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Light intensity and spectrum have a direct effect on the growth and development of plants and on the qualitative characteristics of their productions. LED technology seems to offer interesting prospects for its possible use in confined environments (growth chambers, bioreactors, greenhouses, etc). On the basis of these considerations, we tested the effects on the in vitro growth and development of micropropagated pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) plantlets using four different light spectra: (1) fluorescence light (FL—control); (2) white LED (WL—blue 20%, green 36%, red 38%, far red 6%, and UV 1%); (3) predominantly red LED (RL—blue 12%, green 19%, red 61%, and far red 8%); (4) Red/Blue LED (RL/BL—67% red and 33% blue) and two light intensities: 80 and 100 μmol m−2s−1 (16/8 h light/dark photoperiod). A. comosus showed a different morphogenetic response to the light spectra and their intensity and to their interaction. Among the LED lights to date tested, at 80 μmol m−2s−1 the best results on shoot multiplication were obtained under the RL light and to a lesser extent under the WL. This last treatment resulted also in a significant improvement in shoot quality in terms of secondary shoot dry weight and total chlorophyll concentration when compared to all the other light spectra tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the importance of computational methods in the design of therapeutic agents in a more efficient way is indisputable. Particularly, these methods have been important in the design of novel acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitors related to Alzheimer's disease. In this sense, in this report a computational model of linear prediction of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of steroids and triterpenes is presented. The model is based in a correlation between binding energies obtained from molecular dynamic simulations (after docking studies) and IC 50 values of a training set. This set includes a family of natural and semi-synthetic structurally related alkaloids reported in bibliography. These types of compounds, with some structural complexity, could be used as building blocks for the synthesis of many important biologically active compounds Therefore, the present study proposes an alternative based on the use of conventional and easily accessible tools to make progress on the rational design of molecules with biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Propagation by single-node stem cutting of giant reed (Arundo donax) was attempted. • Nutrients availability on the node plays a key role in rooting development. • In open field, the best period for node excision is July followed by May. • Nodes whose diameter exceed 2 cm showed higher rooting and plantlets development. • IBA resulted effective in promoting rooting in the worst excision dates. Abstract Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a warm-season, fast growing lignocellulosic crop suitable to Mediterranean and semi-arid environments. However, its sterility limits a cost-effective propagation along with environmental impacts associated with rhizome processing. In the present study, the effects of intrinsic (node size and node chemical composition) and extrinsic factors (node pretreatment with growth regulators) on root and shoot development were investigated under different excision time of node-cuttings in a controlled and open field conditions. Results indicated that nutrients availability of the propagation material plays a key role in rooting development. To enhance the success of giant reed propagation by single node stem-cuttings, the best period for node excision is July in open field trial, followed by the late spring (May). Nodes whose diameter exceed 2 cm resulted in higher rooting and plantlets development even in the less favorable excision dates. However, when big nodes are adopted in controlled environments even winter periods are eligible, being particularly useful for spring open field transplants of rooted plantlets. Among the growth regulators used in the present study, indole-3-butyric acid - IBA (in controlled environment) resulted effective in promoting rooting particularly in the worse excision date (April); in open field, IBA significantly improved rooting in the excision dates of February and May in the big nodes, and only in February in the small ones. NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) was almost ineffective in enhancing rooting as compared to the control. The present study might open a new perspective to overcome one of the most significant drawbacks to establish giant reed, namely its agamic propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of thirty-three alkynyl and β-ketophosphonates were evaluated for their in vitro acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (AChE and BChE) inhibitory activities using Ellman’s spectrophotometric method. None of the examined compounds inhibited AChE activity at tested concentrations while twenty-nine of them showed significant and selective inhibition of BChE with IC 50 values between 38.60 µM and 0.04 µM. In addition, structure-activity relationships were discussed. The most effective inhibitors were the dibutyl o -methoxyphenyl alkynylphosphonate 3dc and dibutyl o -methoxyphenyl β-ketophosphonate 4dc . Activities of most potent compounds were also compared with a commercial organophosphorus compound. These results could inspire the design of new inhibitors with stronger activity against BChE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob is a valuable leguminous species for its productions but also for forestation of arid and degraded areas threatened by soil erosion and desertification processes. However, large-scale cultivation of this species is hampered by the difficult propagation by cuttings or seeds. Researches to evaluate genotype tolerance to saline and drought stress during germination and first plant establishment, are also inhibited by the scarce seed germination. In this study, carob seeds, from wild and domesticated carob genotypes collected in a representative area of the Mediterranean basin (Sicily, Italy), were subjected to germination tests under isotonic solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium chloride (NaCl) at −0.5, −1.0, −1.5 MPa. Before germination tests, a 20 min pre-treatment with 96% sulphuric acid was necessary to overcome seed coat dormancy which does not permit germination. Differences in drought and salinity tolerance were determined in the different genotypes during germination. All genotypes exhibited a higher sensitivity to drought stress as compared to salinity stress. The observed differences in some genetically inherited germination characteristics (i.e. base Ψb(50)s and hydrotimes) suggest genetic differences even in seeds of individual old trees situated in close areas, as previously found in other countries of the Mediterranean basin. A greater sensitivity to stress was determined during early radicle growth, an essential feature for early plant establishment in marginal dry areas. In this paper, a protocol to test germination under simulated stress conditions (drought and salinity stress) was established. Including in the analysis other parameters representative of early embryo growth (i.e. radicle elongation), this protocol may be useful to select genotypes for breeding programs towards the selection of tolerant cultivars or rootstocks. It may be also applied to other leguminous species with a difficult germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agronomic use of olive mill wastewaters (OMWs) is limited by some constraints, such as high salinity, acidity, and phenolic compounds that exert phytotoxic and antimicrobial effects. Many researches have been focused on OMW polyphenol effects on germination, but only few on the combined effects of salinity and acidity. In this paper, on Lolium multiflorum Lam., the effects on germination of pH and osmotic potentials similar or higher to those found in OMWs have been investigated. The studied salinity and pH levels did not affect final germination of L. multiflorum , but in some cultivars they significantly enhanced T 50 and consequently reduced initial root growth. Thus, in this species moderately tolerant to salinity, the reduction of germination determined by OMWs cannot be attributed to the osmotic stress and/or to the low pH, but mainly to polyphenols. This research emphasizes the possibility of obtaining good crop establishments after spreading OMWs on soil, choosing herbaceous species tolerant to salinity once polyphenols have been inactivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue culture methods offer the potential for large-scale propagation of giant reed ( Arundo donax L.), a promising crop for energy biomass. In previous trials, giant reed resulted particularly suitable to in vitro culture. In this paper, with the final goal of enhancing the efficiency of in vitro production process and reducing costs, the influence of four different culture media (agar or gellan-gum solidified medium, liquid medium into a temporary immersion system-RITA ® or in a stationary state) on in vitro shoot proliferation of giant reed was evaluated. Giant reed exhibited a particular sensitivity to gelling agents during the phase of secondary shoot formation. Gellan gum, as compared to agar, improved the efficiency of in vitro culture giving more shoots with higher mean fresh and dry weight. Moreover, the cultivation of this species into a liquid medium under temporary immersion conditions or in a stationary state, was comparatively as effective as and cheaper than that into a gellan gum medium. Increasing 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) up to 4 mg l −1 also resulted in a further enhancement of secondary shoot proliferation. The good adaptability of this species to liquid medium and the high multiplication rates observed indicate the possibility to obtain from a single node at least 1200 plantlets every six multiplication cycles (about 6 months), a number 100 fold higher than that obtained yearly per plant by the conventional methods of vegetative multiplication. In open field, micropropagated plantlets guaranteed a higher number of survived plants, secondary stems and above ground biomass as compared to rhizome ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of reduced water potential (ψ) in NaCl and pre-osmopriming in PEG, on seed germination and early radicle growth at different temperatures were assessed in the laboratory for sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cv. Roce. Five salt solutions (with a ψ of 0-control, −0.22, −0.42, −0.82 or −1.23MPa) and four temperatures of 10, 15, 25 or 35°C were used for germination tests. Daily and final germination, seed moisture at 4 and 24h of imbibition and radicle length 2 days after initial germination were recorded. Sorghum seeds seem to be more tolerant to reduced ψ at optimum temperature. Indeed, at 25°C, down to −0.82MPa seed germination was not affected. The increase in incubation temperature to 35°C determined a greater seed water content and a faster germination than at 25°C at all ψ s, despite the lower final germination percentage. With the lowering of temperature to 15°C, germination percentage significantly declined with the decrease of ψ and at −0.82MPa it reduced to less than 50%. At 10°C seeds failed to germinate at ψ <−0.22MPa due to combined depressive effects of reduced ψ and low temperature. Seed priming enhanced germination and shortened the delay in germination time due to the increase in saline stress, at suboptimal temperatures only. This effect could be explained by the faster water absorption occurring in primed seeds as compared to those unprimed, at these temperatures, regardless of salt concentration of the solution. Root growth was more sensitive than germination to salt stress. Indeed, the increase in NaCl concentration adversely affected root elongation at all temperatures. The beneficial effects of PEG-osmopriming were evident on root growth at all temperatures except the optimal one. From a practical point of view, when early sowings of sweet sorghum are requested, the use of primed seeds is suggested, as PEG-osmopriming is helpful in overcoming the negative effect imposed by reduced water potential upon seed germination under suboptimal thermal conditions. When saline water is available for irrigation at sowing, it may be useful to sow when optimal or nearly optimal temperature may be encountered in the soil in order to avoid the combined stress of temperature and salinity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Light and temperature-response curves and their resulting coefficients, obtained within ecophysiological characterization of gas exchanges at the leaf level, may represent useful criteria for breeding and cultivar selection and required tools for simulation models aimed at the prediction of potential plant behaviour in response to environmental conditions. Leaf-scale gas exchanges, by means of an IRGA open-flow system, were measured in response to light intensity (8 levels from 0 up to 2000μmolm−2 s−1), CO2 concentrations (ambient—350μmolmol−1 and short-term enriched—700μmolmol−1) and air temperature (from 7 up to 35°C) on three Vicia faba L. genotypes, each representing one of the three cultivated groups: major, equina and minor. The net assimilation rate response to light intensity was well described by an exponential rise to max function. The short-term CO2 enrichment markedly increased the values of light response curve parameters such as maximum photosynthetic rate (+80%), light saturation point (+40%) and quantum yield (+30%), while less homogenous behaviour was reported for dark respiration and light compensation point. For each light intensity level, the major and minor genotypes studied showed assimilation rates at least a 30% higher than equina. The positive effects of short-term CO2 enrichment on photosynthetic water use efficiency (WUE) indicate a relevant advantage in doubling CO2 concentration. In the major and minor genotypes studied, similar assimilation rates, but different WUE were observed. The optimum leaf temperature for assimilation process, calculated through a polynomial function, was 26–27°C and no relevant limitations were observed in the range between 21 and 32°C. Analysis at the single leaf level provided both rapid information on the variations in gas exchange in response to environmental factors and selection criteria for the screening of genotypes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris Lam.) exhibits a particular adaptability to the Mediterranean environment. Aiming to introduce its cultivation in the degraded areas of Sicily, it seemed interesting to study seed germination in the typical stress conditions of this environment.Our results showed a good variability in salinity and water stress resistance among the populations. Moreover six of them exhibited higher germination percentages in polyethylene glycol than in NaCl.Therefore wild cardoon may be utilized as genetic material to select lines suitable to the cultivation in semi-arid conditions of Mediterranean environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of cholinesterase inhibitors, fusing tacrine and the alkaloid solanocapsine. • Inhibition against AChE and BuChE enzymes at nM range was achieved. • Improved inhibition of BuChE was achieved since it could better allocate big compounds. • Docking and molecular dynamic studies suggest that they could act as dual inhibitors. To date, Alzheimer's disease is the most alarming neurodegenerative disorder worldwide. This illness is multifactorial in nature and cholinesterase inhibitors have been the ones used in clinical treatments. In this context, many of these drugs selectively inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme interacting in both the active site and the peripheric anionic site. Besides, some agents have exhibited extensive benefits being able to co-inhibit butyrylcholinesterase. In this contribution, a strategy previously explored by numerous authors is reported; the synthesis of hybrid cholinesterase inhibitors. This strategy uses a molecule of recognized high inhibitory activity (tacrine) together with a steroidal alkaloid of natural origin using different connectors. The biological assays demonstrated the improvement in the inhibitory activity compared to the alkaloidal precursor, together with the reinforcement of the interactions in multiple sites of the enzymatic cavity. This strategy should be explored and exploited in this area. Docking and molecular dynamic studies were performed to explain enzyme-ligand interactions, assisting a structure–activity relationship analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate, in a marginal semi-arid Mediterranean agro-ecosystem (Sicily-Italy), the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and raw olive mill wastewater (OMW) (40 and 80 m3 ha−1) on forage (durum wheat-snail medick intercropping) yield, and grain production of broad bean and chickpea. AMF inoculation significantly increased (+13.6%) forage dry biomass and durum wheat nitrogen (+22.8%) and phosphorus (+32.5%) uptake. AMF inoculation, significantly promoted broad bean phosphorus uptake (+11.5%) and root nodule number (+13.9%) in the absence of OMW. OMW spreading reduced weeds in the forage (−31.3%), root nodule number (−29.7%) and dry weight (−22.7%) in broad bean. OMW also significantly increased snail medick dry biomass (+19.3%) as compared to control treatments (0, 40 and 80 m3 H2O ha−1, average production 361 g m−2), and broad bean grain yield with a production of 2.46 ± 0.12 and 1.94 ± 0.09 Mg ha−1 with and without OMW, respectively. During the experiment AMF colonization was not affected by OMW volumes. The results obtained showed that in a marginal Mediterranean agro-ecosystem: 1) OMW, notwithstanding spreading volumes, is a valuable amendment to maximize legume yield while 2) AMF inoculation is a valuable practice to improve biomass production and N and P uptake in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of natural products in medicinal chemistry is essential today. In this context, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors comprise one type of the compounds most actively studied in the search for an effective treatment of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This work describes the isolation of a natural compound, solanocapsine, the preparation of its chemical derivatives, the evaluation of AChE inhibitory activity, and the structure–activity analysis of relevant cases. The influence of structural variations on the inhibitory potency was carefully investigated by modifying different reactive parts of the parent molecule. A theoretical study was also carried out into the binding mode of representative compounds to the enzyme through molecular modeling. The biological properties of the series were investigated. Through this study valuable information was obtained of steroidal alkaloid-type compounds as a starting point for the synthesis of AChE inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Constructed wetlands (CWs) could play a strategic role in wastewater reclamation and reuse in arid and semiarid regions, such as the Mediterranean area. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytoremoval effectiveness of Phragmites australis and spontaneous plant species (SPS) in two CW systems: a horizontal (H-SSF) and a vertical (V-SSF) subsurface flow. P. australis showed a higher biomass growth than SPS and always covered 100% of the bed''s surface. The H-SSF system was more suitable for enhancing biomass growth of P. australis (4701 gm −2 as compared to 3088 gm −2 detected in the V-SSF CWs) whereas V-SSF of SPS (1700 gm −2 and 100% total cover as compared to 240 gm −2 and 40% total cover observed in H-SSF). SPS included species belonging to different botanical families in relation to the system adopted. Some of these species (i.e. Phalaris spp. and Chrysantemum segetum) were dominant in aboveground floral composition. Beds with SPS showed the same efficiency of the Phragmites ones in TSS, COD and pathogen removal. Phragmites was more effective than SPS in removing BOD5 (in horizontal system), total phosphorus and nitrates. V-SSF systemwas more effective than H-SSF in removing total nitrogen. SPS presence did not decrease the efficiency of unplanted beds. Irrespective of the different plant species covering the beds, CWs were overall efficient in removing pollutants confirming their potential as an economic alternative to traditional urban wastewater treatments in small and medium-sized communities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Within the project "BIOSEA" funded by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a preliminary laboratory test was conducted to assess the variability for cold tolerance during germination in 30 cultivars of biomass sorghum, among fiber and sweet types. Seed germination (%) and mean germination time (MGT) were examined at seven constant temperatures (from 8 °C to 35 °C) and base temperature (Tb) and thermal time (θT) for 50% germination were calculated. A wide genetic diversity in the germination response of sorghum was ascertained at 8 °C (CV 45%) and 10 °C (CV 25.4%). At 8 °C, in cultivars of 'Padana 4', 'PR811F', 'PSE24213', 'PR849' and 'Zerberus', seed germination exceeded 80%. Seeds of 'Zerberus' were also the fastest, requiring less than 13 days for final germination at this low temperature. Great differences were found in Tb and θT among cultivars. Tb varied between 7.44 °C ('PR811F') and 13.48 °C ('Nectar'). Thermal time (θT) was, on average, 24.09 °Cd−1, and ranged between 16.62 ('Nectar') and 33.42 °Cd−1 ('PSE24213'). The best combination of the two germination parameters (i.e., low Tb and θT) corresponded to 'Zerberus', 'Sucrosorgo 506', 'Jumbo' and 'PR811F'. Accordingly, these cultivars are more tolerant to cold stress during germination and, thus, more adapt to early spring sowings in Mediterranean areas (March-April). Cultivars 'PR811F' (fiber type) and 'Sucrosorgo 506' (sweet type) also combine high cold tolerance with good productivity in terms of final dry biomass, as assessed in open-field conditions (late spring sowing). The genetic variation in the germination response to a low temperature is useful for the identification of genotypes of sorghum suitable to early sowings in semi-arid areas. Selection within existing cultivars for cold tolerance during germination may also contribute to the expansion of biomass sorghum into cooler cultivation areas, such as those of Northern Europe, which are less suitable to this warm season crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of new α-aminophosphonate-tetrahydroisoquinoline hybrids were synthetized by a simple and economical approach. • Most compounds displayed potent and selective activity against BChE. • Compound 3bc resulted to be the most active reversible and non-competitive inhibitor of BChE with an IC 50 value of 9 nM. • Molecular modelling and ADME predictions suggested the potential of hybrids as leads in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. A series of 19 novel α-aminophosphonate-tetrahydroisoquinoline hybrids were synthesized through a cross dehydrogenative coupling reaction between N -aryl-tetrahydroisoquinolines and dialkylphosphites, using tert -butyl hydroperoxide as oxidazing agent. This simple procedure provided products with high atom economy and moderate to high yields. In vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activity of these compounds was evaluated. All the synthesized compounds showed good to excellent selective inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase. Compound 3bc was found to be the most active derivative with an IC 50 of 9 nM. Molecular modelling studies suggested that the inhibitor is located in the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of the enzyme and interacts with some residue of the catalytic anionic site. Kinetic studies revealed that 3bc acts as a non-competitive inhibitor. Predicted ADME showed good pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties for most hybrids. Each newly synthesized compound was characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 31P NMR spectral studies and also HRMS. The results of this study suggest that α-aminophosphonate-tetrahydroisoquinoline hybrids can be promising lead compounds in the discovery of new and improved drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native species are recommended for use in landscape restoration because they adapt well to the local pedo-climatic conditions. Despite the high biodiversity in the Mediterranean, the use of native plants is hampered by the limited knowledge of their seed germination. This is particularly true for a number of plants which are appropriate for creating species-rich herbaceous communities. In this study, seeds of 35 species were collected in different roadside and degraded sites in rural and urban areas. Two experiments were carried out to determine the influence of light and thermal conditions on seed germination. In the first experiment, seeds of 17 species were tested at different temperatures (5, 15, and 25°C). At 15°C, seed germination was tested under both dark and light conditions. In the second experiment, the germination of 30 species was tested under alternating temperatures (25/15°C) and dark/light conditions. The responses of the various species differed in relation to thermal levels and light conditions, e.g., Bartsia trixago did not germinate in the dark at constant temperatures (5, 15, and 25°C), while in the light (15°C) and at alternating temperatures (25/15°C) in light and dark conditions, germination was over 60%. In both experiments, Tragopogon porrifolius and Triticum ovatum showed the highest germination rate (=88%). With the sole exception of Medicago orbicularis, all members of the Fabaceae showed no or low germination. The definition of the germination requirements of some Mediterranean species, highlighted in these experiments, provides useful information for the creation of low input green areas and environmental restoration using these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general obstacle to the development of perennial grasses is the relatively high cost of propagation and planting. The objective of the present study was to investigate new propagation and planting methods of giant reed ( Arundo donax L.), miscanthus ( Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deuter) and switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.). Field and open-air pot trials were carried out in four different locations across Europe: hydro-seeding of switchgrass was tested in field trials at the experimental farm of the University of Bologna, Italy; stem propagation and bud activation methods of miscanthus were evaluated in field experiments in Péteri, Hungary; giant reed rhizome and stem propagations were compared in a field trial in Aliartos, Greece; finally, an open-air pot trial was carried out in Catania, Italy, using single-node stem cuttings of giant reed. Hydro-seeding emerged as a feasible and promising technique for switchgrass to ensure prompt seed emergence and weed control during plant establishment. Direct stem plantings of miscanthus were successful, and activated stem-buds were able to sprout in field conditions; however, timely stem transplant was determinant for shoot density and biomass yield. In giant reed, rhizome propagation showed a higher stem density and biomass yield than stem propagation; however, the yield gap was not significant from the second year onwards. Single-node rooting was mainly driven by air temperature. Nodes from basal stems showed higher rooting rates than median and apical ones. Growth regulator pretreatments enhanced rooting rate only at transplanting times under suboptimal air temperatures. In general, these experiments provided insights into propagation strategies aimed at enhancing the establishment phase of perennial grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant specialized metabolites (SMs) play an important role in the interaction with the environment and are part of the plant defense response. These natural products are volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds produced from common building blocks deriving from primary metabolic pathways and rapidly evolved to allow a better adaptation of plants to environmental cues. Specialized metabolites include terpenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, glucosinolates, tannins, resins, etc. that can be used as phytochemicals, food additives, flavoring agents and pharmaceutical compounds. This review will be focused on Mediterranean crop plants as a source of SMs, with a special attention on the strategies that can be used to modulate their production, including abiotic stresses, interaction with beneficial soil microorganisms and novel genetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the presented studies was to evaluate the magnetic field (MF) effect on changes in some enzymes and phytohormones that takes place in the process of seed germination and growth of seedlings. Studies were led in the climatic chambers HERAEUS, on Petri dishes during six consecutive days. Pea seeds were divided into three groups from which one was the control (without stimulation) and two were treated with different doses of magnetic field (30 and 85 mT, respectively). Contents of amylolytic enzymes (AE) and phytohormones were determined at seven terms (0; 24; 48; 72; 96; 120 and 144 h) after placing them on the dishes. A favorable effect of seed stimulation with MF was found on the biochemical processes in the germinating seeds and pea seedlings. The size of changes in enzyme concentration was dependent mainly on the advancement of germination process (i.e., on length of time in which the seeds were on the dishes) and the MF treatment. The use of MF also had an effect on the increase in hormone content in the seeds and organs of seedlings, but values from objects treated with different doses did not differ significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasturtium is a popular herbal plant, widely cultivated as culinary and medicinal plants all over the world. However, the seed propagation of nasturtium is inefficient, and in-vitro propagation is sophisticated and high-cost. In this study, the cutting propagation method was employed to produce nasturtium seedlings. We aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cutting propagation of nasturtium seedlings by investigating the effects of node position and electric conductivity (EC) of nutrient solution on the root formation of the cuttings. Cuttings from five node positions (apical bud, 2nd node, 3rd node, 4th node, and 5th node) were subjected to water and five EC (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 dS m−1) treatments with a hydroponic cultivation system in a plant factory. Results showed that all cuttings rooted successfully within two weeks. The cuttings from the apical bud position rooted earliest and produced the most roots regardless of EC level. Cuttings from other node positions produced longer roots and heavier root fresh and dry weights than those from the apical bud position. The cuttings under EC of 1.0 dS m−1 had the greatest root number, the longest root length, and the heaviest root fresh and dry weights regardless of node positions. The EC of 1.0 dS m−1 is considered the best condition for nasturtium cuttings for the range of EC tested in this study, and the cuttings from all the five node positions can be used as seedling materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]