Nirmaljit Kaur

HCL method for Fe2+ estimation to resolve iron chlorosis in plants

Abstract The equation dictates that acid solutions should not cause reduction of Fe3+ during extraction of Fe2+ from plants and provide the possibility to preferentially extract Fe2+. Both in vitro and in vivo extraction of Fe2+ with 1N HCl did not cause reduction of Fe3+. Two g chopped fresh plant was reacted with 0.5 to 1.5N HCl and 1:5 to 1:10 tissue:extractant ratios for 24 h. The Fe2+ and Fe3+ in buffered filterates (pH 3.0) were determined with 1–10 o‐phenanthroline (o‐Ph). 1N HCl and 1:10 ratio resolved better the Fe2+ differences between green and iron‐chlorotic plants. Fe2+ iron in chlorotic as compared to non‐chlorotic leaves of different crops was 30 to 82%. This method resolved better or equally good, the visible iron chlorosis in plants, compared to o‐Ph method and is much cheaper. The method also eliminates the inherent error arising from extraction of pigments.

Nanotechnology in Soil-Plant System

Opportunities for applications of nanotechnology in soil-plant system are fast emerging as an alternative to Green Revolution technologies, which need to be phased out due to their limitations in breaking yield barriers and environmental compliances, and ever escalating shortage of farming inputs, especially P- and K-containing fertilizers and irrigation water. Literature and patent applications on nanotechnology applications in soil-plant system encompass novel materials containing nutrients and stimulators of plants, and pesticides. Compatibility of nanomaterials to farming, food and environment is essential because agricultural production functions in open system, where both energy and matter are freely exchanged in the realm of geosphere–biosphere–atmosphere. Apart from nanomaterials intended for farming, thousands other engineered nanoproducts are entering in soil-plant system, which have been altering the pristine state of soil-plant continuum, and therefore calls for framing of regulations on their use. One of the treasures in soil-plant system could be nanofabricated materials containing plant physiologically suitable nutrient ion(s) in clay minerals receptacles. The areas that need further attention in the success of nanotechnology applications in soil-plant system are founding of impeccable paradigms for concepts that govern farm production system, nanofabricating novel materials so as to improve input use efficiency and environmental compliance, interventions in soil fertility and damaged ecosystems, nutrient and water transport mechanisms in soil-plant system, and biosafety of engineered nanomaterials.

Nutrient accumulation in four ornamental tree species under saline stress conditions

ABSTRACT The present investigation was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to screen four ornamental tree species ideal for salt-affected environment. Screening was done on the basis of nutrient accumulation in leaves and roots. The 1-year-old tree seedlings growing in 10″ pots were subjected to five levels of sodium chloride salinity stress (control, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mM). Experimental design utilized was factorial completely randomized block with three replicates in each treatment. In addition, the sodium (Na+)/ potassium (K+) ratio in leaves and roots of all ornamental tree species was determined. Based upon nutrients content and Na+/K+, the order of salinity tolerance observed in the study was Casuarina equisetifolia > Acacia auriculiformis > Callistemon lanceolatus > Putranjiva roxburghii.