Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Moringa oleifera based silver nanoparticles: Synthesis and insecticidal toxicity against fall armyworm
Get PDFThe fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major pest of several crops leading to significant yield losses. Developing effective and eco-friendly pest management strategies against fall armyworm (FAW) is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the synthesis and evaluation of the insecticidal activity of silver nanoparticles based on an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL-AgNPs) against FAW. The synthesized MOL-AgNPs were characterized and confirmed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. Four concentrations (200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm) of MOL-AgNPs and a deionized water as blank control were tested against larval mortality of the last three larval instars of FAW by food dipping method. Results showed different concentrations of MOL-AgNPs exhibited significantly higher larvicidal activity (p<0.05). In the 4th instar, 67.5%, 82.5%, and 95% larval mortality were observed in MOL-AgNPs at 500 ppm after 24, 48, and 72 h of the larval exposure, respectively. Similarly in the 5th instar larvae, 72.5% (24 h), 83.75% (48 h), and 90% (72 h) mortality was observed after larval exposures to maximum concentration (500 ppm) of MOL-AgNPs. The 6th instar larvae showed 52.5% (24 h), 57.5% (48 h), and 85% (72 h) percentage mortality at 500 ppm. The MOL-AgNPs demonstrated high larvicidal activity which increased with the increase in concentrations of MOL-AgNPs and duration of exposure. The concentration levels with increased duration of exposure resulted in higher larval mortalities in all three larval instars. However, a more pronounced impact of larvicidal activity was observed on the 4th and 5th instars as compared to the 6th instar. The mortality rates recorded for both the concentration of the nanoparticles and the duration of exposure highlighted the potential of MOL-AgNPs as an eco-friendly and effective pest management strategy
Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 52(4), 2024
No full textThe papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 4, Volume 52, 2024 represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, crop science, and forestry. Among the interesting articles, we invite you to find news about: Investigating rhizosphere dynamics and plant-microbe interactions to alleviate environmental stress; Viticulture in Santorini Island: current trends and challenges; Evaluation of mango fruit quality in relation to harvest time in the subtropical region of India; Accumulation of capsaicin in two chili pepper varieties (Capsicum annuum L.) at different stages of fruit maturity; Unveiling the nutritional value: Phytochemical profiling of Greek Rosa canina L. germplasm across ripening stages and fertilization treatment; Complete chloroplast genome sequence and characteristic analysis of Paeonia suffruticosa from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin; Antioxidant properties and chemical composition of white truffle Tirmania nivea and its host plant Helianthemum lippii; Phytopharmacological profile, nutritional value and amaranthine content of Amaranthus and their significance in medicine; Fatty acids composition of Tambourissa comorensis fruits from the Comoros: Insights into nutritional and therapeutic potentials; Deciphering the drought tolerance mechanisms in citrus rootstocks
Assessment of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of fermented Andean blackberry beverage enriched with medicinal plants of Ecuador
Get PDFIn recent years there has been a great interest in functional beverages with antioxidant capacity that impart various health implications upon consumption due to the presence of various bioactive components, like phenols. Fruit juices are excellent matrices for the delivery of active components for these functional beverages. This research was focused on developing and testing the biological activity of a new fermented blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) beverage enriched with different plants as a new product on the functional food market. Several Ecuadorian species (spices, aromatic, and medicinal) have been tested for the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Methods like Folin Ciocalteu, α-diphenyl-α-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method (DPPH), free-radical-scavenging activity (ABTS), and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were used. Among the tested plants, arrayán (Myrcianthes hallii), plantain (Plantago major), ishpingo (Ocotea quixos), and ataco (Amaranthus quitensis) were selected. The study demonstrates the ability of medicinal plants to improve the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, but also the sensory properties of the functional drink compared to the blackberry fermented drink. The highest values of the analyzed characteristics (total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, sensory evaluation), were obtained in the case of the treatment consisting of fermented blackberry beverage enriched with 4 g of medicinal plants
Mycochemical contents of higher fungi and their in vitro effect on plant growth
Get PDFThis research work is part of a project to develop the natural substances of higher basidiomycetes from Algeria’s forest. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive compounds of higher fungi, by quantifying phenols and flavonoids using spectrophotometry. The assay, showed that the highest quantity of flavonoids was recorded in the extract of Trametes quercina (10.27 ± 0.015 mg QE/g), followed by Suillus mediterraneensis (7.82 ± 0.011 mg QE/g). For phenols, amount of 442.23 and 432.88 mg GAE/g were respectively found in Lactarius zonarioides and S. mediterraneensis. In addition, TLC chromatographic screening was carried out for the first time in order to select higher basidiomycetes containing secondary metabolites. The results reported that all the basidiomycete extracts are rich in phenols, tannins and flavonoids with a similarity of secondary metabolites between the different extracts. Following these chemical investigations, eight extracts showing a phyto-stimulating effect were selected for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of flavones and flavonols was detected: Flavones were found in Agaricus bisporus, Boletus sp., Pleurotus dryinus, S. mediterraneensis, Coprinus atramentarius, T. quercina and Xerocomus sp. On the other hand, flavonols were found in C. atramentarius, Pleurotus ostreatus and P. dryinus. Additionally, tannic acid was found in S. mediterraneensis, chromatographic profiles show that basidiomycete extracts produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, with many compounds common to all extracts. The study of plant growth enhancement by extracts of basidiomycetes on eggplant, in hydroponic conditions, is a novelty. The chemical study confirmed that these extracts do indeed contain a diversity of bioactive products that contribute to increasing plant yield, thus offering strong agricultural potential
Morphological, biochemical and nutritional variations in a Mexican purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) variety exposed to salt stress during the vegetative stage
Get PDFSalt stress limits productivity of crop plants, and differential responses may be observed among genotypes. Herein we analyzed the effects of saline stress induced by the application of different concentrations of sodium chloride (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 M NaCl) in a local Mexican variety of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) named ‘Atlapulco’ in vegetative stage. The NaCl concentrations were applied in the Hoagland nutrient solution used in irrigation for 14 days under greenhouse conditions, using perlite as a substrate. Analysis of variance and comparison of means were carried out with the data obtained. NaCl concentrations from 0.50 M reduced canopy coverage 36.8% and stem diameter by almost 21%, while all NaCl doses reduced the leaf area by 28.2%, on average, as compared to the control. Dry stem biomass and chlorophyll b were reduced by the saline gradient. Secondary stems and root length increased with 1.00 M by 23 and 29%, respectively. Proline concentration both in leaves and stems increased by 223.9 and 138%, respectively, when applying 1.00 M NaCl, compared to the control. Applying 0.75 and 1.00 M NaCl reduced N concentrations by 47 and 28.8% in leaf tissues, respectively, compared to the control. The concentrations of P and K in leaves, and K in roots also decreased with the saline treatments, while those of Ca and Mg were not affected in any of the analyzed tissues. The highest concentrations of Na in leaves were observed in doses 0.50 and 0.75 M NaCl, surpassing the control by 67.5 and 73.1%, respectively. The findings reported herein are very useful to propose programs for the recovery of saline soils in the region and design environmental policies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change on food production
Spectral analysis and bioactive profiling of hot methanolic extracts from Phoenix dactylifera seeds: Antibacterial efficacy and in vitro cytotoxicity insights
Get PDFPhoenix dactylifera, commonly called date palm, has great importance as a fruiting plant. The hot methanolic extract of date seeds (HMEDSE), was further fractionated into three fractions (F1, F2, and F3) through column chromatography. The three fractions were composed of various bioactive constituents which was analysed through GC-MS and FT-IR analysis. The results revealed remarkable antibacterial properties of crude HMEDSE against various pathogenic microorganisms affecting humans. The spectrum of activity of HMEDSE against various human pathogenic bacteria showed the following sequence based on its efficacy, Escherichia coli (17.6 ± 2.5 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.3 ± 2.5 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (16.3 ± 1.5 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes (15 ± 2.6 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15 ± 2 mm), and lastly, Bacillus subtilis (14.3 ± 2 mm). Furthermore, HMEDSE exhibited cytotoxicity, with an IC50 of 73.5 ± 0.5 µg/mL against MCF-7 ATCC breast cancer cells, leading to gradual apoptosis
Insights into oilseed rape seed deterioration: accelerated ageing effects on lipid composition and germination processes
Get PDFAlthough high-quality naturally refined oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids that give it exceptional biological value and a distinctive role within human nutrition, precisely because of its chemical composition oilseed rape seeds have limited longevity. This study addresses the complex dynamics of oilseed rape seed deterioration, shedding light on the impact of accelerated and natural aging on lipid composition and subsequent effects on germination and early seedling growth. Seeds from four oilseed rape varieties underwent 72 hours of accelerated aging at 41 °C and 100% relative humidity. Gas chromatography was employed for fatty acid (FA) composition analysis after converting FAs into volatile methyl esters (FAME). Tocopherols were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results revealed high initial germination across all genotypes, with a notable decline after one year of storage. Double-stress conditions intensified this decline, emphasizing the vulnerability of seeds to elevated temperature and humidity. Genotypic differences in germination underscore distinct mechanisms for preserving vigour under stress. Both natural and accelerated aging induced a significant reduction in unsaturated fatty acids, notably oleic and eicosenoic acids. The study highlights the crucial role of tocopherols in mitigating oxidative stress and preserving seed quality during aging. Altered lipid composition emerged as a factor influencing seed viability and seedling morphology, particularly under short-term storage and deterioration conditions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of oilseed rape seed resilience and offer insights into potential strategies for enhancing seed storage and maintaining seed quality in the face of environmental stressors
Impact of different nucleus tuber sizes on growth, yield, and physiology attributes of potato production
Get PDFPotato is the most important short-season annual herbaceous crop. Small nucleus tuber seeds are difficult to germinate and emerge in the field. This research evaluated how potato nucleus tuber size impacts seed production and plant development. We used the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in the first week of June to seed six potato nucleus tuber sizes: T1 (0.47 g), T2 (0.84 g), T3 (2.0 g), T4 (5.0 g), T5 (10 g), and T6 (25.0 g). Plants were 30 cm apart, and rows were 76 cm apart. All treatments significantly differed in terms of days to first germination, germination percentage, flowering, physiological maturity, number of main stems per plant, tuber weight, marketable tuber yield, size of large tuber, tuber starch content, and total starch yield. However, the interaction between treatment and environment had no effect on marketable tuber yield. This research found that treatment T1 had substantial outcomes in germination (22.5), blooming (67.5), and physiological maturity (107.1). Larger tubers T6 (25.0 g) contain more buds, which increases germination percentage (%), number of main stems, plant height, yield, and physiological parameters, outperforming other treatments. This research found that seed tuber size affects crop development. Plants from bigger seed tubers performed better than those from smaller seeds
Responses of containerized seedlings of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) under the field conditions
Get PDFThis paper aimed to monitor the adaptation of one-year black locust seedlings in the field conditions. The seedlings of three Romanian provenances were previously produced in the containerized method under eight different substrate conditions (peat MKS 1, peat MKS 3, rendzina, rendzina + sand, dystric cambisol, dystric cambisol + sand, eutric cambisol and eutric cambisol + sand), and three water regimes (70%, 50% and 30%). The survival rate of seedlings and the main growth traits at the end of the first year after planting in the field were evaluated according to each type of treatment in which the seedlings were previously produced in containers. In field conditions, the growing traits of seedlings were not influenced by their provenance. The seedlings that were produced in the greenhouse in eutric cambisol + sand substrate, regardless of the water regime and provenance, were the shortest in the field conditions. The highest values of height were registered for the seedlings produced in peat MKS3 substrate under a medium watering regime. The seedlings that were produced in containers on dystric cambisol with sand substrate under high and medium water regimes had the best response in terms of survival in the field
Exogenous application of salicylic acid and NPK promotes tomato growth parameters, yield, and nutraceutical quality under cold stress
Get PDFThe usage of biostimulants such as salicylic acid (SA) and NPK has emerged as an innovative practice for increasing crop production and quality. It plays a crucial role in the control of many physiological and metabolic processes. This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of SA and NPK treatment on the yield, growth, and quality characteristics of tomatoes grown in field conditions. The experiment structure laid out RCBD with three replications. Studied the effect of nine treatments of NPK (7 g/L), SA (0.05 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM), and combination of both (NPK+ 0.05 mM, NPK+ 0.1 mM, NPK+ 0.5 mM and NPK+ 1.0 mM) on two varieties of tomato. The foliar applications of SA, NPK, and their mixtures were administered during the planting phase, the onset of flowering, and the fruiting stage by maintaining intervals of 10 days after 15 days of transplanting. The response variables were yield (Plant height, number of fruits per plant, leaf area) fruit quality parameters (firmness, pericarp thickness, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids), nutraceutical quality parameters (Total sugars, ascorbic acid, non-reducing sugars, lycopene, β-carotene, reducing sugars, total phenols, and proline contents). The results indicate that foliar spray with SA and NPK boosts yield and phytochemical component production in tomato fruits compared to control. According to the findings, the treatments (NPK+ 0.5 mM and NPK+ 1.0 mM) showed the best results regarding bioactive compounds, yield, and quality parameters in both varieties of tomato under cold stress conditions