Biology subjects

Patni, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Patni, B..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Physiological Characterization under the Influence of Drought Stress and Salicylic Acid in Valeriana wallichii DC

Valeriana wallichii DC, a high-altitude medicinal plant, is highly sensitive to drought stress, which adversely impacts its physiological functions and root biomass. This study aimed to evaluate salicylic acids role in mitigating drought stress by assessing physiological and biochemical responses in V. wallichii. Plants were treated with foliar applications of SA at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mM during vegetative and flowering stages. Physiological parameters such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency (WUE), intrinsic WUE (iWUE), carboxylation efficiency, and biochemical traits including chlorophyll and carotenoid content were measured, alongside fresh and dry root biomass.Drought stress significantly reduced photosynthetic performance (Pn) (3.95 mol CO2m{square}2s{square}1 at 25% FC), stomatal conductance, relative water content, and root yield. SA application notably improved these traits. At 25% FC, 1.0 mM SA enhanced WUE (28.78), iWUE (642.37 mol/mol), and fresh root weight (8.41 g). Under moderate drought (50% FC), 0.50 mM SA improved net photosynthesis (12.5 mol CO2 m{square}2s{square}1), dry root weight (2.31 g), and chlorophyll content. SA treatments also stabilized membrane integrity and maintained higher chlorophyll fluorescence efficiency (Fv/Fm).These findings demonstrate that foliar application of SA enhances drought tolerance in V. wallichii by improving photosynthetic efficiency, water relations, and root biomass. The study supports the strategic use of SA to improve the resilience and productivity of medicinal plants under drought stress conditions. Highlights of the studyO_LIDrought lowers growth and yield by reducing photosynthesis and water use. C_LIO_LISalicylic acid reduces drought effects and improves plant performance. C_LIO_LIAt severe drought, 1- 0.50 mM SA raised WUE, conductance, and root yield. C_LIO_LIUnder mild drought, 0.75- 0.50 mM SA improved gas exchange and yield. C_LIO_LISA doses 0.25-1 mM differ in effectiveness across drought stress stages. C_LI

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Comparative Evaluation of Conventional Inorganic Fertilization and Sesbania rostrata Green Manuring on Soil Properties and the Growth and Development of Oryza sativa L. Pant Basmati 1

To assess the impacts of conventional and organic nutrient management techniques on growth, productivity, sustainability, and soil health in the Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar Pant Basmati 1, a two-year field experiment was carried out during the Kharif seasons of 2023 and 2024. Crop duration remained stable across management methods, as illustrated by phenological variables such as panicle initiation (58-62 days), blooming (84-88 days), and maturity (106-111 days) that were not significantly affected by fertilizer source. Conventional fertilizer supported superior growth at later stages, while organic management produced greater plant height at early growth phases. While the leaf area index and dry matter accumulation were consistently higher under conventional management because of the quick availability of nutrients, tiller density remained similar across treatments (363-411 m-{superscript 2}). Despite statistically significant variations, chlorophyll a and b quantities peaked under organic inputs at 60 DAT. Higher biological and grain yields were obtained with conventional fertilization; however, yield variations between systems were generally insignificant over time. As soil fertility stabilized, organic management notably increased the harvest index in the second year, indicating improved assimilate partitioning. The findings show that organic nutrient management can provide benefits in terms of resource efficiency and environmental sustainability while maintaining yield parity with conventional systems during the early conversion phase. Organic management techniques improve soil quality. Compared with to conventional methods, organic management practices were found to have higher soil macro and micronutrient status, water-holding capacity, aggregate stability, and soil enzyme activity (DHA and acid & alkaline phosphatase). These results show that organic Basmati rice cultivation is a feasible and sustainable alternative to traditional nutrient management, even though it may take longer to reach maximum yield.

plant biology↗