Morpho-physiological Parameters Research Articles

Prepared compost from food waste effectively increased onion production under sub-tropical conditions

Food waste disposal is regarded as a source of contamination in the environment. There is little information on whether food waste compost can be used in agriculture, especially in the subtropics. The study examined the effect of food waste compost on onion (Allium cepa L) cultivation under an open experimental field condition in a subtropical climate. Standard methods were used to analyze the soil physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, soil moisture, water holding capacity, total organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc) of control and treatment plots. Standard methods were used to measure all other morpho-physiological parameters. The plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the length and width of the leaves, the neck diameter, the relative water content of the leaves, the ash content of the leaves, and the root length were all measured. The treatment group had higher soil fertility than the control group. During the experiment, plant height, leaf number, leaf length, and leaf width all increased. Most morphophysio-chemical parameters in the treatment group onion plants were higher than in the control group after harvest. The yield of control plots was 13.64 t ha−1 and the yield of treatment plots was 32.04 t ha−1. Therefore, from this study it might be concluded that the compost from food waste has the potency to increase the soil fertility followed by the higher onion production. Hence, food waste can be used to prepare compost for higher onion production under sub-tropical conditions.Graphical

Assimilation apparatus of evergreen vines in humid subtropics of Russia

In the article, the research results on the morphophysiological parameters of the assimilation apparatus of evergreen vines in the humid subtropics of Russia are presented. Тhe endemic species to subtropical regions of East Asia, including Trachelospermum asiaticum (Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai, Trachelospermum jasminoides (Lindl.) Lem., Trachelospermum liukiuense Hatus., Clematis armandii Franch., Kadsura japonica (L.) Dunal and Akebia quinata (Houtt.) Decne. were studied. Morphological traits (the area and thickness of the leaf blade), physiological traits (the content of dry substances and the main photosynthetic pigments in the leaves) and the integral parameter (the specific surface density of the leaf) were studied in dynamics by standard methods in plant physiology. It was established that evergreen vines exhibit specific and seasonal differences in the dynamics of morphophysiological parameters of the assimilation apparatus, while the variation in these parameters directly depends on the hydrothermal conditions of cultivation. Such morphological traits as the area and thickness of the leaf blade depend on the temperature and relative humidity of the air, respectively, while physiological and such integral parameters as the specific surface density of the leaf depend on the relative humidity of the air. Тhe dynamic changes in a number of morphophysiological properties of plants underlying the adaptability of exotic species along with correlative relationships between abiotic stress factors and the physiological state of plants allow a group of promising evergreen vines for ornamental gardening in a humid subtropical climate to be defined. Here, among the representatives of the genus Trachelospermum , T. asiaticum exhibits great adaptive potential. In landscaping of the coast, however, the less stable species T. jasminoides is are widely found. Less common in landscape construction C. armandii, A. quinata and uncommon in the region K. japonica must be placed factoring in the microclimatic characteristics of the landscaping object and the environmental requirements for the vines.

Integrated physiological and transcriptional dissection reveals the core genes involving nutrient transport and osmoregulatory substance biosynthesis in allohexaploid wheat seedlings under salt stress

BackgroundSoil salinization has become a global problem restricting the seed yield and quality of crops, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Salinity significantly alters plant morphology and severely disrupts physiological homeostasis. Salt tolerance of wheat has been widely studied whereas core ion transporters responsive to salt stress remain elusive.ResultsIn this study, the wheat seedlings were subjected to salinity toxicity for morpho-physiological and transcriptomic analysis of wheat salt tolerance. There was a inversely proportional relationship between salt concentrations and morpho-physiological parameters. Under the condition of 100 mM NaCl, the H2O2, O2−, MDA content and membrane permeability were significantly increased whereas the chlorophyll content was markedly decreased. Under salt stress, a larger proportion of Na+ was partitioned in the roots than in the shoots, which had a lower Na+/K+ ratio and proline content. Salt stress also obviously affected the homeostasis of other cations. Genome-wide transcriptomic analysis showed that a total of 2,807 and 5,570 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the shoots and roots, respectively. Functionality analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the KEGG pathways related to carbon metabolism, phenylalanine, and amino acid biosynthesis, and were primarily enriched in the GO terms involving proline metabolism and redox processes. The Na+ transporter genes were upregulated under salt stress, which repressed the gene expression of the K+ transporters. Salt stress also significantly elevated the expression of the genes involved in osmoregulation substances biosynthesis, and obviously affected the expression profiling of other cation transporters. Co-expression network analysis identified TaNHX6-D5/TaNHX4-B7 and TaP5CS2-B3 potentially as core members regulating wheat salt tolerance.ConclusionsThese results might help us fully understand the morpho-physiological and molecular responses of wheat seedlings to salt stress, and provide elite genetic resources for the genetic modification of wheat salt tolerance.

Increasing soybean productivity by plant equidistant arrangements and modification of technology levels of cropping systems

The arrangement of soybean plants defines their ability to recognize the environment and improve their abiotic and biotic interactions with it. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of planting arrangements associated to two distinct crop systems (high technological level or conventional crop level) for the soybean varieties 8473 RSF and AS 3730, to evaluate the plant performance and productivity in the field. A double factorial scheme was used with two varieties and six spatial arrangements. Two experiments were conducted during the 2017–2018 crop season: the first was based on standard cultivation of the Brazilian Cerrado (without irrigation systems and adequate fertilizer), whereas the second utilized high technology (irrigation systems and increased fertilizer). The morphophysiological parameters, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf pigment content and crop yield parameters were evaluated. Our study pointed out the positive responses for both cultivated varieties and two technological levels adopted cultivated under equidistant arrangement and high density. The leaf area index, leaf pigment content, NDVI, and crop production showed substantial responses under different equidistant arrangements. Therefore, this procedure requires adjustments in the level of cultivation technology and identification of the most suitable soybean variety.

SEED PRIMING EFFECTS ON SEED QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM IN THE SEEDLINGS OF AMARANTHUS TRICOLOR L.

Amaranthus tricolor L. cv. ‘Valentina’ leaves are a promising source of dietary food supplements (DFS) and are used to prepare tea drinks that improve human health in Russia. Amaranth is a small-seeded crop, and the seed mass differs significantly, which leads to unfriendly shoots and a decrease in the potential productivity of the plant biomass. Pre-sowing treatment with growth stimulants can improve its seed quality. The study aimed to improve the seed quality, the morpho-physiological parameters, and the antioxidant properties of amaranth seedlings grown from seeds treated with plant growth stimulants at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution, Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC), Moscow, Russia. For seed treatments, water solutions of salicylic acid (SA - 138 mg/L), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 - 5 mM), succinic acid (ScA - 500 mg/L), calcium chloride (CaCl2 - 3000 mg/L), and gibberellic acid (GA3 - 300 mg/L) were used. Researchers germinated the seeds first in petri dishes in natural light at a daytime temperature of 23±2°C for seven days. Determining amaranthine, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content used generally accepted methods. Pre-sowing treatment of large and small fractions of amaranth seeds with GA3, ScA, and CaCl2 improved the seed quality, whereas seed treatment of SA and H2O2 reduced the seed quality. Recording of antioxidants (amaranthine and carotenoids) and total chlorophyll content accumulation in seedlings grown from the treated seeds followed. The levels of amaranthine and photosynthetic pigments decreased in the seedlings of Amaranthus tricolor L. cv. Valentina seeds with ScA, CaCl2, and GA3 treatments, while the seedling's biomass exceeded that of control, which suggests that these chemicals act as growth regulators. The negative effect of SA on the viability of large (LF) and small (SF) amaranth seeds showed significant reductions in the morphometric indicators. It may be due to oxidative stress, enhancing amaranthine content in the cotyledonary leaves of seedlings.

Integrative Application of Foliar Yeast Extract and Gibberellic Acid Improves Morpho-Physiological Responses and Nutrient Uptake of Solidago virgaurea Plant in Alkaline Soil.

Alkaline soils have fertility issues due to poor physical qualities, which have a negative impact on crop growth and output. Solidago is used in flower arrangements, bouquet filler, and traditional medicine. The possible biological fertilizers’ eco-friendly and cost-effective nature favours farmers because of the vital role in soil productivity and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was performed during two successive seasons to explore the effect of applying yeast extract (YE) at (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/L) and/or gibberellic acid (GA3) at (control, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) on the morpho-physiological parameters, macronutrients, and biochemical constituents of Solidago virgaurea. The results emphasize that YE (1.5 g/L) and/or GA3 (300 ppm) treatments show the highest significant increase in plant growth (i.e., plant height, no. of branches, fresh and dry weight of shoots); photosynthetic efficiency (i.e., chlorophyll (a), chlorophyll (b) and total carotenoids); macronutrient content (i.e., N, P, and K); and biochemical constituents (i.e., total soluble sugars, total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total glycosides). The study results recommend using YE and GA3 in combination at concentrations of 1.5 g/L and 300 ppm, respectively, to improve Solidago production sustainability under alkaline soil conditions.

Morpho-physiological responses and expression analysis of MYB94 transcription factor gene in four groundnut cultivars under drought and salinity stress

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of salinity stress on morpho-physiological parameters and relative expression of the MYB94 transcription factor gene among four widely cultivated groundnut cultivars. Methodology: A comparative analysis of morpho-physiological parameters was studied in four groundnut cultivars (Kadiri-Amaravati, Kadiri-Lepakshi, Kadiri-6, and Kadiri-9) subjected to different concentrations of NaCl prepared in half-strength Arnon’s nutrient growth medium. The relative expression analysis of a stress responsive transcription factor gene, MYB94 was studied in four groundnut cultivars subjected to drought and NaCl stress by qRT PCR. Results: NaCl stress resulted in a significant increase in proline content, MDA content in cultivar Kadiri-9 compared to other cultivar studied. On the contrary, plant growth, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, leaf relative water content, cell membrane injury decreased to lesser extent in cultivar Kadiri-9 than Kadiri-Amaravati, Kadiri-Lepakshi, Kadiri-6 under salinity stress. qRT-PCR based relative expression analysis of the MYB94 gene revealed a significant increase of transcript expression levels in cultivar Kadiri-9 compared to other three cultivars under both drought and salinity stress. Interpretation: Groundnut cultivar Kadiri-9 showed better tolerance to NaCl stress as evidenced from enhanced proline content, better relative water content and lesser extent of membrane damage when compared with other groundnut cultivars under given NaCl stress treatments. In addition, relative expression of MYB94 gene was significantly higher due to NaCl stress as compared to drought stress conditions in cultivar Kadiri-9 suggested that the MYB94 could be involved in salt stress tolerance. Key words: Groundnut, MYB94 transcription factor, qRT-PCR, Salinity stress

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.

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.

Defoliation impacts on morpho-physiological attributes and yield of tomato

The experiment was conducted under sub-tropical condition during two successive seasons (November-March) of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to investigate the effect of defoliations on morpho- physiological attributes and yield of tomato. The experiment comprised of five levels of defoliation viz., 0 (control), 3, 6, 9 and 12 leaves defoliation from the base out of 17 leaves at the beginning of flowering stage and two widely cultivated varieties viz., TM-110 and TM-135. The plant characters such as leaf area, plant height, number of leaves plant-1, straw weight plant-1, absolute growth rate, number of fruits plant-1, individual fruit weight and fruit yield were not affected up to 6 leaves defoliation irrespective of seasons and genotypes. Interestingly, photosynthesis, nitrate reductase and reproductive efficiency increased with increasing defoliation levels. Morpho-physiological parameters and yield attributes were better in 3 and 6 leaves defoliated plants over the control with being the highest in 6 leaves defoliated plant, which resulting the highest fruit yield. Heavy defoliation not only reduced source sizes but also decreased total sink (fruits) causing lower fruit yields. The lowest morpho-physiological attributes and fruit yield was recorded in 12 leaves defoliated plants. These results indicate that tomato plants can tolerate one-third leaf loss during reproductive stage and the knowledge of which might be essential for maintaining better quality tompato production. SAARC J. Agric., 20(1): 87-96 (2022)

Slaughter condition, safety and quality of slaughter products of turkeys of meat productivity in the use of prebiotic drug Аctigen

Ukraine's food security is due to the production of a sufficient number of high-quality, environmentally friendly, high-quality food products of animal origin, including poultry products. The purpose and objectives of the study. To analyze the slaughter condition, safety, and quality of slaughter products of meat turkeys in the direction of productivity when using the prebiotic drug actigen. The object of study was turkeys of the BIG-6 breed. The prebiotic Actigen was added to the essential diet of turkeys in the following doses: from the 1st to the 21st day: 0.4; 0.8 and 1 g/kg of feed; from the 22nd to the 42nd day: 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 g/kg of feed; from the 42nd to the 120th day: 0.2; 0.4 and 0.7 g/kg of feed. Mixing prebiotics with compound feed was performed with a feed mixer on the farm for compound feed production. The bird had free access to food and water throughout the fattening. According to DSTU 3143:2013, carcasses of broiler turkeys of experimental groups belong to the first category of fattening. The macrostructural characteristics of the organs of broiler turkeys in the experimental groups correspond to the age norm of the bird. Organomacroscopic characteristics of slaughter products of broiler turkeys of all experimental groups do not differ significantly. When determining the organoleptic characteristics of broiler turkey meat after using the prebiotic Actigen, it was established that Volodar LLC, Kyiv region, sells quality products that meet the requirements of the current National Standard. In the study of microbiological and microscopic indicators of broiler turkey meat after the use of the prebiotic Actigen, it was found that the microbiological indicators of MAFANM content in broiler turkey meat of Volodar LLC of the experimental group were 2.12 ± 0.25 × 103 and control groups 2.98 ± 1.07 × 103 according to the norms 1×106 CFU/g – fresh turkey, i.e., met the requirements of the current National Standard. It was found that the broiler turkeys' meat after using the prebiotic Actigen had a higher relative biological value – 100.0 %, compared with the control group of 95.0 % (P < 0.05). The number of Tetrahymena pyriformis cells grown on a nutrient medium with broiler turkey meat after three hours of incubation in the experimental group was 100.0 ± 5.3 – due only to motile cell forms. A similar trend remained after six hours of incubation. Infusoria had the shape of a regular shoe; they are mobile. Therefore, no adverse effect of samples of the meat of turkey broilers of Volodar LLC on the morphophysiological parameters of ciliates of Tetrahymena pyriformis was found, which indicates that the studied meat of the experimental groups is not toxic.

Morphophysiological and productive aspects of sprinkler and surface irrigated rice cultivars

The surface-irrigated rice crop in the continuous flooding system is characterized by increased water volume and low irrigation water productivity. In this sense, the present objective is to evaluate grain yield and irrigation water, in addition to physiological aspects and NPK accumulation in two rice cultivars irrigated by sprinkler and surface irrigation. The experiment was conducted under field conditions during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 agricultural crops, in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, at the Department of Plant Science of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (29°43’8.8” S and 53°43’18.6” W). The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with four replications. Sprinkler and surface irrigation systems (continuous and intermittent) were tested for factor A. For factor D, second ones were tested as rice cultivars IRGA 424 RI and IRGA 431 CL, in a 3 × 2 factorial. In the agricultural season, the soil scarification treatment with sprinkler irrigation was added, in a 4 × 2 factorial. Sprinkler irrigation reduces water use, however, with a reduction in morphophysiological parameters and grain yield. In the presence of physical roots from the soil to root growth, scarification provides an increase in irrigation grain yield parameters, when irrigated by rice sprinklers, when it increases in higher irrigation productivity. The IRGA 431 CL cultivar provides a reduction in water use and greater irrigation water productivity, without prejudice to the crop’s grain yield.

Harder, better, faster, stronger: Frost tolerance of Eucalyptus benthamii under cold acclimation

Eucalypts are the most planted hardwood trees worldwide because of their very rapid growth, exceptional wood quality and adaptability. However, most commercial species and derived hybrids are sensitive to frost, which remains as the largest obstacle to their introduction in warm/temperate climates. As evergreen species, Eucalypts have developed the ability to tolerate frost events based on physiological and molecular responses triggered by previous exposure to cold temperatures, globally named cold acclimation. To characterize the acclimation process in two species with different tolerance to frost, E. grandis (Eg) and E. benthamii (Eb), seedlings were exposed for different times to low temperatures. Frost tolerance was estimated in leaves by an electrolyte leakage assay, and metabolome and morpho-physiological changes studied and correlated to the observed acclimation responses. Eb showed higher basal frost tolerance and an earlier and stronger acclimation response to cold temperatures than in the frost sensitive Eg. Eb was able to modify several morpho-physiological parameters, with a restriction in plant height, leaf area and leaf fresh weight during acclimation. Metabolome characterization allowed us to differentiate species and strengthen our understanding of their acclimation response dynamics. Interestingly, Eb displayed an early phase of sugar accumulation followed by a rise of different metabolites with possible roles as osmolytes and antioxidants, that correlated to frost tolerance and may explain Eb higher capacity to acclimate. This novel approach has helped us to point to the main metabolic processes underlying the cold tolerance acquisition process in two relevant Eucalyptus species.

Foliar Spraying with Potassium Bicarbonate Reduces the Negative Impact of Drought Stress on Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.).

In recent years, special attention has been paid to climate change assessment and research into our changing environment. The greatest economic losses worldwide are due to the negative effects of drought stress and extreme temperature on the plants’ morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties which limit crop growth and productivity. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most popular plants widely grown around the world as a spice, as well a medicinal, aromatic plant. The seedlings with 5–6 true leaves were divided into two groups, and one group of seedlings was sprayed with 10 mM potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3). Three days after potassium bicarbonate treatment, half of the plants from each group were subjected to a water deficit (drought stress), and the other half were grown under stress-free conditions (well-watered). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) on morphophysiological parameters, phenolics content and the antioxidant activity of basil under drought conditions. The application of potassium bicarbonate to drought stressed plants significantly increased the chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weight, phenolics content in the two of tested cultivars, and antioxidant activity, determined by DPPH and ABTS methods. Principal component analysis showed that the first factor was highly and positively related to all the investigated parameters. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the first cluster was formed by being well-watered, well-watered and sprayed with potassium bicarbonate, and grown under drought conditions and sprayed with potassium bicarbonate basil cultivars, while the second cluster was formed by all the tested cultivars grown under drought conditions.

Adapting Grapevine Productivity and Fitness to Water Deficit by Means of Naturalized Rootstocks.

Climate change effects are unbalanced in all regions and cultivars linked to the wine industry. However, the impact of extreme weather events, such as drought and rising global temperatures, highlight the potential vulnerability in plant productivity, phenology, and crop water requirements that affect quality and harvests. Among adaptative measures for grapevine cultivars in existing or new winegrowing areas, the use of tolerant rootstocks to abiotic stress has been regarded as a mid-term strategy to face emerging constrains. The aim of this study was to compare naturalized or autochthonous rootstocks influence over grapevine cultivar performance and to characterize their response to deficit irrigation conditions. Data was collected from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grafted plants for over 3 growing seasons (2018–2021) from a hyper-arid experimental field in Vicuña, Chile. Morpho-physiological parameters were determined throughout seasons and combinations where significant effects from rootstocks, irrigation treatment, and cultivar were observed over An and gs, thus modifying CO2 assimilation and intrinsic Water Use Efficiency (WUEi). Primary productivity and yield were also modified by rootstock depending upon cultivar hydric behavior. Interestingly, cluster and berry traits were unaffected despite how water productivity and integral water stress were modulated by rootstock. In both cultivars, it was observed that trait responses varied according to the irrigation conditions, rootstocks, and their respective interactions, thus highlighting a relative influence of the rootstocks in the processes of adaptation to the water deficit. Moreover, harvest date and acidity were modified by deficit irrigation treatment, and rootstocks did not modify phenological stages. Adaptation of grapevines to expected lower water availability might be improved by using suitable tolerant rootstocks, and maturity index can be modified through irrigation management.

Application of experiment planning in the development of a nutrient medium in the production cycle of cultivation of <i>G.Mellonella</i>

Relevance. The study aimed to develop the composition of an artificial nutrient medium for the rearing of Gallery mellonella larvae. In the process of the research, the relative contributions of the feed component to the biological growth parameters of larvae and their morphological indicators were determined.Methods. In the experiment the plan 27-4 was used, that is, fractional factor experiments were varied in which seven factors — feed ingredients. The matrix of the complete factor experiment 23 was taken as a basis, and the coefficients in the interaction of three or more factors were assumed to be insignificant and replaced by additional factors. Morphophysiological parameters of larvae were used as the main indicators: mass, length, width of the head capsule.Results To obtain biomass in the production cycle, the mass of larvae should be at least 0.15 g, length 20-22 mm, width of the head capsule 1.9-2.3 mm (VI-early VII age), survival rate of at least 85%. In the regression equation for larval masses, wheat flour (X1), yeast (X3) and honey (X5) turned out to be significant ingredients. In the regression equation for the length of the larvae, the ingredients that make the maximum contribution are again yeast (X3) and honey (X5). Yeast (X3) was significant for the width of the head capsule. The obtained regression equations enable mathematical modeling within the framework of a linear model represented by regression equations in the studied range of morphological parameters of larvae, depending on the composition of the feed.

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.

Morpho-Physiological Responses of Two Multipurpose Species from the Tropical Dry Forest to Contrasting Light Levels: Implications for Their Nursery and Field Management.

Understanding the responses that some plants exhibit to acclimatize and thrive in different light environments can serve as a guideline to optimize their production or establishment. Morpho-physiological changes in Crescentia alata and Enterolobium cyclocarpum were examined in response to varying light levels: 25%, 35%, 55% and 70% of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of total solar radiation. One-month-old seedlings were subjected to the light treatments; subsequently, the effects on morphology, photosynthetic capacity, nutrient status, non-structural carbohydrate reserves (NSC) and growth were evaluated in three-month-old seedlings. Light levels affected several morpho-physiological parameters. C. alata responded better to higher light levels and E. cyclocarpum to lower levels. Particularly, C. alata with 70% PPFD increased its size in height and diameter, and accumulated more biomass in leaves, stems, and roots; it also exhibited higher net assimilation rates, improved nitrogen and phosphorus status and growth. In contrast, E. cyclocarpum with 25% PPFD increased aboveground biomass, nitrogen levels and NSC in leaves. Both species show morpho-physiological changes that determine their ability to acclimatize to different light conditions. This serves as a basis for designing better management strategies in the nursery or field by defining the light environments conducive to a proper functioning.

Effects for barley growth and development of single exposure to low-temperature argon plasma at different organogenesis stages

The paper presents the vegetation experiments results on the low-temperature argon plasma effect on barley plants ( Hordeum vulgare L.) of the Vladimir cultivar and its influence on morphophysiological parameters and yield. Plasma treatment was once at three organogenesis stages of barley plants: 3rd leaf, tillering and booting. Plasma exposure was 15 and 30 min. The barley plants were grown to full maturity. Analysis of barley yield structure did not reveal clear patterns in the change in most parameters resulted from the plasma treatment. However, 15 min plasma exposure on barley plants in the critical development stage (3rd leaf) increased by 77.8 % (p 0.05) the root weight of plants compared with control. After treatment at the tillering stage, the number of spikelets per main stem ear increased by 18.5 % (p 0.001) after 15 min plasma exposure, and by 11.17 % (p 0.05) after 30 min exposure. An increase in the number of productive stems and the number of grains per lateral stem ear was observed. At the same time, 30 min exposure in the 3rd leaf stage reduced by 7 % (p 0.05) the plant height. And the treatment in the tillering stage reduced by 39 % (p 0.01) the root weight of barley plants. The effect of low-temperature plasma on barley plants at the booting stage was less expressed to the plasma effect at earlier development stages. This can be explained by the lower sensitivity of this stage of organogenesis. The obtained effects of single exposure to low-temperature argon plasma at different organogenesis stages of barley plants can be useful to increase barley yields.