Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Differential physiological responses to salt stress in rice landraces in Thailand
Get PDFSoil salinity is a limitation factor for rice cultivation in the north-eastern Thailand. Understanding the mechanisms of salt stress tolerance is critical for maintaining or improving crop yield under salt stress. Over the past ten years, many landrace rice varieties have been examined for genetic diversity. To utilize the richness of natural resources and to explore novel genetic resources for developing a new variety, evaluating local rice varieties for salinity is still needed. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of 8 landrace rice varieties in comparison to ‘Pokkali’, the standard salt-tolerant rice genotype, to clarify the major salt tolerance mechanisms in the landraces found in Thailand. After being exposed to 120 mM NaCl for 7 days, ‘Pokkali’ expressed physiological parameters in response to salt stress which are indicative of salt tolerance ability including low growth reduction, low Na+/K+ ratio, low chlorophyll degradation and low membrane integrity. In contrast, the landrace varieties displayed varying patterns of response. No landrace variety showed an outstanding ion exclusion mechanism as ‘Pokkali’, as evidenced by the fact that all landrace varieties showed approximately two times higher Na+/K+ ratios than ‘Pokkali’. However, it was found that ‘Surin’ had a similar salt stress response to ‘Pokkali’ (low growth reduction, low chlorophyll degradation, low membrane integrity), except for the markedly increased proline and sugar accumulation, suggesting an osmotic adjustment mechanism. Therefore, this variety could be a potential genetic resource to be developed as a donor for the osmotic adjustment trait to improve salt-tolerant rice in the future
Effects of chemical fertilizer nitrogen substitution with rapeseed cake on microbial community in tobacco rhizosphere soil
Get PDFRapeseed cake is an important agricultural waste and it has the potential to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and microbial activities. Nonetheless, the effects of rapeseed cake on microbes of tobacco rhizosphere have not studied yet. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of rapeseed cake fertilizer on the inter-root soil microbial community of roasted tobacco. The present study was comprised of different proportions of nitrogen replacement fertilizers such as rapeseed cake fertilizer (N30:30%, N60:60%, N100:100%), and recommended nitrogen application as control. The results of diversity analysis showed that cake fertilizer significantly increased the Ace and Chao indices of soil microbial populations, and Shannon and Invsimpson indices were significantly higher. Furthermore, cake fertilizer also significantly increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Ascomycetes, Intrasporangium, Chaetomium and Mortierella and decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Basidiomycota and Fusicolla. Moreover, cake fertilizer also significantly increased the abundance of stress-tolerant bacteria and animal pathogen-dung saprotroph-endophyte-epiphyte-plant saprotroph-wood saprotroph fungi, and decreased the abundance of their potentially pathogenic and anaerobic bacteria and unknown saprophytic types and plant pathogenic fungi. Further, available phosphorus (AP), soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) were identified as the main factors affecting the structure of the inter-root soil microbial community of baked tobacco. In conclusion, rapeseed -cake based fertility could be an important strategy to modulate the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in tobacco rhizosphere by improving soil properties, and decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria
Exploring ecotypic plant adaptations and the influence of microbiota on mitigating environmental challenges
Get PDFThe idea of ecotypes, which refer to unique groups of plants that have evolved to flourish in specific habitats, is gaining attention owing to climate fluctuations and changes in the associated microbiota. The term "ecotype" described plant populations that are specially adapted to particular environments, as revealed by common garden experiments showcasing genetically distinct characteristics. This concept remains relevant in modern plant science, where garden experiments continue to uncover how natural selection promotes species diversity, underscoring the crucial role of the plant microbiota in adaptation. Recent research has highlighted the microbial interactions that aid plants in adapting to environmental stress. Plants that shape soil microbial communities exhibit differential responses along ecological gradients owing to environmental stressors that influence interactions with soil microorganisms. Understanding the differentiation within plant populations and the emergence of new species is vital for discerning natural selection patterns. Environmental stressors profoundly impact global crop production, whereas plant-microbiota symbioses significantly influence plant growth and defense through nutrient acquisition and metabolite synthesis. Plant adaptation mechanisms include enzymatic antioxidant production and osmolyte accumulation, which are regulated by phytohormones that orchestrate responses to biotic and abiotic stressors, respectively. Despite breeding and genetic engineering efforts, progress in enhancing plant tolerance to extreme conditions remains limited, necessitating the development of sustainable agricultural alternatives. This study offers a comprehensive overview of recent advances in plant ecotype research, particularly focusing on symbiotic relationships with the microbiota and traits that contribute to improved nutrient uptake and plant health
Changes in growth, antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, and antidiabetic potential of lamb’s lettuce Valerianella locusta grown hydroponically and on soil in response to salinity
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to provide new insights into the effects of salinity on growth and nutritional value of lamb’s lettuce Valerianella locusta grown in two different culture systems, hydroponic and soil, and subjected to 0 and 50 mM NaCl for 3 weeks. Salinity treatment reduced shoot dry weight (DW) by 50% in both growing media, root DW by 41% only on hydroponics, relative growth rate (RGR) also decreased, and K+/Na+ ions ratio in Valerianella locusta grown both hydroponically and in soil. Salinity also lowered shoot total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), radical scavenging activity (ABTS), anti-amylase, and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. In contrast, it promoted shoot total antioxidant activity (TAA) in both growing systems. When comparing both growing systems, soil-grown Valerianella locusta was found to have significantly higher TPC (41.6 and 28.1 mg GAE g-1 DW) and TFC (39.6 and 35.6 mg CE g-1 DW) for control and salt treated shoots, respectively. Further, it showed a better TAA and ABTS scavenging ability, as well as superior anti-α-amylase (94.3 and 39.5 mg ACE. g-1 DW) and anti-AChE (307.4 and 228.3 μg DE. g-1 DW) activities, under control and salt stress conditions respectively. Additionally, soil-grown Valerianella locusta showed better K+/Na+ ions homoeostasis compared to the hydroponically-grown. This study highlighted two main points: first, it revealed that lamb’s lettuce is a sensitive crop to be grown on saline lands, and second it underlined the distinct differences in growth aspects and nutritional quality between hydroponics and soil cultivation. Additionally, this study is the first to shed some light on the interesting medicinal quality of lamb’s lettuce as a leafy vegetable
Corm size and planting density affect the yield and longevity of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Get PDFThe effect of the corm size of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and the planting density was determined on a field study for six years. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of the corm size and planting density on flower and stigma yields. Two corm sizes were used: corms with a diameter up to 2.5 cm and corms with a diameter greater than 2.5 cm, and five planting density: 22, 27, 33, 44 and 67 corms/m2 with planting distances 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 cm on the plant row, respectively. The results showed that the year (growing season) and the interaction of year (growing season) with corm size affected all the characteristics that were studied. Over the six-year study period, there was a gradual increase in flowering from the first to the third year, followed by a decline in the fifth and sixth years. The yield of larger corms (greater than 2.5 cm) was higher during the first three years, while smaller corms (less than 2.5 cm) produced higher yields in the fourth through sixth years. On the contrary, the planting density, did not significantly affect the characteristics studied over the six years of cultivation and therefore did not affect the stigma yield of saffron. Therefore, corm size together with the environment are important factors that can affect the productivity and the longevity of the crop and should be considered when planting a new saffron cultivation
Nutritional and phytochemical comparative analysis of conventional/organic maize grain before and after subjection to accelerated aging test - a preliminary study
Get PDFThis study aimed to ascertain the differences in the nutritional composition of maize grains by analysing their lipid, protein, fatty acid, triacylglycerol, and sugar content before and after undergoing an accelerated aging (AA) test. Additionally, phytochemicals (total pigments, phenolics and flavonoids), as well as antioxidant potential of maize grains were evaluated through ABTS•+ scavenging capacity and ferric reducing power (FRP) assays. Maize was cultivated in Serbia during the 2017 season, employing two growing systems (conventional and organic). Although minimal differences were observed in protein and lipid content, the grains proved to be an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and triacylglycerols with ECN44 fraction being predominant. The total soluble sugar content was low, while starch content was significantly higher. HPLC analysis confirmed a considerably higher prevalence of non-reducing disaccharides compared to reducing disaccharides. Maize grains emerged as a substantial source of chlorophyll a (0.53-4.38 µg/g DW), phenolics (1498.9-1931.3 mg FAE/kg DW), and flavonoids (85.7-381.9 mg QE/kg DW). All tested extracts exhibited satisfactory abilities to neutralize free ABTS•+. The FRP assay revealed a significantly higher ability to reduce Fe3+-ions in conventionally produced grains. According to the Blunt-Altman test, all analysed parameters showed considerable similarity, except for chlorophylls a and b. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that grains exposed to the AA test were mainly separated based on chlorophyll a, C20:0, C18:1n-9, MUFA, carotenoids, lipids content. Conversely, conventional untreated grains were primarily distinguished by their pentose, hexose and chlorophyll b content, while in the case of organic samples, disaccharides (both reducing and non-reducing) and soluble sugars were the main differentiating factors. The present preliminary study can serve as foundational research for future investigations aimed at comprehending alterations in nutrients and phytochemicals induced by accelerated aging tests. However, it should be supplemented and expanded upon by subsequent studies in the future
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) effect on germination and morphological parameters in alfalfa, tomato, and pepper
Get PDFTitanium dioxide nanoparticles are used in different processes, derived from this their presence in wastewater is common, concentrating in residual sludge. These residues are used as agricultural soil improvers, being a source of crop exposure. In this study, the effect of TiO2-NPs (450, 900, and 1800 mg L-1) on the germination of alfalfa, tomato, and pepper seeds was evaluated. The germination parameters were not different (p > 0.05) except for, the seed vigor index in alfalfa and pepper, and the mean germination time in tomato. The germination index was below 80% in 450 mg L-1 in tomato, which showed moderate phytotoxicity. Morphological modifications with differences (p < 0.05) were found in the three crops, mainly in the root. In tomatoes, the length of the main root, root hairs, and the width of the root tip were reduced but increased the width of the main root, piliferous zone, and the length of root hairs were. For alfalfa, root length and number of secondary roots augment. However, the stem, root tip width, and root villi were reduced. Finally, for pepper, the length, and width of the root and the piliferous zone were modified. Additionally, a concerning trend has been observed in the length of root hairs. TiO2-NPs affected germination and morphology in alfalfa, tomato and pepper seeds differently. Tomato was most negatively affected, with reduced root length and width. Alfalfa showed mixed effects, with positive impacts on some parameters but negatives on others. Pepper seeds responded positively overall, with improved germination and root length, despite some impacts on root morphology.
Exogenous methyl jasmonate promotes susceptibility of strawberry crown rot caused by Colletotrichum siamense through down-regulating defense gene and flavonoids biosynthesis
Get PDFColletotrichum siamense, a hemibiotrophic pathogen which caused serious strawberry crown rot. Jasmonic acid (JA) is shown to reduce or promote pathogen infection, but the effect of JA on strawberry crown rot is still unknown. Identified the effect and mechanism of JA on strawberry crown rot is the base of resistance induction and genetic improvement for strawberry crown rot. Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was tested for its effect for C. siamense causing strawberry crown rot in this study. MeJA significantly increased lesion width and hypha density caused by C. siamense infection in crown. MeJA reprogrammed crown transcriptome, and it induced 1642 significantly differentially expressed genes. In addition, most differentially expressed genes were most enriched in ‘metabolite biosynthetic processes’ and ‘response to stimulus’ by COG enrichment and KOG function classification. Further, KEGG function enrichment showed ‘flavonoid biosynthesis’ vested in ‘metabolite biosynthetic processes’, ‘plant-pathogen interaction’ vested in ‘response to stimulus’ were suppressed by MeJA. qRT-PCR showed expressions of defense genes like heat shock protein, MYB and cellulose synthase A catalytic subunit 8 and structural genes in ‘flavonoid biosynthesis’ were all suppressed. Confirmed with gene expressions, MeJA decreased total flavonoid and down-regulated activities of chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase. Thus, exogenous MeJA enhanced C. siamense causing crown rot in strawberry by down-regulating defense genes and flavonoids biosynthesis
Brassinosteroids: an alternative to vine cultivation to enhance drought tolerance, in semiarid land at Chihuahua, Mexico
Get PDFChihuahua is an internationally recognized state for its quality in the production of vines (Vitis vinifera), and wines. However, it is exposed to drought events and has presented economic and social problems due to the low availability of fresh water. The aquifers destined for intensive agriculture, such as Cuauhtémoc present the most pronounced deficit and they have been operating with deficits of −197 mm3 year-1. Chihuahua typically receives an average annual rainfall of 224.5 mm. These semiarid ecosystems, with water scarcity, are not suitable for viticulture unless supplementary irrigation is available. One alternative option is to apply brassinosteroids to enhance the response of antioxidant systems under drought stress. Although growers in Chihuahua use auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins as enhancers in the vine crop, the application of brassinosteroids (BRs) is not yet used, because there is poorly knowledge about their role and its activity involved in the yield and quality components of the vines and their antioxidant capacity. The brassinosteroids are successfully used to increase production, the size and weight of bunches and berries, to improve the color of grapes, to extend their postharvest life, and to increase the tolerance of plants to abiotic stress, specifically drought. Therefore, this review collects, analyses, and summarizes recently published information and highlights the importance of the properties of brassinosteroids as an antioxidant response in metabolism, fruit production, and quality, their postharvest action in vine cultivation, and recommends their safety use for grape-growing areas in Chihuahua, Mexico, and regions in the world that suffer from drought
Effect of disease complex of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium solani on fungus root rot incidence, nematode reproduction, and enzyme activities involved in defense mechanisms of grafted cucurbit hybrids
Get PDFThis study investigated the interplay between the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Mi), and the fungal pathogen, Fusarium solani (Fs) in grafted cucurbit hybrids (watermelon and sweet melon). Results revealed that Fs root rot incidence was exacerbated when combined with Mi. Nonetheless, the existence of Fs caused a noteworthy decline in Mi reproduction, affecting hosts that were both resistant and susceptible. Additionally, plant growth suffered more from combined infection than from single pathogens, with the susceptible sweet melon showing greater growth reduction. The study further explored the impact of the disease complex on antioxidant defence mechanisms. Leaf tissues from both grafted hybrids displayed elevated levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and APX) upon infection with Fs alone, Mi alone, or both. Interestingly, the susceptible sweet melon exhibited a stronger increase in these defence responses compared to the resistant watermelon. Notably, combined Fs and Mi infection led to the highest levels of MDA, SOD, and APX activity. These findings highlight the complex interplay between Fs and Mi in cucurbit hybrids. While Fs virulence increased with coinfection, Mi reproduction was suppressed. Furthermore, the study suggests that susceptible plants may have a more pronounced activation of antioxidant defence mechanisms when confronted with the combined stress of these pathogens