Germination Of Plants Research Articles

Exploring the novel environmentally friendly dye degradation mechanism of NiO-Polypyrrole polymer nanocomposites in degrading the organic pollutants under sunlight

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span lang="en-AE" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">According to estimates, around 15-50% of textile dyes fail to adhere to the fabric during the dyeing process, resulting in their discharge into wastewater. This wastewater is often used for agricultural irrigation in impoverished nations which harms plant germination and development. In this study, polymer composites of Polypyrrole (PPy) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanocomposites were synthesized via the hydrothermal method with different concentrations (250 mg, 500 mg, and 75 0mg) and their composite samples were employed as catalysts to degrade the anionic-brilliant blue and the cationic-crystal violet dye under 120 mins of sunlight irradiation. The process of degrading BB and CV dyes utilising nano catalysis was analysed using a pseudo-first-order kinetics model. The findings indicate that the degradation of the anionic dye is more efficient than that of the cationic dye under exposure to sunlight. Hence, the presence of NiO NPs and the NiO-PPy nanocomposite significantly impact their photocatalytic activity in degrading BB and CV dyes, achieving an impressive efficiency of around 96.99% and 89.96% respectively. Moreover, its stability has also been studied for over five cycles.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

NaHS immersion alleviates the stress effect of chromium(III) on alfalfa seeds by affecting active oxygen metabolism

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on seed germination, seedling growth, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in alfalfa under chromium (Cr) ion (III) stress. Methods The effects of 0–4 mM Cr(III) on the germination and seedling growth of alfalfa were first assessed. Subsequently, following seed NaHS immersion, the influence of H2S on alfalfa seed germination and seedling growth under 2 mM Cr(III) stress was investigated, and the substance contents and enzyme activities associated with ROS metabolism were quantified. Results Compared to the control group, alfalfa plant germination was delayed under 2 mM Cr(III) stress for up to 48 h (p < 0.05). At 120 h, the total seedling length was approximately halved, and the root length was roughly one-third of the control. Treatment with 0.02–0.1 mM NaHS alleviated the delay in germination and root growth inhibition caused by 2 mM Cr(III) stress, resulting in an increased ratio of root length to hypocotyl length from 0.57 to 1 above. Additionally, immersion in 0.05 mM NaHS reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and oxygen-free radicals (O2 · –) levels (p < 0.05), boosted glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05), and notably enhanced catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities (p < 0.05) compared to the 2 mM Cr(III) stress treatment group. Conclusion Seed immersion in NaHS mitigated the delay in germination and inhibition of root elongation under 2 mM Cr(III) stress. This effect is likely attributed to the regulation of intracellular ROS homeostasis and redox balance through enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems; thus, providing a potential mechanism for combating oxidative stress.

Assessment of the Biodegradability and Compostability of Finished Leathers: Analysis Using Spectroscopy and Thermal Methods.

In this study, the biodegradation properties of leather treated with various finishing chemicals were evaluated in order to enhance the sustainability of leather processing. We applied advanced analytical techniques, including FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Leather samples treated with different polymers, resins, bio-based materials, and traditional finishing agents were subjected to a composting process under controlled conditions to measure their biodegradability. The findings revealed that bio-based polyurethane finishes and acrylic wax exhibited biodegradability, while traditional chemical finishes like isocyanate and nitrocellulose lacquer showed moderate biodegradation levels. The results indicated significant differences in the biodegradation rates and the impact on plant germination and growth. Some materials, such as black pigment, nitrocellulose lacquer and wax, were beneficial for plant growth, while others, such as polyurethane materials, had adverse effects. These results support the use of eco-friendly finishes to reduce the environmental footprint of leather production. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting sustainable finishing chemicals to promote eco-friendly leather-manufacturing practices.

The Discovery of Highly Efficient and Promising ABA Receptor Antagonists for Agricultural Applications Based on APAn Modification.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of the many naturally occurring phytohormones widely found in plants. This study focused on refining APAn, a series of previously developed agonism/antagonism switching probes. Twelve novel APAn analogues were synthesized by introducing varied branched or oxygen-containing chains at the C-6' position, and these were screened. Through germination assays conducted on A. thaliana, colza, and rice seeds, as well as investigations into stomatal movement, several highly active ABA receptor antagonists were identified. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) assays, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation showed that they had stronger receptor affinity than ABA, while PP2C phosphatase assays indicated that the C-6'-tail chain extending from the 3' channel effectively prevented the ligand-receptor binary complex from binding to PP2C phosphatase, demonstrating strong antagonistic activity. These antagonists showed effective potential in promoting seed germination and stomatal opening of plants exposed to abiotic stress, particularly cold and salt stress, offering advantages for cultivating crops under adverse conditions. Moreover, their combined application with fluridone and gibberellic acid could provide more practical agricultural solutions, presenting new insights and tools for overcoming agricultural challenges.

Investigation of Germination and Early Seedling Development of Some Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Seeds Under Salt Stress

Salinity, one of the abiotic stress factors, causes various physiological damages in plants. Salt stress significantly affects plant growth and development. One of the ways to reduce the negative effect of salt stress, which has a limiting effect on plant growth, is to determine the tolerance level of plants. This study was carried out under controlled conditions in order to examine the effect of salt stress on the germination of flax plant, which is one of the important industrial plants with various usage areas around the world. In this study, 3 flax varieties (Somme, Midin and Norman) and 4 salt concentrations (control, 50 mM, 100 mM and 200 mM) were used. In this experiment, germination rate, radicle length, plumula length, seedling length and seedling fresh weight characteristics of seeds under salt stress were examined. Statistically significant differences were detected between all the properties examined in the study, both among the cultivars and the salt doses. The study revealed that the control (pure water) group obtained the highest values in all the examined properties, but these values significantly decreased as the salinity severity increased. It was determined that the 200 mM salt dose significantly affected the germination of flax. ‘Somme’ flax variety was the most tolerant variety against salt doses in terms of the properties examined.

Screening of sugarcane germplasm against Sporisorium scitamineum and its effects on setts germination and tillering

Sugarcane smut is the most damaging disease that is present almost across the globe, causing mild to severe yield losses depending upon the cultivar types, pathogen races and climatic conditions. Cultivation of smut-resistant cultivars is the most feasible and economical option to mitigate its damages. Previous investigations revealed that there is a scarcity of information on early detection and effective strategies to suppress etiological agents of smut disease due to the characteristics overlapping within species complexes. In this study, 104 sugarcane cultivars were screened by artificial inoculation with homogenate of all possible pathogen races of Sporisorium scitamineum during two consecutive growing seasons. The logistic smut growth pattern and the disease intrinsic rate were recorded by disease growth curve. Variable levels of disease incidence i.e., ranging from 0 to 54.10% were observed among these sugarcane cultivars. Besides, pathogen DNA in plant shoots of all the cultivars was successfully amplified by PCR method using smut-specific primers except 26 cultivars which showed an immune reaction in the field trial. Furthermore, the plant germination and tillering of susceptible sugarcane cultivars were greatly influenced by pathogen inoculation. In susceptible cultivars, S. scitamineum caused a significant reduction in setts germination, coupled with profuse tillering, resulting in fewer millable canes. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a positive relationship between reduction in setts germination and increase in the number of tillers. The present study would be helpful for the evaluation of smut resistance in a wide range of sugarcane germplasm, especially from the aspects of setts germination and tillers formation, and it also screened out several excellent germplasm for potential application in sugarcane breeding.

GA3 and BAP phytohormone seed priming enhances germination and PEG induced drought stress tolerance in soybean by triggering the expression of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes and related genes at the early seedling growth stages

Drought stress strongly affects seed germination and seedling development during the early stages of plant growth in soybean (Glycine max L.). Seed priming with phytohormone (PH) is known to regulate various physiological and biochemical processes that govern plant growth and yield under optimal and stress conditions. In the present study, the effects of seed priming with Gibberellic acid (GA3) (0.28 mM), 6-Benzyl aminopurine (BAP) (20 mM) and Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) (2.5 mM) was studied during germination and at early seedling growth stages in JS-335 (drought sensitive) and MAUS-71 (moderately drought tolerant) soybean varieties under PFG induced drought stress conditions. The seed priming effects were studied in terms of germination percentage and rate (Timson Index), accumulation of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine), antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT)), and the relative expression of genes viz., Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase copper chaperone (SOD-CCS) , iron-superoxide dismutase (SODB2) , betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH2) and dehydration-responsive element binding protein (DREB2A). The germination percentage of non-primed soybean seeds decreased under drought stress but significantly increased upon GA3 and BAP priming. Interestingly, seed priming with MJ completely inhibited the germination in both the varieties. GA3 and BAP seed priming increased proline and glycine betaine accumulation under PEG induced drought stress in both the soybean varieties. The results showed that the activities of SOD, APX and CAT were significantly enhanced in the leaves of seedlings raised from GA3 and BAP-primed seeds, as compared to the non-primed seeds under the drought stress conditions. Isozyme profiling of SOD and APX revealed that the GA3 and BAP seed priming treatments enhanced the drought-inducible expression of SOD isozymes rather than inducing novel isoforms. In case of APX isozymes, GA3 seed priming appears to preserve APX isozyme diversity in both varieties, and BAP seed priming elevated the expression of APX isoforms in both soybean varieties under the drought conditions. In response to the drought stress, relative expression of the genes associated with superoxide dismutase and glycine betaine viz., SOD CCS, SODB2, BADH2 and DREB2A was markedly upregulated in the leaves of seedlings raised from the GA3 and BAP primed seeds in both the soybean varieties. The global correlation analysis designated that the osmolyte Proline, antioxidant enzyme APX and CAT, and SOD CCS, SODB2, BADH2 and DREB2A genes were potent regulator for drought stress tolerance mechanism in soybean. This study illuminates the intricate interplay of GA3 and BAP hormonal seed priming during the germination and early seedling stages in soybean plants under the drought stress. This finding emphasizes the critical consideration of genotype specific reactions to the hormonal seed priming under PEG induced drought stress conditions.

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

Phytofabricated gold nanoparticles as modulators of salt stress responses in spinach: implications for redox homeostasis, biochemical and physiological adaptation.

The utilization of plant material for synthesizing nanoparticles effectively triggers physiological and biochemical responses in plants to combat abiotic stresses. Salt stress, particularly caused by NaCl, significantly affects plant morphology and physiology, leading to reduced crop yields. Understanding the mechanisms of salt tolerance is crucial for maintaining crop productivity. In this study, we examined the effects of 150 μM spinach-assisted gold nanoparticles (S-AuNPs) on various parameters related to seed germination, growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, stomatal traits, ion concentrations, stress markers, antioxidants, metabolites, and nutritional contents of spinach plants irrigated with 50 mM NaCl. Results showed that S-AuNPs enhanced chlorophyll levels, leading to improved light absorption, increased photosynthates production, higher sugar content, and stimulated plant growth under NaCl stress. Stomatal traits were improved, and partially closed stomata were reopened with S-AuNPs treatment, possibly due to K+/Na+ modulation, resulting in enhanced relative water content and stomatal conductance. ABA content decreased under S-AuNPs application, possibly due to K+ ion accumulation. S-AuNPs supplementation increased proline and flavonoid contents while reducing ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation via activation of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. S-AuNPs also regulated the ionic ratio of K+/Na+, leading to decreased Na+ accumulation and increased levels of essential ions in spinach plants under NaCl irrigation. Overall, these findings suggest that S-AuNPs significantly contributeto salt stress endurance in spinach plants by modulating various physiological attributes.

Effects of a S-metolachlor based herbicide on two plant models: Zea mays L. and Lactuca sativa L

ABSTRACT Corn is the second most cultivated crop in Brazil, the number-one country in pesticide consumption. Chemical control of weeds is performed using herbicides such as S-metolachlor with pre- and post-emergence action and thus the toxicity of herbicides constitutes a matter of great concern. The present investigation aimed to examine the effects of an S-metolachlor-based herbicide on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Zea mays L. (maize) utilizing various bioassays. The test solutions were prepared from commercial products containing the active ingredient. Seeds from the plant models were exposed in petri dishes and maintained under biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 24°C. Distilled water was negative and aluminium positive control. Macroscopic analyses (germination and growth) were conducted for both plant species, and microscopic analysis (cell cycle and chromosomal alterations) were performed for L. sativa root tip cells. Detrimental interference of S-metolachlor-based herbicide was noted with lettuce for all parameters tested reducing plant germination by over 50% and the germination speed by over 45% and showing a significant decrease in mitotic index, from 16.25% to 9,28% even on the lowest concentration tested. In maize, there was no significant interference in plant germination; however, speed of germination was significantly hampered, reaching a 51.22% reduction for the highest concentration tested. Data demonstrated that the herbicide was toxic as evidenced by its phyto- and cytotoxicity in L. sativa L. and Z. mays L.

Effects of Cadmium Stress on Tartary Buckwheat Seedlings.

Cadmium (Cd) is a naturally occurring toxic heavy metal that adversely affects plant germination, growth, and development. While the effects of Cd have been described on many crop species including rice, maize, wheat and barley, few studies are available on cadmium's effect on Tartary buckwheat which is a traditional grain in China. We examined nine genotypes and found that 30 µM of Cd reduced the root length in seedlings by between 4 and 44% and decreased the total biomass by 7 to 31%, compared with Cd-free controls. We identified a significant genotypic variation in sensitivity to Cd stress. Cd treatment decreased the total root length and the emergence and growth of lateral roots, and these changes were significantly greater in the Cd-sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes. Cd resulted in greater wilting and discoloration in sensitive genotypes than in tolerant genotypes and caused more damage to the structure of root and leaf cells. Cd accumulated in the roots and shoots, but the concentrations in the sensitive genotypes were significantly greater than in the more tolerant genotypes. Cd treatment affected nutrient uptake, and the changes in the sensitive genotypes were greater than those in the tolerant genotypes, which could maintain their concentrations closer to the control levels. The induction of SOD, POD, and CAT activities in the roots and shoots was significantly greater in the tolerant genotypes than in the sensitive genotypes. We demonstrated that Cd stress reduced root and shoot growth, decreased plant biomass, disrupted nutrient uptake, altered cell structure, and managed Cd-induced oxidative stress differently in the sensitive and tolerant genotypes of Tartary buckwheat.

Utilization of lysed and dried bacterial biomass from the marine purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum as a sustainable nitrogen fertilizer for plant production

Plant-based agricultural systems rely heavily on inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to increase yields and ensure food security for the rapidly growing global population. However, the production and overuse of synthetic fertilizers lead to significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, causing a critical need for the development of alternative and sustainable organic N fertilizers. Here, we demonstrate the effective use of lysed and dried bacterial biomass from the marine purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum as an alternative source of N fertilizer for the cultivation of Japanese mustard spinach (komatsuna, Brassica rapa var. perviridis). To assess the suitability of this processed bacterial biomass, containing approximately 11% N, as a N fertilizer, we examined the effects of its application on plant germination and growth (measured by leaf chlorophyll, maximum leaf length, and dry weight) under two different temperature regimes, comparing it to that of a conventional N-containing mineral fertilizer. Application at rates up to four times that of the mineral fertilizer had no negative effects on seed germination and plant growth. The bacterial biomass had to be applied at approximately twice the rate of mineral fertilizer to obtain similar plant growth parameters, roughly corresponding to the predicted 62% rate of mineralization of the bacterial N. Our findings confirm the ability of plants to take up N from the lysed and dried biomass of marine purple photosynthetic bacteria, demonstrating the potential for using R. sulfidophilum as a source of N fertilizer.

Tomato Mutants Reveal Root and Shoot Strigolactone Involvement in Branching and Broomrape Resistance.

The phytohormones strigolactones (SLs) control root and shoot branching and are exuded from roots into the rhizosphere to stimulate interaction with mycorrhizal fungi. The exuded SLs serve as signaling molecules for the germination of parasitic plants. The broomrape Phelipanche aegyptiaca is a widespread noxious weed in various crop plants, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We have isolated three mutants that impair SL functioning in the tomato variety M82: SHOOT BRANCHING 1 (sb1) and SHOOT BRANCHING 2 (sb2), which abolish SL biosynthesis, and SHOOT BRANCHING 3 (sb3), which impairs SL perception. The over-branching phenotype of the sb mutants resulted in a severe yield loss. The isogenic property of the mutations in a determinate growth variety enabled the quantitative evaluation of the contribution of SL to yield under field conditions. As expected, the mutants sb1 and sb2 were completely resistant to infection by P. aegyptiaca due to the lack of SL in the roots. In contrast, sb3 was more susceptible to P. aegyptiaca than the wild-type M82. The SL concentration in roots of the sb3 was two-fold higher than in the wild type due to the upregulation of the transcription of SL biosynthesis genes. This phenomenon suggests that the steady-state level of root SLs is regulated by a feedback mechanism that involves the SL signaling pathway. Surprisingly, grafting wild-type varieties on sb1 and sb2 rootstocks eliminated the branching phenotype and yield loss, indicating that SL synthesized in the shoots is sufficient to control shoot branching. Moreover, commercial tomato varieties grafted on sb1 were protected from P. aegyptiaca infection without significant yield loss, offering a practical solution to the broomrape crisis.

Two new polyketides from Rhodiola tibetica endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6

ObjectiveTo study bioactive compounds from the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6 isolated from stem of Rhodiola tibetica, and evaluate its allelopathic activity. MethodsThe chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. In addition, the allelopathic activity of compound 1 was evaluated by measuring the seed germination rate of R. tibetica. ResultsTwo new polyketides 4-hydroxy-3,6-dimethyl-2H-pyran-2-one (1) and penilactone E (2), together with six known compounds walterolactone A (3), 5-hydroxyhexan-4-olide (4), 3-methyl-2-penten-5-olide (5), chaetoquadrin F (6), (Z)-6-acetyl-3-(1,2-dihydroxypropylidene)-5-hydroxy-8-methylchroman-2-one (7) and 4-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyhexanoyl)-5-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (8) were isolated from Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6. Compound 1 showed moderate seed-germination-promoting activity at a concentration of 0.001 mg/mL while inhibiting the seed germination at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.01 mg/mL. Compared with the positive drug 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), compound 1 could extend the seed-germination period of R. tibetica (up to 11 d). ConclusionTwo new compounds were isolated from R. tibetica endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HJT-A-6. Compound 1 displayed plant hormone-like activity, which inhibited the seed germination of the host plant at high concentrations and promoted the seed germination of the host plant at low concentrations. The results not only enrich the chemical constituents of the endophytic fungi isolated from Rhodiola tibetica, but also provide a theoretical basis for understanding the interaction mechanism between Rhodiola tibetica endophytic fungi and the host plant.

Can allelopathic potentialities of Mediterranean plant species reduce the spread of invasive plant species, Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima?

Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and management of the invaded environment. Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima are invasive plant species that cause particularly significant damage to the railway network in the Mediterranean area. The allelopathic properties of Mediterranean plant species could be used as nature-based solutions to slow down the spread of such invasive plant species along railway borders. In this context, a mesocosm experiment was set-up: (i) to test the potential allelopathic effects of Cistus ladanifer, Cistus albidus, and Cotinus coggygria leaf aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of A. dealbata and A. altissima; (ii) to evaluate whether these effects depend on the extract dose; and finally, (iii) to estimate whether these effects are modified by soil amendment. Leaf aqueous extracts of the three native plant species showed negative effects on both seed germination and seedling growth of the two invasive species. Our results show that the presence of allelochemicals induces a delay in seed germination (e.g., A. dealbata germination lasted up to 269% longer in the presence of high-dose leaf aqueous extracts of C. coggygria), which can lead to a decrease in individual recruitment. They also highlight a decrease in seedling growth (e.g., high-dose C. coggygria leaf aqueous extracts induced a 26% decrease in A. dealbata radicle growth), which can alter the competitiveness of invasive species for resource access. Our results also highlight that compost addition limits the inhibitory effect of native Mediterranean plants on the germination of invasive alien plants, suggesting that soil organic matter content can counteract allelopathic effects on invasive alien plants. Thus, our findings revealed that the allelopathic potential of certain Mediterranean plant species could be a useful tool to manage invasive plant species.

Theoretical Substantiation of the Dependence of Spring Deformation of an Improved Opener

The article presents factors influencing the germination and development of plants after seeding with disk seeders. Schemes of improved two-disk seeders are proposed, forces acting on the improved seeder during operation, determination of the maximum distance between the seeder disks at the field surface level, and calculation schemes for determining the draft resistance of the serial and improved seeders, the area of the flat disk segment of the seeder, determination of the deformer, and tailstock area of the pressing plate. During the theoretical study of the seeding process, the following parameters and observations were obtained: analytical dependencies of soil density created by the pressing plate; geometric parameters of the pressing plate with a curvature radius r = 52…57 mm, plate section thickness of 2.5 mm; installation of the pressing plate insignificantly increases the draft resistance of the seeder; and the depth of the seeder’s travel has the greatest influence on spring deformation. Experimental studies reveal that the stiffness of the pressing plate is 7500…7600 N/m, ensuring an optimal furrow bottom density of 1.1–1.3 g/cm3; in the range of seed embedding depth of 0.05…0.07 m, 89% of the total number of seeds are placed compared to 76% of seeds embedded by the serial seeder.

Seed Germination and Micropropagation of Ornamental Plants

Seed Germination and Micropropagation of Ornamental Plants

Non-competitive and competitive sorption of imidacloprid and KNO3 into soils and their effects on the germination of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

&lt;p&gt;The non-competitive and competitive adsorption/desorption of agrochemicals into soil plays an important role in the fate and behaviour of contaminants in the environment. Non-competitive and competitive adsorption/desorption experiments of imidacloprid and KNO3 into alluvial soil and sandy soil were performed via batch experiments. Non-competitive and competitive experiments showed that imidacloprid was the most strongly adsorbed and desorbed from KNO3 in both tested soils. The adsorption of imidacloprid and KNO3 was greater in the non-competitive experiments than in the competitive experiments, as their presence together reduced the chances of association with the adsorption sites in the soil for each of them individually. The adsorption and desorption of imidacloprid were greater than those of KNO3 in the two soil types. The KNO3 adsorption was greater in the alluvial soil than in the sandy soil, and vice versa or imidacloprid. The best fits were obtained with the Langmuir model. The data showed a reduction in the relative root and shoot elongation percentage for wheat plants when imidacloprid was combined with KNO3 or imidacloprid alone. On the other hand, the use of KNO3 fertilizer alone resulted in a significant increase in root and shoot length.&lt;/p&gt;

INDUCTION OF DROUGHT RESISTANCE IN MELON (Cucumis melo L.) M15 WITH HORMOPRIMING BRASSINOSTEROID BASED ON MORFOLOGY, ANATOMY, AND PHYSIOLOGY ASPECTS

Melon productivity in Indonesia has been declining. Global climate change is affecting the productivity of melons. Long-term droughts have contributed to a reduction in plant growth and development. Hormopriming is an alternative to increase the germination and growth of melon plants by soaking seeds in a solution of plant growth regulators. Brassinosteroid can enhance germination and plant tolerance under drought conditions. The objective of this research is to examine the impact of brassinosteroid hormopriming treatment on the germination and growth of melon plants subjected to various degrees of drought stress. The study utilized a two-factor fully randomized design. The brassinosteroid concentrations used were 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 ppm. Media with different water capacities of 75%, 50%, and 25% Space Capacity (SC) were used to test drought stress resistance. Water capacities were examined using the gravimetric method. This study's findings suggest that treating melon plants with brassinosteroid variations can induce drought resistance in M15 melons. A brassinosteroid concentration of 0.15 ppm is the best concentration, as it can increase all parameters of plant growth and adaptation under each variation of water availability provided. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for melon cultivators constrained by dry land conditions to increase the efficiency of cultivation.

Bacillus aryabhattai dose recommendation for corn seed inoculation

The use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can be a sustainable alternative to improve the uniformity and speed of emergence and initial growth of plants. However, the effects of Bacillus aryabhattai inoculation are still incipient and inconclusive, and there is no recommendation for the use of inoculant doses containing B. aryabhattai. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of B. aryabhattai inoculation in improving the germination and initial growth of corn plants (Zea mays L.), and to determine the optimal inoculant dose to be recommended for inoculation of corn seeds. Corn seeds were inoculated with 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40-mL kg–1 of the inoculant containing the strain CMAA 1363 of Bacillus aryabhattai. Four replicates of 50 seeds were sown in plastic boxes containing washed coarse sand. At 18 days after sowing, the emergence rate (E), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), shoot dry matter (SDM) and root dry matter (RDM) was recorded. The results showed that the use of inoculant containing B. aryabhattai improved the initial growth and dry matter production of corn plants. This suggests that B. aryabhattai could be an excellent option for producing microbiological inoculants with enormous potential for use in Brazilian and global agriculture. The optimal dose of inoculant containing B. aryabhattai to be applied to corn seeds can range between 20 and 22-mL kg–1 of inoculant.