Effects of diverse irrigation with wastewater in soil and plants: assessing the risk of metal to the animal food chain

In District Jhang, farmers use municipal wastewater to irrigate fodder crops as an alternative source to the deficient availability of fresh water. Therefore, the present study selected the three irrigation sources in District Jhang (canal water, ground water and municipal wastewater) to study the iron (Fe) concentration in the soil, fodder crops and ultimately their transfer into the animal body. Analysed Fe concentration varied as 16.40-27.53 mg/kg in soil samples, 19.72-30.34 mg/kg in fodder crops and 2.49-5.11 mg/kg in animals. Analysed Fe concentration in soil was higher on the wastewater irrigation site while canal water-irrigated fodder crop Zea mays exhibit the higher Fe concentration. In animal samples, higher Fe concentration was observed in the cow blood (4.09 mg/l), cow hairs (3.39 mg/kg) and cow faeces (5.11 mg/kg). Results of pollution load index (0.288-0.484 mg/kg) and enrichment factor (0.112-0.197 mg/kg) indicated that Fe concentration was minimally dispersed and enriched in these sites. Health risk and daily intake values were observed between the 0.029-0.059 and 0.042-0.084 mg/kg/day. Bio-concentration factor (0.834-1.47 mg/kg) for Fe which was greater than 1 explains that Fe contamination was transferred from the soil to fodder tissues and may raise health issues in the grazing animals if they are continuously exposed to these contaminated forages. Wastewater irrigation in study area has increased the Fe content in soil-plant environment that is a risking factor for animal and human health. Hence, this study recommended that wastewater should be treated prior to their irrigation on agricultural lands.

The impact of boron seed priming on seedling establishment, growth, and grain biofortification of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in yermosols

Boron-deficiency in Yermosols is among the major constraints to mungbean productivity and grain biofortification in Pakistan. However, agronomic strategies such as boron (B) seed priming have potential to improve mungbean yield and grain biofortification. Moreover, deficiency to toxicity range for B is very narrow; therefore, it is pre-requisite to optimize its dose before field evaluation. A wire house experiment was planned out to reconnoiter the impact of seed priming with B on growth and quality of two cultivars of mungbean, i.e., ‘NM-2011’ and ‘NM-2016’. Four different B levels were used as seed priming, i.e., 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 1.0% B, (borax Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O, 11.5% B) were tested, whereas hydropriming was regarded as control. Seed priming with 0.01% B significantly (p≤0.05) lowered time taken to start germination and time to reach 50% emergence, whereas improved mean emergence time, emergence index, final emergence percentage, number of leaves, dry and fresh weight of root, shoot, and total weight, root length, plant height, chlorophyll contents, number of pods and 100-grain weight, seeds per plant, grain yield per plant, B concentrations in stem and grain, grain protein, carbohydrate and fiber in both cultivars. Boron seed priming proved beneficial under a specific range; however, deficiency (hydropriming) and excess (above 0.01% B) of B were detrimental for mungbean growth and productivity. The cultivar ‘NM-2016’ had significantly (p≤0.05) higher yield due to prominent increase in yield related traits with 0.01% B priming as compared to ‘NM-2011’. In conclusion, B seed priming (0.01% B) seemed a feasible choice for improving mungbean growth, yield related traits and grain-B concentration of mungbean on Yermosols.

Assessment of genetic fidelity of lacy tree philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum Schott ex Endl.) micro propagated plants

Tissue culture is a potent means for producing clonally propagated plants. However, genetically identical regenerants are of great concern due to their economic consequences. Therefore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular markers are employed to detect somaclonal variations. In this study, the genetic fidelity of in vitro raised Philodendron bipinnatifidum clones, and their mother plant was tested using 11 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The RAPD decamers produced 92 amplicons with 8.4 bands ranging from 260-5000 bp. The bands varied from one to fifteen for primer 8 and primer 7, respectively. The genetic similarity between the micro propagated plantlets and mother plant of P. bipinnatifidum was nearly 100%, assuring uniformity and true-to-type regenerated plantlets for this commercially crucial ornamental plant.

Health risk assessment by toxic metals in little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and food chain contaminations

This study analysed heavy metals from little egret (Egretta garzetta). Egret’s Eggs, egg shells, food (fish and insects), blood, meat samples (thigh, liver, and chest), water, soil and sediments samples were collected from the two selected sites of the study area. Samples were analysed on flame atomic absorption spectrometer after acid digestion. Detected metals were found almost inline of concentrations when compared with the both sites. Among detected metals Mn was found higher in concentration (µg/g) i.e. 18.509 followed by Zn i.e. 9.383, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cd. Sediment exhibited higher levels (µg/g) of metals (25.061) followed by the meat (19.044) egrets food (18.825), excreta (16.26), blood serums (4.577), eggs (3.626) and water samples (2.432).The level of metals in sediments of the study are showed environmental concerns. Health risks were also investigated that were compared to guidelines of WHO and FAO threshold limits. It was found a marginal health risk to life through detected metals. This study revealed that little egret are good bio-indicator for the screening and investigation of contaminates presence in the environment.

RNA Interference Suppression of v-ATPase B and Juvenile Hormone Binding Protein Genes Through Topically Applied dsRNA on Tomato Leaves: Developing Biopesticides to Control the South American Pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

The South American pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Family: Gelechiidae) is one of the most devastating lepidopteran pests in the developing countries of South America, Africa, and Asia. This pest is classified as the most serious threat for tomato production worldwide. In the present study, we analyzed RNAi-mediated control through exogenously applied dsRNA delivery on tomato. The dsRNA treatments were made to target the juvenile hormone binding protein and the v-ATPase B. Both mRNA targets were cloned, validated by sequencing, and used to produce each dsRNA. After treatments the relative transcript expression was analyzed using qRTPCR to assess to efficacy of RNAi. A leaf-dip assay was used to provide late 2nd instar larvae three feeding access periods: 24, 48, and 72 h, to evaluate the effect of gene silencing of each target. Larvae were fed tomato leaves coated with five different RNAi concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/centimeter-squared), that suppressed two genes (juvenile hormone protein, JHBP, and vacuolar-type adenosine triphosphatase enzyme, v-ATPase). Treatments with dsRNA showed a significant increase in mortality at 24, 48, and 72 h after ingestion (P < 0.01, α = 0.05), along with reduced leaf damage, and increased feeding deterrence. The results suggest that these two RNAi products may provide a suitable treatment for control of this and other lepidopteran pests.

Exogenous application of moringa leaf extract improves growth, biochemical attributes, and productivity of late-sown quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has gained significant popularity among agricultural scientists and farmers throughout the world due to its high nutritive value. It is cultivated under a range of soil and climatic conditions; however, late sowing adversely affects its productivity and yield due to shorter growth period. Inorganic and organic phyto-stimulants are promising for improving growth, development, and yield of field crops under stressful environments. Field experiments were conducted during crop cultivation seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18, to explore the role of inorganic (hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid) and organic [moringa leaf extract (MLE) and sorghum water extract (sorgaab)] phyto-stimulants in improving growth and productivity of quinoa (cultivar UAF-Q7). Hydrogen peroxide at 100 μM, ascorbic acid at 500 μM, MLE at 3% and sorgaab at 3% were exogenously applied at anthesis stage of quinoa cultivated under normal (November 21^st and 19^th during 2016 and 2017) and late-sown (December 26^th and 25^th during 2016 and 2017) conditions. Application of inorganic and organic phyto-stimulants significantly improved biochemical, physiological, growth and yield attributes of quinoa under late sown conditions. The highest improvement in these traits was recorded for MLE. Application of MLE resulted in higher chlorophyll a and b contents, stomatal conductance, and sub-stomatal concentration of CO₂ under normal and late-sowing. The highest improvement in soluble phenolics, anthocyanins, free amino acids and proline, and mineral elements in roots, shoot and grains were observed for MLE application. Growth attributes, including plant height, plant fresh weight and panicle length were significantly improved with MLE application as compared to the rest of the treatments. The highest 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plant were noted for MLE application under normal and late-sowing. These findings depict that MLE has extensive crop growth promoting potential through improving physiological and biochemical activities. Hence, MLE can be applied to improve growth and productivity of quinoa under normal and late-sown conditions.

Efficacy of Precocene I from Desmosstachya bipinnata as an Effective Bioactive Molecules against the Spodoptera litura Fab. and Its Impact on Eisenia fetida Savigny

The sustainability of agroecosystems are maintained with agro-chemicals. However, after more than 80 years of intensive use, many pests and pathogens have developed resistance to the currently used chemistries. Thus, we explored the isolation and bioactivity of a chemical compound, Precocene I, isolated from the perennial grass, Desmosstachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf. Fractions produced from chloroform extractions showed suppressive activity on larvae of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the Oriental armyworm. Column chromatography analyses identified Precocene I confirmed using FTIR, HPLC and NMR techniques. The bioactivity of the plant-extracted Dp-Precocene I was compared to a commercially produced Precocene I standard. The percentage of mortality observed in insects fed on plant tissue treated with 60 ppm Db-Precocene I was 97, 87 and 81, respectively, for the second, third and fourth instar larvae. The LC50 value of third instars was 23.2 ppm. The percentages of survival, pupation, fecundity and egg hatch were altered at sub-lethal concentrations of Db-Precocene I (2, 4, 6 and 8 ppm, sprays on castor leaves). The observed effects were negatively correlated with concentration, with a decrease in effects as concentrations increased. Distinct changes in feeding activity and damage to gut tissues were observed upon histological examination of S. litura larvae after the ingestion of Db-Precocene I treatments. Comparative analyses of mortality on a non-target organism, the earthworm, Eisenia fetida, at equal concentrations of Precocene I and two chemical pesticides (cypermethrin and monocrotophos) produced mortality only with the chemical pesticide treatments. These results of Db-Precocene I as a highly active bioactive compound support further research to develop production from the grass D. bipinnata as an affordable resource for Precocene-I-based insecticides.

Impact and fungitoxic spectrum of Trachyspermum ammi against Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus commonly found in human gut that causes Candidiasis infection

BACKGROUND

Trachyspermum ammi (commonly known as Ajwain), a medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family is scientifically acknowledged to harbor potential bioactive compounds for the treatment of gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, bronchial difficulties, cough, inflammation, diarrhoea, headache, hypertension, stomach discomfort, bronchitis and influenza. Candida albicans is generally a commensal fungus found in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.

OBJECTIVE

This study was focused on secondary metabolites of T. ammi and its effects towards candidiasis infection as caused by C. albicans.

METHODS

Phytochemical components of T. ammi as a crude extract were extracted through maceration method using three polar (ethanol, methanol and water) and two non-polar (chloroform and diethyl ether) solvents and subjected to 14 phytochemical tests. Further, the crude extract of T. ammi was analyzed over gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Evaluation of antimicrobial property of the extract was carried out by minimum fungal concentration (MFC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). In addition, cell reduction assay was performed using flowcytometry to confirm the antifungal effect of Ajwain crude extract.

RESULTS

The aqueous extract showed high presence of phytochemicals including alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, resins, steroids, tannins, inorganic acids, organic acids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, protein and coumarins. GCMS analysis revealed seven bioactive compounds, in which thymol was detected in significant amount in the chromatogram. FTIR performance showed the presence of various stretching vibration including OH, CH, CC, CO, CN and COC. However, the MFC and MIC of Ajwain extracts using different solvent showed that the methanolic extract possesses maximum antifungal efficacy at 250 μg/ml and 15.6 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, cell reduction assay exhibited significant cell reduction in Ajwain methanolic extract compared to the other crude extracts used in the study.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the findings revealed that Ajwain methanolic crude extract has antifungal activity against C. albicans; however, that further needs to be established at molecular level.

Screening of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Salt Tolerance on the Basis of Physiochemical Characteristics and Bio-Physiological Parameters and Indices

Salt stress is a major threat for growth and development of wheat crop. Screening technique for salinity tolerance is an effective tool to identify tolerant cultivar and high yielding wheat genotypes. Present study was carried out to screen twenty wheat genotypes under laboratory terms utilizing various growth and physiological indices like plant fresh weight stress indices (PFSI), plant height stress tolerance index (PHSI), shoot length stress tolerance index (SLSI), germination stress tolerance index (GSI), plant dry weight stress indices (PDSI), root length stress tolerance index (RLSI), relative water content (RWC). Multivariate techniques like cluster analysis and correlation were used to analyze the variance between wheat genotypes. The correlations analysis indicated significant among different physiological indices like GSI, SLSI, RLSI, PFSI, PDSI and RWC. On the basis of cluster analysis 20 wheat genotypes were classified into three clusters: first cluster included (The genotype WL-711 was the premier scorer followed by Nifa Bathoor, ARRI-II and Millat-11) presents sufficient salt tolerating degree, on the other hand, cluster-2 is comprised of wheat genotypes (Inqilab-91, NIAB-09, Punjab-96, Sehar-2006, Tatara, AS-2002, SA-75, Lasani-09, FSD-08 and Galaxy-13) with medium level of salt tolerance and cluster-3 included genotypes (LU-26-S, Fakhar e Sarhad, Bakhtawar, Punjab-11, Barsat and Kohistan-97) did not perform upto the mark and have lower level of salt tolerance. Correlation analysis among different screening techniques indicated that physiological indices exhibited highly significant and positive correlations among GSI, PHSI, SLSI, PDSI, PFSI, and RWC while non-significant correlation existed among PDSI and RLSI. The correlation between PFSI and RWC was significant. Significant correlations between cluster analysis and different indices also proved that salt tolerant wheat genotypes screened.

Zinc biofortification potential of diverse mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] genotypes under field conditions

Zinc (Zn) is an important micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health. The Zn-deficiency is an important malnutrition problem known globally. Biofortified foods could overcome Zn deficiency in humans. Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important, pulse crop frequently grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Mungbean could provide essential micronutrients, including Zn to humans. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the impact of Zn fertilization on the yield and grain biofortification of mungbean. Twelve mungbean genotypes (i.e., NM-28, NM-2011, NM-13-1, NM-2006, NM-51, NM-54, NM-19-19, NM-92, NM-121-25, NM-20-21, 7006, 7008) were assessed for their genetic diversity followed by Zn-biofortification, growth and yield under control (0 kg ha-1) and Zn-fertilized (10 kg ha-1) conditions. Data relating to allometric traits, yield components, grain yield and grain Zn contents were recorded. Zinc fertilization improved entire allometric and yield-related traits. Grain yield of different genotypes ranged from 439 to 904 kg ha-1 under control and 536 to 1462 kg ha-1 under Zn-fertilization. Zinc concentration in the grains varied from 15.50 to 45.60 mg kg-1 under control and 18.53 to 64.23 mg kg-1 under Zn-fertilized conditions. The tested genotypes differed in their Zn-biofortification potential. The highest and the lowest grain Zn contents were noted for genotypes NM-28 and NM-121-25, respectively. Significant variation in yield and Zn-biofortification indicated the potential for improvement in mungbean yield and grain Zn-biofortification. The genotypes NM-28 and NM-2006 could be used in breeding programs for improvement in grain Zn concentration due to their high Zn uptake potential. Nonetheless, all available genotypes in the country should be screened for their Zn-biofortification potential.

Growth and dry matter partitioning response in cereal-legume intercropping under full and limited irrigation regimes

The dry matter partitioning is the product of the flow of assimilates from the source organs (leaves and stems) along the transport route to the storage organs (grains). A 2-year field experiment was conducted at the agronomy research farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during 2015-2016 (Y1) to 2016-2017 (Y2) having semiarid climate. Four summer crops, pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoidum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) and four winter crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), fababean (Vicia faba) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) were grown under two irrigation regimes (full vs. limited irrigation) with the pattern of growing each crop either alone as sole crop or in combination of two crops in each intercropping system under both winter and summer seasons. The result showed that under full irrigated condition (no water stress), all crops had higher crop growth rate (CGR), leaf dry weight (LDW), stem dry weight (SDW), and spike/head dry weight (S/H/PDW) at both anthesis and physiological maturity (PM) than limited irrigated condition (water stress). In winter crops, both wheat and barley grown as sole crop or intercropped with fababean produced maximum CGR, LDW, SDW, S/H/PDW than other intercrops. Among summer crops, sorghum intercropped either with pigeon pea or with mungbean produced maximum CGR, LDW, SDW, and S/H/PDW at both growth stages. Sole mungbean and pigeon pea or pigeon pea and mungbean intercropping had higher CGR, LDW, SDW, S/H/PDW than millet and sorghum intercropping. On the other hand, wheat and barley grown as sole crops or intercropped with fababean produced maximum CGR, LDW, SDW, and S/H/PDW than other intercrops. Fababean grown as sole crop or intercropped with wheat produced higher CGR, LDW, SDW, and S/H/PDW at PM than intercropped with barley or rapeseed. From the results it was concluded that cereal plus legume intercropping particularly wheat/fababean in winter and sorghum/pigeon pea or sorgum/mungbean in summer are the most productive intercropping systems under both low and high moisture regimes.

Negative impact of long-term exposure of salinity and drought stress on native Tetraena mandavillei L

Tetraena mandavillei L. is a perennial shrub native to the Middle Eastern countries of Asia, which is extensively regarded as a drought-tolerant plant. However, the plant reduces growth and biomass when grown in high concentrations of sodium chloride in the soil. We conducted a pot experiment to influence the negative impact of different levels of salinity (0, 10, and 20 dSm^-1 ) and drought stress (100, 80, 60, and 40% water field capacity), to study different growth-related parameters, physiological alterations and ion uptake by T. mandavillei. Both salinity and drought stress caused a negative impact by affecting several attributes of T. mandavillei, but the plants showed some resistance against drought stress conditions in terms of growth and biomass. In addition to that, we noticed that a combinatorial and individual impact of drought and salinity stress decreased photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange parameters in T. mandavillei. Results also depicted that the combination of the abiotic stress conditions drought and salinity induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), indicating that the plants undergo oxidative damaged. However, due to the active plant defense system, the plant enhanced its performance under abiotic stress conditions, but due to the severe drought condition (40% water field capacity), a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the activities of antioxidant compounds was caused. Furthermore, osmolytes also increased under both salinity and drought stress conditions in this study. Our results also showed that increased salinity and drought stress in the soil caused a significant increase in sodium (Na⁺ ) and chloride (Cl^- ) ions in roots and shoots of T. mandavillei. In contrast to that, the contents of Calcium (Ca²⁺ ) and potassium (K⁺ ) were decreased in all organs of the plants with increasing levels of salinity and drought stress. Taken together, T. mandavillei can be classified as a facultative halophyte with the ability to tolerate drought stress and using salt accumulation mechanisms to tolerate salinity stress.

Influence of biochar and EDTA on enhanced phytoremediation of lead contaminated soil by Brassica juncea

Phytoremediation technology is an eco-friendly technology for the treatment of the polluted environment. Conversely, the natural and synthetic amendments have been revealed to improve the heavy metal phytoextraction from polluted soils with hyperaccumulation and/or non-hyper accumulating plants. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of biochar (BC) and EDTA to enhance phytoextraction of heavy metal lead (Pb) from artificially polluted soil by Brassica juncea. The BC and EDTA amendment enhanced the growth and survival of B. juncea under Pb stress environment. BC and EDTA significantly increased the biomass of B. juncea and significantly increased the total chlorophyll content in the combined amendment of BC and EDTA (22.2 mg/g) compared to the individual amendment of BC (12.8 mg/g) and EDTA (12.2 mg/g) respectively. The combined use of EDTA and biochar showed enhanced Pb uptake (60.2 mg/g) compared to control (10.0 mg/g). The order of Pb uptake was found to be BC + EDTA (60.2 mg/g) ˃ EDTA (23.5 mg/g) ˃ BC (22. 0 mg/g) ˃ control (10.0 mg/g). The maximum activity of SOD (35.2 ± 1.2 U/mg), POD (47.0 ± 1.8 U/mg) and CAT (28.0 ± 1.0 U/mg) was obtained in the mixed application of EDTA and BC. The obtained results revealed that the combined use of BC and EDTA was the most advantageous option for the treatment of Pb contaminated soil as compared to individual amendments.

Assessment of Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical and Antioxidant Responses of Tomato Landraces to Salinity Stress

Understanding salt tolerance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) landraces will facilitate their use in genetic improvement. The study assessed the morpho-physiological variability of Hail tomato landraces in response to different salinity levels at seedling stages and recommended a tomato salt-tolerant landrace for future breeding programs. Three tomato landraces, Hail 548, Hail 747, and Hail 1072 were tested under three salinity levels: 75, 150, and 300 mM NaCl. Salinity stress reduced shoots' fresh and dry weight by 71% and 72%, and roots were 86.5% and 78.6%, respectively. There was 22% reduced chlorophyll content, carotene content by 18.6%, and anthocyanin by 41.1%. Proline content increased for stressed treatments. The 300 mM NaCl treatment recorded the most proline content increases (67.37 mg/g fresh weight), with a percent increase in proline reaching 61.67% in Hail 747. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased by 65% in Hail 548, while it relatively increased in Hail 747 and Hail 1072 treated with 300 mM NaCl. Catalase (CAT) activity was enhanced by salt stress in Hail 548 and recorded 7.6%, increasing at 75 and 5.1% at 300 mM NaCl. It revealed a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) at the 300 mM NaCl concentration in both Hail 548 and Hail 1072 landraces. Increasing salt concentrations showed a reduction in transpiration rate of 70.55%, 7.13% in stomatal conductance, and 72.34% in photosynthetic rate. K+/Na+ ratios decreased from 56% for 75 mM NaCl to 85% for 300 mM NaCl treatments in all genotypes. The response to salt stress in landraces involved some modifications in morphology, physiology, and metabolism. The landrace Hail 548 may have better protection against salt stress and observed protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing enzymatic "antioxidants" activity under salt stress.

Role of nitrogen and magnesium for growth, yield and nutritional quality of radish

Nitrogen (N) affects all levels of plant function from metabolism to resource allocation, growth, and development and Magnesium (Mg) is a macronutrient that is necessary to both plant growth and health. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) occupies an important position in the production and consumption of vegetables globally, but there are still many problems and challenges in its nutrient management. A pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizers on radish during the year 2018-2019. Nitrogen and magnesium was applied at three rates (0, 0.200, and 0.300 g N kg^-1 soil) and (0, 0.050, and 0.100 g Mg kg^-1 soil) respectively. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and each treatment was replicated three times. Growth, yield and quality indicators of radish (plant height, root length, shoot length, plant weight, total soluble sugar, ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, crude fiber, etc.) were studied. The results indicated that different rates of nitrogen and magnesium fertilizer not only influence the growth dynamics and yields but also enhances radish quality. The results revealed that the growth, yield and nutrient contents of radish were increased at a range of 0.00 g N. kg^-1 soil to 0.300 g N. kg^-1 soil and 0.00 g Mg. kg^-1 soil to 0.050 g Mg. kg^-1 soil and then decreased gradually at a level of 0.100 g Mg. kg^-1 soil. In contrast, the crude fiber contents in radish decreased significantly with increasing nitrogen and magnesium level but increased significantly at Mg₂ level (0.050 g Mg. kg^-1 soil). The current study produced helpful results for increasing radish quality, decreasing production costs, and diminishing underground water contamination.

Comparative role of animal manure and vegetable waste induced compost for polluted soil restoration and maize growth

Soil amendment with two types of composts: animal manure (AC) and vegetable waste (VC) induced composts have potential to alleviate Cd toxicity to maize in contaminated soil. Therefore, Cd mobility in waste water irrigated soil can be addressed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments AC and VC that eventually reduces its translocation from polluted soil to maize plant tissues. The comparative effectiveness of AC and VC at 3% rate were evaluated on Cd solubility, its accumulation in maize tissues, translocation from root to shoot, chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM). Results revealed that the addition of organic soil amendments significantly minimized Cd mobility and leachability in soil by 58.6% and 47%, respectively in VC-amended soil over control. While, the reduction was observed by 61.7% and 57%, respectively when AC was added at 3% over control. Comparing the control soil, Cd uptake effectively reduced via plants shoots and roots by 50%, 46% respectively when VC was added in polluted soil. However, Cd uptake was decreased in maize shoot and roots by 58% and 52.4% in AC amended soil at 3% rate, respectively. Additionally, NPK contents were significantly improved in polluted soil as well as in plant tissues in both composts amended soil Comparative to control, the addition of composts significantly improved the maize dry biomass and chlorophyll contents at 3% rate. Thus, present study confirmed that the addition of animal manure derived compost (AC) at 3% rate performed well and might be consider the suitable approach relative to vegetable compost for maize growth in polluted soil.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Annona muricata Extract as an Inducer of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells and Inhibitor for NLRP3 Inflammasome via Enhanced Autophagy

Annona muricata is one of the most important traditional medicinal plants which contains numerous chemicals that exhibit various pharmacological properties. In this study, silver nanoparticles were prepared using A. muricata peel extract as a reducing agent and the effect was enhanced through A. muricata like pharmaceutical activity. AgNPs formation was confirmed by color changes, UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, and XRD. The anti-proliferative activity of AgNPs against THP-1, AMJ-13, and HBL cell lines was studied. Apoptotic markers were tested using AO/EtBr staining assay, cell cycle phases using flowcytometry, and the expression of P53. Autophagy takes an essential part in controlling inflammasome activation by primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). We report novel functions for AgNPs-affected autophagy, represented by the control of the release of IL-1β, caspase-1, adaptor protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and NLRP3 in BMDMs following treatment with LPS+ATP. The current study revealed that the AgNPs inhibited THP-1 and AMJ-13 cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the AgNPs significantly increased autophagy and reduced IL-1b and NLRP3 levels in both in vivo and in vitro models. The secretion of IL-1β was reduced whereas the degradation of NLRP3 inflammasome was enhanced. These findings propose that AgNPs apply an anti-proliferative activity against THP-1 and AMJ-13 cells through the stimulation of apoptosis via mitochondrial damage and induction of p53 protein pathway. In addition, AgNP-induced autophagy reduced the levels of IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This indicated that the AgNPs augment autophagy controlled by the IL-1β pathway via two different novel mechanisms. The first one is regulating activation of the IL-1 β, caspae-1, and ASC, while the second is NLRP3 targeting for lysosomal degradation. Overall, this study suggests that AgNPs could be a potent therapy for various types of cancer and an alternative treatment for preventing inflammation via enhancing autophagy.

Efficiency of different types of biochars to mitigate Cd stress and growth of sunflower (Helianthus; L.) in wastewater irrigated agricultural soil

Cadmium contamination in croplands is recognized one of the major threat, seriously affecting soil health and sustainable agriculture around the globe. Cd mobility in wastewater irrigated soils can be curtailed through eco-friendly and cost effective organic soil amendments (biochars) that eventually minimizes its translocation from soil to plant. This study explored the possible effects of various types of plants straw biochar as soil amendments on cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability in wastewater degraded soil and its subsequent accumulation in sunflower tissues. The studied biochars including rice straw (RS), wheat straw (WS), acacia (AC) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) to wastewater irrigated soil containing Cd. Sunflower plant was grown as a test plant and Cd accumulation was recorded in its tissues, antioxidant enzymatic activity chlorophyll contents, plant biomass, yield and soil properties (pH, NPK, OM and Soluble Cd) were also examined. Results revealed that addition of biochar significantly minimized Cd mobility in soil by 53.4%, 44%, 41% and 36% when RS, WS, AC and SB were added at 2% over control. Comparing the control soil, biochar amended soil effectively reduced Cd uptake via plants shoots by 71.7%, 60.6%, 59% and 36.6%, when RS, WS, AC and SB. Among all the biochar, rice husk induced biochar significantly reduced oxidative stress and reduced SOD, POD and CAT activity by 49%, 40.5% and 46.5% respectively over control. In addition, NPK were significantly increased among all the added biochars in soil–plant system as well as improved chlorophyll contents relative to non-bioachar amended soil. Thus, among all the amendments, rice husk and wheat straw biochar performed well and might be considered the suitable approach for sunflower growth in polluted soil.

Enhanced uptake of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate by the influence of citric acid in Helianthus annuus cultivated in artificially contaminated soil

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalic acid (DEHP) is the most extensively practiced plasticizer compound and a representative endocrine disrupting pollutant. Recently, the environmental impact and toxicological causes of DHEP on human health have been extensively investigated. DEHP uptake by plants is most significant biotransformation process of DEHP in environment. In this study, Helianthus annuus (H.annuus), vastly efficient in phytoremediation of polluted soil was selected to study the uptake and phytoremediation of DEHP in contaminated soil. In addition, the effect of citric acid on enhanced uptake and removal of DEHP was also investigated. The orders of biomass concentrations showed in the CA treatments were 200 mM (60.5 g) ˃ 150 mM (54.5) ˃ 100 mM (50.2 g) ˃ 50 mM (46.5 g). The maximum shoot accumulation of DHEP (20 mg/kg) was observed at 200 mM citric acid treatment compared to all other treatments (50, 100, and 150 mM). Significant difference of the antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT, 25.7, POD, 22.5 (μmol H₂O₂/min/g FW) and COD 5.6 U/g FW) was observed between control and CA treatments as well as different concentrations of CA treated plants. The maximum ALP (0.17 mg.g^-1soil.24 h^-1) and urease activities (1.65 mg.g^-1soil.24 h^-1) were observed at 200 mM CA amended soils. The application of citric acid was significantly enhanced the H.annuus growth as well as uptake of DEHP. The results explored that the citric acid has excellent potential for the enhanced uptake of DEHP in contaminated soil.

The impact of Fosetyl-Aluminium application timing on Karnal bunt suppression and economic returns of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fungal pathogens exert severe qualitative and quantitative damages to wheat crop. Karnal bunt of wheat caused by Tilletia indica Mitra, Mundkur is a severe threat to global food security. Nonetheless, T. indica is regulated as a quarantine pest in numerous countries, which further aggravates the situation. Tolerant varieties and appropriate management practices for Karnal bunt are imperative to meet the global wheat demands. This two-year study explored the impact of fungicide [Fosetyl-Aluminium (Aliette)] application timing on allometric traits, disease suppression and economic returns of bread wheat. Four bread wheat cultivars differing in their tolerance to Karnal bunt were used in the study. Fungicide was applied as either seed treatment (ST), foliar application at heading (FAH) or ST + FAH, whereas no application (NA) was taken as control. Lasani-08 performed better than the rest of the cultivars in terms of allometric traits (plant height, leaf area, crop growth rate, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content), yield and economic returns. Nonetheless, minimal disease severity was recorded for Lasani-08 compared to other cultivars during both years. The ST improved allometric traits of all cultivars; however, ST + FAH resulted in higher yield and economic returns. Cultivar Pasban-90 observed the highest disease severity and performed poor for allometric traits, yield and economic returns. It is concluded that ST + FAH of Fosetyl-Aluminium could be a pragmatic option to cope Karnal bunt of wheat. Nonetheless, Pasban-90 must not be used for cultivation to avoid yield and quality losses.

Appraisal of Metal Uptake in Wheat Treated with Different Doses of Municipal Solid Waste

The present investigation aimed to assess the metal contents (Fe, Zn, Cd, Co) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop by selecting variety (Fareed-06) which was grown in the municipal solid waste amended soil. Metal quantification in segregated plant parts of wheat was done with the help of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Result depicted the range of metals in plant samples to be 4.03 to 7.82 for Zn, 2.38 to 3.06 for Co, 1.7 to 2.91 for Cd and 66.62 to 81.66 mg/kg for Fe. In wheat grains, the heavy metal concentrations ranged from: 0.79 to 2.03 for Zn, 1.21 to 1.71 for Co, 0.87 to 1.04 for Cd and 10.41 to 21.91 mg/kg for Fe. The concentration of Cd in grains exceeded the limit set by FAO/WHO. The transfer factor and bioconcentration factor was less than 1 for all metals. The pollution load index and enrichment factor for Cd was highest among all metals. Health risk index for Cd in all treatments was ]1 indicating Cd contamination in wheat grains and various health hazards to human. So, the municipal solid waste should be treated properly before its application on agricultural field to reduce the health hazards in human.