fruit crops that are both significant and minor in terms of their importance. These crops include Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Karonda (Carissa carandas L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.), and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.), etc. These fruits possess considerable nutritional, medicinal, and therapeutic value, making them highly valuable in commercial sectors such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. The limited availability of suitable planting materials imposes constraints on the commercial production process for these crops. Using plant tissue culture techniques holds promise in substantially augmenting the number of novel cultivars or genotypes inside fruit crops. The primary aim of this review study is to consolidate and synthesize the extant body of knowledge about the tissue culture techniques employed in cultivating various fruit crops.

РАЗРАБОТКА СОСТАВА И ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ КАЧЕСТВА СИРОПОВ С ИЗВЛЕЧЕНИЯМИ ИЗ СЫРЬЯ ФАРМАКОПЕЙНЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ СЕМЕЙСТВА ROSACEAE

The largest number of plant species included in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation belong to the Rosaceae family. However, the number of phytopreparations based on this plant raw material in the domestic pharmaceutical market is not so diverse. Taking into account the growing popularity of the medicinal form of syrups, the authors conducted a study aimed at developing the composition and technology for producing syrups with rhizomes and roots of Sanguisorba (Sanguisorbae officinalis rhizomata et radices), rhizomes of Potentilla (Potentillae erectae rhizomata), leaves of wild strawberries (Fragariae vescae folia), fruits of aronia (dry) (Aroniae melanocarpae sicco fructus), rowan fruits (Sorbi aucupariae fructus), rosehip fruits (Rosae fructus), cherry fruits (Padi avii fructus). Syrups were obtained using a technology using liquid extracts in the composition, which were obtained in accordance with the requirements of the OFS.1.4.1.0021.15 Extracts. For all the syrups obtained, quality indicators were determined: density, pH, refractive index, microbiological frequency. To determine the quantitative content of biologically active substances in the developed syrups, the authors used the principle of end-to-end standardization, involving the use of the same quality control methods used in the standardization of the initial medicinal plant raw materials. The total content of tannins was determined for syrups with rhizomes and roots of medicinal hemophlebus, rhizomes of lapchatka, cherry fruits, the total content of anthocyanins was determined for the syrup of aronia fruits, the total content of anthocyanins was determined for the syrups of rowan and rosehip fruits, the content of ascorbic acid was determined and for strawberry leaf syrup the total content of flavonoids in terms of rutin. According to the results of the conducted studies, the norms of the content of active substances in the studied forms were recommended.

Performance of Seed Rate on Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.) under Late Sown Condition

A study was conducted to investigate the “Performance of seed rate on wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) Under late Sown Condition.” This experiment was carried out during the Rabi seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2 020 at the Pili-Kothi Student Research Farm and in the Laboratory Department of Agronomy at T.D.P.G. College Jaunpur. Increasing seed rates demonstrated a significant influence on various growth parameters, including initial plant population, shoot numbers, plant height, and dry matter production, with the highest values consistently observed at 140 kg/ha. In terms of yield-contributing characteristics, the 140 kg/ha seed rate led to increased spike counts, longer spikes, more grains per spike, and heavier grains. Yield significantly favored the 140 kg/ha rate, averaging 4.25-4.21 Mg/ha, surpassing the 120 kg/ha rate (4.08-4.07 Mg/ha) and markedly exceeding the 100 kg/ha rate (3.85-3.84 Mg/ha). The straw and biological yields further echoed this trend, cementing the prominence of the 140 kg/ha seed rate in augmenting late-sown wheat productivity.

Comprehensive Metal-Based Nanopriming for Improving Seed Germination and Initial Growth of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Nanopriming is a newly developed seed technology that improves seed germination, initial plant growth, and crop yield by enabling plants to withstand a variety of abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive metal-based (Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, and Se) nanopriming as compared to hydro- and non-primed seeds of three different pea cultivars in a germination test. Seed priming with nanoparticles (NPs) improved field pea quality via significant increase in germination energy (cv. E-244), final germination (cv. E-244, cv. Dukat), shoot length (cv. E-244, cv. Partner), root length (cv. E-244, cv. Dukat, cv. Partner), fresh shoot weight (cv. Partner), dry shoot weight (cv. Partner), seedling vigor index (cv. E-244, cv. Partner), and chlorophyll content (cv. Dukat, cv. Partner), as compared to both hydropriming and the control. Moreover, nanopriming led to significant improvements in shoot length, fresh shoot length, dry shoot length, seedling vigor index (cv. Dukat), and dry root weight (cv. E-244) as compared to the control only. In general, the highest effect on the examined parameters was achieved by nanopriming, indicating that this treatment may be utilized to raise field pea quality performance. To optimize the method, it is necessary to conduct extensive laboratory and field trials.

Growth and quality of 16-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) planted in traditional and alternative row planting patterns

Abstract Traditional oak silviculture is costly due to high initial planting density required to obtain management goals of producing high quality timber. New methods therefore reduce the initial planting density and use a planting pattern that allows the inclusion of naturally regenerated trees of other species. The study presents the results of a 13-year experiment on the growth and quality of sessile oak planted in traditional and three alternative planting patterns. We hypothesized that increasing of initial spacing and use of natural regeneration to compensate for lower intra-specific competition does not deteriorate growth and quality parameters of oak. Breast height diameter, height, slenderness, height of the first live branch, diameter of the thickest branch, stem shape and potential future crop oak trees (PFCT) were measured and analysed. The local competition of admixture species was estimated on the basis of the relationship between the height of the oak and the height of admixture trees in its close proximity. The type of planting pattern had no significant effect on oak diameter, but oak height was greater in the traditional pattern than in alternative patterns. Height of the first live branch was the only qualitative trait that differed significantly between the compared planting patterns. The probability of an oak being selected as a PFCT was similar in traditional and alternative patterns, but PFCT absolute number was increasing with an increase of oak planting density. Analysis of competition of admixture species in alternative methods shows that it can reduce height, diameter and stability of oaks. On the other hand, the probability of trees being selected as a PFCT increases significantly with increasing interspecific competition. We conclude that, with controlled competition and at least moderate natural regeneration, the alternative planting patterns can produce oaks with similar growth and quality to those in the traditional pattern.

An Ejector and Flashbox-Integrated Approach to Flue Gas Waste Heat Recovery: A Novel Systematic Study

In this study, a comprehensive examination was conducted to explore the technology involved in the recovery of waste heat from flue gas emitted by a 1000 MW unit. Traditional methods are constrained in their ability to harness waste heat from flue gas solely for the purpose of generating medium-temperature water. The system being examined not only recovers waste heat but also utilizes it to generate steam, thereby greatly improving resource efficiency. The process entails utilizing the flue gas to heat water to a certain temperature, followed by subjecting it to flash evaporation. This process leads to the generation of low-pressure waste heat steam. Within the steam ejector, the waste heat steam combines with high-pressure motive steam extracted from the source, resulting in the formation of medium-pressure steam. Within the steam ejector, the waste heat steam blends with high-pressure motive steam drawn from the source, forming medium-pressure steam that eventually feeds into the A8 steam extraction pipe (low-pressure turbine pumping pipe). The present study examines the fluctuation patterns in motive steam flow, suction coefficient, waste heat steam volume, and outlet temperature of the flue water heat exchanger when different motive steam sources are used. Additionally, the research calculates the reduction in CO2 emissions, the coal consumption for power supply, and the cost savings in fuel for the retrofitted system. The findings indicate that maximizing energy utilization can be achieved by operating the retrofitted unit at the lowest feasible waste heat steam pressure. The implementation of the new system has resulted in a substantial decrease in coal consumption for power supply. When employing main steam as the extraction steam source, the consumption of coal for power generation decreases in proportion to the decrease in waste heat steam pressure while maintaining a constant unit load. When the waste heat steam pressure reaches 0.0312 MPa, the recorded coal consumption for power generation varies between 289.43 g/kWh at 100% turbine heat acceptance (THA) and 326.94 g/kWh at 30%THA. When comparing this performance with the initial thermal power plant (TPP) unit, it demonstrates reductions of 2.26 g/kWh and 1.52 g/kWh, respectively. After implementing modifications to this 1000 MW unit, it is projected that the annual CO2 emissions can be effectively reduced by 6333.97 tons, resulting in significant cost savings of approximately USD 0.23 million in fuel expenses. This system exhibits considerable potential in terms of emission reduction and provides valuable insights for thermal power plants aiming to decrease unit energy consumption.