Background: Improving grain yield and its components is a major objective in sorghum production, particularly under arid and semi-arid conditions where crop productivity is frequently constrained. The application of plant growth regulators such as Atonic can promote plant development and productivity through their positive effects on plant physiological functions. This study evaluated the effects of different Atonic concentrations and application stages on grain yield and yield components of sorghum. 
 
Methods: Field experiments were conducted during the spring and autumn growing seasons of 2021 at the University of Anbar, Iraq. Treatments consisted of four Atonic concentrations (0, 2.5, 5.0- and 7.5-mL L-1) applied at three growth stages (end of vegetative growth, booting and 50% flowering) using a split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected on grain-filling duration, 1000-grain weight, grain number per head, grain yield and harvest index. 
 
Results: Atonic concentration significantly affected grain-filling duration, 1000-grain weight, grain number per head, grain yield and harvest index in both growing seasons. The highest values for most yield traits were obtained at 5.0- and 7.5-mL L-1. Spraying at the end of vegetative growth and booting stages generally produced superior results compared with spraying at 50% flowering. Significant interaction effects between Atonic concentration and application stage were observed for several measured traits. Foliar application of Atonic, particularly at 5.0-7.5 mL L-1&nbsp;during the end of vegetative growth stage, improved grain yield and most yield components of sorghum under the environmental conditions of western Iraq.

Effects of Atonic Concentration and Application Stage on Grain Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Khirni is fruit of Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard and belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Khirni tree is a commercially and medicinally important tropical tree. The fruit has been source of livelihood and nutritional support for local tribal population in India who have been using it for medicinal benefits also. It has been used in Unani medicine for various conditions like general debility, respiratory diseases, ulcers etc. since ages. The aim of this review is to highlight the medicinal properties of Khirni as mentioned in Unani Medicine and also to explore its other ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological studies. For this purpose, Pubmed, Elseveir, Scopus, SID and Google scholar were searched for the key terms &ldquo;Manilkara hexandra&rdquo; and &ldquo;Khirni&rdquo; up to 30th September 2023 and also Unani classical books were studied. The work on the review article was carried out at Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Khirni has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-ulcer, antiviral, antibacterial and hypolipidimic properties and also has several ethnomedical uses. In Unani medicine, Khirni is used as atonic for vital organs like brain, heart and liver. This fruit is a valuable source of compounds with health-promoting properties and can be used as good sources of antioxidants in our diet.

Effects of Atonic Concentration and Application Stage on Grain Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Khirni [Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.)]-A Review of its Uses in Unani Medicine, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology