Plant Vigor Research Articles

The Potential of New Purple Yardlong Bean Varieties in Open-Field Organic Farming Compared with Chemicals Management under Plastic Net-House

The purple yardlong bean "Muang Rachamongkol" is a pure line variety and was improved under organic farming. To examine this variety potential, a randomized complete block design was planned with 4 replications of 20 plants each, in comparison with two varieties: “Sirindhorn#1” and “Laisua Jakkaparn”. These bean varieties were grown during September-November 2020 under 2 production systems; 1) organic system under open-field and 2) under plastic net-house. The results showed that the characteristics of the new variety such as flower, fruit, and seed characters differed from the comparative varieties. For plant growth including plant height and the number of branches, and the interaction between the production system and varieties during the 3rd-6th weeks after planting were found to be significantly different. Plants grown under a chemical system showed a higher plant height and number of branches than an organic system, and varieties “Muang Rachamongkol” and “Sirindhorn#1” showed the highest plant height in both conditions. In addition, the influence of the production system was observed with the chemical system which showed the high number of pods, total pod yield, and pod weight of 34.91 pod/plant, 815.11 g/plant, and 27.67 g/pod, respectively. “Muang Rachamongkol” showed 27.15 pod/plant, 611.83 g/plant, and 26.41 g/pod, which was similar to the responses of “Sirindhorn#1” for the growth, yield, uniformity score, and plant vigor score in both of organic and chemical conditions.

Phenotypic Variability in Resistance to Anthracnose, White, Brown, and Blight Leaf Spot in Cassava Germplasm.

Despite fungal diseases affecting the aerial parts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and causing significant yield losses, there is a lack of comprehensive studies assessing resistance in the species' germplasm. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity for resistance to anthracnose disease (CAD), blight leaf spot (BliLS), brown leaf spot (BLS), and white leaf spot (WLS) in cassava germplasm and to identify genotypes suitable for breeding purposes. A total of 837 genotypes were evaluated under field conditions across two production cycles (2021 and 2022). Artificial inoculations were carried out in the field, and data on yield and disease severity were collected using a standardized rating scale. The top 25 cassava genotypes were selected based on a selection index for disease resistance and agronomic traits. High environmental variability resulted in low heritabilities (h2) for CAD, WLS, and BLS (h2 = 0.42, 0.34, 0.29, respectively) and moderate heritability for BliLS (h2 = 0.51). While the range of data for disease resistance was narrow, it was considerably wider for yield traits. Cluster analysis revealed that increased yield traits and disease severity were associated with higher scores of the first and second discriminant functions, respectively. Thus, most clusters comprised genotypes with hybrid characteristics for both traits. Overall, there was a strong correlation among aerial diseases, particularly between BLS and BliLS (r = 0.96), while the correlation between CAD and other diseases ranged from r = 0.53 to 0.58. Yield traits showed no significant correlations with disease resistance. Although the mean selection differential for disease resistance was modest (between -2.31% and -3.61%), selection based on yield traits showed promising results, particularly for fresh root yield (82%), dry root yield (39%), shoot yield (49%), and plant vigor (26%). This study contributes to enhancing genetic gains for resistance to major aerial part diseases and improving yield traits in cassava breeding programs.

Targeting OsNIP3;1 via CRISPR/Cas9: A strategy for minimizing arsenic accumulation and boosting rice resilience

Arsenic (As) contamination in rice poses a significant threat to human health due to its toxicity and widespread consumption. Identifying and manipulating key genes governing As accumulation in rice is crucial for reducing this threat. The large NIP gene family of aquaporins in rice presents a promising target due to functional redundancy, potentially allowing for gene manipulation without compromising plant growth. This study aimed to utilize genome editing to generate knock-out (KO) lines of genes of NIP family (OsLsi1, OsNIP3;1) and an anion transporter family (OsLsi2), in order to assess their impact on As accumulation and stress tolerance in rice. KO lines were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, and the As accumulation patterns, physiological performance, and grain yield were compared against wild-type (WT) under As-treated conditions. KO lines exhibited significantly reduced As accumulation in grain compared to WT. Notably, Osnip3;1 KO line displayed reduced As in xylem sap (71–74%) and grain (32–46%) upon treatment. Additionally, these lines demonstrated improved silicon (23%) uptake, photosynthetic pigment concentrations (Chl a: 77%; Chl b: 79%, Total Chl: 79% & Carotenoid: 49%) overall physiological and agronomical performance under As stress compared to WT. This study successfully utilized genome editing for the first time to identify OsNIP3;1 as a potential target for manipulating As accumulation in rice without compromising grain yield or plant vigor.

QTLs and Genes for Salt Stress Tolerance: A Journey from Seed to Seed Continued.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial crop contributing to global food security; however, its production is susceptible to salinity, a significant abiotic stressor that negatively impacts plant germination, vigour, and yield, degrading crop production. Due to the presence of exchangeable sodium ions (Na+), the affected plants sustain two-way damage resulting in initial osmotic stress and subsequent ion toxicity in the plants, which alters the cell's ionic homeostasis and physiological status. To adapt to salt stress, plants sense and transfer osmotic and ionic signals into their respective cells, which results in alterations of their cellular properties. No specific Na+ sensor or receptor has been identified in plants for salt stress other than the SOS pathway. Increasing productivity under salt-affected soils necessitates conventional breeding supplemented with biotechnological interventions. However, knowledge of the genetic basis of salinity stress tolerance in the breeding pool is somewhat limited because of the complicated architecture of salinity stress tolerance, which needs to be expanded to create salt-tolerant variants with better adaptability. A comprehensive study that emphasizes the QTLs, genes and governing mechanisms for salt stress tolerance is discussed in the present study for future research in crop improvement.

Management of bacterial blight ofcarrots by phenolic compounds treatment.

Bacterial blight is a serious disease of carrot production worldwide. Under favorable conditions, the causal organism Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae causes serious loss especially in seed production because of its seed-borne character. Unlike fungal diseases, the treatment of bacterial diseases is limited and methods such as hot water or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) treatment are mainly used by seed companies. Here, we compared the efficacy of hot water treatment, sodium hypochlorite treatment and treatment with three phenolic compounds-carvacrol, thymol and eugenol, to eliminate Xanthomonas growth in vitro and subsequently in vivo on seeds of Xhc low, medium and highly infested carrot seed lots. The complete elimination of Xhc from germinated plants was obtained only for Xhc low infested seed lot with 1% sodium hypochlorite and carvacrol solutions in concentrations of 0.0196%- 0.313%. The significant reduction of Xhc presence in germinated plants of Xhc medium infested seed lot was achieved with 1% sodium hypochlorite treatment and hot water treatment. However, hot water treatment resulted in a significant reduction of seed germination percentage as well. Considering the elimination of Xhc infection from germinated plants and the effect on seed germination and plant vigor, 0.0196% carvacrol solution was suggested as an alternative to 1% sodium hypochlorite treatment regarding additional costs related to the liquidation of used treated water and to hot water treatment that has been proved to be insufficient to obtain disease-free plants.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity, biochemical profiles, bioaccumulation hazard, and toxicity implications of battery manufacturing industrial discharge using a soilless cultivation system

This study has been devoted to the compositional evaluation of battery manufacturing industrial discharge (ID) and comprehensive assessment of: (i) plant vigor, chlorophylls contents, oxidative stress biomarkers; (ii) antioxidant defense system; (iii) non-enzymatic antioxidant responses; (iv) bioaccumulative profiles of toxic pollutants; and (v) in vitro genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of the four weeks ID-irrigated Ipomoea aquatica. Pb was identified as the dominating pollutant (5.35 mg/L) in the ID, with the accumulative profiles ranging from 0.002 to 1.36 mg/kg dry weight, in the descending order of root > shoot > leaf within Ipomoea aquatica. Profound inhibition of roots (26.60%) and shoots growth (20.53%), reduction of chlorophylls contents (39.81%), excessive-generation of superoxide anion (53.33%), hydrogen peroxide (55%), and lipid peroxidation (26.15%) were recorded. Antioxidant enzymes were up-regulated while the ferric reducing antioxidant power and radicals scavenging activities were concurrently enhanced. The in vitro toxicity of ID was verified by the significant dose-dependent increase in the mitochondrial respiratory inhibition associated-cell death and DNA destruction in the HepG2 cell (p < 0.05). These acquired findings have signified the threatening implications of Pb-contaminated ID-assisted irrigation on the sustainability of environmental and public health, and food security management.

Impacts of greenhouse fertilization and planting season on survival and reproductive potential of Silene regia transplants

Restoration of rare plants is essential to maintain species diversity in natural areas. The methods used to grow and plant these rare plants for restoration impact seedling health and potentially the success of restoration attempts. We evaluated how different fertilizers and planting seasons impacted survival and reproductive potential for transplants of Silene regia. Plants were grown from seeds in greenhouses with four fertilizer treatments: slow‐release, liquid biweekly (every other week), liquid weekly, and control (no fertilizer). Transplanting was conducted in spring and fall for 2 years (2010 and 2011) at three sites. Number of leaves on transplants were counted before planting. Plants were counted over the growing seasons for 8 years (2010–2017) to determine survival and stem elongation (an indication of reproductive potential). Transplants produced the most leaves with slow‐release, followed by both liquid fertilizers and the fewest leaves with no fertilizer. The fertilizer type had a limited effect, but plants grown with fertilizer had increased survival and stem elongation relative to no fertilizer when a fertilizer effect was found. Planting season had a more consistent effect, with spring having higher survival and stem elongation. Sites differed for all measured parameters. Year‐to‐year survival was initially high, then dropped after 3–5 years, and less than 20% of plants remained by 2017. These findings demonstrate the value of pre‐planting fertilizer to provide vigorous transplants and planting season for reintroductions. Finally, multiple sites and long‐term monitoring are important to ensure success for reintroductions of rare species such as S. regia.

Standardization of the accelerated aging test methodology for snap bean seed to differentiate batches by physiological quality

ABSTRACT Seed quality is extremely important for the entire production chain, given that good quality seeds contribute to obtaining vigorous and productive plants. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of batches through vigor tests to complement the results obtained from the standard germination test. Because snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is propagated through seed, this work was undertaken to standardize the methodology of accelerated aging test for snap bean seed compared to the standard germination test to differentiate batches in terms of physiological quality. The study utilized the cvs “Top Seed” and “Feltrin,” with 48, 72 or 96 h exposure periods and temperatures ranging from 15 to 40°C. There were four replications of 50 seeds for each condition. During the germination test, the percentage of first germination count and total germination were analyzed, and the vigor was expressed as a percentage during the accelerated aging test. The accelerated aging test for snap bean seed should be conducted at a temperature of 41°C, with an exposure period of 72 h, considering that this methodology allows differentiating seed batches in terms of physiological quality, contributing to decision-making in the seed production chain. The accelerated aging test was more efficient than the standard germination test in differentiating batches of snap bean seed, proving to be a possible alternative to evaluating the physiological quality of batches of snap bean seed.

Diverse projected climate change scenarios affect the physiology of broccoli plants to different extents.

Climate change caused by global warming involves crucial plant growth factors such as atmospheric CO2 concentration, ambient temperature or water availability. These stressors usually co-occur, causing intricate alterations in plant physiology and development. This work focuses on how elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, together with the concomitant high temperature, would affect the physiology of a relevant crop, such as broccoli. Particular attention has been paid to those defence mechanisms that contribute to plant fitness under abiotic stress. Results show that both photosynthesis and leaf transpiration were reduced in plants grown under climate change environments compared to those grown under current climate conditions. Furthermore, an induction of carbohydrate catabolism pointed to a redistribution from primary to secondary metabolism. This result could be related to a reinforcement of cell walls, as well as to an increase in the pool of antioxidants in the leaves. Broccoli plants, a C3 crop, grown under an intermediate condition showed activation of those adaptive mechanisms, which would contribute to coping with abiotic stress, as confirmed by reduced levels of lipid peroxidation relative to current climate conditions. On the contrary, the most severe climate change scenario exceeded the adaptive capacity of broccoli plants, as shown by the inhibition of growth and reduced vigour of plants. In conclusion, only a moderate increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature would not have a negative impact on broccoli crop yields.

Cotton host resistance as a tool for managing Rotylenchulus reniformis in Louisiana.

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, is a major yield-limiting pest of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in the United States that has been steadily increasing in incidence in many states. Reniform nematode-resistant cotton cultivars have recently become commercially available for cotton producers; however, few field trials have evaluated their efficacy as a nematode management tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate reniform nematode population development, plant growth, and seed cotton yield of reniform nematode-resistant cotton cultivars in two nematode-infested fields in Louisiana. Replicated small-plot field trials were conducted in St. Joseph, LA (NERS field) and Winnsboro, LA (MRRS field) during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. In 2022, cultivars evaluated included: (1) DP 1646 B2XF (susceptible/tolerant), (2) DP 2141NR B3XF (resistant), (3) PHY 332 W3FE (resistant), (4) PHY 411 W3FE (resistant), and (5) PHY 443 W3FE (resistant). In 2023, an additional susceptible cotton cultivar, PHY 340 W3FE, was also included. All nematode-resistant cotton cultivars evaluated provided suppression of reniform nematode population development relative to that of the susceptible cotton cultivars, with suppression of nematode soil population densities at harvest ranging from 49 - 81% relative to DP 1646 B2XF. The resistant cultivar PHY 411 W3FE provided the most consistent suppression of reniform nematode population development, reducing reniform nematode soil population densities at harvest in both field locations and both trial years. In contrast, DP 2141NR B3XF only reduced soil population densities at harvest in the NERS field in 2023. Despite relatively consistent nematode suppression and improvements in plant vigor ratings and canopy coverage associated with the resistant cotton cultivars, a yield increase was only observed with PHY 332 W3FE and PHY 411 W3FE planted at the NERS field in 2023. Despite strong resistance to reniform nematode in the evaluated cotton cultivars, nematode soil population densities still increased during the growing season in plots planted with resistant cotton cultivars, emphasizing the need for additional management tactics to use alongside host resistance. This study indicates that new reniform nematode-resistant cotton cultivars show promising potential to reduce nematode population development during the growing season in Louisiana.

Characterization of phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance in selected common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding material

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the major common bean disease worldwide causing complete yield loss under favourable disease conditions. This study aimed to determine phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance for future use in breeding programmes. Twenty-two common bean varieties (CBVs) were selected basing on susceptibility to anthracnose, advanced breeding lines, improved variety resembling advanced breeding lines and the farmer variety widely grown in Tanzania. Selected varieties were planted in anthracnose hotspot fields and the same CBVs were planted in a screen house to validate resistance to anthracnose. Anthracnose infection score, leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole, plant vigour, canopy height and canopy width were recorded. Data on number of plants emerging; days to flowering; days to maturity; plant stands at harvest; and grain yield were also collected and analysed using R software. Phenotypic traits evaluated differed significantly among genotypes, environment and genotype by environment interaction. Seventy-five percent of phenotypic traits evaluated were positively correlated to anthracnose resistance.Highly-strong correlations to anthracnose were observed on number of days to maturity, plant stands at harvest, plant vigour and grain yield. Leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole and number of stands emerging were strongly correlated to anthracnose resistance. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis (AMMI) revealed highest contribution of environment on anthracnose infection-58.9% and grain yield −84.9% compared to genotype effects on anthracnose infection −32.7% and grain yield-15.7%. Based on these results, four traits – plant vigour, number of days to maturity, number of plant stands at harvest and grain yield – are recommended for selecting anthracnose-resistant varieties. NUA 48, NUA 64 and RWR 2154 were superior varieties, resistant to anthracnose and high yielding, while Sweet Violet and VTT 923-23-10 were most stable varieties across environments. Further on-farm research is suggested to assess their performance and identify traits preferred by farmers.

Enhancing cotton sustainability: Multi-factorial intercropping, irrigation, and weed effects on productivity, quality and physiology

Drought stress and weed infestation are significant factors that significantly decrease cotton yield. Increasing the variety of plants within a cotton field ecosystem can strengthen its stability and protect it from susceptibility to both biotic and abiotic pressures. In this two-year experiment (2021 and 2022), the effects of intercropping systems (four growth conditions including mono- and inter-cropped cotton varieties Golestan and Hekmat with Nepeta crispa and dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica)), irrigation (three intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days), and weed competition (weed-free and weedy plots) on the agronomic performance, physiological characteristics, and seed quality of cotton in a semi-arid region of Iran were studied. In 2021, the volume of irrigation water applied was 9873, 6100, and 4650 m3 ha−1 for irrigation intervals of 3, 6, and 9 days, respectively. In 2022, the volumes were 9071, 5605, and 4272 m3 ha−1 for the corresponding irrigation intervals. Over two years, Xanthium strumarium, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Portulaca oleracea were the dominant weed species. Weeds had the most significant impact on total dry weight; weed control increased plant vigor and growth, ranging from 1.4 to 2.3 times, while weed impact on cottonseed yield ranged from 18% to 96% reduction. Increasing irrigation intervals resulted in reductions in various parameters, with decreases of 39%–80% in total dry weight, 34%–57% in cottonseed yield, and 48%–72% in lint yield. The harvest indices for seed cotton, cottonseed, and lint ranged from 35.3% to 56.5%, 18.3%–35.0%, and 15.4%–20.5%, respectively. Weeds were responsible for a 17% decrease in the 1000-seed weight. As the irrigation intervals increased from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days, the number of bolls per plant decreased by 19%–85%. Extending the irrigation interval from 3 days to 6 days and 9 days resulted in a substantial decrease in the photosynthetic rate, ranging from 42% to 92%. Mono-cropped Golestan performed well under unstressed conditions such as 3-day interval irrigation and weed-free conditions. On the other hand, intercropped Hekmat demonstrated better resilience to both moisture and weed stresses. The LER (Land equivalent ratio) indices of both intercropping systems were generally favorable, indicating higher productivity compared to sole cropping. The intercropping systems consistently showed the highest LER indices under weedy conditions, highlighting the significance of intercropping as a valuable method in integrated weed management.

Epidemiological etiology of Erysiphe sp. and putative viral and phytoplasma-like symptoms in Ayocote bean (Phaseolus coccineus)

Introduction/Objective. Ayocote bean (Phaseolus coccineus) has potential as a source of resistance in breeding programs because it exhibits greater tolerance to plant pathogens than P. vulgaris. However, its sanitary characterization is insipient; therefore, the purpose of this work was to carry out an etiological-epidemiological diagnosis, with emphasis on presumptive symptoms of viral and phytoplasmic organisms, and a typical fungal signs of powdery mildew. Materials and Methods. A plot (50 x 62 m) of flowering Ayocote bean was selected. It was divided into 80 (8 x 10) quadrats (6 x 6 m) and 720 subquadrats (2 x 2 m). From 25 plants with powdery-mildew-type leaf symptoms, mycelium was collected with adhesive tape for light microscopy observation and taxonomic identification. Length-width measurements were made on 60 conidia. Pure mycelium collected in situ and ex situ from 1-5 leaflets/plant was used for genomic analysis by PCR with universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. Samples were sequenced in Macrogen Inc. Korea. A total of 63 plants and 121 trifoliate leaves with viral and phytoplasmic symptoms were collected by direct sampling. In 88/121 samples, genomic analysis was performed by PCR with universal primers for Potyvirus (1), Begomovirus (2), and Phytoplasmas (1). Sequence editing and analysis were performed in SeqAssem and BLASTn/GenBank. Phylogenetic constructions were developed in Mega 11 with MUSCLE, Maximum Likelihood (ML), and HKY substitution model (1000-Bootstrap). Putative powdery mildew severity (%), flower damage (%), Macrodactylus sp. adult density, and plant vigor (%) were evaluated in 80 quadrats (3subquadrats/quadrat) with App-Monitor®v1.1 configured with a 5-class scale. In GoldenSurfer® v10, Kriging geostatistical analysis was performed to determine the spatial interrelationship between these variables. Results. Erysiphe vignae was identified as associated with powdery mildew of P. coccineus. The fungus, with hyaline, ovoid to ellipsoid conidia measuring 31.74 ± 0.3419 μm x 15.11 ± 0.1579 μm, without the presence of fibrosin bodies, had 100% genomic homology. This is the first report in Mexico. With average July-August temperature and relative humidity of 16.3 °C (±5.8) and 92.8 % (±10.7), respectively, powdery mildew leaf incidence and severity were 65.3 and 22.7 % (±16.9, range: 0 - 66.5 %), respectively. The most inductive focus (60-80 % severity) had an aggregate e 4-quadrat pattern (96 m2, lag = 4 and σ2-s = 450). Inoculum dispersal was significantly associated with dominant North-South winds and plant vigor (lag = 4 and σ2-s = 470). Flower damage was inconclusive in its spatial association with powdery mildew and Macrodactylus sp. suggesting uncorrelated events. No Potyvirus, Begomovirus, or Phytoplasmas were detected associated with yellowing, leaf distortion, mosaic, internode shortening, and other symptoms observed in situ. This confirms the relative tolerance/resistance reported for P. coccineus. Conclusion. E. vignae (Erysiphales: Erysiphaceae) associated with P. coccineus is reported for the first time in Mexico with moderate to intense epidemic level, which indicates its susceptible condition to this fungus. However, negative results for Potyvirus, Begomovirus, and Phytoplasmas, validate the apparent tolerance/resistance of P. coccineus to these organisms.

Influence of Various Bacterial and Fungal Strains on Fruit Cuttings: A Review

Microbes, especially bacteria and fungi, play a significant role in the plant's multiplication outcome as well as in regulating the success of economic yield. There are some beneficial interactions made by the various fungi and bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and endophytic fungi, which may be responsible for plant vigor, growth, shoot and root development. Bacterial and fungal strains engaged in the uptake, utilization and nutrient transportation in the earth's pores influence the distribution of essential vitamins and minerals for plant development. We may conclude that the influence of various bacterial and fungal strains on fruit cuttings is a complex and multifaceted issue. It is clear that advanced research is obligatory to better understand the precise interactions between different strains and fruit cuttings, as well as to develop strategies for managing and justifying the potential negative impacts. By achieving a deeper and clear understanding of these interactions, we can work towards optimizing health and productivity.

Enhancing Seed Germination and Seedlings Growth of Khao Dawk Mali 105 Rice Cultivar via Seed Coating and Infrared Drying Apparatus

Seed coating techniques had emerged as a promising approach for precise planting and safeguarding crops against environmental stresses. Simultaneously, infrared drying, renowned for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, held promises for enhancing the quality of drying processes. This investigation delved into the procedures applied to Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds during the coating and drying process using a prototype of the hexagonal drum. The results found that the drying temperature (factor B) and duration of drying time (factor C) had substantial primary effects (p ≤ 0.05), while the drum rotational speed (factor A) did not exert a noteworthy influence. Additionally, meaningful interactions were observed among the factors AB, AC, BC, and ABC. Impressively, it resulted in germination rates of 80.56 and 80.25 %, coupled with germination indices of 84.88 and 85.47 %, when utilizing a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-204508), and a drum speed of 10 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-104508), respectively. Additionally, the mean germination time amounted to 9.64 days, and the length of the rice seedling stem reached 13.66 cm when employing a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 50 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (R-205008). These discoveries emphasized the potential of the prototype's seed coating and infrared drying technology integration to improve rice germination and subsequent growth. This enhancement could ultimately result in higher yields and increased productivity, especially in small-scale agricultural settings. HIGHLIGHTS These discoveries emphasized the potential of the prototype's seed coating and infrared drying technology integration to improve rice germination and subsequent growth. This enhancement could ultimately result in higher yields and increased productivity, especially in small-scale agricultural settings. Ensuring precise control over drying temperature and duration is of paramount importance in establishing optimal and consistent conditions for the germination and subsequent growth of rice seeds, thereby augmenting plant vigor and overall yield The investigation determined optimal coating and drying conditions, encompassing a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying duration of 8 min (treatment R-204508), along with a drum speed of 20 rpm, a drying temperature of 45 °C, and a drying time of 8 min (treatment R-104508). These conditions resulted in the highest mean germination rates and germination indices. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Polyethylene Glycol Priming Enhances the Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi under Salt Stress.

Seed priming has become a practical pre-sowing strategy to deal with abiotic stresses. This study aims to explore the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) priming on seed germination and seedling growth of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi under salt stress. Regardless of seed priming, salt stress significantly inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of S. baicalensis. PEG priming significantly alleviates the inhibitory effects of salt stress on seed germination and seedling growth when compared to non-priming and water priming. Among all treatments, PEG priming exhibited the highest germination rate, germination potential, seed vigor index, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant length; the highest contents of proline, soluble sugar, and soluble protein; the highest K+/Na+ ratio and relative water content; the highest antioxidant activities and contents; but the lowest H2O2, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and relative electrical conductivity in response to salt stress. In addition, PEG priming had the highest transcript levels of antioxidant-related genes among all treatments under NaCl stress. Taken together, the results demonstrated that seed priming with PEG could be recommended as an effective practice to enhance the germination and early seedling growth of S. baicalensis under saline conditions.

Impact of nitrogen, sulphur and silicon application on the growth and yield of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Cauvery delta zone of Tamil Nadu

Enhancing agricultural sustainability demands optimizing fertilizer usage for increased yield. Application of key nutrients like nitrogen, essential for plant vigour, sulphur aiding metabolic processes, and silicon fortifying plant resilience, stand vital. Strategically refining the application of these elements is crucial for augmenting crop output while ensuring ecological balance. So, the field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University during Rabi season of the year 2022-2023 to study the effect of nitrogen, sulphur and silicon application on growth and yield of lowland rice. The experiments were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The treatment consisted of 100 % and 125 % nitrogen, 30 and 45 kg sulphur/ha and silicon with different combinations. Half dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potassium were applied basally just before transplanting except control treatment. 25 kg N/ha supplied through urea according to Leaf Color Chart (LCC4) reading to the respective treatment plots. Among the different treatments tried, 125% RDN (50% N basal + LCC4 @ 25kg N/ha through Urea) + 45 kg S/ha (Sulphur through Gypsum) + 200 kg Si/ha (Silicon through Diatomaceous Earth) recorded the higher plant height (110.48 cm), LAI (6.74), CGR (9.20 g/m2/day), DMP (13441 kg/ha), number of tillers/m2 (567.18), number of panicles/m2 (406.93), number of filled grains/panicle (133.13), grain yield (6419 kg/ha) and straw yield (7935 kg/ha). The results indicated that, combined use of 125 % nitrogen, 45 kg S/ha, 200 kg Si/ha improved the yield attributes and yield of rice.

Integrating Multiscale Geospatial Analysis for Monitoring Crop Growth, Nutrient Distribution, and Hydrological Dynamics in Large-Scale Agricultural Systems

Monitoring crop growth, soil conditions, and hydrological dynamics are imperative for sustainable agriculture and reduced environmental impacts. This interdisciplinary study integrates remote sensing, digital soil mapping, and hydrological data to elucidate intricate connections between these factors in the state of Ohio, USA. Advanced spatiotemporal analysis techniques were applied to key datasets, including the MODIS sensor satellite imagery, USDA crop data, soil datasets, Aster GDEM, and USGS stream gauge measurements. Vegetation indices derived from MODIS characterized crop-specific phenology and productivity patterns. Exploratory spatial data analysis show relationships of vegetation dynamics and soil properties, uncovering links between plant vigor, edaphic fertility, and nutrient distributions. Correlation analysis quantified these relationships and their seasonal evolution. Examination of stream gauge data revealed insights into spatiotemporal relationships of nutrient pollution and stream discharge. By synthesizing diverse geospatial data through cutting-edge data analytics, this work illuminated complex interactions between crop health, soil nutrients, and water quality in Ohio. The methodology and findings provide actionable perspectives to inform sustainable agricultural management and environmental policy. This study demonstrates the significant potential of open geospatial resources when integrated using a robust spatiotemporal framework. Integrating additional measurements and high-resolution data sources through advanced analytics and interactive visualizations could strengthen these insights.

Mitigation effect of alpha-tocopherol and thermo-priming in Brassica napus L. under induced mercuric chloride stress

Soil pollution with heavy metals has grown to be a big hassle, leading to the loss in farming production particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, where no proper channel is present for irrigation and extraction of these toxic heavy metals. The present study aims to ameliorate the damages caused by heavy metal ions (Hg-Mercury) on rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) via a growth regulator (α-tocopherol 150 mg/L) and thermopriming technique at 4 °C and 50 °C to maintain plant agronomical and physiological characteristics. In pot experiments, we designed total of 11 treatments viz.( T0 (control), T1 (Hg4ppm), T2 (Hg8ppm), T3 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C), T4 (Hg4ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 m/L)), T5 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C), T6 (Hg4ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T7 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C), T8 (Hg8ppm + 4 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L)), T9 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C), T10 (Hg8ppm + 50 °C + tocopherol (150 mg/L) the results revealed that chlorophyll content at p < 0.05 with growth regulator and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and malondialdehyde enhanced up to the maximum level at T5 = Hg4ppm + 50 °C (50 °C thermopriming under 4 ppm mercuric chloride stress), suggesting that high temperature initiate the antioxidant system to reduce photosystem damage. However, protein, proline, superoxide dismutase at p < 0.05, and carotenoid, soluble sugar, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) 50 °C thermopriming under 8 ppm high mercuric chloride stress (T9 = Hg8ppm + 50 °C) representing the tolerance of selected specie by synthesizing osmolytes to resist oxidation mechanism. Furthermore, reduction in % MC (moisture content) is easily improved with foliar application of α-tocopherol and 50 °C thermopriming and 4 ppm heavy metal stress at T6 = Hg4ppm + 50 °C + α-tocopherol (150 mg/L), with a remarkable increase in plant vigor and germination energy. It has resulted that the inhibitory effect of only lower concentration (4 ppm) of heavy metal stress was ameliorated by exogenous application of α-tocopherol and thermopriming technique by synthesizing high levels of proline and antioxidant activities in maintaining seedling growth and development on heavy metal contaminated soil.

Genotypic influence in the juvenile to adult transition in olive seedlings.

Olive breeding is a long process and any improvement in shortening the juvenile phase is highly desirable. In the present study, the effect of olive tree parents in different agronomic characteristics have been evaluated during four years in 520 olive genotypes generated from three different crosses in three different experimental fields, all located in Andalusia region, Spain. The crosses evaluated are 'Arbosana' x 'Sikitita' and its reciprocal, whose parents are characterized by being early bearers; and 'Frantoio' free pollinated, whose mother variety is characterized by having a long unproductive period. We studied plant height, distance and time to the first flowering, plant vigor and percentage of olive oil in the fruits. The findings reveal that progeny from 'Arbosana' and 'Sikitita' crosses, irrespective of the direction of the cross, exhibited a lower distance to flower, early bearing, reduced vigor and a lower percentage of olive oil in fruit compared to 'Frantoio' seedlings obtained from free pollination. Furthermore, no discernible differences were observed in the evaluated characteristics when comparing reciprocal crosses across the three fields in the four-years assessment period. Therefore, these results highlight the significance of planting height in reducing the evaluation period required in an olive breeding program and support the hypothesis that there is no maternal effect in the inheritance of the evaluated agronomic characteristics in olive trees.