Plant Length Research Articles

Bioproducts derived from Bacillus stercoris isolate B.PNR1 and Streptomyces sp. isolate S.PNR29 for enhanced plant growth and disease control in tomato

ABSTRACT This study aims to develop a wettable formulation bioproduct from antagonistic bacteria, Bacillus stercoris isolate B.PNR1, and Streptomyces sp. isolate S.PNR29, targeting Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Fol), the cause of Fusarium wilt disease in tomatoes, while also promoting plant growth. The survivability of bacterial cells in the product was assessed over a 180-day period at 4°C and 28°C. The bioproducts demonstrated significant control of Fusarium wilt disease, with B. stercoris isolate B.PNR1 bioproducts exhibiting superior disease control percentages compared to Streptomyces sp. isolate S.PNR29 bioproducts and commercial alternatives. Additionally, the bioproducts positively influenced tomato seed germination and seedling growth, with Streptomyces sp. isolate S.PNR29 bioproducts showing better growth performance in terms of plant length, weight measurements, and seed germination. In conclusion, B. stercoris isolate B.PNR1 and Streptomyces sp. isolate S.PNR29 bioproducts emerge as promising biocontrol agents, showcasing sustained efficacy against Fol and significant positive impacts on plant growth, thereby highlighting their potential for sustainable agriculture practices.

Application of Bio P60 and Bio T10 alone or in combination to control Fusarium wilt of Hydroponic Melon

The research aimed to determine the effect of single and combined applications of Bio P60 and Bio T10 in suppressing stem base rot and its effect on the growth and production of hydroponic melon. This research was conducted at Flos Hydroponic Organic at Bansari Village, Bansari District, Temanggung Regency from February to June 2023. Randomized Block Design was used with 6 replicates. The treatments were control (propamocarb hydrochloride), Bio P60, Bio T10, and a combination of Bio P60 and Bio T10 (1:1, v/v). Variables observed were incubation period, disease intensity, infection rate, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), control effectiveness, plant length, number of leaves, fresh weight, leaf color, first flowering date, first fruit formation, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and phenolic compounds qualitatively. The results showed that the combined treatment of Bio P60 and Bio T10 had the best effect indicated by delaying the incubation period, reducing disease intensity, reducing infection rates, reducing AUDPC values, increasing the value of control effectiveness, increasing plant length, number of leaves, plant fresh weight, leaf color, time of first flower appearance, time of fruiting, and fruit weight respectively of 31.25, 41.19, 13.33, 65.31, 55.61, 17.25, 5.57, 36.44, 11.47, 8.55, 9.63, and 22.92 % compared to control. The application of Bio P60, Bio T10, and the combination could increase the phenolic compounds (tannins, saponins, and glycosides) qualitatively in melon leaves.

Synergistic impact of Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on lentil plant tolerance to heavy metal-rich fly ash amended soil

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of microbes [symbiotic bacteria viz. Rhizobium (Frank) and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) viz. Funneliformis caledonius (Nicolson & Gerd.) and Glomus bagyarajii Mehrotra] on the growth and physiology of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) cultivated in soil alone and soil amended with fly ash. The experiment had twenty-four treatments, twelve in sterilized soil and twelve in unsterilized soil (with six treatments in soil alone and six in soil amended with fly ash in both the sets). Amendment of soil with 25% fly ash significantly increased plant growth. Microbial inoculation further increased the plant growth and physiological parameters studied (plant length, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll and protein content, and nitrate reductase activity). Microbial parameters like nodule number and fresh weight, mycorrhizal root colonization and spore numbers were also significantly higher in plants inoculated with Rhizobium + AMF. Soil amendment with 25% fly ash together with inoculation of Rhizobium + AMF further improved the growth of lentil. Plant heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Zn) content was significantly more in soil amended with fly ash, but microbial inoculation significantly decreased heavy metal uptake. Of the two AM fungus studied F. caledonius proved to be better, resulting in higher plant growth and physiological parameters studied with reduced heavy metal uptake.

Jasmonic Acid and Salicylic Acid improved resistance against Spodoptera frugiperda Infestation in maize by modulating growth and regulating redox homeostasis

Exploring host plant resistance and elevating plant defense mechanisms through the application of exogenous elicitors stands as a promising strategy for integrated pest management. The fall armyworm, a pernicious menace to grain crops in tropical and subtropical regions, stands as a formidable threat due to its capacity for devastation and a wide-ranging spectrum of host plants. There is no literature regarding artificially induced resistance in maize against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) by exogenous application of phytohormones. The present investigation was performed to evaluate the role of jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) on two maize hybrids namely FH-1046 and YH-1898 against fall armyworm. Results showed that plant height, biomass and lengths, fresh and dry weight of root shoot which decreased with armyworm infestation improved with phytohormonal application. JA treatment resulted in a higher increase in all attributes as compared to SA treatment. Improvement in relative water contents, photosynthetic pigments and pronounced levels of phenol and proline accumulation were observed in infested plants after JA treatment. Infested plants recovered from oxidative stress as JA application activated and increased the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity in both FH-1046 and YH-1898 . The oxidative stress reduction in infested plants after JA treatment was also evident from a fair decrease in MDA and H2O2 in both varieties. The SA and JA mediated genes expression was studied and it was found that in FH1046 maize cultivar, JA dependent genes, particularly marker genes PR1 and Lox5 were highly expressed along with TPS10 and BBT12. Whereas SPI, WRKY28, ICS and PAL were shown to be activated upon SA application. Evidently, both JA and SA elicited a robust defensive response within the maize plants against the voracious S. frugiperda, which in consequence exerted a discernible influence over the pest's developmental trajectory and physiological dynamics. A decrease in detoxification enzyme activity of the insects was observed after feeding on treated plants. Moreover, it was recorded that the survival and weight gain of FAW feeding on phytohormone treated maize plants also decelerated. In conclusion, FH-1046 was found to be more tolerant than YH-1898 against fall armyworm infestation and 1 mM JA was more effective than 1 mM SA for alleviation of fall armyworm stress. Therefore, it was inferred that phytohormones regulated redox homeostasis to circumvent oxidative damage and mediate essential metabolic events in maize under stress. To our current understanding, this study is the very first presentation of induced resistance in maize against S. frugiperda with the phytohormonal application (JA and SA).

Biochar Amendments and Phytoremediation: A Combined Approach for Effective Lead Removal in Shooting Range Soils.

The increasing contamination of soil with heavy metals poses a problem to environmental sustainability. Among these pollutants, lead is particularly concerning due to its persistence in the environment, with harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Various strategies that combine phytoremediation techniques with soil amendments have emerged to mitigate lead contamination. In this context, biochar has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance soil quality and remediate metal-contaminated environments. This study aims to investigate the combined effect of biochar amendments on the phytoremediation of lead-contaminated shooting range soils. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the impact of the amount and distribution of biochar on lead removal from soil. Soil samples were incubated with biochar for one week, after which two types of seeds (Brassica rapa and Lolium perenne) were planted. Plant and root lengths, as well as the number of germinated seeds, were measured, and a statistical analysis was conducted to determine the influence of the amendments. After one month, the Pb concentration decreased by more than 70%. Our results demonstrate that seed germination and plant growth were significantly better in soil samples where biochar was mixed rather than applied superficially, with the optimal performance observed at a 10% wt. biochar amendment. Additionally, the combined use of biochar and phytoremediation proved highly effective in immobilizing lead and reducing its bioavailability. These findings suggest that the combination of biochar, particularly when mixed at appropriate concentrations, and Brassica rapa significantly improved lead removal efficiency.

Effect of Phosphorus levels with and without Phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) L.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of phosphorus levels with and without phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in semi-arid region of South-Eestern Rajasthan was conducted during Kharif season of 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Agronomy, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). The experiment consists of eight treatments, levels of phosphorus with and without PSB viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1, PSB, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1+PSB, 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB replicated four times laid down in RBD. Cowpea variety Pratap RC-19 was used with seed rate 15 kg ha-1. Growth attributes viz., plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest responded with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 except 30 DAS where it responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over control. Primary and secondary branches per plant, number of trifoliate leaf of cowpea statistically significantly responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 at harvest. Similarly, root nodule number at 45 DAS responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 whereas nodule dry weight was responded up to 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 at 45 DAS over 40 kg, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Yield attributing characters namely number of pods per plant and pod length were perceptibly increase, ed by application of 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Further, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par in enhancing yield attributes. 1000-grain weight, seeds per pod and harvest index was significantly higher up to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Grain, straw and biological yields of cowpea perceptibly increased with the application of 40 kg and 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 but the higher dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Improvement in N content both in grain and straw, P content in straw and K content both in grain and straw, protein content in grain and grain protein yield was significantly improved up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1. P content in grain was responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, NPK uptake by both grain and straw and total uptake of nutrients (NPK)Nwas increased significantly under 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. The dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 in enhancing gross and net returns and B:C over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control.

Effects of anther-stigma position on cross-pollination efficiency in a hermaphroditic plant.

Evolution of cross-pollination efficiency depends on the genetic variation of flower traits, the pollen vector, and flower trait matching between pollen donors and recipients. Trait matching has been almost unexplored among nonheterostylous species, and we examined whether the match of anther length in pollen donors and stigma length in pollen recipients influences the efficiency of cross-pollination. To explore potential constraints for evolutionary response, we also quantified genetic variation and covariation among sepal length, petal length and width, stamen length, style length, and herkogamy. We created 58 experimental arrays of Turnera velutina that varied in the extent of mismatch in the position of anthers and stigmas between single-flowered plants. Genetic variation and correlations among flower traits were estimated under greenhouse conditions. Style length, but not herkogamy, influenced the efficiency of cross-pollination. Plants with stamen length that matched the style length of other plants were more efficient pollen donors, whereas those with the style protruding above the stamens of other plants were more efficient pollen recipients. Significant broad-sense heritability (0.22 > hB 2 < 0.42) and moderate genetic correlations (0.33 > r < 0.85) among floral traits were detected. Our results demonstrated that anther-stigma mismatch between flowers contributed to variation in the efficiency of cross-pollination. The genetic correlations between stamen length and other floral traits suggests that any change in cross-pollination efficiency would be driven by changes in style rather than in stamen length.

Pengaruh Iklim Mikro dan Penggunaan Media Tanam yang Berbeda pada Pertumbuan Tanaman Melon Varietas Sweet Net

Melon are plants that are sensitive to environmental changes. Currently, developing technology for cultivating melons in greenhouses is used to modify the microclimate for the growth of melon plants. This research aims to determine the effect of microclimate and different types of planting media on growth response of sweet net variety melon plants that planted in the Politeknik Negeri Jember smart green house. The research was carried out in January – May 2024. The treatments tested consisted of two treatments, namely: the use of soil media+compos and cocopeat media which would be repeated 15 times. The parameters observed include microclimate (temperature and humidity) and also plant growth indicators including plant length and number of leaves, number of flowers, and potential weight of melon. The data obtained were analyzed using the T-test. The research results show that the microclimate inside the Politeknik Negeri Jember smart green house is still classified as an optimal microclimate to support the growth of melon plants. Apart from that, the use of cocopeat planting media was able to provide the best results for the length of the melon plants in the 4th to 6th week of observation, but there was no significant difference in the parameters of the number of leaves, number of flowers and potential weight of melon of. The use of cocopeat media and soil media are both good media in supporting the growth of melon plants in a greenhouse.

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE TYPES OF HYDROPONICS AND REGULAR CULTIVATION IN THE SOIL AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE GROWTH OF THE LETTUCE CROP

This study aimed compare the morphological properties of lettuce growth in different model of cultivation (soil, cork and water pipes). Samples of lettuce plants were cultivated in three models of cultivation. The first model was regular cultivation in soil, the second model was agriculture using water pipes and the third model was hydroponic using cork. After two months, the properties of each sample, including total length of plant, length of stem to end of leaf, length of root, length of leaves and number of roots. According to the result in this study, length of total plant, root, leaves and stem to end as well as number of leaves and roots were significantly greater in water pipes than in hydroponic with cork and soil, respectively..

Intensifying Cadmium remediation: the impact of synergy between Crambe abyssinica and plant growth-promoting microorganisms

Cd, a toxic metal, is naturally found in the environment and is exacerbated by human activities such as mining, agriculture, and industrial processes. Its contamination in soils poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems, prompting the need for effective remediation strategies. This study focuses on the use of Crambe abyssinica, an oilseed plant known for its tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, including Cd contamination, for phytoremediation of contaminated soils, associated with bioremediation through plant growth-promoting microorganisms. The study involved growing Crambe in vitro. Methods included seed asepsis, substrate contamination with various Cd concentrations, and inoculation with beneficial microorganisms such as Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bacillus subtilis along with Bacillus megaterium, Azospirillum. brasilense, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Trichoderma harzianum. Data such as plant length and root area were measured, and the nutrient and Cd content in the plants were assessed. Results indicated that inoculation with microorganisms significantly enhanced the nutrient content in Crambe plants, even under different Cd concentrations. Notably, A. brasilense and P. fluorescens were particularly effective, not only increasing nutrient uptake but also enhancing Cd accumulation in the plants, which is crucial for phytoremediation. The presence of these microorganisms also led to a significant reduction in the Cd concentration in the substrate, showcasing their potential in bioaugmentation. The study highlights the efficacy of using Crambe abyssinica in conjunction with specific microorganisms for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. The synergistic effects of these plant-microorganism interactions not only promote plant growth and health but also enhance the phytoextraction of Cd, offering a sustainable solution to soil contamination. Future research should focus on optimizing these interactions and exploring their applications in larger-scale environmental remediation projects.

Assessment of Agronomic Traits and Essential Oil Yield in Various Local Mint (Mentha piperita L.) Genotypes

Objective: Mentha piperita L. has long been used in medicine, pharmaceutical industry, food and cosmetic industries due to the bioactive compounds it contains. This study was carried out to determine some agronomic characteristics and essential oil yield of mint genotypes collected from different regions of Ordu province. Materials and Methods: A total of 44 different genotypes collected from 16 different districts of Ordu province were used in the study. Rooted mint cuttings were grown in unheated plastic greenhouse in balcony type plastic pots. Mint plants were harvested in 3 different periods and shoot length, leaf width, leaf length, colour characteristics, leaf chlorophyll index, total yield and essential oil yield were determined. Principal component analyses were performed using the data obtained from these traits. Unweighted pair group method algorithm (UPGMA) clustering analysis was performed using Euclidean similarity distance and dendrograms of genotypes were formed. Results: At the end of the study, plant length was 12.2-60.6 cm, leaf width 0.8-4.3 cm, leaf length 1.2-9.8 cm, leaf chlorophyll index 4.75-47.8 cci (SPAD), essential oil yield 0.45-2.9% and total yield 0.1-4.2 t da-1 in mint genotypes. As a result of the principal component analysis, the eigenvalues of the first 4 principal component axes were found to be greater than 1. The first 3 axes have high variation percentage compared to other axes. Mint genotypes were divided into 2 main groups and 4 subgroups in the UPGMA dendrogram. While G12 and G33 were the closest mint genotypes, G10 and G11 were found to be genetically distant genotypes. Conclusion: In the study, genotypes that exhibit potential in terms of total yield and essential oil yield have been identified. As a result of the research, agronomic characteristics and essential oil ratios of different mint genotypes were determined and qualified genotypes that can be material for future breeding studies were determined.

Biological control of soybean charcoal rot by native Trichoderma koningiopsis in Tucumán, Argentina

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. (Mp) is the causal agent of charcoal rot in soybean, an economically serious and potentially destructive disease. Chemical control sometimes has limited effects on disease severity and may pose a threat to the environment, so the use of Trichoderma as a biological product could be a feasible alternative for charcoal rot management. The objective of this research was to isolate and characterize native Trichoderma spp. from northwestern Argentina and study their antagonistic effect against Mp in soybean. Isolations were performed from soil samples followed by cultural and microbiological characterization of the Trichoderma spp. isolates collected. Then, the antagonist effect against Mp was studied in vitro, under greenhouse conditions, and finally under field conditions with pathogen artificial inoculations during two soybean crop seasons (2020 and 2021). The results demonstrated that isolate Tr009 had a biocontrol effect against Mp in soybean. This control was evidenced in vitro and under controlled and field conditions with high emergency of plants compared to the Mp inoculated control. Under field conditions, treatments that included Trichoderma presented lower disease severity, colony-forming unit index and disease severity index values than the pathogen inoculated control. Moreover, Tr009 improved weight and length of soybean plants under greenhouse conditions. Isolate Tr009 was identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis by molecular methods. These results indicate that this biological tool can be used against Mp and thus favor a sustainable management of soybean charcoal rot.

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.

Heterosis and combining ability for phenological yield and fiber traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

The seeds of 4 lines, 3 testers, and their 12 F1 hybrids were sown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications at Botanical Garden, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam during Kharif 2019. F1 hybrids were raised for the estimation of heterotic effects, GCA and SCA for days to 1st squaring, days to 1st boll formation Bolls opened at 90 days after sowing, Sympodial branches plant-1, Bolls plant-1, Boll weight (g), Seed cotton yield plant-1 (g), 100-seed weight (g), Ginning outturn (%) and staple length (mm). Genotypes, parents, crosses, parent's v/s crosses, lines, testers and line × testers were significant for days to 1st squaring and days to 1st boll forming. Bolls unveiled their fissures precisely 90 days post-sowing, while parameters including sympodial branches per plant, bolls per plant, individual boll weight, seed cotton yield per plant, 100-seed weight, ginning outturn, and staple length underwent meticulous evaluation. The statistical scrutiny unveiled the insignificance of both lines and testers concerning the 90-day boll dehiscence. Similarly, the parental influence on boll weight, 100-seed weight, and staple length exhibited a lack of statistical significance. Line CRIS-134, Sindh, and tester FH-901 gave a higher mean performance for all the traits. Among the hybrids, Mehran × FH-901, Sindh-1 × CIM-602, CRIS-134 × CIM-602, CRIS-342 × Koonj, and CRIS-342 × CIM-602 gave a desirable mean performance and heterotic effect for all the traits. CRIS-342 × Koonj produced maximum SCA effects for bolls per plant. Mehran × FH-901 recorded higher SCA effects for seed cotton yield plant-1 and 100-seed weight, CRIS-342 × CIM-602 for lint percentage, and CRIS-342 × FH-901 for staple length. It is suggested that these lines and testers should be utilized in the breeding program to improve these traits.

Pengaruh Pupuk ‘Mutiara’ dan Giberelin Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Semangka Partenocarpi

Watermelon production is influential in supporting the increase of income of the farm. Watermelon production tends to decline at present, so that efforts need to be carried out to optimize the growth and yield of watermelon plants. One of the important nutrients source for watermelon plants is ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and the plant growth regulator (PGR) gibberellin. This study aimed to determine the right combination of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer dosage and gibberellin concentration on the growth and yield of parthenocarpic watermelon plants. This research was conducted from September to December 2023 at Pattimura Mutiara Farm of Pattimura University, in Rumahtiga Village, Teluk Ambon Subdistrict, Ambon City. This research was an experimental study that used a Factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) consisting of two treatment factors, i.e.: ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer with 4 levels and the dose of gibberellin with 4 levels, with replications, so that there was a total of 48 treatment combinations. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, number of female flowers formed, fresh fruit weight, fruit diameter, and number of seeds. The results showed that the interaction between the dose of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer 6 g/plant and the concentration of gibberellin 6 mL/L was the best treatment combination and could increase plant length and number of leaves. The combination of 2 g of ‘Mutiara’ fertilizer and 2 mL/L gibberellin concentration was the best combination for fresh fruit weight

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTARY LIGHT ON GROWTH, FLOWERING AND CUT FLOWER QUALITY IN TWO CULTIVAR OF CARNATION PLANT

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different types of light and some factors on some vegetative growth and flowering of two cultivars of carnation plant (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). The results showed the maximum leaves number, leaf area per plant, internodes number and intermodal length were recorded under 14h incandescent (41.09 leaves/plant, 363.91 cm2, 18.70 node/plant, and 7.675 cm) respectively, and the increase was significant. While the effect of triple interaction, which showed a significant effect in all characteristics, the largest leaf area per plant (578.66 cm2) was obtained from the moonlight cultivar when cultured on the media containing 60% local compost and exposed to the 14h incandescent, Also, the maximum vase life was found in the Ormea cultivar (17.47 days) when the cultivar was exposed to the 14h incandescent and was cultured on medium that included 60% local compost. The best grade flower was obtained when the Ormea cultivar was cultured on a medium containing 30% and 60% local compost under 14 hours of incandescent light, reaching 3.89.

Mitigating salinity stress and improving cotton productivity through integrative use of gypsum and compost amendments with exogenous proline

Abiotic constraints, such as salinity, significantly damage crop yields worldwide. Cotton, though moderately salt-tolerant, suffers from reduced growth and yield under saline-sodic soil conditions. Effective integrated mitigation strategies are crucial to address this challenge. Our study, conducted in Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan, investigated six treatments using an integrated strategy such as gypsum, compost and exogenous proline combining effect in improving cotton productivity under salinity stress. We assessed plant growth, agronomic traits, physio-chemical parameters, cotton yield, and soil characteristics. Our experimental results showed that the combined application of amendments such as T5: gypsum + proline and T6: compost + proline gave better results as compared to individual treatments (T2, T3 & T4) over the control (T1). A significant improvement was observed in plant length and dry weights of shoot and root by 64 %, 81 % and 47 %, respectively under the effect of T5, also increased cotton yield up to 2 folds (888 kg) over control (324 kg ha−1). Likewise, significant improvement in the plant physio-chemical parameters was recorded such as high activities of antioxidant enzymes and the maximum accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 60–71 %, as well as reduction in the oxidative burst by 55–65 % after the integrated treatments (T5 & T6) as compared to salt-stressed plants (control). Likewise, contents of nutrients are improved in plants viz., N: 70; P: 61 %; K: 33 % and Mg: 86 % under the positive effect of gypsum + proline over control. Results of soil analysis showed that the soil was moderately saline-sodic. Furthermore, soil analysis revealed that there was a significant improvement in NPK, S and Mg content in the soil after treated salt-stressed soil with gypsum and compost (T2, T3, T5 and T6) while a significant reduction was observed in Ca (17 %) and Na content (28 %), as well as EC (dSm−1) was decreased by 38 % and SAR (mmol/L)1/2 by 27 % under the effect of gypsum + proline over the control treatment. The outcomes of the current study reveal that the reclamation potential of gypsum and compost applied individually or together with exogenous proline improved plant growth, yield and plant defense system under salinity stress.

The Effect of Recycled Spent Coffee Grounds Fertilizer, Vermicompost, and Chemical Fertilizers on the Growth and Soil Quality of Red Radish (Raphanus sativus) in the United Arab Emirates: A Sustainability Perspective.

The overuse of chemical fertilizers degrades the soil ecosystem and restricts the natural development of plants. Various byproducts are produced throughout the production and consumption of coffee within the coffee industry, and they are significant in terms of environmental waste. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) contains various bioactive compounds that have demonstrated potential applications in various fields. These compounds can enhance soil quality by improving its physicochemical properties and biological fertility, ultimately leading to improved plant growth and reducing food waste and contamination at the same time. This current study examined the impact of chemical fertilizer, vermicompost, SCGs with percentage fertilizer (SCGPF), and SCGs on the top dressing fertilizer (SCGTDF) on red radish (Raphanus sativus) growth and soil quality. This greenhouse experiment tested various concentrations of SCGPF (5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%) and different doses of SCGTDF (0.5 g, 1 g, and 2.5 g). The results showed that the 0.5 g SCGTDF treatment yielded the highest mean plant length (18.47 cm) and fresh weight (27.54 g), while the vermicompost at a 50% concentration produced the highest mean leaf surface area (58.32 cm2). These findings suggest the potential of SCGs as a sustainable fertilizer alternative, contributing to improved plant growth and soil quality, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices and a circular economy.

Harnessing Walnut-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Sustainable Approach to Combat the Disease Complex of Meloidogyne arenaria and Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) exhibit diverse applications, including antimicrobial, UV-blocking, and catalytic properties, due to their unique structure and properties. This study focused on the characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Juglans regia leaves and their application in mitigating the impact of simultaneous infection by Meloidogyne arenaria (root-knot nematode) and Macrophomina phaseolina (root-rot fungus) in cowpea plants. The characterization of ZnO NPs was carried out through various analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectrophotometry, Powder-XRD analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX analysis. The study confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO NPs with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and exceptional purity. Under in vitro conditions, ZnO NPs exhibited significant nematicidal and antifungal activities. The mortality of M. arenaria juveniles increased with rising ZnO NP concentrations, and a similar trend was observed in the inhibition of M. phaseolina mycelial growth. SEM studies revealed physical damage to nematodes and structural distortions in fungal hyphae due to ZnO NP treatment. In infected cowpea plants, ZnO NPs significantly improved plant growth parameters, including plant length, fresh mass, and dry mass, especially at higher concentrations. Leghemoglobin content and the number of root nodules also increased after ZnO NP treatment. Additionally, ZnO NPs reduced gall formation and egg mass production by M. arenaria nematodes and effectively inhibited the growth of M. phaseolina in the roots. Furthermore, histochemical analyses demonstrated a reduction in oxidative stress, as indicated by decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation in ZnO NP-treated plants. These findings highlight the potential of green-synthesized ZnO NPs as an eco-friendly and effective solution to manage disease complex in cowpea caused by simultaneous nematode and fungal infections.

Quality assessment of soybean seeds submitted to industrial seed treatment and stored in a natural and controlled environment

Seed quality is a limiting factor in the search for high soybean yields. However, fungi and insect pests can negatively interfere with their performance, and industrial seed treatment (IST) is a tool used to minimize the attack of pathogens and pests. The treated seeds are often stored until sowing, which can lead to a reduction in their quality. This work aimed to evaluate the physical and physiological quality of soybean seeds submitted to IST, with subsequent storage in a natural and controlled environment. The experiment was conducted in a split-split-plot design in a completely randomized scheme (time x storage systems x IST) with four replications. Soybean cultivar 55I57RSF IPRO was subjected to IST with fungicide (metalaxyl-M, thiabendazole, and fludioxonil) and insecticide (thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole), combined or not with polymer and dry powder, with subsequent storage in a controlled and natural environment. The moisture content, thousand-seed weights, germination, first germination count, germination speed index, accelerated aging, seedling length, dry matter transfer, and emergence sand test were evaluated. IST did not affect the moisture content and weight of a thousand seeds. However, storage in a controlled environment provided a greater reduction in moisture content and a smaller reduction in the weight of a thousand seeds. IST negatively affected germination, first germination count, germination speed index, and accelerated aging test. IST negatively affected plant length, except in the treatment where only insecticide was applied. The dry mass transfer was negatively affected but with less intensity in seeds subjected only to the application of insecticide or fungicide and the combination of insecticide, fungicide, and polymer. Seed emergence in the sand was negatively affected by all treatments. Regardless of the treatments, all responses evaluated showed a reduction throughout storage, with greater intensity in seeds stored in the natural environment.