Plant Growth Quality Research Articles

УГЛЕВОДОРОДОКИСЛЯЮЩИЕ БАКТЕРИИ, УСТОЙЧИВЫЕ К ГЕРБИЦИДАМ, ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЕ ДЛЯ ФИТОБИОРЕМЕДИАЦИИ

The most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to clean the environment is the microbiological method. Most often, anthropogenic pollution is complex. Therefore, bacteria-destructors must have additional useful characteristics, such as resistance to additional pollutants and growth-promoting activity. The purpose of the work was to study the possibility of using six hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas to enhance the growth of remediant plants in areas with combined oil and herbicide pollution. All strains were tolerant to the herbicides Tapir (active substance imazethapyr), Spetsnaz (active substance tribenuron-methyl) and Octapon extra (active substance 2,4-D) in the concentration range of 1 10 ml (g)/ l and the ability to decompose them by 3.9-41.5% (with the exception of P. frederiksbergensis UOM 11). Pollutants had different effects on the ability of bacteria to biodegrade oil (Spetsnaz had no effect, others reduced it up to 3-4 times), IAA production (oil and Octapone Extra stimulated, Tapir suppressed), phosphate mobilization (oil and herbicides reduced the solubilization index, especially Tapir), suppression of the growth of phytopathogens (oil reduced, Tapir enhanced). The use of bacteria had a positive effect on the growth characteristics of barley and clover plants in soil contaminated with oil and Tapir. The results obtained indicate the prospects of using the studied microorganisms to clean soil from oil and herbicide contamination together with phytomeliorant plants.

Agronomic characteristics of Tamani grass managed under different combinations of frequency and intensity of defoliation

Background: Management strategies may affect plant growth and herbage characteristics. Thus, understanding its impact may help to define appropriate management. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different defoliation intensities and frequencies on the structural characteristics, biomass components and the potential use of NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) in pastures with Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Tamani. Methods: A randomized block design in a 2x3factorial arrangement was adopted, with two defoliation frequencies (85 and 95% of interception of photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) and three defoliation intensities (residual leaf area index (LAIr) of 0.8, 1.3 and 1.8). Results: The frequency of defoliation affected the pre-defoliation leaf area index, height, total harvestable forage biomass (HTFB), and harvestable leaf blade (HGLB), with greater values for pastures managed at 95% of IPAR. The effect of intensity of defoliation was observed for the HTFB and HGLB variables, where pastures with lesser LAIr presented greater biomass values. Pastures managed at 95% of IPAR and higher LAIr reached the level of saturation of the normalized difference vegetation index more quickly. Pastures managed under the combination of 95% IPAR and LAIr of 0.8 showed greater production of harvestable green stem biomass and harvestable dead forage biomass. The combination of 95% of IPAR with LAIr of 0.8 or 1.8 enabled a greater number of new live leaves when compared to pastures with 85% of IPAR. Conclusions: Tamani grass must be managed with a frequency of defoliation of 95% of the interception of photosynthetically active radiation, maintaining a residual leaf area index between 0.8 and 1.3.

Optimization of Tissue Culture Medium for Little-leaf Mockorange (Philadelphus microphyllus A. Gray) by Adjusting Cytokinin and Selected Mineral Components

Little-leaf mockorange is a native plant species with desirable characteristics for landscape use. The need to conserve specific genotypes and the difficulty of seed propagation and stem cutting propagation make axillary shoot micropropagation a good option for this species. A series of experiments were completed individually with the goal to improve in vitro propagation protocols by evaluating different types of cytokinins [benzylaminopurine (BA), kinetin (Kin), zeatin (Zea), meta-topolin (MT), and thidiazuron (TDZ)] at 0, 1.1, 2.2, 4.4, or 8.8 µM. Selected minerals (0 to 60 mM or 0 to 45 mM N, 0 to 500 µM or 0 to 100 µM Fe, 0 to 3 mM Ca, 0 to 1.5 mM Mg, or 0 to 1.25 mM P) were also tested separately in the tissue culture medium; the base medium was ½ strength MS in these mineral experiments. At the end of each experiment (8 or 12 weeks), plant growth characteristics including number of axillary shoots, shoot height, and dry weight were determined. Of the six cytokinins tested, Zea produced the largest increase in shoot growth. Supplementation with 1.1 µM Zea resulted in the most shoot dry weight, almost 2.5-fold more than control shoots. Shoots on 0.55, 1.1, or 2.2 µM Zea were at least 64% taller than control shoots. Shoots placed on regular ½ strength MS basal salts, described above, and/or media lacking the nutrient of interest, were used as a positive and negative control treatments. For each separate mineral tested, the best concentration for optimum shoot growth was the concentration of that mineral used in ½ strength MS medium. A medium containing mineral concentrations of 30 mM N, 50 µM Fe, 1.5 mM Ca, 0.75 mM Mg, and 0.625 mM P, and 1.1 µM Zea should be used to produce the optimum in vitro shoot growth of little-leaf mockorange.

Bio-prospecting the Efficacy of Carrier Based Inoculant of Rhizobium Strains as Plant Growth Promoter for the Development of Albizia procera Seedling

The carrier-based formulation of rhizobial cultures in general, excels to register their effects on various plant growth parameters of Albizia procera seedlings. Carrier based bio-inoculant prepared with rhizobial isolate FA6 of Uttrakhand performed better for all plant growth characteristics. Charcoal based application of rhizobial isolates also increased the N, P, K content of soil. In case of seedlings treated with charcoal-based formulation of rhizobial isolate from Himachal Pradesh maximum available N (323.30 kg/ha), P (38.97 kg/ha) and K (395.9 kg/ha) content was recorded in T2 (Charcoal based formulation of BA2 strain+20kg/ha N) which was significantly superior to T3 and uninoculated control. Among the charcoal-based formulation of rhizobial isolate from Uttrakhand seedlings under treatment T2 (Charcoal based formulation of FA6 strain+20kg/ha N) registered maximum available N (327.7kg/ha), P (39.01 kg/ha) and K (397.4 kg/ha) content in soil. Charcoal based application of rhizobial isolates significantly influenced the activity of soil enzymes (Dehydrogenase and Phosphatase). Application of Carrier based formulation of rhizobial isolate BA2 from Himachal Pradesh showed maximum dehydrogenase (11.20 μg TPF g-1h-1) and phosphatase (536.2 μmolL-1g-1h-1) activity as compare to uninoculated control. Whereas, among the rhizobial isolates from Uttrakhand maximum dehydrogenase (11.39 μg TPFg-1h-1) and phosphatase (545.4 μmol L-1g-1h-1) activity was also recorded with T2 (charcoal-based formulation of strain FA6+20kg/ha N) which was significantly superior to T3 and uninoculated control.

Formulation of Nano-fertilizer and Phytochemical Screening of orange peel were utilized to enhance the growth of Vigna radiata

Nanotechnology has developed into one of the most valued fields of sciences in the current century owing to the introduction of revolutionary changes in several disciplines of sciences. A key product of nanotechnology, i.e., nanoparticles (NPs) are abundantly used in modern research due to their novel applications. Orange peel contains vital nutrients that can be recycled into valuable material used for different purposes. In this study, we synthesized nano fertilizer from orange peel and tested its potential for promoting the growth of Vigna radiata and reducing the population of root rot pathogens. Nano-fertilizer extract was subjected to physical and chemical analyses for characterization. Transmission electron microscopy indicated spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging between 18.22nm and 61.05nm. While the X-Ray diffraction analysis the peaks were observed at 2ɵ value of 19.830, 20.550, 21.240, 24.440, 27.330 and 29.770 which represented the similarity with urea slandered peak. The Synthesized nano-fertilizers contained phenols, steroids, triterpenes and xanthoproteins. In a screen house experiment, the nano fertilizer extract was administered to the seeds of Vigna radiata. The research demonstrated that increasing the dose of orange peel extract enhanced germination percentage by positively influencing plant growth characteristics. Meanwhile, a high concentration of orange peel amendment successfully reduced the colonization and infection percentage of root rotting pathogens when compared to the positive and negative controls.

Evaluating effect of micro-spray on tomatoes for resisting summer heat stress using a Fuzzy Borda combination evaluation model

Micro-spray is commonly used to improve the growing environment of plants to avoid growth inhibition due to high temperatures in greenhouses in summer. In this study, the effects of micro-spray on growth and physiological characteristics of tomato plants grown in a Venlo-type greenhouse were observed using a combined micro-spray and drip irrigation (MSDI) system for two growing. Therefore, four single integrated evaluation methods, TOPSIS, PCA, RSR, and VIKOR were used to evaluate the different indicators in an integrated manner to avoid the limitation of a single indicator under two irrigation methods. The results of the study showed that the values of effective quantum yield of PSII (ФPSII) for tomatoes cultivated under MSDI treatment were higher than those obtained under DI treatment. However, when the air temperature was below 35 °C and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was below 820 μ mol/m2/s, the increase in ФPSII value was ranged from 13% to 23% under MSDI. Once the air temperature exceeded 35 ℃, then a short time (1 min) micro-spray was less effective in relieving heat stress; and the increase of ФPSII ranged from 6% to 13%. Meanwhile, it was found that the TOPSIS, PCA, and RSR were suitable for studying the rapid quality evaluation of the tomato cultivated under MSDI because their ranking results had a high Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.965 with the Fuzzy Borda combination evaluation (FB) model. Comprehensively evaluating the quality of tomatoes cultivated under different irrigation methods, the results of the FB model proved that the MSDI was better than the DI because the comprehensive score of the MSDI was higher than the DI. MSDI took up five spots in the top six scores in the two years of the FB model.

Effects of biofertilizers on the growth, leaf physiological indices and chlorophyll fluorescence response of spinach seedlings.

Chemcial fertilizer as the main strategy for improving the vegetable yields was excessively applied in recent years which led to progressively serious soil problems such as the soil acidification. According the situation, five different biofertilizer treatments [no fertilizer (CK), inoculations of Bacillus subtilis (Bs, T1), combination of Bs and Bacillus mucilaginosus (Bs+Bm, T2), Bs and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Bs+Ba, T3), and Bm+Ba (T4)] were conducted to investigate the effect of the growth, leaf physiological indices, and chlorophyll fluorescence of spinach seedlings in the growth chamber. The growth and physiological indices of the spinach seedlings attained a maximum under the T2 treatments. Under the T2 treatment, the ABS/RC (Absorption flux per RC), TR0/RC (Trapping flux per RC), and ET0/RC (Electron transport flux per RC) was significantly increased, while the DI0/RC [Dissipated energy flux per RC (at t = 0)] was decreased. The OJIP curve was improved under of the inoculations of fertilizers, and the increasing range was the largest under the T2 treatment. The leaf light response curve (LC) was also significantly increased under the T2 treatment. The plant growth characteristics [leaf length (LL), leaf weight (LW), plant height (PH)] were positively correlated with the J-I-P test chlorophyll fluorescence parameters [PIABS (Performance index for energy conservation from exciton to the reduction of intersystem electron acceptors), φP0 (Maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry), φE0 (Quantum yield of electron transport), ψ0 (The probability that a trapped exciton moved an electron in electron transport chain further than QA-), TR0/RC, and ET0/RC] while negatively correlated with φD0 (Quantum yield of energy dissipation) and DI0/RC. The leaf physiological characteristics [SP (soluble protein concentrations), SC (soluble carbohydrate concentrations), Chl a (chlorophyll a), Chl b (chlorophyll b), Chl a+b, Chl a/b, and WP (water potential)] were positively correlated with the J-I-P test chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (PIABS, φP0, φE0, ψ0, ABS/RC, TR0/RC, and ET0/RC) while negatively correlated with φD0 and DI0/RC. These results indicated that the combination of Bs+Bm inoculations promoted the growth of the spinach and improved the adaptability of the vegetable to acid soil while Ba inoculation didn't have any effects to plants.

Okra Plant Growth Characteristics (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) with Different Growing Media and Watering Intervals

The composition of planting media and the right watering interval to obtain the best characteristics of okra plants need to be obtained. This study aims to obtain the growth and production characteristics of okra plants on the use of several compositions of planting media (topsoil; top soil and husk charcoal; topsoil and chicken manure; topsoil and vermicompost) with watering intervals (1 day; 3 days and 5 days). Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 repeats. Held in Medan with an altitude of ± 25 meters above sea level from March to June 2021. The results showed the best characteristics of okra plants, both growth and production were obtained in the use of top soil plus chicken manure media (9: 1). The best plant growth characteristics are also obtained at watering intervals once a day.

Investigation of the growth and phytochemical variations for different Salvia species in terms of their transfer and adaptation in Iran

More than 1000 species of Salvia genus are reported all over the world, some of which have high pharmaceutical values for use in food-pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In order to domesticate and breed some endemic Salvia species of Iran, the seeds of 14 species were collected from North, West, Central, and Northeast of Iran, in an altitude ranging from 580 m to 2269 m. To evaluate the diversity of the studied Salvia species without environmental influences, the seeds of the collected species were planted under similar environmental and soil conditions. At flowering stage, the morphological and essential oil content of the grown plants were determined. The assayed species were phenotypically diverse, and there were considerable variations among the species in terms of plant growth and flower characteristics. Furthermore, significant differences were observed among the studied species regarding the quantity of essential oil. The mean essential oil content and yield of different Salvia species were 0.06–1.24% v/w and 0.02–0.19 g per plant, respectively. Among the species, Salvia officinalis and Salvia sclarea showed the highest essential oil content and yield, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a weak relationship between the morphological characteristics and essential oil content. Moreover, the results of Principal Compound Analysis (PCA) based on the assayed traits were partially accordance with the species categorizing by Hierarchical Custer Analysis (HCA). Generally according to the obtained results, Salvia sclarea, Salvia reuterana, Salvia officinalis, and Salvia spinosa can be suggested for further domestication and breeding programs.

Response of Chinese Carnation Plant, Dianthus chinensis, to Spraying with Putrescine and Roselle Extract in Growth and Flowering Indicators

The experiment was carried out in the nursery of University of Kufa during the agricultural season 2021-2022 to study the response of Chinese carnation plant to spraying with putrescine and roselle extract in growth and flowering indicators. Experiment was conducted based on RCBD with three replications. The concentrations of putrescine were 0, 50 and 100 mg l-1 and 0, 2.5 and 5 ml l-1 of roselle extract. The obtained results confirmed that spraying putrescine at a concentration of 100 mg l-1 with roselle extract at a concentration of 2.5 ml l-1 led to a significant increase in plant growth characteristics such as number of branches, the dry weight of the shoot system, the dry weight of the root system, and the content of the leaves in total soluble carbohydrates, and flowering characteristics such as inflorescence length, number of florets, diameter of the floret, the percentage of potassium (K) in the leaves, and the flower content of the anthocyanin pigment, compared to the control treatment.

Effect of Spraying Nano Fertilizer NPK and Nano Fertilizer Microelements on the Growth Characteristics of Maize Plants (Zea May L.)

To find out the effect of spraying nano fertilizer NPK and nano-microelements and the interaction between them on the growth and yield of yellow corn cultivar (Al Maha), a factorial experiment was carried out during the spring season in 2021. The first factor (Nano NPK) included the addition of nano-fertilizer NPK 20:20:20 with four concentrations, F0, the comparison treatment (spraying with water only), the first concentration (F1) 1.0 gm L−1, the second concentration (F2) 2.0 gm L−1, concentration third (F3) 2.5 g L−1. While the second factor included the addition of nano micro elements fertilizer (IQ COMBI) containing (8% Fe, 1.5% Zn, and 1.5% Mn) with four concentrations, namely (M0), the comparison treatment (spraying with water only), the first concentration (M1) 1.0 gm L−1 The second concentration (M2) 2.0 gm L−1, the third concentration (M3) 2.5 gm L−1, the experiment included (16) experimental units for the workers and they were distributed randomly with three replications for each treatment to become (48) experimental units, as the least difference test was used Significant Least Significant Difference (LSD) in comparison of means at a probability level of 0.05. The interaction between the two factors of the study, which are NPK nano fertilizer and nano fertilizer of microelements, it gave the same significant superiority to the F3M2 treatment for all vegetative growth indicators, which included plant height with the highest rate of (218.00 cm), leaf area (61.60 cm2 plant−1), dry weight (270.26 gm), chlorophyll (56.32 SPAD).

Effect of Fertilization with High Nitrogen NPK Fertilizer and Spraying with Seaweed Extract on Vegetative Growth Indicators of Rosemary Rosmainus officinalis L.

An experiment was carried out in the canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering / College of Agriculture / University of Karbala, Al-Hussainiya district, for the winter agricultural season 2022-2023, to study the effect of fertilizing with high-nitrogen NPK fertilizer and spraying with seaweed extract and the interaction between them on the vegetative growth characteristics of rosemary plant. The experiment included a chemical fertilizer of a type (Solucat) at 4 concentrations (0,2,4,6) gm liter 1-added to the soil and symbolized by (N) and the second factor is spraying with seaweed extract (Equilibrium) at 4 concentrations (0,1,2,3) ml Liter 1 - spraying “on the shoot, symbolized by (T) and their overlap. The experiment was carried out within the randomized complete block design (RCBD) and with three replications. The experiment included 48 experimental units in 3 plants / repeated 144 plants (anvil) starting on 1/11/2022 until 1/ 5/ 2022. The results showed that the plants were significantly superior to the level of compound fertilizer NPK (6) gm-1 in the characteristics of vegetative growth (plant height). The number of branches, stem diameter, fresh weight of leaves, chlorophyll content of leaves (46.76 cm, 23.5 branch -1, 8.72 mm, 73.87 gm, 1.563 mg / g fresh weight) was given as the highest average, compared to the comparison treatment if given The lowest rate was (37.61 cm, 10.55 branches of a plant -1,6.22 mm, 54.83 gm, 1.372 mg / g fresh weight) and the concentration of (3) ml 1-algae extract was significant, as it gave the highest rate of (45.62 cm, 17.88 branches). Plant-1, 8.02 mm, 69.24 gm, 1.607 mg / gm L -1, compared to the comparison treatment, as it gave the lowest rate of (38.47 cm, 12.88), the branch of Plant-1, 6.14 mm, 59.72 gm, 1.284 mg L-1, as for an overlap Among the two study workers, the highest rate was (48.44) cm, (25.3) plant branch-1, (10.43) mm, (82.7) gm and (1.951) mg / gm fresh weight compared to the comparison treatment, which gave the lowest rate of 31.33 cm. 7.44 shoots-1, 5.44 mm, 52.37 gm, 0.836 mg / L-1 significantly superior in all vegetative growth traits.

The Effect of Bacterial Inoculum and Different Levels of Tillage Depths on the Growth Characteristics of Wheat Plant and the Physical Properties of the Soil

A field experiment was carried out to study the role of the inoculum of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium under different levels of tillage depths on the physical properties of the soil and in the growth and productivity of wheat plant Triticum aestivum.L. In the Warka district, located in the north of Al-Muthanna Governorate, during the winter season 2022-2023. The factorial experiment was designed with a randomized complete block design within split plots (RCBD) and with three replications. The first factor represented the live inoculum of B. megaterium and B. subtilis with four types (B3, B2, B1, B0) B0 without the addition of inoculum, B1 represents B. megaterium. B2 represents B.subtilis and the fourth treatment B3 included the dual inoculum B1 + B2. the second factor represents tillage depths at with four levels is symbolized by symbols (D1, D2, D3, D4) where D1 represents zero tillage depth, D2 represents a tillage depth of 10 cm, D3 represents a tillage depth of 20 cm, D4 represents a tillage depth of 30 cm. The results showed the following. The B3 pollen treatment, the dual bio-pollination, achieved a significant increase in each of the grain yield, the dry weight of the shoot, the total porosity characteristics, and the bulk density of the soil, as it recorded the highest average rates, (5.600, 11667.8, 53.235, and 1.2486) respectively. The results showed that the tillage factor D4 was significantly superior to the rest of the treatments in most of the studied traits, the dry weight of the vegetation, that the tillage factor D3 was significantly superior to the rest of the treatments the grain yield, while the depth D1 was superior in the two characteristics of the total porosity of the soil and the bulk density, and it gave the following results, respectively. (6.079,11141.1, 58.013, 1.1211). While the treatments of the interaction of the dual vital pollen with the tillage factor D4B3 gave a significant, the dry weight of the vegetation (13204.4) Kg hac-1, and treatments of the interaction of the dual vital pollen with the tillage factor D3B3 gave a significant, the grain yield, of the (6.684) Mg, while the treatment was superior to D1B3 in the two characteristics of the total porosity of the soil and the bulk density. The following results (58.563%,1.1064 Meq m-3) res.

An improved and convenient petri plate-based method for studying the root growth of plants

Plant scientists across the globe are interested in studying the root growth architecture of plants to understand different processes determining growth and development in plants. In the majority of cases, root growth-related experiments are carried out on petri plates filled with solid nutrient media. However, plants growing in these plates are often exposed to conditions that are not close to the natural conditions. Also, it is difficult to pour two different media on the same plate which is quite a useful feature to study the effect of specific treatment on plant growth. In the present work, we describe an improved and easy-to-use petri plate system useful for studying root growth characteristics of young plants grown over solid nutrient media. In comparison to the conventional methods, the present plate system offers an advantage in terms of facilitating the pouring of two different media in the same plate, avoiding contact of the aerial part of the plant with nutrient media, and ensuring the growth of roots under dark conditions. The described plate, therefore, provides a convenient system to study root growth under conditions close to natural conditions and hence minimizing experimental artifacts.•The plate system facilitates the pouring of two different nutrient media into the same plate.•The aerial part of the seedling does not come in contact with the media.•Ensures growth of roots under dark conditions.

Agro-mophological characterization, adaptational behaviour and flower abnormalities of Lilium L. cultivars in addition to a flower with stochastic flower formula

This experiment was undertaken to determine the adaptation of Lilium L. cultivars to North-Western part of Türkiye and to define morphologic plant growth characteristics at aboveground part, including flower life and flower abnormalities. The bulbs of the three Lilium L. cultivars, ‘Profundo’, ‘Valverde’, and ‘Vonq’, were sown to perlite in pots in June, 2021, and evaluated for emergence and flowering rates, stem and plant height, stem and flower diameter, leaf and flower number, flower abnormality rates, flower fragrance degree and flower life in 2022, after one year adaptation without removing the previous sown bulbs. As the results of the cultivars differences these were determined that, at the adaptive year; the emergence rates varied between 60.42-89.58%, flowering rates changed between 43.75-87.50%, stem heights changed between 40.63-48.25 cm, plant heights changed between 52.50-59.75 cm and these data showed statistically importance. In addition to the data in the adaptive year; stem diameters, leaf numbers, flower numbers flower fragrance degree and flower longevities also showed statistical importance between cultivars. The flower abnormality rates were found between 8.3-25% in cultivars although no statistical results. Interestingly a striking, stochastic case also was observed from a flower with 8 tepals, 8 stamen and 4 lobed stigma at ‘Valverde’ contrary to well-known flower formula. It has been concluded that ‘Profundo’ has more remarkable result in terms of longevity of flower compared to the other two varieties while ‘Valverde’ and ‘Vonq’ shared the same group with some precedence in most of the agro-morphologic characteristics e.g. plant height, stem height and stem diameter. Lilium L. ‘Vonq’ showed that the highest adaptive capacity among the cultivars with the highest emergence rate (89.58) in all sowed bulbs and flowering rate (87.50) in all emerged bulbs under the study conditions in the open-air.

A Comprehensive Review on Role of Bio- Regulators in the Growth and Development of Fruit and Vegetable Crops

This comprehensive review focuses on the role of bio-regulators in the growth and development of fruit and vegetable crops. Bio-regulators, also known as plant growth regulators or plant hormones, play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including cell division, elongation, differentiation, and fruit ripening. The review explores the major types of bio-regulators commonly used in fruit and vegetable cultivation, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. It examines their functions and effects on plant growth, flowering, fruit set, fruit development, and post-harvest characteristics. The review also discusses the widespread application of bio-regulators in horticultural practices, including seed treatment, foliar application, and post-harvest treatments. It highlights the potential benefits of using bio-regulators, such as improving crop yield, enhancing fruit quality traits, delaying senescence, and reducing post-harvest losses. Moreover, the review delves into the mechanisms of action of bio-regulators at the molecular, physiological, and biochemical levels. It investigates their interactions with various plant growth processes, signaling pathways, and gene expression patterns. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges and limitations associated with the use of bio-regulators in fruit and vegetable production, such as dosage optimization, application timing, and potential negative impacts on the environment.

Plant Variety, Mycorrhization, and Herbivory Influence Induced Volatile Emissions and Plant Growth Characteristics in Tomato.

Plants produce a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mediate vital ecological interactions between herbivorous insects, their natural enemies, plants, and soil dwelling organisms including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The composition, quantity, and quality of the emitted VOCs can vary and is influenced by numerous factors such as plant species, variety (cultivar), plant developmental stage, root colonization by soil microbes, as well as the insect developmental stage, and level of specialization of the attacking herbivore.Understanding factors shaping VOC emissions is important and can be leveraged to enhance plant health and pest resistance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the influence of plant variety, mycorrhizal colonization, herbivory, and their interactions on the composition of emitted volatiles in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Four tomato varieties from two breeding histories (two heirlooms and two hybrids), were used. Tomato plants were inoculated with a commercial inoculum blend consisting of four species of AMF. Plants were also subjected to herbivory by Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae L.) five weeks after transplanting. Headspace volatiles were collected from inoculated and non-inoculated plants with and without herbivores using solid phase-microextraction. Volatile profiles consisted of 21 different volatiles in detectable quantities. These included monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and alkane hydrocarbons. We documented a strong plant variety effect on VOC emissions. AMF colonization and herbivory suppressed VOC emissions. Plant biomass was improved by colonization of AMF. Our results show that mycorrhization, herbivory and plant variety can alter tomato plant VOC emissions and further shape volatile-mediated insect and plant interactions.

Fertilizer doses and mulching effect to mitigate soil salinity and maximize yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) in coastal region of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted in the rabi season at Patuakhali, Bangladesh to verify the effect of different mulching materials for watermelon production under farmers field condition. The aim of this research was to test the possibility of salinity damage can be reduced by elevating potassium (K) fertilization rate on watermelon yield and nutrient uptake under salt stress condition. Four different fertilizer doses T1 = Soil Test Based (STB), T2 = STB + 50% K, T3 = Integrated Plant Nutrients System (IPNS) approach with 5 tonha-1 cowdung (CD) + 50% K and T4 = Farmers practices with many materials usedP1 = Silver color polythene mulch, P2 = Straw mulch, P3 = No mulch combination. Twenty days old seedling were used in farmers’ field. Other nutrients were also applied following STB method. Fertilizer used as the rates of N117P30K30S25 (T1), N117P30K37S25 (T2), N92P22.5K45S25 with 5 tonha-1cowdung (T3) and N100P40K35S30 (T4). All the plant growth, yield and quality characters were superior in T3 with silver polythene (31.96 tonha-1) while plants without mulch and STB method resulted poor growth and yield of 24.31 tonha-1. The higher rates of K contributed to 7- 27% increased yield over only STB dose for Patuakhali which implies the necessity of higher dose of K in salt affected soil in strengthening yield. With economic point of view, T3 (IPNS with 5 ton/ha cowdung + 50% K and silver polythene mulch) seedling reported the highest net return of 375780 Bd TK and found more economical with highest cost benefit ratio.

The effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant properties of Vitex plant (Vitex agnus - Castus L)

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely used in agriculture in order to increase the yield and growth characteristics of plants. This study investigated the effects of TiO2NPs on photosynthetic pigments and several biochemical activities and antioxidant enzymes of the Vitex plant. Different concentrations of nanoparticles (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) at five levels were sprayed on Vitex plants on the 30th day of the experiment. TiO2NPs at different concentrations had positive effects on root and shoot dry weight and a negative effect on leaf dry weight. The amount of chlorophyll increased with the concentration of TiO2NPs; however, the amount of chlorophyll b showed a decreasing trend while the total chlorophyll had a constant trend. The highest amount of soluble sugar was obtained in the treatment of 200 ppm nanoparticles. The application of TiO2NPs did not have any effect on the content of proline and soluble proteins of Vitex plant. The effects of foliar TiO2NPs, compared to the control, showed a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In general, TiO2NPs had a favorable effect on dry matter production and some antioxidant and biochemical properties of the Vitex plant.

Effect of Water Stress and Application of Potassium on Some Growth Characteristics of Tissue Culture-Derived Date Palm Plants of "Zahedi" Cultivar

Effect of Water Stress and Application of Potassium on Some Growth Characteristics of Tissue Culture-Derived Date Palm Plants of "Zahedi" Cultivar