Structural modifications in Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] ecotypes for adaptation to environmental heterogeneity

IntroductionIt is well known that different ecotypes adopt different mechanisms to survive under environmental stress conditions. In this regard, each ecotype showed different type of modifications for their existence in a specific habitat that reflects to their ecological success.MethodsHere, differently adapted ecotypes of Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] were collected to evaluate their differential structural and functional modifications that are specific to cope with environmental stress conditions. The soil that adheres ecotypes roots were highly saline in case of DF-SD (Derawar Fort-Saline Desert), UL-HS (Ucchali Lake-Hyper Saline) and G-SSA (Gatwala-Saline Semiarid) ecotypes. Soils of S- HS (Sahianwala-Hyper Saline), S-SW (Sahianwala-Saline Wetland) and PA-RF (Pakka Anna-Reclaimed Field) were basic (pH 9 to 10). Soils of UL-HS and PA- HS (Pakka Anna-Hyper Saline), KKL-S (Kalar Kahar Lake-Saline), BG-NS (Botanic Garden-Non Saline) and G-SSA were rich in organic matter, and soil of BG-NS and DF-SD were rich in minerals. Anatomical modifications were performed by using the free hand sectioning technique and light microscopy.Results and DiscussionDF-SD is one of the best ecotypes which showed anatomical modifications to cope with environmental changes. These modifications included stem cross-sectional area and leaf sheath thickness that contribute towards water storage, vascular tissues for proficient translocation of solutes and trichomes that provide resistance to water loss. On the other hand, sclerification in root is the only notable modification in the Gatwala Saline Semiarid (G-SSA) ecotype from saline arid habitat where rainfall is not as low as in the Cholistan Desert. Two ecotypes from hyper-saline wetlands, UL-HS and KL-HS showed increased number and size of vascular tissue, central cavity and sclerification in stem which are important for solutes conduction, water loss and salts bulk movement, respectively. The ecotype from reclaimed site was not much different from its counterpart from hyper-saline dryland. Overall, anatomical modifications to maintain water conservation are key mechanisms that have been identified as mediating stress tolerance in C. dactylon ecotypes

Relationship between reactive group chemistry and printing properties of heterofunctional reactive dyes via screen printing

Abstract Screen printing of cotton fabric using newly synthesized azo reactive dyes was carried out in the present study. Functional group chemistry and its effect on the printing properties of cotton fabric by varying the nature, number and position of reactive groups of synthesized azo reactive dyes (D1–D6) was studied. Different printing parameters (Temperature, alkali and urea) and their effect was explored on the physicochemical printing properties e.g., fixation, color yield, and penetration of the dyed cotton fabric. Data revealed that dyes with more reactive groups and having linear and planar structures (D-6) showed enhanced printing properties. Spectraflash spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the colorimetric properties of screen-printed cotton fabric and results showed superb color buildup. Printed cotton samples displayed excellent to very good ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Presence of sulphonate groups and excellent fastness properties may entitle these reactive dyes as commercially viable for urea free printing of cotton fabric

Nutrients Uptake and Accumulation in Plant Parts of Fragrant <i>Rosa</i> Species Irrigated with Treated and Untreated Wastewater

Water scarcity has critically augmented the need for the exploration of alternative irrigation sources mainly in water-scarce regions. This water scarcity has put tremendous pressure on the agri-based economy of countries such as Pakistan. The reuse of sewage wastewater has been appearing as the only alternative water source, which can lessen our dependence upon freshwater (FW). The current study aimed to scrutinize the influence of treated wastewater (TWW) and untreated wastewater (UTWW) irrigation on the nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Na) concentration in different plant parts, i.e., roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, of four scented Rosa species (R. bourboniana, R. centifolia, R. Gruss-an-telpitz, and R. damascena) during the first week of 2018 to the last week of 2019. The experiment was arranged according to the two-factor factorial arrangement i.e., factor I was the irrigation source, while factor II was the Rosa species. The experimental water analysis showed that mineral and chemical concentrations in FW and TWW were within permissible limits of national environmental quality standards (NEQSs) for wastewater. The UTWW of this study possessed a higher electrical conductivity (EC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), and metals (Cd, Co, and Pb) than recommended levels. The results revealed that P, K, Ca, and Na contents significantly increased in all studied plant parts of Rosa species as the duration of irrigation with TWW and UTWW increased and vice versa in the case of N contents, while the ratio of N content elevation by applying TWW and UTWW were also not increased compared to other studied nutrients. The nutrients (except Ca) were found as maximum in all plant parts with UTWW compared to FW and TWW irrigation in roses. These stimulations were accredited to the presence of higher essential nutrients and some metals in UTWW. This experiment confirmed the disparities in nutrient contents of scented Rosa species due to the different absorbability of each element in every plant part. Regarding the nutrient accumulation in rose plant tissues, the results of the present study confirm that untreated wastewater must be treated to some extent to grow scented roses where water is scarce

Perspective Research Progress in Cold Responses of Capsella bursa-pastoris

Plants respond to cold stress by modulating biochemical pathways and array of molecular events. Plant morphology is also affected by the onset of cold conditions culminating at repression in growth as well as yield reduction. As a preventive measure, cascades of complex signal transduction pathways are employed that permit plants to endure freezing or chilling periods. The signaling pathways and related events are regulated by the plant hormonal activity. Recent investigations have provided a prospective understanding about plant response to cold stress by means of developmental pathways e.g., moderate growth involved in cold tolerance. Cold acclimation assays and bioinformatics analyses have revealed the role of potential transcription factors and expression of genes like CBF, COR in response to low temperature stress. Capsella bursa-pastoris is a considerable model plant system for evolutionary and developmental studies. On different occasions it has been proved that C. bursa-pastoris is more capable of tolerating cold than A. thaliana. But, the mechanism for enhanced low or freezing temperature tolerance is still not clear and demands intensive research. Additionally, identification and validation of cold responsive genes in this candidate plant species is imperative for plant stress physiology and molecular breeding studies to improve cold tolerance in crops. We have analyzed the role of different genes and hormones in regulating plant cold resistance with special reference to C. bursa-pastoris. Review of collected data displays potential ability of Capsella as model plant for improvement in cold stress regulation. Information is summarized on cold stress signaling by hormonal control which highlights the substantial achievements and designate gaps that still happen in our understanding

Hemarthria compressa—Aspergillus niger—Trichoderma pseudokoningii Mediated Trilateral Perspective for Bioremediation and Detoxification of Industrial Paper Sludge

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different fungal species on the metal uptake from paper sludge by Hemarthria compressa L. Paper sludge (PS) in various concentrations (0, 30% and 60%) were used with four treatments of two fungal species (F0 = Control, F1 = Aspergillus niger, F2 = Trichoderma pseudokoningii, F3 = A. niger + T. pseudokoningii). Paper sludge as rooting medium steadily influenced growth and physio-biochemical attributes of H. compressa in F0. Results revealed discrete variations in growth attributes with different PS concentrations and each fungal treatment. The maximum damages in ionic homeostasis (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) due to PS toxicity were evident in parallel with declined chlorophyll concentration. The highest growth, total chlorophyll and biomass of the plants were observed when PS was treated with combined fungal strains (F3). Translocation factor decreased with F3 that is indicative of changes in Cd, Pb, and Cu movement to shoot from root. The plants with combined fungal treatment also showed greater catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) activity. Ions, such as Ca, Mg, and Na, also increased gradually with combined fungal treatment. The correlation matrix displayed a close association among diverse fungal and PS levels with multiple plant attributes. PCA-Biplot confirmed the outcome of correlational analyses among different characters of H. compressa. The combined fungal mediate the extraction of heavy metals from the paper sludge by H. compressa recommends the high accumulation of heavy metal (HM) and possible reutilization of metal free sludge as a fertilizer, for application in cultivated fields. Furthermore, the effects of fungal species on HM attenuation in PS are linear and can be used in different habitats. Advancement in such research work will also be helpful in understanding the mechanisms and enhancing the ability of other native microbes to remediate metals

Gut microbiota and synbiotic foods: Unveiling the relationship in COVID-19 perspective

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread across the globe and is causing widespread disaster. The impact of gut microbiota on lung disease has been widely documented. Diet, environment, and genetics all play a role in shaping the gut microbiota, which can influence the immune system. Improving the gut microbiota profile through customized diet, nutrition, and supplementation has been shown to boost immunity, which could be one of the preventative methods for reducing the impact of various diseases. Poor nutritional status is frequently linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can affect the immune system. This review emphasizes the necessity of maintaining an adequate level of important nutrients to effectively minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, moreover to strengthen the immune system during the COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, the purpose of this review is to present information and viewpoints on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics as adjuvants for microbiota modification and its effects on COVID-19 prevention and treatment

Strigolactone (GR24) Application Positively Regulates Photosynthetic Attributes, Stress-Related Metabolites and Antioxidant Enzymatic Activities of Ornamental Sunflower (<i>Helianthus annuus</i> cv. Vincent’s Choice) under Salinity Stress

Strigolactones, a new group of phytohormones, are reported to improve plant tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of synthetic strigolactone (GR24 at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg L−1) application on ornamental sunflowers (Helianthus annuus cv. Vincent’s Choice) grown under salt stress (150 mM NaCl). Salt stress was applied after 14 days, and SL was applied 25 days seed sowing. The results showed that amongst various GR24 concentrations, 0.01 mg L−1 proved to be superior, as it enhanced the photosynthetic rate (9.29%), transpiration rate (0.76%), stomatal conductance (77.5%), total soluble protein (0.55%) and K+ (14.63% in roots; 14.87% in shoots) and Ca2+ (12.63% in roots; 11.48% in shoots) contents under control conditions. Similarly, the leaf turgor potential (Ψp), osmotic potential (Ψs) and free proline, glycinebetaine (GB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxide (POD) contents increased by 58.17, 89.95, 159.04, 101.54, 74.42, 175.68 and 53.62%, respectively, under salt stress conditions. The leaf water potential (Ψw) decreased (−0.14%) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased (16.65%) when treated with the 0.001 mg L−1 GR24 level. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Na+ concentrations in roots and shoots increased by 62.53%, 74.66% and 38.55% under saline conditions with a GR24 level of 0 mg L−1. Regarding the plant biomass, a GR24 level of 0.01 mg L−1 with salt stress greatly decreased the root (−47.27% and −50.45%) and shoot (−44.79% and −59.42%) fresh and dry weights, respectively, compared to control conditions. These results reveal that exogenously applied GR24 might be an effective way to mitigate the perilous impacts of salt stress in ornamental sunflower production. It is suggested that the use of molecular techniques to study different processes in which GR24 could play a vital part in various commercial floricultural crops is extremely imperative and can open novel horizons for future investigations in this exhilarating field of plant hormones