Assessment of Phenotypic Diversity in the USDA Collection of Quinoa Links Genotypic Adaptation to Germplasm Origin

Quinoa’s germplasm evaluation is the first step towards determining its suitability under new environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to introduce suitable germplasm to the lowland areas of the Faisalabad Plain that could then be used to introduce quinoa more effectively to that region. A set of 117 quinoa genotypes belonging to the USDA quinoa collection was evaluated for 11 phenotypic quantitative traits (grain yield (Y), its biological and numerical components plus phenological variables) in a RCBD during two consecutive growing seasons at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan under mid-autumn sowings. Genotypic performance changed across the years, however most phenotypic traits showed high heritability, from 0.75 for Harvest Index (HI) to 0.97 for aerial biomass (B) and Y. Ordination and cluster analyses differentiated four groups dominated by genotypes from: Peru and the Bolivian Highlands (G1); the Bolivian Highlands (G2); the Ballón collection (regarded as a cross between Bolivian and Sea Level (Chilean) genotypes) plus Bolivian Highlands (G3); and Ballón plus Sea Level (G4), this latter group being the most differentiated one. This genetic structure shared similarities with previous groups identified using SSR markers and G×E data from an international quinoa test. G4 genotypes showed the highest Y associated with higher B and seed numbers (SN), while HI made a significant contribution to yield determination in G2 and seed weight (SW) in G3. G1 and G2 showed the lowest Y associated with a lower B and SN. Moreover, SW showed a strongly negative association with SN in G2. Accordingly, G4 followed by G3 are better suited to the lowland areas of Faisalabad plain and the physiological traits underlying yield determination among genotypic groups should be considered in future breeding programs.

Phytoremediation of nickel by quinoa: Morphological and physiological response

The amount of soil contaminated with heavy metal increases due to urbanization, industrialization, and anthropogenic activities. Quinoa is considered a useful candidate in the remediation of such soil. In this pot experiment, the phytoextraction capacity of quinoa lines (A1, A2, A7, and A9) against different nickel (Ni) concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg kg-1) were investigated. Required Ni concentrations were developed in polythene bags filled with sandy loam soil using nickel nitrate salt prior to two months of sowing and kept sealed up to sowing. Results showed that translocation of Ni increased from roots to shoots with an increase in soil Ni concentration in all lines. A2 line accumulated high Ni in leaf compared to the root as depicted by translocation factor 3.09 and 3.21 when grown at soil having 50 and 100 Ni mg kg-1, respectively. While, in the case of root, A7 accumulated high Ni followed by A9, A1, and A2, respectively. There was a 5–7% increased seed yield by 50 mg kg-1 Ni in all except A1 compared to control. However, growth and yield declined with a further increase in Ni level. The maximum reduction in yield was noticed in A9, which was strongly linked with poor physiological performance, e.g., chlorophyll a, b, and phenolic contents. Ni concentrations in the seed of all lines were within the permissible value set (67 ppm) by FAO/WHO. The result of the present study suggests that quinoa is a better accumulator of Ni. This species can provide the scope of decontamination of heavy metal polluted soil. The screened line can be used for future quinoa breeding programs for bioremediation and phytoextraction purpose.

Moringa leaf extract improves biochemical attributes, yield and grain quality of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under drought stress

Changing climate, food shortage, water scarcity and rapidly increasing population are some of the emerging challenges globally. Drought stress is the most devastating threat for agricultural productivity. Natural plant growth substances are intensively used to improve the productivity of crop plants grown under stressed and benign environments. The current study evaluated whether leaf extract of different moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) could play a role in improving drought-tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Rice plants were grown under three drought conditions, i.e., no, moderate and severe drought (100, 75 and 50% field capacity, respectively). Moringa leaf extract (MLE) obtained from four landraces (Multan, Faisalabad, D. G. Khan and exotic landrace from India) was applied during critical crop growth stages, i.e., tillering, panicle initiation and grain filling. Drought stress adversely affected the gas exchange attributes, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes' activities, yield and quality parameters of rice. Application of MLE from all landraces significantly improved physiological, biochemical and yield parameters under stressed and normal environmental conditions. The highest improvement in gas exchange traits (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and respiration rate), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) and enzymatic activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and oxidative marker (H2O2) was recorded with MLE obtained from Faisalabad landrace. The application of MLE of Faisalabad landrace also improved yield and grain quality of rice grown under drought stress as well as drought-free environment. Thus, MLE of Faisalabad can be successfully used to improve growth, productivity and grain quality of rice under drought stress.

Integrated Usage of Farm Yard Manure and Urea Improves Wheat Yield and Soil Properties

Optimum usage of fertilizers is an important factor that defines the fate of crop yield by confirming the accessibility of nutrients in soil. Imbalance use of fertilizer not only reduces the crop productivity but also adversely affects the soil properties. A one-year experiment was carried out to explore the impact of different levels of farm yard manure and urea on soil properties, growth and yield of wheat crop. Treatments were application of nitrogen at i) 125 kg ha-1 from urea, ii) 80 kg ha-1 of nitrogen from urea + 10 tons of farm yard manure ha-1 and iii) 20 tons of farm yard manure ha-1. Wheat cultivar Sehar-2006 was used in the experiment. All the treatments’ combination affected crop growth, economic yield and soil properties. However, maximum positive impact of combined use of farm yard manure and urea was observed. Results indicated that productive tillers per unit area (16%), plant height, number of spikelets per spike (12.5%) and economical yield (11%) were greatly enhanced by combined usage of urea and farm yard manure as compared to sole application of urea. Combined application of urea and farm yard manure also positively affected the soil bulk density, particle density, percent porosity and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity as compared to either sole use of urea or farm yard manure. Combined usage of farm yard manure and urea are suggested better to produce higher economical yield along with improved soil properties.

Optimizing planting geometry for barley-Egyptian clover intercropping system in semi-arid sub-tropical climate

Intercropping legumes with cereals has been a common cropping system in short-season rainfed environments due to its increased productivity and sustainability. Intercropping barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) could increase the grain yield of barley and improve resource use efficiency of the intercropping system. However, non-optimum planting geometry has been a hurdle in the adaptation of barley-based cropping systems. This study was aimed at optimizing the planting geometry, and assess the productivity and profitability of barley-Egyptian clover intercropping system. Ten different planting geometries, differing in number of rows of barley, width and number of irrigation furrows and planting method were tested. Intercropping barley with Egyptian clover improved 56–68% grain yield of barley compared with mono-cropped barley. Barley remained dominant crop in terms of aggressiveness, relative crowding coefficient and competitive ratio. The amount of water used was linearly increased with increasing size of barley strip from 3 to 8 rows. The highest water use efficiency (4.83 kg/cf³) was recorded for 8-row barley strip system with 120 cm irrigation furrows compared to rest of the planting geometries. In conclusion, 8-rows of barley planted on beds with Egyptian clover in 120 cm irrigation furrows had the highest net income and cost benefit ratio. Therefore, it is recommended that this planting geometry can be used for better economic returns of barley-Egyptian clover intercropping system. However, barley strips with >8 rows were not included in this study, which is limitation of the current study. Therefore, future studies with >8 barley rows in strip should be conducted to infer the economic feasibility and profitability of wider barley strips.

Impact of Natural and Synthetic Plant Stimulants on Moringa Seedlings Grown under Low-Temperature Conditions

Low-temperature results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of plants which are sensitive to low-temperatures. Moringa is getting popularity as a field crop because of its multipurpose usage. There is no information available about effects of low-temperature (14-18°C) on moringa seedlings and its mitigation. Present study was conducted to test the performance of moringa seedling grown in wire house under low-temperature conditions in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract (3% solution), hydrogen peroxide (5 ml L-1), ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) and salicylic acid (50 mg L-1). Seeds of six moringa accessions [Local landrace grown at Agronomic Research Area, Z.A Hashmi Hall, Firdous Colony. Exotic landrace grown at Lalazaar Colony, Department of Agronomy and Agronomic Research Area.] were collected and grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice; first round at the seedling age one month and second round at the seedling age two months. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced number of branches (92%) and leaves (39%), leaf total chlorophyll contents (73%), leaf phenolic contents (53%) and membrane stability index (57%) of moringa seedlings compared to control. Healthy and vigorous growth of moringa seedlings with higher concentration of antioxidants ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low-temperature condition.

Impact of Natural and Synthetic Plant Stimulants on Moringa Seedlings Grown under Low-Temperature Conditions

Low-temperature results in various physiological and metabolic disturbances in cells of plants which are sensitive to low-temperatures. Moringa is getting popularity as a field crop because of its multipurpose usage. There is no information available about effects of low-temperature (14-18°C) on moringa seedlings and its mitigation. Present study was conducted to test the performance of moringa seedling grown in wire house under low-temperature conditions in response to foliar application of moringa leaf extract (3% solution), hydrogen peroxide (5 ml L-1), ascorbic acid (50 mg L-1) and salicylic acid (50 mg L-1). Seeds of six moringa accessions [Local landrace grown at Agronomic Research Area, Z.A Hashmi Hall, Firdous Colony. Exotic landrace grown at Lalazaar Colony, Department of Agronomy and Agronomic Research Area.] were collected and grown in polythene bags filled with equal ratio of compost, sand, silt and clay. All foliar treatments were applied twice; first round at the seedling age one month and second round at the seedling age two months. Foliar application of moringa leaf extract significantly enhanced number of branches (92%) and leaves (39%), leaf total chlorophyll contents (73%), leaf phenolic contents (53%) and membrane stability index (57%) of moringa seedlings compared to control. Healthy and vigorous growth of moringa seedlings with higher concentration of antioxidants ensured the defensive potential of moringa leaf extract against low-temperature condition.