Leaf Concentrations Research Articles

DcNCED2 promotes ABA synthesis via carotenoid degradation and enhances drought resistance in carrot.

Carrot DcNCED2 gene can improve the activity of antioxidant substances, enhance the drought tolerance of plant, and play regulatory roles in the degradation of carotenoids and the synthesis of ABA. Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a biennial root vegetable crop of Apiaceae. In the process of growth and development, carrot is always subjected to drought stress, resulting in the decline of yield and quality. 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) is an important rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway of carotenoid degradation and ABA synthesis, which can directly affect the drought resistance of plants. It is scientifically important to study the molecular mechanism of carrot DcNCED gene in response to drought stress. In this study, expression specificity analysis of DcNCED2 gene showed that the expression level of DcNCED2 gene reached the highest value at 60-75 d after sowing. DcNCED2 gene was transferred into Arabidopsis thaliana and carrot by constructing plant overexpression vector. The transgenic A. thaliana was found to exhibit a drought-tolerant phenotype with longer root length, higher SOD and POD activities, lower MDA content, higher ABA content and related gene expression, and lower lutein and β-carotene content. The results indicated that DcNCED2 gene could improve the drought tolerance of the seedling. The ABA content in leaf of overexpressed DcNCED2 carrot was significantly increased, while the contents of lutein, α-carotene and β-carotene were decreased compared with the wild carrot. The changes of expression levels of most related genes were consistent with the above results. These results indicated that DcNCED2 gene could promote the degradation of carotenoids and the synthesis of ABA in carrot leaves and thus achieve the regulation of abiotic stress in carrot plants.

Medicinal plant ashwagandha in hydroponics: Pioneering greywater remediation using response surface methodology along with plants' physiological and phytochemical attributes for sustainable resource recovery.

Medicinal plant ashwagandha in hydroponics: Pioneering greywater remediation using response surface methodology along with plants' physiological and phytochemical attributes for sustainable resource recovery.

Differences in Nutritional Value of Rice Crackers with the Addition of Three Types of Leaves (Moringa, Torbangun, and Katuk)

Rice crackers are a popular snack made from rice flour, typically characterized by a moisture content of less than 3%. The incorporation of moringa, torbangun, and katuk leaves in their formulation is based on their high iron content, which can help reduce iron deficiency. Additionally, xanthan gum is added to enhance the texture of the final product. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different leaf types and xanthan gum concentrations on the nutritional properties of rice crackers. A factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, with two factors and two replications. Factor I was the type of leaf (moringa, torbangun, and katuk), while Factor II was the xanthan gum concentration (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level, and significant interactions were further examined using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5%. The results indicated that the type of leaf and xanthan gum concentration had a significant effect (P<0.01) on moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content. The highest moisture (2.93%), ash (3.12%), and protein (1.29%) contents were observed in rice crackers containing moringa leaf and 1.5% xanthan gum. The highest fat content (6.10%) was found in moringa leaf rice crackers with 0.5% xanthan gum, while the highest carbohydrate content (82.55%) was recorded in torbangun leaf rice crackers with 1% xanthan gum. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating iron-rich leaves and xanthan gum to improve the nutritional quality and textural properties of rice crackers. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero Hunger SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSDG 13: Climate Action

The allelic mutation of NBS-LRR gene causes premature senescence in wheat.

The allelic mutation of NBS-LRR gene causes premature senescence in wheat.

Local Forest Structure and Host Specificity Influence Liana Community Composition in a Moist Central African Forest.

Lianas are important components of tropical forest diversity and dynamics, yet little is known about the drivers of their community structure and composition. Combining extensive field and LiDAR data, we investigated the influence of local topography, forest structure, and tree composition on liana community structure, and their floristic and functional composition, in a moist forest in northern Republic of Congo. We inventoried all lianas ≥ 1 cm in diameter in 144 20 × 20-m quadrats located in four 9-ha permanent plots, where trees and giant herbs were inventoried. We characterized the functional strategies of selected representatives of the main liana taxa using a set of resource-use leaf and wood traits. Finally, we used complementary statistical analyses, including multivariate and randomization approaches, to test whether forest structure, topography, and tree composition influence the structure, floristic composition, and functional composition of liana communities. The structure of liana communities was strongly shaped by local forest structure, with higher abundances and total basal areas in relatively open-canopy forests, where lianas competed with giant herbs. Liana floristic composition exhibited a weak spatial structure over the study site but was marginally influenced by the local forest structure and topography. Only forest structure had a weak but significant effect on liana functional composition, with more conservative strategies-higher stem tissue density and lower PO4 leaf concentration and SLA values-in tall and dense forests. Finally, we found evidence of host specificity with significant attraction/repulsion for 19% of the tested liana and tree species associations, suggesting that the unexplained floristic variation may be partly attributed to these host-species-specific associations, although the underlying mechanisms behind remain elusive. Overall, our findings demonstrate that liana communities' structure can be much better predicted than their composition, calling for a better understanding of the implications of the large functional diversity observed in liana communities.

Mapping of a Quantitative Trait Locus for Stay-Green Trait in Common Wheat.

The stay-green (SG) trait enhances photosynthetic activity during the late grain-filling period, benefiting grain yield under drought and heat stresses. CH7034 is a wheat breeding line with SG. To clarify the SG loci carried by CH7034 and obtain linked molecular markers, in this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross between CH7034 and non-SG SY95-71 was genotyped using the Wheat17K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and a high-density genetic map covering 21 chromosomes and consisting of 2159 SNP markers was constructed. Then, the chlorophyll content of flag leaf from each RIL was estimated for mapping, and one QTL for SG on chromosome 7D was identified, temporarily named QSg.sxau-7D, with the maximum phenotypic variance explained of 8.81~11.46%. A PCR-based diagnostic marker 7D-16 for QSg.sxau-7D was developed, and the CH7034 allele of 7D-16 corresponded to the higher flag leaf chlorophyll content, while the 7D-16 SY95-71 allele corresponded to the lower value, which confirmed the genetic effect on SG of QSg.sxau-7D. QSg.sxau-7D located in the 526.4~556.2 Mbp interval is different from all the known SG loci on chromosome 7D, and 69 high-confidence annotated genes within the interval expressed throughout the entire period of flag leaf senescence. Moreover, results of an association analysis based on the diagnostic marker showed that there is a positive correlation between QSg.sxau-7D and thousand-grain weight. Our results revealed a novel QTL QSg.sxau-7D whose CH7034 allele had a strong effect on SG, which can be applied in further wheat molecular breeding.

Synergistic effect of corn straw and mulberry leaves fermantation in vitro and effects on growth performance and antioxidant capacity of sheep.

This study was to determine the synergistic effect of corn straw and mulberry leaves in sheep diet. Corn straw and mulberry leaves were mixed as culture substrate for six groups: 100:0 (T0), 80:20 (T20), 60:40 (T40), 40: 60 (T60), 20:80 (T80) and 0:100 (T100). The in vitro culture indicated that mulberry leaves exhibited a positive correlation with theoretical gas production (GP), cumulative GP, microbial crude protein concentration, and organic matter digestibility. At 72 h, total volatile fatty acids and acetic acid were significantly higher in the T60, T80, and T100 groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, at 6 h, 12 h, and 72 h, the ammonia nitrogen of T60, T80, and T100 groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05). The combination of T20, T60, and T80 were selected for sheep feeding, and T60 got an highest increase in the average daily feed intake (P < 0.05). In addition, the thickness of the rib and back was notably increased in the T80 (P < 0.05). The water holding capacity of the longissiums dorsi muscle was higher and drip loss lower by feeding combination feed, especially in T20 and T60 groups (P < 0.05). The blood urea nitrogen decreased with the increase of mulberry leaf content (P < 0.05). Additionally, the T60 and T80 groups demonstrated higher DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability (P < 0.05). Furthermore the combination resulted in a notable enhancement of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the sheep liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of corn straw and mulberry leaves had a positive synergistic effect in improving feed intake, muscle thickness, muscle water retention and liver antioxidant capacity of sheep, which provides a practical way for utilizing agricultural waste.

Soil amendment with biochar from slaughterhouse waste bones enhances soil quality and promotes the growth of crop plants

This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of bone char (2 and 5%, B2 and B5, respectively), a by-product of the pyrolysis of slaughterhouse waste animal bones, on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants, evaluating biometric (i.e. fresh weight), biochemical (i.e. chlorophyll, starch, soluble sugars, antioxidants (i.e. polyphenols and flavonoids), and mineral (i.e. Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, P, S, Zn) parameters. Changes in the physio-chemical properties (i.e. pH, electrical conductivity, and mineral content) of the soil in which the plants were grown were also evaluated. Bone char amendment raised the soil levels of Ca and especially P. Lettuce plants grown in soils amended with bone char showed a remarkable increase in Ca, fresh weight (B2: +14%; B5: +17%), and biochemical parameters. Specifically, bone char increased the leaf content of chlorophyll, starch, and soluble sugars. Notably, the addition of 5% bone char also significantly boosted total polyphenols and the uptake of Mn and P.

Association of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Density Change with Hydrogen Peroxide but Not Carbohydrate Concentration in the Leaf Content of Different Lettuce Types and Spinach.

Leafy greens injuries occur from farm to table, causing leakage of cellular contents that promote the multiplication of foodborne pathogens and impose oxidative stress. Fresh beverages made from blended uncooked fruit and vegetables have become a popular food. The effect of cellular contents of different leafy greens on the multiplication of the important pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) under temperature abuse was investigated. Leafy greens consisted of spinach and different lettuce types (romaine, iceberg, butterhead, green leaf, and red leaf). Fructose, glucose, and sucrose concentrations in the leaves were quantified by HPLC. H2O2 concentration was measured via a peroxidase-based assay. Young leaves of iceberg, romaine, and green leaf lettuce held significantly greater total amounts of the three carbohydrates than middle-aged leaves. Except for iceberg and red leaf lettuce, all middle-aged leaves contained greater H2O2 than young leaves. EcO157 density change in leaf contents over 5 h incubation related neither to individual nor total carbohydrate concentration but was negatively associated with H2O2 concentration (regression analysis; p < 0.05). Given the common use of antioxidants to maintain the organoleptic aspects of homogenized produce beverages and certain fresh-cut produce, the antimicrobial effect of reactive oxygen species may be important to preserve in ensuring their microbial safety.

Foliar and root applications of salicylic acid alleviate salinity stress by modulating morpho-physiological and biochemical aspects in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Salinity stress is considered lethal for successful crop production under the threat of climate change. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of different application methods of salicylic acid (SA) for alleviating the salinity stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill. var. BARI Tomato-4). In this study, tomato plants were exposed to salt (S, 100 mM NaCl), with the SA (1 mM) treatment applied via root pretreatment (R), foliar treatment (F), or their combined form (R + F) and without NaCl or SA (C, control). Salinity stress significantly decreased the morphological traits such as height of plants, SPAD value, fresh and dry mass of shoot and root, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, ascorbic acid (AsA), and leaf relative water content compared to control plants. On the contrary, sodium content of both the leaf and root, proline, leaf soluble sugars, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were significantly increased under the saline condition than control. Applying SA improved the growth and other traits of tomato plants that suffered from salinity. Moreover, foliar treatment in combination with root pretreatment significantly increased leaf soluble sugar, proline content, CAT, and APX activities, whereas leaf and root sodium concentration, H2O2, and MDA contents were decreased compared to plants that only received salt stress treatment. The results of this study validated the beneficial effect of SA in enhancing salt stress tolerance. Despite notable variance across the various methods of SA treatment, the current findings suggest that combined foliar and root applications of SA can enhance the salt tolerance of tomato plants.

Re-utilization of factory tea waste as a potential biostimulant on the early growth and nutrient uptake of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) nursery plants

Humic-like substances extracted from organic waste materials are widely used as plant biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. This study was aimed to extract two types of humic-like fractions from tea waste and study their chemical characteristics and investigate their biostimulant effects on the early growth of tea nursery plants under different application methods and fertilizer rates. Humic-like fractions were extracted from tea waste using alkaline hydrolysis. One fraction has purified humic acid named as humic-like acid (HLA) while the other has impurified humic and fulvic acids called as humic-like substances (HLS). Both fractions were applied as foliar and soil application along with full (100%) and half (50%) rates of fertilizer. The results revealed that HLA had higher total organic carbon and elemental composition, while HLS showed higher humic yield, C/N ratio, total acidity and E4/E6 ratio. The results of the plant study indicated that foliar application HLS with full rate of fertilizer significantly improved the dry weight of various plant parts (Leaf, stem and root), growth parameters, and nutrient uptake compared to untreated plants. Foliar application of HLS and HLA along with 100% fertilizer increased the total plant biomass by 36.9% and 22.6% respectively over control. Furthermore, both fractions increased the concentrations of leaf N and P and the uptake of N, P and K. Our findings revealed that foliar application of HLS along with 100% fertilizer could be used to produce vigorous tea nursery plants most suitable for successful transplanting in the field.

Bioactive Potential of Olive Leaf By-Product Throughout In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

Olive leaf, an abundant and underutilized byproduct of the olive industry, has gained attention as a potential functional ingredient due to its high content of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds. However, little is known about its bioaccessibility and transformation throughout the digestive process, limiting its application in food formulations. This study provides a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of how ground olive leaf bioactive compounds behave during gastrointestinal digestion, offering new insights into their stability and potential health benefits. The total phenolics content and antioxidant activity of ground olive leaf increased in the oral and gastric phases, decreasing slightly in the intestinal phase, with a bioaccessibility of 46% and up to 70% for the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, respectively. The principal individual phenolic compounds identified in the intestinal phase were oleuropein, luteolin-7-glycoside, luteolin-6-glycoside and ferulic acid, with bioaccessibilities of up to 97%. The main soluble sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose) and organic acids (succinic, citric, and acetic acids) detected in the olive leaf samples showed different behaviors during gastrointestinal digestion: sugars increased in the oral and gastric phases but decreased in the intestinal phase, with high bioaccessibility despite reduced recovery, while organic acids remained mostly stable, except for citric acid, which decreased significantly in the intestinal phase, all showing close to 100% bioaccessibility. These results provide the first detailed evidence of the digestive fate of ground olive leaf bioactive compounds, reinforcing its potential as a functional ingredient. Its natural availability, without requiring pre-treatment, combined with its high antioxidant potential and bioaccessibility, highlights its relevance for the development of innovative food ingredients, aligning with circular economy principles and sustainable food strategies.

Impact of Calcium Sources and Application Methods on Micronutrient Content in Leaves and Fruits of High-density Apple Varieties

Background: Kashmir is famous for quality apples and overall higher production in India, but poor post-harvest storage infrastructure in region degrades its market acceptability. Maintaining calcium adequacy supply to plant is thus essential to enhance post-harvest shelf life and lessen the incidence of physiological disorders. Calcium use however declines few micronutrients availability in plant leaves and fruits. Objective: Evaluate effect of calcium use on micronutrient content in fruits and leaves of two apple varieties. Methods: Different calcium sources (calcium chloride and calcium nitrate), variable doses (3, 4 and 5 gram per liter of water in foliar spray and 100, 200 and 300 gram per plant in soil application), and their mode of application (soil and foliar) on two apple varieties (Golden Delicious and Red Chief Camspur) comprising 24 treatment combinations were tested. Results: Foliar application of calcium nitrate is an effective method for reducing drastic decline of essential micronutrient content particularly iron, zinc and boron in fruit and leaves of apple compared to its soil application or foliar application of calcium chloride, later two strongly reduces micronutrient content beyond required limits in both fruits and leaves if used at higher doses. The partitioning of micronutrients particularly iron, zinc and boron decreased with every increased dosage of calcium in plant leaves and fruits in both varieties. Micronutrients significantly declined over control and this decrease was reliant on calcium sources, dosage, and mode of application. Results of research revealed that at higher doses of calcium the iron, zinc and boron content in leaves of apple declined below 150, 41 and 35 ppm respectively, whereas respective micronutrient decline in fruit was below 1, 0.5 and 1 ppm respectively. Our study did find adversity of dosage and mode of application in maintaining required zinc, iron and boron content of fruit and leaf over control particularly in 5 gram per liter of water in foliar spray and 300 gram per plant in soil application. Conclusion: Orchardist cannot neglect importance of calcium use in apple for enhancing its shelf life, but instead of using calcium chloride use of calcium nitrate is better option to meet required calcium demands of apple. Alternate sprays of micronutrient mixture containing zinc, iron and boron is recommended to meet desired concentration of these micronutrients in fruit for better nutritive value.

Antimicrobial activity of scent leaf (&lt;em&gt;Ocimum gratissimum&lt;/em&gt;), turmeric (&lt;em&gt;Curcuma longa&lt;/em&gt;) and negro-pepper (&lt;em&gt;Xylopia aethiopica&lt;/em&gt;) on selected tomato (&lt;em&gt;Lycopersicon esculentum&lt;/em&gt;) spoilage microorganisms

In this study, three spices of plant extracts: scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum), tumeric (Curcuma longa) and the fruit of Negro-pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) were studied for their antimicrobial activities. Standard methods were adopted for extraction of soluble components in them. Antimicrobial potentials of the three extracts were tested separately and in consortium against selected spoilage microorganisms. Results showed that Ocimum gratissimum, Curcuma longa and Xylopia aethiopica had antimicrobial effects on some of the microorganisms tested. However, none of the extracts were able to inhibit the growth of Proteus vulgaris. Results indicated that minimum inhibitory concentration of scent leaf at 400 mg/mL was able to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter freundii, while 500 mg/mL was effective on Escherichia coli as well. Similarly, turmeric at 400 mg/mL inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while 500 mg/mL of the same extract inhibited Citrobacter freundii as well. Negro pepper shows inhibition above 300 mg/mL. Combined effects of these extracts showed varying degrees of inhibitions.

Nutrient uptake, osmolytes and antioxidant potential of different citrus rootstocks subjected to acidic soils

The present experiment was conducted during 2021–23 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to evaluate the response of five citrus rootstocks, viz. Rangpur lime (RL); Troyer citrange (TC); Cleopatra mandarin (CM); X-639 and Jatti khatti (JK) for leaf and root nutrient content including osmolytes and antioxidant potential in a soil pH range of 3.8–7.5. The experiment was initiated after the final establishment of plants in the pots in a factorial completely randomized block design (Factorial-CRBD) with four levels of soil pH and five different citrus rootstocks. Result indicated that RL recorded highest phosphorous content in leaf (0.43%) and root (0.36%) as well as total soluble sugars content (9.34 mg/g) in leaf. TC registered highest content of nitrogen (1.83%) and phosphorous (0.35%) in root; potassium (1.83 and 1.89%) and calcium (1.10 and 0.94%) in leaf and root, respectively, while significantly higher magnesium content (0.77%) and soluble protein (5.67 mg/g) were documented in the leaf as compared to other rootstocks. Maximum nitrogen content (3.10%), total phenols (6.76 GAE mg/g) and proline (40.27 μmol/g) were registered in leaves of CM whereas magnesium content in root (1.05%). The nitrogen content in leaves and roots of all the rootstocks as well as total soluble sugar tended to increase with decreasing levels of soil pH. Principal component analysis identified a distinct cluster of rootstocks comprising TC, X-639 and JK grouped together with notably high phenolic levels, while RL formed a separate cluster characterized by higher concentrations of total soluble sugar, proline and phosphorus. Thus, the present study demonstrated that citrus rootstocks prefer relatively lower soil pH for optimal growth. Among the investigated rootstocks, RL has demonstrated the ability to tolerate higher acidic soil conditions.

Microanalysis of minerals in Rhizophora mangle L. leaves from Marambaia mangroves reveal low presence of potentially toxic elements

The mangroves of Marambaia, area bathed by the Bay of Sepetiba, is located in an area protected by the Brazilian Army and has a remarkable level of environmental protection among ecosystems around the bay. Leaf content of minerals and potentially toxic elements in a typical species of mangrove of Rhizophora mangle L. were analyzed from samples collected in Marambaia. Microanalyses of minerals were done by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy coupled to Scanning Electron Microscope (EDX-SEM) that showed the elemental composition and its relative quantity in R. mangle leaves. The major mineral deteced were Na, Ca and Cl, and low concentration of Zn.

Floor Management and Amendment Applications Affected Dry-farmed Tomato Production during a 2020 Experiment in the Willamette Valley of Oregon

‘Early Girl’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was dry-farmed during 2020 to determine the effects of floor management and amendment treatments on the total and unblemished yields, average fruit weight, blossom-end rot (BER) incidence, sunscald incidence, plant size, soil water tension, predawn leaf water potential (PDLWP), and leaf and soil nutrient concentrations. Floor management treatments included leaf mulching (4 inches of semi-composted leaf mulch), dust mulching (mechanical tillage to a depth of 6 to 8 inches after rain events), and a weedy treatment (weeds were not controlled). Amendment treatments included high compost (additional 73.5 wet tons/acre), high nitrogen (N) (160 lb/acre N applied as composted chicken manure and feather meal), low N (40 lb/acre N), and gypsum (2075 lb/acre gypsum). All these treatments were compared with a clean-cultivated control fertilized at 100 lb/acre N. No floor management treatment performed better (referring to total yield, unblemished yield, fruit count, fruit weight, BER incidence, sunscald incidence, and PDLWP) than the clean-cultivated control, and the leaf mulch and weedy treatments performed significantly worse. The leaf mulch treatment decreased the average fruit weight (30%), increased the BER incidence (34%), and increased the necrotic BER incidence (88%) when compared with the control. However, the leaf mulch treatment also used soil moisture more slowly than the control did. The weedy treatment decreased total yields (65%) and unblemished yields (88%), decreased the total fruit count (53%), decreased the average fruit weight (25%), increased the BER incidence (53%) and necrotic BER incidence (82%), decreased PDLWP (suggesting that the plants were more drought-stressed) on 20 Jul (27%) and 3 Aug (44%), and resulted in smaller plants when compared with those treated with the control. No amendment treatment performed better than the control, and the high compost treatment performed significantly worse. When compared with the control, the high compost treatment decreased the average fruit weight (15%), increased the BER incidence (39%), increased the necrotic BER incidence (67%), and increased plant aboveground biomass at the end of the experiment (34%). Increasing applications of organic fertilizers increased the BER incidence, with 48% BER at 40 lb/acre N and 62% BER at 160 lb/acre N. These data suggest that excess fertilizer applications and factors that increase drought stress (e.g., weeds) induce BER in dry-farmed tomato. Dust mulching may not be necessary, and shallow cultivation can be used instead for weed management. Dry farmers in the Willamette Valley must control weeds and avoid excess soil fertility and leaf mulches because they can result in large plants with a large fruit set; however, these fruit are more susceptible to BER.

Response of Seedlings of Two Olive Varieties to the Addition of Chemical and Biological Fertilization

Abstract Nursery owners suffer from slow growth of olive seedlings, and thus production costs increase until they are ready for planting in a sustainable orchard. Therefore, this study aimed to add biological and chemical fertilization to seedlings of two types of olives for the purpose of improving their growth and mineral content. The experiment included two factors, the first nine fertilizer treatments containing 15gm. Seedling−1NPK (20:20:20), 10g.Seedling−1NPK+5g.Seedling−1 Biofertilizer Gorabac G, 5g.Seedling−1NPK+10g.Seedling−1 Biofertilizer Gorabac G, 2.5g.Seedling−1NPK +15g. Seedlings−1 Biofertilizer Gorabac G, 20g. Seedlings−1 Biofertilizer Gorabac G, 10g. Seedlings−1NPK+5ml.Seedlings−1Biofertilizer in broth form, 5g.Seedlings−1NPK+10ml.Seedlings−1 Biofertilizer In broth form, 2.5 gm. Seedling−1 NPK + 15 ml. Seedling−1 Biofertilizer in broth form, 20 ml. Seedling−1 biofertilizer in broth form. The second factor included two olive varieties (Nabali and Sourani), according to the results measured at the end of the experiment. It was found that there were no significant differences between the factors for the (leaf content of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, protein, and dry weight of the root system). On the other hand, the treatment 10 g. seedling−1 NPK + 5 ml. seedling−1 biofertilizer in broth form was superior to the rest of the treatments in terms of dry weight of the shoot, as well. The Nabali variety was significantly superior to the Sorani variety in the values of this trait.

Physiological mechanisms of Carya illinoensis tolerance to manganese stress.

Physiological mechanisms of Carya illinoensis tolerance to manganese stress.

Phytochemical compositions and Adulticidal Effectiveness of Indian Borage, Coleus amboinicus Lour, against Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky [Coleoptera: Curculionidae]

The use of synthetic chemical insecticides in the management of food grain pests has a severe adverse effect on consumer’s health and the environment. Public awareness of the adverse effects of synthetic chemical insecticides has called for the urgent need to replace this method with a safer and cheaper method. This research evaluated the adulticidal effects of Coleus amboinicus leaf, stem and root powders and crude extracts against Sitophilus zeamais. The plant powders were tested at dosages 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.5 g per 20 g, while extracts were tested at concentrations 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ml per 20 g of maize seeds. The results revealed that Coleus amboinicus leaf powder at a dosage of 1.5 g caused 63% mortality of adult S. zeamais after a day of treatment. This was followed by C. amboinicus stem that evoked 56% weevil mortality. This research showed that C. amboinicus extracts were more toxic than powders of the tested Coleus amboinicus parts. The lethal concentrations of leaf, stem and root extracts which caused 50% mortality in the population of S. zeamais response after 96 h of exposure were 0.13 ml, 0.27 ml and 0.48 ml respectively. Coleus amboinicus leaf proved to be the most toxic to maize weevil, followed by stem powder and extract. The study established that C. amboinicus leaf, stem, and root contain varying levels of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, and tannin, responsible for the adulticidal toxicity to the maize weevil.