Reproductive Parts Research Articles

Can resin extraction have an effect on the reproductive biology in burseraceae species?: A global analysis

Plant reproductive biology encompasses the study of sexual and asexual reproduction, as well as morphological, physiological, ecological, and genetic aspects influencing these processes. Management can influence reproduction of plants and associated attributes. For economically and culturally important species, it is known that exudates affect biomass of reproductive parts, but limited information is available on how reproductive biology is affected by harvest of exudates. This study reviews the effects of resins extraction in economic and culturally important species of Burseraceae. We conducted a systematic review on studies of floral biology, management, propagation and germination, resource allocation and pollination, hypothesizing that the extraction of exudates negatively impacts the reproductive biology of these plants by altering their mating system, pollination, and reproductive success as a consequence of resource reallocation. We identified that dioecy is the most frequent mating system in Burseraceae plants, and the extraction of exudates negatively affects the reproductive success of the species utilized, since it is related to a decrease in the number of flowers, fruits, and seeds, as well as in the percentage of viability and seed germination. Our review suggests the relevance of conducting studies on the ecophysiological effects of management on resiniferous species. Furthermore, it highlights the difficulty of detecting clear patterns, specific studies should be carried out to corroborate the hypothesis derived from this review. We propose specific strategies that better explore the effect of human management and exudate extraction techniques on vital processes such as germination, development, growth, reproduction, and pollination, in species that are used for this purpose.

Developing Genetic Engineering Techniques for Control of Seed Size and Yield.

Many signaling pathways regulate seed size through the development of endosperm and maternal tissues, which ultimately results in a range of variations in seed size or weight. Seed size can be determined through the development of zygotic tissues (endosperm and embryo) and maternal ovules. In addition, in some species such as rice, seed size is largely determined by husk growth. Transcription regulator factors are responsible for enhancing cell growth in the maternal ovule, resulting in seed growth. Phytohormones induce significant effects on entire features of growth and development of plants and also regulate seed size. Moreover, the vegetative parts are the major source of nutrients, including the majority of carbon and nitrogen-containing molecules for the reproductive part to control seed size. There is a need to increase the size of seeds without affecting the number of seeds in plants through conventional breeding programs to improve grain yield. In the past decades, many important genetic factors affecting seed size and yield have been identified and studied. These important factors constitute dynamic regulatory networks governing the seed size in response to environmental stimuli. In this review, we summarized recent advances regarding the molecular factors regulating seed size in Arabidopsis and other crops, followed by discussions on strategies to comprehend crops' genetic and molecular aspects in balancing seed size and yield.

Lepidopteran Insects Status and Diversity: A Review

The second largest and most well-known insect order Lepidoptera includes both butterflies and moths in the world. This study was started based on secondary information from present literature from different countries on the flora and fauna. So far, much study work was completed on this subject but those workers were not existing to the extension employees, policymakers, and the public in an efficient way to date. In this review paper, we can give the recent data on etymology, distribution and diversity, external morphology, different morphological parts of caterpillar, internal morphology, digestive system, circulatory system, reproduction and growth, respiratory system, and growth and role of the olfactive process in larval and adult lepidopteran insects. There are over one hundred and eighty thousand Lepidoptera species described, divided into one hundred and twenty-six families and forty-six superfamilies, and the total number of living beings was labeled as about ten percent. A result found is that the species of moths is about one hundred sixty thousand compared to one hundred seventy thousand five hundred species of butterflies in the world. Butterflies are an important category of insects that can function as sensors of environmental change. Butterflies are insects from the order Lepidoptera's macro-lepidopteran clade Rhopalocera. The study focused on the lepidopteran insects and the diversity of the world. It presents the review of research imperfect data on specific knowledge in diverse agroecological zones. This study acknowledged investigating breaches in different countries of the world. It also provides information on lepidopterans as alternative food and financial source of the world. It also helps in the sustainable agricultural field.

PM 3/66 (3) Guidelines for the management of plant health risks of biowaste of plant origin

<scp>PM</scp> 3/66 (3) Guidelines for the management of plant health risks of biowaste of plant origin

Cloning and in silico characterization of an abiotic stress-inducible U-box domain-containing protein gene GsPUB8 from Glycine soja

The ubiquitination pathway is involved in the posttranslational modification of cellular proteins. However, the role of E3 ubiquitin ligase family proteins under abiotic stress conditions remains unclear, particularly in soybean. The core objective of the current study was to isolate and functionally characterize the GsPUB8 protein gene from wild soybean (Glycine soja) by using a homologous cloning method to investigate its abiotic stress responses. The GsPUB8 is a 40,562 Da molecular weight protein with 373 amino acid residues. The sequence alignment revealed the presence of U-box domain while the phylogenetic analysis showed an abundance of PUB8 proteins in both monocot and dicot plants. Analysis of gene structure predicted the absence of introns along with the presence of one exon. Furthermore, the activity of the GsPUB8 protein was anticipated in the plasma membrane and its expression was persuaded with NaCl, ABA, PEG6000, and NaHCO3 treatments with considerably higher manifestation in roots than leaves although, expressed in both vegetative and reproductive parts of G. soja. GsPUB8 protein showed 54% and 32% sequence identity to U-box domain containing 8 and 12 proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa subsp. japonica, respectively. GsPUB8 exhibited relatively higher expression under saline and drought stress particularly in roots. Whereas, the 3D model of GsPUB8 protein was generated using the SWISS-MODEL. This study can be used to manipulate the GsPUB8 protein or GsPUB8 gene for transformation purposes and its functional characterization under abiotic stress conditions.

Applications to Control the Estrus Cycle in Bovines via Estrus Synchronization: A Review

Estrus Synchronization is the main application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), it helps in the control of the estrus cycle with the basic help of Hormones and adds controlled Artificial Insemination, reduction in Calving interval which saves time, labor cost and effective dairy farm management. Moreover, old reproductive management is too expensive and it becomes the root of the loss of milk and meat production, it is also costly in case of labor, feed, estrus detection, long inter calving interval, postpartum estrus detection and other disease problems. To get rid of these expensive traditional practices ART has developed many methods to control estrus cycle physiology and endocrinology. Estrus synchronization tools developed in recent breeding management of dairy herds in dairy industries have become an essential part of reproduction. Many of them rely on protocols that allow timed artificial insemination (TAI) to overcome the practical anomalies during estrus detection. Currently developed programs consist of protocols that are used for re-synchronization following first or consequent inseminations. Many programs include scheduled injections of Prostaglandin (PgF2α) and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Meanwhile, progesterone and estradiol based supplements are also required in many techniques. The main program used for synchronization is "Ovsynch" protocol. Moreover, this review is based on the introduction, history, principles, factors and methods of estrus synchronization that are mostly used for profitable dairy farming, it will assist in the understanding of the basic mechanism that is involved in the control of estrus cycle.

The legacy of forest logging on organic matter inputs and storage in tropical streams

AbstractRiparian forests play an important role in stream ecosystems, as they support biodiversity, reduce water erosion, and provide litter that fuels aquatic biota. However, they are affected by great array of anthropogenic threats (e.g., fire, logging, and organic pollution), which alter species composition and their physical structure. Although forest recovery after disturbance such as logging can take decades, the legacy of forest clear‐cut logging on key processes in tropical riparian ecosystems is mostly unknown. Here, we investigated how litter inputs (leaves, twigs, and reproductive parts) and storage, key processes for carbon and nutrient recycling and for forest and stream biota, are influenced by riparian vegetation undergoing succession (after 28 years from logging) through the comparison of reference and logged forest sites in the Cerrado biome. Litterfall was overall similar between forest types, but litterfall of twigs was twofold higher at logged than reference sites. Similarly, litter inputs from the bank to the stream (i.e., lateral inputs) and streambed storage were 50–60% higher at logged than reference sites. The higher litterfall observed in logged forests could be related to higher proportion of tree species that are characteristic of primary and secondary successional stages, including fast‐growing and liana species, which often are more productive and common in anthropogenic areas. Our results showed that the legacy impact of clear‐cut logging, even if residual woody vegetation is maintained in riparian buffers, can shift the type, quantity, and seasonality of litter subsidies to tropical streams. This knowledge should be considered within the context of management and conservation of communities and ecosystem processes in the forest‐stream interfaces.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

Genome wide identification and characterization of MAPK genes reveals their potential in enhancing drought and salt stress tolerance in Gossypium hirsutum

BackgroundThe cotton crop is universally considered as protein and edible oil source besides the major contributor of natural fiber and is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world Unpredicted environmental stresses are becoming significant threats to sustainable cotton production, ultimately leading to a substantial irreversible economic loss. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is generally considered essential for recognizing environmental stresses through phosphorylating downstream signal pathways and plays a vital role in numerous biological processes.ResultsWe have identified 74 MAPK genes across cotton, 41 from G. hirsutum, 19 from G. raimondii, whereas 14 have been identified from G. arboreum. The MAPK gene-proteins have been further studied to determine their physicochemical characteristics and other essential features. In this perspective, characterization, phylogenetic relationship, chromosomal mapping, gene motif, cis-regulatory element, and subcellular localization were carried out. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the MAPK family in cotton is usually categorized as A, B, C, D, and E clade. According to the results of the phylogenic relationship, cotton has more MAPKS genes in Clade A than Clade B. The cis-elements identified were classified into five groups (hormone responsiveness, light responsiveness, stress responsiveness, cellular development, and binding site). The prevalence of such elements across the promoter region of these genes signifies their role in the growth and development of plants. Seven GHMAPK genes (GH_A07G1527, GH_D02G1138, GH_D03G0121, GH_D03G1517, GH_D05G1003, GH_D11G0040, and GH_D12G2528) were selected, and specific tissue expression and profiling were performed across drought and salt stresses. Results expressed that six genes were upregulated under drought treatment except for GH_D11G0040 which is downregulated. Whereas all the seven genes have been upregulated at various hours of salt stress treatment.ConclusionsRNA sequence and qPCR results showed that genes as differentially expressed across both vegetative and reproductive plant parts. Similarly, the qPCR analysis showed that six genes had been upregulated substantially through drought treatment while all the seven genes were upregulated across salt treatments. The results of this study showed that cotton GHMPK3 genes play an important role in improving cotton resistance to drought and salt stresses. MAPKs are thought to play a significant regulatory function in plants' responses to abiotic stresses according to various studies. MAPKs' involvement in abiotic stress signaling and innovation is a key goal for crop species research, especially in crop breeding.

Nutrient return through decomposing Coriaria nepalensis litter in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya, India

Coriaria nepalensis, a nitrogen-fixing actinorhizal shrub, is a prominent and successful colonizer of bare rocks and landslide affected degraded lands. Field experiments were conducted to determine the differences in biomass decomposition and nutrient release pattern of different plant parts ofC. nepalensisusing litter bag technique. Results showed that the leaves decomposed completely within 6 months while only 46.55% of the lateral roots were decomposed with slowest decomposition rate of 0.14% day–1. The decomposition rate was in the order: Leaves &amp;gt; Reproductive parts &amp;gt; Twigs (&amp;lt; 5 mm) &amp;gt; Twigs (&amp;gt; 5 mm) &amp;gt; Bark &amp;gt; Fine roots &amp;gt; Lateral roots. The decay rate coefficient was highest (0.003–0.014) for leaves and lowest (0.001–0.002) for lateral roots. During the decomposition cycle (364 days), overall increase was reported in nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, while potassium concentration decreased continuously in residual litters. The nutrient mobility was in the order: K &amp;gt; P &amp;gt; N. Climatic factors like temperature, relative humidity and rainfall significantly affected the decomposition process and among these factors, rainfall pattern emerged as a most effective environmental driver. Thus, taking into account initial nutrient content, nutrient release and decay rates, the leaves and reproductive parts ofC. nepalensisproved to be more important as nutrient source than other components.

The protein–protein interaction landscape of transcription factors during gynoecium development in Arabidopsis

Flowers are composed of organs whose identity is defined by the combinatorial activity of transcription factors (TFs). The interactions between MADS-box TFs and protein complex formation have been schematized in the floral quartet model of flower development. The gynoecium is the flower's female reproductive part, crucial for fruit and seed production and, hence, for reproductive success. After the establishment of carpel identity, many tissues arise to form a mature gynoecium. TFs have been described as regulators of gynoecium development, and some interactions and complexes have been identified. However, broad knowledge about the interactions among these TFs and their participation during development remains scarce. In this study, we used a systems biology approach to understand the formation of a complex reproductive unit-as the gynoecium-by mapping binary interactions between well-characterized TFs. We analyzed almost 4500 combinations and detected more than 250 protein-protein interactions (PPIs), resulting in a process-specific interaction map. Topological analyses suggest hidden functions and novel roles for many TFs. In addition, we observed a close relationship between TFs involved in auxin and cytokinin-signaling pathways and other TFs. Furthermore, we analyzed the network by combining PPI data, expression, and genetic data, which helped us to dissect it into several dynamic spatio-temporal subnetworks related to gynoecium development processes. Finally, we generated an extended PPI network that predicts new players in gynoecium development. Taken together, all these results serve as a valuable resource for the plant community.

Enhancement of chromate phytoremediation and soil reclamation potential of Brassica campestris L. by Aspergillus niger.

In the past decades, chromium contamination of agricultural land has become an emerging concern. For land reclamation, several strategies including bioremediation have been used. Owing the potential of hyperaccumulators, the current project aims to enhance the phytoremediation potential of Brassica campestris L. with the application of chromate tolerant endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger CSR3. when B. campestris was watered with chromate concentration (300, 500, and 1000ppm) in the form of potassium chromate (K2CrO4), seed germination, hypocotyl length, root shoot length, and leaf area were severely reduced (p < 0.05). However, reproductive parts of the plants remained viable once initiated. Inoculation of the selected endophyte stimulated host growth, reducing the severity of the chromate stress. Interestingly, CSR3-inoculated plants accumulated 1.82-, 1.51-, and 2.16-fold greater quantities of chromate than the un-inoculated plants. To cope better with the stress, endophyte-associated host had stronger antioxidant system supported by enhanced production of nonenzymatic antioxidants (flavonoids, phenolics, and proline) and enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, APX, and POD) than the non-endophytes host plants. It may be concluded that hyperaccumulator B. campestris accumulates even higher quantities of chromate in the presence of endophytic A. niger CSR3 and tolerates elevated levels of chromate with boosted antioxidant system. Thus, hyperaccumulator host associated with heavy metal tolerant endophytic fungi can be the possible efficient way to reclaim the contaminated site from the heavy metals effectively in a short time period.

Genetic Study to Establish the Relationship between Sire Fertility and Daughter Performance Traits among Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Bull fertility assumes a vital part in bovine reproduction. Since selection intensity of bulls picked for breeding programs in dairy industry is high as they can sire extensively larger counts of offspring as compared to their female counterparts. Therefore the present study was designed to establish the relationship between the sire fertility and performance traits of the Murrah buffaloes. Methods: A total of 12898 observations were recorded with respect to routine seminal parameters from 130 Murrah breeding bulls spanning between 1995 and 2019 (25 years). Data consisted of 2161 records of 305 days milk yield (305 MY) and lactation length (LL), 2160 records of lactation milk yield (LMY), 2155 records of peak milk yield (PMY), 1905 records of average fat percentage (FP), 1542 records of service period (SP) and 1914 records of conception rate (CR) have been utilized for the current study. Breeding values with respect to 33 Murrah buffalo bulls were taken for the correlation studied and for further ranking of the sires. Result: Average mean values of seminal parameter viz. ejaculated volume (EV), colour (Col), consistency (Con), log sperm concentration (LSC), mass activity (MA), initial motility (IM) and Post-Thaw Motility (PTM) were as 3.25±0.01 (ml), 3.50±0.01 (0-5 scale), 2.52±0.04 (0-5 scale), 3.11±0.01, 2.25±0.01 (0-5 scale), 64.22±0.15 and 38.62±0.19 (%) respectively. The arithmetic means of LMY, 305 MY, PY, LL, FP, CR and SP were calculated to be 2343.33±17.77, 2142.13±13.77, 12.57±0.06, 328.41±2.11, 7.39±0.01, 0.52±0.09 and 166.36±2.75, respectively. The sire rank correlation between the seminal attributes and performance traits was ranged between -0.57±0.15 (ejaculate volume and lactation milk yield) and 0.49±0.16 (semen consistency and lactation milk yield). Association between the fertility using routine semen quality parameters would be helpful to assess the bull fertility which lead to the improvement in the herd fertility.

ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ТРАВМИРОВАНИЯ СЕМЯН В СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ МАШИНАХ

In agricultural machines, seeds are injured, which damages the crop: conditions are created for the development of harmful organisms during storage, field germination decreases. The relevance of the study of seed injury is caused by the need to improve technologies and designs of agricultural machines that reduce or eliminate seed damage. Currently, there are no studies to assess the change in the amount of grain injury over the entire production cycle. The purpose of this work is to establish the regularity of changes in grain injury in agricultural machines by stages of technology. On the basis of a specially developed end-to-end technique, the injury of wheat seeds of different varieties, differing in categories according to GOST R 52325-2005 “Varietal and sowing qualities of seeds of grain and leguminous plants” and their reproductive anatomical parts - endosperm, embryo, tuft, was experimentally investigated. A new concept of “degree of injury” is introduced and a formula for its calculation is proposed, which allows quantifying the amount of injury to grain seeds and their anatomical parts. It was revealed that the greatest injury occurs in combine harvesters, where the degree of injury is 36.1 ...44.2%. It is established that at each stage, regardless of the technology used, the complex of machines and equipment, the number of injured seeds increases: during post-harvest processing, taking into account the separation of part of the injured grains, which cannot be tracked by 0.1 ...3.3%; when removing from storage and final processing of seed material before etching by 5.0... 10.4%; in a etching machine with screw loading and unloading devices by 7.3 %; in a screw-type seed loader by 4.9%; in seeding machines of individual dosing and gravity feeding of seeds into coulters by 2.9...3.2%, and group dosing with pneumatic transport of the sown material by 4.4...4.7%. In the end, when entering the soil, the degree of injury to wheat seeds is in the range of 57.0 ... 61.4%. Of these, with injury to the endosperm – 51.7...58.4%, germ – 1.9...2.2%, tuft – 1.1…1.8%. The lowest values were obtained when using bags for loading sowing machines, instead of a screw loader of seeders.

Tenets in Microbial Endocrinology: A New Vista in Teleost Reproduction.

Climate vulnerability and induced changes in physico-chemical properties of aquatic environment can bring impairment in metabolism, physiology and reproduction in teleost. Variation in environmental stimuli mainly acts on reproduction by interfering with steroidogenesis, gametogenesis and embryogenesis. The control on reproductive function in captivity is essential for the sustainability of aquaculture production. There are more than 3,000 teleost species across the globe having commercial importance; however, adequate quality and quantity of seed production have been the biggest bottleneck. Probiotics are widely used in aquaculture as a growth promoter, stress tolerance, pathogen inhibition, nutrient digestibility and metabolism, reproductive performance and gamete quality. As the gut microbiota exerts various effects on the intestinal milieu which influences distant organs and pathways, therefore it is considered to be a full-fledged endocrine organ. Researches on Gut-Brain-Gonad axis (GBG axis) and its importance on physiology and reproduction have already been highlighted for higher mammals; however, the study on fish physiology and reproduction is limited. While looking into the paucity of information, we have attempted to review the present status of microbiome and its interaction between the brain and gut. This review will address a process of the microbiome physiological mechanism involved in fish reproduction. The gut microbiota influences the BPG axis through a wide variety of compounds, including neuropeptides, neurotransmitter homologs and transmitters. Currently, research is being conducted to determine the precise process by which gut microbial composition influences brain function in fish. The gut-brain bidirectional interaction can influence brain biochemistry such as GABA, serotonin and tryptophan metabolites which play significant roles in CNS regulation. This review summarizes the fact, how microbes from gut, skin and other parts of the body influence fish reproduction through the Gut-Brain-Gonad axis.

Effect of dietary supplemented cocoa pod husk meal on the reproductive performance of rabbits

This study determined the dietary effect of cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) on the reproductive performance of rabbits. Twelve iso-nitrogenous (16.05% CP) and iso–caloric (2500.12 Kcal kg-1 ME) diets were formulated. The CPHM was included at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5% levels for T1, T2, T3, and T4 raw; T5, T6, T7, T8 fermented and T9, T10, T11, T12 hot–water treated CPHM. Sixty weaned rabbits between 5 and 6 weeks old of both sexes (30 males and 30 females) with mean initial body weight of 606.42±1.30g were used. The rabbits were randomly distributed using a completely randomized design (CRD). The animals were crossed at maturity for reproductive performance evaluation. Total protein concentrations of reproductive parts were determined. Result showed no significant dietary effect on reproductive performance. The 37.5% level recorded zero pregnancy in the raw and hot–water groups. Average gestation period ranged between 30 and 31 days. Average litter size at birth ranged 1 – 4 kittens. Average weaning weight ranged between 475 and 580.25g with the least weight in the raw group. Milk yield ranged between 205.46 and 262.94g. The sperm volume and gonadal sperm reserve recorded significant effect (P&lt;0.05). In the raw and hot–water groups, the sperm volume decreased marginally. The protein concentration in the testes recorded higher significant (P&lt;0.05) values in the control diet and the least value in raw group. The study concluded that fermented CPHM diets performed best at 37.5% level in terms of reproductive performance of rabbits. Keywords: Cocoa, Gonadal sperm reserve, Kindling, Milking, Sperm volume.

On the systematic position of the Early Cretaceous fern genus “Athyrium”

The oldest fossils assigned to Athyrium (mostly based on the sorus morphology) comprise fronds and spores from the Lower Cretaceous of Northeast Asia. However, most molecular dating suggests that extant Athyrium diverged from its sister genus during the Eocene or later, implying that the Cretaceous fossils probably belong to another polypodiaceous taxon. By examining the sorus morphology of extant genera related to the family Athyriaceae, we found that the primary diagnostic feature for assigning the Cretaceous fossils to Athyrium, i.e., the sorus shape, is common to the entire extant family, or plesiomorphic for the genus. As the fronds are more commonly preserved than the reproductive parts, we compared the fossil frond morphology with those of living taxa of the family that is divided into two types. The Cretaceous fossil we examined here bears the frond’s costal groove characters on adaxial side, which is more closely related to that of the Deparia-clade instead of the clade including Athyrium and other genera of the family. The observation is further confirmed by the cladistic analysis using morphological characters. The systematic position of the Early Cretaceous “Athyrium” was resolved as a stem member of the total Athyriaceae using a tip-dating approach with the Fossilized Birth-Death model in a Bayesian framework. Our study suggests that Early Cretaceous fossils previously assigned to Athyrium require taxonomic revision.

UHPLC assessment of embelin in specialized mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum (L) Blanco

BackgroundEmbelin is one of the biologically charming natural benzoquinones with wide medicament use in therapeutics that is pertained to its unique biochemical structure. Mostly, the plants belonging to Myrsinaceae family especially the fruits of genus Embelia are rich source of embelin. However, the colossal use of these plants as an active ingredient in several drug formulations has led toward their decrease population number increasing the threat status. This major issue requires a well-versed scientific approach to search for suitable alternative substitute that can be used as an active embelin source. On this panorama, Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco can be used as alternate source of embelin. On this aspect, all the plant parts (root, stem bark, leaf and fruit) are being estimated for embelin content both qualitatively and quantitatively using spectrophotometric and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) methods and also asserted through histochemical analysis. All the aforesaid plant parts are extracted through Soxhlet and water bath methods separately and analyzed for embelin content after isolation through column chromatography and thin layer chromatography.ResultsFrom results, it was evaluated that all plant parts showed the presence of embelin in a range of 0.17–1.95% dry wt. through UHPLC method, while the highest content was found in fruit followed by root, bark and leaves. The retention time for embelin was found to be 2.7 min.ConclusionsFrom the above experimentation, both vegetative and reproductive parts of A. corniculatum have shown the presence of embelin that can be utilized in ample amount so as to reduce the threat status of its primary source.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT FUNGICIDES TO CONTROL SOIL AND CORM-BORNE DISEASE OF SAFFRON (Crocus sativus L.) GROWN IN QUETTA, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN

To check the efficacy of different fungicides to control soil and corm borne disease of saffron (Crocus sativus) by conducting experiment at Balochistan Agriculture Research and Development Center (BARDC) Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan during the year 2019-2020. The corms were treated with one of the following fungicides; Copper Oxychloride, Cabriotop, Rovral, Vitavax Thiram, Acrobat MZ and Tanda. These corms were sown in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) along with control treatment (fungal-infected corms with no fungicide treatment). The results indicated that the positive effect of fungicides on the flower production (dry weight) of saffron was in the order of Acrobat MZ and Copper Oxychloride &gt; Rovral and Vitavax Thiram &gt; Cabriotop, Tanda and control (P &lt; 0.05). The dry flower biomass of saffron under treatment of Acrobat MZ and Copper Oxychloride was ~ 3 and 4 times greater than the flower production of control treatment. The dry weight of stigma under treatments of Acrobat MZ and Copper Oxychloride was ~2 – 3 times greater than the control treatment (P &lt; 0.05). All fungicides except Tanda significantly increased the length of stigma (2.98 – 2.82 cm) than control (2.65) (P &lt; 0.05). Acrobat MZ also significantly increased the survival of croms than control treatment. These results demonstrate that corms treated with fungicides specifically with Acrobat MZ and Copper Oxychloride not only reduce the disease incidence and pathogen population in the soil, but also improved the certain growth parameters related to vegetative and reproductive parts of saffron.

The expression of demographic costs of reproduction varies among coexisting plants with different life history traits

Abstract Demographic costs of reproduction in flowering plants should depend on life history and reproductive efforts, but how the expression of costs varies with life‐history traits is poorly understood. We experimentally increased and reduced reproductive effort (fruit production) to quantify demographic costs of reproduction in four coexisting species with contrasting growth forms (clonal vs. non‐clonal) and flower production (single‐ vs. multi‐flowered). We repeated the experiment for 3 years and measured the demographic rates the year after the treatment. In 2 years, we also quantified the costs of flower maintenance by contrasting the performance of non‐fruiting plants with intact flowers and plants with their flowers removed. Costs varied among species, in both magnitude and demographic rate affected. Costs of natural reproduction were expressed as reductions in size and fecundity next year, whereas increased reproduction additionally reduced sprouting probability. The magnitude of demographic costs of both reproduction and flower maintenance was highest in the non‐clonal, multi‐flowered species, and costs were more frequently detected in the two multi‐flowered species than in the single‐flowered ones. This may be explained by higher biomass allocation to reproductive parts and a longer flowering period in the former. Demographic costs of reproduction did not depend on clone size. Synthesis. These results document that demographic costs vary among coexisting species sharing similar niches and are associated with divergence in life‐history traits. Such trait‐dependent variation in costs may reduce competition among coexisting species and facilitate diversity.

Plant metabolism and defence strategies in the flowering stage: Time-dependent responses of leaves and flowers under attack.

Plants developing into the flowering stage undergo major physiological changes. Because flowers are reproductive tissues and resource sinks, strategies to defend them may differ from those for leaves. Thus, this study investigates the defences of flowering plants by assessing processes that sustain resistance (constitutive and induced) and tolerance to attack. We exposed the annual plant Brassica nigra to three distinct floral attackers (caterpillar, aphidand bacterial pathogen)and measured whole-plant responses at 4, 8and 12 days after the attack. We simultaneously analysed profiles of primary and secondary metabolites in leaves and inflorescencesand measured dry biomass of roots, leavesand inflorescences as proxies of resource allocation and regrowth. Regardless of treatments, inflorescences contained 1.2 to 4 times higher concentrations of primary metabolites than leaves, and up to 7 times higher concentrations of glucosinolates, which highlights the plant's high investment of resources into inflorescences. No induction of glucosinolates was detected in inflorescences, but the attack transiently affected the total concentration of soluble sugars in both leaves and inflorescences. We conclude that B.nigra evolved high constitutive rather than inducible resistance to protect their flowers; plants additionally compensated for damage by attackers viathe regrowth of reproductive parts. This strategy may be typical of annual plants.