Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Growth response of four dominant conifer species in moist temperate region of Pakistan (Ayubia National Park)
No full textDendrochronological potential of conifers from Ayubia National Park, Pakistan was determined. A total of four conifer species (Abies pindrow (Royle ex D. Don), Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don), Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jacks. and Taxus baccata L.) were studied from different elevations. Comparative analysis of DBH-growth rate and DBH-age were performed among the species with maximum age showed by A. pindrow of 456 years with 0.01 cm/year growth rate. P. wallichiana was found to be fast growing with 0.05 cm/year growth among other species while C. deodara trees were having the strongest correlation between their age and DBH values (R2= 0.9225). Quality of cross dating and accuracy of tree ring measurements was checked by COFECHA. Mean sensitivity of all species ranges from 0.265 to 0.328 with auto-correlations range from 0.562 to 0.712 which specified the dendrochronological significance of these conifers. ARSTAN program was used for autoregressive modeling to remove any possible variance other than climatic disturbance and to standardize the tree ring chronologies. Tree-ring variations were evident among all the cores possessing distinct wide and narrow fluctuations of ring growth with A. pindrow (Avg. mean ring width = 1.46 mm) and T. baccata (Avg. mean ring width = 1.80 mm). All the conifer species showed good climatic signals in their tree ring measurements and are valuable for the dendroclimatic growth response investigations
Quality characteristics, phytochemical analysis, and antioxidant of extract Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.)
Get PDFCuscuta reflexa is an extensive leafless, parasitic climber that has been used since ancient times for various purposes and as a therapeutic plant in different areas of Pakistan. The phytochemical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and fatty acid investigations were carried out on the leaves, stems, and fruit extracts of C. reflexa. Preliminary phytochemical screening has shown the presence of various phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, protein, amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The percentage variation of some components fluctuated like moisture (6.85-10.34%), ash (5.38-7.83%), acid insoluble ash (0.28-0.71%), water-soluble ash (0.78-0.96%), hexane extractives (1.23-1.91%), alcohol extractives (10.39-12.23%), water extractives (25.34-30.35%), loss on drying (1.16-1.47%) and crude fiber (15.04-18.26%) for leaves, stems, and fruits respectively. The level of free fatty acid was different as follows: leaves (2.37%), stems (2.16%), and fruits (2.94%); a high value of peroxide was observed in stems, followed by leaves and fruits. The iodine and saponification values in leaves, stems, and fruits were found in the range of 105-116 g I2/100 g, and 165-175 mg KOH/g. The antibacterial activity was carried out by the disc diffusion method against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. It was found that all extracts of the selected plant were most active against E. coli with a zone of inhibition of 4, 4, and 6 at MIC 250 as compared to S. aureus, which showed a zone of inhibition of 3, 4, and 5 at MIC 250 µg/ml. The antioxidant potential of the leaves, stems, and fruit extracts, examined on the basis of their scavenging activity of free radicals, was found to be good. The result of the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis reveals that linoleic acid (38.10–40.53%) is the most abundant fatty acid of C. reflexa and the smallest amount was found in tricosanoic acid (0.12-0.19%). In general, the isolated compounds were reported to possess anticarcinogenic, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was concluded that C. reflexa has a markedly therapeutic potential to heal wounds and may provide the pharmacological basis for its folk uses
Marker assisted selection (MAS) for downy mildew resistance in grapevines using Rpv3.1 associated markers
Get PDFPowdery mildew and downy mildew are primary fungal diseases that cause significant damage in viticulture. Therefore, breeding powdery and/or downy mildew resistance is one of the priority subjects in grapevine breeding programs. This study aims to conduct early-selection by marker assisted selection (MAS) method among 869 genotypes obtained through crossbreeding ‘Alphonse Lavallee’ × ‘Regent’ cultivars using the markers (GF18-06 and GF18-08) associated with downy mildew resistance gene region Rpv3.1 to develop new grapevine cultivars resistant to downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola. A total of 869 hybrid plants which were obtained after crossing ‘Alphonse Lavallee’ × ‘Regent’ in a 3-year breeding program were used in the study. The hybrid plants were scored for the resistance level based on their sporulation intensity after artificial inoculation of P. viticola. DNA samples of the hybrid plants were amplified with GF18-06 and GF18-08 markers in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for MAS. The alleles which were associated to Rpv3.1 resistance locus and the results of resistance scoring were compared, and the applicability of the markers in MAS was verified. It was determined that the GF18-08/410 bp marker can be used successfully for MAS. Gf 18-06 marker 385 bp, 390 bp and 407 bp gave false positive results in our population, respectively 8.86%, 9.02% and 37.94%. Therefore, this may limit its use for MAS
Response of common bean to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria under different levels of phosphorus
No full textThe usage of biofertilizer as alternative or support to mineral fertilizer encourage continuously due to fertilizer cost and environmental pollution. The effect of three phosphorus doses (0, 30, and 60 kg ha-1 P2O5) with a control and different commercial biofertilizers, Bontera (Bacillus amyloliquefociens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma kanigi), Bactoboost (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus magaterium, Loctococcus spp.), Koklendirici (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus magaterium, Loctococcus spp.), Lifebac NP (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus magaterium), natural organic matter and humic substances (NSAH) (15% organic matter, 6% organic carbon, 13% humic + fulvic acid), and Rhizobia (Rhizobium leguminosorum)) were investigated. Increasing phosphorus doses positively affected all the investigated characters. Koklendirici biofertilizer positively affected the important yield components, but highest grain yield was determined in the NSAH plots. Increasing phosphorus (P) doses did not affect nitrogen (N), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) contents of the grain while phosphorus, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) contents showed an increase. Difference in climate might have influenced these results. These results indicated that understanding of bio and mineral fertilizer would enable us to use biofertilizer as an alternative to mineral fertilizer to common bean production
Evaluation of the performance of some Romanian barley genotypes under organic agriculture conditions in South-West Romania
No full textThe purpose of this research was to assess certain agronomic traits (grain yield, test weight and protein content) of ten Romanian barley genotypes in order to identify the most suitable genotypes for organic agricultural system. Field experiments were performed for three years under organic culture conditions at Agricultural Research and Development Station (SCDA) Șimnic, Craiova, Dolj County. ANOVA results have showed significant effects of genotype and experimental year on all studied traits and also significant effects of genotype x year interaction on test weight and protein content. On average, the ‘Gabriela’ variety registered the highest grain yield (4.68 t ha-1), this variety being the most stable (CV 19.87%). The ‘DH 375-4’ line had the highest test weight (65.63 kg hl-1), and the ‘DH 424-1’ line had the highest protein content (10.51%). The plant breeders may use these genotypes depending on the referred direction by means of the breeding program (malt or feed)
Characterization of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ pomace extracts and evaluation of antifungal potential of Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp.
Get PDFThis study was conducted to capitalize on the waste produced by the vinification process which proved to be important sources of bioactive compounds with significant antifungal properties. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape pomace extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenol content, antioxidant potential, but also evaluated in terms of antifungal effect against phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp.). The isolates used in this study were grown on three potato-dextrose-agar culture media, Czapek Dox and Malt-Agar. The highest amount of polyphenols was determined from the extract obtained by the microwave-assisted method (42.76 mg/g GAE), followed by the extract obtained by maceration (30.37 mg/g GAE). The lowest amount was obtained by the ultrasound-assisted method (15.06 mg/g GAE). However, the highest antioxidant activity was determined in the macerated extract, TEAC = 0.0523. The results of in vitro tests clearly indicated a high inhibitory percentage on the mycelium growth rate and, respectively, a significant decrease in spore germination power in Fusarium sp. (91.56%). However, for the pathogen Alternaria sp. further studies are needed to correctly validate the percentage of inhibition, as alcohol has been shown to have a negative effect on it
Foliar feeding of boron influencing biochemical attributes and enzyme activity in dragon fruit (Selenicereus monacanthus)
Get PDFBoron plays crucial role in metabolic processes during fruit ripening and in turn ensures better fruit quality. However limited studies have been conducted to assess the influence of boron on fruit quality of dragon fruit. In the present study, the efficacy of boron was investigated on red-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus monacanthus). Four levels of boron (100 mgL-1, 200 mgL-1, 300 mgL-1 and 400 mgL-1) were applied on 7- and 14-day-old flower buds. The highest pollen germinability, seed weight, fruit weight (274.32 ± 36.72g), pulp content (70.80 ± 1.79%) and pulp firmness (2.74 ± 0.18 N) were recorded when B was applied@300 mg L-1 on 7-day old flower bud. The same treatment also manifested higher soluble solid contents (17.42 ± 0.62 °Brix), sugar content, total carbohydrate (15.92 ± 1.12%), protein (1.33±0.11%), ascorbic acid (112.66 ± 4.98 µg/g), betacyanin (32.86±2.52 µg/g), total phenol (95.26 ± 3.72 µg GAE/ 100g), total flavonoid (37.65 ±2.14 mg QE/100g) and anti-oxidative activity (27.71±2.14 mM Fe II/100g). Correlation studies elucidated significant positive influence of pollen germinability on fruit weight, pulp content and pulp firmness. The activities of α-amylase, invertase and sucrose synthase enzymes were significantly upregulated with the application of B 300 mg L-1 on 7-day old flower bud. On the other hand, the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes such as cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectin methyl esterase were reduced with increasing levels of boron. The principal component analysis (PCA) illustrated the maximal proximity of most of the quality attributes with B 300 mgL-1, applied at 7-day old flower bud stage, thus exemplifying it as the best treatment
Biolistic transformation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with the Oryza sativa L. H+-PPase gene for improved salt stress tolerance
Get PDFSeveral biotic and abiotic stresses adversely affect sugarcane crop. Amongst the abiotic stresses, salinity causes substantial losses to sugarcane yield. Lack of conducive environment for sugarcane flowering and unstable genome are the main constraints in sugarcane crop improvement via conventional breeding. Therefore, genetic engineering of sugarcane using Oryza sativa L. H+-PPase gene (OVP1) to confer salt tolerance is the preferred alternative strategy. In the present research, tissue culture and biolistic transformation protocols for sugarcane were optimized. For callus induction, Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) was most effective. Maximum callus induction (50.22%) was achieved on CM-3 augmented with 2.5 mgL-1 2,4-D. The induced calli was subjected to biolistic transformation. For biolistic transformation, the gold particles (0.6 and 1.0 µm) and plasmid DNA (100 and 50 ng) were used for 1X and 2X bombardment. Significant differences (P≤0.05) were observed amongst the gold particles and plasmid DNA concentrations. Maximum transformation frequencies were observed when calli were bombarded 2X with 0.6 µm gold particles coated with 100 ng of DNA (23.60%). Selection and regeneration of transgenic calli were performed on MS media augmented with BAP (2.5 mgL-), NAA (1 mgL-1) hygromycin (25 mgL-1) and 2% coconut water. Regenerated plants after root induction on MS media containing NAA (2 mgL-1) and 2% coconut water were transferred to loam and clay (1:1) and acclimatized to greenhouse condition. The transgenic plants were confirmed through PCR and RT-PCR
The influence of the biostimulator on the yield components and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor)
Get PDFFaba bean is the third most important legume species after peas and beans in the world. The study on the influence of the biostimulator Slavol-S on the morphological and production characteristics of faba beans (Vicia faba var. minor) were carried out in the growing seasons of two successive years, in the agro-ecological conditions of Banja Luka. During the field research, the following parameters were analyzed: plant height (cm), number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of grains per pod, weight of grains per pod (g), harvest index (%) and grain yield (kg ha-1). Two-year average height of the plants in the control treatment was 81.3 cm and under the treatment with biostimulator Slavol-S it was 105.1 cm. The effect of the treatment with the biostimulator on the height was highly significant in both years. Two-year average number of pods per plant in the control treatment was 9.25, while in the treatment with the biostimulator it was 12.38. The effect of biostimulator on the number of pods per plant was highly significant. In the control variant, two year average number of seed per plant was 1.97, while biostimulator treatment provided 2.41 seeds per plant. Two year average harvest index under the treatment with biostimulator was 9.33% higher than in the control variant. The impact of biostimulants was highly statistically significant and is recommended for improving beans production
The effectiveness of Rhizobium bacteria on soil fertility and sustainable crop production under cover and catch crops management and green manuring
No full textThe ability of adaptation of Rhizobia in diverse environment namely, soil, rhizosphere and grown within legume roots may lead to nitrogen fixation, in a complicated process which contain a coordinated exchange of signal between plants and the symbionts. Green manures, cash and cover crops have significant role in soil fertility. Green manuring techniques also can decrease biomass burning known as main source of air pollutant in the atmosphere. Catch crops have positive effects on both physical and chemical properties of soil, subsequent crop yield, decrease nitrogen leaching into the ground water, decrease soil erosion, and decrease nitrogen losses in cropping systems. Cover crops are those crops which cover the ground and protect loss of plant nutrients, the soil from erosion, decrease rate of soil moisture by evaporation, lower ground temperature and improve weed control and nutrient recycling. Rhizobia produce Nod factors during the early development of nodules upon perception of flavonoid molecules secreted by legume roots, and Nod factor’s structure dependents on species, chemical, substitutions added which may influence legume specificity. The benefic effects of rhizobia may depend on rhizobium strain, the genotype of the legume, management practices and bio-physical environment. Rhizobium can directly promote both plant growth and plant health, and modulating root architecture and growth via the release of plant phytohormones. In this manuscript, we want to review the most important advantages and benefits of green manures, catch and cover crops with considering the positive effects of rhizobium on soil fertility and sustainable agricultural production