Morphology, biochemistry, and management of Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) accessions in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Elagnaceae) is a native multi-purpose medicinal shrub or tree of Asian regions and an integral component of high altitude terraced agroforestry systems of Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. The strong increase in deforestation, urbanisation, and the loss of ethnically-based medication practices in local communities are gradually leading to depletion of its stands and knowledge of its use. In view of these circumstances, this study was undertaken to characterise Russian olive accessions as a first step towards the conservation of this important wild plant genetic resource. Ninety-three fruits (including seeds) and leaves were sampled to determine morphological variability among accessions. In addition, the phenolic composition of fruit pulp of 40 fruits was used for determination of phenolic compounds. To assess the local importance of the fruit, 42 Russian olive collectors and traders were interviewed. Data were analysed using PCA and clustering approaches. Fruit traits across groups were equally shared. Elevation had a positive effect on fruit and seed dimensions especially on length (r = 0.606 and 0.515, respectively) and weight (r = 0.618 and 0.695, respectively). Bioactive substances such as DPPH and flavonoids in the sampled fruits exceeded most values found in the literature by a factor of 100 and 30, respectively. The socio-economic household analysis highlighted that Russian olive harvest and trade is a purely additional income strategy. On average, about 90 € (ca. 16000 PKR) were earned by one household ranging from about 35 € to about 205 € per year. Data yielded a mixed picture on morphological and biochemical diversity as well as the socio-economic background, but indicated that northern regions of Pakistan might be an important centre for biodiversity of this species in Central Asia, which merits improved marketing

Socio-economic characterisation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) growers and date value chains in Pakistan

Gefördert durch den Publikationsfonds der Universität Kasse

Interaction between DL-alanine and ninhydrin in aqueous and aqueous-organic solvents and the effect of surfactant micelles thereon

998-1003The rates of reaction between ninhydrin and DL-alanine have been determined in water as well as in cationic micelles of CTAB at 80oC and at pH 5.0. The same products are formed in both the media. It has also been observed that micelles catalyse the reaction which is explained on the basis of pseudo-phase model. The kinetic data have been used to calculate micellar binding constants KS and KN. The effect of different organic solvents on the reaction rate has also been explored

In vitro Regeneration of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. and the Potential for Genetic Transformation

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. (Sissoo) is a native forest tree species in Pakistan. Many ecological and economical uses are associated with this premier timber species, but dieback disease is of major concern. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for in vitro regeneration of Sissoo that could serve as target material for genetic transformation, in order to improve this species. Callus formation and plantlet regeneration was achieved by culturing cotyledons, immature seeds, and mature embryos on a modified Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) medium supplemented with plant growth regulators. Callus induction medium containing 2.71 ?M 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 0.93 ?M kinetin produced better callus on all explants tested compared to other treatments, such as 8.88 ?M 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 2.69 ?M ?-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), or 2.71 ?M 2, 4-D and 2.69 ?M NAA. Shoot regeneration was best on MS medium containing 1.4 ?M NAA and 8.88 ?M BA compared to other treatments, such as 1.4 ?M NAA and 9.9 ?M kinetin, or 2.86 ?M indole-3-acetic acid and 8.88 ?M BA. Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1.4 NAA ?M and 8.88 ?M BA was better in general for regeneration regardless of callus induction medium and the type of explant used. Rooting was best on half-strength MS medium with 7.35 ?M indole-3-butyric acid. Regenerated plantlets were acclimatized for plantation in the field. Preliminary genetic transformation potential of D. sissoo was evaluated by particle bombardment of callus explants with a pUbiGus vector. The bombarded tissue showed transient Gus activity 1week after bombardment. Transformation of this woody tree is possible provided excellent regeneration protocols. The best combination for regeneration explained in this study is one of such protocols

Evaluation of Warm Season Turfgrass under Different Irrigation Regimes in Arid Region

Turfgrasses play a very important role in enhancing quality of life in modern urban living. Water quantity is the most important challenge worldwide in establishing and maintaining quality turf. The present study was aimed to test the performance of three warm season turfgrasses under four water levels for plantation in arid zones. Pits (48) measuring 1m length x 1m width x 0.6 m depth were planted with four replications of Common Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), Tifway Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon x transvaalensis) and Seashore Paspalum grass (Paspalum vaginatum) in complete randomized design (CRD). Irrigation was done daily with 15 l/plot during the first 4 weeks (establishment period) and four irrigation levels (5, 10, and 15, 20 l/lot) were maintained in the following 8 weeks (treatment period). Physical parameters (canopy temperatures, ambient temperature, leaf area, shoot production and relative water content) were measured once in two week as well as the visual quality (shoot color, shoot density and shoot uniformity) was assessed, however, chlorophyll analysis was done in the end of the study. It was found that temperature has significant effect on performance of turfgrasses. Canopy temperature was higher than ambient temperature in the three turfgrasses but it has different level in each variety. Five liter of water per day per square meter gave acceptable turf quality when ambient temperature ranged from 20 to 33�C. Seashore paspalum performed best followed by Tifway Bermuda grass and common Bermuda grass respectively

Integrative Pathogenicity Assay and Operational Taxonomy-Based Detection of New Forma Specialis of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> Causing Datepalm Wilt

Pathogenicity-associated genes are highly host-specific and contribute to host-specific virulence. We tailored the traditional Koch’s postulates with integrative omics by hypothesizing that the effector genes associated with host-pathogenicity are determinant markers for virulence, and developed Integrative Pathogenicity (IP) postulates for authenticated pathogenicity testing in plants. To set the criteria, we experimented on datepalm (Phoenix dactylifera) for the vascular wilt pathogen and confirmed the pathogen based on secreted in xylem genes (effectors genes) using genomic and transcriptomic approaches, and found it a reliable solution when pathogenicity is in question. The genic regions ITS, TEF1-α, and RPBII of Fusarium isolates were examined by phylogenetic analysis to unveil the validated operational taxonomy at the species level. The hierarchical tree generated through phylogenetic analysis declared the fungal pathogen as Fusarium oxysporum. Moreover, the Fusarium isolates were investigated at the subspecies level by probing the IGS, TEF1-α, and Pgx4 genic regions to detect the forma specialis of F. oxysporum that causes wilt in datepalm. The phylogram revealed a new forma specialis in F. oxysporum that causes vascular wilt in datepalm

Inoculation with the endophyte Piriformospora indica significantly affects mechanisms involved in osmotic stress in rice

Abstract Background Rice is a drought susceptible crop. A symbiotic association between rice and mycorrhizal fungi could effectively protect the plant against sudden or frequent episodes of drought. Due to its extensive network of hyphae, the endophyte is able to deeply explore the soil and transfer water and minerals to the plant, some of them playing an important role in mitigating the effects of drought stress. Moreover, the endophyte could modify the expression of drought responsive genes and regulate antioxidants. Results Three rice genotypes, WC-297 (drought tolerant), Caawa (moderately drought tolerant) and IR-64 (drought susceptible) were inoculated with Piriformospora indica (P. indica), a dynamic endophyte. After 20 days of co-cultivation with the fungus, rice seedlings were subjected to 15% polyethylene glycol-6000 induced osmotic stress. P. indica improved the growth of rice seedlings. It alleviated the destructive effects of the applied osmotic stress. This symbiotic association increased seedling biomass, the uptake of phosphorus and zinc, which are functional elements for rice growth under drought stress. It boosted the chlorophyll fluorescence, increased the production of proline and improved the total antioxidant capacity in leaves. The association with the endophyte also up regulated the activity of the Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS), which is critical for the synthesis of proline. Conclusion A mycorrhizal association between P. indica and rice seedlings provided a multifaceted protection to rice plants under osmotic stress (− 0.295 MPa)