The evaluation of bacterial-augmented floating treatment wetlands for concomitant removal of phenol and chromium from contaminated water.

Contamination of aquatic ecosystems with organic and inorganic contaminants is a global threat due to their hazardous effects on the environment and human health. Floating treatment wetland (FTW) technology is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to existing treatment approaches. It consists of a buoyant mat in which wetland plants can grow and develop their roots in a suspended manner and can be implemented to treat stormwater, municipal wastewater, and industrial effluents. Here we explored the potential of bacterial-augmented FTWs for the concurrent remediation of phenol and hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) contaminated water and evaluated treated water toxicity using Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) as a test plant. The FTWs carrying Phragmites australis L. (common reed) were inoculated with a consortium of four bacterial strains (Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN, Acinetobacter lwofii ACRH76, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJRS20, Bacillus sp. PJRS25) and evaluated for their potential to simultaneously remove phenol and chromium (Cr) from contaminated water. Results revealed that the FTWs efficiently improved water quality by removing phenol (86%) and Cr (80%), with combined use of P. australis and bacterial consortium after 50 days. The phytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the germination of wheat seed (96%) was significantly higher where bacterial-augmented FTWs treated water was used compared to untreated water. This pilot-scale study highlights that the combined application of wetland plants and bacterial consortium in FTWs is a promising approach for concomitant abatement of phenol and Cr from contaminated water, especially for developing countries like Pakistan where the application of advanced and expensive technologies is limited.

This pilot-scale research provides new interventions and information required for establishing a large-scale remediation framework for the effective, sustainable and eco-friendly remediation of phenol and Cr co-contaminated aquatic ecosystems, using bacterial augmented floating wetlands technology (FTWs).

Unveiling the significance of foliar-applied silicon, selenium and phosphorus for the management and remediation of arsenic in two different rice genotypes.

Under paddy soil conditions, rice plants are vulnerable to arsenic (As) accumulation, thus causing potential threat to human health. Here we investigated the influence of foliar-applied phosphorus (P: 10 and 20 mg L-1), silicon (Si: 0.6 and 1.5 g L-1) and selenium (Se: 5 and 10 mg L-1) on As accumulation, morphological and physiological attributes of two contrasting rice genotypes (KSK-133 and Super Basmati) under As stress (25 mg kg-1 as arsenate). Silicon foliar dressing significantly (p < 0.05) reduced grain As uptake (up to 67%) and improved rice growth and chlorophyll content (28-66%) in both rice genotypes over their controls. Phosphorus foliar application resulted in a notable decrease (17%) in grain As uptake of coarse rice genotype (KSK-133), while it slightly increased grain As uptake in the fine one (Super Basmati; 6%) compared to controls. However, foliar-applied Se did not show significant effects on rice plants growth attributes and As uptake in both genotypes. Similarly, biochemical and enzymatic attributes (i.e., lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, peroxidase and catalase) were improved with Si application in rice plants, except for P treatment that was only effective for coarse one. Foliar-applied Si also resulted in reduced cancer risk and hazard quotient (< 0.10) for both rice genotypes. This study advances our understanding on critical role of different foliar-applied nutrients and rice genotypes, which is imperative to develop effective As remediation and management strategies in coarse and fine rice genotypes and protect human health.

This study provided new insights on the significance of foliar-applied phosphorus, silicon and selenium for the management and remediation of arsenic in fine (Super Basmati) and coarse (KSK-133) rice genotypes. Foliar-applied silicon was the most promising strategy to mitigate arsenic uptake and minimizing health risk in rice grain of both genotypes, while phosphorus was effective only for coarse one, thus showing a genotype dependent response. Interestingly, selenium foliar application had no significant effect on arsenic accumulation in both rice genotypes.

Exploring the potential of bacterial-augmented floating treatment wetlands for the remediation of detergent-contaminated water.

Due to industrialization and urbanization, the use of detergents inadvertently led to contamination of aquatic environments, thus posing potential threat to aquatic organisms and human health. One of the main components of detergents is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), which can cause toxic effects on living organisms, particularly aquatic life in the environment. In this study, floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) mesocosms were developed and augmented with LAS-degrading bacteria. The plant species, Brachiaria mutica (Para grass), was vegetated to establish FTWs and bacterial consortium (1:1:1:1) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PJRS20, Bacillus sp. BRRH60, Acinetobacter sp. strain CYRH21, and Burkholderia phytofirmans Ps.JN was augmented (free or immobilized) in these mesocosms. Results revealed that the FTWs removed LAS from the contaminated water and their augmentation with bacteria slightly increased LAS removal during course of the experiment. Maximum reduction in LAS concentration (94%), chemical oxygen demand (91%), biochemical oxygen demand (93%), and total organic carbon (91%) was observed in the contaminated water having FTWs augmented with bacterial consortium immobilized on polystyrene sheet. This study highlights that the FTWs supported with immobilized bacteria on polystyrene sheets can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable solution for the remediation of LAS-bearing water, especially for developing countries like Pakistan.

This pilot-scale study provided insights to resolve the detergent-contaminated wastewater issue, using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) augmented with bacteria. The FTWs augmented with bacteria immobilized on a polystyrene sheet and vegetated with Brachiaria mutica led to high degradation of LAS, a toxic compound of detergent, from the contaminated water.

Patients with Diabetes Experienced More Serious and Protracted Sickness from the COVID-19 Infection: A Prospective Study.

Background and Objectives: In December 2019, a flu-like illness began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. This sickness mainly affected the lungs, ranging from a minor respiratory tract infection to a severe lung involvement that mimicked the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The World Health Organization (WHO) labelled this sickness as a pandemic in March 2020, after it quickly spread throughout the world population. It became clear, as the illness progressed, that people with concomitant illnesses, particularly diabetes mellitus (DM) and other immunocompromised states, were outmatched by this illness. This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between Computed Tomographic Severity Score (CTSS) and underlying diabetes mellitus in coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective study in which a total of 152 patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID status who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest were evaluated and categorized into mild, moderate and severe cases based on the extent of lung parenchymal involvement. A total score from 0-25 was given, based on the magnitude of lung involvement. Statistical analysis was used to derive a correlation between DM and CTSS, if any. Results: From our study, it was proven that patients with underlying diabetic status had more severe involvement of the lung as compared to non-diabetics, and it was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.024). Conclusions: On analysis of what we found based on the study, it can be concluded that patients with underlying diabetic status had a more prolonged and severe illness in comparison to non-diabetics, with higher CTSS in diabetics than in non-diabetics.

Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticle (AgNPs) Using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Knoxia sumatrensis (Retz.) DC. and Their Multi-Potent Biological Activity: An Eco-Friendly Approach.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained greater interest among chemists and researchers in this current scenario. The present research investigates the larvicidal and anti-proliferation activity of AgNPs derived from Knoxia sumatrensis aqueous leaf extract (K. sumatrensis-ALE) as a potential capping and reducing candidate. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized through-UV-spectra absorption peak at 425 nm. The XRD and FT-IR studied displayed the crystalline nature and presence of functional groups in prepared samples. FE-SEM showed the hexagonal shape of NPs with the size of 7.73 to 32.84 nm. The synthesized AgNPs displayed superior antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity (IC50 53.29 µg/mL) of breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Additionally, larvicidal activity against mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus larvae delivered (LC50-0.40, mg/L, and LC90-15.83) significant mortality rate post treatment with synthesized AgNPs. Overall, the present research illustrates that the synthesized AgNPs have high biological potential and present a perfect contender in the pharmacological and mosquitocidal arena.

Design and development of porous terracotta disc: An eco-friendly novel control agent for mosquito larvae.

In the present work, we synthesized silver nanoparticles supported by rice husk by hydrothermal treatment, as-synthesized silver nanoparticles rice husk (AgNPs-RH) bio-composite mixed with potter clay thoroughly, molded, dried into a disc-shaped before firing and applying as a point of use larvicidal agent. As designed, porous terracotta disc (PTD) infused with AgNPs-RH-biocomposite were characterized by UV spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The amount of silver ions released from the PTD was also found to be within the prescribed limit of 0.1 ppm-level. Later we dropped the PTD and tested its larvicidal activity against the IVth instar larva stage of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex species. We found 100% larvicidal mortality in 24 h of exposure to the designed PTD and the amount of silver released from the porous disc was found to be 0.0343 ppm. Further from the histopathological studies of dead larvae revealed that the silver ions from the PTD have substantially damaged the exoskeleton of larvae.

Ecotoxicity of neonicotinoids and diamides on population growth performance of Zygogramma bicolorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Relative ecotoxicity of approved neonicotinoids (i.e. imidacloprid, clothianidin, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam and dinotefuran) and diamides (i.e. chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole and flubendiamide) was examined on population growth parameters of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister on parthenium under laboratory conditions at 27 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% relative humidity and 10 L : 14D photoperiod. The dose of all tested insecticides in the bioassay procedure was within a minimum range of their recommended field rate. In acute toxicity trial, imidacloprid caused highest rate of mortality in treated adults of Z. bicolorata, however, it was lowest in flubendiamide treatment followed by cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole. Further, based on toxicity coefficient (E) value in acute toxicity trial, all were classified as harmful (H) and diamides were classified as moderately harmful (MH) as per IOBC classification. Moreover, chronic toxicity trials were carried out through life table response experiments (LTREs) in the F1 progeny of acute toxicity experienced group. Prolonged development with the highest mortality was evident in as compared to diamides. Furthermore, population growth parameters i.e. potential fecundity (Pf), natality rate (mx), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0) and finite rate of increase (λ) was greatly reduced in Z. bicolorata treated with neonicotinoids as compared with diamides. However, mean generation time (Tc), corrected generation time (τ) and the doubling time (DT) was prolonged in neonicotinoids followed by diamides. Furthermore, proportion of females was greatly reduced (0.43-0.48 females) in neonicotinoids as comparison to diamides (0.53-0.55 females) and control (0.67 females). On the basis of ecotoxicity trials, the tested neonicotinoids were highly toxic to Z. bicolorata than diamides. Therefore, diamide insecticides could be used with Z. bicolorata, however, for validation experimentation need to be done under natural field conditions.

Box-Behnken Response Surface Design of Polysaccharide Extraction from Rhododendron arboreum and the Evaluation of Its Antioxidant Potential.

In the present investigation, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions and optimization of Rhododendron arboreum polysaccharide (RAP) yield were studied by a Box-Behnken response surface design and the evaluation of its antioxidant potential. Three parameters that affect the productivity of UAE, such as extraction temperature (50-90 °C), extraction time (10-30 min), and solid-liquid ratio (1-2 g/mL), were examined to optimize the yield of the polysaccharide percentage. The chromatographic analysis revealed that the composition of monosaccharides was found to be glucose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, and fucose. The data were fitted to polynomial response models, applying multiple regression analysis with a high coefficient of determination value (R2 = 0.999). The data exhibited that the extraction parameters have significant effects on the extraction yield of polysaccharide percentage. Derringer's desirability prediction tool was attained under the optimal extraction conditions (extraction temperature 66.75 °C, extraction time 19.72 min, and liquid-solid ratio 1.66 mL/g) with a desirability value of 1 yielded the highest polysaccharide percentage (11.56%), which was confirmed through validation experiments. An average of 11.09 ± 1.65% of polysaccharide yield was obtained in optimized extraction conditions with a 95.43% validity. The in vitro antioxidant effect of polysaccharides of R. arboreum was studied. The results showed that the RAP extract exhibited a strong potential against free radical damage.

Accumulation of heavy metals in the fish, Oreochromis niloticus and Poecilia latipinna and their concentration in water and sediment of dam lake of Wadi Namar, Saudi Arabia.

The present study reports the accumulation of heavy metals like Cu, Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr in different tissues viz. liver, kidney, gills and muscles of Oreochromisniloticus and Poecilia latipinna from two sites in dam lake of Wadi Namar. Water and sediment samples were also collected from two sites for heavy metal analysis. Metal concentration in water and sediment samples of both the sites were observed in the following order: Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd>Hg; however, their concentration was found to be more at site 2 as compared to site 1. The order of metal accumulation in different tissues of O. niloticus and P. latipinna was in the following order: Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd>Hg at both the sites, while liver accumulated maximum amounts of metals followed by kidney, gills and muscles. The results showed the site 2 was more polluted by metals than Site 1 and O. niloticus accumulated greater amount of metals than P. latipinna.

Super capacity of ligand-engineered biochar for sorption of malachite green dye: key role of functional moieties and mesoporous structure.

This study synthesized a new thiomalic acid-modified rice husk biochar (TMA-BC) as a versatile and eco-friendly sorbent. After undergoing chemical treatments, the mercerized rice husk biochar (NaOH-BC) and TMA-BC samples showed higher BET surface area values of 277.1 m2/g and 305.8 m2/g, respectively, compared to the pristine biochar (BC) sample, which had a surface area of 234.2 m2/g. In batch adsorption experiments, it was found that the highest removal efficiency for malachite green (MG) was achieved with TMA-BC, reaching 96.4%, while NaOH-BC and BC exhibited removal efficiencies of 38.6% and 27.9%, respectively, at pH 8. The engineered TMA-BC exhibited a super adsorption capacity of 104.17 mg/g for MG dye at pH 8.0 and 25 °C with a dosage of 2 g/L. The SEM, TEM, XPS, and FTIR spectroscopy analyses were performed to examine mesoporous features and successful TMA-BC carboxylic and thiol functional groups grafting on biochar. Electrostatic forces, such as π - π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and pore intrusion, were identified as key factors in the sorption of MG dye. As compared to single-solution adsorption experiments, the binary solution experiments performed at optimized dosages of undesired ions, such as humic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant, NaCl, and NaSCN, reflected an increase in MG dye removal of 2.8%, 8.7%, 5.4%, and 12.7%, respectively, which was attributed to unique mesoporous features and grafted functional groups of TMA-BC. Furthermore, the TMA-BC showed promising reusability up to three cycles. Our study indicates that mediocre biochar modified with TMA can provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to commercially accessible adsorbents.

Evaluation of the Possible Protective Role of Nobiletin against Arsenic-Induced Liver Damage in Male Albino Rats.

Arsenic (As) is a toxic contaminant present in organic and inorganic forms in the environment. Nobiletin (NOB) is a polymethoxy flavone that has recently gained substantial consideration due to its curative impacts. The present experiment was conducted to assess the hepatoprotective efficiency of NOB on As-generated hepatotoxicity. Twenty-four adult rats were equally distributed into four groups and designated as control, As (50 mg/kg)-treated, As + NOB (50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively), and NOB (25 mg/kg)-treated groups. After 30 days, experimental animals were decapitated, then blood and tissue samples were collected for further analysis. The group treated with As showed a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GSR), and total antioxidant status (TAS), and a substantial increase in the accumulation of As in liver tissues, levels of total oxidant status (TOS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Significant increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed in As-treated rats. Moreover, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, interleukin (IL)-6, and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 activity, as well as the levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9) were increased on exposure to As. In contrast, the anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) level was significantly decreased. As administration showed a significant disturbance in hepatic tissue histology. However, cotreatment of NOB with As considerably increased the antioxidant enzyme activity, with a noteworthy reduction in the deposition of As in hepatic tissues, TBARS, and H2O2 levels. NOB-administrated rats showed considerable recovery in terms of inflammation, apoptosis, and histological damage. Hence, NOB can be considered a useful curative compound due to its medicinal properties against As-prompted hepatotoxicity.

Lung Ultrasonography Is an Acceptable Imaging Modality to Diagnose COVID-19 and Effectively Correlates with HRCT Chest-A Prospective Study.

It has been validated beyond doubt that High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest and to some extent chest radiographs have a role in corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Much less is known about the role of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in COVID-19. In this paper, our main purpose was to gauge the relationship between LUS and chest HRCT in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) documented cases of COVID-19, as well as in those with high suspicion of COVID-19 with negative RT-PCR. It was a prospective study carried out at our tertiary care hospital, namely, SKIMS Soura. The total number of patients in this study were 152 (200 patients were selected out of which only 152 had undergone both LUS and chest HRCT). The patients were subjected to both LUS and chest HRCT. The radiologist who performed LUS was blinded to clinical findings and HRCT was evaluated by a radiologist with about a decade of experience. The LUS findings compatible with the disease were subpleural consolidations, B-lines and irregular pleural lines. Findings that were compatible with COVID-19 on chest HRCT were bibasilar, subpleural predominant ground glass opacities, crazy paving and consolidations. COVID-19-positive patients were taken up for chest HRCT for disease severity stratification and were also subjected to LUS. On HRCT chest, the imaging abnormalities compatible with COVID-19 were evident in 110 individuals (72.37%), and on Lung Ultrasound they were observed in 120 individuals (78.95%). Imaging of COVID-19 patients assessed by both LUS and HRCT chest,, showed a positive correlation (p < 0.0001). The study revealed a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 76.62%, a positive predictive value of 78.57% and a negative predictive value of 86.76%. None of the individuals with a diagnosis of COVID-19 on HRCT were missed on LUS. An excellent correlation was derived between the LUS score and CT total severity score (p < 0.0001 with a kappa of 0.431). Similar precision compared with chest HRCT in the detection of chest flaws in COVID-19 patients was obtained on LUS.

The 21st century disaster: The COVID-19 epidemiology, risk factors and control.

The 21st century will be indelible in the world as ruin of the outbreak of COVID-19 was arose in Wuhan, China has now spread all over the world, up to August 2020. This study was based on the factors affecting the epidemiology of this virus in human societies of global concern. We studied the articles published in journals on various aspects of nCoVID19. The Wikipedia and WHO situation reports have also been searched out for related information. Outcomes were followed up until 2020. The COVID-19 is a virus with pandemic potential which may continue to cause regular infection in human. The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 threatened public health across the globe in form of system as reflected in the shape of emergency. Approximately 21 million humans are infected and 759,400 have lost their lives till 2020 in all over the world. We have described epidemiological features, reservoirs, transmission, incubation period, rate of fatality, management including recent clinical chemotherapeutic approach and preventive measurements and masses which are at risk of COVID19. This virus causes viral pneumonia when it attacks on respiratory system and multiple failure which can leads to life threatening complications. It is believed to be zoonotic importance although it is not clear from which animal and how it is transmitted. Zoonotic transmission of COVID-19 has not yet known by science. The current study will help to establish a baseline for early effective control of this rapidly spreading severe viral illness. The available data on COVID-19 indicates that older males with comorbidities would have been more infected, which can result in severe respiratory complications. Implementation of preventive measurements, investigation of proper chemotherapeutics and detection of cross species transmission agents must be ensured.

Biocompatible cellulose acetate supported ammonium based ionic liquid membranes; way forward to remediate water pollution.

Dyes contaminated water has caused various environmental and health impacts in developing countries especially Pakistan due to different industrial activities. This issue has been addressed in present study by fabricating biocompatible ionic liquid (IL) membranes for the remediation of Crystal violet (CV) dye from contaminated water. Novel ammonium-based IL such as Triethyl dimethyl ammonium sulfate ([C3A][C2H6]SO4); (A2) was synthesized and further functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HAp; extracted from refused fish scales) resulting in the formation of HA2. Furthermore, A2 and HA2 were then used to fabricate the cellulose acetate (CA) based membranes with different volume ratios. The physicochemical properties of membranes-based composite materials were investigated using FTIR, XRD, and TGA and used for the adsorption of CV in the closed batch study. In results, CA-HA2 (1:2) showed higher efficiency of 98% for CV reduction, after the contact time of 90 min. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of CV followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for all adsorbents. The antibacterial properties of the synthesized membrane were investigated against gram-positive strain, S. aureus and CA-A2 (1:1) showed better antibacterial properties against S. aureus. The developed membrane is sustainable to be used for the adsorption of CV and against bacteria.

Deciphering the response of thirteen apple cultivars for growth, fruit morphology and fruit physico-chemical attributes during different years.

Apple cultivation is one of the most significant means of subsistence in the Kashmir region of the northwestern Himalayas. It is considered as the backbone of the region's economy. Apple cultivation in the region is dominated by a late maturing cultivar "Red Delicious" which usually on maturity causes glut in the market. In order to bring new cultivars in the cultivation, and to expand the maturity season, it is necessary to evaluate the new cultivars on fruit physico-chemical attributes which ultimately decide the market rates before recommending to farmers for cultivars adoption. Therefore, the current study was carried out to evaluate thirteen apple cultivars on physico-chemical attributes over two years, 2017 and 2018 under agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir region The results revealed that cultivars differed significantly in terms of physico-chemical properties. Cultivars with the highest and lowest values for initial fruit set, fruit drop, final fruit retention, and fruit firmness in 2017 did not follow the same trend in 2018. During 2017 and 2018, cultivar Mollie's Delicious possessed the highest fruit length (72.39 mm and 81.45 mm), fruit diameter (81.18 mm and 84.14 mm), and fruit weight (205.85 g and 247.16 g), whereas cultivar Baleman's Cider had the lowest values (50.76 mm and 52.83 mm, 60.10 mm and 62.08 mm, and 71.46 g and 86.94 g), respectively. The harvesting dates were quite spread out during both years of study. Cultivar Mollie's Delicious was harvested the earliest in both years, on August 5th, 2017 and August 8th, 2018. Cultivar Fuji Zehn Aztec was the last cultivar harvested in 2017 on October 2 and in 2018 on October 5. The maximum number of seeds per fruit was noticed in the cultivar Mollie's Delicious (8.34 and 8.71) during both 2017 and 2018, respectively. Cultivar Starkrimson had the fewest seeds per fruit in 2017 (7.11) and 2018 (7.42). Cultivar Baleman's Cider had the highest acidity in 2017 (0.63%) and 2018 (0.52%). In both 2017 (0.25%) and 2018 (0.23%), the Adam's Pearmain cultivar was the least acidic. Cultivar Allington Pippin (16.13 °Brix) and Red Gold (16.73 °Brix) had the highest TSS in 2017 and 2018, respectively, whereas Vance Delicious (12.30 °Brix) and Top Red (10.78 °Brix) had the lowest TSS in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The cultivars Mollie's Delicious and Red Gold had the highest total sugars (11.33 and 11.40%) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Cultivar Baleman's Cider had the lowest total sugars (9.82%) in 2017 while Top Red (9.78%) in 2018. The cultivar Vance Delicious had the highest ratio of leaves to fruits in 2017 (55.44) and for Shalimar Apple-2 in 2018 (49.65). In 2017, cultivars Fuji Zehn Aztec (29.26) and Silver Spur (24.51), had the fewest leaves per fruit. The highest leaf chlorophyll content was recorded in cultivar Shireen (3.50 and 3.57 mg g-1 fresh weight) during the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. Cultivar Baleman's Cider had the lowest leaf chlorophyll content (2.15 mg g-1 fresh weight) during 2017, while cultivar Allington Pippin (2.09 mg g-1 fresh weight) had the lowest leaf chlorophyll content in 2018. The cultivars Fuji Zehn Aztec, with a yield efficiency of 0.78 kg/cm2 and Silver Spur with a yield efficiency of 1.14 kg/cm2 were the most yield efficient during the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. Cultivar Shalimar Apple-2 was least performing with yield efficiencies of 0.05 and 0.07 kg/cm2 during 2017 and 2018, respectively.The findings suggest that cultivar Mollie's Delicious commercially matures first and has the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight; hence, it can be a good option for cultivation so as to fetch the maximum price in the market when other cultivars are still maturing. Shalimar Apple-2 is precluded for cultivation due to least yield efficiency, whereas cultivars Fuji Zehn Aztec and Silver Spur are recommended to farmers for their higher yield efficiency.

Ingestion and impacts of water-borne polypropylene microplastics on Daphnia similis.

Polypropylene microplastics are the leading contaminant in aquatic environments, although research on their toxicity remains scarce. The proposed research focuses on the harmful consequences of acute exposure to polypropylene microplastics in Daphnia similis. This work converts widely available polypropylene bags into microplastics using xylene. FTIR findings demonstrated the lack of xylene residue in the produced polypropylene microplastic particles, which were spherical and ranged in size from 11.86 to 44.62 µm (FE-SEM). The results indicate that acute exposure to polypropylene microplastics causes immobility in D. similis. Ingestion of microplastics enhances the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as shown by biochemical studies. Due to the production of free radicals in D. similis, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and a non-antioxidant enzyme of reduced glutathione (GSH) and also oxidative stress effects in lipid (lipid peroxidation - LPO), protein (carbonyl protein - CP) were increased. Additionally, the amount of the neurotransmitter enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was decreased. These findings indicate that the accumulation of polypropylene microplastics in the bodies of filter-feeding organisms should aggravate toxicity in the freshwater environment.

Tissue and Time Optimization for Real-Time Detection of Apple Mosaic Virus and Apple Necrotic Mosaic Virus Associated with Mosaic Disease of Apple (Malus domestica).

Besides apple mosaic virus (ApMV), apple necrotic mosaic virus (ApNMV) has also been found to be associated with apple mosaic disease. Both viruses are unevenly distributed throughout the plant and their titer decreases variably with high temperatures, hence requiring proper tissue and time for early and real-time detection within plants. The present study was carried out to understand the distribution and titer of ApMV and ApNMV in apple trees from different plant parts (spatial) during different seasons (temporal) for the optimization of tissue and time for their timely detection. The Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to detect and quantify both viruses in the various plant parts of apple trees during different seasons. Depending on the availability of tissue, both ApMV and ApNMV were detected in all the plant parts during the spring season using RT-PCR. During the summer, both viruses were detected only in seeds and fruits, whereas they were detected in leaves and pedicel during the autumn season. The RT-qPCR results showed that during the spring, the ApMV and ApNMV expression was higher in leaves, whereas in the summer and autumn, the titer was mostly detected in seeds and leaves, respectively. The leaves in the spring and autumn seasons and the seeds in the summer season can be used as detection tissues through RT-PCR for early and rapid detection of ApMV and ApNMV. This study was validated on 7 cultivars of apples infected with both viruses. This will help to accurately sample and index the planting material well ahead of time, which will aid in the production of virus-free, quality planting material.

Fertigation with Zn-Lysine Confers Better Photosynthetic Efficiency and Yield in Water Stressed Maize: Water Relations, Antioxidative Defense Mechanism and Nutrient Acquisition.

Different strategies including the exogenous use of micronutrient-chelated amino acids are being employed for better crop yield with limited fresh water for irrigation. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of foliar-applied Zn-lysine (Zn-Lys) on maize growth and yield under limited irrigation, in relation to physio-biochemical mechanisms such as the plant-water relations, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defense mechanism, amino acid accumulation and nutrient acquisition. The experiment comprised two maize cultivars (MMRI and Pearl), two irrigation levels and three levels of Zn-Lys (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75%). Zn-Lys fertigation was found to be effective in reducing the negative impacts of limited water supply on grain yield, associated with improved photosynthetic efficiency, water relations, antioxidative defense mechanism and reduced lipid peroxidation in both maize cultivars. Zn-Lys-induced improvement in antioxidative mechanisms was associated with improved content of non-enzymatic antioxidants and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Foliar-fertigation with Zn-Lys also significantly improved the contents of various amino acids including Lys, as well as uptake of nutrients in both maize cultivars. In conclusion, the 0.5% level of Zn-Lys was found to be effective in ameliorating the negative impacts of water stress for better grain yield in both maize cultivars that can also be used as an important environment-friendly source of Zn to fulfill maize Zn deficiency.

Water Deficit Stress Tolerance Potential of Newly Developed Wheat Genotypes for Better Yield Based on Agronomic Traits and Stress Tolerance Indices: Physio-Biochemical Responses, Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidative Defense Mechanism.

Changing environmental conditions, fresh water shortages for irrigation and the rapid increase in world population have created the problems of food insecurity and malnutrition. Different strategies, including the development of water stress-tolerant, high-yielding genotypes through breeding are used to fulfil the world food demand. The present study was conducted for the selection of high-yielding, drought-tolerant wheat genotypes, considering different morpho-physio-biochemical, agronomic and yield attributes in relation to the stress tolerance indices (STI). The experiment was carried out in field in a split-plot arrangement. Water deficit stress was maintained based on the number of irrigations. All genotypes showed a differential decreasing trend in different agronomic traits. However, the increasing or decreasing trend in leaf photosynthetic pigments, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants under limited water supply also found to be genotype-specific. Genotypes MP1, MP3, MP5, MP8 and MP10 performed better regarding the yield performance under water deficit stress, which was associated with their better maintenance of water relations, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidative defense mechanisms. In conclusion, the physio-biochemical mechanisms should also be considered as the part of breeding programs for the selection of stress-tolerant genotypes, along with agronomic traits, in wheat.

Seed priming with methyl jasmonate mitigates copper and cadmium toxicity by modifying biochemical attributes and antioxidants in Cajanus cajan.

Contamination of agricultural soils with heavy metals (HMs) has posed major threat to the environment as well as human health. The aim of this study was to appraise the efficiency of key-antioxidant enzymes in enhancing plants' tolerance to HMs (heavy metals) like copper (Cu) and Cadmium (Cd), under the action of methyl jasmonate (Me-JA) in Cajanus cajan L. Seeds of C. cajan treated with Me-JA (0, 1 nM) were discretely subjected to noxious concentrations of Cu and Cd (0, 1, 5 mM) and raised for 12 days under controlled conditions in plant growth chamber for biochemical analysis. In contrast to Cd, Cu triggered oxidative stress more significantly (44.54% in 5 mM Cu increase in MDA as compared to control) and prominently thereby affecting plants' physiological and biochemical attributes. By activating the antioxidant machinery, Me-JA pre-treatment reduced HMs-induced oxidative stress, increased proline production, glutathione (41.95% under 5 mM Cu when treated with 1 nM Me-JA treatment) and ascorbic acid content by 160.4 % under aforemtioned treatments thus improving the redox status. Thus, in light of this our results put forward a firm basis of the positive role that Me-JA might play in the mitigation of oxidative stress caused due to HMs stress by stimulating antioxidant defense system leading to overall improvement of growth of C. cajan seedlings.