Browsing by Author "Saroj Kumar Prasad"

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Agronomic aspects of zinc biofortification in rice (Oryza sativa l.)
(Springer India, 2014) Manoj Kumar Singh; Saroj Kumar Prasad
Globally, 2.7 billion people suffer from Zn deficiency (ZnD) and 1/3 of the world population living in the poor countries is at the high risk of this deficiency. A staggering number of ZnD deaths occur in South Asia alone. Though the causes of malnutrition are many and complex, one such cause is the dysfunctional food system which is dependent on agriculture. Rice is a staple food for 1/2-2/3 of the world's population and is mainly (90 %) grown in south, southeast and east-Asia. Nearly 50 % of the Indian soil contains inadequate Zn levels and this ZnD in rice-wheat system affects 50 % of rice, particularly, grown under lowland conditions. In order to address the ZnD issue in rice, various agronomic approaches of Zn biofortification can be tested, i.e., selection of cultivars, rate and time of Zn fertilizer application, crop rotation and use of soil microorganisms. Agronomic Zn biofortification is a promising and cost effective method to increase Zn concentration in rice grains. Thus it can save the life of millions of people in Asia, particularly in India. The present article is a modest attempt to analyze the viability of agronomic biofortification in rice grains as a short term and profitable tool to promote Zn concentration that would consequently cure several health hazards commonly visible among humans in the developing countries. © 2014 The National Academy of Sciences, India.
ASSESSMENT OF AGRONOMIC ZINC BIOFORTIFICATION OF ALLEY CROPPED PEARL MILLET
(Bangladesh Botanical Society, 2023) Kamlesh Verma; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Manoj Kumar Singh; Prashant Sharma
The availability of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) at the specific plant growth stage is crucial for attaining the higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and uptake. An experiment was conducted, having 4-N scheduling [No N; ½[basal]+ ½[3rd visible leaf (VL)]; ¼[basal]+ ½[3rdVL]+ ¼[panicle extended in flag leaf sheath (PEFLS)]; ½[basal] + ¼[3rdVL]+ ¼[panicle visible (PV)], and 4-Zn scheduling [No Zn; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+ 0.25% spray(*) [panicle initiation (PI)]; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+0.25% [PI]*+ 0.25% [PEFLS]*; 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+ 0.25% [50% panicle emergence (PE)]*+ 0.25% [milk stage (MS)]*. Nitrogen schedule at ¼[basal]+ ½[3rdVL]+ ¼[PEFLS] recorded the maximum nutrient content, uptake, and NUE. Similarly, the maximum nutrient content, uptake, and nutrient use efficiency observed in the Zn at 2.5 kg/ha [basal]+0.25% [PI]*+ 0.25% [PEFLS]*. Moreover, N and Zn interacted significantly to increase the grain N and Zn content and uptake by grain. © 2023 Bangladesh Botanical Society. All rights reserved.
Changes in the weed seed bank in long-term establishment methods trials under rice-wheat cropping system
(MDPI, 2020) Prashant Sharma; Manoj Kumar Singh; Kamlesh Verma; Saroj Kumar Prasad
The rice–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains is the backbone of food security in India. In the 1990s, due to the scarcity of resources, the traditional Crop Establishment (CE) method shifted from Conventional Till Puddle Transplanted Rice (CTPTR) to CT Direct Seeded Rice (CTDSR) and Zero-Till DSR (ZTDSR) in paddy; and in wheat, from Conventional Till Wheat (CTW) to Zero Till Wheat (ZTW), with residue retention in rice (RRR) or in both rice and wheat (RRRW). Shift in CE methods led to change in Weed Seed Bank (WSB) dynamics and ultimately affected the weed management program. After five years of field trials, soil samples were drawn as per 2-factors factorial randomized block design. Factor-I comprised 4-CE methods, whereas factor-II consisted of 3-soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm). Results showed CTPTR-CTW and ZTDSR-ZTW (RRRW) record the highest seed bank (SB) of grasses, sedges and BLWs as total weeds, in general; and predominant weeds like Echinochloa spp., Ammania baccifera, Commelina benghalensis and Digitaria sanguinalis, in particular. It also showed the higher species richness (DMg) and Shannon–Weaver (H’) indices. CTDSR-CTW and CTDSR-ZTW (RRR) show the lowest WSB and at par with Shannon–Weaver (H’) index; further, lowest species richness (DMg) under CTDSR-CTW. Species Evenness (J’) and Simpson index (λ) vary non-significantly with CE methods. Furthermore, 0–10 cm soil depth showed the highest SB of different category of total weed, predominant weeds as well as higher values of DMg, H’, and λ; whereas reverse trend was observed in Whittaker Statistic (βW). Interaction between CE methods and soil depth revealed most of WSB lying on the top layer in case of ZTDSR-ZTW (RRRW) and CTDSR-ZTW (RRR); while CTPTR-CTW showed almost uniform WSB distribution, and in case of CTDSR-CTW, a gradual decrease in WSB with soil depth. © 2020 by the authors.
Effect of legumes on nitrogen economy and budgeting in South Asia
(Elsevier, 2022) Ram Swaroop Meena; Anita Kumawat; Sandeep Kumar; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Gourisankar Pradhan; Manoj Kumar Jhariya; Arnab Banerjee; Abhishek Raj
Increase agricultural productivity and mitigate the demand of food security of the rapidly flourishing population the primary nutrient element nitrogen (N) has been playing a paramount role in the crop production system. The denitrification losses N in the form of nitrous oxide (N2O) are very much harmful to the environment because it causes global warming, detrimental effects on a human being, animal and the ecosystem. The losses of N into the environment affect ecosystem services, environmental sustainability, soil health, decline factor productivity and affects aquatic life. Intensive and improper application of inorganic nitrogenous fertilizer in the cropping system incurred higher investment of capital, more energy budgeting and carbon (C) footprint, which causes environmentally and economically unacceptable crop production system. To, tackle such consequences the inclusion or incorporation of grain legumes in the cropping system reduces atmospheric pollution, increases the N budgeting in the soil ecosystem, improve environmental sustainability, soil health, soil sustainability and agricultural productivity. Further, the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) can be increased by adopting some tools like leaf colour chart (LCC), green seeker, site-specific nutrient management, SPAD (soil plant analysis development) meter along with the application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer such as neem coated urea, sulphur coated urea, polymer-coated urea etc. This chapter is focused on the N budgeting of South Asia, the consequences of N on the environment, soil, water and its management strategies. Therefore, public consciousness, an adaptation of modern technology and practising legume-based crop rotation is necessary for improving environmental quality and a cleaner production system. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Effects of sowing dates and mulching on growth and yield of wheat and weeds (Phalaris minor Retz.)
(Bangladesh Botanical Society, 2019) Manoj Kumar Singh; Amit Mishra; Naveen Khanal; Saroj Kumar Prasad
Weed infestation, particularly Phalaris minor Retz. is a serious threat for increasing wheat productivity in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. The primary objective of this research was to study the effect of sowing dates and mulching on the growth of wheat and weeds. In general, early sowing (November-25) exhibited less growth of P. minor, but increased weed biomass and lower wheat yields than the delayed (December-10) sowing date. Application of paddy straw, jute mat, and black polythene mulches positively increased the height, tiller count, yield of wheat; and drastically reduced weed infestation, especially the growth of P. minor. Moreover, under no weed management, delayed sowing increased the wheat yield, over earlier sowing. It was concluded that organic mulches can sustainably manage the weed infestation, particularly P. minor and increase the wheat yield. © 2019 Bangladesh Botanical Society. All rights reserved.
Glycine betaine modulates chromium (VI)-induced morpho-physiological and biochemical responses to mitigate chromium toxicity in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars
(Nature Research, 2022) Deepti Singh; Chandan Kumar Singh; Dharmendra Singh; Susheel Kumar Sarkar; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Nathi Lal Sharma; Ishwar Singh
Chromium (Cr) accumulation in crops reduces yield. Here, we grew two chickpea cultivars, Pusa 2085 (Cr-tolerant) and Pusa Green 112 (Cr-sensitive), in hydroponic and pot conditions under different Cr treatments: 0 and 120 µM Cr and 120 µM Cr + 100 mM glycine betaine (GB). For plants grown in the hydroponic media, we evaluated root morphological attributes and plasma membrane integrity via Evans blue uptake. We also estimated H+-ATPase activity in the roots and leaves of both cultivars. Plants in pots under conditions similar to those of the hydroponic setup were used to measure growth traits, oxidative stress, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, proline levels, and nutrient elements at the seedling stage. Traits such as Cr uptake in different plant parts after 42 days and grain yield after 140 days of growth were also evaluated. In both cultivars, plant growth traits, chlorophyll contents, enzymatic activities, nutrient contents, and grain yield were significantly reduced under Cr stress, whereas oxidative stress and proline levels were increased compared to the control levels. Further, Cr uptake was remarkably decreased in the roots and leaves of Cr-tolerant than in Cr-sensitive cultivars. Application of GB led to improved root growth and morpho-physiological attributes and reduced oxidative stress along with reduced loss in plasma membrane integrity and subsequently increase in H+-ATPase activity. An increment in these parameters shows that the exogenous application of GB improves the Cr stress tolerance in chickpea plants. © 2022, The Author(s).
Horse gram- an underutilized nutraceutical pulse crop: a review
(Springer India, 2015) Saroj Kumar Prasad; Manoj Kumar Singh
Horse gram is an underutilized pulse crop grown in wide range of adverse climatic conditions. It occupies an important place in human nutrition and has rich source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Besides nutritional importance, it has been linked to reduced risk of various diseases due to presence of non-nutritive bioactive substances. These bioactive substances such as phytic acid, phenolic acid, fiber, enzymatic/proteinase inhibitors have significant metabolic and/or physiological effects. The importance of horse gram was well recognized by the folk/alternative/traditional medicine as a potential therapeutic agent to treat kidney stones, urinary diseases, piles, common cold, throat infection, fever etc. The inception of nutraceutical concept and increasing health consciousness the demand of nutraceutical and functional food is increased. In recent years, isolation and utilization of potential antioxidants from legumes including horse gram are increased as it decreases the risk of intestinal diseases, diabetes, coronary heart disease, prevention of dental caries etc. Keeping in view the increasing demand of food having nutraceutical values, the present review ascribed with recent scientific knowledge towards the possibilities of exploring the horse gram, as a source of food and nutraceuticals compounds. © 2014, Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (India).
Hydrogen Sulfide and Silicon Together Alleviate Chromium (VI) Toxicity by Modulating Morpho-Physiological and Key Antioxidant Defense Systems in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Deepti Singh; Chandan Kumar Singh; Manzer H. Siddiqui; Saud Alamri; Susheel Kumar Sarkar; Abhishek Rathore; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Dharmendra Singh; Nathi Lal Sharma; Hazem M. Kalaji; Adam Brysiewicz
Extensive use of chromium (Cr) in anthropogenic activities leads to Cr toxicity in plants causing serious threat to the environment. Cr toxicity impairs plant growth, development, and metabolism. In the present study, we explored the effect of NaHS [a hydrogen sulfide; (H2S), donor] and silicon (Si), alone or in combination, on two chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties (Pusa 2085 and Pusa Green 112), in pot conditions under Cr stress. Cr stress increased accumulation of Cr reduction of the plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase activity and decreased in photosynthetic pigments, essential minerals, relative water contents (RWC), and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in both the varieties. Exogenous application of NaHS and Si on plants exposed to Cr stress mitigated the effect of Cr and enhanced the physiological and biochemical parameters by reducing Cr accumulation and oxidative stress in roots and leaves. The interactive effects of NaHS and Si showed a highly significant and positive correlation with PM H+-ATPase activity, photosynthetic pigments, essential minerals, RWC, proline content, and enzymatic antioxidant activities (catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, superoxide dismutase, and monodehydroascorbate reductase). A similar trend was observed for non-enzymatic antioxidant activities (ascorbic acid, glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and dehydroascorbic acid level) in leaves while oxidative damage in roots and leaves showed a negative correlation. Exogenous application of NaHS + Si could enhance Cr stress tolerance in chickpea and field studies are warranted for assessing crop yield under Cr-affected area. Copyright © 2022 Singh, Singh, Siddiqui, Alamri, Sarkar, Rathore, Prasad, Singh, Sharma, Kalaji and Brysiewicz.
Nanotechnology: A potential approach for abiotic stress management
(Elsevier, 2020) Rakhi Mahto; Priyanka Rani; Reshu Bhardwaj; Rajesh Kumar Singh; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Amitava Rakshit
Abiotic stress alters the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum which adversely affects the crop productivity and plant growth. Abiotic stress is due to both natural as well as anthropogenic activities the major cause for the reduction in crop yields worldwide. There is urgent need of environmental friendly technology to overcome these stresses and improve the resource use efficiency and agricultural sustainability. Nanomaterials are the magic bullets having capability to mitigate the constraints associated with abiotic and biotic stress. Nanoparticles can penetrate specific cellular locations because of their extreme small size and acquired some peculiar properties play significant role in the protection of plants against various abiotic stresses. NMs protects the plants against oxidative stress as they mimic the role of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) under adverse environmental conditions such as drought, salinity, water logging, extreme temperature, UV-radiation, etc. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Phenophase-based nitrogen and zinc scheduling for agronomic zinc biofortification and indices of wheat (Triticum aestivum)
(Indian Society of Agronomy, 2017) Arup Layek; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Manoj Kumar Singh; Sunil Kumar Verma; Rajendra Prasad Meena
A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2012–13 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to access nitrogen and zinc management on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) phenophase (Zadoks scale) to increase yield, grain zinc content (agronomic biofortification) and agronomic indices of wheat. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with 4 nitrogen scheduling [0 kg N/ha, 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) at sowing + 50% RDN at Z20, 50% RDN at sowing + 25% RDN at Z20 + 25% RDN at Z30 and 50% RDN at sowing + 25% RDN at Z20 + 25% RDN at Z37 ) and 4 zinc scheduling (0 kg Zn/ha, 0.5% Zn-EDTA spray at Z45, 0.25% Zn-EDTA spray at Z45 + 0.25% Zn-EDTA spray at Z60 and 0.25% Zn-EDTA spray at Z45 + 0.25% Zn-EDTA spray at Z73 ). Nitrogen scheduling (50% RDN at sowing + 50% RDN at Z20) and zinc scheduling (0.5% Zn-EDTA spray at Z45) recorded significantly higher effective tillers, 1,000-grain weight, yield, zinc uptake, partial factor productivity (PEP), agronomic efficiency (AE) and recovery efficiency (RE) over the other treatments. Nitrogen and zinc management also positively interacted and recorded higher effective tillers, grain yield, and nitrogen and zinc uptake with N1 × Zn1; however, the maximum grain zinc content (52.30 mg/kg) was recorded with N3 × Zn2 combination. © 2018, Indian Society of Agronomy. All rights reserved.
Scientific validation of indigenous organic formulation-panchagavya for sustaining rice productivity and residual effect in rice-lentil system under hot semi-arid eco-region of middle indo-gangetic plains
(National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR), 2019) Pravin Kumar Upadhyay; Avijit Sen; Sanjay Singh Rathore; Bipin Kumar; Ram Kumar Singh; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Ardith Sankar
Combined application of organic source of nutrient and inorganic fertilizers increases nutrient synchrony and reduces losses leading to sustainable productivity. With this concept in mind a field trial was conducted at Varanasi, India during 2013–14 and 2014–15, to evaluate and validate the efficiency and efficacy of panchagavya (blend of five cow products i.e. dung, ghee, curd, urine and milk) in combination with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) on rice yield, soil microbial population, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil enzymatic activity and their residual effects on lentil. Application of panchagavya (D4-seedling root dip + one spray at 30 days after transplanting-DAT @ 6% + application through irrigation water at 60 DAT) produced higher productive tillers/m2, number of filled spikelets/panicle, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, soil bacterial and fungal population, SMBC and dehydrogenase activity. Application of 100% RDF significantly increased grain yield (5935 kg/ha) but 120% RDF recorded the highest straw yield (8283 kg/ha) and biological yield. Residual effect of panchagavya at D4 level resulted in higher (19.1% over control) seed yield of lentil. However, conjunctive use of 100% RDF and D4 ensured maximum net return (1194.9 $/ha).Therefore, use of indigenous product i.e. panchagavya in combination with fertilizer can be inferred to improve soil health, ascertain high productivity, profitability and sustainability in rice-lentil production, while preserving natural resource base under hot semi-arid eco-region of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). © 2019, National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR). All rights reserved.
Smart Water Systems: AI and IoT in Precision Irrigation
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2025) Abhishek Patidar; Richa Chaudhary; Neelkamal Mishra; Sudhir Kumar S. Rajpoot; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Chandra Bhushan
Freshwater is the most extensively extracted natural resource worldwide, despite being essential to ecosystem health and human survival. A scarcity in the circulation rate, which occurs when the demand for freshwater exceeds the supply, can be caused by excessive freshwater use. The most water-intensive sector is agriculture, which accounts for around 70% of that withdrawal volume. As climate change exacerbates this issue, traditional irrigation methods prove inadequate, leading to unsustainable practices such as over-extraction and soil degradation. The integration of smart water systems, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), presents innovative solutions for enhancing water use efficiency through precision irrigation. This approach enables farmers to deliver the right amount of water at optimal times, significantly improving crop yields and sustainability. The chapter explores the role of AI in precision irrigation, detailing various machine learning techniques that forecast water needs and optimize irrigation schedules based on real-time data. It also discusses the challenges of sensor accuracy, data integration, and economic barriers to adoption, particularly for smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the chapter highlights future trends in AI and IoT technologies, emphasizing the importance of government support and standardized practices for the widespread implementation of smart irrigation systems. Ultimately, in view of growing water scarcity, this chapter emphasizes how cutting-edge irrigation technologies may revolutionize agricultural water management and ensure food security. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Smart Weather-Based Irrigation Scheduling Technologies
(Springer Science+Business Media, 2025) Kareti Harika; P. Halesha; Abhishek Kumar Singh; Prajjwal Agnihotri; Sudhir Kumar S. Rajpoot; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Chandra Bhushan
Traditional irrigation methods show their significance and adaptability through their simplicity, low upfront cost, ease of use, and minimal reliance on technology. However, they often show lower water use efficiency as they can lead to inadequate watering, resulting in either short supply of water or water wastage and reduced crop productivity per unit of water supplied. Weather-based irrigation scheduling (WBIS) represents a significant advancement in agricultural water management practices. This innovative approach utilizes local weather data, particularly evapotranspiration rates, to optimize irrigation schedules and thus facilitate efficient irrigation management based on crop water needs. Weather-based systems’ key components include collecting the weather data influencing water needs of crops, instruments, sources of weather data collection, a processing model, and automated controllers that adjust watering based on real-time conditions. By integrating these elements, weather-based irrigation not only conserves water and environment but also enhances crop yield and sustainability in agricultural practices. However, challenges, such as high initial costs and technical complexities, may hinder its widespread adoption. By addressing these barriers through financial incentives and improved data accuracy, WBIS can become more accessible and lay the pavement for improved irrigation efficiency and positioning it as a key strategy for sustainable water management in a changing climate. © 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Soil Health, Energy Budget, and Rice Productivity as Influenced by Cow Products Application With Fertilizers Under South Asian Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains Zone
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2022) Pravin Kumar Upadhyay; Avijit Sen; Yashwant Singh; Ram Kumar Singh; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Ardith Sankar; Vinod Kumar Singh; S.K. Dutta; Rakesh Kumar; Sanjay Singh Rathore; Kapila Shekhawat; Subhash Babu; Rajiv Kumar Singh; Bipin Kumar; Abir Dey; G.A. Rajanna; Ramesh Kulshekaran
The comprehensive use of organic, inorganic, and biological components of nutrient management in rice ecologies can potentially address the twin challenges of declining factor productivity and deteriorating soil health. A field study was thus conducted at Varanasi, India during the year 2013–14 and 2014–15 to assess the effect of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with cow product (blends of 5 cow by-products i.e., dung, ghee, curd, urine, and milk that is known as panchagavya) on soil health, energy budget, and rice productivity. The results revealed that the inclusion of panchagavya as seedling root dip + 6% spray at 30 days after transplanting (DAT) + an application with irrigation water (15 l ha−1) at 60 DAT (D4) along with 100% RDF (F3) noted significantly higher rice grain yield (6.34 t ha−1) and higher dehydrogenase activity. However, the soil bacterial and actinomycetes population, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), urease, and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly higher with D4 along with 120% RDF (F4). Carbon output (5,608 kg CO2 eq ha−1), energy use parameters viz. energy output (187,867 MJ ha−1), net energy returns (164,319 MJ ha−1), and energy intensity valuation (5.08 MJ (Figure presented.)) were significantly higher under F4. However, the energy ratio (8.68), energy productivity (0.292 kg MJ−1), and energy profitability (7.68) remained highest with 80% RDF (F2), while the highest carbohydrate equivalent yield (4,641 kg mha−1) was produced under F3. The combination of F3 with D4 resulted in the highest productivity, optimum energy balance, and maintaining soil quality. Therefore, a judicious combination of cow product (panchagavya) with RDF was found to improve the rice productivity, energy profitability, and soil quality under south Asian eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGPs). Copyright © 2022 Upadhyay, Sen, Singh, Singh, Prasad, Sankar, Singh, Dutta, Kumar, Rathore, Shekhawat, Babu, Singh, Kumar, Dey, Rajanna and Kulshekaran.
Weed suppression and crop yield in wheat after mustard seed meal aqueous extract application with reduced rate of isoproturon
(Elsevier B.V., 2021) Manoj Kumar Singh; Saurabh Singh; Saroj Kumar Prasad
Weeds are the major biological constraints to wheat production, which reduces the wheat yield up to 80%. The phytotoxic effect of brassica water extracts against weeds has been previously studied; however, the effects of mustard seed meal water extract (MSMWE) alone or in combination with reduced rate of isoproturon (IP) have not yet been explored. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design to investigate the efficacy of MSMWE, at variable rates, i.e., 113, 225, 338, and 450 L ha−1 alone or combined with IP at 0.50 kg a.i. ha−1 (POST) (IP 0.5), and compared with the recommended rate of IP at 1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 (POST) (IP 1.0), weedy control, and twice-hand weeding (2-HW). Results revealed that 2-HW was the best treatment for weed suppression and wheat yield. Overall, MSMWE 450 L ha−1 + IP 0.5 was highly effective in the suppression of broadleaved weeds (BLWs) as well as of total weeds, and recorded the highest weed control efficiency (47.67) and herbicide efficiency index (0.927). Further, this treatment positively enhanced the tiller count, grain count earhead−1 and grain yield. Application of IP 1.0 effectively suppressed the BLWs, however, failed in the suppression of grassy weeds and total weeds; further, it showed a negative influence on crop dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Sole application of MSMWE suppressed the grassy weeds, dominated by Cynodon dactylon, as compared to combined and sole application of IP. Here we show for the first time that sole MSMWE has potential for suppression of C. dactylon. © 2021 The Authors
Zinc oxide nanoparticles alleviate chromium-induced oxidative stress by modulating physio-biochemical aspects and organic acids in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
(Elsevier Masson s.r.l., 2024) Deepti Singh; Nathi Lal Sharma; Dharmendra Singh; Manzer H. Siddiqui; Susheel Kumar Sarkar; Abhishek Rathore; Saroj Kumar Prasad; Abdel-Rhman Z. Gaafar; Sadam Hussain
Extensive chromium (Cr) release into water and soil severely impairs crop productivity worldwide. Nanoparticle (NP) technology has shown potential for reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving plant physicochemical profiles. Herein, we investigated the effects of exogenous zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs) on alleviating Cr stress in Cr-sensitive and tolerant chickpea genotypes. Hydroponically grown chickpea plants were exposed to Cr stress (0 and 120 μM) and ZnO-NPs (25 μM, 20 nm size) twice at a 7-day interval. Cr exposure reduced physiochemical profiles, ion content, cell viability, and gas exchange parameters, and it increased organic acid exudate accumulation in roots and the Cr content in the roots and leaves of the plants. However, ZnO-NP application significantly increased plant growth, enzymatic activities, proline, total soluble sugar, and protein and gas exchange parameters and reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide levels, Cr content in roots, and organic acid presence to improve root cell viability. This study provides new insights into the role of ZnO-NPs in reducing oxidative stress along with Cr accumulation and mobility due to low levels of organic acids in chickpea roots. Notably, the Cr-tolerant genotype exhibited more pronounced alleviation of Cr stress by ZnO-NPs. These findings highlight the potential of ZnO-NP in regulating plant growth, reducing Cr accumulation, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS