Effects of calcium paste as a seed coat on growth, yield and enzymatic activities in NaCl stressed-pea plants

The present study was conducted to study the effect of coating the seeds with calcium paste before sowing, on plant growth, yield, the contents of some antioxidants and the activities of carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase in the Pisum sativum L. leaves under the influence of NaCl stress. NaCl stress reduced plant growth, photosynthetic pigment levels, ascorbic acid and calcium contents, and the activities of carbonic anhydrase and nitrate reductase. In contrast, proline and sodium contents were increased. These results are negatively reflected in the yield components. However, seed coating with calcium paste reduced the toxic effects of NaCl on plant growth and yield by increasing leaf pigments, ascorbic acid, proline contents and enzymatic activities. This study clearly highlights the effects of calcium paste as a seed coat in mitigating the phytotoxicity of NaCl stress in pea plants.Keywords: Calcium paste, carbonic anhydrase, nitrate reductase, ascorbate, growth, yield, Pisum sativum

Impacts of Madhas Dam Construction on the Chemical Composition of Plant and Soil Samples from Upstream and Downstream Sites of the Dam

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the impacts of Madhas dam construction on the chemical composition of five plant species (Pluchea dioscoridis, Pulicaria crispa, Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Lavandula pubescens and Argemone ochroleuca) together with soil samples collected from upstream and downstream sites of the dam. Plant samples (stem and leaf) were analyzed for determining total soluble sugars, total free amino acids, free proline, polyphenols, flavonoids and elemental composition. Organic matter and element contents were determined in each soil sample. The studied plants collected from the two sites showed profound variations in their chemical and elemental composition. A significant reduction of sodium content was observed in all plant tissues collected from downstream site of the dam. All plant species from downstream site showed apparent increasing of total soluble sugar, free proline, total polyphenol, flavonoid, nitrogen and potassium contents. Results suggest that the accumulation of these components, in plant species collected from downstream site of the dam, may have an important role in the tolerance of these plants to water stress. Apparent increased of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, aluminum and manganese levels was noticed in soil samples collected from downstream site of the dam

Removal of Chlorophenols Compounds Using Treated Jatropha Seed Shells Adsorbents: Characterization and Thermodynamic

In this study, Jatropha seed shells from Yemeni plant have been tested for studying adsorption of treated seeds shells to remove chlorophenol compounds. The resulting adsorbents were designated as JAT1, JAT2 and JAT3. Most of the acidic groups on the surface were found to be phenolic in nature (37.5% in the case of JAT1 and 60% in the case of JAT). The adsorption of chlorophenol on JAT1, JAT2 and JAT3 was investigated in the temperature range 35–70 °C for initial chlorophenols concentrations ranging from 20 to 100 ppm. JAT2 was thereby found to be the best with respect to its capability to remove chlorophenols from solution indicating that thermal treatment at 500 °C is suitable to produce a good adsorbent. JAT3 is the worst in removing DCP even at high temperatures. It was also found that the removal efficiencies were in general enhanced at lower pH for all three adsorbents and for the two chlorophenols. For DCP, the corresponding heats of adsorption were found to be + 5.3, − 10.75 and − 14.4 kJ/mol. The small values for the heat of adsorption indicate that the interaction of chlorophenols with the adsorbent surface does not differ significantly from its interaction with water molecules in solution

Growth, heavy metal status and yield of salt-stressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants as affected by the integrated application of bio-, organic and inorganic nitrogen-fertilizers

Efforts have been made to use the integrated application of bio-, organic and inorganic nitrogen (N)-fertilizers to decrease waste accumulation, and to minimize nutrient losses and yield contamination with heavy metals for human nutrition and health. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of integrated applications of organic manures, bio-fertilizer and/or mineral-N fertilizers on growth, yield, some chemical constituents and shoot and yielded grain heavy metal contents of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sakha 93) plants grown under salinity stress (ECe = 7.84 dS m-1). Results showed that, the treatment comprised of ⅓NH4NO3 (55 kg N ha-1) + Cerealine (bio-fertilizer; 4 Kg ha-1) + cattle manure (10 t ha-1) was found to be most effective, producing the best status of growth characteristics, osmoprotectants concentrations, essential nutrient contents, shoot heavy metal concentrations, and grain yield and its content of heavy metals compared to the all other treatments. The treatment comprised of Cerealine (4 Kg ha-1) + cattle manure (20 t ha-1) was occupied the second order. We can recommend to use the integrated treatment of ⅓NH4NO3 (55 kg N ha-1) + Cerealine (bio-fertilizer; 4 Kg ha-1) + cattle manure (10 t ha-1) effectively in saline soils to improve wheat growth and yield with minimum contents of heavy metals for human health and nutrition

Effects of salicylic acid on salinity tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Four glasshouse experiments examined salinity stress and tolerance in wheat. The first experiment examined the responses of three wheat cultivars from Saudi Arabia (Local wheat, West bread and Yecora Rojo) and two UK wheat cultivars (Paragon and Belvoir) to different levels of salinity (Tap water, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCI). In the second experiment, Yecora Rojo and Paragon were selected to test whether improved wheat tolerance to salinity could be obtained by applying exogenous Salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM SA) via priming seeds for 6 hours. The third experiment further tested the effect of SA on tolerance to salinity with SA applied through seed soaking for 6h and 24h. Two salinity tolerant cultivars (S24 and Sakha 93) were included for comparison. The fourth experiment compared the effect of SA applied by seed soaking (6h) or by foliar spray. In all experiments, saline conditions gave significant declines in wheat growth parameters, gas exchange, yield and yield components with increases in salinity concentration, whereas protein and chlorophyll content increased. Cultivar Paragon grew significantly better than cultivar Yecora Rojo in non-saline conditions but not under salinity stress. Treating wheat with SA produced only a minor improvement in growth parameters, yield and yield components under salinity stress. Compared to salt tolerant cultivars, Paragon showed significant response to SA in most variables. The influence of SA depended on genotype, plant stage and SA concentration more than soaking time and application method with 0.5 and 1 mM SA concentrations being the most effective. SA mitigates but does not prevent salinity impacts and has a dual function which can give positive or negative effects under salinity stress.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Vegetation structure and species diversity of Wadi Turbah Zahran, Albaha area, southwestern Saudi Arabia

The aim of this work was to study the vegetation structure of Wadi Turbah Zahran, Albaha area, Saudi Arabia and some biodiversity indices. Paleontological Statistics (PAST) Software Package was used for data analysis. A total of 266 species (201 genera, 71 families) were identified and most of the species were herbs (87%). Therophytes (32.7%) and Chamaephytes (30.45%) were the most prominent groups. Asteraceae family was represented by the highest number of species (15.4%) followed by Poaceae (9.4%). Thirty-one families (43.7%) were represented by a single genus and species. Thirty-four species (12.8%) were common to all sites. The genus Solanum was the most speciose followed by Rumex. Most of the calculated indices showed variations among the sites. Shannon (3.71–4.06), Menhenick (2.271–4.746) and Chao-1 (106–319.6) diversity indices markedly varied among the sites while Simpson values (0.96–0.97) were almost the same. Berger-Parker values revealed the dominance of Hyparrhenia hirta in four sites. Beta diversity values indicated high diversity between site 1 and 4 and less diversity between site 1 and 6

Cylindropuntia rosea (DC.) Backeb, (Cactaceae): a new generic alien record in the flora of Saudi Arabia

Cylindropuntia rosea (DC.) Backeb. (Cactaceae) is a cactus and invasive species native to Mexico. This is the first record of the genus in Saudi Arabia. The alien species was found near Jebel Hizna, Baljurashi region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Information about the species' habitat, distribution, and morphological description and its illustration are presented. The presence of Cylindropuntia rosea increased the probability of finding other species belonging to the genus Cylindropuntia in the country. However, if this species gets established in different areas of the Kingdom, it could become a serious invasive plant that has negative impacts on livestock and human. Therefore, tracking and controlling the invasion of this species is recommended

Risk of obstructive sleep apnea among Saudis with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis

Aim: The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients was reported to be 10-fold that in the general population. OSA can worsen the clinical symptoms and cardiovascular complications of ESRD. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms and risk of OSA among Saudi patients with ESRD. Settings And Design: This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between June 2012 and September 2013. Methods: The prevalence of OSA was assessed using the Berlin questionnaire. The presence of daytime sleepiness was evaluated using the Epworth sleepiness scale. Data were also collected on the medical history, clinical, and laboratory findings of participants. Results: In all, 355 patients (61% male) were enrolled (mean age: 45.5 ± 15.4 years). The overall prevalence of high-risk of OSA was 44.2% (males, 47.3%; females, 44.8%; P = 0.65). The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) was 74%. Controlling for age, gender and body mass index, multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension and hepatitis C infection were the only comorbidities significantly associated with OSA (odds ratio [OR]: 3.827 and 0.559; confidence interval [CI]: 2.120-6.906 and 0.324-0.964; P < 0.0001 and 0.036, respectively). OSA was also strongly associated with EDS (OR: 3.054; CI: 1.676-5.565; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: In Saudi Arabia, the risk of OSA is more common in ESRD patients than in the general population. OSA is strongly associated with EDS. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation between OSA and hepatitis C infection was noted, which warrants further investigation

Selenium Modulates Antioxidant Activity, Osmoprotectants, and Photosynthetic Efficiency of Onion under Saline Soil Conditions

Selenium (Se) has been recently reported to play a crucial role in ameliorating the negative impact of abiotic stress, including salinity, on several plant species. Two field experiments (2016/17 and 2017/18) were carried out to investigate the possible effect of exogenous Se application at two levels (25, 50 mg L−1) on growth, bulb yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant activities of onion grown under saline (5.25 dS m−1) soil condition. Se (25 or 50 mg L−1) foliar application enhanced growth characteristics, as well as membrane stability index (MSI) and relative water content (RWC) as a result of the osmotic adjustment by accumulating more osmoprotectants and enhancing the activity of antioxidants defense system, thus improving photosynthetic efficiency and bulb yield. Proline, glycine betaine, choline, and total soluble sugars content were higher in leaves and bulbs of Se-treated plants under salt stress. Se (25 or 50 mg L−1) significantly increased the activities of enzymatic (ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidants in both leaves and bulbs of salt-stressed onion. Se application at 25–50 mg L−1 may find, in the future, a potential application as anti-abiotic stresses for improving plant growth and productivity under saline soil condition

Shelf life extension of wheat bread by alhydwan flour and Carboxymethylcellulose and improvement of their quality characteristics, dough rheological and microstructure

Alhydwan, has been used in bakery products for many years in South of Yemen. Alhydwan primary function in bakery products is to inhibit moisture content during storage, leading to improved shelf life. However, as a fresh strategy to bread staling, no extensive study has been conducted to evaluate its potential. The present study therefore examined the alhydwan as a comparison with Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) at 0.5% (w/w) level in dough rheology improvement, microstructure, quality parameters and delayed wheat bread staling. The CMC or alhydwan for farinograph characteristics comprising the dough's portrayed showed greater water absorption, while growth and stability time was significantly decreased. Staling of bread, the findings showed that in both alhydwan and CMC minimized crumb hardening frequency and enhanced freshness, quality and retention ability for moisture, making the bread softer and postponed staling. The microstructure of CMC or alhydwan supplemented formulation showed the distinguishable characteristics and constituents that could explain, to some degree, that the CMC and alhydwan had antistaling effect. The incorporation of alhydwan such as CMC into the formulation of bread could thus play a sustainable role in improving the quality of bread by having an extended shelf life. © 2020 Elsevier B.V