Adnan Noor Shah

A biochar application protects rice pollen from high-temperature stress.

The influences of high temperature and fertilization with biochar and phosphorus (P) on the pollen characteristics of two rice cultivars (IR-64 and Huanghuazhan) were examined in controlled growth chambers. Temperature treatments included high daytime temperature (HDT), high nighttime temperature (HNT) and ambient temperature (AT). The fertilization treatments were control, biochar alone, P alone and biochar + P. High temperature severely reduced pollen fertility, anther dehiscence, pollen retention and pollen germination of both rice cultivars, with HNT more destructive than HDT. The Huanghuazhan cultivar performed better than IR-64 under high temperature, with higher pollen fertility, better anther dehiscence and greater pollen retention and germination rates. In both cultivars, the pollen of plants treated with biochar + P were more resistant to heat induced stress. Further studies are needed to test the ability of biochar to ameliorate the effects of different abiotic stresses in rice and other crops.

A combined application of biochar and phosphorus alleviates heat-induced adversities on physiological, agronomical and quality attributes of rice.

Present study examined the influence of high-temperature stress and different biochar and phosphorus (P) fertilization treatments on the growth, grain yield and quality of two rice cultivars (IR-64 and Huanghuazhan). Plants were subjected to high day temperature-HDT (35 °C ± 2), high night temperature-HNT (32 °C ± 2), and control temperature-CT (28 °C ± 2) in controlled growth chambers. The different fertilization treatments were control, biochar alone, phosphorous (P) alone and biochar + P. High-temperature stress severely reduced the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and increased the leaf water potential of both rice cultivars. Grain yield and its related attributes except for number of panicles, were reduced under high temperature. The HDT posed more negative effects on rice physiological attributes, while HNT was more destructive for grain yield. High temperature stress also hampered the grain appearance and milling quality traits in both rice cultivars. The Huanghuazhan performed better than IR-64 under high-temperature stress with better growth and higher grain yield. Different soil fertilization treatments were helpful in ameliorating the detrimental effects of high temperature. Addition of biochar alone improved some growth and yield parameters but such positive effects were lower when compared with the combined application of biochar and P. The biochar+P application recorded 7% higher grain yield (plant(-1)) of rice compared with control averaged across different temperature treatments and cultivars. The highest grain production and better grain quality in biochar+P treatments might be due to enhanced photosynthesis, water use efficiency, and grain size, which compensated the adversities of high temperature stress.

Exogenously Applied Plant Growth Regulators Enhance the Morpho-Physiological Growth and Yield of Rice under High Temperature

A 2-year experiment was conducted to ascertain the effects of exogenously applied plant growth regulators (PGR) on rice growth and yield attributes under high day (HDT) and high night temperature (HNT). Two rice cultivars (IR-64 and Huanghuazhan) were subjected to temperature treatments in controlled growth chambers and four different combinations of ascorbic acid (Vc), alpha-tocopherol (Ve), brassinosteroids (Br), methyl jasmonates (MeJA), and triazoles (Tr) were applied. High temperature severely affected rice morphology, and also reduced leaf area, above-, and below-ground biomass, photosynthesis, and water use efficiency, while increased the leaf water potential of both rice cultivars. Grain yield and its related attributes except number of panicles, were reduced under high temperature. The HDT posed more negative effects on rice physiological attributes, while HNT was more detrimental for grain formation and yield. The Huanghuazhan performed better than IR-64 under high temperature stress with better growth and higher grain yield. Exogenous application of PGRs was helpful in alleviating the adverse effects of high temperature. Among PGR combinations, the Vc+Ve+MejA+Br was the most effective treatment for both cultivars under high temperature stress. The highest grain production by Vc+Ve+MejA+Br treated plants was due to enhanced photosynthesis, spikelet fertility and grain filling, which compensated the adversities of high temperature stress. Taken together, these results will be of worth for further understanding the adaptation and survival mechanisms of rice to high temperature and will assist in developing heat-resistant rice germplasm in future.

Lithium toxicity in plants: Reasons, mechanisms and remediation possibilities – A review

Lithium (Li) is a naturally occurring element; however, it is one of the non-essential metals for life. Lithium is becoming a serious matter of discussion for the people who do research on trace metals and environmental toxicity in plants. Due to limited information available regarding its mobility from soil to plants, the adverse effects of Li toxicity to plants are still unclear. This article briefly discusses issues around Li, its role and its essentiality in plants and research directions that may assist in inter-disciplinary studies to evaluate the importance of Lis toxicity. Further, potential remediation approaches will also be highlighted in this review. Briefly, Li influenced the growth of plants in both stimulation and reduction ways, depending on the concentration of Li in growth medium. On the negative side, Li reduces the plant growth by interrupting numerous physiological processes and altering metabolism in plant. The contamination of soil by Li is becoming a serious problem, which might be a threat for crop production in the near future. Additionally, lack of considerable information about the tolerance mechanisms of plants further intensifies the situation. Therefore, future research should emphasize in finding prominent and approachable solutions to minimize the entry of Li from its sources (especially from Li batteries) into the soil and food chain.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Management for Enhancing Crop Productivity and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in a Rice-Oilseed Rape Rotation System in China

The use of efficient rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application is important with regard to increasing crop productivity and maintaining environmental sustainability. Rice-oilseed rape rotations are a mainstay of the economy and food security of China. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out during 2011–2013 in Honghu to identify the most appropriate N application rates for enhancing crop productivity and N use efficiency for rice (Oryza sativa L.)-oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) rotations. Six N fertilizer treatments (RO1, RO2, RO3, RO4, RO5, and RO6) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. ROx represented the N fertilizer application rates (kg ha−1) for rice and oilseed rape, respectively. Grain yields from plots receiving N fertilizer were significantly increased by 59–71% (rice) and 109–160% (oilseed rape) during the total rotation (2011–2013), as compared to RO1 (control; no application). Furthermore, a similar trend was observed for N accumulation, ranging from 88 to 125% and 134 to 200% in aerial parts of rice and oilseed rape, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was significantly higher (38.5%) under RO2 and lower (34.2%) under RO6 while apparent N balance (ANB) was positively lowest under R05 (183.4 kg ha−1) followed by R02 (234.2 kg ha−1) and highest under R06 (344.5 kg ha−1) during the total rotation. The results of grain yield, NUE, and ANB indicated that the R02 rate of N application was superior. This information should help to develop a cost-effective and environment-friendly N management strategy for rice-oilseed rape rotation systems of central China.

Lodging stress in cereal—effects and management: an overview

Uncertainty in climatic and weather conditions may result in lodging. Lodging is a most chronic constraint, which is causing tremendous yield reduction in crop plants; therefore, better understanding to control lodging-induced adversities or to enhance lodging resistance in cereals is imperative. In this review, we presented a contemporary synthesis of the existing data regarding the effects of lodging on growth and yield of cereals. Moreover, we highlighted key factors which trigger the detrimental effects of lodging in cereals. Numerous morphological, anatomical, and biochemical traits in plants that can influence lodging risk have also been discussed. These traits showed significant correlation with lodging resistance in cereals. At end, we tried to link our hypothetical concepts with previous evidences and provided a comprehensive summary of all the possible management approaches that can be used to further control lodging effects on cereals. The selection of a management option though is based on cereal type and genotype; nonetheless, different agronomic approaches including seeding rate, sowing time, tillage system, crop rotation, and fertilizer application help in reducing lodging risk in cereals.

An insight into salt stress tolerance mechanisms of Chenopodium album

Salt stress is one of the most dramatic abiotic stresses that induce oxidative and osmotic stress simultaneously. Salt stress is known to be more effective in reducing growth and yield of glycophytes; however, halophytes are able to withstand salt stress. Nonetheless, variability exists among different halophytic plants species from different plant families. Chenopodium album belongs to Chenopodiacea family and is known as weed in many regions of world; however, it is a very interesting halophytic plant. Little research has conducted so far by considering C. album as model plant to study salt stress tolerance mechanisms. This article attempts to compile current literature in order to explain C. album salt stress tolerance mechanism and to highlight the knowledge gap relating to salt stress tolerance mechanism in C. album. Briefly, C. album has remarkable ability of seed dimorphism, sodium exclusion, and potassium retention. C. album further tolerates salt stress by increasing redox potential associated with high production of osmolytes and antioxidants.

Allelopathic potential of oil seed crops in production of crops: a review

Agricultural production enhancement has been realized by more consumption of fossil energy such as fertilizer and agrochemicals. However, the production provides the present human with sufficient and diversified commodities, but at the same time, deprives in some extent the resources from the future human as well. In the other hand, it is known that synthetic herbicides face worldwide threats to human’s health and environment as well. Therefore, it is a great challenge for agricultural sustainable development. The current review has been focussed on various oilseed crop species which launch efficient allelopathic intervention, either with weeds or other crops. Crop allelopathic properties can make one species more persistent to a native species. Therefore, these crops are potentially harmful to both naturalized as well as agricultural settings. On the other side, allelopathic crops provide strong potential for the development of cultivars that are more highly weed suppressive in managed settings. It is possible to utilize companion plants that have no deleterious effect on neighbor crops and can be included in intercropping system, thus, a mean of contributing to agricultural sustainable development. In mixed culture, replacement method, wherein differing densities of a neighbor species are planted, has been used to study phytotoxic/competitive effects. So, to use alternative ways for weed suppression has become very crucial. Allelochemicals have the ability to create eco-friendly products for weed management, which is beneficial for agricultural sustainable development. Our present study assessed the potential of four oilseed crops for allelopathy on other crops and associated weeds.

Nitrogen fertilization and conservation tillage: a review on growth, yield, and greenhouse gas emissions in cotton

Cotton is planted worldwide as a “cash crop” providing us fiber, edible oil, and animal feed as well. In this review, we presented a contemporary synthesis of the existing data regarding the importance of nitrogen application and tillage system on cotton growth and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Cotton growth and development are greatly influenced by nitrogen (N); therefore, proper N application is important in this context. Tillage system also influences cottonseed yield. Conservation tillage shows more promising results as compared to the conventional tillage in the context of cotton growth and GHG emission. Moreover, the research and knowledge gap relating to nitrogen application, tillage and cotton growth and yield, and GHG emission was also highlighted in order to guide the further studies in the future. Although limited data were available regarding N application, tillage and their interactive effects on cotton performance, and GHG emission, we also tried to highlight some key factors which influence them significantly.

Beryllium in the environment: Whether fatal for plant growth?

Beryllium could be a threatening heavy metal pollutant in the agro-ecosystem that may severely affect the performance of crops. Beryllium is used in various industries to make nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, and X-ray machines, and its entry into the environment is alarming for the productivity and sustainability of the ecosystem. In this review, we present a contemporary synthesis of the existing data regarding the toxic effects of beryllium on toxicity on biochemical and physiological processes in plants. Moreover, uptake, translocation, and assimilation of beryllium and its interaction with some essential mineral elements are also discussed. Although limited data are available regarding biochemical responses of plants to beryllium toxicity, we tried to clarify some basic physiological and biochemical steps that can be hampered by beryllium in plants. We linked our hypothetical concepts with previous evidence and provide a comprehensive summary of all possible remediation strategies that can be used for plants. Overall, we hope this review will be beneficial due to its practical implications and research directions.