Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Assessment of genetic architecture of cotton germplasm for drought tolerance: A focus on morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes
Full text linkCotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a vital fiber and cash crop, but water scarcity significantly impacts its development and production. The drought tolerance of 15 genotypes was evaluated at the seedling stage under three water regimes: control, 40%, and 20% field capacity. Significant variations in sodium ions (Na+) were observed across all morphological and physiological traits. Key traits like fresh root weight, shoot length, total chlorophyll, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), K+/Na+, and potassium ions (K+) showed strong interactions between drought stress and genotype (D × G). Excised leaf water loss (ELWL) was positively correlated with shoot length (SL) under both control and drought conditions, while negatively associated with fresh root weight. Shoot length had a positive correlation with all attributes except Na+. Fresh root weight was negatively correlated with H2O2 but positively with other traits. Potassium ions were positively associated with SL, fresh root weight, and chlorophyll content. Genotypic correlations showed positive relationships for all biochemical traits except H2O2. Traits like root length, shoot length, ELWL, relative water content, proline, peroxidase (POD), H2O2, and K+/Na+ can differentiate drought-tolerant genotypes. Genotypes RH-622, FH-144, CIM-608, and MNH-886 showed potential for developing drought-resistant cotton cultivars
Sculpting the future of rice: CRISPR/Cas9 gene precision
Full text linkRNA-guided genome editing technique known as the CRISPR/Cas9 (CC9) system is comprised of a Cas9 nuclease and a single-guide RNA, also known as sgRNA. This invention has completely transformed the field of genome editing, emerging as an essential tool for altering the genetic makeup of different crops, such as rice. This article comprehensively reviews the CC9 system, its operating mechanisms, assembling methodologies, and techniques for identifying mutants with modified genes. We conducted a thorough analysis of the CC9 system in rice, focusing on the design and implementation. Our study explored techniques for accurate gene insertion and replacement, approaches for multiplex editing, and the processes influencing targeted and base editing, which control gene expression. Additionally, recent research was assessed to highlight the significance of specific genes in determining rice yields, quality, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Moreover, the article presents recent use cases of CC9 for rice development, while examining the challenges and prospects of employing this system in rice breeding
Effects of chitosan nanoparticles on growth, development, and nutraceutical quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Full text linkThe tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), considered one of the most desirable horticultural crops in the world for its nutritional and nutraceutical qualities, is also used as a model for many studies. The objective of this research was to compare different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth and development of tomato plants, as well as on fruit quality. Three concentrations of chitosan and a control were applied to tomato leaves in a randomized block design with three replicates and four treatments. Different growth variables (plant height, stem diameter, root length and fresh and dry biomass of different plant organs) as well as fruit yield and polar and equatorial diameter were evaluated. Fruit quality was evaluated by determining the contents of total soluble solids (TSS, %), vitamin C (mg in 100 g), polyphenols (mg gallic acid per g), antioxidant capacity (µmol Trolox per g), flavonoids (mg catechin per g) and carotenoids (µg β-carotene per g). The positive effect of foliar applications of chitosan nanoparticles was proven. The higher concentrations favoured yield and fruit quality, increasing yield and contents in the different quality variables, while the medium concentration stimulated growth in general
Evaluation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and yield attributing traits of caffeine treated Trigonella corniculata L.: A medicinally important herb
Full text linkTrigonella corniculata L. (Kasuri methi), a medicinal plant from the Fabaceae family, with exceptional culinary value, nutritional importance, and therapeutic properties that offer valuable curative benefits. Mutation breeding is highly regarded by plant breeders as an effective method of enhancing crop productivity and achieving sustainable crop production. Genetic diversity serves as the foundation for plant breeding programs, compelling the introduction of mutations to enhance variability. This study employed caffeine treatment of five concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0%) on T. corniculata (var. ‘Pusa kasuri’) seeds, resulting in significant effect (p<0.05) on the morpho-physiological and quantitative parameters. Various statistical methods, including Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) unveiled correlations between plant characteristics. A strong positive correlation (0.99) emerged between clusters per plant and seed yield. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two out of twelve principal components contributed to 90% of the variation, indicating genotypic diversity. The correlation between clusters per plant, pods per cluster, and seed yield, as indicated by PCA and Pearson's correlation heatmap analysis, affirms high-yield potential. Methanolic extracts of T. corniculata were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, revealing 17 major phytocompounds known for their pharmacological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, etc.). This study has the potential to pave the way for developing novel herbal remedies for various diseases using T. corniculata, potentially resulting in the formulation of new medications
The application of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles enhances the morphological and physiological indices of serrano pepper plants
Full text linkThis research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the biosynthesized spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles (BZnONPs) applications on morphological and physiological indices of serrano pepper plants cv. ‘Chiser-522’. The treatments applied by foliar spray every 15 days from 20 days after transplantation consisted of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ppm of BZnONPs and control (distilled water). A completely randomized design was used with six treatments and fifteen replicas per treatment. Morphological and physiological characteristics such as crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetic pigments, and phytochemical compounds were evaluated. The results indicated that the plants treated with 30 and 40 ppm of BZnONPs had higher height, thicker stems, longer roots, and higher CGR, NAR, and LAI than control. Their amounts of photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant compounds were also increased compared to those of the other treatments. Therefore, we conclude that BZnONPs are promising technology that significantly influences chili pepper cultivation's physiological and morphological development at low-level exposures
Biochemical attributes Portulaca oleracea as affected by manganese oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles
Full text linkDue to the limitation of freshwater resources and quality loss of soils, the use of halophyte plants is inevitable. Halophyte species such as purslane (Portulaca oleracea) are one of the important and rich sources of different metabolites, however, very few studies have been done in this regard. The application of metal nanoparticles in improving plant growth characteristics and also knowing the threshold of using these nanoparticles can lead to plant growth and development. Therefore, the present study is aimed at investigating the effect of manganese oxide (Mn2O3) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles (NPs) on biochemical attributes and plant growth of purslane in a controlled condition based on a balanced completely random design. The treatments included Mg and Mn nanoparticles in three concentrations: 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, bulk metal Mg and Mn in three concentrations of 10, 100, and 500 mg L-1, and a control treatment. The results showed that nano treatments had a significant effect on the concentration of phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, quercetin, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), total fresh weight, and total dry weight. Except for quercetin, the results indicated a positive effect of Mg and Mn, especially in the form of nanoparticles, on the quality and quantity of purslane plants. Increasing the concentration of Mg and Mn metals in nanoparticle form did not increase IC50, however, it was associated with an increase in this index in bulk form, which indicates a decrease in the negative effect of metals in nanoparticle form. Considering the salinization of water and soil resources and the importance of preventing environmental pollution, the use of Mg and Mn nanoparticles on halophyte species is very important; which requires more research
Induced mutagenesis for the development of high-yielding mutant lines of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) using caffeine and sodium azide
Full text linkGenerating variability is key for enhancing crops in any plant breeding initiative. This study aimed to create mutant lines with improved yield through induced mutation. Linum usitatissimum L. (variety ‘Shekhar’) was subjected to various concentrations of caffeine and sodium azide (0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00%) before being sown to produce the M1 generation. After harvesting and screening the M1 variants, they were planted to cultivate the M2 generation. The M2 mutants undertook a thorough morphological examination for different mutation types and were then planted to develop the M3 generation. Across the three generations, various parameters were analyzed, including quantitative traits (plant height, number of branches), morphological traits (cotyledonary, vegetative leaf, and flower mutants), physiological traits (chlorophyll and carotenoid content), cytological aspects, and yield characteristics. The results indicated that caffeine was more effective than sodium azide in generating beneficial mutants. In the M3 generation, nine high-yielding mutant lines, labelled A, B1, B2, C1, C2, D, E, F1, and F2, were selected based on their morphological and yield-related traits. Also, SEM analysis was conducted on selected high-yielding mutants to examine stomatal variations in their leaves and to assess their seed morphology. These mutant lines have considerable breeding significance and should be advanced to future generations to promote their trait stability, ultimately creating new linseed cultivars with enhanced yield and better adaptability
Effects of salinity on pollen germination in wild and cultivated leguminous species
Full text linkPlant sexual reproduction plays a crucial role in species persistence, land colonisation, and the enhancement of genetic diversity. Sexual reproduction in plants encompasses several key processes, including gametogenesis, fertilisation, zygote development, and fruit production. Environmental stresses can affect each of these processes, with male gametogenesis, pollen germination and tube elongation showing special vulnerability. We investigated the effects of salinity on pollen fitness across several species of Fabaceae, a large family which includes economically important crops. We first assessed the in vitro germination capacity of pollen from 14 different species and identified four distinct response patterns to salinity stress. A more detailed analysis was conducted on pollen germination and tube elongation in Medicago marina (dune habitats), Spartium junceum (Mediterranean scrub), and Cicer arietinum (cultivated). For C. arietinum, a positive correlation was observed between pollen germination and tube length, whereas no such correlation was found in the wild species. Furthermore, we examined the fitness of pollen produced by plants of Medicago marina, Lotus creticus, and Ononis ramosissima subjected to salt stress under greenhouse conditions. These species exhibited varying degrees of salt sensitivity, although the three are characteristic of dune habitats. In conclusion, our study reveals that pollen from different species within the Fabaceae family exhibits distinct responses to salinity stress, with variations in salt sensitivity amongst species. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how environmental stressors, particularly salinity, affect pollen fitness in plants adapted to different environments
Impact of media type on callus morphology and standardization of Withania somnifera cell culture for enhanced secondary metabolite production
Full text linkThe medicinal plant, Withania somnifera L. cell culture is sustainable source of important medicinal active ingredients. However successful cell culture amenability relies on media composition, cell growth pattern and elicitation strategies. The Glitz (Gli; modified Litvay media) media promisingly supported friable callus induction and maximum growth (15 g biomass) till 56th day of culture but showed lower polyphenols (6.32 mg g-1 DW) and flavonoids (0.15 mg g-1 DW) contents. Further the friable callus was introduced to the liquid Gli media for cell suspension culture establishment. While for increase secondary metabolites synthesis the established cell culture was treated with elicitors; Methyl Jasmonate (MeJa; 5, 10 and 20 µM) and Salicylic Acdi (SA; 50, 100 and 200 µM). The gallic acid standard based total phenolic acid content met the higher value (35.36 mg per g dry cell weight), 3-fold of the control value (10.73 m g-1) in MeJa (20 µM) treated cells. While the higher (3.2 mg g-1 dry cell weight) quercetin standard based flavonoid content in comparison to control (0.92 mg g-1 DW; 3.5-fold) was observed in SA (100 µM) elicitor treated cell cultures. In parallel DPPH free radical scavenging activity of 60.5% (control: 35.5%) were recorded in elicitors treated cells cultures extracts corroborated to the presence of antioxidant compounds. Based on these findings, it is worth noting that modification in the nutrient media composition significantly improves the W. somnifera cells growth (biomass) and secondary metabolism, and this study concept the cellular agriculture for sustainable future in medicinal plants research
Preharvest application of biostimulants to improve growth, quality, and yield of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)
Full text linkBlueberry production and fruit quality face increasing challenges under current climate change scenarios. Therefore, sustainable strategies such as the use of biostimulants, which have shown beneficial effects that enhance productivity and quality, are needed. This study evaluated the effect of foliar and drench preharvest applications of biostimulants on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of blueberry. The experiment was conducted using plants grown in coconut fiber under greenhouse conditions in a randomized factorial design with three factors: biostimulant, application method, and application dose. The biostimulants tested included melatonin, salicylic acid, glutamic acid, silicon, and yeast extract, applied biweekly from anthesis to fruit maturity. Growth parameters, yield, size, color, and quality traits were measured. The drench application of 100 µM melatonin resulted in the highest yield and plant height, whereas stem diameter increased mainly with 100 µM foliar melatonin. Foliar application of 1000 mg L⁻¹ glutamic acid significantly enhanced the SPAD index. Fruit weight, width and height were superior under 4 mM salicylic acid applied via drench and 500 mg L⁻¹ glutamic acid applied foliar. The width/height ratio reached its highest value with 100 µM foliar melatonin. Foliar silicon at 5 g L⁻¹ increased fruit lightness, while 3 g L⁻¹ yeast extract applied via drench enhanced chroma, with no significant differences in hue. All biostimulants improved fruit firmness; additionally, foliar silicon increased total soluble solids, and 10 g L⁻¹ yeast extract applied foliar enhanced anthocyanin content. Biostimulants applications improved growth, yield, and fruit quality, supporting their potential for sustainable blueberry production