Background: Rice genotypes exhibit notable diversity in grain zinc content, with wild types accumulating higher levels than cultivated varieties, even in zinc-deficient soils. This study focuses on the wild rice genotype Karuppunel (Zn tolerant), along with cultivated varieties CO51 (Zn responsive) and ADT39 (Zn sensitive). The research explores the relationship between the composition of organic acids in root exudates, proton efflux and root length at various growth stages under both +Zn and -Zn conditions. 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted by growing rice genotypes Karuppunel, CO51 and ADT39 under two different zinc applied conditions. Non target based metabolomics was done to study the alterations in organic acid composition in root exudates using LC-MS/MS. Proton efflux was studied by the methodology given by Bashan et al.,&nbsp;(1989) and root length was measured from the plant&rsquo;s base to the tip of the longest root. The data was analyzed by using Metaboanalyst 5.0 software and Origin Pro 2023b, version 10.0.5.157. 
 
Result: By non-target metabolomics we identified 14 organic acids were identified in rice root exudates across growth stages in response to zinc. Random Forest analysis&rsquo;s variable importance plot consistently highlights nicotinic acid in Karuppunel, regardless of zinc conditions. Karuppunel exhibits higher proton efflux of 4.23 and 5.12 &igrave;mole H+ g fresh weight-1 h-1 followed by CO51 i.e., 3.76 and 4.14 &igrave;mole H+ g fresh weight-1 h-1 under +Zn and -Zn respectively, while ADT39 shows lower proton efflux. Despite varying zinc conditions, root length increases across stages, with Karuppunel consistently having the highest length, particularly at grain-filling of 16.65 cm under +Zn and 15.75 cm under -Zn. Understanding these physiological changes may contribute valuable insights for breeders in designing zinc nutrient acquisition-focused breeding programs.

Changes in Organic Acid Composition, Proton Efflux and Root Length in Rice Genotypes Differing in Grain Zinc Accumulation Efficiency

Background: Grapes are mostly propagated by hardwood cutting. Most of the time, auxin (Indole Butyric Acid) is used in liquid form. There are some problems associated with using auxin in liquid form viz. cell sap may exude from cutting end on dipping in solution that may lead to contamination, every time auxin solution should be freshly prepared etc. In order to address these problems, auxin hormone is used in powder form by using Talcum powder.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the present investigation, rooting powders containing different concentration of auxin were tried for root induction behavior. Approximately 15-20 cm long and 1-1.5 cm thick hardwood cuttings of grapes were taken.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results indicates that grape cuttings treated with Indole Butyric Acid @ 3000 ppm in powder form was found to be best for root induction behavior. However, in most of the cases observations were at par with Indole Butyric Acid @ 2000 ppm (powder form) and with treatment @ 2000 ppm in liquid form but if we consider other benefits like long shelf life, no contamination etc. It can be concluded the rooting hormone in powder form should be considered better alternative to liquid form for root induction.

Study of IBA Containing Rooting Powder on Root Induction Behavior of Hardwood Cutting of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.)

Background: Within the expansive realm of citrus, rootstocks play a pivotal role in bolstering crop adaptability against the backdrop of both biotic and abiotic stresses. In the face of the contemporary climate change era, these rootstocks have emerged as indispensable tools, pivotal in countering the challenges posed by shifting environmental dynamics. The investigation explores the impact of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)-infused rooting powder on the root induction and shoot behaviour of Citrus karna hardwood cuttings.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted from August- November 2023 in the 50 per cent shade in the green 50 per cent shade in the green coloured shade net area with gat the School of Agriculture Research Farm at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab employed a randomized block design (RBD) comprising nine different treatments. 
 
Result: The impact of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)-infused rooting powder with Zinc Sulphate on Citrus karna hardwood cuttings. The T9 treatment, consisting of 0.15% IBA and 0.50% Zinc Sulphate, significantly outperforms other treatments. T9 achieved a high rooting percentage (92.6%), substantial root and shoot growth and overall improved plant vigour. The combination of IBA and Zinc enhances root induction, promoting robust root systems and vigorous shoot development. This research underscores the effectiveness of the IBA-Zinc combination in propagating Citrus karna cuttings, offering valuable insights for horticultural practices.

A Comprehensive Study on the Impact of IBA-infused Rooting Powder on Rooting and Shoot Development in Citrus karna Hardwood Cuttings

Background: The variation observed in sexual propagation often results in slow growth and fruit development, attributed partly to insufficient photosynthates during early growth stages. To address this challenge, vegetative propagation methods such as air layering offer promising solutions. This technique not only accelerates productivity but also enhances the quality of water apples. Recognizing the importance of air layering in water apple cultivation, this experiment was conducted to standardize this technique by examining the impact of different seasons and planting media in the western tropical wet and dry climate of Tamil Nadu. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the variables affecting air layering in water apples in Coimbatore district. The experiment was carried out with three different factors like seasons [August (S1), September (S2) and October (S3)] and IBA [applied at different concentrations of 2000 mg/L (I1), 3000 mg/L (I2) and 4000 mg/L (I3)] along with different rooting media: Cocopeat (M1) and Sphagnum moss (M2). The factorial randomized complete block design (FRCBD) was laid out for statistical analysis. 
 
Result: Sphagnum moss performed as a better rooting medium due to its high water holding capacity and good aeration. Increase in the number and early formation of roots were due to more rain fall and high relative humidity in August, that resulted in more nutrient uptake and structural stability. The discovery aids in determining the optimal conditions, including season, dosage and combination (4000 mg/L IBA with sphagnum moss applied in August), for successful air layering in water apple.&nbsp;

An Investigation into the Effects of Varying Seasons, Indole-3-Butyric Acid (IBA) and Rooting Media on the Rooting and Longevity of Air-layered Water Apples (Syzygium samarangense L.)

<div style="text-align: justify;">Chickpea parents with contrasting root characters and their direct and reciprocal crosses were evaluated under control and drought stress created by withholding irrigation using specially designed root boxes at 50 per cent flowering stage. The crosses involving Vijay and ICC 4958 having deep and prolific root system as a male parent exhibited higher accumulation of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) and with higher activities of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, APX, CAT and GPX) with less increase in lipid peroxidation rate and less decrease in nitrate reductase. Amongst the chickpea crosses, the cross of ICC 4958 x Vijay recorded higher increase in root length of 78.77 percent with less reduction in RLWC. The high estimates of broad sense heritability and genetic advance as percent mean was observed in F2 generations of direct and reciprocal crosses for long root length.&nbsp;</div>

Antioxidative and root attributes response of chickpea parents and crosses under drought stress

<div>Background: Green gram is one of the important pulse crops of chief protein source, with ability to fix nitrogen. Erratic rainfall, while it&rsquo;s grown as rainfed crop, leads to the yield loss due to water stress. Plant root system architecture is plastic and is important sink of photosynthates. In general, the ability of plants to change its root distribution for exploiting water deeper in soil profiles can be an important mechanism to avoid soil water stress. Identification of genotypes based on root traits under water stress conditions will aid in development of drought tolerant varieties for yield exploitation.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted during Rabi, 2018-19 with five green gram varieties as main treatment and irrigation intervals as sub treatments in three replications in factorial RBD in root structures. Observations were recorded on root parameters at flowering stage. The root structures were dismantled during flowering stage and all the plants removed from the soil without damaging the roots by using water with jet pump. Five representative samples were collected under different stress level. Root studies were performed with Delta T automatic root scanner. The SPAD chlorophyll meter was used to measure canopy leaves and average of the three readings was taken as SCMR value.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The present study results on root studies revealed that genotype, MGG-295 recorded highest mean plant height under three stress conditions and same genotype also produced longer root length under mild water stress conditions, higher SCMR values under non-stress and mild stress. Genotype, MGG-347 recorded highest root diameter under non- stress and mild stress. MGG-385 produced highest root length under control and severe stresses, highest SCMR values under severe stress, root dry weight under mild and severe water stresses and total plant dry weight under control and mild stress. MGG-360 recorded higher shoot fresh weight under severe stress and same genotype also recorded significant superior values for total root area under mild and severe water stress and root tip count under non-stress, mild stress and severe stress. MGG-351 recorded shoot fresh weight under non stress and mild stress situations and the same genotype recorded highest values for root diameter and total plant dry weight under severe stress. The identified genotypes can be used as water stress resistant genotypes in future drought proof breeding programmes.</div>

Studies on the Effect of Water Stress on Root Traits in Green Gram Cultivars

<div style="text-align: justify;">Ninety four genotypes of black gram were evaluated under rainfed condition for their biometric characters viz., plant height, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, 100 seed weight and seed yield plant-1 for preliminary screening to identify the best performing genotype. &nbsp;Based on their yield performance, eight genotypes viz., RU8-705, PALAVAYAL-LOCAL, T 9, PHM 8, ADT 3, CBG-09-06, VANNIYUR-LOCAL and CBG-09-13 were selected and raised in three environments. Among them, two genotypes viz., T 9 and CBG-09-13 were selected and their root parameters viz., root and shoot length, shoot length, number of roots, root diameter, fresh weight of root, fresh weight of shoot, dry weight of root, dry weight of shoot, root volume and gas exchange characters viz., net photosynthetic rate, leaf temperature, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 were studied to identify the best genotype among them suitable for moisture stress condition. Based on the results, it was found that CBG-09-13 performed well under moisture stress condition.</div>

Evaluation of blackgram genotypes for drought tolerance based on root dynamics and gas exchange parameters

<div>Background: Advanced genotype may not expose properly due to unhealthy seedling of low-vigour seed which can be upgraded through seed invigoration. The advanced seedling performance primarily depends on steady rhizospheric configuration though roots are least known and least acceptable part in crop study schedule particularly at germination. In existing study, the rhizosphere pattern and seedling performances are evaluated through allelopathic action on seed-vigour. Different seedling parameters with categorized rhizosphere pattern specified the effective role of allelopathy. &nbsp; 
Methods: The allelopathic action of Rauwalfia tetraphylla L. root extracts was assessed on alignment of rhizosphere pattern in gram seedling (Cicer arietinum L.). Various aqueous root extracts (200, 150, 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 mg ml-1) were prepared from young roots of Rauwalfia tetraphylla L. and the action was observed at 8th and 14th day on seedling especially on root after overnight soaking of seed. 
 
Result: Significant variation was found in diverse seedling and root parameters. The roots extract (100 mg ml-1) stimulated total root length, surface area etc. which was also legitimated in shoot length, vigour index of the seedling. In most cases, allelopathic actions on seed enhanced the quality through modification of rhizosphere pattern with seedling performances than control. Therefore, it can be considered for seed invigoration under Gram seed/crop production programme.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Allelopathic Influence of Rauwolfia tetraphylla L. for Enhancing the Seedling Root Vigour of Gram (Cicer arietinum L.)</div>

<div>Background: Lentil mainly grows on residual soil moisture under rainfed conditions leading to abrupt soil moisture depletion causing mid or terminal drought stress to plants. Application of supplemental irrigation and adopting high yielding cultivars could alleviate drought stress and secure higher yield. Our present study aimed to study the growth of some promising varieties of lentil under four moisture regimes.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: To study the physiological responses of some promising lentil varieties under water stress, a pot experiment was performed at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal during 2018-2019. Four lentil varieties i.e. Asha, PL 6, Subrata and Ranjan were grown under four moisture stress treatments through supplying water maintaining irrigation water (IW): cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) at its 100, 75, 50 and 25%. 
 
Result: Without stress condition Asha maintained the highest RLWC of 82.6 &nbsp;and 66.1% during flowering and pod formation stages, respectively; while Subrata got the maximum chlorophyll content (2.82 g l-1) during flowering stage. Under no stress root length density, root surface area and root volume were experienced the maximum values in all varieties, while, average root diameter was the highest under severe stress treatment for Ranjan. Our study concluded that Asha had potential to withstand water stress but Subrata was proved to be the best variety under no stress condition.</div>

<div>Effect of Water Stress on Growth and Root Characteristics of Lentil</div>

<div>Background: Okra is an important vegetable crop in India, Method of fertilization also plays an important role in supplying the nutrient to the plants because, the efficacy of fertilizers applied in soil being low due to various losses and fixation, mainly in area of problematic soil. Water and fertilizers are the two important inputs which are used scientifically and judiciously through precision farming technologies to increase productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency in okra seed yield and quality.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiments were conducted during kharif 2016 and kharif 2017 to study the effect of precision farming technologies including fertigation and black polythene mulching to know the crop growth, yield, quality of seeds and root studies in okra seeds var. Arka Anamika and at ICAR-IIHR Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replication and four treatments each with mulch and&nbsp;on mulch&nbsp;viz., 100:50:75 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 100:50:100&nbsp; N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1&nbsp;T3-150:75:112.5 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 T4- 150:75:150 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 compared with soil application treatments. &nbsp; 
 
Result: Application of water soluble fertilizer @ T4-150:75:150 NPK kg/ha through fertigation either mulch (14.05q/ha) or non mulch (11.83q/ha) recorded significantly higher seed yield than fertilizer through soil application (9.92 q/ha).Similarly significantly higher value of Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) Crop Growth Rate (CGR) and root character were observed in the NPK fertigation treatment with or without mulch than the soil application of fertilizers (NPK soil application @ 100:50:100kg per ha (T9) and NPK soil application @ 150:75:150kg per ha (T10). Significantly higher root parameter tap root length (21.03cm), average length of primary roots (64.63cm), number of primary roots (10.83 nos), fibrous roots arising from main stem (26 nos) and root dry weight (23.07 g/plant) were recorded in the T4-150:75:150 NPK kg ha-1 through fertigation (WSF) with mulch than the fertigation without mulch and fertilizer applied through soil.</div>

<div>Effect of Fertigation and Mulching on Root Studies and Crop Growth Indices for Seed Production in Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]</div>