Well-developed Plants Research Articles

Temperature and LED lightning affect the regeneration of somatic embryo-derived sporophytes on the internode explants of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii Sternb.

The influence of the temperature and different light qualities emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and fluorescent lamps (Fl) on the micropropagation of the tree fern Cyathea delgadii was evaluated. The most efficient somatic embryo production was obtained on internode explants at 22 °C. The optimal temperature range for obtaining well-developed plants was 24–28 °C. This stimulated the elongation and development of the first leaf and the formation of the next leaf and roots primordia. Temperatures lower than 24 °C and higher than 28 °C inhibited the formation of young sporophyte organs and delayed their development. The RBUV (35% red, 15% blue, and 50% UV) and B (100% blue) lights and Fl light were beneficial for the sporophyte production on internode explants. However, plants obtained under RBUV light were undeveloped. The white LED light stimulated the number of explants capable of gametophyte production and development. The RB light (70% red and 30% blue) enhanced the number of roots of newly-formed plants. Most of the LED lights tested had a good impact on root elongation compared to Fl light and constant darkness. The R light (100% red) benefits leaf development and elongation. Research shows that temperature and LED lightning play a significant role in the process of morphogenesis in C. delgadii, significantly affecting the embryogenic competence of somatic cells and the development of sporophytes.

From shower to table: fate of organic micropollutants in hydroponic systems for greywater treatment and lettuce cultivation

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the dual functionality of hydroponic systems to grow edible crops while treating greywater (GW) containing 20 organic micropollutants (OMPs). Various conditions with differing nutrient contents were tested: raw GW, GW with struvite, and GW with commercial nutrient solution. System performance was assessed with plant growth and standard parameters and OMP removal. After 4-week exposure, all conditions produced healthy-looking plants, proving GW as a viable hydroponic growth medium. However, only the condition with commercial solution yielded plants comparable to the biotic control, indicating the necessity of nutrient supplementation. Effluent from conditions with well-developed plants met the requirements of the European water reuse legislation (EU 2020/741) for scenarios B–D (food crops not in direct contact with the reclaimed water and industrial crops), and had the highest OMP removal, showcasing the effectiveness of the system for OMP treatment. Estimated calculations of OMP detected in leaves (10/20 OMP detected, predominantly positive and small) resulted in calculated potential human health risks through lettuce intake for two compounds: atenolol and epoxycarbamazepine. These findings support a continued evaluation of the behavior of other OMPs and their transformation products in water–plant systems, and their consideration in legislation on water reuse and food safety.

Effect of Picloram and Desiccation on the Somatic Embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum L.

An efficient and reproducible in vitro method for indirect somatic embryogenesis was optimized by culturing leaf and leaf with petiole explants of Lycium barbarum L. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, supplemented with various concentrations of Picloram and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), individually and in combinations, were tested. Picloram (1.0 µM) showed a better response compared to 2,4-D and results indicate it to be a better auxin for induction of somatic embryos for Goji berry. It was seen that the leaf explants were more responsive in callus and somatic embryo induction than the leaf with petiole explant when incubated in the dark for 5 weeks. Embryogenic callus, after being transferred to MS medium containing Benzyl amino purine (BAP) in 1.0 µM, 5.0 µM and 10.0 µM, began to differentiate in light after one week. MS medium with 1.0 µM Picloram + 10 µM BAP resulted as the most favorable treatment for somatic embryogenesis in Lycium barbarum L. Removal of plant growth regulators from MS medium and culturing induced calluses under 16 h photoperiod resulted in globular, heart, torpedo, cotyledons, and further development into plantlets. Well-developed plants have been obtained and are capable of acclimatizing in ex vitro conditions. In addition, the effects of desiccation treatments (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 h, and 12 h) on embryogenic callus for somatic embryo induction were found to be directly proportional to the length of desiccation treatment at room temperature. After 9 h and 12 h of desiccation treatments, 60% and 90% of plated calluses resulted in somatic embryos, respectively. In a L. barbarum callus mass, Acetocarmine and Evans blue double staining differentiated between embryogenic and non-embryogenic callus. These findings will help Goji berry improvement by elite clone production, ex situ conservation projects, scaling up plant production, and agronomy for the commercial production of this superfruit in the future.

Compost tea supplied by partial root-zone drying irrigation affected growth and productivity of eggplants and cucumbers grown in succession

ABSTRACT Partial root-zone drying irrigation techniques and application of compost tea are practices that, when used separately, have demonstrated beneficial effects on crop productivity in organic farming, with efficient use of natural resources. The aim of this work was to investigate effects of the combination of applying compost tea and using partial root-zone drying irrigation on the growth of eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) grown in succession, on the quantity and quality of the fruits produced, and on soil nutrients after the two growing seasons. The objective was to assess how the two factors, irrigation technique and fertilising method, and the combination of the two, influenced the parameters investigated. Application of compost tea via partial root-zone drying irrigation resulted in well-developed plants and high yields with good quality fruit for both eggplants and cucumbers and did not lead to depletion of soil nutrients, compared with the use commercial organic fertilizers or standard irrigation. Most of the investigated parameters were affected by the interaction of the two factors, though the yield of both crops was more affected by the irrigation technique, while the fertilising approach had a greater effect on the quality of the cucumber fruit. Nevertheless, the combination of compost tea with partial root-zone drying irrigation resulted in competitive performance against the other treatments, whilst reducing the use of resources. The findings showed the effectiveness of applying compost tea by partial root-zone drying irrigation and this was recommended for organic agriculture systems.

Synergistic effects of Vermi-Co extracts mixture with cytokinins on shoot regeneration of Lindernia minima (Benth.) Mukerjee—An endangered medicinal plant

The present investigation illustrates the synergistic growth effect of Vermi-Co (Vermicast and Coconut-water) extracts mixture with cytokinins on in vitro shoot regeneration of Lindernia minima. Due to less distribution threat status, this plant species has been considered as an endangered plant by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Hence, it is necessary to conserve and to develop an efficient plant regeneration protocol for the rapid multiplication of L. minima. The nodal explants were inoculated on (¼) quarter-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.5 – 2.5 mg L-1) of BA (6-Benzyladenine), KIN (Kinetin) and TDZ (Thidiazuron) combined with various percentages of (5%, 15%, and 25%) Vermi-Co extracts mixture. Among the concentrations tested, 1.5 mg L-1 TDZ with 15% of Vermi-Co extracts mixture produced the maximum percentage of response with the highest (19.5 ± 0.20 shoots/explant) number of shoots and (10.2 ± 0.14 cm) shoot length. Then, the well-elongated shoots were transferred to rooting medium (quarter-strength MS) supplemented with 0.5 – 3.0 mg L-1 of IBA (Indole -3- butyric acid) and IAA (Indole -3- acetic acid). The highest percentage of response (98%) and maximum number of roots were observed in 1.5 mg L-1 IBA with 11.5 ± 0.29 roots per shoot and 6.6 ± 0.28 cm root length. Finally, well-developed plants were successfully transferred to the natural field condition with a survival rate of 97%. The present research revealed that, the combined growth stimulating effect of Vermi-Co extracts mixture combined with cytokinins increased the number of shoots and shoot length on shoot regeneration of L. minima from nodal explants. Our findings will be very useful for regeneration of Lindernia minima through plant tissue culture.

Impact of cultural conditions on germination of olive (Olea europaea L.) somatic embryos and plantlets development from the Algerian cultivar Chemlal

The in vitro propagation techniques are currently a commercial alternative for the production of plants with good quality in several plant species, including the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Somatic embryogenesis is the process practically used for the application of several biotechnological tools of improvement and in vitro plant regeneration via the germination of somatic embryos. Our work aims to evaluate the effect of the chemical and hormonal composition of the culture medium on the germination of olive somatic embryos (cv. Chemlal) as well as the micropropagation of the obtained plantlets before their acclimatization to natural conditions. The results indicated that the production of olive plants by somatic embryogenesis depends strongly on the genotype of the somatic embryos (cell line) and more on the culture conditions, particularly the presence of growth regulators. Indeed, a solid OM medium supplemented with hormones (BA and IBA) permitted an advanced root emergence and germination allowing the production of well-developed plants with several leaves. In addition, an OM medium supplemented with Zeatin and IBA allowed better reactivity of micro-cuttings producing well-developed shoots with several emitted roots which facilitates their further acclimatization to natural conditions.

Water consumption in root chicory plants of in agrophytocenosis under their mass formation

The research aimed to study the transpiration and water consumption in root chicory plants during the growing season in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. It has been established that well-developed plants consume signifi cantly more water during the growing season, compared with poorly developed plants. So, on average for 2012–2016, water consumption for plants with a mass of 685.63 g. during the growing season was 98.3 l., and for plants with a mass of 18.65 g. water consumption for a growing season was 34.0 l. However, comparing the plant water consumption required for the formation of 1 g of root weight of the root crop, the opposite pattern is observed, for plants with a mass of 685.63 g, the water consumption rate for 1 g of the root weight of the root crop was 73 liters, while for plants with a weight of 18.65 g and 1 g of fresh root weight the rate was 97 liters. It was also found that the water consumption in a plant depends to a large extent on the degree of plant leaf amount. The higher the ratio of the aerial parts to the root crop is, the more water the plant consumes. Therefore, the formation of a unit of leaf mass requires much more water than a unit of root crops. It was revealed that water consumption increases signifi cantly in poorly developed plants, in which the ratio of aboveground mass and root crop is broken. Such a violation also occurs with high yields. The transpiration coefficient rises dramatically when chicory plants develops in the tops. The decrease in the transpiration rate from 261 to 211 in the course of root chicory growth and development is predetermined by the fact that in the early period of its development, the aboveground part intensively grows and larger amount of water is needed for its formation compared to that for the root unit formation. Thus, the issue of the transpiration relation with the water content in plant tissues is closely related and depends on the plant growth specifi c conditions. Well-developed plants, in comparison with poorly developed ones under the same nutritional conditions and soil moisture, usually contain more water in the tissues, and despite this, their transpiration rate is lower. Key words: root chicory, water consumption, transpiration coeffi cient, root crop mass, leaf mass.

Influence of snow mold on winter rye productivity in the Kirov region

In the conditions of the Kirov region, the major factor reducing the productivity of winter crops is infestation with snow mold (Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels et. Hallet. - synonym Fusarium nivale (Fr.) Ces.), which annually grows by 80-100%. Therefore, the main direction of breeding is receiving winter rye varieties having maximum resistance to this disease. During the period of 2003-2017 there was carried out the assessment of zoned and perspective cultivars of domestic breeding of various ecological-and-geographical origin for snow mold infestation in natural provocative conditions. Weather conditions differed greatly in all periods of rye development. It has been established that plant resistance to M. nivale pathogen is influenced greatly by the condition of plants before wintering regulated by the sowing time. Well-developed plants of Falenskaya 4 variety formed the optimum density of an agro-phytocenosis, accumulated bigger amount of sugars (more than 7%), regenerated during spring re-growth by more than 90%, and produced stable high yield (more than 4.9 t/ha). In order to realize the biological potential of the variety, there was a need to shift the previously established sowing time to 5-10 days later period. The productivity was influenced greatly by April conditions, namely, by the period of total clearing of sowings from snow, which took only several days (3-6). Warm and dry weather favored an active re-growth of rye and prevented disease development. Cold and damp weather provoked fungus development, which affected quickly the plants weakened after rewintering. It was revealed that winter rye varieties of different ecological-and-geographical groups responded to this disease differently. The variability in productivity of each cultivar by years was high (CV = 25.8…65.4%). The greatest stability was characteristic for varieties bred in FARC North-East. The main methods of breeding for the resistance to snow mold are crossing and selection in the conditions of a provocative background. The efficiency of a selection method is confirmed with creation from Falenskaya 4 a highly winter-hardy variety Flora with active regeneration after snow mold infestation (100%) and stable productivity by years – 4.62 t/ha (addition yield to an initial cultivar was 0.27 t/ha). The distinctive feature of Flora variety is active formation of powerful green mass in spring that is important for the early use for green forage for cattle and poultry. Since 2012 the variety is included in the State Register of breeding achievements in Volga-Vyatka and North-West regions of the Russian Federation.

Influence of nitrogen form and concentration on yield and quality of pot grown basil

In the organic production of pot grown basil, yield depressions and quality impairments are often observed. During the early development stage, cotyledons become chlorotic and necrotic. Subsequently, fungal diseases such as botrytis occur. One possible reason for this problem could be the high concentration of ammonium in the growing media released by the mineralization of organic fertilizers. Therefore, a fertilization trial was carried out to investigate the effect of ammonium (NH4+) on basil in comparison to nitrate (NO(3-)). The experiment included different NH4+-N/NO(3--)N ratios (100/0, 50/50 and 0/100) and nitrogen (N) concentrations in the nutrient solution (8, 12 and 16 mmol N L(‑1)). Plants were cultivated in a peat substrate and fertilized with a nutrient solution which, in addition to the different N sources, contained equal concentrations of a base fertilizer as well as the nitrification inhibitor DMPP. Furthermore, an organic fertilization treatment was realized. Basil fertilized solely with NH4+ showed a diminished growth in comparison to well-developed plants receiving NO3- as N source. Germination rate, plant height and fresh matter yield were significantly reduced by NH4+ nutrition. Similar results occur in the organic treatment where the NH4+ concentration rose up to 350 mg NH4+-N L(‑1) substrate at the beginning of the cultivation period. Along with a reduction in biomass production, chlorotic cotyledons were observed. These effects might have been caused by NH4+. When N mineralization declined and NH4+ was largely converted to NO3-, plants exhibited improved growth. Within the mineral N treatments, rising NO(3-) concentration and NO(3)--N/NH(4)+-N ratio promoted plant height and reduced plant compactness due to an increased internode elongation. At the end of the experiment, the NO(3-) content in basil shoots was highest in the organic treatment and lowest with NH4+ as the sole N source. The best herb quality in terms of plant compactness, turgidity and healthiness of cotyledons was observed when basil was fertilized with ammonium nitrate.

Development and Optimization of MicroPropagation, In Vitro Methodology for Gladiolus

Gladiolus is a non-native, costly but an important flowering plant in South Asia. Considering its lower production rate and economic importance, micro-propagation technology was optimized in this study to establish a protocol forpathogen free clonal genotypes. Taken the results together, the best response was observed at 27°C as growing temperature, table sugar (sucrose) as a carbon source, apical meristem of 3mm for shoot formation as an explant. The best plant regeneration was observed for shoot apical meristem (within 7.8 days after inoculation) by using Murashige and Skoog MS basal medium with supplementing 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L of Kinetin. The best shoot multiplication was 98% in 18.2 days of inoculation using MS media with 1.0 mg/L BAP only. For root induction, MS media which was supplemented with 1.0 mg/L NAA and 2.0 mg/L IBA gave the best results (100% in 6.8 days). The best supporting agent was found to be cotton swab while the best media for hardening and acclimatization of well-developed plants was a combination of sand, soil, and peat in an equal ratio (1:1:1), leading to 80% survival rate of plants. The results obtained in this study may better help grow Gladiolus plants on an industrial scale with a lower cost of production.

NEW CULTIVAR OF OIL RADISH SIBIRYACHKA

The paper presents the results of research into breeding of the new cultivar of oil radish Sibiryachka by the method of multiple individual selection during the period 2008-2018. The cultivar of oil radish Tambovchanka was used as an initial material. The studies were conducted in the foreststeppe zone of Western Siberia (Novosibirsk region) in the breeding nurseries laid on fallow by a widerowed method. Well-developed plants were selected in the field conditions, which were then used for selection of the most productive forms for further sowing, on the basis of the thorough laboratory analysis of the components of the seed yield. For comparative analysis the initial standard cultivar Tambovchanka was used. The main attention in the selections process was paid to high seed and feed productivity, early maturity, resistance to main diseases and pests. As a result, after conducting five selection cycles, a complex hybrid population was obtained, which, in the contest trial during three years, showed an advantage over the standard cultivar by seed and dry matter yield, as well as by stability of seed yield. It was submitted for the state cultivar test with the name Sibiraychka. The main economically valuable features of the oil radish cultivar Sibiryachka are as follows: the average yield of green mass is 33.6 tn/ha, seeds – 1.2 tn/ ha, the seed protein content is 28%. The cultivar is early-ripening, so the duration of the growing season is 89-101 days. It reaches mowing ripeness in 59-75 days. The leaf formation of the cultivar is 41-59%. The new cultivar is resistant to major diseases and pests and is intended for fodder and green manure use. The cultivar was included in the State register of breeding achievements suitable for cultivation on the whole territory of the Russian Federation in 2018. The copyright certificate and patent were received.

On typification of Chenopodium acerifolium (Chenopodiaceae): an update and new epitypification

Various issues and problems of taxonomy and nomenclature of Chenopodium acerifolium Andrzejowski (1862: 132), including its typification, were recently discussed in detail by Mosyakin (2017). In short, the name C. acerifolium was effectively lectotypified by Dvořák (1987: 562, Fig. 1 on page 563; see also Mosyakin 2017) based on a specimen from KW[1] sent on loan to BRNU in the 1980s. Being probably unaware of that lectotype designation, Sukhorukov (2014: 227) designated as the lectotype another specimen that is currently deposited in LE. That specimen originated from the herbarium of W.S.J.G. Besser and later was part of the herbarium of F.E.L. Fischer (curatorial label: “Herb. Fischer. Chenopodium acerifolium Andrz. In ins. Borystheni Kiioviae. Herb. W. Besser”). The specimen from KW initially designated by Dvořák (1987) as the lectotype of C. acerifolium was reported missing (not found in KW or BRNU until 2017; see details in Mosyakin 2017). Mosyakin (2017: 142) also concluded that “until the specimen selected as the lectotype by Dvořák (1987) is found, the selection of a lectotype by Sukhorukov, unfortunately, should stand”. The specimen from LE lacked fruits and was only flowering (see Uotila & Lomonosova 2016: 235), and because of that Mosyakin (2017: 142) proposed the specimen KW001002780 with well-developed plants and a handwritten original description by Andrzejowski as the epitype supporting the lectotype from LE (standing type) selected by Sukhorukov.

The Effect of Application of Ethephon to Processing Tomato Plants on the Chemical Composition of Fruits

Ethephon is used to accelerate fruit ripening on plantations with well-developed plants which have formed a large quantity of fruits. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ethephon on the chemical composition of the fruits of seven cultivars of processing tomato (‘Rumba’, ‘Hubal’, ‘Sokal’ F1, ‘Mieszko’ F1, ‘Polset’ F1, ‘Hysioux’ F1 and ‘AF1120’ F1), applied to the plants when most of the fruits had reached the mature-green stage. The study was conducted during three consecutiveyears, characterized by different weather conditions. Meteorological elements, i.e. air temperature and precipitation totals, were monitored in the experimental station in Mydlniki, near Krakow, Poland. Ethephon was found to have a beneficial effect on the content of extract and soluble sugars of the harvested tomatoes and on their acidity. Dry matter and lycopene levels were not dependent on the use of this compound, while the ascorbic acid content was reduced by the procedure. The chemicalcomposition of the tomato fruits differed significantly in consecutive years of the study, which confirmed the weather impact on fruit quality and on the varied responses of different cultivars to use of ethephon. The tested cultivars were also compared in terms of their suitability for processing. The ‘Hubal’ cultivar had the highest content of dry matter, extract, soluble sugars of all the cultivars tested. The highest level of lycopene was noted for the tomatoes of the ‘Rumba’ and ‘Sokal’ F1 cultivar, ascorbic acid of the ‘Rumba’ and the highest acidity for ‘AF 1120’ F1.

In vitro regeneration by callus culture of Anoectochilus elatus Lindley, an endangered terrestrial jewel orchid

A process of organogenesis via callus with successful plantlet formation was developed for Anoectochilus elatus. Indirect organogenesis was achieved from in vitro-derived node, internode, and leaf explants. The explants were cultured on Mitra medium fortified with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators such as cytokinins (N6-benzyl adenine [BA], thidiazuron [TDZ], kinetin [KN], N6-(2-isopentyl) adenine [2ip] and zeatin [ZEA]), auxins (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4-D], α-naphthalene acetic acid [NAA], indole-3-acetic acid [IAA], indole-3-butyric acid [IBA], and 4-amino-3,4,6-trichloro picolinic acid [Pic]), and additives (citric acid, trisodium citrate, peptone, coconut water, potato extract, and banana pulp). Organogenic callus proliferation was highest from internode (77.8 %), followed by node (69.7 %) and leaf explants (64.2 %), on Mitra medium supplemented with TDZ (1.0 mg L−1) and NAA (0.5 mg L−1). Organogenic callus derived from internodal explants produced an average of 41.8 shoots per explant, with average length of 2.5 cm, on Mitra medium supplemented with BA (1.0 mg L−1), NAA (0.5 mg L−1) and coconut water (10 %). In rooting experiments, a maximum of 3.2 roots per shoot was observed with an average length of 2.1 cm with 97.8% response on Mitra medium amended with AgNO3 (1.0 mg L−1). The rooted plantlets were acclimatized in a mixture of garden soil, sand, vermicompost, and used tea waste (8:4:2:1 [w/w/w/w]) in a greenhouse environment, with a 72.3% survival rate. Finally, the well-developed plants were transferred to the National Orchidarium, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, a unit of the Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, for further maintenance and establishment under natural conditions for conservation.

In Vitro Mass Propagation of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf., a Medicinal Gramineae.

Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf. is a medicinal plant source of lemon grass oils with multiple uses in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Conventional propagation in semisolid culture medium has become a fast tool for mass propagation of lemon grass, but the production cost must be lower. A solution could be the application of in vitro propagation methods based on liquid culture advantages and automation. This chapter provides two efficient protocols for in vitro propagation via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis of this medicinal plant. Firstly, we report the production of shoots using a temporary immersion system (TIS). Secondly, a protocol for somatic embryogenesis using semisolid culture for callus formation and multiplication, and liquid culture in a rotatory shaker and conventional bioreactors for the maintenance of embryogenic culture, is described. Well-developed plants can be achieved from both protocols. Here we provide a fast and efficient technology for mass propagation of this medicinal plant taking the advantage of liquid culture and automation.

Migration flight of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) at various latitudes is independent of local phenology

A particularly advantageous method of monitoring the flight and calculating the median was used. An example is given in order to understand better the calculation. The medians show that the timing is similar at different latitudes despite local phenological differences. The difference in median flight times between Finland and the Czech Republic was five days on average, but phenological differences are about a month, shown by a comparison of temperatures, the monitoring of buds on spruce, and by the stage of the carrot plants. During the attack by T. apicalis the carrot plants are younger towards north what is unusual in Psyllidae. In extreme north locations as Finland the genetic triggering for flight could not be realised by the strong declining of temperatures. Flight occurs here substantially later as to local photoperiodicity but is the earliest as to phenology, including carrot plants. The very small plants during flight are much more damaged here than the well-developed plants in central Europe.  

Occurrence and significance of polysomaty in species of Mimosa L.

Polysomaty is the occurrence of cells with different ploidy levels in the same organ or tissue and there are records of this in root-tip cells of some Mimosa species. The objective of the present work was to verify the occurrence, possible cause and significance of polysomaty in a range of species of this genus. In root-tip cells of 68 accessions of 43 diploid and tetraploid Mimosa species, the percentage of polysomatic cells ranged from 5% to 87%. Pretreatment with the antimitotic paradichlorobenzene did not cause polysomaty but increased it in some accessions. When relating seedling root size and percentage of polysomatic cells, for most of the species a higher percentage of polysomatic cells was found in roots from 6 to 10 cm length. For M. scabrella (“bracatinga”), a comparative analysis of seedling root-tip cells and root-tip cells from well-developed plants kept in pots in a greenhouse showed that polysomaty occurred only in the seedling root-tips. The data suggest that, in Mimosa, polysomaty occurs...

Application of plant growth regulators, a simple technique for improving the establishment success of plant cuttings in coastal dune restoration

Exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) may be an effective technique for increasing the rooting ability and the growth of vegetative fragments (cuttings) of plants used in dune restoration programs. Various concentrations (0, 50 and 100 mg l−1) of two auxins, alpha-naphtaleneacetic acid (NAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and two cytokinins, 6-furfurylaminopurine (Kinetin) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), were applied separately to cuttings of two widely used species for restoration, Ammophila arenaria and Sporobuls virginicus. Root development and production of new buds in cuttings were examined under laboratory conditions one month after application. Cuttings were also examined one year after transplanting into a sandy substratum under natural conditions, to test for possible long term effects of PGRs on plant establishment success and growth. The response of the two study species to PGRs differed substantially. In A. arenaria the auxin NAA at 100 mg l−1 reduced the time for root initiation and increased the rooting capacity of cuttings, while the cytokinin Kinetin at 50 mg l−1 facilitated root growth. No auxin had effect on rooting or growth of S. virginicus cuttings, but treatment with 100 mg l−1 Kinetin resulted in higher rooting success than the control. One year after planting, the cuttings of A. arenaria treated with 100 mg l−1 NAA showed a higher establishment success (90% vs. 55%) and produced more culms and longer roots than the control; those treated with cytokinins did not differ in the establishment success from the control, but had longer roots, more culms and rhizomes. On the other hand, the cuttings of S. virginicus treated with 100 mg l−1 Kinetin showed a higher establishment success (75% vs. 35%) and had more culms than the control. Therefore, in restoration activities that involved A. arenaria, a pre-treatment of cuttings with NAA would be beneficial, as it allows the production of a higher number of well-developed plants with high survival potential and greater area cover. In contrast, a pre-treatment of cuttings of S. virginicus with Kinetin would achieve more acceptable plant survival rates. This easy and low cost-effective technique may be extended to other dune plant species and applied on a large scale to improve the chance of dune restoration success.

Resistance to Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) in transgenic soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill Fabales, Fabaceae) cultivar IAS5 expressing a modified Cry1Ac endotoxin

Somatic embryos of the commercial soybean (Glycine max) cultivar IAS5 were co-transformed using particle bombardment with a synthetic form of the Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin crystal protein gene cry1Ac, the β-glucuronidase reporter gene gusA and the hygromycin resistance gene hpt. Hygromycin-resistant tissues were proliferated individually to give rise to nine sets of clones corresponding to independent transformation events. The co-bombardment resulted in a co-transformation efficiency of 44%. Many histodifferentiated embryos and 30 well-developed plants were obtained. Twenty of these plants flowered and fourteen set seeds. The integration and expression of the cry1Ac, gusA and hpt transgenes into the genomes of a sample of transformed embryos and all T0, T1 ,T 2 and T3 plants were confirmed by Gus activity, PCR, Southern and western blot, and ELISA techniques. Two T0 plants out of the seven co-transformed plants produced seeds and were analyzed for patterns of integration and inheritance until the T3 generation. Bioassays indicated that the transgenic plants were highly toxic to the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis, thus offering a potential for effective insect resistance in soybean.

Potential of vetiver ( Vetiveria zizanoides L. Nash) for phytoremediation of phenol

Aseptically grown Vetiveria zizanoides were evaluated for their potential for phytoremediation of phenol from Murashige and Skoog's liquid medium. Phenol was found to be completely removed from incubation medium at the end of 4 days by V. zizanoides plantlets, when medium was supplemented with 50 and 100 mg L −1 phenol, while with 200, 500, and 1000 mg L −1 of phenol, 89%, 76% and 70%, respectively, were removed. Phenol removal was found to be associated with inherent production of peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide. Coupled with H 2O 2 formation, the levels of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and peroxidase showed an enhancement when plants were exposed to phenol, whereas catalase levels initially showed a decline due to the utilization of H 2O 2 by peroxidase for phenol oxidation. However, when peroxidase levels declined, there was an enhancement in catalase levels to minimize the presence of H 2O 2 in the medium. Having confirmed that the removal of phenol was by V. zizanoides plantlets, in the next phase, micropropagated plantlets and well-developed plants grown in hydroponics were used under in vivo conditions to study the effect of phenol (200 mg L −1) on plant growth and reuse. Although plant growth was reduced in presence of phenol, the results of the reuse study indicated the possibility of plants getting adapted to phenol without any decline in potential for phenol remediation.