Plant Vigor Research Articles

Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes of Determinate Tomato Genotypes in Parwanipur, Bara of Nepal

With the aim of identifying suitable open pollinated determinate tomato genotypes, investigation was carried out at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Parwanipur in two consecutive winter seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and replicated thrice. Crop geometry was maintained 75×60 cm and fertilizers and manure was applied at the rate of 200:150:120 kg N: P2O5:K2O kg + 20 tons FYM per hectare. Analysis of results showed significant variation in yield and yield attributing characters among genotypes. The maximum plant height (75.67 cm) was recorded on genotypes AVTO 0301.The genotypes AVTO 1716 and AVTO 0301 showed significantly earlier to 50% flowering (45 days) while AVTO 1711 recorded shortest days to first harvest (81 days). The highest plant vigour (5 scales) showed by AVTO 1712, AVTO 0302 and Pusa Ruby check variety. The maximum fruit diameter (7.52 cm), length (6.54 cm) and fruit weight (49.9 g) recorded on genotype AVTO 1711. The highest number of fruits/ plant (56.7) and marketable yield (58.08 t ha-1) was recorded in AVTO 1610 and AVTO 1711 respectively. The genotype AVTO 1712 showed the highest firmness (1.92 kg cm-2) and Vitamin C (59.36 mg/ 100 g). The maximum pericarp thickness of fruits (7.43 mm) obtained on AVTO 1610. The genotype Pusa Ruby showed the maximum total soluble solid (5.6 Obrix) and Titratable acid 0.75 %. Similarly, the highest colorimetric value of a* (12.62) was recorded on Pusa Ruby and the highest value of b* (19.37) was found on AVTO 1713 while the highest value of L* (30.56) was observed on AVTO 171. Considering the overall performance, genotypes AVTO 1711, AVTO 1702 and AVTO 1712 were performed better in terms of the highest yield and other horticultural traits.

Elsinoe species: The rise of scab diseases

AbstractThe genus Elsinoe contains many aggressive pathogens of a wide range of plants, many of which are economically important. These fungal pathogens cause serious scab diseases affecting various plant parts, impacting plant vigour, yield and market value. While studies on Elsinoe species have predominantly focused on their taxonomy, there is a conspicuous gap in knowledge of these fungi from a plant pathology perspective. In this review, we draw together and critically evaluate the existing, but rather fragmented, research on the taxonomic status, phylogenetic relationships, host range, as well as the biology and epidemiology of Elsinoe species. Our aim is primarily to augment the existing understanding of the global significance of Elsinoe species, and furthermore, to shed light on the escalating prominence of scab diseases caused by species in a fungal genus that has been known for over 100 years but remains relatively poorly understood and somewhat enigmatic.

The Physical and Physiological Quality of Informal Seeds of Rwanda: Case of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)

This study was carried out at the laboratories of the Department of Seed, Crop, and Horticultural Sciences; School of Agriculture and Biotechnology; University of Eldoret, Kenya, on common bean seed samples collected in major growing areas’ markets of the Southern Province of Rwanda, where informal seeds are predominant and with a varied physical and physiological seed quality. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the physical and physiological quality of seeds in Rwanda's informal system through laboratory tests. The GenStat computer package was used to run data. The markets of Kamonyi, Muhanga, and Nyanza are sources of market common bean informal seed in the southern province of Rwanda. The physiological qualities were more in the sample M1E from Muhanga market, locally known as Shyushya, because this local variety proved to be the best to have better seeds that develop into normal plants (96.5%) and vigorous plants through first count and speed of germination with 95.5% and 26.11, respectively. This was also observed on the sample M2C from Nyanza that shares the same local name. Nyanza market had more physiological qualities than the others; its seeds grew more into normal plants (72.2%) and vigorous plants via first count and speed of germination with 63.3% and 21.68, respectively, than the others. Muhanga market had more good physical characteristics of seeds, with the highest mean of thousand seed weight (340.9 grams) and seed length (1.31 cm). The sample M2B, locally known as Mutiki, is a variety with the highest mean of thousand seed weights (446.1 grams), and this is common with other samples (M2B and M3A) locally known as Mutiki from other markets. This study revealed that the inform variety known as Shyushya is to be considered for agronomical purposes, while the formal variety locally known as Mutiki could be considered for market purposes. Nyanza market to be considered as the source of seeds for the agronomical aspects, while Muhanga market could be the source of seed for the grains of market

Current state and open issues of priming onion seeds

Relevance. In the context of climate change, onion cultivation has become a challenge and innovative solutions are needed to support breeders and seed producers as well as farmers, starting with critical issues of seed quality. Seed priming successfully improves seed viability, which leads to rapid and uniform germination and emergence of onion seedlings.Results. Priming onion seeds can improve viability, especially under unfavorable conditions such as low/high temperatures, reduced water availability and salinity. It is a simple, low-cost and low-risk intervention that can be a useful technology for farmers and have a positive impact on their livelihoods by increasing the rate of seed germination, increasing the rate of plant development, reducing harvest time and increasing yields. Although this method is common for radish, tomato, carrot and cabbage seeds, this method is less popular for onions. This review provides an up-to-date picture of the scientific and technological advances that have contributed to increasing seed germination and vigor in onion plants to date. For large-scale commercial use, optimal priming methods and conditions tailored to different varieties or seed lots will require further extensive experimental work. It cannot be denied that seed priming technology is characterized by ease of operation, low cost and high practical value in industrial and market contexts. It can be foreseen that this technology will have wider prospects in agricultural production and green building. In addition, seed priming can effectively restore or enhance seed viability and ensure successful retention of germplasm resources and subsequent development, especially for onion seeds that rapidly lose viability.

Synergistic interactions of biocontrol agents and chemical fungicides enhance the disease resistance in Vigna radiata (L.) against Macrophomina phaseolina-associated with dry root rot

Macrophomina phaseolina, a necrotrophic fungus responsible for dry root rot disease in Vigna radiata L. (greengram) causes extensive yield losses. Biocontrol agents are reported to suppress phytopathogens, mitigate biotic stress, and improve growth and yield of plants. Here, Bacillus subtilis PSB-5 and Trichoderma sp. TD-6 along with chemical fungicides; mancozeb (MZB) and carbendazim (CBZM) were evaluated alone/or in combination for their effectiveness against M. phaseolina-induced root rot disease in greengram. B. subtilis and Trichoderma sp. suppressed phyto-fungal growth by 72 and 78 %, respectively. Both bioagents synthesized indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, and solubilized insoluble phosphate, released antimicrobial substances including siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, and various extracellular lytic enzymes. Further, efficacy of bioagents and fungicides (at 50 and 100 ppm) were tested (single and combined) against M. phaseolina-infected greengram cultivated in pot soils. While evaluating, bioagents and fungicides increased plant height, biomass, and vigor indices of infected greengram in order: PSB-5 + TD-6 > PSB-5 > TD-6 > MZB + CBZM (100 ppm) > CBZM (100 ppm) > MZB (100 ppm). Further, among treatment, dual inoculation of bioagents (B. subtilis + Trichoderma), maximally increased total chlorophyll (59.4 %), carotenoid (68 %), root phosphorous (69.6 %), root nitrogen (65.7 %), total soluble protein (80 %), soluble sugar (76 %), pod yield (82.3 %) and seed protein (68 %) over infected plants. Moreover, biotic stress-induced oxidative stress biomarkers (proline, malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage) and reactive oxygen species were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered in fungal-infected greengram following fungicides and bioagents application. Furthermore, combined inoculation of bioagents significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced percent disease index (PDI) and increased % protection in biotic-stressed greengram. Besides, bioagents potentially increased disease resistance in M. phaseolina-infected greengram plants by modulating defense responses such as activities of β-1, 3 glucanase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase which significantly protected plants from fungal pathogen. Soil populations of pathogen and bioagents declined and considerably increased, respectively, at harvest. Application of antagonistic bacterial and fungal strains enhances greengram resistance to M. phaseolina while concurrently offering agriculture an environmentally friendly choice. Also, these strains can be applied as biocontrol agents in disease suppression over chemical fungicides.

Rhizobia inoculation’s impact on the biomass and moisture content of leguminous Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean L. Verdc)

Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranean L. verdc) is a highly nutritious underutilized leguminous crop of African origin with high economic importance. Its production rate (300,000 metric tonnes/year) does not meet the current demand (800,000 metric tonnes/year). Despite it’s useful properties, it has remained neglected, with poor market and low yields because research about improving BG has been neglected. rhizobia have proved to be useful in promoting the growth of legumes, yet, there is unavailable information about the role of indigenous BG-symbiont rhizobia inoculant (which are better affordable alternatives to chemical fertilizers) for increasing BG yield and this needs to be explored, hence this study. This experiment studied the role six rhizobial strains in improving the biomass and plant vigour of two selected varieties of BG (TVSU 1248, TVSU 631).These strains were applied as inoculant (at concentrations of > 0.85 × 1010 cfu/ml) on field compared alongside commercial USDA110 strains and Urea (rates of 60 kg/ha and 20 kg/ha) treated plants and analysed for biomass of shoot, root, shaft and seed, and moisture etc. Rhizobia significantly influenced the shoot biomass (≥ 19.26 g), (79.81 ± 1.81 g and 63.15 ± 3.21 g), root biomass (≥ 0.63 g), pod biomass (≥ 155.3 g), seed biomass (≥ 103.96 g), shaff biomass (≥ 52.29 g) and moisture content of the plants, with differences in varietal response. Indigenous BG-symbiotic strains are able to significantly influence plant vigour and biomass, promoting the growth and health of BG. Rhizobia, proved to be useful for enhancing the plant biomass, vigour and growth and should be recommended for improving the production of BG for higher yield and productivity.

Innovative Strategies for Controlling Sorghum Shoot Fly: Seed Treatments and Botanical Insecticides

Aim: To assess the efficacy of various treatments for managing sorghum shoot fly, Atherigona soccata Rondani, and their effects on plant vigour, growth, yield, and Incremental Cost-Benefit Ratio (ICBR). Study Design: A field experiment with a Randomized Block Design, involving three replications and nine treatments. Place and Duration of Study: Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (29.1492° N, 75.7217° E), during the Kharif season of 2020. Methodology: Sorghum variety Swarna was sown in August 2020. Treatments included Imidacloprid 70WS, Thiamethoxam 30FS, Neem oil, Karanj oil, and their combinations. Treatments were applied at 7 and 17 days after emergence. Data on plant stand, egg counts, dead hearts (%), plant height, green fodder yield, and ICBR were analyzed. Results: Thiamethoxam 30FS @ 10ml/kg + neem oil @ 2% showed the best performance, significantly reducing shoot fly infestation (19.98%) and enhancing plant vigour (1.00), height (86.93 cm), and yield (309.60 q/ha). Neem oil @ 2% was more effective than Karanj oil @ 2%. Imidacloprid 70WS had the highest Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) (1:21), while Karanj oil @ 2% had the lowest (1:0.78). Conclusion: Thiamethoxam 30FS @ 10ml/kg + neem oil @ 2% was the most effective for managing shoot fly and improving crop performance. Imidacloprid 70WS offered the highest economic benefit, indicating its cost-effectiveness in pest management.

The effect of several growth regulators and biostimulant on biochemical and physiological changes in acclimation of micropropagated Echinacea purpurea Moench. ‘Raspberry Truffle’

Micropropagation is currently one of the primary methods for plant propagation, known for its efficiency in producing disease-free and vigorous plants. However, the final stage of this—acclimatization, is critical due to the transfer from a controlled in vitro environment to an external one. To reduce mortality and alleviate acclimation stress, plant growth regulators (PGRs) or biostimulants can be employed. This study investigated the effects of exogenously sprayed PGRs: 0.001 mg L−1 abscisic acid (ABA), 0.001 mL L−1 brassinolide (BL), 0.001 mL L−1 24-epibrassinolide (24-epiBL), and 0.3 mL L−1 biostimulant Goteo on the physiological and biochemical responses of Echinacea purpurea ‘Raspberry Truffle’ plantlets during the acclimation process. The effects of treatments at various acclimation stages on chlorophyll (chl) and carotenoids content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), free amino acids, soluble proteins, total soluble sugar and reduced soluble sugars were tested in this research. The results confirmed changes in biochemical parameters, including an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoids in the acclimatization period where the highest level obtained by BL spraying. A decline in stomatal conductance was also observed, where ABA influenced the most on drop. It was also recorded the decrease in H2O2 and MDA concentration. CAT activity increased, especially with biostimulant treatment. We recorded an increase in total soluble proteins along acclimatization. Goteo affected the most on morphology parameters, ABA, BL and 24-epiBL increased acclimatization efficiency. Our studies indicate that potentially the most effective substances in the acclimatization of E. purpurea ‘Raspberry Truffle’ are brassinosteroids and ABA.

The transcription factor TaNF-YB4 overexpression in wheat increases plant vigor and yield

Ensuring food security is a priority in developing countries. This study aimed to improve wheat yield by overexpressing the TaNF-YB4 transcription factor, which is involved in carbon assimilation and stress tolerance. An expression cassette for TaNF-YB4 was developed in a modified wheat transformation vector (pSB219) and examined through transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum, followed by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of wheat variety FSD-2008. T0 transgenic plants were propagated to obtain T3 generation PCR-positive plants. Transgene expression was assessed in PCR-verified T2 plants using RT-PCR and qRT-PCR at six weeks post-germination. qRT-PCR analysis using the ΔΔCT method indicated higher TaNF-YB4 expression in transgenic lines than in the wild-type control plants. Improved agronomic and phenotypic traits were observed with a 6-36% increase in 1000-grain weight in the selected transgenic lines. Root architecture assessments demonstrated enhanced root length, surface area, and projected area in transgenic lines compared with wild-type plants. Additionally, notable variances in total chlorophyll, protein, and sugar content levels were observed between the transgenic lines and control plants, demonstrating statistical significance with a p-value ≤ 0.05. This study indicates that low-level constitutive expression of TaNF-YB4 can enhance wheat yield, presenting a viable strategy for improving wheat productivity.

Interference of mechanical damage on the physiological performance of corn seeds

Corn (Zea mays L.) is cultivated and consumed globally due to its nutritional qualities and short production cycle. However, during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage, seeds are susceptible to various types of damage that can compromise their productive capacity, affecting both germination and plant vigor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of corn seeds subjected to different types of mechanical damage. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Storage and Processing of Agricultural Products at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Corn seeds were subjected to four types of mechanical damage: hammering, cutting, abrasion, and perforation, alongside a control sample that did not undergo any mechanical damage. Each treatment (mechanical damage) consisted of 200 seeds, which were evaluated through germination tests, including first count, germination rate, germination speed index (GSI), seedling dry weight, and root length. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance, and means were compared using the Scott-Knott test (P ≤ 0.05) when necessary. Mechanical damage reduces the germination and vigor of corn seeds. Cutting-type damage affects corn seeds more severely, reducing germination by an average of 80% and impairing vigor.

Proposal for a framework for environmental zoning of areas near gold mines based on the distribution of potentially toxic elements, pollution indices, and bioindicators: a case study in Antioquia, Colombia

Gold mining, even under strict environmental regulations, inevitably causes environmental impacts and liabilities. To address this, the study proposes a framework for environmental zoning around gold mines based on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), pollution indices, and bioindicators. Soil samples were collected from municipalities affected by gold mining projects, and concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr were measured. Then, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated. A plant model was used for the biomonitoring of PTEs, and the Plant Vigor Index (PVI) was determined. Finally, environmental zoning was proposed through geospatial analysis combining PTEs, PLI, and PVI values. The concentrations of PTEs were as follows: As ranged from 1.7 to 892, Cd from 0.1 to 65.2, Pb from 18.5 to 2345, and Cr from 5.4 to 118.4. Spearman’s rank correlation showed significant relations (ρ > 0.76) between bioindicators and PTE concentrations and PLI. The PVI correlated significantly with PTE concentrations (ρ − 0.41 to − 0.67) and PLI (ρ − 0.65). The municipalities were categorized into three zones: highly contaminated, moderately contaminated, and minimally contaminated. Overall, the environmental zoning maps serve as a management tool for environmental monitoring.

Invasive Amaranthus spp. for heavy metal phytoremediation: Investigations of cadmium and lead accumulation and soil microbial community in three zinc mining areas

Amaranthus spp. are a group of strongly invasive and vigorous plants, and heavy metal phytoremediation using alien invasive Amaranthus spp. has been a popular research topic. In this study, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of Amaranthus spp. were evaluated, focusing on the accumulation potential of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by plants from three different zinc mining areas, namely Huayuan (HYX), Yueyang (LYX), and Liuyang (LYX). The HYX area has the most severe Cd contamination, while the LYX area has the most apparent Pb contamination. The results showed that Amaranthus spp. had a strong Cd and Pb enrichment capacity in low-polluted areas. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we used high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions to analyze rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities in three areas. The results showed significant differences in the structure, function, and composition of microbial communities and complex interactions between plants and their microbes. The correlation analysis revealed that some key microorganisms (e.g., Amycolatopsis, Bryobacterium, Sphingomonas, Flavobacterium, Agaricus, Nigrospora, Humicola) could regulate several soil factors such as soil pH, organic matter (OM), available nitrogen (AN), and available phosphorus (AP) to affect the heavy metal enrichment capacity of plants. Notably, some enzymes (e.g., P-type ATPases, Cysteine synthase, Catalase, Acid phosphatase) and genes (e.g., ZIP gene family, and ArsR, MerR, Fur, NikR transcription regulators) have been found to be involved in promoting Cd and Pb accumulation in Amaranthus spp. This study can provide new ideas for managing heavy metal-contaminated soils and new ways for the ecological resource utilization of invasive plants in phytoremediation.

Overexpression of rice lectin receptor-like kinase, OsLec-RLK, confers salinity stress tolerance and increases seed yield in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.).

OsLec-RLK overexpression enhances cell signalling and salt stress tolerance in pigeon pea, enhancing seed yield and harvest index and thus, enabling marginal lands to increase food and nutritional security. Lectin Receptor-like kinases (Lec-RLKs) are highly effective cell signaling molecules that counteract various stresses, including salt stress. We engineered pigeon pea by overexpressing OsLec-RLK gene for enhancing salt tolerance. The OsLec-RLK overexpression lines demonstrated superior performance under salt stress, from vegetative to reproductive phase, compared to wild types (WT). The overexpression lines had significantly higher K+/Na+ratio than WT exposed to 100mM NaCl. Under salt stress, transgenic lines showed higher levels of chlorophyll, proline, total soluble sugars, relative water content, and peroxidase and catalase activity than WT plants. Membrane injury index and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced in transgenic lines. Analysis of phenological and yield attributes confirmed that the OsLec-RLK pigeon pea lines maintain plant vigor, with 10.34-fold increase in seed yield (per plant) and 4-5-fold increase in harvest index of overexpression lines, compared to wild type. Meanwhile, the overexpression ofOsLec-RLK up-regulated the expression levels ofhistone deacetylase1, acyl CoA, ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase, which were involved in the K+/Na+homeostasis pathway. This study showed the potential of OsLec-RLK gene for increasing crop productivity and yields under salt stress and enabling the crops to be grown on marginal lands for increasing food and nutritional security.

Vegetation health and its relationship with Organic Pollution of the Santa Rosa Wetland, Chancay – Lima, 2023 [Salud de la vegetación y su relación con la Contaminación Orgánica del Humedal Santa Rosa, Chancay – Lima, 2023

The present research aimed to: Determine the Health of Vegetation and its relationship with Organic Pollution of the Santa Rosa Wetland, located in the district of Chancay, in the year 2023. The study is of a mixed type, with a descriptive level by analyzing satellite images to determine the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), with an experimental design, by taking water samples and analyzing them in the laboratory to identify the levels of organic material pollution. Results: From the satellite image analysis, it was determined that the NDVI decreased in 2023, (value of 0.132) between the months of June to October, and in the water quality analysis, the parameters of chemical oxygen demand were measured, with results ranging from 48.50 to 100.50 mg/L, total suspended solids from 30 to 31 mg/L, and biochemical oxygen demand between 19.34 to 33.50 mg/L, indicating that there is pollution (DS. N° 004-2017-MINAM). At the same time, the results were reaffirmed by measuring the extent of the vegetation with a supervised classification analysis of the satellite images, obtaining that the vegetation of the wetland (duckweed and water lentil) increased from 66.08% to 86.64% between the months of June to October. According to the obtained data, it is concluded that there is a relationship between both variables; if pollution decreases the vigor of the indicator plants also decreases as they act biologically as phytoremediators.

Effect of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea on Vegetative Growth of Rubber Plants under Nurseries Conditions

Success in rubber growing is linked to the production of vigorous plants in the nursery. However, this cruel stage faces difficulties related to the cost of chemical fertilizer and its availability. This work carried out in 4 localities (Bimbresso, Alépé, Abengourou and Daoukro) in Côte d’Ivoire aimed to improve the production of rubber plant material in nurseries in polyethylene bags using vermicompost and vermicompost tea. The experimental design used is a Fisher block with three treatments and two repetitions. The vermicompost, vermicompost tea and control factors were compared with each other. The addition of vermicompost tea and the control for three months while the addition of vermicompost was done only once. The results indicated that vermicompost tea is the most effective treatment for the vegetative development of plants regardless of the study site. In Bimbresso, the vermicompost tea and vermicompost treatments showed the highest increases with 1.23 and 1.21 mm.month-1, compared to 1.13 mm.month-1 for the control and the highest average values of diameter at the collar. 10.1 mm was obtained with vermicompost tea. Also, the highest rate of graftable plants, grafting success and plants transferable to the field was obtained with vermicompost tea. Likewise, the mortality rate obtained with vermicompost and vermicompost tea was less than 20%. These treatments could be recommended in the production of rubber plant material.

Effect of caffeic acid and cobalt sulfate on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plants in the presence and absence of nanoparticles-coated urea

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are a significant food crop cultivated around the world. Caffeic acid (CA) can enhance plant growth by promoting antioxidant activity and stimulating root development, contributing to overall plant health and vigor. Cobalt sulfate (CoSO4) boosts plant growth by promoting nitrogen (N) fixation, healthier root development, and chlorophyll synthesis, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health. Nanoparticle-coated urea (NPCU) improves nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the effects of combining CA, CoSO4, and NPCU as amendments on potatoes with and without NPCU. Four treatments, control, 20 μM CA, 0.15 mg/L CoSO4, and 20 μM CA + 0.15 mg/L CoSO4 with and without NPCU, were applied in four replications using a completely randomized design. Results demonstrate that the combination of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU led to an increase in potato stem length (~ 6%), shoot dry weight (~ 15%), root dry weight (~ 9%), and leaf dry weight (~ 49%) compared to the control in nutrient stress. There was a significant rise in chlorophyll a (~ 27%), chlorophyll b (~ 37%), and total chlorophyll (~ 28%) over the control under nutrient stress also showed the potential of CA + CoSO4 with NPCU. In conclusion, the findings suggest that applying CA + CoSO4 with NPCU is a strategy for alleviating potato nutrient stress.

Understanding the Impact of Zinc and Boron Applications on Growth and Yield Attributes in Potato

Research examines the impact of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth, and yield of potato plants. The screen house experiment used four treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Zn 5g/L), T3 (B 2g/L), and T4 (Zn 5g/L + B 2g/L). Growth characteristics were evaluated, such as the emergence percentage, plant vigor, number of stem /meter2, plant height, and stem diameter. In addition, essential yield metrics such as number of tubers, tuber weight (g), dry matter content, and specific gravity were also assessed. The findings indicated that concurrent administration of T4 had a substantial positive impact on the plant's vitality, height, stem thickness, and stem density per square meter compared to the control group. This suggests a cooperative influence of these micronutrients on the growth of plant structures. However, in terms of yield qualities, the use of Zn alone T2 led to the greatest tuber weight, dry matter content, and specific gravity. Showing that Zn plays a crucial role in maximizing tuber growth and quality. The treatment T4 enhanced yield parameters compared to the control, but it did not exceed the effects of either Zn or B individually in T2 and T3. This emphasizes the intricate interaction between these nutrients. However, when it comes to maximizing yield attributes in potato cultivation, using Zn alone may be more successful. The results indicate that customizing the management of micronutrients could optimize the growth and output of potatoes, hence enhancing agricultural productivity. Additional research is advised to investigate the most effective dosages and combinations

Liquid Overlay-Induced Donor Plant Vigor and Initial Ammonium-Free Regrowth Medium Are Critical to the Cryopreservation of Scrophularia kakudensis.

Cryopreservation, storing biological material in liquid nitrogen (LN, -196 °C), offers a valuable option for the long-term conservation of non-orthodox seeds and vegetatively propagated species in the sector of agrobiodiversity and wild flora. Although the large-scale cryobanking of germplasm collections has been increasing worldwide, the wide application of cryopreservation protocols in wild flora is hampered by difficulties in vitro propagation and a lack of universal cryopreservation protocols, among others. This study established a systematic approach to developing an in vitro culture and droplet-vitrification cryopreservation procedure for shoot tips of Scrophularia kakudensis. The standard procedure includes a two-step preculture with 10% sucrose for 31 h and with 17.5% sucrose for 16 h, osmoprotection with loading solution C4-35% (17.5% glycerol + 17.5% sucrose, w/v) for 30 min, cryoprotection with A3-80% (33.3% glycerol + 13.3% dimethyl sulfoxide + 13.3% ethylene glycol + 20.1% sucrose, w/v) at 0 °C for 60 min, and cooling and rewarming using aluminum foil strips. After unloading, a three-step regrowth procedure starting with an ammonium-free medium with growth regulators was essential for developing normal plantlets from cryopreserved shoot tips. Liquid overlay on the gelled medium two weeks after inoculation resulted in vigorous growth during subcultures. Moreover, liquid overlay increased LN regeneration by up to 80%, i.e., 23% higher than no liquid overlay.

Antifungal Activity of Erigeron floribundus (Asteraceae) and Ripe Banana Peel-NaHCO3 Extracts on Tomato in South-Kivu/DRC-Albertan Rift in the Great Lakes Region, Central-Africa

Tomato production faces significant challenges from fungal and bacterial diseases, often requiring chemical treatments. This study explores the potential of biopesticides derived from Erigeron floribundus and ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 as sustainable alternatives to conventional fungicides. A completely randomized design was employed to test the efficacy of the biopesticides. Local methods were used to prepare the extracts. Tomato plants were treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3, Erigeron floribundus, and a control (Dithane M45). Plant vigor, branch number, and disease incidence were monitored and recorded. Tomato plants treated with ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 showed increased vigor and similar branch numbers compared to those treated with Erigeron floribundus and the control. There was no significant difference in disease incidence between the biopesticides and Dithane M45. Both biopesticides were effective in disease protection and promoting yield, demonstrating their potential as sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments. The study concludes that ripe banana peel-NaHCO3 and Erigeron floribundus extracts are effective in protecting tomato plants from fungal and bacterial diseases while promoting growth and yield. Their non-toxic and environmentally friendly nature makes them suitable for sustainable tomato production.

Compensation of physiological traits under simulated drought and herbivory has functional consequences for fitness in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), one of the most valuable crops in the world, faces serious challenges due to drought and insect herbivory. Although well studied independently, we lack a comprehensive understanding of interactive effects of drought × herbivory on both soybean and herbivore traits. A holistic examination of soybean morpho-physiology (above and below-ground traits including root morphology) and herbivore performance can help us understand the potential consequences of these two major stressors on soybean yield and fitness. To this end, we imposed simulated-drought and herbivory by soybean looper (SBL) (Chrysodeixis includens Walker) and assessed both host and herbivore performance. Morpho-physiological traits of soybean including shoot height, chlorophyll content, root morphology, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration were measured. Additionally, growth and feeding behavior of SBL were also assessed to analyze the impacts of drought × herbivory on both host and herbivore. Our results show that certain physiological traits were significantly upregulated under drought × herbivory indicating compensation. We also observed that SBL frass weight, and scale of damage was lower on simulated-drought-experienced plants and, in choice assays, SBL preferred well-watered plants. In addition to lower yields observed under simulated-drought and herbivory interaction, soybeans that experienced both drought and herbivory had the highest number of aborted pods. Our study shows that simulated drought and herbivory have synergistic negative impacts on soybean morpho-physiology and support plant vigor hypothesis. Simulated drought negatively impacted SBL performance and made them less attracted to the soybeans that experienced water stress. Ultimately, the interactive effects of these stressors have negative consequences on soybean yield and fitness. This study demonstrates the need to integrate biotic and abiotic stressors for a better understanding of interactive effects on host and herbivores to make informed decisions for breeding and pest management strategies.