Heavy metals are the intrinsic component of the environment with both essential and nonessential types. Their excessive levels pose a threat to plant growth and yield. Also, some heavy metals are toxic to plants even at very low concentrations. The present investigation (a pot experiment) was conducted to determine the affects of varying chromium(VI) levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil in the form of potassium dichromate) on the key enzymes of nitrogen metabolism in clusterbean. Chromium treatment adversely affect nitrogenase, nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate dehydrogenase in various plant organs at different growth stages as specific enzyme activity of these enzymes decreased with an increase in chromium(VI) levels from 0 to 2.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil and 4.0 mg chromium(VI) kg−1 soil was found to be lethal to clusterbean plants. In general, the enzyme activity increased with advancement of growth to reach maximum at flowering stage and thereafter decreased at grain filling stage.
An experiment was conducted on four genotypes of Cenchrus ciliaris, two genotypes of C. setigerus and one genotype each of Panicum maximum, P. antidotale and Lasirus sindicus grasses at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana, India in 2003 and 2004. Two cuts were taken in the months of September and November in each year. Measurements were made of seven morphological characteristics and the nutritive value of the grasses. The total green fodder yield was highest in C. ciliaris cv. IGFRI in 2003 and in C. ciliaris cv. CAZRI 75 in 2004. Total dry matter (DM) yield was highest in P. maximum cv. IGFRI and C. ciliaris cv. CAZRI 75 in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Crude protein and digestible DM yields were highest in C. ciliaris cv. CAZRI 75. It was concluded that C. ciliaris cv. CAZRI 75 can be recommended as the one with the most potential among the studied grasses for use in the arid regions of south-west Haryana, India.
This investigation was planned to determine the effect of different concentrations of zinc (Zn) on biochemical constituents of clusterbean, which play an important role in disease resistance mechanisms. Clusterbean seedlings were grown with 0, 10, or 20 mg Zn kg−1 soil treatments in earthen pots filled with 700 g inoculated soil. Soil was inoculated by pretreatment with 250 mg (wet weight) of Rhizoctonia inoculums per pot. A similar set was maintained in uninoculated soil. Root rot incidence decreased to 41 and 27 per cent with 10 and 20 mg Zn kg−1 soil treatments, respectively, as compared to 68 percent at control. Antioxidative enzyme activity (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and tyrosine ammonia lyase) increased in inoculated seedlings and was increased further by 20 mg Zn kg−1 soil treatment. Antioxidative enzymes play an important role against fungal invasion, as peroxidase is involved in the formation of barrier via lignifications at the site of pathogen penetration. PAL and TAL play a key role in phenylpropanoid metabolism and could perform defense-related functions. Zn acts as a cofactor for these enzymes, so it can be concluded that Zn may be used as a soil-nutritive agent to increase resistance in plants against fungal diseases.
The chemical composition of the green, fully ripened pods and seeds of Leucaena leucocephala shows some variation in their nutrient contents in different genotypes. Green pods are a rich source of protein and well comparable with the protein content of leguminous seeds. The structural carbohydrate varies significantly. Green pods are of dual importance to supply fibre and nutrients. The empty fully ripened pods are fibrous. The seeds, besides having rich protein content, have 20 – 25% galactomannan gum which has the potential to be used as a laxative and in vegetable soups. Mimosine content is higher in the green pods, but it is thermolabile.
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