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ThesisItem Embargo Evaluation of morpho-physiological and metal accumulation potential of Salix alba L. and Toona ciliata M. Roemer grown on heavy metal contaminated soils(Punjab Agricultural University, 2022) Ravneet Kaur; Sharma, RajniThe present investigations were carried out to study the effect of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and their combinations (Pb+Cd) on morpho-physiological and metal accumulation potential of Salix alba and Toona ciliata during 2020 and 2021. Heavy metals induce negative effect on morphological and biomass attributes of both species, but Toona showed better survival percentage (>95%) than Salix (<55%) even at higher concentrations of Pb300 and Cd25. The accumulation of proline, total soluble sugars, total soluble proteins along with increased antioxidant enzyme activities are responsible to enhance tolerance in both species. On the basis of phytoremediation efficiency evaluation factors such as bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), Salix alba can be categorized as excluder plant for Pb and Cd with higher metal accumulation in roots than shoots (BCF>1, TF<1), while Toona ciliata can be categorized as hyperaccumulator with more Pb and Cd accumulation in the shoots than roots (BCF>1 and TF>1). Further, heavy metal translocation and accumulation decreased in combinations as compared to single element application suggesting the antagonistic relationship among both metals. Pb and Cd negatively affect the plant nutrient content either by affecting their translocation or by decreasing nutrient availability in soils. Anatomical studies showed significant alterations in stomatal pore size, stomatal density and trichome density due to heavy metal toxicity in both Salix and Toona. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) results confirmed the Pb and Cd accumulation sites in the leaves and root tissues of plants. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that Pb and Cd accumulation in plants induced changes in carboxy, amino, hydroxyl and phosphate groups that ultimately caused alteration in physiological functioning in plants. Conclusively, both Salix alba and Toona ciliata have potential to be used as remediation species for Pb and Cd contaminated soils.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND METAL ACCUMULATION POTENTIAL OF Salix alba L. AND Toona ciliata M. Roemer GROWN ON HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATED SOILS(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2022) Ravneet Kaur; Sharma, RajniThe present investigations were carried out to study the effect of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and their combinations (Pb+Cd) on morpho-physiological and metal ccumulation potential of Salix alba and Toona ciliata during 2020 and 2021. Heavy metals induce negative effect on morphological and biomass attributes of both species, but Toona showed better survival percentage (>95%) than Salix (1, TF1 and TF>1). Further, heavy metal translocation and accumulation decreased in combinations as compared to single element application suggesting the antagonistic relationship among both metals. Pb and Cd negatively affect the plant nutrient content either by affecting their translocation or by decreasing nutrient availability in soils. Anatomical studies showed significant alterations in stomatal pore size, stomatal density and trichome density due to heavy metal toxicity in both Salix and Toona. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS) results confirmed the Pb and Cd accumulation sites in the leaves and root tissues of plants. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that Pb and Cd accumulation in plants induced changes in carboxy, amino, hydroxyl and phosphate groups that ultimately caused alteration in physiological functioning in plants. Conclusively, both Salix alba and Toona ciliata have potential to be used as remediation species for Pb and Cd contaminated soils.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological and biochemical basis of high temperature stress tolerance and its amelioration in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Tejinder Preet; Ghai, NavitaThe present investigation was carried out to evaluate the role of plant growth regulators viz. Salicylic acid (SA) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) on the physiological and biochemical parameters of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Two cultivars of bell pepper viz. hybrid Indra and variety Royal Wonder were selected for the study along with Punjab Sindhuri (hot pepper) used as a tolerant check for heat tolerance. Three concentration of each growth regulator, SA (0.10 mM, 0.20 mM and 0.50 mM) and EBR (0.05 µM, 0.10 µM and 0.20 µM) were applied in the form of foliar spray to both the cultivars at three growth stages, vegetative bud stage (30 DAT), reproductive stage (60 DAT) and post-reproductive stage (90 DAT). All the concentrations of PGRs were effective in imparting thermotolerance in terms of improved growth parameters (plant height, plant spread and leaf area), membrane thermostability, photosynthetic parameters (total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and hill reaction activity), levels of total soluble sugars, starch, proteins, proline, enhanced antioxidant system (CAT, APX, POX, SOD and GR), fruit parameters (fruit length, fruit width, pericarp thickness and fruit chlorophyll). Application of SA and EBR resulted in reduced lipid peroxidation in leaf tissue and cellulase activity in pedicel of flowers, causing more retention of flowers, increased pollen viability and fruit set percent even at high temperature ultimately resulting in improved yield. Appearance of some new bands during SDS-PAGE of proteins in treated plants pointed towards the foundation of HSPs which helped the plants to survive under stressful conditions. Foliar spray of 0.10 µM EBR in hybrid Indra and 0.20 mM in variety Royal Wonder done at reproductive stage (60 DAT) and vegetative bud stage (30 DAT), respectively, were most effective in ameliorating the effects of high temperature stress.ThesisItem Open Access Characterization of morpho-physiological and biochemical trait for heat tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss)(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Priya; Sharma, PushpThe present investigation “Characterization of morpho-physiological and biochemical trait for heat tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. & Coss)” was conducted in timely and late planted set of forty nine advanced breeding genotypes in two rabi seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18) at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Dr. JC Bakhshi, Regional Research Station, Abohar which were further evaluated in the temperature gradient tunnels (TGT), Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana with the objective to standardize the screening techniques for heat tolerance based on morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield traits. Experiments were laid in factorial randomized block design. High temperature experienced by late planting led to reduced phenological duration at both locations while genotypes attained late maturity in TGT (13 days). Physiological traits like chlorophyll content, SPAD value, LAI and PAR (%) increased from vegetative to flowering stage followed by decline at siliquing stage whereas chlorophyll and SPAD value increased in TGT at flowering and siliquing stage. Lower CTD, decline in RWC (23.0%), LWR (12.0%) and MS (36.3%) while increase in WSD (16.8%), RSD (15.4%) and MI (18.1%) under delayed sowing. The high demand for utilizing stem reserve but lower accumulation and translocation of photoassimlates led to the imbalance between source to sink translocation in delayed planting however up regulation of antioxidative enzymes and non enzymatic antioxidative biomolecules imparted thermo tolerance. Positive association of seed yield existed at two locations with phenological durations, BY, HTI and HSI. Selection criteria of seed yield reduction (<30%), lower HSI (≤1) and higher HTI (≥1), over the years at two locations rated PCR-3, CSR-158, HLM-4113-2, ELM-38, CSR-1163, JMG-244 and CM-21-16promising. Three genotypes PCR-3, ELM-38, CSR-1163 were identified heat tolerant at two locations and in temperature gradient tunnels.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of Elymus semicostatus germplasm from lahaul valley as potential donor for wheat improvement(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Antul Kumar; Sharma, RajniThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of Elymus semicostatus germplasm from Lahaul valley as potential donor for wheat improvement’’ was carried out to evaluate the in depth botanical characterization, their physiological responses in different water environments and hybridization attempts to mobilize the useful traits into wheat. The plant material was collected from Lahaul valley (Lahaul-Spiti, HP) and its adjoining regions. The field experiments were conducted at the research farm of Wheat section, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The E. semicostatus showed morphological resemblance with three other members of the genus Elymus viz: E. longiaristatus, E. repens and E. dahuricus. Forty distinguishing characters were marked for each species. The E. semicostatus showed morphological adaptation for drought tolerance such as dense pubescence, awn length and colour, leaf waxiness and pigmentation on other plant parts. The germplasm set was narrowed down to 34 accessions on the basis of their intra-specific variation during field evaluation. Selected 34 accessions set was evaluated for drought tolerance traits under field conditions. Vernalization treatment for 4-6 weeks at 4-8˚C and 8hr photoperiod was provided to germinated seedlings in December and January for about 6-7 hours to synchronize flowering with hexaploid wheats. The drought conditions were created by withholding irrigation (rainfed), regular recommended irrigation and restricted irrigation (1-2 times after transplantation). The morpho-physiological traits such as plant height, flowering days, spike length, leaf area, tiller numbers, chlorophyll contents at different stages and relative water content were observed at anthesis. For morpho-physiological parameters, the NBPAU28 showed maximum plant height (133cm), spike length (25.67 cm), tiller number (33.17) and leaf area (30.32cm). The accessions NBPAU7, NBPAU13, NBPAU14 and NBPAU28 were best for plant height, spike length, leaf area, whereas NBPAU1, NBPAU6, NBPAU15 and NBPAU27 performed well under drought conditions. The chlorophyll content was significantly increased during anthesis in all accessions and then declined, but it maintains low chlorophyll content upto harvesting stage. In an attempt to cross the species with hexaploid wheat, embryo rescue was attempted. A total of 991 caryopses were obtained from the crosses of three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2018. Only 20 hybrid plants could be established on account of the desiccating conditions at PAU, which probably contributed to low survival rate. The surviving hybrid plants never reached booting stage at PAU, Ludhiana. The E. semicostatus can be a potential donor for the drought tolerance traits and more detailed studies on overcoming pre and post fertilization barriers need to be done for introgressing useful traits into wheat cultivars for wheat improvement.ThesisItem Restricted Effect of treated liquid and solid municipal waste on physiological and biochemical parameters of fast growing tree species(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2020) Gurwinder Singh; Sharma, RajniThe present investigations entitled, “Effect of treated liquid and solid municipal waste on physiological and biochemical parameters of fast growing tree species” was carried out at the Punjab Agricultural University in collaboration with State Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department at Forest Nursery Baddowal, Ludhiana. The research comprised of three experiments, first experiment consisted of four treatments (main plot) i.e. sludges from different treatment plants Bhattian, Balloke and Jamalpur sludge was used to fill the polybags and irrigated with fresh water. Second experiment was on different levels of treated water, i.e. water treated with different technologies STP1 (Sequencing batch reactors technology), STP2 (Up flow anaerobic sludge blanket technology), untreated water and fresh water were taken from one source i.e. Bhattian sewage treatment plant for irrigation. Third experiment was on combined sludge and treated waste water levels, i.e. sludge from Bhattian along with water from same sewage treatment plant. Sub plot included three type of forest tree species i.e. Terminalia arjuna (arjun), Eucalyptus clone 413 (safeda) and Melia composita (dek). The performance of all the three species was recorded in the three experiments along with biochemical parameters and nutrients status of plants and soil. In first experiment, among three species growth parameters, biochemical parameters, soil nutrient and plant nutrients were found to be best in arjun, when grown on the soil mixed with Bhattian sludge followed by Balloke and Jamalpur sludge. The performance of all the species was significantly higher in sludge treatment then control (soil). In second experiment, the water from STP1 level was found to be the best for increasing the biomass and growth of the all three plant species under investigation followed by fresh water, water from STP2 level in the decreasing order. Arjun has shown the high values of the various growth and biochemical parameters along with macro and micro nutrient content, similarly as observed in the first experiment. In third experiment combined enrichment of the nutrients in the soil because of sludge + water levels, which lead to better growth. Whereas, in untreated water the values of nutrients were found to be very high and growth performance was affected. The outcome of the present study is that sludge contains high nutrients should be used to raise the tree species as it has positive impact on morphological, biochemical and nutrient characteristics of the plant. The treated waste water STP1 can be used for irrigating the plant species as it was found to be better than fresh water for growth of plants. Hence, it will help to save the fresh water for irrigating the plantations. It is also concluded that treated waste water for irrigation supplemented with sludge in the soil can go a long way to raise the healthy and better plantations.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of nitrate and ammonium ratios on physiological and quality attributes of hydroponically grown leafy vegetables(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Ratnesh Kumari; Bedi, SeemaThe effect of variable NO3 -to NH4 + ratios in the nutrient solution was evaluated on growth, nutritional quality and yield attributes of hydroponically grown leafy vegetables. Spinach (cv. Punjab Green), Coriander (cv. Punjab Sugandh) and Lettuce (cv. Iceberg) grown under substrate hydroponics with intermittent supply of water and nutrients. Simultaneously crop was raised in open field by conventional practices. Crop was sown on three dates viz., October (main season) and February and July (off-season) respectively. N was supplied in variable ratios of NO3 - to NH4 + viz., 100:0 (T1), 75:25 (T2), 50:50 (T3), 25:75 (T4), 0:100 (T5) respectively, keeping total N content constant. Fresh foliage was harvested 3 times in each season from each respective treatment at 30 days interval starting from date of sowing. At each harvesting, growth (fresh and dry biomass of shoot and root, plant height, leaf area and total yield per plant), quality parameters (total chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble sugars, starch, soluble proteins, free amino acids and proline) and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and POD) were determined. During all the three seasons, the yield was significantly more in hydroponically than open field sown crop. Under substrate hydroponics, maximum yield was obtained in the plants provided with nutrient solution T2 (NO3 - : NH4 +:: 75:25) and also had higher values of quality parameters and highest antioxidants activities than the open field crop. It is suggested that NO3 - to NH4 + ratio of 75:25 improve the growth, antioxidants activity, quality attributes and is thus most suitable for leafy vegetables growth under substrate hydroponics.ThesisItem Open Access Morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of a recombinant inbred line population of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under direct-seeded aerobic conditions(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2014) Cheema, Amandeep Kaur; Bedi, SeemaDirect seeding of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a resource conservation technology but at the cost of reduction in yield. In the present study, recombinant inbred lines (RILs) obtained from a cross between PR 120 x UPLRi 7 were sown as direct-seeded aerobic and conventional transplanted crops respectively for two seasons. Various morpho-physiological, biochemical and yield related traits were studied under the two conditions. In general, plant height, dry matter, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, leaf area and chlorophyll content were lower under direct-seeded aerobic conditions than under conventional transplanted conditions. Plant height and crop growth rate showed a positive correlation with grain yield and had a direct effect on grain yield. Dry matter accumulation did not show any significant correlation but had an indirect effect on grain yield. Relative growth rate, leaf area and chlorophyll content did not show any correlation or effect on grain yield. All the yield contributing traits viz., above ground biomass, total number of tillers per 0.5m row, number of fertile tillers per panicle per 0.5m row, spikelets per panicle, grain filling percentage, grain yield per 0.5m row, harvest index, 1000 grain weight were lower and sterile grain per panicle were higher in direct-seeded aerobic condition. Above ground biomass and harvest index showed correlation with yield and had a direct effect on grain yield under both direct-seeded aerobic and conventional transplanted conditions. In general, higher sugar, starch and proline content were detected in leaves of direct-seeded aerobic crop. Out of twenty RILs under study, Ae-RIL-B-158, showed highest proline and sugar contents. Interestingly, this RIL showed least reduction in yield when sown under direct seeded-aerobic condition as against conventional transplanted condition suggesting this RIL may be more tolerant to drought stress as it accumulated highest proline and sugars under direct-seeded aerobic condition. The development of aerenchyma was comparatively more in crop raised under conventional transplanted conditions than under direct-seeded aerobic conditions. UPLRi7 (parent) showed maximum aerenchyma under direct-seeded aerobic conditions while PR120 (parent) showed maximum aerenchyma formation under conventional transplanted conditions. Under both the sowing conditions, two high-yielding RILs (Ae-RIL-B-42 and Ae-RIL-B-44) had higher aerenchyma than the two low-yielding RILs (Ae-RIL-B-7 and Ae-RIL-B-117). These characters could be used as criteria for selecting RILs for incorporating into breeding programmes for yield enhancement.ThesisItem Restricted Comparative study of floral biology, fruit growth and associated metabolic changes in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) genotypes(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Shabnam; Nirmaljit KaurThe present investigation entitled, “Comparative study of floral biology, fruit growth and associated metabolic changes in mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) genotypes” was carried out during 2017 and 2018. Fifteen mandarin genotypes, viz., Clone 11, CRS 4, N 4, N 28, N 34, Nagpur mandarin, Nagpur seedless, W.Murcott, Kinnow, Daisy, PAU Mutant 1, Mutant 2, Mutant 3, Mutant 4 and Mutant 5 at PAU, Ludhiana and three mandarin genotypes, viz., W.Murcott, Kinnow and Daisy at Dr. J C Bakshi RRS, Abohar were selected for their physical, morphological, anatomical and biochemical characterization. Results revealed the existence of wide variation among mandarin genotypes and years of investigation. The quanlitative and quantitative characters of flowers, leaves and fruits differed significantly among genotypes and the locations. These variations were indicative of the underlying genetic diversity and the influence of environmental factors. Anatomical studies revealed that the area under xylem tissues decreased in the pedicel of dropped fruits. Clone 11 and Kinnow prove promising in terms of yield data at harvest. This study provides supporting evidence on the basis of biochemical attributes for the superiority of PAU Mutant 1 fruit, released by Punjab Agricultural University, as an excellent source of major value added nutritional bioactive compounds. Results on endogenous IAA contents of ovaries correlated positively to fruit growth and development. Observations on organic acids profile of mandarin genotypes revealed that citric acid is the major organic acid, followed by ascorbic acid. N 34 genotype of mandarin might be used for high oil productivity. A comparative study was done with the mean of two years data in three mandarin genotypes (W.Murcott, Kinnow and Daisy) to investigate variation in qualitative and quantitative characters of three genotypes at two different locations. However, among mandarins grown at PAU, Ludhiana and Dr. J C Bakshi RRS, Abohar, a single variety does not emerge as the best on the basis of their collective physical, morphological, anatomical and biochemical characterization. This study of mandarin genotypes characterization may be useful for the selection of a genotype for desired quality characteristics as per specific market demand.
