Test Plants Research Articles

Phyto-treatment of tannery industry effluents under combined application of citric acid and chromium-reducing bacterial strain through Lemna minor L.: A lab scale study

Contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals (HMs) poses a significant environmental threat, especially because industrial discharges often irrigate agricultural lands. A prominent source of HM(s) pollution occurs from tannery effluents containing high concentrations of chromium (Cr) in both Cr3+ and Cr6+ forms along with other toxic materials. Cr is known for its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties in biological systems. Microbe-assisted phytoremediation has emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly approach for detoxifying Cr-contaminated environments. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of citric acid (CA) and a Cr-reducing bacterial strain (Staphylococcus aureus) on the phytoextraction potential of Lemna minor within a Constructed Wetland System treated with tannery wastewater. Various combinations of tannery wastewater (0, 50, and 100 %), CA (0, 5 and 10 mM), and microbial inoculants were applied to the test plants. The mitigative effects of Staphylococcus aureus strain K1 were examined in combination with different concentrations of CA (0, 5, 10 mM). Data on growth and yield attributes highlighted the beneficial effects of bacterial inoculation and CA in ameliorating Cr toxicity in L. minor, as evidenced by increased foliar chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, APX, CAT), and improved nutrient uptake. Specifically, CA application resulted in an enhancement of Cr ranging from 12% to 15% and 23%–31% in concentration, and 134%–141% and 322%–337% in Cr accumulation, respectively. When combined with the S. aureus inoculation treatment, CA application (5 and 10 mM) further increased the concentration and accumulation of Cr in L. minor. The enhancement in Cr ranged from 12% to 23% and 27%–41% in concentration, 68%–75%, and 179%–185% in accumulation, respectively. These results demonstrated that L. minor is an effective choice for environmentally friendly Cr remediation due to its continued ability to grow in polluted wastewater. This study suggested that microbial-assisted phytoextraction combined with chelating agents such as CA could be a practical and effective approach for remediating tannery effluents.

Improving grapevine virus diagnostics: Comparative analysis of three dsRNA enrichment methods for high-throughput sequencing

The extraction of double stranded (ds) RNA is a common enrichment method for the study, characterization, and detection of RNA viruses. In addition to RNA viruses, viroids, and some DNA viruses, can also be detected from dsRNA enriched extracts which makes it an attractive method for detecting a wide range of viruses when coupled with HTS. Several dsRNA enrichment strategies have been developed. The oldest utilizes the selective binding properties of dsRNA to cellulose. More recent methods are based on the application of anti-dsRNA antibodies and viral proteins with a specific affinity for dsRNA. All three methods have been used together with HTS for plant virus detection and study. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study of three alternative dsRNA enrichment methods for virus and viroid detection through HTS using virus-infected, and healthy grapevine test plants. Extracts were performed in triplicate using methods based on, the anti-dsRNA antibody mAb rJ2 (Millipore Sigma Canada Ltd, Oakville, ON, Canada), the B2 dsRNA binding protein, and ReliaPrep™ Resin (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, USA). The results show that the workflows for all three methods are effectively comparable, apart from purification steps related to antibody and binding protein construct. Both the cellulose resin and dsRNA binding protein construct methods provide highly enriched dsRNA extracts suitable for HTS with the B2 method providing a 36× and the ReliaPrep™ Resin a 163× increase in dsRNA enrichment compared to the mAb rJ2 antibody. The overall consistency and cost effectiveness of the ReliaPrep™ cellulose resin-based method and the potentially simpler adaptation to robotics made it the method of choice for future transfer to a semi-automated workflow.

Life cycle, host specificity and potential impact of a gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri, a biological control agent for prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica) in Australia

Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr.; Fabales: Fabaceae) is a Weed of National Significance and a target for biological control in Australia. Currently there are no effective biological control agents for the weed in Australia. Based on genetic and climate matching, a gall thrips (Acaciothrips ebneri Karny; Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) inducing rosette galls resulting in shoot tip dieback, was identified as a prospective biological control agent from Ethiopia. No-choice host-specificity tests were conducted on 59 test plant species in a high security quarantine in Brisbane, Australia. Acaciothrips ebneri is host-specific, inducing galls and reproducing only on prickly acacia. Acaciothrips ebneri, as predicted by the CLIMEX model, is suited to hot and arid western Queensland where major prickly acacia infestations occur. The Australian Government approved A. ebneri for field release in October 2022. This is the first time a true gall-inducing thrips has ever been approved as a weed biological control agent. Field releases commenced in January 2023 and are in progress. There are early signs of field establishment resulting in shoot tip die back in the field, and field release and monitoring will continue.

АЛЛЕЛОПАТИЧЕСКАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ ТРЕХРЕБЕРНИКА НЕПАХУЧЕГО (TRIPLEUROSPERMUM INODORUM (L.) SCH. BIP.)

The purpose of reseach was to study the allelopathic activity of T. inodorum in laboratory conditions against seeds and seedlings of watercress (Lepidium sativum L.). Objectives: to identify the effect of aqueous extracts of different concentrations of the dry aerial part of T. inodorum on the dynamics of germination and the initial growth of test plant seedlings; to compare the allelopathic effects of T. inodorum identified by two biotesting methods. We used classical methods for determining the allelopathic activity of plants by biotesting on seeds and seedlings of higher plants. The preparation of a concentrated (1 : 25) aqueous extract was carried out using the hot extraction method (4 g of the above-ground part of the three-rib was poured into 100 ml of boiling water and infused for 1 hour). By successively diluting the initial extract, solutions of lower concentrations were obtained (1: 50, 1: 100 and 1: 200). The results obtained indicate a high allelopathic activity of aqueous extracts of the dry aerial part of T. inodorum, which is expressed in a decrease in seed germination and inhibition of seedling growth. With an increase in the concentration of aqueous extracts of three-ribs, the sizes of the root and hypocotyl naturally decrease. Moreover, the most sensitive organ of the test plant is the root, the size of which at the weakest concentration (1: 200) decreases by almost 2 times, while the size of the hypocotyl decreases slightly. A more clear concentration dose-effect relationship was shown by the results of biotesting for root elongation. As the concentration of extracts increases, the size of watercress roots gradually decreases, and the toxicity index of aqueous extracts increases from 21.4 to 86.6 %.

Effects of Applying Biochar on Soil Cadmium Immobilisation and Cadmium Pollution Control in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

In order to analyse the impact of biochar in terms of reducing the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in soil, a study was conducted on the solidification effect of biochar on soil cadmium and its resistance to cadmium contamination in lettuce. In this study, soil which was contaminated with 10 mg/kg cadmium was used as the substrate; corn, rice, and wheat straw biochar were used as solidification and amendment materials; and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids) was used as the test plant. The morphological characteristics of the biochar, soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soil-available Cd, as well as lettuce plant height, fresh weight, and leaf Cd content, were measured and analysed. The results showed that all three types of biochar possessed distinct porous structures and functional groups such as hydroxyl, ether, and carbonyl groups. Increases in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lettuce plant height, and fresh weight were effectively promoted. Additionally, a significant reduction in the available Cd content in the soil and Cd content in lettuce leaves was observed, with the inhibitory effect becoming more pronounced as the biochar application rate increased. When 5% corn straw biochar was added (1 kg of substrate with 50 g of biochar), the best inhibitory effect on Cd contamination was observed, with a cadmium content of 4.63 mg/kg in lettuce leaves. The available Cd in the soil and the Cd content in lettuce leaves decreased by 32.00% and 49.78%, respectively, compared to the CK group (without biochar treatment). Additionally, the plant height and fresh weight of lettuce increased by 25.56% and 31.31%, respectively, compared to the CK group. This indicated that the application of straw biochar can stabilise soil Cd, reduce the availability of Cd in the soil, inhibit the transfer of Cd into lettuce, promote the growth of lettuce, and lower the ecological environmental risk of Cd. These research results can provide a theoretical basis and scientific guidance for the remediation of soil Cd contamination and the safe production of lettuce.

Potential of Aqueous Extracts From Root Organs of Ratoon Plants Sorghum Cultivated on Inceptisols Soil as Bioherbicide

Purpose: This study aims to determine the best inhibitory effect of water extracts from the ratoon root organs of sorghum plants grown on Inceptisol soil on the germination of test plants. Methodology: The study used a single-factor completely randomized design with four treatments: control, Numbu roots, Super 1 roots, and Suri 4 roots. The experiment units were petri dishes, and the experiment was repeated four times. The bioassay method in petri dishes was applied, with 10 ml of water extract added to each dish, and 25 Vima 1 mung bean seeds were incubated for three days. Results: The water extracts from the ratoon roots of Numbu and Suri 4, as well as all other sorghum ratoon root extracts, significantly inhibited the germination of test plants compared to the control. Findings: Sorghum ratoon root extracts exhibit potent bioherbicidal properties. Novelty: This research provides insights into the allelopathic potential of different sorghum varieties. Originality: The study offers a detailed analysis of the bioherbicidal effects of sorghum ratoon root extracts on seed germination. Conclusions: Water extracts from sorghum ratoon roots, especially Numbu and Suri 4, effectively inhibit test plant germination. Type of Paper: Empirical Research Article

First report of Colletotrichum queenslandicum associated with chilli anthracnose in Mauritius.

Globally, chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most economically important and widely cultivated crop which elicits ethnomedicinal and nutritional potential as well as enhancing the taste and aroma of foods (Ayob et al., 2022; Kiran et al., 2020). Anthracnose disease is regarded as a prime constraint in chilli production, leading to enormous losses in tropical and subtropical countries. In September 2022, chilli fruit displaying sunken, shriveled and dark bown to black lesion with abundant acervuli on the surface was obtained from Flacq, Mauritius. From the symptomatic tissue, small pieces of the diseased tissue were excised, surface-disinfected using 1% sodium hypochlorite, twice rinsed using sterilized distilled water, air-dried and plated on PDA. After 7 days of incubation at room temperature, white to greyish white colony with dense white cottony aerial mycelium was recovered. Out of two isolates, CHF and CH10, the latter was considered for morphological and molecular characterization. The observed conidia (n=30) were unicellular, straight, cylindrical with rounded ends and slight constriction near the centre and had average length and width of 20.5 µm and 6 µm, respectively. For growth rate measurement of the isolate, two 5×5 mm of fungal agar plugs were taken from growing edge of colony, inoculated at centre of individual PDA plate and incubated at room temperature with a natural light/dark cycle. The diameter of the cultures were measured perpendicularly for a period of 7 days and the growth rate was calculated as 7-day average of daily growth (mm day-1). The growth rate of the fungal isolate (CH10) was 13.5 mm day-1 on PDA. Based on the morphological characters, the isolate was classified within the C. gloeosporioides species complex. For precise identification of the isolate, DNA was extracted from fungal mycelium using traditional DNA isolation methods (Ranghoo and Hyde, 2000), followed by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing using primer pairs ITS4/ITS5 (White et al., 1990), GDF/GDR and T1/Bt2b (Gan et al., 2016), respectively. ITS gene sequence (600 bp) confirmed that the isolate was Colletotrichum, with 99.83% similarity to KR704204 while GADPH (277 bp), TUB2 (733 bp) and ApMat (801 bp) gene sequences showed 99.64 to 100% similarity to C. queenslandicum with GenBank reference sequences, KT372374, KU221378 and MG674932 respectively. The gene sequences of isolate CH10 were deposited in GenBank database under the following accession numbers OR681557 (ITS), OR233734 (GADPH), OR475575 (TUB2) and PP622748 (ApMat). Koch's postulates were confirmed by spraying disease-free chilli plants with 10µL of conidial suspension (1 × 106 spores/ml) prepared from 7 days old colony of isolate CH10. Healthy chilli plants inoculated with sterile distilled water served as a negative control experiment. The plants were grown in pots in a moist chamber at 25˚C. After 5 days post-inoculation, anthracnose symptoms were developed on test plants while the control plant remained asymptomatic. The original isolate was successfully recovered from the test fruits, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. The experiment was repeated thrice and revealed the same results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of C. queenslandicum in Mauritius and is the first time to report anthracnose of chilli caused by this fungus. Colletotrichum queenslandicum has previously been reported in Europe, Mexico, US, Puerto Rico, Australia, Fiji, Brazil, Indonesia and China. Furthermore, the latter was associated with papaya, avocado, cashew, coffee, Persian lime, Licania tomentosa, white mangrove, lychee, mango, Nephelium lappaceum, olive, passionfruit, Dracaena cambodiana and Syzygium australe (Câmara and Vieira, 2022; Shidiq et al., 2024; Wang et al., 2022). This study will allow local farmers training and extension facilities to increase awareness among farmers about this disease-causing agent and allow them to take necessary measures for building up chilli crops resilience against this new and emerging pathogen in Mauritius.

Implementation of theoretical non-photochemical quenching (NPQ(T)) to investigate NPQ of chickpea under drought stress with High-throughput Phenotyping

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is a protective mechanism for dissipating excess energy generated during photosynthesis in the form of heat. The accelerated relaxation of the NPQ in fluctuating light can lead to an increase in the yield and dry matter productivity of crops. Since the measurement of NPQ is time-consuming and requires specific light conditions, theoretical NPQ (NPQ(T)) was introduced for rapid estimation, which could be suitable for High-throughput Phenotyping. We investigated the potential of NPQ(T) to be used for testing plant genetic resources of chickpea under drought stress with non-invasive High-throughput Phenotyping complemented with yield traits. Besides a high correlation between the hundred-seed-weight and the Estimated Biovolume, significant differences were observed between the two types of chickpea desi and kabuli for Estimated Biovolume and NPQ(T). Desi was able to maintain the Estimated Biovolume significantly better under drought stress. One reason could be the effective dissipation of excess excitation energy in photosystem II, which can be efficiently measured as NPQ(T). Screening of plant genetic resources for photosynthetic performance could take pre-breeding to a higher level and can be implemented in a variety of studies, such as here with drought stress or under fluctuating light in a High-throughput Phenotyping manner using NPQ(T).

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT IN ACACIA CATECHU BARK EXTRACTS AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS WITH REFERENCE TO GUNA (MADHYA PRADESH), INDIA

Objective: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds are important phytonutrients found in many meals such as fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, and red wine. The literature study has gathered enough evidence confirming the existence of the same substance in the bark of Acacia catechu plants. The literature review verified that the dense forest with comparable plant life in Guna district of Central India has not been systematically studied. This research aims to analyze the total polyphenolic content of A. catechu bark from this location. Methods: Thirty samples of test plants were collected from the research area in different seasons for this investigation. Each sample was made using six distinct solvents. Subsequently, quantitative testing was conducted using a standardized laboratory approach. Bibliographic analysis was conducted to confirm and establish a connection between the current study and previous research. Results: The results indicated that the test parameter was present in large quantities in all polar extraction systems, but only insignificant amounts were seen in chloroform and benzene. The comparative bibliographic investigation was confirmed the advantageous uses of the same. Conclusion: This exploratory investigation potentially identified novel, cost-effective, and easily accessible sources of polyphenolic chemicals from the local flora of Guna region and serve as the foundation for future researches on the same.

Study on the ability of indoor plants to absorb and purify benzene pollution

The ability of indoor plants to purify benzene pollution is the basic basis for the selection of plants for ecological remediation of indoor benzene pollution. In this study, the purification rate and the purification amount per unit leaf area of 13 test plants at three benzene concentrations were determined by indoor fumigation experiments, and the benzene absorption and purification abilityability of indoor plants were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that (1) there was a significant correlation between benzene concentration and purification rate and purification amount per unit leaf area. (2) At the three concentrations, Spathiphyllum floribundum showed the highest purification rate and Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii showed the highest purification per unit leaf area. (3) The combined results showed that Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii, Spathiphyllum floribundum and Aloe arborescens were the strongest absorbers and purifiers, while Podocarpus nagi and Anthurium andraeanum ‘Pink champin’ had the weakest absorption and purification capacity. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and reference for the selection of plants with strong capacities to adsorb and purify benzene pollution in indoor air.

More efficient nitrogen utilization through wool pellet and soil inoculation

AbstractIn recent years, many alternative bio‐waste‐based fertilizers have been proven to have a beneficial effect on plant nutrition. These also include wool pellet, whose comprehensive evaluation of synergistic effects on plant development and soil biological activity is still a limited field of investigation. To address this, we explored the potential of combining soil inoculations and N‐rich wool pellet as ecologically sound alternatives to N fertilizers. In a pot experiment, we investigated the effect of Azotobacter vinelandii, the Trichoderma harzianum T34, and wool pellet, individually and in combination, on the growth and nitrate uptake of the test plants, as well as on the biological activity and permanganate‐oxidizable carbon of the sandy soil with low organic matter content. The combination of T. harzianum + wool pellet showed the highest biological activity and permanganate‐oxidizable carbon content, while the untreated control plants exhibited the lowest values. The treatment combination of wool pellet and A. vinelandii exhibited the highest nitrate uptake by plants. Measuring the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and total dry biomass, we found that the treatments led to a significant improvement in the photosynthetic intensity of lettuce plants. These results suggest that wool pellet served as a significant source of N and that their biological activity plays a key role in improving plant parameters. Moreover, the combination of microbial inoculants and wool pellet effectively increases N use efficiency in plant growth.

Comparison of two different experimental environments for resistance screenings for the leafhopper-transmitted wheat dwarf virus in wheat

Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) causes high yield losses in wheat and other cereals and is therefore an important pathogen transmitted by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus. Climate change will increase infections by insect-transmitted viruses due to the increasing spread of vectors. In the context of integrated pest management, the cultivation of WDV-resistant/tolerant varieties is an effective way of controlling WDV. Evaluation of tolerant/resistant genotypes is based on inoculation with viruliferous leafhoppers and subsequent phenotyping in gauze houses under semi-field conditions. For successful screening, it is important to ensure the uniform and reproducible inoculation of plants. Abiotic conditions, particularly temperature, have a critical influence on inoculation success, and thus, variations in infection rates were observed within and between previous replicates in the field. Furthermore, the leafhopper population reared in the greenhouse has to be reestablished after each infection, which delays the screening process. We addressed these issues by developing an improved inoculation assay in which plants are inoculated in small infection hoods in the greenhouse before being planted out in gauze houses. This procedure allows optimal environmental conditions for WDV infection of test plants and allows the plants with WDV infection to develop under natural environmental conditions for symptom scoring. In addition, the viruliferous leafhoppers were recollected from the test plants after infection, allowing a sustainable use of the insects. The method thus enables more reliable phenotyping by increasing infection success and testing a greater number of genotypes in a shorter time.

Effects of Applying Different N Sources on Cd Accumulation, Mineral Micronutrients, and Grain Yield of Durum Wheat

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different nitrogen sources on Cd concentration in durum wheat grains in soils with low and high Cd contamination. Triticum turgidum L. durum, cv. Balcali-2000 was sown as test plant material in plastic pots containing 3.2 kg of soil. Low (0.5) and high Cd (5.0 mg Cd kg− 1 soil) were added to the culture media in the form of 3(CdSO4).8H2O. Nitrogen was also added in the form of Ca(NO3)2.4 H2O in low, sufficient, and high concentrations. In addition, a foliar application of 0.5% urea was used as a further nitrogen supply. The results showed that the total nitrogen content and the Cd concentration of the grains increased with increasing nitrogen application. This increase was more pronounced with a combination of soil nitrogen and foliar urea. While the Cd concentration in the grains was 354 µg kg− 1 at low soil Cd concentration and insufficient nitrogen supply, the Cd concentration in the grains increased by 40% to 498 µg kg− 1 at low Cd concentration and high nitrogen supply. This increase in Cd concentration in the grains was 32% higher under high nitrogen applications than at high Cd-insufficient conditions. In addition, foliar application of urea to durum wheat leaves at low soil Cd concentrations increased the Cd concentration in the grains from 354 µg kg− 1 to 484 µg kg− 1. This study showed that different treatments and amounts of nitrogen sources can affect the uptake and accumulation of Cd in wheat grains at different Cd levels.

Unveiling protein elicitor MoHrip2: A potent biocontrol agent extracted from Magnaporthe oryzae safeguards Australian tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) against tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae)

The tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae) poses a significant threat to global Australian tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) output by inflicting damage through leaf twisting and feeding during its early growth stages. To explore potential herbivore resistance in N. benthamiana, this study investigates the effects of the elicitor protein MoHrip2, derived from Magnaporthe oryzae, on the immature growth, survival, and lifespan of M. nicotianae. Compared to the control group, MoHrip2 treatments at three concentrations (85.24, 51.14, 25.57 μg/mL) reduced M. nicotianae population after 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. All concentrations significantly reduced aphid colonization rate, except for the lowest elicitor concertation (25.57 μg/mL at 7D). Likewise compared to the control group, the highest concentration of MoHrip2 i.e. 85.24 μg/mL, resulted in a decrease in the growth rates of M. nicotianae (second and third-generation). M. nicotianae colonized control plants quicker than MoHrip2-treated N. benthamiana plants in a host selection test. MoHrip2 (85.24, 51.14, 25.57 μg/mL) concentrations extended M. nicotianae nymphal development. The trichomes and wax on MoHrip2-treated leaves made M. nicotianae environment hostile. M. nicotianae reproduction and colonization were reduced by MoHrip2's leaf surface changes. Electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) against M. nicotianae assessed adult reproductive efficiency and pest-pathogen interaction. MoHrip2-treated N. benthamiana seedlings exhibited increased amounts of expression of genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) pathways indicating the activation of systemic defense against M. nicotianae. This study reveals a direct correlation between temperature variations and climatic shifts in N. benthamiana plants, highlighting the potential of MoHrip2 in revolutionizing agroecosystems through enhanced pest management and biocontrol strategies. In conclusion, the present study sheds new light on the potential of MoHrip2, derived from M. oryzae, as an effective biocontrol technique against M. nicotianae, infesting N. benthamiana. These findings provide valuable insights into developing innovative and sustainable solutions for pest management in agricultural practices, considering the evidence presented against M. nicotianae, it can be concluded that implementing integrated pest management and utilizing MoHrip2 for bio control in the agroecosystem is an appropriate approach.

Optimizing Allelopathy Screening Bioassays by Using Nano Silver.

Nano solutions are widely used in medicine and also have the potential to be used when performing allelopathy screening studies. The present experiment aimed to test the effectiveness of colloidal nano silver Silver-Amber© with nanoparticles of 20 nm (>20 mg/L at a purity level of 99.99%) as a carrier of allelochemicals in laboratory conditions. The influence of eleven concentrations of Silver-Amber© (0.10, 0.20, 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, 3.13, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0% v/v) on the germination and initial development of test plant Lactuca sativa L. in 0.75% agar medium was studied. Data revealed that when increasing the quantitative ratio of Silver-Amber©, an inhibitory effect on seed germination (from 37.8 to 94.3%) and on the plant growth (from 54.0 to 98.9%) appeared. Lower concentrations (0.63 to 0.04 ppm) had an indifferent to statistically unproven stimulatory effect on the germination and initial development of L. sativa (GI ranged from 88.7-94.6%). Therefore, nano silver can be used as carrier of allelochemicals in allelopathic studies in laboratory conditions.

Phytotesting as a method for soil quality assessing

Phytotesting is used for environmental monitoring of soil objects. The purpose of the work is to evaluate phytotesting to determine the quality of artificially created soils. Two samples were examined: Soil 1 with sewage sludge and Soil 2 with pit soil, a small amount of peat and sapropel. Control is soil that ensures free growth of test crops in the natural conditions of a certain soil-climatic zone where it is planned to supply the finished soil. Tests were carried out with seeds of three types of test plants: a monocot – oats (Avena sativa) and two dicotyledons – white mustard (Sinapis alba), creeping white clover (Trifolium repens). They were sown in containers with soil/ground and placed in a climate control system for 14 days (daytime – 20°C, night – 15°C). It was found that in Soil 1 all the studied biometric indicators of oats and white mustard are statistically significantly higher than in the control soil, and the development of creeping white clover is suppressed (wet weight is 8.9 and 2.1 times less compared to the control soil, respectively for seeding rates 10 and 30 g/m2). At the same time, in Soil 1, an excess of the content of gross forms of zinc by 2.5 and copper by 1.4 times was revealed. When testing Soil 2, the biometric indicators of oats and white mustard were at the control level, the wet and dry weight of clover sprouts was 2.9 and 1.7 times higher, respectively. Phytotesting can be considered as a qualitative reaction of the studied soil to plants and an integral indicator of its fertility. A prerequisite is the use of test plants with small seeds. This will allow us to evaluate their response to stimulating and toxic soil components.

Ash from gasification of poultry feathers for heavy metal immobilization under assisted phytostabilization in soils

The carried-out experiment aimed to assess the influence of ash derived from the thermochemical conversion of feathers (AGF) as a soil amendment, and Dactylis glomerata L. as a test plant in aided phytostabilization of soil strongly contaminated by Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn. The influence of AHG on the chemical properties of soil (pH as well as total and CaCl2-extracted heavy metals) as well as the plant yield and concentration of heavy metals in the roots and shoots. The applied soil amendment influenced an increase in the pH values of soil (by 0.4 units) and a reduction in CaCl2-extractable forms of Zn (25%), Cu (23%), Cd (20%) and Pb (12%), as well as total forms of Cu (35%), Zn (35%), Pb (20%) and Cd (17%) in the soil. The plant yield of the shoots of Dactylis glomerata L. following the application of AGF was 31% higher when compared to the control series. The roots of the tested plant in the AGF series contained higher values of the analyzed heavy metals in relation to the shoots, which was especially visible in the case of Pb (more than twice as high) and Cd (37%).

STUDY OF PHYTOTOXICITY OF BLACK TEA WITH HERBAL AND FRUIT SUPPLEMENTS BY GROWTH TEST WITH LEPIDIUM SATIVUM L.

Tea can contain biologically active compounds which phytotoxicity deserves attention. The aim of the work was to study the phytotoxicity of black tea with herbal and fruit additives according to the phytotest with Lepidium sativum L. Methodology. Phytotoxicity was evaluated in a growth test with the test plant L. sativum, the seeds of which were germinated on filter paper with the tested tea solutions. We studied 6 types of packaged black Ceylon tea without additives (control) and with various herbal and/or fruit additives and natural flavorings, freely available in the retail network of Ukraine. The test indicators were the germination energy of L. sativum seeds (3rd day of the study), seed germination (5th day of the study), the length of the roots and the aerial part of the seedlings (the 5th day of the study). Phytotoxic indexes were calculated - seed germination index and root length index. The results were processed statistically. Scientific novelty. The phytotoxicity of black tea with herbal and fruit supplements was investigated using a growth test with L. sativum. The absence of phytotoxicity of the investigated tea variants was shown by the root length index of L. sativum seedlings. Conclusions. The study of phytotoxicity of black tea with herbal and fruit supplements according to the growth test with L. sativum showed moderate toxicity based on the plant seed germination index in case of the mixture of black and green teas with supplements of apple, cornflowers, pot marigold, safflower, rose and natural flavoring “Grapes”. However, according to the root length index of the seedlings, this tea did not show phytotoxicity, as did other tested variants of black tea with herbal and fruit additives. Further detailed phytotoxicity studies of all constituent teas with herbal and fruit supplements are needed. The risks of cornflower and safflower consumption by women should be indicated on the packaging of products that contain them.

STEROIDS AND TRITERPENOIDS IN ACACIA CATECHU BARK EXTRACTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Objective: Plant-derived steroids and triterpenes have been recognized for a number of health benefits. As indicated in previous research, some of the phytosterols are essential dietary substances. This study was aimed at investigating the presence or absence of these phytochemicals in various test bark extracts from Acacia catechu plant samples. Methods: For this study, thirty samples of test plants were gathered in various seasons from the research location. Six different solvents were then prepared for each sample. Then the qualitative tests of the studied parameters were done using various standardized methods. Additionally, bibliographic analysis was done to validate and co-relate the present study with earlier findings. Results: Results showed the presence of test parameters in all solvent systems except aqueous extracts, though the colour intensity (quantity) was different in all other extracts. Based on the dark-colored reaction mixture, it can be claimed that the steroid and triterpene content was relatively higher in methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The comparative bibliographic study was also validating the beneficial applications of the same. Conclusion: Possibly, this preliminary study helped to find out the medicinal significance of native flora of Guna district and also serve as the base for further investigations.

Impact of Physical Interventions, Phosphorus Fertilization, and the Utilization of Soil Amendments on the Absorption of Cadmium by Lettuce Grown in a Solar-Powered Greenhouse.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical measures and the applications of phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and its uptake of cadmium (Cd). In a solar greenhouse that contained soil enriched with cadmium (Cd) (1.75 ± 0.41 mg/kg) with lettuce used as a test plant, field experimental methods were utilized to explore the influence of physical measures, such as deep plowing and soil covering, and the applications of phosphorus fertilizer, including diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP), and calcium superphosphate (SSP), and soil conditioners, such as biochar, attapulgite clay, and nano-hydroxyapatite, on the uptake of Cd in lettuce. The results indicated that the concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce were 1.49 ± 0.45, 1.26 ± 0.02, 1.00 ± 0.21, and 0.24 ± 0.13 mg/kg when the soil was plowed 30, 40, and 50 cm deep, respectively, and when the soil was covered with 15 cm, this resulted in reductions of 27.5%, 38.3%, 51.4%, and 88.4%, respectively, compared with the control treatment that entailed plowing to 15 cm. When 75, 150, and 225 kg/ha of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) were applied compared with the lack of application, the contents of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce increased by 2.0%, 54.5%, and 73.7%, respectively, when DAP was applied; by 52.5%, 48.5%, and 8.1%, respectively, when CMP was applied; and by 13.1%, 61.6%, and 90.9%, respectively, when SSP was applied. When the amounts of biochar applied were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 t/ha, the contents of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce were 1.36 ± 0.27, 1.47 ± 0.56, 1.80 ± 0.73, 1.96 ± 0.12, 1.89 ± 0.52, 1.44 ± 0.30, and 1.10 ± 0.27 mg/kg, respectively. Under concentrations of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg/ha, the application of nano-hydroxyapatite resulted in Cd contents of 1.34 ± 0.56, 1.47 ± 0.10, 1.60 ± 0.44, 1.70 ± 0.21, 1.31 ± 0.09, and 1.51 ± 0.34 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce treated with attapulgite clay were 1.44 ± 0.48, 1.88 ± 0.67, 2.10 ± 0.80, 2.24 ± 0.75, 1.78 ± 0.41, and 1.88 ± 0.48 mg/kg, respectively. In summary, under the conditions in this study, deep plowing and soil covering measures can reduce the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of phosphorus fertilizer increased the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of higher amounts of DAP and SSP led to greater concentrations of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. The application of higher amounts of CMP caused a lower concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce. When biochar, attapulgite clay, and nano-hydroxyapatite were applied, the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce increased in parallel with the increase in the concentration of application when low amounts were applied. In contrast, when high amounts were applied, the concentration of Cd in the aboveground parts of lettuce began to decrease.