Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Pathophysiological studies on sugar beet plants infected with Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of Alternaria leaf spot
Full text linkIn vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted to investigate the effect of the acetone extract of Capsicum annuum (ACA) and the fungicide Eminent (EMT) on Alternaria leaf spot (ALS) disease of sugar beet in Egypt. In vitro, the ACA was more effective than the fungicide, EMT as to its effect on linear growth inhibition of Alternaria alternate measured by IC50 (the concentration inhibiting 50% of linear fungal growth). Sixteen bioactive phytochemical compounds were identified in ACA by Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis as follows: pentadecanoic acid, 14- methyl and methyl ester followed by n- Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(+) Ascorbic acid 2.6-dihexadecanoate, 6.9- Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ether, 10- Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, Ethanol, 2-(9, 12- octadecadienyloxy)-, (Z, Z), 9, 12- octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z), 17- Octadecynoic acid, Oleic Acid, Cis- vaccenic acid, 2- myristynoyl pantetheine, Adipic acid, di(oct-4-yl ester), Di isooctyl adipate, alpha- Naphthyl red 1- Naphthalenamine, 4(phenylazo), Di -n- octyl phthalate 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dioctyl ester and capsaicin. Identification of phytochemical compounds is based on the peak area, retention time of molecular weight, and molecular formula. In vivo experiments, the efficacy % of ACA treatment in reducing ALS was higher than treatment of EMT. Both treatments led to an increase in the total yield, sucrose %, and white sugar
Effects of preharvest melatonin and boric acid applications on the pomological and biochemical characteristics of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. ‘Camellia’)
Full text linkThe application of boric acid and melatonin in blueberry cultivation has recently gained attention for their potential to enhance fruit quality and biochemical stability. Boric acid and melatonin contribute to cell wall integrity, pollen tube development, and nutrient transport, whereas melatonin, a bioactive compound with strong antioxidant properties, improves stress tolerance and supports fruit quality. In this study, the synergistic effects of foliar applications of boric acid (0, 5, 10, 15 ppm), melatonin (0, 5, 10, 15 ppm), and some combinations (0, 2.5+2.5, 5+5, 7.5+7.5 ppm) at early bloom, full bloom, and post-bloom stages were investigated on the pomological and biochemical traits of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. ‘Camellia’). The combined treatment of 5+5 ppm melatonin + boric acid produced the highest ascorbic acid content, while the 7.5+7.5 ppm combination significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. Boric acid alone at 5 and 10 ppm also improved antioxidant capacity. Although no significant differences were observed in fruit size or firmness, the treatments notably influenced titratable acidity, anthocyanin accumulation, and ascorbic acid content. These findings indicate that preharvest melatonin and boric acid applications can modulate key biochemical attributes, such as ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity, thereby improving the nutritional and functional quality of highbush blueberry fruits
Elicitation effect of hydrogen peroxide to enhance tolerance of Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. seedlings irrigated with saline water
Full text linkBecause of the scarcity of fresh water and its limited availability for human use, some places have resorted to utilizing alternative water sources, such as saline water, which negatively impacts plant growth and development. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signalling molecule, aids in plant defence as a signal in the production of systemic acquired resistance and modulating ROS detoxification and regulating multiple stress-responsive pathways and gene expression. Our study suggests that using H2O2 as a stimulating substance to boost the production of antioxidant compounds in plants resulting in enhanced growth. During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, we used H2O2 as a foliar application at concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mM) on Taxodium distichum seedlings receiving saline water at concentrations (0, 3000, 5000, and 7000 ppm). The results indicated that applying H2O2 at 20 mM enhanced most of growth attributes and lowered the production of proline, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and improved the accumulation of chlorophyll a and b which suggests that plants Irrigated with this concentration were able to handle all of the salt levels. Compared to other treatments, applying a H2O2 at 40 mM treatment resulted in the highest plant Salt Resistance Index (SRI%) and root growth parameters. Carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and sugars in the plant reached peak production when treated with a 60 mM of H2O2, regardless of salinity concentrations. The activity of peroxidase (POD) as an antioxidant isoenzyme increased as the salinity and H2O2 concentrations increased. The treatment with salinity at 7000 ppm+ H2O2 at 60 or 80 mM showed the maximum number of bands and the greatest intensity of POD
Assay on the impact of seed priming with ionic selenium, nanoselenium and microselenium on early growth, biomolecules and nutrient content in cucumber seedlings
Full text linkSelenium (Se) is a beneficial nutrient for plants and its application as seed priming is associated with positive effects on their growth. The use of Se occurs in ionic or nanometric form, however, another possible use is in micrometric form, which to our knowledge has not been studied in plants. The objective of the study was to evaluate the seed priming of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3), nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Se microparticles (SeMPs) at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 mg L-1 of Se, for each of the mentioned forms. Growth, biomass, vigor, biomolecules and nutrients were evaluated in cucumber seedlings grown in a growth chamber for 15 days. The results showed increases in seedling length and biomass for all Se forms, which was reflected in increases in vigor indices from 21.42% to 27.72% for vigor index 1 (length) and from 16.96% to 34.5% for vigor index 2 (biomass), with SeMPs standing out at 1.0 and 1.5 mg L-1. Regarding pigments, variable effects were observed, where some treatments did not modify the concentration of chlorophylls and carotenoids (SeMPs) and others negatively affected (SeNPs and Na2SeO3). Reduced glutathione increased from 13.48% to 31.59%, with SeMPs standing out at 1.0 and 1.5 mg L-1. Phenols, flavonoids, proteins, S, K and Mg were also increased with the different Se materials; however, P, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn decreased with some Se treatments. The results indicate that it is advisable to apply Na2SeO3, SeNPs and SeMPs, mainly SeMPs at 1.0 and 1.5 mg L-1
Morphological characterization and biostimulation of growth, production, and quality of ‘chiltepín’ (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) using an agroecological approach
Full text linkOf the primary challenge faced in the domestication of chiltepín (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum [Dunal] Heiser & Pickersgill), the specific requirements of its natural habitat are most important. Therefore, the objective of this research was to conduct a morphological characterization of chiltepín and evaluate the impact of biostimulants on its growth, production, and quality when cultivated outside its native environment. The study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with four treatments (T1-BF, T2-RT, T3-RB, and T4-Ctrl), four replications, and five plants per experimental unit. Morphological analyses revealed significant phenotypic variability between the wild and domesticated varieties, reflecting ecological adaptations and selective pressures that have shaped its evolution. Additionally, the chiltepín showed an outstanding response to biostimulant treatments, particularly T1-BF and T2-RT; these treatments had a significant impact on plant growth and development, improving parameters such as height, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, and canopy density during the first 30 days after transplanting (DAT). Furthermore, these treatments enhanced fruit production and quality, increasing fresh weight (47%), dry weight (46%), length, and length-to-width ratio. These results not only highlight the value of the knowledge gained about the phenotypic features of chiltepín, but also the potential of the agroecological approach using biostimulants to optimize the development, production, and quality of this crop
Effect of LED light quality on the growth and photomorphogenesis of basil in closed-type plant factory
Full text linkThis study was conducted to investigate effects of LED light quality on the growth and photomorphogenesis of basil (cv. ‘Amethyst Improved’) in a closed-type plant factory. Basil was sown on a urethane sponge and grown for two weeks under a White-LED. When the first main leaf appeared, the plants were transplanted into a nutrient solution hydroponic system (24 ± 2 °C, RH 55±10%) and using a standard nutrient solution for leafy vegetables (N 17.3, P 4.0, K 8.0, Ca 8.0, Mg 4.0, S 4.0 me·L-1). To compare growth and internal traits of basil under various light qualities, QD-LED (combining blue, red, and far-red light), Blue+Red-LED (blue and red wavelengths at a ratio of 1:3), White-LED, 100% Blue-LED, and 100% Red-LED were used to cultivate basil for 35 days. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was 200 ± 10 μmol·m-2·s-1 and the light was provided for 16/8 hours (Light/Dark). The plant height was significantly the longest at 26.1 cm in QD-LED, and the number of leaves was the highest at 16.00 ea in QD-LED, but not significant. The leaf length was the longest at 10.9 cm in QD-LED and the shortest at 8.10 cm in White-LED. The leaf width was up to 26% wider in Blue+Red-LED, but there was no statistical significance. The leaf thickness was the thickest at 0.33 mm for Blue+Red-LED and Red-LED, which have a high proportion of red light, and the thinnest at 0.26 mm for Blue-LED. In the case of the curvature index (CI), which indicates the morphological characteristics of basil leaves, the values were highest for Blue+Red-LED and Red-LED. The internode length and leaf stalk length were significantly the longest at 5.73 cm and 3.04 cm, respectively, for QD-LED, and the stem diameter at 5.26 mm for QD-LED. The shoot fresh weight was 26.0 g in QD-LED, which was significantly higher than the other treatment groups by up to four times, but the root fresh weight was the highest at 5.99 g in Blue+Red-LED. On the other hand, the shoot and root dry matter ratio were the highest at about 9% and 5%, respectively, in White-LED. The maximum quantum yield (FvFm) did not differ significantly between the treatment groups, but the value was significantly lowest at 0.79 for Red-LED. The chlorophyll content (SPAD), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and anthocyanin reflectance index (ARI1) values were up to 27% higher in Blue+Red-LED than in other treatment. Also, the DPPH radical scavenging activity and total phenol content were the highest in Red-LED at 74% and 9.47 mgGAE·g-1FW, respectively. As a result, basil (cv. ‘Amethyst Improved’) grew best in QD-LED, and its antioxidant effect was the best in Red-LED. In addition, it was confirmed that the curvature and morphological characteristics of basil leaves changed depending on the ratio of red light at 600-700 nm
Effects of different mixtures of maize and quinoa intercropping on grain yield and fatty acid composition of oil under water reduction
Full text linkThe objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of drought on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and maize (Zea mays L.) grown in intercropping at varying mixing rates, which represents a model of sustainable agricultural food production under the Mediterranean climate. The experiment included plots with five different crop combinations (25% quinoa - 75% maize, 50% quinoa - 50% maize, and 75% quinoa - 25% maize) as well as monoculture (100% quinoa and 100% maize). To ensure drought stress, plots with half the water holding capacity of the soil (W2) were used in addition to the full water holding capacity of the soil (W1). Drought stress caused dramatic decreases in the seed yield of both crops. The addition of a low rate of quinoa (25%) to the cultivation plot did not have a significantly (less than 10%) negative effect on the maize yield, despite the reduction in the number of maize plants. Similarly, growing a low rate of maize (25%) between quinoa rows increased quinoa yield under both irrigation conditions (P <0.01). The Water Use Efficiency (WUE) and Irrigation Water Use Efficiency (IWUE) calculated from the 25% quinoa - 75% maize was very close to those of the 100% maize in the W1 condition. Besides, the values under W2 exceeded those of the maize monoculture. Furthermore, all mixed plots had greater land equivalence rate (LER) values (>1) than those grown alone. Drought stress significantly affected the composition of oil, increasing palmitic acid and decreasing oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid. The findings demonstrate that under conditions of drought stress, intercropping of quinoa and maize can partially tolerate reductions in both the product quantity and the composition of oil. These results indicate a harmonious relationship between the plants, particularly when the mixing rates include 25% quinoa-75% maize and 75% quinoa-25% maize
Effect of four formulations on the dormancy release of dormant buds and the subsequent development of shoots under typical vineyard conditions
Full text linkOne of the key challenges of sustainable viticulture under climate change is the insufficient chilling necessary for dormancy release, leading to uneven budbreak and reduced productivity. This study examined the effect of four formulations: Dormex® (hydrogen cyanamide), Theocopper, Erger (and Active Erger), and garlic extract on budbreak in two early-maturity, seedless table grape varieties: ‘Prime Seedless’ and ‘Ralli Seedless’. The research aimed to promote earlier budbreak, control apical dominance, and advance grape ripening. In addition to evaluating the chemical composition and concentration of each treatment, the study also examined the importance of application timing. Field measurements were taken from the grapevine shoots during four stages (one per application), across three consecutive years. The data revealed that both the year and timing of application significantly influenced budbreak and the intensity of acrotony. Different formulations had varying effects on breaking dormancy and modifying growth patterns. Regulating bud dormancy is viticulturally important, as it promotes uniform budbreak, consistent flowering, and earlier, more reliable yields. Effective dormancy management improves grape quality, reduces losses due to irregular budbreak, and mitigates apical dominance, contributing to balanced vegetative growth. This is especially crucial in regions with mild winters, where traditional chilling requirements may not be met. The study supports the strategic use of chemical agents to adapt grapevine cultivation to changing climatic conditions
Synergistic effects of humic acid and boron on quantitative and qualitative traits of tomato
Full text linkIn tropical climates, environmental stresses impose significant obstacle to growing tomato plants and achieving higher fruit yield and better quality. The external treatment of humic acid and boron has the potential to address these challenges in tomato production. However, the interaction effects of humic acid and boron in tomato cultivation is largely elucidate. This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of humic acid and boron on growth parameters, yield, and quality features of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). The treatments were consisted of three levels humic acid (0, 50 and 100 ppm) and boron (0, 25 and 50 ppm) and they were foliar sprayed at the vegetative, flowering, and fruit setting stages. The results revealed that combined application of humic acid and boron potentially improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomato plants over control. The maximum plant height (121.10 cm), the dry weight of each plant (46.72 g), fruit diameter (6.1 cm), single fruit weight (70.4 g), yield per plant (4.45 kg) were observed in combined treatment of 100 ppm humic acid with 25 ppm boron at mature stage. Furthermore, TSS (4.90 °B), total sugar (5.06 mg), vitamin C (21.35 mg), protein (3.11%), ash (0.69 mg), lycopene (4.97 mg), and sodium (6.96 mg) content were higher in 100 ppm humic acid with 25 ppm boron as compared to control at mature stage. These findings revealed that the combined foliar application of humic acid with boron could be practical approach for increasing tomato production and improving quality traits of tomato in subtropical climatic regions
Phytochemical characterization and antifungal potentials of Melia azedarach Linn leave aqueous extract to inhibit aflatoxins biosynthesis in food during storages
Full text linkThe current study was aimed to assess the chemical compositions of Melia azedarach Linn (Chinaberry) leaves aqueous extracts. Additionally, the extracts were also tested to investigate its antifungal potentials against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Leaf extract of M. azedarach was obtained by maceration technique, subsequently analyzed using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were; 67.5 ± 0.4 mg GAE/g DW and 12.7 ± 0.2 mg QE /g DW respectively. The presence phytochemicals were confirmed from various functional groups recorded in FT-IR spectra. The results were further validated through GC-MS analysis where a total of 18 compounds were identified with seven major compounds; namely 1-Butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate (11.53%), followed by coumaran (10.04%), (R, S)-2-propyl-5-oxohexanal (7.07%), 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (5.16%) and 5,7-Octadien-2-one, 3-acetyl (3.06%). The extract exhibited antifungal activities against two major aflatoxin-producing fungi, A. flavus and A. parasiticus. The aqueous extract (31.25 to 500 mg mL-1) was active to inhibit the spore germination, mycelial growth, biomass production and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Spore germination was significantly reduced, with maximum inhibition of 83% against A. flavus and 85% against A. parasiticus at 500 mg mL-1. Mycelial growth and fungal biomass were markedly declined with increasing trend in extract concentration. The recorded biomass inhibition was 73.2% and 76.9% respectively against A. flavus and A. parasiticus. The extract also significantly suppressed the aflatoxin production in the selected fungal strains at higher concentrations, exceeded from 75% with respect to aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂. The findings suggest that M. azedarach leaves extract is a valuable source of bioactive compounds possessing strong antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic properties and could be considered as a promising natural alternative for controlling aflatoxins contamination in agricultural food sectors