Showing papers in "Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-napoca in 2020"

A critical review on the improvement of drought stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: Abiotic stresses are the primary threat to crop production across the globe. Drought stress is primary abiotic stress which is considerably limiting the global rice production and putting the food security at higher risks. Drought tolerance (DT) is a multigene trait which is influenced by various stages of development in rice plant. Tolerance as well as susceptibility of rice to drought stress is carried out by different drought-response genes and other components of stress. Plant researchers have used various methods such as, genetic manipulation and marker-assisted techniques for development of new rice cultivars with improved tolerance to drought stress. The aims of this review are to present recent advancements and illustrate current approaches to breed a robust drought-resistant rice genotypes by using classical breeding and advanced molecular techniques. We also shed light on all available information regarding the role of significant hormones in DT, QTL for drought-related traits, QTL for rice yield, global strategies for the improvement of DT in rice, DT genes, and selection supported by markers.

Seed priming as a promising technique to improve growth, chlorophyll, photosynthesis and nutrient contents in cucumber seedlings

Abstract: Seed priming is a technique to improve seed germination, seedlings growth, uniformity and yield. The, present study was designed to, investigate the physiological mechanism of seed priming with GA3 and KNO3 on cucumber seedlings growth, chlorophyll, photosynthesis and nutrients uptake. The cucumber seeds were treated as; CK; control, T1; GA3 100 ppm, T2; GA3 200 ppm, T3; KNO3 1%, T4; KNO3 5%, before seed sowing. The results showed that seed priming with GA3 and KNO3 significantly increased the plant height, fresh and dry weight and strong seedling index. Moreover, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a+b, carotenoid contents, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr) and intercellular CO2 concentration in seed priming seedlings. In addition, seed priming significantly enhanced leaf macro and micro nutrient contents. Additionally, among various treatments GA3 200 ppm and KNO3 5% are found best. These results suggested that seed priming with GA3 and KNO3 synergistically promoted the chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis and nutrients uptake in cucumber seedlings, thus leading to improve plant growth.

Piriformospora indica: a root endophytic fungus and its roles in plants

Abstract: Piriformospora indica is a discovered endophytic fungus colonizing in roots of plants in 1998. The fungus can form the mycelium, mycelial roll, and pear-shaped spores in intercellular and intracellular regions of roots. The fungus colonizes various host plants and also realizes the pure culture in vitro without roots of host plants. P. indica shows many positive effects on host plants, including the promotion of plant growth, the enhancement of nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance, the improvement of disease resistance, and the promoted accumulation of bioactive substances. The commercial production of the fungal spores is established in bioreactor with nanostructured materials “zinc oxide” as nano embedded fungus, which provides provides changes into confers. The review simply summarized the biological characteristics of P. indica, physiological roles in plants, and potential utilization as a biofertilizer.

Exploring Artemisia annua L., artemisinin and its derivatives, from traditional Chinese wonder medicinal science

Abstract: Artemisia annua L. (Chinese wormwood herb, Asteraceae) synthesizes artemisinin, which is known as qinghaosu, considers as a unique sesquiterpene endoperoxide lactone. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used for the treatment of fevers and haemorrhoides. More researches on Artemisia annua L. and its derivatives, especially artemisinin and other metabolites will help to increase the knowledge and value of A. annua and its constituents. Phenolics from Artemisia annua consists of coumarins, flavones, flavonols, phenolic acids, and miscellaneous. Artemisinin has attracted much attention from scientists due to its potent antimalarial properties as secondary metabolites. Moreover, more attentions are focusing on the roles of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. They also have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-protozoa, anti-helminthic, anti-fungal, anti-angiogenic and antiproliferation properties. The most important derivatives of Artemisia annua L. are arteether, artemether, artemiside, artemisinin, artemisone, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin. Artemisinin also use against some cancers such as liver cancer, brain glioma, leukemia, nasopharyngeal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. This important gift from ancient Chinese traditional medicine can guarantee health of people all around the world. Further researches should be done on the new advances and development of artemisinin and its derivatives as potential natural medicine in the global fight against so many diseases, malaria included.

Exogenous glutathione-mediated tolerance to deficit irrigation in salt-affected Capsicum frutescence (L.) plants is connected with higher antioxidant content and ionic homeostasis

Abstract: As an important medicinal plant used in traditional and modern medicine, chili peppers are sensitive or moderately sensitive to drought or salt stress, respectively. Therefore, potential changes due to foliar-applied glutathione (GSH; 0, 0.4 and 0.8 mM) response on growth, yield, and physio-biochemical attributes, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) and fruit alkaloid capsaicin of chili pepper plants were investigated when grown under deficit irrigation in salt-affected soil (EC = 6.74 dS m–1). Two deficit irrigation water (DiW) regimes (80% and 60% of soil field capacity; FC) were used versus 100% of FC as a control. Both DiW treatments negatively affected growth and yield parameters, SPAD chlorophyll index, nutrient status, K+/Na+ ratio, and plant anatomical features. In contrast, osmoprotectants, ascorbate, glutathione, capsaicin, and phenolic contents, as well as WUE were increased in association with higher Na+ and Cl– contents. However, exogenously-applied GSH caused significant increases in the above-mentioned parameters along with an additional increase in osmoprotectants, antioxidants, and capsaicin contents, and a decrease in Na+ and Cl– levels compared to corresponding controls. The highest WUE, growth, and fruit yield responses were recorded at 0.8 mM GSH applied to plants under DiW at 80% FC + salinity (6.74 dS m–1). Therefore, this study suggested the use of leafy-applied GSH at 0.8 mM for satisfactory growth and yield with the highest WUE of chili pepper plants grown under salt-affected conditions with deficit irrigation.

Effect of salinity stress on yield and quality parameters in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract: Flax is one of the oldest utilitarian plants that have been grown for fibre as well as an oilseed crop. The species has been recognized as an excellent source of micronutrients, dietary fibre, protein, vitamin B1, lignan, and essential fatty acids (EFA), namely linoleic and α-linolenic acids. However, in spite of immense nutritional and industrial importance of the crop no work has been carried out on the effect of salinity induced by different salts on seed yield and quality traits in Linum usitatissimum. A high yielding germplasm line ‘Mukta’ was subjected to five concentrations (0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM and 200 mM) of three salts viz. sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) for two seasons. Data were collected for seed yield along with different quality traits and a range of antioxidant enzymes. Seed yield decreased with rise in salt concentration and was minimum at 200 mM for all the salts. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid content continuously decreased with increase in salt concentration for all the salt treatments. Catalase and GST content increased with increase in salt concentration and was maximum at 200 mM.

Effects of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) on ion leakage, total phenol, antioxidant enzymes activities and cobalt accumulation in Brassica napus L.

Abstract: Interaction of nanoparticles (NPs) as a significant threat to ecosystems with biological processes of plants is very important. Here, the effects of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) NPs on some physio-biochemical characteristics of Brassica napus L. were investigated. The two-weeks seedlings were sprayed with different concentrations of Co3O4 NPs (0, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg L-1). The results showed that this treatment significantly affected the fresh and dry weights, area, relative water content (RWC) and relative chlorophyll value (SPAD) of leaves. The highest reduction of growth and biomass indexes occurred at 4000 mg L-1 NPs. The content of H2O2 and electrolyte leakage (EL) increased respectively, after 100 and 250 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs and showed a maximum level at 4000 mg L-1. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased after 100 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs. However, tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) activity enhanced after 500 mg L-1. The catalase (CAT) activity and protein content decreased after 1000 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs. Application of concentrations higher than 500 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs induced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity but reduced glutathione reductase (GR). The activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased at 250-1000 mg L-1 of Co3O4 NPs and then decreased. These results suggested that low concentrations of Co3O4 NPs induced a positive effect on growth parameters but high levels caused extensive oxidative damage and mediated defense responses by organization of phenolic compounds and antioxidative system.

Chitosan nanoparticle and pyridoxine seed priming improves tolerance to salinity in milk thistle seedling.

Abstract: Application of growth regulators plays important role under salt conditions. Perspectives to overcome these limitations by chitosan nanoparticle (CSNP: 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1%) and pyridoxine (PN: 0, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09%) seed priming was studied in both experiments with milk thistle seeds exposed to NaCl as salt stress (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM). Salinity threshold and EC50 (the salinity level that 50% of germination reduction) achieved 74.85 and 213.5 mM, respectively. A significant reduction in germination percentage (49.12%), seedling length (50.07%), and seedling vigor index (67.39%) while, a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity (54.63%) were achieved at 150 mM NaCl in compared to the control treatment. The highest germination rate was resulted by 100 mM NaCl and 0.25% CSNP and the least (2.86 seed/day) by 150 mM NaCl and without CSNP. The salt stress significantly decreased photosynthetic pigments; however, the largest value of chlorophyll a, b, and total was related to without NaCl and 1% CSNP and the least value of traits (6.1, 1.67, and 7.77 µg/g FW) to non-application of CSNP under 150 mM NaCl. PN application was caused decrease in free proline content compared to the non-application treatment. The most pronounced effects of CSNP and PN were recorded in 0.25 and 0.09% concentrations, respectively. The finding of this study leads to the conclusion that seed priming with CSNP and PN by improving physiological mechanisms such as photosynthetic pigment synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activities, and free proline content increased salt tolerance in milk thistle seedling.

Yield, quality and weed control in soybean crop as affected by several cultural and weed management practices

Abstract: In the field of Agricultural University of Athens, the effects of false seedbed technique, stale seedbed, chemical and ecologically based control on weed growth and soybean yield were evaluated (2019). The experimental treatments were: normal seedbed, normal seedbed along with pre-emergence chemical control, false seedbed, stale seedbed with glyphosate and stale seedbed with pelargonic acid. In the plots of normal seedbed along with pre-emergence chemical control, pendimethalin was applied at rate of 1560 g a.i. ha-1. In the plots of stale seedbed with glyphosate, glyphosate was applied at a rate of 2160 g a.e. ha-1 and in the plots of stale seedbed with pelargonic acid, pelargonic acid was applied at a rate of 31020 g a.i. ha-1. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results revealed that stale seedbed combined either with glyphosate or pelargonic acid application reduced annual weeds’ density by 94 and 95% as compared to normal seedbed. Stale seedbed along with pelargonic acid reduced the density of perennial weeds by 36, 38 and 41% as compared to the combination of normal seedbed and pre-emergence chemical control, normal seedbed and false seedbed, respectively. The application of glyphosate in stale seedbed plots was also effective against perennial weeds. It was also observed that stale seedbed along with glyphosate increased soybean seed yield by 17, 19 and 35% as compared to the combination of normal seedbed and pendimethalin application, false seedbed and normal seedbed, respectively. Beneficial were also the effects of the combination of stale seedbed and pelargonic acid not only on soybean seed yield but also on soybean protein content. Further research is needed in order to investigate the role of false and stale seedbeds as integrated weed management practices in various crops and under different soil and climatic conditions. Research is also needed to evaluate pelargonic acid for weed control in stale seedbeds since it is an eco-friendly herbicide with no restrictions for organic farming.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the antioxidant capacity of tea (Camellia sinensis) seedlings under drought stress

Abstract: A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the response of leaf antioxidant enzyme systems to inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Clariodeoglomus etunicatum in tea (Camellia sinensis cv. ‘Fuding Dabaicha’) seedlings under drought stress (DS). Root AMF colonization was significantly decreased after an eight-week soil drought treatment. Plant growth performance (plant height, stem diameter, leaf number and root biomass), leaf relative water content, and leaf water potential were notably decreased under DS conditions, whereas these variables exhibited significantly higher responses in mycorrhizal seedlings than in non-mycorrhizal seedlings. The DS treatment markedly increased leaf superoxide anion concentration but did not affect malondialdehyde content, whereas both were reasonably decreased by AMF colonization regardless of water status. The seedlings colonized by AMF showed substantially higher antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase than the non-AMF colonized seedlings under both well-watered and DS conditions. DS markedly upregulated the relative expression of CsSOD in both AMF and non-AMF seedlings and the relative expression of CsCAT in AMF seedlings. Meanwhile, AMF-colonized seedlings represent markedly higher relative expressions of CsSOD and CsCAT than non-AMF seedlings, irrespective of water status. It concludes that mycorrhizal tea plants had higher antioxidant enzyme activity and corresponding gene expression under DS, indicating a stronger ability to alleviate the oxidative damage of drought.

Chinese onion, and shallot, originated in Asia, medicinal plants for healthy daily recipes

Abstract: Shallot is an important part of diet of many populations and there is long-held belief in their health enhancing properties. Shallots, like onions, are a member of the Allium family, but their flavor is richer, sweeter, yet more potent. The most important benefits of shallots are high source of antioxidants, improve heart health, cancer prevention, diabetes, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, might help fight obesity, and help to prevent or treat allergies. Shallots are a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants such as quercetin and kaempferol. They contain sulfur antioxidant compounds such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and allyl propyl disulfide. Shallots hole proportionately more concentration of vitamins and minerals than in onions, especially vitamin-A, pyridoxine, folates, thiamin, vitamin-C etc. Chinese onion has very complex nutritional composition and holds the better characteristics for its potential development as a food ingredient, source of antioxidant; it contains secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, particularly flavonols and anthocyanin, phytosterols and saponins. It is also one of the most important medicinal plant in Eastern Asia. It contains many vitamins and minerals and it is rich in sulphur amino acids. Chinese onion was found to possess a panoply of bioactive compounds and numerous pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-hypertensive and immune-protective effects.

Stability of the expression of the maize productivity parameters by AMMI models and GGE-biplot analysis

Abstract: The objective of this study was to estimate genotype by locality, by year, by treatments (G×LxYxT) interaction using AMMI model, to identify maize genotypes with stable number of rows of grains performance in different growing seasons. The trials conducted with seven maize lines/genotypes, four treatments, two years and at the two locations. The results showed that the influence of genotype (G), year (Y), locality (L), and G×L, G×T, G×L×T, G×Y×T, G×Y×L×T interaction on maize number of rows of grains were significant (p<0.01). The genotype share in the total phenotypic variance for the grains number rows of was 53.50%, and the interaction was 21.15%. The results also show that the sums of the squares of the first and second major components (PC1 and PC2) constitute 100% of the sum of the squares of the interaction G×L. The first PC1 axis belongs to all 100%, which points to the significance of the genotype in the total variation and significance of the genotype for overall interaction with other observed sources of variability. The highest stability in terms of expression of the grains number of rows had the genotype L-6, followed by the genotypes L-4, L-5 and L-3. The lowest stability was demonstrated by the genotypes L-2 and L-1, which confirmed that these genotypes are not important for further selection in terms of this trait.

Effects of the interaction between shade and drought on physiological characteristics in Calamus viminalis seedlings

Abstract: Recently, the endangerment of wild rattan population draws attention on the conservation and sustainable utilization of rattan resources. Rattan growing usually faces the light and water stress. Therefore, we aim to explore the combined effects of shade and drought on seedling growth, thus providing a theoretical ground for the conservation and artificial cultivation of the rattan. The combined effects of shade and drought on physiological and biochemical traits were studied in two-years-old Calamus viminalis seedlings. Photosynthetic indices including Pn, Gs, Tr, and Ci and physiological indices including MDA, SOD, POD, CAT, and Pro were measured under four levels of water treatments and four levels of shade. Shade, drought and their interaction have a significant effect on C. viminalis seedlings growth. Generally, moderate shade could alleviate the impact induced by drought. However, mild drought usually enhances the effect caused by shading. The result showed that the shade decreased Pn, Gs, and Tr but increased Ci, MDA content and Pro content. Either with the shading or drought increasing, the activity of SOD, POD, and CAT firstly increase and then declined. Drought reduced Pn, Gs, Tr, and Ci but increased the content of MDA and Pro. Overall, the result suggests that 25-50% shading and 65% RSWC water treatment are most beneficial for the growth of C. viminalis seedlings.

Chemical compositions and biological activities of the essential oils from gamma irradiated celery (Apium graveolens L.) seeds

Abstract: Celery seed oils can help in detoxification processes of the body as it facilitates the elimination of toxins and other harmful substances out of the body. This study aimed to assess biological activity of essential oils extracted from un-irradiated and irradiated celery seeds by gamma rays. Celery seeds were irradiated with different dose levels of gamma radiation; control, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 kGy. The highest increase of essential oil extracted was registered with a dosage level of 10.0 kGy (2.42%). The GC-MS analysis showed that, there were new compounds detected in the irradiated samples and others compounds were increased or decreased. The FTIR spectra showed alterations in functional groups of essential oils extracted from celery seeds upon gamma-irradiation. Total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity increased proportional to the increase in the irradiation dose level and the maximum increase obtained in the irradiation dose level 10.0 kGy. This may be an evidence on the biological value, there were anticancer activity against 2 cell lines, breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell line (A549). The best IC50 in A549 was 145 µg/ml in sample with irradiation dose level 5.0 kGy while the best IC50 in MCF-7 was 124 µg/ml in irradiated sample with dose 5.0 kGy. Also, the highest inhibition zone of S. aureus, B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae were obtained with the oil extracted from seeds irradiated with 5 kGy dose level, where E. coli and C. albicans were more pronounced for the oil gotten from the seeds irradiated with 10.0 kGy. The irradiation process for celery seeds may be promising for biological value of celery oils.

Major phosphorus in soils is unavailable, yet critical for plant development

Abstract: Phosphorus (p) is a chemical component that has a concentration in the world’s land mass of around one gram for each kilogram. 85% to 95% of cellular phosphorus is available in the vacuole, 31p-nmr examinations uncovers the inadequacy of inorganic phosphorus (pi) efflux from the vacuole to make-up for a fast reduction of the cytosolic pi focus during phosphorus starvation. Activities of phosphorus use involve biogeochemical mechanisms of phosphorus in soil, the phosphorus cycle, chelation of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and aluminium (Al) and their subsequent removal from forming insoluble phosphorus compounds, transformation of phosphorus in the soil, and fixation of phosphorus in the soil. Phosphorus utilisation occur through solubilization by microbes which could be bacteria, fungi or bio-fertilizers that produce phytohormone, siderophores and antibiotics. However, factors affecting phosphorus solubilization are pH and temperature which are key predominant players for phosphorus adsorption dynamics from the soil and rhizosphere by plants, soil phosphorus transformation, spatial availability and acquisition of soil phosphorus, root architecture, bioavailability and acquisition of soil phosphorus, phosphorus cycling and bioavailability in soil-plant systems, its chemistry as well as its final uptake and utilization by plants. Overall, the phosphorus nutrition of plants is majorly monitored by phosphorus dynamics in the soil/rhizosphere-plant continuum. Given the usefulness of phosphorus to plants and its importance as a strategic resource, a better understanding of phosphorus dynamics in the soil/rhizosphere-plant continuum is necessary to lead the establishment of integrated phosphorus-management strategies involving manipulation of soil and rhizosphere activities, development of phosphorus-efficient crops, and improving phosphorus-recycling efficiency in the future.

Vultures, their population status and some ecological aspects in an Indian stronghold.

Abstract: Indian vultures have important ecological and socio-economic functions and are increasingly studied, per their ecological role and recently, their catastrophic populations’ decline. However, there are few studies of vultures in central India, a vulture stronghold. The present paper examined the presence, distribution per landcover variation, roosting and nesting habits of vultures in this region. Both quantitative (total count) and qualitative (questionnaire survey) methods of research were applied. The hypotheses were that vulture presence is higher in forested areas, unaffected by agricultural development (excepting the Egyptian vulture); as well as that vultures are more likely to roost and nest in large trees and on cliffs in open landcover. Vulture species recorded in summer and winter counts were the Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus, Scopoli, 1786), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus, Linnaeus, 1758), White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis, Gmelin, 1788), Eurasian Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus, Hablizl, 1783), Red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus, Scopoli, 1786), Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus, Linnaeus, 1766) and Himalayan Griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis, Hume, 1869). Their average total abundance was of 7,028 individuals, maximum being Longbilled vulture (3,351) and minimum being Cinereous vulture (39). Thematic maps documented distributions in different agroclimatic regions and ecozones. Orography and forest structure influenced vulture presence, but human disturbance did not. Vulture protection, food monitoring and human-induced disturbances are manageable with critical, informed and flexible policies. These findings contribute to monitoring and management planning for vulture conservation in Central India and elsewhere.

Allelopathic effect of invasive Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) on early growth of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Abstract: Solidago canadensis belongs to highly invasive species in Europe, it is established in ruderal, semi-natural and natural communities. To test the traits related to invasiveness, the experiment with the potential of allelopathic compounds produced by the species was conducted. The aqueous extract from the goldenrod leaves was used to examine the germination and early stages of development of Trifolium pratense, the species as an example of fodder plant common in meadows and pastures. Three types of aqueous extract were used: decoction, infusion, and macerate. All extracts of Canadian goldenrod had a negative influence on the germination process of red clover, however, the effect changed in time and type of extract. The most inhibiting influence was documented for the macerate type of aqueous extract. Similarly, the negative influence of macerate was the highest for the length and weight of the seedlings, the content of chlorophyll a and b, and electrolyte leakage. As the procedure of obtaining the macerate is the most like the process of natural extraction of allelopathic substances in nature, there is the practical conclusion to remove the moved biomass of the goldenrod during the restoration process of areas colonised by the species.

Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of red, rosé and white wines originating from Romanian grape cultivars

Abstract: The objective of this work was to study the phenolic profile and composition in relation to antioxidant activity of fifteen samples of commercial red, rose and white wines originating from six native grape varieties and produced in important wine regions from Romania. The profile and quantification of major phenolic compounds were performed by direct injection of wines in the LC-MS system, using DAD and ESI (+) MS techniques, in parallel with the total phenolic content (TPC) measured by spectrometry and the free radical scavenging activity, against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). There were identified 38 polyphenols in wines, including 3 flavan-3-ols, 17 flavonols, 12 anthocyanins and 6 stilbenes. The red wines had significant higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, followed by rose and white wines. The richest phenolic content and antioxidant activity was obtained for ‘Feteasca Neagra’ (Tohani) among red wines and for ‘Feteasca Regala’ (Jidvei) among white wines. TPC values were positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity in all white wines and only for the red ‘Feteasca Neagra’ assortment, while for the ‘Babeasca Neagra’ assortment negative correlations were obtained. From the 38 variables, flavan-3-ols have exerted the greatest influence on wine differentiation, based on their colour (red, rose and white). The study also revealed significant differences between cultivars, both qualitative and quantitative, in terms of their polyphenolic composition, that could be important in the cultivar authentication of wines from these varieties.

Priming improves germination and seed reserve utilization, growth, antioxidant responses and membrane stability at early seedling stage of Saudi sorghum varieties under drought stress

Abstract: Seeds of three sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) varieties from Southwest Saudi Arabia were used to investigate the potential of osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) to improve germination performance, seed reserve utilization and early seedling growth and drought stress tolerance. The primed (PS) and unprimed (UPS) seeds of the three sorghum varieties were germinated for 8 days under increasing PEG-induced osmotic stress. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, in a factorial arrangement, with three sorghum cultivars (‘Zaydia’, ‘Shahbi’ and ‘Ahmar’) and four osmotic potentials (0.0; -0.4; -0.8 and -1.2 MPa) with four replicates of 50 seeds each. The results showed that drought stress affected seed germination and seedling emergence and establishment, but increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT). The strongest inhibition of germination and growth occurred at the highest PEG concentration and a significant difference was noticeable between the studied varieties. We confirmed also that seed osmopriming improved seed germination performance, seedling growth and enhanced the CAT activities while reduced malonyldialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and electrolyte leakage (EL) in the drought-stressed seedlings. Seed priming have enhanced also the α-amylase and total proteases activities in all varieties. The largest increase of these hydrolysing enzymes was shown in ‘Ahmar’. Furthermore, the PEG priming lead to improvement of the weight of utilized (mobilized) seed reserve (WUSR), seed reserve depletion percentage (SRDP) and total seedling dry weight (SLDW) of sorghum seedlings under water stress conditions. Still, the highest values or all three parameters were found in the ‘Ahmar’ variety. Under increasing drought stress conditions, ‘Ahmar’ showed the highest yield stability index (YSI) and the least EL and MDA contents in comparison to the other two varieties during the seedling establishment stage. Therefore, the former variety can tolerate better a rigorous water stress condition. ‘Zaydia’ appears to be the most vulnerable to drought stress. Thus, the use of species or varieties with eminent seed metabolic quality is an advantageous trait in drought-prone regions.

Antioxidant, anti-cancer and ameliorative activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice against hepatic damage induced by CCl4

Abstract: Due to the excessive impact of synthetic drugs, unravelling and employing safe, natural alternatives are now needed to resolve a number of diseases. In this research, we have evaluated hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice in rats against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Spirulina crude carotenoid extract was screened by UPLC-MS / MS. Activities of liver marker enzymes; measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and determined lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status as reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver homogenate. The infusion of CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants. Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj)or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status. Chromatographic separation showed that s-carotene is the predominant carotenoid extract. This carotenoid extract was tested for colon carcinoma (HCT-116), liver carcinoma (HepG2) and intestinal carcinoma cell lines (CACO) LC50 for 21.8, 14 and 11.3 ug / ml, respectively. Total phenolic phytochemicals, total carotenoids and total flavonoids were also measured in Spirulina. Our study clearly demonstrates that Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice had hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant activity.

Natural phytoplasma infections on fruit, vegetable and weed plants at the same agroecosystem and their molecular properties

Abstract: The phytoplasma associated diseases are an emerging threat to fruit and vegetable crops leading severe yield losses worldwide Pear (Pyrus communis L) trees, with symptoms of severe reddening, dwarfing and shoot proliferation were observed in pear orchards of Malatya province of Turkey Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) plants grown nearby the symptomatic pear orchard displaying leaf rolling, severe flower sterility and purple leaves were observed at the same agroecosystem To verify the presence and diversity of phytoplasmas, symptomatic pears and tomatoes were sampled and weeds nearby the symptomatic plants were collected Total plant DNA was purified from midrib of collected leaves using a commercial kit The DNA samples were analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using universal primer pairs to amplify 16S rDNA fragments The phytoplasmas detected in collected samples were differed according to the host Here we detected and characterized ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ belonging to apple proliferation group (subgroup 16SrX-C) from a pear tree, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ belonging to clover proliferation group (subgroup 16SrVI-A) from a weed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ belonging to the stolbur phytoplasma group (subgroup 16SrXII-A) from a tomato plant Direct sequencing of PCR products verified the phytoplasmal nature of the infections The occurrence of ‘Ca P trifolii’ on A retroflexus is the first report for the world The irregular presence of the phytoplasmas in fruit and vegetable crops and weeds indicates continuous spread of the phytoplasmas threatening the new crops and new horizons

Pretreatment with different molecular weight chitosans encourages drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedling

Abstract: Drought is a critical environmental constraint limiting plant growth and productivity. Chitosan has been utilized as a potential biostimulant and proven to be effective against drought stress in many plant species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of pretreatment with different molecular weight (MW) chitosans on some physiological characteristics of rice seedlings under drought stress. Rice seedlings were treated with low (50-190 kDa), medium (190-310 kDa) and high (310-375 kDa) MW chitosans by seed priming and foliar spray. The seedlings were subjected to drought by withholding water for four days. The relative water content (RWC) was reduced from 93% in the control plants to 74% in the droughted plants. The results revealed that treating with chitosan, especially with low MW chitosan, promoted root growth under drought stress. All chitosan treatments led to higher relative water content and photosynthetic pigment under drought condition. Pretreatment with chitosan also induced sugar accumulation, and treating with low MW chitosan significantly increased starch accumulation under drought stress. In addition, chitosan treatments alleviated the effects caused by drought stress as represented by the decreases in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), corresponding with the increases in activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity.

Chlorophyll a fluorescence as an indicator of water stress in Calophyllum brasiliense.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate chlorophyll a fluorescence as a stress indicator in Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess seedlings grown with different concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA) under intermittent water deficit condition: daily irrigation without ABA (I); daily irrigation + 10 μM ABA (I 10); daily irrigation + 100 μM ABA (I 100); suspension of daily irrigation without ABA (SI); suspension of daily irrigation + 10 μM ABA (SI 10) and suspension of daily irrigation + 100 μM ABA (SI 100). The intermittent water deficit reduces water status and impairs the photochemical apparatus functioning and seedling quality. The fluorescence measurements helped identify the stress condition of water deficit in the cultivation of C. brasiliense and the beneficial effect of the application of 10 μM of ABA in minimizing stress and facilitating the recovery of seedlings after re-irrigation, while maintaining the integrity and function of the photosynthetic apparatus.

Effect of exogenous gibberellin on endogenous hormone and ginkgolide content in Ginkgo leaves

Abstract: Ginkgolide is one of the important secondary metabolites of Ginkgo biloba. The synthesis of plant secondary metabolites is influenced by exogenous phytohormones. In this study, ten-year-old ginkgo grafted seedlings were used as the test material, and the effects of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mmol L–1 gibberellin (GA3) on endogenous indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), GA3, and ginkgolide contents in ginkgo leaves were investigated. Results showed that exogenous GA3 treatment inhibited endogenous GA3, changed the contents of endogenous IAA and ABA in ginkgo leaves, and affected the accumulation of secondary metabolite ginkgolides. Among the given concentrations, the 4 mmol L–1 GA3 treatment could remarkably increase ginkgolide content. We found that the best harvesting period of ginkgo leaves were in late August and late September, in which the content of ginkgolides was the highest.

Effect of PEG-induced drought stress on germination of ten chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes

Abstract: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legume crops worldwide, with its importance mainly relying on its high protein content. Chickpea productivity is strictly threatened by abiotic stresses, of which drought exerts the most crucial role in terms of growth inhibition and yield losses encountered. Given that germination is a critical stage that is negatively affected by drought, the aim of this study was to estimate the genotypic variability among ten chickpea genotypes and to determine the seed germination and seedling growth ability under drought stress conditions. Seeds were subjected to water stress by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) at five stress levels (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50% PEG). Germination percentage, seed water content, seed water absorbance, root and shoot development and seedling vigour index were evaluated. The analyses revealed significant genetic variability in relation to genotypic performance under drought stress. Drought significantly affected germination as well as all other associated traits, with the effects of stress being analogous to the stress level applied. Findings point to the fact that seedling vigour index is a suitable selection criterion for drought tolerance as it allowed the classification of genotypes as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible and susceptible. Taken together, the commercial varieties ‘Thiva’, ‘Keryneia’ and ‘Gavdos’ as well as the landrace ‘Lemnos’ showed an increased drought tolerance at high stress level, indicating their possible exploitation as valuable genetic material for breeding programs or for commercial use.

Ionic responses of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants under salinity stress and humic acid applications.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different humic acid application methods (control, soil, foliar and soil + foliar) on chlorophyll content, dry matter weight of shoots and roots, concentrations of potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and sodium (Na), and K/Na and Ca/Na ratios of bean plants exposed to increasing salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM). The effects of salt damage on shoots and roots of bean plants were significantly differed in humic acid application methods. Chlorophyll content decreased with the increase in salt doses at control and soil application of humic acid, while the decrease in chlorophyll content was lower in foliar application of humic acid. Shoot dry weight was not affected by humic acid applications, while root dry weight increased in soil + foliar application method. Soil + foliar humic acid application caused the highest shoot and root Na concentrations. Shoot Ca (2.61%) concentration in soil + foliar application was significantly higher compared to the other treatments, while the highest Ca concentration in roots (1.55%) was recorded in soil humic acid application method. The highest K concentration in roots was obtained in the control treatment (2.50%) followed by soil + foliar humic acid application (2.48%). The ratios of K/Na and Ca/Na in shoots decreased with the increase in salt application rates. The highest shoot K/Na (1456.1%) and Ca/Na (1274.1%) ratio in humic acid x salt interactions was found in soil application of humic acid without salt treatment. The root and shoot dry matter yield and K and Ca concentrations of the plants indicated that soil+foliar application method has a preventive effect for the plants against the 50 mM salt damage. The results showed that soil+foliar humic acid application in addition to the mineral fertilization required for beans can contribute to the growth and mineral nutrition of the plants under moderate salt stress (50 mM NaCl).

The developmental and metabolic effects of different magnesium dozes in pepper plants under salt stress

Abstract: Morphological and biochemical effects of different magnesium (Mg) doses on pepper plants under salt stress were investigated in this study. Experiments were conducted under controlled conditions of a climate cabin at 25 oC temperature, 70% relative humidity and 16/8 hours light/dark photoperiod. The developmental and metabolic effects of different magnesium doses in plants under salt stress were investigated by examining leaf antioxidant enzyme activities, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and chlorophyll contents. Seedlings of ‘Demre’ pepper cultivar (Capsicum annuum L. cv. ‘Demre’) were grown in Hoagland nutrient solution supplemented with 100 mM NaCl to generate salt stress. Besides salt treatments, different Mg doses (Mg 1 = 24.64 ppm, Mg 2 = 49.28 ppm, Mg 3 = 73.92 ppm, Mg 4 = 98.56 ppm, Mg 5 = 123.20 ppm) were applied to plants. On the 20th day of salt treatments, the total weight of the plants which is one of the growths and development parameters of pepper plants was measured, and plant samples were taken for analyses. A slight increase was observed in total weights of salt-treated plants with increasing Mg doses. The greatest plant weight was obtained from Mg 4 + salt treatments. It was observed that increasing Mg doses had positive effects on the development of plants under salt stress. Chlorophyll contents and antioxidant enzymes activities increased and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels, the product of lipid peroxidation, which indicates the amount of damage to plant cells, decreased with increasing Mg doses. Present measurements and analyses and resultant findings revealed that Mg treatments at increasing doses partially alleviated negative effects of salt stress on pepper seedlings.

CO2 enrichment and increasing light intensity till a threshold level, enhance growth and water use efficiency of lettuce plants in controlled environment

Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and light intensity are the two main environmental drivers known to play important roles in crop growth and yield. In the current study, lettuce seedlings were exposed to four different light intensities [(75, 150, 300 and 600 Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD)] and four different concentrations of CO2 (400, 800, 1200 and 1600 ppm). By increasing light intensity and CO2 concentration growth parameters such as fresh weight, dry weight and leaf area were stepwise increased from 75 to 300 PPFD and from 400 ppm to 1200 ppm CO2 concentration. Maximum fresh weight was observed in 300 PPFD under both 1200 ppm and 1600 ppm CO2 concentrations. Highest dry weight was obtained in plants exposed to 300 and 600 PPFD under both 1200 and 1600 ppm CO2 concentrations. Highest leaf area was detected in 300 PPFD under both 1200 and 1600 ppm CO2 concentrations. Widest stomatal pore aperture was detected in 600 PPFD under 400 ppm and 800 ppm CO2 concentrations. Evapotranspiration increased in a light intensity and CO2 concentration-dependent manner; higher light intensity or higher CO2 concentration, more evapotranspiration. Highest water use efficiency (WUE) was achieved in plants exposed to 300 PPFD under 1200 ppm CO2 concentration. In conclusion, to achieve best growth performance and WUE, lettuce should be produced under 300 PPFD light intensity and 1200 ppm CO2.

Biochar and Trichoderma aureoviride applied to the sandy soil: effect on soil quality and watermelon growth

Abstract: Trichoderma spp are an alternative to increase plant growth and as biological control agents of diseases Biochar added to soil and Trichoderma can result in the enhancement of crop development and can aid in preventing fertilizer run-off, improving plant health, retaining soil moisture, and helping plants through drought periods However, a knowledge gap remains regarding the combined effect of biochar and Trichoderma on soil quality and crop growth The objective of the present study was to evaluate this combined effect and show a new approach of biochar as a route of T aureoviride (T) inoculation We evaluated three sources of biochar, bean husks, coffee grounds, and coffee husks, with or without T and additional control that was devoid of biochar and T The association of all biochar sources with T showed a significant increase in watermelon growth and soil quality Biochar coffee grounds with T increased urease, β-glucosidase, and total organic carbon, showing the potential of this combination in these processes Watermelon plants cultivated in soil with coffee grounds and T showed plant length and shoot dry biomass increases of 129% and 192%, respectively Thus, this study found that biochar use plays an important role in the effectiveness of T aureoviride applications and is a new instrument for sustainable agriculture

Enhanced production of valtrate in hairy root cultures of Valeriana jatamansi Jones by methyl jasmonate, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid elicitors.

Abstract: Valtrate is a pharmacologically active epoxyiridoid ester found in the roots and rhizomes of Valeriana jatamansi Jones. The plant produces only small amounts of this metabolite naturally, and so induction of hairy roots as well as elicitation can be useful to increase its commercial production. In this study, strain R1601 of Agrobacterium rhizogenes was used to induce hairy roots in V. jatamansi, and stable hairy root cultures of V. jatamansi were established successfully. The influence of three exogenous elicitors including methyl jasmonate (MJ), jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) on valtrate production in the hairy root cultures of V. jatamansi was also investigated, and the 25-day-old hairy root cultures were treated with different concentrations of the elicitors at exposure time of 7 days. This present study showed that MJ (100 mg/L) highly promoted valtrate production at 7 days after elicitation, to a level of 3.63 times higher than that of non-elicited control. SA did not significantly increase the production of valtrate. This is the first-time study to assess the elicitation of hairy root cultures to promote valtrate biosynthesis in V. jatamansi and the resulting experiments demonstrated that MJ was indeed a potent inducer of valtrate biosynthesis.