Optimal Plant Growth Research Articles

ZmNRT1.1B (ZmNPF6.6) determines nitrogen use efficiency via regulation of nitrate transport and signalling in maize.

Nitrate (NO3 - ) is crucial for optimal plant growth and development and often limits crop productivity under low availability. In comparison with model plant Arabidopsis, the molecular mechanisms underlying NO3 - acquisition and utilization remain largely unclear in maize. In particular, only a few genes have been exploited to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Here, we demonstrated that NO3 - -inducible ZmNRT1.1B (ZmNPF6.6) positively regulated NO3 - -dependent growth and NUE in maize. We showed that the tandem duplicated proteoform ZmNRT1.1C is irrelevant to maize seedling growth under NO3 - supply; however, the loss of function of ZmNRT1.1B significantly weakened plant growth under adequate NO3 - supply under both hydroponic and field conditions. The 15 N-labelled NO3 - absorption assay indicated that ZmNRT1.1B mediated the high-affinity NO3 - -transport and root-to-shoot NO3 - translocation. Transcriptome analysis further showed, upon NO3 - supply, ZmNRT1.1B promotes cytoplasmic-to-nuclear shuttling of ZmNLP3.1 (ZmNLP8), which co-regulates the expression of genes involved in NO3 - response, cytokinin biosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Remarkably, overexpression of ZmNRT1.1B in modern maize hybrids improved grain yield under N-limiting fields. Taken together, our study revealed a crucial role of ZmNRT1.1B in high-affinity NO3 - transport and signalling and offers valuable genetic resource for breeding N use efficient high-yield cultivars.

Biometric parameters and yield of maize hybrids in dependence on agricultural technology elements

Modern innovative corn hybrids of the intensive type have a significant individual response of morphometric and photosynthetic indicators to the density of the coenosis. Establishing correlations of these indicators with the level of grain yield of different genotypes of corn hybrids and determining the optimal parameters for the manifestation of these characteristics allows technological measures to ensure the realization of productive potential. The purpose of the research was to establish the peculiarities of the formation of biometric and photosynthetic indicators of innovative corn hybrids depending on the genotype, and the density of the coenosis, and to determine the correlationregression dependence of these characteristics. Field experiments were conducted during 2019-2021 in the agroecological zone of the Central Forest Steppe. The soil of the experimental site is typical chernozem, the precursor is soybean. With the help of field, morphometric, laboratory, and statistical (dispersion and correlation analysis) it was established that the height of the plant, the height of attachment of the upper (productive) cob, the area of the assimilation surface of one plant, and the photosynthetic potential depended on the studied factors – the genotype of the hybrid and the density of the coenosis. A medium and strong positive correlation was established between productivity and these characteristics, which indicates the need to technologically ensure optimal plant growth and development at various stages of the development of corn plants of all hybrids. The mid-ripe hybrid Zedan 32 (FAO 320) showed maximum productivity at a density of 80,000 plants/ha and sharply reduced productivity at a density of up to 100,000 plants/ha. Mid-early hybrids showed maximum yield at a density of 90,000 plants/ha, while an increase or decrease in plant density from the optimum led to a decrease in grain yield. Therefore, each hybrid has its optimal coenosis density for obtaining the maximum grain yield, and increasing the photosynthetic potential of crops by agrotechnical measures does not always guarantee a parallel increase in the grain yield of corn hybrids

Lead Toxicity-Mediated Growth and Metabolic Alterations at Early Seedling Stages of Maize (Zea mays L.).

To investigate the toxic effects of lead (Pb) on key metabolic activities essential for proper germination and seedling growth of maize seeds, experiments were carried out with different levels of Pb (0 to 120 mg of Pb L-1 as PbCl2) applied through growth medium to two maize hybrids H-3310S and H-6724. The research findings indicated that growth and metabolic activities were adversely affected by increased Pb contamination in growth medium; however, a slow increase in these parameters was recorded with increasing time from 0 to 120 h. Protease activity decreased with an increase in the level of Pb contamination but increased with time; consequently, a reduction in seed proteins and an increase in total free amino acids were observed with time. Similarly, α-amylase activity decreased with an increase in Pb concentration in growth medium while it increased with increasing time from 0 to 120 h; consequently, reducing and non-reducing sugars increased with time but decreased with exposure to lead. The roots of both maize hybrids had higher Pb contents than those of the shoot, which decreased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. All these nutrients are essential for optimal plant growth; therefore, the reduction in growth and biomass of maize seedlings could be due to Pb toxicity that altered metabolic processes, as sugar and amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of metabolic compounds, rapid cell division, and proper functioning of enzymes in the growing embryo, but all were dramatically reduced due to suppression of protease and α-amylase by toxicity of Pb. In general, hybrid H-3310S performed better in Pb-contaminated growth medium than H-6724.

Exploring adequate CO2 elevation for optimum tomato growth and yield under protected cultivation

The adequate elevation of CO2 concentrations (e [CO2]) could not be assessed by constrained analysis of comparative experimental study for optimum plant growth and yield with improved fruit quality owing to the lack of conjunctive investigation of plant parametric responses. Instead, the principal component analysis (PCA) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) assessed and quantified the parametric plant responses to identify the adequate level of e [CO2] for optimum plant growth and yield. In this study, tomato plants were grown under an ambient CO2 (a [CO2], 500 μmol mol−1) and three e [CO2] (700, 850 and 1000 μmol mol−1): named EC700, EC850 and EC1000, respectively, in autumn-winter (AW) 2020 and spring summer (SS) 2021 growing seasons to investigate and evaluate the plant parametric responses under e [CO2]. The tomato plant's response with maximum transportability of biomass to fruits was observed under 700 μmol mol−1. The plant height, stem diameter and LAI were enhanced compared to a [CO2] at the optimum level under 1000 μmol mol−1 (by 50.53, 20.98 and 44.44%) and 700 μmol mol−1 (by 22.41, 12.09 and 26.88%) in Aw 2020; Ss 2021, respectively. The optimum yield was increased under 700 μmol mol−1 by 73.95% and 55.58% in Aw 2020; Ss 2021, respectively. EC700 was ranked as a priority by TOPSIS with 0.632 and 0.694 plant response performance index in Aw 2020; Ss 2021, respectively, to get optimum tomato growth, yield, water use efficiency and fruit quality. The results of this study are beneficial for commercial greenhouse crop production by fumigating the adequate level of e [CO2], to reduce the cost of CO2 fertigation, enhance the yield and save the water quantity.

Optimizing Nursery Trays for Minimizing Seedlings per Pick of Transplanter in SRI

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) revolutionizes rice cultivation through innovative practices. It is a methodology that enhances rice yields by optimizing plant growth and resource utilization. This study, conducted in 2023 at TNAU, Coimbatore, India, focuses on the optimization of nursery tray configurations for enhanced seedlings per pick during rice transplantation, contributing to more efficient SRI cultivation. The selection of nursery trays plays a crucial role in determining seedling distribution, impacting crop yield and agricultural efficiency. Through the manipulation of seed density, depth of filling, and tray configuration, the research aims to improve the seedlings' per-pick outcome during mechanized transplantation. The investigation involves 12 tray combinations with varying seed density (40 gm, 60 gm, 80 gm, and 100 gm) and depth of fillings with different heights in tray (15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm). Seedling growth parameters are meticulously assessed, including shoot length and root length to evaluate tray efficacy. The study also analyzes transplanter compatibility and the influence of seed density and depth of filling on seedling growth. Results highlight the tray configuration with an 80 gm seed density and 25 mm soil height as optimal, offering 1-3 seedlings per pick and minimal missing hills less than 1%. The endeavor to minimize picks per hill through precise tray combinations represents a crucial step in addressing the challenges of modern agriculture and shaping a more sustainable and productive future.

Balanced nitrogen–iron sufficiency boosts grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency by promoting tillering

Crop yield plays a critical role in global food security. For optimal plant growth and maximal crop yields, nutrients must be balanced. However, the potential significance of balanced nitrogen–iron (N–Fe) for improving crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has not previously been addressed. Here, we show that balanced N–Fe sufficiency significantly increases tiller number and boosts yield and NUE in rice and wheat. NIN-like protein 4 (OsNLP4) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the N–Fe balance by coordinately regulating the expression of multiple genes involved in N and Fe metabolism and signaling. OsNLP4 also suppresses OsD3 expression and strigolactone (SL) signaling, thereby promoting tillering. Balanced N–Fe sufficiency promotes the nuclear localization of OsNLP4 by reducing H2O2 levels, reinforcing the functions of OsNLP4. Interestingly, we found that OsNLP4 upregulates the expression of a set of H2O2-scavenging genes to promote its own accumulation in the nucleus. Furthermore, we demonstrated that foliar spraying of balanced N–Fe fertilizer at the tillering stage can effectively increase tiller number, yield, and NUE of both rice and wheat in the field. Collectively, these findings reveal the previously unrecognized effects of N–Fe balance on grain yield and NUE as well as the molecular mechanism by which the OsNLP4–OsD3 module integrates N–Fe nutrient signals to downregulate SL signaling and thereby promote rice tillering. Our study sheds light on how N–Fe nutrient signals modulate rice tillering and provide potential innovative approaches that improve crop yield with reduced N fertilizer input for benefitting sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Close relationship between potassium accumulation in internodes and translocation of non-structural carbohydrate to grains in rice cultivars with different yields

Potassium (K) is an important macronutrient together with nitrogen and phosphorous. Potassium mostly accumulates in the internodes of rice plants during ripening stage. Since internodes are responsible for translocation of carbohydrates to the grains during ripening, the involvement of internode K in grain yield has been suggested, however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relationship between rice grain yield in different cultivars and the dynamics of K and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the internodes during the ripening period. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the differences in the dynamics of K and NSCs in internodes from heading to maturation in 10 cultivars with different yields and three mutants with different grain numbers. To reveal the localization of K in internode tissues, we conducted laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis. During the early ripening period from heading to 14 days after heading (14 DAH), the decrease in NSC contents in lower internodes was higher in the high-yielding indica cultivars than in japonica cultivars. In the late ripening period from 14 DAH to maturing, re-accumulation of NSC in lower internodes was higher in the japonica than in the indica. In contrast, the increase in K contents in the internodes was larger in the indica than in the japonica throughout the ripening stage. In the internodes of low-yielding whole crop silage (WCS) cultivar, the NSC contents were maintained at high levels during ripening, while K contents were consistently low. Similar results were observed in the mutant with low grain numbers. The mutant had lower K contents and higher NSC contents than the wild type (WT). Correlation analysis of different cultivars indicated that the change in K content in whole internodes from heading to maturing was negatively correlated with the change in NSC content. LA-ICP-MS analysis of internode tissues of the indica cultivar revealed that K accumulated more in the parenchyma cells than in large vascular bundles. These results suggest that K accumulation in the internodes is positively correlated with NSC translocation from internodes to grains, which could be through indirect effect of K accumulation in parenchyma on enhancement of long distance transport of NSC from internodes to the grains. This study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying the role of K in grain filling, which would help improving usage of K fertilizer for optimum plant growth and yields.

IoT based Green House Monitoring and Controlling System

The greenhouse business is the quickest developing area around the world. The smart greenhouse helps in isolating the harvest from the climatic changes. It shelters the plant growth from immediate sunlight and outside weather conditions. To provide a monitoring and control facility within the greenhouse, a framework based on the Internet of Things will be more flexible and sensible. The research focuses on developing a smart, climate-controlled greenhouse for vegetable cultivation. This is achieved by using a low-cost, highly efficient programmable module to monitor and control the greenhouse's climate. The boundaries of the greenhouse are adjusted based on the specific requirements for optimal harvest production. The ESP12F NodeMCU module is utilized for this purpose. The areas that require improvement include the soil's water content, the temperature, and the moisture levels of the field. The plan involves checking with a soil sensor and a DHT11 sensor. The information gathered through the sensors are sent to the NodeMCU that is connected to the IoT or the web connection through a HTTP convention. The farmer is capable of receiving the information in his mobile phone with the help of the IoT. In the field of agriculture, innovation has rapidly advanced and continues to evolve, aiming to enhance and achieve optimal plant growth in the agricultural sector. A precise framework would undoubtedly have an impact on the world of Android/IDS smartphone applications.

Effect of Potassium Level on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Hybrid Maize

Potassium is indeed one of the major essential nutrients required for optimal plant growth and development. It plays a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes within plants. In order to investigate the effect of different level of potassium on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of hybrid maize a experiment was conducted at District Seed Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia and West Bengal, India. In experiment Randomized Block Design was employed and consisted of six treatment levels of potassium : T1 (0 kg K2O ha-1), T2 (30 kg K2O ha-1), T3 (60 kg K2O ha-1), T4 (90 kg K2O ha-1), T5 (120 kg K2O ha-1) and T6 (150 kg K2O ha-1) with recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (120:60 N : P2O5 kg ha-1 ). Result indicated that plant height, grain yield, stover yield, net return and benefit : Cost ratio showed significant response upto 90 kg K20 ha-1. The total uptake of N, P and K showed significant response upto 90 kg K20 ha-1. Based on the results of the experiment, it was found that the application of potassium up to 90 kg K2O ha-1 is necessary to ensure a continuous supply of potassium to maize plants. This optimal potassium level was associated with higher maize yields and economic benefits, particularly when cultivating hybrid maize varieties.

An Investigation of the Thermal Performance of a Tropical Greenhouse Constructed With an Earth Air Heat Exchanger

Abstract To maintain optimum plant growth temperature (i.e., 25–35 °C), the thermal performance of an earth air tunnel heat exchanger (EATHE)-integrated single-span saw-tooth greenhouse (GH) was assessed in peak summer. With the side and roof vents opened, natural ventilation due to wind and stack effect controlled the air movement and temperature inside the GH. In this configuration, the average temperature inside the GH remained higher than the ambient temperature by 1.5 °C for the entire period of the experiment. For EATHE (installed at a depth of 3.2 m) assisted GH with polyethylene (PE) cover, the air from the EATHE outlet entered inside the GH at 33 °C, and the average temperature within the GH was maintained at 4 °C lower than the ambient temperature. When the shading net was installed over the PE cover with the EATHE, the transmitted radiations into the GH were reduced from the roof, and the inside temperature was maintained 7 °C below the average ambient temperature (i.e., 45 °C). The measured temperatures along the length of the EATHE were compared with the indigenously developed code named PEAT (performance analysis of earth–air tunnel) and found to be in good agreement within ±4.5% deviation. The temperature distribution inside the GH was predicted using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in ansys fluent with ±5% deviation from experimental results. With parametric analysis from the PEAT code and CFD model, the desired depth of the EATHE and the mass flowrate of air required to bring down the GH indoor temperatures to the optimum plant growth range were determined.

Effect of Humic acid, Cytokinin and Arginine on Growth and Yield Traits of Bean Plant Phaseolus vulgaris L. under salt stress

To achieve optimal plant growth and production under salt stress, some products were added in adequate quantities to give a good yield, especially bean plants which are sensitive to salinity. For this purpose, this experiment was carried out during the spring growing season in 2022 in Baghdad, to study the effects of humic acid, cytokinin, arginine and their interaction with 9 parameters that reflect the overall traits of vegetative growth and yield of common bean plants Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Astraid (from MONARCH seeds, China). The factorial design with 3 replicates was used, each with 7 plants treated via foliar spraying or by addition to the soil. The first factor included three groups; H0, H1 and H2 (0, 6, 12 Kg.h-1 Humic acid). The second factor included two groups; C0, and C1 [0, 100 mg.l-1 Cytokinins], and the third factor included three groups; A0, A1 and A2 (0, 100, 200 mg.l-1 Arginine). During the period of plant growing, furrow irrigation with drip pipe irrigation was used regularly with non-saline water EC= 2.2, during the first growth stage until it reaches the stage of four true leaves then irrigated with well saline water EC=3.4 for the rest of the plant life cycle. As for the treatment with humic acid, the results revealed that H2 treatment caused significantly higher values in most the studied traits. For cytokinin treatment, the results showed that C1 treatment resulted in significantly higher values in most the studied traits. And, there was no significant difference between A0, A1, and A2 except for leaves area, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight which exerts a significant difference between (A1, A2) in comparison to control A0. Based on the results of the binary overlap among treatments, H2C1, H2A2, H2A1 and, triple overlap H2C1A2 and H2C1A1 treatments resulted in the highest values as compared to all other treatments for all the studied traits. In conclusion, the present study comes up with the following: humic acid, cytokinin, arginine, and their interactions enhance most of the plant growth parameters and the pods production of common bean plants under salt stress.

Artificial Light Spectra and Its Impact on Plant Physiological Processes and Secondary Metabolism

Understanding the effects of artificial light spectra on plant physiological processes and secondary metabolism is critical for optimizing plant growth and productivity, particularly in controlled environment agriculture. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on this topic, exploring the fundamental principles of light spectra, their impacts on plant physiology, including photosynthesis and growth, as well as on secondary metabolism. Artificial light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), have been shown to significantly influence these plant processes, owing to their controllable spectra and intensities. These artificial light spectra can enhance photosynthetic efficiency, manipulate growth and development, and stimulate the production of valuable secondary metabolites. The review further discusses the potential applications of this understanding in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and even space agriculture. However, the interactions of artificial light spectra with other environmental factors, the development of custom light recipes for specific plant species or cultivars, and the need for long-term studies are identified as areas needing further research. This review contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the opportunities and challenges of utilizing artificial light spectra for improving plant performance and secondary metabolite production.

SURPALA’ S VRIKSHAYURVEDA: A RARE GEM IN THE FIELD OF HORTICULTURE

Vrikshayurveda, a 10th -century treatise written by Surpala, encompasses a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices for the optimal growth, health, and well-being of plants. It also incorporates the study of plant diseases and their remedies, including natural methods for pest control and plant rejuvenation. This ancient science provides valuable insights and practical guidelines for nurturing the health and vitality of plant life. As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to safeguard our planet's future, Vrikshayurveda offers a beacon of wisdom, reminding us to cultivate not only the earth but also our profound connection with nature. This review consists of a brief summary of the subjects covered in the text, along with the journey covered by the manuscript from London to India.

Physiological and Molecular Analysis Revealed the Role of Silicon in Modulating Salinity Stress in Mung Bean

Salinity stress acts as a significant deterrent in the course of optimal plant growth and productivity, and mung bean, being a relay crop in the cereal cropping system, is severely affected by salinity. Silicon (Si), on the other hand, has exhibited promising outcomes with regards to alleviating salinity stress. In order to understand the critical mechanisms underlying mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) tolerance towards salt stress, this study examined the effects of different salinity concentrations on antioxidant capacity, proteome level alterations, and influence on Si-transporter and salt-responsive genes. Salinity stress was seen to effect the gaseous exchange machinery, decrease the soluble protein and phenolic content and NR activity, and increase the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. An efficient regulation of stomatal opening upon Si application hints towards proficient stomatal conductance and CO2 fixation, resulting in efficient photosynthesis leading to proficient plant growth. The soluble protein and phenolic content showed improved levels upon Si supplementation, which indicates an optimal solute transport system from source to sink. The content of superoxide radicals showed a surge under salinity stress treatment, but efficient scavenging of superoxide radicles was noted under Si supplementation. Salinity stress exhibited more damaging effects on root NR activity, which was notably enhanced upon Si supplementation. Moreover, the beneficial role of Si was further substantiated as there was notable Si accumulation in the leaves and roots of salinity-stressed mung bean plants. Furthermore, Si stimulated competent ROS scavenging by reinforcing the antioxidant enzyme activity, as well coordinating with their isozyme activity, as expressed by the varying band intensities. Similarly, the Si-mediated increase in peroxidase activity may reveal changes in the mechanical characteristics of the cell wall, which are in turn associated with salinity stress adaptation. Proteomic investigations revealed the upregulation or downregulation of several proteins, which were thereafter identified by LC−MS/MS. About 45 proteins were identified and were functionally classified into photosynthesis (24%), metabolic process (19%), redox homeostasis (12%), transmembrane transport (10%), stress response (7%), and transcription regulation (4%). The gene expression analysis of the silicon transporter genes (Lsi1, Lsi2, and Lsi3) and SOS pathway genes (SOS1, SOS2, and SOS3) indicated the role of silicon in mitigating salinity stress. Hence, the findings of this study can facilitate a profound understanding of the potential mechanisms adopted by mung bean due to exogenous Si application during salinity stress.

Prediction of Greenhouse Indoor Air Temperature Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Combined with Sensitivity Analysis

Greenhouses are essential for agricultural production in unfavorable climates. Accurate temperature predictions are critical for controlling Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Dehumidification (HVACD) and lighting systems to optimize plant growth and reduce financial losses. In this study, several machine models were employed to predict indoor air temperature in an even-span Mediterranean greenhouse. Radial Basis Function (RBF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) were applied using external parameters such as outside air, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. The results showed that an RBF model with the LM learning algorithm outperformed the SVM and GPR models. The RBF model had high accuracy and reliability with an RMSE of 0.82 °C, MAPE of 1.21%, TSSE of 474.07 °C, and EF of 1.00. Accurate temperature prediction can help farmers manage their crops and resources efficiently and reduce energy inefficiencies and lower yields. The integration of the RBF model into greenhouse control systems can lead to significant energy savings and cost reductions.

Coastal Wetland Species Rumex hydrolapathum: Tolerance against Flooding, Salinity, and Heavy Metals for Its Potential Use in Phytoremediation and Environmental Restoration Technologies.

Plants with high biomass adapted to conditions of increased moisture and with significant salt tolerance appear to be particularly attractive candidates for phytoremediation studies. The aim of the present study was to examine the tolerance of Rumex hydrolapathum plants to freshwater, saltwater inundation, and soil contaminated with heavy metals, as well as its metal accumulation potential in controlled conditions. Six separate vegetation container experiments in controlled conditions were performed with R. hydrolapathum plants to study the effects of soil moisture, waterlogging with NaCl, soil Cd, soil Cr, soil Ni, and soil Pb in the form of a nitrate or acetate. Optimum plant growth occurred in waterlogged soil conditions. As the concentration of NaCl used for waterlogging increased, the mass of living leaves decreased, but that of dry leaves increased. As a result, the total biomass of leaves did not significantly change. R. hydrolapathum plants were extremely tolerant to Cd and Pb, moderately tolerant to Ni, and relatively sensitive to Cr. The plants had high capacity for metal accumulation in older and senescent leaves, especially for Na+, K+, Cd, and Ni. R. hydrolapathum plants can tolerate soil waterlogging with seawater-level salinity, which, together with the metal tolerance and potential for metal accumulation in leaves, make them excellently suited for use in a variety of wastewater treatment systems, including constructed wetlands.

Quality Otomation System and monitoring of Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis L.) in Hydroponic Greenhouses based on Fuzzy Logic using Arduino Uno

Hydroponic greenhouses is a form of maintenance optimal plants with minimal water use. However, growing plants in this environment requires careful monitoring and control of various parameters such as pH and nutrient availability. In this study we used NFT Hydroponics (Nutrient Film Technique) a soilless plant cultivation technique that uses nutrient solutions flowing in shallow channels under plant roots. This method allows efficient and optimal plant growth with less use of water and nutrients compared to conventional cultivation. 
 The pakcoy quality monitoring system in this hydroponic greenhouse is made using an Arduino Uno microcontroller equipped with a dfrobot pH sensor and a dfrobot tds sensor to monitor the quality of the bok choy plants automatically. We get the data by the tool will be processed using fuzzy logic to control the pH quality of the water and the nutrients of the bok choy plants to maximize the efficiency and production of the bok choy plants. The results showed that using this technology can monitor and control the water quality and environment for bok choy growth efficiently and accurately.

Optimizing Plant Growth and Crop Productivity through Hydroponics Technique for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

A promising, economically viable and profitable form of cultivation is hydroponics. The findings of the present study indicate that the productivity as well as quality of different leafy vegetables and high valuable fruit crops (litchi etc) was significantly improved by adopting hydroponic techniques. The pH and EC of nutrient solution play an important role in this technique which directly affects the plant response. Article discusses how hydroponics can produce sustainable food while addressing issues such as climate change, lack of arable land and poor soil quality. The article highlights several hydroponic growing media and the importance of pH and dissolved solids (TDS) in a hydroponic fertilizer solution. The potential of hydroponics for Indian farmers and the need for education to facilitate their adoption is discussed at the end of the article. Presently the different substances are used to support plants, aerate them, promote maximum root growth and implement various hydroponic cultivation techniques. This paper also describes the different hydroponic techniques like nutrient film technique (NFT), deep water culture (DWC) and Ebb and flow etc and their mechanisms, applicability and advantages. Along with different hydroponics techniques the effectiveness of hydroponic growing media has also been investigated, with the best results obtained from nutrient film technique along with coconut peat as a growing media.

Anatomical, morphological and physiological leaf characters of black betel (Piper betle L. var. nigra) in varying natural and man-made habitats

Abstract. Kuswandi PC, Ariyanti NA, Yunus MF, Amri CNAC. 2023. Anatomical, morphological and physiological leaf characters of black betel (Piper betleL. var. nigra) in varying natural and man-made habitats. Biodiversitas 24: 3236-3244. Piper betle L. var. nigra or black betel (known as Sirih hitam in Indonesia) contains valuable secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carotenoids, steroids and terpenoids. Black betel leaf extract has been shown to have antimicrobial activity thus there is a prospect to be developed as a promising herbal plant. Nevertheless, little information is available about its development as a medicinal plant. This research studies the influence of different habitats on several characters of black betel leaves with the aim to understand the suitable environmental conditions for the optimum growth of black betel plants. We used a survey method and random sampling of black betel leaves in four locations in Java Island, Indonesia, namely Banyuwangi which represents natural habitat, and Karanganyar, Ngaglik and Pakem which represent man-made habitats. Measurements of temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light intensity were carried out at each location. Analyses of leaf area, leaf water content, total leaf chlorophyll content and flavonoid content were undertaken and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Leaf transverse sections were also observed. The results showed that the environmental parameters differed in the four locations. Leaves samples from the natural habitat in Banyuwangi were significantly different (P<0.05) from the three man-made habitats for chlorophyll and flavonoid content. For water content, significant difference was only for Banyuwangi samples with those from Karanganyar and Pakem. For leaf area, significant difference was only found between the Banyuwangi samples and Karanganyar. Observations on the transverse cross section of midrib of black betel leaves from the four locations showed structures that are generally found in Piper betle species, namely the presence of an epidermal layer, trichomes in the abaxial part of the leaf, several layers of the hypodermis, visible vascular tissue and the presence of secretion cells. There were several differences in the leaf anatomy such as greater number of trichomes on the leaves from Karanganyar, the secretory cells that were more visible in the leaves from Ngaglik and Banyuwangi and the sclerenchymal tissue that was more visible in the leaves from Banyuwangi. Such differences are likely influenced by variations in environmental parameters thus showing that the man-made habitat in the Karanganyar location can affect leaves characters similar to black betel plant grown in its natural habitat in Banyuwangi.

Comparative analysis of various soils concerning chemical parameters in command (canal irrigated) and uncommand (well irrigated and rainfed) areas of Raisinghnagar, District Sriganganagar (Rajasthan)

Soil is a vital source for the cultivation of all types of crops. The crop’s cultivation depends on the soil's physical and chemical properties. The optimum plant growth and crop yield depend not only on the total amount of nutrients present in the soil at a particular time but also on their availability which in turn is controlled by the physical and chemical properties of soil. So, in the present study, a comparative analysis was undertaken between various soil parameters (chemical properties of soil) of different vicinity like Command (canal irrigated) and Uncommand (well irrigated and rainfed) agriculture fields of various villages in Sriganganagar District, Rajasthan. The cumulative analysis of soil chemical parameters regarding the Command (canal irrigated) area and Uncommand (well irrigated and rainfed) area were undertaken during the study period.