INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PLANT AND ENVIRONMENT

Molecular Identification and Bioactive Potential of Endophytic Nectria pseudotrichia from Terminalia catappa

2024-09-04T06:19:04+00:00

Endophytic fungi associated with Terminalia spp. (Combretaceae) are reported to possess significant therapeutic potential. The present
study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the bioactive properties of Nectria pseudotrichia obtained from Terminalia catappa. The
isolated fungus was screened for antifungal activity against three Fusarium spp. and was molecularly identified as N. pseudotrichia
through ITS sequencing. Further investigations focused on optimizing culture media with different carbon and nitrogen sources to
assess their effects on Fusarium growth suppression, phytochemical production, and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive metabolites, while antioxidant activity was detected but varied with growth conditions and nutrient composition. The sturdiest antifungal activity was observed in 12‑day‑old cultures, with arabinose and sodium nitrate identified as the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. These optimized conditions boosted secondary metabolite production, highlighting the potential of N. pseudotrichia as a promising source of compounds for pharmaceutical applications and as an antagonist against plant pathogenic fungi.

Influence of Magnetized Seeds on Element and Microelement Intake of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

2025-09-17T07:37:41+00:00

Building on the encouraging results from the initial cultivation of green gram under magnetic field treatments of varying intensities and exposure times, treatment T7 (225 mT for 75 minutes) proved to be the most effective. This treatment outperformed others in enhancing physiological traits such as germination rate, leaf area, shoot and root span, and plant height, accompanying improving chemical, biochemical, and yield-related parameters, including N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu content, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, acidity, vitamin C, and seed yield per plant. Further evaluation was conducted to assess how magnetic field exposure influenced the element intake of the plants. The absorption of key elements (N, P, K) and microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) was quantified utilizing standard calculation methods. Statistical analysis confirmed that the combination of 225 mT magnetic field strength with a 75-minute exposure (T7) achieved the highest overall performance in the study.

Impact of AM Fungi and Rhizobium on the Eco-physiological attributes of Pisum sativum grown in carpet industry effluent soil

2025-09-04T08:03:07+00:00

Considering the problem of heavy metals accumulation, released through industrial wastes on the growth and productivity of leguminous crops, a staple diet in the rural population of India, the study was designed to examine the effect of microorganisms (Rhizobium and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) on the growth, physiology of Pisum sativum cultivated in industrial effluents. The experiment had four treatments: two single inoculums of Rhizobium and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), one mixed inoculum containing both, and one control. Plant expansion and the physiological framework under study (fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll, and protein activity) are improved by microbial inoculation. However, mixed inoculation showed the maximum value for each variable. Plants treated with both bacteria and AMF also had significantly higher levels of microbial characteristics such as nodule number, mycorrhizal root exploration, and number of AMF spore population. Similarly, micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn) were also observed at maximum in soil treated with both. Plant heavy metal (As, Hg and Zn) substance was crucially more in soil; however, microbial inoculation importantly reduced HMs absorption. In combination inoculation, AMF and Rhizobium demonstrated superiority, leading to enhanced crop development and physiological features, which resulted in decreased absorption of heavy metals. In addition to addressing the issue of heavy metal stress, this combination of inoculants (symbionts) in soil has been shown to improve micronutrient levels, which boost the productivity of the Pisum sativum crop.

Plant Growth Promoting Response of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria Bacillus tequilensis

2025-06-12T11:10:39+00:00

Zinc is a nutritive element for the growth of the plant, but its bioavailability in soil is frequently restricted. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and optimize zinc solubilization by bacterial isolates of the rhizosphere of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.) grown in Kaprada Taluka, Valsad District, Gujarat, India. A total 25 bacteria were isolated; from these isolates, 10 exhibited significant zinc solubilization on ZnO-supplemented Bunt and Rovira agar medium. The most potent isolate ZB9, showed the highest zinc solubilization potential (182 μL L-1) with a reduction in pH to 4.8. Furthermore, other plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits as indole acetic acid production (43 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization (92 μg/mL), hydrogen cyanide and ammonia production, were assessed. Optimization studies determined the ideal conditions for maximum zinc solubilization, including 0.1% ZnO, dextrose as a source of carbon, ammonium sulfate as a source of nitrogen, pH 6.0, incubation temperature 35°C, and 0.2% NaCl salinity. Molecular level identification through 16S rRNA sequencing of the isolate confirmed ZB9 as belonging to the Bacillus tequilensis. This study highlights the potential of ZB9 as a biofertilizer to improve zinc bioavailability and enhance plant growth and nutrient quality in Finger Millet cultivation.

How Do Habitat and Seasonality Shape the Adaptive Strategies of Madhuca indica Gmel?

2025-07-31T10:00:21+00:00

This study aims to investigate the morphological, physiological, and ecological responses of Madhuca indica Gmel. to contrasting
environmental conditions in wild and cultivated habitats across two distinct seasons (monsoon and summer). To assess the impact of
habitat and seasonality, we compared four cultivated and four wild individuals based on foliar biomass, leaf relative water content, leaf
area, trichome density, stomatal density, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and other morphological parameters. While we anticipated
significant differences between wild and cultivated plants, our findings revealed a more nuanced response. A comparative analysis
of the two habitats and seasons highlighted significant positive and negative correlations (p <0.05) between various parameters. By
establishing threshold values for each parameter, we categorized plants as susceptible, moderately tolerant, and highly tolerant. The
observed plasticity in plant responses indicates their ability to adapt to specific moisture regimes. ANOVA revealed significant differences
in trichome density (p = 0.01), soil pH (0.02), EC, and TDS (p = 0.00) in wild habitat and two distinct seasons. These results provide valuable
insights into the adaptive strategies of M. indica.

Preliminary screening of growth performance, biochemical profiling and accumulation capacity of Senna tora and S. uniflora to lead stress

2024-12-10T10:34:45+00:00

Lead is a non-essential element that has a detrimental effect on plant growth and metabolism when accumulated in higher quantities. In the present study, we investigate effect of lead on Senna tora (L.) Roxb. and Senna uniflora (Mill.) H.S. Irwin and Barneby, those grow dominantly on banks water bodies in the Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India. We assessed the relative effects of varying lead concentrations on the growth of seedlings, biochemicals and accumulation capacity of both species. In both species, the seedling growth was reduced in response to lead treatment at concentrations 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 of soil and the germination of seed, root and shoot growth, fresh and dry biomass were highly diminished at 40 mg of lead kg-1 of soil. The growth parameters decreased with the increased accumulation of lead (i.e., 0.073, 0.110, 0.149 and 0.170 mg g-1 and 0.122, 0.169, 0.212 and 0.429 mg g-1 at 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg kg-1 of soil) in S. tora and S. uniflora, respectively. Decline in the content of chlorophyll, reducing sugar, total sugar and protein was a common feature while, proline content increased at 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg of lead kg-1 of soil for S. tora and S. uniflora, respectively. In both plant species, an increase in lead concentration resulted in a decrease in the bioconcentration factor and tolerance index. The growth performance and biochemicals were impaired due to different concentrations of lead.

Assessment of Genetic Fidelity in Micropropagated Banana Plantlets Using DNA Extraction and RAPD Analysis

2025-09-25T08:34:20+00:00

This study examines the genetic diversity and fidelity of in-vitro propagated banana plantlets using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. As a vital fruit crop with substantial economic value, bananas are frequently propagated in-vitro to facilitate the large-scale production of uniform, disease-free plants. However, the tissue culture process can introduce somaclonal variations, potentially leading to genetic instability. This research focuses on evaluating the genetic uniformity of micropropagated banana plantlets in comparison to their parent plants. RAPD markers were selected for their effectiveness in detecting polymorphisms across multiple genomic loci. A total of 36 RAPD primers were analyzed, generating 256 scorable bands, with 2% showing polymorphism. The findings indicate a high level of genetic fidelity among the in-vitro propagated plantlets, with only minimal variation observed. This study highlights the utility of RAPD analysis as a fast and cost-efficient tool for assessing genetic stability in micropropagated banana plantlets, ensuring the preservation of desired traits in large-scale cultivation efforts.

In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Syzygium cumini L. and Moringa oleifera Against Waterborne Bacteria for Safe Water Use

2025-11-03T08:15:40+00:00

Background: Waterborne pathogens pose a substantial global threat to public health, particularly in regions with limited access to safe
drinking water. Plant-based antimicrobials offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical disinfectants, which may pose safety
concerns.
Objective: This scientific study investigates the in-vitro antibacterial efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts from Syzygium cumini L. and
Moringa oleifera plant leaves against key waterborne pathogens: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella spp., and
Vibrio cholerae.
Methods: Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method to measure zones of inhibition, as well as minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.
Results: Both plant extracts of S. cumini and M. oleifera demonstrated notable antibacterial activity. S. cumini exhibited superior
inhibition zones (24.1 ± 0.6 mm against V. cholerae) and lower MIC values (0.35 mg/mL), indicating stronger potency compared to M.
oleifera. The positive control (Ampicillin) presented the uppermost inhibition across all strains, but the plant extracts offered promising
natural alternatives.
Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of S. cumini and M. oleifera possess significant antibacterial potential against waterborne pathogens.
Their application could enhance natural water safety, especially in resource-limited conditions. Further studies are warranted to explore
formulation and field-level efficacy.

Tropical Riverine Grasslands of the Brahmaputra Basin: A Critical Assessment of Biodiversity Threats, Conservation Challenges, and Management Imperatives

2025-07-31T12:14:59+00:00

The Brahmaputra grasslands, stretching across the floodplains of Assam and adjoining regions of Bhutan, represent one of South Asia’s most ecologically vital and biodiverse tropical riverine ecosystems. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature alongside insights from our recent field investigations, which corroborate many of the findings reported in earlier studies. By analysing peer-reviewed publications, government reports, and field data, we outline the distinctive ecological features of these grasslands, their exceptional biodiversity, including critically endangered bird species like Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola), White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis), and Manipur Bush-Quail (Perdicula manipurensis), also flagship species such as the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) and the pressing conservation threats they face. These include altered fire regimes, biological invasions, overgrazing, encroachment by woody vegetation, and changes in soil conditions. Although conservation efforts in protected areas like Kaziranga and Manas have shown encouraging results, large portions of the grasslands remain vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, ongoing human-wildlife conflict and anthropogenic activities. Our fieldwork confirms these patterns and has been compiled in alignment with existing scientific evidence Furthermore, this synthesis highlights several critical gaps, including the lack of long-term ecological monitoring, an inadequate understanding of grassland-specific management needs, and limited incorporation of community-based conservation approaches. The review offers a foundational framework for developing evidence-based strategies aimed at conserving tropical riverine grasslands. It underscores the pressing need for targeted management protocols tailored to the unique ecological dynamics of the Brahmaputra grasslands. To effectively address these challenges, we advocate for enhanced transboundary cooperation, the adoption of participatory, community-led management models, and the integration of advanced tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and remote sensing technologies within adaptive conservation frameworks. These measures are essential to promoting the long-term resilience and ecological sustainability of these critical habitats.

Three New Records from Karnataka State, India of Genus Trentepohlia Mart. (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)

2025-10-15T11:52:57+00:00

Genus Trentepohlia is a subaerial green alga (Chlorophyta). The present study recorded 3 Trentepohlia species (Trentepohlia odorata (F. H. Wiggers) Wittrock, Trentepohlia abietina (Flotow ex Kützing) Hansgirg, and Trentepohlia rigidula (J. Müller) Hariot) for the first time from the 3 distinct regions (Belagavi, Dharwad and Haveri) of the 13 districts of North Karnataka, India during the survey conducted in the year 2022 – 2024. The Trentepohlia species were found as yellow, orange and red coloured patches on both natural (bark of tree stem) and artificial (electric poles, concrete cementing walls of buildings and water tanks) substrata. Based on Sampling sites and substrata Trentepohlia shows host specificity rather than the artificial substratum specificity. According to date of collection the winter season is more appropriate for growth of Trentepohlia as the physical factors as temperature, humidity and light intensity at the time of collection had pronounced effect on growth of Trentepohlia. Hence, these physical factors can be considered as critical key factors for the growth of Trentepohlia. Morphometric studies revealed various distinct characters like shape of cell, cell dimensions, branching pattern and structure of sporangia. Since meager research work has been done on Trentepohlia, this article throws more light on the addition to Trentepohlia in Karnataka. Hence, study of Trentepohlia species is first basic attempt made in Karnataka for further research.

Comparative Analysis of Extractants and Temperature on Desorption of Non-Exchangeable Potassium under Different Land Uses of the North Western Himalayas

2024-12-30T09:44:05+00:00

For better comprehension of ecosystem sustainability, assessment of every contributory factor is of paramount significance. The non-exchangeable potassium desorption was examined in the respective samples of all the soils at three separate incubation temp’s of viz. 20^oC, 30^oC and 40^oC, making use of distinct two organic acids viz. 0.01 M oxalic acid and 0.01 M citric acid under different land uses of temperate lesser Himalayas. Higher amounts of non-exchangeable K were noted to be released through oxalic acid as an extractant ensued by citric acid. The amount of non- exchangeable K desorbed at three different temperatures differed significantly with maximum desorption at 40^oC followed by 30^oC and least at 20^oC. In describing the desorption: kinetics, even though the type of kinetic model remained mostly unaffected, however, the values of b were observed to increase in K-treated soils i.e. from 0.308 cmol K kg^-1to K-saturation (100 cmol K kg^-1) and with increase in temperature from 20^oC to 40^oC, indicating a pronounced release of non-exchangeable potassium in K-treated soils at higher temperatures.

Impact Of Arsenic on Pisum sativum and Its Amelioration Using Phosphate

2024-11-22T13:15:58+00:00

The study examines the impact of arsenic on seed germination and seedling growth of Pisum sativum (pea) across different concentrations of arsenic from 0 to 30 ppm and evaluates the mitigating role of phosphate for arsenic toxicity. The toxic heavy metal significantly reduced germination rates (70.6-2.3%), root (4.83-0.76cm) and shoot lengths(3.04- 0.5cm), fresh cotyledon (0.48-0.53g),root(0.13-0.002g) and shoot (0.11-0.01g) weight and dry root(0.44-0.012g), shoot (0.10-0.03g) and cotyledon weights (0.33-0.36g) of plant with severe impacts at 20 ppm and above. Amendment with 40 ppm Phosphate greatly improved all the growth indices viz germination percentage(73.7-11.8%), root (6.45-1.38cm) and shoot(4.45-1.94cm) length, fresh cotyledon (0.53-0.57g) root(0.28-0.041g) and shoot (0.28-0.10g) weight and dry root(0.05-0.02g), shoot (0.14-0.047g) and cotyledon weights (0.415-0.43g) enhancing plant resilience to arsenic stress. However at higher concentration the toxic effect of As were more pronounced and amendment of 40ppm Phosphate helps the plant to bear toxicity of As at lower concentration highlighting the potential of amendments in managing contamination.

Tenets of Magnetoreception: Cryptochrome as a promising player

2024-10-04T13:06:32+00:00

Living organisms are constantly being impacted by the Geomagnetic field (GMF), which is known to affect a number of biological
processes, and for plants on Earth, it is an inevitable environmental factor. Several hypotheses have been proposed by scientists to
explain the mechanism of magnetoreception, but none have received widespread acceptance. The magnetite-based concept, the
radical pair model, and the ion-interference mechanism are only a few of the mechanisms that have been proposed in recent years to
answer the riddle of animal magnetoreception from various perspectives. It has been proposed that Cryptochromes may function as
magnetoreceptors since the physiological processes of CRY, such as growth inhibition, seedling de-etiolation, or blooming initiation,
have been demonstrated to respond to mild magnetic fields. This review provides insights into various theories on magnetoreception
and also includes a bibliometric analysis of literature on “cryptochrome and magnetism.”

Integrated Use of Fly Ash, Blue-Green Algae, and Bio- Fertilizers for Sustainable Rice Cultivation in Fly Ash- Contaminated Environment

2026-01-21T08:32:55+00:00

The coal-fired power plants generate a high volume of fly ash (FA), a significant solid waste with considerable environmental and health
consequences. The stagnation of FA around heat-generating factories causes pollution due to toxic heavy metals. These pollutants
jeopardize biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems, and pose a serious threat to human health, and agricultural crop land contaminated by FA,
such as rice (Oryza sativa L.). Despite FA having some effective plant nutrients (Ca, S, B, Mo, Cu, Zn, and Fe), it has deficiencies of essential
nutrients such as N, which makes it ineffective as a direct fertilizer. However, green algae, a population of nitrogen-fixing photosynthetic
microbes that grows in paddy fields, is the answer to it. Some heterocystous strains are the ones that rely on the B availability in FA
to enhance maximum fixation of N. This paper undertakes a synergistic application of green algae and FA, and chemical fertilizers to
improve soil fertility, reduce heavy metal toxicity, and promote sustainable disease-resistant rice production on the FA-contaminated
land, emphasizing heavy metal bioaccumulation, detoxification, and bioremediation. The combined approach is sustainable, cheap,
and eco-friendly in terms of FA waste management, which is in line with the principles of the circular economy, and restoring the
environment and securing food in the future.

Vernonanthura polyanthes (Assa-peixe): A comprehensive review of its phytochemical revelations and pharmacological spectrum

2025-06-20T11:55:08+00:00

The efficacy of medicinal plants has gained significant recognition, leading to a surge in demand for these holistic treatments. Among
them, Vernonanthura polyanthes, commonly known as “Assa-peixe,” is an ethnomedicinally important plant native to Brazil, recognized
for its therapeutic use in treating respiratory disorders, fever, inflammation, ulcers, and hypertension. Its recognized pharmacological
relevance has prompted comprehensive studies into its chemical composition and biological activities. Taxonomically, it belongs to the
family Asteraceae, and its botanical description includes characteristics such as an upright shrub with lanceolate leaves and panicle-like
inflorescences. The plant’s phytochemical profiling uncovers a range of active compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, sesquiterpene
lactones, terpenes, steroids, and phenolic acids, with notable bioactive compounds like Rutin, Glaucolide A, and Apigenin. These
metabolites contribute to various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antibacterial,
anti-leishmanicidal, antitrypanosomal, and anticancer properties. Toxicological evaluations showed that high concentrations may elicit
cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, underscoring the importance of dose optimization. This review article provides an up-to-date knowledge on the botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects of V. polyanthes, encompassing its traditional ethnomedicine with
contemporary scientific evidence. Collectively, these insights emphasize the species’ value as a natural source of bioactive compounds,
supporting its continued exploration for drug discovery and therapeutic applications.

A Review on Genetic Improvement, Breeding Approaches, And Seed Management for Enhanced Pigeon Pea (Cajanus Cajan .L) Production

2025-04-09T18:21:59+00:00

India is well known for its agricultural production, coupled with sophisticated processing and storage methodologies. Pulses play a
very significant role in India’s protein diet. The most widely used pulse in daily life is pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). The annual demand for
pulses in India is estimated to be around 25-27 million metric tons (MMT). This demand is driven by both domestic consumption and
industrial uses. The exponential growth in urbanization and numerous other forms of industrialization, a significant threat to aerobiological
agricultural systems. The average annual pulse production in India is approximately 23-25 million metric tons (MMT). The major pulseproducing
states in India include Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. The main component of all
grains and crops is the seed. For sustainable seed availability, it is essential to use high-quality seeds effectively. Therefore, it becomes
necessary to identify the factors that contribute to seed damage during storage, transportation, etc. There are a variety of methods and
procedures available to eradicate the various diseases posing detrimental effects on overall seed quality. The precise monitoring and
processing of Pigeon pea would lead to enhanced seed protein quality, amino acid content, and improvements in the crop’s nutritional
value globally. By effectively managing seed deterioration and upholding quality standards, losses incurred during preparation and
storage can be minimized. In conclusion, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into pigeon pea production, seed storage,
and management practices, offering a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with its cultivation while
advocating for science-based interventions and inclusive policies to foster its sustainable development and utilization.