Horticultural Plant Production Using Hydroponic Technique

Hydroponics and sand culture studies evaluated the effects of isoxaben rate (0.84, 1.69, and 3.39 kg/ha) and application type (root only, shoot only, and root plus shoot) on the growth of ajuga, wintercreeper, and dwarf burning bush. Similar responses were exhibited by the three species tested in both hydroponics and sand culture studies. Based on shoot weight reductions, dwarf burning bush was one to three times more sensitive than wintercreeper, which was the most tolerant of the three species, and ajuga was five to 20 times more sensitive than wintercreeper. Isoxaben applied to the root system at all three rates injured ajuga root tips and foliage and reduced root weight by approximately 40% and shoot weight by 20 to 30%. Isoxaben applications to ajuga foliage damaged the roots and leaves and caused over 30% reductions in shoot and root weights at the highest rate tested. Isoxaben applied to dwarf burning bush roots caused less than 20% shoot injury, reduced root weight by 8 to 18%, and reduced shoot weight by less than 10%. Application to dwarf burning bush foliage caused 20 to 30% injury, but only slight reductions in root and shoot weights were observed. No visible injury was observed in wintercreeper from any isoxaben application. However, root treatment reduced wintercreeper root weight by approximately 15%, and shoot treatment reduced shoot weight by 6 to 10% at the highest isoxaben rate tested. Application of isoxaben to both roots and foliage of wintercreeper resulted in similar reductions in shoot and root weights compared to root or shoot exposure alone. Shoot application to wintercreeper affected root growth, and root treatment reduced shoot growth.

Summary The effect of plant age, seed weight, and nutrient concentration on root weight, root length, and number of root apices has been examined in young plants of Lolium perenne L. cv. ‘Grasslands Ruanui’. The size of the root system increased with age. At 12 weeks the root system had an average of 263,000 apices, 1,816 m total length, and weighed 6 g. Length of root, number of apices per unit of root, and shoot dry weight were initially high but dropped sharply and subsequently rose again. The sharp drop coincided with the growth of the first nodal roots. Differences in plant size caused by differences in seed weight, white still present at 8 weeks, were smaller than at 2 weeks, indicating that plants from low-weight seed had a higher growth race. There were no differences in length or number of apices per unit weight of root or in apices per unit length of root. The high-weight seed plants had a lower shoot/root ratio at 2 weeks, but this difference had disappeared by 8 weeks. Root and shoot weights were both highest at the normal nutrient concentration. At the high nutrient concentration both shoot and root weight were depressed to the same extent whereas at low concentrations the effect on shoot weight was more severe. In contrast to weight, root length and apex numbers were not depressed at 0.25 standard nutrient concentration. Length and number of apices per unit weight of root decreased with increasing nutrient concentration. The technique used for estimating root length and apex numbers is described.

Vegetable juice powder (VJP) and a starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus have been identified as necessary ingredients for the manufacture of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added meat products with quality and sensory attributes similar to traditional cured products. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of varying concentrations of VJP and incubation time (MIN-HOLD) on quality characteristics, including lipid oxidation, color, and cured meat pigment concentrations, of ham over a 90-d storage period, compare residual nitrate and nitrite content, and determine if differences exist in sensory properties of finished products. Four ham treatments (TRT) (TRT 1: 0.20% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 2: 0.20% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD; TRT 3: 0.35% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 4: 0.35% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD) and a sodium nitrite-added control (C) were used for this study. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between TRTs and C for CIE L*, a*, b*, and cured color measured by reflectance ratio. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) for combined TRTs and C revealed little change over time while the C had less (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than TRTs 2 and 4 for combined days. No differences (P > 0.05) were reported for cured pigment concentration between TRTs and C. Trained sensory panel intensity ratings for ham and vegetable aroma, and flavor, color, and firmness showed that a high concentration (0.35%) of VJP resulted in the highest scores for undesirable vegetable aroma and flavor. Treatment combinations with a low concentration (0.20%) of VJP were comparable to the C for all sensory attributes.

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the role of thiourea exogenous application (0 mg/L and 100 mg/L) on the morphological, physiological, and yield traits of two varieties of tomato (Naqeeb and Nadir) under different salt stress treatments (0, 60, and 120 mM) in completely randomized design (CRD). The imposition of salinity by rooting medium showed that salt stress reduced plant height by 20%, fresh shoot weight by 50%, dry shoot weight by 78%, fresh root weight by 43%, dry root weight by 84%, root length by 34%, shoot length by 32%, shoot K+ by 47%, Ca2+ by 70%, chlorophyll a by 30%, chlorophyll b by 67%, and the number of seeds per berry by 53%, while shoot Na+ ions were increased by 90% in comparison to those grown with control treatment. However, the exogenous application of thiourea significantly enhanced dry root weight by 25% and the number of seeds per berry by 20% in comparison to untreated plants with thiourea when grown under salt stress. Salt stress resulted in a reduction in the number of berries, weight per berry, number of seeds per berry, and seed weight in both varieties, while thiourea foliar application increased these yield parameters. On the other hand, the Nadir variety surpassed Naqeeb in plant height (+13%), root length (+31%) and shoot length (+11%), fresh shoot weight (+42%) and dry shoot weight (+11%), fresh root weight (+29%), dry root weight (+25%), area of leaf (+26%), chlorophyll a (+32%), and chlorophyll b (+24%). In conclusion, the exogenous application of thiourea can be used to mitigate salt stress in tomato plants since it can improve the growth, physiological, and yield traits of this strategic crop.

Determining the impact of varying levels of cherry powder and starter culture on quality and sensory attributes of indirectly cured, emulsified cooked sausages

Genetic basis and network studies underlying synergistic biomass accumulation of roots and shoots (SBA) are conducive for rational design of high-biomass rice breeding. In this study, association signals for root weight, shoot weight, and the ratio of root-to-shoot mass (R/S) were identified using 666 rice accessions by genome-wide association study, together with their sub-traits, root length, root thickness and shoot length. Most association signals for root weight and shoot weight did not show association with their sub-traits. Based on the results, we proposed a top-to-bottom model for SBA, i.e. root weight, shoot weight and R/S were determined by their highest priority in contributing to biomass in the regulatory pathway, followed by a lower priority pathway for their sub-traits. Owing to 37 enriched clusters with more than two association signals identified, the relationship among the six traits could be also involved in linkage and pleiotropy. Furthermore, a discrimination of pleiotropy and LD at sequencing level using the known gene OsPTR9 for root weight, R/S and root length was provided. The results of given moderate correlation between traits and their corresponding sub-traits, and moderate additive effects between a trait and the accumulation of excellent alleles corresponding to its sub-traits supported a bottom-to-top regulation model for SBA. This model depicted each lowest-order trait (root length, root thickness and shoot length) was determined by its own regulation loci, and competition among different traits, as well as the pleiotropy and LD. All above ensure the coordinated development of each trait and the accumulation of the total biomass, although the predominant genetic basis of SBA is still indistinguishable. The presentation of the above two models and evidence of this study shed light on dissecting the genetic architecture of SBA.

Water is fast becoming an economically scarce resource in many areas of the world, including Eswatini, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. A study to test the response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to deficit irrigation was conducted in a field plot experiment at the Faculty of Agriculture at the Luyengo Campus of the University of Eswatini. The treatments were laid in a randomized block design. The experiment consisted of four treatments, each replicated three times. Treatment 1 (T1) was irrigated daily, treatment 2 (T2) irrigated after 2 days, treatment 3 (T3) irrigated after 3 days and treatment 4 (T4) irrigated after 4 days. A total of 30 lettuce plants were planted in each treatment. The lettuce was grown for a period of four weeks and then harvested whole. Yield parameters measured included the number of leaves, the plant height (cm), leaf area index (LAI), and the fresh and dry head mass (grams). Significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) between treatments T3 and T4 were obtained for fresh and dry lettuce head mass. The highest water use efficiency and crop water productivity were obtained in treatment T3. It was concluded that irrigating lettuce every three days was the best option for the area under the conditions of the experiment.

Water is fast becoming an economically scarce resource in many areas of the world, including Eswatini, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Deficit irrigation (DI) is a well-accepted practice to optimize and or increase water use, thereby saving cost, by allowing crops to withstand mild water stress with no or only marginal decreases in yield and quality traits. A study to test the response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) to deficit irrigation was conducted in a field plot experiment at the Faculty of Agriculture at the Luyengo Campus of the University of Eswatini. The treatments were laid in a randomized block design. The experiment consisted of four treatments, each replicated three times. Treatment 1 (T1) was irrigated daily, treatment 2 (T2) irrigated after 2 days, treatment 3 (T3) irrigated after 3 days and treatment 4 (T4) irrigated after 4 days. A total of 30 lettuce plants were planted in each treatment. The lettuce was grown for a period of four weeks and then harvested whole. Yield parameters measured included the number of leaves, the plant height (cm), leaf area index (LAI) and the fresh and dry head mass (grams). Significant differences (P &lt; 0.01) between treatments T3 and T4 were obtained for fresh and dry lettuce head mass. The highest water use efficiency and crop water productivity were obtained in treatment T3. It was concluded that irrigating lettuce every three days was the best option for the area under the conditions of the experiment. However, irrigating every after four or more days would result in significantly lower yields than expected, which could be a loss to the farmer.

Vigna radiata var. GM4 Plant Growth Enhancement and Root Colonization by a Multi-Metal-Resistant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Enterobacter sp. C1D in Cr(VI)-Amended Soils

Introduction. Root restriction occurs when seedlings are grown in increasingly small containers and it reduces plant growth in different ways. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to investigate the effects of varying container sizes and irrigation frequency on growth parameters of 'Rough lemon' (C. limon) plants Maseno, Kenya. Materials and methods. The treatments tested the effect of three container volumes (1.7 L, 2.7 L and 4.5 L) and three irrigation frequencies (every day (W1), every two days (W2) and every 3 days (W3)). The design of the experiment was completely randomized with three replications. Growth parameters studied were plant height, canopy height, shoot and root weight, number of leaves and shoot to root ratio. Results and discussion. Increasing container volumes generally increased the height of plants, height of canopy, weight of whole plants and weight of roots, but it did not affect number of leaves, stem diameter or shoot to root ratio. Irrigation frequency increased number of leaves, height of plants, height of canopy, stem diameter and weight of shoots and roots, but this factor had no effect on weight of whole plants. These findings are explained by reduced root restriction in the largest container volumes. Conclusion. Increasing container volumes from 1.7 L to 4.5 L and irrigation frequency from every 3 days to every day increases plant growth as expressed in the various plant growth parameters. Nigeria / Citrus limon / plant propagation / plant nurseries / planting stock / growth / container planting / irrigation

Amaranthus hybridus is a noxious weed in Ontario, with demonstrated allelopathic properties that can lead to decreased agricultural production. We tested the germination and growth of five cover crop species exposed to A. hybridus extracts, and to dried or fresh materials in soil. A germination index was calculated, and the dry weight of plant organs were measured to quantify responses to treatments. All species had reduced germination (≤29%) in 100% extract. Trifolium pratense had significant root weight reductions in extract (52%) and dried (72%) treatments, whereas shoot weight only decreased (48%) in dried treatment. Medicago sativa shoot weight decreased (52%) in 20g fresh treatment, while root weight decreased (62%) in dried treatment. Shoot weight of Raphanus sativus increased (32%) at mid-extract concentrations, while root weight increased (33%) only with dried treatment; however, both its shoot and root weight decreased (&gt;40%) in fresh treatment. Only the shoot weight of Lolium multiflorum increased (41% in 75% extract and 55% in dried treatment). Both Cichorium intybus shoot and root weights decreased (~50%) in fresh treatment. Crop responses to A. hybridus are complex, and material and species-dependant. Further testing in the field may provide a more comprehensive understanding of how to improve the management of A. hybridus.

SAICEUPSMT strain was isolated from soils in the mining district of Almadén (Ciudad Real, Spain), subjected to a high concentration of mercury. Using the plant model of lupinus, the strain was inoculated into the rhizosphere of the plant in a soil characterized by a high concentration of mercury (1,710 ppm) from an abandoned dump in the mining district of Almadén (Ciudad Real, Spain). As a control, a soil with a minimum natural concentration of mercury, from a surrounding area, was used. Under greenhouse conditions, the effect that the inoculum of the SAICEUPSMT strain had on the antioxidant capacity of the plant was studied, through the quantification of the enzymatic activity catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GR). Likewise, the capacity of the plant to bioaccumulate mercury in the presence of the inoculum was studied, as well as the effect on the biometric parameters total weight (g), shoot weight (g), root weight (g), shoot length (cm), root length (cm), total number of leaves (N), and total number of secondary roots (No). Finally, in view of the results, the SAICEUPSMT strain was identified from the phenotypic and genotypic point of view (housekeeping genes and complete genome sequencing). The inoculum with the SAICEUPSMT strain in the presence of mercury produced a significant reduction in the enzymatic response to oxidative stress (CAT, APX, and SOD). It can be considered that the strain exerts a phytoprotective effect on the plant. This led to a significant increase in the biometric parameters total plant weight, root weight and the number of leaves under mercury stress, compared to the control without abiotic stress. When analyzing the mercury content of the plant with and without bacterial inoculum, it was found that the incorporation of the SAICEUPSMT strain significantly reduced the uptake of mercury by the plant, while favoring its development in terms of biomass. Given the positive impact of the SAICEUPSMT strain on the integral development of the plant, it was identified, proving to be a Gram negative bacillus, in vitro producer of siderophores, auxins and molecules that inhibit stress precursors. The most represented fatty acids were C16:0 (33.29%), characteristic aggregate 3 (22.80%) comprising C16:1 ω7c and C16: 1ω6c, characteristic aggregate 8 (13.66%) comprising C18:1 ω7c, and C18: 1 cycle ω6c and C 17:0 (11.42%). From the genotypic point of view, the initial identification of the strain based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence classified it as Pseudomonas iranensis. However, genome-wide analysis showed that average nucleotide identity (ANI, 95.47%), DNA-DNA in silico hybridization (dDDH, 61.9%), average amino acid identity (AAI, 97.13%), TETRA (0.99%) and intergenic distance (0.04) values were below the established thresholds for differentiation. The results of the genomic analysis together with the differences in the phenotypic characteristics and the phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analysis support the proposal of the SAICEUPSMT strain as the type strain of a new species for which the name Pseudomonas mercuritolerans sp. is proposed. No virulence genes or transmissible resistance mechanisms have been identified, which reveals its safety for agronomic uses, under mercury stress conditions.

Bio control potential of three Bacillus spp viz., Bacillus subtilis, B. thuringiensis and B. cereus, against soil borne root-infecting fungi on cowpea and mash bean plants were tested both in vitro and in vivo. All three species showed efficiency and produced nodules on mash bean and cow pea plants. In vitro dual culture plate method showed significant inhibition of Fusarium spp. by all these three species of Bacillus with the appearance of a prominent zone of inhibition while a maximum zone of inhibition of Fusarium spp. was observed by B. thuringiensis, whereas in case of Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani, the highest zone of inhibition was observed by B. subtilis. Bacillus spp. used as seed dressing and soil drenching showed a significant increase in shoot length, shoot weight, root length and root weight in cow pea and mash bean plants. Maximum shoot length was observed in cow pea plants where Bacillus spp. were drenched in soil, whereas maximum root length and root weight in cow pea was observed when B. thuringiensis used as seed dressing. Seed dressing and soil drenching with species of Bacillus viz., B. subtilis, B. thuringiensis and B. cereus, were found to be an effective method for the control of soil borne root-infecting fungi like M. phaseolina, R. solani and Fusarium spp., on cow pea and mash bean plants.

Salinity is a major abiotic constraint that limits crop productivity, particularly in salt-affected soils. This study explores the synergistic potential of two rhizosphere-derived bacterial strains, Staphylococcus caprae DS-2 and Pseudomonas hunanensis RT-12, in enhancing salinity tolerance in Gossypium hirsutum (cotton). Both isolates exhibited notable halotolerance and multiple plant growth improving traits, including indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, ammonia and siderophore production, catalase and protease activity, and hydrogen cyanide production. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed their taxonomic placement. A controlled pot experiment under 200 mM NaCl stress was conducted to evaluate their individual and combined effects on plant performance. Co-inoculation markedly improved growth parameters (shoot length, roots length, fresh weights (g) of roots and shoots, dry weights (g) of roots and shoots, and number of leaves) and chlorophyll content compared to single-strain treatments and uninoculated controls. This enhancement correlated with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase), increased proline accumulation, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, indicating improved oxidative stress management. Notably, the dual-strain inoculation more effectively promoted osmotic adjustment, ionic balance, and redox homeostasis than either strain alone. These findings underscore the potential of P. hunanensis RT-12 and S. caprae DS-2 as a bioinoculant consortium for sustainable mitigation of salt stress in cotton cultivation.

Mineral stress is one of the major abiotic stresses faced by crop plants. The present study was undertaken to investigate the impact of mineral stress (iron (Fe) and phosphorus (P)) on various morphological and biochemical responses of the shoot and root tissues and root architecture of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This study also leads us to the identification of P stress responsive proteins. The study was conducted under in vitro conditions, in which seeds of Shalimar French Bean-1 (SFB-1) variety were cultured on four different MGRL medium (control (P1Fe1), iron deficient (P1Fe0), phosphorus deficient (P0Fe1), and phosphorus and iron deficient (P0Fe0)). Chlorophyll content of leaves, Fe/P content of root tissues, total sugars, proline, length, and weight of shoot and root tissues were assessed and compared within and between the treatments. The analyzed data revealed significant difference between control and other three treatments. Chlorophyll content of shoots was found significantly decreased under mineral stress treatments P0Fe1, P1Fe0, and P0Fe0 than control. Length and weight of shoot and root were also observed significantly decreased under P0Fe1, P1Fe0, and P0Fe0 as compared to control. Total sugar was significantly higher in P0Fe1 of roots in comparison to control. Proline content was significantly higher in both tissues of shoots and roots of plants grown under P1Fe0, P0Fe1, and P0Fe0 than control condition. Furthermore, we unexpectedly observed the recovery of roots (mainly primary roots) under P0Fe0 as compared to P1Fe0 and P0Fe1. Interestingly higher concentration of Fe was also observed in P0Fe1 compared to other treatments and also higher concentration of P was observed in P1Fe1. These findings suggested that there is a crosstalk between Fe and P and also revealed that there is a disruption in the ability of PR (primary root) to sense local P deficiency in the absence of Fe. Furthermore, proteomics analysis (SDS-PAGE followed by MALDI MS) helped in identification of defensive proteins in P stress condition compared to control.