Total Soluble Carbohydrate Content Research Articles

Effects of phosphorus and zinc levels on total soluble carbohydrate and crude protein in grain of cowpea (<i>Vigna unguiculata</i> (L.) Walp) grown in Bauchi, Nigeria

Two field experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering Research Farm of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, between 2006 and 2007 to study the effects of phosphorus (0, 25, 50 kg P/ha) and zinc levels (0, 2.5, 5 kg Zn/ha) on Total Soluble Carbohydrate and Crude Protein of six cowpea varieties namely: IT90K 277, IT93455 1, IT89KD 288, IT97K 568 18, IT90K 82 2 and Kanannado. The objectives of these experiments were to determine which levels of P, Zn and the various interactions of P, Zn, and year that had produced the highest total soluble carbohydrate (TSC) and crude protein (CP) on the grain contents of the cowpea varieties studied and to determine the best varieties in terms of TSC and CP upon the application of these nutrients (P and Zn) in Bauchi, Nigeria. The results revealed that increased levels of P from P0 to P50 significantly increased the CP and TSC contents of the cowpea grains. Similarly, higher Zn levels (2.5 and 5 kgha-1) were observed to have significant effects on TSC and CP contents of the cowpea grains. Interactions of P and Zn were equally observed to significantly affect TSC and CP contents of the cowpea grains. Of all the six (6) cowpea varieties, Kanannado recorded the highest TSC and CP in the cowpea grains. With regard to year, 2006 recorded the highest CP while 2007 had the highest TSC. Higher levels of P and Zn or their associations were recommended for improving TSC and CP contents of the cowpea grains, with emphasis on Kanannado for Bauchi farmers.

Eco-friendly approach to decrease the harmful effects of untreated wastewater on growth, yield, biochemical constituents, and heavy metal contents of carrot (Daucus carota L.).

Here, the impact of irrigation using untreated wastewater (WW) on carrots (Daucus carota L.) was examined. We hypothesized that the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dry algal powder (Spirulina platensis or Chlorella vulgaris), and Salix alba leaves powder would function as chelators for harmful contaminants in wastewater. The findings showed that irrigation of carrot plants with the sampled untreated wastewater led to significant decreases in the shoot lengths, fresh, dry weights of shoots and roots at stage I, the diameter of roots, pigment content, carotenoids, total soluble carbohydrate content, and soluble protein content. Furthermore, a significantly increased level of proline, total phenols, and the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) was identified in stage I samples. In contrast to the stage I, the length of the roots, the number of leaves on each plant, wet and dry weights of the stage II roots were all greatly enhanced. In spite of the increased yield due to the wastewater irrigation, carrot roots irrigated with wastewater had significantly more cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) than is considered safe. Our data clearly show that the application of Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, EDTA, and leaves powder of salix was able to alleviate the toxicity of wastewater on carrot plants. For example, we recorded a significant decrease in the accumulation of carrot's Cd, Ni, Co, and Pb contents. We conclude that the treatments with Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris can be utilized as eco-friendly tools to lessen the damaging effects of wastewater irrigation on carrot plants.

Morpho-Anatomical, Physiological and Biochemical Adjustments in Response to Heat and Drought Co-Stress in Winter Barley.

This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of high temperatures 10 °C above the optimum and water withholding during microgametogenesis on vegetative processes and determine the response of winter barley genotypes with contrasting tolerance. For this purpose, two barley varieties were analyzed to compare the effect of heat and drought co-stress on their phenology, morpho-anatomy, physiological and biochemical responses and yield constituents. Genotypic variation was observed in response to heat and drought co-stress, which was attributed to differences in anatomy, ultrastructure and physiological and metabolic processes. The co-stress-induced reduction in relative water content, total soluble protein and carbohydrate contents, photosynthetic pigment contents and photosynthetic efficiency of the sensitive Spinner variety was significantly greater than the tolerant Lambada genotype. Based on these observations, it has been concluded that the heat-and-drought stress-tolerance of the Lambada variety is related to the lower initial chlorophyll content of the leaves, the relative resistance of photosynthetic pigments towards stress-triggered degradation, retained photosynthetic parameters and better-preserved leaf ultrastructure. Understanding the key factors underlying heat and drought co-stress tolerance in barley may enable breeders to create barley varieties with improved yield stability under a changing climate.

Additive effects of light and branching on fruit size and chemical fruit quality of greenhouse tomatoes.

Greenhouse tomato growers face the challenge of balancing fruit size and chemical quality traits. This study focused on elucidating the interplay between plant branching and light management on these traits, while maintaining consistent shoot density. We evaluated one- and two-shoot plants under varying top light intensities using high-pressure sodium lamps and light-emitting diode (LED) inter-lighting. The reduced yield in the two-shoot plants was mainly due to smaller fruit size, but not due to source strength limitations, as evaluated through leaf weight ratio (LWR), chlorophyll index, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter percentage, and stem soluble carbohydrate accumulation. Enhanced lighting improved fruit weight and various fruit traits, such as dry matter content, total soluble carbohydrate content, and phenolic content, for both one- and two-shoot plant types. Despite lower mean fruit weight, two-shoot plants exhibited higher values for chemical fruit quality traits, indicating that the fruit growth of two-shoot plants is not limited by the available carbohydrates (source strength), but by the fruit sink strength. Diurnal analysis of fruit growth showed that two-shoot plants had reduced expansion during light transitions. This drop in fruit expansion was not related to changes in root pressure (measured as xylem sap exudation from decapitated plants), but might be related to diminished xylem area in the stem joint of the two-shoot plants. The concentration of several hormones, including cytokinins, was lower in two-shoot plants, suggesting a reduced fruit sink capacity. The predominant impact of branching to two-shoot plants on sink capacity suggests that the fruit growth is not limited by available carbohydrates (source strength). Alongside the observation that light supplementation and branching exert independent additive effects on fruit size and chemical traits, this illuminates the potential to independently regulate these aspects in greenhouse tomato production.

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms of grain yield loss in fumitory (Fumaria parviflora Lam.) exposed to copper and drought stress

Soil contamination with heavy metals adversely affects plants growth, development and metabolism in many parts of the world including arid and semi-arid regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the single and combined effects of drought and copper (Cu) stresses on seed yield, and biochemical traits of Fumaria parviflora in a split – factorial experiment at Research Field of Payam-E-Noor university of Kerman during 2019. The collected seeds from two Cu contaminated regions were evaluated under drought and Cu (0, 50, 150, 300, and 400 mg/kg) stresses. Drought stress levels were depletion of 50% (D1), 70% (D2) and 85% (D3) soil available water. The individual effects of drought and copper stresses were similar to each other as both reduced seed yield. The highest seed yield was observed at Cu concentration of 50 mg/kg under non-drought stress conditions. The maximum values of malondialdehyde (0.47 µmol/g), proline (2.45 µmol/g FW), total phenolics (188.99 mg GAE/g DW) and total flavonoids (22.1 mg QE/g DW) were observed at 400 mg/kg Cu treatment. However, the strongest antioxidant activity (83.95%) through DPPH assay, and the highest total soluble carbohydrate (115.23 mg/g DW) content were observed at 300 and 150 mg/kg Cu concentration under severe drought stress, respectively. The highest amount of anthocyanin (2.18 µmol/g FW) was observed at 300 mg/kg Cu and moderate drought stress. The findings of this study showed a high tolerance of F. parviflora plant to moderate drought stress and Cu exposure up to 150 mg/kg by modulating defense mechanisms, where grain yield was slightly lower than that of control. The results could also provide a criterion for the selection of tolerance species like F. parviflora for better acclimatization under Cu mines and/or agricultural contaminated soils subjected to drought stress.

Seaweed extract and arbuscular mycorrhiza co-application affect the growth responses and essential oil composition of Foeniculum vulgare L.

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) inoculation, seaweed extract (SWE) foliar use, and their co-applications were evaluated on the growth-associated traits, antioxidant potential, essential oil profile, and the nutrients content of fennel plants. A factorial experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with two factors and four replications in the greenhouse. The factors were: AMF inoculation (not inoculated and inoculated with 5gkg-1) and SWE foliar application (0, 0.5, 1.5, or 3gL-1). The highest root colonization percentage was recorded in plants treated with AMF + 3gL-1 of SWE. The top recorded plant height, leaf number, leaf dry weight, biomass, thousand seed weight (TSW), total soluble proteins and total soluble carbohydrates content, antioxidant activity, and essential oil content belonged to AMF + 3gL-1 of SWE. Furthermore, the co-application of AMF + SWE resulted in a considerable enhancement of the photosynthetic pigments content and, in N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Mn contents in the shoots and roots. The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed that (E)-anethole (73.28-76.18%), fenchone (5.94-8.26%), limonene (4.64-6.58%), methyl chavicol (2.91-3.18%), and (Z)-β-ocimene (1.36-2.01%) were the principal essential oil constituents. The top (E)-anethole and fenchone contents were obtained by AMF + SWE. Altogether, the simultaneous application of AMF and SWE could be introduced as an environment-friendly strategy to reach reliable growth responses, especially in fennel plants' enriched with some precious essential oil constituents.

Selenium nanoparticles induce growth and physiological tolerance of wastewater‑stressed carrot plants

Climate changes have a direct impact on agricultural lands through their impact on the rate of water levels in the oceans and seas, which leads to a decrease in the amount of water used in agriculture, and therefore the use of alternative sources of irrigation such as wastewater and overcoming its harmful effect on plants was one of the solutions to face this problem. In the present study, the impacts of the synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) alone or in combination with glycine betaine and proline treatments on the growth, physiological, and yield attributes of wastewater irrigated carrot plants are investigated. Furthermore, to evaluate heavy metals uptake and accumulation in edible plant parts. The usage of wastewater to carrot plants significantly increased free proline contents, total phenols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) throughout the two growth stages. While total soluble carbohydrate and soluble protein content in carrot shoots and roots were significantly reduced. Moreover, the concentrations of nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and cobalt (Co) in carrot plants were considerably higher than the recommended limits set by international organizations. Application of selenium nanoparticles alone or in combination with glycine betaine and proline reduced the contents of Ni, Cd, Pb, and Co; free proline; total phenols; superoxide dismutase; catalase; peroxidase; polyphenol oxidase; Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in carrot plants. However, morphological aspects, photosynthetic pigments, soluble carbohydrates, soluble protein, total phenol, and β-Carotene were enhanced in response to Se NPs application. As an outcome, this research revealed that Se NPs combined with glycine betaine and proline can be used as a strategy to minimize heavy metal stress caused by wastewater irrigation in carrot plants, consequently enhancing crop productivity and growth.

Yield and yield quality characteristics of two varieties of sweet potato under different watering intervals ​

Climate change significantly impacts sweet potato production because of the high potential for drought conditions. Understanding the regional impacts of climate change on the irrigation interval is important for effective water resource management. This study aims at determining the influence of the irrigation interval on the drought tolerance responses of two new sweet potato varieties from Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with two factors. The first factor was two varieties of sweet potato i.e. Awachy-1 (Orange-Fleshed) and Biang (Purple-Fleshed); and the second factor was the irrigation interval (1, 3, 5 and 7 days). This research was conducted in a screen house of Ciparanje experimental field station, Universitas Padjadjaran Jatinangor. Experimental results showed no interaction between the irrigation intervals and the varieties on the sweet potato's yield components and nutritional content. Biang provided the most optimal result regarding the number of tubers and dry mass, despite being watered once every three days. Biang also produced a higher number of tubers, shorter sweet potato length and higher dry weight than Awachy-1 in every irrigation interval. Biang also showed a higher value for nutritional content than Awachy 1 on total soluble solids, sugar and carbohydrate content. The optimal water usage to store the root yield of Biang and Awachy-1 is one to three days of irrigation intervals on the sweet potato’s tuber diameter and the plant's dry weight. However, the irrigation interval that most significantly improved the weight of the tuber was one day, while the increased nutritional content of the tuber was three days. Biang and Awachy-1 cultivars could survive under drought conditions, although some yield components had decreased. These results suggested that the varieties or watering interval affected sweet potato growth and yield components.

Growth responses of wheat seedlings of different varieties to heat-stress and their relation to the antioxidant system state and osmolytes accumulation

Background. In recent decades, Ukraine has been experiencing abnormally high temperatures and droughts in different seasons, including autumn. This creates stressful conditions for winter cereals, especially wheat, at the very beginning of ontogeny. A comprehensive study of the functioning of antioxidant and osmoprotective systems in the early stages of development for wheat varieties of different ecological and geographical origins has not been conducted yet. This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat stress on the growth of etiolated seedlings of seven varieties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the indicators characterizing the functioning of antioxidant and osmoprotective systems. Materials and Methods. Wheat grains of different varieties were germinated at 24 °C for three days in the dark. Subsequently, they were subjected to 4 h of heating at 45 °C in an air thermostat. Immediately after stress, the generation of superoxide anion radical (O2•‒) by seedlings, the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase activity, and also proline and soluble carbohydrates were analyzed. One day after heating, the relative inhibition of shoot and root growth was determined. Results and Discussion. The Antonivka and Tobak varieties demonstrated the highest ability to maintain growth after exposure to high temperatures; the Darynka Kyivska and Lira Odeska varieties were medium resistant. In the Doskonala, Bogdana and Avgustina varieties, a strong inhibition of shoot and root growth after heat stress was noted. In Antonivka, after high-temperature exposure, the O2•‒ generation increased slightly, while the content of H2O2 and LPO products did not change. In Tobak, Darynka Kyivska and Lira Odeska, the stress-induced increase in ROS formation and accumulation of LPO products was moderate. The hyperthermia-sensitive Doskonala, Bogdana and Avgustina showed a significant development of oxidative stress. Heat-resistant varieties had high catalase activity and increased total soluble carbohydrate content under heat stress. After exposure to high temperature, the proline content increased in all studied varieties, but no positive correlation was recorded between its amount and their heat resistance. Likewise, no significant correlation was found between the guaiacol peroxidase activity and the ability of varieties to maintain growth after heat stress. Conclusion. The high-level inverse correlation between catalase activity, soluble carbohydrate content, and the manifestation of oxidative stress effect indicates a significant contribution of these stress-protective system components to the adaptation of seedlings to heat stress. Indicators of the oxidative stress intensity and the functioning of individual components of the antioxidant system can be used to assess the heat resistance of wheat varieties at the early stages of development.

Influência de porta-enxertos no vigor e fertilidade de gemas de videiras ‘BRS Tainá’ no Vale do São Francisco

Abstract ‘BRS Tainá’ is a new seedless table grape cultivar developed and recommended for the Submedium of São Francisco Valley, the main producing and exporting region of table grapes in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rootstock on vigor, bud fertility, sucrose and total soluble carbohydrates content in leaves of ‘BRS Tainá’ vine cultivated in semi-arid environmental conditions in the Brazilian Northeast. The treatments were represented by eight rootstocks: ‘101-14 MgT’, ‘IAC 313’, ‘IAC 572’, ‘IAC 766’, ‘Paulsen 1103’, ‘Ramsey’, ‘SO4’ and ‘Teleki 5C’. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications, in split plots, the production cycles were considered as plots, and eight rootstocks as subplots. The following variables were evaluated: pruning weight, stem diameter, number of lateral bunches, bud fertility, sucrose and total soluble carbohydrates content in leaves. The ‘BRS Tainá’ vine had moderate canopy vigor and 54% of bud fertility. The carbohydrate content and sucrose in the leaves did not differ among treatments during pruning. Therefore, it is possible that there is no effect of the rootstock on the initial vegetative growth of ‘BRS Tainá’ vines, which vigor and bud fertility remained stable in the initial production cycles.

Effects of desiccation rate and inhibition of protein synthesis and the violaxanthin cycle on the rewetting recovery of Porella platyphylla

Following 5 different rates of 1-week desiccation to which Porella platyphylla (a desiccation-tolerant leafy liverwort) was subjected, physiological recovery upon rehydration (after 1 h, 24 h, 48 h) in light was monitored by cytological, photosynthetic (e-transport rate, photoprotective mechanisms), and other metabolic parameters using nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded protein synthesis inhibitors and a violaxanthin cycle inhibitor (DTT: dithiothreitol). Desiccation tolerance is mainly constitutive in P. platyphylla, allowing survival of rapid drying, and employs an active rehydration-induced repair and recovery mechanism. Following 24 hours of rehydration after the one-week dehydration in laboratory air (∼35% relative humidity /RH/), the chloroplasts had an irregular round shape. The recovery within 1 h of the thylakoid-function-related photosynthetic processes was extremely fast and independent of protein synthesis, while the overall recovery (except plants dried up at 76% RH, which depended on protein synthesis only to a limited extent) required de novo protein synthesis during rewetting. During the course of rehydration protein synthesis affects rehydrin expression, osmolite and general carbohydrate metabolism, the main repair and antioxidant mechanisms. Recovery was the best in samples dried up at 76% RH. Membrane permeability increased upon rehydration following 1-week dehydration. Normal membrane function recovered after 24 h (max. 48 h), except in plants that suffered drastic dehydration. Total protein content of plants dried under different conditions and of samples taken during recovery was generally lower than in the control plants at full turgor. The xanthophyll cycle has a great importance during the recovery in light; we confirmed the existence of a greater zeaxanthin-dependent and a smaller zeaxanthin-insensitive NPQ (nonphotochemical quenching). Plants dried under more favorable conditions had better light protection. The highest values of the osmotic potential belonged to the plants subjected to intense dehydration. Total soluble carbohydrate content was well-balanced and seemed to be unchanged following the different treatments. There was a significant increase in proline, while total fructan showed lower values at different degrees of 1-week desiccation. The cytoplasmic protein synthesis is likely to be involved in the change of the fructan content during rehydration.

Влияние технологических параметров на качество травяного напитка из зеленой спаржи (Asparagus officinalis L.)

Green asparagus is widely consumed fresh due to its high nutritional value and a low calorie content. However, its short shelf-life due to a high water content causes high postharvest losses. In this study, we aimed to develop an innovative asparagus herbal drink to ease postharvest losses and diversify asparagus-derived products.
 We investigated the effects of process parameters on the quality of the herbal drink from green asparagus. In particular, we determined the optimal length and grinding size for asparagus and selected suitable blanching and drying methods. Analytical responses included the contents of total soluble solids, polyphenol, carbohydrates, and vitamin C, as well as the visual appearance of asparagus samples. 
 The length of 5 mm was found suitable for subsequent steps as it facilitated an increase in solute in the asparagus infusion. Microwave blanching and convective drying were selected to achieve high contents of total soluble solids, polyphenol, carbohydrates, and vitamin C in the asparagus infusion. Dried asparagus ground into 1.5–2.0 mm particles was packaged into tea bags. The asparagus infusion subjected to sensory evaluation had a yellowish color, a characteristic asparagus flavor, and a relatively sweet taste. Total soluble solids in the infusion amounted to 26%. 
 Our results showed a possibility of developing an asparagus herbal drink which could be a potent product in the commercial market. Therefore, further large-scale studies of the asparagus herbal drink should be carried out to enhance its feasibility in the food industry.

Insight into the role of magnetic nutrient solution on leaf morphology and biochemical attributes of Rasha grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The growth, development, and morphology of plants are extremely affected by many internal and external factors. In this regard, plant nourishing solutions take the most impact. Nowadays, the magnetization of nutrient solutions has been recommended as a promising eco-friendly approach for improving the growth and development of plants. This study was designed to explore the potential of magnetic nutrient solutions in altering morphometric characteristics as well as some physiological and nutritional attributes of Rasha grapevines. Magnetic treatments included magnetized nutrient solution (MagS) and pre-magnetized water completed with nutrients (MagW + S) at magnetic field intensities (0.1 and 0.2 T). According to the results, the most considerable changes in leaf shape and size as well as fresh and dry weights were observed in the plants treated with MagS at 0.2 T. Also, MagS 0.2 had a significant effect on increasing photosynthetic pigments, content of total soluble carbohydrates and protein, and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The content of TNK, K, P, Fe, and Cu was considerably amplified by MagW + S 0.2. Overall, the magnetic solutions had favorable influences on physiological, nutritional state, and leaf morphology of grapevines possibly through alerting water and solution properties, mineral solubility, and phytohormones signalling.

Stress Responses of Sugar Beet to Different Drought Regimes

Abstract: Water deficit (drought) stress is a major environmental factor limiting the production of crops. To evaluate the tolerance performances, a pot experiment was conducted using tropical sugar beet under different regimes of drought stress duration of 5, 10, 15 and 20days (T1, T2, T3, T4)with day temperature of 36-40°C. After subjected to various stress durations all plants were re-watered regularly till harvest. Significant reduction observed in plant fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh weight and dry weight, root fresh weight and dry weight and shoot: root ratio over control. Reduction in photosynthesis expressed in terms of decrease in Chl a, Chl b, and total chlorophyll in leaves of sugar beet was noticed significantly. Proline which acted as osmoprotectant and induced tolerance, gradually increased with increase of stress duration of 5days (2.024µg.g-1 ) to 20days (7.398µg.g-1 ). Total soluble carbohydrate contents in stressed plants also increased against control, where starch accumulation increased up to 15days stress and then declined significantly at 20days of water withholding showing its mobilization towards root growth and higher value of adaptability. The reduction in growth performance somehow recovered after re-watering of the stressed plants which is observed at harvest. This stress impact is managed to some extent in their tuber yield values from moderate to severe stress treated plants i.e.T2(25.817t.ha-1 ) and T4(13.918t.ha-1 ). At moderate stress, sugar beet plants showed tolerance and adaptation by triggering accumulation in roots. Hence it may be concluded that sugar beet crop is relatively tolerant to drought, but is very sensitive during growing stage. Keyword: Drought, Stress, Tolerance, Tuber yield, Proline

Changes in carbohydrate content in mixtures of field pea and spring triticale determining the quality of green fodder

Green fodder obtained from mixtures of legume and cereals can be of good quality for direct feeding. Obtaining good quality fodder from mixtures cultivated on arable land is possible on the condition of proper share of components, harvest time and plant selection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the share of components in the mixture of pea with spring triticale and the harvest date on carbohydrates content in green matter. A field experiment was conducted from 2016 to 2018 and two factors were studied: I. Share of components in the mixture: field pea - clean sowing, spring triticale - clean sowing, field pea 75% + spring triticale 25%, field pea 50% + spring triticale 50%, field pea 25% + spring triticale 75%. II. Harvest date: flowering stage of field pea, flat green pod stage of field pea. The highest content of total carbohydrates and water soluble carbohydrates, among the mixtures, was found in the mixture with 75% share of pea and 25% share of spring triticale. The harvest date had no effect on the concentration of total carbohydrates, while delaying the harvest date caused a decrease in the water soluble carbohydrates content in the green matter of the mixtures.

Amelioration Effect of Salicylic Acid Under Salt Stress in Sorghum bicolor L.

Salinity is a major abiotic stress, limiting plant growth and agriculture productivity worldwide. Salicylic acid is known to alleviate the negative effects of salinity. The present study demonstrated the impact of SA on sorghum, a moderately salt-tolerant crop, grown for food, fodder, fiber, and fuel. A screen house experiment was conducted using sorghum genotypes Haryana Jowar HJ 513 and HJ 541 under 4 salt levels (0, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 dS m-1 NaCl) and 3 SA (0, 25, and 50 mg dm-3) levels with 12 combinations. The leaves were assayed for electrolyte leakage percentage (ELP), i.e., 88.7 % in HJ 541 and 87.2 % in HJ 513, and osmolyte content. Proline content, total soluble carbohydrate content, and glycine betaine content increased considerably. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance declined at higher salt levels. The specific enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and POX increased 41.1 %, 122.0 %, and 72.8 %, respectively, in HJ 513 under salt stress. Combinations of salt treatment and SA decreased ELP and enhanced osmolyte concentration, rates of gaseous exchange attributes, and also the antioxidant enzymatic activity in salt-stressed leaves. The study established that the specific activity of antioxidative enzymes is enhanced further by addition of SA which may protect the cells from oxidative damage under salt stress, thus mitigating salt stress and enhancing the yield of sorghum. SA can ameliorate the salt stress in plants by affecting the metabolic or physiological frameworks. SA application is an effective management strategy towards mitigating salt stress in order to meet agricultural production and sustainability.

Potassium and melatonin-mediated regulation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) and sedoheptulose-1,7- bisphosphatase (SBPase) activity improve photosynthetic efficiency, carbon assimilation and modulate glyoxalase system accompanying tolerance to cadmium stress in tomato seedlings

The mechanism of the combined action of potassium (K) and melatonin (Mel) in modulating tolerance to cadmium (Cd) stress in plants is not well understood. The present study reveals the synergistic role of K and Mel in enhancing physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Cd stress tolerance in tomato seedlings. The present findings reveal that seedlings subjected to Cd toxicity exhibited disturbed nutrients balance [nitrogen (N) and potassium (K)], chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis [reduced δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) content and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity], pathway of carbon fixation [reduced fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) and sedoheptulose-1,7- bisphosphatase (SBPase) activity] and photosynthesis process in tomato seedlings. However, exogenous application of K and Mel alone as well as together improved physiological and biochemical mechanisms in tomato seedlings, but their combined application proved best by efficiently improving nutrient uptake, photosynthetic pigments biosynthesis (increased Chl a and b, and Total Chl), carbon flow in Calvin cycle, activity of Rubisco, carbonic anhydrase activity, and accumulation of total soluble carbohydrates content in seedlings under Cd toxicity. Furthermore, the combined treatment of K and Mel suppressed overproduction of reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide), Chl degradation [reduced chlorophyllase (Chlase) activity] and methylglyoxal content in Cd-stressed tomato seedlings by upregulating glyoxalase (increased glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II activity) and antioxidant systems (increased ascorbate-glutathione metabolism). Thus, the present study provides stronger evidence that the co-application of K and Mel exhibited synergistic roles in mitigating the toxic effect of Cd stress by increasing glyoxalase and antioxidant systems and also by improving photosynthetic efficiency in tomato seedlings.

Response of Two variety of Snake Cucumber to Spray with Atonics Biostimulator in Some Chemical Parameters

The experiment was carried out in unheated greenhouses in the station of the College of Agriculture and Marshes/Dhi Qar University during the fall season 2020-2021, to study the effect of atonic biostimulant in chemical parameters growth and yield of snak cucumber (Cucumis melo. Var flexuosus naud) under protected cultivation,. The experiment included two factors: First one two cultivars of cucumber (Al-Baghdadi and Al-Halawi), second factor was atonic biostimulant (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 ml L−1) A Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) were used with three replicates and means were compared according to Least Significant Difference Test (L.S.D.)test at probability of 0.05. Determining the stages of plant growth in which the foliar spraying process was carried out and the number of sprays. Results were summarized as follows: Al-Baghdadi cultivar was significantly superior in (content of total soluble carbohydrates in fruits, vitamin (C) and total chlorophyll content of fruits), reached (6.181, 101.8 and 9,744) mg 100 g−1 respectively Compare with Al-Halawi cultivar which recorded the highest rate of protein in fruits(4.115 %.), The addition of atonic spray treatment at a concentration 1.5 ml L−1 was significantly in (content of total soluble carbohydrates in fruits, vitamin (C), total chlorophyll and proteins in fruits), which recorded (7.327 mg 100g−1 and 132.5 mg 100g−1 and 10,860 mg 100g−1 and 4.323%) respectively, but the control treatment gave the lowest rates. the interaction between Al-Baghdadi cultivar and 1.5 mL−1 atonic biostimulant was superior (content of total soluble carbohydrates, vitamin (C), total chlorophyll content in fruits), 145.0 mg 100 g−1, 11.019 mg 100 g−1 and 4.354%) respectively, but the comparison treatment gave the lowest rates.

Enhancement of Growth, Flowering and Corm Freesia Hybrida Plant via Rice Organic Residue Application and Chelated Zinc Spray

A pot trial was conducted to identify the effect of adding rice organic residues (ROR) to the potting soil and spraying chelated zinc (CZn) on the growth, flowering, and corm characteristics of the Freesia hybrida plant. An RCBD experiment was adopted with two factors and three replicates. ROR comprised three levels (0, 4, and 8%), and CZn included three concentrations (0, 20, and 40) mg.L−1. The findings revealed that applying ROR at 8% and spraying CZn at 20 mg.L−1 significantly increased leaf number, shoot dry weight, total chlorophyll content in fresh leaves, and total soluble carbohydrate content in dry leaves (6.66 leaves. plant−1, 8.76 g DW, 48.79 mg.100 g−1 FW, and 1.50 g DW) respectively. Also, the same treatment combination realized significant results for the number of florets per inflorescence, floret diameter, floret vase life, number of corms per plant, and corm diameter by (12.85 florets. inflorescence−1, 7.03 cm, 8 days, 3.66 corms. plant−1, and 2.33 cm) consecutively. Further, adding ROR at 8% and spraying CZn at 40 mg.L−1 significantly increased the number of inflorescences (5.33 inflorescences. plant−1) and inflorescence length (39.10 cm).

تاثیر قارچ Piriformospora indica بر صفات مورفوفیزیولوژیک گیاه تربچه (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) در شرایط تنش فلزات سنگین

AbstractBackground and Objective: Piriformospora indica is an endophytic fungus, which transfers several benefits to hosts including enhance plant growth and induce tolerance to abiotic stress as heavy metals stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of P. indica on some morphophysiological parameters of radish (Raphanus sativus) under normal conditions and heavy metal stress. Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty of Malayer University. The experimental factors included four heavy metals (zinc, nickel, lead and control) and three fungal inoculums (inoculated with spores and mycelium and non-inoculated). Shoot dry weight, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, electrolyte leakage, total soluble carbohydrate, protein and proline contents were investigated parameters. Results: The results showed that the heavy metal stress significantly decreased dry weight, RWC, chlorophyll, total soluble carbohydrate, protein and proline contents; whereas inoculation with fungual spore and mycelium affected parameters such as proline, total soluble carbohydrate and protein and mitigated the adverse effect of heavy metal stress. Heavy metal stress with increasing electrolyte leakage causes membrane instability, whereas inoculation with P. indica especially spore decreased lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: Using biotic methods can play an important role in counteracting with toxic effect of heavy metals. Based on these results and because P. indica can be propagated axenically on various medium, it can be concluded that this endophytic fungus serves as a promising approach to clean soil contaminated with heavy metal ions.