Plant Quality Research Articles

Impact of climate change on the yield of medicinal plants in recent years

Climate change significantly impacts the yield and quality of medicinal plants due to alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes affect the growth, secondary metabolite production, and geographical distribution of medicinal plants, leading to reduced yields and compromised medicinal properties. Adaptive strategies such as developing climate-resilient plant varieties, sustainable agricultural practices, and enhanced conservation efforts are essential to mitigate these effects. Increased research and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.

Effect of Herbivory on the Nutritional Value of Six Hardwood Species for White-Tailed Deer in the Allegheny Forest

Abstract Herbivores alter plant quantity and quality through direct tissue consumption and indirectly via the structural and chemical allocational strategies plants deploy in response to herbivory. Herein, we examine how browsing by white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus alters nutritional quality of six regenerating hardwood species: red maple Acer rubrum, black cherry Prunus serotina, birch Betula spp., pin cherry Prunus pennsylvanica, white ash Fraxinus americana, and American beech Fagus grandifolia. Using an established, large-scale experiment that manipulated deer access to fenced plots, we tested whether browsing altered the nutritional quality and biomass as well as nutritional capacity to support deer of six hardwood species in an early successional hardwood forest of Pennsylvania, USA. Pin cherry was the most nutritious of the six species, with greater dry matter digestibility and digestible protein and lesser neutral detergent fiber. Areas exposed to browsing had less browse biomass of stems and leaves yet greater digestible protein, an effect driven by digestible protein of pin cherry. We found no effect of browsing on neutral detergent fiber or dry matter digestibility. Although deer browsing reduced biomass of the six hardwood species, it did not alter the nutritional capacity to support lactating females in the summer. Our results confirm that browsing limits tree regeneration and available browse and provides conservative conclusions on how deer can alter their diet quality.

Agricultural light-converting anti-icing superhydrophobic coating for plant growth promotion

Agricultural coatings play a crucial role in addressing the global food crisis by significantly improving the plant growth environment, accelerating plant development, and enhancing the biological quality of plants. Nevertheless, there exist constraints in the form of limited sunlight utilization, decreased light transmission caused by surface icing leading to diminished plant photosynthesis, and high cost. In this study, a cost-effective and readily scalable superhydrophobic photothermal light-conversion coating is suggested as a means to improve the light conditions necessary for optimal plant growth. By employing in situ growth of carbon dots (CDs) on the surface and interlayers of montmorillonite (MMT) and hydrolytic polymerization of fluorinated alkyl silane (FAS) on the surface of MMT, light-converting superhydrophobic materials (CDs/MMT) with a micro-nano structure were synthesized. These materials demonstrated broad-spectrum fluorescence emission suitable for utilization by plant photosynthesis. They were dispersed into an epoxy resin (ER) matrix to obtain an agricultural superhydrophobic coating (ER-CDs/MMT). The “light absorption-capture-conversion” effect confers exceptional passive anti-icing and active de-icing properties upon the coating. Furthermore, outdoor planting experiments have demonstrated its capacity to substantially enhance the light environment and enhance the biological quality of soybean and morning glory by leveraging light scattering and conversion characteristics. This underscores its considerable potential for application in the next generation of facility agriculture.

Effect of Soil pH on the Uptake of Essential Elements by Tea Plant and Subsequent Impact on Growth and Leaf Quality

Tea plant is an acidophilic plant, and soil pH has an important effect on the absorption and enrichment of elements, tea plant growth and quality. In this study, rhizosphere soils and leaves of tea plants from 30 tea plantations were collected to determine soil pH and multi-element content of soil and leaves of tea plants, to obtain and validate key elements that are enriched by pH affecting tea plants, and to analyze the effects of pH on the growth and quality of tea plants. The results showed that soil pH significantly affected the enrichment of 15 elements by tea plants, and the enrichment coefficients of 11 elements (C, Mg, Si, N, P, Mn, Sr, Cd, S, Ca and Sb) tended to increase significantly with the increase of soil pH, while the opposite was true for the other four elements (Cu, Rb, Ba and Al). TOPSIS analysis showed that soil pH had the greatest effect on tea plant enrichment of seven elements, namely N (100%), Mn (43.32%), C (39.22%), P (27.66%), Sr (15.30%), Mg (13.41%) and Ba (10.47%). Pot experiments with tea seedlings also verified that soil pH significantly affected the enrichment of tea leaves for seven key elements. Moreover, with the increase of soil pH, the growth indexes, photosynthesis indexes and quality indexes of tea seedlings showed a significant upward trend. Interaction analysis showed that the enhanced enrichment of N, Mn, C, P, Sr and Mg by tea plants was beneficial to increase the photosynthetic capacity of tea plants, promote the growth of tea plants and improve the quality of tea leaves. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the cultivation and management of tea plants.

Agricultural performance of biomaterials mulch based on nitrosamine-free natural rubber

Natural rubber mulching material is generally more environmentally friendly than conventional mulch. Artificial straw and mulch derived from natural rubber latex (NRL) with no nitrosamines present were used as sustainable alternatives to substitute for conventional materials such as rice straw and polyethylene plastic. A real-time recorded field study employed the Internet of things with tracking devices and sensors to monitor the growth and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) over a 50-day period. The results of the study highlight the superior efficiency of artificial straw, showcasing enhanced growth and quality. The NRL mulch contained a nanocellulose (CNC) filler and was vulcanized at room temperature. The addition of 3 parts CNC per hundred rubber significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the NRL formulation, particularly its tensile (22.13 ± 2.26 MPa) and tear strengths (39.13 ± 4.58 N/mm). The NRL mulch was demonstrated to promote plant growth and increase yield. It was developed to ensure the safety of agricultural products and to support environmental conservation.

Effectiveness of Chemical Sanitizers against Salmonella Typhimurium in Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic Systems: Implications for Food Safety, Crop Quality, and Nutrient Content in Leafy Greens.

Hydroponic farming systems play an increasingly important role in the sustainable production of nutrient-rich foods. The contamination of surfaces in hydroponic fresh produce production poses risks to the food safety of crops, potentially endangering public health and causing economic losses in the industry. While sanitizers are widely used in commercial hydroponic farms, their effectiveness against human pathogens on surfaces and their impact on plant health and quality are not known. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of chemical sanitizers in eliminating Salmonella Typhimurium from inanimate surfaces in commercial hydroponic Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems. Further, we assessed the impact of sanitizers on the yield, quality, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. Sanitizers (Virkon, LanXess, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; SaniDate 12.0, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; KleenGrow, Pace Chemical Ltd., Delta, BC, Canada; Green Shield, United Labs Inc., St Charles, IL, USA; Zerotol, BioSafe Systems, East Hartford, CT, USA; Bleach, Pure Bright, ON, Canada) were tested against Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on NFT surfaces (nutrient reservoir, growing channels, top covers, drain lines). The effective treatments were then tested for their impact on lettuce and basil in a split-plot experiment conducted in commercial NFT units. Crop yield, color, and nutrient content (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were measured throughout the crop life cycle. While all quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm), Zorotol (5%), and Virkon (1%) eliminated Salmonella Typhimurium from commercial NFT surfaces, chlorine-based sanitizer treatments were statistically similar to water treatments on most surfaces. All chemical sanitizers impacted the yield, color, and nutritional value of lettuce and basil. SaniDate 12.0 (200 ppm) was the least detrimental to crops and was identified as a potential candidate for further validation in commercial hydroponic settings. The findings of this study will be translated into recommendations for the industry and will contribute to the development of future food safety guidelines and policies.

Integrated water quality and performance assessment of seawater desalination plants along two coasts in Egypt

This study aims to assess feedwater, brine, and drinking water quality related to eight full-scale Egyptian seawater desalination plants. Collected water quality records from plants on the Mediterranean and Red Seas were monthly analyzed to identify different physical, chemical, and biological parameters during 2022. Statistical analysis and water quality indices (WQIs) approaches were applied to evaluate the various water quality states based on the available international and Egyptian guidelines. Analyzed seawater quality properties showed compliance with the most operating permissible limits except for high concentrations of turbidity, fats, oils, and greases, total bacteria in one plant, and iron, manganese, and silica in another plant. The monthly measured Weighted Arithmetic WQI classified 71 % and 100 % of desalination plants as having “Excellent” water rank according to the standard limits of the World Health Organization and the Egyptian Water Quality Standard, respectively. However, 65 % and 52 % of desalination plants were projected into the “good” water quality rank based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment WQI for the same guidelines. The results indicate that the feed intake type and the location of a desalination plant can optimize its performance efficiency, minimize contamination sources, and mitigate the potential environmental impacts of brine.

Analysis of Antioxidant Capacity, Total Phenolic and Total Flavonoid Contents in Boric Acid applied Camellia sinensis L.

Consumption of Camellia sinensis L (tea), a popular beverage, is very common today. In addition to consuming tea as a beverage, it is suggested that it can also be added to other foods to increase their antioxidant activities. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, and total flavonoid contents of extracts prepared in different solvents of tea grown in soil treated with boric acid. The area in Rize/Turkey was divided into 4 groups. No application was made to the control group (B0 group). Boric acid prepared in sodium tetraborate buffer was applied to the other three areas as a single dose at concentrations of 100 (group B1), 300 (group B3), and 500 (group B5) mg/m2. The obtained tea leaves were ground and infused in water, 20% ethanol, and 50% ethanol by the classical infusion method. The extracts obtained after infusion were analyzed for total phenolic contents, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. It was determined that 20% and 50% ethanol were a better solvent than water in terms of total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity. Although the total phenolic contents of tea leaves grown in soils treated with different doses of boric acid did not change, differences were observed in their flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacities. As a result, we can say that boric acid should be at a certain dose to improve the quality of the tea plant. In addition, different solvents can be used to reveal more of the tea content.

Foliar Spraying of Brassinolide Affects Leaf Quality and Secondary Metabolite Profiles of Cold-Stressed Tea Plants

Foliar Spraying of Brassinolide Affects Leaf Quality and Secondary Metabolite Profiles of Cold-Stressed Tea Plants

Physiological and biochemical characteristics of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn) as affected by some plant growth regulators.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn) is a globally and widely used medicinal plant that contains silymarin. This plant has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular-protective, and neuroprotective effects. Plant quality, yield, and phytochemicals, especially silymarin content, change under various conditions like drought stress. Therefore, this research studied plant growth regulators (PGRs) like salicylic acid, spermidine, and brassinosteroid to increase plant tolerance to drought stress. Experimental treatments include different levels of irrigation (25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% field capacity), and foliar spraying including salicylic acid (75 and 150 mg/L), spermine (70 and 140 mg/L), and brassinosteroid (1 and 1.2 μM), separately, and water as a control and a secondary factor. The results revealed that the highest amount of leaf phenolic compounds was observed in the highest drought stress level (25%) and 75 mg/L salicylic acid application. Furthermore, brassinosteroid at different concentrations and salicylic acid (75 mg/L) increased leaf flavonoid content compared to other treatments. In 50% field capacity, foliar application of salicylic acid (150 mg/L) significantly increased seed yield by approximately 75% compared to control under the same stress level. Brassinosteroid application (1 μM) under 75% field capacity significantly increased the seed's taxifolin amount by 159%. Additionally, salicylic acid noticeably increased the silychristin concentration. The concentration of silydianin in the seed has also been increased under drought stress and foliar spraying with PGRs. Compared to the control, using spermidine below 75% field capacity caused an increase in its concentrations by over seven times. The highest silybin A amount was obtained in 50% field capacity and foliar150 mg/L salicylic acid. Taxifolin, silychristin, silydianin, silybinin B, iso-silybinin A, and iso-silybinin B compounds were identified in the seed extract. Generally, foliar spraying using plant growth regulators increased the number of silymarin compounds under drought stress conditions and field cultivation conditions.

Effects of geographical, soil and climatic factors on the two marker secondary metabolites contents in the roots of Rubia cordifolia L.

The growth and quality of medicinal plants depend heavily on environmental variables. The quality of Rubia cordifolia, an important medicinal plant, is determined by the two main secondary metabolites of the root, purpurin and mollugin. However, their relationship with environmental factors has not been studied. In this study, the purpurin and mollugin contents of R. cordifolia roots from different sampling sites in China were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and the correlations between the two secondary metabolites and environmental variables were analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in the contents of purpurin and mollugin in the roots of R. cordifolia at different sampling points. The content of purpurin ranged from 0.00 to 3.03 mg g-1, while the content of mollugin ranged from 0.03 to 10.09 mg g-1. The quality of R. cordifolia in Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan border areas and southeastern Liaoning was higher. Liaoning is expected to become a R. cordifolia planting area in Northeast China. Correlation and regression analysis revealed that the two secondary metabolites were affected by different environmental factors, the two secondary metabolites contents were positively correlated with longitude and latitude, and negatively correlated with soil nutrients. In addition, higher temperature and shorter sunshine duration facilitated the synthesis of purpurin. Annual precipitation might be the main factor limiting the quality of R. cordifolia because it had opposite effects on the synthesis of two major secondary metabolites. Therefore, this study is of great significance for the selection of R. cordifolia planting areas and the improvement of field planting quality.

Amelioration of drought stress in wheat by using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biogas slurry

<p>Drought stress has a significant impact on cereal-based staple food production, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. To ensure a sustainable and reliable food supply, it is essential to develop comprehensive production plans that incorporate various approaches to mitigate the effects of drought. In a study conducted using a randomized complete block design, we investigated the potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and biogas Slurry (BGs) either individually or in combination to alleviate drought stress at different stages of wheat growth. The two-year field research demonstrated that the application of Azosprillium lipoferum with biogas slurry resulted in improved water relations, chlorophyll content, grain quality, yield, and related characteristics in wheat plants compared to the stressed treatments. Particularly, the combined treatment of PGPR and BGs exhibited the most favorable outcomes. Notably, the combined treatment effectively mitigated drought stress by significantly increasing antioxidant levels (17% APX, 29% POD, 34% CAT, and 41% SOD) during the grain-filling stage (GFS) compared to the controls. The combined treatment resulted in a remarkable 40% improvement in the respective controls at the GFS stage. Overall, the combined use of PGPR and BGs was identified as an effective strategy to enhance the resilience of wheat plants to drought, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.</p>

Soil health as a proxy for long-term reclamation success of metal-contaminated mine tailings using lime and biosolids

Mine lands contaminted with heavy metals pose environmental risks, and thus reclamation is paramount for improving soil, plant, animal, and ecosystem health. A metal-contaminated alluvial mine tailing, devoid of vegetation, received 224 ​Mg ​ha−1 of both lime and biosolids in 1998, and long-term reclamation success was quantified in 2019 with respect to soils, plants, and linkages to animals. Reclamation success was quantified using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF), in conjunction with bioavailable (0.01 ​M CaCl2 extractable) and plant-available (Mehlich-3 extractable) soil metal concentrations, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, plant metal concentrations, and plant quality characteristics. Results showed that all soil indicators were improved in successfully-reclaimed areas as compared to on-site degraded areas, including increases in soil aggregate stability, pH, plant-available P and K, soil organic C, potentially-mineralizable N, microbial biomass C and β-glucosidase activity and decreases in soil bulk density and electrical conductivity. Of indicators, unitless soil health scores were assigned based on the SMAF, with data suggesting that bulk density, wet aggregate stability, potentially- mineralizable N, microbial biomass C, pH, and electrical conductivity should be monitored in the future. The long-term effects of lime and biosolids application have improved soil physical, biological, and overall soil health. Plant metal concentrations have decreased by an order of magnitude since early reclamation, with most plant metal concentrations being tolerable for domestic livestock consumption. From an animal health perspective, feeding grasses from this site during latter parts of a growing season may need supplemental feed to provide greater protein and energy content, and to reduce potentially-harmful Cd concentrations from food chain bioaccumulation. However, a health concern exists based on soil bioavailable Cd and Zn concentrations that exceed ecological soil screening levels. Still, plants have stabilized the soil and acidity remains neutralized, leading to long-term improvements in soil health, with overall improved ecosystem health.

Potential of teff as alternative crop for Mediterranean farming systems: Effect of genotype and mowing time on forage yield and quality

The introduction of alternative/innovative crops in the current Mediterranean cropping systems is a promising strategy to cope with climate change effects, which are threatening the food and feed security of that geographic area. Thanks to its large environmental adaptability and good nutritive value for humans (grains) and animals (biomass), teff is an excellent candidate to perform its role as alternative plant species for cereal/forage farming systems. However, the adoption of a “new” crop requires information about the adaptation to the target environment as well as details on the best management practices to apply. Very little knowledge is available regarding the performance of teff under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of genotype and mowing time on the biomass yield (dry matter, DM) and proximate composition of teff (including the first regrowth). Grain yield potential was also evaluated. The study was carried out during two consecutive years in central Italy. Two different experiments were conducted in adjacent fields to gain information on both forage and grain potential of the crop. In both trials, six teff genotypes were used (namely T6, T7, T8, T11, T13 and T14). Plant height, forage yield and quality were assessed in different growth stages: flag leaf completely unrolled, booting, and heading. The regrowth of the first cut mowed at booting stage was also evaluated. Our study demonstrated that teff has potential as forage and grain crop under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Considering the total biomass production, teff genotypes yielded from 7 t DM ha−1 to 11 t DM ha−1. If used as feed source, the best harvesting time is heading (GS: 57) since it allows to maximize both biomass yield and crude protein (CP) content. The teff accessions which deserve to be deeply explored as forage types were T8 and T14 (5–6 t DM ha−1, with 150–160 g CP kg−1 DM), while T6, T7 and T13 were good grain producers (0.8–1.2 t ha−1).

Influence of Intercropping Arisaema amurense with Acanthopanax senticosus on Soil Microbial Community and the Effective Ingredients of A. senticosus

Intercropping is an effective cultivation strategy for promoting soil health, changing microbial community, reducing fertiliser application and enhancing the quality of medicinal plants. Nevertheless, the interaction effect of intercropping between Arisaema amurense and Acanthopanax senticosus remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the difference in soil properties, soil enzyme activities, microbial community diversity and active ingredients of A. senticosus in monoculturing versus intercropping of A. senticosus/A. amurense in a field experiment. High-throughput sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry were employed to explore the growth promotion effect in the intercropping mode. Results revealed that intercropping benefitted the accumulation of ammonium nitrogen and total nitrogen in soil; total nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen increased by 33% (rhizosphere) and 65% (inter-row) and by 123% (rhizosphere) and 124% (inter-row) at 0–20 cm soil depths, respectively. Furthermore, intercropping increased the soil carbon/nitrogen ratio at the soil from 20 to 40 cm and promoted the growth of the root system of the deep-rooted plant A. senticosus. However, it exerted a certain inhibitory effect on the activities of urease, sucrase and neutral phosphatase on the soil surface. Intercropping increased bacterial diversity and inhibited fungal diversity in soil, potentially preventing the soil microflora changed from bacterial type to fungal type. In terms of community composition, intercropping exhibited a greater effect on bacteria than on fungi. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with nutrient cycling and increased ecosystem resistance increased in intercropped soils, such as those of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota. At the genus level, the bacterial genera that showed significantly increased relative abundance in intercropping soil included unclassified_Acidobacteriales, Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas and Candidatus_Solibacter. Furthermore, the relative abundance of Cladosporium, a potential plant pathogen in intercropped rhizosphere soil, was 42% lower than that in monocultured rhizosphere soil. Additionally, intercropping can promote the accumulation of eleutheroside B, eleutheroside E, quercetin, protocatechuic acid and polysaccharide, which increased by 551%, 53%, 10%, 28% and 26%, respectively, compared with that after monoculturing. According to the Pearson correlation heat map, rapidly available phosphorus, rapidly available potassium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total nitrogen and urease exhibited the greatest impact on the soil microbial community and on the active ingredients of A. senticosus. In conclusion, intercropping altered the composition of the soil microbial community and increased the content of the active ingredients of A. senticosus, consequently begetting economic and ecological benefits.

Preparation of herbal gel from turmeric and eastern white-cedar

The main aim of study is The Preparation of herbal gel from turmeric and eastern white-cedar. To prepare herbal gel from turmeric and eastern white-cedar and Poly herbal gel was prepared with water soluble polymer Carbopol 934. To evaluate physicochemical properties and stability of herbal gel. Plant materials: Plants of turmeric and eastern white-cedar were collected from local area. Plant materials selected for the study were washed thoroughly under running tap water and then were rinsed in distilled water; they were allowed to dry for some time at room temperature. Then the plant material was shade dried without any contamination for about 3 to 4 weeks. Dried plant material was grinded using electronic grinder. Powdered plant material was observed for their colour, odour, taste and texture. Results and discussion: Physio-Chemical Constants Ash value: The total ash usually consists of carbonate, phosphate and silicates. Total ash: The total ash content of the raw materials were determined, taking sample from the collected materials calculated in table below. Conclusion: The phytochemical constant was carried out for the plants powder and extracts of turmeric and eastern white-cedar to bring the quality and purity of the valuable medicinal plants. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out for all the plants and its extracts to determine the presence of active principle in plants.

Progress on metabolites of Astragalus medicinal plants and a new factor affecting their formation: Biotransformation of endophytic fungi.

It is generally believed that the main influencing factors of plant metabolism are genetic and environmental factors. However, the transformation and catalysis of metabolic intermediates by endophytic fungi have become a new factor and resource attracting attention in recent years. There are over 2000 precious plant species in the Astragalus genus. In the past decade, at least 303 high-value metabolites have been isolated from the Astragalus medicinal plants, including 124 saponins, 150 flavonoids, two alkaloids, six sterols, and over 20 other types of compounds. These medicinal plants contain abundant endophytic fungi with unique functions, and nearly 600 endophytic fungi with known identity have been detected, but only about 35 strains belonging to 13 genera have been isolated. Among them, at least four strains affiliated to Penicillium roseopurpureum, Alternaria eureka, Neosartorya hiratsukae, and Camarosporium laburnicola have demonstrated the ability to biotransform four saponin compounds from the Astragalus genus, resulting in the production of 66 new compounds, which have significantly enhanced our understanding of the formation of metabolites in plants of the Astragalus genus. They provide a scientific basis for improving the cultivation quality of Astragalus plants through the modification of dominant fungal endophytes or reshaping the endophytic fungal community. Additionally, they open up new avenues for the discovery of specialized, green, efficient, and sustainable biotransformation pathways for complex pharmaceutical intermediates.

Optimizing Sowing Density for Parsley, Cilantro, and Sage in Controlled Environment Production: Balancing Productivity and Plant Quality

Sowing density is a key management practice influencing productivity and quality of leafy greens and culinary herbs grown in controlled environments. However, research-based information on optimal density is limited for many culinary herbs. This greenhouse study aimed to quantify sowing density impacts on biomass output, individual plant growth, and morphological traits in hydroponically produced ‘Giant of Italy’ parsley (Petroselinum crispum), ‘Santo’ cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), and sage (Salvia officinalis). Seedlings were grown in phenolic foam cubes with 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 seeds per cell, transplanted into an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system in a glass-glazed greenhouse with 23 °C target average daily temperature, 16-hour photoperiod, a target daily light integral of 13 mol·m−2·d−1, and harvested at 16 to 28 d after transplanting depending on species. ‘Giant of Italy’ parsley and ‘Santo’ cilantro fresh weight per cell increased quadratically by 274% (57.3 g) and 305% (19 g), respectively, as sowing density increased from 1 to 15 seeds per cell, then plateaued as density further increased. Sage fresh weight plateaued at 10 seeds per cell with an increase of 225% (29.2 g) compared with 1 seed per cell. Cilantro and sage dry weight per cell plateaued at 14 and 8 seeds per cell, respectively, and parsley dry weight quadratically increased as sowing density rose up to 20 seeds per cell. Although fresh and dry weight increased, individual plant height, stem diameter, and individual plant dry weight exhibited linear or quadratic declines as sowing density increased, indicating higher sowing densities restricted individual plant growth. In summary, as sowing density increased, fresh and dry weight per cell generally increased but individual plant quality decreased. For the greatest fresh and dry weight, 20, 18, and 10 seeds per cell should be sown for parsley, cilantro, and sage, respectively. However, to balance fresh weight and crop quality, our results suggest sowing density (seeds per cell) targets of 16 seeds for parsley, 18 seeds for cilantro, and 10 seeds for sage.

MTJNet: Multi-task joint learning network for advancing medicinal plant and leaf classification

Identifying and classifying medicinal plants is crucial for pharmaceutical research, traditional medicine, and biodiversity conservation. However, manual classification is time-consuming, error-prone, and requires expert knowledge. This problem statement highlights the need for an automated, efficient, and accurate method by which to distinguish between different species and ensure the quality and safety of medicinal plant leaves. The state-of-the-art methods employ only leaf or plant images for the classification; however, these methods work in particular scenarios (only leaf or plant). In this study, we first integrate the dataset of medicinal plants with corresponding leaves to develop a generalizable model and then apply pre-processing techniques (using vein morphometric features and Sobel edge detection) to highlight the significant characteristics in the images. Then, we propose a novel multi-task joint learning network (MTJNet) for classifying medicinal plant leaves. The proposed MTJNet includes local and global feature extractors that retrieve prominent features for robust classification. Further, we blend the features extracted from the local and global networks to enhance the contextual features. Last, we assign the embedded features to dense layers for additional feature extraction and classification. To evaluate the proposed MTJNet, we employ an Indian medicinal leaf dataset and achieve a precision of 99.60%, a recall of 99.62%, an accuracy of 99.71%, and an F1 score of 99.58%. The experimental results show that the MTJNet statistically defeats prevalent models, thereby proving its effectiveness for medical and industrial applications.

Effect of different quantities of NPK and plant spacing on plant growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

Effect of different quantities of NPK and plant spacing on plant growth, yield and quality of chilli (Capsicum annum L.)