Leaf Dry Weight Research Articles

Humic acid and grafting as sustainable agronomic practices for increased growth and secondary metabolism in cucumber subjected to salt stress

Salinity stress poses a significant treat to crop yields and product quality worldwide. Application of a humic acid bio stimulant and grafting onto tolerant rootstocks can both be considered sustainable agronomic practices that can effectively ameliorate the negative effects of salinity stress. This study aimed to assess the above mentioned ameliorative effects of both practices on cucumber plants subjected to saline environments. To attain this goal a factorial experiment was carried out in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications. The three factors considered were (a) three different salinity levels (0, 5, and 10 dS m−1 of NaCl), (b) foliar application of humic acid at three levels (0, 100, and 200 mg L−1), and (c) both grafted and ungrafted plants. Vegetative traits including plant height, fresh and dry weight and number of leaf exhibited a significant decrease under increasing salinity stress. However, the application of humic acid at both levels mitigated these effects compared to control plants. The reduction in relative water content (RWC) of the leaf caused by salinity, was compensated by the application of humic acid and grafting. Thus, the highest RWC (86.65%) was observed in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. Electrolyte leakage (EL) increased under salinity stress, but the application of humic acid and grafting improved this trait and the lowest amount of EL (26.95%) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 20 mg L−1 of humic acid. The highest amount of catalase (0.53 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) and peroxidase (12.290 mmol H2O2 g−1 fw min−1) enzymes were observed in the treatment of 10 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 humic acid. The highest amount of total phenol (1.99 mg g−1 FW), total flavonoid (0.486 mg g−1 FW), total soluble carbohydrate (30.80 mg g−1 FW), soluble protein (34.56 mg g−1 FW), proline (3.86 µg g−1 FW) was in grafting plants with 0 dS m−1 of NaCl and 200 mg L−1 of humic acid. Phenolic acids and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased with increasing salinity and humic acid levels. Contrary to humic acid, salt stress increased the sodium (Na+) and chlorine (Cl−) and decreased the amount of potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) in the root and leaf of ungrafted cucumber. However, the application 200 mg L−1 humic acid appeared to mitigate these effects, thereby suggesting a potential role in moderating physiological processes and improving growth of cucumber plants subjected to salinity stress. According to the obtained results, spraying of humic acid (200 mg L−1) and the use of salt resistant rootstocks are recommended to increase tolerance to salt stress in cucumber. These results, for the first time, clearly demonstrated that fig leaf gourd a new highly salt-tolerant rootstock, enhances salt tolerance and improves yield and quality of grafted cucumber plants by reducing sodium transport to the shoot and increasing the amount of compatible osmolytes.

Bio-fertilizer as a pathway to minimize nitrate leaching from chemical fertilizer in high yield peppermint production

The contamination of Iran's underground water sources with nitrate from chemical fertilizers poses a significant health risk to communities reliant on this essential water source. This study investigates the benefits of organic alternatives, such as vermicompost and bio-fertilizers, in sustainable peppermint production. The aim is to foster environmentally friendly agricultural practices and enhance soil health. Multiple fertilizer treatments were examined for their impact on peppermint growth, essential oil (EO) content, and bioactive properties. Results show that incorporating vermicompost with chemical or bio-fertilizers significantly improves plant height, dry leaf weight, leaf number, and drug fraction by 18.6%, 82%, 27.5%, and 25%, respectively. Vermicompost application leads to a remarkable 100% increase in EO content and a substantial 31.5% rise in menthol percentage compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the study reveals that enhanced menthol production coincides with improved antibacterial and antifungal properties of the plant extract and EO. Treatments with bio-fertilizers demonstrate a significant 23.4% increase in menthol percentage compared to the control group. Vermicompost usage also boosts the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content, along with the antioxidant capacity by 5%–17%. Replacing chemical fertilizers with vermicompost and bio-fertilizers shows notable improvements in peppermint production. These findings underscore the significance of employing organic fertilizers as a means to advance sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate health hazards linked to water contamination, and optimize the cultivation of peppermint as a globally valuable medicinal plant.

Growth and production of cat's whiskers plant biomass (Orthosiphon aristatus Bl. Miq.) In various accessions and harvest intervals

Cat's whiskers plant is an ornamental plant used as a medicinal plant. The part of the cat's whiskers plant used is leaves. Accessions and harvest intervals are essential for increasing optimal yields to plant biomass growth and results. This study aims to determine the effect of differences in accession, intervals, and interactions between accession differences and intervals on the growth and production of a cat's whiskers biomass. The design used in this study is a complete group design of being randomized with two treatment factors. The first factor has two treatment levels: white flowering accessions (A1) and purple flowering accessions (A2). The second factor is a harvest interval with four treatment levels, namely a 1-week harvest interval (P1), two weeks (P2), three weeks (P3), and six weeks (P4). The results showed that accession treatment significantly affected the number of books, number of branches, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields. Harvest interval treatment significantly affects the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh weight, flower fresh weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, flower dry weight, and leaf simplicia yield. Accession interactions with harvest intervals significantly affect the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flower fresh weight, stem dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields.

Zinc phytotoxicity and cationic micronutrients contents in quinoa as influenced by high Zn levels and soil amendments

Contamination of soils with heavy metals (HMs) is a serious concern due to the non-biodegradability and accumulation of these metals in living organism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fish scale powder, chitin, and chitosan in reducing zinc (Zn) accumulation of quinoa grown on Zn-polluted soil. A 3*4 factorial greenhouse trial was conducted with three levels of Zn contamination (0, 100, and 200 mg kg−1) and four types of amendment (control, and 0.15% of each fish scale powder, chitin, and chitosan). The quinoa seeds were sown in soil treated with Zn contamination and amendments. Results showed that application of amendments especially chitosan increased shoot and root dry weight and greenness index of quinoa leaf. While high soil Zn levels decreased cationic micronutrients uptake in quinoa shoot, chitosan addition desirably enhanced cationic micronutrients uptake in quinoa shoot. Overall, amendment addition significantly decreased Zn concentration and uptake in plant; the highest decrease was observed following the application of chitosan. Although the application of high Zn levels significantly increased the values of phytoextraction efficiency, application of chitin and chitosan significantly decreased it. The value of translocation factor was lower than one, demonstrating that a large amount of Zn was stabilized in the root tissues, while a small amount of this metal was transferred to aboveground parts of quinoa. Results of this study revealed that fish scales derivatives were effective in preventing Zn toxicity and at the same time increasing cationic micronutrients contents of quinoa grown on HMs-polluted soil.

Assessing the effect of Lake Erie dredged sediment on soil properties and specialty crops development

AbstractTo maintain harbour navigability, significant quantities of sediments are annually dredged and disposed of in the vicinities of Lake Erie. This study aimed to assess the impact of Lake Erie sediment on the productivity of tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. Using a greenhouse setting, this experiment evaluates different sediment‐farm soil ratios: 100% farm soil (Farm Soil), 100% lake sediment (Sediment), and a blend of 10% dredge sediment and 90% farm soil (Mixture). We evaluated the chemical and physical composition of the treatments and the development of the roots, leaves, and fruit production for each crop. Additionally, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Phosphorus (TP) were assessed post‐harvest for each crop's roots, leaves, and fruit biomass. The Sediment treatment showed higher pH, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Calcium, and TOC but lower magnesium, phosphate, and potassium compared to Farm Soil. The Sediment and Mixture treatments exhibited higher root and leaf dry weights for lettuce compared to Farm Soil, with the Sediment treatment showing the longest roots. Sediment and Mixture treatments in carrots led to greater root weight and length. Tomatoes submitted to the Sediment treatment excelled in all variables except stem diameter. Lettuce and carrot biomass analysis revealed no statistical differences in TOC and TN among the treatments. Tomato biomass analysis showed no differences among the three treatments. The use of Lake Erie dredged sediment led to increased crop biomass in the greenhouse production of tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce.

Response of Vegetative Growth and Yield of Two Hybrids of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Hefe Algae

This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of liquid organic fertilizer and Hefe algae (seaweed) on various aspects of vegetative growth and yield in two hybrids of broccoli. The results revealed that the Agassi RZ hybrid outperformed the Wisdom hybrid in parameters such as leaf area (cm2), fresh leaf weight leaves (g), dry leaf weight (g), total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1). The foliar application of 3.0 and 6.0 ml L-1 of organic fertilizer significantly enhanced all vegetative growth and yield parameters. Similarly, Hefe algae, particularly at a concentration of 8.0 ml L-1, showed positive and significant effects on plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaves plant-1), leaf area (cm2), fresh leaf weight (g), dry leaf weight (g), chlorophyll%, total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1). The combined influence of two factors, namely hybrids and organic fertilizer, hybrids and Hefe algae, and organic fertilizer and Hefe algae, had a significant impact on all vegetative growth and yield parameters. Notably, the interaction among Agassi RZ hybrid, 6.0 ml L-1 organic fertilizer, and 8.0 ml L-1 Hefe algae exhibited the most substantial effects, resulting in the highest plant height (cm), number of leaves (leaves plant-1), fresh leaf weight (g), dry leaf weight (g), total yield (kg plant-1), and total yield (t ha-1).

Growth response of tissue culture-derived bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) Plantlets to sources and levels of inorganic nitrogen

Information on nitrogen nutrition of bamboo plants during the nursery stage is very limited. The study was conducted to generate more information regarding the nitrogen nutrition of bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) specifically to evaluate the effect of forms and levels of N on the early growth stage performance of tissue culture-derived bamboo plantlets and identify the best form and optimum level of nitrogen for bamboo plants during the nursery stage. The acclimatized tissue culture-derived bamboo (Bambusa tulda Roxb.) plantlets were grown in black polyethylene bags measuring 24x15cm containing potting medium composed of 1:1v/v mixture of garden soil and rice hull charcoal. These were applied with two forms of nitrogen (N1-nitrate-N and N2-ammonium-N) which served as the factor A and 3 levels of nitrogen (L1-0g N plant-1, L2-0.25g N plant-1, and L3-0.50g N plant-1 which was the factor B of a 2×3 factorial RCBD experiment. The effects of the treatments on the performance of the bamboo plantlets were evaluated by gathering growth parameters such as height, number of leaves and culms and leaf size, and dry weights of leaf, stem, root, and total biomass weight. The form of N applied did not significantly influenced the size of bamboo plants but significantly affected the plant dry weight. Plants fertilized with ammonium-N produced heavier biomass weight than those applied with nitrate-N. The levels of N-application significantly influenced both the plant size and weight. Application of 0.25g N and 0.5g N plant-1 significantly increased the number of culms and leaves and total plant biomass dry weight. Based on the effect on the size and weight of plants, application of 0.25g N plant-1 was already optimum for bamboo plants during the nursery stage. For bamboo plants at the nursery stage, ammonium-N was better than nitrate-N with 0.25g N plant-1 as the optimum level of application.

IMPROVING THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF FIG TREES BY SPRAYING WITH MORINGA LEAVES EXTRACTS AND GARLIC CLOVES

This experiment was conducted in a private orchard at Aldaraman, Kirkuk Governorate on "Khalobaziani" local fig trees. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spraying with Moringa leaf extract (MLE) at (0, 2, and 4 ml.l-1) and Garlic cloves extract (GCE) at (0, 10, and 20 ml.l-1) on growth and productivity of fig trees. Results showed that trees sprayed with MLE 4 ml.l-1 led to a significant increase in the leaf area, total chlorophyll content, average leaf dry weight, minerals (NPK) content in leaves, average fruit weight and size, and average yield per tree, while significantly decreased fruit cracking percentage compared to control. Furthermore, significant increase in the leaf area, total chlorophyll content, average leaf dry weight, minerals (NPK) content in leaves, and average fruit weight and size in the trees sprayed with GCE 20 ml.l-1 compared to control. The interaction between MLE 4 ml.l-1 and GCE 20 ml.l-1 showed a significant increase in the leaf area, total chlorophyll content, average leaf dry weight, and minerals (NPK) content in leaves, also significantly decreased fruit cracking percentage compared to most of the other treatments.

Responses of growth and photosynthesis to alkaline stress in three willow species

Investigating differences in resistance to alkaline stress among three willow species can provide a theoretical basis for planting willow in saline soils. Therefore we tested three willow species (Salix matsudana, Salix gordejevii and Salix linearistipularis), already known for their high stress tolerance, to alkaline stress environment at different pH values under hydroponics. Root and leaf dry weight, root water content, leaf water content, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence of three willow cuttings were monitored six times over 15 days under alkaline stress. With the increase in alkaline stress, the water retention capacity of leaves of the three species of willow cuttings was as follows: S. matsudana > S. gordejevii > S. linearistipularis and the water retention capacity of the root system was as follows: S. gordejevii > S. linearistipularis > S. matsudana. The chlorophyll content was significantly reduced, damage symptoms were apparent. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), rate of transpiration (E), and stomatal conductance (Gs) of the leaves showed a general trend of decreasing, and the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) of S. matsudana and S. gordejevii first declined and then tended to level off, while the intercellular CO2 concentration of S. linearistipularis first declined and then increased. The quantum yield and energy allocation ratio of the leaf photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre changed significantly (φPo, Ψo and φEo were obviously suppressed and φDo was promoted). The photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre quantum performance index and driving force showed a clear downwards trend. Based on the results it can be concluded that alkaline stress tolerance of three willow was as follows: S. matsudana > S. gordejevii > S. linearistipularis. However, since the experiment was done on young seedlings, further study at saplings stage is required to revalidate the results.

Effect of UV-B radiation on photosynthesis based flavonoid synthesis in daylily leaves

In order to assess the impact of UV-B radiation on flavonoid compound levels in 'Stella de Oro' daylily leaves, three distinct treatment groups were established: a control group (CK) devoid of UV-B exposure, a low-dose UV-B group (L, 10 μw/cm²), and a high-dose UV-B group (H, 20 μw/cm²). Throughout the UV-B exposure period, parameters including leaf gas exchange, dry weight ratio, and flavonoid compound content were monitored. Following the UV-B treatment, there was a notable increase in the net photosynthesis rate (Pn) by 72 %, stomatal conductance (Gs) by 46 %, transpiration rate (Tr) by 42 %, and water use efficiency (WUE) by 21 %. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the total content of rutin, myricetin, and quercetin in the leaves by 110 %, 55 %, and 47 % respectively. The observed changes in leaf dry weight ratio under UV-B exposure in group H were consistent with the alterations in flavonoid compound levels in the leaves. Based on the results, PCA analysis indicated a significant correlation between WUE and flavonoids content, possibly related with the combined effect of Pn and Tr.

A novel plant growth regulator B2 mediates drought resistance by regulating reactive oxygen species, phytohormone signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and starch metabolism pathways in Carex breviculmis

Drought is one of the most common environmental stressors that severely threatens plant growth, development, and productivity. B2 (2,4-dichloroformamide cyclopropane acid), a novel plant growth regulator, plays an essential role in drought adaptation, significantly enhancing the tolerance of Carex breviculmis seedlings. Its beneficial effects include improved ornamental value, sustained chlorophyll content, increased leaf dry weight, elevated relative water content, and enhanced root activity under drought conditions. B2 also directly scavenges hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion contents while indirectly enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase) to detoxify reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidative damage. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that B2 activates drought-responsive transcription factors (AP2/ERF-ERF, WRKY, and mTERF), leading to significant upregulation of genes associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (HCT, POD, and COMT). Additionally, these transcription factors were found to suppress the degradation of starch. B2 regulates phytohormone signaling related-genes, leading to an increase in abscisic acid contents in drought-stressed plants. Collectively, these findings offer new insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying C. breviculmis' resistance to drought damage, highlighting the potential application of B2 for future turfgrass establishment and management with enhanced drought tolerance.

Spermidine mitigates salt stress in grapevine with alterations in physicochemical properties and nutrient composition

AbstractBackgroundPolyamines are plant growth regulators that exert a pivotal role in salt tolerance.AimsThis research focused on investigating the effect of spermidine on morphological and physicochemical characteristics and ion accumulation of two grapevine cultivars under NaCl stress.MethodsA greenhouse experiment was conducted with three factors, including two grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Bidaneh‐Sefid and cv. Siah‐Sardasht), four levels of NaCl (together with the nutrient solution, including 0 [control], 20, 40, and 80 mM), and four spermidine levels ([foliar spray], 0 [control], 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM). The experiment was performed in a factorial trial in accordance with a randomized complete design with three replicates.ResultsVegetative growth indices, including leaf number, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root, were decreased by NaCl treatments. The application of spermidine positively reduced the effects of NaCl on morphological characteristics. Moreover, NaCl and/or spermidine significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved antioxidant enzyme activities associated with rising total protein accumulation. NaCl stress significantly decreased ion percentage (calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, iron, and zinc) in the leaves of both cultivars. Based on the results, increasing salinity levels significantly boosted plant Na+ and Cl− percentage, along with increased membrane permeability and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Interestingly, cv. Bidaneh‐Sefid leaves accumulated less Na+ and Cl− compared to the other cultivar. On the other hand, applying spermidine reduced the levels of Na+ and Cl− in both cultivars, and this reduction was associated with a decrease in membrane permeability and MDA concentration.ConclusionsThe findings confirmed the role of spermidine in reducing the negative effects of NaCl, although more investigations with different grapevine cultivars under NaCl stress are required.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes affect yield, antioxidant response, and rhizosphere microbial community of scented rice under combined cadmium-lead (Cd–Pb) stress

Rice production is threatened by heavy metal stress. The use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in agriculture has been reported in previous studies. We aimed to quantify the impact of MWCNTs on the growth and physiological characteristics of scented rice under cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) stresses. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted, two scented rice varieties Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan were used as materials grown under different concentrations of MWCNTs (0, 100, and 300 mg kg−1 recorded as CK, CNPs100, and CNPs300, respectively). The yield, antioxidant response, and rhizosphere microbial community of scented rice were studied. The results showed that compared with the CK treatment, the CNPs100 and CNPs300 treatments increased leaf dry weight by 17.95%–56.22% at the heading stage, and the H2O2 content in leaves decreased significantly by 36.64%–42.27% at the maturity stage. Under CNPs100 treatment, the grain yield of two scented rice varieties increased significantly by 17.54% and 27.40%, respectively. The MWCNTs regulated the distribution of the Cd and Pb in different plant tissues. The content of Cd (0.11–0.20 mg kg−1) and Pb (0.01–0.04 mg kg−1) in grain were at a safety level (<0.2 mg kg−1). Moreover, MWCNTs increased soil microbial community abundance and altered community composition structure under Cd–Pb stress, which in turn improved agronomic traits and quality of scented rice. Overall, this study suggested that the application of MWCNTs regulates the growth, yield, physiological response, and soil microbial community, the genotypes response effect of scented rice to MWCNTs is needed further studied.

Productivity of elephant grass pakchong (Pennisetum purpureum cv Pakchong) and elephant grass taiwan (Pennisetum purpureum cv Taiwan) cultivated based on different stem cutting sizes

Abstract In Indonesia, elephant grass seeds used by farmers are in the form of cuttings or vegetative material. Currently, there is no standard for the cuttings used to produce high-productivity elephant grass. Therefore, research was conducted to determine the optimal size of cuttings for achieving good elephant grass productivity. The study was conducted in the field station area of Rancamaya, Bogor. A factorial group randomized design with 5 replications was employed for the research. The first factor was the type of elephant grass, consisting of 1) Pakchong and 2) Taiwan, while the second factor was the size of the cuttings, consisting of 1) 5 cm long cuttings, one node, 2) 10 cm long cuttings, one node, 3) 15 cm long cuttings, one node, and 4) control (two nodes as per usual farmer practice). The research results indicated that there was an interaction between the type of elephant grass and the size of cuttings for leaf length, fresh and dry leaf weight, dry stem weight, and total dry weight. The 5 cm cuttings of Pakchong had the highest fresh and dry leaf weights (P&lt;0.05). The highest dry stem and total weight were obtained with the control size cuttings of Pakchong. The number of tillers was influenced by the size of cuttings, with the control size cuttings having the highest number of tillers, although not significantly different from the number of tillers for the 5 cm and 15 cm cuttings. The highest total fresh weight was obtained with the 5 cm cuttings and Pakchong. This study indicates that 5 cm cuttings can be used as cutting material to produce Pakchong and Taiwan with optimal forage production. Further research is needed to assess the forage quality.

Performance of Blackgram as Influenced by Water Soluble Fertilizers and PGPR under Rainfed Situation

Lower production potential of blackgram grown under rainfed situation due to lack of proper nutrition during critical crop growth stages. So, investigation was carried out with an objective to study the effect of water-soluble fertilizers and PGPR on performance of blackgram during Kharif-2019, a field study was carried out at University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga which comes under Southern Transition Zone of Karnataka. Experimental design was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. Treatments include combination of 19:19:19, monopotassium phosphate @ different dosage foliar spray with and without PGPR treatment along with package of practices. Water soluble fertilizers viz., 19:19:19 (N: P: K) and mono potassium phosphate (0:52:34) were used in treatment combinations along with PGPR. The Results revealed that, foliar application of 19:19:19 and mono potassium phosphate @ 1 per cent each at 30 and 45 days after sowing + PGPR along with a package of practice recorded significantly higher plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf and stem dry weight, crude protein (26.54 %), seed yield (1167 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2019 kg ha-1) over package of practice treatment and also positive correlation was found between growth and yield parameters with seed yield and haulm yield.

Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of PGPR Strain Priestia megaterium from Tea Rhizosphere for Stress Alleviation and Crop Growth Enhancement

The study aimed to assess the plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities and abiotic stress tolerance of strain IHB B 7164 with a focus on identifying associated genes through genomic analysis. Isolated from the tea rhizosphere, strain underwent screening for multiple PGP traits and stress tolerance against various abiotic factors. Taxonogenomic analysis of the complete genome identified the bacterium as Priestia megaterium exhibiting high similarity (97.04 % ANI, 74.3 % in silico DDH) to P. megaterium ATCC 14581. Functional annotations of the genome highlighted gene clusters associated with PGP traits and stress tolerance substantiating the strain's potential in promoting plant growth under stress conditions. The strain demonstarted robust growth and PGP activities under stressed culture conditions such as acidity, temperature fluctuations, desiccation, salinity, and exposure to calcium, aluminum, and iron salts, affirming its status as a stress-tolerant rhizobacterium. Screening of PGP traits under acidic conditions revealed phosphate solubilization, ACC-deaminase activity and production of IAA-like auxins. Notably gluconic and oxalic acids were consistently detected during solubilization of tri-calcium phosphate (TCP), aluminum phosphate (Al-P), and iron phosphate (Fe-P). Inoculation with the strain led to significant enhancements in tea nursery plants including a 9 % increase in plant height, 10 % increase in leaf number, and substantial improvements in leaf fresh and dry weights. Similarly, pea and wheat yields recorded notable increases of 16.9 % and 18.3 %, respectively under field conditions. These findings underscore the efficacy of P. megaterium strain IHB B 7164 as an abiotic stress-tolerant and broad-spectrum plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) capable of enhancing plant growth and productivity across diverse agricultural settings.

Sources of fertilizers on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris L.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of different fertilizer sources on the phytotechnical characteristics, oxidative stress, and thymol production of Thymus vulgaris. The experiment was conducted in 3-dm³ pots containing soil:sand (2:1) + treatment (no fertilizer, organic fertilizer, or chemical fertilizer). The organic fertilizer was 8 kg m-2 of an equal mixture of bovine, goat, and quail manures. The variables assessed were leaf, stem, root, and total dry weights; chlorophyll and carotenoid contents; leaf nutrients; total polyphenols; total antioxidant capacity; oxygen radical absorption capacity; DPPH free radical scavenging activity; essential oil content; and thymol production, content, and yield. Organic fertilization significantly increased the variables assessed and reduced oxidative stress indicators. It resulted in gains in the dry weight of the plants and the accumulation of nutrients in dry leaves of T. vulgaris. For the quantitative parameters of the essential oil and thymol, organic fertilization was significantly higher than the other treatments, especially for thymol content and yield. T. vulgaris plants fertilized with organic fertilizer maximize their plant production and their yield of compounds of interest, such as thymol, possibly because these outputs indicate a balance between improved vegetative production and the elimination of reactive oxygen species.

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6–8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC–MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93–25.93%), eugenol (17.63–27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63–20.84%), linalool (8.31–19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02–14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn

In Indonesia, corn is an important commodity that serves as the second source of carbohydrates after rice, whose productivity is influenced by management practices applied during cultivation. This research aimed to determine the effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn. This research was arranged in a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design, with different agriculture management practices as treatments, consisting of TI1 = Best Practices (Drip Irrigation + Rice Husk + Mycorrhiza), TI2 = Farmers’ Practices (Furrow Irrigation) + Mycorrhiza, and TI3 = Farmers’ practices (Furrow Irrigation). The data observed were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by the Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD at α= 5%. The results showed that the TI1 produced significantly higher plant height, stem diameter, leaf dry weight, weight of cob with cornhusk and kernel dry weight, and effectively suppressed weed growth compared to TI2 and TI3. TI1 produced a significantly higher number of leaves, root dry weight, and total dry weight compared to TI3, but not significantly different compared to TI2. TI1 produced not significantly different stem dry weight and harvest index compared to TI2 and TI3. The kernel dry weight per plant observed in TI1 was 157.63 g, which was 14.22% and 22.91% higher than in TI2 and TI3, respectively. Based on the coefficient correlation and path analysis, the number of leaves, plant height, and total dry weight should be considered as important plant growth variables to produce high kernel dry weight.

ENHANCING SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA L.) SEED GERMINATION, LEAF BIOMASS PRODUCTION UNDER SALINE WATER STRESS: THE IMPLICATIONS OF ZINC AND COW MANURE

Plant growth and productivity is restricted due to significant influence of salt stress on the essential physiological processes. Zinc supplementation holds promise as a technique to improve the resilience under salt stress. An open field experiment was conducted to assess the leaf growth parameters of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) including seed germination, plant area, leaf area, length, width, leaf fresh weight as well as dry weight, and Number of leaves per plant. Spinach plants were irrigated with a defined electrical conductivity (EC) level of 4.16 dSm-1 in clay loam, non-saline soil. Cow manure, a form of organic waste rich in macronutrients and micronutrients was also investigated. This study focuses on examining the response of zinc and cow manure on spinach growth under salinity stress. Salinity stress resulted in reduction in seed germination, leaf area, width, length, leaf fresh and dry weight, with no significant effect on the number of leaves. High doses of zinc and cow manure (0.20g Zinc+ 150g Cow Manure + Salinity) meaningfully enhanced performance by increasing seed germination by 15-20%, leaf area 130 cm2, length 8.41 cm, width 4.8 cm , leaf fresh 0.67g and leaf dry weight 0.51g but didn’t affect the number of leaves. Overall, our results demonstrate that the application of zinc and cow manure induced resistance to salinity stress and impacts positively on Spinach growth. Future research can focus on how zinc affects enzymatic activities and various mechanisms under salt stress.