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As they develop, many plants deploy shifts in antiherbivore defense allocation due to changing costs and benefits of their defensive traits. Plant defenses are known to be primed or directly induced by herbivore damage within generations and across generations by long-lasting epigenetic mechanisms. However, little is known about the differences between life stages of epigenetically inducible defensive traits across generations. To help fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a multigenerational experiment to determine whether defense induction in wild radish plants was reflected in chromatin modifications (DNA methylation); we then examined differences between seedlings and reproductive plants in current and transgenerational plasticity in chemical (glucosinolates) and physical (trichomes) defenses in this species. Herbivory triggered genome methylation both in targeted plants and their offspring. Within one generation, both defenses were highly inducible at the seedling stage, but only chemical defenses were inducible in reproductive plants. Across generations, herbivory experienced by mother plants caused strong direct induction of physical defenses in their progeny, with effects lasting from seedling to reproductive stages. For chemical defenses, however, this transgenerational induction was evident only in adults. Transgenerational priming was observed in physical and chemical defenses, particularly in adult plants. Our results show that transgenerational plasticity in plant defenses in response to herbivore offense differs for physical and chemical defense and changes across plant life stages.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) and polyamines (PAs) regulate various responses to abiotic stress, but their involvement in the regulation of copper (Cu) homeostasis in plants exposed to toxic levels of Cu is poorly understood. This study provides an analysis of the effects of exogenously applied BRs and PAs on radish (Raphanus sativus) plants exposed to toxic concentrations of Cu. The interaction of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR, an active BR) and spermidine (Spd, an active PA) on gene expression and the physiology of radish plants resulted in enhanced tolerance to Cu stress. Results indicated that the combined application of EBR and Spd modulated the expression of genes encoding PA enzymes and genes that impact the metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) resulting in enhanced Cu stress tolerance. Altered expression of genes implicated in Cu homeostasis appeared to be the main effect of EBR and Spd leading to Cu stress alleviation in radish. Ion leakage, in vivo imaging of H2O2, comet assay, and improved tolerance of Cu-sensitive yeast strains provided further evidence for the ability of EBR and Spd to improve Cu tolerance significantly. The study indicates that co-application of EBR and Spd is an effective approach for Cu detoxification and the maintenance of Cu homeostasis in plants. Therefore, the use of these compounds in agricultural production systems should be explored.

Water scarcity is a foremost environmental concern and is expected to hasten in the forthcoming years due to severe fluctuations in weather patterns worldwide. The present work was designed to explore the potential role of alpha-tocopherol (α-Toc), a form of vitamin E, on the morphological, physio-biochemical, and cellular antioxidant responses of two radish genotypes grown under drought conditions (38 ± 3% of field capacity). The individual and combined applications of α-Toc (100 ppm) were used as T0- Control, T1- Control + TF (TF-alpha-tocopherol), T2- Drought (D), and T3- D + TF with three replications. In general, drought conditions cause a marked reduction in, growth traits such as root length (RL), shoot dry weight (SDW), and shoot fresh weight (SFW). However, the sole and combined applications of α-Toc significantly enhanced the SDW, SFW, and RL in both radish genotypes. Drought stress causes a significant upsurge in hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and lipid peroxidation (LPX) in leaves. At the same time, exogenous fertigation of α-Toc protects the membranes by reducing the level of LPX, enhancing antioxidants such as catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) to scavenge the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhancing the osmolyte as total soluble proteins to maintain cell internal osmotic potential. Also, the α-Toc enhanced the photosynthetic pigments and significantly increased photosynthetic activity in the Early Milo (G2) as compared to Laal Pari (G1) genotype under drought, enhancing water use efficiency by maintaining transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The α-Toc also regulates the beneficial inorganic ions (K + , Ca 2+ , and PO₄³⁻) in the shoots of both genotypes. Our present findings demonstrate the potential role of α-Toc in mitigating drought stress and infer that it can enhance plant growth under drought conditions.

Due to the high solubility of Cd in water, it is considered a potential toxin which can cause cancer in humans. In plants, it is associated with the development of oxidative stress due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. To overcome this issue, the roles of different plant hormones are vital. Strigolactones, one of such natural plant hormones, show promise in alleviating cadmium toxicity by mitigating its harmful effects. Acidified biochar (AB) can also effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity via ion adsorption and pH buffering. However, the combined effects of strigolactone and AB still need in-depth investigations in the context of existing literature. This study aimed to assess the individual and combined impacts of SLs (0 and 25 µM) and AB (0 and 0.75% w/w) on radish growth under Cd toxicity, i.e., 0 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil. Using a fully randomized design (CRD), each treatment was administered in four replicates. In comparison to the control under 20 mg Cd/kg soil contamination, the results showed that 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB significantly improved the following: radish shoot length (~ 17%), root length (~ 47%), plant fresh weight (~ 28%), plant dry weight (~ 96%), chlorophyll a (~ 43%), chlorophyll b (~ 31%), and total chlorophyll (~ 37%). It was also noted that 0.75% AB was more pronounced in decreasing antioxidant activities than 25 µM strigolactone under 20 mg Cd/ kg soil toxicity. However, performing 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB was far better than the sole application of 25 µM strigolactone and 0.75% AB in decreasing antioxidant activities in radish plants. In conclusion, by regulating antioxidant activities, 25 µM strigolactone + 0.75% AB can increase radish growth in cadmium-contaminated soils.

Abstract Radish is a tuberous vegetable rich in nutrients, making it a great option for crop rotation on small and medium-sized properties. In this way, the determination adequate sources and doses of nitrogen (N) is essential to guarantee the development of this crop without excessive losses through leaching, reducing both damage to the environment and production costs. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and physiology of radish cultivated under fertilization with different sources and doses of N. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse located in the experimental area of the Biotechnology and Plant Breeding Sector of the Department of Biosciences of the Center for Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme (two sources of nitrogen fertilization – urea and ammonium sulfate; and five doses of nitrogen fertilizer – 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha-1) with four replications. Plant height, fresh and dry mass of roots, fresh and dry mass of shoots, number of leaves, leaf area, gas exchange, chlorophyll index and chlorophyll fluorescence were evaluated. Radish growth was positively influenced by N sources and doses. The application of urea was more efficient for plant growth, chlorophyll a index and total chlorophyll index, and fertilization with 15.0 kg ha-1 of urea was the most efficient way to increase the growth and production of radish plants. Resumo O rabanete é um vegetal tuberoso rico em nutrientes, tornando-se uma ótima opção para rotação de culturas em propriedades de pequeno e médio porte. Dessa forma, a determinação de fontes e doses adequadas de nitrogênio (N) é essencial para garantir o desenvolvimento dessa cultura sem perdas excessivas por lixiviação, reduzindo tanto os danos ao meio ambiente quanto os custos de produção. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o crescimento e a fisiologia do rabanete cultivado sob fertilização com diferentes fontes e doses de N. O experimento foi realizado em uma estufa localizada na área experimental do Setor de Biotecnologia e Melhoramento de Plantas do Departamento de Biosciências do Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso em um esquema fatorial 2 x 5 (duas fontes de fertilização nitrogenada – ureia e sulfato de amônio; e cinco doses de fertilizante nitrogenado – 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 kg ha-1) com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados a altura das plantas, massa fresca e seca das raízes, massa fresca e seca das partes aéreas, número de folhas, área foliar, trocas gasosas, índice de clorofila e a fluorescência da clorofila. O crescimento do rabanete foi positivamente influenciado pelas fontes e doses de N. A aplicação de ureia foi mais eficiente para o crescimento das plantas, índice de clorofila a e índice total de clorofila, sendo a fertilização com 15,0 kg ha-1 de ureia a forma mais eficiente de aumentar o crescimento e a produção das plantas de rabanete.

This study investigates the unconventional effects of gamma irradiation and/or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on Raphanus sativus . Silver chromate/aluminum-based MOFs were applied to both irradiated and non-irradiated R. sativus seeds. The evaluation was based on physiological characteristics—including phenotypic measurements and the content of ascorbic acid and total phenols—alongside genetic variation analysis using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. Improved growth parameters, including shoot height, root length, leaves number, and leaf area, were observed in the Al-MOF, Ag 2 CrO 4 /Al-MOF, and/or irradiation treatments. Notably, at 9 days after spray (DAS), plants from irradiated seeds and those treated with Ag 2 CrO 4 /Al-MOF exhibited enhanced phenotypic development (four leaves) compared to non-irradiated controls with noticeable, varying changes in leaf area. Conversely, chlorophyll content was not significantly affected. Furthermore, all treatments led to a significant increase in ascorbic acid and total phenol content relative to the control. By the conclusion of the experiment, MOFs perform effectively in conjunction with gamma irradiation (10 Gy) synergistically to enhance R. sativus features. Genetic analysis via SCoT revealed that MOFs in conjunction with gamma irradiation induced DNA variations. Specifically, when irradiation accompanied by Ag 2 CrO 4 /Al-MOF resulted in six negative unique markers, leading to genetic variants and instability relative to the control. These SCoT results remain complex and warrant further investigation. These findings promote the application of MOF products alongside irradiation in agriculture to optimize resource use. However, further research is required, particularly regarding the long-term effects of Al 3+ -MOFs.

Excessive use of fungicides in agriculture may result in substantial accumulation of active residues in soil, which affect crop health and yield. We investigated the response of Raphanus sativus (white radish) to fungicides in soil and potential beneficial interactions of radish plants with fungicide-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The PGPR were isolated from cabbage and mustard rhizospheres. Morphological and biochemical characteristics measured using standard methods, together with analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene sequences, revealed that fungicide-tolerant PGPR, isolates PS3 and AZ2, were closely related to Pseudomonas spp. These PGPR survived in the presence of high fungicide concentrations i.e., up to 2400 μg mL−1 carbendazim (CBZM) and 3200 μg mL−1 hexaconazole (HEXA). Bacterial isolates produced plant growth stimulants even under fungicide stress, though fungicides induced surface morphological distortion and alteration in membrane permeability of these bacteria, which was proved by a set of microscopic observations. Fungicides considerably affected the germination efficiency, growth, and physiological development of R. sativus, but these effects were relieved when inoculated with PGPR isolates. For instance, CBZM at 1500 mg kg−1 decreased whole dry biomass by 71%, whole plant length by 54%, total chlorophyll by 50%, protein content by 61%, and carotenoid production by 29%. After applying isolate AZ2 for white radish grown in CBZM (10 mg kg−1)-amended soil, it could improve plant growth and development with increased whole plant dry weight (10%), entire plant length (13%) and total chlorophyll content (18%). Similarly, isolate PS3 enhanced plant survival by relieving plant stress with declined biomarkers, i.e., proline (12%), malondialdehyde (3%), ascorbate peroxidase (6.5%), catalase (18%), and glutathione reductase (4%). Application of isolates AZ2 and PS3 could be effective for remediation of fungicide-contaminated soil and for improving the cultivation of radish plants while minimizing inputs of fungicides.

Radish ( Raphanus sativus L.) is an important root vegetable utilized worldwide. Highly genetic diverse germplasm of radish exists in Sikkim, but no high-yielding and climate resilient cultivar has been released so far, causing hindrance in its productivity especially under organic conditions. The present investigation was conducted to assess the existing genetic variability, and yield potential along with phytochemical constituents of sixty-one entries (fifty-seven radish genotypes and four checks) using augmented RCBD to identify genotypic performance under organic cultivation. Presence of high phytochemical composition can help to identify radish as a functional food. In the present investigation, augmented RCB design helped to handle a large number of genotypes with limited replications. The traits like total carotenoid, total carbohydrate, total sugar, reducing sugar, antioxidant capacity and total phenol content showed strong genetic potential for further selection. Character association for biochemical traits revealed that many of the traits had strong influence on each other. The genotypes were grouped into eight sub clusters nested within two macro-clusters. The findings provide an important insight towards phytochemical constituents present and their genotype-by-environment interaction in tested radish genotypes. The study concludes that genotypes SR24, SR14, SR50 and SR42 were found to be superior for their biochemical composition while genotypes SR56, SR39, and SR41 were found to be superior across years for both yield and biochemical constituents. The investigation presents the possibility of selection for radish genotypes suitable for organic farming in Sikkim Himalayan region, alongside a valuable source of medicinal value and functional food properties.

This article analyzes the effects of different rates of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg N ha –1 ) and sulfur (0, 15, 30 kg S ha –1 ) fertilizers on energy balance in oilseed radish biomass production. Energy inputs (EI) were determined at 6.8–7.1 GJ ha –1 . Nitrogen application increased EI by 34% (30 kg ha –1 ) and 135% (120 kg ha –1 ). The energy output of seeds and total biomass peaked after the application of 60 kg N ha –1 + 15 kg S ha –1 and 30 kg N ha –1 + 15 kg S ha –1 , respectively. The energy gain from seeds and total biomass peaked in response to 30 kg N ha –1 + 15 kg S ha –1 . The energy efficiency ratio (EER) of seeds peaked in response to 15 kg S ha –1 (without N fertilization). The EER of total biomass was highest in the absence of N and S fertilization. Nitrogen decreased the EER of seeds and total biomass by 47% and 56%, respectively. The N-induced decrease in the EER was reduced by 4–8% (seeds) and 4–10% (total biomass) when S was applied.

There is a growing interest in a potential use of essential oils (EOs) as a replacement for traditional pesticides and herbicides. The aims of this study were to: (i) Identify the chemical composition of the two EOs derived from Origanum heracleoticum L. and O. majorana L., (ii) evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the EOs against some postharvest phytopathogens (Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger and Monilinia fructicola), (iii) evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus megaterium, Clavibacter michiganensis, Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas fluorescens and P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, (iv) evaluate the effect of both studied EOs on the spore germination percentage and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against M. fructicola, and (v) study the possible phytotoxicity of the two EOs and their major constituents, carvacrol for O. heracleoticum and terpinen-4-ol for O. majorana, against tha germination and initial radicle growth of radish, lettuce, garden cress and tomato. The two EOs demonstrated promising in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal activities against all tested microorganisms. EOs showed high inhibition of spore germination percentage at the minimal inhibitory concentration of 500 and 2000 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, both germination and radical elongation of selected plant species were sensitive to the oils.