Effects of fly ash and Helminthosporium oryzae on growth and yield of three cultivars of rice

A 120-day greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effects of various fly ash concentrations (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% vol/vol) with normal field soil and Helminthosporium oryzae on the growth and yield of three cultivars (Pusa Basmati, Pant-4 and Pant-10) of rice, Oryza sativa L. Application of 20% and 40% fly ash with soil caused a significant increase in plant growth and yield of all the three cultivars. Forty percent fly ash caused a higher increase in growth and yield than did 20%. Sixty percent, 80% and 100% fly ash had an adverse effect on growth and yield of all the three cultivars, the maximum being with 100% fly ash. Inoculation of H. oryzae had an adverse effect on the growth and yield, Pant-10 suffered higher damage by H. oryzae than Pusa Basmati and Pant-4. Pant-10 also exhibited higher infected leaf area and greater disease symptoms of H. oryzae than did Pusa Basmati and Pant-4. Plants grown in 100% fly ash suffered higher reductions in growth and yield with H. oryzae than plants grown in pure soil or in 20% or 40% fly ash. In general, plant growth was best in Pusa Basmati followed by Pant-4 and Pant-10, while yield was higher in Pant-4 followed by Pant-10 and Pusa Basmati.     

Combining ability in the F1 and F2 generations of diallel cross in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell)

The F(1) and F(2) progenies of a ten-parent diallel cross (excluding reciprocals) of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) were analyzed for combining ability for quantitative and quality traits. The results indicated significant differences among the parents for general combining ability (gca) and crosses for specific combining ability (sca) for all the characters studied. The gca and sca components of variance were significant for all the traits. However, the gca component of variance was predominant indicating the predominance of additive gene effects for the traits studied. Among the parents Durgapura 65, HD 2285, Lok-1, Raj 1972 and HD 2329 were the best general combiners for grain yield and average to high combiners for tillers per plant, grain yield per spike, grains per spike and 1000-grain weight. The best specific crosses for grain yield were Sonalika x WH 157, HD 2428 x Durgapura 65, Durgapura 65 x Sonalika, HD 2428 x Lok-1 and CPAN 3004 x Raj 1972. The parent Raj 1972, Lok-1 and HD 2285 were the best general combiners for grain yield and protein content, however, Raj 3077 was the best general combiner for protein content. The most suitable specific crosses for protein content were HD 2329 x HD 2285, HD 2428 x Raj 1972 and CPAN 3004 x WH 157. Most of the specific crosses for grain yield as well as protein content involved high x average, average x average and average x poor general combiners. To ensure further increase in grain yield along with high protein, combinations of desirable yield components is advocated. Inclusion of F(1) hybrids showing high sca and having parents with good gca, into multiple crosses and/or bi-parental mating, or diallel selective mating could prove a worthwhile approach for further improvement of grain yield in bread wheat.     

Changes in oxidative stress defense system in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) cultivars grown with and without mineral nutrients and irradiated by supplemental ultraviolet-B

Field study was conducted to evaluate the inter- and intra-specific variations in sensitivity of two cultivars each of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. HD 2329 and HUW 234) and mung bean (Vigna radiata L. cv. Malviya Jyoti and Malviya Janpriya) to supplemental levels of UV-B irradiation (sUV-B, 280–315 nm) with and without recommended levels of mineral nutrients. Results showed decrease in photosynthetic pigments and biomass of all the four cultivars due to sUV-B radiation. Antioxidative defense system was activated in all the cultivars after irradiation with sUV-B. SOD, peroxidase and total thiol contents increased, while catalase activity and ascorbic acid contents decreased under sUV-B irradiation. On the basis of biomass, UV-B sensitivity can be arranged in decreasing order as: Malviya Janpriya < Malviya Jyoti < HD 2329 < HUW 234. Application of mineral nutrients (N, P and K) showed significant positive response in all cultivars by ameliorating the negative impact of sUV-B.     

Effect of iron,zinc and manganese shortage-induced change on photosynthetic pigments,some osmoregulators and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in lettuce

Although the beneficial role of Fe, Zn, and Mn on many physiological and biochemical processes is well established, effects of each of these elements on chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigment contents is not well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of Fe, Zn, and Mn deficiency in two lettuce cultivars. The parameters investigated could serve also as physiological and biochemical markers in order to identify stress-tolerant cultivars. Our results indicated that microelement shortage significantly decreased contents of photosynthetic pigments in both lettuce cultivars. Chl a fluorescence parameters including maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and performance index decreased under micronutrient deficiency, while relative variable fluorescence at J-step and minimal fluorescence yield of the dark-adapted state increased under such conditions in both cultivars. Micronutrient deficiency also reduced all parameters of quantum yield and specific energy fluxes excluding quantum yield of energy dissipation, quantum yield of reduction of end electron acceptors at the PSI, and total performance index for the photochemical activity. Osmoregulators, such as proline, soluble sugar, and total phenols were enhanced in plants grown under micronutrient deficiency. Fe, Zn, and Mn deficiency led to a lesser production of dry mass. The Fe deficiency was more destructive than that of Zn and Mn on the efficiency of PSII in both lettuce cultivars. Our results suggest that the leaf lettuce, which showed a higher efficiency of PSII, electron transport, quantum yield, specific energy fluxes, and osmoregulators under micronutrient deficiency, was more tolerant to stress conditions than crisphead lettuce.     

活性炭对苦荞幼苗根系和叶片生理特性的影响

以山西省主栽苦荞品种‘黑丰1号’温室盆栽幼苗为材料,设置土壤活性炭含量分别为0(CK)、2.5(B2.5)、5.0(B5.0)、7.5(B7.5)、10(B10)g/kg共5个水平,研究土壤中施加活性炭后对苦荞幼苗根系及碳氮代谢、保护酶活性等指标的影响.结果显示:(1)随着活性炭施用比例的增加,苦荞幼苗根系生长指标和根系活力指标均呈先增后减的趋势,根平均直径呈先减后增的趋势,其中B5.0、B7.5处理的幼苗根系总长度、总表面积、总体积、活跃吸收面积、根尖数均显著高于对照,但B10处理的根系发育减弱.(2)随活性炭施用比例的增加,苦荞幼苗叶片蔗糖酶活性变化呈先增后减的趋势,同一处理水平条件下随苦荞的生长而逐渐下降;B2.5、B5.0处理苦荞幼苗叶片蔗糖酶活性和可溶性糖含量均比CK极显著增加,B7.5处理略有提高,B10处理差异不显著.(3)苦荞幼苗叶片谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)活性随活性炭的增加基本呈上升趋势,而同一处理水平下随苦荞的生长而下降;叶片GS活性在B5.0、B7.5处理时比CK极显著提高,可溶性蛋白质含量在B7.5处理时也显著提高.(4)叶片保护酶SOD、POD、CAT活性随活性炭浓度的升高呈先升后降的变化趋势,而同一处理水平下各时期间变化不大;B2.5处理叶片的SOD、POD和CAT活性比对照显著增强.研究发现,适量施用活性炭(2.5～7.5g/kg)能有效促进苦荞幼苗碳氮代谢和保护酶活性,增强其根系活力.     

Coal fly ash and nitrogen application as eco-friendly approaches for modulating the growth,yield, and biochemical constituents of radish plants

Plants are confronting a variety of environmental hazards as a result of fast climate change, which has a detrimental influence on soil, plant growth, and nutrient status. As a result, the present study aims to evaluate the influence of various fly ash concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35% FA) mixed with the optimum concentrations of nitrogen in the form of urea (0.5 g pot^?1) on the growth, productivity and biochemical constituents of radish plants. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to assess soil physical–chemical properties and FA nutrient status. Results suggested that FA added many essential plant nutrients to the growth substrate and improved some important soil characteristics such as pH, electric conductivity, porosity, and water holding capacity. Also, the results revealed that the low concentrations of FA up to 20% were found to boost radish growth, yield, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and mineral content. While the highest concentrations of FA (25–35%) decreased radish growth and yield, increased oxidative stress through increased lipid peroxidation (MDA) and caused a significant boost in ascorbic acid, proline, protein, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, SEM of radish leaf revealed an enhancement in the stomatal pore of radish leaf under different levels of FA. In conclusion, combining 15% fly ash with 0.5 g nitrogen in the form of urea significantly enhanced radish yield by enhancing antioxidant activity such as catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, Guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, nitrate reductase and reducing oxidative stress, potentially reducing fly ash accumulation and environmental pollution.     

Biological control of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larvae by using different formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis in 11 vine cultivars under field conditions

This work describes the results of an experiment that was conducted in the vineyard of the American Farm School, Thermi, Thessaloniki Greece, during 2001. Its aim was to study the efficacy of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (wettable powder and dust) to control the larvae of Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermueler (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The experimental results showed that the two formulations of B. thuringiensis are significantly more effective than the control, the dusting being more effective in most cultivars (Asyrtico, Sauvignon blanc, Debina, Athiri, Agiorgitico, Limnio, Syrah, and Cabernet sauvignon), and the spraying in a few cultivars (Xinomavro, Roditis, and Chardonnay). Dusting in the blue-black cultivars was found to be more effective than spraying, this not being the case in the yellow-green cultivars. This fact should be taken into consideration when cultivars of different color were planted in the same field. Single dusting proved to be better in cultivars with loose, average and dense berry cluster compactness, whereas double spraying gave better results in compact cultivars.     

Expression analysis of genes encoding translation initiation factor 3 subunit g (TaeIF3g) and vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein (TaVAP) in drought tolerant and susceptible cultivars of wheat

The present study deals with the characterization of genes encoding translation initiation factor 3 subunit g (TaeIF3g) and vesicle-associated membrane protein associated-protein (TaVAP), and how their expression is altered during water stress in the drought tolerant (C-306) and susceptible (HD-2329) cultivars of wheat. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the TaeIF3g gene consists of an open reading frame (ORF) of 870 nucleotides encoding for a protein of 290 amino acid residues, with a likely molecular mass and pI of 31.47 kDa and 6.89, respectively. The TaVAP cDNA consists of an ORF of 714 nucleotides encoding for a protein of 238 amino acid residues having deduced molecular mass and pI of 25.75 kDa and 7.56, respectively. The changes in expression of the two genes in flag leaf and developing grains were studied in response to drought stress at 15 days post anthesis (DPA). The expression of TaeIF3g and TaVAP in the flag leaf, after increasing in response to mild drought stress, decreased under severe stress conditions in C-306, whereas on the contrary, it persisted in cv. HD-2329. Furthermore, the expression of TaeIF3g and TaVAP in response to drought stress was affected in a coordinated manner in leaf of both the cultivars. The effect of drought on expression of TaeIF3g and TaVAP was also different in the grains of the two cultivars thus implying that the adaptive mechanisms operating in the tissues of tolerant and susceptible cultivars are different.     

Modulation of growth,photosynthetic capacity and water relations in salt stressed wheat plants by exogenously applied 24-epibrassinolide

Brassinosteroids promote the growth of plants and are effective in alleviating adverse effects of abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. Under saline conditions, improvement in grain yield is more important than simple growth. Previously it was found that although foliar application of brassinosteroids improved growth of wheat plants, it did not increase grain yield. In present study, influence of root applied 24-epibrassinolide was assessed in improving growth and yield of two wheat cultivars. Plants of a salt tolerant (S-24) and a moderately salt sensitive (MH-97) were grown at 0 or 120 mM NaCl in continuously aerated Hoagland’s nutrient solution. Different concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide (0, 0.052, 0.104, 0.156 μM) were also maintained in the solution culture. Exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide counteracted the salt stress-induced growth and grain yield inhibition of both wheat cultivars. Of the varying 24-epibrassinolide concentrations used, the most effective concentrations for promoting growth were 0.104 and 0.052 μM under normal and saline conditions, respectively. However, root applied 0.052 μM 24-epibrassinolide enhanced the total grain yield and 100 grain weight of salt stressed plants of both cultivars and suggested that total grain yield was mainly increased by increase in grain size which might have been due to 24-epibrassinolide induced increase in translocation of more photoassimilates towards grain. Growth improvement in both cultivars due to root applied 24-epibrassinolide was found to be associated with improved photosynthetic capacity. Changes in photosynthetic rate due to 24-epibrassinolide application were found to be associated with non-stomatal limitations, other than photochemical efficiency of PSII and photosynthetic pigments. Leaf turgor potential found not to be involved in growth promotion.     

Effects of different treatments of fly ash and mining soil on growth and antioxidant protection of Indian wild rice

The aim of the present study was investigation of the effects of fly ash and mining soil on growth and antioxidant protection of two cultivars of Indian wild rice (Oryza nivara and Oryza rufipogon) for possible phytoremediation and restoration of metal-contaminated site. In this study, Indian wild rice showed significant changes in germination, growth, and biochemical parameters after exposure to different ratio of fly ash and mining soil with garden soil. There was significant reduction of germination, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, Special Analysis Device Chlorophyll (SPAD) Index, proteins, and activities of antioxidant enzymes in both cultivars of the wild rice grown in 100% fly ash and mining soil compared to the plants grown in 100% garden soil. Results from this study showed that in both cultivars of wild rice, all growth and antioxidant parameters increased when grown in 50% fly ash and mining soil. Taken together, Indian wild rice has the capacity to tolerate 50% of fly ash and mining soil, and can be considered as a good candidate for possible phytoremediation of contaminated soils.     

钙对镉胁迫下花生生理特性、产量和品质的影响

通过盆栽试验,选用高油品种豫花15和高蛋白品种XB023,研究了不同浓度钙对镉胁迫下不同类型花生品种营养生长、叶片叶绿素含量、光合速率、保护酶活性等生理特性及产量和品质的影响.结果表明： 施钙可以缓解镉胁迫对花生植株主茎高和侧枝长的抑制作用,增加花生植株干物质量,提高叶片叶绿素含量和光合速率,提高叶片超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、过氧化物酶（POD）活性和可溶性蛋白质含量,降低丙二醛（MDA）的积累量,减轻镉胁迫对花生叶片的伤害;施钙可以缓解镉胁迫对花生的减产作用,增加花生荚果和籽仁产量,其增产的主要原因是增加了单株结荚数和出仁率;施钙可以促使籽仁中可溶性糖向粗脂肪和蛋白质转化,增加籽仁中脂肪和蛋白质含量,改善镉胁迫下花生籽仁品质.施钙可以降低两花生品种籽仁中镉含量,对豫花15的降低效果好于XB023.     

Improved growth,productivity and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants through application of shikimic acid

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed presoaking of shikimic acid (30, 60 and 120 ppm) on growth parameters, fruit productivity and quality, transpiration rate, photosynthetic pigments and some mineral nutrition contents of tomato plants. Shikimic acid at all concentrations significantly increased fresh and dry weights, fruit number, average fresh and dry fruit yield, vitamin C, lycopene, carotenoid contents, total acidity and fruit total soluble sugars of tomato plants when compared to control plants. Seed pretreatment with shikimic acid at various doses induces a significant increase in total leaf conductivity, transpiration rate and photosynthetic pigments (Chl. a, chl. b and carotenoids) of tomato plants. Furthermore, shikimic acid at various doses applied significantly increased the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in tomato leaves as compared to control non-treated tomato plants. Among all doses of shikimic acid treatment, it was found that 60 ppm treatment caused a marked increase in growth, fruit productivity and quality and most studied parameters of tomato plants when compared to other treatments. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in total photosynthetic pigments, concentrations of nitrogen and potassium in leaves of tomato plants treated with 30 ppm of shikimic acid and control plants. According to these results, it could be suggested that shikimic acid used for seed soaking could be used for increasing growth, fruit productivity and quality of tomato plants growing under field conditions.     

Enhancement of Yield,Grain Quality Characters, 2-Acetyl-1-Pyrroline Content,and Photosynthesis of Fragrant Rice Cultivars by Foliar Application of Paclobutrazol

Paclobutrazol is a well-known plant growth regulator. However, the application of paclobutrazol in fragrant rice production has not been reported. The present study conducted a field experiment with two cropping seasons and three fragrant rice cultivars to investigate the effects of paclobutrazol application on yield formation, grain quality, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP, key component of fragrant rice aroma) biosynthesis, and photosynthesis of fragrant rice. At the initial heading stage, paclobutrazol solutions at 0 (control), 30, 60, 100, and 120 mg L^?1 were foliar applied to fragrant rice plants, respectively. Compared with control, paclobutrazol treatments significantly (P?<?0.05) increased grain yield and seed-setting rate of fragrant rice cultivars by 6.77–22.82% and 5.09–25.66%, respectively. Increased contents of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid) and the improved net photosynthetic rate at the grain-filling stage were observed due to paclobutrazol treatments. The paclobutrazol application increased head rice rate and grain 2-AP content by 3.94–8.94% and 6.47–18.80%, respectively. Lower chalky rice rate and chalkiness were recorded in paclobutrazol treatment than in control. Moreover, foliar application of paclobutrazol increased proline and Δ1-pyrroline contents in fragrant rice by 7.90–32.12% and 13.21–34.90%. Overall, foliar application of paclobutrazol could enhance productivity, improve grain quality, and increase the 2-AP content of fragrant rice, and 100–120 mg L^?1 was considered the suggested concentration of paclobutrazol application in fragrant rice production.

     

Plant uptake and phytotoxicity of boron in Australian fly ashes

Summary French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Redland Pioneer) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv. Pioneer) were grown in glasshouse experiments to examine the potential for phytotoxicity of B in a range of Australian fly ashes. In each experiment, the ashes used were either untreated, leached or adjusted to pH 6.5 and subsequently leached.In the first eperiment, the yield and B status of plants grown on five fly ashes mixed (5 and 10% by weight) with an acid-washed sand were measured and, with the exception of one ash, yield differences among ash sources and among ash treatments were attributed to differences in the degree of B toxicity. In a subsequent experiment, a fly ash with properties representative of most Australian ashes was mixed (0, 15, 30, 70 and 100% by weight) with a sandy loam, and the yield and mineral composition of plants grown on these mixtures determined. Although the available water capacity of the soil was substantially increased by fly ash addition, incorporating large proportions of untreated fly ash resulted in poor plant growth primarily due to B toxicity. In both experiments, leaching the ash reduced the potential for B toxicity, whereas adjustment of the pH to 6.5 and subsequent leaching of the fly ash resulted in plants with normal levels of B.There were marked differences in both the tissue levels of B and the extent of B toxicity symptoms between the two species. Rhodes grass appeared to be able to tolerate higher B contents in the growing medium by taking up much less of the element than French bean. The results indicate that phytotoxicity of B would be a major problem in establishing vegetation on ash dams and in the agronomic utilization of unweathered fly ashes in Australia.     

Interactive Effects of Sulphur Dioxide and Mineral Nutrient Supply on Photosynthetic Characteristics and Yield in Four Wheat Cultivars

Field experiments were conducted on four cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to examine the variability in cultivar response to sulphur dioxide (SO₂) under different concentrations of mineral nutrients. Thirty-days-old plants were exposed for 8 weeks to 390±20 µg m^–3 (0.15 ppm) SO₂ for 4 h per day, 5 d per week. Decline in net photosynthetic rate, contents of pigments and nitrogen, biomass and grain yield of each cultivars were due to SO₂ at all the nutrient concentrations studied. However, the magnitude of reduction was higher in plants grown without nutrient application. On the basis of the reductions in photosynthesis and yield, the susceptibility of wheat cultivars to SO₂ was in the order of Malviya 213 > Malviya 37 > Malviya 206 > Malviya 234 at recommended dose of NPK, whereas the same without the nutrients was Malviya 206 > Malviya 234 > Malviya 213 > Malviya 37.     

臭氧浓度升高对毛竹叶片光合色素和抗性生理的影响

为了解毛竹对温室气体浓度升高的生理响应,探索竹子应对气候变化的经营策略,运用开顶式同化箱(OTCs)开展了5个O₃浓度梯度(过滤大气CF、环境大气NF、50nl·L^-1、100nl·L^-1、150nl·L^-1对毛竹(Phyllostachys edulis)叶片光合色素、可溶性蛋白、脂质过氧化和抗氧化系统的影响研究。结果表明:随O₃浓度升高,毛竹叶片Chl和Car含量呈下降趋势,可溶性蛋白、MDA和O₂^-含量呈升高趋势。与CF相比,100nl·L^-1和150nl·L^-1O₃,浓度处理毛竹叶片光合色素含量极显著降低,叶片可溶性蛋白、MDA和O₂^-含量极显著升高;随O₃浓度升高,SOD活性呈降低趋势,100nl·L^-1和150nl·L^-1O₃浓度处理较CF极显著下降。POD活性呈升高趋势,100nl·L^-1和150nl·L^-1O₃浓度处理较CF极显著提高;长时间高O₃浓度(100nl·L^-1及以上)胁迫条件下,会导致毛竹叶片光合色素降解或合成受阻,叶片老化加快,膜脂过氧化程度加剧,膜结构和抗氧化系统功能遭到破坏,影响毛竹的正常生长。     

Effects of salinity on growth and metabolism ofPhaseolus vulgaris

Increasing salinity induced a marked reduction in the plant growth, thoughPhaseolus seedlings tolerated salinity up to 120 mM NaCI. A great reduction in sugar and protein contents occurred with increasing salinity, whereas soluble nitrogen compounds and the relative contents of the photosynthetic pigments were increased in the treated plants. Increasing Ca concentration in the salinized medium appeared to improve the plant growth and to increase the contents of saccharides and proteins in the NaCl-treated plants. This suggests that Ca could be added to salinized media to overcome the deleterious effects of salinity on the growth and productivity of leguminous crop plants.     

Effect of Ash Pond Soil and Amendments on the Growth and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Colonization of Allium cepa and Germination of Arachis hypogaea,Lycopersicon esculentum,and Vigna mungo Seeds

The effect of fly ash pond soil on the growth and yield of onion (Allium cepa var. microaggregatum) plants grown in pots was investigated. The fly ash pond soil was amended with combinations of red soil and press mud, a waste product from sugar mills. Water-holding capacity of ash pond soil amended with press mud increased; however, addition of press mud delayed onion bulb development. Onion bulb germination took place rapidly in ash pond soil; however, subsequent bulb development declined. The addition of red soil and press mud increased the growth and yield of onion plants. In all the soils and amendments, onion plant roots were colonized by native arbuscular mycorrhizal species. Both vesicles and arbuscules were present in the roots. Colonization was low in ash pond soil but increased with the addition of red soil. Effect of fly ash pond soil on germination of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and black gram (Vigna mungo) seeds was evaluated and compared with red soil in the laboratory. Ash pond soil increased the germination of tomato seeds but did not affect the germination of groundnut and black gram seeds.     

The effect of temperature,pH, and initial glucose concentration on the kinetics of ethanol production by Zymomonas mobilis in batch fermentation

Summary Zymomonas mobilis, strain ATCC 10988, was used to evaluate the effects of pH (5.0 to 8.0), temperature (30°C to 40°C), and initial glucose concentration (75 g/l to 150 g/l) on the kinetics of ethanol production from glucose using batch fermentation. Specific ethanol production rate was maximum and nearly constant over a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. End-of-batch ethanol yield and specific growth rate were insensitive to pH in the range of 5.0 to 7.5. End-of-batch ethanol yield was maximum and nearly constant between 30°C and 37°C but decreased by 24% between 37°C and 40°C. All other kinetic parameters are greatest at 34°C. End-of-batch ethanol yield is maximum at an initial glucose concentration of 100 g/l. Specific growth rate reaches a maximum at 75 g/l, but specific ethanol production rate decreases throughout the range. The optimum initial glucose concentration of 100 g/l gives the highest ethanol yield at a specific ethanol production rate less than 10% below the maximum observed.     

Suitability of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.) cultivation on fly ash-amended soil for better growth and oil content

Abstract

Sustainable application of fly ash and its management in agriculture is a major challenge nowadays. A pot culture experiment was conducted to find out the most suitable level of fly ash application for soil amendments that can improve the plant growth and productivity of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.). After growing seedlings of B. monnieri under different levels of fly ash for 90?days, a significant increase in plant biomass, essential oil content and tolerance index (more than 100%) was observed under 25% of fly ash amended soil in comparison to garden soil and higher fly ash treatments. Leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters were remained unchanged under 25% of fly ash as compared to seedlings grown on garden soil. However, these parameters were significantly declined under higher concentrations of fly ash treatments. Higher levels of fly ash caused oxidative damage and the induction of some antioxidative enzymes activities in B. monnieri indicates its capability to endure oxidative stress tolerance. Overall, our study showed that 25% of fly ash can be used as soil amendment for cultivation of B. monnieri L. leading to enhance plant biomass and essential oil production.