Membrane Stability Index Research Articles

Influence of Sowing Media and Variety on Physiological Performance and Yield of Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) and Correlation Study with Yield

An experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat and at Farmer’s field to assess the physiological performance of early cauliflower varieties in different sowing media and to evaluate their performance in the field as well as to study the correlation of different physiological parameters with curd yield. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments comprising of four sowing media [M1-cocopeat (60): vermiculite (20): perlite (20), M2-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50),M3-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 and M4-Conventional nursery]and two varieties [V1 (White Diamond) and V2 (CFL1522)] replicated thrice. The results revealed that growing medium had significant influence on different physiological parameters of early cauliflower seedling. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded in M3 (0.98 mg g-1fw), maximum number of stomata in upper and lower surface (83.47and 150.97), relative water content (90.06 %) and dry matter accumulation (11.41 %) were recorded in M2. Between the two varieties, V1 recorded higher stomata number (145.06) in the lower surface. In the main field, the plants grown from M3 showcased superior performance with highest relative water content (93.62%), chlorophyll content at 30 days after transplanting (1.40 mg g-1fw) and at harvest (2.16 mg g-1fw), membrane stability index (65.32%), minimum lipid peroxidation (0.85 n mol g-1fw) at harvest and maximum curd yield (200.22 q/ha). Between the two varieties White Diamond(V1) recorded the higher relative water content (89.48 %) while V2 (CFL 1522) recorded the maximum membrane stability index (55.10%) and non-significant influence of variety was noticed on yield. Correlation coefficient analysis indicated chlorophyll content at seedling stage, crop growth and at harvest stage, relative leaf water content and membrane stability index at harvest have positive and significant correlation with curd yield of cauliflower. The study indicates sowing media had significant influence on physiological parameters of seedlings of early cauliflower which is again reflected in the field condition influencing yield as well and can be concluded that sowing media cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 can be used for nursery raising of early cauliflower seedling in Assam condition.

Exogenous nitric oxide extends longevity in cut Lilium tigrinum flowers by orchestrating biochemical and molecular aspects.

Senescence represents a developmentally orchestrated and precisely regulated cascade of events, culminating in the abscission of plant organs and ultimately leading to the demise of the plant or its constituent parts. In this study, we observed that senescence in cut Lilium tigrinum flowers is induced by elevated ABA levels and the hyperactivation of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. This cascade increased ROS concentrations, heightened oxidative damage, and disrupted cellular redox equilibrium. This was evidenced by elevated lipid peroxidation, attenuated antioxidant machinery, and reduced membrane stability index (MSI). Despite its known role in delaying flower senescence, the specific biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which nitric oxide (NO) regulates senescence in cut L. tigrinum flowers are not fully elucidated. Specifically, the interactions between NO signaling and ABA metabolism, the regulation of protease activity, and the influence of NO-mediated ROS scavenging, senescence-associated gene expression requires further exploration. Exogenous application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a source of NO, mitigated senescence in L. tigrinum cut flowers by upregulating the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and reducing the LOX activity, an indicator of lipid peroxidation. SNP treatment also downregulated the relative expression of senescence-associated gene (SAG12 ),lipoxygenase 1 (LOX1 ), and abscisic aldehyde oxidase 3 (AAO3 ). NO also upregulated defender against apoptotic death 1 (DAD1 ) expression correlated with minimized protease activity and reduced α-amino acid content in SNP-treated tepals. This regulation was accompanied by increased contents of sugars, proteins and phenols and reduced abscisic acid content, which collectively delayed the senesecence and enhanced the longevity of L. tigrinum cut flowers. This study demonstrates that exogenous SNP application can effectively mitigate senescence in cut L. tigrinum flowers by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing oxidative stress, and regulating the expression of key senescence-associated genes. This study unravels the complex molecular networks involved in NO-mediated senescence delay, which may lead to the development of innovative approaches for improving flower longevity.

Stilbene production as part of drought adaptation mechanisms in cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) roots modulates antioxidant status.

Stilbenes, naturally occurring polyphenolic secondary metabolites, play a pivotal role in adaptation of various plant species to biotic and abiotic factors. Recently, increased attention has been directed toward their potential to enhance plant stress tolerance. We evaluated drought tolerance of three grapevine varieties grown with different levels of water deficit. Throughout, we studied physiological mechanisms associated with drought stress tolerance, particularly stilbene accumulation in root tissues, using HPLC. Additionally, we explored the possible relationship between antioxidant potential and stilbene accumulation in response to water deficit. The results underscore the detrimental impact of water deficit on grapevine growth, water status, and membrane stability index, while revealing varying tolerance among the studied genotypes. Notably, Syrah variety had superior drought tolerance, compared to Razegui and Muscat d'Italie grapes. Under severe water deficit, Syrah exhibited a substantial increase in levels of stilbenic compounds, such as t-resveratrol, t-piceatannol, t-ɛ-viniferin, and t-piceid, in root tissues compared to other genotypes. This increase was positively correlated with total antioxidant activity (TAA), emphasizing the active role of resveratrol and its derivatives in total antioxidant potential. This demonstratres the potential involvement of resveratrol and its derivatives in enhancing antioxidant status of the drought-tolerant Syrah grape variety. Our findings suggest that these stilbenes may function as valuable markers in grapevine breeding programs, offering novel insights for the sustainable cultivation of grapevines in water-limited environments.

Alleviating salinity stress in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. seedlings through foliar application of silicon or melatonin in arid and semi-desert environments

Salinity stress can be deemed as an important challenge extremely affecting crop growth as well as development. Therefore, it is important to improve its tolerance to salinity stress, in arid as well as semiarid regions. Thus, this experiment explored the influence of foliar usage of plant growth-stimulating substances with different concentrations (C: control, melatonin (M1: 100, M2: 200 and M3:400 µM) and silicon (Si1: 5.4, Si2: 10.8 and Si3: 16.2 mM)) on some physiological as well as biochemical attributes of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L. (guar) seedlings under five salinity levels (S1: no-salt treatment, S2: 5, S3: 10, S4: 15 and S5: 20 dS m−1). With increasing salinity, shoot dry weight, Fv/Fm, F′v/F′m, ΦPSII, qp, qL, Rfd, ETR, photosynthetic pigments, membrane stability index, as well as relative water content were gradually reduced in salt-stressed guar, as comparison is made to the non-saline conditions. However, foliar usage of plant growth-stimulating substances was effective in improving guar tolerance to salinity by elevating the DPPH radical scavenging capacity and anthocyanin, thus enhancing membrane stability index, improving the electron's transport rate, reducing electrolyte leakage and decreasing the damage affecting the reaction center of PSII, as comparison is made with control. Such positive effects were exhibited in elevating growth under salinity stress. Si3 treatment demonstrated the best response under salinity stress, as compared with the other treatments. Consequently, foliar usage of silicon or melatonin in salt-stressed guar seedlings can serve an efficient method to improve salt tolerance under salinity stress in arid and semiarid regions.

Adapting fodder oats to climate change: Enhancing growth, yield, and microbial dynamics under elevated CO2 and temperature

The effects of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (e[CO2]) and temperature (e°T) on various traits of oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties using open-top chambers (OTC) were investigated. A simulated environment was created for the experiment i.e., ambient temperature and CO2 (a°T + a[CO2]); elevated temperature (3 °C > ambient temperature) (e°T); elevated CO2 (550 ± 50 ppm) (e[CO2]); and a combination of ambient temperature with elevated CO2 (a°T + e[CO2]), for accessing the effect of e°T and e[CO2] on oats. a°T + e[CO2] increased plant height to 121 cm compared to 114 cm in a°T + a[CO2] and 111 cm in e°T + e[CO2]. Seed weight was highest in a°T + e[CO2] (3.09 g) compared to 2.53 g in a°T + a[CO2] and 2.60 g in e°T + e[CO2]. Leaf number and tillers were significantly higher in a°T + e[CO2] (61.4 leaves, 10 tillers) than in a°T + a[CO2] (27.6 leaves, 5.6 tillers) and e°T + e[CO2] (44.3 leaves, 6.93 tillers). Chlorophyll content was highest in a°T + e[CO2] (5.13 mg/g) compared to 3.61 mg/g in a°T + a[CO2] and 1.47 mg/g in e°T + e[CO2]. In contrast, germination rate was best in a°T + a[CO2] (81.6 %) compared to e°T + e[CO2] (60.3 %) and a°T + e[CO2] (63.1 %). Malondialdehyde (MDA), a stress marker, was significantly higher in e°T + e[CO2] (1.35 nmol/g) compared to a°T + a[CO2] (0.299 nmol/g). Membrane stability index (MSI) was lowest in e°T + e[CO2] (13.2) compared to 20.9 in a°T + a[CO2], indicating greater stress under e°T + e[CO2]. Starch content in a°T + e[CO2] (14.6 %) was more than double that of a°T + a[CO2] (7.09 %). Microbial activity also showed significant differences. Dehydrogenase was highest in e°T + e[CO2] (13.86 µg/g/day) compared to a°T + a[CO2] (8.80) and a°T + e[CO2] (12.62). Total bacterial count (TBC) increased in e°T + e[CO2] (72) compared to a°T + a[CO2] (61). Similarly, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and fungi (PSF) were highest in e°T + e[CO2] (PSB: 104.5, PSF: 8.5) compared to a°T + a[CO2] (PSB: 75.0, PSF: 4.0). Rhizobium and Azotobacter counts were elevated in a°T + e[CO2] (95 and 94) compared to a°T + a[CO2] (72.5 and 42.0), showing a strong positive impact of e[CO2] on microbial populations. Specific oat varieties such as JHO-2000–4 and JHO-99–2 performed best under these conditions, showing higher yields and better stress tolerance. While e[CO2] offers substantial benefits to oat plant growth and soil microbial activity, the additional stress from e°T complicates these benefits.

Physiological and enzyme dynamics of tomato under drought stress

Climate change leads to an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, which have a negative impact on agriculture by altering plant growth and lowering water availability, placing food production systems at risk of sustainability. In order to improve drought resistance and ensure food security in the face of growing water shortages, this research was conducted to determine the physiological and enzymatic responses of tomato plants to drought stress. This study was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, involving 3 hybrids, viz., H1: EC169966 × LE118, H2: EC177824 × LE118 and H3: Arka Ashish × LE 27, along with their parents, P1: EC177824, P2: LE27, P3: EC169966, P4: LE118 and P5: Arka Ashish, under 50 % and 100 % field capacity conditions in factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with 3 replications. Results indicated a significant change in physiological and enzymactic activities. Here, the parent P2 and hybrid H2 showed superior tolerance, with higher relative water content, proline, leaf water potential, membrane and chlorophyll stability index. Added to that, the response of enzyme activities including peroxidase, nitrate reductase, catalase, polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase was found to be increase notably in drought-tolerant hybrids and parents, which correlated strongly with physiological markers of drought resistance. These modifications highlight the capacity of some genotypes to preserve photosynthetic efficiency and cellular integrity in water-limited environments. The results highlight the significance of choosing and developing drought-tolerant cultivars in order to maintain agricultural production in areas vulnerable to drought and address issues related to global food security.

Nanochitosan-encapsulated melatonin: an eco-friendly strategy to delay petal senescence in cut gerbera flowers

BackgroundThe preservation of cut flowers, particularly Gerbera jamesonii, is crucial for maintaining their aesthetic value and extending vase life in the floriculture industry. To address this challenge, this study investigated the effects of melatonin (Mel) and encapsulated melatonin with nanochitosan (nCS-Mel) as preservative solutions on cut Gerbera jamesonii cv. ‘Terra kalina’ flowers. In research, we examined various physiological and biochemical parameters, including relative water content, membrane stability index, carbohydrate content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, to evaluate the efficacy of these treatments in prolonging the vase life and quality of cut gerbera flowers under controlled environmental conditions.ResultsOur results demonstrated that cut Gerbera jamesonii flowers maintained in vase solutions containing 0.1 and 0.5 mM nCS-Mel exhibited enhanced preservation of cell membrane integrity and anthocyanin content, while also maintaining higher levels of carbohydrates and total flavonoids in petals at the conclusion of their vase life. A decline in petal relative water content and protein levels was observed concomitantly with petal senescence, whereas total phenolic compounds showed an increase. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in petals exhibited an upward trend during vase life in control specimens, but this effect was mitigated in treatments containing melatonin. Although malondialdehyde (MDA) content generally increased throughout the vase life period, flowers subjected to either Mel or nCS-Mel treatments displayed reduced MDA accumulation. The activity of catalase (CAT) demonstrated an increasing trend during vase life, with the maximum activity observed in Gerbera flowers treated with 0.1 mM nCS-Mel. A similar upward trend was noted for superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, with flowers in 0.5 mM nCS-Mel treatment exhibiting peak SOD values on day 12 relative to control and other treatments. Peroxidase (POD) activity also increased across all treatments, with particularly pronounced effects in vase solutions containing 0.1 mM Mel and nCS-Mel. Notably, flowers placed in vase solutions containing 0.1 mM nCS-Mel, followed by 0.5 mM nCS-Mel and 0.1 mM Mel, exhibited the most prolonged vase life, extending up to 12, 10.66, and 10.33 days, respectively, under room temperature conditions.ConclusionsThe application of nanoencapsulated melatonin as a vase solution for cut Gerbera jamesonii flowers demonstrates significant potential in extending vase life and maintaining flower quality through enhanced preservation of cellular integrity, antioxidant activity, and biochemical parameters. This innovative approach not only outperforms conventional treatments but also presents a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional antimicrobial preservatives and sugars, offering a promising solution for the floriculture industry to improve cut flower longevity and reduce ecological impact.

Integration of organic amendments and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improves wheat growth and yield by modulating phosphorus availability and physiological reponses

Saline calcareous soil presents significant challenges for crop production due to its poor nutrient availability and adverse effects on plant growth. Hence this study aimed to investigates the impact of integrating organic amendments—specifically Moringa seed residues, biogas manure, and vermicompost (Ver)—with and without phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), alongside two types of phosphatic fertilizers, ordinary super phosphate (OSP) and rock phosphate (RP), on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of wheat plants in saline calcareous soil conditions. The results indicate that the combined application of Ver + PSB, particularly when paired with OSP, consistently yields superior outcomes across all measured parameters, followed by Ver + PSB with RP. Notably, the Ver + PSB with OSP treatment exhibits the highest values across several key parameters: chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a at 1.8, chlorophyll b at 0.84, and carotenoids at 0.72 mg g−1f wt), proline at 38.5 μg g−1 DW, relative water content at 80.76%, membrane stability index at 67.62%, as well as net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs). Furthermore, this treatment showcases the highest antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide dismutase, SOD at 9.27 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Catalase, CAT at 78.53 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Peroxihdase, POX at 1.86 A564 min−1 g−1 protein), as well as NPK content and uptake in wheat straw and grains. Additionally, it leads to significant increases in wheat growth parameters, including plant height, straw weight, grain weight, 1000 grain weight, and protein content. However, it also results in a notable decrease in other parameters such as total soluble sugars and nonenzymatic antioxidants (Ascorbate, AsA; Total glutathione, GsH; and α-Tocopherol, α-TOC).

Improving maize yield and drought tolerance in field conditions through activated biochar application

Amidst depleting water resources, rising crop water needs, changing climates, and soil fertility decline from inorganic modifications of soil, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has been more pressing. The experimental work aimed to inspect the potential of organically activated biochar in improving soil physicochemical and nutrient status as well as improving biochemical and physiological processes, and optimizing yield-related attributes under optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. Biochar enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while improving plant nutrient uptake and drought resilience. The field experiment with maize crop was conducted in Hardaas Pur (32°38.37’N, 74°9.00’E), Gujrat, Pakistan. The experiment involved the use of DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab maize hybrid seeds, with five moisture levels of evapotranspiration (100% ETC, 80% ETC, 70% ETC, 60% ETC, and 50% ETC) maintained throughout the crop seasons. Furthermore, activated biochar was applied at three levels: 0 tons/ha (no biochar), 5 tons per hectare, and 10 tons per hectare. The study’s findings revealed significant improvements in soil organic matter, bulk density, nutrient profile and total porosity with biochar supplementation in soil. Maize plants grown under lower levels of ETC in biochar supplemented soil had enhanced membrane stability index (1.6 times higher) increased protein content (1.4 times higher), reduced malondialdehyde levels (0.7 times lower), improved antioxidant enzyme activity (1.3 times more SOD and POD activity, and 1.2 times more CAT activity), improved relative growth (1.05 times more) and enhanced yield parameters (26% more grain and stover yield, 16% more 1000-seed weight, 29% more total seed weight, 33% more apparent water productivity) than control. Additionally, among the two biochar application levels tested, the 5 tons/ha dose demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the 10 tons/ha biochar dose.

Polypropylene Packaged Ten Days Cold Stored Rose Cut Flowers cv. Bordeaux Influenced by Different Pulsing Solution

The study included different pulsing solution viz., water, HQC 200mg/l, sucrose 50g/l + HQC 200 mg/l, citric acid 200mg/l, α-lipoic acid 200mg/l, GA3 100 mg/l and BA 100mg/l to study the effect on flower quality and vase life of PP (polypropylene) packaged cold storage (at 2°C) rose cv. Bordeaux, for the period of 10 days. Pre-storage pulsing of GA3 100mg/l solution treatment showed highly promising results in extending flowers vase life along with maintained flower quality just after storage and at 4th DAS in vase life. Further, GA3 100mg/l solution treatment recorded significantly higher water up take (175.65 ml), change in fresh weight (10.50%) at 4th DAS, total dissolve solids (8.85 °brix, 8.05 °brix and 6.75 °brix) and membrane stability index (81.97 %, 65.97 % and 37.88 %) at 2nd, 4th and 6th DAS. Moreover, it was evident from the results that same treatment recoded significantly higher total soluble sugar (59.65 mg/g fresh weight), Estimated protein (18.79 mg/g fresh weight), catalase activity (20.42 µ mol H2O2 min-1 g-1 protein), peroxidation activity (40.30 µ mol H2O2 min-1 g-1 protein), pigment content (15.82 mg/g fresh weight) anthocyanin content in the petals at 4th DAS. Whereas, GA3 100 mg/l pulsing solution treated PP packaged cold stored rose cut flowers cv. Bordeaux recorded significantly higher vase life (6.88 days) which was at par with treatment P2 (Sucrose 50 g/l + HQC 200 mg/l).

Application of different phosphatic fertilizers influences the different phosphorus fractions and morphophysiological traits of wheat in saline sodic soil

Nutrient constraints in salt-affected soils are one of the limiting factors for crop production. We investigated phosphorus (P) availability to wheat crop and its correlations with different fractions of P in salt-affected soils in response to various phosphatic fertilizer’s application. Three different types of soils having electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe) < 4 dS m−1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) < 13.2 (mmol L−1)1/2, ECe 8 dS m−1 SAR 20 (mmol L−1)1/2 and ECe 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L−1)1/2 were used for this experiment. Different P fertilizers viz. control, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and nitrophos (NP) were applied on these soils. The doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were remained same for all the treatments. The P fractions, agronomic parameters and P-availability to plants were determined. Results indicated increase in shoot dry weight (61%) and photosynthetic rate (9%) in SSP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2. The total P (7.6%) in soil and respiration rate (1.9%) in plant was recorded maximum in DAP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2, and membrane stability index (44%) in plant shoot, extractable P (23%) in soil and P concentration (22%) in shoot were recorded maximum in SSP treated soil at EC 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L)1/2. It was concluded that SSP fertilizer perform better in salt-affected soil for growth and yield of wheat compared to other phosphatic fertilizers.

Assessment of genetic variability, heritability and correlation in advanced breeding lines of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) under heat stress condition

Abstract An experiment was conducted under normal (with six irrigation during crop period) and stressed condition during Rabi 2019 in All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, MARS, Dharwad, Karnataka with the view of assessing genetic variability, heritability and expected genetic advance in 104 F4 families of the cross HD2864 × DBW14. The progenies exhibited wide range of variation for all the traits indicating the presence of enough genetic variability in the material under study. Under timely sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, grain filling duration, spike length, thousand grains weight and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like plant height, canopy temperature at different stages and membrane stability index showed low variability. Under late sown condition, the traits like leaf waxyness, plant height, NDVI at different stages, SPAD at different stages, number of productive tillers per plant, seeds per spike, yield per plant, row bulk yield and seed set percentage showed high variability. The traits like days to maturity, spike length and membrane stability index showed low variability. The findings shows that all traits related to crop yield are positively linked, except for canopy temperature at different growth stages. Promising lines identified through Heat susceptibility index (HSI) and Heat tolerance index (HTI) can be utilized in future breeding programs to enhance crop productivity. Keywords: Variability, Coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance.

Dissection of Genetic Parameters for Enhancing Yield and Yield Components in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A study was conducted to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance of 13 quantitative traits in 55 mustard (Brassica juncea) genotypes. The traits assessed included days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, primary branches per plant, siliqua per plant, siliqua length, seeds per siliqua, seed yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, relative water content, membrane stability index, proline content, and oil content. Significant genetic variation was observed for all traits. Moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were noted for siliqua per plant and proline content. Both traits exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance, indicating that additive gene action predominates. This suggests that selection for these traits could lead to substantial genetic gains in mustard breeding programs. In contrast, traits like days to 50% flowering and oil content showed lower genetic advance, suggesting limited scope for selection. The findings highlight the importance of focusing on traits with high variability and heritability for improving yield and stress tolerance in mustard.

Co-application of silicon and biochar affected anatomical and biochemical properties of corn leaf (Zea mays L.) under soil nickel toxicity

Soil pollution with heavy metals is a threat to crop production. Practically, application of silicon (Si) with biochar can be a cost-effective approach to immobilize metals in contaminated soils. Investigation of the anatomical and biochemical changes of corn leaf is important for describing the mechanisms of Si and biochar soil application in alleviating the negative effects of nickel (Ni) toxicity. A factorial pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Si (0, 250 and 500 mg Si kg-1 soil) in combination with rice husk biochar (RHB) or sheep manure biochar (SMB) prepared at two pyrolysis temperatures (300 and 500 °C) on anatomical and biochemical properties of corn leaves in a Ni-polluted soil. The length, width, area and weight of third-leaf, and metaxylem and protoxylem of midrib improved by application of Si250 with RHB more than SMB. At Si250, RHB300 and RHB500 improved the stomatal area by 31.7 and 27.7% compared to control (without biochar), respectively. The leaf membrane stability index was increased by increasing Si application level and reached 69% in RHB300. In contrast to total chlorophyll, the highest carotenoid content, catalase and peroxidase was obtained by control (without Si and biochar) followed by SMB. At Si250, the highest relative water content (RWC) was observed in RHB300 by 34.8% increase. Also, RHB300 had the highest total dry matter, with increases of 82.2, 120.0 and 83.1% at Si0, Si250 and Si500, respectively. By increasing the Si level and biochar application, the shoot Ni decreased between 42.1 to 133.3%. Combined application of Si250 with RHB300 resulted in the highest dry matter through improving the leaf dimensions, metaxylem and protoxylem areas of midrib, membrane stability index, total chlorophyll, and RWC, while Ni uptake was reduced.

Fulvic and Salicylic Acids Improve Morpho-Physio-Biochemical Attributes, Yield and Fruit Quality of Two Mango Cultivars Exposed to Dual Salinity and Heat Stress Conditions

Abstract Purpose The present research’s main objective was to explore the potential stimulative effect of fulvic acid (FA) as a soil conditioner and salicylic acid (SA) as foliar spraying on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, fruit yield, and quality of ‘Sediek’ and ‘Ewais’ mango cultivars (cvs.) grown under saline calcareous soil and heat stress conditions Methods Eight treatments, namely, 200 (FA200) and 400 (FA400) g FA tree−1 as a soil addition, 200 (SA200) or 400 (SA400) mg SA L−1 as foliar spraying, and their bilateral combinations (e.g., FA200 + SA200, FA200 + SA400, FA400 + SA200, and FA400 + SA400) compared to untreated control on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Sediek’ and ‘Ewais’ mango cvs. grown under saline calcareous soil and heat stress conditions were assessed. These treatments were carried out using a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design replicated three times during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Results Cultivar Sediek had higher SPAD value, leaf proline and phenolic content, leaf area, fruit weight, yield and vitamin C than Ewais which had higher tree water status and shoot length. Saline calcareous and heat-stressed mango trees without FA or/and SA treatment had a significant decline in their water status, photosynthetic traits, biochemical responses that adversely affected growth and yield and fruit quality. However, soil FA addition and foliar SA spraying alone or in combination at any application level attenuated the negative effects of saline calcareous and heat-stress conditions via enhancing the morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, positively reflecting in tree growth, yield, and fruit quality. FA treatment alone improved tree water status (membrane stability index; MSI and relative water content; RWC), photosynthetic traits (SPAD value and maximum photochemical efficiency; Fv/Fm), leaf area, fruit weight, fruit yield, and fruit vitamin C (fruit vit.C), while SA treatment alone enhanced leaf proline and phenolic content, shoot length, and fruit total soluble solids (fruit TSS) compared to the non-FA or SA-treated control. Moreover, co-application of FA400 and SA400 effectively alleviated the harmful impacts of dual stress of heat and salinity on mango trees by improving MSI, RWC, SPAD value, Fv/Fm, proline and phenolic content, fruit weight, fruit yield, fruit TSS, fruit vit.C by 19.7, 26.1, 46.7, 18.7, 101.7, 390.7, 42.7, 6.8, 22.6, 69.6% (averages of the two seasons), respectively, compared to the non-FA or SA-treated trees. Conclusion It is recommended to add 400 g FA tree−1 to soil integrated with 400 mg SA L−1 foliar spraying four times at 30-day intervals for improving water status and photosynthetic traits, proline and phenolic accumulation, thereby growth, yield, and fruit quality of mango trees exposed to dual stress of heat and salinity under arid conditions.

Performance of the edible halophyte Cakile maritima under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds

In their natural biotope, plants are challenged with low nutrient availability which is one of the most important limiting factors for plant production. Nutrient limitation causes disruption in several metabolic pathways resulting in a decrease in plant growth and establishment. Such responses were mostly studied in glycophytes while in halophytes the data remained scare. In the present investigation, using Cakile maritima as a plant model for halophytes, we attempt to elucidate the behavior of this species under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds. Our data showed that low K or Mg supply (0.01 mM) reduced leaf number and biomass production in leaves, stems and roots while both parameters were improved at 0.05 mM Mg and K concentration before reaching an optimum at 0.25 mM Mg and 1 mM K, respectively. Several indices of K and Mg stress tolerance were reduced upon deficiency in both elements and were significantly improved by moderate K and Mg supply. Photosynthetic pigment content was reduced upon both deficiencies with the highest reductions recorded in plants suffering from severe Mg and K starvation. Increasing Mg and K supply resulted in better chlorophyll synthesis as reflected by the increase in chlorophyll stability index parameter (CSI). Furthermore, both deficiencies triggered oxidative damages as malondialdehyde content (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased while membrane stability index (MSI) decreased under both deficiencies. Such results suggested that the cell redox homeostasis was altered when Mg and K were omitted from the nutrient solution. Interestingly, moderate and high Mg and K concentrations promoted C. maritima growth and reduced the oxidative damage caused by the lack of both elements in the external medium. Overall, C. maritima exhibited a typical halophytic behaviour, requiring less macroelements to express its growth performance when cultivated under critical magnesium and potassium thresholds.

The Efficiency of Seed Priming with Dead Sea Water for Improving Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Salinity

&lt;p&gt;Salinity is considered the most critical environmental factor which negatively affects the germination and growth of plants. In this study, the potential of using Dead Sea water (DS) as a seed priming agent for the mitigation of the adverse effects of salinity on seed germination and growth performance of wheat (&lt;em&gt;Triticum aestivum&lt;/em&gt; L.) was investigated. Germination of wheat seeds primed with different doses of DS; 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% were evaluated under different saline conditions (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl). High salinity (300 mM NaCl) remarkably inhibited germination attributes and reduced seedling length. However, seeds primed with DS exhibited improved germination parameters and seedling growth. Among the different DS concentrations used, the 10% DS priming achieved the highest increase in final germination percentage tolerance, germination index, relative germination salt tolerance, and seedling length. The increased tolerance to salinity was associated with improved water imbibition, α-amylase activity, antioxidant capacity and osmotic homeostasis correlated with high proline and soluble sugar levels. In addition, DS priming increased the membrane stability index, and reduced malondialdehyde content and K&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; leakage besides lowering Na&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;/K&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; ratio. Overall, priming with DS could be a promising strategy for minimizing the damaging effects of salinity in wheat.&lt;/p&gt;

Characterization of Yield, Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Chickpea Genotypes under Contrasting Water Availability

Chickpeas are a rich source of protein and essential nutrients, making them a staple in many diets worldwide. They are also drought-tolerant, which makes them a valuable crop for improving food security in arid regions. Thirty chickpea genotypes were evaluated under irrigated and rainfed condition separately Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at Post Graduate Institute Farm, MPKV Rahuri to study yield, physiological and biochemical response for drought tolerance in Rabi 2022-2023. Analysis of variance observed significant difference among studied genotypes in irrigated and rainfed condition for all the characters studied. Genetic variation exists in diverse chickpea genotypes for bio-physiological, morphological and yield attributing characters which can be explored for genetic improvement. As expected, water stress adversely affected the physiological, biochemical and yield responses of all the chickpea genotypes evaluated. The performance of genotypes Phule G-16318 and Phule G-1420-13-6 was observed to be stable for most of the characters such as Chlorophyll index, membrane stability index, relative water content, photosynthesis rate, proline content under moisture stress condition. Similarly, both the genotypes with minimal reductions in seed yield, 100 seed weight, pod number and biomass plant-1 under rainfed condition, can serve as donors for drought tolerance in chickpea improvement programs.

Variability and Diversity Studies Using Morpho-physiological Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions

A study was conducted at Rice and Wheat Research Centre, Malan and Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India during October, 2013 to May, 2014 to identify traits for developing reliable selection criteria and conduct diversity analysis. In the present investigation, fifty-six diverse wheat genotypes were evaluated in an alpha-design using various yield attributes and drought indices under irrigated and moisture-stress environments over three environments in two locations. Results from the study indicated significant differences for almost all the traits under all three environments and pooled environments. Variability studies showed high phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variability with high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for seedling vigour under irrigated conditions as well as under moisture-stress conditions along with membrane stability index, dry matter accumulation and grain yield. On the basis of low DSI and high DRI values and relative ranking of morpho-physiological traits, seven genotypes HPW 368, NI 5439, CM 33, CM 19, HPW 236, CM 11 and HPW 349 have been found to be moisture-stress tolerant. Association studies showed that grains spike-1, harvest index, thousand grain weight, excised leaf water loss and days to 75% maturity are most important traits for selection of tolerant genotypes. On the basis of D2 statistics, 56 genotypes were grouped into twelve main clusters and genotypes HPW 277, HPW 297 and NIAW 1415 were found superior as well as diverse for most of the traits. Hence, these genotypes can be used in breeding programmes aimed at enhancing drought tolerance.

Alleviating Damage Extent and Enhancing Yield through Mild Shading in Microsperma and Macrosperma Genotypes of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) at Terminal Heat and Combined Stress Condition

The threat of global climate change mainly in term of heat and combined stress is one of the utmost serious concerns for farmers, and have a negative impact on agriculture production and challenging food security worldwide. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season at Pulse breeding Block, G.B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The objective of this investigation was to effect of shading to mitigate the heat and combined stress as well as the comparison of heat and combined stress in microsperma and macrosperma genotypes. It was laid out in factorial random block design with three replications. The morpho-physiological and yield attributes of both genotypes under varied growth condition at different time interval were evaluated. The microsperma (PL-8) and macrosperma (PL-11) after shading changed their plant height (6% and 5%), NDVI value (5% and 4%), Membrane stability index (9% and 6%), days to maturity (7% and 6%) and total no of grain (15% and 37%) under heat stress while in combined stress it was changed by 8% and 10% in plant height, 9% and 3% in NDVI value,14% in MSI,7% and 3% in days to maturity and13% and 23% in yield. The above finding proves the effect of shading mitigate the damage extent and also increase production of both lentil genotypes (PL-8) and (PL-11).