Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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A novel approach for reducing water stress on sunflower plants by using medicinal plant extracts rather than artificial growth regulators
Get PDF One of the most significant physiological stressors that negatively impact plants in numerous vital areas of their growth and metabolism is water stress. This study estimates the effects of natural bio-stimulants (Origanum majorana, Nigella sativa and Curcurma longa) extracts for the first time, on water stress of sunflower plant in comparison with synthetic growth regulators (glycein betaine, proline, indole acetic acid, benzyl adenine and ascorbic acid). Water stress appeared to decrease of lengths, fresh and dry weights of shoot and root. Also caused a significant drop in chlorophylls and carotenoids. Foliar application of these synthetic and natural growth regulators significantly decreased the negative effects of drought stress on all studied morphological parameters and pigment contents of sunflower. HPLC analysis of bio-stimulants appeared six phenolic acids, one phenol and two flavonoids were found in all natural extracts. Gallic, rosmarinic, caffeic, syringic acids and kaempferol are the major phenolic compounds (more than 1000 µg/g) detected in Origanum majorana. While gallic acid, hesperetin and ferulic acid are the major phenolic compounds (more than 1000 µg/g) present in Curcurma longa. Chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, catechin, pyro catechol, coffeic acid and rutin are the dominant phenolic compounds present in Nigella sativa. The Nigella sativa treatment showed the highest decrease in proline levels. This may be due to the high concentration of caffeic acid (2406.97 g/g). The Origanum majorana treatment had the highest levels of chl. a and carotenoid contents, which rose by about 32% and 72%, respectively, compared to the stress-treated plant. The highly decrease in catalase activity, which is considered as most important indicator to water stress, appeared in Origanum majorana treatment. We suggest the use of these natural extracts as an alternative way, which appeared a significant increase in growth and biochemical near to synthetic regulators in the treatment of water stress due to the fact that these extracts contain many important phenolic compounds that have a role in the treatment of water stress
Battling arid adversity: unveiling the resilience of cotton in the face of drought and innovative mitigation approaches
Get PDFClimate change has had significant impacts on agriculture, particularly on cotton production, where drought has emerged as a major threat worldwide. Long and intense dry periods in cotton-growing regions have become more frequent and severe. Drought stress severely affects various aspects of cotton plants, including chlorophyll pigments, carbohydrate metabolism, and enzyme activities related to fiber development, such as vacuolar invertase and sucrose synthase. Furthermore, drought stress disrupts the movement of nutrients toward the reproductive tissues in cotton, resulting in compromised pollen function, propagative failure, and fiber characteristics. To tackle these issues, scientists have made advancements in creating drought-resistant cotton varieties through transgenic methods or molecular breeding techniques, genome editing, CRISPR/Cas9, utilizing quantitative trait loci (QTL). Moreover, the application of plant growth regulators and mineral elements has displayed the potential to improve cotton’s ability to endure drought stress while also enhancing fiber yield and quality. These approaches activate stress-responsive signaling pathways, which could contribute to mitigating reproductive failure and improving fiber characteristics. While the impact of drought stress on cotton plants has been extensively studied, the variations in fiber quality resulting from drought stress are not yet completely understood. Current research has been focused on unraveling the mechanisms underlying these changes, including the physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations during the multiplicative growth phase that contribute to poor fiber development. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the development of novel strategies to alleviate the adverse impact of worldwide weather changes on cotton growth and fiber quality. This research focuses on the drought stress in cotton cultivation and explores its different effects on cotton morphology, physiology, crop yield, and fiber characteristics as well as mechanisms by which cotton exhibits drought tolerance and highlights innovative strategies to mitigate drought stress
Using biocontrol agents and sodium nitrophenolate to control powdery mildew and improve the growth and productivity of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
Get PDFIn vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the potential of four biocontrol agents (BCAs), namely Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride, and T. harzianum, individually and in combination with sodium nitrophenolate (SN) to control marigold powdery mildew. The results showed that all treatments led to a significant inhibition in the conidial germination of Golovinomyces cichoracearum in vitro. Maximum inhibition was recorded by T. harzianum (1×109 CFU mL-1) + SN (1.5%), followed by T. viride + SN, and B. megaterium + SN at the same concentrations as follows: 83.6, 79.1, and 70.6%, respectively. While the lowest inhibition (20.4%) was recorded by P. fluorescens (1×105 CFU mL-1). In the greenhouse, all treatments applied significantly reduced the disease severity and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The combination treatments had a better disease control response than individual treatments. Similar results were achieved in the field, where disease severity reduced to 9.2 and 10.3% in plants treated with T. harzianum + SN in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to 40.2 and 44.1% in control in both seasons. Likewise, AUDPC reduced to 274 and 315 in plants treated with T. harzianum + SN in the first and second seasons, respectively, compared to 1207 and 1340 in control in both seasons. The treatments improved growth and productivity characteristics, as well as photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, while significantly reducing free proline (FP). In conclusion, BCAs applied individually or in combination with SN can be used effectively to suppress powdery mildew of marigold
Assessment of biochemical and physiological responses of several grape varieties under water deficit stress
Get PDFGrapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are a crucial crop globally, particularly in arid regions where water scarcity is a concern. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of several grape varieties to water deficit stress. The research was conducted within the controlled environment in a factorial experiment with a completely randomized setup comprising three replicates. The first variable, irrigation, consisted of two levels: a 15-day water stress and a control group receiving irrigation maintained at field capacity. The second variable was the grape variety, encompassing a total of 15 commercial varieties. Water deficit stress reduced chlorophyll content in all varieties. ‘Bidaneh Sefid’ variety had the highest chlorophyll content (8.76 µg.g-1 FW). Furthermore, this variety demonstrated superior relative water content under stress (79.22%), whereas ‘Keshmesh’ variety exhibited such performance under normal conditions. The results illustrated a proline content range spanning from 48.48 to 61.01 µmol.g-1 FW. Notably, water deficit stress resulted in elevated proline content, with the highest mean observed in the ‘Khalili’ variety under such stress conditions. Water scarcity impacted grape traits significantly: reduced chlorophyll, relative water content, increased leakage, higher proline, carbohydrate, anthocyanin, and phenols, with varying antioxidants. ‘Bidaneh Sefid’ variety had most chlorophyll, ‘Khalili’ highest proline under stress, ‘Maskeh’ variety excelled in carbohydrate. ‘Fakhri’, ‘Filam Seedless’, ‘Shiregi’ varieties topped anthocyanins; ‘Khalili’ variety showed best antioxidant activity. The findings highlight specific grape varieties that exhibit desirable traits under water deficit stress, such as higher chlorophyll content, proline accumulation, and carbohydrate accumulation. These varieties could serve as valuable genetic resources for breeding programs aimed at developing drought-tolerant grape cultivars. Additionally, the identification of varieties with enhanced antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin levels holds potential for the development of grape-based products with possible health benefits
Bio-stimulants as alternatives to mineral fertilizers: influence on chia (Salvia hispanica L.) growth, yield, and fatty acid composition
Get PDFOne of the main components of sustainable agricultural strategies in crop production is substitution of chemical fertilizers with alternatives. This study aimed to examine the effects of partial replacement of mineral fertilizers with bio-stimulants (yeast and/or moringa leaves extract). Field experiment was conducted during two successive seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The fertilization treatments were distributed in a factorial design. Treatments included 75%, 50% or 0% NPK combined with yeast, moringa extract, or their combination in comparison with control treatment (100% NPK). The partial substitution of mineral fertilizers with yeast and/or moringa extract had significant impacts on growth, yield and quality components. Decreasing NPK level significant decreased growth and yield components of chia plants, except for 75% NPK combined with yeast and/or moringa. In contrast, decreasing NPK level significantly increased the chemical and quality components of chia. Treating with 75% NPK combined with yeast and/or moringa gave the highest micronutrients and fatty acid content. GC analysis showed definition of nine main components, and the major components were linolenic and linoleic acids. Linolenic acid increased with decreasing NPK, and the highest values obtained with bio-stimulant treatments with zero % NPK. The results of this study recommended that partial substitution of 25% of mineral fertilizers with bio-stimulants (yeast and/or moringa) is the best alternative not only for maintaining the growth and yield component, but also improving the quality of chia plants
Morphogenetic characterization of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infecting white stripe disease of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Get PDFRice is a major cereal crop which ensure food security to more than half of the global population. Several biotic factors impact rice grain quality and its final production. White stripe disease, caused by pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is considered among the major limiting factor for reducing rice yields and quality. Present study was performed to understand the white stripe disease, which has been frequently misdiagnosed as bacterial leaf blight (BLB) due to similar symptoms. A survey was carried out based on accessibility and farmer participation to monitor incidence and sample collection. The survey was conducted in districts Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad, these districts were selected for their importance for rice cultivation in Pakistan. The total sample size was around 500 leaves distributed evenly throughout each study area. The results of study indicated presence of new pathogen of rice. These isolates were biochemically identified and confirmed by gram staining negative, 3% KOH positive, 5% salt tolerance positive, oxidase test negative, catalase test positive, starch hydrolysis test negative, nitrate reductase test positive, indole test negative, lactose test positive, maltose test positive, methyl red test negative, Voges-prokauer test negative and urea hydrolysis test negative. The pathogenicity test was confirmed that pathogen and the Sialkot isolate were the most aggressive isolate among the five isolates collected form the studied areas. The molecular characterization was accomplished by PCR and sequencing. The results of the phylogenetic study indicate that this pathogen belongs to a distinct group, as it is distantly related to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). This study provides important findings into a novel clade of pathogen causing white stripe disease in rice
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses of Turkish sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) varieties using ISSR markers and chloroplast trnL-F IGS region
Get PDFGenetic diversity levels are critical for characterizing and utilizing germplasm collections and for making improvements related to elite germplasms. The current study investigated the genetic diversity level and phylogenetic relationships in ten Turkish sweet corn varieties (Zea mays var. saccharata) using 15 ISSR markers and trnL-F intergenic spacer regions, respectively. A total of 75 loci were identified, of which 57 (76%) were polymorphic. The highest polymorphism ratio (100%) was found using UBC811, UBC817, and UBC823 ISSR markers, while the lowest ratio (45.4%) was identified using UBC829. According to trnL-F intergenic spacer region analyses, nucleotide diversity was found as π: 0.030 for Nei and θ: 0.036 for Watterson, respectively. In trnL-F intergenic spacer regions, several polymorphic (variable) sites were identified 28 of which 57% (16/28) were parsimony informative sites and 399 sites were invariable (monomorphic). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that two major groups were observed named groups A and B and ten sweet corn genotypes clustered along with known maize genotypes in subgroup B2 with 98% bootstrap value. Consequently, the ISSR data obtained in this study revealed that Turkish sweet corn genotypes exhibit extensive genetic diversity, and the trnL-F intergenic spacer region was successfully utilized to differentiate between maize genotypes from various origins and whole plant taxa
Phytochemical properties, antioxidant potential and fatty acids profiling of three dragon fruit species grown under sub-tropical climate
Get PDFThe physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of one white pulped (Hylocereus undatus; DG-I) and two red pulped dragon fruit species (H. polyrhizus, DG-II; H. costaricencis, DG-III) grown under sub-tropical conditions of north-west India were determined. Fruit size, fruit weight, pulp weight and pulp: peel ratio was significantly higher in DG-III, though the fruit numbers and yield per pillar was significantly less than other species. The pH, TSS, acidity, total sugar, reducing sugars and moisture content in all the species varied between 4.78-5.72, 8.63-9.31 oBrix, 0.30-0.56%, 6.64-6.91%, 4.60-4.76% and 83.44-85.82%, respectively. Total phenols and flavanols content in DG-I was 24.04 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 14.54 mg RE 100 g−1, whereas in red pulped it was significantly higher; varying between 49.12-56.40 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 30.41-31.10 mg RE 100 g−1 fruit pulp, respectively. β-carotene values in red pulped species DG-II and DG-III were 47.48 and 43.82 µg 100 g−1, respectively compared to corresponding values of 1.96 µg 100 g−1 in DG-I, a white pulped dragon fruit. Similarly, DPPH-RSC, FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS values for red pulped dragon fruit ranged between 238.98-262.04 µmol 100 g−1, 358.8-386.40 µmol TE 100 g−1, 830.40-917.0 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 571.4-589.60 µmol 100 g−1, respectively in DG-II and DG-III in comparison to respective values of 108.75 µmol 100 g−1, 192.6 µmol TE 100 g−1, 525.6 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 400.2 µmol 100 g−1 in DG-I. The β-lain, responsible for imparting red colour in DG-II and DG-III was absent in white pulped DG-I. Seed oil content in both groups of dragon fruit varied between 31.90-33.5% with highest proportion of an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (46.32-47.96%). In conclusion, red pulped dragon fruit has a considerably higher antioxidative potential than white one and these species may play a vital role in ensuring nutritional security for millions of people in developing nations
Morphological, quality characteristics, and antioxidant activity of grapes from heritage germplasm grown in Central Anatolia, Turkey
Get PDFConservation of Central Anatolian grapevine genetic resources is essential to slow down to loss of biodiversity and genetic resources. This study provided information about fruit quality characteristics including morphological, physical, chemical, and antioxidant potential of ten grape accessions from heritage germplasm grown in Central Anatolia. Physical and chemical quality characteristics measured included berry and cluster weight, must yield proportion, firmness and chroma index, pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), total anthocyanins (TAC), total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF). Also, antioxidant potential of ethanolic berry extracts were investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. ‘Kızıl Üzüm, ‘Nuniyar’, ‘Karaşabı’ and ‘Kırmızışabı’ had higher firmness values and lower must yield, which are important for storage of table grapes. ‘Kavak yaprağı' had heaviest berries, highest must yield and TSS/TA ratio giving it excellent flavour. The red grape accession with the highest TAC was ‘Kırmızışabı’, and the highest TP and TF were recorded for ‘Sergi Karası’. Eighty percent of the extracts could scavenge 50% of the DPPH free radical with 0.28 mg mL-1 of extract. ‘Tilki Kuyruğu’ had the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity due to high phenolic and flavonoid content. FRAP reducing power of extracts also showed a similar trend to DPPH free radical activity. The accessions with rich secondary metabolite profiles inhibited DPPH free radicals and increased FRAP activity. Based on these findings, it is possible to suggest that chemical characteristics including secondary metabolite profile and antioxidant activity of grapes might be used as biochemical marker to discriminate grape cultivars each other. Finally, the region where this study was carried out is very rich in grape diversity, it should be screened and valuable accessions protected for the future
Responses of Colchicum speciosum L. populations to conventional and nano-fertilizers of nitrogen through changes in morphological and biochemical attributes
Get PDFThere is an increasing interest in the use of nano-fertilizer as an alternative to traditional fertilizers, in order to increase the secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to observe the changes in morphological and biochemical properties of three populations of Colchicum speciosum L., from Iran (Filband, Sangdarka, and Kelerd), upon conventional (1.1 and 2.2 mg L-1) and nano-N (1.5 and 3 mg L-1) fertilizers based on completely randomized design (CRD). The anthocyanin and phenolic contents of leaves and corms were determined with a spectrophotometer and corm colchicine was extracted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results represented different responses of morphological and biochemical attributes to populations due to their different origins. Filband with higher altitude showed increased leaf area, plant length, corn weight and diameter when treated with N fertilizers. Increased total phenolic component (TPC) in leaves and corm and also leaf total flavonoids component (TFC) were reported in Filband upon N fertilizers. All fertilizers led to decreased leaf anthocyanin when N fertilizers were applied. A noticeable increase in colchicine was obtained in Kelerd and Sangdarka when plants were treated with 1.5 mg L-1 nano-N fertilizer. Heat map analysis of corm anthocyanin, leaf anthocyanin, leaf TPC, leaf TPC, and colchicine amount showed higher variability under the treatments. According to principal component analysis (PCA), corm TPC, leaf TFC, corm TFC, leaf area, and corm weight were specific traits of Kelerd. In conclusion, different responses of morphological and biochemical traits were reported between populations, and N fertilizers exerted diverse effects on these traits. The population from higher altitudes showed higher phenolic content and lower anthocyanin accumulation under conventional and nano-N fertilizers