Nano Zinc-Oxide Enhanced Photosynthetic Apparatus and Photosystem Efficiency of Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Sandy-Acidic Soils

Conventional Zinc (Zn) fertilization (e.g., zinc sulfate) often leads to poor availability in soils. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano ZnO) can be a potential solution, but their effect on crop photosynthetic activity isn’t well documented. The effects of nano ZnO (50, 100, 150, 200 mg L-1) and application methods (seed-coating, soil-drench, and foliar-spray) in comparison with ZnSO4 recommended dose were evaluated for plant height, biomass, chlorophyll pigments and photosystem efficiency in a greenhouse pot experiment. 100 mg L-1 of nano ZnO significantly increased the chlorophyll (Chl.) a, b, a+b, carotenoids (x+c), a+b/x+c, SPAD, leaf Chl., total chlorophyll content plant-1, plant height and total biological yield (by 18-30%, 33-67%, 22-38%, 14-21%, 14-27%, 12-19%, 12-23% 58-99%, 6-11% and 16-20%, respectively) and reduced Chl. a/b (by 6-22%) over the other treatments (p<0.01) irrespective of application methods. Nano ZnO applied at 100 mg L-1 significantly increased photochemical quenching (qP) and efficiency of photosystem II (EPSII) compared to 150 and 200 mg L-1 regardless of application methods. The positive correlations between Chl. a and Chl. b (r2 0.90), Chl. a+b and x+c (r2=0.71), SPAD and Chl. a (r2=0.90), SPAD and Chl. b (r2=0.94) and SPAD and Chl. a+b (r2=0.93) indicates a uniform enhancement in chlorophyll pigments; SPAD value, qP, EPSII, and growth and yield parameters. This elucidates that the application of nano ZnO at 100 mg L-1 promotes corn biochemical health and photosynthesis, irrespective of the application method. These findings have a great propounding for improving plant growth through nano ZnO bio-fortification in acidic Spodosols.

Sugar beet extract rich in glycine betaine modulates oxidative defense system and key physiological characteristics of maize under water-deficit stress

Now-a-days, plant-based extracts, as a cheap source of growth activators, are being widely used to treat plants grown under extreme climatic conditions. So, a trial was conducted to assess the response of two maize (Zea mays L.) varieties, Sadaf (drought tolerant) and Sultan (drought sensitive) to foliar-applied sugar beet extract (SBE) under varying water-deficit conditions. Different SBE (control, 1%, 2%, 3% & 4%) levels were used in this study, and plants were exposed to water-deficit [(75% and 60% of field capacity (FC)] and control (100% FC) conditions. It was observed that root and shoot dry weights (growth), total soluble proteins, RWC-relative water contents, total phenolics, chlorophyll pigments and leaf area per plant decreased under different water stress regimes. While, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), RMP-relative membrane permeability, H2O2-hydrogen peroxide and the activities of antioxidant enzymes [CAT-catalase, POD-peroxidase and SOD-superoxide dismutase] were found to be improved in water stress affected maize plants. Exogenous application of varying levels of SBE ameliorated the negative effects of water-deficit stress by enhancing the growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments, RWC, proline, glycinebetaine (GB), activities of POD and CAT enzymes and levels of total phenolics, whereas it reduced the lipid peroxidation in both maize varieties under varying water stress levels. It was noted that 3% and 4% levels of SBE were more effective than the other levels used in enhancing the growth as well as other characteristics of the maize varieties. Overall, the sugar beet extract proved to be beneficial for improving growth and metabolism of maize plants exposed to water stress.

Influence of Glycine Betaine (Natural and Synthetic) on Growth, Metabolism and Yield Production of Drought-Stressed Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of sugar beet extract (SBE) and glycine betaine (GB) in mitigating the adverse effects of drought stress on two maize cultivars. Seeds (caryopses) of two maize cultivars, Sadaf (drought-tolerant) and Sultan (drought-sensitive) were sown in plastic pots. Plants were subjected to different (100%, 75% and 60% field capacity (FC)) water regimes. Then, different levels of SBE (3% and 4%) and GB (3.65 and 3.84 g/L) were applied as a foliar spray after 30 days of water deficit stress. Drought stress significantly decreased plant growth and yield attributes, chlorophyll pigments, while it increased relative membrane permeability (RMP), levels of osmolytes (GB and proline), malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenolics and ascorbic acid as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) enzymes in both maize cultivars. Exogenous application via foliar spray with SBR or GB improved plant growth and yield attributes, chlorophyll pigments, osmolyte concentration, total phenolics, ascorbic acid and the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes (SOD, POD and catalase; CAT), but reduced leaf RMP and MDA concentration. The results obtained in this study exhibit the role of foliar-applied biostimulants (natural and synthetic compounds) in enhancing the growth and yield of maize cultivars by upregulating the oxidative defense system and osmoprotectant accumulation under water deficit conditions.

Response of Yield Components of Some Black Rice Cultivars to Spraying With The Amino Acid Phenylalanin

Three rice varieties (Goura, Chakhao and Local) were grown during two seasons 2019-2020, aimed to assessment of different levels of spraying of phenylalanine on performance of the grain yield components in different rice varieties. The selected three varieties (sub plots) were grown under the influence of four levels of phenylalanine spraying (main plots), included amino acid treatments occupied the main plates 50, 100 and 150 mg.L-1 as well as the control treatment (spraying distilled water only), the experiment applied in split plots arrangements in RCBD with three replications. The results showed a significant superiority of the Goura genotype selected by giving the highest averages in plant height, total grains number per panicles, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, Biological yield, percentage of harvest index and tillers number plant, that reached to 118.47 cm, 144.25 grains.panicl-1, 23.44 g, 6.70 tons.hectare-1, 12.06 tons.hectare-1,54.82% and 18.40 tillers.plant-1 respectively, while the genotype significantly superior to Local Selected by giving the highest averages in the leaves content of total chlorophyll pigments SPAD, which amounted to 39.13 SPAD. The spraying of the amino acid phenylalanine at a concentration of 50 mg.l-1 was significantly superior by giving the highest averages in the indicators of vegetative growth, yield and its components.

Effect of Deep Frying of Potatoes and Tofu on Thermo-Oxidative Changes of Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, Cold Pressed High Oleic Rapeseed Oil and Palm Olein

One of the commonly used food preparation methods is frying. Fried food is admired by consumers due to its unique taste and texture. Deep frying is a process of dipping food in oil at high temperature, usually 170–190 °C, and it requires a relatively short time. The aim of this study was to analyze the thermo-oxidative changes occurring during the deep frying of products such as potatoes and tofu in cold pressed rapeseed oils and palm olein. Cold pressed rapeseed oil from hulled seeds (RO), cold pressed high oleic rapeseed oil from hulled seeds (HORO), and palm olein (PO) (for purposes of comparison) were used. Characterization of fresh oils (after purchase) and oils after 6, 12, and 18 h of deep frying process of a starch product (potatoes) and a protein product (tofu) was performed. The quality of oils was analyzed by determining peroxide value, acid value, p-anisidine value, content of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments, polar compounds, smoke point, color (CIE L*a*b*), fatty acids content and profile, calculation of lipid nutritional quality indicators, and oxidative stability index (Rancimat). Cold pressed high oleic rapeseed oil was more stable during deep frying compared to cold pressed rapeseed oil, but much less stable than palm olein. In addition, more thermo-oxidative changes occurred in the tested oils when deep frying the starch product (potatoes) compared to the deep frying of the protein product (tofu).

Defensive Impact of Foliar Applied Potassium Nitrate on Growth Linked with Improved Physiological and Antioxidative Activities in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Hybrids Grown under Salinity Stress

Salt stress is recognized to negatively influence the fundamental processes in plants regarding growth and yield. The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is considered an important industrial crop because of the good quality of oil it produces that can be used for cooking purposes. The exogenous application of potassium (K) has been reported to enhance abiotic resistance and increase yield in crops. Here, we explored the impact of foliar-applied K at 500 ppm on the physiological and biochemical traits, antioxidant activities, and growth attributes of sunflower grown under salt stress (140 mM NaCl). The findings indicated that salinity stress adversely affected photosynthesis and various gas exchange characteristics. Foliar applied K markedly improved the stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, CO2 assimilation rate, total soluble proteins, chlorophyll pigments, and upregulated antioxidant system, which are responsible for the healthy growth of sunflower hybrids grown under salinity stress. The shoot and root lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, and achene weight were significantly increased by K application. Overall, foliar applied K significantly improved all of the aforementioned attributes and can attenuate the deleterious influences of salinity stress in sunflower.

Efectul utilizării elementelor nutritive pentru germinare și creștere asupra indicilor fotosintetici ai frunzelor de porumb Zea mays L.

In this study experiments were conducted on the influence of ½ Hoagland nutrient media (NM), utilized for germination, on the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids and activity of photosystem II (FSII) of two maize hybrids (Porumbeni 180 and Bemo 203). The results showed that contents of chlorophyll a, b, (a + b) and carotenoids were significantly higher in leaves of Bemo 203 that germinated on NM, compared to the control. But in leaves of the Porumbeni 180 hybrid significant differences in the content of chlorophyll pigments in both the control and exper-imental plants were not detected. The FSII level in the leaves of the Porumbeni 180 was higher than in leaves of the Bemo 203, both for the control and experimental plants.

Effect of Agrobacterium co-cultivation stage on explant response for subsequent genetic transformation in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

The establishment of an efficient in vitro genetic transformation protocol in soybean depends upon an effective interaction between the explants and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Therefore, a study was conducted at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, between September 2019 and May 2020 to evaluate explant amenability and effects of Agrobacterium co-cultivation stage on the induction of oxidative stress. This stress potentially causes lipid peroxidation, reduction of phytochemicals and chlorophyll pigments on explant tissue targeted for genetic transformation. This study, used double cotyledonary node explants infected and co-cultured with A. tumefaciens to evaluate total phenolics, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress-induced tissue senescence during the co-cultivation stage. The results, showed that, explant co-cultivation with Agrobacterium for 2, 4 and 6 days caused reductions in the amounts of phenolic compounds, chlorophylls and antioxidant activity due to tissue senescence, high oxidative stress and malondialdehyde contents. Percentage phenolic content of all bacteria infected explants ranged between 10.3?10.6 compared to 20.9% in the control. Chlorophyll content of about 1.49?4.00 mg/ml and malondialdehyde content ranging between 1.0?5.7 mM-1g-1 were also recorded. Overall, findings suggest that the infection of explants with A. tumefaciens can induce oxidative stress and tissue senescence depending on the period of co-cultivation. However, reduced oxidative stress and senescence of explant tissues may potentially improve soybean shoot regeneration and transformation efficiency.

Fenugreek extract application improves plant performance of Alternaria solani infected tomato plants

Plant extracts (PE’s) has emerged as a safer alternative to manage the fungal pathogens affecting tomato productivity. The current study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of methanolic fenugreek extract against Alternaria solani, a causal agent of early blight disease in tomato. Fenugreek extract was used at different concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% under in vitro conditions. Results concluded that 25% fenugreek extract significantly reduced the radial growth (2.5 cm) of A. solani under in vitro conditions. Based on in vitro results, three concentrations (5%, 15% and 25%) of fenugreek extract was examined under greenhouse and field conditions. The outcomes expressed that 5% fenugreek extract reduced the disease severity up to 30.19% under greenhouse conditions and up to 40.53% under field trials. Although, application of fenugreek extract had exhibited non-significant impact on vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. However, its application had proved better results as compared to those plants which are infected with A. solani but received zero application of fenugreek extract. Furthermore, the effectiveness of plant extracts was evaluated by variant photosynthetic, antioxidative, polyphenolic and hypersensitive response of A. solani affected tomato plants. The 25% fenugreek extract application had augmented the chlorophyll pigments along with the significant increment of superoxide dismutase (174.16 U mg-1 protein), peroxidase (7.61 µmol min-1 g-1 protein) and catalase activity (4.73 nmol min-1 g-1 protein). Similar outcomes were observed regarding phenolic compounds, where 5% fenugreek extract application had enhanced flavonoid levels (26.62 mg QuE g-1), tannins (1.28 mg TE g-1 extract) and total phenolic contents (2.39 mg GAE g-1) in tomato leaves demonstrating its protective effect against early blight. In dose response, 25% fenugreek extract was most effective in reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing H2O2 levels. The outcomes of study exhibited the fenugreek extract as an effective strategy to be used against A. solani to control early blight infection in tomato plants. Thus, it can serve as suitable fungicide alternative for resource-poor agriculture areas mainly in developing countries.

Production efficiency of ‘BRS Pujante’ cowpea using single and dual Kc for irrigation

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the production efficiency of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.), ‘BRS Pujante’, from the weather-based irrigation scheduling using single and dual Kc. The study was carried out in randomized block design with two treatments (single and dual crop coefficient) and 12 replicates. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents, soil matric tension, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, average 100 grains weight, total grain yield and water use efficiency were evaluated. Scheduling with single and dual Kc did not interfere with chlorophyll pigments. Single Kc promoted tension values closer to zero during cowpea development stages III and IV. Significant difference was observed only for the average 100 grains weight, with higher value for dual Kc. The irrigation depth with the single Kc was 360.8 mm and there was a 9.3% water saving when compared to dual Kc, without significantly affecting cowpea yield. It is possible to use irrigation scheduling with single Kc for the stages I and II and dual Kc for the stages III and IV of cowpea, ‘BRS Pujante’.