Morpho-physiological Attributes Research Articles

​Identification of Low Light Tolerant Blackgram Varieties with Respect to Morpho-physiology and Yield

Background: Blackgram is generally considered as a shade sensitive crop. Nevertheless, it fits well in intercropping, crop rotation and crop mixture in coconut gardens thus forming an integral part of cropping systems of the tropics. To encourage and extend blackgram cultivation in coconut gardens, suitable varieties tolerant to shade, need to be identified. The current study aims to screen shade tolerant blackgram varieties with respect to morpho-physiological characters and yield. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India. Uniformly spaced coconut palms of age above 40 years were selected having a light intensity of 40-46.5 Klux. Twelve promising blackgram varieties along with three cultures were evaluated under low light intensity in coconut garden. Morpho-physiological attributes and yields were recorded and analysed statistically. Result: Superior growth attributes and physiological parameters like stomatal frequency, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate were recorded in varieties namely, DBGV 5, Sumanjana and VBN 5. These varieties were found tolerant to low light intensity with DBGV 5 recording significantly higher yield (1183.33 kg ha-1) followed by VBN 5 (916.67 kg ha-1) and Sumanjana (906.67 kg ha-1) and could be recommended as suitable for intercropping in coconut garden.

Estimation of biometric, physiological, and nutritional variables in lettuce seedlings using multispectral images

ABSTRACT The formation of seedlings is one of the most important phases of lettuce cultivation. Therefore, any strategy that aims to obtain high-quality seedlings can increase productivity. One of these strategies is the prediction of morphophysiological attributes based on optical properties. The objective of this study was to quantitatively estimate the biometric variables of lettuce from parametric and non-parametric models based on the response of multispectral camera images. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in the municipality of Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Twenty days after sowing, multispectral images of the plants were captured using a MAPIR Survey 3 camera. To compose the estimation models, along with the original bands of the camera, the multispectral vegetation indices were calculated using the calibrated original camera bands. Bands B550, B660, and B850 and the near-infrared indices contributed significantly to estimating the physiological variable models, with B850 contributing the most to the biometric and nutritional variables. From the near-infrared band (B850) and derived indices, it was possible to estimate all the agronomic variables from the models generated by the M5 algorithm, with an accuracy of up to 1.6% for the maximum quantum yield. Thus, it is possible to quantify the biometric, physiological, and nutritional variables of lettuce using a multispectral camera. Among the Mapir camera bands, B660 exhibited the greatest variability, showing that the red range was the most sensitive.

Morpho-Physio-Biochemical and Molecular Responses of Maize Hybrids to Salinity and Waterlogging during Stress and Recovery Phase.

Maize is one of the most economically important cereal crops worldwide. Salinity coupled with waterlogging is a major challenge for successful crop production. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and impacts of individual and combined salinity and waterlogging stress on the morpho-physio-biochemical and molecular responses and oxidative metabolism of maize during stress and recovery periods is essential. The present study was carried out to assess the response of four hybrid maize cultivars viz. DK-6142, FH-1231, FH-949, and MALKA-2016 under individual and combined salinity and waterlogging conditions. The treatments comprised the control (no stress), NaCl (salinity with 10 dSm−1), WL (waterlogged conditions with 3 cm flooding), and NaCl + WL (combined salinity and waterlogging stress). The data regarding morpho-physiological attributes were collected at 22 days after sowing (DAS; stress phase) and 30 DAS (recovery phase). The results revealed that both stresses, either individually or in combination, substantially reduced the root-shoot length, root-shoot fresh and dry weights, leaf width, and the number of leaves per plant as well as the leaf chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids contents; however, the inhibitory effects were more severe in combined stresses than for individual stress factors in many cultivars. Both individual and combined stress conditions enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, whereas the antioxidant enzyme activities, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), remained higher under stress conditions compared to the control. The expression levels of antioxidant genes (CAT and POD) were also upregulated under stress conditions. All of the cultivars recovered better from individual stresses than combined stress conditions; however, the hybrid DK-6142 performed better than the other maize hybrids under stress conditions and showed faster recovery.

Changes in morpho-physiological attributes in nine genotypes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under different level of salt (NaCl) stress

Changes in morpho-physiological attributes in nine genotypes of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under different level of salt (NaCl) stress

Foliar applications of plant-based titanium dioxide nanoparticles to improve agronomic and physiological attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants under salinity stress

Abstract The present study was carried out to investigate the beneficial and toxicological effect of plant-based titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on the morphophysiological attributes of wheat plants under salinity stress. The biogenesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was accomplished by using the extract of Buddleja asiatica L. leaves followed by characterization through UV visible spectroscopy, SEM, FTIR, and EDX. NaCl salt was applied in two different concentrations after 21 days of germination followed by foliar applications of various concentrations of TiO2 NPs (20, 40, 60, 80 mg/L) to salinity-tolerant (Faisalabad-08) and salinity-susceptible (NARC-11) wheat varieties after 10–15 days of application of salt stress. Salinity stress showed remarkable decrease in morphophysiological attributes of selected wheat varieties. Magnificent improvement in plant height, dry and fresh weight of plants, shoot and root length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, number of leaves per plant, RWC, MSI, chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll contents has been observed when 40 mg/L of TiO2 NPs was used. However, the plant morphophysiological parameters decreased gradually at higher concentrations (60 and 80 mg/L) in both selected wheat varieties. Therefore, 40 mg/L concentration of TiO2 NPs was found most preferable to increase the growth agronomic and physiological attributes of selected wheat varieties under salinity.

Exogenous Micronutrients Modulate Morpho-physiological Attributes, Yield, and Sugar Quality in Two Salt-Stressed Sugar Beet Cultivars

Exogenously applied micronutrients (M) have been reported to boost salinity tolerance and improve yield and quality. However, very little is known about the effect of M mixture foliar application under saline soil condition. Our objective was to investigate the influences of M mixture foliar application on morpho-physiological traits, yield, and quality and nutritional status of sugar beet under saline (9.39 dS m−1) soil. Two consecutive (2018/2019–2019/2020) field trials were conducted on both Romulus and Francesca sugar beet cultivars treated with M mixture (0 ppm; [M0], 150 ppm [M150; 75 Fe (FeSO4), 50 Zn (ZnSO4), 25 Mn (MnSO4)], and 300 ppm [M300; 150 Fe (FeSO4) 100 Zn (ZnSO4), 50 Mn (MnSO4)]. M150 or M300 significantly boosted growth, water status, photosynthetic efficiency, nutritional status, and productivity of sugar beet. M300 increased root yield (RY) by 11.5% and 42.0% and true sugar yield (TSY) by 22.7% and 92.9% compared to M150 and M0, respectively. M300-treated plants had higher sucrose, true sugar, and quality index but lower loss sugar and non-sugar impurities M300 markedly improved sugar beet performance owing to increase leaf hydration status, photosynthetic efficiency, nutrients (K+, Fe2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+) uptake, and K+/Na+ ratio. Romulus exhibited enhanced growth, yield, and quality, reflecting more salt tolerance when compared with Francesca. Stepwise regression indicated plant fresh weight, SPAD chlorophyll, and leaves number plant−1 are the most influential RY- and TSY-attributed characteristics in salt-stressed sugar beet. M150 or M300 are more effective and may offer a potential economic alternative for salinity-stress alleviation in salt-stressed sugar beet.

Sorghum Water Extract Application Mediates Antioxidant Defense and Confers Drought Stress Tolerance in Wheat

Drought is the most threatening abiotic constraint, affecting more than 43% of the cropped area around the globe. The use of allelopathic hormesis offers a pragmatic solution for mitigating the negative effects of drought on field crops. The present study evaluated the potential of sorghum water extract in enhancing drought tolerance in wheat and examined the possible underlying mechanisms. The experiment comprised of three factors viz. drought with three levels (100%, 60% and 30% field capacity; FC), sorghum water extracts with eight levels (control, water spray, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% of sorghum water extract) and two wheat cultivars Ihsan-2016 (drought tolerant) and Galaxy-2013 (drought-sensitive). Drought stress, particularly at 30% FC, profoundly decreased the morpho-physiological attributes of both wheat cultivars; nevertheless, the application of sorghum water extract at 2.0% effectively enhanced the tolerance against drought stress. Compared with control, application of 2.0% sorghum water extract increased the morphological attributes such as shoot and root length as well as fresh and dry weight of both wheat cultivars in the range of 3–146% under 30% field capacity. In addition, 2.0% sorghum water extract triggered (9–165%) the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, decreased the hydrogen peroxide contents (42–48%), and enhanced the contents of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoid (6–151%) as compared to control in both wheat cultivars under 30% field capacity suggesting that these measures helped to reduce the drought-induced oxidative stress. Vigorous growth and higher drought tolerance derived from sorghum water extract was related to improved chlorophyll contents and a better antioxidant defense system in wheat.

Microbial decomposition of crustacean shell for production of bioactive metabolites and study of its fertilizing potential.

Crustacean shell waste disposal is considered as biggest problem in seafood processing centers. Incineration and landfilling are the commonest ways of disposal of the waste which causes environmental pollution. Microbial bio-conversion is one of the promising approaches to minimize the wastes by utilizing the same for deriving different value added metabolites. In this perspective, chitinase- and protease-producing bacterial strains were isolated from shrimp culture pond, and the potent isolate was subsequently identified as Alcaligenes faecalis SK10. Fermentative optimization of the production of chitinase (85.42 U/ml), protease (58.57 U/ml), and their catalytic products, viz., N-acetylaminosugar (84 μg/ml) and free amino acids (112 μg/ml), were carried out by utilizing shrimp and crab shell powder as principal substrate. The fermented hydrolysate (FH) was subsequently applied to evaluate its potential to be a candidate fertilizer for the growth of leguminous plant Pisum sativum and Cicer arietinum, and the results were compared with chitin, chitosan, and commercial biofertilizer amended group. The results revealed that FH have paramount potential to improve plants morpho-physiological parameters like stem and root length, chlorophyll, cellular RNA, protein content, and soil physico-chemical parameters like total nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium significantly (p < 0.05). Moreover, the application of FH also selectively encouraged the growth of free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the soil by 4.82- and 5.27-, 5.57- and 4.71, and 7.64- and 6.92-fold, respectively, in the rhizosphere of P. sativum and C. arietinum, which collectively is a good sign for an ideal biofertilizer. Co-supplementation of FH with commercial PGPR-biofertilizer significantly influenced the morpho-physiological attributes of plant and physico-chemical and microbial attributes of soil. The study validated proficient and sustainable utilization of fermented hydrolysate of waste crustacean shell as biofertilizer.

Morphophysiological responses of forest tree species conducted under different levels of shading in the enrichment of degraded ecosystem

The luminous intensity is one of the limiting factors for the plant’s development, however, the existing information is based on observations on natural succession dynamics of tropical species, which are rarely studied as to their performance after planting. Thus, the present study aimed to answer: a) what is the performance of arboreal forest species (Inga vera, Schinus terebinthifolius, Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Parapiptadenia rigida, and Casearia sylvestris) after five years of planting, and what is the level of shading provided by these species in the subsoil? b) what is the behavior regarding survival, initial growth, and morphophysiological attributes of the species (Allophylus edulis, Cordia americana, Eugenia involucrata, and Psidium cattleianum) used in the enrichment of the underwood?, and c) indicate the best planting condition for the species studied, in degraded areas in the south of the Atlantic Forest Biome. We found that species described by their heliophilous behavior may be unsuitable for planting in full sun in degraded areas, as is the case with C. sylvestris. On the other hand, I. vera and S. terebinthifolius, have the potential for rapid growth in full sun, intermediate for H. heptaphyllus and P. rigida. Consequently, these species provided different shading after five years. Some species (A. edulis, C. americana, and E. involucrata) demonstrated that the morphophysiological performance was favored under shading of 76 and 80% (S. terebinthifolius and Inga vera, respectively). A. edulis and P. cattleianum were the species with the greatest assimilation of CO2, in the range of photosynthetically active radiation of 1500 mmol m-2s−1. Species with behavior similar to I. vera, S. terebinthifolius, A. edulis, P. cattleianum are appropriate to make up the group of framework species or fillers together, and to a lesser extent those similar to P. rigida and H. heptaphyllus. So, this will reduce the action of ecological filters, factors that act by selecting the species that will be a part of the ecosystem and determining the pace of restoration of ecological processes (biotic and abiotic),favoring the establishment of other species less tolerant of high soil and air temperatures. C. sylvestris, C. americana, and E. involucrata are typical species to compose the diversity group in restoration projects, as they are restricted to growth in full sun, but are important in enrichment. We found that the pattern of behavior of tree forest species, in the initial phase of growth in the field, must be known to accelerate the soil cover of the degraded area, easing ecological filters for recovery.

Seasonal trends in morpho-physiological attributes and bioactive content of Valeriana jatamansi Jones under full sunlight and shade conditions.

The online version of this article contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-00944-0.

Chromium retention potential of two contrasting Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cultivars as deciphered by altered pH dynamics, growth, and organic acid exudation under Cr stress.

Chromium (Cr), being a persistent toxic heavy metal, triggered the retardation of plant's metabolic processes by initiating changes in rhizospheric zone. Current study focused the Cr accumulation potential of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) cultivars through alterations of rhizospheric pH and exudation of organic acids together with plant's ionomics and morpho-physiological responses. Four-week-old seedlings of tomato cultivars (cv. Nakeb and cv. Nadir) were maintained in hydroponic solutions supplemented with 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/L K2Cr2O7 and a start pH of 6.0. The pH of the growth medium was monitored twice a day up to 6 days as well as mineral contents and morpho-physiological attributes were recorded by harvesting half of plants after 1 week. The remaining half plants were shifted to rhizoboxes for the collection of root exudates. After 6 days, cv. Nakeb exhibited medium acidification by 0.7 units while cv. Nadir showed basification by 0.6 units under 300 mg/L treatment. Increase in applied Cr levels enhanced the root and shoot Cr accumulation in both cultivars with concomitant reduction in growth and accumulation of nutrients (Fe, Zn, K, Mg, and Ca). However, this reduction in biomass and nutrient acquisition was predominant in cv. Nakeb as compared to cv. Nadir. The release of organic acid exudates (citric, acetic, maleic, tartaric, and oxalic acids) was also recorded higher in cv. Nadir at 300 mg/L applied Cr level. This enhanced production of organic acids caused greater retention of mineral nutrients and Cr in cv. Nadir, probably due to growth medium basification. Enhanced exudations of di- and tri- carboxylic organic acids together with accumulation of mineral nutrients are the physiological and biochemical indicators which confer this genotype a better adaptation to Cr polluted biotic systems. Furthermore, it was perceived that organic acid and rhizospheric pH variation response by studied tomato cultivars under Cr stress is an important factor to be considered in food safety and metal remediation programs.

Elucidating the distinct interactive impact of cadmium and nickel on growth, photosynthesis, metal-homeostasis, and yield responses of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties.

Contamination of soils with heavy metals (HMs) caused serious problems because plants tend to absorb HMs from the soil. In view of HM hazards to plants as well as agro-ecosystems, we executed this study to assess metal toxicity to mung bean (Vigna radiata) plants cultivated in soil with six treatment levels of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) and to find metal tolerant variety, i.e., M-93 (V1) and M-1(V2) with multifarious plant biochemical and physiological attributes. Increasing doses of Cd and Ni inhibited plant growth and photosynthesis and both varieties showed highly significant differences in the morpho-physiological attributes. V2 showed sensitivity to Cd and Ni treatments alone or in combination. Tolerance indices for attributes presented a declined growth of Vigna plants under HM stress accompanied by highly significant suppression in gas exchange characteristics. Of single element applications, the adverse effects on mung bean were more pronounced in Cd treatments. V1 showed much reduction in photosynthesis attributes except sub-stomatal CO2 concentration in all treatments compared to V2. The yield attributes, i.e., seed yield/plant and 100-seed weight, were progressively reduced in T5 for both varieties. In combination, we have observed increased mobility of Cd and Ni in both varieties. The results showed that water use efficiency (WUE) generally increased in all the treatments for both varieties compared to control. V2 exhibited less soluble sugars and free amino acids compared to V1 in all the treatments. Similarly, we recorded an enhanced total free amino acid contents in both varieties among all the metal treatments against control plants. We conclude that combinatorial treatment proved much lethal for Vigna plants, but V1 performed better than V2 in counteracting the adverse effects of Cd and Ni.

Native Plant Production in Chile. Is It Possible to Achieve Restoration Goals by 2035?

Facing rapid loss of biodiversity as a consequence of climate change, Chile has formally pledged to restore 600,000 ha of native forest by 2035. This effort, however, has not considered the amount and quality of native plants required to meet this pledge. Thus, we examined data collected during the annual, government-conducted census of small- and medium-sized nurseries from central Chile, which account for 78% of the nation’s total plant production, to assess if current production is sufficient to meet Chile´s restoration needs. We coupled this with data collected during our series of ongoing research projects to determine if nurseries are currently meeting minimum seedling quality standards based on morpho-physiological attributes. Our four-year analysis (2016–2019) shows that the number of native seedlings has increased by only 4%, but because only 19% of nursery managers have training, just 29% of all seedlings meet quality criteria for restoration. Thus, under the current rate and quality of plant production, meeting restoration pledges desired by the year 2035 would not be achieved until 2181. This timeline can be accelerated through an urgent expansion of nursery space, implementation of a continuous program for technology and knowledge transference, and strong support through governmental policies.

Morpho-physiological diversity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) germplasm for heat tolerance

The aim of the present study was to examine the diversity for heat tolerance in a set of 105 accessions using some key morphophysiological attributes. The data was standardized by calculating percent change over control, and used for phonetic analysis and construction of dendograms based on distance matrix (all primary data is given as supplementary material listed in statistical analysis section of Materials and Methods). These distance matrices were then used for the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis using the sequential agglomerative hierarchical nonoverlapping (SAHN) method. The cluster analysis indicated some potential attributes that could be effectively used to screen germplasm for heat tolerance. Among the growth attributes, shoot fresh and dry weight was a much stable indicator than root biomass. The alterations in the concentration of chlorophyll (Chl) b played a significantly better role in clustering of various genotypes than those in Chl a. Since leaf osmotic potential was fairly maintained in most of the barley accessions under study, the notable change in leaf water and osmotic potentials seemed to be the fundamental reason for the clustering pattern. The alterations in stomatal conductance (gs ) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci ) were of foremost importance for clustering gas exchange parameters. The changes in electron transport rate and nonphotochemical quenching were of major importance for clustering based on chlorophyll fluorescence. Thus, it can be concluded that the thermo-tolerance and yield of barley when grown under high temperature stress can be enhanced by improving these attributes.

Interactive role of zinc and iron lysine on Spinacia oleracea L. growth, photosynthesis and antioxidant capacity irrigated with tannery wastewater.

Untreated wastewater contains toxic amounts of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), which poses a serious threat to the growth and physiology of plantswhen used in irrigation. Though, Cr is among the most widespread toxic trace elements found in agricultural soils due to various anthropogenic activities. To explore the interactive effects of micronutrients with amino acid chelators [iron-lysine (Fe-lys) and zinc-lysine (Zn-lys)], pot experiments were conducted in a controlled environment, using spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plant irrigated with tannery wastewater. S. oleracea was treated without Fe and Zn-lys (0mg/L Zn-lys and 0mg/L Fe-lys) and also treated with variouscombinations of (interactive application)Fe and Zn-lys (10mg/L Zn-lys and 5mg/L Fe-lys), when cultivated at different levels [0 (control) 33, 66 and 100%) of tannery wastewater in the soil having a toxic level of Cr in it. According to the results, we have found that, high concentration of Cr in the soil significantly (P < 0.05) reduced plant height, fresh biomass of roots and leaves, dry biomass of roots and leaves, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, total chlorophyll contents, carotenoid contents, transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis (PN), and water use efficiency (WUE) and the contents of Zn and Fe in the plant organs without foliar application of Zn and Fe-lys. Moreover, phytotoxicity of Cr increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the plant organs (roots and leaves), which induced oxidative damage in S. oleracea manifested by the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and membrane leakage. The negative effects of Cr toxicity could be overturned by Zn and Fe-lys application, whichsignificantly (P < 0.05) increase plant growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, and gaseous exchange attributes by reducing oxidative stress (H2O2, MDA, EL) and increasing the activities of various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Furthermore, the supplementation of Zn and Fe-lys increased the contents of essential nutrients (Fe and Zn) and decreased the content of Cr in all plant parts compared to the plants cultivated in tannery wastewater without application of Fe-lys. Taken together, foliar supplementation of Zn and Fe-lys alleviates Cr toxicity in S. oleracea by increased morpho-physiological attributes of the plants, decreased Cr contents and increased micronutrients uptake by the soil, and can be an effective inheavy metal toxicity remedial approach for other crops.

Biochemical, Physiological, and Productive Response of Greenhouse Vegetables to Suboptimal Growth Environment Induced by Insect Nets.

Simple SummaryGlobal warming jeopardizes agriculture, which must satisfy the demands of the world’s expanding population for both staple and high-quality products while ensuring increased sustainability. Environmental and regulatory pressure has prompted farmers to convert their production strategies towards sustainable agriculture systems, by introducing for instance, integrated pest management strategies. Insect nets are a suitable tool for pest control but require careful assessment of their effects on the generated microclimate. The low porosity, mandatory for proper exclusion, results in suboptimal airflow and in temperature rise with detrimental effects on crop production and quality. The biochemical and morpho-physiological changes induced by high-temperature impact vegetable crop performance and product quality in advanced growing systems, and also represent a challenge for the most impoverished developing countries of the world, which rely on local horticultural products as a key source of dietary diversity.Environmental pressure poses a major challenge to the agricultural sector, which requires the development of cultivation techniques that can effectively reduce the impact of abiotic stress affecting crop yield and quality (e.g., thermal stress, wind, and hail) and of biotic factors, such as insect pests. The increased consumer interest in premium-quality vegetables requires the implementation of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies towards an ever-increasing insect pressure, also boosted by cultivation under protected structures. In this respect, insect nets represent an excellent, eco-friendly solution. This review aims to provide an integrative investigation of the effects of the insect screens in agriculture. Attention is dedicated to the impact on growth, yield, and quality of vegetables, focusing on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of response to heat stress induced by insect screens. The performance of insect nets depends on many factors—foremost, on the screen mesh, with finer mesh being more effective as a barrier. However, finer mesh nets impose high-pressure drops and restrict airflow by reducing ventilation, which can result in a detrimental effect on crop growth and yield due to high temperatures. The predicted outcomes are wide ranging, because heat stress can impact (i) plant morpho-physiological attributes; (ii) biochemical and molecular properties through changes in the primary and secondary metabolisms; (iii) enzymatic activity, chloroplast proteins, and photosynthetic and respiratory processes; (iv) flowering and fruit settings; (v) the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs); and (vi) the biosynthesis of secondary biomolecules endowed with antioxidant capacity.

Synthesis of Biochar-Based Composites to Evaluate Morphology of Wheat Seedling

ABSTRACT: Recently, biochar has emerged as an effective nutritive source that plays a noteworthy contribution in improving the growth of various crops. Current research signifies the role of Biochar-composite in the growth of wheat seedlings. In this study, the carbonaceous biomass synthesized from garden waste was impregnated with macro- and micro-nutrients. The effectiveness of this synthesized Biochar-composite (GW-B) was studied by using wheat (Triticum aestivum) as an experimental crop. The GW-C was applied to wheat seeds grown in petri plates and pots by supplementing them with different concentration of prepared biochar. Application of biochar composites improved the growth of wheat seedlings in both petri plates and pots in addition to enhancement in morphological attributes. Higher concentration of biocharcomposites improved the morphology of wheat seedlings in a dose-dependent manner e.g. shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, number of leaves per plant, plant height, leaf area and root length. Biochar-composite at concentration of 0.8 enhanced morphology of supplemented wheat seedlings sown in petri plates at equidistance manner over 5 layers of Whatman filter paper (no. 1). Biochar-composite of 0.03 g enhanced the morphological attribute of wheat seedling that were sown in equidistance manner in pot experiment. It was found that biochar amended soil improved the growth and morpho-physiological attributes of wheat seedlings, thereby enhancing the yield of crop.

Nitrogen and α-Ketoglutaric Acid Application Modulate Grain Yield, Aroma, Nutrient Uptake and Physiological Attributes in Fragrant Rice

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen (N) and α-ketoglutaric acid application morpho-physiological attributes, aroma regulations and nutrient uptake in fragrant rice. Two fragrant rice cultivars i.e., Yungengyou14 and Yuxiangyouzhan were grown under two N levels i.e., LN: 0 g pot−1 and HN: 1.75 g pot−1 and two α-ketoglutaric acid levels i.e., − A: 0 mg l−1 and + A: 100 mg l−1, applied at 25 ml pot−1. Results showed that the HN − A and HN + A treatments significantly improved the panicle number per pot in Yuxiangyouzhan and Yungengyou14 as compared with LN − A treatment. The HN + A treatment led to substantial improvements in grain yield owing to increased panicle number per pot, grain number per pot, and grain weight. Significant effects of HN + A treatment on agronomic traits such as plant height, leaf dry weight, steam sheath dry weight, panicle dry weight and total dry weight were also noted. Compared with LN − A treatment, the HN − A and HN + A treatments significantly increased the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contents in grains of Yuxiangyouzhan (7.0% and 15.7%) and Yungengyou14 (47.3% and 43.4%). Under HN + A treatment, the 2AP content in grains as well as the 2AP content in leaves at the heading stage and P5CS activity in leaves increased at the maturity stage as compared with LN − A treatment. Furthermore, the grain 2AP content was significantly and positively related to P5CS activity, as well as Mn and Ca contents in plants. Overall, the application of N and α-ketoglutaric acid modulated the growth, yield, and aroma in fragrant rice, whereas N tends to have more prominent effects on the investigated parameters than α-ketoglutaric acid.

Zinc-lysine Supplementation Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) by Preventing Phytotoxicity of Chromium, When Irrigated with Tannery Wastewater.

Contamination of soil and water with metals and metalloids is one of the most serious problems worldwide due to a lack of a healthy diet and food scarcity. Moreover, the cultivation of oilseed crops such as rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) with tannery wastewater could contain a large amount of toxic heavy metals [e.g., chromium (Cr)], which ultimately reduce its yield and directly influence oilseed quality. To overcome Cr toxicity in B. napus, a pot experiment was conducted to enhance plant growth and biomass by using newly introduced role of micronutrient-amino chelates [Zinc-lysine (Zn-lys)], which was irrigated with different levels [0% (control), 33%, 66%, and 100%] of tannery wastewater. According to the results of present findings, very high content of Cr in the wastewater directly affected plant growth and composition as well as gas exchange parameters, while boosting up the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced oxidative damage in the roots and leaves of B. napus. However, activities of antioxidants initially increased (33% of wastewater), but further addition of tannery wastewater in the soil caused a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, which also manifested by Zn content, while the conscious addition of wastewater significantly increased Cr content in the roots and shoots of B. napus. To reduce Cr toxicity in B. napus plants, exogenous supplementation of Zn-lys (10 mg/L) plays an effective role in increasing morpho-physiological attributes of B. napus and also reduces the oxidative stress in the roots and leaves of the oilseed crop (B. napus). Enhancement in different growth attributes was directly linked with increased in antioxidative enzymes while decreased uptake and accumulation of Cr content in B. napus when cultivated in wastewater with the application of Zn-lys. Zn-lys, therefore, plays a protective role in reducing the Cr toxicity of B. napus through an increase in plant growth and lowering of Cr uptake in various plant organs. However, further studies at field levels are required to explore the mechanisms of Zn–lys mediated reduction of Cr and possibly other heavy metal toxicity in plants.

Abdominal ultrasound in Saguinus ursulus.

The classification of Saguinus ursulus as a new taxon and the vulnerability of this species highlighted the need for data on its specific morphophysiological attributes. This study used ultrasound to determine the typical characteristics of pelvic-abdominal structures and organs. Nine healthy primates of the species S.ursulus were evaluated, through ultrasound tests, to determine the morphometry of the organs of the pelvic-abdominal cavity and the levels of ovarian activity. Topography, morphology, and biometrics of the organs were described. It was observed that organs of S.ursulus are similar to those of other Neotropical primate species. However, the kidney morphology is different,the left is triangular and the right is elliptical, while the gallbladder is bilobed. Ultrasonography has proven to be efficient and effective for organ evaluation. The ultrasound findings are a first step toward understanding the physiology of a less-known species.