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BackgroundA pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic thresholds of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), iron oxide (FeO NPs), copper (Cu NPs), and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on cotton. All the nanoparticles were biosynthesized from Conocarpus erectus L. leaf extract. They were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Five concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) of all the biosynthesized nanoparticles were foliar applied thrice over the duration of cotton growth. Five cotton seeds were sown in 5 kg soil pot and harvested after 6 weeks. SPAD values were evaluated before harvesting while physical growth parameters, physiological parameters biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were measured after harvesting.ResultsThe value of all parameters, except oxidative stress, increased by 13–47% in response to ZnO NPs application up to 100 ppm. However, phytotoxic threshold of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) and copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was only 50 ppm as plant growth was increased by 7.9–24.3%. Above 50 ppm plant growth and biomass were decreased by 6.7–16.2%. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) showed maximum growth (3.7 to 9.12% increased) at 25 ppm concentration. At higher concentrations than 25 ppm, the application of Ag NPs decreased the growth due to toxicity. Foliar application of different biosynthesized nanoparticles showed the different range of threshold value for cotton crop. Threshold value of iron oxide and copper nanoparticles for cotton was 50 ppm, whereas, it was 25 ppm for silver nanoparticles. Since the ZnO NPs application continued increasing the growth till its maximum concentration used i.e., 100 ppm, we cannot say that this is its threshold value.ConclusionOn the basis of obtained results, it can be concluded that nanoparticles should be used within threshold to avoid adverse effects on crops. Application of nanoparticles within threshold optimum concentration, increased plant biomass and antioxidant system.

Conocarpus is a non-toxic plant and exhibits disparate applications in animal nutrition. Leaves, shoots, and remaining branches of this pruning shrub can be used as ideal feed for livestock. In view of this, this experiment was performed to investigate the effect of silage additive on the chemical composition of Conocarpus (Conocarpus erectus L.) silage as well as in vitro gas production parameters and digestibility in a completely randomized design with four replicates up to 45 days. Sulfuric acid (2.3 l−1 t; A) and molasses (5% w/w; M) were used as a silage additive in this context. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) No additive (Conocarpus silage; CS); (2) CS + A (CSA), and (3) CS + A + M (CSAM). Samples were used to determine the chemical composition, in vitro gas production, and digestibility parameters. Results showed that dry and organic matter of silage increased (P < 0.05) due to the supplementation of CSA and CSAM. The amount of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.05) in all treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) amount of crude protein was observed in CSAM treatment. The CSAM treatment led to reduce (P < 0.05) the ammonia-N and pH of silage. Ruminal gas production, organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, apparently degraded substrate, short-chain fatty acids, and coefficients b and c were estimated to be increased (P < 0.05) in CSA and CSAM treatments. The CSA treatment showed increment (P < 0.05) in microbial protein production only. The amount of ruminal ammonia-N was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for CS treatment. After 120 h of incubation period, the ruminal pH was not affected (P > 0.05) in experimental treatments. The highest (P < 0.05) digestibility amount dry matter and neutral detergent fiber were reported in CSAM and CSA treatments. Data suggested that addition of sulfuric acid and its combination with molasses improved the in vitro ruminal gas production and digestibility of the Conocarpus leaves silage as a propitious alternative feeding resource for livestock animals.

This study was aimed to estimate the influence of Conocarpus erectus L. residues, and some micronutrients on growth and production of potato. This research was conducted at one of the fields of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences - University of Baghdad. The experiment was implemented using factorial arrangement (4X3X3) within randomized complete block design with three replicates. Conocarpus fertilizer was represented the first factor with three levels (7.5, 15, 30 ton. ha-1), which symbolized (C2, C3, C4). Mineral fertilizer as recommended dose as a control, which symbolized (C1). The second factor was foliar spraying with three levels of iron (0, 100, 200 mg. L-1), which symbolized (F0, F1, F2). The third factor is foliar spraying with three levels of boron (0, 50, 100 mg. L-1), which symbolized (B0, B1, B2). Results revealed that the treatments C1 and C3 produced significant results in most of studied traits such as, Leaves number (71.74, 82.26 leaves plant-1), leaves chlorophyll content (223.30, 174.11 mg 100g wet weight) and total yield (84.24, 51.98 ton h-1) for both seasons respectively, while C1 and C4 produced the most significant protein percent reached (7.53, 7.71% ) respectively. The foliar application of Fe at F2 produced the highest results in leaves number (70.47, 80.18 leaves plant-1), protein percent (7.40, 7.55% ) for both seasons respectively, Also the foliar application of Boron at B1 and B2 produced a significant results in leaves number (68.58, 78.71 leaves plant-1), total yield (48.47, 76.00 ton h-1), and protein percent (7.43, 7.49% ) for both seasons respectively. Furthermore, the third order interaction at the treatment C3F2B2 produced the highest protein percent (7.78% ) in spring season only. هدفت الدراسة لكشف تأثير التسميد بمخلفات نبات الدمس المتحللة و رش بعض العناصر الصغرى في نمو و إنتاجية البطاطا. نفذت تجربة حقلية في احد حقول كلية علوم الهندسة الزراعية / جامعة بغداد. طٌبقت تجربة عاملية (4X3X3) حسب تصميم القطاعات الكاملة المعشاة و بثلاث مكررات، مثلت كميات سماد الكونوكاربس (7.5، 15، 30 طن. هـ-1) العامل الاول و التي رمز لها (C2، C3، (C4فضلا عن معاملة التسميد المعدني حسب الموصى به كمعاملة مقارنة (C1)، أما العامل الثاني فكان الرش بثلاث تراكيز من الحديد (0، 100، 200 ملغم. لتر-1) و التي رمز لها (F0، F1، F2)، و مثل الرش بالبورون بثلاث تراكيز العامل الثالث (0، 50، 100 ملغم. لتر-1) و التي رمز لها (B0، B1، B2). بينت نتائج التحليل الاحصائي تفوق معاملةC1 و C3 في معظم الصفات المدروسة، عدد الأوراق ( 71.74و 82.26 ورقة نبات-1) و محتوى الأوراق من الكلوروفيل (223.30و174.11ملغم 100غم-1وزن طري) للموسمين الخريفي و الربيعي بالتتابع، و C3 و C1 في الحاصل الكلي (51.98و84.24طن هـ-1) للموسمين بالتتابع، أما المعاملة C1 و C4 تفوقت في النسبة المئوية للبروتين في الدرنات بلغت (7.53و7.71%) للموسمين بالتتابع، و أما بالنسبة لرش الحديد بينت النتائج تفوق المعاملة F2 في عدد الاوراق (70.47و 80.18 ورقة نبات-1) و النسبة المئوية للبروتين (7.40و7.55% ) للموسمين بالتتابع. و تفوق المعاملة F1 و F2 في الحاصل الكلي للنبات (53.86و77.83طن هـ-1) للموسمين بالتتابع، أما معاملة الرش بالبورون تفوقت المعاملةB1وB2في عدد الأوراق (68.58و78.71 ورقة نبات-1) و الحاصل الكلي (48.47و76.00طن هـ-1) و النسبة المئوية للبروتين (7.43و7.49%) للموسمين بالتتابع، أما معاملات التداخل الثلاثي تفوقت المعاملة 2C3F2B في النسبة المئوية للبروتين (7.78% ) للموسم الربيعي.

Optimization of the extraction conditions of polyphenolic compounds for different parts of the Damas species, Conocarpus lancifolius and Conocarpus erectus, grown under UAE conditions was studied. The combination of ethanol concentration (50, 75, and 100%), temperature (45, 55, and 65 °C) and time (1, 2, and 3 h) was used by applying the Response Surface Methodology. The data showed that the extracts (n = 90) contained phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins, and were free of alkaloids. Changing the extraction conditions had a significant effect on the detection of phytosterols, saponins, and glycosides and on the solubility of vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, t-ferulic acid, rutin hydrate, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, and flavone. The data reveal that the roots and leaves of C. erectus and the leaves and fruits of C.lancifolius are the most important plant parts from which to extract these compounds. This study draws attention to the unordinary use of Conocarpus spp. as a source of natural food additive.

Roadside trees alter biotic and abiotic factors of plants diversity in an ecosystem. Rows of plants grow along the roadside due to the interplay between the arrival of propagule and seedling establishment, which depends on the road’s specifications, land pattern, and road administration and protection practices. A field study was conducted to measure the roadside tree diversity in the city of Karachi (Pakistan). A total of 180 plots, divided into three primary road groups, were surveyed. The highest quantity of tree biomass per unit area was found on wide roads, followed by medium roads. On narrow roads, the least biomass was detected. A single species or a limited number of species dominated the tree community. Conocarpus erectus was the most dominant non-native species on all types of sidewalks or roadsides, followed by Guaiacum officinale . A total of 76 species (32 non-natives and 44 natives) that were selectively spread along the roadsides of the city were studied. There was a significant difference in phylogenetic diversity (PD), phylogenetic mean pairwise distance (MPD), and phylogenetic mean nearest taxon distance (MNTD) among wide, medium, and narrow roads. Management practices have a significant positive correlation with diversity indices. Our study identified patterns of diversity in roadside trees in Karachi. It provides the basis for future planning for plant protection, such as the protection of plant species, the maintenance of plant habitats, and the coordination of plant management in Karachi.

Contamination of agricultural soil by heavy metals poses a significant threat to soil quality and crop yields. Using plants as a natural remediation approach attracts researchers’ attention around the world. A 16-month pot experiment was conducted using Conocarpus erectus in a randomized complete block design. The growth, enzymatic activity, electrolyte leakage, and remediation potential were estimated under Cd nitrate]40 low (L), 60 medium (M), 80 high (H) mg/kg soil [and Pb nitrate]400 (L), 700 (M), 1,000 (H) mg/kg soil [applied individually and in combination. Conocarpus erectus demonstrated a good tolerance (over 70%) against lower and medium cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels and a medium resistance against high Cd and Pb levels, with a survival rate of 100% under all the treatments used. The most negative treatment on the growth traits and tolerance of C. erectus was (H) Cd and (H) Pb, which reduced plant height; chlorophyll index; dry weights of the leaves, stems, and roots; root length; and tolerance index of biomass and roots by 25.87%, 48.97%, 50.56%, 47.25%, 58.67%, 50.18%, 51.00%, and 50% in comparison to the respective control, consecutively. Relative to the control, all Cd and Pb applications increased polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, and the increment was parallel up to medium Cd and Pb levels and then decreased with their high levels but still higher than the control. Electrolyte leakage (EL) was upheaved by raising the levels of Cd and Pb, and it reached the maximum (52.79%) at the (H) Cd (H) Pb treatment. Cd and Pb in the leaves, stems, and roots were boosted by raising their levels in the treatments. Conocarpus erectus is considered a phytoextractor for the Cd levels used because the bioconcentration factor of the stem (BCF s ) and the translocation factor (TF) of Cd were >1, and it is a suitable plant for Pb phytoextraction at (L) Pb, (M) Pb, and (M) Cd (M) Pb levels because its Pb BCF s and bioconcentration factor of the root (BCF r ) were <1 and its Pb TF was >1. On the other hand, C. erectus is considered a phytostabilizator for Pb at (H) Pb, (L) Cd, (L) Pb, and (H) Cd (H) Pb levels because its Pb BCF s , BCF r , and TF were <1.

Heavy metals biomonitoring was performed using the Conocarpus erectus tree in Ahvaz city. Composite leaf and soil samples were collected from 23 selected stations. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) in leaf and soil samples, and bioavailability of metals in soil samples were determined. Examination of soil physicochemical parameters proved neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and low organic matter content in the soil samples. The mean concentration of heavy metals in soil was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals was in the range of safe to low risk (RI < 150). Although the concentration of metals in the more polluted areas was higher in both leaf and soil samples, there was no significant relationship between the concentrations of metals in the leaf and soil samples. This relationship is even lower between the bioavailable component of metals in the soil and the concentration of metals in the leaves. Transfer factor values based on total contents of metals in soil samples indicated that Conocarpus erectus is mostly contaminated with Zn and Cu. The results of Accumulation factor of plant revealed that Pb, Zn, and Fe were mostly enriched in the plant by anthropogenic activities . MAI values in heavy and light traffic, and industrial areas were 11.88, 8.01 and 8.15, respectively. In general, it is evident that the Conocarpus erectus leaves accumulate heavy metals in polluted areas, so it can be used as a bioindicator of air pollution with heavy metals in regions with similar conditions.

The buttonwood ( Conocarpus erectus L.) is a mangrove shrub belonging to Combretaceae family. It mostly grows on the shorelines of tropical and subtropical regions in the world . It was introduced to Lasbela University of Water, Agriculture & Marine Sciences (LUWMS), Uthal, Baluchistan as an ornamental plant as it grows well under harsh, temperate and saline conditions. During a routine survey, typical leaf spot symptoms were observed on the leaves of buttonwood plants. A disease severity scale for alternaria leaf spot of buttonwood was developed for the first time through this study. Disease severity according to the scale was 38.97%. The microscopic characterizations was accomplished for the identification of Alternaria alternata and Koch’s postulates were employed to determine the pathogenicity. For molecular identification, 650 bp internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1, 5.8s and ITS2) were amplified from three representative isolates (LUAWMS1, LUAWMS2 and LUAWMS3) through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleotide sequences from ITS regions of the isolates were submitted to NCBI with GenBank accession numbers MW585375, MW585376 and MW585377, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of 22 A . alternata isolates was computed and representative isolates exhibited 99.98% genetic similarity with mangroves ecosystem isolates. This study reports the incidence of alternaria leaf spot of buttonwood at LUWMS for the first time. It is suspected that the disease may spread further. Therefore, effective management strategies should be opted to halt the further spread of the disease.

Conocarpus erectus L. is one of the ornamental shrubs or trees that are utilized in different aspects in landscape (gardens, cities, roads, etc.). Fertilization program is an essential factor affecting the aesthetic characters of this plant species. Pots experiment was conducted in a randomized completed split plot design with the aim to study the effects of NPK fertilizers at the levels of 100%, 75%, and 50% of the suggested doses of 18, 12, and 6 g/plant from ammonium sulfate, calcium superphosphate, and potassium sulfate, respectively, as well as natural extracts as active dry yeast (ADY) at 1 or 3 g L -1 , green tea (GT) at 0.2 or 0.5 g L -1 , and seaweeds (SW) at 1 or 1.5 mL L -1 , and their interaction on the growth and attributes of C. erectus in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The results indicated that 100% NPK dose produced the highest significant values of plant height, number of branches, primary stem diameter, area/leaf, chlorophyll index, shoots and root fresh and dry weight, percentage of relative water content (in the second season), N, P, K, and total carbohydrates in comparison with 75% and 50% NPK doses in the both seasons. Moreover, 100% NPK increased the activity of peroxidase enzyme, phenol compounds, and antioxidant activity over the 75% and 50% NPK doses. Conversely, 75% NPK recorded a high relative water content (in the first season) and activity of catalase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes over the 100% and 50% NPK doses. All treatments of natural extracts had positive impacts on the studied parameters previously mentioned when compared to untreated control. Among the natural extracts used, 3 g L -1 ADY was the best application to increase the studied traits, except for leaf area and P%, whose higher significant values resulted from treatments with application of SW extract at 1.5 mL L -1 and 1 g L -1 ADY + 0.2 g L -1 GT + 1 mL L -1 SW, respectively. Moreover, the 100% NPK dose combined with 3 gL -1 ADY was the best combination to execute the highest values of the aforementioned traits studied, except the primary stem diameter, P%, and PPO activity, whereas the highest values resulted from treatments with 100% NPK dose + 1.5 mL L -1 SW, 1 g L -1 ADY + 0.2 g L -1 GT + 1 mL L -1 SW, and 75% NPK dose + 3 g L -1 ADY, respectively. Therefore, 100% NPK treatment combined with 3 g L -1 ADY is recommended to fertilize C. erectus plants in order to reduce the overuse of chemical fertilizers and to minimize habitat contamination for the maintenance of the whole environment.

The effect of resource subsidies on recipient food webs has received much recent attention. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of significant seasonal seaweed deposition events, caused by hurricanes and other storms, on species inhabiting subtropical islands. The seaweed represents a pulsed resource subsidy that is consumed by amphipods and flies, which are eaten by lizards and predatory arthropods, which in turn consume terrestrial herbivores. Additionally, seaweed decomposes directly into the soil under plants. We added seaweed to six shoreline plots and removed seaweed from six other plots for three months; all plots were repeatedly monitored for 12 months after the initial manipulation. Lizard density ( Anolis sagrei ) responded rapidly, and the overall average was 63% higher in subsidized than in removal plots. Stable-isotope analysis revealed a shift in lizard diet composition toward more marine-based prey in subsidized plots. Leaf damage was 70% higher in subsidized than in removal plots after eight months, but subsequent damage was about the same in the two treatments. Foliage growth rate was 70% higher in subsidized plots after 12 months. Results of a complementary study on the relationship between natural variation in marine subsidies and island food web components were consistent with the experimental results. We suggest two causal pathways for the effects of marine subsidies on terrestrial plants: (1) the \"fertilization effect\" in which seaweed adds nutrients to plants, increasing their growth rate, and (2) the \"predator diet shift effect\" in which lizards shift from eating local prey (including terrestrial herbivores) to eating mostly marine detritivores.