Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Promotion of tomato growth by Trichoderma sp. under shade mesh conditions
Chemical fertilizers are frequently used in agriculture with harmful effects on ecological components, so the use of microorganisms as growth regulators is an agricultural practice increasingly used today. The aim of this research was to evaluate Trichoderma sp. as growth regulator in tomato plants. Trichoderma sp. isolated from soils was grown on solid PDA medium for morphological characterization of the fungus. An experiment to analyse the interaction between Trichoderma sp. and shade mesh conditions was established, where: T1 = Trichoderma sp.; T2 = without Trichoderma sp. (fertilization recommended for the crop was applied); T3 = shade mesh and T4 = without shade mesh. Several variables were evaluated in the plants and in the fruits. The macroscopic characteristics showed mycelium with a cottony morphology and a dark green coloration, and the microscopic characteristics of the fungus were conidiophores with a branch, phialides and ovoid to ellipsoid conidia. Interaction of Trichoderma sp. and shade mesh had a significant effect on plant height, number of flowers and number of fruits, with the greater values with Trichoderma sp. and shade mesh. Regarding the evaluation of the fruits significant differences were found in the weight, diameter, length, and colour (L and a* value) but not in b* value
Assessment of ethnopharmacological potential of Cyperus difformis L. in terms of its’ phytochemistry, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer attributes
The present research was carried out on Cyperus difformis L., commonly found sedge weed in rice field to evaluate its’ ethnopharmacological potential in terms of phytochemical constituents, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. FTIR spectroscopy of powdered material of plant parts, rhizome (with roots), leaves and flowers showed the presence of three main chemical groups, i.e. -OH (alcohol), -C=O (carbonyl) and -CO-O-CO (anhydride). The phytochemical composition of n-Hexane, chloroform and ethanol crude extracts of same parts analysed by GC-MS and n-Hexane extract of various parts indicated 14 compounds with highest (10) in flowers extract followed by six compounds in chloroform and five in ethanol extracts of plant parts. The antibacterial activity was assessed against Salmonella enterica, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus by using well diffusion method and similar resistance was shown by n-Hexane and ethanol extracts while noticeable inhibition by chloroform extract, especially by leaves showing zone of inhibition, 16.17±0.52mm, comparable with Gentamycin 18±0.11mm. The antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH Scavenging activity was found higher in n-Hexane and chloroform extracts, especially leaves i.e., 54.6±0.43 & 43.45±0.53 as compared to that of ethanol extracts. The percentage activity was increased with an increase of concentration of extracts. Antiproliferative activity checked by SRB proliferative assay and the crude extracts of plant parts of C. difformis showed good activity against A2780 and HCT116 cancer cells in three days. C. difformis having therapeutic action as well as its’ ethnopharmacological history, being used as fodder, it may be recommended good herbal fodder for the dairy animals
Estimation of nutrient contents in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) based on hyperspectral analysis
Rapid and accurate determination of the nutrient contents in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) is of great significance for identifying the quality and origin of the fruit. Compared to traditional chemical analysis methods, hyperspectral remote sensing has the advantages of high speed and low cost. In this study, the dried fruits of wolfberry (cultivar ‘Ningqi No. 7’) taken from the Huinong, Yinchuan, Zhongning, and Tongxin regions of Ningxia, China, in 2020 were selected as samples. Two methods, the variable importance measure (VIM) under random forest and the successive projection algorithm (SPA), were applied to select the hyperspectral characteristic variables. The test set coefficient of determination (R2p), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), and relative percent deviation (RPD) for different pre-treatments and characteristic variable selection methods were compared. Finally, the optimal estimation models of partial least squares regression (PLSR) for the contents of eight nutrients in wolfberry were established. The results were as follows: (1) The variation trends of the original hyperspectral reflectance curves of wolfberries from different yield areas and harvest dates were similar, and the spectral characteristic absorption bands were significantly enhanced after first-order differential transformation. (2) After extracting the characteristic bands using SPA, the RPD values were all above 2.0, and the estimation performance was significantly better than that of the full bands. (3) The optimal estimation model for total sugar (TS), crude protein (CP), and Ca was found to be SG-MSC-SPA-PLSR; the optimal estimation model for Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), Mn, and Zn was found to be SG-2ndD-SPA-PLSR; and the optimal estimation model for Cu and Fe was found to be SG-1stD-SPA-PLSR. The results have important reference value for the quality evaluation and origin traceability of wolfberry
Biofortification with copper nanoparticles (Nps Cu) and its effect on the physical and nutraceutical quality of hydroponic melon fruits
Currently the use of nanoparticles is having an impact on agricultural production. There is evidence that copper nanoparticles have a strong impact on the growth and development of different crops. Biofortification specifically with (NPs Cu) improves the nutritional quality of food and its consumption has a positive influence on the health of humanity. The objective of this study consisted in evaluating the foliar application of copper nanoparticles (NPs Cu), on the weight of the fruit, nutraceutical quality and concentration of copper in melon fruit pulp. The treatments consisted of five doses of Cu NPs: 0, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4, 7.2 and 9.0 mg L -1 sprinkled foliarly. The variables evaluated were fruit weight, polar and equatorial diameter, firmness, total soluble solids, bioactive compounds and copper content in melon pulp. The results obtained indicated that the foliar application of NPs Cu, improved the physical and nutraceutical quality and the concentration of Cu in melon fruits. The highest weight and the best diameters of the fruit were obtained with the highest concentrations of NPs Cu (7.2 and 9.0 mg L-1). The concentration of 3.6 mg L-1 Cu NPs presented the highest antioxidant capacity with a value of 117,713 mg equiv. Trolox * 100 mg -1 PF, and higher content of phenols with 243.68 mg ac. gallic / 100 g FP, exceeding the concentration of 1.8 mg L -1 by 39% and the control treatment by 48%. The 3.6 and 5.4 mg L-1 treatments obtained the highest amount of flavonoids with values of 149.903 and 148.29 mg QE / 100 g -1 FP, respectively. Regarding the copper concentration in the melon fruit pulp, the 9.0 mg L-1 treatment presented the highest concentration with a value of 5.39 mg kg -1 PS; The results show that, statistically, there is a correlation between the copper nanoparticles and the phytochemical variables in melon fruits. It is concluded that the use of Cu NPs can be an alternative to enrich melon fruits, and could help to solve the copper deficiency in the diet of the population
Genetic and chemical diversity analyses in tale grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
Vitis vinifera L. is one of the economically important plant crops worldwide which is a valuable food source for humans. This precious plant species has several local varieties and accessions which are continuously under selection and cultivation. Due to these human activities, the grape faces genetic homogeneity and erosion. Therefore, it is important to investigate available genetic diversity in grape plants all over the world. We aimed to study the genetic structure and diversity as well as chemical differences of seven grape cultivars in the country. We used SSR, and SRAP molecular markers for genetic diversity analyses, as well as biochemical traits. Both molecular markers showed a medium to moderate genetic variability in the studied grape cultivars (about 20% genetic polymorphism). Similarly, both molecular markers differentiated the studied cultivars into two genetic groups. AMOVA indicated significant genetic difference in these cultivars. ANOVA analysis of flavonols (quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, and rutin) contents of seeds extract by HPLC indicated the significant difference (P <0.01) among grape cultivars. PCA biplot of cultivars based on chemical features separated these cultivars into two major groups according to their flavone and flavonoid contents. Pairwise Mantel tests performed between molecular and chemical data showed a significant association between SSR and SRAP data, but no significant association was obtained between either SSR or SRAP data with chemical features in grape cultivars studied. A heat-map constructed based on combined molecular and chemical data revealed that some of the studied grape cultivars are distinct in their genetic and chemical features
Introduction pages
The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 4, Volume 49, 2021 represent new exciting researches in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy and crop science. Among the interesting articles we invite you to find news about: Cotton versus climate change: the case of Greek cotton production; Agronomic and genetic approaches for enhancing tolerance to heat stress in rice; Insights on solanaceous resistance against tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), with emphasis on chemical compounds useful in integrated pest management; Role of conventional and molecular techniques in soybean yield and quality improvement - A critical review; Assessment of cold stress tolerance in maize through quantitative trait locus, genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis; Beneficial microorganisms enhance the growth of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under greenhouse conditions; Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of duplicated flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase gene family in Carthamus tinctorius L.; Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in Norway spruce (Picea abies) clonal seed orchards and seed stands, etc
Role of calcium and magnesium on dramatic physiological and anatomical responses in tomato plants
Minerals are the fundamental source of nutrients for plant functions such as photosynthesis, ATP currency, cellular respiration, metabolic activities, defense mechanisms, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Minerals are the most significant component of plant nutrition and applying these minerals supplements can increase fruit output. The study’s main aim was to make agricultural farming easier by foliar applying newly created nutrients like Lebosol-calcium and Magnesium. The four treatments: To (Control), T1 (Lebosol-Mg-Plus, 3 ml/L), T2 (Lebosol-Ca-Forte, 3 ml/L), and T3 (Lebosol-Mg-Plus and Lebosol-Ca-Forte, 3 ml/L) was applied as foliar spray to the seedlings of tomato. It was found that T3 substantially enhanced tomato’s morphological features and yield. The treatment T3 significantly increased total soluble protein, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, the foliar application of T3 considerably improved phenolic and ascorbic acid contents. The general anatomical features of the leaf, stem, and roots of tomato were qualitatively affected by the treatments. Application of Lebosol-Ca provided the highest total thickness of lamina, number of vessel elements, total phloem area, chlorenchyma layer, total area of vessel elements, xylem ratio, and increased palisade layer thickness, vessel diameter. Furthermore, T3 treatment showed a diverse impact on the internal structure of tomato organs, with palisade and spongy parenchyma growing to maximum values and vessel diameters expanding. T3 had also posed remarkable alterations in morpho-physiological, biochemical, and anatomical aspects in tested plants
Influence of maturity stages on postharvest physico-chemical properties of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi var. ‘Shamber Tarnab’) under different storage durations
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of maturity stages on the physicochemical characteristics of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi cv. ‘Shamber Tarnab’) under storage conditions for 60 days at ambient temperature (16±1 °C with 55-60% relative humidity). Grapefruits were harvested at different maturity stages, namely mature green (MG) and full ripe (FR). The fruits of both stages were assessed for different physical quality parameters at 15 days interval. The experimental results showed that ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, percent disease incidence was higher at FR stage. In contrast, weight loss, percent juice content, total soluble solid (TSS), and TSS/acid ratio at MG (mature green) were lower than that of FR fruits. Regarding storage durations, the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, percent juice content, ascorbic acid content decreased significantly, whilst total soluble solid, TSS/Acid ratio, weight loss, and percent disease incidence increased significantly with the extension of storage duration from 0 to 60 days. As concerned to its interactive effects, the highest ascorbic acid content, titratable acidity, percent juice content, and maximum fruit firmness were observed in fresh grapefruit, harvested at (MG) mature green stages, whereas the maximum total soluble solid, percent disease incidence, and TSS/Acid ratio were recorded in fruit harvested at (FR) full ripe stage, stored for 60 days at room temperature. Similarly, the Pearson’s Correlation Analysis (p> 0.05) of grapefruit was positive effect for most of the quality traits of grapefruit at different storage durations and maturity stages. It was concluded that grapefruit could be harvested at the mature green stage (MG) for sustaining quality attributes up to 60 days of storage at room temperature
Effect of acetylsalicylic acid and ammonium sulphate on productive and physiological parameters in Stipa caudata under water shortage conditions
Stipa caudata is a grass native to low rainfall areas in Argentina and Chile, considered an excellent potential candidate for biofuel production or soil restoration programmes. This study aimed at analysing the effects of ammonium sulphate (AMS) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the productivity and biochemical traits of plants of this species under water scarcity conditions. The experimental work was carried out on plants grown outdoors using a randomised block plot design. Several yield and biochemical parameters related to resistance to water scarcity were analysed in plants treated with AMS or ASA. Plants in the treatments with ASA and AMS had higher total chlorophyll content than the others. Concerning ion content, water-restricted plants treated with AMS had similar values to irrigated plants. Regarding the osmoprotectants and antioxidants, treated plants had increased concentrations of proline and total flavonoids. Under water stress, plants had higher APX activity and there was an A x B interaction for CAT and SOD activity. The results obtained show that the use of ASA and AMS in some crops or in environmental restoration programmes could be a useful tool to cope with future climate scenarios of water scarcity
A polishing the harmful effects of Broad Bean Mottle Virus infecting broad bean plants by enhancing the immunity using different potassium concentrations
Broad bean mottle virus (BBMV) infects a wide range of hosts, resulting in significant production reductions. The lack of adequate and effective control methods involves implementing novel BBMV control strategies. Herein, we demonstrate the effect of different potassium concentrations (20, 40, and 60 mM) against BBMV in broad bean plants. Potassium could control BBMV infection in broad bean by inhibiting the virus. In addition, infection with BBMV caused a significant decrease in morphological criteria, SPDA, photosynthetic characteristics, phytohormones, and mineral content in broad bean leaves compared to control plants. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and oxygen anion) and ROS scavenging enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenylaniline ammonia-lyase, chitinase, and 1,3 - glucanase) increased significantly in plants inoculated with BBMV alone or in the presence of K+. In addition, proline and phenolic compounds increased significantly after being infected with BBMV. In conclusion, treatment with a high potassium concentration (60 mM) alleviates the adverse effect of BBMV on broad bean plants by boosting secondary metabolites, phytohormones, and enzymatic antioxidants