Search

Abstract The effects of foliar application of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) on the growth, physiology, and gas exchange parameters of two varieties of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) under cadmium (Cd) stress were examined. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with 72 pots. Two varieties of S. oleracea (Desi Palak & Lahori Palak) were used. Two concentrations of Cd (0 µM and 150 µM) in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) were used. Two levels of SNP (0 ppm and 100 ppm) and two levels for each form of Mg i.e. MgSO4 and MgO-NPs (0 and 200 ppm) were foliar sprayed on plants in control and Cd stress. Both varieties behaved similarly under Cd stress and caused reductions in growth, physiology, gas exchange, water content parameters and inorganic ion uptake. However, the biochemical parameters like relative membrane permeability (RMP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents were increased. However, all foliar spray treatments increased growth, physiological and gas exchange parameters, water content and inorganic ion uptake. However, this reduced the MDA, RMP, and H2O2 contents. Desi Palak showed the more positive results under foliar application of MgO-NPs. However, Lahori palak showed more positive results under the SNP + MgO-NP treatment. It is concluded that foliar application of SNP, MgSO4 and MgO-NPs could be an innovative approach to alleviated the heavy metals (Cd) toxicity in crop plants.

Abstract Salt stress is becoming a major issue for the world’s environment and agriculture economy. Different iron [Fe] sources can give an environmentally friendly alternative for salt-affected soil remediation. In this study the effects of Iron sulfate on Luffa cylindrica (Sponge gourd) cultivated in normal and saline water irrigated soil were examined. When FeSO4 (0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 ppm) were applied to salt affected soil, the length, fresh and dry biomass of sponge gourd plant roots and shoots inclined by an average of 33, 28, 11, 21, 18 and 22%, respectively. In plants irrigated with saline water, leaf count was raised successively (23–115%) with increasing concentration of FeSO4 (0.025-0.1 ppm) compared to stress only plants. The use of FeSO4 boosted sponge gourd growth characteristics in both normal and salt-affected soils compared to respective controls. The application of Iron sulfate under salt stress boosted photosynthetic indices such as chlorophyll a (22%), chlorophyll b (34%), carotenoids (16%), and total chlorophyll levels (22%). Iron sulfate application also exhibited incline in primary (total free amino acids, 50%; total soluble proteins, 46%) and secondary (total phenolics, 9%; flavonoid content, 51%) metabolites in salt-affected soils. Oxidative enzymatic activities such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and DPPH scavenging activity (36%) were also increased by foliar spray of FeSO4 in control and salt stressed L. cylindrica plants. FeSO4 had a considerable impact on the growth and development of Luffa cylindrica in normal and salt-affected soils. It is concluded that FeSO4 application can effectively remediate salt affected soil and improve the production of crop plants.

Abstract Amidst depleting water resources, rising crop water needs, changing climates, and soil fertility decline from inorganic modifications of soil, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has been more pressing. The experimental work aimed to inspect the potential of organically activated biochar in improving soil physicochemical and nutrient status as well as improving biochemical and physiological processes, and optimizing yield-related attributes under optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. Biochar enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while improving plant nutrient uptake and drought resilience. The field experiment with maize crop was conducted in Hardaas Pur (32°38.37’N, 74°9.00’E), Gujrat, Pakistan. The experiment involved the use of DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab maize hybrid seeds, with five moisture levels of evapotranspiration (100% ETC, 80% ETC, 70% ETC, 60% ETC, and 50% ETC) maintained throughout the crop seasons. Furthermore, activated biochar was applied at three levels: 0 tons/ha (no biochar), 5 tons per hectare, and 10 tons per hectare. The study’s findings revealed significant improvements in soil organic matter, bulk density, nutrient profile and total porosity with biochar supplementation in soil. Maize plants grown under lower levels of ETC in biochar supplemented soil had enhanced membrane stability index (1.6 times higher) increased protein content (1.4 times higher), reduced malondialdehyde levels (0.7 times lower), improved antioxidant enzyme activity (1.3 times more SOD and POD activity, and 1.2 times more CAT activity), improved relative growth (1.05 times more) and enhanced yield parameters (26% more grain and stover yield, 16% more 1000-seed weight, 29% more total seed weight, 33% more apparent water productivity) than control. Additionally, among the two biochar application levels tested, the 5 tons/ha dose demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the 10 tons/ha biochar dose.

Abstract Chitosan (CTS) is recognized for enhancing a plant’s resilience to various environmental stresses, such as salinity and drought. Moreover, salicylic acid (SA) is acknowledged as a growth regulator involved in addressing metal toxicity. However, the effectiveness of both compounds in mitigating Cr-induced stress has remained relatively unexplored, especially in the case of Aconitum napellus, a medicinally and floricultural important plant. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential of CTS and SA in alleviating chromium (Cr)-induced stress in A. napellus. To address these research questions, we conducted a controlled experiment using potted plants to evaluate the individual and combined impacts of CTS and SA on plants exposed to Cr stress. Foliar application of CTS (0.4 g/L) or SA (0.25 mmol/L) led to significant improvements in the growth, chlorophyll content, fluorescence, and photosynthetic traits of A. napellus plants under Cr stress. The most notable effects were observed with the combined application of CTS and SA, resulting in increases in various morphological parameters, such as shoot length (2.89% and 7.02%) and root length (27.75% and 3.36%) under the Cr 1 and Cr 2 treatments, respectively. Additionally, several physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll a (762.5% and 145.56%), chlorophyll b (762.5% and 145.56%), carotenoid (17.03% and 28.57%), and anthocyanin (112.01% and 47.96%) contents, were notably improved under the Cr 1 and Cr 2 treatments, respectively. Moreover, the combined treatment of CTS and SA improved the fluorescence parameters while decreasing the levels of enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase (27.59% and 43.79%, respectively). The application also notably increased osmoprotectant parameters, such as the total protein content (54.11% and 20.07%) and the total soluble sugar content (78.17% and 49.82%) in the leaves of A. napellus in the Cr 1 and 2 treatments, respectively. In summary, these results strongly suggest that the simultaneous use of exogenous CTS and SA is an effective strategy for alleviating the detrimental effects of Cr stress on A. napellus. This integrated approach opens promising avenues for further exploration and potential implementation within agricultural production systems.

Pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium verticillioides, Alternaria alternata, and Macrophomina phaseolina pose significant threats to agriculture and human health due to their production of carcinogenic mycotoxins. This study explored the antifungal potential of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) against these fungi. ChNPs, synthesized via an ionic gelation method, exhibited a prominent UV–visible absorption peak at 250 nm, confirming successful nanoparticle formation. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed their amorphous structure, while FTIR analysis identified key functional groups, including hydroxyl and amine groups, with an average particle size of 50 nm. Antifungal assays demonstrated that ChNPs inhibited fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner. Specifically, for F. verticillioides, ChNPs reduced growth by 20–60 % at concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 0.15 %, achieving complete inhibition at 0.21 %. Similarly, A. alternata exhibited a MIC of 0.24 %, and M. phaseolina reached a MIC of 0.26 % for complete growth suppression. Higher concentrations of ChNPs caused pronounced structural alterations in the fungi, including discoloration, fragmentation, and distortion of hyphae and conidia/sclerotia, which were linked to significant metabolic changes within the fungal cells. This study highlights the effectiveness of ChNPs as robust antifungal agents, demonstrating their ability to disrupt fungal morphology and enzyme activities.

In this work, samarium doped Ni-Zn catalysts with a composition of Ni0.9Zn0.1SmyFe2-yO4 (y = 0–0.03) are made by inorganic sol–gel auto-combustion (SC) route. These Ni-Zn materials depict the forming of typical cubic crystal structure (Fd3m) and it is affirmed by the X-ray diffraction plots. The existence of cubic, spherical, and aggregated shaped grains with an average grain size that falls in between the range of 188 to 316 nm are confirmed from the FESEM images of prepared materials. According to the photo catalytic water splitting research findings, the total hydrogen yield for the Ni-Zn1, Ni-Zn2, Ni-Zn3, and Ni-Zn4 catalysts after four hours are 16.17, 15.02, 23.47 and 24.99 mmol gcat-1. Among all the compositions, the Ni-Zn4 photocatalyst exhibits the maximum photocatalytic performance of 24.99 mmol gcat-1. However, the Ni-Zn4 sample also shows the high electro catalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. With their outstanding photo/electro performance, the synthesized Sm-doped Ni-Zn nanoferrites shows great promise as potential candidates for the green hydrogen generation.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the cytotoxic potential of different fractions (Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) of Plumbago zeylanica L. root powder. Methodology: In this study, PzMH, PzMC, PzME, and PzMM fractions from the root powder of P. zeylanica were obtained through the cold maceration technique. The cytotoxic properties of these fractions on MG-63 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. The most potent fraction was further analyzed to understand its cytotoxic mechanism. To explore its apoptosis-inducing potential, microscopic and flow cytometric studies were conducted. Additionally, western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptotic pathways. Results: PzMH showed the highest cytotoxicity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with a GI50 value of 53.07 µg/ml. Flow cytometric studies revealed an upsurge in reactive oxygen species and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. The highest concentration of PzMH fraction (183.48 µg/ml) led to 62 % cell population arrest at G0/G1 stage. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 was downregulated, with p53, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase3, Bad and Bax expression upregulated. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of lawsone, p-coumaric acid, plumbagin, and 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, indicating that the quinone-rich fraction of Plumbago zeylanica L. attenuates the proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through the Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. Conclusion: To the best of our current knowledge, this marks the first documented case where the hexane fraction enriched with quinones extracted from the roots of P. zeylanica demonstrates its ability to induce apoptosis by influencing the Bax/Bcl2 pathway.

This study was aimed to understand the role of Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4·7H2O) applied through soil media, foliar spray and in combination for enhancing yield and marginal rate of return of wheat crop in filed conditions. Four wheat cultivars; Anaj-2017; Akbaer-2019; FSD-2008 and Zincol-2016 were sown in randomized complete block design in field. The Zn fertilizer was applied as soil media, foliar spray and in combination of soil + foliar media. A significant enhancement in plant height (18.2 %), leaf area index (28 %), heat unit efficiency (25.1 %) and SPAD (23 %) value was observed in wheat cultivars with Zn fertilization. However, the impact of soil + foliar media (T4) Zn application (15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 (soil) + 1 % ZnSO4 foliar spray solution) was higher than soil media or foliar spray. The protein, ash, fat and phytate contents were enhanced to 13.38 %, 2 %, 0.57 % and 27 % respectively while significant decrease in α-amylase (−29 %) and was recorded after Zn fertilization. At T4 considerable enhancement in grain yield (4.2 tons ha−1), harvest index (55.3 %), internal use efficiency and partial nutrient budget was recorded. It was observed that uptake K, N, Zn and Fe were enhanced while that of P were reduced after Zn fertigation especially at T4 in wheat cultivars. The value cost ratio (VCR) and marginal rate of return (MRR) to farmers was better at T4 as compared to T1-T3 in all wheat cultivars. Finally, Zn applied as soil + foliar spray was most effect while among cultivars Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019 showed more yield potential than Anaj-2017 and FSD-2008. It has been established that the soil–plant-mineral nutrition nexus is the road leading to fetching higher income, sequestration of carbon dioxide from the air and also ensuring food and nutrition security.

Tragopogon dubius is commonly consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine for treating inflammatory skin conditions and cutaneous swelling. Despite known pharmacological properties of its leaves and roots, many of its biological characteristics and active phytochemicals remain unexplored. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of methanolic root extracts and isolated fractions (TdRM-1 and TdRM-2) of T. dubius. Utilizing preparative thin-layer chromatography, the crude extract was successfully separated into TdRM-1 and TdRM-2, characterized by GC-MS and FTIR analysis, revealing a diverse range of bioactive compounds including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, and other phytoconstituents. Advanced UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis identified 54 metabolites, significantly contributing to the chemical profiling of the extract. The antioxidant activities of the fractions were quantitatively assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, where TdRM-2 exhibited superior activity with IC50 values ranging from 51.29 to 60.03 μg/mL. Anticancer potential was evaluated against A549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, demonstrating that TdRM-2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation with GI50 values as low as 31.62 μg/mL for A549 cells. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy revealed that TdRM-2 induces apoptosis, indicated by changes in nuclear morphology and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicate that the TdRM-2 fractions from T. dubius can significantly inhibit the growth of A-549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis These findings suggest that T. dubius root extracts, particularly the TdRM-2 fraction, hold promising therapeutic potential due to their significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, underpinned by their rich phytochemical composition. This study underscores the importance of T. dubius as a source of natural bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.