Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Seed priming with endophytes on physiological, biochemical and antioxidant activity of hybrid maize (Zea mays l.) COH (M) 8 seeds
Get PDFEndophytes are important microorganisms that enhance the plant\u27s stability through a symbiotic relationship, without any harmful effects and symptoms in the host plant. To study the effect of endophytes on overall performance of COH(M)8 hybrid maize seeds, the present study was conducted with different endophytic seed priming for 12 hrs duration with Beauveria bassiana @ 5% (T2), Metarhizium anisopliae @ 5% (T3) and Bacillus subtilis @ 8% (T4) along with hydro priming (T1) and untreated control (T0). The seed priming treatments with all the above three endophytes enhanced the seed quality parameters, among which M. anisopliae @ 5% (T3) registered maximum increase of germination (4.34%), shoot length (20.73%), root length (15.04%), dry matter production (15.22%) and vigour index (22.68%) over control. Similarly, the seeds primed with M. anisopliae @ 5% (T3) recorded the highest value of dehydrogenase activity (0.441 OD value), α- amylase activity (2.06 mg maltose min-1) and antioxidant activity viz., catalase (1.55 μmol H2O2 min-1 g-1 protein) and peroxidase (0.87 U mg-1protein min-1). Results of this study revealed that the endophytes can enhance overall the seed quality in maize
The Impact of the application of biochar previously used in domestic wastewater treatment on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
No full textBiochar has gained attention in agricultural studies due to its ability to ameliorate soil conditions. However, due to its low nutrient content, positive effects on plant growth are generally only observed if combined with mineral fertilizers or manures. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that biochar used to treat domestic wastewater can become enriched with nutrients and subsequently serve as a better soil amendment. The impact of the application of biochar used as substrate in a filter for domestic wastewater treatment (TB) on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) plant was evaluated. Its effect on plant growth was compared to pure biochar (BC) using bare soil as a control. The biochars were applied with and without fertilizer using 3 biochar application rates (10, 20 and 30 t/ha). Results showed that biochar does not become enriched after wastewater purification in the short run. Instead, there was a reduction in the mineral composition, available phosphorus and pH in TB compared to BC. Only the BC treatments were significantly different (p=0.001) from the control. However, higher biomass production at 30 t/ha was observed in BC (+322%) and TB (+142%), compared with the unfertilized control. There were no significant differences in biomass production between the biochar and control treatments for application rates below 30 t/ha. Fertilization significantly (p=0.024) improved biomass production with the BC30+F treatments demonstrating the highest performance (+315%) compared to the fertilized control
Effect of presowing seed treatments on teak (Tectona grandis L. F) drupes dormancy and germination
Get PDFPoor seed germination is a major issue in teak (Tectona grandis) propagation. Teak seed dormancy is thought to be the reason for delayed germination. So far, specific dormancy mechanisms have not yet been identified. In order to study the influence of presowing treatments on germination, seedling vigour, and biochemical attributes of fresh teak drupes collected from the seed production area of Top Slip in Tamil Nadu. The collected drupes were subjected to different presowing treatments viz., T1 - control, T2 - soaking and drying for 6 days, T3 – T18 (soaking and drying for 5 days + soaking in different concentrations of thiourea, potassium nitrate, hydrogen peroxide and calcium oxychloride for 12 hours). Treated drupes were placed for germination in earthen pots and kept in open sunlight. In parallel, true seeds extracted from untreated drupes were also subjected to germination under in vitro conditions as a check. A higher percentage of germination (40%) was recorded in true seeds under in vitro conditions when compared to the treated and untreated drupes under in vivo conditions. Among the treated drupes sown under in vivo conditions, the drupes given soaking + drying for 5 days + soaking in 2% calcium oxychloride (CaOCl2) recorded higher germination (17.16) with better seedling vigour. Analysis of teak true seeds and mesocarp extract in high-performance liquid chromatography showed that gibberellic acid was found only in true seeds, whereas the other compounds, viz., indole-3-acetic acid, indole butyric acid, abscisic acid and coumarin, were not present in the true seed or mesocarp
Effects of heavy metals on seed protein fractions in chickpea, Cicer arietinum (L.)
Get PDFWorldwide, different abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals, harm crop productivity. Legumes, compared to cereals, are more susceptible to these stresses. The current work aimed to provide more insights into the effects of Cd and Pb on various seed protein characteristics of two cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum), HC1 and HC5. At the highest concentrations of Cd, the total seed proteins decreased from 25.2% (control) to 7.1% (30 mg/kg soil), while in the case of the maximum concentration of Pb, 300 mg/kg soil, the protein content decreased to 16.1% from 25.2%. The content of each of the four seed protein fractions viz. albumins, globulins, glutelins and prolamins decreased with an increase in the concentration levels of both heavy metals. The dominating protein fraction, globulins, was reduced by 21.7% in HC1 under Cd stress, while it was reduced by 11.9% in Pb-treated genotype HC5. Electrophoretic analysis of four seed protein fractions on SDS-gels showed only quantitative changes in the polypeptide patterns under varying concentrations of Pb with few qualitative alterations under Cd treatment. The contents of the amino acids tryptophan, cysteine and methionine also decreased with increasing concentrations of heavy metals. Compared to Pb, Cd was found to be more detrimental concerning its influence on seed protein quality. Thus, our analysis revealed how heavy metals impact the quality of chickpea seed proteins by decreasing the content of essential amino acids
Studies on antimicrobial activity of Lawsonia inermis L. against different strains of bacteria and fungi
Get PDFNatural plant products are a significant source of synthetic and traditional medicines. The majority of the world population, especially in developing countries, is dependent on herbal formulations for their primary health care needs. Lawsonia inermis is a popular medicinal plant and possess many pharmacological properties. The present study was carried out to estimate the antimicrobial activity of L inermis leaves of the mother plant, regenerated plants and callus extract to justify the pharmaceutical aspect of the plant to provide herbal plant products as phytochemistry in Ayurveda as well as ethnobotanical aspect of the plant.The antimicrobial activity was determined with the help of the agar well diffusion method by using some Gram-positive;Bacillu subtilius MTCC441, Bacillus cereus MTCC430, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC96,Gram-negative; Escherichia coli MTCC1885,Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC424 and fungal strains Candida albicans MTCC227.Leaves and callus extract were tested against these microorganisms in different types of solvent as Methanolic, Ethanolic, Aqueous, Acetone, Hexane, Chloroform and Diethyl ether were investigated by agar well diffusion method. Different extraction procedures were done by using the soxhlet apparatus.Dilutions were made for the extract and it was noticed that the zones of inhibitions were increased ith the concentration of the extracts. Methanolic leaves extract was found best extract for antimicrobial activity of L. inermis in comparison to other extracts.The maximum zone of inhibition was 13.79±1.7mm in methanolic extracts of leaves against B. subtilis and the minimum zone of inhibition was noticed 09.40±1.7 mm against B. cereus.The value of the zone of inhibition was more in the case of leaves extracts as compared to callus extracts.This study showed that methanolic leaves extracts of L. inermis inhibit the growth of microorganisms dose-dependently.The leaves of Lawsonia inermis support the traditional use of the plant in therapy of bacterial infection
Genotypic differences in plant growth responses and ion accumulations to salt stress conditions of sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata)
Get PDFThe sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex Poir) is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially high carotenoids. Due to climate change and intensive water use, soil salinization is increasing day by day. Salt stress decreases the growth and quality of many crops. Thus, the objective of the present study was to monitor the growth and ion accumulation of fourteen sweet gourd inbred. The study was conducted in 2018 with 14 sweet gourd inbreds (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13 and P14) and to identify superior genotypes. Electrical conductivity (EC) based salt was applied at 4, 8, 12 and 16 dS/m NaCl salinity levels for all inbred. Tap water was used as a control. Treatments were imposed at the four to five-leaf stage. Salt stress resulted in significantly decreased growth and essential ion in sweet gourd inbred. Vine length (P11=164.9 to149.5cm, control to 16 dS/m), the number of leaves (P11=31 to 24.33, control to 16 dS/m), internode length (P12=9.67 to 9.83cm, control to 16 dS/m), stem girth (16.38 to 15.87mm, control to 16 dS/m) and K+ ion accumulations were decreased (P6=2.09 to 1.44, control to 16 dS/m) compared to the control. But Na+ ion was increased (P13=0.17 to 1.25, control to 16 dS/m) in all inbred under salt conditions. Sweet gourd inbred showed wide variation in their response to salt tolerance. However, six sweet gourd inbred (P6, P8, P9, P11, P12 and P14) were found as promising as salt-tolerant in respect of growth and ion accumulation. These selected promising salt-tolerant sweet gourd genotypes will be used for breeding programmes to develop high yielding varieties for better production in the near future in saline areas of Bangladesh
Fixing critical limits of boron in rice soils of Karaikal region, Puducherry union territory, India
Get PDFBoron is relatively immobile in plants and its deficiency can cause serious yield reduction in rice by retarding panicle formation. Karaiakal region of Puduchuerry union terittory includes different soils with varying fertility status thus supplying boron at optimum level is a must concern to enhance the rice productivity.A pot experiment was conducted to fix critical limits of boron in soils and rice of this Karaikal region. Forty surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from Inceptisol, Entisol and Vertisol soil orders of different locations in Karaikal region. The experiment was conducted with three levels of boron viz., 0, 1 and 2 ppm applied through borax in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. The available B content of soil was estimated with five extractants. The critical limits of hot water, hot 0.01 M CaCl2, 0.05 M HCl, 1.0 M NH4OAc, 0.01M CaCl2+ 0.05 M Mannitol extractable B were found to be 0.50, 0.58, 0.46, 0.45 and 0.39 ppm in Inceptisol, 0.48, 0.59, 0.44, 0.39 and 0.48 ppm in Entisol and 0.45, 0.54, 0.45, 0.44 and 0.41ppm in Vertisol and a critical limit of 31.0, 39.0 and 34.0 ppm B in rice plant for Inceptisol(0.5ppm), Entisol(0.48 ppm) and Vertisol(0.45 ppm) as determined by Cate and Nelson’s graphical procedure. Among the extractants the hot water extractant showed the highest significant and positive correlation with Bray’s percent yield(0.48,0.47and 0.48), plant B content(0.041*, 0.019* and 0.271*) and B uptake(0.012*, 0.646* and 0.293*), respectively in Inceptisol, Entisol and Vertisol. From this study, the indicating knowledge of critical limit of boron will help to avoid yield loss of rice in the study region
Titanium dioxide electrospun nanofibers for dye removal- A review
Get PDFDue to rapid urbanization and industrialization, water demand has increased worldwide. The availability of potable water is becoming more difficult in the global scenario. Hazardous pollution disposal by the industries to the nearest stream and search for the facile environmentally friendly technologies capable of treating these pollutants become more challenging. Effluent disposal consisting of the dyes without proper pre-treatment adversely affects the aquatic life and ecological system as they are carcinogenic and highly toxic. Dyes in the water are becoming a significant problem in the current scenario and attracted many researchers to research the current topic. Even though the conventional treatment options are available for treating polluted water, still they are not enough for the demand and supply. Thus, new state-of-the-art technologies are required to meet the demand and supply. Titanium dioxide nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning techniques have proven to be new nanomaterials gaining prominence in science. Several researchers are using these fibres by fabricating them into a thin film for pollutant removal and water treatment. They are gaining much importance as they perform best in treating water containing both organic and inorganic loads. The present review provides insights into the background and the origin of the electrospun nanofibers and preparation mechanisms. Further, we identified 25 widely used titanium dioxide electrospun nanofibers with various combinations in removing the dyes from the aqueous medium
A novel phenomenon of pseudoencystment in free living ciliate Pseudourostyla levis (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from River Yamuna, Delhi
Get PDFFree living ciliates are exposed to environmental challenges such as starvation, temperature fluctuations, high population density and salinity variations. Ciliates lower their metabolic activity and form cysts, an adaptive strategy evolved in response to environmental stress. In the present study on Pseudourostyla levis, a novel phenomenon of pseudoencystment had been noticed in which cells entered a state of dormancy but did not secrete a cyst wall. The process of pseudoencystment, which physiologically resembled true encystment, was functionally unrelated to it and was thus designated as pseudoencystment. Unlike true cysts, pseudocysts remained dormant for about 12 hours and then reverted to the active trophic state without any change in the environmental conditions. Another unique feature of pseudoencystment, was the synchronized induction of pseudocysts formation, achieved by a brief spell of starvation and the pseudocysts reverted to active trophic state without any change in environmental conditions. The state of dormancy did not provide any long-term protection to the ciliate and appeared to be a short term adaptation to the environment. The present study aimed to analyze the parameters for the induction of pseudocyst formation, cortical topological changes and to study the possible significance of this process. However, occasionally true cysts were also obtained by prolonged starvation, lasting 3-4 days but true cysts required either food or a fresh culture medium for excystation.
Morphometrics and distribution of antennal sensillae of both sexes of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Get PDFFall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a devastating invasive pest persisting as a menace hampering the progress of Indian agriculture. The morphometrics and distribution of antennal sensilla of both sexes of S. frugiperda were investigated in the study. The antenna was filiform for both sexes and was composed of scape, pedicel and flagellum. Male antennas had more subsegments (65-71) in the flagellum than female (56-70) antennas. Male and female S. frugiperda antennae possessed eight types of sensilla: sensilla trichoidea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla squamiformia and Bӧhm’s bristles. Sensilla trichoidea was the most abundant sensilla found in the antenna of both sexes and was more abundant in males than in females. It was also noticed that male antenna was longer than the female antenna. The results of the present study helps to assess alternative management strategies with an electrophysiological response of the pest towards sex pheromones and in combination with plant info chemicals for monitoring and management of S. frugiperda in agricultural ecosystems.