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Antioxidant Responses in Chromium-Stressed Maize as Influenced by Foliar and Root Applications of Fulvic Acid
No full textMaize (Zea mays L.) faces significant challenges to its growth and productivity from heavy metal stress, particularly Chromium (Cr) stress, which induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and damages photosynthetic tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fulvic acid (FA) application, via foliar spray or root irrigation, on mitigating chromium stress in maize by evaluating its impact on antioxidant activity and growth parameters. Two maize varieties, P3939 and 30Y87, were subjected to chromium stress (CrCl3·6H2O) at concentrations of 300 µM and 100 µM for a duration of 5 weeks. The experiment was conducted in a wire house under natural environmental conditions at the Seed Centre, Institute of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Physiological assessments included electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll pigment content, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) in maize leaves. Growth parameters were also monitored. The results revealed that chromium stress significantly reduced chlorophyll content and increased oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated MDA levels and electrolyte leakage. However, FA application notably mitigated these effects: chlorophyll content improved by 15%, and MDA levels decreased significantly. Irrigation with FA was particularly effective, reducing MDA levels by 40% compared to the 300 µM chromium treatment. Furthermore, while chromium stress enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, FA application further boosted total soluble protein levels and antioxidant enzyme activities under stress conditions. In conclusion, FA application demonstrates potential in improving maize tolerance to heavy metal stress by enhancing the antioxidant defense system and preserving photosynthetic pigments. These findings highlight FA’s promise as a practical strategy for mitigating the negative impacts of chromium stress on maize, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in contaminated environments
Salicylic acid confers cadmium tolerance in wheat by regulating photosynthesis, yield and ionic homeostasis
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity and quality can be threatened by soil cadmium (Cd) contamination, posing a concern to food security. Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenously produced signaling molecule that activates the defense system imparting abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Hence, an experiment was conducted to explore the roles of foliar application of SA in ameliorating Cd toxicity in two wheat varieties. The treatments comprised of, a) Cd stress: i) Cd0 = control (No Cd), Cd1 = 500 µM Cd stress at 30 days after sowing (DAS); SA applications: (i) SA0 = control (No SA) (ii) SA1 = 0.5 mM SA at 32 DAS, and c) Wheat varieties: (i) Anaj-17 and (ii) Akbar-19. The experiment was carried out with three replicates in a completely randomized design (CRD). The findings of the study have revealed that Cd stress prominently reduced the plant growth and yield, gaseous exchange attributes, and relative water content of both wheat varieties, and more reduction was observed in Anaj-17 as compared to Akbar-19. Plant height, economic yield, photosynthetic rate, and relative water content were decreased by (9.80 and 8.20%), (12.2 and 6.58%), (20 and 11.32%), and (12.5 and 10%) in Anaj-17 and Akbar-19 respectively. Further, SPAD value and chlorophyll fluorescence decreased under Cd toxicity in both wheat cultivars as compared to non-stress conditions. Contrarily, electrolyte leakage and Cd contents were increased in the plants as compared to the control. However, the foliar applications of SA in Cd-stressed plants significantly improved the plant growth and yield attributes, relative water content, gas exchange attributes, and chlorophyll content in both wheat varieties as compared to control-no SA applied. In addition, chlorophyll fluorescence and nutrient uptake were also improved under SA applications as compared to control. However, SA played an ameliorative role in reducing Cd-toxicity by reducing the electrolyte leakage and Cd uptake by the plants. Among the varieties, Akbar-19 outperformed the Anaj-17 to impart Cd toxicity under SA applications based on plant morphophysiological attributes. Hence, the outcomes of the experiment recommended that the foliar treatment of SA amended the Cd tolerance of wheat varieties by improving plant physiological and biochemical attributes
Influence of Time of Weed Removal on Maize Yield and Yield Components Based on Different Planting Patterns, the Application of Pre-Emergence Herbicides and Weather Conditions
No full textThe crop yield can be affected by many factors, including various levels of weed presence. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the effect of time of weed removal in combination with planting pattern and pre-emergence-applied herbicides on maize yield and yield components in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The experiments were designed in a split–split plot arrangements with three replications, which consisted of the two main plots (standard/conventional and twin-row planting pattern), two subplots (with and without pre-emergence herbicide application) and seven sub-subplots (seven weed removal timings). In the dry season of 2015, maize yield was much lower (413–9045 kg ha−1) than in the wet 2016 seasons with yields of 5759–14,067 kg ha−1 across both planting patterns. Yield and yield components were inversely correlated with the time of weed removal. The application of pre-emergence herbicides delayed the critical time for weed removal (CTWR), which ranged from V4 to V10 and from V3 to V11 for standard and twin-row planting patterns, respectively. Herbicides also protected various yield components, including 1000 seeds weight and number of seeds per cob
The oral bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements of illegal landfills’ soil and health risk assessment for field workers
No full textBased on their adverse impact on the environment and human health, landfills represent one of the biggest environmental issues. In this study, the soil samples (two depths, 0–30 and 30–60 cm) from 6 illegal landfills located in the agricultural areas in the Autonomous Vojvodina (AP) Province in Serbia were investigated to assess the bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and health risk for field workers. All PTEs, except Pb, in some of the studied soils exceeded the threshold value (TV) prescribed by the national regulation. To assess their bioaccessibility, in vitro gastrointestinal test, the Unified BARGE Method (UBM), was used. The UBM test simulates the three phases of the gastrointestinal tract: saliva (S), gastric (GE), and intestinal (IE) by the appropriate fluids. For most of the analyzed PTEs, higher concentrations were extracted in the gastric (GE) phase due to the acidity of the fluid. The bioaccessibility of the investigated PTEs does not exceed 50%, and the highest bioaccessibility from the soil was observed for Cu (40.54%). The workers' health risk assessment (WHRA) indicated no high risk (HI HId: 9.24 × 10−3 > HIi: 1.09 × 10−3; Ro: 1.89 × 10−5 > Rd: 6.97 × 10−6 > Ri: 3.86 × 10−8). Utilizing Both scenarios, the worst-case scenario and the “more realistic” based on bioaccessible concentrations, showed that exposure of the field workers to these soil samples has adverse effects on their health
Exploring Helianthus Species for Resilience to Drought During the Critical Reproductive Stage
No full textDrought stress during the reproductive phase of sunflower can significantly reduce
achene yield by affecting inflorescence size, nectar quality, and pollinator activity.
This study aimed to analyze the morphological characteristics of the reproductive region,
quantify nectar sugar components, and evaluate pollinator presence and pollination success
in wild Helianthus species as an important genetic resource for breeding cultivated
sunflowers under drought conditions. Morphological investigations were conducted during
the flowering and achene development phases with a stereo microscope and calipers.
Nectar sugar concentrations were analyzed via HPLC, and pollinator presence was monitored
twice a week for two months. This study highlights the correlation between evaluated
traits, emphasizing their importance as yield indicators. Significant differences were
observed in reproductive characters, nectar quality, and pollination success among the
species. Helianthus annuus and Helianthus argophyllus exhibited superior reproductive performance
with high nectar sugar concentrations and larger inflorescences, enabling successful
pollination and higher achene yield. In contrast, Helianthus debilis demonstrated
lower reproductive efficiency, with a higher percentage of empty achenes. These findings
provide valuable insights for breeding programs, highlighting H. argophyllus and H. annuus
as promising genetic resources for developing sunflower genotypes with increased
yield and improved floral traits adapted to drought conditions
Advancements in biodiesel production from castor oil: A comprehensive review
No full textCastor (Ricinus communis L.) is a non-food industrial oleaginous crop with the potential for biofuel production. It grows in diverse regions and thrives in marginal soils without competing with food crops. This paper reviews the current state and perspectives of producing biofuels, primarily biodiesel, from castor oil. It begins with a brief introduction to the castor plant, its genetics, and breeding, as well as methods and challenges of castor oil production, extraction, and refinement. Biodiesel production technologies, optimization, kinetics, thermodynamics, and the techno-economic, environmental, and social assessment are discussed. Other castor-based biofuels are highlighted, including bio-jet fuel, biogas, and bioethanol in biorefineries. The future of biofuel production depends on cost-effective and sustainable methods, land availability, and considering various aspects. Challenges remain for large-scale production, but further research can enable castor biomass to become a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock while mitigating environmental and social impacts
Pharmacological and biochemical activity of plant polyphenols
No full textThe results of conducted scientific studies indicate the pharmacological and biochemical potential of plant polyphenols and their importance for human health. Thanks to their pronounced pharmacological and biochemical activity, plant polyphenols enable the prevention of chronic pathological conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other diseases
Datura stramonium – A Dangerous Weed and Alternative Drug of Abuse: An Overview of Poisoning Cases in 21st Century
No full textDatura stramonium is a well-known cosmopolitan weed known by several common names: thorn apple (due to the appearance of its fruits), Angelʼs trumpet (linked to its flowers), loco seed (referring to the hallucinogenic properties of its seeds), jimson weed (originating from the first recorded poisoning involving this plant), and apple of Peru (indicating the plantʼs origin). All parts of the plant contain the tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine together with several minor alkaloids, which cause poisoning such as typical anticholinergic syndrome with neuropsychiatric effects. A review of 114 papers from various databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) revealed that poisoning incidents involving this plant have been relatively common from 2001 to 2024. The analysis indicated that all cases of poisoning from D. stramonium can be categorized into two main groups: accidental and misuse. Accidental poisonings are primarily linked to the contamination of other crops in the field, leading to mass poisoning of humans and animals. They can also result from misidentifying the plant as another edible species, childrenʼs curiosity, and self-medication. On the other hand, misuse is typically associated with recreational drug use, suicide attempts, criminal activities, and magico-religious practices. To prevent poisoning from this plant, it is essential to eliminate the weed from fields, yards, gardens, and other disturbed areas. Additionally, it is important to educate the general public about the plantʼs appearance and the dangers associated with its consumption, particularly in the context of self-medication and recreational drug use.Full text is available on the publisher's website at: [https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-2552-4434
Slani keks sa dehidriranim celerom
No full textNovo tehničko rešenje primenjeno na međunarodnom nivou pod nazivom "Slani keks sa dehidriranim celerom" pokazuje mogućnost upotrebe praha celera dobijenog kombinovanim metodama sušenja, kao supstituenta pšeničnog brašna u formulaciji keksa. Nov proizvod keksa ima značajno poboljšani nutritivni i funkcionalni sastav, uz smanjenje energetske vrednosti što se ogleda u smanjenju sadržaja lipida i skroba, povećan sadržaj celuloze i smanjenu energetsku vrednost za 20%, kao i značajno povećan mineralni sastav i antioksidativni potencijal. Slani keks sa dehidriranim celerom je inovativni proizvod dobrog tehnološkog kvaliteta i senzorskih karakteristika koga karakteriše visok stepen prihvatanja od strane potrošača različitih sociodemografskih karakteristika.Na 37. redovnoj sednici MNO za biotehnologiju i poljoprivredu održanoj 27. 3. 2025. godine usvojeno je tehničko rešenje pod nazivom: "Slani keks sa dehidriranim celerom". Korisnik tehničkog rešenja je KORNI d.o.o Beogradska 39, 85 000 Bar, Crna Gora. Tehničko rešenje je verifikovano povodom izbora u više naučno zvanje dr Gorana Trivana i kategorisano kao M81 - Novo tehničko rešenje primenjeno na međunarodnom nivou
Uticaj PEG-indukovane suše na klijavost semena i početni porast biljaka tri sorte krastavca
No full textAs the most common abiotic stress, drought seriously affects crop production. Since the impact of drought stress varies among species, this study aims to evaluate drought tolerance of domestic cucumber cultivars in the initial stages of growth under PEG-induced drought conditions. The germination assay was performed using three different cucumber varieties (Tajfun, Sunčani Potok and NS Kir) at four different drought levels (0, -0.15, -0.49, and -1.03 MPa). The results demonstrated that all the tested cucumber cultivars are sensitive to drought during germination and initial plant growth, while the osmotic potential of -0.49 MPa can be considered the tolerance threshold for cucumber.Kao najčešći abiotički stres, suša ozbiljno utiče na proizvod nju useva. S obzirom da uticaj stresa od suše varira među vrstama, ova studija je imala za cilj da proceni toleranciju domaćih sorti krastavca na sušu u početnim fazama rasta u uslovima veštačke suše. Laboratorijsko ispitivanje je izvedeno korišćenjem tri različite sorte krastavca (Tajfun, Sunčani potok i NS Kir) i četiri različita nivoa suše (0, -0,15, -0,49 i -1,03 MRa). Rezultati su pokazali da su sve ispitivane sorte krastavca osetljive na sušu u fazi klijanja i početnog porasta biljaka, kao i da se osmotski potencijal od -0,49 MRa može smatrati pragom tolerancije za krastavac