Phytotoxity of waste waters with Cr and

The dry and fresh biomass and metal concentration (Cr, Ni) in roots and shoots of mustard (S. alba L.) seedlings was evaluated in laboratory experiments with three types of washing waste-waters from cutlery production line. All tested washing waters reduced root dry mass, where-as the dry mass of shoots was either not affected or it increased. The effect of tested washing waters was stronger on fresh mass production than on dry mass production. This indicates problems in water reception and translocation. While the accumulation of Cr was higher in the roots, Ni was distributed equally through the whole plant seedling. Cr uptake in the roots and shoots was in average about 1.7 and 7.3 times, respectively, lower than that of Ni. Ni percentage uptake from washing waters in the roots and shoots was nearly equal and range from 10.2 to 15.8%.

Vertical Profiling of Fresh Biomass Burning Aerosol Optical Properties over the Greek Urban City of Ioannina, during the PANACEA Winter Campaign

Vertical profiling of aerosol particles was performed during the PANhellenic infrastructure for Atmospheric Composition and climatE chAnge (PANACEA) winter campaign (10 January 2020–7 February 2020) over the city of Ioannina, Greece (39.65° N, 20.85° E, 500 m a.s.l.). The middle-sized city of Ioannina suffers from wintertime air pollution episodes due to biomass burning (BB) domestic heating activities. The lidar technique was applied during the PANACEA winter campaign on Ioannina city, to fill the gap of knowledge of the spatio-temporal evolution of the vertical mixing of the particles occurring during these winter-time air pollution episodes. During this campaign the mobile single-wavelength (532 nm) depolarization Aerosol lIdAr System (AIAS) was used to measure the spatio-temporal evolution of the aerosols’ vertical profiles within the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) and the lower free troposphere (LFT; up to 4 km height a.s.l.). AIAS performed almost continuous lidar measurements from morning to late evening hours (typically from 07:00 to 19:00 UTC), under cloud-free conditions, to provide the vertical profiles of the aerosol backscatter coefficient (baer) and the particle linear depolarization ratio (PLDR), both at 532 nm. In this study we emphasized on the vertical profiling of very fresh (~hours) biomass burning (BB) particles originating from local domestic heating activities in the area. In total, 33 out of 34 aerosol layers in the lower free troposphere were characterized as fresh biomass burning ones of local origin, showing a mean particle linear depolarization value of 0.04 ± 0.02 with a range of 0.01 to 0.09 (532 nm) in a height region 1.21–2.23 km a.s.l. To corroborate our findings, we used in situ data, particulate matter (PM) concentrations (PM2.5) from a particulate sensor located close to our station, and the total black carbon (BC) concentrations along with the respective contribution of the fossil fuel (BCff) and biomass/wood burning (BCwb) from the Aethalometer. The PM2.5 mass concentrations ranged from 5.6 to 175.7 μg/m3, while the wood burning emissions from residential heating were increasing during the evening hours, with decreasing temperatures. The BCwb concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 17.5 μg/m3, with an extremely high mean contribution of BCwb equal to 85.4%, which in some cases during night-time reached up to 100% during the studied period.

Development of the prickly pear cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in vitro in response to the replacement of potassium nitrate for a commercial kno 3 fertilizer

ABSTRACT: In micropropagation, potassium nitrate (KNO3), an ACS reagent grade chemical, used in the preparation of growing mediums is expensive and its procurement depends on bureaucratic procedures, as it is controlled by the Brazilian Army. This research to assessed the effect of replacing the ACS KNO3 for a commercially available fertilizer (KNO3- based) on the micropropagation of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cv. Elephant Ear. Treatments used six different fertilizer concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 g L-1) and a control consisting of 1.9 g L-1 KNO3, as shown in the MS salts. The survival, size and number of sprouts and the value of fresh biomass were evaluated. After seedling acclimation, we assessed the survival, number of sprouts, length, and number of roots, racket formation, average fresh biomass mass, macronutrient absorption and morphological changes of the seedlings. Explants inoculated with fertilizers at concentrations of 0.0; 2.0 and 2.5 g L-¹ did not grow. The response of explants at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.5 g L-1 of the fertilizer were the same as those developed in a KNO3 medium, and at a concentration of 1.0 g L-1, in all variables, the means were higher than those of the control medium. Therefore, it showed the feasibility of using fertilizers in the in vitro cultivation of the prickly pear cactus, which may remove bureaucratic barriers and reduce product costs by 99.12%.

The BIOHERBICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Pseudomonas SPP (PF-097) To SUPRESS THE ALLELOPATHIC STRESS OF Trianthema portulacastrum LEAF EXTRACT ON Vigna mungo

Vigna mungo L. (black gram) is a summer pulse crop endemic to Central Asia. It is one of Pakistan's top five premium food beans and a highly cost-effective crop. Allelochemicals in Trianthema portulacastrum leaf extract effect and inhibit black gram germination rate, seedling length, fresh and dry biomass of seedling from low to high concentrations. The research revealed that in vitro leaf extract of black pigweed decrease the mash bean leaf germination percentage (34% to 6%), seedling length (10cm to 3cm), fresh biomass of seedling (2.4g to 0.94g), dry biomass (1.2g to 0.47g). Biological tool Pseudomonas (PF- 097) act as bioherbicide and as plant growth promoter agent (PGPR) to decrease the Trianthema portulacastrum allelopathic stress and to enhance the growth of black gram. The Pseudomonas (PF-097) PGPR addition in vitro experiment increased mash bean leaf germination (8-42%), seedling length (12-54%), and fresh biomass of seedling (8-17%) and dry biomass of seedling (0.47g-1.2g). In vivo experimental study revealed that whole plant material of black pigweed significantly suppress the shoot length (46cm to 18cm), shoot fresh biomass (2.6g to 0.66g) and shoot dry biomass (1.31g to 0.33g) and Pseudomonas (PF-097) PGPR incorporation in vivo experminet significantly increased the shoot length (4% to 12%), shoot fresh biomass (18% to 35%), shoot dry biomass (17% to 35%). Physiological activity of Catalase and peroxidase considerably increased in negative treatments amended with only T. portulacastrum and decreased in positive treatments by using biological agent Pseudomonas spp (PF- 097). By the amendment of Pseudomonas (PF- 097) protein content of mash bean seedling was significantly increased in positive treatments as compared to negative treatments.

CHARACTERIZATION IN TERMS OF COMPOSITION AND PHYTOTOXICITY OF AQUEOUS SPORES EXTRACT

In this study, we used aqueous extracts of fern spores and solution of AgNO3 and HAuCl4 for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles Au:Ag in different proportions: 1:1 and 1:10. The spores used come from 2 species of ferns: Asplenium scolopendrium and Dryopteris filix-mas. For the characterization of the extracts with or without bimetallic nanoparticles we applied Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Phytotoxicity was tested using Pisum sativum seeds. Each extract was tested in 2 dilutions: 1:10 (D10) and 1:100 (D100). The parameters, which we determinate were the root and stem growth and fresh biomass. Root growth was stimulated in variants with Asplenium scolopendrium extract: without nanoparticles both dilution and with Au:Ag nanoparticles 1:10 D10. The highest values obtained for the stem were at D10 at the variants with Asplenium scolopendrium extract with or without bimetallic nanoparticles. The influence of extracts on fresh biomass was smaller than on the growth of root and stem.

Relation between fresh biomass of plant species (Senecio L.) and elevation in Shan County

A key plant species (Senecio L.) not only is a vital multilevel functional medicinal material of indications of respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, enteritis, dysentery, but also it is a widely distributed wide plant species. This plant species is widely distributed elevation from 500m to 1500m in six landscapes and vegetation ecosystems in Shan County of China. However, understanding dynamics of dry biomass of this species is difficult along elevation. This research explained that the relation between fresh biomass of the species and elevation is a significant positive connection from 500m to 1000m (P<0.01) as well as the links between fresh biomass of this species and elevation is a significant negative connection from 1000m to 1500m (P<0.01). This study provides six ecosystem types and a series of areas ecological adaptation for finding new medicinal species. Therefore, this study has vital theoretical and practical significance for medicinal plant protection along different elevation and environmental gradient over the spatial-temporal-environmental-disturbance scales (STEDS) in the multilevel green space diversity.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Cultivation in Decoupled Aquaponics with Three Hydro-Components (Grow Pipes, Raft, Gravel) and African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production in Northern Germany

Mint (Mentha spicata) was cultivated in different hydroponic components: grow pipes, a raft and an ebb-and-flood gravel substrate system irrigated with aquaculture effluents from intensive African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) production under decoupled aquaponic conditions in northern Germany. The spearmint grew well and plant heights above ground were not significantly different between the gravel (57.7 ± 13.1 cm), raft (58.0 ± 17.7 cm) and grow pipe components (63.6 ± 9.9 cm). Root lengths and root fresh weights were two-fold and four-fold higher in raft (64.3 ± 20.5 cm; 42.8 ± 29.9 g) and grow pipes (59.4 ± 15.2 cm; 41.3 ± 25.7 g) compared with gravel substrate (29.7 ± 7.8 cm; 9.4 ± 9.4 g; raft = grow pipes > gravel). Spearmint leaf number was significantly higher in the grow pipes (770.0 ± 224.4) than in the gravel substrate (499.8 ± 228.4) with intermediate values in the raft. Significantly highest mean fresh biomass was found in the raft (1275.6 ± 33.4 g), followed by grow pipes (1042.0 ± 35.8 g) and gravel substrate (686.3 ± 98.2 g; raft > grow pipes > gravel). M. spicata, under aquaponics, grows best in grow pipe and raft components. An increase in pipe diameter for the grow pipes and a reduction in the channel height for the raft components could optimize aquaponic culture conditions for both industrial production and the hobby sector in the future.

Physiological response of sorghum seeds treated with Arsenicum album submitted to low temperature

Introduction: Temperature is one of the main environmental factors that act on plants, affecting physiological processes such as germination and vigor, growth, photosynthesis, water and nutrients uptake, among others [1]. When seeds are exposed to temperature stress during imbibition process occur dramatic changes in the reorganization and function of the plasma membrane impairing the stability and functional structure of the membrane resulting in the decrease on germination and embryo death [2][3]. In plant, stress triggers wide response that extends from the change of gene expression and cell metabolism to changes in growth rate and productivity. The organism’s reaction is a function of plant capacity to produce effects opposite to the action of stressors [4]. Aim: the purpose of this study was to evaluate high dilution effect of Arsenicum album on physiological variables of germination and growth of sorghum. Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Physiology and Homeopathy at Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM. Arsenicum album 6x matrix was acquired in homeopathic laboratory. From matrix, other dilutions were prepared according to Brazilian Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia [5] with the homeopathic remedies prepared in distilled water (1/10) and succussed by 100 times in mechanical arm (50-Denise Model Autic). For cold test, 50 seeds were distributed on germitest paper moistened to 2.5 times the weight of paper under different dilutions of A. album (9, 12, 18, 24 and 30x) with four replications. The control consisted of distilled water. After sowing, the rolls were placed in plastic bags and sealed, and lead in BOD-chamber at 10°C for 7 days. After this period, the rolls were removed from plastic bags and transferred to BOD-chamber at (25 ± 2)°C, arranged at random where they remained for seven days. Germination percentage (GP%) were evaluated according to Rules for Seed Analysis [6]. The length of primary roots (LPR) and length of hypocotyl (LH) were determined only for seedlings. The total length seedlings (TLS) was calculated as the sum of the lengths of hypocotyl (LH) and primary root (LPR). The fresh biomass (FB) of the seedlings were obtained by removing from their cotyledons, and then weighed on an analytical balance. The dry biomass (DB) was obtained after drying at (80 ± 1)°C for 72h. The experimental design was completely randomized. We adopted the double-blind procedure, thereby avoiding possible researcher interference. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Scott-Knott (P≤ 0.05). Results: Seed exposure for seven days to cold stress at 10º C inhibited the germination percentage (GP%). Dilutions 9 and 18x showed the lowest germination percentage (Figure 1A). The cold inhibited the total length of hypocotyls (LH) the length of the seedlings (TLS), with the lowest values ​​observed in seeds treated with dilution 24x (Figures 1B and 1C). Fresh biomass production of seedlings (FB) also was reduced the dilutions 9, 12 and 24x (Figure 1D). Seedlings treated with the dilution 24x reduced the dry biomass production (DB) (Figure 1E). Conclusions: We can conclude that homeopathy Arsenicum album 24x reduced the germination percentage, the length, fresh and dry biomass of sorghum. Probably the cause of this reduction is the lower absorption/water content in the system. The reduction in water content can be the cause lower values ​​for the variables mentioned. However, the inhibitory action of the 24x dilution in water content is not yet known and will be one of the goals of future work.

Autoallelopathic potential of aqueous extracts from Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton)

Production of allelopathic substances is a factor determining the ecological success of invasive plants—Canadian goldenrod (S. canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton). This research aimed at evaluating the autoallelopathic effect of aqueous extracts (AEs) prepared from various parts of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod against vegetative growth, and biomass accumulation of both goldenrods. In the stage of 5–6 leaves, goldenrod plants, were foliar sprayed with AEs, at concentrations of 5 or 10%. The biochemical properties of AEs, i.e., total phenolic content, total antioxidant potential and selected plant hormones, were examined. Two and ten days after spraying (DAS), damages to aboveground parts of goldenrods (necrosis and wilting) were visually assessed. The fresh mass of above- and belowground parts of goldenrods were measured 21 DAS. AEs from various parts of Canadian goldenrod or giant goldenrod displayed autoallelopathic properties of inhibitory nature. The phytotoxic potential of AEs varied depending on their source. Canadian goldenrod was more susceptible to the AEs, manifested by more significant damages to aboveground parts and a greater decrease in above- and belowground biomass. The most effective against growth and development of Canadian goldenrod and giant goldenrod were AEs from rhizomes, which caused a reduction of fresh biomass of goldenrods up to 42%, compared to water-treated control.

Use of Oblique RGB Imagery and Apparent Surface Area of Plants for Early Estimation of Above-Ground Corn Biomass

Estimating above-ground biomass in the context of fertilization management requires the monitoring of crops at early stages. Conventional remote sensing techniques make use of vegetation indices such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), but they do not exploit the high spatial resolution (ground sampling distance < 5 mm) now achievable with the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in agriculture. The aim of this study was to compare image mosaics to single images for the estimation of corn biomass and the influence of viewing angles in this estimation. Nadir imagery was captured by a high spatial resolution camera mounted on a UAV to generate orthomosaics of corn plots at different growth stages (from V2 to V7). Nadir and oblique images (30° and 45° with respect to the vertical) were also acquired from a zip line platform and processed as single images. Image segmentation was performed using the difference color index Excess Green-Excess Red, allowing for the discrimination between vegetation and background pixels. The apparent surface area of plants was then extracted and compared to biomass measured in situ. An asymptotic total least squares regression was performed and showed a strong relationship between the apparent surface area of plants and both dry and fresh biomass. Mosaics tended to underestimate the apparent surface area in comparison to single images because of radiometric degradation. It is therefore conceivable to process only single images instead of investing time and effort in acquiring and processing data for orthomosaic generation. When comparing oblique photography, an angle of 30° yielded the best results in estimating corn biomass, with a low residual standard error of orthogonal distance (RSEOD = 0.031 for fresh biomass, RSEOD = 0.034 for dry biomass). Since oblique imagery provides more flexibility in data acquisition with fewer constraints on logistics, this approach might be an efficient way to monitor crop biomass at early stages.