This study was conducted to investigate the influence of gamma rays on stomatal parameters and the interaction of these traits with agronomy of the sugarcane crop. Three genotypes of sugarcane (NIA-0819, NIA-98, and BL4) were exposed to four doses of gamma radiation (10, 20, 30, and 40 Gy) and then subjected to field trials. Stomatal length, width, and density were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, agronomic and sugar-related characteristics of the crop were determined at maturity. The stomatal parameters augmented at two lower doses of gamma radiation (10 and 20 Gy) and declined under higher doses (30 and 40 Gy). The maximum stomatal length was observed in NIA-0819 at 10 Gy (63.71 µm), whereas NIA-98 and BL4 demonstrated highest stomatal length under 20 Gy (54.11 and 57.40 µm, respectively), indicating a role of genetic factors in varietal response. Similar trend was noticed for stomatal width and density as well. The lowermost treatment (10 Gy) of NIA-0819 produced maximum stomatal density (115.31 stomata mm-2 on the abaxial surface). Adaxial stomatal density was significantly lower than the abaxial one. Sugar quality attributes revealed a different tendency. Sucrose contents of BL4 increased gradually from 12.33% at control to 14.54% at 40 Gy. Yield and yield-contributing traits of genotypes indicated a strong positive correlation with the stomatal parameters. The present study suggested that gamma radiations cause variations in stomatal characteristics of sugarcane. These changes further influence the photosynthetic activity and instigate a direct impact on the agronomic performance of the crop.
Environmental stresses may alter the nutritional profile and economic value of crops. Chemical fertilizers and phytohormones are major sources which can enhance the canola production under stressful conditions. Physio-biochemical responses of canola altered remarkably with the use of nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (N/P/K) fertilizers and plant growth regulators (PGRs) under drought stress. The major aim of current study was to evaluate nutritional quality and physio-biochemical modulation in canola (Brassica napus L.) from early growth to seed stage with NPK and PGRs in different water regimes. To monitor biochemical and physiological processes in canola, two season field experiment was conducted as spilt plot under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, Chemical fertilizers [N (90 kg/ha), P and K (45 kg ha-1)], PGRs; indole acetic acid (IAA) 15g ha-1, gibberellic acid (GA3) 15g ha-1 and the combination of NPK and PGRs] under different irrigations regimes (60, 100, 120, 150 mm evaporations). Water stress enhanced peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), soluble sugar, malondialdehyde (MDA), proline contents as well as leaf temperature while substantially reduced leaf water contents (21%), stomatal conductance (50%), chlorophyll contents (10–67%), membrane stability index (24%) and grain yield (30%) of canola. However, the combined application of NPK and PGR further increased the enzymatic antioxidant pool, soluble sugars, along with recovery of leaf water contents, chlorophyll contents, stomatal conductance and membrane stability index but decreased the proline contents and leaf temperature at different rate of evaporation. There is positive interaction of applied elicitors to the water stress in canola except leaf area. The outcomes depicted that the combination of NPK with PGRs improved the various morpho-physiological as well as biochemical parameters and reduced the pressure of chemical fertilizers cost about 60%. It had also reduced the deleterious effect of water limitation on the physiology and grain yield and oil contents of canola in field experiments.
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