Background Thrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic s... more Background Thrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic system that develop undesirable blood clot and hinder blood circulation. Purpose The current study was designed to verify the potential of aqueous methanolic crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav . (At.Cr), used traditionally as remedy in circulatory problems. Research Design Antioxidant activity, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were performed. In-vitro clot lysis assay was performed on human blood samples, and in-vivo acute pulmonary thromboembolism model was developed by administering the mixture of collagen and epinephrine in tail vein of mice. Carrageenan-induced thrombosis and FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models were developed in rats. Results At.Cr demonstrated significant increase in lysis of human blood clot. Bleeding and clotting times were increased dose-dependently. Lungs histology showed clear alveolar spaces with decreased red blood cells congestion. Reduction in i...
Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots due to platelet aggregation, vascular injury or hypercoa... more Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots due to platelet aggregation, vascular injury or hypercoagulability, leads to cardiovascular pathologies including myocardial or cerebral infarction. Antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents have promising effects in ameliorating thromboembolism and dissolving blood clots. However, the associated limitations generate the need to explore agents from natural origin. The aim of the study was to explore the potential of aqueous methanolic extract (Sc.Cr) of an indigenous plant, Sida cordifolia L., traditionally used for cardiovascular complaints. Sc.Cr was evaluated by clot lysis assay, acute pulmonary embolism, carrageenan-induced tail vein thrombosis and ferric chloride-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models. Hemostasis parameters were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological studies showed restoration with clear alveolar spaces and less red blood cell congestion. Significant reduction in infarcted length of thrombus, escalation in coagulation parameters with a profound decrease in platelet count (PC) were observed. Arterial occlusion time was increased with a reduction in weight of thrombus dose-dependently with significant augmentation in PT and APTT. Sc.Cr was also analyzed for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential. The results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of Sc.Cr using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
The experiment was conducted at tobacco research station Khan Garhi, Mardan during summer 2009-20... more The experiment was conducted at tobacco research station Khan Garhi, Mardan during summer 2009-2010. The experiment was design in completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates for different suckrecides i.e. Myleng 2, Stomp 330 E, Tamex and Pendimethalin 33 EC along with topping or desuckering. Correct study revealed that significant differences prevailed among different chemical suckrecides for the traits studied. Maximum values for leaf area (994.5), fresh weight of leaves/plot (47.22 gm), cured weight of leaves/plot (7.127), and leaf yield (3195 kg/ha) maximum values were obtained in plots treated with pendimethalin 33EC, whereas, minimum mean values for number of suckers/plant (1.4), green weight of suckers/plant (60.11 gm) and dry weight of suckers/plant (18.43 gm) were also obtained for the plots treated with Pendimethalin 33EC. Other suckrecides were also effective in increasing leaf area and leaf weight. Maximum mean values for number of suckers/plant (15), fresh weight of suckers/plant (394.5gm) and dry weight of suckers/plant (76.38 gm) were obtained for control plants. Whereas minimum values for leaf area (792.5cm 2), fresh weight of leaves/plot (40.69gm), cured weight of leaves/plot (5.76 gm), and leaf yield (2585 kg/ha) was obtained for the plots of control treatment. It was observed that chemical suckrecides gave maximum values for yield (leaves) and yield associated traits by controlling suckers in comparison with manual desuckering. Suckerecides were found effective in increasing yield and controlling suckers in comparison with manual desuckering and Pendimethalin 33 EC gave maximum leaf area and leaf yield.
Now a day's Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. Remo... more Now a day's Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. Removal of heavy metals from contaminated water is of special concern due to their recalcitrance and persistence in the environment. Methods like chemical precipitation, ion-exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, flotation and electrochemical for heavy metal removal have been extensively studied. But these technologies have limited efficiency, extended treatment time and operation. Nanotechnology is highly developed technologies that can be applied for the complete removal of heavy metals from water. This study presents CNT that have been used to treat heavy metal from wastewater. Adsorption is most versatile and widely used method. CNTs as a novel type of adsorbent because of their unique properties like chemical stability, mechanical and thermal stability, and the high surface area. In order to reduce environmental problems, Carbon nano tubes are capable of adsorption of heavy metals. CNT are promising adsorbent material because of their hollow and layered nano sized structures, high mechanical strength and remarkable electrical conductivities.
The germination response of Lycopersicon esculentum was studied on different salinity levels from... more The germination response of Lycopersicon esculentum was studied on different salinity levels from control (non-saline), 0.2,0.4,0.6 and 0.8% NaCl solution. Seeds germinating under salt stress exhibited decrease in saline media as compared to respective control. Seeds germinating with salinity and brassinosteroid (applied exogenously through roots and as foliar spray, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) exhibited promotion in control as compared to their respective saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentrations (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited reduction in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass as compared to control while brassinosteroid having concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 ppm (applied through roots and as foliar spray) caused promotion in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass in saline and non saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentration of (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited increase in Relative wat...
ABSTRACT The effect of elevated concentrations of fungicide Topsin-M on nucleic acid, amino acid ... more ABSTRACT The effect of elevated concentrations of fungicide Topsin-M on nucleic acid, amino acid and phenols of Cicer arietinum L. was studied. Topsin-M was applied to Cicer arietinum L. foliage at seedling and at fruiting stage. It was observed that nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) contents of the crop decreased, while amino acid and phenolic contents increased as a result of such foliar application of Topsin-M. We found that amino acids such as glycine,
Effect of different irrigation intervals on the growth of canola cv. Oscar under saline water irr... more Effect of different irrigation intervals on the growth of canola cv. Oscar under saline water irrigation of different sea salt concentrations was investigated. Plants were subjected to control (non-saline), 0.4 (EC 4.5 dS.m-1) and 0.6% (EC 6.5 dS.m-1) of sea salt concentrations. ...
IntroductionDrought has become more prevalent due to dramatic climate change worldwide. Consequen... more IntroductionDrought has become more prevalent due to dramatic climate change worldwide. Consequently, the most compatible fungal communities collaborate to boost plant development and ecophysiological responses under environmental constraints. However, little is known about the specific interactions between non-host plants and endophytic fungal symbionts that produce growth-promoting and stress-alleviating hormones during water deficits.MethodsThe current research was rationalized and aimed at exploring the influence of the newly isolated, drought-resistant, ACC deaminase enzyme-producing endophytic fungi Trichoderma gamsii (TP), Fusarium proliferatum (TR), and its consortium (TP+TR) from a xerophytic plant Carthamus oxycantha L. on Moringa oleifera L. grown under water deficit induced by PEG-8000 (8% osmoticum solution).ResultsThe current findings revealed that the co-inoculation promoted a significant enhancement in growth traits such as dry weight (217%), fresh weight (123%), roo...
Downy mildew (DM), caused by P. cubensis, is harmful to cucurbits including luffa, with increased... more Downy mildew (DM), caused by P. cubensis, is harmful to cucurbits including luffa, with increased shortcomings associated with its control through cultural practices, chemical fungicides, and resistant cultivars; there is a prompt need for an effective, eco-friendly, economical, and safe biocontrol approach. Current research is therefore dealt with the biocontrol of luffa DM1 through the endophytic fungi (EF) consortium. Results revealed that T. harzianum (ThM9) and T. virens (TvA1) showed pathogen-dependent inducible metabolic production of squalene and gliotoxins by higher gene expression induction of SQS1/ERG9 (squalene synthase) and GliP (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase). Gene expression of lytic enzymes of EF was also induced with subsequently higher enzyme activities upon confrontation with P. cubensis. EF-inoculated luffa seeds showed efficient germination with enhanced growth potential and vigor of seedlings. EF-inoculated plants showed an increased level of growth-promotin...
In this study, an endophytic fungus, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> CSR3, was isolated from... more In this study, an endophytic fungus, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> CSR3, was isolated from <i>Cannabis sativa</i>. The culture filtrate (CF) was initially screened for growth-promoting activities such as the presence of siderophores, phosphate solubilization, and the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins and was further assayed for its ability to promote the growth of mutant <i>waito</i>-C rice. Nearly all plant growth attributes examined (root–shoot length, biomass, and chlorophyll content) were significantly enhanced by treatment with CSR3. This growth promotion action was due to the presence of various types of gibberellins (GAs) and IAA in the endophyte CF. Moreover, the presence of GA pathway genes (<i>P50-1</i>, <i>P450-3, P450-4</i>, <i>ggs2</i>, and <i>des</i>) was confirmed by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Finally, the application of CSR3 spore suspension with uniconazole a...
This project was design to test the impact of putrescine and salt on different biochemical attrib... more This project was design to test the impact of putrescine and salt on different biochemical attributes [photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a and carotenoids), reducing and non-reducing sugars, carbohydrates, total flavonoids, total proteins, total antioxidants and total phenols] of Zea mays L (corn). Experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design with different concentration of salt (40mM, 80mM,) and putrescine with different concentrations (0.5mM, 1mM and 2mM) was applied as a foliar spray. Reducing and non-reducing sugars, total proteins, different photosynthetic pigments and total carbohydrates showed significant decrease due to salinity while total antioxidant, phenols, and flavonoids increased with increased salinity. After the application of putrescine above mentioned parameters exhibited significant improvement under non-saline as well as saline condition. Foliar application of putrescine overcomes the harmful impacts of salt stress in Zea mays L.
In plants, development, growth and yield most severely affected through saline soil/water in grow... more In plants, development, growth and yield most severely affected through saline soil/water in growth medium, ultimately cause severe threat to global food production for human being. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the most edible crop in Pakistan. Production of this crop can be improved through using marginal areas with the help of growing salt-tolerant varieties. The present investigation is carried out to screen out six local wheat varieties (F.Sarhad, Insaf, Lalma, Tatora, Bathoor and Barsat) with reference to their vegetative and reproductive growth, different physiological parameters [relative water content (RWC), electrolyte-leakage (EL) and leaf water loss (LWL)] and ionic status of plants. Present experiment designed in completely randomized manner (CRD) and 54 pots were arranged in the Botanical Garden, Department of Botany. These pots arranged in 6 lines with 9 pots/line and each line was irrigated with non-saline (control), 50 mM and 150 mM NaCl solution. The data from prese...
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 2021
Background In the list of abiotic stresses, salt stress is a main growth retarding factor which a... more Background In the list of abiotic stresses, salt stress is a main growth retarding factor which affects 7% of rain-fed while 30% worldwide irrigated agriculture. However, various strategies are assumed to manage this problem, but the use of endophytes is cheap and eco-friendly. The goal of this study was to evaluate the behavior of endophytic Aspergillus awamori (EWF) in creating salt tolerance in mung bean in terms of its seedling growth, biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes, endogenous IAA, and ionic status of the plant. Results The results revealed that the 150 mM of NaCl reduced seedling growth (seedlings’ weight and length; leaves number), chlorophyll contents, and IAA. On the other hand, proline, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannin, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased. Inoculation of EWF had promoted the mung bean growth under all tested conditions. EWF enhanced the biomass and IAA contents of the mung bean plants under salt stress. Moreover, ...
In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the plant growth-promoting characteristics of Pseudom... more In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the plant growth-promoting characteristics of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans CS51 under heavy metal stress conditions (Zn, Cu, and Cd) and determine the genetic makeup of the CS51 genome using the single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology of Pacific Biosciences. The results revealed that inoculation with CS51 induced endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GAs), which significantly enhanced cucumber growth (root shoot length) and increased the heavy metal tolerance of cucumber plants. Moreover, genomic analysis revealed that the CS51 genome consisted of a circular chromosome of 5,364,174 base pairs with an average G+C content of 64.71%. There were around 4774 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDSs) in 4859 genes, 15 rRNA genes, and 67 tRNA genes. Around 3950 protein-coding genes with function prediction and 733 genes without function prediction were identified. Furthermore, functional analyses predicted that the...
Rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria are indirectly or directly modulate plant growth and physiologica... more Rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria are indirectly or directly modulate plant growth and physiological attributes by secretion of unique metabolites. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize rhizobacteria from a halophytic plant Xanthium strumarium L. to evaluate for their ability to promote growth of maize plant (Zea mays L.). For this purpose four different rhizobacteria were isolated from X. strumarium growing in Mardan district. All isolates were characterized for the production of phytohormones (Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Cytokinins), nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and salt tolerance ability. All the isolates were biochemically characterized and identified as Staphylococcus sp. (Xs1), Arthrobacter Sp. (Xs2), Enterobacter sp. (Xs3) and Pseudomonas sp. (Xs4). All isolates showed IAA and cytokinins production and one isolate showed nitrogen fixing ability but none showed phosphate solubilization. Of the isolated strains Xs1 and Xs2 showed growth in LB agar containing up to 5.5% NaCl concentration. Seed germination experiments revealed increase in root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of maize seedlings in treated seedlings as compared to control. In pot experiment, growth parameters such as root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight after 15 days of growth showed enhancement as compared to control. Staphylococcus sp. (Xs1) was found most effective to increase growth of maize seedlings.
Endophytes can serve as plant growth promoters as they secret a vast array of phytohormones to su... more Endophytes can serve as plant growth promoters as they secret a vast array of phytohormones to support host plants. Keeping the growth promoting activity of the endophytes in view, two endophytic fungi, Asprgillus fumigatus TS1 and Fusarium proliferatum BRL1 have been isolated from the roots of Oxalis corniculata. The isolates have been screened initially for growth promoting activities, including siderophores activity, phosphate solubilization, and secreation of indole acetic acid and gibberellins. Further, the isolates have assayed for the ability to promote the growth of mutant rice Waito-C. The plants associated with TS1 and BRL1 have shown higher chlorophyll content, root-shoot length, and biomass production. The growth promoting activity of the endophytes can be attributed to the various types of GAs and IAA that have been observed in the culture filtrates of the endophytes by the Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of different gibberellins concentrations (ng/ml) in TS1 and BRL1 culture filtrate, i.e. GA 1 (0.091 ± 0.009, 0.392 ± 0.007), GA 3 (0.324 ± 0.077, 0.089 ± 0.0007) and GA 7 (0.023 ± 0.002, 0.492 ± 0.005), respectively. Besides, a significant up regulation of plant endogenous GA 1 (12.443 ± 0.454 and 15.434 ± 0.245) has been obsereved in TS1 and BRL1 associated plants compared to the control. Moreover, semi quantitative RT-PCR has confirmed the presence/invovment of GA pathways genes (P50-1, P450-3, P450-4, ggs2, and des). The results conclude that the endophytes isolated in this study can ably synthesize bioactive compounds, which play an important role in plant growth promotion.
In this study, an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus niger CSR3, was isolated from Cannabis sativa. T... more In this study, an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus niger CSR3, was isolated from Cannabis sativa. The culture filtrate (CF) was initially screened for growth-promoting activities such as the presence of siderophores, phosphate solubilization, and the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins and was further assayed for its ability to promote the growth of mutant waito-C rice. Nearly all plant growth attributes examined (root-shoot length, biomass, and chlorophyll content) were significantly enhanced by treatment with CSR3. This growth promotion action was due to the presence of various types of gibberellins (GAs) and IAA in the endophyte CF. Moreover, the presence of GA pathway genes (P50-1, P450-3, P450-4, ggs2, and des) was confirmed by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Finally, the application of CSR3 spore suspension with uniconazole and yucasin on maize seedlings revealed that, similar to exogenous IAA and GA 3 , CSR3 has the potential to alleviate the inhibitory effect of these inhibitors.
This study was carried out in Department of Botany, University of Karachi. Eight canola varieties... more This study was carried out in Department of Botany, University of Karachi. Eight canola varieties (Dunkled, Canola-III, Oscar, Ganyou-5, Ganyou-2, Rainbow, Abasin-95 and Westar) were used in the study. Plants were sown and subjected to control (non-saline), 0.2% (E.C 2.5 dS.m-1), 0.4% (EC 4.5 dS.m-1) and 0.6% (EC 6.5 dS.m-1) of sea salt concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different salinity concentrations on growth parameters [i.e. Relative growth rate (RGR), Leaf area ratio (LAR), Net assimilation rate (NAR), Leaf Weight ratio (LWR) and specific leaf area (SLA)] and different cation partitioning (Na + , K + , Ca ++ and Mg ++) in different plant parts of eight canola varieties. Curves for relative growth rate (RGR) calculated for fresh and dry shoot biomass, net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf weight ratio (LWR) were showed high growth rate during first fortnight period in all varieties. Significant differences in RGR were observed with salinity only in Canola-III (P<0.01) in fresh shoot biomass and Abasin-95 (P<0.05) in both fresh and dry shoot biomass. Differences of NAR and SLA with salinity were non-significant except Abasin-95 which exhibited significance at P<0.05 level. Leaf area ratio (LAR) and leaf weight ratio (LWR) exhibited increase in higher salinity in most of the varieties during first three harvests and it showed non-significant differences with salinity in all varieties except Oscar and Abasin-95 which exhibited significance at P<0.05 level. All the varieties studied in present studies showed a significant increase in the amount of Na + in different plant parts, with increase in salinity of the external medium, except in varieties Dunkled, Canola-III and Ganyou-2 which exhibited decrease in different plant parts only at 0.2% salinity level. The amount of K + and Ca ++ in different plant parts showed reduction with increase in external salinity in present investigation in different varieties.
Background Brassica rapa (BR) or turnip has been in use of mankind both as a food crop and an imp... more Background Brassica rapa (BR) or turnip has been in use of mankind both as a food crop and an important medicinal plant. Ischemic and cardiovascular diseases are treated with BR by traditional healers in Pakistan and India, although the scientific basis of its pharmacological actions is poorly understood. Method and results In the present study, we screened BR against human platelet aggregation induced by two different aggregating agents and further delineated their underlying signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, BR was screened for the presence of calcium channel blocking potential. For this purpose, crude extract of BR was prepared and then fractionated into aqueous, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. Our results show that BR blocks calcium channel opening as indicated by its effects on KCl-induced contraction in guinea pig ileum and this activity is distributed into various fraction of BR except ethyl acetate fraction which did not show any significant calcium channel ...
Background Thrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic s... more Background Thrombosis is a major disorder which is an outcome of an imbalance in the hemostatic system that develop undesirable blood clot and hinder blood circulation. Purpose The current study was designed to verify the potential of aqueous methanolic crude extract of Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav . (At.Cr), used traditionally as remedy in circulatory problems. Research Design Antioxidant activity, FTIR, and HPLC analysis were performed. In-vitro clot lysis assay was performed on human blood samples, and in-vivo acute pulmonary thromboembolism model was developed by administering the mixture of collagen and epinephrine in tail vein of mice. Carrageenan-induced thrombosis and FeCl3-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models were developed in rats. Results At.Cr demonstrated significant increase in lysis of human blood clot. Bleeding and clotting times were increased dose-dependently. Lungs histology showed clear alveolar spaces with decreased red blood cells congestion. Reduction in i...
Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots due to platelet aggregation, vascular injury or hypercoa... more Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots due to platelet aggregation, vascular injury or hypercoagulability, leads to cardiovascular pathologies including myocardial or cerebral infarction. Antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents have promising effects in ameliorating thromboembolism and dissolving blood clots. However, the associated limitations generate the need to explore agents from natural origin. The aim of the study was to explore the potential of aqueous methanolic extract (Sc.Cr) of an indigenous plant, Sida cordifolia L., traditionally used for cardiovascular complaints. Sc.Cr was evaluated by clot lysis assay, acute pulmonary embolism, carrageenan-induced tail vein thrombosis and ferric chloride-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models. Hemostasis parameters were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological studies showed restoration with clear alveolar spaces and less red blood cell congestion. Significant reduction in infarcted length of thrombus, escalation in coagulation parameters with a profound decrease in platelet count (PC) were observed. Arterial occlusion time was increased with a reduction in weight of thrombus dose-dependently with significant augmentation in PT and APTT. Sc.Cr was also analyzed for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential. The results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of Sc.Cr using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
The experiment was conducted at tobacco research station Khan Garhi, Mardan during summer 2009-20... more The experiment was conducted at tobacco research station Khan Garhi, Mardan during summer 2009-2010. The experiment was design in completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates for different suckrecides i.e. Myleng 2, Stomp 330 E, Tamex and Pendimethalin 33 EC along with topping or desuckering. Correct study revealed that significant differences prevailed among different chemical suckrecides for the traits studied. Maximum values for leaf area (994.5), fresh weight of leaves/plot (47.22 gm), cured weight of leaves/plot (7.127), and leaf yield (3195 kg/ha) maximum values were obtained in plots treated with pendimethalin 33EC, whereas, minimum mean values for number of suckers/plant (1.4), green weight of suckers/plant (60.11 gm) and dry weight of suckers/plant (18.43 gm) were also obtained for the plots treated with Pendimethalin 33EC. Other suckrecides were also effective in increasing leaf area and leaf weight. Maximum mean values for number of suckers/plant (15), fresh weight of suckers/plant (394.5gm) and dry weight of suckers/plant (76.38 gm) were obtained for control plants. Whereas minimum values for leaf area (792.5cm 2), fresh weight of leaves/plot (40.69gm), cured weight of leaves/plot (5.76 gm), and leaf yield (2585 kg/ha) was obtained for the plots of control treatment. It was observed that chemical suckrecides gave maximum values for yield (leaves) and yield associated traits by controlling suckers in comparison with manual desuckering. Suckerecides were found effective in increasing yield and controlling suckers in comparison with manual desuckering and Pendimethalin 33 EC gave maximum leaf area and leaf yield.
Now a day's Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. Remo... more Now a day's Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. Removal of heavy metals from contaminated water is of special concern due to their recalcitrance and persistence in the environment. Methods like chemical precipitation, ion-exchange, adsorption, membrane filtration, flotation and electrochemical for heavy metal removal have been extensively studied. But these technologies have limited efficiency, extended treatment time and operation. Nanotechnology is highly developed technologies that can be applied for the complete removal of heavy metals from water. This study presents CNT that have been used to treat heavy metal from wastewater. Adsorption is most versatile and widely used method. CNTs as a novel type of adsorbent because of their unique properties like chemical stability, mechanical and thermal stability, and the high surface area. In order to reduce environmental problems, Carbon nano tubes are capable of adsorption of heavy metals. CNT are promising adsorbent material because of their hollow and layered nano sized structures, high mechanical strength and remarkable electrical conductivities.
The germination response of Lycopersicon esculentum was studied on different salinity levels from... more The germination response of Lycopersicon esculentum was studied on different salinity levels from control (non-saline), 0.2,0.4,0.6 and 0.8% NaCl solution. Seeds germinating under salt stress exhibited decrease in saline media as compared to respective control. Seeds germinating with salinity and brassinosteroid (applied exogenously through roots and as foliar spray, 0.25 and 0.5 ppm) exhibited promotion in control as compared to their respective saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentrations (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited reduction in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass as compared to control while brassinosteroid having concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 ppm (applied through roots and as foliar spray) caused promotion in plant height, root length, number of leaves, number of fruits and biomass in saline and non saline media. Plants treated with different salts concentration of (60 and 100mM) NaCl exhibited increase in Relative wat...
ABSTRACT The effect of elevated concentrations of fungicide Topsin-M on nucleic acid, amino acid ... more ABSTRACT The effect of elevated concentrations of fungicide Topsin-M on nucleic acid, amino acid and phenols of Cicer arietinum L. was studied. Topsin-M was applied to Cicer arietinum L. foliage at seedling and at fruiting stage. It was observed that nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) contents of the crop decreased, while amino acid and phenolic contents increased as a result of such foliar application of Topsin-M. We found that amino acids such as glycine,
Effect of different irrigation intervals on the growth of canola cv. Oscar under saline water irr... more Effect of different irrigation intervals on the growth of canola cv. Oscar under saline water irrigation of different sea salt concentrations was investigated. Plants were subjected to control (non-saline), 0.4 (EC 4.5 dS.m-1) and 0.6% (EC 6.5 dS.m-1) of sea salt concentrations. ...
IntroductionDrought has become more prevalent due to dramatic climate change worldwide. Consequen... more IntroductionDrought has become more prevalent due to dramatic climate change worldwide. Consequently, the most compatible fungal communities collaborate to boost plant development and ecophysiological responses under environmental constraints. However, little is known about the specific interactions between non-host plants and endophytic fungal symbionts that produce growth-promoting and stress-alleviating hormones during water deficits.MethodsThe current research was rationalized and aimed at exploring the influence of the newly isolated, drought-resistant, ACC deaminase enzyme-producing endophytic fungi Trichoderma gamsii (TP), Fusarium proliferatum (TR), and its consortium (TP+TR) from a xerophytic plant Carthamus oxycantha L. on Moringa oleifera L. grown under water deficit induced by PEG-8000 (8% osmoticum solution).ResultsThe current findings revealed that the co-inoculation promoted a significant enhancement in growth traits such as dry weight (217%), fresh weight (123%), roo...
Downy mildew (DM), caused by P. cubensis, is harmful to cucurbits including luffa, with increased... more Downy mildew (DM), caused by P. cubensis, is harmful to cucurbits including luffa, with increased shortcomings associated with its control through cultural practices, chemical fungicides, and resistant cultivars; there is a prompt need for an effective, eco-friendly, economical, and safe biocontrol approach. Current research is therefore dealt with the biocontrol of luffa DM1 through the endophytic fungi (EF) consortium. Results revealed that T. harzianum (ThM9) and T. virens (TvA1) showed pathogen-dependent inducible metabolic production of squalene and gliotoxins by higher gene expression induction of SQS1/ERG9 (squalene synthase) and GliP (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase). Gene expression of lytic enzymes of EF was also induced with subsequently higher enzyme activities upon confrontation with P. cubensis. EF-inoculated luffa seeds showed efficient germination with enhanced growth potential and vigor of seedlings. EF-inoculated plants showed an increased level of growth-promotin...
In this study, an endophytic fungus, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> CSR3, was isolated from... more In this study, an endophytic fungus, <i>Aspergillus niger</i> CSR3, was isolated from <i>Cannabis sativa</i>. The culture filtrate (CF) was initially screened for growth-promoting activities such as the presence of siderophores, phosphate solubilization, and the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins and was further assayed for its ability to promote the growth of mutant <i>waito</i>-C rice. Nearly all plant growth attributes examined (root–shoot length, biomass, and chlorophyll content) were significantly enhanced by treatment with CSR3. This growth promotion action was due to the presence of various types of gibberellins (GAs) and IAA in the endophyte CF. Moreover, the presence of GA pathway genes (<i>P50-1</i>, <i>P450-3, P450-4</i>, <i>ggs2</i>, and <i>des</i>) was confirmed by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Finally, the application of CSR3 spore suspension with uniconazole a...
This project was design to test the impact of putrescine and salt on different biochemical attrib... more This project was design to test the impact of putrescine and salt on different biochemical attributes [photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a and carotenoids), reducing and non-reducing sugars, carbohydrates, total flavonoids, total proteins, total antioxidants and total phenols] of Zea mays L (corn). Experiment was arranged in a complete randomized design with different concentration of salt (40mM, 80mM,) and putrescine with different concentrations (0.5mM, 1mM and 2mM) was applied as a foliar spray. Reducing and non-reducing sugars, total proteins, different photosynthetic pigments and total carbohydrates showed significant decrease due to salinity while total antioxidant, phenols, and flavonoids increased with increased salinity. After the application of putrescine above mentioned parameters exhibited significant improvement under non-saline as well as saline condition. Foliar application of putrescine overcomes the harmful impacts of salt stress in Zea mays L.
In plants, development, growth and yield most severely affected through saline soil/water in grow... more In plants, development, growth and yield most severely affected through saline soil/water in growth medium, ultimately cause severe threat to global food production for human being. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is the most edible crop in Pakistan. Production of this crop can be improved through using marginal areas with the help of growing salt-tolerant varieties. The present investigation is carried out to screen out six local wheat varieties (F.Sarhad, Insaf, Lalma, Tatora, Bathoor and Barsat) with reference to their vegetative and reproductive growth, different physiological parameters [relative water content (RWC), electrolyte-leakage (EL) and leaf water loss (LWL)] and ionic status of plants. Present experiment designed in completely randomized manner (CRD) and 54 pots were arranged in the Botanical Garden, Department of Botany. These pots arranged in 6 lines with 9 pots/line and each line was irrigated with non-saline (control), 50 mM and 150 mM NaCl solution. The data from prese...
Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 2021
Background In the list of abiotic stresses, salt stress is a main growth retarding factor which a... more Background In the list of abiotic stresses, salt stress is a main growth retarding factor which affects 7% of rain-fed while 30% worldwide irrigated agriculture. However, various strategies are assumed to manage this problem, but the use of endophytes is cheap and eco-friendly. The goal of this study was to evaluate the behavior of endophytic Aspergillus awamori (EWF) in creating salt tolerance in mung bean in terms of its seedling growth, biochemical indices, antioxidant enzymes, endogenous IAA, and ionic status of the plant. Results The results revealed that the 150 mM of NaCl reduced seedling growth (seedlings’ weight and length; leaves number), chlorophyll contents, and IAA. On the other hand, proline, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannin, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased. Inoculation of EWF had promoted the mung bean growth under all tested conditions. EWF enhanced the biomass and IAA contents of the mung bean plants under salt stress. Moreover, ...
In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the plant growth-promoting characteristics of Pseudom... more In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the plant growth-promoting characteristics of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans CS51 under heavy metal stress conditions (Zn, Cu, and Cd) and determine the genetic makeup of the CS51 genome using the single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology of Pacific Biosciences. The results revealed that inoculation with CS51 induced endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins (GAs), which significantly enhanced cucumber growth (root shoot length) and increased the heavy metal tolerance of cucumber plants. Moreover, genomic analysis revealed that the CS51 genome consisted of a circular chromosome of 5,364,174 base pairs with an average G+C content of 64.71%. There were around 4774 predicted protein-coding sequences (CDSs) in 4859 genes, 15 rRNA genes, and 67 tRNA genes. Around 3950 protein-coding genes with function prediction and 733 genes without function prediction were identified. Furthermore, functional analyses predicted that the...
Rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria are indirectly or directly modulate plant growth and physiologica... more Rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria are indirectly or directly modulate plant growth and physiological attributes by secretion of unique metabolites. This study was conducted to isolate and characterize rhizobacteria from a halophytic plant Xanthium strumarium L. to evaluate for their ability to promote growth of maize plant (Zea mays L.). For this purpose four different rhizobacteria were isolated from X. strumarium growing in Mardan district. All isolates were characterized for the production of phytohormones (Indole acetic acid (IAA) and Cytokinins), nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization and salt tolerance ability. All the isolates were biochemically characterized and identified as Staphylococcus sp. (Xs1), Arthrobacter Sp. (Xs2), Enterobacter sp. (Xs3) and Pseudomonas sp. (Xs4). All isolates showed IAA and cytokinins production and one isolate showed nitrogen fixing ability but none showed phosphate solubilization. Of the isolated strains Xs1 and Xs2 showed growth in LB agar containing up to 5.5% NaCl concentration. Seed germination experiments revealed increase in root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry weights of maize seedlings in treated seedlings as compared to control. In pot experiment, growth parameters such as root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight after 15 days of growth showed enhancement as compared to control. Staphylococcus sp. (Xs1) was found most effective to increase growth of maize seedlings.
Endophytes can serve as plant growth promoters as they secret a vast array of phytohormones to su... more Endophytes can serve as plant growth promoters as they secret a vast array of phytohormones to support host plants. Keeping the growth promoting activity of the endophytes in view, two endophytic fungi, Asprgillus fumigatus TS1 and Fusarium proliferatum BRL1 have been isolated from the roots of Oxalis corniculata. The isolates have been screened initially for growth promoting activities, including siderophores activity, phosphate solubilization, and secreation of indole acetic acid and gibberellins. Further, the isolates have assayed for the ability to promote the growth of mutant rice Waito-C. The plants associated with TS1 and BRL1 have shown higher chlorophyll content, root-shoot length, and biomass production. The growth promoting activity of the endophytes can be attributed to the various types of GAs and IAA that have been observed in the culture filtrates of the endophytes by the Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of different gibberellins concentrations (ng/ml) in TS1 and BRL1 culture filtrate, i.e. GA 1 (0.091 ± 0.009, 0.392 ± 0.007), GA 3 (0.324 ± 0.077, 0.089 ± 0.0007) and GA 7 (0.023 ± 0.002, 0.492 ± 0.005), respectively. Besides, a significant up regulation of plant endogenous GA 1 (12.443 ± 0.454 and 15.434 ± 0.245) has been obsereved in TS1 and BRL1 associated plants compared to the control. Moreover, semi quantitative RT-PCR has confirmed the presence/invovment of GA pathways genes (P50-1, P450-3, P450-4, ggs2, and des). The results conclude that the endophytes isolated in this study can ably synthesize bioactive compounds, which play an important role in plant growth promotion.
In this study, an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus niger CSR3, was isolated from Cannabis sativa. T... more In this study, an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus niger CSR3, was isolated from Cannabis sativa. The culture filtrate (CF) was initially screened for growth-promoting activities such as the presence of siderophores, phosphate solubilization, and the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellins and was further assayed for its ability to promote the growth of mutant waito-C rice. Nearly all plant growth attributes examined (root-shoot length, biomass, and chlorophyll content) were significantly enhanced by treatment with CSR3. This growth promotion action was due to the presence of various types of gibberellins (GAs) and IAA in the endophyte CF. Moreover, the presence of GA pathway genes (P50-1, P450-3, P450-4, ggs2, and des) was confirmed by means of semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Finally, the application of CSR3 spore suspension with uniconazole and yucasin on maize seedlings revealed that, similar to exogenous IAA and GA 3 , CSR3 has the potential to alleviate the inhibitory effect of these inhibitors.
This study was carried out in Department of Botany, University of Karachi. Eight canola varieties... more This study was carried out in Department of Botany, University of Karachi. Eight canola varieties (Dunkled, Canola-III, Oscar, Ganyou-5, Ganyou-2, Rainbow, Abasin-95 and Westar) were used in the study. Plants were sown and subjected to control (non-saline), 0.2% (E.C 2.5 dS.m-1), 0.4% (EC 4.5 dS.m-1) and 0.6% (EC 6.5 dS.m-1) of sea salt concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different salinity concentrations on growth parameters [i.e. Relative growth rate (RGR), Leaf area ratio (LAR), Net assimilation rate (NAR), Leaf Weight ratio (LWR) and specific leaf area (SLA)] and different cation partitioning (Na + , K + , Ca ++ and Mg ++) in different plant parts of eight canola varieties. Curves for relative growth rate (RGR) calculated for fresh and dry shoot biomass, net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf weight ratio (LWR) were showed high growth rate during first fortnight period in all varieties. Significant differences in RGR were observed with salinity only in Canola-III (P<0.01) in fresh shoot biomass and Abasin-95 (P<0.05) in both fresh and dry shoot biomass. Differences of NAR and SLA with salinity were non-significant except Abasin-95 which exhibited significance at P<0.05 level. Leaf area ratio (LAR) and leaf weight ratio (LWR) exhibited increase in higher salinity in most of the varieties during first three harvests and it showed non-significant differences with salinity in all varieties except Oscar and Abasin-95 which exhibited significance at P<0.05 level. All the varieties studied in present studies showed a significant increase in the amount of Na + in different plant parts, with increase in salinity of the external medium, except in varieties Dunkled, Canola-III and Ganyou-2 which exhibited decrease in different plant parts only at 0.2% salinity level. The amount of K + and Ca ++ in different plant parts showed reduction with increase in external salinity in present investigation in different varieties.
Background Brassica rapa (BR) or turnip has been in use of mankind both as a food crop and an imp... more Background Brassica rapa (BR) or turnip has been in use of mankind both as a food crop and an important medicinal plant. Ischemic and cardiovascular diseases are treated with BR by traditional healers in Pakistan and India, although the scientific basis of its pharmacological actions is poorly understood. Method and results In the present study, we screened BR against human platelet aggregation induced by two different aggregating agents and further delineated their underlying signal transduction pathways. Furthermore, BR was screened for the presence of calcium channel blocking potential. For this purpose, crude extract of BR was prepared and then fractionated into aqueous, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. Our results show that BR blocks calcium channel opening as indicated by its effects on KCl-induced contraction in guinea pig ileum and this activity is distributed into various fraction of BR except ethyl acetate fraction which did not show any significant calcium channel ...
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