Epidemiology and management of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis through systemic acquired resistance.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a multifunctional tree and is globally used for the reclamation of problematic lands. Eucalyptus camaldulensis is prone to attack by a number of pathogens, but the most important threat is the Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum). Keeping in view the importance of E. camaldulensis and to manage this disease, five plant activators, i.e., salicylic acid (C7H6O3), benzoic acid (C7H6O2), citric acid (C6H8O7), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and nutritional mixture namely Compound (NPK) and nutriotop (Fe, Zn, Cu, B, Mn) were evaluated in the Fusarium infested field under RCBD in the Research Area, Department of Forestry and Range Management, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Among plant activators, salicylic acid and a combination of compound + nutriotop exhibited the lowest disease incidence and enhanced fresh and dry weight of leaves compared to other treatments and control. Results of the environmental study indicated maximum disease incidence between 35-40 °C (max. T), 6-25 °C (mini. T), 70-80% relative humidity and 1.5-2.5 km/h wind speed while pan evaporation expressed weak correlation with disease development. It was concluded that Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis could be managed through activation of the basal defense system of the host plant with provision of salicylic acid and balanced nutrition by considering environmental factors. Recent exploration is expected to be helpful for future research efforts on epidemiology and ecologically sound intervention of Fusarium wilt of Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

Detrimental Effects of Induced Soil Compaction on Morphological Adaptation and Physiological Plasticity of Selected Multipurpose Tree Species.

Soil compaction has become a global problem affecting soil worldwide. With an increased population, more demands for food and wood have resulted in intensive cultivation and increased mechanization of our farmlands and irrigated plantations. The use of heavy machinery results in soil compaction, which affects the entire soil ecosystem. This study was conducted to analyze the impact of compacted soil on germination and initial growth stages of four major agro-forest trees of central Punjab, Pakistan. Morpho-physiological traits of all selected species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Albizia lebbeck, Vachellia nilotica, and Zyziphus mauritiana) were measured against soil compaction. Results indicated that the root and shoot length, biomass, root-shoot ratio, diameter at root collar, no. of leaves and branches, leaf area, germination, and survival %, and physiological traits (i.e., photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, and photosynthetic water use efficiency) were significantly affected by the induced soil compaction. Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. performed better and exhibited 96% germination percentage under (1.40 mg m-3) compaction level and gradually decreased by 11% with the increase of compaction level (1.80 mg m-3). It shows that the shorter roots developed due to soil compaction decreased water use efficiency, photosynthesis, and whole-plant physiological performance. The findings concluded that judicious use of machinery is highly desired for sustainable and good-quality wood production from farm trees.

Xylem anatomical responses of Larix Gmelinii and Pinus Sylvestris influenced by the climate of Daxing'an mountains in Northeastern China.

Wood anatomy and plant hydraulics play a significant role in understanding species-specific responses and their ability to manage rapid environmental changes. This study used the dendro-anatomical approach to assess the anatomical characteristics and their relation to local climate variability in the boreal coniferous tree species Larix gmelinii (Dahurian larch) and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica (Scots pine) at an altitude range of 660 m to 842 m. We measured the xylem anatomical traits (lumen area (LA), cell wall thickness (CWt), cell counts per ring (CN), ring width (RW), and cell sizes in rings) of both species at four different sites Mangui (MG), Wuerqihan (WEQH), Moredagha (MEDG) and Alihe (ALH) and investigated their relationship with temperature and precipitation of those sites along a latitude gradient. Results showed that all chronologies have strong summer temperature correlations. LA extremes were mostly associated with climatic variation than CWt and RWt. MEDG site species showed an inverse correlation in different growing seasons. The correlation coefficient with temperature indicated significant variations in the May-September months at MG, WEQH, and ALH sites. These results suggest that climatic seasonality changes in the selected sites positively affect hydraulic efficiency (increase in the diameter of the earlywood cells) and the width of the latewood produced in P. sylvestris. In contrast, L. gmelinii showed the opposite response to warm temperatures. It is concluded that xylem anatomical responses of L. gmelinii and P. sylvestris showed varied responses to different climatic factors at different sites. These differences between the two species responses to climate are due to the change of site condition on a large spatial and temporal scale.

Effect of Exogenous Application of Nicotinic Acid on Morpho-Physiological Characteristics of Hordeum vulgare L. under Water Stress.

Abiotic stresses, such as high temperature and drought conditions, greatly influence the development of plants and the quality and quantity of products. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop production is largely impacted by drought, affecting growth, yield, and ultimately the productivity of the crop in hot arid/semi-arid conditions. The current pot experiment was directed to observe the outcome of nicotinic acid (NA) treatments on barley's physiological, biochemical, and production attributes at two capacity levels, i.e., 100% normal range and withholding water stress. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used during the experimentation with the two-factor factorial arrangement. NA was applied exogenously by two different methods, i.e., foliar and soil application (fertigation). NA solution contained various application levels, such as T1 = control, foliar applications (T2 = 0.7368 gL-1, T3 = 1.477 gL-1, T4 = 2.2159 gL-1), and soil applications (T5 = 0.4924 gL-1, T6 = 0.9848 gL-1, and T7 = 1.4773 gL-1). Results depicted that, overall, foliar treatments showed better effects than control and soil treatments. Plant growth was preeminent under T4 treatment, such as plant height (71.07 cm), relative water content (84.0%), leaf water potential (39.73-MPa), leaf area index (36.53 cm2), biological yield (15.10 kgha-1), grain yield (14.40 kgha-1), harvest index (57.70%), catalase (1.54 mmolg-1FW-1), peroxidase (1.90 g-1FWmin-1), and superoxide dismutase (52.60 µgFW-1) were superior under T4 treatment. Soil plant analysis development (54.13 µgcm-2) value was also higher under T4 treatment and lowest under T7 treatment. In conclusion, NA-treated plants were more successful in maintaining growth attributes than non-treated plants; therefore, the NA foliar treatment at the rate of 2.2159 gL-1 is suggested to find economical crop yield under drought conditions. The present study would contribute significantly to improving the drought tolerance potential of barley through exogenous NA supply in water deficit areas.

Calotropis procera (L.) mediated synthesis of AgNPs and their application to control leaf spot of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.).

Nature is gifted with a wide range of ornamental plants, which beautify and clean the nature. Due to its great aesthetic value, there is a need to protect these plants from a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.) is an ornamental plant and it is commonly known as China rose or shoeblack plant. It is affected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. Current study was designed to isolate leaf spot pathogen of H. rosa-sinensis and its control using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Based on molecular and morphological features, the isolated leaf spot pathogen was identified as Aspergillus niger. AgNPs were synthesized in the leaf extract of Calotropis procera and characterized. UV-vis spectral analysis displayed discrete plasmon resonance bands on the surface of synthesized AgNPs, depicting the presence of aromatic amino acids. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) described the presence of C-O, NH, C-H, and O-H functional groups, which act as stabilizing and reducing molecules. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the average size (~32.43 nm) of AgNPs and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted their spherical nature. In this study, in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of AgNPs was investigated. In vitro antifungal activity analysis revealed the highest growth inhibition of mycelia (87%) at 1.0 mg/ml concentration of AgNPs. The same concentration of AgNPs tremendously inhibited the spread of disease on infected leaves of H. rosa-sinensis. These results demonstrated significant disease control ability of AgNPs and suggested their use on different ornamental plants.

Spatial distribution of carbon dynamics and nutrient enrichment capacity in different layers and tree tissues of Castanopsis eyeri natural forest ecosystem.

Forest ecosystem carbon (C) storage primarily includes vegetation layers C storage, litter C storage, and soil C storage. The precise assessment of forest ecosystem C storage is a major concern that has drawn widespread attention in global climate change worldwide. This study explored the C storage of different layers of the forest ecosystem and the nutrient enrichment capacity of the vegetation layer to the soil in the Castanopsis eyeri natural forest ecosystem (CEF) present in the northeastern Hunan province, central China. The direct field measurements were used for the estimations. Results illustrate that trunk biomass distribution was 48.42% and 62.32% in younger and over-mature trees, respectively. The combined biomass of the understory shrub, herb, and litter layers was 10.46 t·hm-2, accounting for only 2.72% of the total forest biomass. On average, C content increased with the tree age increment. The C content of tree, shrub, and herb layers was 45.68%, 43.08%, and 35.76%, respectively. Litter C content was higher in the undecomposed litter (44.07 %). Soil C content continually decreased as the soil depth increased, and almost half of soil C was stored in the upper soil layer. Total C stored in CEF was 329.70 t·hm-2 and it follows the order: tree layer > soil layer > litter layer > shrub layer > herb layer, with C storage distribution of 51.07%, 47.80%, 0.78%, 0.25%, and 0.10%, respectively. Macronutrient enrichment capacity from vegetation layers to soil was highest in the herb layer and lowest in the tree layer, whereas no consistent patterns were observed for trace elements. This study will help understand the production mechanism and ecological process of the C. eyeri natural forest ecosystem and provide the basics for future research on climate mitigation, nutrient cycling, and energy exchange in developing and utilizing sub-tropical vegetation.

Unraveling the Influence of Land-Use Change on δ13C, δ15N, and Soil Nutritional Status in Coniferous, Broadleaved, and Mixed Forests in Southern China: A Field Investigation.

Natural isotopic abundance in soil and foliar can provide integrated information related to the long-term alterations of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in forest ecosystems. We evaluated total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and isotopic natural abundance of C (δ13C) and N (δ15N) in soil and foliar of coniferous plantation (CPF), natural broadleaved forest (NBF), and mixed forest stands at three different soil depths (i.e., 0-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm). This study also explored how soil available nutrients are affected by different forest types. Lutou forest research station, located in Hunan Province, central China, was used as the study area. Results demonstrated that the topsoil layer had higher TC and TN content in the mixed forest stand, resulting in a better quality of organic materials in the topsoil layer in the mixed forest than NBF and CPF. In general, soil TC, TN, and δ15N varied significantly in different soil depths and forest types. However, the forest type did not exhibit any significant effect on δ13C. Overall, soil δ13C was significantly enriched in CPF, and δ15N values were enriched in mixed forest. Foliar C content varied significantly among forest types, whereas foliar N content was not significantly different. No big differences were observed for foliar δ15N and δ13C across forest types. However, foliar δ13C and δ15N were positively related to soil δ13C and δ15N, respectively. Foliar N, soil and foliar C:N ratio, soil moisture content (SMC), and forest type were observed as the major influential factors affecting isotopic natural abundance, whereas soil pH was not significantly correlated. In addition, forest type change and soil depth increment had a significant effect on soil nutrient availability. In general, soil nutrient availability was higher in mixed forest. Our findings implied that forest type and soil depth alter TC, TN, and soil δ15N, whereas δ13C was only driven by soil depth. Moreover, plantations led to a decline in soil available nutrient content compared with NBF and mixed forest stands.

Intercropping of Peanut-Tea Enhances Soil Enzymatic Activity and Soil Nutrient Status at Different Soil Profiles in Subtropical Southern China.

Intercropping is one of the most widely used agroforestry techniques, reducing the harmful impacts of external inputs such as fertilizers. It also controls soil erosion, increases soil nutrients availability, and reduces weed growth. In this study, the intercropping of peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) was done with tea plants (Camellia oleifera), and it was compared with the mono-cropping of tea and peanut. Soil health and fertility were examined by analyzing the variability in soil enzymatic activity and soil nutrients availability at different soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, and 30-40 cm). Results showed that the peanut-tea intercropping considerably impacted the soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nutrient availability, and soil enzymatic responses at different soil depths. The activity of protease, sucrase, and acid phosphatase was higher in intercropping, while the activity of urease and catalase was higher in peanut monoculture. In intercropping, total phosphorus (TP) was 14.2%, 34.2%, 77.7%, 61.9%; total potassium (TK) was 13.4%, 20%, 27.4%, 20%; available phosphorus (AP) was 52.9%, 26.56%, 61.1%; 146.15% and available potassium (AK) was 11.1%, 43.06%, 46.79% higher than the mono-cropping of tea in respective soil layers. Additionally, available nitrogen (AN) was 51.78%, 5.92%, and 15.32% lower in the 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, and 30-40 cm layers of the intercropping system than in the mono-cropping system of peanut. Moreover, the soil enzymatic activity was significantly correlated with SOC and total nitrogen (TN) content across all soil depths and cropping systems. The depth and path analysis effect revealed that SOC directly affected sucrase, protease, urease, and catalase enzymes in an intercropping system. It was concluded that an increase in the soil enzymatic activity in the intercropping pattern improved the reaction rate at which organic matter decomposed and released nutrients into the soil environment. Enzyme activity in the decomposition process plays a vital role in forest soil morphology and function. For efficient land use in the cropping system, it is necessary to develop coherent agroforestry practices. The results in this study revealed that intercropping certainly enhance soil nutrients status and positively impacts soil conservation.

Climatological and social fallacies about COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global challenge since 2019. With the fast rise in the infected cases and deaths worldwide, many environmental and climate-related myths and fallacies spreaded fast. These fallacies include virus cannot spread in hot and humid conditions, cold weather can inhibit the virus, drinking hot water and sunlight can help cure the COVID-19, ultraviolet (UV) disinfectant lamps and UV rays from sunlight can kill the virus, use of hairdryers and hot showers for virus prevention, etc. Social norms and mindset of the people in the world towards a pandemic are quite similar. The primary purpose of this article is to enlighten the readers regarding these climatological misconceptions and social fallacies, helping spread proper knowledge and manage the outbreak of this deadly pandemic.

"It's a precious gift, not to waste": is routine cross matching necessary in orthopedics surgery? Retrospective study of 699 patients in 9 different procedures.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgeries are usually associated with excessive blood loss which leads surgeons to overestimate need for blood transfusions and over ordering of blood. The cross matched blood, when not used, leads to the wastage of blood bank resources in terms of time, money and manpower. The objective of this study was to investigate the compliance to previously proposed MSBOS and to provide updated recommendations for all orthopedic procedures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted between 1st June 2015 and 31st May 2016. Patients admitted to the orthopedic surgery service for whom blood products were requested were included. Cross Match/Transfusion (CT) Ratio, Transfusion Index and Transfusion Probability were calculated. Values of < 2.5, > 0.5 and > 30% respectively, were taken as standards. Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS) was proposed based upon these calculations using Mead's criteria. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-nine patients were sampled after implementing exclusion criteria. The overall CT ratio was 4.87, transfusion index was 0.55 and transfusion probability was 25%. A compliance rate of 24.6% was observed with the reference CT ratio of 2.5. Highest CT ratio was calculated for arthroscopic procedures while tumor resection had the lowest ratio. Age, procedure performed, ASA status and use of tourniquet were found to be significantly associated with CT ratio being greater or less than 2.5. CONCLUSION: Results showed significant wastage of blood products and non-compliance with blood ordering guidelines. Hence there is need for large scale prospective studies to establish MSBOS and ensure its compliance.

Outcomes of internal hemipelvectomy for pelvic tumors: a developing country's prospective.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, external hemipelvectomy was the mainstay of treatment for pelvic tumors. However, with technological advancements, limb salvage procedures such as internal hemipelvectomy have emerged as a viable alternative. However, there is limited literature available on long-term outcomes and complications of internal hemipelvectomy, especially from developing countries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to share our experience of internal hemipelvectomy at a tertiary care center in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in which all 24 patients undergoing internal hemipelvectomy from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2015 at our institution were included. Medical record files were reviewed for intraoperative and early and late postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were assessed by contacting each patient on telephone. RESULTS: Ewing sarcoma was found to be the most common diagnosis, followed by osteosarcoma as the second most common. The mean follow-up period was 18.7±13.9 months. Intraoperatively there were 4 cases of iatrogenic neurovascular injury and 2 cases each of urinary tract injury and dural tear. Four patients developed early wound infections, 7 developed late wound infections, and 2 developed flap necrosis. Three patients developed recurrence, whereas 7 patients developed metastasis postoperatively. The mean survival was calculated to be 28 months and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 19.3±5.2. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes and prevalence of complications shown in this study are comparable to those in the international literature, which suggests that hemipelvectomy is a viable option in developing countries also. However, more such studies are warranted to validate the findings and to identify the challenges and morbidities associated with hemipelvectomy in Asian and developing countries.