Search

Populus species are highly valued for bioenergy and bioproducts due to their rapid growth and productivity. Polyclonal plantings, or mixtures of Populus clones, have shown the potential to enhance resource utilization and productivity, likely due to phenotypic differences arising from niche differentiation. In this study, we investigated gene expression and productivity in monoclonal and polyclonal stands of P. deltoides. Phenotypic results showed that polyclonal plots exhibited higher leaf area index (LAI; p < 0.01, 2.96 ± 0.057 m2) and total biomass (p < 0.01, 2.74 ± 0.06) compared to monoclonal plots, indicating superior productivity. RNA sequencing revealed upregulation of key genes such as exocyst subunit exo70 family protein H7 (EXO70H7) , NDH-dependent cyclic electron flow 5 (NDF5) , and expansin-like A3 (EXLA3). We also observed enrichment in phenylalanine metabolism and other secondary metabolic pathways in clone S7C8. Phenotypic results, upregulated genes and enriched biological pathways identified in this study may explain the enhanced productivity, increased nitrate content, and expanded canopy in polyclonal plantings. Overall, this study provides a foundation for future research to enhance forest productivity by linking molecular mechanisms to practical applications in field plantings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives Anemia is a prevalent complication endured by patients with chronic renal disease. Renal anemia also leads to the development of cardio-vascular complications. Epoetin alpha and beta are recombinant human erythropoietin prioritized for managing anemia in hemodialysis patients. The current study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of both erythropoietin alpha and erythropoietin beta in treating renal anemia. Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted in a Renal Dialysis Centre at a tertiary care Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan for a period of 3 months. The two erythropoietin products used were human recombinant erythropoietin alpha (Tropin®) and erythropoietin beta (Recormon®). Both groups were age-matched, BMI, eGFR, gender, and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension were indifferent. The comparative analysis was performed after the completion of 3 months. Results A total of 94 participants were included in the analysis, 54 in group A and 40 in group B. Mean albumin, urea, creatinine, ferritin, iron, and transferrin saturation at inclusion were statistically insignificant, TIBC was higher in group A (p = 0.005) and CRP levels were slightly higher in group B (p = 0.050). There was significant improvement in Hb level (p = 0.025), PCV (p = 0.001), and RBC count (p = 0.007) in group B. While in group A, there was significantly increased MCV (p = 0.005) and MCHC (p = 0.002). In intention to treat analysis, 22.2% of subjects in group A and 40.0% in group B reached desired Hb levels of ≥11 g/l after 3 months. Conclusion In our assessment of hemodialysis patients, erythropoietin beta was found more effective than erythropoietin alpha.

Jamun plant displays enormous diversity throughout Pakistan, which necessitates its screening, evaluation, and validation to document elite genotypes having better traits for the benefit of the fruit industry and farmers. Surveys were made in natural Jamun habitats across Punjab, Pakistan, and genotypes were marked based on visual diversity of trees and fruits. In total, 60 Jamun genotypes were selected for characterization based on phenotypic and genetic markers. Phenotypic characters related to trees, leaf, and flower along with fruit qualitative traits were assessed in situ. Results revealed significant diversity with high (>25%) coefficient of variance values and the first two components of correspondence analysis exhibited 41.71% variation among genotypes. A strong association was observed among traits like upright tree and round fruit shape (0.74), bluish-colored fruit and pinkish pulp (0.85), and elliptic-shaped fruit with low fruit waxiness (−0.72). Leaves of phenotypically characterized plants were brought to Wheat Biotechnology Lab., University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, where Jamun genotypes were investigated genetically using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 132 bands were scored, of which 108 were polymorphic, corresponding to almost 81% polymorphism among collected genotypes. High polymorphism information content values were observed against RAPD (0.389) and ISSR (0.457) markers. Genotypes were compared in relation to genetic markers, which exhibited that almost 86% of genetic variability was attributed to differences among accessions, while 14% of variation was due to differences between collections of different areas. Findings of this study confirmed wide phenotypic and genetic distinctness of Jamun in Pakistan that can aid breeders for marker-assisted selection and germplasm enhancement for future crop improvement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus is one of the most important fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. Pakistan ranks 7th according to area and 13th according to production. While comparing with leading citrus producing nations like Brazil, USA, China and Spain, citrus production of Pakistan is far behind and increasing at an average annual rate of only 5%. Brazil holds the 35% share in total citrus production of world while share of Pakistan is only 1.46%. Citrus cultivars are propagated asexually through grafting and budding on specific rootstocks. Rootstocks play very important role in Citriculture industry and decide success or failure of citrus cultivation. Under a specific and uniform set of climatic and soil conditions, citrus rootstocks tend to vary in their compatibility with a specific scion cultivar. The rootstocks have significant influence overall growth of tree including vegetative growth, mineral uptake, physiological performance of scion cultivar and reproductive growth of scion cultivars. The role of rootstocks in manipulating or improving the performance of citrus scion cultivars has been discussed in present review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has staminate (male), androgynous (hermaphrodite), and intermediate flower types. Floral characterization is difficult for breeding efficiency across many pomegranate genotypes in Pakistan, which is essential for pomegranate cultivar enhancements. The present research focused on the floral characterization and breeding efficiency of fifteen pomegranate genotypes. Flower sex ratio, floral morphological parameters, i.e., flower length, ovary width, flower notch, flower tip and stigma with style length, and fruit set percentage were examined during the experiment. In terms of sex ratio, male flowers were found to be higher among all genotypes. Due to clear differences in flower length, width, and heterostyly facilitating visual identification of the hermaphrodite flowers, genotype Ternab-2, Kandhari White, and Kandhari Red had higher fruit set (≥70%) among all cross combinations attempted. Genotype Sava had higher flower length and heterostyly of hermaphrodite flower type, but ovary width was not very distinct, leading to average crossing success (85–34%). In conclusion, single or combination of morphological characters can be used for accurate identification of hermaphrodite flowers, which can improve hybrid efficiency and fruit set after artificial cross-pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and salinity are considered two major abiotic stresses that diminish cotton production worldwide. Studying common morphological and physiological responses in cotton cultivars may help plant biologists to develop and apply standard screening criteria for either of these stresses and for their combination. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the suitability of several physiological parameters as diagnostic to report on osmotic and salinity tolerance in six elite cotton genotypes. Data for relative growth rate (RGR), RGR-reduction, potassium (K+) concentrations in roots, xylem sap and shoots, stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis rate (Pn) were assessed. Based on RGR and RGR-reduction, we observed an association between osmotic tolerance and salinity tolerance of cotton genotypes. Furthermore, this study found that tolerant cotton genotypes were better able to maintain high RGR, tissue K+, and gas exchange under both hyperosmotic and saline conditions. Shoot K+ levels showed high negative correlations with both osmotic and salinity stress and emerged as a convenient and suitable parameter to assess cotton tolerance to either stress. Novelty statement Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is a leading fiber crop that is cultivated in more than 52 countries. Much of the land where cotton is grown faces co-occurring drought and salinity abiotic stress which negatively impacts cotton yield and fiber quality. In the present study, cotton genotypes were identified with tolerance to both hyperosmolarity and salinity. Furthermore, we show that shoot potassium content is a diagnostic trait that reports on both osmotic and salinity stress and hence a convenient tool for screening cotton germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus holds the position of top ranked fruit crop of Pakistan in terms of area and production. 'Kinnow' (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is considered as the trademark of Pakistan's citriculture industry and occupies the share of 95% out of total citrus production in Pakistan. But there is an alarming problem of single rootstock culture. Rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) has monopolized the citrus industry in Punjab province. Rough lemon is susceptible to phytophthora and waterlogging. There is an absolute need for substitute rootstock for higher yield and improved fruit quality of Kinnow. A rootstock scion interaction research trial was conducted during 2017 to 2019. Kinnow was grafted on eight rootstocks, i.e. Cox mandarin, Fraser hybrid, Troyer citrange, Cleopatra mandarin, Poncirus trifoliata, Benton, C-35 and Carrizo citrange. Experiment was laid out according to Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each rootstock was considered as single treatment and replicated thrice. Performance of six year old Kinnow trees grafted on different rootstocks was evaluated on the basis of physicochemical quality attributes of fruits. Data was taken for two consecutive years and average was calculated. Results revealed that rootstocks had a significant role in manipulating the morphological and biochemical quality attributes of Kinnow fruits. Kinnow fruits from the trees grafted on Poncirus trifoliata rootstock showed the maximum fruit diameter (84.03 mm), peel weight (28.99 g), rag weight (87.68 g) and individual fruit weight (221.85 g). Poor performance of Troyer citrange regarding morphological quality parameters was observed. Total soluble solid (TSS) (13.76 °Brix), Vitamin C (69.38 mg/100 ml) and Total antioxidants (72.32 % inhibition) in Kinnow juice were maximum on Fraser hybrid. Carbohydrate analysis of Kinnow juice by HPLC method revealed that concentration of sucrose, fructose and glucose was highest in Fraser hybrid rootstock. Poor performance of Troyer citrange and C-35 rootstocks was recorded regarding all biochemical parameters of Kinnow. It is concluded that physicochemical quality of Kinnow is manipulated by different rootstocks. Poncirus trifoliata and Fraser hybrid rootstocks can be used as alternate rootstocks for citrus industry of Pakistan to substitute the traditional rootstocks like rough lemon and sour orange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus is grown globally throughout the subtropics and semi-arid to humid tropics. Abiotic stresses such as soil water deficit negatively affect plant growth, physiology, biochemistry, and anatomy. Herein, we investigated the effect(s) of three water regimes (control, moderate drought, and severe drought) on the physiological and anatomical structure of 10 different citrus rootstocks with different degrees of tolerance to drought stress. Brazilian sour orange and Gadha dahi performed well by avoiding desiccation and maintaining plant growth, plant water status, and biochemical characters, while Rangpur Poona nucellar (C. limonia) and Sunki × bentake were the most sensitive rootstocks at all stress conditions. At severe water stress, the highest root length (24.33 ± 0.58), shoot length (17.00 ± 1.00), root moisture content (57.67 ± 1.53), shoot moisture content (64.59 ± 1.71), and plant water potential (−1.57 ± 0.03) was observed in tolerant genotype, Brazilian sour orange. Likewise, chlorophyll a (2.70 ± 0.06), chlorophyll b (0.87 ± 0.06) and carotenoids (0.69 ± 0.08) were higher in the same genotype. The lowest H2O2 content (77.00 ± 1.00) and highest proline content (0.51 ± 0.06) were also recorded by Brazilian sour orange. The tolerance mechanism of tolerant genotypes was elucidated by modification in anatomical structures. Stem anatomy at severe drought, 27.5% increase in epidermal cell thickness, 25.4% in vascular bundle length, 30.5% in xylem thickness, 27.7% in the phloem cell area, 8% in the pith cell area, and 43.4% in cortical thickness were also observed in tolerant genotypes. Likewise, leaf anatomy showed an increase of 27.9% in epidermal cell thickness, 11.4% in vascular bundle length, 21% in xylem thickness, and 15% in phloem cell area in tolerant genotypes compared with sensitive ones. These modifications in tolerant genotypes enabled them to maintain steady nutrient transport while reducing the risk of embolisms, increasing water-flow resistance, and constant transport of nutrients across. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant and animal cells possess a ubiquitous protein known as heat shock proteins (HSPs). Hsps were originally described in relation to heat shock and against abiotic and biotic stresses. Heat shock protein was classified in other crops on the bases of single classes or all classes but in Citrus sinensis Hsps groups, classes, subfamilies and members were not classified and characterized up to our knowledge., Objectives: Present study was focused on the identification and grouping of C. sinensis Hsps (CsHsps) classes, members among classes, their phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, conserved motifs and identification of proteins by using bioinformatics tools and analyses., Materials and Methods: Genomic, Peptide and CDS sequences of CsHsps were downloaded from phytozome. MEGA 7 used for the phylogenetic analysis, GSDS for gene structure, UGENE for the multiple sequence alignment and MEME suite for the conserved motif analysis., Results: The genome size of C. sinensis was 367 Mb, Chromosome number (2n)18, having 151 Hsps with six groups CsHsp10, 20, 40, 60,70 and 90. CsHsp20 was the largest group having 54 members, followed by CsHsp60 and CsHsp70 both having 30 members respectively., Conclusion: CsHsps members within a class shared more similar gene and protein structure. CsHsp 60, CsHsp 70 and CsHsp90 shared more conserved and similar amino acid pattern. Each class had some important proteins such as Cpn in CsHsp10, Hypothetical proteins in CsHsp20 and 40, Dnak in CsHsp60, Molecular chaperone in CsHsp70 and Hsp90 in CsHsp90. These proteins are produced by cells in response to stresses in citrus. Chaperonins and some hypothetical proteins identified in CsHsps, help in ATP synthesis and protein degradation. This is genome wide analysis and classification sets the groundwork for future investigations to fully characterize functionally the Citrus Hsps families and underscores the relevance of Hsps response to abiotic and biotic stresses in Citrus., (Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s); Published by Iranian Journal of Biotechnology.)