Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Sodium exclusion as a key trait for maize adaptation to salinity: Relationship with photosynthetic efficiency and membrane integrity
Full text linkMaize is widely used for human consumption but its cultivation is hampered by salinity. Photosynthetic activity and hence, growth are adversely affected by salt stress due to salt accumulation in the plant tissues. Thus, it is of paramount significance to identify reliable salt-tolerant cultivars able to minimize the uptake of salt ions and preserve several physiological and metabolic processes under such circumstances. Here, the behaviour of two maize cultivars (‘SY Verdemax’ and ‘SY Sincero’, respectively Na+ includer and Na+ excluder) subjected to long term salinity stress was addressed. Salinity, especially at 150 mM NaCl inhibited several growth-related traits, chlorophyll concentrations, photosynthetic activity and leaf hydration in both cultivars, but ‘SY Verdemax’ which showed higher Na+ contents in leaves was more salt-sensitive. Salinity reduced proline content and led to oxidative damage reflected by disturbed membrane integrity and lower chlorophyll stability index, especially in ‘SY Verdemax’. We assume that the better behavior of ‘SY Sincero’ when salt-challenged would be partly related to its ability to restrict Na+ accumulation in leaves (as shown by lower Na+ translocation index) and its immobilization in roots, which allows to maintain the photosynthetic machinery functioning and sustain plant growth. Besides, limiting excessive Na+ buildup in shoot reduced water loss, preserved chlorophyll synthesis while minimizing oxidative stress damage to cell membranes. Taken together, our results further highlight the significance of sodium exclusion in the response of maize to salt stress, and strongly suggest that ‘SY Sincero’ would be a suitable candidate for maize cultivation in moderately salt-affected soils
ACCase-inhibitor resistance in bearded sprangletop (Leptochloa fusca spp. fascicularis) associated with target-site mutations in rice monoculture
Full text linkThe presence of weeds is the most serious problem in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, which is exacerbated by the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations. In a whole-plant pot experiment, the possible resistance evolution in a population of bearded sprangletop [Leptochloa fusca spp. fascicularis (Lam.) N.W. Snow], which survived after the application of two ACCase inhibitors (profoxydim and cyhalofop), was investigated. Furthermore, the possible modification of the ACCase gene, as a source of resistance, was evaluated. The putative resistant population exhibited 61-fold resistance to profoxydim, 155-fold resistance to propaquizafop, and 67-fold resistance to cyhalofop + penoxsulam compared to the susceptible population. However, this population was susceptible to cycloxydim, an herbicide registered for the Provisia® technology rice varieties. The molecular genetic analysis of the ACCase gene fragment revealed the presence of a point mutation that resulted in the substitution of tryptophan (Trp) by cysteine (Cys) at position 1999 in the CT domain of the ACCase gene. This is the first record of an ACCase-inhibitor, field-selected, resistant bearded sprangletop population carrying the Trp1999Cys amino acid substitution. The evolution of broad ACCase cross-resistance reduces control options for selective and effective management of bearded sprangletop in infesting rice fields
Methionine-coated nano zinc oxide: A novel nanopriming agent to enhance antioxidant defence, and agronomic traits in arsenic-stressed rice
Full text linkArsenic contamination significantly affects rice yield and production. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of nanoparticles to mitigate heavy metal stress in cereals, although concerns about their phytotoxicity in agricultural systems have emerged. Coating nanoparticles may enhance their biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. In this study, we synthesized nano zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and methionine-coated nano zinc oxide (Met-ZnONPs), characterizing their properties using UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Met-ZnONPs exhibited a blue shift and quantum confinement when characterized through UV-Vis and TEM. We aimed to compare the effects of seed priming with ZnONPs and Met-ZnONPs, hypothesizing that methionine coatings would enhance efficacy. Rice seeds were primed for 24 hours with either ZnONPs or Met-ZnONPs before sowing under both arsenic stress and non-stress conditions. We monitored intrinsic arsenic levels in soil and irrigation water and assessed arsenic content in rice grains post-harvest. Priming with 25 ppm Met-ZnONPs increased plant height, fresh weight, and activities of key antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and dehydroascorbate reductase) by 13.73%, 19.36%, 19.57%, 25.19%, 17.17%, and 14.4% respectively, compared to increases of 10.24%, 3.82%, 3.63%, 11.26%, 16.35%, 9.94%, and 7.06% for 50 ppm ZnONPs. Furthermore, 50 ppm Met-ZnONPs resulted in a 47.89% reduction in grain arsenic and a 36% decrease in hydrogen peroxide levels, while ZnONPs alone showed reductions of 22.28% in grain arsenic and 32% in hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that coating nanoparticles can enhance crop production by improving their biocompatibility and mitigating phytotoxic effects
A panoramic review on phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, health benefits, and versatility of Solanum tuberosum L.
Full text linkThe potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) belongs to the family Solanaceae and is one of most versatile crops, vital components of the human diet in numerous countries. It is regarded as one of the most promising crops for reducing world hunger and poverty. It is one of the foremost non-grain crops in the world, being a cost-effective and easily accessible food with several health benefits. The entire plant including peel, tuber, and leaves are used in traditional medicine. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, lipids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, proteins, flavonoids, vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and fiber. The purpose of this review study was to present up-to-date information on novel metabolites discovered in potatoes that play a role in preventing illness and improve human well-being. We attempted to assemble data on the variety of pharmacological activity including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antiobesity and anti-inflammatory properties of potatoes, as well as their function in enhancing gut health and satiety. In-vitro investigations, human cell culture, experimental animal studies have revealed that potatoes have a variety of health-promoting qualities. The observations and recommendations presented here are scientifically interesting for food chemistry, pharmacology, nanotechnology, and toxicology. These may also contribute to enhance nutrition, food safety, and human health
Cp4 epsps transgenesis enhanced soybean germination, yet no visual phenotypic differences from the control were detected
No full textSoybean is renowned for its nutritional value and health benefits. Efficient control of undesirable plants is crucial for large-scale soybean production. Combining non-selective herbicides like glyphosate (Roundup®) with cp4 epsps transgene-resistant plants has proven effective. Substantial equivalence studies conducted by the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Cuba) have led to field approval. However, further investigation is needed regarding potential alterations in "minor" agricultural traits, botany, physiology, and biochemistry of this cp4 epsps-transgenic variety. This report outlines early germination stages in Petri dishes and plant growth under semi-controlled conditions. The cp4 epsps transgenesis enhanced seed vigour, achieving 100% germination at 42 h compared to 54 h for the control group. No visual phenotypic differences were observed at 21 or 60 days after sowing, nor statistically significant differences at 90 days in most biochemical indicators. However, significant differences were noted in the levels of chlorophyll b and soluble phenolics in leaves, and cell wall-linked phenolics in seeds. Despite minor variations observed, they are not significant enough to reject transgenesis as a valuable tool for soybean genetic improvement
Weed competitive ability of faba bean (Vicia faba), pea (Pisum sativum), and vetch (Vicia sativa) crops under semi-arid conditions
Full text linkAgricultural practices must adapt to address new climatic conditions and the rising global demand for food. Among these practices, cultivating crops resilient to various stresses while maintaining productivity—such as annual legume crops—is essential. This study aims to assess the competitive interactions between legume crops and weeds. Field experiments were conducted using a Randomized Complete Block design with three replicates. Six weed treatments, representing the presence and absence of weeds (utilizing natural weed communities) were applied as the main plots for each of three-grain legumes: pea (Pisum sativum), faba bean (Vicia faba), and vetch (Vicia sativa), under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. To evaluate the crops' competitive abilities, weed and crop biomass were collected at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after sowing (WAS). Additionally, pod yield was measured for each species to determine crop yield. The results indicated that faba bean exhibited the strongest growth competition, sowing: a) the smallest difference in final (9WAS) biomass between weedy and weed-free treatments compared to peas and vetch (30, 55, 57% reduction, respectively), and b) significant benefits in continuous removal of weeds in peas, vetch as compared to the no-benefits in such treatment in faba beans. In terms of yield tolerance to weed competition, peas demonstrated the greatest resilience, followed by faba beans and vetch (24, 38, 76% reduction, respectively). The timing of the manifestation of the crops' suppressive abilities varied: in peas and vetch, there was no measurable effect on growth due to the weed competition at the early and medium stages (at 3 and 6WAS) of crop development but only at the late stage (9WAS). Given the importance of grain legumes and the limited research on their competitive interactions with weeds, further studies are needed to promote more sustainable agricultural practices
Acetyl-CoA carboxylase herbicide resistance and fitness of spring milletgrass (Milium vernale) populations infesting winter cereal monoculture in Greece
Full text linkHerbicide resistance constitutes a production threat in cereals monoculture. Two putative resistant (R1, R2) spring milletgrass (Milium vernale M. Bieb.) populations, originating from winter cereal monoculture fields in northwestern Greece, were studied to elucidate the levels and underlying mechanisms of resistance to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)- and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting post-emergence herbicides. Whole-plant rate-response assays showed that the R1 and R2 populations were highly cross-resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate ACCase-inhibitors clodinafop-propargyl and diclofop-methyl, but they were susceptible to the cyclohexanedione ACCase-inhibitor clethodim and the ALS-inhibitors mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron methyl-sodium and pyroxsulam. The analysis of the ACCase gene sequence revealed a point mutation (ATT to ACT, GTT, GCT) at 2041 position resulting in an amino acid substitution from isoleucine (Ile) to threonine (Thr), valine (Val) or alanine (Ala). By contrast, all sequenced plants of the S population were found with the wild-type allele encoding Ile-2041. The R1 population grown in the absence of competition produced more fresh weight and tillers than the S population, while both R1 and S populations grown in competition with winter wheat or barley produced similar fresh weight and tillers. Winter wheat or barley grown in competition with either R1 or S population produced similar fresh weight, tillers, and ears. Conclusively, two spring milletgrass populations have evolved target-site mediated cross-resistance to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides, but the competitive ability of the R1 was similar to that of S population, suggesting lack of association between ACCase mutation and weed fitness
Bio-efficacy of plant extracts against a major stored grain insect pest bruchid beetle F. Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Full text linkA considerable portion of crops is lost due to the use of non-selective crop protection agents. Consequently, there is growing pressure on the agrochemical industry to develop new crop protection solutions that are both environmentally friendly and safe for consumers. The current study investigates the bio-efficacy of plant extracts (Melia azedarach L., Nicotiana rustica L., Azadirachta indica L., Nicotiana tabacum L., and Thuja orientalis L.,) against Callosbruchus maculatus. The extracts of these plants were tested at six different concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%) using distilled water as a control. The experiments were replicated four times. Overall mean minimum oviposition (131.75), adult emergence (73.78%), infestations (28.14%) and host seed weight loss (12.54%) were observed with N. tabacum. Contact and residual methods were used to evaluate the toxic effects of the plant extract after 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours’ exposure period. The LC50 and LC90 values were determined by probit analysis. In case of residual toxicity, out of the five plant species extract, N. tabacum was the most toxic against C. maculatus with LC50 of 0.92% and LC90 of 4.77 % respectively. In contact toxicity N. tabacum was found effective against C. maculatus with LC50 of 0.14% and LC90 of 1.59% respectively. Alkaloids, saponins, di-terphenes, phyto-sterol, flavonoids and phenols were detected in the aqueous extracts of selected plant species. The current study highlights the efficacy of N. tabacum, N. rustica and A. indica for the management of C. maculatus. Further investigation is therefore necessary to evaluate the potential of these plant species for the production of new bio-pesticides as safer and eco-friendlier alternative to synthetic pesticides
Adaptive strategies in plant life forms: assessing the variations in leaf ecological stoichiometry and functional traits
Full text linkThe study of leaf functional traits and leaf ecological stoichiometry is of great significance for understanding plant adaptation strategies and nutrient uptake and utilization. In order to explore the adaptation mechanism of different life types to humid and hot subtropical environment, this study analyzed the leaf functional traits and ecological stoichiometric characteristics and associations of different life types of plants (trees, shrubs and herbs) with 54 common subtropical plants as research objects. The results showed that there were significant differences in leaf functional traits among different life types, and specific leaf area and leaf water content were the key functional traits to regulate ecological stoichiometry. Different life types of plants have different regulation patterns, and they adopt different ecological strategies to adapt to the heterogeneity of subtropical environment. In general, herbs showed a “fast – return on investment” strategy, and trees tended to be “slow – return on investment” strategy
Trade-off strategies of individual clonal reproductive traits in Chinese wildrye (Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel) under NaCl stress
Full text linkSoil salinity is a serious abiotic stress negatively affecting crop productivity and threatening the global food security. The extent of salt affected soils is continuously increasing due to poor irrigation, improper agricultural practices, and over-fertilization. This study was conducted to investigate the adaptive characteristics of individual growth and the changes of clonal components against salinity stress. The experiment was comprised of different treatments; control, 100 and 200 mmol L-1 salt stress. The results indicate that increasing concentration of salt stress decreased the individual plant biomass, leaf biomass and underground biomass, and increased stem biomass and plant height. Moreover, at 200 mmol L-1 the diameter and volume of the underground parts showed a small reduction whilst length and area of the underground part increased significantly. Besides this Leymus chinensis reduced the input of leaves and various seed plants, allocated more energy to the underground roots, and adopted the root configuration strategy of fine root extension to increase the length, area and volume of the roots. Under high concentration of salt stress; the underground bud reservoir expanded continuously, but the upward output was slightly decreased. This indicates that bud bank was expanded to prepare for reproduction, but the continuous salt stress seriously interfered with the underground clonal components of L. chinensis, and the nutrients and energy synthesized by cells were insufficient to support the continuous extension of rhizostems and the development of daughter plants. In conclusion, salt stress is majorly contributing to decrease the growth and biomass production of L. chinensis, however, salt had more pronounced negative impacts on upward growth as compared to underground growth