Total Soluble Protein Levels Research Articles

Zinc oxide nanocatalyst mediates cadmium and lead toxicity tolerance mechanism by differential regulation of photosynthetic machinery and antioxidant enzymes level in cotton seedlings

Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) heavy metal pollution induced toxicity severely affects the plant growth and yield of various agriculutral crops worldwide. The present study discuss the prime role of phycomolecules coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) application on development of heavy metal tolerance mechanism in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedlings better than exposed to Cd and Pb treatments alone. Co-exposure of ZnONPs along with heavy metal treatments significantly promoted the shoot, and root growth as well as biomass compared to control, while it was down-regulated in Cd and Pb exposed seedlings. The intervention of ZnONPs had up-regulated the level of chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid contents in leaves grown under Cd and Pb treatments than the untreated control. Similarly, the level of total soluble protein and malondialdehyde (MDA-lipid peroxidation) contents was significantly increased in the co-presence of ZnONPs along with Cd and Pb treatments over their respective control. Accumulation of antioxidant defense enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was up-regulated significantly in seedlings upon co-exposure of ZnONPs with Cd and Pb treatments. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis exhibited no genomic changes/alterations in seedlings by co-existence of ZnONPs with heavy metals. Overall, the present results indicate that the addition of ZnONPs with Cd and Pb ion exposure protects cotton seedlings by alleviating heavy metal induced phytotoxicity and promoted physiochemical characteristics via differential regulation of photosynthetic machinery as well as antioxidative defense mechanisms in cotton seedlings. Results strongly suggest that phycomolecule coated ZnO nanoparticles could be effectively used as nanofertilizer to cultivate agronomically important crops in heavy metal polluted soil in the future.

Physiological and physico-chemical study of the effect of chromium VI on the nutritional quality of maize (Zea mays. L)

The increase in the intensity of human and industrial activities has led to the contamination of agricultural soils with various pollutants. One of the major pollutants is the heavy metals (HMs), which are considered as abiotic stress factors, consequently altering the nutritional quality of food and increasing the risk of poisoning after ingestion of contaminated food with HMs. Our study aims to assess the effect of chromium VI (Cr VI) on maize cultivation. Our results show that Cr VI affected the biomass, yield (sheaths), chlorophyll and fat levels (automatically affects oil quality), generally chromium highly influenced the nutritional quality of Maize. On the other hand, we noted a slight increase in total soluble sugar (TSS) content and protein levels, this increase could be explained by the fact that in the presence of Cr VI in soil the plant has established defense mechanisms to protect itself against the damages caused by the Cr VI metal.

Camelina sativa Methanolic and Ethanolic Extract Potential in Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Memory Deficits, and Affective Impairments in Stress Exposure-Based Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mouse Models.

Camelina sativa is mainly used as an oilseed crop; its edible oil is being also used as a traditional home remedy for the treatment of ulcers, wounds, and eye inflammations, due to the antioxidant activities. In the present study, the chemically characterized alcoholic extracts of Camelina sativa var. Madalina defatted seeds (5 g/kg body weight p.o., suspended in CMC-Na 0.1%) were administered to stress-induced animal models of irritable bowel syndrome (based on combinations of contention stress and multifactorial stress and maternal stress) and evaluated for the behavioural (short-term memory by the Y maze test, the anxious behaviour using the elevated plus maze test, and the antidepressant effect using the forced swimming test) and brain and bowel tissue oxidative status (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities and malondialdehyde and total soluble protein levels) improving effects. According to the chemical characterization, the extracts were rich in sinapine, glucosinolates, and flavonol glycosides. Moreover, this study showed the beneficial effects of Camelina sativa seed methanolic and ethanolic extracts on the behaviour and brain and bowel tissues oxidative stress status of stress exposure-based IBS mouse models. Despite the slight differences in the chemical composition of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts, the results suggested that the Camelina sativa extracts could reverse the short-term memory impairments caused by stress exposure and also could decrease the intensity and frequency of the anxiety and depressive-like behaviours observed in the stress-exposed animal models of IBS. Furthermore, the Camelina sativa extracts showed a significant effect on the oxidative stress markers in the brain and bowel tissues of the studied animal model by decreasing the superoxide dismutase activity and increasing the glutathione peroxidase activity. However, the results suggested that the extracts could also increase lipid peroxidation in bowel tissues. In this way, this study provides additional evidence that the administration of Camelina sativa seed alcoholic extracts could improve cognitive performances and mood and exhibit the antioxidant capacity in both the brain and bowel tissues.

Effect of oxidative stress on chlorophyll fluorescence, canopy temperature and total leaf protein content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under drought during post anthesis period

Drought stress induced physiological changes such as chlorophyll fluorescence, canopy temperature and total leaf protein were studied in the present investigation in two wheat varieties viz. WH 1105 and WH 1025. Chlorophyll fluorescence is excellent tool to study stress induced changes in PSII. The Fv / Fm value denotes the injury to PS II due to influence of stress factors. Chlorophyll fluorescence decreased under drought stress in leaves of both varieties from 7th to 28th DAA. Canopy temperature indicates crop water status. Canopy temperature of 31.98 o C was recorded at 28th DAA in WH 1105 and the value is lower in WH 1025. Total soluble protein content was decreased under drought stress in leaf samples. Total soluble protein levels in leaves do not clearly indicate senescence symptoms driven by severe drought at grain filling period.

Raised pH conferred the ability to maintain a balance between production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal in aluminum-toxic Citrus sinensis leaves and roots

Little is known about interactive effects of pH-aluminum (Al) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and methylglyoxal (MG) metabolisms in plants. Citrus sinensis seedlings were fertilized with nutrient solution at an Al concentration of 1 or 0mM and a pH of 4.0, 3.5, 3.0 or 2.5 for 18 weeks. Thereafter, gas exchange and chlorophylls in leaves, H2O2 generation, electrolyte leakage, total soluble proteins, MG, malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidants, sulfur-containing compounds, enzymes [viz., antioxidant enzymes, sulfur metabolism-related enzymes, ascorbate oxidase, phosphomannose isomerase, glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II] involved in ROS and MG detoxification in leaves and roots were measured. Effects of low pH and Al-toxicity on these parameters displayed obvious synergism. Without Al-toxicity, low pH increased H2O2 production, electrolyte leakage, MDA and MG concentrations by 45.7%-90.3% (52.4%-73.6%), 24.3%-74.5% (26.7%-86.2%), 18.6%-44.8% (35.6%-53.7%) and 16.3%-47.1% (13.8%-51.7%) in leaves (roots) relative to pH 4, respectively; low pH-induced upregulation of enzymes involved in ROS and MG detoxification and sulfur-containing compounds in leaves and/or roots could not protect them against oxidative damage. At pH 2.5-3.0, Al-toxicity increased H2O2 production, electrolyte leakage, MDA and MG concentrations by 34.2%-35.5% (23.9%-72.7%), 10.2%-29.5% (23.7%-56.8%), 15.6%-35.7% (27.5%-33.9%) and 21.5%-26.8% (21.0%-49.2%) in leaves (roots), respectively, and decreased total soluble protein concentration by 46.2%-47.4% (18.8%-20.8%) in leaves (roots); at pH 3.5-4.0, Al-toxicity did not affect significantly the five parameters in leaves and roots except for Al-induced increases in root MDA concentration at pH 3.5-4.0 and root electrolyte leakage at pH 3.5, and Al-induced decrease in root total soluble protein concentration at pH 4.0. Raised pH conferred the ability to maintain a balance between production and detoxification of ROS and MG in leaves and roots, thus protecting them against oxidative damage, and hence alleviating Al-induced increase in electrolyte leakage and decrease in total soluble protein level.

Biochemical Alterations in the Leaves of Resistant and Susceptible Mungbean Genotypes Infected with Mungbean Yellow Mosaic India Virus

Mungbean (Vigna radiata), an important leguminous crop, is highly susceptible to yellow mosaic disease (YMD) caused by Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), resulting in high yield penalty. Previously, different varieties of mungbean have been reported possessing resistance/ tolerance against MYMIV. However, the molecular events occurring during compatible and incompatible interactions between mungbean and MYMIV are yet to be explored. Therefore, in this study using MYMIV-resistant (NM-2016), moderately resistant (NM-2011) and susceptible genotype (VC-1647C), alterations in various biochemical attributes due to MYMIV infection were analysed and compared with healthy non-inoculated control plants for understanding the resistance mechanism. After MYMIV inoculation, the level of total phenolic contents (TPC) and total soluble proteins (TSP) increased significantly in the susceptible genotype. However, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) remained same in all the genotypes. Level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decreased in the susceptible genotype but CAT level increased in the moderately resistant genotype. Protease level decreased significantly in all the genotypes while esterase level increased in moderately resistant and susceptible genotype. Peroxidase (POD) increased only in moderately resistant genotype and Total Oxidant Status (TOS) increased significantly in the susceptible genotype. Due to MYMIV infection the level of all plant pigments decreased in all the genotypes tested. The comparative proteome analysis using SDS-PAGE resolved 22 peptides with molecular weight from 12.5 to 163 kDa. Differential expression of protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) and Cytochrome b6 (Photosynthesis) in resistant and moderately resistant genotypes; Pectin acetyl esterase and Resistant specific protein-1(4) in resistant genotype and up-regulation of superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and RuBisco by MYMIV may have triggered signal transduction pathway and consequently induced a resistance response against MYMIV in V. radiata by activating PR proteins.

Growth, biochemical composition, and photosynthetic performance of Scenedesmus acuminatus during nitrogen starvation and resupply

Many microalgae store energy as triacylglycerols under certain environmental conditions. Nitrogen limitation is recognized as an efficient lipid-accumulation trigger in microalgae. Here, biochemical composition (lipids, carbohydrates, and soluble proteins) time courses, fatty acid composition, pigment accumulation, and the photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) in Scenedesmus acuminatus were investigated under nitrogen starvation and resupply conditions. This work provides a theoretical basis for how microalgae utilize nitrogen to optimize lipid production. Nitrogen starvation inhibits cell division and growth, and promote the accumulation of lipids and carbohydrates. The total lipid content under nitrogen starvation approached 50.12% of the dry weight and neutral lipids accounted for 92.55% of the total lipids. Upon NaNO3 supplementation at day 9, the maximum photosynthesis efficiency (Fv/Fm), and the total amino acid, soluble protein, and pigment levels recovered rapidly within the first 12 h, while the degraded carbohydrate served as a carbon and energy source. After a 2-day lag time (from days 9 to 11), the biomass increased rapidly. The biomass concentration and lipid content reached 4.24 g L−1 and 36.46% of dry weight, respectively, at the end of cultivation. The Chla and Chlb contents of S. acuminatus were more sensitive than the carotenoid content to environmental nitrogen sources. The change in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was complicated, significantly increasing to a peak and then decreasing during both nitrogen starvation and recovery.

The role of silver ions in the regulation of the senescence process in Triticum aestivum.

The control of senescence has economic importance due to its effects on parameters such as herbal product quality and shelf life. This study is on the control of induced senescence in Triticum aestivum L. 'Gün-91' plants with silver nitrate (AgNO3) treatments. It was observed that some changes that occurred with dark and indole-1-acetic acid (IAA) treatments could be reduced with AgNO3 treatments. After dark-induced senescence, it was observed in plants that seedling length, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll, β-carotene, xanthophylls, total antioxidant capacity, soluble phenol, total soluble protein, catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) activities, and expression of genes encoding these enzymes declined. After IAA treatments, seedling length, RWC, chlorophyll, β-carotene, xanthophylls, total antioxidant capacity, soluble phenolics, and soluble protein levels declined, whereas activities of CAT, total SOD, and Cu/Zn-SOD enzymes and expression of Cu/Zn-SOD and CAT genes increased. AgNO3 (200 mg L-1 ) applied by spraying onto leaves led to an increase in seedling length, RWC, chlorophyll, β-carotene, xanthophylls, total antioxidant capacity, soluble phenolics, soluble protein levels, and expression of Cu/Zn-SOD, CAT genes, CAT, SOD, and Cu/Zn-SOD enzyme activities compared to controls. Findings obtained from this study showed that the senescence process was related to changes in the levels of antioxidant compounds and enzymes. It was defined that the role of silver ions in slowing senescence was related to antioxidant defense capacity.

Eco-Friendly Control Strategies of Green Stink Bug, Nezara viridula L. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Repellency and Toxicity Effects of Callistemon citrinus, Bottle Brush Essential Oil

The bioactivity of Callistemon citrinus leaves essential oil against green stink bug, Nezara viridula was evaluated as alternative eco-friendly pesticide. The tested essential oil have high insecticidal activity toN. viridula adult where, the lethal concentrations of LC10, LC25 and LC50 were recorded (105.22, 536.80 and 3274.72 ppm), respectively. The repellent effects on N. viridula adult of the three tested concentrations were 48.01, 56.35 and 81.33 % after one hour of exposure time, respectively. The chemical composition analysis of bottle brush essential oil by GC/MS revealed 24 compounds represented 99.47% of the whole amount oil. The major constituent 1,8- cineole represented (73.81%) followed by α pinene (13.13%), D-limonene (5.50%), β-pinene (2.49%) and α-Terpineol (1.10%) assumed 96.03% of the total oil composition, while the minor components were 3.97%. Treatment with all concentrations of C. citrinus essential oil exhibited some physiological defects that cleared in the reduction in total soluble protein levels and elevation in carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, nonspecific estrases and acid & alkaline phosphatases activities. Moreover, the LC50 inhibited acetyl cholinesterase activity in treated adults. Therefore the oil proved high potency in controlling the N. viridula.

Aluminum effects on photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal detoxification in two Citrus species differing in aluminum tolerance.

Citrus are mainly grown in low pH soils with high active aluminum (Al). 'Xuegan' (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) and 'Shatian pummelo' (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) seedlings were fertilized for 18 weeks with nutrient solution containing either 0 mM (control) or 1 mM (Al toxicity) AlCl3·6H2O. Aluminum induced decreases of biomass, leaf photosynthesis, relative water content and total soluble protein levels, and increases of methylglyoxal levels only occurred in C. grandis roots and leaves. Besides, the Al-induced decreases of pigments and alterations of chlorophyll a fluorescence transients and fluorescence parameters were greater in C. grandis leaves than those in C. sinensis leaves. Aluminum-treated C. grandis had higher stem and leaf Al levels and similar root Al levels relative to Al-treated C. sinensis, but lower Al distribution in roots and Al uptake per plant. Aluminum toxicity decreased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur uptake per plant in C. grandis and C. sinensis seedlings, with the exception of Al-treated C. sinensis seedlings exhibiting increased sulfur uptake per plant and unaltered magnesium uptake per plant. Under Al-stress, macroelement uptake per plant was higher in C. sinensis than that in C. grandis. Aluminum toxicity decreased the ratios of reduced glutathione/(reduced + oxidized glutathione) and of ascorbate/(ascorbate + dehydroascorbate) only in C. grandis roots and leaves. The activities of most antioxidant enzymes, sulfur metabolism-related enzymes and glyoxalases and the levels of S-containing compounds were higher in Al-treated C. sinensis roots and leaves than those in Al-treated C. grandis ones. Thus, C. sinensis displayed higher Al tolerance than C. grandis did. The higher Al tolerance of C. sinensis might involve: (i) more Al accumulation in roots and less transport of Al from roots to shoots; (ii) efficient maintenance of nutrient homeostasis; and (iii) efficient maintenance of redox homeostasis via detoxification systems of reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal.

Pesticide-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings.

Excessive use of pesticides can adversely affect the growth of non-target host plants in different ways. Pesticide-induced stress can affect non-target plants through elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for detrimental effects on cell metabolism, biochemical and other physiological activities. In response to oxidative stress, plant activates antioxidant defense system consisting of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components. In the present investigation, three commonly used pesticides, emamectin benzoate, alpha-cypermethrin and imidacloprid, were assessed for causing oxidative stress in tomato. The oxidative damage induced by these pesticides at five different concentrations i.e. 1/4X, 1/2X, recommended application dose (X), 2X and 4X in the root and shoot tissues of tomato plant/seedlings were evaluated. Following pesticide exposure for 35 days, cell viability, cell injury, total soluble sugar (TSS) and total soluble proteins (TSP) were measured. Antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and proline. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were analysed as ROS, lipid peroxidation was measured in term of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as membrane damage caused by ROS was also assessed. Analysis of the data revealed that pesticides application at higher concentrations significantly elevated ROS levels and caused membrane damage by the formation of TBARS, increased cell injury and reduced cell viability both in root and shoot tissues compared with non-treated plants. Moreover, a gradual decrease in the levels of TSS and TSP was observed in plants subjected to increasing doses of pesticides. To cope with pesticide-induced oxidative stress, a significant increase in levels of antioxidants was observed in the plants exposed to higher doses of pesticides. Shoot tissues responded more drastically by producing higher levels of antioxidants as compared to root tissues indicating the direct exposure of shoots to foliar application of pesticides. Taken together, these results strongly suggested that the application of pesticides above the recommended dose can provoke the state of oxidative stress and can cause oxidative damages in non-target host plants.

The Synergistic Effects of Low-Concentration Acidic Electrolyzed Water and Ultrasound on the Storage Quality of Fresh-Sliced Button Mushrooms

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of low-concentration acidic electrolyzed water (LcEW) combined with ultrasound (US) on fresh-sliced button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), by evaluating the enzymatic browning, physio-biochemical changes, and microbial loads. The sliced button mushrooms were divided randomly into three groups (control, LcEW, and LcEW+US) and treated separately with tap water, LcEW, and LcEW+US for 3 min, and afterwards, they were stored at 5 °C for 8 days. The results indicated that LcEW delayed surface browning and maintained the flesh firmness of fresh-cut mushrooms compared with the control, and ultrasound enhanced these effects. Moreover, LcEW+US slowed down the electrolyte leakage (EL) rate and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, which were 5.29% and 0.5227 μmol/fresh weight less than those in control at day 8, respectively. The combined treatment of LcEW and US also significantly inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) and controlled the counts of total bacteria (TBC) and yeast and mold counts (Y&M). Meanwhile, LcEW+US maintained a high level of total soluble protein and total phenolic contents, which were 1.49 and 1.24 times higher than those in control at the end of the storage time, respectively, and the combined treatment was more effective than LcEW treatment alone. These results demonstrated that the combination of LcEW and US could be an effective pretreatment technology in maintaining the product quality and prolonging the shelf life of fresh-sliced button mushrooms.

Potency of Nano-Particle Compound And Two Traditional Insecticides Against The Spiny Bollworm, Earias insulana In Relation To Some Biological And Biochemical Aspects

Laboratory trails were conducted to determine the effectiveness of zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnONPs) compared to the chitin synthesis, nomolt and bio- insecticide, emacte compounds against the first instar larvae of Earias insulana. Toxicity effect of the tested compounds on the first instar larvae with some biological aspects and chemical analysis were studied. The results revealed that LC50s were 7.593, 29.32 and 0.536 ppm, when newly hatched larvae of E. insulana treated with (ZnONPs), nomolt and emacte, respectively. Obtained data also indicated an increase in larval duration to 20, 25, 23.3and 18.0 days, for the aforementioned compounds, respectively, compared to 13.96 days for control. All treatments prolonged pupal periods compared to control, and caused highly reduction in the weight of larva and pupa stages, (ZnONPs) treatment was the most efficient in this matter as it resulted 91.1% and 93.73% reduction in larval and pupal weight, respectively, compared to control. The reduction in larval and pupal weight led to increase in the malformation and mortality percentages which recorded 77, 79 &74 % for, ZnONPs, nomolt and emacte treatments, respectively. According to biochemical analysis, all treatments reduced the level of the important total soluble protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents which play an important in the physiological, metamorphosis and developmental process of E. insulana during immature stages. In addition, (ZnONPs) and emacte treatments caused a high decrease in phenoloxidase which necessary in melanin production in cuticle formation, N-acetyl- glucosamine and chitinase activity. On contrast the chitinase activity was increased (1.5 times) approximatily in case of nomolt, treatment as compared to control.

Improvement of growth characteristics and fruit set in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) through IAA application

High temperature coinciding with reproductive phase in Capsicum annuum is most detrimental to its yield and productivity because of increased abscission of floral organs. Floral abscission under high temperature is associated with increased biosynthesis of ethylene and ABA with a decline in auxin. The present study was planned to investigate the effect of exogenous application of IAA on growth characteristicand fruit set in bell pepper. Four concentrations of IAA i.e. @ 50, 100, 150, 200 µg ml−1 were applied as foliar application. Improvement in growth in terms of plant height, plant spread, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, level of total soluble sugars, proteins and proline content was recorded in treated plants as compared to controls. Application of IAA resulted in reduced lipid peroxidation in leaf tissue. Cellulose activity in pedicel of flowers was also found to decrease with IAA which resulted in more retention of flowers in treated plants. Yield and yield attributes were also enhanced due to increase in fruit set percent. 100 µg ml−1 IAA application in hybrid Indra plants proved to be the most effective.

Evaluation of Two Fixed Oils Lepidium sativum and Trigonella foenum-graecum and the Volatile Oil Cupressus macrocarpa as Repellent Agent on Two- Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch Infesting Mulberry Trees and Its Impact on Silk Worm, Bombyx mori l.

Laboratory bioassays of the plant fixed oils, Lepidium sativum, Trigonella foenum-graecum and volatile oil, Cupressu smacrocarpa as repellent against adult females of two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch which infesting mulberry trees, the predominant food source for silkworm, Bombyx mori. The results indicated the oils have repellent effect that may be useful in the future to control of the phytophagous mites. Moreover, the effect of these oils was evaluated on some biological, technological and biochemical aspects of Bombyx mori L. All investigated oils increased larval body weight, fresh cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, silk filaments weight and decreased the mortality percentage as compared to control. Furthermore, C. macrocarpa oil at all concentrations increased cocooning percentage. In the same trend, effect of used oil on total soluble protein, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzyme levels of the haemolymph of silkworm larvae were studied. Whereas, total soluble protein content increased significantly by concentration of 1% L. sativum and C. macrocarpa, respectively. Moreover, the elevations of aspartate and alanine transaminase enzymes were noticed at the highest concentrations of the tested oils. It could be recommended that, it’s safe to use the tested oils for repellency of T. urticae which infesting mulberry trees without any dangerous effect on mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori that feed on these trees. Also, these oils increased the productive characters of mulberry silkworm B. mori and can be used as nutritional additives to increase the silk yield.

Could Fidicina mannifera (Hemiptera: Cicadoidea: Fidicinini) promote a resource pulse in two Brazilian Cerrado vegetation classes?

Cicadas are usually studied regarding their importance in agriculture. However, the possibility of this group to represent a pulse of nutrients can also imply on the success of a given species in the biome. The aim of this study was to assess the level of total soluble proteins and lipids of Fidicina mannifera (Fabricius, 1803), and to determine whether the species can promote a pulse of nutrients in two vegetation classes of the Brazilian Cerrado. To assess the pulse of nutrients, it was concluded the determination of total soluble proteins and lipids from samples of males and adult females of F. mannifera, and the spatial distribution of exuviae of this species was also calculated in two vegetation classes of the Brazilian Cerrado. The amount of protein provided by each individual did not differ between males and females (p = 0.66) but females had 40% more lipids than males (p = 0.05). Regarding F. mannifera the gallery forest offered 11.75 g/ha of protein, 3.91 g/ha of lipids, and the Cerrado stricto sensu offered 4.25 g/ha of protein, and 1.41 g/ha of lipid. The male cicadas have a hollow abdomen, which houses a resonance chamber for sound production in order to attract females to mate, and females store larger amounts of lipids, mainly located in the abdominal cavity, where the body fat is directly linked to the reproductive system for the development of the ovaries and egg production after emergence. The mass occurrence of F. mannifera in the Brazilian Cerrado and the fast availability of proteins and lipids make this species a food resource that can directly impact the diet of secondary consumers and scavengers, although the amount of nutrients available by F. mannifera does not promote a pulse of nutrients in the study site.

Effects of Low pH on Photosynthesis, Related Physiological Parameters, and Nutrient Profiles of Citrus.

Seedlings of “Xuegan” (Citrus sinensis) and “Sour pummelo” (Citrus grandis) were irrigated daily with a nutrient solution at a pH of 2.5, 3, 4, 5, or 6 for 9 months. Thereafter, the following responses were investigated: seedling growth; root, stem, and leaf concentrations of nutrient elements; leaf gas exchange, pigment concentration, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity and chlorophyll a fluorescence; relative water content, total soluble protein level, H2O2 production and electrolyte leakage in roots and leaves. This was done (a) to determine how low pH affects photosynthesis, related physiological parameters, and mineral nutrient profiles; and (b) to understand the mechanisms by which low pH may cause a decrease in leaf CO2 assimilation. The pH 2.5 greatly inhibited seedling growth, and many physiological parameters were altered only at pH 2.5; pH 3 slightly inhibited seedling growth; pH 4 had almost no influence on seedling growth; and seedling growth and many physiological parameters reached their maximum at pH 5. No seedlings died at any given pH. These results demonstrate that citrus survival is insensitive to low pH. H+-toxicity may directly damage citrus roots, thus affecting the uptake of mineral nutrients and water. H+-toxicity and a decreased uptake of nutrients (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) and water were likely responsible for the low pH-induced inhibition of growth. Leaf CO2 assimilation was inhibited only at pH 2.5. The combinations of an impaired photosynthetic electron transport chain, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and decreased uptake of nutrients and water might account for the pH 2.5-induced decrease in CO2 assimilation. Mottled bleached leaves only occurred in the pH 2.5-treated C. grandis seedlings. Furthermore, the pH 2.5-induced alterations of leaf CO2 assimilation, water-use efficiency, chlorophylls, polyphasic chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients and many fluorescence parameters, root and leaf total soluble proteins, H2O2 production, and electrolyte leakage were all slightly greater in C. grandis than in C. sinensis seedlings. Hence, C. sinensis was slightly more tolerant to low pH than C. grandis. In conclusion, our findings provide novel insight into the causes of low pH-induced inhibition of seedling growth and leaf CO2 assimilation.

Butachlor‐Induced Alterations in Ultrastructure, Antioxidant, and Stress‐Responsive Gene Regulations in Rice Cultivars

Butachlor is an extensively applied herbicide in paddy fields. However, concerns have been raised about its potential adverse effects on the biochemical and physiological processes of non‐target plants. In the present investigation, butachlor‐induced toxic effects in two rice cultivars, Zhejing 88 (ZJ 88) and Xiushui 134 (XS 134), treated with different butachlor treatments were evaluated. A significant decrease in growth rate, pigment concentration, and chlorophyll fluorescence and alternations in chloroplast structures were observed in both rice cultivars at higher treatment levels. The malfunctioning of antioxidant enzymes, the higher uptake of butachlor, and the downregulation of the putative fatty acid elongase gene suggested severe oxidative damage, which was also indicated by enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation (H2O2,), lipid peroxidation, and electrolyte leakage and reduced total soluble protein levels in cultivar ZJ 88 than in cultivar XS 134. However, higher proline accumulation and pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate synthase and GABA‐transaminase transcript levels in ZJ 88 suggested their ameliorative role under butachlor‐induced oxidative stress in the sensitive cultivar. In contrast, the stimulated activation of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, soluble sugars, and phenolics played a vital role in protection against butachlor stress in cultivar XS 134. Thus, butachlor‐induced oxidative stress tolerance in the resistant cultivar (XS 134) is related to the enhanced activation of different isoforms of antioxidant enzymes and a reduced uptake of butachlor compared to the sensitive cultivar (ZJ 88). The present work provides valuable insights into butachlor‐induced toxicity in rice plants.

Residues of Profenofos with Special Reference to its Removal Trials and Biochemical Effects on Tomato

During June of 2016 tomato plants were sprayed with profenofos (Seliton 72% E.C.) at the rate of 750 cm3 / feddan (540 g a.i.). Leaves and fruits samples were collected at 2 hrs to 15 days after application and analyzed using GC. Results revealed that, the initial amounts in leaves were much higher than in tomato fruits. A rapid degradation of profenofos residues was noticed in tomato fruits comparing with tomato leaves. The washing of the treated fruits (2 hours) with tap water or 1% of soap, sodium chloride, acetic acid and potassium permanganate reduced indicating the initial deposits (20.53 mg/kg) to 6.11, 9.03, 7.69, 9.87 and 5.06 mg/kg indicating 70.24, 56.02, 62.54, 51.92 and 75.35% dislodge, respectively. Preparation of tomato paste reduced profenofos residues to undetected amounts being 100% removal. The consumable safety time was 3 days after application and this period could be shorted to two hours after spraying if harvested tomato fruits were washed with the above mentioned washing solutions or prepared to tomato paste. Profenofos significantly reduced the mean levels of each N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn. As well as the mean levels of total soluble solid (T.S.S.), ascorbic acid, β-carotene, acidity and protein were significantly reduced at 6, 9 and 15 days of spraying. The mean amounts of total soluble sugars and glucose were not significantly affected by profenofos. Dry matter in treated tomato fruits were significantly increased compared with control.

Effects of Salicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride on Heat Tolerance in Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron) are ornamental plants that exhibit poor thermotolerance. Salicylic acid (SA) and Ca2+ regulate the physiological and biochemical mechanisms in plants adapted to adverse environmental conditions. This study investigated the role of SA and CaCl2 in managing heat tolerance of Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’. Plants of the triennial Rhododendron ‘Fen Zhen Zhu’ were pretreated with SA and CaCl2, alone and combined. Following this pretreatment, the plants were subjected to 38/30 °C (day/night) incubation for 6 days, and then allowed to recover for 20 days under 25/17 °C (day/night) in a chamber. Changes in morphology were observed and recorded. Data were collected on plant chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, H2O2 level, antioxidant enzyme activity, and total soluble protein content. The results revealed that the plant growth was considerably affected by heat stress, the leaves became brown and withered, and the plant defoliated. Under heat stress, chlorophyll content and total soluble protein levels decreased. Peroxidase (POD) activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also decreased, whereas the H2O2 and MDA content increased. Individual or combined application of SA and CaCl2 had a positive effect on plant growth, chlorophyll content, total soluble protein levels, and enzymatic antioxidant activity under heat stress. In general, the effect of the combined application of SA and CaCl2 was superior to individual application. In addition, treatment with high CaCl2 concentrations effectively alleviated the decrease in chlorophyll content. However, at low SA and CaCl2 concentrations, SOD and POD activity and total soluble protein accumulation increased whereas MDA and H2O2 levels decreased. These results suggest that SA and CaCl2 may interact to alleviate heat stress.