Magnetic field effects on seed germination and activities of some enzymes in cumin

Failure of germination among Apiaceae family seeds, e. g. cumin (Cuminum cyminum), has been reported by many investigators. Until now few works have been done on seed germination and seedling growth of cumin. In this research the effects of the exposure of cumin seeds to magnetic fields on seed germination, early growth, and enzyme activity have been studied under laboratory conditions. Seeds were magnetically exposed to one of three magnetic field strengths, 25, 50 and 75 mT for different periods of time (15, 30, and 60 min). The germination test was performed according to the guidelines issued by the International Seed Testing Association. Enzymes related to the germination process in magnetically exposed and unexposed germinating cumin seeds were assayed after 24 hours of imbibitions in distilled water. Exposure of cumin seeds to different intensities of magnetic fields prior to germination significantly increased germination-related characters. The increase in germination, speed of germination, shoot length, root length, total seedling length, seedling fresh weight, and seedling dry weight was, respectively, 14-17%, 14-57%, 8-27%, 25-62%, 16-39%, 10-29%, and 17-49% compared to untreated control seeds. The calculated vigor indices I and II also increased by 33-73% and 38-72%, respectively. In germinating seeds, enzyme activities of alpha-amylase, dehydrogenase, and protease were significantly higher in treated seeds in contrast to controls and the maximum value was 50 mT for 60 min exposures. The higher enzyme activity in magnetic-field-treated cumin seeds could trigger fast germination and early vigor of seedlings

Bio-chemical fertilizer improves the oil yield, fatty acid compositions, and macro-nutrient contents in Nigella sativa L.

The present study evaluated the effects of biofertilizers on qualitative and quantitative traits of Nigella sativa L. The experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments included control (no fertilization), U (100% chemical fertilizer as urea at 53.3 kg ha−1, Nb (Biofertilizer, Azotobacter vinelandii), Pb (Biofertilizer, Pantoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida), Kb (Biofertilizer, Bacillus spp.), NPKb (NPK combined biofertilizers), Nb + 50% U, Pb + 50% U, Kb + 50% U, and NPKb + 50% U. The highest oil percentage was 46.33 percent related to NPK(b) + U50%, and the highest oil yield was 466.43 kg/ha related to NPK(b) + U50%. The highest seed yield (1006.64 kg/ha) was observed in the plants treated with NPK(b) + U50%. The treatment of K(b) + U50% increased myristic acid by 0.35%. The NPK(b) + U50% treatment reduced palmitic, stearic, and linolenic acid by 11.3, 2.01, and 0.31%, respectively. The highest oleic acid (27.85%) and linoleic acid (56.6%) were obtained from the treatment of NPK(b) + U50%, respectively. The plants treated with NPK(b) + U50% showed the highest seed N percentage (%), P content (mg g−1) and K content (mg g−1 ). In general, NPK(b) + U50% is the best treatment in line with sustainable agriculture

Investigating the effects of magnetic field and salicylic acid on Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) under UV-B stress

Effects of ozone depletion and increase of UV radiation have been studied by many researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV-B radiation on Melissa officinalis L. as well as the impact of salicylic acid and magnetic fields in the reduction of harmful effects of radiation on plants. The Melissa officinalis L. plants were treated with 28 ± 2 Cº for approximately 60 days. The light intensity was 150 µ E mˉ² Sˉ¹ and the light/dark regime was 16/8 h. UV-B treatment was applied after the six-leaf stage for a period of 15 days and 20 min every day. Salicylic acid (1mM) was daily sprayed on the plants after the six-leaf stage for one week. Magnetic field treatment was applied for an hour with intensities of 0, 40 and 85 mT. The results indicated that the UV-B radiation led to reduction of root and shoot dry and fresh weights, and root and shoot elongation. The radiations also reduced the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid), sugar and soluble proteins. The phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and UV-absorbing content compounds increased under the effect of UV-B radiation. The results showed that treatment with salicylic acid and magnetic fields reduced damages to the plant due to UV-B radiation

Effects of UV-B and UV-C radiation on antioxidative enzymes activity of Melissa officinalis and influences of salicylic acid in UV-stress ameliorations

The effects of decreased ozone and increased UV radiation have been studied by many researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV-B and UV-C radiations on Melissa officinalis L. and to study the impact of salicylic acid in reducing the harmful effects of radiation on plants. The M. officinalis L. plants were grown at 28±2 ºC temperature for about 60 days. The light intensity was 150 µEm˲S˹ and the light-dark condition was 8-16 hours. UV treatment was applied after the six-leaf stage and UV-B radiation was applied for a period of 15 days on alternative dys and the time for each application was 20 minutes. But UV-C radiation was applied for 15 days and the time of each application was 8 minutes. Salicylic acid was sprayed on the plants after the six-leaf stage with a concentration of 1 mM. The results indicated that the UV-B and UV-C radiations led to reduction of the dry and fresh weight, root elongation and shoots. The radiations increased activity of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxides, and catalase activity reduction was also observed. The Malondialdehyde and H2O2 content were increased under the effect of UV-B and UV-C radiations. The results showed that treatment with salicylic acid reduced damage to the plants resulting from UV-B and UV-C radiations and were able to compensate for changed factors that had been changed because of ultra violet radiations

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Medicinal Plant Malva neglecta

Background and Objectives: Nanotechnology is an interesting research area due to production of nanoparticles of different sizes, shapes, chemical compositions, dispersity, and their numerous applications for human being. Creation, manipulation, and use of metallic nanoparticles is of great importance due to reduction of dimensions, and thus having unique thermal, optical, and electronic characteristics. The biosynthesis methods of nanoparticles are prioritized compared to chemical and physical procedures because of lower energy and time costs. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an eco-friendly method, in which natural solvents are used. In this study, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Malva neglecta, was investigated. Methods: The extract of Malva neglecta was used as a reducing agent for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. By adding silver nitrate in concentration of 20mM to the extract, the reaction was done at room temperature, that the color change of the extract from pale yellow to dark brown showed the generation of silver nanoparticles. Results: In this study, the formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed (by the presence of an absorption peak at 450 nm) using a spectrophotometer. The size and morphology of silver nanoparticles were determined using scanning electron microscopy. The shape of particles was spherical and their average size was about 20nm. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that silver nanoparticles can be produced by an eco-friendly biological method and without using any harmful chemicals

The effects of salinity stress on the growth and some physiological parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that adversely affects crop productivity and quality. In this study, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of salinity stress on some physiological parameters of wheat seedlings. Plants were subjected to three salt treatment i.e. 0 (control), 100, 150 mM NaCl under controlled conditions. Results showed that increasing salinity caused significant decrease in shoot and root length and dry weight and leaf area, but in contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity were increased. Also, increasing salinity significantly decreased K+ and NO3- and significantly increased Na+ and Cl- content

Effects of malic acid and EDTA on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) exposed to cadmium stress

Environmental stresses, including heavy metal pollution, are increasing at a growing rate and influencing arable lands. Chelators play an essential role in several biochemical pathways in the cells of plants treated with heavy metals. This research evaluated the modifying effect of malic acid (MA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the physiological and biochemical parameters of okra plants exposed to Cd stress in which the okra plants were cultivated in hydroponic conditions. At the 4-leaf stage, they were applied with the treatments of cadmium nitrate at three levels (0, 50, and 100 mg/L), EDTA and MA at two levels (0.5 and 1 mM), and Cd + EDTA + MA at different rates for one month. The harvested plants were subjected to the measurement of the physico-biochemical factors. The results revealed that the application of Cd alone reduced leaf area (up to 21.57 %), and dissolved sugars (up to 40.51 % in the shoot and 45.19 % in the root) and increased MDA (up to 66.37 % and 76.43 % in the shoot and root, respectively), H2O2 (up to 67.14 % and 53.28 % in the shoot and root, respectively), proline (up to 52.04 % and 40.93 % in the shoot and root, respectively), and dissolved proteins (up to 14.59 % and 21.90 % in the shoot and root, respectively) contents in both shoots and roots whereas the application of MA and EDTA to the Cd-treated plants increased their leaf area and dissolved sugars and reduced MDA, H2O2, proline, and dissolved proteins content. The antioxidant enzymes, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were significantly higher in the plants treated with MA, EDTA, and Cd, but the application of MA and EDTA to the Cd-treated plants reduced the activity of all these antioxidant enzymes versus the plants only treated with Cd. MA and EDTA are likely to prevent the accumulation of Cd in the cytosol by binding to it and transferring it into vacuoles, thereby mitigating Cd toxicity in the okra plants

Agrobiological, chemical and antioxidant properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles and ultraviolet-B stress

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is one of the most commonly known and expensive medicinal and aromatic plants in the world from which dried stigmas are consumed. Saffron includes 85 species and has a special place among industrial and export commodities. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation causes the generation of oxygen free radicals, which disrupt the balance of metabolism in cells. The present study aimed to explore the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on saffron exposed to harmful UV-B radiation, in order to evaluate their effect against photo - oxidative stress. Saffron plants were grown in the hydroponic system in a greenhouse for 45 days. After the three-leaf stage, they were exposed to UV-B radiation for 30 and 45 min on a daily basis for one month. TiO2 NPs were used at two concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/L as the foliar application before UV-B exposure every day. The plants were harvested 75 days later and their growth, chemical and antioxidant parameters were measured. The results showed that UV-B exposure was related to lower plant length, fresh and dry weight, and leaf number. The simultaneous UV-B exposure and TiO2 NPs application resulted in the loss of dissolved sugars and the increased content of total anthocyanins and malondialdehyde (MDA) in saffron leaves. Besides, content of UV-B absorbents (total phenolics and total flavonoids) and radical scavenging activity ((DPPH) in saffron stigmas were increased. The foliar application of TiO2 NPs counterbalanced some plant traits impaired by UV-B exposure as compared with plants only exposed to UV-B radiation. Due to the increased antioxidant activity of saffron stigmas, it could be assumed that the use of TiO2 NPs enhances the nutritive value of saffron

Winter Cultivation and Nano Fertilizers Improve Yield Components and Antioxidant Traits of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica (M.B.) Fischer & Meyer)

Balangu (Lallemantia sp.) is a medicinal herb with a variety of applications, all parts of which have economic uses, including leaf for extraction of essential oils, as a vegetable and potherb, seed for extraction of mucilage and edible or industrial oil. To investigate the effect of cultivation season and standard chemical and nano fertilizers (n) on the yield components and antioxidant properties of Dragon's head, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with 12 treatments and three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of two seasons (spring and winter cultivation) and six levels of fertilizer (control, NPK-s, NPK-n, Fe-chelated-n, NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n, NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n). The traits included grain yield per plant, essential oil percentage and yield, mucilage percentage and yield, antioxidant properties in the seeds and leaves, including total phenols and flavonoids content, DPPH radical scavenging, and nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenging. The results showed that winter cultivation had a noticeable advantage over spring cultivation across all of the traits. The highest grain yield per plant was obtained in winter cultivation using NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment. The highest essential oil percentage was in NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n. The highest mucilage percentage was observed in NPK-s + NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizer treatment, which was not statistically different to NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n treatment. The combined effects of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers resulted in improving antioxidant activity traits. Overall, the results indicated that the combination of winter cultivation and NPK-n + Fe-chelated-n fertilizers are the most appropriate treatment to acquire highest qualitative and quantitative yield of Dragon's head, in the Azerbaijan region (Iran)