Litchi fruit dropping is a major issue that leads to low yields while degrading biochemical nutrient qualities by fruit cracking and reduced income for litchi growers in Bangladesh. To address this, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of biochemical nutrients and the ability to reduce fruit cracking and dropping in the litchi cv. 'Bombai' under various concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-DPA). The study followed a two-factor factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design, using four levels for each growth regulator: control, 20, 30, and 40 ppm 2,4-DPA, and similarly for 6-BAP. Various parameters were measured, including the number of flowers, fruit retention, fruit cracking, moisture content, ash content, acidity, fruit growth, and fruit quality, as well as yield per tree. The results demonstrated that both plant growth regulators, 2,4-DPA and 6-BAP, significantly reduced fruit dropping and cracking while improving the overall quality and nutrient content of the fruits. The retention of fruits was higher with 6-BAP compared to 2,4-DPA. The highest fruit weight, length, diameter, pulp-to-seed ratio, and pulp-to-peel ratio were achieved with the 20 ppm treatments of both 2,4-DPA and 6-BAP. Additionally, biochemical fruit quality indicators, including vitamin C, vitamin A, total phenol content, and key mineral nutrients, were significantly enhanced by both growth regulators. Based on the findings, it is recommended that either 20 ppm of 2,4-DPA or 20 ppm of 6-BAP be applied three times at the pea-size, marble-size, and pre-harvest stages after fruit set to enhance fruit quality by reducing fruit crack and reducing fruit drop resulted in higher yield in litchi.
The processes and mechanisms that determine the growth and yield of crops in different environments are necessary to increase agricultural production, since they guide us in the choice of the most appropriate management practices. The aim of the study was to evaluate, during the years 2018, 2019, 2020, the performance of Physalis philadelphica, Physalis angulata and Physalis pubescens as a function of leaf area index, light extinction coefficient and radiation use efficiency. Research was carried out at the Center of Research and Advanced Studies of the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico. Results revealed that the environmental conditions of 2018 positively influenced the expression of leaf area index and radiation use efficiency, increasing the average production of Physalis sp. (10.65 t/ha) compared to 2019 (9.67 t/ha) and 2020 (8.13 t/ha). P. philadelphica produced the greatest amount of fruit (16.69 t/ha), followed by P. angulata (10.46 t/ha) and P. pubescens (1.33 t/ha). Genotype & times; environment interaction in 2018 stimulated the expression of the eco-physiological attributes of P. philadelphica, achieving a yield of 18.83 t/ha.
Concern over the potential health benefits of the phytochemical compounds in lettuce has grown as intake of leafy vegetables, especially lettuce, has increased. This study was to investigate the effect of periods harvesting and the different dose of nitrogen fertilisation, including low, normal and high (100, 200 and 300 mg/L) respectively, on level of phytochemical compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids and chlorophylls in lettuce. The experiment was conducted in the growth chamber at Newcastle University. The plants were randomly designed for 3 treatments with 15 replications. Plants were harvested in three different periods. The first harvest took place after 6 weeks from planting, and the second and third harvests were done after 7 and 8 weeks from planting, respectively. After each harvest, the chlorophyll content and total carotenoids and other phytochemicals were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before and after drying the plants. The plant biomass was higher at normal nitrogen application (200 mg/L) in all periods of harvesting. As well as, significantly increased plant phytochemicals including carotenoids and chlorophylls, while, the composition of phenolic acids and flavonols were not affected such as, higher level of nitrogen fertiliser to the soil has resulted in a higher concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in the lettuce by 154.2~420.3%, 72.1~287.9% respectively. As well as, that lutein was increased from 209 & micro;g/g dry weight at the first period of harvest to 287 & micro;g/g dry weight at the second period of harvest. Furthermore, the total phenolic increased by 25%. The findings of the current study showed that plant maturity has a positive correlation with plant phytochemicals.
Leaves of Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir. were sampled on five dates between autumn and winter and analysed to identify the factors causing progressive changes in leaf colour and physiological characteristics. Colour parameters L*, a*, C*, and s* increased significantly, particularly s*, which changed from 8 518.79 to 13 044.77 (53.13%) over the sampling period. Changes in leaf colour parameters indicated that E. sylvestris leaves became reddish, and colour brightness and purity increased. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly, with mean values on December 30 being only 15.2% and 56%, respectively, of those recorded on October 30. Conversely, anthocyanin content increased 3.15-fold, and changes in pigment content ratio were the major factors explaining leaf reddening over the experimental period. Pigment content interacted with fluorescence and photosynthetic characteristics during leaf reddening. The decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents weakened leaf fluorescence while decreasing light energy use efficiency and net photosynthetic rate. The allocation of light energy to regulatory processes (e.g., photochemical reactions) and heat dissipation pathways decreased, resulting in excess excitation energy that led to photodamage in photosystem II. These findings provide a scientific basis for gardening applications of E. sylvestris and novel theoretical insights into the mechanisms of leaf colouration in colourful ornamental plants.
Bio-fertilisation has gained popularity due to its sustainability in agricultural practice. One of the cyanobacterial-based bio-fertilisers is Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis), which contains phycocyanin, a blue protein pigment that is abundant in Spirulina sp., that boosts the growth yield and bioactive content of plants. The aim of the current study is to determine the alteration in antioxidant and phenolic content in red cabbage microgreens (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) by treating different organs of the plant with phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis. The phycocyanin application did not significantly affect the phenolic content of the cotyledon leaves. However, soaking with phycocyanin solution significantly affected the phenolic content of seeds. Regarding the antioxidant capacity of the microgreens, no significant effect was detected on the antioxidant activity of the seeds among the phycocyanin concentrations. The phycocyanin application significantly increased antioxidant activity compared to control soaked in deionised water. The results clearly demonstrate that phycocyanin application to seed and cotyledon leaves affected the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of the microgreens. Although there are several studies about the effects of phycocyanin on growth parameters, this study has different perspectives in terms of the method of phycocyanin application and evaluation of the bioactive compounds in microgreens.
This study investigated the response of sago palms to saline conditions, focusing on their morphological and photosynthetic performance. The photosynthetic traits were evaluated using OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence transient. The plants were exposed to a saline condition of 224 mM NaCl, and their ability to form associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) was also assessed. We tested both commercial AMF products, containing spores from multiple genera, and isolated AMF spores from Glomus etunicatum and Glomus grape, to determine their ability to infect sago palm roots under high salt conditions. The results showed that sago palms can maintain efficient photosynthesis even at high salt levels. This is likely due to their ability to prevent excessive salt uptake in shoots and water loss from roots by forming lignin deposits in cell tissues. Furthermore, the study found that sago palm roots can form associations with AMF under saline conditions. These findings indicate that sago palms exhibit tolerance to saline environments, making them a promising crop option for areas with low soil quality where other carbohydrate-producing crops cannot tolerate the conditions.
There is significant interest in the propagation of bananas due to their substantial global economic importance, which is why this study aimed to develop an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation through somatic embryogenesis (SE) of the `Manzano' and `Pelipita' cultivars. Immature male flower bud explants were used for embryogenic callus induction. The `Manzano' cultivar showed a higher percentage of embryogenic callus induction than `Pelipita'. Stereomicroscopic observations revealed that the embryogenic callus was asynchronous, as various stages of somatic embryos were noted. White translucent pro-embryogenic callus was efficiently utilized to establish embryogenic cell suspension. The development of different stages in the regeneration process of embryogenic cell suspension was also recorded. Embryos in the late coleoptilar stage, characterized by an opaque white morphology, were selected and transferred to an appropriate medium to evaluate the germination percentage. We found that the germination rate was highly efficient for both cultivars, exceeding 90% when using these embryos in the selected stage. Additionally, we observed that embryos that were 90 days old showed a 10-12% increase in germination compared to those that were 60 days old, confirming the importance of embryo maturation duration and the selection of embryogenic aggregates through the sieving of suspended cells to optimize regeneration efficiency.
The suitability of macadamia trees for different climates has been shown to affect tree growth and fruit quality. In this study, the differences in tree survival rate after frost injury, tree growth, nut mass, kernel quality and yield of seven macadamia cultivars were evaluated for field production in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, and the suitability of macadamia cultivars was determined. The cultivars evaluated were 'Beaumont' ('HAES695'), 'HVA16' ('A16'), 'Hinde' ('H2'), 'Own Choice' ('O.C.'), 'SSCRI-1', 'SSCRI-2' and 'SSCRI-3'. Of these, 'Beaumont', 'A16', 'H2' and 'O.C.' were Australian cultivars and 'SSCRI-1', 'SSCRI-2' and 'SSCRI-3' were Chinese cultivars. The results showed that all seven cultivars grew well under the high altitude and high latitude climate conditions of southern Tibet without continuous frost. 'A16' and 'Beaumont' in addition to their reasonable yield, nut mass and kernel quality, had the higher tree survival rate after frost injury. 'A16' and 'Beaumont' were well adapted to the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, followed by 'O.C.', 'SSCRI-1' and 'SSCRI-2', but 'SSCRI-3' and 'H2' were unsuitable. These results indicated that it is possible to produce macadamia in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet by planting excellent frost-resistant cultivars, with promising yields and a commercial standard of nut quality.
Organic seed coating is an alternative method for supporting sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the influence of organic coating and seed storability on cucumber seeds using atmosphere-controlling techniques. The seeds were coated with an organic formulation, and a non-coated seed was used as a control. All samples were then packed using modified atmosphere packaging, including normal air, 100% N-2, and 100% CO2, and stored under ambient conditions (30 +/- 2 degrees C) for 8 months. Results indicated that the organic seed coating did not significantly affect seed germination compared to the non-coated seeds (P > 0.05) throughout the storage period. Moreover, the coating tended to positively influence seedling growth, including root and shoot lengths, seedling growth rate, chlorophyll content, and total phenolic content. Additionally, seeds packed with 100% CO2 showed a slight impact on seedling growth compared to those in normal airbags, but this modified atmosphere packaging technique tended to increase chlorophyll a and b, as well as the total phenolic content in seedlings. Conversely, seeds packaged with 100% N-2 tended to decrease seedling lengths. Therefore, cucumber seeds coated with an organic formulation and packed in a 100% CO2 bag can enhance seedling growth parameters during germination and extend seed storability.
Curcuma longa L., known as turmeric, is a plant species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. Turmeric is generally spread in Asian countries. It is used in many sectors, especially spices. It has been predicted that increasing climatic changes will affect the agricultural crop pattern. To provide an alternative crop for countries with sub-tropical climates, such as Turkey, the yield and quality values of turmeric grown under the greenhouse and shade net conditions were determined in the present study. Moreover, morphological traits such as plant height, tillering number, and leaf area were determined. The highest fresh yield (1 333.67 g/plant) was obtained under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, the highest antioxidant value (3.01 IC50 mg/mg 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) was obtained under shade net conditions, while the highest total phenolic content (6.88 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) was obtained under greenhouse conditions. Curcumin reached the highest level (1.79%) in greenhouse conditions. While the essential oil ratio varied between 5.22 and 7.32%, ar-turmerone, alpha-turmerone, and beta-turmerone were determined as the main components in the essential oil. According to the results, turmeric can be grown in greenhouse conditions in subtropical regions.
Ornamental perennials are highly popular and irreplaceable plants commonly used for enhancing public spaces and private gardens. One of the most frequently occurring pathogens is powdery mildew, a parasitic fungus that covers leaves, stems, and flowers with a whitish to light grey mycelium and reproductive structures. It significantly reduces not only the lifespan of plants but also their aesthetic value. A field survey of ornamental plants infected with powdery mildew was conducted during the growing seasons of 2021-2023 in the Czech Republic. Thirty-nine species and cultivars of infected plants from 17 families were collected from botanical gardens, private gardens, and city parks, and 26 species of powdery mildew were identified. Species identification was based on a combination of morphological and PCR-based molecular analyses. The most frequently represented genus was Golovinomyces (13 species and varieties of powdery mildew on 21 plant samples from eight families), followed by five species of the genus Erysiphe on seven plant species from five families, and seven species of the genus Podosphaera on ten plant species from five families. The species Neo & euml;rysiphe galeopsidis was identified on a single plant sample. Two new powdery mildew species (Go-lovinomyces savulescui, Erysiphe knautie) were identified in the Czech Republic, and the host range of several species was clarified. Golovinomyces bolayi was confirmed on Campanula lactiflora and Veronica longifolia, Erysiphe macleaye on Dicentra spectabilis, and Podosphaera xantii on Calendula officinalis, Chrysanthemum sp., Dahlia pinnata, and Gerbera x hybrida.
Recently, protected cultivation of bananas under subtropical conditions has gained popularity due to the impact of global climate change. Several factors influence the yield and quality of banana cultivation. Among these factors, variety plays an important role along with cultural practices. This study aimed to determine the performance of `Azman', `Bango', `Bonus', `Grand Nain', `Lider', and `Para' banana varieties in terms of morphological and yield characteristics under protected cultivation, as well as to elucidate the relationship between yield and factors affecting yield. The research was conducted between 2020 and 2022 in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The research findings showed that each morphological parameter examined varied significantly. However, the `Bango' variety exhibited superior results in terms of finger circumference (13.23 cm), finger length (21.08 cm), bunch weight (39.33 kg), and yield per hectare (72 t/ha). Moderate to high-level phenotypic correlations were found between bunch weight and pseudo stem girth, pseudo stem height, number of fingers, finger weight, finger circumference, and finger length, with values of 0.544, 0.478, 0.326, 0.669, 0.581, and 0.543, respectively. Positive and significant phenotypic correlations were determined between finger length affecting export quality, bunch weight, finger weight, and finger circumference, with values of 0.543, 0.799, and 0.625, respectively. It can be concluded that the `Bango' variety exhibited better results as compared to other varieties in terms of both yield and quality criteria. Additionally, positive phenotypic correlations were observed between bunch weight (which directly influences yield) and finger length (which affects export quality), as well as various morphological and pomological characteristics.
The apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is one of the most devastating diseases of apples because it drastically affects the aerial parts of the tree. Apple breeding programs frequently aim to develop cultivars exhibiting resistance to scab. Thus, controlled pollinations were performed on apple trees in 2021. The experiment was organised into a hybridisation scheme involving six apple cultivars. The scheme consists of: five female genitors (`Auriu de Bistrila', `Jonathan', `Golden Delicious', `Starkrimson', and `Idared') and one male genitor (`Florina'- donor for the Vf). To quickly identify the Vf gene in the early development stage of progenies, three pairs of primers were used: AM19, AL07, and VFC. The hybrid combinations with the highest percentage of progenies inheriting the Vf resistance gene were: `Starkrimson' x `Florina' (59.2%), followed by `Jonathan' x `Florina' (57.1%). The hybrids that inherited the Vf resistance gene have been transferred to the field and are being further examined for their resistance against scab infections in the field, in the proximity of a natural source of the inoculum infection pressure.
Selenium is an essential trace element in the human body, mainly obtained from the daily diet. Producing selenium-rich agricultural products through selenium-rich cultivation is an important cultivation method. Selenium-rich agricultural products can effectively supplement the selenium element needed by the human body in daily life. In this study, we conducted research on selenium-rich cultivation techniques for garlic, and different concentrations of sodium selenite solutions were used for garlic field treatment. We tested the related agronomic traits, nutritional indicators, and selenium content of garlic sprouts and garlic bulbs. The yield of garlic sprouts (37.08 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (25.31 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (61.00 vg/kg) and garlic bulbs (2 930.00 vg/kg) of T3 treatment (120 mg/L Na2SeO3) were significantly increased, compared with the yield of garlic sprouts (30.66 t/ha) and garlic bulbs (20.90 t/ha) and total selenium content of garlic sprouts (6.33 vg/kg) and garlic bulbs (75.00 vg/kg) of the control (CK). Furthermore, selenium treatment improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in garlic sprouts during winter, and promoted the absorption of soil nutrients by garlic. Taken together, our research indicates that garlic, especially garlic bulbs, has strong selenium-rich ability, and selenium-rich cultivation techniques could significantly improve the yield and quality of garlic products.
Natural plants are abundant in their native habitats and are traditionally used to treat a variety of health conditions. The Rosa genus stands out as an important species rich in bioactive compounds. This study, conducted in T & uuml;rkiye, aimed to analyse the antioxidant and phenolic profiles of methanolic extracts obtained from different parts of Rosa canina (R.c.) and Rosa pimpinelifolia (R.p.) collected in 2021 and 2022. The antioxidant activity values of R.c. collected in 2021 and 2022 were found to be between 5 102.31-46 396.36 mmol Fe(II)/100 g in ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 141.92-377.54 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AA)/kg in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 2.18-24.68 mu g/g in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH (EC50)] and 34.31-75.77 % in DPPH (% inhibition). Antioxidant activity of R.p. collected in 2021 and 2022 ranged from 17 258.44-71 903.20 mmol Fe(II)/100 g, 271.69-479.19 mg AA/kg, 1.02-8.32 mu g/g and 50.98-85.57% for FRAP, TAC, DPPH (EC50) and DPPH (% inhibition), respectively. The R.p. extracts generally exhibited higher antioxidant activity than those of R.c. Considering the total identified phenolic compounds achieved from different plant parts of rosehip for both years, the highest values of total phenolic compounds were determined in R.c. leaves (222.08 mg/100 g) in 2021, and R.p. leaves (5 465.95 mg/100 g) in 2021.
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Acanthus ilicifolius are key mangrove species, but their populations have declined recently due to human activities. To promote their restoration, this study optimised seed germination and seedling cultivation using the plant factory method. The parameters, such as illumination, salinity, temperature and nutrient conditions, were examined. Our results showed that suitable illumination, salinity and temperature promoted seed germination of both species. Nutrient addition promoted the germination of B. gymnorrhiza but had little effect on A. ilicifolius. Both species of seedlings grew best in short illumination duration and moderate illumination intensity. Although both species can tolerate high salinity, low salinity (0-10%o for B. gymnorrhiza and 0-5%o for A. ilicifolius) promoted seedlings' growth. High temperature (28-32 degrees C) accelerated the growth of both species of seedlings. Nutrient addition enhanced the growth of both species' seedlings, especially the addition of Ca2+/Mg2+ and trace elements strongly promoted the growth of B. gymnorrhiza seedlings. We obtained optimal conditions for seed germination and seedling growth of both species in the plant factory, demonstrating that environmental control significantly enhanced their germination and growth rates. Our findings provide valuable insights into the efficiency of mangrove restoration and the sustainable development of mangrove ecosystems.
Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Mey is a rare plant that is used in Chinese herbal medicine. Two-year-old Panax japonicus seedlings were grown in open-top chambers under ambient CO2 (aCO2), moderately (e1CO2: 550 ± 15 μmol/mol) or substantially (e2CO2: 750 ± 15 μmol/mol) elevated CO2 to study their effects on plant growth and nitrogen (N) content. After 27 days, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of e2CO2-treated seedlings was significantly higher (20.09%) than that of seedlings grown under aCO2. However, by day 51, the Pn of e1CO2- and e2CO2-treated seedlings was 12.87% higher and 9.57% lower, respectively, than that of seedlings grown under aCO2. On day 27, chlorophyll a + b content, Rubisco activity, soluble protein and starch content of e1CO2- and e2CO2-treated seedlings showed no significant change and significant increase compared to aCO2-treated. By contrast, at 51 days, chlorophyll a content, Rubisco activity, starch and N content of P. japonicus was significantly increased by moderately eCO2 condition but was significantly decreased by substantially eCO2 condition. The results suggest that exposure to moderately eCO2 was beneficial for P. japonicus growth, whereas under substantially eCO2, growth were promoted in short-term but inhibited in long-term. Owing to the temporal effect of eCO2 on P. japonicus growth, there was no significant correlation between N content and Pn of P. japonicus under eCO2.
