Zinc application mitigates the adverse effects of NaCl stress on mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] through modulating compatible organic solutes,antioxidant enzymes,and flavonoid content

This study examined the protective effect of Zn on salt-stressed Brassica juncea plants using some key morphological and biochemical attributes at different developmental stages (30, 60, and 90 days after treatment [DAT]). Salt stress (200?mM) caused suppression in plant height, root length, and dry weight by 58.35%, 41.15%, and 53.33%, respectively, at 90 DAT, but Zn application improved these variables by 15.52%, 16.59%, and 11.45%, respectively. Furthermore, 200?mM NaCl decreased total chlorophyll by 45.32% and relative water content by 27.62% at 90 DAT, whereas Zn application compensated the decrease in the levels of both variables. NaCl (200?mM) increased H₂O₂, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage by 70.48%, 35.25%, and 68.39%, respectively, at 90 DAT, but Zn supplementation appreciably reduced these variables. Except for catalase, enzymatic antioxidant activity increased under NaCl stress. Zn application with salt further increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase by 33.51%, 9.21%, 10.98%, 17.46%, and 12.87%, respectively, at 90 DAT. At 90 DAT, salt stress increased flavonoids by 24.88%, and Zn supply by a further 7.68%. Overall, Zn mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress through osmotic adjustment, as well as by modulating the oxidative defense system and flavonoid contents.     

Fragrance Stimulation Mechanisms of Flowers and their Regulation Under Environmental Constraints

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Flower fragrance appears as a fascinating facet to attract humans and has significant influence on human lives and in plant reproduction via attracting...     

Does a roosting flock of migratory birds also echelon in high winds?

Journal of Ethology - The organized aerial manoeuvres of birds in “V” and “J” flock echelons have always captivated onlookers and several of these aspects are still a matter...     

The effect of humic and fulvic acids on the growth and efficiency of nitrogen fixation ofAzotobacter chroococcum

Humic acid in the form of sodium humate and fulvic acid markedly increased the growth and efficiency of nitrogen fixation ofAzotobacter chroococcum. Fulvic acid proved more effective than the sodium humate. The effectiveness of these substances was more pronounced in increasing the number of cells than affecting the nitrogen fixation. The increases in growth and nitrogen fixation were in direct proportion to the quantities of sodium humate and fulvic acid applied up to 500 and 700 ppm respectively. Thereafter the growth was restricted, although it was not inhibited even at 1,400 ppm.     

Methyl jasmonate mediates upregulation of bacoside A production in shoot cultures of Bacopa monnieri

Methyl jasmonate (MJ) enhances the production of a range of secondary metabolites including triterpenoid saponins in a variety of plant species. Here, it enhanced production of bacoside A, a valuable triterpenoid saponin having nootropic therapeutic activity in in vitro shoot cultures of Bacopa monnieri, the only known source of bacoside A. The highest yield was with 50 μM MJ giving 4.4 mg bacoside A/g dry wt; an 1.8-fold increase (compared to control) after 1 week.     

Castasterone and Citric Acid Supplementation Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity by Modifying Antioxidants and Organic Acids in Brassica juncea

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - Brassinosteroids are known to manage various stresses including heavy metals in plants and castasterone is a bioactive form of brassinosteroids. Citric acid, a...     

A note on dysenzymia in the liver of rats fed on zinc, an essential metal

Although zinc in traces is essential for the growth and well being of the animal, however a long-term treatment has been found equally toxic to the liver and kidney. Present report describes its effects on few key enzymes viz. alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, 5-nucleotidase, lipase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and cholinesterase in the liver of rat, Rattus rattus albino. Histochemical observations have provided visual evidences on Zn-induced dysenzymia. The results have further been interpreted in terms of its effects on cellular organelle, levels of enzyme protein and microenvironment of the hepatic parenchyma.     

Genetic markers and malaria. Observations in Gujarat, India

189 healthy controls and 175 patients suffering from malaria vivax have been investigated with regard to associations between this disease and 22 genetic polymorphisms of the blood (ABO, MN, Ss, Rh, Kell, P, Lutheran, Kidd, Duffy, Diego, Xg; ABH-Secretor; Hp, Gc, Gm, Km; aP, AK, PGM1, 6-PGD, EsD; Hb variants) Significant associations could be demonstrated only for P and Hp systems, though in accordance with other investigations it cannot be excluded that the ABO system plays also a role in this connection.