Ameliorating the adverse effects of salinity on wheat plants using the bio-wastes (pomegranate peel extract and /or compost).

Climate changes and the related rise in the frequency of excessive weather proceedings have a strong influence on the physical, chemical, and hydrological processes in soils. Recently the investigators confirmed that the use of biological treatments and resources to overcome abiotic stress is fruitful. Thus, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) because of its high efficacy and/or compost application could improve soil characteristics, soil organic matter and nutrient status. This effect may be referred back to the enhancement in the plant antioxidative defense system against stress conditions. This experiment was done to study the influence of spraying wheat plants with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with and/or without soil compost added under salt stress on some growth parameters and physiological aspects. Wheat plants were grown in the presence or absence of compost in the soil and foliar sprayed with PPE (600 and 1200 mg L-1) under salt irrigation (3000 and 6000 mg L-1). Growth and yield traits were decreased with salinity stress. High levels of PPE (1200 mg L-1) induced the highest values of osmoprotectants (Total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, proline and free amino acids) in both unstressed or salinity-stressed plants presence or absence compost. Using compost in soil for cultivating wheat plants and PPE spraying treatments increased growth traits photosynthetic pigments and yield components. Moreover, these treatments increased the accumulation of minerals content (N, P, K and Ca) in plants. In general, the results of correlation coefficients showed a significant strong positive relationship among measured yield traits and other tested parameters. The correlation between 1000-grain Wt. and grain Wt./spike (r = 0.94**) was the highest. Meanwhile, a strong negative correlation coefficient between Na% and all yield parameters was recorded. Compost adding to soil and spraying pomegranate peel extract is a successful method for increasing wheat growth, yield and improving the nutritional value of the produced grains under salt stress.

Effects of beta-carotene, selenium and vitamin A on in vitro polymorphonuclear leukocytic activity in peripartal buffalo (Bubalus bubalus).

The effect of different concentrations of three antioxidans on phagocytic and kill activities of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from buffaloes during the peripartum period (4 weeks before to 7 weeks after parturition) was investigated in this study. Two concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin A (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) and one concentration of Se (10(-9) M) were used. Phagocytic activity of PMN treated with beta-carotene (10(-6)M) significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) after parturition (Week 0 until Week 3), whereas the kill activity of the same cells significantly (P < 0.05) increased before and after parturition (at Weeks -4, -3, -2, 0, 1, 2 and 3). The concentration of beta-carotene (10(-5) M) enhanced phagocytosis of PMN only at Weeks 0 and 1 and kill activity at Weeks -4, -3, -2, 0, and 1. Selenium (10(-9)M) significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced phagocytic activity of PMN starting from parturition (Week 0) until Week 3 postpartum. Kill activity increased significantly both before (Weeks -4, -3 and -2) and after (Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) parturition. Vitamin A (10(-6) M) significantly enhanced phagocytic activity of PMN at Weeks 0, 1, and 2, whereas, the concentration of beta-carotene (10(-5) M) increased phagocytic activity only at Week 0. Kill activity of PMN increased significantly (P < 0.05) at Weeks -1 and 0 (10(-6)M). These results demonstrate that beta-carotene and selenium significantly enhanced phagocytic and kill activities of PMN isolated from buffaloes around parturition in vitro. Vitamin A enhanced phagocytosis and kill activities but not to the same extent as beta-carotene and selenium. Apparently, the in vitro killing activity of PMN is a distinctive function from phagocytosis and both activities may be enhanced by the use of essential nutrients, especially during the peripartum period. Moreover, beta-carotene is more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin A in enhancing the activities of phagocytic cells.