Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Assessing the impact of different water stresses on physio-chemical properties and yield-related traits in tomato genotypes: Insights into stability and response
Full text linkTomato is a highly sensitive crop to moisture stress, and grown widely under varying conditions of moisture deficit. To identify the stable genotypes and characterize their responses to moisture stress, thirty-two diverse genotypes were evaluated at three imposed moisture regimes i.e., sub-optimal irrigation at 75±5% of the field capacity (FC; L1), irrigation at 50±5% of the FC (L2), and irrigation at 25±5% of the FC (L3) inside a passively ventilated plastic greenhouse. A wide range of variability was observed for 23 analyzed physio-chemical traits under study. All the analysed traits (except root-shoot ratio, chlorophyll index, total biomass, sugar content, and acidity) have shown higher heritability and moderate to high genetic advance, indicating that these traits are governed by additive gene action and responsive to selection under water stress conditions. All the growth and yield parameters were shown to decrease significantly with the increase of intensity of moistures stress. Likewise, physiological parameters, namely chlorophyll and the relative water content tended to decrease, while the rate of water loss and proline content tended to increase following an increase in stress level. Fruit quality traits like total sugar, vitamin-C, and lycopene contents were tended to improve with the increase of designated moisture stress. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis of variance revealed the significant effects of moisture stress, genotype, and genotype × environment interaction for yield and yield-related traits. Based on multi-trait stability index (MTSI) analysis, MT-11, VL Tomato-4 and Megha Tomato-3 were considered most stable and promising genotypes for promotion for commercial production under the moisture stress conditions
Row spacing and nitrogen fertilization effect on red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) seed yield
Full text linkRed fescue (Festuca rubra L.) is a grass that can grow in low-nutrient soils and can withstand extreme abiotic stresses like winter cold and summer drought. It is used in seed mixtures for lawns and pastures. Red fescue production is affected various factors: genotype, climate, and edaphic conditions. The purpose of this study was to measure red fescue seed yield of output in three successive years (2018-2020) under various sowing intervals and nitrogen fertilizer treatments, as well as to investigate the link between seed yield, N fertilization, and seeding rates. Weather conditions are crucial to the seed yield of red fescue. The average seed yield of red fescue per panicle was the highest in 2018, with a row spacing of 25 cm and the C2-b fertilization treatment. Grasses are productive due to their rapid growth response to high nitrogen (N) fertility rates. The results show that the effects of year, sowing spacing, fertilization method, and their interactions on seed yield per hectare were found to be highly significant. A consistent and highly significant correlation was observed between seed yield per panicle and seed yield per hectare across all years. A highly significant negative correlation was established between the weight of one thousand seeds and the number of seeds per gram
Estimation of the content of trace metals in Ukrainian military-affected soils
Full text linkThe study assessed the impact of military activities on Ukraine's soil resources, particularly heavy metal contamination. As a primary resource for agricultural production, soil undergoes significant influence from military activities, posing environmental challenges for the rational use of land. Special attention was paid to evaluating the content of chemical elements in combat zones. The research methodology included soil sampling from ten locations in the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions. Samples were collected from craters, slopes, and control areas located 20 meters away. The analysis was performed using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer (pXRF), enabling the determination of 27 chemical elements. The results showed significant variability in the concentrations of heavy metals such as barium, zirconium, manganese, strontium, rubidium, and zinc. In many cases, the concentration of metals in crater samples was lower or comparable to control areas, indicating the influence of local anthropogenic factors, such as the application of mineral fertilizers, but not always military actions. This indicates that while military activities contribute to environmental disruption, non-military factors also play a role in shaping soil composition. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to land restoration should consider both the direct impacts of military actions and broader environmental influences, with strategies tailored to the specific conditions of each affected region
Yield, yield components, and assimilate remobilization of wheat genotypes under water deficit
Full text linkTo evaluate yield, yield components and remobilization of assimilates of wheat genotypes under normal irrigated and water deficit conditions, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two growing seasons. The results showed that the highest yields and values for yield components were obtained under irrigation. Water deficit after the spike emergence stage significantly reduced yield components and grain yield. Among the studied traits, the highest spike weight, straw weight, total weight, number of spikes, number of grains and grain yield were observed in genotype 5. The highest 1000-grain weights under irrigated (50.42 g) and water deficit (45.93 g) conditions were observed in genotype 10. Harvest index was lower under water deficit than in irrigated conditions in all genotypes with the highest values of harvest index recorded for genotype 1. Evaluation of traits associated with remobilization showed that under irrigated conditions, the highest amount of remobilization was observed in genotype 2 and the lowest amount of remobilization was found in genotype 3. Under water deficit, genotypes 3 and 9 had the highest, and lowest amount of assimilate remobilization, respectively. The average remobilization under irrigated and water deficit conditions was 53.3% and 60.6%, respectively. The contribution of current photosynthesis was 46.7% under irrigated and 39.4% under water deficit conditions. Also, under water deficit, grain yield was significantly, positively correlated with the amount of reallocation of dry matter, the relative contribution of dry matter reallocation, remobilization efficiency and the contribution of current photosynthesis
Assessing molecular and agronomic diversity in flax genotypes based on SCoT marker profiling, fibre yield contributing characters, and seed yield-related traits
Full text linkExploring genetic diversity is crucial for effective breeding strategies to enhance crop performance under diverse environmental conditions and accelerate selection with improved yield and adaptability to climate change. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity of eleven flax genotypes (Linum usitatissimum L.) using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers and evaluate their performance in fibre yield contributing characters and seed yield-related traits in two field trials during 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons. SCoT markers revealed varying degrees of polymorphism, with primers SCoT-1, SCoT-24, and SCoT-27 displaying 100% polymorphism, indicating high genetic diversity among the genotypes. Genetic similarity analysis categorized the genotypes into four diverse groups. The agronomic performance indicated that ‘S.620’, ‘Sakha 3’, and ‘S.651’ excelled in straw yield and associated traits such as technical length, plant height, fibre percentage, total fibre yield, fibre length, and straw yield, while ‘Sakha 5’ and ‘S.945’ showed the lowest. On the other hand, ‘Sakha 5’ followed by ‘S.933/15/2’ and ‘Sakha 6' were the top performers for seed yield and related characteristics, including fruiting zone length, number of capsules per plant, seed index, seed yield, oil percentage, and seed and oil yields, while ‘IV2’ exhibited the lowest values. Hierarchical clustering divided the genotypes into distinct clusters based on straw and seed performance. Moreover, the principal component analysis highlighted a clear separation between genotypes excelling in straw and seed traits, with strong associations among related characters. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs to improve flax fibre and seed production
Dietary Tithonia diversifolia improves hematology, antioxidant capacity, liver health, and disease resistance in hybrid of Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus
Full text linkHerbal medicines have been used for centuries for the treatment of various ailments and there has been a recent resurgence of interest in the use of natural products. This investigation was carried out to evaluate the role of Tithonia diversifolia (TD) on haematology, antioxidant and transaminases enzymes, liver histology and disease resistance in juvenile tilapia hybrids (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). TD powder (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 g kg-1 diet) was fed to cultured fish at a density of 15 fish/aquarium (n = 3 aquaria per treatment) for eight weeks (pre-challenge period). At the end of the feeding trial, 18 fish from each group were given intraperitoneal injections with a pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila to test the protective efficacy of TD against bacterial infection for seven days (post-challenge period). The results after eight weeks revealed significant differences (P < 0.05), with an increase in haematological variables and antioxidant activity, low levels of transaminases and an adequate hepatic histological response in the TD-fed fish. In the experimental challenge, the control group experienced higher mortality rates than the other groups after the IP injection with A. hydrophila at a dose of 0.25 ml for fish (1×106 CFU ml-1) and the relative level of protection (RLP = 78.33%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with the treatment containing 160 g.kg-1 of dietary TD. A correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the results. In conclusion, these findings suggest that TD up to levels of 160 g.kg-1, could serve as a natural phytobiotic to enhance tilapia health and disease resistance, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic products in aquaculture
NaCl and NaHCO₃ mediate tradeoffs in growth, leaf traits, and clonal reproduction of reed (Phragmites communis) under saline-alkali stress
Full text linkSalinity stress is a serious constraint for crop productivity, and its extent is continuously across the globe. Therefore, it is direly necessary to develop appropriate measures to mitigate the toxic effects of salinity to meet rising food needs. The present study determined the impact of diverse concentrations of neutral salt (NaCl: 0, 200, 400 mM) and alkaline salt (Na2CO3: 0, 25, 50 mM) on the growth status, leaf traits, and clonal component characteristics of reed (Phragmites communis Trin.). The results indicated that increasing the intensity of salt and alkali stress markedly reduced growth (> 30%) and biomass production (> 35%). The impact of alkali stress was more significant as compared to salt stress, and it significantly decreased leaf area and dry matter production and increased the N concentration and N:P ratio. Further, stomata conductance and CO2 concentration showed a decrease under stress conditions. While water use efficiency (WUE) also showed a decreasing trend under saline conditions, it first showed an increasing trend under alkali stress and then a decreasing trend. Further, plant tiller, rhizome, and seeds were markedly reduced by stresses. Moreover, the concentration of Na+ was increased under saline conditions while the concentration of K+ and NO3- showed a marked decrease, Na+/K+ showed a substantial increase. Therefore, salinity and alkaline stress can reduce the growth of reeds by disturbing plant physiological and biochemical functioning and nutrient homeostasis
Changes in the plant composition of an Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) grassland after non-selective grazing
Full text linkThis study evaluated the effect of intensive non-selective grazing on the richness, diversity, and structure of a grassland dominated by Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) Arriaga & Barkworth at Rancho “Los Ángeles”, Saltillo, Coahuila. Experimental plots of 600 m² were established in a 2.23 ha area, with three replicates per season. Two treatments were applied: grazed and ungrazed (control) plots, separated by electric fencing. These plots were subjected to intensive grazing 333 livestock units (LU ha-1) at the beginning of each season, beginning in the winter of 2023. In the fall of 2024, the cover of all species in five quadrats (1 m²) per plot was quantified. Richness (Margalef), diversity (Shannon-Wiener), dominance (Simpson), evenness, and floristic similarity (Sørensen-Dice) indices were calculated. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to evaluate the relationship between moisture and compaction. ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed. Thirty-seven species grouped into 19 families were recorded, with the greatest species richness in winter (30 species; Margalef index of 4.2). Spring and summer showed the most significant similarity (80%). The species A. clandestina, Ambrosia confertiflora, and Clematis drummondii were associated with higher humidity in summer and autumn. In conclusion, intensive non-selective grazing, carried out in different seasons, enhanced species richness and diversity, particularly during winter, spring, and summer
An insight into the biochemical content of Colchicum autumnale L. throughout its ontogenetic cycle
Full text linkMeadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale L.) is a poisonous perennial species with an unusual ontogenetic cycle. This study investigated its biochemical composition during three key developmental phases: growth, fruiting, and flowering. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts from different plant organs were analyzed using UPLC and spectrophotometry to evaluate the influence of developmental stage, extraction method, and solvent on secondary metabolite accumulation, with implications for extract potency and pharmacological properties. Colchicine and phenolic compounds were detected in all organs, though their concentrations varied with extraction technique and harvest time. Flowers contained the highest colchicine levels (0.7815 mg ml-¹ in ethanol, 0.1227 mg ml-¹ in water), while bulbs accumulated lower amounts that decreased from spring to autumn. In general, alcoholic extracts yielded more bioactive compounds than aqueous ones. Flowers and leaves also contained significant levels of polyphenols, with ethanol extracts showing markedly higher concentrations than water extracts. Antioxidant assays revealed strong activity in all alcoholic extracts (79.8 - 90.7 mg ml-¹ eq. ascorbic acid), except for spring bulbs (57.2 mg ml-¹), whereas aqueous extracts exhibited negligible antioxidant capacity (0.07 - 0.3 mg ml-¹). These results highlight the dynamic phytochemistry of C. autumnale, demonstrating that the concentration of bioactive compounds is strongly influenced by plant organ, developmental stage, extraction method, and solvent. Such variability should be considered in future research and practical applications, including ecological studies, weed management, and standardization of extracts for medicinal use
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Moench) resistance to cycloxydim, fluazifop and propaquizafop and its impact on growth rate
Full text linkOne putative-resistant (R) johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L. Moench) population, originating from a cotton monoculture field in northern Greece, was evaluated for the possible evolution of cross-resistance to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)- and multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides, and to elucidate the levels and underlying mechanisms of resistance. Whole-plant rate-response assays showed that the R population was highly cross-resistant to the post-emergence applied ACCase-inhibiting herbicides fluazifop-P-butyl, propaquizafop (aryloxyphenoxypropionates) and cycloxydim (cyclohexanedione), but susceptible to the ACCase-inhibitor clethodim (cyclohexanedione) and the ALS-inhibitor nicosulfuron. The analysis of the ACCase gene sequence revealed a point mutation (ATA to WTA/TTA) at 1781 residue in the CT domain of ACCase, resulting in an amino acid substitution from isoleucine (Ile) to leucine (Leu). However, all sequenced plants of the S johnsongrass population were found with the wild-type allele encoding Ile-1781. The R johnsongrass population, grown without competition, produced more fresh weight, rhizome biomass and number of panicles than the S population. These findings indicate clearly that the R johnsongrass population has evolved target-site cross-resistance to three ACCase-inhibitors that increased most of its growth traits as compared with the S population, suggesting a fitness advantage associated with the ACCase Leu-1781 mutation