Mitigation of salinity stress effects on kochia (Bassia scoparia L.) biomass productivity using biochar application

Potential reuse of greywater for irrigation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants and its effect on plants growth and soil

The goal of this study is to examine the reactions of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants to both untreated greywater and treated greywater filtered through a zeolite. In a randomized block arrangement, tomato plants were irrigated with greywater, treated greywater, or tap water. Number and total fecal coliforms were found in soil, tomato leaves, and fruits. Compared to tap water, greywater has higher levels of Ec, TDS, and COD. The average fruit weight and number for plants irrigated with tap water was 64.42 g and 4.2, while those irrigated with treated greywater were 55.4 g and 3.6, exceeding those irrigated with untreated greywater 39.6 g and 3.2. Treated greywater irrigation increased total chlorophyll content (SPAD) from 57.6 to 62.4 and relative water content from 49.6% to 63%. The leaves contained lower levels of proline (55.9 μmol/g) and total soluble sugar (32.24 mg/g). Researchers found total fecal coliforms in the soil, tomato leaves, and fruits. According to the research, treated greywater may prevent contamination of soil and save water.

Synergistic effects of gibberellic acid, biochar, and rhizobacteria on wheat growth under heavy metal and drought stress

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a vital crop constituting approximately 20% of global caloric intake, faces significant threats from heavy metal contamination, particularly cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr), along with drought stress, jeopardizing global food security. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of these stressors and the potential of plant growth enhancers such as gibberellic acid (GA3), biochar (BC), and rhizobacteria to improve wheat growth. Conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, the experiment utilized a completely randomized design with three replications across 72 pots, each filled with clay loam soil. The experimental layout included 24 treatment combinations involving cadmium stress (6 mg/kg), chromium stress (300 and 600 mg/kg), drought stress simulated at -0.8 MPa soil water potential, and various applications of GA3 (200 mg L- 1) and biochar (0.6% and 0.9% w/w). Seedlings of T. aestivum cv. Dilkash-21, treated with Agrobacterium fabrum, showed significant growth metrics, with root lengths of 9.36 cm under 6 mg/kg Cd stress compared to 5.53 cm in controls. The treatment also increased shoot and root fresh weights by 24.7% and 22.5%, respectively, while chlorophyll content peaked at 2.26 mg/g under 6 mg/kg Cd. Additionally, electrolyte leakage decreased to 10.5%, and the vigor index improved to 1586.05 under Cd stress. These findings indicate that utilizing GA3 and biochar can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stressors on wheat. Future research should focus on the underlying mechanisms of these treatments and explore their application in field conditions to further enhance wheat productivity and resilience against environmental stress.

Silica nanoparticles as a waste product to alleviate the harmful effects of water stress in wheat

Drought is a threat to food security and agricultural sustainability in arid and semi-arid countries. Using wasted silica nanoparticles could minimize water scarcity. A controlled study investigated wheat plant physiological and morphological growth under tap-water irrigation (80-100, 60-80, and 40-60% field capacity). The benefits of S1: 0%, S2: 5%, and S3: 10% nanoparticle silica soil additions were studied. Our research reveals that water stress damages the physiological and functional growth of wheat plants. Plant height decreased by 8.9%, grain yield by 5.4%, and biological yield by 19.2%. These effects were observed when plants were irrigated to 40-60% field capacity vs. control. In plants under substantial water stress (40-60% of field capacity), chlorophyll a (8.04 mg g-1), b (1.5 mg g-1), total chlorophyll (9.55 mg g-1), carotenoids (2.44 mg g-1), and relative water content (54%), Electrolyte leakage (59%), total soluble sugar (1.79 mg g-1 fw), and proline (80.3 mol g-1) were highest. Plants cultivated with silica nanoparticles exhibit better morphological and physiological growth than controls. The largest effect came from maximum silica nanoparticle loading. Silica nanoparticles may increase drought-stressed plant growth and production.