Sodium Nitroprusside Solution Research Articles

Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside Affects the Redox System of Wheat Roots Differentially Regulating the Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes under Short-Time Osmotic Stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signalling molecule involved in the regulation of plant ontogenesis and adaptation to different adverse environmental factors, in particular to osmotic stress. Understanding NO-induced plant protection is important for the improvement of plant stress tolerance and crop productivity under global climate changes. The root system is crucial for plant survival in a changeable environment. Damages that it experiences under water deficit conditions during the initial developmental periods seriously affect the viability of the plants. This work was devoted to the comparative analysis of the pretreatment of wheat seedlings through the root system with NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for 24 h on various parameters of redox homeostasis under exposure to osmotic stress (PEG 6000, 12%) over 0.5-24 h. The active and exhausted solutions of SNP, termed as (SNP/+NO) and (SNP/-NO), respectively, were used in this work at a concentration of 2 × 10-4 M. Using biochemistry and light microscopy methods, it has been revealed that osmotic stress caused oxidative damages and the disruption of membrane cell structures in wheat roots. PEG exposure increased the production of superoxide (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the levels of electrolyte leakage (EL) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Stress treatment enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), the excretion of proline, and the rate of cell death and inhibited their division. Pretreatment with (SNP/+NO) decreased PEG-induced root damages by differently regulating the antioxidant enzymes under stress conditions. Thus, (SNP/+NO) pretreatment led to SOD, APX, and CAT inhibition during the first 4 h of stress and stimulated their activity after 24 h of PEG exposure when compared to SNP-untreated or (SNP/-NO)-pretreated and stress-subjected plants. Osmotic stress triggered the intense excretion of proline by roots into the external medium. Pretreatment with (SNP/+NO) in contrast with (SNP/-NO) additionally increased stress-induced proline excretion. Our results indicate that NO is able to mitigate the destructive effects of osmotic stress on the roots of wheat seedlings. However, the mechanisms of NO protective action may be different at certain periods of stress exposure.

Enhancing postharvest quality and extending storage life of Booth 7 avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit through sodium nitroprusside (SNP) application during low-temperature storage

Postharvest quality plays a crucial role in marketability, consumer acceptability, and shelf life of avocados. This study investigates the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) on postharvest physiology and quality of Booth 7 avocados treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) - a nitric oxide-releasing compound. Booth 7 avocados were immersed in SNP solutions (0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 1.5 mM), while the control fruit was immersed in distilled water for 15 min. After treatment, the fruit was stored at a temperature (T) of 8 ± 1 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 90 ± 5% for 35 days, during which the control fruit exhibited complete deterioration. The results revealed that Booth 7 avocados treated with 1.5 mM SNP concentration exhibited delayed quality changes during storage, reduced ethylene production and respiration rate, reduced alterations in soluble solids and acid content of the fruit flesh, as well as delayed changes in flesh and peel color. Additionally, the activity of total phenolic compounds (TPC), polygalacturonase (PG), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased significantly, while the activity of the pectin methyl esterase (PME) enzyme was reduced. In conclusion, SNP treatment improved the quality and can be utilized as a potential postharvest preservative for Booth 7 avocados. For producers and distributors, the use of SNP in avocado postharvest management offers the potential to extend shelf life without compromising fruit quality.

Improvement in Vase Life of Gladiolus Cut Flowers Using Different Holding Solutions of Sodium Nitroprusside and of Salicylic Acid

Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort.) is one of the most important commercial ornamentals cut flower used in the floriculture industry. Among cut flowers, gladiolus is popular for its glamour, perfection and attractive colorful spikes. The longevity of cut flowers is one of the main challenges of florists to gain consumers attention towards its marketing. In present investigation, we tried two chemicals viz. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) and Salicylic Acid (SA, a signaling molecule) in different concentration combinations and observed their effect on gladiolus flowers vase life of two varieties viz. Pusa Shanti and Pusa Chandni. Spikes treated with T7 (SA 150 mg/L), in Pusa Shanti and T2 (SNP 100 mg/L), in Pusa Chandni was observed effective treatments than others and showed better performance of vase life, days after basal florets open, maximum size of florets, solution uptake, florets opening and maximum time taken for the vase deterioration and it helped to improve the postharvest quality of gladiolus spikes by influencing various morphological and physiological attributes of gladiolus vase. Through the present study we are able to know the role of Sodium nitroprusside and Salicylic acid to enhance the vase life of cut flower of Gladiolus.

Utilizing venous occlusion plethysmography to assess vascular effects: A study with buloxibutid, an angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist.

Buloxibutid (also known as C21) is a potent and selective angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist, in development for oral treatment of fibrotic lung disease. This phase I, open-label, pharmacodynamic study investigated vascular effects of buloxibutid in five healthy male volunteers. Subjects were administered intra-arterial infusions of buloxibutid for 5 min in ascending doses of 3, 10, 30, 100, and 200 μg/min, infused sequentially in the forearm. Infusions of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solution in doses of 0.8-3.2 μg/min were administered as a positive control. Forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. Safety and tolerability of intra-arterial administrations of buloxibutid were evaluated. Following infusion of buloxibutid in doses of 3-200 μg/min, the range of increase in FBF was 27.8%, 17.2%, 37.0%, 28.5%, and 60.5%, compared to the respective baseline. The largest increase was observed in the highest dose group. Infusions of SNP as a positive control, increased FBF 230-320% compared to baseline. Three adverse events (AEs) of mild intensity, not related to buloxibutid or SNP, were reported for two subjects. Two of these AEs were related to study procedures. There were no clinically relevant changes in arterial blood pressure during the study period. Intra-arterial infusion of buloxibutid in low, ascending doses increased FBF, indicating that buloxibutid may be effective in conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction. Venous occlusion plethysmography was found to be a useful method to explore pharmacodynamic vascular effects of novel AT2R agonists, while avoiding systemic adverse effects.

Cardiorespiratory reflexes in white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus): Lack of cardiac baroreflex response to blood pressure manipulation?

Arterial pressure (Pa) regulation is essential to adequately distribute nutrients to metabolizing tissues, remove wastes and avoid lesions associated with hypertension. In vertebrates, short-term Pa regulation is achieved through the baroreflex, which elicits inversely proportional changes in heart rate (fH) and vascular resistance to restore Pa. The cardiac limb of this reflex has been reported in all vertebrate groups studied to date: teleosts, amphibians, snakes, lizards, crocodiles, birds and mammals – which led to the suggestion that the baroreflex is an ancient trait present in all vertebrate species. However, it is not clear whether more basal groups of vertebrates, such as cyclostomes, elasmobranchs and chondrosteans, manifest baroreflex regulation of fH. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus; Chondrostei: Acipenseridae) exhibits a cardiac baroreflex. To do so, we induced Pa perturbations through injections of phenylephrine, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and saline solution (hypervolemia), and examined possible fH baroreflex responses. We also investigated whether fH responses triggered by fright and chemoreflex were present in this species, in order to confirm the potential of sturgeon to perform reflexive cardiac adjustments. The findings indicate that A. transmontanus exhibits reflex bradycardia in response to fright and chemoreceptor stimulation, illustrating its capacity for short-term cardiac regulation. However, this species does not display baroreflex control of fH across its physiological range. This dissociation suggests that while the nervous and cardiovascular systems of A. transmontanus are primed for rapid reflex responses, a cardiac baroreflex mechanism remains absent.

Sodium nitroprusside alleviates nanoplastics-induced developmental toxicity by suppressing apoptosis, ferroptosis and inflammation

The health damage caused by nanoplastics (NPs) pollution has become one of the global scientific problems to be solved urgently. However, the toxicological mechanism of NPs is complex, and the research progress of anti-toxicity is limited. Thus, it has potential application value to explore or develop drugs that can effectively alleviate or remove NPs with biological toxicity. In this research, 8 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solution was used to treat zebrafish larvae with 20 mg/L NPs for up to 12 days, and the results showed that SNP treatments were effective in alleviating NPs-caused developmental toxicity in zebrafish larvae. Further examination of its signaling pathway revealed that NPs-induced oxidative stress was mitigated by activating the NO-sGC-cGMP signaling pathway and reduced most of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Subsequently, we detected the key substances and the key enzymes involved in apoptosis and ferroptosis, and found that oxidative stress-induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and lipid peroxidation-caused ferroptosis were alleviated. Finally, observed the accumulation of NPs and ROS in the liver of zebrafish larvae, which is the target organ of immunotoxicity, and we found that SNP could alleviate NPs-caused inflammation by analyzing the fluorescence intensity of neutrophils and macrophages in transgenic zebrafish and detecting the expression of key immune genes. In conclusion, this research has shown for the first time that SNP treatment can significantly inhibit NPs-induced developmental toxicity, resulting from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, ferroptosis and inflammation in zebrafish larvae.

Priming with sodium nitroprusside and hydrogen peroxide increases cotton seed tolerance to salinity and water deficit during seed germination and seedling development

A major difficulty in cotton crops is high-quality seed production, which interferes with plant vigor and establishment. Techniques such as seed physiological conditioning have been reported due to their ability to improve stress tolerance in seeds and plants. Considering this, we carried out this research to evaluate the use of signaling molecules to increase cotton plant stress tolerance. Seeds were conditioned on aerated solutions of indoleacetic acid (100 µM), hydrogen peroxide (100 µM), chitosan (0.75 mM), melatonin (0.2 mM), sodium nitroprusside (100 µM), and pure water (hydropriming), at 20 °C for 24 h. Then seeds were washed with running water and dried in an oven with forced air circulation at 25 °C for 24 h. Treated seeds or nontreated seeds were placed to germinate under salinity (10 dS m−1 NaCl) and water deficit by using polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) at − 0.6 MPa, and with nonstressed condition (water). The solutions mentioned were used to moisten the Germitest® paper roll at 2.5 times its weight. We also analyzed the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, as well as the content of proline, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation. Physiological conditioning with signaling molecules effectively improved cotton seed germination under stress, especially to hydrogen peroxide and sodium nitroprusside, which resulted in better performance on the parameters of germination and seedling growth. As stress conditions induced oxidative stress, as observed by lipid peroxidation, we found that physiological conditioning improved the seed antioxidant system, with hydrogen peroxide and sodium nitroprusside resulting in better performance. Our results highlighted the potential of sodium nitroprusside and hydrogen peroxide as inducers of stress tolerance in cotton.

Gastrodin and Gastrodigenin Improve Energy Metabolism Disorders and Mitochondrial Dysfunction to Antagonize Vascular Dementia.

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most common dementia syndrome worldwide, and effective treatments are lacking. Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries to treat cognitive impairment, ischemic stroke, epilepsy, and dizziness. Gastrodin (p-hydroxymethylphenyl-b-D-glucopyranoside, Gas) and Gastrodigenin (p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, HBA) are the main bioactive components of GEB. This study explored the effects of Gas and HBA on cognitive dysfunction in VD and their possible molecular mechanisms. The VD model was established by bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-vessel occlusion, 2-VO) combined with an intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside solution. One week after modeling, Gas (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.g.) and HBA (25 and 50 mg/kg, i.g.) were administered orally for four weeks, and the efficacy was evaluated. A Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test were used to observe their cognitive function, and H&E staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the neuronal morphological changes; the expressions of Aβ1-42 and p-tau396 were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the changes in energy metabolism in the brain tissue of VD rats were analyzed by targeted quantitative metabolomics. Finally, a Hippocampus XF analyzer measured mitochondrial respiration in H2O2-treated HT-22 cells. Our study showed that Gas and HBA attenuated learning memory dysfunction and neuronal damage and reduced the accumulation of Aβ1-42, P-Tau396, and P-Tau217 proteins in the brain tissue. Furthermore, Gas and HBA improved energy metabolism disorders in rats, involving metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, and reducing oxidative damage-induced cellular mitochondrial dysfunction. The above results indicated that Gas and HBA may exert neuroprotective effects on VD by regulating energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.

Effect of biotic elicitor and donor NO treatment in complex defence of wheat plants against hypoxia and wounding stress

Aim. The aim of the research was to investigate the induction of the Triticum aestivum L. non-specific tolerance by ferulic acid as a biotic elicitor and donor of nitric oxide as a signal molecule to hypoxia and wounding stress. Methods. Winter wheat plants cv. Kesariia Polis`ka were grown and had treated by ferulic acid and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solutions then wounding or flooding stress started. The hydrogen peroxide content was measured in leaves during the experimental period. Results. It is shown that an influence of the nitric oxide donor balanced the hydrogenous peroxide level in wounded leaves close to control. After two days of flooding stress plants treated by ferulic acid decreased hydrogen peroxide level on 15 % against threefold decreasing in non-treated stressed plants. Donor NO treatment also paid contribution to hydrogen peroxide equilibrium during the first hour under hypoxia conditions caused by flooding stress and decreased hydrogen peroxide content till the third day of stress. Conclusions. Ferulic acid and nitric oxide donor are perspective components for complex defense against hypoxia and wounding in wheat plants.

Unani Formulation Habb-e-Suranjan: A Treasure of Biological Activities.

Habb-e-Suranjan (HES), an Unani formulation, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. HES is recommended for arthritis, gout, and joint pain. The current endeavor is an attempt to put it to the test and verify its efficacy scientifically. It was tested for DPPH, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide scavenging activities. It was shown that HES had the greatest TAC and FRAC values when compared to catechin and ascorbic acid. HES exhibited DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity that was dose-dependent. Incubation of sodium nitroprusside solutions in PBS at 25°C for 150 min resulted in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide production was effectively decreased by HES. Anti-inflammatory medications boosted the migration of PMN cells toward the chemoattractant FMLP in an agarose experiment of PMN chemotaxis. In carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, in the HES-treated group, paw thickness was 3.021 ± 0.084 at t = 0, but it showed an increase in paw inflammation after one hour, i.e., 3.195 ± 0.082 cm which again showed a decrease in paw thickness up to 4th hour, i.e., 3.018 ± 0.078, 2.98 ± 0.032, and 2.684 ± 0.061 at t = 2, 3, and 4, respectively. It showed again getting back to the normal thickness of paw at t = 24 hrs, i.e., 3.029 ± 0.118 cm. It is concluded that the formulation is potent enough and can be used effectively for the treatment of inflammation and associated health issues. Moreover, there is much scope to evaluate its effectiveness using different in vitro and in vivo models.

Phytochemical Screening and In-vitro Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Unani Formulation Habb-e-Asgand

Aim: In the present work we aimed to perform phytochemical Screening and In-vitro free radical scavenging activity of Unani formulation Habb-e-asgand.
 Study Design: The present work was designed to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity assay (FRAC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and nitric oxide scavenging assay.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The present work has been carried out at Ali-allana College of Pharmacy, Akkalkuwa, from February-2020 to November-2020.
 Methodology: Habb-e-asgand (HEA), a Unani polyherbal drug used in arthritis, gout, and joint pain, is a blend of many herbal medicinal plants. Scientific attempts to test and validate its effectiveness are scarce. The selected Unani formulation was evaluated for DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and nitric oxide scavenging assay. The given formulation also evaluated the total antioxidant capacity and the reducing antioxidant capacity of ferrous metals.
 Results: It was found that DPPH radical scavenging activity of HEA and BHT at a concentration of 100 μg/ml was 95±0.74 and 59±0.94 μg/ml. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of HEA, at the concentration of 100μg/ml, was 55±0.64, whereas at the same concentration catechin was 63±0.84 μg/ml. The IC50 value for nitric acid scavenging activity was found to be 49.60±1.57 for HEA, and 186.34 ± 3.28 µg/ml for ascorbic acid. The result obtained from TAC and FRAC activity demonstrates that HEA possessed the highest TAC and FRAC values in comparison to standards catechin and ascorbic acid.
 Conclusion: From the above results it was concluded that HEA has a potent antioxidant activity. HEA showed moderate to high TAC and FRAC in dose-dependent manner compared to standards catechin and ascorbic acid. HEA shows dose-dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Nitric oxide generation was observed after the incubation of solutions of sodium nitroprusside in PBS at 25°C for 150 min. HEA effectively reduced the generation of nitric oxide.

Mechanical scarification technique breaks seed coat-mediated dormancy in wild oat (Avena fatua)

AbstractWild oat is a herbicide resistance-prone global weed species that causes significant economic losses in dryland and horticultural agriculture. As a result, there has been a significant research effort to control this species. A major impediment to this research is the seed coat-mediated dormancy of wild oat, which requires a labor-intensive incision or puncturing of the seed coat to initiate seed germination. This study defines the most efficient settings of a mechanical thresher to overcome wild oat seed dormancy and then validates these settings using multiple populations collected from the Western Australian grain belt. We also compare the effects of rapid mechanical scarification and known germination stimulus tactics such as scarification with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), partial endosperm removal, sandpaper scarification of the seed coat, and immersion in sodium nitroprusside (NO donor SNP) solution on wild oat seedling growth rate. Threshing treatment of 1,500 rpm for 5 s provides equivalent germination compared with manually puncturing individual wild oat seeds, with no difference in seedling relative growth rate. The mechanical scarification of seeds using the thresher resulted in greater germination (66%) than H2SO4 scarification (0%), partial endosperm removal (10%), sandpaper seed coat scarification (25%), and exposure to NO donor SNP (34%). This study demonstrates that the physical dormancy of wild oat can be rapidly overcome using a commercially available mechanical thresher.

Tongluo Huatan capsule improves cognitive function by regulating the endocytosis of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors mediated by clathrin in a rat model of vascular dementia.

To explore the neuroprotective mechanisms of Tongluo Huatan capsule (THC) in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD). A rat model of VD was established by repeated clamping of bilateral common carotid arteries with the intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside solution. VD rats were administered THC, memantine hydrochloride, or distilled water daily for 14 d after operation. Learning and memory abilities were assessed using the step-down passive avoidance test, novel object recognition (NOR) test, and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed through hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. The expression levels of clathrin, RAB5B, and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NMDAR1) were measured by immunohistochemistry staining, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Rats in VD group showed impaired learning and memory abilities (step-down passive avoidance, NOR, and MWM) and abnormalities in neuronal morphology (light microscopy) in the hippocampus. The mRNA or protein expression levels of clathrin and RAB5B were decreased, and NMDAR1 was increased in hippocampal tissues (P < 0.05). Administration of THC promoted the learning and memory abilities and the morphological structure of hippocampal neurons in VD rats. Besides, THC enhanced mRNA or protein expression levels of clathrin and RAB5B, and decreased NMDAR1 (P < 0.05). THC may improve cognitive functions by regulating the endocytosis of NMDA receptors mediated by clathrin.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Evaluation of sodium nitroprusside (NO donor) as pulsing solution in improving post harvest quality of gladiolus spikes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Gladiolus is an important commercial cut flower of emerging floriculture industry. The prime concern in commercialization is postharvest management of flowers as flowers are biological systems that perish after harvest. Among different chemicals used to improve vase life of gladiolus, nitric oxide has emerged as potent signaling molecule that can delay senescence and improve post harvest life of flowers. Here, we studied the potential of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) as pulsing solution on post harvest quality of gladiolus. Spikes of gladiolus were harvested at tight bud stage and pulsed for 20 h with SNP solutions of different concentrations and various physiological parameters were recorded to evaluate the keeping quality. The pulsing solution of SNP @200 mg L -1 with sucrose and aluminium sulphate significantly improved the vase life whereas pulsing with SNP @400 mg L -1 adversely affected the quality parameters. Spikes pulsed with SNP @200 mg L -1 supplemented with sucrose and aluminium sulphate had higher membrane stability index, relative water content, sugar content, protein content antioxidant enzymatic activity and lower TBARS content as compared to control supporting improved postharvest quality. Thus, sodium nitroprusside @200 mg L -1 with sucrose and aluminium sulphate could be used as pulsing solution to improve the postharvest quality of spike.

Atomically Dispersed Manganese Lewis Acid Sites Catalyze Electrohydrogenation of Nitrogen to Ammonia

Atomically Dispersed Manganese Lewis Acid Sites Catalyze Electrohydrogenation of Nitrogen to Ammonia

Transplantation of Bone Marrow Cells Preactivated With Sodium Nitroprusside Improves Acute Wound Healing in Rabbits.

The development of wound healing impairment mainly represents challenging clinical problems. The less and high concentrations of nitric oxide can influence angiogenesis, remodeling, and proliferation of skin cells. Delayed acute wounds generally have failed to progress via the normal stages of healing. Such wounds usually enter a state of pathological inflammation due to a postponed, incomplete, and uncoordinated healing process. This study aimed to investigate the effect of normal bone marrow cells (BMCs) and preconditioning of BMCs with minimum concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (NaNP) solution for acute wound healing. For acute wound healing, full-thickness dorsal wounds were created on rabbits. The acute wound of rabbits was treated with BMCs and preactivated BMCs with NaNP. Histological results showed that BMCs preactivated with NaNP could improve collagen deposition, enhanced reepithelization, and decreased inflammatory infiltration. Overall, BMCs treated with NaNP can help to improve acute wound healing in rabbits. The result strongly confirmed the beneficial effect in augmenting the wound healing process. The combination of BMCs with NaNP was safe and convenient for acute wound healing.

Effects of exogenous NO on antioxidant system of Taxus plants under simulated acid rain stress

Taxus is a famous medicinal and landscape tree species. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) on the resistance of Taxus plants to acid rain stress and to identify Taxus species with strong acid rain resistance by principal component analysis and comprehensive evaluation. In this study, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as the exogenous NO donor. The effects of different SNP solution concentrations on the antioxidant systems of three Taxus species subjected to simulated acid rain stress (pH = 3.0) were compared. In order to achieve this goal, we determined the rate of O2- production, the ASA and GSH contents in leaves of three Taxus plants (Taxus mairei, Taxus chinensis, and Taxus yunnanensis). At the same time, the active leaves of some antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX and GR) were determined. For Taxus chinensis plants subjected to acid rain stress, treatment with an SNP concentration of 0.25 mmol·L-1 led to the most significant improvements in the antioxidant system. For Taxus mairei and Taxus yunnanensis, the treatment with the SNP concentration of 0.50 mmol·L-1 was best for improving their antioxidant systems under stress. Meanwhile, Taxus chinensis had the strongest resistance to simulated acid rain, followed by Taxus mairei and Taxus yunnanensis.

Effect of Seed Priming by Silicic Acid and Sodium Nitroprusside Solutions on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Greenhouse Tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum L. cv. Isabella) under Salinity Stress

Effect of Seed Priming by Silicic Acid and Sodium Nitroprusside Solutions on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Greenhouse Tomato (Lycopersicom esculentum L. cv. Isabella) under Salinity Stress

Nitric oxide as a way to mitigate copper (Cu) toxicity in the emergence and initial growth of maize seedling (Zea mays L.)

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of sodium nitroprusside-NPS (nitric oxide donor) on the emergence and initial growth of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) subjected to different copper concentrations. The study followed a completely randomized design at 4 x 3 factorial arrangement, with 12 treatments and 8 repetitions, totally 96 trays with 25 seedlings per repetition. Seedlings were soaked in sodium nitroprusside (SNP) solution (0.75 and 150 µM - donor), sodium ferrocyanide (SF) (0.75 and 150 µM - compensator) and deionized water (control) on Germitest paper for 48 hours. Next, they were placed on sand saturated with CuSO4.5H2O at concentrations of 0, 100 and 200 µM. The results showed that SNP doses were not capable of mitigating copper toxicity in seedling emergence, influencing emergence speed coefficient and prolonging the mean emergence time of plants subjected to copper concentrations of 100 µM and 200 µM. Copper concentrations rose the number of abnormal seedlings and had negative influence on plant biometrics and biomass. Copper concentration of 200 µM increased proline content in the roots. NPS and sodium ferrocyanide application had effect on emergence speed index, shoot and root dry mass and on proline content in the shoot and roots. This outcome highlights that such effects were caused by treatments related to release of cyanide found in sodium nitroprusside (SNP), rather than to nitric oxide (NO)

Effect of priming and different types of drying on the physiological quality of Urochloa ruziziensis seeds

Abstract: Seed vigor is one of the main limitations to meet the demanding forage market. In order to boost the productive potential and provide the satisfactory development of quality seeds and seedlings, it is necessary to develop techniques that provide quality and high productivity. With the Urochloa genus stands out in the seed production and quality, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of seed priming with sodium nitroprusside and to define the best drying method that allows the maintenance of the changes of this treatment in Urochloa ruziziensis seeds. The seeds were conditioned in sodium nitroprusside solution, as a nitric oxide donor, for 42 hours and later submitted to the following procedures: no drying, initial reduction of water content, thermal shock, slow and fast drying. The design was completely randomized, with ten treatments and four replications. Water content, germination, emergence and biochemical evaluations were performed. As results, it was observed that all drying methods evaluated reduced the water content of the seeds to 12%, recommended range for storage, with the exception of the treatment without drying that presented 30%. Regarding germination parameters, the treatment of initial reduction and quick drying obtained the best performance in germination and emergence. Moreover, the types of drying presented high rate of enzymatic activity of the antioxidant system, thus helping in the maintenance of redox homeostasis. According to the enzymatic activity and germination rates, it suggests that the rapid drying method after priming with nitric oxide is the best method for Urochloa ruziziensis.