Number Of Roots Research Articles

In vitro Propagation of <i>Citrus aurantifolia</i> and its Conservation in Pakistan

Citrus varieties are propagated by both asexual and sexual methods. Generally, rootstocks are propagated sexually through seeds, while most of the commercial varieties are propagated by various asexual methods such as grafting and budding. The technology called plant tissue culture is used for commercial production of plants that are microbe and virus free and to save germplasm of infrequent or threatened species of plants. Fast reproduction techniques have the potential to produce plants free of viruses. Likewise, traditional propagation methods are old, time consuming and are difficult. Tissue culture techniques are assumed for reliable commercial production of economically important plants. In present study shoot tips of Citrus aurantifolia were collected from the field of BCI, NARC. Different disinfectant (Ethanol and NaOCl) with the concentration ranging from 10 to 20 percent were used for culture establishment. Maximum survival percentage was observed in 10% NaOCl. After 5 weeks, established cultures were shifted to hormonal growth media (BAP, GA3 and NAA) at the concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 mg/L. Our finding results that maximum phenotypic characters (plant height, number of leaves and number of shoots were observed on BAP at the concentration of 0.1 to 0.3 mg/L, while maximum number of roots were observed on NAA at the concentration of 0.5mg/L. In present study, for in vitro conservation different conservants like sorbitol and mannitol (10, 20 and 30 g/L) were used. Incubation of cultures was maintained at 21°C under the light intensity of 1000 lux. Old cultures of Citrus aurantifolia were shifted in conservant media. Overall, remarkable difference was observed. In present study mannitol at the concentration of (10, 20 and 30 g/L) showed slow growth after 35 days. In future the plants in conservation media will be used for further propagation and for growing them in fields.

In vitro response of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) plantlets to flooding stress

Flooding caused by climate change puts the productivity of sugarcane cultivation at risk. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of in vitro flooding stress on sugarcane plantlets. Sugarcane plantlets were grown in test tubes containing Murashige and Skoog semi-solid medium without growth regulators as a control treatment and two stress levels using a double layer with sterile distilled water to simulate hypoxia and anoxia. After 15 d of culture, the number of new shoots, plantlet height, number of leaves, number of roots, root length, stomatal density, percentage of closed stomata and percentage of dry matter were evaluated. In addition, biochemical variables such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), Rubisco, total proteins (TP), proline (Pr), glycine-betaine (GB), phenols, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined in all treatments. Results showed a higher number of new shoots, leaves and percentage of closed stomata in the flooded plantlets, while plantlet height, number of roots, stomatal density, and dry matter were higher in the control treatment. Regarding, chlorophyll, carotenoid, PEP and Rubisco contents decreased in the flooded treatments, while TP and phenol contents were higher in the partially submerged treatment. Antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation increased in the fully submerged treatment. Pr and GB contents did not show changes in any of the evaluated treatments. Stress induced by excess water in a double layer in vitro is an alternative method to determining physiological and biochemical mechanisms of tolerance to hypoxia and anoxia caused by flooding for breeding programs in sugarcane.

Blackberry synthetic seeds storage: effects of temperature, time, and sowing substrate

In vitro propagation, is becoming the predominant method for blackberry propagation due to its advantages compared to agamic traditional propagation methods. Synthetic seed technology represents a promising approach to further enhance the productivity of in vitro propagation facilitating the exchange of plant materials among laboratories and contributing to germplasm conservation efforts. This study aimed to establish an optimal protocol for the storage and sowing of synthetic blackberry seeds obtained through the encapsulation of clump bases. The synthetic seeds were sown without storage (Control) and after storage periods of 30, 60, and 120 days at 4 °C and 25 °C in the dark, in three different substrates (agarised, perlite, and potting). After forty-five days from sowing viability, regeneration rate, shoot and root numbers and lengths, as well as fresh and dry weights of the plantlets, were assessed. Results indicated that agarised substrate consistently exhibited favourable outcomes, with sustained regeneration rates and robust plantlet development even after prolonged storage at 4 °C. Synthetic seeds sown in perlite and potting substrates demonstrated enhanced regeneration rates following storage at 4 °C for 60 and 120 days. On the contrary, storage at 25 °C resulted in a notable decline in regeneration rate, highlighting its inadequacy for blackberry synthetic seed conservation purposes. These findings underscore the importance of sowing substrate selection and storage temperature in optimizing the storage and sowing protocols for synthetic blackberry seeds.

Vegetative propagation of Bagoadlau (Xanthosthemon philippinensis Merr.) using indolebutyric acid

The research investigated the vegetative propagation of Bagoadlau (Xanthosthemon philippinensis Merr.) stem cuttings using different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA). Pretreated cuttings were planted in polyethylene bags and observed in a fully covered chamber for 45 days. The study employed a single trial of completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments (500 ppm, 100 ppm, 1,500 ppm, and 2000 ppm), each replicated four times. Results indicated significant variations among treatment means in terms of percent shooting, shoot length, percent rooting, number and length of adventitious roots, and percent callusing. Notably, 500 ppm and 1,500 ppm demonstrated the highest outcomes in percent shooting, shoot length, percent survival, measurement of adventitious roots, count of roots, and percentage of rooting. In contrast, the survival percentage of T2 (500 ppm) displayed the highest rate and consistent performance compared to other treatments. Hence, the study recommends using 500 ppm and 1,500 ppm for effective rooting of Bagoadlau (Xanthosthemon philippinensis Merr.) stem cuttings. The successful propagation of native species like Bagoadlau is particularly relevant to ecosystem restoration efforts in regions marked by land degradation and mining activities. The study addresses several crucial aspects by successfully establishing Bagoadlau on such lands. This includes the restoration of native biodiversity, improved soil, and water quality through stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and acting as a natural filtration system.

Temperature and LED lightning affect the regeneration of somatic embryo-derived sporophytes on the internode explants of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb.

The influence of the temperature and different light qualities emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lamps (Fl) on the micropropagation of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii was evaluated. The most efficient somatic embryo production was obtained on internode explants at 22 °C. The optimal temperature range for obtaining well-developed plants was 24–28 °C. This stimulated the elongation and development of the first leaf and the formation of the next leaf and roots primordia. Temperatures lower than 24 °C and higher than 28 °C inhibited the formation of young sporophyte organs and delayed their development. The RBUV (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% UV) and B (100% blue) lights and Fl light were beneficial for the sporophyte production on internode explants. However, plants obtained under RBUV light were undeveloped. The white LED light stimulated the number of explants capable of gametophyte production and development. The RB light (70% red and 30% blue) enhanced the number of roots of newly-formed plants. Most of the LED lights tested had a good impact on root elongation compared to Fl light and constant darkness. The R light (100% red) benefits leaf development and elongation. Research shows that temperature and LED lightning play a significant role in the process of morphogenesis in C. delgadii, significantly affecting the embryogenic competence of somatic cells and the development of sporophytes.

Pengaruh Penambahan Variasi Konsentrasi Karbon Aktif pada Media Kultur In Vitro untuk Pertumbuhan Anggrek Dendrobium welirang

This research aims to determine the effect of different concentrations of added activated carbon and determine the optimal concentration in the in vitro culture growing medium for Dendrobium welirang orchids to increase plant growth. The type of research used is true experimentation. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), and the sample used in this research was the orchid species Dendrobium welirang. The instrument used is in the form of a table. The type of data used is quantitative data. The data were analyzed statistically using the ANOVA test. Data collection was carried out in the third month after planting. The data taken includes leaf length, number of leaves, root length, and number of roots. The results of the research showed that adding variations in activated carbon concentration to the in vitro culture medium affected the parameters of root number, root length, leaf length, and number of leaves of the Dendrobium welirang orchid. In conclusion, the addition of activated carbon has a real influence on the growth of Dendrobium welirang orchids. Keywords: Dendrobium welirang, Activated Carbon, In vitro Culture.

Starches as solidifiers for medicinal plant micropropagations and biomass accumulations

In plant tissue and cell culture studies, media compositions are one of the most important factors affecting the micropropagation procedure's efficiency. Micropropagation studies can be conducted for commercial productions of medicinal plants, and low-cost options always have significance in large-scale productions. Some media component substitutes have been studied to reduce production costs. Agar, the media solidifier, is one of the most expensive components of media compositions. In this study, corn and wheat starches were used as media solidifiers at 80 and 100 g/L concentrations, and their effects on plant growth (shoot elongations, shoot, node, and root numbers) and biomass accumulations (shoot and root fresh and dry weights) in Lavandula officinalis and Digitalis purpurea node cultures were reported. The results showed that starch type and their concentrations significantly affected plant growth. Maximum multiple shoot number was recorded in medium supplemented with 80 g/L starch and was 61.3% higher than the control. Biomass accumulations were not statistically significant; however, higher biomass accumulations were detected in starch-added media than in control. Consequently, corn and wheat starches can be used at these concentrations as a substitute for agar to induce multiple shoot formations in L. officinalis and D. purpurea node cultures.

In vitro Propagation of Leucas biflora (Vahl) Sm. - A Vulnerable Medicinal Herb

A rapidly well-developed in vitro regeneration system has been established for Leucas biflora using nodal segments as explants and MS medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRS). MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.5 mg/l NAA showed the highest response (95.99%) in induction of shoot buds. This media combination also produced the maximum number (11.20 ± 0.49) of multiple shoot bud per explant after 3 subcultures at an interval of 14-days. Microshoots showed the maximum elongation (4.70 ± 0.07 cm) in the same medium along with subcultures. These elongated shoots were further grown on rooting media, producing vigorous and healthy root systems. The best response (95.99 ± 1.63%) for rooting was obtained when half-strength MS medium was supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IAA + 0.5 mg/l IBA in 21 days of culture. In this combination, the average number and length of roots were 5.20 ± 0.33 and 4.80 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. The seedlings were removed from culture tubes and transplanted into the pots via several stages of acclimatization. Finally, 98% of the seedlings were found to survive under natural condition. Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 34(1): 49-54, 2024 (June)

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Mass Propagation of Strawberry (Fragaria sp.)

Efficient in vitro regeneration protocols for strawberries are crucial for accelerating the propagation of superior cultivars and improving overall productivity through controlled manipulation of plant growth regulators. This study investigated the influence of different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators on in vitro regeneration process of strawberries. BARI Strawberry-1 runner tips were sterilized and placed on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with various combinations of cytokinins, including 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin (KIN), to initiate shoot growth. Notably, the combination of 1.5 mg/L BAP + 1.0 mg/L KIN led to the shortest duration for shoot initiation (9 days), resulting in the highest number of shoots per explants (6.33), longest shoot length (2.87 cm), and maximum number of leaves per shoot (4.00). Additionally, this combination also exhibited the highest rate of shoot regeneration (70.33%). Subsequently, the proliferated shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of auxins, specifically 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), for root induction. The in vitro regenerated shoots cultured in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L IBA + 1.0 mg/L NAA showed the shortest duration for root formation (8 days), the highest number of roots per explants (4.00), and the longest root length (2.77 cm). Furthermore, this combination also resulted in the highest rate of root regeneration (40%). These findings contribute valuable insights for the mass production of healthy strawberry plantlets using in vitro culture techniques. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(2):178-184, 2024

Development of a Suitable in vitro Regeneration Protocol for Rahangala Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia L.) in Sri Lanka

The limitation of planting material is the major drawback to expanding pear cultivation in Sri Lanka. Hence, an in vitro protocol was developed to produce planting material for the pear variety of Rahangala. Pear shoots were used as explants and surface sterilization of explants was done using 0.5% and 1% (w/v) AgNO3 for 15 min, 5% and 10% (v/v) NaOCl for 5, 10 and 15 min. In vitro shoot multiplication and root induction were found to be suitable in full and half strengths of MS medium respectively supplemented with various concentrations of BAP (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 mg/l), IBA (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 mg/l) and NAA (0.1 mg/l). Acclimatization was conducted in pots containing different proportions of topsoil, compost, coir dust and sand. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used as an experimental design for this study. During sterilization of explants, the survival rate of 86.6% was recorded after 3 weeks where the treatment was done with 1% AgNO3, and 10% NaOCl for 10 min. BAP (3.0 mg/l) produced the best shoot multiplication (1.46 ± 0.2). Significantly (p<0.05), the highest mean number of roots (1.93 ± 0.98), average length (60.6 mm), and rooting percentage (68%) were observed in ½ MS medium with 4.0 mg/l IBA. After five weeks of transplantation in pots, 100% of plantlets survived in topsoil, compost, coir dust, and sand in a ratio of 1:1:1:1 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 34(1): 25-33, 2024 (June)

Anti-oomycete activity and plant growth promoting properties of avocado fungal endophytes

Fungal endophytes are known as promising plant growth-promoting microorganisms. Surprisingly, despite the economic importance of avocado, the antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting properties of its fungal endophytes have seldom been investigated. Our objectives were to evaluate the anti-oomycete activity of avocado fungal endophytes and assess their potential plant growth-promoting properties, using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant. In total, 89 fungal isolates were obtained from the roots of avocado trees and grouped into 24 morphotypes. One isolate per morphotype was randomly selected to assess its antagonistic activity against Phytophthora cinnamomi through dual culture assays. The strongest inhibition of P. cinnamomi was induced by endophytic fungi belonging to the Fusarium, Mortierella and Penicillium genera. The six most promising fungal isolates were selected to assess their plant growth-promoting traits in co-inoculation assays with A. thaliana. All tested fungal endophytes were able to modify the plant root architecture and increase the number of lateral roots. Moreover, an accumulation of auxins was detected in the xylem and meristematic zone of plants inoculated with Mortierella sp. PC-T3-3.1 and Metapochonia sp. PC-T2-4.2, whilst auxin accumulation was restricted to the emerging lateral roots of plants inoculated with Penicillium sp. C-T0-3.1. Indole quantification showed that Penicillium sp. C-T0-3.1 produced the highest concentration of indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA), despite the lack of auxin responsiveness in plants in the co-inoculation assays. Mortierella sp. PC-T3-3.1 and Metapochonia sp. PC-T2-4.2 produced more IAA and IBA when co-inoculated with A. thaliana than when growing alone, which suggests that sensing of plant signals could induce the production of auxin-like compounds by these two endophytes. Collectively, our findings contribute to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the plant growth-promoting activity of avocado fungal endophytes, which will be key to harness their full metabolic potential.

The radio anatomical arrangement of nerve roots at L3 level in cauda equina sac is it affected by diseases?

An observational study to discover the common conditions affecting the lumbosacral region that may affect lumbosacral position and tension. All the patients, underwent MRI exaamination (magnetic resonance imaging) in the supine position, were examined by the same consultant radiologist. The article was revised by the institutional ethical approval committee. The position of the nerve roots was observed, and the number of nerve roots was calculated anterior to a line passing between the mid-transvers process of L3(third lumbar vertebra). The number of nerve roots ahead of this line was calculated by the radiologist at the level of the right intervertebral foramen and at the left one. This procedure was applied to the normal group, and 5 common pathological diseases were repeated including single-level lumbar disc prolapse, multiple-disc prolapse, multiple bulge, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis (at the level of L45 (fourth to fifth lumbar vertebrae) or L5S1 (fifth lumbar to first sacral vertebrae) being outside the study area, i.e., L3). We noticed significant difference in the number of the nerve roots between the cases with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis with the normal group and the significance was in ascending increment in significance being the highest in cases with spondylolisthesis, and even in the groups of other pathologies which are statistically not significant, we noticed that the significance is proportional to the severity of the disease being the least in single level cases (p 0.427), to be more significant on cases with multiple prolapses(p 0.319) to be more in cases with multiple bulges to start to be statistically significant in herniated, higher significance in cases with spinal stenosis to be the highest in cases with spondylolisthesis.

Effect of Harvest Time on Growth and Bioactive Compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a perennial medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is adapted to a wide range of soil pH with the potential to serve as an alternative crop in the United States. To enhance its cultivation and economic viability, it is crucial to develop production practices that maximize bioactive compound yields for danshen. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different harvest times on plant growth and subsequent yields of bioactive components of danshen. Three harvest times were selected (60, 120, or 180 days after transplanting [DAT]). In general, plants harvested at 180 DAT had higher plant growth index (PGI), shoot number, shoot weight, root number, maximum root length, maximum root diameter, and root weight compared to plants harvested at 60 or 120 DAT. However, plants harvested at 60 or 120 DAT had higher SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) values. Plants harvested at 120 or 180 DAT had a higher content of tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, and salvianolic acid B compared to those harvested at 60 DAT. This study provides insights for optimizing the time of harvest of danshen to maximize plant growth and bioactive compound production.

The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth and development of Stevia plants cultured in vitro

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is an essential herbal plant used as a sweetener. The demand for stevia is growing due to its low caloric and medicinal value, hence the need for a more thorough investigation of its nutritional and biological properties. Nanoparticles of metal oxides have been found to have broad applications in agriculture for the stimulation of plant growth and development. The study aimed to assess the effect of various zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) concentrations on stevia plants’ quantitative and qualitative traits obtained in in vitro cultures. Micropropagation of two stevia varieties, Candy and Morita, was carried out using explants of shoot tips placed on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg dm–3 BA and 0.1 mg dm–3 IBA and with ZnONPs at concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg dm–3. The obtained results indicated that high concentrations of ZnONPs stimulated the propagation of shoots. On the other hand, they negatively influenced shoot length, root number and length, and the fresh weight of the plantlets. The presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the medium increased the potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc content while decreasing the sodium and iron content in the regenerated stevia plantlets. The total phenolic content in the Candy variety was higher in the treatments with ZnONPs than in the control plants, while it was varied in the Morita variety. In both varieties, total antioxidant content measured by the ABTS method showed significantly higher in the treatments with 20–30 mg dm–3 ZnONPs than in the control. The content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a + b in the Morita variety was higher in the treatments with 10 and 20 mg dm–3 ZnONPs than in the control. On the other hand, high concentrations of ZnONPs negatively affected the content of carotenoids in both varieties. The study showed that stevia plants obtained in in vitro cultures on control media and media containing ZnONPs had a high content of valuable minerals, phytocompounds with antioxidant properties, and photosynthetic pigments.

Effects of Different Rooting Medium and Growth Regulating Agents on Rooting Parameters of Cuttings of Lavender and Lavandin Cultıvars (Lavandula sp.)

This study was conducted in Çanakkale province (North-West Anatolia) to find the optimal auxin dosages (IBA 2000 ppm and NAA 1000 ppm) and rooting medium (soil, peat, and cocopeat) for cutting propagation of lavender, which has great industrial and commercial value. Hemus, Sevtopolis and Drujba varieties belonging to the Lavandula angustifolia species and Super A variety belonging to the Lavandula intermedium species were used as study materials. The experiment was set up with 3 replications according to the split-plot trial design divided into random plots. As a result, the Super A variety of Lavandula intermedium species cultivated in cocopeat medium following IBA 2000 ppm administration had the highest rooting rate (88.33%) and rooting status (17.67 units). The Sevtopolis variety of the Lavandula angustifolia species produced the highest root number (15.33 pieces), root length (9.88 cm), shoot number (20.93 pieces), and shoot length (15.35 cm) values when grown in cocopeat medium with IBA 2000 ppm application. According to these results, cocopeat medium and IBA 2000 ppm auxin application came to the fore in the propagation of lavender by cuttings.

Генотипни различия в растежната активност на семената от сортове зимен ечемик

At the Institute of Agriculture - Karnobat, Bulgaria, laboratory research was conducted on 5 varieties of two-row and 5 varieties of multi-row winter barley. The aim of the research is to determine the genotypic differences in the initial growth of winter barley varieties. The varieties were studied in a laboratory experiment using the roll method. Number of indicators number of roots (number), length of roots (cm), length of the first leaf (cm) were recorded. 20 seeds of each variety were placed on filter paper in 3 replicates. The rolls are immersed in water and after 10 days the length of the first leaf, the number of roots and their length are counted. The results of the analysis show that Zahir and Alexan varieties form the largest number of roots. The Lardeya and Bozhin varieties form the smallest number of roots. The Kuber and Siela varieties have the longest root length and the first leaf. The varieties Zahir and Achinora have the smallest root length, and Lardea and Zemela have the smallest length of the first leaf. To improve the length of the first leaf, good combinations are expected when crossing the varieties Daria, Bozhin with Alexan, Achinora. Siela, Zemela, Alexan and Achinora varieties are genetically the most distant from Lardea, Kuber and Zahir in terms of length and number of roots. It is recommended to use them for crosses in order to create a better root system.

Evaluation with physiological, cytogenetic, biochemical and anatomical aspects of dose-dependent inhibitory activity of jasmonic acid, a lipidderived growth regulator, in onion root tip cells

The effects of different doses of exogenous jasmonic acid (JA), were investigated on physiological parameters such as germination percentage, root length, root number and fresh weight, cytogenetic parameters such as mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), frequency and chromosome aberration (CA), biochemical parameters as such superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (PR) contents of Allium cepa L., known as onion. In addition, the changes in the root anatomical structures of the bulbs were examined under the microscope by taking cross-sections. Onion bulbs were divided into four groups as one control (C) and three treatments. The bulbs of the C group were kept in cuvettes containing tap water for 7 days and the bulbs of the treatment groups were kept in cuvettes containing 100 µM, 250 µM and 500 µM JA. JA administration caused a decrease in all physiological parameters examined, an increase in the frequency of MN and CA, and a reduce in MI compared to group C. In addition, the mentioned application caused a dosedependent increase in CAT and SOD activities and MDA and PR contents compared to group C. Moreover, 500 µM JA, the highest application dose, caused quite significant damages such as giant cell nucleus, unclear vascular tissue, binuclealar cell and accumulation of some substances in the cells of the epidermis/cortex in root anatomical structure of the bulbs. In summary, it was concluded that JA is a chemical with inhibitory functions and the Allium cepa test is a useful bioindicator for monitoring these effects.

Effect of Different Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Establishment of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) c.v. Taiwan-7

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P)-211007, India during year 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Design (RBD). There were Ten treatments including control replicated three times in which growing media such as pond soil, vermicompost, and Plant growth regulators mixed in various percentages. The different levels of plant growth regulators Such as GA3, NAA and BA with different compositions in different combinations showed positive responses on the physical quality attributes of the papaya plant. The maximum values of physical quality characteristics of papaya plant like Survival percentage (90.68) number of germination days (10.01), germination percentage (90.01), number of leaves (10.46), plant height (12.76 cm), leaf area (38.4 cm2) and chlorophyll content (52.84), Number of primary roots (10.46), number of secondary roots(27.68) and stem diameter (3.85 cm) were recorded in T3 (GA3 with 150 ppm) and followed by the treatment T6 (NAA with 150 ppm) while, minimum values of these characters maximum value of physical parameter was recorded in control treatment (T0). From the present investigation it is concluded that treatment (T3) Performed best in terms of growth parameters followed by (T6) and (T9). The maximum B:C ratio (2.02) was also observed in the same treatment i.e. (T3).

Basidiomycetes Polysaccharides Regulate Growth and Antioxidant Defense System in Wheat.

Higher-fungi xylotrophic basidiomycetes are known to be the reservoirs of bioactive metabolites. Currently, a great deal of attention has been paid to the exploitation of mycelial fungi products as an innovative alternative in crop protection. No data exist on the mechanisms behind the interaction between xylotrophic mushrooms' glycopolymeric substances and plants. In this study, the effects of basidiomycete metabolites on the morphophysiological and biochemical variables of wheat plants have been explored. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Saratovskaya 29) seedlings were treated with extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) isolated from the submerged cultures of twenty basidiomycete strains assigned to 13 species and 8 genera. The EPS solutions at final concentrations of 15, 40, and 80 mg/L were applied to wheat seedlings followed by their growth for 10 days. In the plant samples, the biomass, length of coleoptile, shoot and root, root number, rate of lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde concentration, content of hydrogen peroxide, and total phenols were measured. The peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were defined. Most of the EPS preparations improved biomass yields, as well as the morphological parameters examined. EPS application enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased oxidative damage to lipids. Judging by its overall effect on the growth indices and redox system of wheat plants, an EPS concentration of 40 mg/L has been shown to be the most beneficial compared to other concentrations. This study proves that novel bioformulations based on mushroom EPSs can be developed and are effective for wheat growth and antioxidative response. Phytostimulating properties found for EPSs give grounds to consider extracellular metabolites produced in the xylotrophic basidiomycete cultures as an active component capable of inducing plant responses to stress.

Root growth dynamics of two southern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum L. interspecific hybrids) cultivars in the Western Cape, South Africa

The objective of this research was to obtain a better understanding of the root growth dynamics of two southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars, '8-–42′ 42′ and '9–02′, in the Western Cape, South Africa, southern hemisphere (SH). The number and length of new roots were measured from June 2020 to June 2021 in commercial orchards in the Hex River production area. Root production was similar between the cultivars and initially peaked at the onset of early winter, to coincide with flowering. A second peak occurred in mid-summer, approximately one month after fruit harvest and summer pruning (late November, SH) and continued until shoot growth declined in late autumn (early May, SH). Soil temperatures ranged between 11 and 20 °C during the first peak in root production and 17 and 31°C during the second peak, suggesting that new root production was controlled by the stage of plant development rather than soil temperature. This paper provides the first report on root development in SHB under the SH conditions and contributes towards implementing precision irrigation and fertigation strategies for evergreen systems.