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Effects of Graphene-Based Metal Composite and Urea on Seed Germination and Performance of Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. ex Lindl.

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Abstract

Being an important source of berberine, Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. ex Lindl. (Berberidaceae) has high demand in pharmaceutical industries. Its populations are diminishing due to overexploitation, habitat loss, slow-growing nature, and climate change. It is important to develop propagation protocols to sustain its natural populations and ensure its survival in the future. Fertilizers play an essential role in the yield and productivity of different crops. Among others, urea is the most abundantly used fertilizer in crops. Its effects on the yield and survival of medicinal plants are poorly studied. However, it is known that applying urea for a long time affects the soil negatively. Due to these negative effects, alternative fertilizers such as graphene-based metal composite (GMC) are being tested for their efficiency. In the present study, for the first time, we tested the effects of urea and GMC on the germination and performance of B. chitria. GMC showed maximum germination at 30 ppm (75%) and urea at 15 ppm (79%). Findings reveal non-significant effects of GMC and urea on germination and performance of B. chitria, suggesting the use of GMC as an alternative fertilizer.

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All the data generated or analyzed during this study are included in the form of figures in this article and could be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Prof. Nanda Gopal Sahoo, PRS-NSNT Centre, Department of Chemistry, Kumaun University Nainital and the head of the Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, India for providing the necessary facilities to complete this work. We are thankful to the anonymous reviewers and concerned editor for valuable comments and suggestions on the previous version of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263001, India

    Sheetal Oli, Harsh Kumar Chauhan & Anil Kumar Bisht

  2. PRS-NSNT Centre, Department of Chemistry, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, 263001, India

    Gaurav Tatrari

  3. G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, 263643, India

    Indra D. Bhatt

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Contributions

All the authors contributed to study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Sheetal Oli and Gaurav Tatrari. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sheetal Oli and Gaurav Tatrari. The manuscript was reviewed and edited by Harsh Kumar Chauhan, Anil Bisht and I.D. Bhatt. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Oli, S., Tatrari, G., Chauhan, H.K. et al. Effects of Graphene-Based Metal Composite and Urea on Seed Germination and Performance of Berberis chitria Buch.-Ham. ex Lindl.. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 196, 2219–2232 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-023-04624-5

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