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Globally from abiotic stresses, salt stress is the major stress that limits crop production. One of them is wheat that has been utilized by more than 1/3 of the world population as staple food due to its nutritive value. Biochar is an activated carbon that can ameliorate the negative impacts on plants under saline conditions. The present study was conducted to examine the ameliorative impact of "Biochar application" to Triticum aestivum L. plant grown under salinity stress and evaluated on the basis of various growth, yield, physiological, biochemical attributes. Preliminary experiment was done to select the Triticum aestivum L. varieties with 90% germination rate for further experiment. The selected varieties, FSD08 and PUNJAB-11 of wheat were treated with two levels of sodium chloride (0 mM and 120 mM). Two varieties of wheat included FSD08 and PUNJAB-11 were treated with two levels of sodium chloride (0 mM and 120 mM). To address the impact of salt stress two levels of biochar 0% and 5% was used as exogenous application. A three way completely randomized experimentation was done in 24 pots of two wheat varieties with three replicates. The results demonstrated that salt stress affected growth, physiological attributes, yield and inorganic mineral ions (Ca2+ and K+) in roots and shoots parameters of wheat negatively while biochar overall improved the performance of plant. SOD, CAT, APX and POD activities enhanced during salt stress as the plant self-defense mechanism against salinity to minimize the damaging effect. Salt stress also significantly increased the membrane permeability, and levels of H2O2, MDA, Cl and Na ions. Biochar treatment nullified negative impacts of NaCl and improved the plant growth and yield significantly. Hence, biochar amendment can be suggested as suitable supplement for sustainable crop production under salinization.

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Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.); an important spice crop of the region is a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants having many health benefits. Many biotic and abiotic factors contribute towards growth and yield losses of this crop. Arsenic (As) toxicity is a global issue, but it is particularly critical in developing countries. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of selenium (Se) in mitigating the toxic effects of As in two varieties (HSP-181 A and PS09979325) of Capsicum annuum L. Different concentrations of As (0, 50, and 100 µM) and Se (0, 5, and 10 µM) were tested using 14 days old seedlings of C. annuum L. The As stress caused a significant (P ≤ 0.001) reduction in growth, uptake of nutrients, and eco-physiological attributes in both varieties however, the response was specific. While the overproduction of osmo-protectants and antioxidants intensified the symptoms of oxidative stress. The maximum reduction in shoot length (45%), fresh weight (29%), and dry weight (36%) was observed in under 100 µM As stress. The organic acids exudation from the roots of both cultivars were significantly increased with the increase in As toxicity. The Se treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.001) improved growth, nutrient uptake, gas exchange attributes, antioxidant production, while decreased oxidative stress indicators, and As uptake in the roots and shoots of all the subjects under investigation. It is concluded from the results of this study that Se application increased photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant activity while decreasing As levels, organic acid exudation, and oxidative stress indicators in plants. Overall, the var. PS09979325 performed better and may be a good candidate for future pepper breeding program.

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Improving crop plants using biotechnological implications is a promising and modern approach compared to traditional methods. High-temperature exposure to the reproductive stage induces flower abortion and declines grain filling performance, leading to smaller grain production and low yield in lentil and other legumes. Thus, cloning effective candidate genes and their implication in temperature stress tolerance in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) using biotechnological tools is highly demandable. The 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs) are flavin mononucleotide-dependent oxidoreductases with vital roles in plants. They are members of the old yellow enzyme (OYE) family. These enzymes are involved in the octadecanoid pathway, which contributes to jasmonic acid biosynthesis and is essential in plant stress responses. Lentil is one of the vital legume crops affected by the temperature fluctuations caused by global warming. Therefore, in this study, the LcOPR1 gene was successfully cloned and isolated from lentils using RT-PCR to evaluate its functional responses in lentil under heat stress. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that the full-length cDNA of LcOPR1 was 1303 bp, containing an 1134 bp open reading frames (ORFs), encoding 377 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 41.63 and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.61. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the deduced LcOPR1 possesses considerable homology with other plant 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductases (OPRs). Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that LcOPR1 has an evolutionary relationship with other OPRs in different plant species of subgroup I, containing enzymes that are not required for jasmonic acid biosynthesis. The expression analysis of LcOPR1 indicated that this gene is upregulated in response to the heat-stress condition and during recovery in lentil. This study finding might be helpful to plant breeders and biotechnologists in LcOPR1 engineering and/or plant breeding programs in revealing the biological functions of LcOPR1 in lentils and the possibility of enhancing heat stress tolerance by overexpressing LcOPR1 in lentil and other legume plants under high temperature.

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The main morphological and genetic characterization of seven introduced almond cultivars in Bosnia & Herzegovina was conducted. The almond cultivars included three from Italy (Tuono, Genco, Supernova), two from France (Ferragnes and Ferraduel), and two from the USA (Texas and Nonpareil). Genetic characterization was utilized by using 10 microsatellite markers, with nine markers from Prunus persicae and one from Prunus armeniaca. The results of genetic characterization revealed an average of 5.40 alleles per primer per locus. The average number of effective alleles for the 10 SSR loci of introduced cultivars was 3.92. The Shannon Information Index averaged 1.41. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) averaged 0.53 and 0.69, respectively. Morphological analyses of the fruit of introduced almond cultivars in Bosnia & Herzegovina indicated favorable agroecological conditions for their cultivation and spread. The results suggest that these introduced almond cultivars could be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the genetic diversity of the local almond population in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Corn silk (Zea mays L.), an abundant agricultural waste, contains various bioactive compounds that exhibit promising health benefits. The current study focuses on development and optimization of corn silk-based instant mix using response surface methodology. The optimized product, with 14.66% corn silk, 10% sugar and 0.22% xanthan gum in a skim milk powder base, scored 0.925 desirability. The physico-chemical and sensory parameters of optimized mix closely aligned with expected values. The instant mix packaged in metallised polyester yielded superior preservation of quality indicators over 120 days compared to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The microbial load in corn silk instant mix was observed across packaging materials and highlighting hydroxyl methyl furfural (HMF) as the primary predictor of product stability, the study calculated a 94.95 days half-life at 10 °C. Corn silk's rich bioactive compound supports its integration into nutraceuticals and instant mixes, mitigating food waste while enhancing nutritional value. Novelty statement. In this study, corn silk powder was utilized for the development of the instant mix. This innovative approach transforms corn silk, typically discarded as agricultural waste, into a commercially sustainable product that delivers the nutrients of corn silk to a broader population. Despite fresh corn silk being a perishable commodity, it has very low storage shelf life. The developed instant mix effectively preserves its nutritional value for up to six months, offering a sustainable and nutritious option for consumers.

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Soil salinization is a serious concern across the globe that is negatively affecting crop productivity. Recently, biochar received attention for mitigating the adverse impacts of salinity. Salinity stress induces osmotic, ionic, and oxidative damages that disturb physiological and biochemical functioning and nutrient and water uptake, leading to a reduction in plant growth and development. Biochar maintains the plant function by increasing nutrient and water uptake and reducing electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation. Biochar also protects the photosynthetic apparatus and improves antioxidant activity, gene expression, and synthesis of protein osmolytes and hormones that counter the toxic effect of salinity. Additionally, biochar also improves soil organic matter, microbial and enzymatic activities, and nutrient and water uptake and reduces the accumulation of toxic ions (Na+ and Cl), mitigating the toxic effects of salinity on plants. Thus, it is interesting to understand the role of biochar against salinity, and in the present Review we have discussed the various mechanisms through which biochar can mitigate the adverse impacts of salinity. We have also identified the various research gaps that must be addressed in future study programs. Thus, we believe that this work will provide new suggestions on the use of biochar to mitigate salinity stress.

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Green leafy vegetables, especially microgreens are gaining popularity due to their high nutritional profiles, rich phytochemical content, and intense flavors. This review explores the growing commercial market for microgreens, especially in upscale dining and premium grocery outlets, highlighting consumer perceptions and their effect on market dynamics. Apart from these, the effect of modern agricultural methods that maximize the growth of microgreens is also examined. The value is anticipated to increase significantly, according to market predictions, from $1.7 billion in 2022 to $2.61 billion by 2029. Positive consumer views on microgreens health benefits drive this growth, although challenges such as varying levels of consumer awareness and income disparities affect sales. The review underscores the need for targeted research and strategic initiatives to enhance consumer understanding and improve cultivation methods to support market expansion in upcoming years.

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Salinity accumulation poses a threat to the production and productivity of economically important crops such as tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Currently, salt tolerance breeding programs have been limited by insufficient genetic and physiological knowledge of tolerance-related traits and a lack of an efficient selection domain. For that purpose, we aimed to determine the ability of tomato cultivars to tolerate salt based on seed traits by multiple biochemical pathways. First, we tested three tomato cultivars according to their response to different sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations (0, 6.3, 9.8, 13.0, and 15.8 dS m-1) and then we analysed their amino acids, organic acids, and phytohormones. Considering the results of germination traits, it is possible to conclude that cultivar H-2274 was more tolerant to salt stress than others. As a result, multivariate discriminant analysis including principal component analysis and two-way hierarchical clustering analyses were constructed and demonstrated that tomato cultivars were separated from each other by the amino acid, organic acid, and phytohormone contents. Considering germination traits of tomato seeds, cv. 'H-2274' was more tolerant to salinity than others depending on high proline (29 pmol µl-1) and citric acid (568 ng µl-1) assays. Biochemical variability offers a valuable tool for investigating salt tolerance mechanisms in tomatoes, and it will be appreciated to find high-tolerant tomato cultivar(s) to saline conditions. Also, the findings of this study have significant potential for practical applications in agriculture, particularly in developing salt-tolerant tomato cultivars to enhance productivity in saline environments and address socio-economic challenges.

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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09495.].

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Climate change has brought an alarming situation in the scarcity of fresh water for irrigation due to the present global water crisis, climate variability, drought, increasing demands of water from the industrial sectors, and contamination of water resources. Accurately evaluating the potential of future rice genotypes in large-scale, multi-environment experiments may be challenging. A key component of the accurate assessment is the examination of stability in growth contexts and genotype-environment interaction. Using a split-plot design with three replications, the study was carried out in nine locations with five genotypes under continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wet and dry (AWD) conditions. Utilizing the web-based warehouse inventory search tool (WIST), the water status was determined. To evaluate yield performance for stability and adaptability, AMMI and GGE biplots were used. The genotypes clearly reacted inversely to the various environments, and substantial interactions were identified. Out of all the environments, G3 (BRRI dhan29) had the greatest grain production, whereas G2 (Binadhan-8) had the lowest. The range between the greatest and lowest mean values of rice grain output (4.95 to 4.62 t ha-1) was consistent across five distinct rice genotypes. The genotype means varied from 5.03 to 4.73 t ha-1 depending on the environment. In AWD, all genotypes out performed in the CF system. With just a little interaction effect, the score was almost zero for several genotypes (E1, E2, E6, and E7 for the AWD technique, and E5, E6, E8, and E9 for the CF method) because they performed better in particular settings. The GGE biplot provided more evidence in support of the AMMI study results. The study's findings made it clear that the AMMI model provides a substantial amount of information when evaluating varietal performance across many environments. Out of the five accessions that were analyzed, one was found to be top-ranking by the multi-trait genotype ideotype distance index, meaning that it may be investigated for validation stability measures. The study's findings provide helpful information on the variety selection for the settings in which BRRI dhan47 and BRRI dhan29, respectively, performed effectively in AWD and CF systems. Plant breeders might use this knowledge to choose newer kinds and to design breeding initiatives. In conclusion, intermittent irrigation could be an effective adaptation technique for simultaneously saving water and mitigating GHG while maintaining high rice grain yields in rice cultivation systems.

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During plant-pathogen interaction, plant exhibits a strong defense system utilizing diverse groups of proteins to suppress the infection and subsequent establishment of the pathogen. However, in response, pathogens trigger an anti-silencing mechanism to overcome the host defense machinery. Among plant viruses, geminiviruses are the second largest virus family with a worldwide distribution and continue to be production constraints to food, feed, and fiber crops. These viruses are spread by a diverse group of insects, predominantly by whiteflies, and are characterized by a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genome coding for four to eight proteins that facilitate viral infection. The most effective means to managing these viruses is through an integrated disease management strategy that includes virus-resistant cultivars, vector management, and cultural practices. Dynamic changes in this virus family enable the species to manipulate their genome organization to respond to external changes in the environment. Therefore, the evolutionary nature of geminiviruses leads to new and novel approaches for developing virus-resistant cultivars and it is essential to study molecular ecology and evolution of geminiviruses. This review summarizes the multifunctionality of each geminivirus-encoded protein. These protein-based interactions trigger the abrupt changes in the host methyl cycle and signaling pathways that turn over protein normal production and impair the plant antiviral defense system. Studying these geminivirus interactions localized at cytoplasm-nucleus could reveal a more clear picture of host-pathogen relation. Data collected from this antagonistic relationship among geminivirus, vector, and its host, will provide extensive knowledge on their virulence mode and diversity with climate change.

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This study aimed to investigate the integration of cereal and germinated pseudocereals into set-type yogurt mimic, resulting in a novel and nutritious product. Four groups of yogurts mimic, namely CPY-1, CPY-2, CPY-3, and CPY-4, were prepared using different probiotic cultures, including L. acidophilus 21, L. plantarum 14, and L. rhamnosus 296 along with starter cultures. Notably, CPY-2 cultured with L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus and incubated for 12 h exhibited the most desirable attributes. The resulting yogurt demonstrated an acidity of 0.65%, pH of 4.37 and a probiotic count of 6.38 log CFU/mL. The logistic growth model fit revealed maximum growth rates (k, 1/h) and maximum bacterial counts (Nm log CFU/mL) for each CPY variant. The results revealed that CPY-2 significantly improved protein, dietary fiber, phenols and antioxidant capacities compared to the control. Scanning electron microscopy showed more structured and compact casein network in CPY-2, highlighting its superior textural characteristics. Overall, this study demonstrates the incorporation of cereal and germinated pseudocereals into set-type yogurt mimic offers health benefits through increased dietary fiber and ß-glucan.

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The Pteridaceae family, known for its taxonomic complexity, presents challenges in identification due to high variability among its species. This study investigates the spore morphology employing both SEM and LM techniques in 10 Pteridaceae taxa phytogeographicaly Sino-Himalayan, Malesian, and European elements in Pakistan. The taxa include Adiantum capillus-veneris, A. incisum, A. venustum, Aleuritopteris bicolor, Oeosporangium nitidulum, O. pteridioides, Onychium cryptogrammoides, O. vermae, Pteris cretica, and P. vittata. The objective is to assess their taxonomic relevance and develop a spore-based taxonomic key. Findings indicate differences in spore shape, sizes, exospore thickness, and in surface ornamentation highlighting the potential for taxonomic differentiation. Spores are trilete, and notable differences are observed in the dimension of spores in both distal and proximal sides. Equatorial dimensions vary between 35 and 50 µm, while the polar diameter ranges from 29 to 50 µm. SEM revealed different spore ornamentation types that show several useful characteristics establishing valuable taxonomic variations. The studied Adiantum taxa feature a perispore with tubercules and a micro-granulose surface. The spores of examined Oeosporangium and Aleuritopteris taxa shows cristate sculptures with variable ornamentations. Both species of Onychium have tuberculate-pleated tubercles with sinuous folds on both distal and proximal sides. The surface ornamentation among examined Pteris taxa show variability. PCA analysis indicated that spore quantitative data identified distinct groups, underscoring taxonomic significance. Nevertheless, there was variation observed in surface ornamentation and spore shape, indicating the potential for discrimination among taxa. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Spore morphology of 10 Pteridaceae taxa has been investigated through LM and SEM. Investigated species shows differences in spore shape, sizes, exospore thickness, and in surface ornamentation. Ornamentation on the perispore provides several valuable characteristics, establishing useful taxonomic distinctions. Spore morphological analysis is effective at the generic level, with minor distinctions discernible at the species level.

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An extremely important oil crop in the world, Helianthus annuus L. is one of the world's most significant members of the Asteraceae family. The rate and extent of seed germination and agronomic features are consistently affecting  by temperature (T) and changes in water potential (ψ). A broad hydrothermal time model with T and ψ components could explain sunflower responses over suboptimal T and ψ. A lab experiment was performed using the HTT model to discover both T and ψ and their interactive effects on sunflower germination and also to figure  out the cardinal Ts values. The sunflower seeds were germinated at temperatures (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C); each Ts had five constant ψs of 0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 MPa via PEG 6000 as osmotic stress inducer. The results revealed that highest germination index was found in seed grown at 20 °C in distilled water (0 MPa) and the lowest at 30 °C with osmotic stress of (- 1.2 MPa). The highest value of germination rate index was found in seed grown at 20 °C in distilled water (0 MPa) and the lowest at 15 °C with an osmotic stress of (- 1.2 MPa). In conclusion, water potential, temperature, and their interactions have a considerable impact on seed germination rate, and other metrics (GI, SVI-I, GRI, GE, SVI-II, and MGT). Seeds sown  at 20 °C with zero water potential showed high germination metrics such as GE, GP, GRI, and T50%. The maximum value to TTsub noted at 30 °C in - 0.9 MPa osmotic stress and the minimum value was calculated at 15 °C in - 1.2 MPa osmotic stress. The result of TTsupra recorded highest at 15 °C in  controlled group (0 MPa). Moreover, θH was  highest at 30 °C in controlled condition (0 MPa) and minimum value was observed at  20 °C under - 1.2 MPa osmotic stress. The value of θHTT were  maximum at  30 °C in controlled group (0 MPa) and minimum value was  recorded at 15 °C under - 1.2 MPa osmotic potential. The base, optimum and ceiling temperatures for sunflower germination metrics in this experiment were noted  6.8, 20 and 30 °C respectively.

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Climate change results in continuous warming of the planet, threatening sustainable crop production around the world. Amaranth is an abiotic stress-tolerant, climate-resilient, C4 leafy orphan vegetable that has grown rapidly with great divergence and potential usage. The C4 photosynthesis allows amaranth to be grown as a sustainable future food crop across the world. Most amaranth species grow as weeds in many parts of the world, however, a few amaranth species can be also found in cultivated form. Weed species can be used as a folk medicine to relieve pain or reduce fever thanks to their antipyretic and analgesic properties. In this study, nutritional value, bioactive pigments, bioactive compounds content, and radical scavenging potential (RSP) of four weedy and cultivated (WC) amaranth species were evaluated. The highest dry matter, carbohydrate content, ash, content of iron, copper, sodium, boron, molybdenum, zinc, ß-carotene and carotenoids, vitamin C, total polyphenols (TP), RSP (DPPH), and RSP (ABTS+) was determined in Amaranthus viridis (AV). On the other hand, A. spinosus (AS) was found to have the highest content of protein, fat, dietary fiber, manganese, molybdenum, and total flavonoids (TF). In A. tricolor (AT) species the highest total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, betaxanthin, betacyanin, and betalain content was determined. A. lividus (AL) was evaluated as the highest source of energy. AV and AT accessions are underutilized but promising vegetables due to their bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidants.

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Iron, a crucial micronutrient, is an integral element of biotic vitality. The scarcity of iron in the soil creates agronomic challenges and has a detrimental impact on crop vigour and chlorophyll formation. Utilizing iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) via nanopriming emerges as an innovative method to enhance agricultural efficiency and crop health. The objective of this study was to synthesize biogenic IONPs from Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) plant extract using green chemistry and to evaluate their nanopriming effects on rice seed iron levels and growth. The synthesized IONPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The UV-Vis peak at 280 nm revealed the formation of IONPs. SEM and TEM showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had an average diameter of 23.8 nm. Nanopriming resulted in a substantial enhancement in growth, as seen by a 9.25% and 22.8% increase in shoot lengths for the 50 ppm and 100 ppm treatments, respectively. The yield metrics showed a positive correlation with the concentrations of IONPs. The 1000-grain weight and spike length observed a maximum increase of 193.75% and 97.73%, respectively, at the highest concentration of IONPs. The study indicates that G. glabra synthesized IONPs as a nanopriming agent significantly increased rice seeds' growth and iron content. This suggests that there is a relationship between the dosage of IONPs and their potential for improving agricultural biofortification.

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Plant viruses are the most abundant destructive agents that exist in every ecosystem, causing severe diseases in multiple crops worldwide. Currently, a major gap is present in computational biology determining plant viruses interaction with its host. We lay out a strategy to extract virus-host protein interactions using various protein binding and interface methods for Geminiviridae, a second largest virus family. Using this approach, transcriptional activator protein (TrAP/C2) encoded by Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV) and Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMV) showed strong binding affinity with calmodulin-like (CML) protein of Gossypium hirsutum (Gh-CML11). Higher negative value for the change in Gibbs free energy between TrAP and Gh-CML11 indicated strong binding affinity. Consensus from gene ontology database and in-silico nuclear localization signal (NLS) tools identified subcellular localization of TrAP in the nucleus associated with Gh-CML11 for virus infection. Data based on interaction prediction and docking methods present evidences that full length and truncated C2 strongly binds with Gh-CML11. This computational data was further validated with molecular results collected from yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation system and pull down assay. In this work, we also show the outcomes of full length and truncated TrAP on plant machinery. This is a first extensive report to delineate a role of CML protein from cotton with begomoviruses encoded transcription activator protein.

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The development of genotypes that can tolerate high levels of salt is crucial for the efficient use of salt-affected land and for enhancing crop productivity worldwide. Therefore, incorporating salinity tolerance is a critical trait that crops must possess. Salt resistance is a complex character, controlled by multiple genes both physiologically and genetically. To examine the genetic foundation of salt tolerance, we assessed 16 F1 hybrids and their eight parental lines under normal and salt stress (15 dS/m) conditions. Under salt stress conditions significant reduction was observed for plant height (PH), bolls/plant (NBP), boll weight (BW), seed cotton yield (SCY), lint% (LP), fiber length (FL), fiber strength (FS), potassium to sodium ratio (K+/Na+), potassium contents (K+), total soluble proteins (TSP), carotenoids (Car) and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the mean values for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium contents (Na+), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and fiber fineness (FF) were increased under salt stress. Moderate to high heritability and genetic advancement was observed for NBP, BW, LP, SCY, K+/Na+, SOD, CAT, POD, Car, TSP, FL, and FS. Mean performance and multivariate analysis of 24 cotton genotypes based on various agro-physiological and biochemical parameters suggested that the genotypes FBS-Falcon, Barani-333, JSQ-White Hold, Ghauri, along with crosses FBS-FALCON × JSQ-White Hold, FBG-222 × FBG-333, FBG-222 × Barani-222, and Barani-333 × FBG-333 achieved the maximum values for K+/Na+, K+, TSP, POD, Chlb, CAT, Car, LP, FS, FL, PH, NBP, BW, and SCY under salt stress and declared as salt resistant genotypes. The above-mentioned genotypes also showed relatively higher expression levels of Ghi-ERF-2D.6 and Ghi-ERF-7A.6 at 15 dS/m and proved the role of these ERF genes in salt tolerance in cotton. These findings suggest that these genotypes have the potential for the development of salt-tolerant cotton varieties with desirable fiber quality traits.

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Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a significant cereal crop belonging to Poaceae that is essential for human food and animal feeding. The production of barley grains was around 142.37 million tons in 2017/2018. However, the growth of barley was influenced by salinity which was enhanced by applying a foliar spray of salicylic acid. The current study investigated to evaluated the potential effect of SA on the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants under salinity stress and its possible effects on physiological, biochemical, and growth responses. The experiment was conducted at Postgraduate Research Station (PARS), University of Agriculture; Faisalabad to assess the influence of salicylic acid on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under highly saline conditions. The experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replicates. In plastic pots containing 8 kg of properly cleaned sand, two different types of barley (Sultan and Jau-17) were planted. The plants were then watered with a half-strength solution of Hoagland's nutritional solution. After the establishment of seedlings, two salt treatments (0 mM and 120 mM NaCl) were applied in combining three levels of exogenously applied salicylic acid (SA) (0, 0.5, and 1 mg L-1). Data about morphological, physiological, and biochemical attributes was recorded using standard procedure after three weeks of treatment. The morpho-physiological fresh weight of the shoot and root (48%), the dry mass of the shoot and root (66%), the plant height (18%), the chlorophyll a (30%), the chlorophyll b (22%), and the carotenoids (22%), all showed significant decreases. Salinity also decreased yield parameters and the chl. ratio (both at 29% and 26% of the total chl. leaf area index). Compared to the control parameters, the following data was recorded under salt stress: spike length, number of spikes, number of spikelets, number of tillers, biological yield, and harvest index. Salicylic acid was used as a foliar spray to lessen the effects of salinity stress, and 1 mg L-1 of salicylic acid proved more effective than 0.5 mg L-1. Both varieties show better growth by applying salicylic acid (0 mg L-1) as a control, showing normal growth. By increasing its level to (0.5 mg L-1), it shows better growth but maximized growth occurred at a higher level (1 mg L-1). Barley sultan (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the best variety as compared to Jau-17 performs more growth to mitigate salt stress (0mM and 120mM NaCl) by improving morpho-physiological parameters by enhancing plan height, Root and shoot fresh and dry weights, as well as root and shoot lengths, photosynthetic pigments, area of the leaves and their index, and yield attributes and reduce sodium ions.

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This study investigates the valorization of coal fly ash (FA-C) generated by the Jerada thermal power plant, aiming to address the pressing need for sustainable construction practices and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the concrete industry. It is widely used as a pozzolanic material. The key objective is to harness the potential of FA-C as a supplementary material in concrete production, which not only reduces costs but also contributes to environmental sustainability. To achieve this objective, various concrete mixtures were formulated, with FA-C serving as a partial substitute for cement at percentages ranging from 15 to 50%. According to ASTM standards, compressive strength tests were conducted on standard-sized cylinders at 7 and 28 days. The results revealed that the blend containing 15% FA-C exhibited the highest compressive strength, indicating its effectiveness as a concrete additive. Furthermore, this study delves into the rheological properties of concrete mixes, an essential aspect of successful concrete processing. It was observed that a higher replacement level of FA-C significantly improved the rheology, leading to reduced water demand and a linear decrease in plastic viscosity over time. The rheological parameters stabilized after a certain period, demonstrating the controllability of concrete flow behavior with FA-C. The investigation also employed three analytical methods-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-to comprehensively analyze both raw materials and processed samples. FTIR analysis highlighted the minimal impact of FA particles on hydration product formation, emphasizing the role of FA-C in enhancing the concrete's strength. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of an amorphous phase crucial for FA's reactivity. SEM observations revealed that concrete with 15% FA-C exhibited a more uniform microstructure with aluminosilicate gel, while 50% FA-C mixes showed increased porosity and nonhomogeneity due to unreacted FA particles.