PHOTOSYNTHETIC INOCULANTS FOR PROMOTING SEED GERMINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TOMATO PLANTS

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are a potentially sustainable alternative for the improvement and protection of agricultural crops. Mineral fertilizers raise environmental and health issues. and current agricultural practices depend to a large extent on the application of fertilizers and pesticides. In this study. we examined the effect of cyanobacteria and microalgae on tomato seed germination. seedling growth. green and dry biomass. gas exchange from leaves (plant photosynthesis and transpiration). and the chlorophyll content of leaves (chlorophyll a. b and carotene). as well as on the soil respiration process. The obtained results highlight higher values of green and dry biomass in the variants inoculated with cyanobacteria and microalgae compared to the control variant and comparable to the values obtained in the technologically fertilized variants. Tomato seedlings showed higher photosynthesis values compared to the control and compared to the technologically fertilized variant in the soil of the pea plot (7.06 μmol CO2 / m2 / s compared to 6.33μmol CO2 / m2 / s in the control variant and 7.06 μmol CO2 / m2 / s in the technologically fertilized version). And in the case of the soil in the museum plot. the values of photosynthesis in the version with the inoculum of cyanobacteria and microalgae were statistically assured compared to the control.

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.

Determining the Effects of Nanonutrient Application in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitate L.) Using Spectrometry and Biomass Estimation with UAV

Geospatial technologies are presented as an alternative for the monitoring and control of crops, as demonstrated through the analysis of spectral responses (SR) of each species. In this study, it was intended to determine the effects of the application of nanonutrients (Zn and Mn) in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitate L.) by analyzing the relationship between the vegetation indices (VI) NDVI, GNDVI, NGRDI, RVI, GVI, CCI RARSa and the content of chlorophyll (CC), from two trials established in the field and in the greenhouse, together with the calculation of dry biomass production in the field through the use of digital models and its further validation. The results indicated that for greenhouse experiments no significant differences were found between the VIs in the implemented treatments, rather for their phenological states. Whereas in the field assays it was evidenced that there were significant differences between the VIs for the treatments, as well as for the phenological states. The SR issued in the field allowed the evaluation of the behavior of the crop due to the application of nanonutrients, which did not occur in the greenhouse, in the same way. The SR also enabled the spectral characterization of the crop in its phenological states in the two trials. All this information was stored in a digital format, which allowed the creation of a spectral library which was published on a web server. The validation of the dry biomass allowed, by statistical analysis, the efficiency of the method used for its estimation to be confirmed.

Leaf area index, evapotranspiration and dry Bio-mass of maize (Zea mays L.)

Based on the crop season data for the years 1989 and 1990, LAI, biomass, water use efficiency, soil evaporation, potential and actual plant transpiration have been determined for maize. The ET/EP ratio has been correlated with LAI and dry biomass. Correlations were also determined between some of the above crop characteristic factors as also with moisture in topsoil profile. The analysis indicated that total rainfall during crop season does not have large bearing on the maize yield. The water use efficiency appears to be nearly independent of atmospheric demand. Actual and potential plant transpirations and the evaporation from the soil could be computed from a simple model.

Characterization of Novel Selected Microalgae for Antioxidant Activity and Polyphenols, Amino Acids, and Carbohydrates

The biochemical composition of three novel selected microalgae strains (Chlorophyta) was evaluated to confirm their potential possibilities as new sustainably produced biomass with nutritional, functional, and/or biomedical properties. Extracts from cultured Pseudopediastrum boryanum, Chloromonas cf. reticulata, and Chloroidium saccharophilum exhibited higher radical scavenging activity of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) when compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), but lower than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Total phenolic compounds and amino acids were determined by newly developed RP-HPLC methods. Total phenolic contents, as µg g−1 of dry biomass, reached 27.1 for C. cf. reticulata, 26.4 for P. boryanum, and 55.8 for C. saccharophilum. Percentages of total analysed amino acids were 24.3, 32.1, and 18.5% of dry biomass, respectively, presenting high values for essential amino acids reaching 54.1, 72.6, and 61.2%, respectively. Glutamic acid was the most abundant free amino acid in all microalgae samples, followed by proline and lysine in C. saccharophilum and P. boryanum, and methionine and lysine in C. reticulata. Soluble carbohydrates in aqueous extracts ranged from 39.6 for C. saccharophilum to 49.3% for C. reticulata, increasing values to 45.1 for C. saccharophilum and 52.7% for P. boryanum in acid hydrolysates of dried biomass. Results confirmed the potential possibilities of these microalgae strains.

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.

Effect of Temperature and Cell Viability on Uranium Biomineralization by the Uranium Mine Isolate Penicillium simplicissimum

The remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated sites represents a serious environmental problem worldwide. Currently, cost- and time-intensive chemical treatments are usually performed. Bioremediation by heavy-metal-tolerant microorganisms is considered a more eco-friendly and comparatively cheap alternative. The fungus Penicillium simplicissimum KS1, isolated from the flooding water of a former uranium (U) mine in Germany, shows promising U bioremediation potential mainly through biomineralization. The adaption of P. simplicissimum KS1 to heavy-metal-contaminated sites is indicated by an increased U removal capacity of up to 550 mg U per g dry biomass, compared to the non-heavy-metal-exposed P. simplicissimum reference strain DSM 62867 (200 mg U per g dry biomass). In addition, the effect of temperature and cell viability of P. simplicissimum KS1 on U biomineralization was investigated. While viable cells at 30°C removed U mainly extracellularly via metabolism-dependent biomineralization, a decrease in temperature to 4°C or use of dead-autoclaved cells at 30°C revealed increased occurrence of passive biosorption and bioaccumulation, as confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy. The precipitated U species were assigned to uranyl phosphates with a structure similar to that of autunite, via cryo-time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy. The major involvement of phosphates in U precipitation by P. simplicissimum KS1 was additionally supported by the observation of increased phosphatase activity for viable cells at 30°C. Furthermore, viable cells actively secreted small molecules, most likely phosphorylated amino acids, which interacted with U in the supernatant and were not detected in experiments with dead-autoclaved cells. Our study provides new insights into the influence of temperature and cell viability on U phosphate biomineralization by fungi, and furthermore highlight the potential use of P. simplicissimum KS1 particularly for U bioremediation purposes.Graphical Abstract

Study of the Effect of Mulching Materials on Weed Control in Saffron Cultivation in Eastern Morocco

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is cultivated in many countries for its culinary and medicinal values. The production of saffron is limited by several factors, including weed infestation, which causes damage to the crop in terms of quantity and quality. However, little information is available on the different weed management strategies for saffron cultivation, as most of the strategies implemented are developed for large-scale and conventional agriculture. As a result, they are not applicable or affordable for organic or smallholder farmers, as is the case for saffron cultivation. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of plastic mulching versus mulching in controlling weeds in saffron cultivation in the eastern region of Morocco. During the trial, which was conducted in 2018, the parameters measured correspond, on the one hand, to morphometric measurements and determination of saffron stigma yield and, on the other hand, to the determination of density, dry biomass, and weed control capacity. Compared to the control, mulching reduced the population and dry biomass of the most formidable weeds such as Cynodon dactylon, Aster squamatus, Cyperus rotundus, and Convolvulus arvensis. The average stigmata yield from plastic mulch treatment was 9% higher than of the control, and the number of leaves, leaf area, number, weight, and percentage of daughter corms with large diameter were higher for plants grown under mulch. Overall, the results of this study showed that the use of PE (polyethylene) mulch effectively reduced weed populations and improved saffron yield and vegetative growth.