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The use of combined essential oils (EOs) is a new technique that can improve their preservative effects while minimizing their sensory impact in foods. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile of three essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula stoechas L. (Ls), Thymus zygis L. (Tz), and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (Ec) and to evaluate their synergistic antibacterial activity for optimal inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus using an augmented Simplex centroid mixing scheme. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Anti-bacterial potency was evaluated by disk diffusion. Chemical analysis revealed the main compounds in Lavandula stoechas (Ls) essential oil: camphor (36.15%), followed by fenchone (16.57%) and Z-8-hydroxy linalool (8.28%). The Thymus zygis (Tz) essential oil is dominated by δ-terpineol (27.64%), δ-3-carene (15.7%), and thymol (14.17%). In contrast, the Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Ec) essential oil contains mainly 1,8-cineole (43.61%), γ-terpinene (11.71%), and α-terpineol (10.58%). The optimal mixture is the binary association of 40% E. camaldulensis EO and 60% T. zygis EO, which provides an effective inhibition diameter (ID) of 13.37 mm to inhibit S. aureus. Furthermore, the formulation of 27% and 73% EOs of E. camaldulensis and T. zygis, respectively, corresponds to the mixture required to achieve the optimum inhibition diameter (ID = 11.55 mm) against E. coli. In addition, the mixture of 29% EO of E. camaldulensis and 71% EO of T. zygis is the optimum mixture to inhibit B. subtilis, with an inhibition diameter of 12.31 mm. These findings highlight the potency of antibacterial formulations of these essential oils and suggest that they might be used as substitutes for conventional drugs to prevent the development of bacteria responsible for serious infections and food spoilage.

Grape leaves, scientifically known as Vitis vinifera, the primary by-product obtained after the processing of grapes, are gathered in enormous amounts and disposed of as agricultural waste. For more sustainable agriculture and better food systems, it is crucial to investigate these byproducts’ nutritional values. The primary bioactive compounds present in grape leaves are quercetin, resveratrol, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and gallic acid, which favour pharmacological effects on human health such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective. Furthermore, grape leaves extract has been used as a functional ingredient for creating both food and non-food products. The aim of the current review is to review the nutritional and phytochemical composition of various varieties of grape leaves, their health-promoting characteristics and their applications. The study also highlights the various extraction techniques including conventional and non-conventional methods for extracting the various bioactive compounds present in grape leaves. Grape leaves bioactives can be extracted using environmentally safe and sustainable processes, which are in line with the rising demand for eco-friendly and healthful products worldwide. These methods are perfectly suited to the changing needs of both customers and industries since they lessen environmental effect, enhance product quality, and offer financial advantages.

IntroductionFoxtail millet (Setaria italica L. beauv) is an important crop in underdeveloped countries; however, yield levels are low. The use of varied germplasm in a breeding approach is critical for increasing productivity. Foxtail millet can be cultivated effectively in a wide range of environmental circumstances but it is best suited to hot and dry climates.MethodsIn the current study, multivariant traits were used to define 50 genotypes in the first year and 10 genotypes in the second year. The phenotypic correlations among all traits in the entire germplasm were assessed, and the data acquired for all quantitative characters were subjected to analysis of variance for augmented block design. Furthermore, WINDOWS STAT statistical software was used to carry out a principal component analysis (PCA). The presence of substantial variations in most symptoms was shown by analysis of variance.ResultsGenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) projections for grain yields were the highest, followed by panicle lengths and biological yields. Plant height and leaf length had the highest PCV estimates, followed by leaf width. Low GCV and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were measured as leaf length and 50% flowering in days. According to the PCV study, direct selection based on characters, panicle weight, test weight, and straw weight had a high and positive effect on grain yield per plant in both the rainy and summer seasons, indicating the true relationship between these characters and grain yield per plant, which aids indirect selection for these traits and thus improves grain yield per plant. Variability in foxtail millet germplasm enables plant breeders to effectively select appropriate donor lines for foxtail millet genetic improvement.DiscussionBased on the average performance of genotypes considered superior in terms of grain yield components under Prayagraj agroclimatic conditions, the best five genotypes were: Kangni-7 (GS62), Kangni-1 (G5-14), Kangni-6 (GS-55), Kangni-5 (GS-389), and Kangni-4 (GS-368).

Lentil is an important grain legume crop which is mostly grown on marginal soils that hamper its productivity. Improvement of salt tolerance in lentils is considered to be a useful strategy of utilizing salt-affected lands in an economic manner. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming using silicic acid and humic acid both seperately and in combination to improve salt stress tolerance among three different lentil varieties: IPL-316 (tolerant), PSL-9, and PDL-1 (susceptible). The concentrations and durations of treatments were standardized under the normal condition and the salinity stress condition. Salt stress hindered seedling emergence and biomass production and accelerated Na+ toxicity and oxidative damage at the seedling stage in untreated seeds. Nevertheless, chemical priming improved early seedling emergence, increased root length, shoot length, and seed vigor index I and II, and reduced the mean germination time. A significant quantitative change in biochemical parameters under normal and salinity stress conditions was observed in IPL-316,viz. Specifically, for IPL-316, the following parameters were observed (values under the normal condition and values under salt stress conditions, respectively): chlorophyll-a (16 and 13 mg/g Fw), chlorophyll-b (25 and 16 mg/g FW), total chlorophyll content (42 and 30 mg/g FW), relative leaf water content (92% and 82%), total soluble sugars (26 and 33 ug/g FW), free amino acid (10 and 7 mg/g FW), total phenol (26 and 24 mg of GAE/g FW), total protein (35 and 29 mg/g FW), carbohydrate (208 and 173 mg/g FW), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (29 and 35 unit/min./g FW), proline (0.28 and 0.32 u mol/g FW), catalase (CAT) (84 and 196 unit/mL/g FW), and peroxidase (POX) (217 and 738 unit/mL/g FW). Furthermore, histochemical analysis of H2O2 and O2−, micronutrients, and macronutrients also increased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.31 and 0.47 nmol/mL FW) content decreased using silicic and humic acid priming under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acids improved seedling growth and reduced oxidative damage in lentil plants under salt stress conditions. The combination of silicic and humic acid priming hastened seedling emergence, seed quality parameters, and biochemical parameters under salt stress over respective control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of integrated chemical priming in lentils for salinity stress. In conclusion, chemical priming using a combination of silicic and humic acid performed better in terms of seed quality due to enhanced antioxidant machinery, better membrane stability and osmolyte protection, and enhanced nutrient uptake under salt stress conditions.

Bakanae disease is an emerging problem of Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) in India and most of the basmati rice varieties are susceptible to this disease. Present study was carried out to evaluate and identify effective fungicide against bakanae disease of rice for which 12 fungicides (single and in combination) were evaluated against the bakanae disease as seedling treatments during the rainy (kharif) season of the year 2019 and 2020. Minimum disease incidence was observed with the fungicides Carbendazim 50% wp (19.47%), and Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w 75 wg (25.71%) during the years of evaluation with maximum yield. Area under disease progress curve was minimum (621.58) with the treatment of Tebuconazole 50% + Trifloxystrobin 25% w/w 75 wg followed by Carbendazim 50% wp (671.30). Differences in bakanae disease symptoms were observed in different treatments. Among treatments, elongated tillers as major symptoms were observed in Mancozeb 75% wp, Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% and Azoxystrobin 23% sc treated plants. Whereas, tiller elongation with rotting was prominent in Kitazin 48% ec treated and inoculated control plants. In case of Carbendazim 50% wp, Tebuconazole 8% + Captan 32% sc treatments, detachment of tillers was prominent. Therefore, seedling treatment with fungicides was observed to be effective in reducing bakanae disease incidence with low AUDPC and high yield compared to inoculated control.

The existing resistance genes against white rust disease are often ineffective due to racial variation of the causal fungal pathogen, Albugo candida. Therefore, new sources of resistance effective against multiple races are needed for durable resistance. Large-scale phenotyping of advanced introgressed (ILs), mutant, and resynthesized (RBJ) lines of Brassica juncea L., under artificial inoculation at cotyledonary and true leaf stages, against thirteen diverse isolates of Albugo candida and simultaneously at the adult plant stage under multi-location field evaluation from 2019–2022, revealed significant differences in white rust reactions. Amongst 194 introgressed lines, three lines, namely ERJ 39, ERJ 12, and ERJ 15, and three lines among 90 resynthesized and 9 mutant lines, including RBJ 18, DRMR 18-36-12, and DRMR 18-37-13, were identified as potential sources of resistance against multiple isolates at all three developmental stages of the plant. Furthermore, correlation and principal component analysis revealed a positive correlation between white rust resistance at true leaf and adult plant stages for ILs as well as mutant and RBJ lines. These novel sources of host resistance will play vital roles are required for the mustard improvement program and to establish a strong genetic and molecular foundation for identifying white rust resistance linked marker(s), QTLs, or gene(s) for sustainable disease management in India.

In the era of global warming, heat stress, particularly at the seedling stage, is a major problem that affects the production and productivity of crops such as mustard that are grown in cooler climates. Nineteen mustard cultivars were exposed to contrasting temperature regimes—20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C and a variable range of 25–40 °C—and evaluated for changes in physiological and biochemical parameters at the seedling stage to study their role in heat-stress tolerance. Exposure to heat stress showed detrimental effects on seedling growth as revealed by reduced vigor indices, survival percentages, antioxidant activity and proline content. The cultivars were grouped into tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible based on the survival percentage and biochemical parameters. All the conventional and three single-zero cultivars were found to be tolerant and moderately tolerant, respectively, while double-zero cultivars were reckoned to be susceptible except for two cultivars. Significant increases in proline content and catalase and peroxidase activities were found associated with thermo-tolerant cultivars. More efficient antioxidant system activity and proline accumulation were noticed in conventional along with three single-zero (PM-21, PM-22, PM-30) and two double-zero (JC-21, JC-33) cultivars that might have provided better protection to them under heat stress than the remaining one single- and nine double-zero cultivars. Tolerant cultivars also resulted in significantly higher values of most of the yield attributing traits. Heat-stress-tolerant cultivars could easily be selected based on the survival percentage, proline and antioxidants at the seedling stage and included as efficient cultivars in breeding programs.

A two-step freezing cryoprotocol preceded by desiccation to 15 to 25% moisture content was developed and successfully applied to winter dormant buds of mulberry (different Morus spp.) of a core set comprising 238 accessions studies in our laboratory. The survival and recovery percentage of diverse accessions cryobanked for various periods were tested under in vitro conditions, and several factors were analyzed to determine their role in optimizing the recovery of low-viability accessions. The effect of rates of freezing and thawing (both fast and slow), were tested and recovery compared. Recovery conditions such as dark incubation and rehydration in sterile moist moss grass for different durations after cryopreservation led to a higher survival percentage compared to controls. Two different recovery culture media were compared for their efficiency in survival. On average, the survival under in vitro culture conditions using optimized conditions was high: above 60% in majority of the accessions. Dormant buds showed viability in the range of 25 to 100% with an average of 50.4%. The recovery percentage of winter dormant buds after cryopreservation via slow freezing and slow thawing with rehydration by moist moss grass for 2 h was recorded in the range from 63.3 to 90.9% with an average of 81.05%. Without rehydration, it ranged from 50 to 75% with an average of 60.4%. Regeneration of cryopreserved mulberry germplasm after 6 years of storage indicated no survival loss over different years of storage, and 33–40% of the accessions showed viability above 40%, up to a maximum of 100%. Maximum shoot formation (100%) was obtained from Morus alba. The majority of the accessions were rooted in vitro within 20–25 days of subculture in the auxin rich rooting media, except in wild species M. latifolia and M. laevigata, which took longer (45 to 60 days) for root development. All the rooted plantlets were then transferred to the field and successfully established in a glasshouse.

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi (2017-18) to study the possible reason for reduced seed vigour in Indian quality mustard genotypes during storage for the first time. Freshly harvested seeds, one year, two year aged seeds and controlled deteriorated seeds of freshly harvested seeds of conventional and quality Indian mustard were used for the study. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e. hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide radical (O2 .-) were estimated along with enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase and peroxidase and redox couples ratio (ASC/DHA and GSH/GSSG) in all the nine genotypes of different age group and correlated with germination percentage, mean germination time and seed vigour indices. The experiment revealed that during storage, the amount of ROS accumulation goes on increasing and both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants goes on decreasing. In comparison to conventional genotypes, quality genotypes were found to contain significantly lower level of antioxidants and significantly higher level of ROS content during the storage period. Germination percentage as well as seed vigour indices were negatively correlated with ROS and positively correlated with enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This experiment revealed that reduced vigour in quality genotypes could be due to faster deterioration during the storage due to increased production of ROS.

American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) is an important source of dietary oil that could fulfill the increasing worldwide demand for cooking oil. Therefore, improving its production is crucial and could be realized through breeding and genetic engineering approaches aiming to obtain high-yielding varieties with improved oil content and quality. The fatty acid composition and particularly the oleic/linoleic acid ratio are major factors influencing oil quality. Our work focused on a fatty acid desaturase (FAD) enzyme involved in the desaturation and conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid. Following the in silico identification and annotation of Elaeis oleifera FAD2, its molecular and structural features characterization was performed to better understand the mechanistic bases of its enzymatic activity. EoFAD2 is 1173 nucleotides long and encodes a protein of 390 amino acids that shares similarities with other FADs. Interestingly, the phylogenetic study showed three distinguished groups where EoFAD2 clustered among monocotyledonous taxa. EoFAD2 is a membrane-bound protein with five transmembrane domains presumably located in the endoplasmic reticulum. The homodimer organization model of EoFAD2 enzyme and substrates and respective substrate-binding residues were predicted and described. Moreover, the comparison between 24 FAD2 sequences from different species generated two interesting single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the oleic/linoleic acid contents.

Ginger is rich in different chemical compounds such as phenolic compounds, terpenes, polysaccharides, lipids, organic acids, minerals, and vitamins. The present study investigated the effect of mineral fertilizers on the content of mineral elements in the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, soil enzymes activity, and soil properties in Surkhandarya Region, Uzbekistan. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first in Uzbekistan to investigate the mineral elements of ginger rhizome inhabiting Termez district, Surkhandarya region. A Field experiment was conducted at the Surkhandarya experimental station research Institute. Four treatments have been studied (Control with no fertilizers (T-1), N75P50K50 kg/ha (T-2), N125P100K100 kg/ha (T-3) and N100P75K75 + B3Zn6Fe6 kg/ha (T-4)). Results showed that T-4 treatment significantly increased ginger rhizome K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Na, Mn, Zn, Si, Li, and V content as compared to all other treatments and control. T-3 treatment significantly increased Mo, Ga, and Ag content in comparison to other treatments. Soil enzymes showed a significant increase for all treatments against control, while T-4 treatment has recorded the highest enzyme activity in comparison to all other treatments in urease, invertase, and catalase content. Soil chemical properties have significantly changed for all treatments against the non-cultivated soil and the zero fertilizers plantation with variation among different treatments. Results showed that ginger root is rich in minerals and can be used as a great potential for nutritional supplements and soil enrichment. This study suggest that combination of macro-microelements have the potential to increase the content of mineral elements in the rhizomes of ginger in field conditions.

The present paper aims to investigate the chemical composition of unripe black pine seeds obtained from Bulgaria. The lipid fraction was evaluated in unripe seeds, and the cellulose, total carbohydrates, glucose, fructose, and sucrose were evaluated in seedcakes. The major fatty acid identified in the Pinus nigra seed oil was unsaturated linoleic acid (44.2%), followed by the saturated palmitic acid (31.2%). The amount of unsaturated pinolenic (10.5%) and oleic acids (8.8%) was also rather high. The amino acid composition of the protein fraction of seedcakes was also determined. The amino acid composition was represented mainly by asparagine (3.92 mg/g), serine (3.79 mg/g), alanine (3.65 mg/g), arginine (3.32 mg/g), phenylalanine (2.98 mg/g), lysine (2.85 mg/g), proline (2.69 g/mg), tryptophan (2.44 mg/g), valine (2.33 mg/g), isoleucine (2.28 mg/g), and tyrosine (2.05 mg/g). The mineral content (N, P, K, Mg, Na, and Cu) of the seedcakes was evaluated, as the amount of K (8048.00 mg/kg) and Mg (172.99 mg/kg) were the highest in the samples. These findings emphasized the potential use of the unripe black pine seeds in different areas due to their chemical importance and values.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and biochar amendment has been reported to improve the growth of several crop plant; however, their role in stress amelioration individually as well as in combination has not been worked out. Limited information is available about the synergistic use of biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Here, we investigated the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF on plant development, root architecture, the physiological performance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and soil enzymatic activities. Biochar and AMF were shown to have a considerable effect on plant height, according to the data (53.3 and 66.6%, respectively), leaf number (22.5 and 45.1%), total root length (19.8 and 40.1%), root volume (32.1 and 71.4%), chlorophyll a content (26.0 and 17.8%), chlorophyll b content (50.0 and 28.9%), total chlorophyll content (30.0 and 18.1%), and carotenoid content (60.0 and 48.0%) over the control treatment. There was a considerable increase in plant height when biochar and AMF were combined together by 80.9%, total root length by 68.9%, projected area by 48.7%, root surface area by 34.4%, root volume by 78.5%, chlorophyll a content by 34.2%, chlorophyll b content by 68.4%, total chlorophyll content by 44.5%, and carotenoid content by 84.0% compared to the control. Our results recommend that the combination of biochar and AMF is advantageous in fenugreek growth, microbial biomass, and soil enzyme activities.

The fertilizers that are derived from seaweed are known as Seaweed Liquid Fertilizers (SLF). SLF is a modern, cheap, non-toxic, and natural bioactive fertilizer. Among different studied seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum is significant as having bioactive ingredients that potentially regulate the molecular, physiological, and biochemical processes of crop plants. In the present study, the effects of the application of different concentrations (0.00%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.50%, and 1.00%) of A. nodosum Extract (ANE) to the Vigna aconitifolia through roots (Pot Root Application, PRA) and on the leaves (Pot Foliar Application, PFA) were monitored via the plant growth. The lower concentrations of ANE in both the PRA and PFA experiments showed positive growth on V. aconitifolia. The 0.10% ANE stimulated the maximum shoot growth when applied through the roots, while 0.05% ANE in both PFA and PRA experiments led to an increase in the number of pods, nodules, organic content, and moisture percentage. The 0.10% ANE also increased the leaf numbers, leaf area, and photosynthetic pigments. Hence, the application of 0.05% and 0.10% of A. nodosum extract in two ways (i.e., Pot Foliar Application, PFA, and Pot Root Application, PRA) ameliorated the growth capabilities of V. aconitifolia.

Buchanania lanzan Sperg. (Chironji) is an important underutilized fruit species of north, west and central India. Seventy-four diverse accessions were collected from the diversity rich areas of India. Among the collected accessions, 52 have been characterized for fruit and seed characters. Successful cryopreservation of seed kernel and embryonic axes have been achieved using desiccation followed by fast freezing and air desiccation-freezing method respectively, with high viability up to 85% after cryopreservation. Comprehensive base collection of diverse accessions has been successfully established in the Cryogenebank. Morphological characterization with 20 variables representing 9 qualitative and 11 quantitative characters has been undertaken. All the accessions of B. lanzan were grouped into eight clusters, showing high level of genetic variability within the species. Two-D plot derived from PCA based on first two components showed four major groups, which was found less similar to the clustering pattern of dendrogram. Morphological characters, viz. fruit shape, length, width, colour, pulp colour, stone shape, stone colour; kernel weight and kernel colour represent maximum variability revealed by first three components identified for developing minimal descriptors. Five accessions, viz. IC-552921, IC-552924, IC-546107, IC-546109 and IC-553215 were identified as superior genotypes, which may be further evaluated and utilized as promising accessions for crop improvement.

Silicon (Si) is considered a non-essential element similar to cadmium, arsenic, lead, etc., for plants, yet Si is beneficial to plant growth, so it is also referred to as a quasi-essential element (similar to aluminum, cobalt, sodium and selenium). An element is considered quasi-essential if it is not required by plants but its absence results in significant negative consequences or anomalies in plant growth, reproduction and development. Si is reported to reduce the negative impacts of different stresses in plants. The significant accumulation of Si on the plant tissue surface is primarily responsible for these positive influences in plants, such as increasing antioxidant activity while reducing soil pollutant absorption. Because of these advantageous properties, the application of Si-based nanoparticles (Si-NPs) in agricultural and food production has received a great deal of interest. Furthermore, conventional Si fertilizers are reported to have low bioavailability; therefore, the development and implementation of nano-Si fertilizers with high bioavailability could be crucial for viable agricultural production. Thus, in this context, the objectives of this review are to summarize the effects of both Si and Si-NPs on soil microbes, soil properties, plant growth and various plant pathogens and diseases. Si-NPs and Si are reported to change the microbial colonies and biomass, could influence rhizospheric microbes and biomass content and are able to improve soil fertility.

A mineral fertiliser has positive effects in improving turmeric nutrients, soil enzymes and soil properties. The aim of this research was to study the effect of mineral fertilisers on the content of mineral elements in turmeric rhizome, soil enzymes activity and soil properties in the Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. For the first time in Uzbekistan, the turmeric rhizome was cultivated to study the mineral elements present in the rhizome. A microplot experiment was conducted with four treatments including T1 (Control), T2 (N75P50K50 kg/ha), T3 (N125P100K100 kg/ha) and T4 (N100P75K75 + B3Zn6Fe6 kg/ha) and turmeric rhizome, which were collected for observation along with the soil samples. The analyses indicated that the NPK + BZnFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha) treatment significantly improved minerals such as K, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents rhizome as compared to the control without fertiliser. Likewise, the maximum quantity of micronutrient content viz., Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr and Si was also recorded in turmeric rhizome treated with NPK + BZnFe (125:100:100:3:6:6 kg/ha). It showed an increase in these micronutrients in the rhizome compared to the control, followed by a low rate of NPK (75:50:50 kg/ha). The highest content in terms of total N, P, K content, humus, active phosphorus, potassium, and enzymes activity was also observed in soil with the treatment of mineral fertiliser viz., NPK + BznFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha), which enhanced soil nutrient and enzyme activity. The NPK + BznFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha) treatment significantly increased the active N content by 40%, total P content by 38% and total K content by 22% in comparison to the control without mineral fertiliser. Overall, it was found that NPK + BznFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha) was significantly valuable for enhancing the total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil compared to control, which is useful for improving soil health in terms of soil enzyme and soil nutrients. Additionally, the micronutrients in turmeric rhizome were significantly enhanced when using this combination of fertiliser applications [NPK + BznFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha)]. Therefore, this present study revealed that the NPK+BznFe (100:75:75:3:6:6 kg/ha) could produce the most significant yield of high-quality turmeric plants and improve soil properties in Uzbek soil–climate conditions.

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) sprout is a popular fresh vegetable, tasty and high in antioxidants. To increase yield and quality after the occurrence of both abiotic and biotic stresses, the application of seaweed extracts is of great importance. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE) in the presence of salt on the antioxidant potential of V. radiata sprouts. Different concentrations of ANE viz. 0.00, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.50% and NaCl 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM alone and in combinations were tested for researching the antioxidant potential of V. radiata sprouts at 0, 24, and 36 h of sprouting. The DPPH free-radical-scavenging activity of sprouts of V. radiata was found to increase with time and peaked at 24 h of treatment. The A. nodosum extract (0.01%) could reverse the ill effect of the low level of salinity posed by up to 25 mM NaCl. The increasing salinity deteriorated the antioxidant activity using ABTS method of sprouts down to 20.45% of the control at 100 mM NaCl. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and reducing power of V. radiata sprouts was found to increase till 36 h of sprouting. A slight increase in TPC, TFC and reducing power was observed when seeds were treated with low concentrations of ANE. The elevation in TPC, TFC and reducing power upon treatment with low concentrations of ANE was also noticed in sprouts in saline combinations. Alpha amylase inhibition activity was found to reach a (67.16% ± 0.9) maximum at 24 h of sprouting at a 0.01% concentration of ANE. Tyrosinase inhibition and alpha glucosidase inhibition was 88.0% ± 2.11 and 84.92% ± 1.2 at 36 h of sprouting, respectively, at 0.01% concentration of ANE. A. nodosum extract is natural, environmentally friendly, and safe, and could be used as one of the strategies to decline stress at a low level and enhance the antioxidant activities in V. radiata sprouts, thus increasing its potential to be developed as an antioxidant-based functional food.

Osmotic stress is a major factor reducing the growth and yield of many horticultural crops worldwide. To reveal reliable markers of tolerant genotypes, we need a comprehensive understanding of the responsive mechanisms in crops. In vitro stress induction can be an efficient tool to study the mechanisms of responses in plants to help gain a better understanding of the physiological and genetic responses of plant tissues against each stress factor. In the present study, the osmotic stress was induced by addition of mannitol into the culture media to reveal biochemical and genetic responses of tea microplants. The contents of proline, threonine, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate were increased in leaves during mannitol treatment. The expression level of several genes, namely DHN2, LOX1, LOX6, BAM, SUS1, TPS11, RS1, RS2, and SnRK1.3, was elevated by 2–10 times under mannitol-induced osmotic stress, while the expression of many other stress-related genes was not changed significantly. Surprisingly, down-regulation of the following genes, viz. bHLH12, bHLH7, bHLH21, bHLH43, CBF1, WRKY2, SWEET1, SWEET2, SWEET3, INV5, and LOX7, was observed. During this study, two major groups of highly correlated genes were observed. The first group included seven genes, namely CBF1, DHN3, HXK2,SnRK1.1, SPS, SWEET3, and SWEET1. The second group comprised eight genes, viz. DHN2, SnRK1.3, HXK3, RS1, RS2,LOX6, SUS4, and BAM5. A high level of correlation indicates the high strength connection of the genes which can be co-expressed or can be linked to the joint regulons. The present study demonstrates that tea plants develop several adaptations to cope under osmotic stress in vitro; however, some important stress-related genes were silent or downregulated in microplants.

Pummelo (Citrus maxima L.) is a natural, mono-embryonic and a true fruit species of genus Citrus cultivated widely in India. The study aimed at developing in vitro technique for conservation of Citrus maxima germplasm using shoot tip and nodal section as explants. Various concentrations and combination of hormones were used for successful in-vitro conservation. The shoots sprouted within 9-20 days when inoculated on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l NAA growth hormones and above 86% germination was obtained with maximum numbers of shoots (8) and nodes (8.67). Highest shoot elongation (82%) was observed in MS medium supplemented with concentration of 0.6 mg/l GA3 in combination with 0.2 mg/l BAP, shoot length ranged between 1.17 to 6.90 cm and the number of nodes was 2.33-8.33 per plantlet. 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BAP +1.0 mg/l NAA along with 2.5 g phytagel showed best result for rooting (78.33%). The regenerated plantlets did not show any detectable morphological variation at genetic level as evidenced by SSR profiles of plantlets. The developed protocol can be successfully employed for large-scale multiplication and conservation of Pummelo germplasm.

The experiment was carried out to determine the commercially viable technique for multiplication of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F and Thoms (giloy). In the open field condition using the variable numbers of nodes per cutting were investigated and observed that three and four nodes cuttings were significantly superior in growth and survival parameters but involved more planting/stock materials. Therefore, to reduce the planting stocks, cuttings with one node with and without stem part were evaluated. Single bud cuttings with both side wood (stem part) showed significantly higher growth and survival percent in comparison to only bud without stem portion and bud with one side stem wood. Among all the tested technique, four buds’ technique was nearly found superior in growth parameters but not significant with three buds, which was proven for higher survival percent. However, single bud cutting technique involved minimum cost and economically proven superior for one-ha plantation as compare to available traditional techniques. The present study indicated that for T. cordifolia, mini cuttings (bud with both side stem wood) techniques is the best propagation method for commercial multiplication.