Leaf Count Research Articles

Exposure to toxic cadmium concentration induce physiological and molecular mechanisms alleviating herbivory infestation in Wedelia

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity induces significant disruptions in growth and development, plants have developed strategies to alleviate metal toxicity promoting establishment even during herbivores infestation. The study demonstrates that W. trilobata maintains growth and development under the combined stress of Cd exposure and herbivore invasion by Spodoptera litura, in contrast to W. chinensis. Cd toxicity markedly reduce shoot elongation and total fresh biomass, and a significant decrease in the dry weight of the shoot biomass and leaf count by 19%, 18%, 16%, and 19% in W. trilobata compared to controls. An even more pronounced decrease of 35%, 43%, 45% and 43% was found in W. chinensis. Compared to W. chinensis, W. trilobata showed a higher increase in phytohormone production including abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and methyl jasmonic acid (JA-me) under both Cd and herbivory stress as compared with respective controls. In addition, leaf ultra-structure also showed the highest damage to cell membranous structures by Cd-toxicity in W. chinensis. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed numerous genes viz., EMSY, MCCA, TIRI, BED-type, ABA, JAZ, CAB-6, CPSI, LHCII, CAX, HNM, ABC-Cd-trans and GBLP being differentially expressed between Cd-stress and herbivory groups in both W. trilobata and W. chinensis, with a particular emphasis on genes associated with metal transport and carbohydrate metabolism. Analyses employing the Gene Ontology (GO) system, the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) categorization, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, highlight the functional and evolutionary relationships among the genes of the Phenylpropanoid and Flavonoid biosynthesis pathways and brassinosterod metabolism, associated with plant growth and development under Cd-toxicity and herbivory. W. trilobata opposite of W. chinensis, significantly improve plant growth and mitigates Cd toxicity through modulation of metabolic processes, and regulation of responsible genes, to sustain its growth under Cd and herbivory stress, which can be used in stress improvement in plants for sustainable ecosystem biodiversity and food security.

Environmentally friendly slow-release urea fertilizer based on modified chitosan membrane

The inefficient use of conventional fertilizers has prompted the exploration of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) systems to enhance plant nutrient delivery and uptake. This study investigates the potential of the chitosan (CS) membrane modified with succinic acid (SA) and calcium ions (Ca2+) as an effective SRF system. The CS/SA-U/Ca-coated membrane can extend the release period of urea, thereby optimizing fertilizer efficiency and promoting plant growth. The structural and chemical features of the CS/SA-U/Ca membrane were comprehensively analyzed. The modification with Ca2+ increased the membrane’s thickness, decreased its swelling degree, and resulted in a rougher, more porous surface, all of which contributed to a more controlled release of urea. Urea release profiles were evaluated in both water and soil, demonstrating that the CS/SA-U/Ca coating extended the release period to 20 days in water and over 30 days in soil. Quantitative UV–Vis spectrophotometry and qualitative assessments were used to measure the urea release and evaluate the impact of the SRF on vegetable plant growth. Experimental results demonstrated a significant enhancement in plant growth, with a 46 % increase in stem growth and a doubling of leaf count compared to control plants without the SRF membrane. These findings suggest that the CS/SA-U/Ca-coated SRF system holds promise for optimizing fertilizer use and promoting plant growth by providing a more controlled nutrient release.

Effects of Different Potting Mixture on Early Development of <i>Afzelia quanzesis </i>Welw. Species Seedlings

Planting native plant species is becoming increasingly important as the world begins to realise the importance of restoring ecosystems, especially since many valuable species are on the brink of extinction due to human over-exploitation. <i>Afzelia quanzensis</i> Welw. is one of the valuable timber species, highly targeted in uncontrolled selective loggings, hence threatening its existence. This study assessed the effects of different potting mixtures on <i>A. quanzensis</i> early seed germination, which is an essential step for its mass propagation. Four different potting mixtures: T1 (forest soil, agricultural residues, tobacco, and cow manures), T2 (forest soil, tobacco manure), T3 (forest soil and cow manure), and T4 (forest soil and agricultural residues) were utilised. Employing a completely randomised design with each mixture replicated four times, the study monitored growth parameters, such as leaf count and seedling height, over one month. Results from two-way ANOVA with Turkey’s multiple comparisons test showed that forest soil and cow manure (T3) yielded the tallest plants and highest scores of leaf count. The study provides valuable insights for nursery managers and researchers working on the mass propagation of the <i>A. quanzensis</i> tree species for plantations in the region.

Tolerance of Young Blackberries to a Selection of Preemergence Herbicides and Rates

Limited preemergence herbicides are registered for new blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) plantings. This greenhouse experiment was designed to investigate the effects of a broad selection of preemergence herbicides at multiple rates on blackberry transplants. Screening was initiated Aug 2021 and repeated Mar 2022 in Fayetteville, AR, USA, in a greenhouse at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center. ‘Ouachita’ blackberry plugs were transplanted into utility pots that contained field soil and growth media treated with preemergence herbicides. After transplanting, plant height was measured from the substrate to the highest apical meristem of 25 representative plants. Initial blackberry plant heights were 13.5 and 9.2 cm in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Twenty-five treatments were evaluated, consisting of 12 preemergence herbicides at 1× and 2× field rates, and one untreated control. Herbicide treatments included diuron, flumioxazin, halosulfuron, indaziflam, mesotrione, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, simazine, and sulfentrazone applied to substrate in containers at their respective 1× or 2× field rates. Data were collected on plant height, blackberry injury ratings, internode length, leaf chlorophyll content, and destructive harvest, including leaf count, leaf dry biomass, and aboveground dry biomass. Specific leaf areas and leaf area-to-dry matter ratios were calculated. When observed, plant injury tended to increase from 7 days after treatment (DAT) until 42 DAT. Greater injury levels were observed in response to treatment with mesotrione at the 1× (78%) and 2× rates (90%), halosulfuron at the 1× rate (58%), halosulfuron at the 2× rate (68%), and diuron at the 2× rate (73%). Injury from diuron was rate dependent, with the 1× rate causing relatively low injury (19%). At both the 1× and 2× rates, flumioxazin, indaziflam, napropamide, S-metolachlor, and pendimethalin treatments exhibited similar responses to the untreated control.

The Influence of Varying Wavelengths of LED Light on the Development, Physiology Response, and Metabolism Activities of Micropropagated Dendrobium Hybrid ‘Shuijing’ Plantlets

Dendrobium hybrids have a significant role in the present floral sector. The aim of this research was to evaluate how various light qualities affect the physiological and biochemical traits of Dendrobium ‘Shuijing’. In order to determine the optimal light quality for in vitro cultivation of Dendrobium plantlets, we examined the correlations between growth, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient and chlorophyll levels, as well as chlorophyll fluorescence. The growth rate was compared by using different light qualities emitted by the LED light source. These included red light (R), blue light (B), and three ratios: 8R:2B, 7R:3B, and equal proportions of both colors, known as white, fluorescent light (CK). The combination of 7R:3B resulted in noticeable enhancements in leaf count, root length, root activity, fresh and dry weight measurements, antioxidant capability, as well as chlorophyll content and fluorescence. Specifically, the mixture of red and blue LED lights at a ratio of 7R:3B led to increased leaf number, root length, root activity, fresh and dry weight measurements, antioxidant ability, and chlorophyll content with improved fluorescence. In order to explore the effect of light quality on the growth and development of Dendrobium, the chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of plants under all light quality conditions were analyzed by using a linear regression model with other physiological and biochemical indexes. A significant correlation between non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and leaf length was also observed. The content of chlorophyll b showed significant correlations with both root number and leaf number. Furthermore, chlorophyll a, along with its ratio to chlorophyll b, significantly correlated with root length. Chlorophyll b and the relative electron transport rate of PSII (ETRII) significantly correlated with root activity and the free proline content (FPC) and catalase (CAT) activity. The photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) significantly correlated with total soluble sugars content (SSC) and peroxidase (POD) activity. The correlation between the quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm ratio) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was found to be significant. Similarly, the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) showed significant correlations with fresh weight, dry weight, soluble protein content (SPC), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Through a principal component analysis (PCA), it was observed that plants cultivated under the 7R:3B light treatment achieved significantly better comprehensive scores compared to those grown under different light treatments. In conclusion, growth achieved under an LED emitting a ratio of 7R:3B light yielded the most robust Dendrobium hybrid plantlets within a controlled environment.

Evaluation of the Impact of Chemical Mutagens on the Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Two Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing diversity in crops. This study was carried out at Lovely Professional University's agricultural research farm in Punjab, India, during the year 2023. The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment aimed to assess the effect of three chemical mutagens, sodium azide (SA), ethyl methyl sulphonates (EMSs), and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), at three different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%), in SL958 and SL744 soybean varieties to select the mutant exhibiting the highest yield. The data were collected and analysed using a two-way ANOVA test through SPSS software (version 22), and the means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance. Between the two varieties, the highest seed germination percentage (76.0% seedlings/plot) was recorded in SL958 (0.4% SA), while the lowest (30.33% seedlings/plot) was observed in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (53% and 76% in SL744 and SL958 at 10 days after sowing, respectively). Several weeks after sowing, the average plant height was observed to be higher (37.84 ± 1.32 cm) in SL958 (0.4% SA) and lower (20.58 ± 0.30 cm) in SL744 (0.6% SA), as compared to the controls (SL958: 26.09 ± 0.62 cm and SL744: 27.48 ± 0.74 cm). The average leaf count was the highest (234.33 ± 3.09 tetrafoliate leaves/plant) in SL958 (0.4% SA) while it was the lowest (87 leaves/plant) in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (SL744 180.00 ± 1.63 and SL958 160.73 ± 1.05). The highest total leaf areas recorded in the SL958 and SL744 M1plants were 3625.8 ± 1.43 cm2 and 2311.03 ± 3.65 cm2, respectively. Seeds of the SL958 variety treated with 0.4% SA resulted in the development of tetrafoliate leaves with a broad leaf base and the maximum yield (277.55 ± 1.37 pods/plant) compared to the narrow pentafoliate leaves obtained through the treatment with EMS. Meanwhile, in the SL744 variety, the same treatment led to tetrafoliate leaves with a comparatively lower yield of 206.54 ± 23.47 pods/plant as compared to the control (SL744 164.33 ± 8.58 and SL958 229.86 ± 0.96). The highest protein content (47.04 ± 0.87% TSP) was recorded in the SL958 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds followed by a content of 46.14 ± 0.64% TSP in the SL744 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds, whereas the lowest content (38.13 ± 0.81% TSP) was found in SL958 (0.6% MMS). Similar observations were recorded for the lipid and fibre content. The 0.4% SA treatment in SL958 proved to be efficient in generating the highest leaf area (tetrafoliate leaves) and a reasonable yield of M1 (the first generation after mutation) plants.

The Influence of Shade on the Growth and Production of Butterfly Pea Plants (Clitoria ternatea)

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a medicinal plant known for its anthocyanin pigment content, which imparts a blue color to its flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of shading on butterfly pea flower growth and production. The research design utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for shading treatments. We replicated each treatment level four times, resulting in 20 experimental units, each containing four plants, for a total population of 80 plants. We conducted the experiment at the Experimental Garden of Gunadarma University Campus F7, implementing shade nets at different intensity levels (55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%), along with a control treatment without shading. We made observations on various plant growth parameters such as leaf count, plant length, days to first flower appearance, flower count, fresh weight, and dry weight. The results indicated that shading significantly influenced butterfly pea plants' growth. Plants without shading tended to exhibit better growth in several parameters, such as increased leaf count, higher plant length, and earlier days to first flower appearance. These findings underscore the importance of sunlight in supporting the growth and production of butterfly pea plants. Therefore, careful consideration of shade management is essential in agricultural practices to ensure optimal growth and maximum yield from butterfly pea plants.

Impacts of Calcium Cyanamide Application as a Nitrogen Source on Growth, Yield, Quality, and Storage Durability of Short-day Onion

Rapid leaching of soluble nitrogen (N) sources in soil poses a significant challenge in agricultural practices. Therefore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of crop responses to slow-release N application rates has become crucial to contributing valuable insights to optimize N management strategies in agriculture. A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of preplant calcium cyanamide fertilizer on the growth, yield, quality, and shelf life of short-day onion. Six levels of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2, 19.8% N), 0, 90, 120, 200, 400, and 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2, which are equivalent to 0, 17.82, 23.76, 39.6, 79.2, and 118.8 kg⋅ha−1 N, respectively, replicated four times were broadcasted and incorporated into the top 5 to 10 cm of soil. Using 400 kg⋅ha−1 of CaCN2 yielded noteworthy improvements in various parameters of onion growth, such as plant height, leaf count, bulb weight per plant, bulb diameter, bulb length, and overall plant weight, as indicated by the study results. The application of different levels of CaCN2 as an N source exerted a significant influence on these growth factors. Moreover, the study revealed a direct correlation between CaCN2 application levels and the storage life of onions. Specifically, the findings demonstrated that the application of 400 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 resulted in enhanced yield and overall onion plant growth. However, the application of 600 kg⋅ha−1 CaCN2 increased the incidences of bulb weight loss, rots, and sprouting during the 8-week storage period at room temperature. These findings provide valuable insights for onion investors and farmers in the region and offer practical recommendations for optimizing fertilizer use and storage practices to improve onion production and minimize postharvest losses.

Response of selected scion and rootstock grape (<i>Vitis </i>spp.) genotypes to induced drought stress

Climate change is expected to elevate drought frequency, straining agricultural freshwater resources. Developing drought-tolerant grapevine varieties is crucial. This study examined grape scion and rootstock genotypes under well-watered (WW) and induced-drought (ID) conditions. ID treatment reduced vine length by 11.34-35.15%, with Vitis parviflora, 110R, and Male Hybrid rootstocks showing superior growth. Root length increased under ID, indicating an adaptive moisture-seeking response. The ID treatment led to substantial reduction in leaf count and average leaf area, especially in Flame Seedless (27.71 and 19.07 cm2, respectively). Drought stress elevated chlorophyll a:b ratio, affecting chlorophyll degradation in different genotypes. Significant variations were observed in leaf and root iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. Enzyme activities particularly peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase especially rose under drought, particularly in V. parviflora (3.39 μM guaiacol min-1 mg-1 protein and 1.33EU/ml/min respectively) likely to be contributing in drought tolerance mechanism. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted impact of traits on genotypes, emphasizing V. parviflora, Male Hybrid and Pusa Navrang as superior drought stress tolerant genotypes. Genotype clustering confirmed distinct groupings, while, correlation analysis unveiled intricate trait interactions.

Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) in the hilly region of Nepal

The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers plays a crucial role in farming practices in Nepal, depending on their availability. Applying fertilizers like compost, vermicompost, goat manure, and NPK has shown significant effects on various aspects of plant growth and yield. This study was conducted in Diktel, Khotang district of Nepal, from March 14th to June 7th, 2023, aiming to evaluate how different organic and inorganic sources affect the growth and yield of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). The experiment followed a one-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, involving five treatments: T1: 100% Compost manure, T2: 100% Vermicompost, T3: 100% Goat manure, T4: 100% NPK, and T5: Control. The results clearly showed that both vegetative and reproductive traits were significantly varies among several treatments utilized in the experiments at 0.1% level of significance. Compost application consistently showed better results across most growth and yield parameters assessed. Growth parameters included plant height, leaf count per plant, leaf length, and leaf width, while yield parameters included beetroot diameter, beetroot length, root yield, and leaf yield. Organic compost manure particularly stood out, displaying significantly larger beetroot diameter (4.85 cm) and greater beetroot length (9.3 cm). Additionally, compost manure led to notably increased root yield (13.95 t/ha) compared to the control treatment, which recorded a lower root yield (6.28 t/ha). Overall, all treatments outperformed the control in terms of growth and yield parameters. These findings suggest that organic compost manure is the most favorable choice for achieving high-quality beetroot production in the hilly regions of Nepal.

A preliminary study on the interaction between Meloidogyne incognita and some strains of Pseudomonas spp. on growth performance of tomato under greenhouse conditions

The present study investigated the biological management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato plants using different strains of Pseudomonas spp. The experiment involved five treatments: a healthy control (T1), a nematode-inoculated control (T2), Pseudomonas fluorescens strain A (T3), P. fluorescens strain B (T4), and P. putida (T5). The results demonstrated significant differences in plant growth and root gall formation across treatments. The healthy control exhibited an average plant height of 12 cm and weight of 11 g. Nematode inoculation slightly reduced growth, with plants averaging 11 cm in height and 10 g in weight. Treatment with P. fluorescens strain A resulted in the highest growth, with plants reaching 13 cm in height and 12 g in weight. P. fluorescens strain B and P. putida treatments produced plants with average heights of 12 cm and 12.5 cm, and weights of 11 g and 10 g, respectively. Leaf and flower counts also varied, with T3, T4, and T5 treatments increasing leaf counts to 26, 40, and 33, respectively, compared to 15 in the nematode-inoculated control. The application of P. fluorescens strains A and B significantly reduced root galls to 8 and 15, respectively, compared to 29 in T2. P. putida treatment resulted in 21 root galls. These findings highlight the potential of Pseudomonas spp., especially P. fluorescens strains, in managing nematode infestation in tomato plants. Future studies should explore the mechanisms behind these microbial interactions and their long-term effects on plant health and yield.

Effect of Varieties and Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Wheat Crop under Irrigated Condition (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the third most crucial staple food globally, providing essential nutrients and being widely utilized in various applications. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2022–2023 at Lovely Professional University's Agriculture Research Farm in Jalandhar, Punjab, to investigate the impact of different wheat varieties and nutrient treatments on growth and grain yield. The study utilized a factorial randomized block design with three replications and eight treatment combinations involving two wheat varieties: V1 (Unnat PBW 550) V2 (WH 1105) and four nutritional levels: N1 (control), N2 (100% RDF Recommended dose of fertilizer), N3 & 15% VC (Vermicompost), and N4 (70% RDF & 30% VC). The results showed that the N3 treatment significantly enhanced growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves, tiller count, and dry matter accumulation. V2 (WH 1105) exhibited superior growth, with greater plant height (93.6 cm), leaf count (24.1 leaves/plant), and dry matter accumulation (54.57 g at 90 DAS).Yield attributes such as the number of effective tillers per plant, grains per spike, and 1000-grain weight were highest in the N3 treatment, with V2 (WH 1105) against outperforming V1 (Unnat PBW 550). Specifically, N3 treatment resulted in the highest number of effective tillers (6.0), grains per spike (58.16), and 1000-grain weight (39.40 g). Grain yield was maximized with the N3 treatment (57.15 q/ha), with V2 (WH 1105) producing a significantly higher grain yield (50.5 q/ha) compared to V1 (Unnat PBW 550). Additionally, the N3 treatment led to the highest straw yield (78.96 q/ha) and biological yield (136.11 q/ha). The harvest index was highest with the N2 treatment (42.35%), while V2 (WH 1105) showed a higher harvest index (41.97%) than V1 (Unnat PBW 550). These findings underscore the importance of nutrient management and variety selection in optimizing wheat growth and yield.

Essential oil constituents and secondary metabolites of Mentha viridis under tissue culture technique using violet visible light emitting diodes (LEDs)

This study aimed to propagate the valuable medicinal plant Mentha viridis through in vitro culture of nodal segments measuring approximately 1-1.5 cm. Two different types of light-emitting diode (LED) systems were used to apply three different concentrations of two different cytokinins: 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (TDZ) at 0, 1, or 2 mg/L. The LED systems were white as a control and violet, which is a 1:1 ratio of red and blue light. After a 30-day incubation period, the results revealed significant improvements in the survival rate and the number of shoots per explant across the various treatment groups. With MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L TDZ and illuminated by white and violet LEDs, the highest values were obtained, yielding survival rates of 93.3% and 13.3 shoots per explant, respectively. Moreover, the treatment involving 2 mg/L TDZ under violet LEDs illumination exhibited superior outcomes in terms of leaf count per explant, callus formation, and callus size. Notably, no callus formation was observed in response to BAP treatments. All treatments resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and the accumulation of various compounds, such as anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, when compared to the control in a broader context, the levels of IAA, kinetin, and zeatin increased, while GA3 and ABA decreased in response to the applied treatments, as compared to the control. Additionally, ten compounds were consistently found in all treatments by GC/MS analysis of the micro-propagated Mentha, with carvone accounting for the highest proportion (43.5%) and being the predominant component. Among all treatments, nodal segments that were exposed to violet LEDs and grown on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L TDZ had the highest carvone content.

Effect of Compost on the Growth, Flowering Attributes, and Vase Life of Different Varieties of Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias originates from Mexico and has high demand in the floriculture market. The need to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers has highlighted the importance of sustainable alternatives like organic manures. Compost application in horticulture is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, aiming to enhance soil health and plant growth. However, there is a limited understanding of its effects on the growth. This study investigates the effects of compost on the growth, flowering attributes, and vase life of Zinnia elegans to improve cultivation techniques and promote sustainable horticultural practices. The experiment used an RCBD with two factors. When they reached 3-5 true leaves, plantlets were transplanted into 12-inch pots with compost varying concentrations, including Control, 25%, 50%, and 100% with garden soil. Changing compost concentrations and zinnia varieties affected numerous factors strongly. Plant height, for instance, varied significantly, with Benary's Giant cultivar reaching the tallest (72.04 cm) under 50% compost, mirroring the stem diameter's peak at 1.01 cm with the same compost level. Compost levels and zinnia varieties also notably impacted leaf count, lateral branches, leaf area, flower count, and flower attributes like diameter and stalk length. The study also found that 50% of compost extended petal senescence survival. Compost and zinnia interaction affected the flower’s fresh weight and vase life. The interaction cultivar Benary,s Giant with 50% compost in garden soil was optimal for zinnia growth and flowering. This study will provide the basics for floriculture.

Endophytic Bacteria Improves the Growth of Tomato Plants: An Initial Trial Towards Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract Microbe-based biofertilizer remains high demand toward sustainable agriculture. Previous study isolated three potential endophytic bacteria from the root of klutuk banana plants namely K2, K8, and K117. The potencies were indicated by IAA production ability. This experiment examined the influence of root inoculation using these endophytic bacteria on the growth of tomato plants. Isolate preparation was initiated by shaking the three isolates in the Nutrient Broth medium for six hours. The seeds of tomato plants were germinated by soaking in sterile water for an hour after surface sterilization. Then, the soaked seeds were incubated for 3 days on the moist paper towel in the petri dish to achieve a high humidity. The germinated tomato seeds were inoculated by soaking the root tip in the bacterial isolates for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the inoculated tomato plants were grown on sterile soils in the greenhouse condition. The height of the plants, leaf count, root length, and quantity of roots were assessed 28 days after inoculation (dai). The t-test analysis indicated two isolates, K2 and K117, significantly improved the height of the plants, leaf count and root lengths compared to the control. In addition, all isolates significantly increased the number of roots of tomato plants. This finding revealed the plant growth improvement caused by root inoculation by these potential endophytic bacteria. This preliminary study gives additional information about a novel biofertilizer for sustainable agriculture.

Electric field-based air nanobubbles (EF-ANBs) irrigation on efficient crop cultivation with reduced fertilizer dependency

The advent of air nanobubbles (ANBs) has opened up a wide range of commercial applications spanning industries including wastewater treatment, food processing, biomedical engineering, and agriculture. The implementation of electric field-based air nanobubbles (EF-ANBs) irrigation presents a promising approach to enhance agricultural crop efficiency, concurrently promoting environmentally sustainable practices through reducing fertilizer usage. This study investigated the impact of EF-ANBs on the germination and overall growth of agricultural crops in soil. Results indicate a substantial enhancement in both germination rates and plant growth upon the application of EF-ANBs. Notably, the introduction of ANBs led to a significant enhancement in the germination rate of lettuce and basil, increasing from approximately 20% to 96% and from 16% to 53%, respectively over two days. Moreover, the presence of EF-ANBs facilitates superior hypocotyl elongation, exhibiting a 2.8- and a 1.6-fold increase in the elongation of lettuce and basil, respectively, over a six-day observation period. The enriched oxygen levels within the air nanobubbles expedite aerobic respiration, amplifying electron leakage from the electron transport chain (ETC) and resulting in heightened reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, playing a pivotal role in stimulating growth signaling. Furthermore, the application of EF-ANBs in irrigation surpasses the impact of traditional fertilizers, demonstrating a robust catalytic effect on the shoot, stem, and root length, as well as the leaf count of lettuce plants. Considering these parameters, a single fertilizer treatment (at various concentrations) during EF-ANBs administration, demonstrates superior plant growth compared to regular water combined with fertilizer. The findings underscore the synergistic interaction between aerobic respiration and the generation of ROS in promoting plant growth, particularly in the context of reduced fertilizer levels facilitated by the presence of EF-ANBs. This promising correlation holds significant potential in establishing more sustainability for ever-increasing environmentally conscious agriculture.

Increasing Growth, Production and Nutrient Uptake of Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L) Plant on Peat Soil by Applying Polyvalent Cation Ameliorant Cu2+, Fe3+, Zn2+ and Palm Front Compost

The development in Riau has led to converting agricultural land to non-agricultural use, impacting the cultivation of vegetable crops on peatlands that require intensive treatment to achieve maximum productivity. The research aims to assess the effects of ameliorants and oil palm frond compost application on the growth, production, and nutrient uptake of pakcoy plants (Brassica rapa L). The experiment utilized a Completely Randomized Factorial Design with 2 factors. The first factor involved ameliorants with 4 treatment levels: without ameliorant, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Zn2+. The second factor included oil palm frond compost with 4 treatment levels: without compost, 12. 24. and 36 g/plant. Parameters observed were plant height, leaf count, fresh weight, dry weight, and nutrient uptake of N, P, and K. Results showed significant interaction effects between ameliorants and oil palm frond compost on plant height, leaf count, fresh weight, and nutrient uptake of N, P, and K, with the best treatment being Cu2+ ameliorant and 24 g/plant oil palm frond compost. The primary effect of ameliorants significantly influenced all observed parameters, with Cu2+ being the best treatment. The primary effect of oil palm frond compost significantly influenced all observed parameters, with 12 g/plant being the best treatment.

The impact of drought duration on two Potamogeton species with different growth forms

When facing new climate extremes, aquatic plant communities may experience more frequent or increasing durations of water shortages. Aquatic macrophytes of permanently inundated habitats (true hydrophytes) may lack the physiological or morphological characteristics that protect terrestrial plants from drying out. Aquatic hydrophytes with floating or emergent leaves are expected to be more resilient to droughts than completely submerged plants, as they have morphological characteristics adapted to air-exposed conditions. Therefore, we expected the latter to survive longer periods of air exposure and perform better with increasing drought than a completely submerged growing species. Here, we conducted a microcosm experiment and exposed two Potamogeton species—the completely submerged growing Potamogeton perfoliatus and the areal leaf producing Potamogeton nodosus—to different drought conditions (1, 5, and 15 days). We aimed to detect how two species with different growth strategies cope with and respond to increasing air exposures with waterlogged sediment. Both species showed a resistance to 1–5 days of drought but showed high mortality after 15 days. They displayed significant differences in all measured morphological responses (shoot length, side shoot, and leaf counts), plant chemistry (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate), and the produced biomass (shoot, root, leaves), and reacted significantly to increasing drought durations. Differences in their resistance were observed based on the mortality rate and morphological responses. To prevent long-term droughts and keep mortality low, we recommend to the water managers to identify areas of risk and increase water levels during dry periods.

Optimizing Tomato Bareto (Lycopersicum esculentum MILL) Varieties Growth and Production Using Gamma Ray Radiation Technology

Research is currently being conducted on the impact of gamma-ray radiation on the growth and productivity of the Bareto tomato variety (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill), renowned for its sizable, vibrant red fruits and unique sweet flavor. This study aims to establish the most effective dosage of gamma radiation for promoting seed germination, enhancing plant height, and increasing leaf count. The experiment utilized a non-factorial, completely randomized design involving four treatments (0 Gy, 100 Gy, 200 Gy, and 300 Gy) with five replications. The findings indicated that doses of 200 Gy and 300 Gy led to a significant enhancement in seed germination, demonstrating a consistent improvement in the viability of Bareto tomato seeds. However, the height of the plants displayed a negligible rise at radiation doses of 200 Gy and 300 Gy compared to the control and 100 Gy, suggesting that the impact of radiation dosage on plant height development may not be significant. In contrast, there was a notable increase in the quantity of leaves at dosages of 200 Gy and 300 Gy during observations at 2 and 3 weeks after planting (WAP). This suggests that elevated levels of gamma radiation had a favorable impact on leaf growth

Agro-morphological Growth Response of Acha (FONIO) (Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua [Kippist] Stapf.) Exposed to Colchicine: Germination, Plant Height and Leaf Number

Acha (Fonio) Digitaria sp. is a valuable cereal crop widely cultivated in several African countries. The genetic improvement of Acha through induced mutagenesis has gained attention for enhancing desirable traits. Colchicine, a mitotic inhibitor, is commonly used to induce polyploidy, which can lead to alterations in plant characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of colchicine treatment on germination, plant height, and leaf count of two Acha species. Seeds from two Digitaria species, Digitaria exilis, and Digitaria iburua, were subjected to colchicine treatment using different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20g/dL). The control group was treated with distilled water. Germination rates were assessed by measuring the percentage of seeds that successfully sprouted. Plant height and leaf number were measured at maturity and analyzed using ANOVA on SPSS Version 26. The results indicated that colchicine treatment significantly affected germination, plant height, and leaf number in both Digitaria species. Germination rates varied depending on the concentration, with lower germination observed at higher concentrations (70.70% and 74.3% for 0.20g/dL treatment in both species). In terms of plant height, colchicine-treated Acha plants exhibited significant differences compared to the control group. The majority of treated plants showed increased growth (57.00 cm to 60.70 cm in D. exilis and 114.10 to 122.40 cm in D. iburua) compared to the control. Variability in plant height was observed among the treated plants, suggesting that colchicine-induced polyploidy had varying effects on height across different genotypes. Similarly, the number of leaves was affected by colchicine treatment. Treated plants exhibited an increase in leaf number (56.70 to 60.7 for D exilis and 32.60 to 36.30 for D. iburua), compared to the control group (49.7 and 29.7 respectively). This variability suggests that colchicine-induced polyploidy may have influenced leaf development and growth patterns in Acha. Colchicine treatment had significant effects on germination, plant height, and leaf count in both varieties of Acha. The results suggest that colchicine-induced polyploidy can alter these plant characteristics. These findings provide insights into the potential use of colchicine treatment for inducing desirable traits in Acha through polyploidization, which may have implications for crop improvement and breeding programs. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and assess the impact of these alterations on overall agronomic performance and yield potential.