Morphophysiological Characteristics Research Articles

Vegetation cover and seasonality as indicators for selection of forage resources by local agro-pastoralists in the Brazilian semiarid region

Local knowledge and uses of forage resources are highly dynamic, and can be mediated by multiple factors, such as seasonality, floristic diversity and the morphophysiological characteristics of plants. We investigate how seasonality and vegetation cover mediate the use of forage resources. The study was carried out with agro-pastoralists from two areas of Brazilian semiarid region. To select the areas, we used the normalized difference vegetation index. We selected one area with low vegetation cover (Area I) and another with high vegetation cover (Area II). Respondents were selected using the snowball technique. Using semi-structured interviews, we collect the information about forage use in the dry and rainy seasons, preferences of ruminants and specific characteristics of plant species. A total of 57 informants were interviewed in the two areas. We used the Chi-square test to assess differences in the richness of species cited between areas, seasons (dry/rainy), origins (exotic/native) and strate (herbaceous/woody). Our results revealed that agro-pastoralists living in the area with the highest vegetation cover (Area II) cited a greater number of species. We found that the use and selection of species is guided by a series of functional characters, related to palatability and nutritional value, which change between seasons. These results highlight the vast knowledge of ecological characteristics of species and diet of ruminants acquired by agro-pastoralists during field experience, with seasonality defining the use of species. Different from what we expected, the richness of exotic species mentioned did not differ between areas. This diversity of information contributes to a better understanding of the use of forage resources and indicates the importance of including local experiences as strategies to ensure proper use and provide insights for the conservation of local resources.

Expression levels of nitrogen assimilation-related genes, physiological responses, and morphological adaptations of three indica rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) genotypes subjected to nitrogen starvation conditions.

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient available to the plants in form of nitrate and ammonium. It is a macronutrient important for the plant growth and development, especially in cereal crops, which consume it for the production of amino acids, proteins/enzymes, nucleic acids, cell wall complexes, plant hormones, and vitamins. In rice production, 17kgN uptake is required to produce 1 ton of rice. Considering this, many techniques have been developed to evaluate leaf greenness or SPAD value for assessing the amount of N application in the rice cultivar to maximize the grain yield. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morpho-physiological characteristics and relative expression level of N assimilation in three different rice genotypes (MT2, RD31, KDML105) under 1.00 × (full N), 0.50 × , 0.25 × (N depletion), and 0.00 × (N deficiency) at seedling stage and the morpho-physiological traits and the grain yield attributes under 1.00 × (full N) and 0.25 × (N depletion) were compared. Leaf chlorosis and growth inhibition in rice seedlings under N deficiency were evidently observed. Shoot height, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root fresh weight in KDML105 under N deficiency were decreased by 27.65%, 42.11%, 65.44%, 47.90%, and 54.09% over the control (full N). Likewise, leaf greenness was lowest in KDML105 under N deficiency (78.57% reduction over the full N), leading to low photosynthetic abilities. In addition, expression of nitrogen assimilation-related genes, OsNR1, OsGln1;1, and OsGln2, in KDML105 under N depletion were increased within 3h and then declined after the long incubation period, whereas those were unchanged in cvs. MT2 and RD31. Similarly, relative expression level of OsNADH-GOGAT, OsFd-GOGAT, and OsAspAt1 in KDML105 was peaked when subjected to 0.50 × N for 6h and then declined after the long incubation period. Moreover, overall growth characters and physiological changes in cv. RD31 at vegetative stage under 0.25 × N were retained better than those in cvs. KDML105 and MT2, resulting in high yield at the harvesting process. In summary, N assimilated-related genes in rice seedlings under N depletion were rapidly regulated within 3-6h, especially cv. KDML105 and MT2, then downregulated, resulting in physiological changes, growth inhibition, and yield reduction.

Halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria-mediated alleviation of salinity and dust stress and improvement of forage yield in the desert halophyte Seidlitzia rosmarinus

In desert areas, a set of environmental stresses such as salinity and dust simultaneously affect plant biomass and nutritional value. In this study, the effects of two halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial strains, Bacillus pumilus HR, isolated from the halophyte Halostachys belangeriana, and Zhihengliuella halotolerans SB, isolated from the halophyte Seidlitzia rosmarinus, on morpho-physiological, biochemical and ionomic properties of S. rosmarinus under salinity stress (0, 300, and 600 mM NaCl) and mineral dust (0 and 1.5 g m−2 month−1) were examined. Salinity stress reduced the morpho-physiological characteristics of S. rosmarinus plant more than dust stress. The dust application, similar to salinity stress, increased the content of Na, malondialdehyde (MDA), acidity, and glycine betaine in S. rosmarinus leaves. Z. halotolerans SB strain was more effective than B. pumilus HR strain in improving the characteristics of S. rosmarinus under salinity and dust stress. Under the conditions of combined application of salinity (at 600 mM NaCl level) and dust stress, this strain (SB) increased chlorophyll a content by 40%, protein content by 48%, Fe content by 45%, Mg content by 63%, Mn content by 21%, total dry biomass by 35%, seedling quality index by 104%, catalase activity by 47%, anthocyanin content by 85, and Na content by 53% in S. rosmarinus plant leaves compared to control. In addition, the results of PCA analysis showed that at salinity level of 300 and 600 mM NaCl, there were an increase in antioxidant indices and a sharp increase in Na and MDA content in S. rosmarinus leaves, respectively. It was also suggested that the bacterial strain (Z. halotolerans SB) can increase the quantity and quality of forage (seedling quality index) better than another bacterial strain (B. pumilus HR) under salinity and dust conditions. In general, the study reveals that the application of halotolerant rhizobacteria can be a cost effective and ecological sustainable method to improve the yield and quality of forage in the desert halophyte S. rosmarinus under salinity and dust stress conditions.

Transpirational Leaf Cooling Effect Did Not Contribute Equally to Biomass Retention in Wheat Genotypes under High Temperature.

High temperature and water deficit are the most critical yield-limiting environmental factors for wheat in rainfed environments. It is important to understand the heat avoidance mechanisms and their associations with leaf morpho-physiological traits that allow crops to stay cool and retain high biomass under warm and dry conditions. We examined 20 morpho-physiologically diverse wheat genotypes under ambient and elevated temperatures (Tair) to investigate whether increased water use leads to high biomass retention due to increased leaf cooling. An experiment was conducted under well-watered conditions in two partially controlled glasshouses. We measured plant transpiration (Tr), leaf temperature (Tleaf), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and associated leaf morpho-physiological characteristics. High water use and leaf cooling increased biomass retention under high temperatures, but increased use did not always increase biomass retention. Some genotypes maintained biomass, irrespective of water use, possibly through mechanisms other than leaf cooling, indicating their adaptation under water shortage. Genotypic differences in leaf cooling capacity did not always correlate with Tr (VPD) response. In summary, the contribution of high water use or the leaf cooling effect on biomass retention under high temperature is genotype-dependent and possibly due to variations in leaf morpho-physiological traits. These findings are useful for breeding programs to develop climate resilient wheat cultivars.

Physiological performance of sweet sorghum in Assam

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n=20), C4 grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a drought tolerant crop, used as food for humans and feed for animals. Currently, the crop has been given more importance due to its capacity to produce bio-ethanol or bio fuels. As in Assam, its cultivation is very limited, therefore, a field experiment was conducted at ICR farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during rabi season of 2019-20 with twelve diverse genotypes of sweet sorghum with the objectives to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes on the basis of morpho- physiological traits under rabi season. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the crop was raised following the recommended package of practices. The morpho-physiological parameters of the crop and yield were recorded following standard methodologies. The results indicated significant differences in all the morpho-physiological parameters and grain yield among different sweet sorghum genotypes. All these characters were found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274, while significantly lower values of all the above were recorded in ICSV 13012. Among the genotypes, ICSV15006 possessed significantly higher plant height, number of tillers, total dry matter and total sugars in both stalks and grains at harvest. The number of green leaves, leaf area index, relative leaf water content, total leaf chlorophyll and absolute growth rate were also found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274. Significantly higher grain yield with 1.06 t ha-1 was observed in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274 with 1.03 t ha-1. Based on morpho-physiological characters and yield, the genotypes ICSV 15006 and ICSV 25274 were identified as the superior genotypes which can be used in different breeding programme for yield improvement in sweet sorghum, more particularly during rabi season in Assam.

Physiological performance of sweet sorghum in Assam

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n=20), C4 grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a drought tolerant crop, used as food for humans and feed for animals. Currently, the crop has been given more importance due to its capacity to produce bio-ethanol or bio fuels. As in Assam, its cultivation is very limited, therefore, a field experiment was conducted at ICR farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during rabi season of 2019-20 with twelve diverse genotypes of sweet sorghum with the objectives to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes on the basis of morpho- physiological traits under rabi season. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the crop was raised following the recommended package of practices. The morpho-physiological parameters of the crop and yield were recorded following standard methodologies. The results indicated significant differences in all the morpho-physiological parameters and grain yield among different sweet sorghum genotypes. All these characters were found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274, while significantly lower values of all the above were recorded in ICSV 13012. Among the genotypes, ICSV15006 possessed significantly higher plant height, number of tillers, total dry matter and total sugars in both stalks and grains at harvest. The number of green leaves, leaf area index, relative leaf water content, total leaf chlorophyll and absolute growth rate were also found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274. Significantly higher grain yield with 1.06 t ha-1 was observed in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274 with 1.03 t ha-1. Based on morpho-physiological characters and yield, the genotypes ICSV 15006 and ICSV 25274 were identified as the superior genotypes which can be used in different breeding programme for yield improvement in sweet sorghum, more particularly during rabi season in Assam.

Morpho-physiological response of barley to assess genotypic differences of salinity tolerance under hyper arid climate

Salt stress is major constraint affecting agricultural productivity, land degradation and has become a serious threat for global food security. The selection and evaluation of barley genotypes that can tolerate salt stress are the main components for rehabilitation of salt-degraded marginal soils in arid and semi-arid countries, including Arabian Peninsula. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of six barley genotypes (62/3 A, 76/2 A, N2–35, N2–4, Badia, Furat1) at three salinity levels (0, 7 and 14 dS m−1) to evaluate the response of genotypes based on morpho-physiological characteristics and nutrients uptake. The grain yield stability (static environmental variance (S2) and dynamic Wricke’s ecovalence (W2), and harvest index (HI) was also estimated. The higher salinity treatment (14 dS m−1) resulted in devastating reduction in barley yield traits. Additionally, salt treatments (7 dS m−1, 14 dS m−1), genotypes and interaction between (genotypes ∗ salinity levels) exhibited significant (p < 0.001) differences. The genotype N2–35 exhibited highest plant biomass, grains per spike and grains per plant, whereas the genotype 76/2 A resulted in lowest number of grains per spike and grains per plant. The highest K+ was noticed from Badia genotype, whereas the 62/3 A genotype failed to accumulate K+. The genotype, Furat1, showed substantial amount of Cl- and Na+ contents followed by Badia. Except Badia and N2–35, all other genotypes showed higher Δ13C values. The Badia genotype also showed higher iWUE compared to all other genotypes. Contrarily the genotypes N2–4 and 62/3 A exhibited maximum reduction in iWUE. The δ15N trait increased following salinity treatment. Genotypes N2–35 and N2–4 showed highest δ15N while 62/3 A and 76/2 A exhibit lowest values for δ15N. The study exhibited that the genotype N2–35 was tolerant to salinity stress whereas the response of Furat1 genotype suggested salt susceptible behaviour. It was concluded that salt tolerant genotype can be cultivated in saline marginal soils for food security and help in rehabilitation of marginal lands.

Hydroponic and in vitro screening of wheat varieties for salt-tolerance

Salt-tolerant wheat cultivars are essential for sustainable wheat production and global food security. The present study aimed to establish a reliable screening protocol as well as successfully isolated the potential salt-tolerant wheat varieties by discerning morpho-physiological parameters with multivariate analysis. Seventeen wheat varieties were evaluated at 0, 12, 15 and 18 dSm-1 salinity levels in a hydroponic culture system at the seedling stage. Moreover, in vitro callusing responses of four selected varieties were determined to clarify the salt tolerance capability at 0, 9, 12 and 15 dSm-1 salt treatments. The seedling growth of most wheat varieties was highly interrupted and reduced by the toxic effects of salinity, however, some varieties such as BARI Gom-32, BARI Gom-33, BARI Gom-31, BARI Gom-30, and BARI Gom-28 showed the lowest reduction under all salinity stress conditions. The total salt tolerance index (TSTI) showed that the cultivar BARI Gom-33 was the most salt-tolerant followed by BARI Gom-32 and BARI Gom-30 whereas BARI Gom-25 was identified as the most sensitive. These results were strongly supported by the principal component analysis (PCA) and Ward’s Methods Euclidean based clustering. In vitro results revealed that the lowest reduction of callus induction was recorded in BARI Gom-33 which might show the greatest tolerance to salinity by improving morpho-physiological characteristics against salt stress. Therefore, the identified genotypes might be employed as donor parents to develop salt-tolerant and high-yielding cultivars in the wheat breeding programme.

Role of foliar nutrition on the growth, yield, and fatty acid compositions of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Linseed is considered as one of the oldest valuable plants, grown for oilseed and fiber crops. Despite the immense nutritional and industrial importance of linseed, no study has highlighted the effect of foliar nutrition and its day timing on the morpho-physiological characteristics. Therefore, a two-year study was conducted to assess the effect of foliar applying urea, boric acid, and salicylic acid, as well as the different day timing of foliar fertilization (at sunrise and sunset) on the quantitative and qualitative traits of linseed. This factorial experiment was performed based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Miyaneh Branch, Iran. Based on the results, spraying urea at 9 and 15 g L−1 doses increased morpho-physiological attributes. However, the 3 and 6 g L−1 concentrations of boric acid resulted in maximizing mean yield and yield components. Additionally, the highest oil content and yield were respectively obtained by applying salicylic and boric acids. In general, foliar nutrition raised the level of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control treatment. Further, a higher efficiency was achieved in case of enhancing quantitative and qualitative characteristics following foliar fertilization in the early morning (a.m.) compared to the sunset (p.m.). The foliar nutrition with urea, boric acid, and salicylic acid at moderate concentrations at the a.m. improved morpho-physiological traits, yield, and its components, as well as the qualitative characteristics of seed oil in terms of unsaturated fatty acids.

Assessment of the Impacts of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Maerua oblongifolia Shoots under In Vitro Salt Stress.

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect the plant’s growth and development. Recently, the contribution of nanoparticles (NPs) to ameliorating salinity stresses has become the new field of interest for scientists due to their special physiochemical properties in the biological system. This study is designed to examine the effects of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) spherical in shape (size range between 9 and 30 nm) on morphophysiological characteristics and the antioxidant defense system of in vitro raised Maerua oblongifolia under four levels of salt stress (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl). Our findings reveal that the application of AgNPs (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg/L) to M. oblongifolia shoots significantly alleviates the adverse effects of salt stress and ameliorates plant developmental-related parameters and defense systems. High salinity elevates the oxidative damage by over-accumulation of the levels of total soluble sugars, proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, enhancing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, total phenolic, and flavonoid content over the control. Interestingly, the application of AgNPs to salinized plants improved the growth traits and photosynthetic pigment production and caused higher enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, mitigating the oxidative damage by lowering the accumulation of proline, soluble sugars, H2O2, MDA, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents in salt-stressed plants. In general, AgNPs augmented the growth of M. oblongifolia shoots under saline conditions through different strategies; thus, AgNPs can be used as an appropriate eco-friendly approach that enhances salinity tolerance in plants.

Differential Responses of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to Nitrogen Deficiency in the Root Morpho-Physiological Characteristics and Potential MicroRNA-Mediated Mechanisms.

Understanding the mechanism of crop response to nitrogen (N) deficiency is very important for developing sustainable agriculture. In addition, it is unclear if the microRNA-mediated mechanism related to root growth complies with a common mechanism in monocots and dicots under N deficiency. Therefore, the root morpho-physiological characteristics and microRNA-mediated mechanisms were studied under N deficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). For both crops, shoot dry weight, plant dry weight and total leaf area as well as some physiological traits, i.e., the oxygen consuming rate in leaf and root, the performance index based on light energy absorption were significantly decreased after 8 days of N deficiency. Although N deficiency did not significantly impact the root biomass, an obvious change on the root morphological traits was observed in both wheat and cotton. After 8 days of treatment with N deficiency, the total root length, root surface area, root volume of both crops showed an opposite trend with significantly decreasing in wheat but significantly increasing in cotton, while the lateral root density was significantly increased in wheat but significantly decreased in cotton. At the same time, the seminal root length in wheat and the primary root length in cotton were increased after 8 days of N deficiency treatment. Additionally, the two crops had different root regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) to N deficiency. In wheat, the expressions of miR167, miR319, miR390, miR827, miR847, and miR165/166 were induced by N treatment; these miRNAs inhibited the total root growth but promoted the seminal roots growth and lateral root formation to tolerate N deficiency. In cotton, the expressions of miR156, miR167, miR171, miR172, miR390, miR396 were induced and the expressions of miR162 and miR393 were inhibited; which contributed to increasing in the total root length and primary root growth and to decreasing in the lateral root formation to adapt the N deficiency. In conclusion, N deficiency significantly affected the morpho-physiological characteristics of roots that were regulated by miRNAs, but the miRNA-mediated mechanisms were different in wheat and cotton.

The pivotal role of biochar in enhancement soil properties, morphophysiological and yield characters of barley plants under drought stress

Drought is one of the most harmful abiotic stresses in arid and semiarid regions, so, field experiments were performed to examine biochar impact (15 or 20 t ha−1) on soil properties, physiological, morphological, and yield of barley under drought conditions. Our results displayed that drought caused a remarkable decrease in stem height and leaf area. Additionally, relative water contents (RWC%), chlorophyll a and b concentrations, as well as yield parameters were significantly reduced under drought. Conversely, lipid peroxidation (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL%), and enzymatic activity were significantly augmented in the stressed plants during both seasons. Application of biochar led to improve leaves number (15.3), stem height (57%) and leaf area. Also, physiological characters like chlorophyll (72%) and RWC (33%), as well as yield, were increased considerably. Contrariwise, MDA and EL were reduced significantly (47 and 54%) under biochar application; furthermore, biochar led to regulate peroxidase and catalase activity in the stressed plants. It is concluded that biochar treatment can significantly improve soil properties, particularly soil EC (dSm-1), soil organic matter % and soil pH as well as increase yield characters via improving stress tolerance of barley under drought conditions; the best treatment was 20 t biochar ha−1 in the plants irrigated twice.

Morpho-physiological characterization and petal color analysis of Gloriosa as a potential cut flower

The study was conducted at Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the period of January-December, 2021 to observe the morpho-physiological characteristics of Gloriosa lily with respect to growth and flowering. Thirty tubers were used in this experiment and data on morphological attributes were recorded. The colors of flowers petals were measured from three floral parts and expressed as L* (lightness), a* and b* (two Cartesian coordinates) including C* and hab (Chroma &amp; Hue angle) based on CIE Lab scale with standard observer 100 and standard illumination D65. On the basis of flower length (7.7 cm), flower diameter (13.5 cm), leaf number per stem (26-28), flower per plant (13-15), vase life (10-12 days) explore the criteria of a cut flower and obviously this flower has the potential edition for flower industry. The study provides key indicators of Gloriosa to be a potential cut flower for which research be directed. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2019-2021, 44-46: 1-7

Comparison of Presowing Wheat Treatments by Low-Temperature Plasma, Electric Field, Cold Hardening, and Action of Tebuconazole-Based Disinfectant

This work compares the presowing treatment of winter wheat seeds with a low-temperature plasma, a constant high-voltage electric field, a plant protection disinfectant, and cold hardening on the resistance of seedlings to freezing and their morphophysiological characteristics at the initial stage of germination. Various treatment combinations were considered, including the effect of the disinfectant jointly with low-temperature plasma treatment. The greatest stimulating effect from the point of view of seedlings’ morphophysiological characteristics was achieved when seeds were cold-hardened. The action of low-temperature plasma is noticeable up to the third day of germination. The treatment with the low-temperature plasma of seeds pretreated and not-pretreated with the disinfectant had a similar effect on the morphophysiological characteristics of seedlings. The plasma treatment and the electric field were combined with each other, i.e., the plasma treatment effects were added to the electric field effects. Resistance to low temperatures was increased with the hardening of seeds treated with the electric field and the disinfectant. Resistance to low temperatures was reduced when treated with the electric field and/or low-temperature plasma after being treated with the disinfectant.

Strategies of Invertebrate Osmoregulation: An Evolutionary Blueprint for Transmuting into Fresh Water from the Sea.

Early marine invertebrates like the Branchiopoda began their sojourn into dilute media some 500 million years ago in the Middle Cambrian. Others like the Mollusca, Annelida, and many crustacean taxa have followed, accompanying major marine transgressions and regressions, shifting landmasses, orogenies, and glaciations. In adapting to these events and new habitats, such invertebrates acquired novel physiological abilities that attenuate the ion loss and water gain that constitute severe challenges to life in dilute media. Among these taxon-specific adaptations, selected from the subcellular to organismal levels of organization, and constituting a feasible evolutionary blueprint for invading freshwater, are reduced body permeability and surface (S) to volume (V) ratios, lowered osmotic concentrations, increased osmotic gradients, increased surface areas of interface epithelia, relocation of membrane proteins in ion-transporting cells, and augmented transport enzyme abundance, activity, and affinity. We examine these adaptations in taxa that have penetrated into freshwater, revealing diversified modifications, a consequence of distinct body plans, morpho-physiological resources, and occupation routes. Contingent on life history and reproductive strategy, numerous patterns of osmotic regulation have emerged, including intracellular isosmotic regulation in weak hyper-regulators and well-developed anisosmotic extracellular regulation in strong hyper-regulators, likely reflecting inertial adaptations to early life in an estuarine environment. In this review, we address osmoregulation in those freshwater invertebrate lineages that have successfully invaded this biotope. Our analyses show that across 66 freshwater invertebrate species from six phyla/classes that have transmuted into freshwater from the sea, hemolymph osmolalities decrease logarithmically with increasing S:V ratios. The arthropods have the highest osmolalities, from 300 to 650 mOsmoles/kg H2O in the Decapoda with 220-320 mOsmoles/kg H2O in the Insecta; osmolalities in the Annelida range from 150 to 200 mOsmoles/kg H2O, and the Mollusca showing the lowest osmolalities at 40-120 mOsmoles/kg H2O. Overall, osmolalities reach a cut-off at ∼200 mOsmoles/kg H2O, independently of increasing S:V ratio. The ability of species with small S:V ratios to maintain large osmotic gradients is mirrored in their putatively higher Na+/K+-ATPase activities that drive ion uptake processes. Selection pressures on these morpho-physiological characteristics have led to differential osmoregulatory abilities, rendering possible the conquest of freshwater while retaining some tolerance of the ancestral medium.

Effect of water regime and palm mass on cultivation of green pepper

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the agronomic behavior of green peppers subjected to different water regimes and masses of forage cactus incorporated into sandy soil in a tropical climate. The treatments were organized in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with water regimes and forage cactus masses incorporated into the soil in a randomized block design. The results allowed us to observe an isolated significant difference for each factor studied. The water regime RH=100% of the vessel capacity (VC) and mass density of 100 g dm−3 of forage cactus incorporated into the soil positively affected the plant height variables, stem diameter, total chlorophyll, and water potential; specifically, these treatments were superior to soil with water restriction and without the addition of forage palm by 63%, 15%, 61%, and 71%, and 87%, 85%, 81%, and 63%, respectively. The doses of soil conditioner masses containing 0 g dm−3 and 100 g dm−3 of palm in the soil showed the best results for the number of fruits (3.25 and 2.00 fruits), number of commercial fruits (2.0 and 1.5 fruits), and fruit length (88.87 mm and 95.92 mm). Forage cactus mass of 100 g dm−1 of Quartzarenic Neosol and 100% VC irrigation water regime is the most recommended treatment for the protected cultivation of green pepper, as it positively influences productivity and the morphophysiological characteristics of the crop.

Variation in morphophysiological responses and differential expression of sennoside biosynthesis pathway genes under water stress in Cassia angustifolia Vahl

The abiotic stress such as water, temperature, and drought influences the production of pharmacologically important secondary metabolites of plant as a defense mechanism. Cassia angustifolia Vahl. is a potent medicinal plant which yields sennosides from its leaves and pods and grow well under water stress condition. Its leaves and pods are used for the treatment of habitual constipation as a safe herbal laxative. The present study aimed to determine the response of Cassia angustifolia Vahl. to water stress in terms of expression of targeted genes involved in the synthesis of its major secondary metabolites i.e., sennosides. The four moisture regimes i.e., 60% available soil moisture (ASM), 40% ASM, 20% ASM, and rainfed along with control were imposed from 20 days after seed sowing to the harvesting of the crop. The four ages of the plant (60 days, 75 days, 90 days, and 105 days) were taken for evaluation of differential gene expression due to water stress. Results demonstrated that water stress significantly affected the morphophysiological characters, sennoside content and gene expression. Sennosides determination was done by performing HPLC, which showed an increasing trend with increasing moisture stress. Proline, MDA, carotenoid, and electrolyte leakage were also increased in support of sennoside increment at higher moisture stress conditions. The gene expression, stress enzymes, and morphophysiological parameters such as chlorophyll, carotenoid, and Fv/Fm demonstrated a significant correlation of sennoside content. The RT-PCR analysis showed the upregulation of genes associated with the Mevalonate (HMGR, PMK), Shikimate (SDH, SMK, CS), Menaquinone (menF), and Glycosylation (UDPG) pathways at rainfed and 20% ASM conditions, suggesting their involvement in increased secondary metabolite production under moisture stress conditions. However, plant age does not have any significant effect on gene expression.

Effect of fungal elicitors on morphophysiological characteristics and resistance to gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea in cut flowers of rose

The present study aimed to enhance the vase life, maintain quality, and reduce the percentage of infection with gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea using fungal elicitors on cut flowers of roses. Based on a completely randomized design with three replications, a factorial experiment was performed. The eight treatments were as follows: three concentrations of fungal elicitor (600, 800 and 1000 ppm), the three concentrations along with B. cinerea fungal spores, sterile distilled water (as negative control), and B. cinerea spore suspension (positive control). Vase life, cell membrane stability index, superoxide dismutase, catalase, carbohydrate content, and disease severity on the leaves were measured during the experiment. The measurements were carried out on days 3, 7 and 10 after spraying the spores. The results showed that treating rose flowers with the elicitor (1000 ppm) improved soluble carbohydrate preservation, cell membrane stability index, relative water content, catalase enzyme, and leaf superoxide dismutase, resulting in a significant increase in vase life (15.66 days) compared to the control (8.66 days) (P?0.01). Evaluating the disease index also showed that the elicitor (1000 ppm) along with B. cinerea spores caused a significant increase in vase life (12.33 days) compared to the positive control (7.66 days) (P?0.01). Finally, the disease severity in treated samples was lower than that of the B. cinerea treatment as control.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Morpho-Physiological Features Imparting Differential Tolerance to Pre-harvest Sprouting (PHS) in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

Background: In mungbean crop, the yield gap in many high yielding varieties is mainly due to lack of resistance to pre-harvest sprouting and wetting due to rains at physiological maturity or just before harvesting. Prevention of pre-harvest sprouting damage forms the most important challenge in mungbean since it has been identified as the crucial constraint for improving seed yield and quality seed. With the above perspective, the present study is aimed to identify morpho-physiological features responsible for pre-harvest sprouting and to reveal ultra structural architecture of pod and seeds of mungbean genotypes, imparting susceptibility or tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting. Methods: Four mungbean genotypes viz. ML 267 and MGG 295 (susceptible) and LGG 450 and K 851 (tolerant) were used to study the details of morpho-physiological characters such as: layers and thickness of podwall, seed coat, their external surface and internal structures of seed using scanning electron microscopy. The quantity of water accumulated, rate of moisture absorption, speed, path and pattern of water movement across the podwall and seed coat including locular space, cotyledonary area and embryonic region were studied using I2-KI treated water in time course studies on water pathway. Result: The ultrastructural architecture of pod, morpho-physiological features endowed with differential biomolecular alignment together determine the trait of tolerance or susceptibility to pre-harvest sprouting in mungbean genotypes.

Comparison of the effect produced by ozone and constant electric field on the morphophysiological characteristics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

This study investigated the effect of ozone and constant electric field on the morphological and physiological characteristics of tomato and wheat seedlings with the purpose of creating an effective and environmentally friendly technology for increasing the growth potential of crop seeds. Seeds of cv. Ventura tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and cv. Irkutskaya soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were exposed to ozone concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 g/m3 and electric field strengths of 1.6 and 2 kV/cm. The exposure time was 15 and 30 min. Both ozone and constant electric field were found to expand the spread of data on the shoot and root length, as well as alter the energy of seed germination. Depending on ozone concentrations and electric field strengths, the effect of seed treatment was established to be both positive and negative. The most optimal mode for ozonization of tomato seeds was achieved at an ozone concentration of 5 g/m3 for 15 minutes. The optimal mode for treating tomato seeds by electric field was achieved at an electric field strength of 1.6 kV/cm for 15 min. Wheat was determined to response to treatment not as intensively as tomato. When treating wheat seeds, ozonization is a more preferable method, since it stimulates germination even at an ozone concentration of 1 g/m3 for 15 minutes. However, our experimental results showed that even small changes in the mode of exposure both to ozonization and electric field can result in seed damage, thereby inhibiting the development of plants and decreasing the seed germination energy.