NBU Journal of Plant Sciences, Vol. 14
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.nbu.ac.in/handle/123456789/5034
EDITORIAL
Over the course of human history, plants have received widespread and occasionally dominant aesthetic and intellectual attention. Research of plant systems can also instruct us on how to handle issues with agriculture, human health, and the environment. The NBU Journal of Plant Sciences (NBUJPS) is an international peer-reviewed journal that has been published by the Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, since 2007. It gives the platform for publishing top-notch research on a variety of topics in plant science, animal-plant interactions, environment and ecology, and the evolution of the living world.
The journal's editorial board publishes high-calibre articles in print and online (https://njps.nbu.ac.in/) in one volume each year. The NBUJPS has officially registered for membership in CrossRef. All the articles will be assigned unique DOI numbers and will include other CrossRef services like similarity checking and reference linking. It gives me extreme pleasure to inform you that the NBUJPS publishes all the articles free of charge.
We are delighted to inform you that volume 14 has been published and will have 11 articles including review and research papers. This volume includes articles on nanotechnology, growth performance, characterization and ecology of various crops and weeds, phytoremediation of diseases and stresses in various crops, and microbes in extreme climates. These articles were contributed by numerous senior professors, scientists, and junior researchers from various institutions. The articles in this issue cover a wide spectrum of recent advancements in both basic and applied fields of plant science research, and they are all very important. Regarding contemporary breakthroughs and need-based research, this volume will greatly benefit all scientists and researchers working in various sectors of plant sciences.
Prof. (Dr.) Monoranjan Chowdhury
Head, Department of Botany
Browse
11 results
Search Results
Item Open Access Antifungal Efficacy of Cu-Based Nano-Chitosan on Rhizopus stolonifer, A Virulent Phytopathogen(University of North Bengal, 2022) Chouhan, Divya; Choudhuri, Chandrani; Dutta, Poulami; Mandal, Palash; Mathur, PiyushAgro-scientists are giving endless efforts for synthesizing a bio-derived molecule that can act as a promising antifungal agent for combating a large number of phytopathogens. Harmful phytopathogens decrease crop yield and its quality. Rhizopus stolonifer is one such virulent phytopathogen that causes huge losses during the post-harvest period of crops. This pathogen mainly causes rot disease in fruits, crops, and vegetables. The second most abundantly available biological macromolecule, Chitosan and its metal-based nanoparticles stands as a potential antifungal agent for combating Rhizopus stolonifer. This study includes the synthesis of Cu chitosan nanoparticles (Cu-CNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) through the ionic gelation method and its characterization based on UV Vis spectrophotometer, FE-SEM, EDXS, and DLS. Cu-CNPs and CNPs were screened from 100-2000 µg/mL concentration against R. stolonifer for the assessment of its antifungal activity. Spore viability assay and lipid peroxidation of the pathogen using Cu-CNPs and CNPs were also determined. Generation of oxidative stress in the mycelium of the pathogen on the application of Cu-CNPs and CNPs was traced by fluorescence microscopy. Changes in the ultra-structure of the sporangium of R. stolonifer after treatment with Cu-CNPs and CNPs were visualized under SEM. Results showed that Cu-CNPs inhibit the growth of R. stolonifer at 2000 µg/mL and elevate malonaldehyde (MDA) content in the pathogen as a result of lipid peroxidation and produces defined damages on the sporangium membrane as observed under electron microscope. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the emission of high intensity of fluorescence due to the generation of oxidative stress in Cu-CNPs treated fungal mycelium.Item Open Access Polyethylene Gycol (PEG) Induced Water Stress in Four Different Genotypes of Pea Seedlings and Evaluation of The Induced Defense Mechanism(University of North Bengal, 2022) Bantawa, Pranay; Rai, RituPresent work was undertaken on artificially induced water stress on pea seedlings under in vitro conditions in order to select the drought tolerant line. Artificial water stress was induced with PEG-6000 on 15-day old seedlings of four varieties for 4, 8 and 12 days. The activities of antioxidative enzymes like peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase were assayed in the stressed and control plants. POX activity was increased in the initial stages of stress, but its activity was decreased significantly on the 12th day in all the varieties. APOX also showed a similar trend but the maximum activity was noted in Var 3 on the 8th day. CAT activity decreased in var 1 and var 2 when compared with the control, which, however, increased significantly in var 3 and var 4. A slight increase in the GR activity was observed in var 1 and var 2 at the initial stages of the drought stress but its activity decreased significantly on the 12th day in both these varieties when compared with control plants. However, its activity also increased steadily in var 3 and var 4. Maximum SOD activities were noted on the 4th day of drought stress in all four varieties but its activities decreased steadily on the subsequent 8th and 12th days when compared with control. When antioxidative activities were compared among the four varieties, var 3 and var 4 showed maximum increase in antioxidant activity during the period of drought stress. Among the four varieties, var 3 and var 4 showed greater accumulation of H2O2 during the stress days and were maximum at 12th day. Lipid peroxidation also increased in the same varieties. Maximum proline content was noted in both the root and leaf of var 3, followed by var 4. It was further noted that the chlorophyll content decreased significantly in all four varieties in subsequent longer drought stresses. The accumulation of proline content was steadily higher with an increase in the stress length in all the four varieties. During the drought stress, all the varieties showed an increase in ascorbate content but, it was maximum in var 4 followed by var 3 and the least ascorbate was noted in var 1. The present findings indicate that water stress induces oxidative stress in all the four varieties. However, antioxidative mechanisms were found to be more pronounced in var 4 which, therefore, may be considered as the most tolerant to drought stress.Item Open Access PhytoResp : A Database for Medicinal Plants of Darjeeling, Against Respiratory Ailments(University of North Bengal, 2022) Das, Anushka; Banik, Ananya; Datta, Sutapa; Sen, ArnabPhytoResp is a digital, manually curated database developed at the Department of Botany, University of North Bengal (NBU). The database has been created with the help of 200 published research articles and the eleven volumes of ‘Chiranjib Banousadhi’ series, written by Shibakali Bhattacharya. Here, we provide the names of 329 medicinal plants that are available in the Darjeeling district region of North Bengal and are traditionally used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The list of reported plants is included, along with their parts used. They are known to cure 38 respiratory diseases. Among these, 113 plants have already been reported as a cure for COVID-19 (in silico or in vivo). Also, we have taken a step to evaluate the efficiency of the phytocompounds through in-silico methods.Item Open Access Concept of The Genus Acampe (Lindl.) in India(University of North Bengal, 2022) Chakraborty, Oindrila; Agrawala, Dinesh Kumar; Chakraborty, Arka PratimGenus Acampe Lindl. (Orchidaceae) has been taxonomically studied in Indian context. Out of 10 species of Acampe found globally, four species and one variety were recognized in India. Detailed taxonomic account including description, illustrative photo-plate along with information on phenology, habitat and distribution have been provided. The threat status of each taxon has been assessed in Indian perspective by following the IUCN guidelines.Item Open Access Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Some Members of Araceae of North Bengal(University of North Bengal, 2022) Karmakar, Biswanath; Chakraborty, Rakhi; Roy, Swarnendupresent study aimed to characterize eight edible members of the family Araceae on the basis of their morphological and anatomical characteristics. The petiole length, leaf size, and corm size varied widely across the studied members. Significant variations in the stomatal index, stomatal length, and width were observed, although all were of paracytic type with elliptical to circular shapes. Leaf epidermal cells were found to be polygonal or puzzle shaped. Mesophyll cells were non-distinguishable as palisade or spongy parenchyma. The root vascular bundles were found to be exarch, either arranged circularly or remaining scattered in the ground tissue. Pith was also observed, either large, centrally located, or scattered. Petiole anatomy showed scattered vascular bundles with collateral xylem and phloem in almost all the species, except Ol Kochu, Panchmukhi Kochu, and Ghot Kochu. Presence of tannins was observed in the petioles of all the species, whereas calcium oxalate crystals in the form of raphides were found to be present in some members. Water vessels, either large or small were found in the petioles of all the species. The number of parenchyma cells varied from 2 to 6 depending on the species. All the morphological and anatomical characteristics would help identify the eight members of Araceae and provide information for future studies with them.Item Open Access Assessment of Growth Performance and Histochemical Localisation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Fenugreek under Exogenous Calcium Ion Priming(University of North Bengal, 2022) Gupta, Saran Kumar; Mandal, Palashobjective of present study was to evaluate the response of the fenugreek seeds primed with various elicitors such as calcium chloride (CC) as an exogenous source of calcium ion; a calcium chelator: Ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N´,N, tetra acetic acid (EG); and Lanthanum chloride (LC): a calcium channel blocker, under salinity stress. Significant improvement in the growth parameters of fenugreek seedlings was observed comparing with control. The stress tolerance index (STI) and histochemical detection of reactive oxygen species were performed to evaluate the tolerance of the fenugreek against salinity stress. The results exhibited noteworthy inhibitory effect of salinity stress in control set which was significantly mitigated by the exogenous calcium ion application. Furthermore, under the influence of calcium ion antagonists, EG and LC the adverse effect of salinity was more prominent than control set. In conclusion present investigation revealed that exogenous calcium ion is an ideal elicitor for enhancing growth and development of the fenugreek with better salinity stress management.Item Open Access Preliminary Observation on The Ecological Amplitude of Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker in Darjeeling and Kalimpong Himalayas(University of North Bengal, 2022) Rai, Ritu; Sajeed Ali; Bantawa, PranayHypoestes phyllostachya Baker (“Polka dot Plant”) is an exotic species that is quite problematic weed of Madagascar origin in Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions of Eastern Himalayan Vegetation. Present study was carried out in 26 different localities covering a vertical distribution from an altitude of 90 msl (Teesta Bazar) to 2,478 msl (Senchal Lake) and horizontal distribution from Rimbik (27.1182° N, 88.1084° E) to Bindu (27.0977° N, 88.8713° E), which revealed its very high invasive potential and ecological amplitude. Its presence in agricultural land together with forest and open land has been a matter of concern as it is creating a threat to the local floras. It was strongly felt that its control measure has to be implemented immediately in order to restore the ecological balance in these local areas.Item Open Access Characterization of Some Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Based on Phenotypic, Physicochemical and Cooking Properties(University of North Bengal, 2022) Sarkar, Shukdeb; Sarkar, Jayita; Limboo, Sona; Yonzon, Bhumika T.; Roy, Subhas ChandraEvaluation of rice genetic diversity is an important step for character specific varietal development program. The present study characterizes 15 rice germplasm of Indian accessions on the basis of agro morphological, physicochemical and cooking parameters. The cultivars showed high degree of variations on their traits. Mean plant height of 88.96 cm, flag leaf length (26.48 cm), flag leaf width (1.17 cm), grain per panicle (130), panicle length (20.97 cm), days to 50% flowering (112.06 days), kernel length breadth ratio (2.65), cooked kernel length breadth ratio (3.25), linear elongation ratio (1.65). Out of 15 rice cultivars, only Sada nunia and Das nunia are aromatic rice and Sada nunia also contain awn. Plant height showed significant positive correlation with PnL and DF and significant negative correlation with GB. GL positively significantly correlates with FLL, GrWt with GL and GB, DF with MT. The cluster analysis grouped the 15 cultivars into 4 clusters with 37.5 dissimilarity coefficient. The high variability with promising traits among the cultivars expected to be significance for future rice breeding programmes.Item Open Access New Report on Fusarium equiseti Causing Yellow Leaf Disease of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern from Karandighi, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, India(University of North Bengal, 2022) Swarnakar, Shambhu; Chowhan, Papan; Tiru, Zerald; Mandal, Parimal; Chakraborty, Arka PratimYellow leaf disease in B-9 variety of yellow mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern] was noticed in the area of Khowaspur, Karandighi, Uttar Dinajpur District, West Bengal. Irregularly shaped dull yellow regions along the leaf margin and even in the midrib of leaf were observed. Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. (ON783721.1) was isolated and identified as causal potent fungal isolate causing yellows in leaves of Brassica juncea.Item Open Access Study of Major Isoflavones in Mungbean Seedlings with Special Emphasis on Its Enhanced Antioxidant Activity After Solid Matrix Priming with Selected Elicitors Including Nano-Chitosan Under Salinity Stress(University of North Bengal, 2022) Sen, Sujoy Kumar; Mandal, Palash; Bhandari, Jnan BikashFor a long time, mung bean has been a well-liked crop. It is frequently used as a popular dish in the primarily cereal-based diets of Asian countries for its physiological functionalities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic activities. Isoflavones present in legume-based foods have high antioxidant potential. These isoflavones are considered beneficial to human health and are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and the prevention of certain types of cancer in humans, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer, as well as menopausal symptoms. On the other hand, nanotechnology is starting to look like an excellent method to boost food production and make farming less hazardous to the environment. Fascinatingly, the seed nano-priming method demonstrated promising results to mitigate the detrimental effects of different abiotic stress factors including salinity stress on crop plants and has thus, led to higher crop yields. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of solid matrix priming (SMP) using nano-chitosan in mung bean sprouts under salinity stress related to the production of major mung bean isoflavones, which were detected through high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. When compared to unprimed seedlings exposed to salinity stress conditions, phytochemical quantification showed that SMP with nano-chitosan showed improved antioxidant activities as well as the highest total flavonoids and proline content. Under salinity stress, SMP with nano-chitosan significantly increased the biochemical anti-oxidative properties in germinated mung bean seeds, and also provided salt tolerance. As a familiar healthier choice, and because of the significance of mung bean sprouts for human health and the industry's rapid expansion, nutritional enrichment of this food has emerged as a significant field of study.