Shoots Of Seedlings Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Metabolites in Waxy Maize Inbred Lines with Distinct Twin-Shoot Phenotypes

Polyembryonic maize, capable of producing multiple seedlings from a single kernel, holds great potential value in agricultural and industrial applications, but the seedling quality needs to be improved. In this study, seedlings of two waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis Kulesh) inbred lines, D35 (a polyembryonic line with twin shoots) and N6110 (single-shoot), exhibited similar relative growth rates during 1 to 5 days post-germination. UPLC-MS/MS profiling of 3- to 5-day-old seedling roots and shoots revealed that H2JA, MeSAG, and IAA-Val-Me were the common differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) of the 3-day-old vs. 5-day-old seedlings of D35 and N6110 in the same tissues, and MeSAG, tZ9G, cZROG, and DHZROG were identified in D35 vs. N6110 across the same tissues and the same periods. RNA-seq analyses showed various processes involved in seedling development, including DNA replication initiation, rhythmic processes, the cell cycle, secondary metabolic processes, and hormone biosynthetic regulation. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between D35 and N6110 were significantly enriched in organic hydroxy compound biosynthetic, alcohol biosynthetic, organic hydroxy compound metabolic, abscisic acid biosynthetic, and apocarotenoid biosynthetic processes. The KEGG-enriched pathways of DAMs and DEGs identified that AUX1, AHP, A-ARR, JAR1, SIMKK, ERF1, and GID2 might be conserved genes regulating seedling growth. The integrated analyses revealed that 98 TFs were potentially associated with multiple hormones, and 24 of them were identified to be core genes, including 11 AP2/ERFs, 4 Dofs, 2 bZIPs, 2 MADS-box genes, 2 MYBs, 1 GATA, 1 LOB, and 1 RWP-RK member. This study promotes a valuable understanding of the complex hormone interactions governing twin-shoot seedling growth and offers potential targets for improving crop establishment via seedling quality.

Effect of Seed Pelleting on Seedling Emergence, Plant Growth, Seed Yield and Quality Parameters in Mustard

Aims: The study aims to describe the process of application of botanical products by pelleting mustard seed prior to the time of sowing. These materials can be kept close to the seed by using botanical powder as a protective covering, allowing it to benefit from this nutrient intake for a longer time. Study Design: Experiments were conducted in CRD and RBD designs Place and Duration of Study: Department of Seed Science and Technology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, between October 2024 and February 2025. Methodology: This experiment comprised of pelleted seeds with botanicals such as Neem leaf powder, Tulsi leaf powder, Prosopis leaf powder, Tobacco leaf powder and Bio NPK at various concentrations. Unpelleted seeds were used as a control. Results: Highest germination (100%) recorded in treatment with Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, Tulsi leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, Tobacco leaf powder @ 200 g/kg and 400 g/kg, as well as Bio NPK @ 5 ml/kg, @ 10 ml/kg and 15 ml/kg. Seeds pelleted with Bio NPK @ 5 ml/kg recorded highest seedling root length (8.91 cm), seedling length (16.22 cm) and seedling vigour index I (1622.33). The treatment with Bio NPK @ 10 ml/kg resulted in the highest seedling fresh weight (0.78 g) and seeds per siliqua (17), while Bio NPK @ 15 ml/kg recorded the maximum seedling shoot length (7.47 cm), seedling dry weight (0.047 g), seedling vigour index II (4.67), field emergence (74%), siliqua length (5.99 cm) and seed yield per 10 m2 (5.75 kg). Maximum number of branches per plant (11) observed in seed pelleted with Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg and Tulsi leaf powder @ 400 g/kg. Neem leaf powder @ 200 g/kg pelleted seed recorded the highest 1000 seed weight (6.30 g) and seed yield per plant (83.59 g). The highest plant height (189.87 cm) was recorded in Prosopis leaf powder @ 200 g/kg, while the maximum number of siliquae per plant (859.67) was recorded in treatment with Tulsi leaf powder @ 200 g/kg. Conclusion: This study examined the effects of seed pelleting on mustard seed under lab and field conditions. This study examined the effects of seed pelleting on mustard under lab and field conditions. Treatments with Bio NPK and botanicals (Neem, Tulsi, Prosopis) improved germination, seedling vigour, growth and yield. Benefits were linked to better nutrient uptake and microbial activity. Excessive botanical doses caused phytotoxicity, highlighting the need for optimal levels.

Screening of Germplasm Resources with Low-Phosphorus Tolerance During the Seedling Stage of Rice.

Rice is a globally important food crop, and phosphorus is an essential nutrient element for rice growth. In many of China's arable lands, there is a deficiency in available phosphorus content. Therefore, screening and breeding rice germplasm resources that are tolerant to low phosphorus can enhance the growth capability of rice in low-phosphorus soils. This study set up treatments with two phosphorus concentrations: H2PO4- at 0.18 mmol/L, referred to as normal phosphorus (NP), and H2PO4- at 0.009 mmol/L, referred to as low phosphorus (LP). Using hydroponic methods, 156 different genotype rice germplasms were treated for 35 days, after which the morpho-physiological traits of the rice seedling shoots, root morphology, and material content were measured. An analysis of the coefficient of variation (CV) for low phosphorus tolerance coefficients across different rice germplasm resources revealed that 16 indicators had CVs greater than 10%, which can be used as criteria for screening rice varieties with low phosphorus tolerance at the seedling stage. The relevant indicators and low-phosphorus resistance characteristics of different rice varieties were comprehensively evaluated using principal component analysis, correlation analysis, membership function, and cluster analysis methods. The results indicate that the principal component analysis transformed 23 indicators into 5 comprehensive indicators, with a cumulative contribution rate of 86.947%. The D value was evaluated in a comprehensive evaluation of low-phosphorus resistance, and 156 rice germplasm resources were divided into four types by cluster analysis. A scatter plot was created using the comprehensive phosphorus efficiency values of different rice germplasms under normal phosphorus and low phosphorus conditions. Through further verification, the germplasms with strong low-phosphorus tolerance finally selected through comprehensive screening were Y3-14, Y3-35, Y3-21, Jinnongda 705, Changjing 625, and Jinnongda 873. The germplasms with poor low-phosphorus tolerance were Jijing 338, Jingu 981, Tong 35, Y3-31, and Longdao 20.

Immature Stages of the Greater Cutworm, Feltia repleta (Walker, 1857) (Noctuidae: Noctuinae), with Notes on its Host Plants and Distribution.

Feltia repleta (Walker, 1857), popularly known as "greater cutworm" in the USA and Canada and "cortador grande" in Latin America, is an important pest species occurring throughout the Americas. The popular name refers to its size and the habits of the larvae, which frequently cut shoots of seedlings, causing severe injuries or death of the host plant. Despite its importance to crops management, the immature stages of this species were never described in detail; moreover, they are frequently confused with many other agrotines, specially with species of Feltia Walker, 1856 and Agrotis Oschenheimer, 1816. Therefore, this study aims to describe the external morphology and the tegument ultra-structure of the immature stages of Feltia repleta based on exemplars obtained from a female collected in Planaltina, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil, whose larvae were fed with artificial diet. Descriptions of the morphology with illustrations are presented, based upon observations through scanning electron microscopy and stereoscopic and optic microscopes attached to a camera lucida. Descriptions and illustrations of the eggs, first and last instars head capsule, chaetotaxy, tegument, and setae, and both sexes pupae are presented and the morphological characters are discussed and compared with immature stages of other species of agrotines. Additionally, a comprehensive list of host plants and a geographic distribution map based both on literature and new data based on studied specimens are provided.

Physiological and transcriptional analyses of Arabidopsis primary root growth in response to phosphate starvation under light and dark conditions.

Plants cope with Pi deficiency by triggering an array of adaptive responses, including the remodeling of root system architecture (RSA). Arabidopsis thaliana grown on a Pi-deficient (-Pi) medium in transparent Petri dishes exhibits an inhibition of primary root (PR) growth. Previous work has shown that direct illumination on roots by blue light is both required and sufficient for the Pi deficiency-induced inhibition of PR growth. However, whether light illumination on shoots of seedlings contributes to the inhibition of PR growth under -Pi condition and whether light signaling pathway is involved in this process remain largely unknown. In addition to Pi deficiency-induced inhibition of PR growth, how light affects the transcriptomic changes under -Pi also remains elusive. Here, we found that the inhibition of PR growth under -Pi condition is determined by light illumination on roots instead of shoots. Further experiments revealed that blue light receptors CRY1/CRY2 and key regulator in blue light signaling pathway HY5 play minor roles in this process. Finally, we evaluated the light effects on the transcriptomic changes during the inhibition of PR growth under -Pi condition. We found that light promotes the expression of many genes involved in stress and phytohormones-related processes and has both upregulated and downregulated effects on the expression of typical phosphate starvation-induced (PSI) genes. Taken together, our work further demonstrates our previous hypothesis that the inhibition of PR growth under -Pi condition is caused by blue light-triggered chemical reactions, rather than blue light signaling pathways. Apart from the inhibition of PR growth under -Pi, light exposure also results in substantial alterations of transcriptome under -Pi condition, encouraging us to carefully evaluate the phenotype under illuminated, transparent Petri dishes.

NAM and CUC3 boundary genes maintain shoot apical meristem viability and suppress the development of axillary shoot in rice seedlings.

Cell division and differentiation within the shoot apical meristem (SAM) are essential for the morphogenesis of aboveground plant organs. This study reveals that the boundary genes OsNAM and OsCUC3 collaboratively maintain SAM activity. Loss of function in both OsNAM and OsCUC3 during the fourth leaf stage reduced SAM size, with the osnam oscuc3 mutant exhibiting abnormal leaf number and morphology. Furthermore, OsNAM and OsCUC3 inhibited the growth of axillary shoots. In the osnam oscuc3 mutant, the number of new leaves decreased, while buds in the coleoptile and the axil of the first leaf developed into tillers. Since OsNAM and OsCUC3 are involved in regulating both SAM activity and the growth of lateral shoots, we examined their expression patterns at the base of the main shoot. β-Glucuronidase (GUS) reporter activity and GFP reporter lines demonstrated that OsNAM and OsCUC3 have distinct expression patterns. Specifically, OsNAM was expressed throughout the SAM, whereas OsCUC3 was expressed only at the base of the SAM, with its expression gradually decreasing as seedlings develop. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the expression of genes related to leaf epidermal cell development, cell wall components, and hormonal signal transduction was altered in response to the loss of function of OsNAM and OsCUC3. Therefore, the boundary genes OsNAM and OsCUC3 not only inhibit the growth of axillary shoots but also regulate the development of aboveground organs, including leaf morphology and number, by maintaining the SAM activity in the main shoot.

Ameliorative effect of rhizobacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum on antioxidant enzymes, cell viability and biochemistry in tomato plant under nematode stress

Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a major agricultural pest that significantly reduces crop yield. This study investigates the nematicidal potential of Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain 11477 against M. incognita to regulate its pathogenicity in Solanum lycopersicum. Tomato seeds were treated with bacterial cells and supernatant, grown under controlled conditions and later infested with nematode juveniles (5J2/seedling). After 10 days, nematode infestation led to reduced seedling growth, lower root and shoot biomass and decreased photosynthetic pigments. It also triggered oxidative stress, as indicated by elevated stress markers. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants along with phenolic compounds showed increased activity in response to nematode-induced stress. However, B. japonicum treatment significantly reduced gall formation, improved plant growth and enhanced biochemical and histochemical attributes. Rhizobacteria also alleviated stress indices, strengthened antioxidant defenses and increased metabolite production. Confocal microscopy revealed hydrogen peroxide localization, glutathione content and nuclear and membrane damage in root apices, correlating with plant defense responses. This study highlights B. japonicum as a potent biocontrol agent that enhances plant growth and resilience against M. incognita. Notably, this is the first report on the impact of a leguminous rhizobacterium on a non-leguminous tomato plant, providing new insights into its potential for sustainable pest management.

Screening cotton cultivars for low-phosphorus tolerance: a comparison of hydroponic and field methods

BackgroundSoil available phosphorus (AP) deficiency significantly limits cotton production, particularly in arid and saline-alkaline regions. Screening cotton cultivars for low phosphorus (P) tolerance is crucial for the sustainable development of cotton production. However, the effect of different growth media on the screening outcomes remains unclear. To address this, we evaluated the low P tolerance of 25 cotton cultivars through hydroponic culture at two P levels (0.01 and 0.5 mmol•L−1 KH2PO4) in 2018 and field culture with two P rates (0 and 90 kg•hm−2, in P2O5) in 2019.ResultsIn the hydroponic experiments, principal component analysis (PCA) showed that shoot dry weight (SDW) and P utilization efficiency in shoots (PUES) of cotton seedlings explained over 45% of the genetic variation in P nutrition. Cotton cultivars were subjected to comprehensive cluster analysis, utilizing agronomic traits (SDW and PUES) during the seedling stage (hydroponic) and yield and fiber quality traits during the mature stage (in field). These cultivars were grouped into four clusters: resistant, moderately resistant, moderately sensitive, and sensitive. In low P conditions (0.01 mmol•L−1 KH2PO4 and 4.5 mg•kg−1 AP), the low-P-resistant cluster showed significantly smaller reductions in SDW (54%), seed cotton yield (3%), lint yield (− 2%), fiber length (− 1%), and fiber strength (− 3%) compared with the low-P-sensitive cluster (75%, 13%, 17%, 7%, and 9%, respectively). The increase in PUES (299%) in the resistant cluster was also significantly higher than in the sensitive cluster (131%). Four of the eight low-P-tolerant cotton cultivars identified in the field and six in the hydroponic screening overlapped in both screenings. Two cultivars overlapped in both screening in the low-P-sensitive cluster.ConclusionBased on the screenings from both field and hydroponic cultures, ZM-9131, CCRI-79, JM-958, and J-228 were identified as low-P-tolerant cotton cultivars, while JM-169, XM-33B, SCRC-28, and LNM-18 were identified as low-P-sensitive cotton cultivars. The relationship between field and hydroponic screening results for low-P-tolerant cotton cultivars was strong, although field validation is still required. The low P tolerance of these cultivars was closely associated with SDW and PUES.

Effect of Synthetic Auxin on Water Content of Seedlings of Prosopis julifloraSwarz DC

This study evaluated the effect of 2,4-D on water content of shoot and root of mesquite seedlings, which raised from seeds collected from trees treated during the flowering stagewith various weights of 2,4-D (6, 12, 18, and 24 grams a.i.), dissolved in either diesel or water. The results showed that seedlings grown from seeds collected from different tree sizes treated with 12. 18, and 24 grams a.i dissolved in diesel, and those treated with 24 grams a.i dissolved in water exhibited a significant decrease in shoot water content compared to the control group. Additionally, the root water content of seedlings from seeds collected from trees treated with 18 and 24 grams a.i. of 2,4-D dissolved in either diesel or water also showed a significant decrease compared to the control. Overall, the study demonstrated a reduction in water content of seedlings raisedfrom seeds of mesquite trees treated with 2,4-D.This reduction in water content weakened the establishment of the seedlings and ultimately led to their death in the early stages

Sub‐second low‐energy electrical application effectively controls small but not established plants of scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), wild oat (Avena fatua) and couch grass (Elymus repens)

Abstract For electrical weed control to become an efficient complement to herbicides and tillage, treatment times and energy use must be reduced. Four pot experiments were conducted, testing different voltage levels (5–20 kilovolts) and exposure times (0.2–13.5 s) to find the most efficient combination for weed control. Experiments tested (1) seedlings of the annual dicotyledon Tripleurospermum inodorum and the annual grass Avena fatua, treated at 18 and 14 days after sowing, respectively; (2) adult T. inodorum and A. fatua plants, treated at 6 weeks after sowing; (3) established plants of the perennial grass Elymus repens, cut 34 days after emergence and treated 14 days after the cut; (4) E. repens plants treated 17 days after planting. Five kilovolts was equally or more effective than higher voltage levels regardless of plant size. Five kilovolts for 0.2 s resulted in 100% mortality of T. inodorum seedlings and >99% reduction of A. fatua seedling shoot biomass. Five kilovolts for >1.5 s reduced the aboveground biomass of adult T. inodorum plants by >80%, compared to control. Five kilovolts for 4.5 s reduced the vegetative biomass of adult A. fatua plants by 47%, compared to control. Five kilovolts for 0.2 s killed the shoots of small E. repens plants, reducing shoot and rhizome biomass by 75% and 28%, respectively, compared to control. No treatment significantly reduced the established E. repens plants. In conclusion, 5 kilovolts for 0.2 s effectively kills small annual weeds and forces E. repens to resprout, but established plants need longer exposure times.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Organic and Inorganic Seed Priming Methods in Promoting Cucumber Germination and Growth

Seed priming is a promising pre-sowing physiological treatment that utilizes a high osmotic potential solution and stores reserves in seed material to enhance germination. This study is aimed to investigate the influence of different seed priming methods in the germination and early seedling stages of cucumber. A completely random design (CRD) was used for the experiment, including six priming treatments, i.e., T1 (control), T2 (hydropriming), T3 (halopriming 0.5% NaCl), T4 (osmopriming 0.5% PEG), T5 (buffalo milk), and lastly T6 (cow urine). There was a significant effect of seed priming; the highest water imbibition was observed on halopriming (53.71%) and buffalo milk (53.53%); however, the highest germination percentage was observed in cow urine (93.75%), with the least mean germination time (3.65). The highest seedling length, root lengths, and shoot length were also observed on cow urine priming. The dry weight and moisture content were also observed to be highest in cow urine priming. Different priming techniques significantly impact cucumber seed germination and growth. Cow urine priming is the most effective, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly pre-sowing method for cucumber seedlings, benefiting farmers and promoting better germination without harming the environment.

Effect of macronutrient deprivation on growth and nutrition of Jatropha curcas seedlings

Jatropha curcas is a plant species of high potential for biodiesel production. However, there is little information related to the production of seedlings of the species, mainly on nutrition and the effect of nutrient omission. Thus, the present work had for objective to evaluate the omission of macronutrients on the growth, production of biomass, morphologic relations and nutrition of seedlings of J. curcas seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replications, totaling 32 experimental units. The treatments consisted of: Complete (presence of all macronutrients); Control (omission of all macronutrients) and omission, respectively, of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. At 178 days after sowing growth, biomass production, quality and nutrition of J. curcas were evaluated. Seedlings of J. curcas were highly dependent on N, since without application of N (-N), the plants showed lower height growth (52.3 and 46.8%), total biomass production (55.3 and 53.9%) and a tendency to reduce quality (36.0 and 39.9%), compared to, respectively, -Ca and -Mg. Seedlings of -Ca and -Mg showed, respectively, 72.8% and 74.8% higher relative growth of roots than Complete. Macronutrients omission promoted different changes in concentration (between 21.9 and 423.3%, respectively, P and K) and content (between 53.9 and 522.0%, respectively, P and K) of minerals in shoot of seedlings, in comparison of complete treatment. The restriction order caused by nutrients omission in total biomass production of seedlings was: N > P > K > S > Mg > Ca.

Investigation into Proximate, Phytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Functions of Active Agent Saponin Extracted from Momordica charantia (A Local Herbal Leaf)

Momordica charantia is a medicinal bitter leaf, which has been in use for ages by our fore fathers, hence the need to investigate its biological activities in order to elucidate its medicinal values. The proximate and mineral compositions of M. charantia were determined and its protein, fibre, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc contents were 25.09, 5.01, 0.45, 1.04, 2.72, 72.6, 1.99, 1.77, 70.7 and 44.9 mg/100 g, respectively. The result further showed that the sodium content in the M. charantia is higher than all other elements present, hence helping in the maintenance of acid-base balance in the body. The phytotoxic assay of saponin extracted from M. charantia on maize seedlings was concentration-dependent and showed an inhibitory effect on growth of root and shoot of the maize seedlings. The phytochemical assay of the sample showed that M. charantia contained saponin (80.32%), phytic acid (60.40%), tannin (24.10%) and cyanide (15.5%), respectively. The antimicrobial activities of the saponin extracted from M. charantia was observed to have an inhibitory effect on the microbial growth such as; E. coli, Streptococcus pyrogens, Klebsiella and Enterobacter. The study, therefore, concluded that M. charantia is fully enriched with saponin levels that could be exploited for as functional food and antimicrobial agent in the areas of food and health applications

Effects of humic acid on the growth and cadmium accumulation of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings

The increasing prevalence of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated agricultural soils threatens the safe production of maize (Zea mays L.). To decrease the Cd accumulation in maize, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of humic acid on the growth and Cd uptake of maize seedlings. Cd treatment led to a decrease in biomass and photosynthetic pigment content in maize seedlings, as well as an increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Under Cd stress, the application of humic acid resulted in an increase in biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, and antioxidant enzyme activity in maize seedlings. Additionally, the application of humic acid led to a decrease in root Cd content and an increase in shoot Cd content and translocation factor in maize seedlings under Cd stress. Compared to Cd treatment, humic acid reduced root Cd content by 14.63% and increased shoot Cd content by 12.81%. Furthermore, the carotenoid content, translocation factor, chlorophyll a + b content, and chlorophyll a content were strongly associated with shoot Cd content under Cd stress. Therefore, the application of humic acid can enhance growth, inhibit Cd uptake in roots, and promote Cd translocation from roots to shoots of maize seedlings under Cd stress.

Impact of Biostimulant Seed Treatment on Cowpea Seedling Vigour

The present study aimed to determine how seed treatment with bio-stimulants can enhance seed germination, seedling growth, and biochemical parameters in cowpea var VBN 4. According to the findings, the use of bio-stimulants enhanced both seed germination rate and seedling development in cowpea when compared to a control treatment that did not receive bio-stimulants. Compared to other treatments, cowpea seeds that were exposed to humic acid at a 5% concentration and brown kelp extract for eight hours had a higher rate of germination. Significant improvements were observed in the seedling vigour indexes, shoot and root length, total dry matter production, and biochemical parameters (catalase and peroxidase activity) following an 8-hour treatment with 5% humic acid and Brown Kelp. The vigour of Cowpea seedlings can be increased by applying these treatments.

Влияние гербицида на основе десмедифама и фенмедифама на физиологические характеристики пшеницы

This article discusses environmental issues related to herbicide accumulation in soil and their impact on subsequent crops in crop rotation. An herbicide containing desmedipham and phenmedipham in equal ratio is investigated. The effects of the herbicide on such physiological processes in wheat as germination and growth of roots and shoots of seedlings, activity of proton pumps in the root system of wheat seedlings after incubation in an herbicide solution for 24 hours were studied: The experiments were conducted with different total concentrations of desmedipham and phenmedipham mixture (0.5 ppm, 5 ppm and 50 ppm). The results showed that the herbicides have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on plant growth and proton pump activity. The greatest inhibitory effect was found at a total concentration of 50 ppm. The obtained data indicate the necessity for careful use of the herbicide to minimize its negative impact on crop plants. Keywords: TRITICUM AESTIVUM L., MULTICOMPONENT HERBICIDES, PHYTOTOXICITY, GERMINATION, SPROUTING, GROWTH, ACIDIFYING ACTIVITY

Impact of Plasma-Activated Water on Germination and Growth of Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, renowned for its exceptional aroma, distinct flavor, and long grains, is a staple in global cuisines. Understanding and enhancing the germination and growth of Basmati rice seeds carry significant implications for both agricultural practices and culinary traditions. This study investigates how plasma-activated water, produced through atmospheric pressure air gliding arc discharge, affects Basmati rice seeds’ germination and growth parameters. The physiochemical analysis reveals a progressive increase in water acidity, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential, total dissolved solids, and nitrate/nitrite concentrations as treatment time extends from 0 to 20 minutes. The results highlight a significant impact of plasma-activated water on Basmati rice germination and seedling growth. The seed imbibition rate rises with longer plasma activation, reaching a peak at 10 minutes, leading to maximum seed germination, extended seedling shoots, and increased plant weight compared to the control group. However, prolonged exposure (20 minutes) shows adverse effects on seed germination and growth. These findings contribute valuable insights into the potential applications and limitations of plasma-activated water in Basmati rice.

Water-seeded rice seedling response to soil–water partitioning of pendimethalin

Abstract Weed management in California water-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) is challenging due to herbicide-resistant weeds. Research on additional herbicide options is necessary to control herbicide-resistant weeds. Pendimethalin is a dinitroaniline herbicide commonly used in dry-seeded rice; however, it is not registered in water-seeded rice. This study was conducted to determine the pendimethalin fate in water-seeded rice after application to 1-, 3-, and 5-leaf stage rice. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was utilized to quantify pendimethalin and degradants in the water, soil, and rice seedling tissue at 1, 5, and 14 d after treatment (DAT). More than 50% of recovered pendimethalin was observed in the rice tissue and more than 25% in the soil, with the least amounts observed in the water at all application timings and sampling dates. Three pendimethalin degradants were observed at low concentrations: p36, [1-(1-ethylpropyl)-5,6-dimethyl-7-nitro-1H-benximidazole]; p44, [4-[(1-ethylpropyl) amino]-2-methyl-3,5-ditrobenzoic acid]; and p48 [4,5-dimethyl-3-nitro-N2-(pentan-3-yl) benzene-1,2-diamine]. Degradant p36 was observed in all samples and most abundant in the soil. Degradants p36 and p44 increased in concentration in the water by 14 DAT. Degradants p44 and p48 were at low concentrations or below the lowest level of quantification in water, soil, and tissue samples. The pendimethalin parent molecule remained intact and was not readily metabolized in rice tissue. The crown region and shoots of the rice seedlings demonstrated greater pendimethalin concentrations compared with the roots at all rice stages; however, pendimethalin concentrations remained similar across the three sample timings. Rice root and shoot reduction was 16% and 13%, respectively, after the 1-leaf stage application averaged over sample timings, and 6% and 4%, respectively, after the 5-leaf stage application. The results suggest the rice stage at the application timing is an important factor for pendimethalin tolerance; therefore, encouraging early root development can be beneficial for pendimethalin tolerance in water-seeded rice.

Impacts of Micro/Nanoplastics Combined with Graphene Oxide on Lactuca sativa Seeds: Insights into Seedling Growth, Oxidative Stress, and Antioxidant Gene Expression.

Global pollution caused by micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs) is threatening agro-ecosystems, compromising food security and human health. Also, the increasing use of graphene-family nanomaterials (GFNs) in agricultural products has led to their widespread presence in agricultural systems. However, there is a large gap in the literature on the combined effects of MNPs and GFNs on agricultural plants. This study was conducted to explore the individual and combined impacts of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs, 1 μm) or nanoplastics (PSNPs, 50-100 nm), along with agriculturally relevant graphene oxide (GO), on the seed germination and seedling growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The results showed that the combined effects of mixtures of PSMPs/PSNPs and GO exhibited both synergism and antagonism, depending on different toxicity indicators. The cellular mechanism underlying the combined effects on the roots and shoots of seedlings involved oxidative stress. Three SOD family genes, namely, Cu/Zn-SOD, Fe-SOD, and Mn-SOD, played an important role in regulating the antioxidant defense system of seedlings. The extent of their contribution to this regulation was associated with both the distinct plastic particle sizes and the specific tissue locations within the seedlings.

Activation of antioxidant enzymes as a mechanism against cadmium stress in Mimosa scabrella

Among the elements that cause serious consequences to the environment and to living beings, cadmium (Cd) is considered one of the most harmful. When reaching high levels of Cd contamination in an area, vegetation suppression can occur. Thus, the objective was to analyze the effects of Cd on morphological and biochemical variables of Mimosa scabrella, in order to evaluate its potential for use in environments polluted by Cd. M. scabrella seedlings were grown in five concentrations of Cd (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM). The morphological variables of leaves and roots, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as the content of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. No negative effects were observed on the total length and surface area of roots at concentrations lower than 75 µM Cd. Cd stress activated enzymatic antioxidants, mainly in roots of M. scabrella seedlings, thus causing maintenance in the production of biomass of roots and shoot of seedlings. Thus, the species tolerated high concentrations of Cd and could be recommended for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with cadmium.