Shoot Parts Research Articles

Impact assessment of heavy metals spiked waste water irrigation on metals accumulation and translocation in marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to find out the impact assessment of heavy metals spiked wastewater irrigation on growth, keeping quality and productivity of marigold (Tagetes patula L., cv.Pusa Arpita) at Water Technology Centre of ICARIndian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during Rabi season of 2020-21. Sevan treatments were takenas T-1: Sole Groundwater Irrigation without spiking of heavy metal, T-2: Sole Wastewater Irrigation without spiking of heavy metal, T-3: Wastewater Irrigation spiked with Cd (0.005ppm), Cr (0.05ppm), Ni (0.1ppm) and Pb (2.5ppm), T-4: Wastewater Irrigation spiked with Cd (0.01ppm), Cr (0.1ppm), Ni (0.2ppm) and Pb(5.0ppm), T-5: Wastewater Irrigation spiked with Cd (0.1ppm), Cr (0.1ppm), Ni (2ppm) and Pb (10ppm) , T-6: Wastewater Irrigation spiked with Cd (0.25ppm), Cr (2.5ppm),Ni (5ppm) and Pb (30ppm), T-7: Wastewater Irrigation spiked with Cd (0.5ppm), Cr (5.0ppm), Ni (10ppm) and Pb (50ppm). Results indicated that Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb concentrations in the root part ranged from 2.05 to 54.48, 13.67 to 86.35, 0.89 to 5.21 and 3.84 to 22 mg/kg, respectively and in shoot parts ranged from 9.3 to 63.05, 29.99 to 97.4,1.8 to 6.42 and 12.38 to 29.93mg/kg, respectively, in marigold under different treatments of heavy metals spiked wastewater irrigation. Heavy metal translocation factors (TF) ranged from 0.22 to 0.87, 0.47 to 0.88, 0.38 to 0.82 and 0.32 to 0.75 for Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb, respectively and bioaccumulation factors (BF) for heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) were varied from 63.8 to 114.47, 39.76 to 72.18, 34.21 to 64.57 and 6.3 to 12.61, respectively, in marigold under different treatments of heavy metals spiked wastewater irrigation. However, long-term application of heavy metals rich wastewater in marigold needs to be monitored at different soil and climatic conditions.

Response to Cadmium Toxicity: Orchestration of Polyamines and microRNAs in Maize Plant.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is widely contaminating the environment due to its uses in industries as corrosive reagents, paints, batteries, etc. Cd can easily be absorbed through plant roots and may have serious negative impacts on plant growth. To investigate the mechanisms utilized by plants to cope with Cd toxicity, an experiment was conducted on maize seedlings. We observed that the plant growth and photosynthetic mechanism were negatively influenced during 20 days of Cd stress. The expression levels of ornithine decarboxylase (ORDC) increased in the six seedlings under Cd exposure compared to the control. However, Cd toxicity led to an increase in putrescine (Put) content only on day 15 when compared to the control plants. In fact, with the exception of day 15, the increases in the ORDC transcript levels did not show a direct correlation with the observed increases in Put content. Spermidine and Spermine levels were reduced on day 6 by Cd application, which was parallel with suppressed Spermidine synthase gene. However, an increase in Spermidine and Spermine levels was observed on day 12 along with a significant elevation in Spermidine synthase expression. On day 6, Cd was observed to start accumulating in the root with an increase in the expression of microRNA 528; while on day 15, Cd started to be observed in the shoot part with an increase in microRNA 390 and microRNA 168. These results imply that different miRNAs may regulate polyamines (PAs) in maize under Cd toxicity, suggesting a plant-derived strategy to commit a PAs/miRNA-regulated mechanism/s in different developmental stages (time points) in response to Cd exposure.

Accidental Oleandrum (Nerium Oleander L.) Ingestion: Anatomo-Pathological consequences in livestock species

The oleander (Nerium oleander L.) is a flowering and evergreen shrub or small tree, belonging to the Dogbane family, cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens and public city areas. These plants, distributed originally in Asia and Mediterranean area, grow in many parts of the world, particularly in warm temperate and subtropical regions. Oleander is considered noxious weed and its toxicity has been known since ancient times. All parts of plants, including stems, leaves, young shoots, flowers, nectar, sap and products induced by combustion are toxic. The poisoning effects of plant induced sever negative changes especially in the heart, also in the lung, in the liver and in the kidney. Accidental and experimental cases of oleander poisonings have been described in several species. Several cases of accidental ingestion in human and animals have been reported from across the world. Therefore, this review summarizes the main anatomo-pathological effects found in livestock species after accidental oleandrum poisoning.

Effect of Dry and Liquid Wey Addition on Tomato (Solanum esculentium L.) Growth Properties Under Greenhouses Conditions-b

A pots experiment under greenhouses conditions were conducted at an agricultural research station related to Agriculture College / Basrah Univ. during the grown season 2017 - 2018 to statement the effect of different levels of treatment of liquid and dry Wey adding to soil mixed animal manures as a growth media on some tomato seedling properties, Wey adding at level 25, 50 and 75 % as a liquid and 1, 2 and 4 % as a dry. Results showed a significant improvement in all growth properties: The highest height of 33.11 cm was recorded in (1 animal manure :1 soil) treatment at a 2 % dry Wey. The highest number of branches was at dry and liquid Wey treatments, attaining 2 and 3.2 plant branch-1, and the highest average number of branches was recorded at the value of 3.55 plant branch-1 at (1 animal manure : 1 soil) treatment. A significant number of leaves was 13 leaf plant-1 at the level of adding 50% of liquid spray and 12 leaf plant-1 at the level of addition of 2% of dry Wey; the highest average number of leaves has recorded a value of 13 leaf plat-1 of (1anmial manure:1soil) treatment. A significant value of shoot weight was at 75 % addition Wey liquid attained 6.99 gm plant-1 for shoot part compared with control and 25 % addition liquid Wey treatments.(1 animal manure:1 soil) treatment. Treatment of liquid Wey was applied at a concentration of 75%, giving a significant average of roots fresh weight is 0.123 gm plant-1, adding animal manure treated with liquid Wey achieved the highest average weight of roots attains 0.156 gmplant-1. Treatments of applied liquid Wey at a concentration of 75% were a superior average of dry shoot weight at 0.59 gm plant-1.

Seasonal variation of boeravinone B content in plant parts of Boerhaavia diffusa L.

Abstract Boerhaavia diffusa (family: Nyctaginaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant of rasayana category as per ayurvedic claims, commonly known as ‘Punarnava’ in Indian system of medicine. It is used as a green leafy vegetable in many Asian and African countries besides possessing anticancer, antiestrogenic, immunomodulatory and antiamoebic activities. Its phytochemicals like flavanoids, alkaloids, phenols, polyphenols etc. have been extensively explored to gain insight into its wide range of bioactivities and medicinal attributes, and boeravinone B has been reported as most potent and interesting flavonoid for its therapeutic properties. In present investigation high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was done on monthly basis for two consecutive years to check the influence of temperature, humidity and rainfall on production and quantification of boeravinone B in various plant parts of field grown B. diffusa. Throughout the year, variation in the concentration of boeravinone B was observed and highest yield was observed in July, which is also the best time for Boerhaavia multiplication and growth. Amongst the plant parts, maximum concentration of boeravinone B was obtained in root parts (6.63%) followed by leaves (4.28%) and minimal content was obtained in shoot parts (3.08%). These results indicate the ideal time for harvesting of the whole herb for its better utilization as a herbal therapeutic for commercial purposes.

Potential of roots and shoots of Napier grass for arresting soil erosion and runoff of mollisols soils of Himalayas

In this study, a soil filled Hydraulic Tilting Flume (HTF) was used as a test plot under simulated rainfall conditions. This flume was filled with mollisols soils (sandy loam in texture) collected from tarai region of Himalayas. The effects of root and shoot characteristics of Napier grass in terms of leaf area index (LAI), shoot length (SL), number of leaves (NL), number of tillers (NT), shoot biomass (SB), root density (RD), root length (RL), root biomass (RB), and total biomass (TB) were investigated on runoff and sediment outflow at 90, 120 and 150 days after planting (DAP). Four simulated rainfall intensities namely 4.0, 6.5, 8.3 and 9.4 cm/h over three land slopes of 1, 2 and 3% were selected. Runoff samples collected from whole plant plot and only root plot were analyzed for runoff and sediment outflow. Findings revealed that Napier grasses were very effective to reduce runoff and sediment outflow and its efficacy increased with the extended growth stages. The reduction in runoff and sediment outflow at 90, 120 and 150 DAP was obtained as 56% and 85%, 68% and 90%, and 74% and 96%, respectively, as compared to bare plot conditions. It was observed that the comparative contribution of shoots in runoff rate reduction was higher than the roots. On the contrary, the root part of the plant showed more contribution in sediment rate reduction as compared to the shoot part. Step wise regression was attempted for the selection of effective input parameters to establish authentic runoff and sediment outflow models. Power form of multiple non-linear regression (MNLR) showed very satisfactory results for predicting runoff and sediment outflow with coefficient of determination (R2) as 97.4% and 99.0%, respectively, root mean square error (RMSE) as 38.8 cc/m2/min and 0.126 g/m2/min, respectively, and coefficient of efficiency (CE) as 93.9% and 96.7%, respectively, during testing period.

Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and nutrient composition of Chayote shoot (Sechium edule, Jacq. Swartz) from Kundasang, Sabah

The chayote (Sechium edule) plant is believed to have significant nutritional importance due to its medicinal functions. It has been widely cultivated in Kundasang, Sabah for vegetable consumption. This study was carried out to determine the health benefits of this vegetable, especially the upper 3-foot of the shoot portion, in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and nutrient composition. It was divided equally into three parts, each a foot long and classified as: upper tier, middle tier and lower tier and amongst them, which tier gives rise to the best health benefits or will the traditional consumption of the whole 3-foot shoot be better for overall health well-being. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) and Folin Ciocalteu test were used to determine antioxidant activity and Total Phenolic Content (TPC), respectively. The results showed that the upper tier of shoot parts had the highest value for antioxidant activity, with the lowest of IC50 value (245.12 ± 9.24 μg/ml). The lower part of the plant also shows the highest value for TPC with a value of 355.66 ± 5.84 mg/g GAE. Minerals, Ca, Mg, P, Mo, Fe and Al were the highest value in the middle tier portion. The proximate analyses showed that the upper tier of the shoot has the highest fat, crude protein, and carbohydrate contents. Crude ash has the highest value in the middle tier part. On the other hand, the moisture content and the crude fiber were high at the lower tier of the shoot portion. The upper tier of the shoot is recommended to be consumed for health benefits because it is high in antioxidant activity and proximate content and also rich in minerals. However, the traditional practice is to consume the whole 3-foot long of this vegetable is very welcome

Roots originating from different shoot parts are functionally different in running bamboo, Phyllostachys glauca

Abstract Running bamboos are a group of clonal plants exhibiting rapid and widespread expansion. They possess two root subsystems, arising from different shoot parts, culm roots and rhizome roots. To date, it remains unclear what the functional differences are between the two root subsystems and what their relation is to the remarkably competitive ability of running bamboos. A typical running bamboo, Phyllostachys glauca, which dominates in a highly heterogeneous habitat of limestone hills, was sampled to compare the morphology, architecture, anatomy, chemical composition, mechanics and nutrient acquisition of the two root subsystems to explore their differences in functional traits. Compared with rhizome roots, culm roots possessed greater tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, stele diameter to root diameter ratio, root tissue density, root length density, rooting depth, basal diameter of shoot‐borne roots and more lignified cells. Culm roots also had a higher phosphorus (P) concentration (>0.4 mg g−1), which was nearly twice that of rhizome roots. By contrast, rhizome roots exhibited a greater specific root area, specific root length, cortex thickness to root radius ratio, total branch order and greater P‐uptake capacity than culm roots. Our findings revealed distinct differences in functional traits between culm roots and rhizome roots in P. glauca. Culm roots are considered to primarily provide anchorage, but also function in resource acquisition and nutrient storage, while rhizome roots mainly play a role in resource acquisition. Except for the anchorage and resource acquisition of culm roots, the extra resource acquisition by rhizome roots and the high concentration of a limiting nutrient (P) in culm roots enhance the performance in a highly heterogeneous habitat which offers a physiological explanation for P. glauca dominating on limestone hills. The functional differentiation between culm roots and rhizome roots provides insight into the mechanism underpinning the remarkable expansion of running bamboos and offers a new perspective to explain the strong competitive ability of clonal plants with dimorphic roots. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Bioactivity evaluation of least explored traditionally acclaimed medicinally potent herb Nanorrhinum ramosissimum(Wall.) Betsche

Present study analysed the therapeutic potential of traditionally acclaimed medicinal herb Nanorrhinum ramosissimum, using plant parts extracted with different solvents (10 mg/mL). Shoot extracts exhibited comparatively better antimicrobial properties, in comparison to root extracts. Total phenolic content was estimated, to ascertain its dependency on antioxidant properties of plant extracts. Antioxidant assay revealed promising results in comparison to IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid (52.2±0.07 µg/mL), for methanolic extracts of shoot (61.07±0.53 µg/mL and 64.33±0.33 µg/mL) and root (76.705±0.12 µg/mL and 89.73±0.28 µg/ mL) for in vivo and in vitro regenerants respectively. Correlation coefficient R2 values ranged between 0.90-0.95, indicating a positive correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Plant extracts were also able to inhibit DNA oxidative damage again indicating their antioxidative potential. Antidiabetic potential was confirmed by alpha amylase inhibition assay where shoot methanolic extracts (invivo, in vitro) exhibited the best IC50 values (54.42±0.16 µg/mL, 66.09±0.12 µg/mL) in comparison to standard metformin (41.92±0.08 µg/mL). Ethanolic extracts of roots (in vitro, invivo) exhibited the relative IC50 values (88.97±0.32µg/mL,96.63±0.44 µg/mL) indicating that shoot parts had a better alpha amylase inhibition property; thus proving the herb’s bioactive potential and its prospective therapeutic source for curing various ailments.

A comprehensive and high-throughput screening method for multiple prohibited substances by UPLC-QE Plus-HRMS and HPLC-QQQ-MS in human urine for doping control.

Since the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List is updated on an annual basis, screening methods must be continually adapted to align with these changes. In accordance with Technical Document-MRPL 2022, a newly combined, comprehensive, rapid and high-throughput doping control screening method has been developed for the analysis of 350 substances with different polarities in human urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive Plus Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UPLC-QE Plus-HRMS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-QQQ-MS). The limits of detection were in the range of 0.12-50 ng mL-1 for beta-2 agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, narcotics, cannabinoids and glucocorticoids, 0.1-14 ng mL-1 for the manipulation of blood and blood components, beta blockers, anabolic agents and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activating agents, and 2.5-100 000 ng mL-1 for substances of Appendix A, diuretics & masking agents and stimulants. The sample preparation consisted of two parts: one is the dilute & shoot part analyzed in UPLC-QQQ-MS, another is a mixture of the dilute & shoot part and a liquid-liquid extraction part of hydrolyzed human urine analyzed in UPLC-QE Plus-HRMS in full scan mode with polarity switching and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mode. The method has been fully validated for doping control purposes. All the substances were compliant with WADA's required 1/2 minimum requirement performance level (MRPL) or minimum reporting level (MRL), and this method was successfully used in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympic Games for anti-doping purpose.

Nutritional values and phytochemical analysis of Allium calocephalum Wendelbo, a valuable endemic wild garlic to Zagros mountains

Wild edible plants provide the local people with food and medicines and are considered one of the natural ecosystem services. These wild edible diets and herbal medicine always reflect local communities' regional identity and their traditional ecological knowledge. In the new global economy, the natural product field has become a central issue for preserving the traditional culture related to nature, particularly in the context of a sustainable environment. This research study aims to determine the nutritional value and phytochemical contents in a wild population of Allium calocephalum. This wild edible garlic, endemic to the Zagros mountains, is overharvested by Kurdish rural people to enhance their food security at a household level and to perpetuate the preservation of their natural heritage. Here, we estimated the total phenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, protein, fibers, ash, oil yield, and significant mineral content in both leaves and bulbs of A. calocephalum. Phytochemical analyses were conducted at the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering Sciences (University of Duhok) and the environmental directory of Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, to get an overview of its nutrients and phytochemical values. Interestingly, a high level of phenolic compounds was obtained from bulbs (0.684 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, eq.100g-1). The lowest level of phenolic compounds was found in leaves (0.522 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, eq.100g-1). Simultaneously, the bulbs extract gave higher content of flavonoid compounds than the leaves extract (6.31 and 4.73 μg quercetin equivalents/g of dry extract, eq.100g-1, respectively, for the bulbs and leaves). The highest dry weight basis of total carbohydrates, energy value (Kcal), oil content, and moisture content were observed in bulbous parts, and the values were 71.75, 408.86 (Kcal), 9.52, and 92.37, respectively. On the other side, the highest dry weight basis of total protein, fibers, and Ash content was observed in shoot parts, and the values were 15.93, 13.89, and 9.32, respectively. The evidence from this research study supports the idea that this Zagrosian endemic wild garlic enhances the food security and the nutrient diet values of the rural Kurdish people. Keywords: Wild garlic; ethnobotany; edible plants; food security; natural resources; herbal medicine.

MORPHO-BIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY OF GROWING ASPARAGUS

Asparagus, better known as asparagus, is a perennial that grows mainly in dry climates. There are about 100 types of asparagus, but some sources mention the presence of 300 types of asparagus. Asparagus, which is familiar to many, has a high taste, which is grown in the form of a shrub or grass. The upper part of the young shoots of this vegetable is included in various culinary delights. However, only 20 types of asparagus are suitable for food. The article notes the nutritional and healing properties, how to use them, and provides information on the history of asparagus and chemical composition. A brief morphological characteristic of asparagus, its relation to environmental factors is given. The technology of growing asparagus is described in detail: seed preparation for sowing, site selection, soil preparation, fertilizers, methods of growing crops, care and harvesting measures.

Динамика развития побегов Salix triandra на саженцах, выращенных из базальных и апикальных черенков

Abstract. Purpose of research is to identify the patterns of development of shoots on annual saplings of S. triandra grown from cuttings taken from different parts of uterine shoots. Research methodology and methods. The object of the study is a model inbred-clonal population of S. triandra. Experimental group: replicas of eight clones. Variants for each clone: annual saplings grown from basal and apical cuttings. All variants were carried out in three replications. Material: growing annual shoots. The research was doing out in the soil-climatic conditions of the Bryansk district of the zone of broad-leaved forests. Observations were conducted against the background of excessive atmospheric moistening during the rooting of cuttings. Methods: chronobiological, numerical analysis of time series. Results. The seasonal growth of shoots on basal cuttings was 148–219 cm, on apical – 95–171 cm. The maximum daily increment of shoots on basal cuttings is 2.59 ± 0.148 cm/day, on apical – 1.86 ± 0.085 cm/day. The highest values of the daily increment of shoots on basal cuttings were revealed in middle of June, on apical cuttings – in middle of July. The duration of multi-day cycles of daily increment was 16–26 days, regardless of the clone factor and the origin of cuttings. The maximum number of multi-day cycles does not exceed 5. On the shoots of clones with the highest daily increment, the number of multi-day cycles decreases to 3–4. Scientific novelty. Under the conditions of this experiment, the cyclical development of all the studied shoots of S. triandra was established. Multi-day cycles of daily increment are highly synchronized in the first half of the vegetative period, regardless of the clone factor and the origin of cuttings. The range of fluctuations in the daily increment of shoots on basal cuttings is determined primarily by the clone factor. The same range of oscillations on apical cuttings is largely determined by intraclonal variability. To create plantings of S. triandra, it is recommended to use, first of all, cuttings from the basal parts of shoots. If there is a shortage of planting material, it is permissible to use the tops of shoots, taking into account the factor of mother clones.

Photomorphogenesis and content of carbohydrates in the axial organs of field pean seedlings under the influence of selective light

Background: Light is a multifaceted exogenous factor that plays an important role in plant growth and development. The spectral composition of light is determinative for the regulation of photomorphogenetic processes in plants. Nowadays plants have several groups of photoreceptors that include receptors of red (RL) and far red light (FRL) — phytochromes; receptors of UV-A, blue (BL) and green (GL) light — cryptochromes, phototropins, proteins of the ZEITLUPE family, as well as the UV-B receptor — UVR8 protein. One of the possible mechanisms that realize an activation of photoreceptor systems in the plant may be concerned with carbohydrate metabolism. The research of morphogenetic reactions of seedlings under the action of selective light irradiation by activating photoreceptor systems is important for understanding the mechanisms of regulation of the program of plant organism`s ontogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selective light of different spectrum: RL (660 nm), GL (530 nm) and BL (450 nm) on growth reactions, morphogenesis and content of soluble carbohydrate in axial organs of seedlings of long-day plants. Materials and methods: 10-day etiolated seedlings of pea Maecenat variety were used for experiments. Activation of photoreceptor systems by red (RL, 660nm), green (GL, 530nm) and blue (BL, 450nm) light was performed for 5 days for 30 minutes using LED matrices. The growth reaction, morphogenesis and the content of soluble mono- and oligosugars in the axial organs of seedlings were analyzed. Results: The axial organs of seedlings differ in their response to irradiation with selective light. The root system is more sensitive to the action of selective light than the shoot of the seedlings of the long-day plants of the pea Maecenat variety. Activation of photoreceptor systems stimulates growth processes, activates the processes of photomorphogenesis and the biosynthesis of oligosugars de novo, most likely sucrose. Among the spectra of selective light, the maximum stimulating effect is shown by irradiation of the GL (530 nm) in the reactions of the aboveground part and roots. RL (660 nm) and BL (450 nm) show opposite effects: RL initiates a photomorphogenetic program of shoot part, and BL has a greater effect on photomorphogenesis of root system. Conclusions: Different levels of growth, morphogenetic processes and changes in the content of soluble carbohydrates are probably related to the ability of photoreceptor systems to activate the realization of different ways of photomorphogenesis in the axial organs of seedlings under the influence of selective light of a certain spectrum.

Polysaccharides from Bamboo Shoot (Leleba oldhami Nakal) Byproducts Alleviate Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice through Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota.

A water-soluble polysaccharide BSP was extracted from the basal part of bamboo shoot, a main by-product of bamboo shoot processing. BSP is composed of glucose (72.8%), xylose (19.43%) and a small amount of galactose, arabinose, glucuronic acid and mannose. The effects of BSP on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) were investigated. The mice fed with BSP exhibited significant higher bodyweight gain, lower pH value and higher concentrations of SCFAs in the feces compared with those fed with saline. BSP administration reduced the inflammatory cells in the small intestine and colon in the AAD mice, and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut was decreased from 0.56 to 0.19. Moreover, BSP administration affected the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in the AAD mice, particularly on the improvement of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Our results suggest that the polysaccharides from bamboo shoot by-products could be an attractive natural component for gut health and AAD treatment.

An unexpected discovery toward argon-rich water amelioration of cadmium toxicity in Medicago sativa L.

Argon has organ-protective effects on animals. However, whether or how argon influences plant responses remains elusive. In this study, we discovered that the growth inhibition of hydroponically cultured alfalfa seedlings under 100 μM CdCl2 condition was significantly ameliorated by 100 % saturated argon-rich water (ARW). Less Cd uptake and accumulation were also observed in both root and shoot parts, which could be explained by the modified root cell walls, including the increased cell wall thickness, lignin content, and demethylation degree of covalently bound and ion-bound pectin, as well as the down-regulated expression of natural-resistance-associated-macrophage protein1 (Nramp1) encoding a heavy metal ion transporter in root tissue. The hindered Cd translocation from root to shoot achieved by ARW addition was validated by the decreased expression of heavy metal ATPase 2/4 (HMA2/4) in roots and decreased Cd content in xylem saps. The reestablished glutathione (GSH) homeostasis and redox balance, two important indicators of plant defense against Cd poisoning, were also observed. Further greenhouse experiments demonstrated that the phenotypic and physiological performances of alfalfa plants cultured in Cd-contaminated soil were significantly improved by irrigating with ARW. Above results implied that ARW confers plants tolerance against cadmium toxicity by impairing Cd uptake and accumulation and restoring GSH and redox homeostasis. These findings might open a new window for understanding argon biology in higher plants.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BLUEBERRY BUDS OF SOME VARIETIES INTRODUCED IN BELARUS

The article indicates morphological features of vegetative and generative buds of 20 varieties of highbush and 3 varieties of halfhighbush blueberry. Generative buds are laid in the upper part of branching shoots, less often on replacement shoots. Flower buds are much larger than vegetative buds, ovoid, from 3.9 (Jersey) to 6.5 mm (Hardyblue) long, from 2.0 (Herbert, Patriot) to 2.7 mm in diameter (Reka). Depending on the varietal specificity, on average, from 1.3 (Carolinablue) to 6.3 (Rubel) generative buds are formed on one shoot of highbush blueberry branching. The peak number of fruit buds can reach 11 pcs/shoot (Rubel). Vegetative buds are cone-shaped, from 1.8 (Bluecrop, Darrow, Herbert) to 2.8 mm (Jersey) long, from 1.1 (Blueray, Darrow, Jersey, Northblue, Rubel, Weymouth) up to 1.5 mm (Bluetta, Coville) wide. Depending on the variety, on average, from 4.8 (Nelson) to 8.4 (Weymouth) growth buds are laid on the branching shoot. The ratio of vegetative to generative buds on one run varies on average from 1.0 (Rubel) to 6.7 (Bluetta). The linear parameters of the kidneys increase from the base of the shoot to its top.

Рост сеянцев ели Шренка (Picea schrenkiana) при предпосевной стимулирующей обработке семян

The uniqueness of the biological properties and the occurrence in nature of the Schrenk’s Spruce (Picea schrenkiana Fisch. & C.A. Mey.), its great forestry significance, and important eco-stabilizing functions of its stands in the Northern Tian Shan are of great interest to a wide range of researchers in many countries. However, many characteristics of this endemic species have been poorly studied so far, and information on the effectiveness of its introduction is extremely limited. We investigated the characteristics of growth and development of spruce seedlings in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The seeds were harvested in natural plantations on the territory of the Almaty State Nature Reserve, which is located in the Central part of the Trans-Ili Alatau in South-Eastern Kazakhstan. They were sown in an open ground nursery under stimulating treatment with the following bioactive stimulants: siliplant, ferovit, ecofus, kornevin, heteroauxin, zircon, extrasol, epin, and albit. The soaking of all the seeds in water at the same exposure for 24 h served as control. The aftereffect of bioactive substances in the pre-sowing stimulating treatment of Shrenk’s spruce seeds was found to activate the growth processes of the aboveground part of its seedlings during the introduction into the Nizhny Novgorod region. It was found that the biennial part of seedlings axial shoot had unequal length in different experimental options. The highest values were achieved in the variants with the use of the following stimulants: ferovit (5.95±0.02 cm), heteroauxin (5.62±0.16 cm), ecofus (5.47±0.32 cm), and albit (5.49±0.015 cm). The generalized value was 5.08±0.07 cm. The growth characteristics of seedlings also respond to the stimulating effect. The best results in this case were shown by ferovit (2.25±0.023 cm) and heteroauxin (1.96±0.17 cm). The differences in the number of side shoots are less contrasting. However, we can also see the previously noted trends: ferovit (1.42±0.25 pcs); heteroauxin (1.34±0.19 pcs); and albit (1.31±0.19 pcs). We obtained the certificate of sufficient resource of natural conditions of the region for seed breeding of Schrenk’s spruce in the open ground and the significant potential of its introduction to the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Impact Of Inoculation by Native Endomycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Tetraclinis Articulata on Plant Growth and Mycorrhizal Diversity in the Forest Nursery

In Morocco, Tetraclinis articulata is one of the species of great socio-economic value. Improving the resistance and survival of thuya to sometimes extreme environmental conditions is a concern of managers. For this, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can promote the good growth of this species. We aim to study the effect of a native endomycorrhizal inoculum on the growth of T. articulata plants under nursery conditions. Our results showed that after eighteen months of inoculation, there was a significant effect on the growth of the mycorrhizal plants as compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. Concerning the root fresh weight (8.58 g), the root system length (34 cm), the collar diameter (5.44 mm), and the number of branches (27) of the mycorrhizal plants are higher than those observed in the non-mycorrhizal plants, 7.67 g, 30 cm, 4.13 mm, and 24, respectively. However, the results of the height and the fresh weight of the shoot part of the non-mycorrhizal plant are superior to those observed in the mycorrhizal plants. The number of spores formed in the rhizosphere of plants inoculated was 135/100 g of soil. And they were represented by 29 endomycorrhizal species belonging to ten different genera: Glomus (6 species), Acaulospora (8 species), Rhizophagus (3 species), Diversispora (1 species), Funneliformis (3 species), Septoglomus (2 species), Scutellospora (2 species), Claroideoglomus (1 species), Entrophospora (1 species) and Gigaspora (2 species). Diversispora versiformis is the most abundant species; its frequency of occurrence reached 30%. The results of this inoculation study highlight the importance of native endomycorrhizal fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of Aderj in increasing the root system and improving the growth of T. articulata plants.

Phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge: A cleaner approach

AbstractWorldwide, tannery sludge management has become a big challenge due to containing heavy metals, especially chromium. In this study, phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge by Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is presented. Heavy metals‐chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tannery sludge were found at 12686, 371, 265, and 66 mg/kg, respectively. Separately, Napier grass was harvested on raw tannery sludge and garden soil and examined for 16 and 20 weeks after the sowing of seeds. Metal extraction from tannery sludge in Napier grass was found in a series of Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb; the most accumulation was reported in shoot parts of plants in the order of shoots > roots > leaves. Accumulation of Cr in Napier grass at 16 and 20 weeks was 37% and 66%, respectively. An increasing trend of heavy metal gathering in the plant was found significantly by extending the harvesting period from 16 to 20 weeks. Translocation of Cr and Pb was greater than unity (1.623 and 1.339) indicating the suitability of phytoextraction. Further, Napier grass is a rapid‐yielding tropical grass, which showed a high degree of growth tolerance that could be used for treating heavy metals contaminated tannery sludge.