Impacts of road on plant invasions in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal

Biological invasion is triggered by human development activities such as the construction and expansion of road networks.Road verges serve as important habitats and corridors for the distribution of invasive alien plant species(IAPS)between geographically distant habitats.However,the trajectory of plant invasion and the data regarding the impact of roads on IAPS distribution are relatively poor in Nepal.Here,we surveyed two road types(main roads and feeder road)in the Middle Mountain region of central Nepal in order to investigate how different road types are driving the dispersal of IAPS along road verges and the adjacent natural habitats.Systematic sampling was conducted at ca 2.5 km intervals along the roads.At each sampling site,paired plots(25 m×4 m)were sampled:one adjacent to and along the road,and another 20 m away and parallel to it in the interior habitat.Our results revealed that the main road verges had a higher cover(33%)and a larger number of IAPS(14 species)than the feeder road(25%;10 species).The IAPS cover and richness were significantly higher along verges than in the adjacent interior habitats for both road types,indicating that roads are contributing as corridors for the dispersal of IAPS in the Middle Mountain areas of central Nepal.Further,elevation,tree canopy,and disturbances(grazing/mowing/trampling)were found to be the key factors that determine spatial distribution of IAPS along road verges.We emphasize that regular monitoring of vegetation along the road verges can help with the early detection and control of potential IAPS in the region before they become problematic.

Seedling potential of trees species along the elevational gradient in temperate hill forest of central Nepal

Regeneration status of tree species along elevation gradient in temperate hill forest was not understood greatly.Present research examined the tree diversity and its regeneration patterns along an elevation gradient in temperate hill forest,central Nepal.Data were collected from 300 sample plots within vertical elevation bands of 10,ranging from 1365 to 2450 m asl.A random sampling method was used for data collection in three seasons,winter,pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons.Diameter at breast height(DBH)was used to broadly categorize the plant individual into trees,saplings and seedlings.The tree species richness ranged from 12 to 25 with density of 350 to 1200 individuals per hectare.Species richness of tree and sapling showed statistically significant unimodal pattern,which peaked at mid-elevation.Elevation showed a strong and positive linear correlation with the seedling density(Deviance=0.99,p<0.001)and a significant hump-shaped relationship with sapling density(Deviance=0.95,p<0.001).Similarly,elevations showed a statistically significant negative hump-shaped relationship with all trees,saplings and seedling stages(Deviances=0.89,0.87 and 0.57).The highest values of the Shannon-Wiener index and the lowest value of the Simpson index were found at mid-elevation for all growth forms.Nearly 92%of tree species were found at regenerating stage;49%in a good renewal regeneration status,32%in fair renewal regeneration,and 11%at a poor regenerating condition.Nevertheless,4%of tree species were reported as non-regenerating stages and 4%were newly introduced species.Hence,the regeneration status of the study area was considered fairly well since sapling(78.5%)>seedling(10.6%)≤mature(10.9%).Among tested environmental variables,elevation and annual mean rainfall were the most influential factors in the regeneration of tree species.

Grid System Mapping of Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov (Apiaceae) Distributed in Uzbekistan

This article presents information on the distribution of Ferula tadshikorum Pimenov species in the botanical—geographical region of Uzbekistan, based on data collected from available resources, including international sites, and databases, completed papers and directly conducted field studies. At the same time, under the circumstance that the natural area is directly getting smaller, the necessity and relevance of the thesis work on the evaluation of species’ natural reserves and the evaluation of the modern situations are demonstrated through examples. The Surkhandarya region is considered to have the largest number of plant species in Uzbekistan, and it is also distinguished by the variety of species. According to the location of the botanical-geographical regions of Uzbekistan, the territory of the Surkhandarya region is divided into five botanical-geographical regions (BGR). The 5 × 5 km2 grid system map includes 882 cells. Surkhan-Sherabod (BGR), Baisun (BGR), Sangardak-Topalang (BGR), Babatag (BGR), and Kuhitang (BGR) corresponded to these. Simultaneously, the 5 × 5 km2 grid system map of Uzbekistan’s flora in the Surkhandarya region revealed the presence of F. tadshikorum in 109 indices. On the territory of the region, the botanic-geographic region mainly includes the F. tadshikorum, Babatag (BGR), Baisun (BGR), and Kohitang (BGR) indices. The natural resources of F. tadshikorum in these areas were also analyzed.

Predicting potential invasion risks of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit in the arid area of Saudi Arabia

The presence of invasive plant species poses a substantial ecological impact,thus comprehensive evaluation of their potential range and risk under the influence of climate change is necessary.This study uses maximum entropy(MaxEnt)modeling to forecast the likelihood of Leucaena leucocephala(Lam.)de Wit invasion in Saudi Arabia under present and future climate change scenarios.Utilizing the MaxEnt modeling,we integrated climatic and soil data to predict habitat suitability for the invasive species.We conducted a detailed analysis of the distribution patterns of the species,using climate variables and ecological factors.We focused on the important influence of temperature seasonality,temperature annual range,and precipitation seasonality.The distribution modeling used robust measures of area under the curve(AUC)and receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)curves,to map the invasion extent,which has a high level of accuracy in identifying appropriate habitats.The complex interaction that influenced the invasion of L.leucocephala was highlighted by the environmental parameters using Jackknife test.Presently,the actual geographic area where L.leucocephala was found in Saudi Arabia was considerably smaller than the theoretical maximum range,suggesting that it had the capacity to expand further.The MaxEnt model exhibited excellent prediction accuracy and produced reliable results based on the data from the ROC curve.Precipitation and temperature were the primary factors influencing the potential distribution of L.leucocephala.Currently,an estimated area of 216,342 km^(2)in Saudi Arabia was at a high probability of invasion by L.leucocephala.We investigated the potential for increased invasion hazards in the future due to climate change scenarios(Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSPs)245 and 585).The analysis of key climatic variables,including temperature seasonality and annual range,along with soil properties such as clay composition and nitrogen content,unveiled their substantial influence on the distribution dynamic of L.leucocephala.Our findings indicated a significant expansion of high risk zones.High-risk zones for L.leucocephala invasion in the current climate conditions had notable expansions projected under future climate scenarios,particularly evident in southern Makkah,Al Bahah,Madina,and Asir areas.The results,backed by thorough spatial studies,emphasize the need to reduce the possible ecological impacts of climate change on the spread of L.leucocephala.Moreover,the study provides valuable strategic insights for the management of invasion,highlighting the intricate relationship between climate change,habitat appropriateness,and the risks associated with invasive species.Proactive techniques are suggested to avoid and manage the spread of L.leucocephala,considering its high potential for future spread.This study enhances the overall comprehension of the dynamics of invasive species by combining modeling techniques with ecological knowledge.It also provides valuable information for decision-making to implement efficient conservation and management strategies in response to changing environmental conditions.

Barley chitinase genes expression revamp resistance against whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Chitinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin,a major component of the exoskeleton of insects,including plant pests like whiteflies.The present study aimed to investigate the expression of chemically synthesized barley ch1 and chi2 genes in cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.Fifty-five putative transgenic cotton plants were obtained,out of which fifteen plants successfully survived and were shifted to the field.Using gene-specific primers,amplification of 447 bp and 401 bp fragments confirmed the presence of the ch1 and chi2 genes in five transgenic cotton plants of the T0 generation.These five plants were further evalu-ated for their mRNA expression levels.The T0 transgenic cotton plants with the highest mRNA expression level and better yield performance in field,were selected to raise their subsequent progenies.Results The T1 cotton plants showed the highest mRNA expression levels of 3.5-fold in P10(2)for the ch1 gene and 3.7-fold in P2(1)for the chi2 gene.Fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed a single copy number of ch1 and chi2(hemizygous)on chromosome no.6.Furthermore,the efficacy of transgenes on whitefly was evaluated through an insect bioassay,where after 96 h of infestation,mortality rates of whitefly were calculated to be 78%–80%in transgenic cotton plants.The number of eggs on transgenic cotton plants were calculated to be 0.1%–0.12 per plant compared with the non-transgenic plants where egg number was calculated to be 0.90–1.00 per plant.Conclusion Based on these findings,it can be concluded that the chemically synthesized barley chitinase genes(ch1 and chi2)have the potential to be effective against insects with chitin exoskeletons,including whiteflies.The transgenic cotton plants expressing these genes showed increased resistance to whiteflies,resulting in reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates.

Heavy metal pollution of river water and eco-friendly remediation using potent microalgal species

Pollution of rivers is mainly caused by anthropogenic activities such as discharge of effluent from industrial facilities,maintenance of sewage/effluent treatment plants,and dumping of solid waste on river banks.This study dealt with the pollution issues of the Cooum River in the well-known city of Chennai in South India.Water samples from 27 locations were collected and analyzed for 12 elements,including Ba,B,and Al,as well as heavy metals such as Pb,Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Zn,and Cd.The samples showed levels of these elements that exceeded World Health Organization recommendations.Pearson correlation analysis revealed the inter-dependency among elements,and the contribution of each element based on factor loadings showed its percentage contribution compared to others.Water samples from six significant locations were chosen for remediation with three algae:Chlorella vulgaris,Scenedesmus dimorphus,and Phormedium sp.The uptake of pollutants led to the continuous growth of algae during the incubation period of 15 d,effectively removing heavy metals from the river water.The increasing levels of algal counts and the chlorophyll a content confirmed the algal growth during the incubation period,followed by a declining stage after the incubation period.The scanning electron microscopic images of algae before and after the remediation showed no remarkable modification of morphological patterns.This study showed that the uptake of heavy metals using algae is an effective water pollution remediation measure,making the process practicable in the field on a large scale in the near future.

Grid System Analysis of Urban Flora of Bukhara City (Uzbekistan)

This article presents information on the study of the flora of Uzbekistan based on grid system mapping. The urban flora of the city of Bukhara was researched in it. As a result of research, the territory of Bukhara city was divided into 85 indexes based on 1 × 1 km2 grid mapping system. The diversity and density of species in the indexes are determined. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity of species in the indexes is determined.

Structural-Adaptation Features of Assimilation Organs of the Species Salsola incanescens Cam. in Conditions of Kyzylkum

The article presents the results of the morpho-anatomical structure of the assimilation organs of the species Salsola leptoclada Gand, which is widespread in the Kyzylkum desert region of Uzbekistan, and reveals the structural, diagnostic and adaptive features. In the assimilation organs, Kranz type of mesophyll was found: in the cotyledons of the Kranz-spherical (Atriplicoid) type, and in the leaf—mesophylls of the Kranz-centric (Salsoloid) and Kranz-ventrodorsal type. These revealed diagnostic features of the assimilating organs of this species in arid conditions noted C4-type photosynthesis. Based on the comparative biometric analysis of quantitative indices of the anatomical features of the assimilating organs, xero-halomorphic features predominate. Halomorphic features are in the cotyledons—thin outer walls of the epidermal cells;few stomata of the anomocytic and paracytic type;few rows of spongy cells (3 - 4 rows);few vascular bundles of the collateral type and xylem, in the leaf—large and thin outer walls of the epidermal cells;succulence of the leaf mesophyll, the presence of aquiferous cells;large palisade, keratin and aquiferous cells. Xeromorphic features in the cotyledons—small and numerous epidermal cells and hemiparacytic type stomata also deep immersion;small palisade cells and a high palisade index, small spongy, hypodermal and keratin cells;small diameter of the xylem in vascular bundles;in the leaf numerous epidermal cells and stomata also deeply immersed;presence and numerous multicellular nodular, dentate trichomes;multi-row water-bearing cells;high palisade index;small and numerous xylem;numerous peripheral vascular bundles of the collateral type. These identified specific diagnostic features showing adaptation to arid conditions can also serve in the identification of plant materials.

Multi-environment BSA-seq using large F3 populations is able to achieve reliable QTL mapping with high power and resolution: An experimental demonstration in rice

Bulked-segregant analysis by deep sequencing(BSA-seq) is a widely used method for mapping QTL(quantitative trait loci) due to its simplicity, speed, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. However, the ability of BSA-seq to detect QTL is often limited by inappropriate experimental designs, as evidenced by numerous practical studies. Most BSA-seq studies have utilized small to medium-sized populations, with F2populations being the most common choice. Nevertheless, theoretical studies have shown that using a large population with an appropriate pool size can significantly enhance the power and resolution of QTL detection in BSA-seq, with F_(3)populations offering notable advantages over F2populations. To provide an experimental demonstration, we tested the power of BSA-seq to identify QTL controlling days from sowing to heading(DTH) in a 7200-plant rice F_(3)population in two environments, with a pool size of approximately 500. Each experiment identified 34 QTL, an order of magnitude greater than reported in most BSA-seq experiments, of which 23 were detected in both experiments, with 17 of these located near41 previously reported QTL and eight cloned genes known to control DTH in rice. These results indicate that QTL mapping by BSA-seq in large F_(3)populations and multi-environment experiments can achieve high power, resolution, and reliability.

Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA and Agro-Morphological Traits-Based Fingerprinting for Detection of Genetic Divergence in Indian Black Rice

In this study, 32 black rice genotypes spanning diverse geographies in India were evaluated at both phenotypic and DNA sequence levels to gain insights into their genetic makeup. Significant variations were observed for 14 agro-morphological traits, showing correlations among several yield-related traits.

Novel wild edible mushroom Astraeus hygrometricus(Pers.)Morgan induces robust apoptosis on human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells through a RONS-subsisted mitochondria-dependent pathway

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effects of the novel wild edible mushroom Astraeus hygrometricus(Pers.)Morgan(A.hygrometricus)on human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.Methods:Extensive screening of the antiproliferative and chemopreventive potential of different extracts from 5 wild mushrooms,A.hygrometricus,Phallus sp.,Lentinus sp.,Tricholoma sp.,and Serpula sp.was performed against a panel of 6 cancer cell lines and normal cells using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay.Apoptosis determination,cell cycle profiling,intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)and reactive nitrogen species(RNS),and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed by flow cytometry.The activity of caspases was measured colorimetrically,and the expression pattern of mitochondrial proteins was analyzed.Results:The methanol extract of A.hygrometricus and MOLT-4 cells were identified as the most potent extract exhibiting antiproliferative activity and most sensitive cell line,respectively.The mushroom extract induced robust selective apoptosis in MOLT-4 cells and arrested cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 stage.The extract disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced ROS production in MOLT-4 cells.The methanol extract induced apoptosis by downregulating the expression of Bcl-2,increasing the expression of Bax,and activating the caspase cascade.Conclusion:The novel wild edible mushroom is a potential repository of biomolecules for the development of antileukemic drugs.

Broad Hormonal Responses Induced by Aluminum in Roots of Dwarf Transgenics of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv “Micro-Tom”

The spatial pattern distribution of plant hormones in response to aluminum (Al) toxicity in roots remains to be shown. This study was performed to assess the root hormonal accumulation and gene expression in response to Al toxicity in five transgenic miniature dwarf tomatoes cv. Micro-Tom (MT). MT and MT transgenics to acid indole acetic, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid and ethylene were cultivated in nutrient solutions containing different Al concentrations. Root growth elongation was measured and cellular damage was visualized by staining Evans’s blue. The GUS reporter gene staining technique was used to visualize hormonal changes in MT apex root tissues. Data indicated that the MT is sensitive to Al that induced significant growth inhibition and cellular damage. Al concentration of 27 μM was significantly toxic, inducing root apex darkening and inhibition of root development. The qualitative evaluation of GUS reporter gene expression showed intense crosstalk among all hormones studied, underscoring the complexity of signaling induced by Al in apex roots. Results point out to a major understanding of the hormonal signaling in response to Al toxicity, which may induce a change of root growth and architecture with growth inhibition and cell constraints modulated by all different hormones evaluated.

Biology of Flowering of Some Species of the Genus Phlomoides Moench

The article presents the biology of flowering and the daily dynamics of flowering of two species from the Lamiaceae family: ph. anisochila va ph. sogdiana of the distribution out in the Nuratau Mountains range.

Effect of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Two Industrial Potato Varieties (Asterix and Courage) in Bangladesh

Potato is one of the most important vegetable crops, which contributes more than half of the total vegetable production in Bangladesh. Four field experiments were conducted in two different locations in Bangladesh to develop integrated nutrient management practices to produce quality potato seed in industrial processing varieties Asterix and Courage. For the inorganic trial, Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) including 2 potato varieties, 5 treatments with 4 replications, and in the organic fertilizer trial, Factorial RCBD including 2 potato varieties, 6 treatments with 4 replications were used. In the inorganic fertilizer trail, the highest yield was obtained in the variety Asterix due to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur (NPKS) plus Magnesium treated plot in Domar BADC farm and due to NPKS plus Boron, Zinc, and Magnesium treated plots in Kashimpur Farm. In the case of variety Courage, the highest yield was found in the treatment of NPKS plus Zinc in Domar BADC farm while in Kashimpur farm, NPKS plus Mg treated plots had the highest yield of potato variety-Courage. In the organic fertilizer trail, the highest tuber yield per hill was obtained by applying the government-approved commercial brand Northern organic fertilizer in variety Asterix and by organic fertilizer brand Chook Chook in variety Courage. Parameters such as days to tuber initiation, number of stems per hill, plant height, and number of tubers per hill were found statistically different among the treatments and between the two varieties. Treatments namely Northern organic fertilizer and Cowdung combined with mustard oil cake performed better considering standard grade tuber yield (grade A and B) compared to other treatments. Hence, the combination of NPKS MgZn and either Northern organic or Chook Chook or Cowdung plus mustard oil cake could be used to grow the varieties Asterix and Courage.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe euonymicola on Euonymus japonicum in Uzbekistan

A new powdery mildew fungus named Erysiphe euonymicola was discovered in the mycobiota of Uzbekistan as a result of a mycological study conducted in the city of Samarkand. This fungus was found on the bush Euonymus japonicum and a brief description along with photographs of Erysiphe euonymicola have been provided. Erysiphe euonymicola is a phytopathogenic fungus that infects 80% - 90% of the leaves and young branches of Euonymus japonicum. The first symptoms of the disease are round, weeping spots on the leaves;later the spots form white mycelium over the entire surface of the leaves. When the plant is heavily infected, both sides of the leaves are completely covered with mycelium. The fungus Erysiphe euonymicola, parasitizing Euonymus japonicum, seriously inhibits the development of the host plant. The mycelium of Erysiphe euonymicola is formed on the surface of the leaf of the host plant and is a cluster of hyphae that form a dense covering in the form of a round spot. Conidiophores are erect, unbranched, and of Pseudoidium type, very variable in shape and size. Conidiophores consist of 2 - 3 cylindrical cells growing vertically from the hyphae;the sizes of conidiophores are given relative to the average length and width of selected conidiophores (n = 15). According to scanning electron microscopy, ellipsoidal-cylindrical conidia are single, scattered among conidiophores, ranging in size from 23.97 to 24.51 × 11.5 to 12.47 µm (n = 15). Conidial stalk cells are usually straight or slightly curved, ranging in size from 23.5 to 23.91 × 7.17 to 7.47 µm (n = 15).

Diversity of Orchids in Terms of Their Distribution, Uses and Conservation in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA), the first conservation area and the largest protected area (PA) in Nepal, is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Notwithstanding this, orchids in the ACA have not been explored enough yet thus making the need for ambitious research to be carried out. Previous study only included 81 species of orchids within ACA. This study aims to update the record of species and genera richness in the ACA. In total 198 species of orchids, belonging to 67 genera (40% and 62% of the total recorded orchid species and genera in Nepal) has been recorded in ACA. This represents an increase of 144% in species and 56% in genera over the previous data. Out of the 198 species, 99 were epiphytes, 6 were holomycotrophic and 93 were terrestrial. Among the 67 genera, Bulbophyllum (17) species were dominant, followed by Dendrobium (16), Herminium (10), Coelogyne, Plantanthera (9 each), Eria, Habenaria, Oberonia (8 each), Calanthe (7), and Liparis (6). Fifty-six species were found to be ornamentally significant and 85 species medicinally significant.

Genome-wide identification and expression profiling of photosystem II(PsbX)gene family in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Photosystem II(PSII)constitutes an intricate assembly of protein pigments,featuring extrinsic and intrinsic polypeptides within the photosynthetic membrane.The low-molecular-weight transmembrane protein PsbX has been identified in PSII,which is associated with the oxygen-evolving complex.The expression of PsbX gene protein is regulated by light.PsbX’s central role involves the regulation of PSII,facilitating the binding of quinone molecules to the Qb(PsbA)site,and it additionally plays a crucial role in optimizing the efficiency of photosynthesis.Despite these insights,a comprehensive understanding of the PsbX gene’s functions has remained elusive.Results In this study,we identified ten PsbX genes in Gossypium hirsutum L.The phylogenetic analysis results showed that 40 genes from nine species were classified into one clade.The resulting sequence logos exhibited substantial conservation across the N and C terminals at multiple sites among all Gossypium species.Furthermore,the ortholo-gous/paralogous,Ka/Ks ratio revealed that cotton PsbX genes subjected to positive as well as purifying selection pressure might lead to limited divergence,which resulted in the whole genome and segmental duplication.The expression patterns of GhPsbX genes exhibited variations across specific tissues,as indicated by the analysis.Moreover,the expression of GhPsbX genes could potentially be regulated in response to salt,intense light,and drought stresses.Therefore,GhPsbX genes may play a significant role in the modulation of photosynthesis under adverse abiotic conditions.Conclusion We examined the structure and function of PsbX gene family very first by using comparative genom-ics and systems biology approaches in cotton.It seems that PsbX gene family plays a vital role during the growth and development of cotton under stress conditions.Collectively,the results of this study provide basic information to unveil the molecular and physiological function of PsbX genes of cotton plants.

Natural Products and Antiviral Resistance

Viral diseases are minacious with the potential for causing pandemics and treatment is complicated because of their inherent ability to mutate and become resistant to drugs. Antiviral drug resistance is a persistent problem that needs continuous attention by scientists, medical professionals, and government agencies. To solve the problem, an in-depth understanding of the intricate interplay between causes of antiviral drug resistance and potential new drugs specifically natural products is imperative in the interest and safety of public health. This review delves into natural product as reservoir for antiviral agents with the peculiar potentials for addressing the complexities associated with multi-drug resistant and emerging viral strains. An evaluation of the mechanisms underlying antiviral drug activity, antiviral drug resistance is addressed, with emphasis on production of broad-spectrum antiviral agents from natural sources. There is a need for continued natural product-based research, identification of new species and novel compounds.

Effect of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on Growth, Mineral Composition, and Nutritional Value of Wheat & Lentil Sprouts

Sprouts are ready-to-eat and are recognized worldwide as functional components of the human diet.Recent advances in innovative agricultural techniques could enable an increase in the production of healthy food.The use of light-emitting diode(LED)in indoor agricultural production could alter the biological feedback loop,increasing the functional benefits of plant foods such as wheat and lentil sprouts and promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.The effects of white(W),red(R),and blue(B)light were investigated on the growth parameters and nutritional value of wheat and lentil sprouts.In the laboratory,seeds were sown under three different LED treat-ments:white,red,and blue light,while normal incandescent light served as a control.Percentage seed germina-tion improved by 18.34%and 12.67%for wheat and 18.34%and 12.67%for lentil sprouts under LED treatments R and B,respectively.An increase in total soluble protein and sugar by 33.4%and 9.23%in wheat and by 31.5%and 5.87%in lentils was observed under the R LED treatment.Vitamin C concentrations in wheat and lentils were significantly increased by R LED compared to all other treatments.Other parameters,including potassium and sodium concentrations,were significantly increased under red and blue light compared to the control;white light,on the other hand,significantly decreased all these parameters.According to the experimental data,red and blue LED light could be beneficial in the production of functional wheat and lentil sprouts with high nutrient concentrations.

Physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various farming systems of cold arid region in Balochistan,Pakistan

Barshore is a small village in the Pishin District,Balochistan,Pakistan,with dry summers and cold rainy winters.This is an agrarian region,mostly with orchards of various fruit trees.This study investigated the physico-chemical properties and macrofauna of soils under various agricultural management practices of this region.The concentrations of soil organic matter(SOM),soil organic carbon(SOC),nutrients,pH,electrical conductivity,soil texture,and the abundance and number of species of soil macrofauna of the agricultural fields were measured.Fifteen agricultural fields were sampled.Fourteen fields were orchards of apple,apricot or the mixture of apple and apricot trees and one field was a cropland,cultivated with wheat as a monocrop.The orchards were under conservation agricultural practices;whereas,the cropland was under conventional management.These agricultural lands were 2-26 years old.The concentration of soil organic matter(SOM)in the upper 0-10 cm depth of these field sites ranged from 11.6 g kg^(-1)to 32.8 g kg^(-1)soil.As compared to cropland,orchards had significantly higher concentration of SOM and SOC.A total of 18 soil macrofauna species were found and the most common and abundant were ants(Monomorium minimum,Camponotus pennsylvanicus,Solenopsis invicta,and Lasius niger)followed by Arion ssp.(Brown Slug)and earthworm Lumbricus terrestris.Regression analysis revealed non-significant relationship of the age and the concentration of SOM with the number of macrofauna species and with the concentrations of total mineral nitrogen,bioavailable phosphorus and clay.The existence of ants had no relationship with the concentration of SOM;whereas,existence of Lumbricus terrestris tended to had a positive relationship with the concentration of SOM.The field of tree-based intercropping system was 2 years of age since the land was converted from rangeland to a cropland,had two ant species coexisting.This indicates the positive influence of crop diversification on soil macrofauna.