Differential effects of hexaconazole and paclobutrazol on the foliage characteristics of Chinese potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius Poir., J.K. Morton)

In the present investigation, the impact of hexaconazole (HEX) and paclobutrazol (PBZ), triazole fungicides, on the leaf anatomy of Chinese potato (Solenostemon rotundifolius Poir., J.K. Morton) was studied. The thickness of leaf, upper and lower epidermis, number of palisade and spongy cells per unit area, number of chloroplast per palisade and spongy cells, number of stomata in upper and lower epidermis, stomatal pore length and width were observed in both control and treatments. Leaves treated with HEX and PBZ showed several variations in the anatomical characteristics

Screening of a novel furan compound for its antidepressant activity in albino mice

Background: Depression is a common chronic recurrent syndrome, characterized by apathy, loss of energy, retardation of thinking and activity, as well as profound feelings of gloominess, despair and suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant activity of synthesized novel furan compound by using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST).Methods: The antidepressant activity was studied in albino mice using FST and TST. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) were used as standard drugs and test drug novel furan compound (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) was used as test drug. A total of 60 mice were selected for the study and utilized 30 mice in each model. Animals were divided into five groups consisting of 6 animals in each. Control group received 10% tween 80 orally; standard group received fluoxetine 20 mg/kg orally; test group 1 received 5 mg/kg substituted furan compound orally; test group 2 received 10 mg/kg substituted furan compound orally; test group 3 received 20 mg/kg substituted furan compound orally.Results: In FST the low dose test compound had shown the percentage inhibition of 75.5% which was comparable to percentage inhibition of standard drug fluoxetine -82%. In TST the test group-1 had produced 66.6%, test group-2 83.3% and test group-3 produced 100% protection against passive behavior (immobility). The percentage of protection produced by highest dose was equal to standard drug fluoxetine against passive behavior.Conclusions: It can be concluded that the test drug has produced significant inhibition in duration of immobility by FST and also had significant protection against passive behavior. Hence substituted furan had potential antidepressant activity

BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF WITHANIA SOMNIFERA UNDER THE INDOLE-3-BUTYRIC ACID AND TRIAZOLE SOIL DRENCHING TECHNIQUES

The present study aimed at understanding the effect of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and triazole compounds viz., triadimefon (TDM) and propiconazole (PCZ) on the biochemicals of ashwagandha. Treatments were given on 50, 90 and 130 days after sowing (DAS). Biochemical constituents such as proline, glycine betaine and total alkaloids content were determined. It was observed that proline, glycine betaine and alkaloids content were enhanced by TDM and PCZ than followed by IBA treatment when compared to control for respective growth stages.  Among the treatments, triazole compounds caused pronounced effect to the biochemical accumulation in higher level when compared to IBA treatment. These results suggest that, triazole active compounds act as a growth regulator also influence hormonal balance and great significance, which is helpful to satisfy the needs of enhance the biochemical contents in Ashwagandha

Salt stress mitigation by calcium chloride in Phyllanthus amarus

A pot culture experiment was carried out in Phyllanthus amarus plants in order to study the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) as an agent ameliorating sodium chloride (NaCl) stress. The plants were raised in pots and salinity stress was imposed by 80 mM of NaCl. The ameliorating effect of CaCl2 was studied by giving 5mMCaCl2 to the stressed plants. NaCl-stressed plants showed decreased proteins, total sugars, polyphenol oxidase and catalase activity with increased free amino acids, proline and peroxidase activities. When CaCl2 was combined with NaCl, the CaCl2 altered overall plant metabolism and paved the way for partial amelioration of the oxidative stress caused by salinity

Drought-induced biochemical modifications and proline metabolism in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

The research was performed to define the effect of water deficit on early growth, biomass allocation and biochemical constituents, proline metabolism and yield of five varieties of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.) plants. We found that there were significant differences in early growth, dry matter accumulation, biochemical constituents and proline metabolism among the five varieties. The root length, shoot length, total leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight were significantly reduced under drought-induced stress treatment. The proline content and g-glutamyl kinase were significantly enhanced and proline oxidase activities were reduced. Drought stress caused an increase in the free amino acid and glycinebetaine content

Current approaches to measure nitric oxide in plants

Nitric oxide (NO) is now established as an important signalling molecule in plants where it influences growth, development, and responses to stress. Despite extensive research, the most appropriate methods to measure and localize these signalling radicals are debated and still need investigation. Many confounding factors such as the presence of other reactive intermediates, scavenging enzymes, and compartmentation influence how accurately each can be measured. Further, these signalling radicals have short half-lives ranging from seconds to minutes based on the cellular redox condition. Hence, it is necessary to use sensitive and specific methods in order to understand the contribution of each signalling molecule to various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on NO measurement in plant samples, via various methods. We also discuss advantages, limitations, and wider applications of each method

Drought-induced biochemical modifications and proline metabolism in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

The research was performed to define the effect of water deficit on early growth, biomass allocation and biochemical constituents, proline metabolism and yield of five varieties of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.) plants. We found that there were significant differences in early growth, dry matter accumulation, biochemical constituents and proline metabolism among the five varieties. The root length, shoot length, total leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight were significantly reduced under drought-induced stress treatment. The proline content and g-glutamyl kinase were significantly enhanced and proline oxidase activities were reduced. Drought stress caused an increase in the free amino acid and glycinebetaine content

Zero Acreage Farming: Modular aeroponics system to grow globe tomatoes in household rooftops of Stockholm.

Climate change and rapid urbanization have caused several vulnerabilities for the global food system, and alternative farming methods are required to solve this ongoing crisis. Zero acreage farming can be a sustainable farming a to geoponics, as it is developing worldwide, and in Stockholm, this provides an opportunity to produce food year-round. In addition to that, it makes the food system more resilient and increases food security. The thesis aimed to explore the possibilities of zero-acreage farming on household rooftops in Stockholm and achieve the demand for tomatoes with an aeroponics growing system. With the help of GIS software, 4269 flat and slant roofs with a total available area of 3815121 m2 are found to implement a greenhouse. The GIS study shows that the south sector had the better potential for more extensive operations considering buildings, more population, and broader roads where transportation will be made more accessible. The central sector had the least potential for zero acreage farming because those regions have heritage values and narrow streets, making the transportation and supply chain difficult. The result of the aeroponics growing system reveals that the Stockholm tomato demand can be achieved in a 12780 m2 area with 95% water saving and 90% less global warming potential (GWP)compared to geoponics or conventional farming. Further on, this thesis suggests aeroponics as a sustainable alternative way of growing crops to minimize the impact on the environment caused by geoponics over the centuries.