Shoot Root Length Research Articles

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes Involved in the Response of Triticum urartu to Boron Toxicity Stress

The domestication and breeding of wheat genotypes through the years has led to the loss in their genetic variation, making them more prone to different abiotic stresses. Boron (B) toxicity is one of the stresses decreasing the wheat cultivars’ yield in arid and semi-arid regions around the world. Wild wheat progenitors, such as Triticum urartu Thumanian ex Gandilyan, possess a broader gene pool that harbors several genes conferring tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Unfortunately, T. urartu is not well-explored at the molecular level for its tolerance towards B toxicity in soil. In this study, for the first time, we compared the transcriptomic changes in the leaves of a high B-tolerant T. urartu genotype, PI662222, grown in highly toxic B (10 mM B in the form of boric acid) with the ones grown in the control (3.1 μM B) treatment in hydroponic conditions. The obtained results suggest that several mechanisms are involved in regulating the response of the studied T. urartu genotype toward B toxicity. All the growth parameters of T. urartu genotype, including root–shoot length, root fresh weight, and root–shoot dry weight, were less affected by high boron (10 mM) as compared to the boron-tolerant bread wheat cultivar. With a significant differential expression of 654 genes, 441 and 213 genes of T. urartu genotype were down- and upregulated, respectively, in the PI662222 leaves in high B in comparison to the control treatment. While key upregulated genes included those encoding RNA polymerase beta subunit (chloroplast), ATP synthase subunit gamma, chloroplastic, 60S ribosomal protein, and RNA-binding protein 12-like, the main downregulated genes included those encoding photosystem II protein D, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit, and peroxidase 2-like. Interestingly, both Gene Ontology enrichment and KEGG pathways emphasized the possible involvement of the genes related to the photosynthetic process and apparatus in the high B tolerance of the T. urartu genotype. The further functional characterization of the identified potential T. urartu genes will facilitate their utilization in crop improvement programs for B toxicity stress.

Genetic Diversity and Genome-Wide Association Study for Shoot and Root Traits in Rice Grown Under Water Deficit at Early Vegetative Stage

Water deficit affects rice growth, development, and yield. Knowledge of genetic diversity for water deficit tolerance, as well as the genetic architecture that is responsible for this trait, can accelerate rice cultivars’ improvement. In this study, different tools were applied to assess genetic diversity and identify genome regions associated with shoot and root traits in rice germplasm grown under water deficit at an early vegetative stage. A panel of 177 rice genotypes grown under water deficit was evaluated for root length (RL), root dry weight (RDW), shoot length (SL), and shoot dry weight (SDW). Genetic diversity was investigated using means grouping and principal component analysis. For the genome-wide association study, a general linear model was applied, using RL, RDW, SL, and SDW phenotypic data converted into Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUPs); genotypic data (1185 single nucleotide polymorphism—SNPs-loci); and population structure. Overall, little genetic diversity was observed, but genotypes with a higher water deficit tolerance were identified. Several significant SNPs were mapped, 81, 5, 53, and 41 for RL, RDW, SL, and SDW, respectively. Among the identified genes, there are those encoding kinases, proteins involved in phytohormone and cell wall metabolism, and Cytochrome P450. The obtained results provide insight into genetic diversity and the genetic architecture of water deficit tolerance, which will be useful in improving this trait in rice grown in Brazil.

Assessing the Plant Growth-Promoting Potential of Diverse Feather Protein Hydrolysates Produced by Keratinolytic Bacteria

Poultry slaughterhouses generate substantial quantities of feather waste, posing potential environmental pollution. These feathers can be degraded by microorganisms, yielding amino acid-rich protein hydrolysates. This research aims to assess and compare the microbial degradation rates of feathers from chickens (CK), guinea fowls (GF), and pigeons (PG) for generating amino acid-rich hydrolysates for cowpea growth promotion. Feather-degrading bacteria were isolated from diverse sources, and their capacity to degrade feathers was evaluated by examining keratinase yields, degradation rate, and amino acid composition. Physico-chemical conditions were optimised using a one-factor-at-a-time approach to enhance keratinase yield, while the growth-promoting potential of the different hydrolysates on cowpea was assessed in a pot experiment in a screen house. The results revealed that Lysinibacillus sp., from the soil of a slaughterhouse dumpsite, completely degraded 1g/L of GF within 7 days, followed by CK and PG within 8 days. Following optimisation, the keratinase yield improved to 190 U/ml after the degradation of 2g/L of feathers under optimal conditions of pH 8 and temperature of 40°C. The hydrolysate derived from CK exhibited higher amino acid content compared to that from GF and PG, with the exception of alanine, which was more abundant in the GF hydrolysate. All the hydrolysates contained eight essential amino acids, which significantly enhanced various growth parameters of cowpeas, including root length, shoot length, root nodules, leaf area, chlorophyll and leaf numbers after four weeks of planting. The study suggests that Lysinibacillus sp. is a promising isolate for efficiently degrading feathers to produce protein hydrolysates, potentially aiding the growth of cowpeas.

Co-exposure impact of nickel oxide nanomaterials and Bacillus subtilis on soybean growth and nitrogen assimilation dynamics.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) pose potential threats to agricultural production. Bacillus subtilis has emerged as a stress-mitigating microbe that alleviates the phytotoxicity caused by NiO-NPs. However, the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness, particularly in root-nodule symbiosis and biological N2-fixation (BNF), remain unclear. Here, we tested the combined exposure of NiO-NPs (50 mg kg-1) and B. subtilis on soybean (Glycine max L.) growth and BNF. Combined exposure increased root length, shoot length, root biomass, and shoot biomass by 19% to 26%, while Ni (200 mg kg-1) reduced them by 38% to 53% compared to the control. NiO-NPs at 100 and 200 mg kg-1 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced nodule formation by 16% and 58% and Nitrogen assimilation enzyme activities levels (urease, nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate synthetase) by 13% to 57%. However, co-exposure with B. subtilis improved nodule formation by 22% to 44%. Co-exposure of NiO-NPs (200 mg kg-1) with B. subtilis increased peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity levels by 20%, 16%, and 14% while reducing malondialdehyde (14%) and hydrogen peroxide (12%) levels compared to NiO-NPs alone. Additionally, co-exposure of NiO-NPs (100 and 200 mg kg-1) with B. subtilis enhanced the relative abundance of Stenotrophomonas, Gemmatimonas, and B. subtilis, is associated with N2-cycling and N2-fixation potential. This study confirms that B. subtilis effectively mitigates NiO-NP toxicity in soybean, offering a sustainable method to enhance BNF and crop growth and contribute to addressing global food insecurity.

Genotypic variations in diverse accessions of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) germplasm under PEG‐induced water stress and its implications for drought tolerance

AbstractWater constraint is a crucial factor in determining the productivity and production of linseed or flaxseed globally. The root system of flaxseed consists of a single taproot mainly confined to the topsoil; thus, the structure of the root system significantly impacts the uptake of water from the soil. This research conducted root–shoot phenotyping on a diverse range of linseed germplasm under PEG‐induced water deficit stress conditions to unravel the potential of genebank germplasm for drought tolerance. Varied responses to stress and substantial diversity in genotypic response were observed among the linseed accessions for all growth parameters under both normal and stress conditions. The application of PEG led to a decrease (ranging from 7.39% to 62.02%) in all parameters except chlorophyll content, which exhibited an increase of 13.76% in response to stress conditions. Principal component analysis revealed that the first four principal components (PCs) with Eigenvalue &gt;1 explained 74.23% of the total variance, with the first PC alone accounting for 42.15% of the total variance contributed by various traits such as leaf width, shoot length, root–shoot biomass, root length, surface area, and volume. Assessing the comparative performance based on the stress susceptibility index (SSI) for shoot–root length and root surface area, a subset of 12 drought tolerant (SSI ≤ 0.50) and 5 susceptible (SSI &gt; 1.00), genotypes was constituted for validation at the adult plant stage. The accessions IC0096648, IC0523799, IC0249015, IC0096587, IC0385336, IC0498744, IC0499170, EC0041481, IC0526017, IC0623723, IC0113110, and IC0621685 exhibiting tolerance to PEG‐induced water stress during the initial (seedling stage) growth maintained physiological efficiency and yield at the adult plant stage. The elite drought‐tolerant genotypes identified in the present study will provide access to genetically diverse material in breeding to enhance drought tolerance in linseed.

In Vitro Evaluation of Iraqi Kurdistan Tomato Accessions Under Drought Stress Conditions Using Polyethylene Glycol-6000.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect plant growth and productivity, and plant stress responses are affected by both the intensity of stress and genotype. In Iraqi Kurdistan, tomato plants play a significant role in the country's economy. Due to climate change, which causes soil moisture to diminish, the crop's growth and yield have been dropping in recent years. Accordingly, the effects of simulated drought stress on germination parameters were assessed in 64 tomato accessions gathered from the Iraqi Kurdistan region in order to identify sensitive and tolerant accessions. In this respect, the responses associated with drought stress were observed phenotypically and biochemically. Germination percentage (GP) and morphological characteristics such as root length (RL), shoot length (SL), and shoot fresh weight (SFW) were significantly reduced in both stress treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) (7.5% PEG and 15% PEG). On the other hand, significant changes in biochemical profiles such as proline content (PC), soluble sugar content (SSC), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AC), guaiacol peroxidase (GPA), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LP) in tomato accessions were detected; all biochemical traits were increased in most tomato accessions under the PEG-induced treatments compared to the control treatment (0.0% PEG). Three tomato accessions (AC61 (Raza Pashayi), AC9 (Wrdi Be Tow), and AC63 (Sandra)) were found to be the most tolerant accessions under all drought conditions, whereas the performances of the other tested accessions (AC13 (Braw), AC30 (Yadgar), and AC8 (Israili)) were inferior. The OMIC analysis identified the biomarker parameters for differentiating the highly, moderately, and low tolerant groups as PC, SSC, and TPC. This study shows that early PEG-6000 screening for drought stress may help in choosing a genotype that is suitable for growth in water-stressed environments. Hence, Raza Pashayi, Wrdi Be Tow, and Sandra accessions, which had great performances under drought conditions, can be candidates for selection in a breeding program to improve the growth of plants and production in the areas that face water limits.

Modulatory effects of glutamic acid on growth, photosynthetic pigments, and stress responses in olive plants subjected to cadmium stress

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that severely impacts plant growth and photosynthesis and induces oxidative stress. This study investigates the modulatory effects of glutamic acid (GA) on Olea europaea (olive) seedlings subjected to cadmium stress. The experiment included control, Cd-stressed, GA-treated, and combined Cd and GA-treated groups. Cd exposure significantly reduced plant growth, as evidenced by decreased root length (3.5 cm) and shoot length (9 cm) compared to control plants (5 cm and 12 cm, respectively). Additionally, Cd stress led to a reduction in chlorophyll content (16.2 mg/g fresh weight) and elevated oxidative markers like H2O2 and MDA. The application of GA significantly improved plant growth and physiological parameters, with statistically significant increases in root length (up to 6.5 cm) and shoot length (up to 14 cm) in the combined treatment group (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, GA treatment led to a marked elevation in total chlorophyll content (up to 27.5 mg/g fresh weight), compared to 16.2 mg/g in Cd-stressed plants (p ≤ 0.05), reflecting a significant improvement in photosynthetic efficiency. GA also elevated the antioxidant enzyme activity catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), reducing oxidative stress by decreasing hydrogen peroxide and MDA levels. The findings suggest that glutamic acid effectively mitigates Cd-induced phytotoxicity, enhancing stress resistance and promoting plant growth. This research provides valuable insights into using glutamic acid as a possible approach to mitigate heavy metal stress in plants, offering implications for agriculture and environmental management in Cd-contaminated areas. Specific applications may include its use in phytoremediation practices or as a supplement in agricultural management to improve crop resilience in polluted environments. Further research could explore the molecular mechanisms underlying GA’s protective effects and its potential synergy with other biostimulants to enhance heavy metal tolerance in a broader range of crops.

Morpho-physiological traits and stress indices reveal divergence in early-stage salt stress response in elite soybean germplasm

This study assessed the salt stress response of seventy soybean genotypes by exposing seedlings to sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations of 0, 75, 100, and 125 mM. Salinity stress significantly reduced root length, shoot length, fresh and dry root/shoot weight, and root/shoot ratio. A total of 62 genotypes germinated at 125 mM, showing significant phenotypic variation in traits such as root length, shoot length, fresh shoot weight, and dry shoot weight. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between most morpho-physiological traits, suggesting their interdependence. Eight salinity tolerance indices i.e., Fresh Weight Stress Tolerance Index (FWSI), Dry Weight Stress Tolerance Index (DWSI), Root Length Salinity Index (RLSI), Shoot Length Salinity Index (SLSI), Salinity Tolerance Index (STI), Salinity Susceptibility Index (SSI), Tolerance Index (TI), and Percent Reduction (PR) were calculated to assess genotypes response. Na+ concentration and antioxidant activities significantly increased under salt stress compared to the control. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 and O2−, were markedly higher under salt stress compared to the control. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped genotypes into six clusters, with clusters V and VI comprising genotypes exhibiting higher salt tolerance based on high FWSI, DWSI, and STI values, and low PR, SSI, and TI values. Eight salinity tolerance indices, including Fresh Weight Stress Tolerance Index (FWSI), Dry Weight Stress Tolerance Index (DWSI), Root Length Salinity Index (RLSI), and Salinity Tolerance Index (STI), were used to evaluate the genotypes’ responses. The study revealed that the average FWSI value for all genotypes under treatments was 54.20 ± 12.93. The highest FWSI was recorded for the genotype Black (92.52), followed by NIBGE-224 (84.70) and NIBGE-183 (81.05). In contrast, Malakand-96 had the lowest FWSI (28.49), followed by SPS-10 (32.74) and SPS-08 (34.55). PGRA-91 had the highest STI (0.83), followed by SPS-9 (0.75) and NIBGE-115 (0.72), while NIBGE-335, SPS-24, and Malakand-96 had the lowest STI values. Positive correlations were observed between root length and shoot length (0.69**), shoot length and fresh shoot weight (0.63**), and other related traits. Overall, this study identified promising soybean genotypes with varying degrees of salt tolerance. These findings can be utilized in breeding programs to develop salt-tolerant soybean varieties for salinity-affected agricultural lands.

Enumeration of Genetic Variability Parameters and Association among Early Seedling Growth Parameters under Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) induced Osmotic Stress in rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (l.) Moench)

Aims: The research aims to explore the variability within diverse rabi sorghum germplasms and identify the relationships among different early seedling growth traits. This will provide valuable insights for future breeding programs, aiding in the development of resilient sorghum varieties that can contribute to improved food security and agricultural sustainability. Study Design: The study was conducted by employing factorial complete randomized design (FCRD) with two replications. Where, two factors was considered, genotype as first factor and PEG concentration as second. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023 at University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad, Karnataka. Methodology: A total of 156 germplasm lines of rabi sorghum were assessed in vitro for early seedling growth characteristics, including germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, and seedling vigor indices I and II, under both control and osmotic stress conditions induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG). Osmotic stress was induced by dissolving PEG 6000 in distilled water to achieve the desired concentration. The germplasm lines were then subjected to germination and early growth under these conditions using the paper towel method. The genetic variability parameters for each trait were quantified to examine the degree of variability in the material used, and correlation analysis was performed to understand the relationships among the traits studied. Results: The variance analysis showed highly significant differences among genotypes, treatments, and the genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions. Genetic variability parameters revealed considerable variability across all traits studied, which tended to increase with higher stress levels. Moderate to high GCV and PCV was observed for all the traits studied. Correlation analysis demonstrated a strong, significant positive relationship among all seedling parameters, except between root length and shoot length, as well as between shoot length and germination percentage under control conditions. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the effect of osmotic stress on the early vigor and growth of sorghum seedlings. The findings reveal significant variability in seedling traits, suggesting that selection can be employed for genetic enhancement of these traits. Correlation analysis identified specific traits or combinations of traits that should be considered when selecting genotypes tolerant to osmotic stress conditions. These findings offer great potential to guide and improve selection and breeding programs focused on enhancing drought tolerant sorghum varieties.

Mitigating effects of Nigeria seaweed phytonutrients on biochemical and physiological conditions of Lycopersicon esculentum under heavy metal-induced abiotic stress

Abiotic stress has become a significant issue in recent years, affecting various physiological and biochemical aspects of crops and threatening food security. This study aimed to investigate the effects of seaweed on the biochemical and physiological conditions of Lycopersicon esculentum under heavy metal-induced abiotic stress. Lycopersicon esculentum plants were grown in greenhouse bags for four weeks and then exposed to 0.10M Pb Nitrate. They were divided into six groups: one control group sprayed with tap water and five experimental groups sprayed with different seaweed concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). Results showed that abiotic stress led to notable decreases in root length, shoot length, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, Rubisco activity, and carotenoids by 48%, 47% 38%, 65%, 61%, 77%, 75%, and 68%, respectively. Seaweed treatment improved these indices, with the 80% seaweed group showing increases of 27%, 21%, 44%, 36%, 56%, and 48%, 54% after 21 days. Additionally, seaweed application enhanced antioxidant activities in the roots (SOD by 71%, CAT by 45%, POD by 51%, and APX by 92%) and in the leaves (SOD by 18%, CAT by 26%, POD by 34%, APX by 58%) compared to the control. The study concluded that seaweeds significantly mitigated oxidative stress in plants, boosting growth, antioxidant potential, mineral absorption, and osmotic protection. Nigeria seaweeds could be a promising tool to enhance food production by reducing oxidative stress in crops.

Assessment of Trichoderma Species Isolated From Volcanic Soil of a Durian Field in Sisaket Province, Thailand for Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol Potential

Trichoderma species are ubiquitous saprophytic fungi commonly found in soil, with potential as fungal biocontrol agents for plant disease control and growth promotion. This research aimed to assess the attributes of Trichoderma sp. as plant growth promoters, focusing on nitrogen fixation, siderophore production, plant nutrient solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production. Out of 19 isolates tested, 6 (T05, T19, T25, T27, T28 and T33) showed superior plant growth promotion abilities. These isolates were further evaluated for their capacity to enhance the germination of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds. Seeds were soaked in a suspension of conidia at a concentration of 1×1012 conidia/mL, and germination rates were measured. The germination rate ranged between 77.67 - 86.67 %, statistically significantly higher than the control rate of 33.33 %. Among the isolates, T05 exhibited the highest promotion of plant growth, evidenced by root length (7.27 cm), shoot length (8.50 cm), fresh weight (0.54 g) and dry weight (0.27 g), all significantly different from the control. Additionally, the potential of isolates to inhibit the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sp. MN-3 was assessed using a dual culture method, with T35 showing the highest inhibition percentage (60.90 %). Morphological classification and nucleotide sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA gene identified the isolates as T. harzianum, T. reesei, T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum. These findings underscore the effectiveness of Trichoderma sp. in promoting plant growth and suppressing plant pathogenic fungi. HIGHLIGHTSSix Trichoderma isolates (T05, T19, T25, T27, T28 and T33) exhibited superior plant growth promotion abilities. These isolates significantly enhanced germination rates of Khao Dawk Mali 105 rice seeds compared to the method. Among the isolates, T05 showed the greatest promotion of plant growth, as evidenced by root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight. Trichoderma isolates demonstrated potential for inhibiting the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sp. MN-3. Morphological classification divided the Trichoderma sp. into 4 groups, and species identification through nucleotide sequencing revealed T. harzianum, T. reesei, T. asperellum and T. longibrachiatum. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The potential use of Epilobium hirsutum L. in phytoremediation of zinc and an efficient method for in vitro propagation

This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of Epilobium hirsutum L, a wetland plant, to accumulate and tolerate zinc and its in vitro propagation potential. Root-shoot length, fresh weight, pigment, and protein content were analyzed in the plants grown in different Zn concentrations, including 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100,150, and 200 mg Zn/L. In the seedlings grown at 50 and 75 mg Zn/L concentrations, a reduction in the relative root length, shoot length, and fresh weight was detected. It was found that there was a negative correlation between pigment and protein contents of E. hirsutum and increased zinc concentrations of solutions. On the other hand, it was determined that a considerable amount of zinc was accumulated by E. hirsutum in its roots (10 598 mg Zn/kg DW). In tissue culture experiments, it was found that MS medium was effective for the germination of the plant (97%). When the growth parameters of plants grown in different concentrations of Gibberellic acid were evaluated, the highest growth parameters were obtained at 50 mg/L. It has been concluded that the most successful mediums on shoot development were 1.0BAP/1.0NAA and 1.0BAP/1.0IBA. The highest number of shoots per explant was 1.0BAP/1.0NAA (3.96). The longest root length was also determined on medium with 1.0BAP/1.0IBA (0.28 cm). Regenerated shoots were transferred to different concentrations of root mediums. It was concluded that MS medium with 1.0IBA has been superior for root formation compared to other hormone concentrations.

Influence of Green Synthesized Silver and Zinc Nanoparticle on Seed Quality Attributes in Red Sander (Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.)

Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), or Rakta chandana, is an endangered tree native to the Southern Indian Peninsula, valued for its medicinal and dye properties. However, its germination is hindered by a hard seed coat, phenolic compounds and hormonal imbalances. Nanotechnology in forestry enhances product innovation, paper processes and sustainability through plant-based nanoparticle biosynthesis. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and evaluated seven presowing treatments: T1 (AgNPs at 1000 ppm for 24 hours), T2 (ZnNPs at 2000 ppm for 24 hours), T3 (Conc. H2SO4 for 12 minutes), T4 (NaDC 500 ppm), T5 (Dewinging), T6 (soaking in hot water at 100°C for 5 minutes) and T7 (control). The results indicated that seeds treated with ZnNPs at 2000 ppm (T2) exhibited highest germination rate (56%), germination speed (1.04), root length (17.05 cm), shoot length (16.33cm) and highest dry weight (6.22 g) and highest seedling vigour Index-I (1869). In comparison H2SO4 treatment (T3) delivered 51.67 per cent germination and a speed of germination (0.95), with root length (15.28 cm), shoot length (16.22 cm), dry weight (5.24 g) and seedling vigour Index (1628) slightly lower but still significant. The control (T7) had the lowest performance with 31 per cent germination, a speed of 0.36, root length (15.28 cm), shoot length (16.22 cm), lower dry weight (1.63 g) and the lowest Seedling Vigour Index (649). Overall, ZnNPs at 2000 ppm (T2) were the most effective in enhancing germination, seedling growth and overall vigour in Red sanders.

The role of plant-derived melanin in enhancing &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; growth and nutrient accumulation in potato varieties

Background: Melanins are versatile biopolymers found in a wide range of living organisms, contributing to the diverse colors observed in nature. Beyond their pigmentation role, melanins exhibit a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitoxic, antitumor, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and radioprotective properties. These attributes make melanins valuable in fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. In this study, we investigated grape marc, a byproduct of wine production, as a novel source of water-soluble melanin extracted using sodium hydroxide. This approach not only repurposes agricultural waste but also explored melanin's role in optimizing in vitro plant cultivation. We evaluated the impact of melanin on the biochemical properties of potato plants, focusing on improvements in growth, rhizogenesis, and the nutritional composition of tubers. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant-derived melanin on the in vitro growth characteristics and biochemical composition of two potato varieties. Methods: This study took place in the tissue culture laboratory at the Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology from 2021 to 2024. Apical meristems from the Nevsky and Impala potato varieties were used for in vitro regeneration. The research focused on the in vitro growth and adaptation of these plants under different melanin concentrations. Key growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and biochemical composition were analyzed to assess the impact of melanin on potato development. Results: The study found that melanin at a concentration of 0.028% significantly enhanced the in vitro growth and rhizogenesis of potato microstems, with optimal results in root number (12.30 per shoot) and shoot length (16.91 cm). Plants also showed earlier and more vigorous root formation, resembling an auxin-like effect. Higher melanin concentrations reduced these benefits. Additionally, plants treated with 0.028% melanin had a high acclimatization success rate (96%) and improved biochemical composition in tubers, with increases in dry matter, sugars, starch, and ascorbic acid, particularly in the Nevsky variety. Conclusion: Melanin significantly stimulated the in vitro growth and development of potato plants. Increasing melanin levels to an optimal threshold accelerated rhizogenesis and promoted vigorous root and shoot growth, evidenced by increased length and thickness. Acting similarly to auxin, melanin not only encouraged root formation but also enhanced shoot development, leading to improved plant adaptation. Additionally, melanin influenced the biochemical composition of potato tubers, including their nutritional content. These findings highlight the crucial role of melanin concentration in optimizing the growth and biochemical properties of potato varieties. Keywords: in vitro propagation, potato, melanin, plant adaptation, biochemical compound, micropropagation

Bacterial seed endophytes promote barley growth and inhibits Fusarium graminearum in vitro

ObjectivesSeeds host microbes that function in plant growth and phytopathogen resistance. The aim of the work was to investigate total bacterial community in malting barley seeds and whether their bacterial seed endophytes have dual functional roles in plant growth-promotion and inhibition of Fusarium graminearum, the causative agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in barley. We used culture dependent and culture independent methods.ResultsPhylogenetic classification of seed endophytic bacteria based on sequencing data identified B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and B. pumilis as predominant subgroups. Location driven divergence in bacterial endophytic communities was evident based on a clear separation of the samples from Crookston and other location samples. The bio-primed seeds using one hundred and seventy bacterial isolates showed that 3.5% (6/170) of the bacterial isolates conferred greater than 10% increase in both root length (RL) and shoot length (SL), while 19.4% (33/170) and 26.5% (45/170) showed RL and SL specific growth effects, respectively, relative to controls. Among the six bacterial isolates that increased RL and SL, five (#29, #63, #109, #124 and #126) also significantly inhibit the growth of F. graminearum based on in vitro assays. This study identified novel seed bacterial endophytes that could be further exploited for promoting growth during seedling establishment and as biocontrol for combating the devastating scab disease.

Eco(geno)toxicity of an acaricidal formulation containing chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenthion on different plant models and Artemia salina L.

The mixture of pesticides is widely employed in cattle farming to combat ectoparasite resistance, such as ticks. The commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, which contains three active ingredients (Cypermethrin, Chlorpyrifos, and Fenthion), stands out due to its efficiency. However, animals exposed to this product may become vectors of potentially toxic molecules, possibly causing contamination in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In light of this, this study evaluated the eco(geno)toxic potential of the commercial formulation COLOSSO FC30, using plants (Allium cepa L., Lactuca sativa L., Raphanus sativus L., Pennisetum glaucum L., and Triticum aestivum L.) and Artemia salina L. as model organisms. In the phytotoxicity test, the species were ranked in order of sensitivity to the commercial formulation as follows: P. glaucum > L. sativa > T. aestivum > R. sativus. The most sensitive parameters were root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of seedlings. In the cytogenotoxicity test with A. cepa, cell division was decreased at concentrations from 0.351mL L-1 in the meristematic region and root F1. Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus were observed at all concentrations. In the test with A. salina, the IC50 after 24h of exposure was 0.01207mL L-1 of the commercial formulation. The results highlight the need for further research and regulations to understand and minimize the potential environmental impacts of COLOSSO FC30.

Effectiveness of some novel fungicides against the sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in rice under in vitro and in vivo conditions

Sheath blight of rice, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the most aggressive and damaging diseases in rice cultivation, leading to significant crop losses. Consequently, chemical fungicides are the most effective method to inhibit R. solani infection and control this disease. In the present study, R. solani isolate was obtained from infected rice plants, and its pathogenicity was confirmed using Koch’s postulates on 20-day-old rice seedlings at three different inoculum levels. The lowest percent disease index and disease incidence were recorded with the 1 ml pathogen inoculum suspension, while the 2 ml and 3 ml suspensions resulted in 100% disease incidence, significantly affecting plant parameters. Furthermore, five different fungicides, Duphetar Plus, Evito, Nativo, Ridomil Gold, and Shincar, were evaluated at three concentrations (10, 100, and 1000 ppm) against R. solani using poisoned food method. The results revealed that two fungicides, Shincar and Nativo, resulted in maximum mycelial growth inhibition of R. solani, whereas the other fungicides failed to inhibit the mycelial growth of the pathogen at all concentrations. Shincar and Nativo were further tested in a greenhouse setting to control pathogen infection in rice plants. These fungicides showed excellent results, reducing R. solani infection and minimizing disease incidence in treated rice plants compared to the control. The highest root length, shoot length, and plant weight were observed with Shincar, followed by Nativo. It is suggested that the use of these fungicides may reduce sheath blight disease incidence, effectively control pathogen infection, and improve plant growth parameters in field conditions.

Establishment of Shoot-tip Regeneration System of Watermelon

The aim of this study was to establish a regeneration system of watermelon. Watermelon W1 was selected as the experimental material using seedling shoots as a receptor. The effects of different concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BA) on the shoot-tip of watermelon seedlings were studied. Number of shoots at the stem tip were counted every other day until the new buds reached 2 cm. The new stem tip was cut, and the effect of different concentrations of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium on the number of regenerated roots and root length of shoots were studied. The results showed that the differentiation rate was highest when the 6-BA concentration was 0.7 mg/mL to 0.8 mg/mL. The optimum concentration for root regeneration was 1/8 MS. At this concentration, the number rooted was the highest, and root length was also promoted.

Synthesis and application of biodegradable seed coatings to assess the infestation of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds by pests

Pulses such as chickpeas face significant damage caused by pests during their growth and storage. The overuse of synthetic pesticides on seeds requiring several cycles of active ingredient applications results in increased expenses and environmental risks by contaminating soil, water, and air. These risks of seed damage without use of harmful pesticides can be reduced by coating the seeds with biodegradable seed coatings. The objective of the study was assessing the effectiveness of biodegradable seed coating in managing stored grain pests and to examine its effects on the germination of chickpeas. For this study chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds were coated with biodegradable coatings like polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients, neem oil, chitosan and mucilage-starch nanocrystals. The characterization of coatings was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. Germination of coated and uncoated chickpea seeds was observed by paper-towel method after 5 and 10 days. Chitosan coated seeds had greatest root length (3.10 ± 0.05 cm), shoot length (3.93 ± 0.08 cm), dry weight (0.24 ± 0.05 g), fresh weight (0.43 ± 0.05 g), germination rate (98.87 %) and vigour index (639.09 ± 0.05) followed by polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients coated seeds, mucilage-starch nano crystals coated seeds and control group after ten days. The lowest root length (0.97 ± 0.14 cm), shoot length (1.53 ± 0.12 cm), dry weight (0.1 ± 0.005 g), fresh weight (0.21 ± 0.14 g), germination rate (65 %) and vigour index (163.75 ± 4.72) were displayed by neem oil-coated seeds. The impact of stored grain pests was evaluated and it was shown that neem oil had the highest efficacy in controlling pulse beetle infestations followed by chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol with multinutrients and mucilage-starch nano crystals. Neem oil coating enhanced pest mortality by 95 % after 15 days, reduced seed damage by 16.3 % and minimized seed weight loss by 10.6 % after 30 and 45 days. Biodegradable seed coating is a cost-effective and environment friendly way to improve seed performance and protect crops sustainably.

DAYA MULTIPLIKASI EKSPLAN KENTANG AR 8 PADA BERBAGAI KONSENTRASI BENZIL AMINO PURIN (BAP) DAN EKSTRAK BAWANG MERAH DALAM MEDIA DASAR MURASHIGE DAN SKOOG (MS) SECARA IN VITRO

The technique of propagating potato seeds through tissue culture has long been used to produce quality and disease-free seeds. This study aims to test the effect of the combination of BAP and Shallot Extract on the growth of potato plant explants on MS media (Murshige &amp; Skooge). Research in experimental form uses a completely randomized design (CRD) in a factorial pattern consisting of two factors. As the first factor, the growth hormone BAP consists of 4 levels, namely: 0 ppm, 2 ppm, 3 ppm and 4 ppm. Meanwhile, the second factor is: shallot extract consists of 4 treatment levels, namely: 0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. Thus, there were 16 treatment combinations which were repeated 6 times so that the total experimental units were 96. The ABA treatment with a concentration of 2 ppm/liter gave the best effect on the shoot formation time and root formation time of AR 8 potato plant explants. However, the treatment without ABA had a good effect on Shoot length and root length of explant potato plant varieties AR 8. Shallot extract treatment with a concentration of 20% had the best effect on shoot formation time, root formation time, shoot length and number of leaves. However, the treatment with a concentration of 40% had a better effect on the parameters of the number of shoots and the number of explant segments of the AR 8 variety of potato plants. The interaction of the ABA treatment with a concentration of 2 ppm and the shallot extract with a concentration of 20% had the best effect on the time of emergence of shoots and roots on the AR 8 Potato Explants. However, the interaction without ABA (0ppm) and shallot extract had a better effect on the parameters of shoot length, number of leaves, and number of explant segments in the AR 8 potato variety.