Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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A study on cotton yield prediction based on the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of upper leaves
Get PDFThe early and accurate monitoring of crop yield is important for field management, storage needs, and cash flow budgeting. Traditional cotton yield measurement methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and subjective. Chlorophyll fluorescence signals originate from within the plant and have the advantages of being fast and non-destructive, and the relevant parameters can reflect the intrinsic physiological characteristics of the plant. Therefore, in this study, the top four functional leaves of cotton plants at the beginning of the flocculation stage were used to investigate the pattern of the response of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (e.g., F0, Fm, Fv/F0, and Fv/Fm) to nitrogen, and the cumulative fluorescence parameters were constructed by combining them with the leaf area index to clarify the correlation between chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and cotton yield. Support vector machine regression (SVM), an artificial neural network (BP), and an XGBoost regression tree were used to establish a cotton yield prediction model. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed the same performance as photosynthetic parameters, which decreased as leaf position decreased. It showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing N application level, reaching the maximum value at 240 kg·hm-2 of N application. The correlation between fluorescence parameters and yield in the first, second, and third leaves was significantly higher than that in the fourth leaf, and the correlation between fluorescence accumulation and yield in each leaf was significantly higher than that of the fluorescence parameters, with the best performance of Fv/Fm accumulation found in the second leaf. The correlation between Fv/Fm accumulation and yield in the top three leaves combined was significantly higher than that in the top four leaves. The correlation coefficient between Fv/Fm accumulation and yield was the highest, indicating the feasibility of applying chlorophyll fluorescence to estimate yield. Based on the machine learning algorithm used to construct a cotton yield prediction model, the estimation models of Fv/F0 accumulation and yield of the top two leaves combined as well as top three leaves combined were superior. The estimation model coefficient of determination of the top two leaves combined in the BP algorithm was the highest. In general, the Fv/F0 accumulation of the top two leaves combined could more reliably predict cotton yield, which could provide technical support for cotton growth monitoring and precision management
Salicylic acid and nutrient sprays to improve apple fruit quality
Get PDFMaturity at harvest is one of the most important properties that determine the final quality of the apple fruit. Appearance, texture, flavour and nutritional value are qualities that consumers evaluate empirically to decide whether to eat the fruit again. Within agricultural practices in and out of the orchard, the relationship between plant nutrition and fruit quality is important, and proper nutrient balance is essential to maintain fruit quality. This research work was carried out on ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Red Chief’ apple trees. A 56 factorial arrangement was used, with 5 concentrations and 6 factors, 25 treatments in a Taguchi L25 structure. Improvements were found in parameters for fruit finish and fruit quality. The factors with the greatest positive effect on quality in order of importance were Salicylic Acid (SA) 1.0 mM, Potassium (K) 58.90 mM, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.516 mM, Calcium (Ca) 70.00 mM and Cobalt (Co) 8.248 mM and in order of importance the following variables: TSS/acidity ratio, total soluble solids TSS, antioxidant capacity (AC), total phenols (TF), and titratable acidity (TA) in ‘Golden Delicious’ apple. Considering ‘Red Chief’, the factors Ca 70.00 mM, K 58.79 mM and SA 1.0 mM, with the variables; TA, TSS/acidity ratio, TF, TSS and AC that finally lead to an optimal development of finish and quality in the apple fruit
Secondary metabolites, hormonal homeostasis, and antioxidant enzymes of Moringa oleifera in response to white or violet Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) combined with cytokinins under tissue culture conditions
Get PDFThe present study was carried out between 2021 and 2022 at the tissue culture lab and experimental station of the vegetable and floriculture department, faculty of agriculture, Mansoura University. Using mature seeds, Moringa oleifera is propagated on a large scale and in rapid succession by in vitro culture. Two types of cytokinin: 6-benzylaminopurin (BAP), and thidiauron (TDZ) singly at three different concentrations (0, 1, or 2 mg/L), were used, as well as light-emitting diode systems (LEDs) (white as control and violet; the combination of red and blue; 1:1). After incubation for 30 days, the obtained results showed that the survival percentage increased by the treatments with the maximum value (85%) by MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L TDZ, under violet LEDs illumination. However, the addition of thidiazuron (TDZ) to the medium did not propagate shoot, and this treatment recorded 100% callus formation other than BAP. The maximum number of axillary shoots per explant and the number of leaves recorded in the MS medium contained 2 mg/L BAP under violet LEDs. Compared to the control values, all the used treatments generally caused surprisingly stimulating the determined antioxidant enzymes and compounds (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase &catalase and phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin& ascorbic acid). Concerning the phytohormone content of the hormone-free medium (control), IAA, kinetin, and zeatin increased. Meanwhile, GA3 and ABA decreased with the used treatments
Establishment of Gypsophila paniculata root culture for biomass, saponin, and flavonoid production
Get PDFBaby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata L.) roots are valuable as pharmaceuticals due to the content of triterpenoid saponins and other bioactive phytochemicals. However, the long root harvest period and fluctuation of these constituent’s content are among the constraints to traditional agricultural production. The present study shows an efficient and reliable liquid root culture of G. paniculata cv. ‘Perfecta’ established in a shake flask system using different auxins, media, and sugars. Hairy root (HR) induction in G. paniculata through Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation was also investigated. α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) was optimized for adventitious roots (AR) biomass, saponin, and flavonoid production at 1 or 2 mg/L compared to IBA. Full strength Gamborg’s medium (B5) recorded higher saponin content; however, the highest yield of total saponin and total flavonoids was achieved by full strength Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium. Sucrose was more essential for root growth and accumulated total saponins and flavonoids rather than fructose and glucose. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that G. paniculata HR carried rolC gene of R. rhizogenes A4 strain in its genome but not virD2 gene. Compared to non-transformed root, saponin content of leaf and stem-derived HR was 2.7 and 2.3-fold, while total flavonoid content was 2.1 and 2.0-fold, respectively. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity was also higher in HR extracts than in non-transgenic roots. This study established an efficient protocol for G. paniculata root cultures for sustainable production of important natural saponins and flavonoids
Anti-ulcer properties, cytokines, and apoptosis regulatory effects of Olea europaea leaves from Hail Province, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFThis study investigated the anti-ulcer properties of raw olive leaf powder (OLP) and its immunomodulatory potential through the cytokine network. The efficacy of OLP extract in treating stomach ulcers in rats in ethanol-induced models was examined using a single dosage (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) in groups 4, 5, and 6. The OLP demonstrated substantial anti-ulcer action even at 100 mg/kg. The activity was better at 400 mg/kg and almost equivalent to the conventional omeprazole treatment at 20 mg/kg in group 3. The cytokine network was studied in groups 1, 2, 3, and 6. The cytokine network was efficiently regulated by reducing the production of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α. The levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also lowered in groups 3 and 4 considerably at p < 0.05. It is interesting to note that the expression of IFN was greater in animals treated with OLP in group 4, as compared to animals treated with omeprazole in group 3, as well as animals from the disease control group 2, when analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed that OLP has intriguing potential for anti-ulcer action, and possesses immunomodulatory capabilities to control inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers
Phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activities of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)
Get PDFTamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a common worldwide medicinal plant. Due to high medical importance, tamarind seed and pulp fraction and sub fractions were compared. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activities of different extracts of tamarind by demonstrating different extraction methods and then selection of best and less time taking method. Biological activities including 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) showed maximum inhibition for seed (74.09±0.76) as compare to pulp (72.09±0.43) at 300 μg/ml for butanol fraction, 2, 2'-azino-Bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) showed maximum inhibition for seed (79.19±0.36) as compare to pulp (75.69±0.23) at 300 μg/ml for butanol. Metal chelation showed maximum inhibition for seed (81.39±0.70) as compare to pulp (77.49±0.93) at 300 μg/ml for butanol fraction, whereas lipid-peroxidation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) inhibition showed maximum value for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to pulp with FeSo4 for butanol fraction and with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), TBARS inhibition showed maximum values for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to pulp for butanol faction. The total antioxidant activity phosphomolybdenum assay was performed, which showed maximum values for seed at 120 μg/ml as compare to seed for butanol fraction. Total phenolic contents of seed for butanol fraction were 1.83 ± 0.31 mg/g for seed and 2 .83 ± 0.44 mg/g for pulp. Similarly, high amount of flavonoid content for seed was 1.31 ± 0.09 mg/g was given for dichloromethane and for pulp it was given as 1.91 ± 0.96 mg/g for butanol fraction. The results suggested that the extract of T. indica is potential source of the phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activity and utilized in diseases arising from oxidative stress in near future by using ultra-sonication method which is precise and time-consuming method
Effect of air temperature and relative humidity on the stored Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seeds
Get PDFIn the years 2018-2021, experiments on the effect of air temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the storage of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) seeds were carried out. Three different cultivars and one breeding line received from commercial plant breeding and seed production companies were used. All their seeds at the beginning of storage had high germination over 90%, and moisture content 7-8%. Then, they were stored for 30 months in the controlled conditions at 3 different temparatures: 7-8 °C, 10 °C and 25 °C, each with 2 different air relative humidty (RH): 25% or 45%. During the experiment, their quality was evaluated by germination test according to the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) protocol. Additionally, after 1 and 2 years of storage at 7-8 °C and 25% air RH, the seeds of the line were evaluated for their incidence of fungi. It was found out that seeds of the tested genotypes kept good germination at 7-8 °C and at 10 °C, i.e. after storing them, the same effect was achieved. Thus, the latter can effectively lower the costs of the seed storage in commercial seed trade of the crop. The electric current consumption for the seeds stored at 7-8 °C in comparison with 10 °C was higher by 11.2%. In seeds of 3 genotypes, after storing them for 30 months, their germination was better at the air RH 45% than at 25%. Generally, low temperature (7-8 °C) favoured growth of Penicillium spp. and Phoma spp. on Welsh onion seeds during 2 years of storage, while storing at higher temperature (25 °C) resulted in the increase in seed infestation with Cladosporium spp. and Fusarium spp. The results obtained from this research can be used as a guideline for the storage in climatic and RH controlled chambers of all genotypes belonging to Allium fistulosum species, with the aim to maintain its seed germination quality related to the duration of the storage and taking into consideration the operating energy costs
Effects of prolonged water stress on biomass yield and nutrient uptake by aerial parts of mint (Mentha × piperita L.)
Get PDFMint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant known for its high-water requirement. However, water stress is an important factor limiting vegetative development of this plant. Studying the growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake of this plant under various water stress levels is necessary to optimize its fertilization programs. In this study, the effects of different water stress levels and cutting times on the fresh biomass yields and the amounts of nutrient uptake of peppermint by different aerial parts were examined in two consecutive years. The field experiment was arranged as five irrigation treatments (125, 100, 75, 50 and 25% of full irrigation), during the season of maximum water demand (June-September), applied by drip irrigation. Results showed that at all cutting times in both years, the amounts of nutrient elements taken up by the different parts generally increased in parallel with increasing water stress, while fresh biomass yields decreased. However, this increase observed in nutrient element uptake was an increase relative to the dramatic decrease in the number of plants in severe stress conditions. The effect of long-term water stress on the nutrients taken up by different parts of the plant was mostly observed in Ca, Mg, N, Fe and Cu. As a result, in mint growing under Mediterranean conditions, despite the non-significant differences, in terms of the amounts of nutrient elements taken up by aerial parts, T75 treatment which provided 25% water saving compared to T100 could be recommended for one cut and one year cultivation in practice. Severe stress levels are not appropriate in mint growing was concluded
Alleviating the adverse effects of plant pathogens, drought and salinity stress factors using plant growth promoting bacteria
Get PDFClimate change is one of the most important threats to agricultural production, therefore, more attention must be paid to study the environmental stresses that affect plant production. Pathogen stress is one of the most important stresses that negatively affect growth and yield, also drought and salinity are very dangerous abiotic factors. Pathogens, drought and salinity stresses led to decrease morphological characters and yield production of plant. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) positively affect morphological, physiological, and yield characters such as number of leaves, stem height, chlorophyll concentration, relative water content, antioxidant enzymes and crop yield. PGPB can play a pivotal role in facilitating nutrient uptake, bioactive compounds and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) to control various pathogens and increase plant tolerance to drought and salinity stresses. Finally, the latest studies of these beneficial bacteria have been presented comprehensively under stress conditions to highlight the recent trends with the aim to maximize the crop production.
Effects of bagging treatment on fruit quality and pesticide residues of ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit
Get PDFIn this study, the effects of bagging treatment on fruit appearance and internal quality, including fruit shape index, single fruit weight, fruit vitamin C, soluble solids, titratable acid, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, were studied by using ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit as experimental material. Meanwhile, the pesticide residues of bagged and non-bagged (NB) kiwifruit were compared and analyzed. Results showed that the pericarp color of bagged kiwifruit is lighter in green than that of NB group, with uniform color, cleaner appearance and no scabs and spots. Single fruit weight and transverse meridians of bagged kiwifruits were significantly increased. Interestingly, we found single bagging treatment had little effect on the internal quality of ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit. After pesticide treatment, the fruit shape of kiwifruit was rounder, significantly increased the weight, chlorophyll content of fruit, and decreased the content of vitamin C and carotenoids. In addition, bagging + pesticide treatment had additive effect on these characters. After bagging, the residues of pyraclostrobin and β-cypermethrin in ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit were significantly lower than those in the control. However, the residue of difenoconazole residues did not show significant difference. Bagging treatment has the ability to improve the appearance and reduce the residue of some pesticides. Meanwhile, the application of some pesticides can improve the single fruit weight and fruit quality. Therefore, bagging is a scientific and effective cultivation method in the green production of ‘Donghong’ kiwifruit