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Leaf angle (LA) is a major agronomic trait of rice plant architecture, which is determined by the development of the leaf lamina joint (LJ) and closely related to plant yield. The LJ is formed by the leaf collar belt (ligule band), leaf tongue (ligule) and leaf ear (auricle). Parenchyma cells (PCs), sclerenchyma cells (SCs), vascular bundles (VBs), and arenchyma tissue (Ac) are present in the cross sections of LJ. The genetic and molecular regulation of rice leaf angle and LJ development has been well investigated in recent years. However, the underlying complex regulatory network still requires further elucidation and comprehensive discussion. In this review, we briefly describe the cellular characteristics of four typical stages of LJ development, and systematically summarize the genes regulating rice leaf inclination based on their roles in PC proliferation and elongation, as well as SC proliferation and differentiation. We also introduce the emerging regulatory pathways of phytohormones and transcription factors (TFs), environmental cues that are involved in rice LJ development, discussing the relevant intricate signal network that is relevant to provide further insights into the genetic improvement of leaf angle traits in rice breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is a vegetable crop of economic importance in Mexico. In 2023, fresh or frozen cucumber and pickle international sales reached USD 783M, placing Mexico in second rank among countries with the highest currency inflow in the world. This crop is mostly grown under protected environments with new production technologies, including rootstocks that are tolerant to biotic and abiotic factors that limit the yield and quality of the harvest. Therefore, the goal of this work was to assess three cucurbits as rootstocks (Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Citrullus lanatus), as well as studying the response of cucumber crop to the tested rootstocks. The following treatments were assessed: T1:PSP = cucumber Cv. Paraizo F1 without rootstock; T2:P/MA = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita maxima; T3:P/MO = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita moschata; T4:P/CL = cucumber grafted over Citrullus lanatus Citroides Var. The assessed variables included the number of fruits per plant (NFPP), fruit weight per plant (PFPP), average fruit weight (PPF), plant dry weight (PSP), xylem vessel area (AVX), number of xylem vessels (NVX), vascular bundle area (AHV) and number of vascular bundles (NHV) in roots (R), basal stalk (TB) and apical stalk (AT). Significant differences among treatments were found in the results for variables: NFPP, highlighting that T2:P/MA was superior by 46.15% versus T1:PSP and by 67.69% versus T3:P/MO. Regarding PFPP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (5445 g), as it proved superior by 99.45% than the cucumber without rootstock (T1:PSP). Regarding PSP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (196.65 g), significantly exceeding T1 by 137.5%. Regarding AVXR, T4:P/CL had the highest value (30,063 µm2). Regarding NHVR, watermelon had (T4:P/CL) 39.33% more vascular bundles than the root system of cucumber (T1:PSP). Treatments T2:P/MA and T4:P/CL had the highest values at AVXTB, while for variable NVXTB, treatments T3:P/MO and T2:P/MA were almost equal, surpassing non-grafted cucumber by 175.47%. However, T2:P/MA showed the greatest AHVTB, and T1:PSP was significantly superior to T3:P/MO, by 34.93%, for NHVTB. Furthermore, positive and significant correlations were found among PFPP, AHVR, and AVXTB, as well as among PSP, AVXTB, and AHVTB. Therefore, we may say that having a larger area of vascular vessels in the roots and a larger area of xylem vessels in the basal stalk leads to higher fruit yields per plant. In the same vein, the use of rootstocks is a sustainable alternative to increase fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolaris sorokiniana, a barley pathogen, can infect via seeds, co-growing plants, or soil, causing yield and seed value reductions. This study aimed to assess B. sorokiniana's impact at various growth stages on seed yield and quality. Results showed no direct impact on yield (which ranged from 0.49 kg·m−2 for the naked variety Rastik to 0.77 kg·m−2 for the Widawa variety), but revealed significant seed quality differences. Thousand kernel weight (TKW) and germination capacity (GC) varied notably between examined varieties. The largest kernels were observed for the Bryl variety (27.33 g), which also had the best germination (82.8%). The variety Ryton had the smallest kernels (24.04 g), while the poorest germination (56.7%) was observed for naked kernels of Rastik. A seed health analysis found a relation between inoculation stage and the intensity of spontaneous infection by pathogenic fungi, ranging from 86.4% for the control to more than 95% for the kernels harvested from plants inoculated at the flowering stage. Strong correlation emerged between B. sorokiniana grain infection and germination capacity, highlighting the fungus's role in seed quality decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the cultivation of crops in recent times, in addition to taking care of the balanced supply of nutrients to plants and the protection of soil resources, it is also important to take into account the non-productive factor by implementing production systems based on balanced fertilisation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of soil kind and the application of a new fertiliser based on a urea and ammonium nitrate solution with potassium thiosulphate (UAN-KTS) on the yielding and biometric characteristics of spring wheat, spring rape, and maize to determine the optimal N:K:S ratio. An increase in the soil kind increased the weight of 1000 spring rape seeds, the yield of maize fresh matter, a reduction in the height of spring wheat and maize plants, a reduction in the yield of spring wheat grains and straw, and the yield of the fresh and dry matter of spring rape straw. A higher nitrogen dose promoted the growth of spring rape at the later growing stage and maize and had a positive effect on the yield of spring wheat grains and straw, spring rape seeds and straw, and the above-ground parts of maize. The application of potassium fertilisers caused a significant increase in the spring rape plant height, an increase in the yield of spring wheat grains and straw and spring rape seeds and straw, the above-ground parts of maize, a reduction in the plant height at the beginning of the spring wheat growing period, and a reduction in the weight of 1000 spring rape seeds (only on the soil with rich quality). The fertiliser with the N:K2:S2 ratio had a particularly favourable effect on the yielding of spring wheat. In the cultivation of maize, the same effect was most often obtained under the influence of fertiliser in the ratio of N:K1:S1 on the weaker soil fertilised at the same time as a higher dose of nitrogen (N 1) and N:K2:S2 (in other cases). In the case of spring rape, generally, fertiliser with N:K1:S1 was the strongest, although, in some objects, a higher yield was achieved under the influence of N:K2:S2. The existence of statistically confirmed correlations (expressed as the percentage of the variability observed) between the soil kind and the fertilisers applied and the yielding and biometric characteristics of the plants were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetranychus urticae is an important pest of tomato crops globally, affecting plant yield and growth. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii have the potential to control T. urticae. We investigated the influence of two B. bassiana (i.e., WG-12 and WG-19) isolates and one M. robertsii (WG-02) isolate when colonizing different plant organs (leaves, stems, and roots) and their influence on the growth of tomato plants, through foliar, root-dipping, and seed-soaking application techniques. We also examined the acaricidal activity of the three isolates against T. urticae (female adults), spraying tomato leaf discs with each isolate separately. After 28 days, WG-12 and WG-19 colonized 97 and 91% of the leaves after foliar inoculation, whereas WG-02 exhibited the lowest leaf colonization (76%). The height of the tomato plants, the root length, the number of leaves, and the weight of the biomass above and below the ground were enhanced significantly after inoculation with WG-02 vs. B. bassiana isolates and control. The complete mortality of T. urticae was caused by WG-12 and WG-02 after 10 days, whereas WG-19 killed 94% of the adults. For the effective management of T. urticae, we propose the application of the WG-02 isolate since it provides complete protection and promotes the growth of tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root architectural traits at the seedling stage have been demonstrated to be crucial for the efficient uptake of nutrients and drought tolerance in wheat. To dissect the genetic basis of these traits from the D genome, 182 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the common wheat TAA10 crossed with resynthesized allohexaploid wheat XX329 possessed similar AABB genomes were used for QTL mapping of five root traits in hydroponic-cultured seedlings, including lateral root number (LRN), seminal root number (SRN), root hair length (RHL), root diameter (RD), and total root volume (TRV). A total of seven QTLs were identified for the five root traits, with six possible novel QTLs for LRN, RHL, RD and TRV, accounting for 4.98–12.17% of phenotypic variation. One QTL (QLrn.qau-5D.2), controlling lateral root number, was fine mapped an approximate 5.0-Mb interval harboring 80 annotated genes, including five auxin-related genes. We further validated that QLrn.qau-5D.2 in NILTAA10 significantly enhanced yield-related traits, such as plant height, spike length, spike compactness, tiller number per plant and grain yield per plant, as comparison with NILXX329. Collectively, these results provide vital insights for fine-mapping QTLs associated with LRN, SRN, RHL, RD and TRV and facilitate the root morphologic designs for enhancing yield performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the variation characteristics of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content and accumulation in cotton at different yield levels, a two-year experiment was conducted using cotton variety Lumianyan 24 under four N treatments (506, 402.5, 299, and 195.5 kg ha−1, designated as N1, N2, N3, and N4, respectively). The four P and K fertilization ratios were (PK-M1, 25% P and K applied at squaring stage (SS) and 75% at the bloom-bolling stages (BS)), 50%:50% (PK-M2, 50% P and K applied at each stage), 75%:25% (PK-M3, 75% P and K applied at SS and 25% at the BS) and 100%:0% (PK-M4, total P and K applied at SS). The results showed that the N content (Nc), P content (Pc), and K content (Kc) of cotton plants at high yield levels were 23.3%, 44.2%, and 31.6% higher than those at low yield levels. In addition, the reproductive organs maintained higher Pc and Kc at high yield levels, and the Nc, Pc, and Kc exhibited positive linear correlations with yield, while Nc/Pc, Nc/Kc, and Kc/Pc had significant negative correlations with yield. In conclusion, seed cotton yield was mainly limited by Nc at low yield levels and affected by Pc and Kc at high yield levels. Then, when 0.85 < Nc/Kc < 1.0 at the full squaring stage (FS), 0.8 < Nc/Kc < 1.0 at the full flowering stage (FF), 4.3 < Nc/Pc < 6.7 at the early-full bolling stage (EFB) and 4.9 < Nc/Pc < 7.1 at the late-full bolling stage (LFB), there is a high yield potential of 7000–9000 kg ha−1. Furthermore, yields can be improved by reducing the application of N during the growing period and increasing the application of P fertilizer during the later growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial heterogeneity of light and photosynthesis distribution within a canopy is crucial for optimizing plant growth and yield, especially in the context of greenhouse structures. In previous studies, we developed a 3D functional-structural plant model (FSPM) of the Chinese solar greenhouse (CSG) and tomato plants, in which the greenhouse was reconstructed as a 3D mockup and implemented in the virtual scene. This model, which accounts for various environmental factors, allows for precise calculations of radiation, temperature, and photosynthesis at the organ level. This study focuses on elucidating optimal canopy configurations for mechanized planting in greenhouses, building upon the commonly used north–south (N–S) orientation by exploring the east–west (E–W) orientation. Investigating sixteen scenarios with varying furrow distance (1 m, 1.2 m, 1.4 m, 1.6 m) and row spacing (0.3 m, 0.4 m, 0.5 m, 0.6 m), corresponding to 16 treatments of plant spacing, four planting patterns (homogeneous row, double row, staggered row, incremental row) and two orientations were investigated. The results show that in Shenyang city, an E–W orientation with the path width = 0.5 (furrow distance + row distance) = 0.8 m (homogeneous row), and a plant distance of 0.32 m, is the optimal solution for mechanized planting at a density of 39,000 plants/ha. Our findings reveal a nuanced understanding of how altering planting configurations impacts the light environment and photosynthesis rate within solar greenhouses. Looking forward, these insights not only contribute to the field of CSG mechanized planting, but also provide a basis for enhanced CSG planting management. Future research could further explore the broader implications of these optimized configurations in diverse geographic and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed has gained popularity as a health food. Wild, perennial Linum relatives of annual flax (L. usitatissimum) possess similar oil compositions, making them perennial oilseed (OS) alternatives. The objective of this study was to phenotype 25 OS and 17 cut flower (CF) breeding populations with 137 wild Linum species' accessions in a common garden over three years (Y1–3) to quantify the impact of selection and identify top candidates. This study was intercepted by COVID-19, which prevented the same detailed phenotyping of Y1 from occurring in Y2–3. Traits measured from the perennial flax OS, in comparison with the CF ideotypes: weekly seed germination (Y1), yield per plant (Y1–3), seed weight (Y1–2), shattering (Y1–2), and seed capsule diameter (Y1). In Y1, OS selections had the highest yield per plant, followed by L. austriacum and then CF selections. The 1000 seed weights in Y1 were highest in annual flax, followed by L. grandiflorum and L. baicalense. Seed numbers/capsule were low in Y1–2, possibly due to shattering. Average yield per plant increased across Y1–3 indicating that, once plant establishment had occurred along with the potential for two harvests/year in Y2 onwards, significant OS yield can be realized. Harvest 1 yields were significantly higher than in harvest 2. In Y1–3, OS selections had the highest average seed yield. In Y1, OS and CF populations had smaller seeds, higher shattering, smaller capsule diameters, and lower germination than wild species. Significant breeding efforts are needed to increase perennial flax yield, using the multiple crop ideotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important staple crop influenced by rising CO2 and related climate change, but it is not well-known how N-fixing Azotobacter affects rice growth and yield under different CO2 concentrations. This study aimed to determine the effects of Azotobacter strains on the growth and yield of rice plants grown in two paddy soils under varying CO2 conditions. Rice plants inoculated with three Azotobacter strains were grown in a conventional rice soil (Dali) and an organic rice soil (Houlong) under 500 or 1000 ppm CO2. These three Azotobacter strains significantly increased the harvest index of rice plants grown in Dali soil under 1000 ppm CO2, but they did not significantly increase the harvest index for rice plants grown in Houlong soil under elevated CO2. Interestingly, only A. beijerinckii CHB 461 significantly promoted the thousand-grain weight of rice plants grown in both Dali and Houlong soils under elevated CO2. Dali soil had a high level of soil organic matter, exchangeable Ca and Mg, and available Cu and Zn, probably resulting in a better response of the rice plants to Azotobacter inoculation under elevated CO2. In conclusion, in the application of Azotobacter to promote rice growth and yield under future rising CO2 conditions, the soil properties and characteristics of Azotobacter strains may need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poa pratensis is widely distributed in cold temperate regions and can be used as a species for stress restoration and as a forage for livestock. Studying the genetic characteristics of tillering occurrence in bluegrass provides a theoretical basis for studying plant yield formation, environmental adaptation, and improving survival competitiveness. The regulating effects of endogenous hormone IAA content and the expression of related genes ARF1, ARF12, ARF14, ZT content and the expression of related genes CKX2, CKX3, CKX4, SL content and the expression of related genes D14-like, D14.1-like and D14 in wild Kentucky bluegrass were investigated. Kentucky bluegrass from Sunan and Qingshui was used to evaluate the influence of hormone and gene expression on tillering behavior. Endogenous hormone contents and expression levels of related genes in stems and roots of both materials were measured at prophase, peak, and anaphase of tillering. The results showed that among the three materials, the Sunan material had a better tillering ability for Poa pratensis, while the Qingshui material had poorer tillering ability. The downregulation of CKX2, CKX3, and CKX4 gene expression levels promotes the synthesis of ZT, thereby improving the tillering ability of the germplasm. Upregulation of ARF14, D14, and D14.1-like gene expression levels enhances the synthesis of IAA and SL, thereby inhibiting tillering. More importantly, the interaction between hormones affects the tillering ability of bluegrass, and high levels of ZT/IAA, ZT/SL, and ZT/(IAA+SL) values promote tillering. In summary, this study reveals the mechanism by which hormones regulate the occurrence of tillering in Kentucky bluegrass, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the genetic characteristics of plant type, effectively regulating tillering, studying yield development, environmental adaptation, and improving survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high pod abscission rate in soybean plants results in a significant decrease in the yield per plant. Under dense planting conditions, dense tolerant soybean cultivars had a relatively low rate of pod abscission, thereby facilitating higher yield. In this experiment, two planting densities were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes and metabolites between the abscised and non-abscised flowers of two soybean cultivars on the basis of transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The flower abscission rate of LD32 was significantly lower than that of SND28. Both cultivars were enriched in the photosynthesis, sugar, and starch metabolism; MAPK signaling; and phenylalanine metabolism pathways at different planting densities. However, under dense planting, the trend of differential gene changes in the density-tolerant CV LD32 was opposite to that of the conventional CV SND28. The results of the joint analysis indicated that the co-regulation of cytokinin dehydrogenase 6 (CKX6) and cis-zeatin riboside monophosphate (CZRM) in the zeatin biosynthesis pathway of LD32 under dense planting conditions was the main factor for the relatively low rate of pod abscission under dense planting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the objective of studying the influence of elicitors on the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh, we carried out an investigation for two consecutive years. Nine treatments with three replications were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Chitosan (CHT), yeast extract (YE), jasmone acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA)were evaluated at different concentrations. The CHT treatment at 1000 ppm exhibited the tallest plant height (73.91 cm) and the highest number of secondary branches (29.07) at the time of harvest. The primary branches and number of leaves per plant were highest with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (26.36; 88.32), and were not significantly different with the SA treatment at 200 ppm (26.28; 81.51). The plant spread was the highest with the SAtreatment at 200 ppm (35.46 cm2) and was not significantly different with the CHT treatment at 1000 ppm (35.11 cm2). The CHT and SA sprays did not result in significant changes in yield parameters, but the highest fresh (42.34 g) and dry (18.30) herbage yields per plant were exhibited with the SA treatment at 200 ppm. The highest total chlorophyll (4.459 mg g−1) and total andrographolide (3.494%) contents were recorded after treatment with the SA spray at 200 ppm. A significant and positive improvement in the growth, yield, and quality of kalmegh was noticed with the salicylic acid spray treatment at 200 ppm 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS), signifying its benefits for the cultivation of kalmegh in terms of high productivity, quality, and better returns for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By analyzing the growth and development of different types of strawberry plants, the researchers were able to evaluate the interference with the horticultural potential of the cultivar 'Albion'. The five treatments that have been studied corresponded to different types of strawberry plants: mini plants in trays with young roots, plants in trays with mature roots and an initial reduction of fertigation, plants in trays with mature roots, plants with bare roots, and plants in trays with mature roots preserved by the cold. In bags containing coconut fiber, the experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The attributes evaluated were the total yield per plant, the total yield per plant with fruits above 10 g, the total yield per hectare, the total yield per hectare with fruits above 10 g, the average plant diameter, the average number of buds per plant, and the average number of stolons per plant. There were no significant effects among the plant types concerning yield production. Plants in cold-preserved trays with mature roots showed a higher number of buds than plants in trays with mature roots. Cold-preserved tray plants with mature roots produced the highest number of stolons, followed by bare-root plants. It is concluded that the types of strawberry seedlings did not influence the productive performance of the strawberry 'Albion' cultivar. However, cold-preserved tray plants with mature roots showed better vegetative performance, with a yield of a higher number of buds and stolons. However, the results were influenced by the agroclimatic conditions of the producing region; due to climatic interference in the behaviour of the plants about the factors studied, it is recommended to repeat the experiment for a better understanding of the objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of plant endogenous hormones could be influenced by fertilization, which play an important regulatory role in plant growth and yield formation. However, the effects of phosphate (P) application rates on the dynamical changes in the exogenous hormone content in maize plants to support high-yield production are still unclear. An experiment with six P application rates was designed (P1, 0 kg ha−1; P2, 20 kg ha−1; P3, 40 kg ha−1; P4, 60 kg ha−1; P5, 80 kg ha−1; and P6, 100 kg ha−1), aimed at determining the distribution or biosynthesis of phytohormones in maize roots and leaves, and clarifying the role of P fertilization in the formation of phytohormones. The results showed that P fertilization significantly increased the content of IAA, by 51.57%, and significantly decreased the contents of ABA and GA3, by 18.92% and 19.13% on average compared to P1. The highest increase in IAA was 99.02%, and the highest decreases in ABA and GA3 were 32.30% and 26.85%, respectively, in the P6 treatment in maize roots. Meanwhile, an increase in the IAA (41.34%), SA (27.58%), and GA3 (37.36%) contents and a decrease in the ABA (19.18%) content in maize leaves were observed. The highest increases in IAA, GA3, and SA in the P6 treatment in maize leaves were 57.5%, 62.50%, and 48.57%, respectively, and the highest decrease in ABA was 28.05%. Meanwhile, different contents of endogenous hormones in maize roots and leaves were observed at various maize growth stages. The maize phenotypes and soil available P content were increased with P application as well. A Pearson's correlation analysis showed that endogenous hormones were significantly correlated with maize phenotypes and yield. Our results confirmed that P fertilization could change the content of endogenous hormones in maize roots and leaves; P6 was the best treatment for improving the endogenous hormone contents in maize plants, P3 was the best for improving the maize grain yield. Overall, 40 kg ha−1 is recommended as the best P application rate under the experimental conditions, considering the economic cost and environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple pomace, as a by-product, is difficult to manage and is produced in significant quantities. This makes it necessary to manage the resulting biomass. It is important for the environment to use pomace in an ecological way. It can provide a source of organic matter and be composted, but it can also be added directly to the soil. The greatest impediments in the use of pomace are the constant process of its production and the fermentation processes taking place within it, which require storage of action and drying and transportation of the pomace. Using pomace immediately after its formation as an exogenous source of organic matter for soil is a possibility. This method of pomace management benefits society and the natural environment. Thus, a study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of applying apple pomace to soil in a model experiment. Tests were conducted on spring wheat of the Harenda cultivar in a greenhouse. Various amounts of apple pomace were added to the soil. Soil properties were studied, as well as photosynthetic parameters and crop yield structure. It was shown that it is possible to improve soil properties and plant yield by adding pomace to the soil, but only for a limited quantity of pomace. The highest maximum pomace that should be used, for spring wheat in field conditions, is a maximum of 2 t/ha−1. At this dose of apple pomace, the characteristics of the wheat yielding structure were significantly improved, such as plant tillering, the number of ears and the weight of kernels per spike, and the weight of a thousand kernels. Since this was a model experiment, it should be treated as an introduction to research on the use of pomace, and further research on the possibility of using pomace in field conditions, including for other cereal species, should be continued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms have been commonly used for solid waste management by employing the process of vermicomposting. In this study, we used two different types of earthworm for vermicomposting and analyzed their efficacy for plant production in comparison to chemical fertilizer. The worms used for vermicomposting included Eisenia fetida (EF) and Lumbricus rubellus (LR), and we studied compost efficiency for the harvesting of spinach and turnips. The parameters we used to evaluate the performance of the produced compost on crops were variations in sprouting time, harvesting time, plant height, and plant yield. For the production of compost, the waste was collected and degraded in an environment where various parameters, including pH, moisture content, temperature, carbon, and nitrogen, were measured regularly throughout the experiment. The compost obtained from these three setups was used as a fertilizer to grow spinach and turnip. Compost efficiency was compared based on plant yield, plant height, sprouting, and harvesting time. In the case of turnip, the combination worm compost yielded 38% and 58% more than the compost obtained using EF and LR, respectively. For spinach, the EF–LR combined compost gave similar results, 17.4% and 37.9% more yield than the above two worms individually. The study's results showed that the compost obtained by the combination of worms is more promising than the compost obtained from a single species and applied as fertilizer. Moreover, the comparative evaluation by statistical analysis confirmed that growing spinach by combined compost would be a better option compared to growing turnip, due to higher significant difference in outcome parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late-sowing and high-density cultivation are typical cotton planting models that are widely applied in the Yellow River Valley of China. The model can easily lead to late maturity and reduced yields. Plant topping and ethephon spraying have been shown to improve cotton earliness and yields. However, the optimal topping date and ethephon concentration are yet to be established. A two-year field experiment (2020–2021) was thus conducted to assess the effects of spraying high-concentration ethephon and early topping on the growth, yield, and earliness of cotton under late-sowing and high-density cultivation models. The experiment employed a split-plot design, in which the main plots were sprayed with varying ethephon concentrations (2000 mL/ha, E2000; 4000 mL/ha, E4000; 6000 mL/ha, E6000), while subplots were plant topping dates (T13, 13 July, early-topped; T20, 20 July, suitable-topped; T27, 27 July, late-topped). Higher ethephon concentrations (E4000) increased the earliness of early-topped (T13) plants. Boll-setting and boll-opening rates increased by 12.00% and 16.83% in T13 plants, respectively, relative to T27 plants. However, the shedding rate for T13 plants decreased by 12.00%. Earliness and harvest index (HI) for the T13 plants were higher than those of the T27 plants by 8.01% and 18.91%, respectively. Even though the T13 plant yield decreased slightly, their boll weight increased by 3.99% and 12.27%, respectively, relative to those of the T20 and T27 plants. Earliness increased with increasing ethephon concentration. In conclusion, early topping and higher ethephon concentrations can effectively improve cotton yield and earliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information to aid the selection of suitable cultivated areas remains meager for mung bean, despite it being a socio-economically important legume crop in Thailand. Hence, a user-friendly soil assessment tool is required to help properly choose planting areas. We aimed to provide a decision support system for mung bean cultivation in central Thailand. Soil suitability classes were performed using relevant factors and data essential for mung bean cultivation in 22 provinces in central Thailand. A decision support system was developed as soil map and mobile phone application using data based on soil suitability classes. Information of mung bean growth and yield grown in experimental fields with different soil suitability classes was used for preliminary validation. The main areas were very suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S3) for mung bean plantation, accounting for 1,319,841 and 1,327,804 ha, respectively. The number of pods per plant and yield per plant of mung bean were higher in S1 areas (12.83–16.65 pods per plant and 8.35–12.43 g/plant, respectively) than in S3 areas. The mung bean yield was also greater in S1 areas (1613.8–2158.7 kg/ha) than in S3 areas (735.8–1138.6 kg/ha). The findings suggest the possibility of using developed decision support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, increments in tomato yield seem to have reached a plateau. Tomato genebank collections have been recognized as a novel source for yield increments. The use of the diversity in Latin America for novel improved varieties is limited by the knowledge gap regarding field-grown tomatoes. As yield has complex, unresolved trade-offs, agromorphological traits become useful for further improvement. In this study, the development of successive clusters was studied in twenty-four Chilean tomato landraces to elucidate the relationships among agromorphological traits of flowers, inflorescences, and fruits. Plants yielded an average of 3297 g m−2, with a variation coefficient of 0.44. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between yield components and plant phenology. Findings suggested a two-level compensation between average fresh fruit weight and the number of fruits, one on a plant basis and the second on a cluster basis. All traits evaluated had significant phenotypic correlations with yield traits. Growing degree days for a cluster to develop had a low negative phenotypic correlation with yield (−0.33***) and a high genetic correlation with the number of clusters (−0.90***). The number of set flowers, as opposed to the number of flowers, was significantly correlated with average fresh fruit weight (−0.17***), supporting the initiation of the trade-off after the fruit set. This study provides new insight into the plant agromorphology of indeterminate plants. In a global climate change context, further study of trade-off relationships is important for identifying genotypes able to sustain their productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a plant of a global cultivation range and great economic importance, which is mainly due to its high yield potential and versatile use as food, fodder, and energy source. To evaluate the effects of drip irrigation and nitrogen fertigation on maize growth in light soil in the climate conditions of Central Poland, a field experiment was carried out in 2015–2017, as a dependent split-plot design with four replications. Two factors were used: I. drip irrigation (W0—no irrigation, W1—optimal irrigation, ensuring 100% coverage of the water needs of maize during the period of increased water needs), II—method of top dressing application of two doses of nitrogen 2 × 40 kg·ha−1 (T—traditional application as broadcasted urea, F—fertigation with the use of a 6% aqueous solution of urea). The results presented in the paper concerning the absolute, relative and unitary average increases in corn grain yields under the influence of drip irrigation indicated the potential for increasing significantly the productivity of corn under the condition of optimizing the water factor. The average yield increase was 2.35 t·ha−1, varying depending on rainfall pattern: in the dry season it was 4.79, and in the wet season 1.03–1.22 t·ha−1. The application of top-dressing nitrogen fertigation resulted in a significant increase in the yield of maize grain in relation to the traditional method of nitrogen fertilization. Drip irrigation and fertigation are treatments that, ensuring the stability of maize yield over the years, contribute to an increase in plant yield by approximately 25% on average, and over 80% in the dry seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rosette is the above-ground morphological part of sugar beet in the first year of its ontogenesis. The size and health of the leaves determine photosynthesis and the production of sugars and their redistribution throughout the plant and thus the yields and quality of individual organs. One means of protecting leaves is to apply fungicides. Their efficacy and effects of use depend on, among other things, the active ingredient and number of sprayings, as well as environmental conditions. The aim of the 11-year study was to evaluate the effect that the foliar application of fungicides in sugar beet cultivation had on leaf infestation and damage, the Leaf Area Index (LAI), leaf yield, and a plant foliage index (FI) expressed as the ratio of leaf mass to root mass. In field experiments, six treatments were compared: a control without fungicides; three sprayings with triazoles, benzimidazoles, and strobilurins as the active ingredients; and a single application of tebuconazole, epoxiconazole, strobilurin, and an epoxiconazole + thiophanate-methyl mixture. The efficacy and effects of the fungicide protection depended on its method of application and environmental conditions. Applying fungicides weakened the positive correlation of sugar beet leaf infestation and leaf damage to the sum of precipitation relative to the unprotected plants. In ten of the eleven years of the study, fungicide protection significantly increased leaf yields of plants and decreased their FI. In only three years did three sprayings increase leaf yield more than single sprayings, and, in six years, at least one of the active ingredients or the epoxiconazole + thiophanate-methyl mixture was as effective as triple sprayings. It is therefore warranted to permanently monitor the condition of plants and to select the fungicide application method depending on conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that excess phosphorus (P) uptake by maize can lead to a decreased grain yield. Part one of this study demonstrated that maize experienced luxury consumption of P in three phases of P uptake. The objective of this work was to further explore how P uptake indirectly impacts the uptake of other nutrients and their translocation within the plant to explain the yield penalty associated with luxury P consumption. Three maize hybrids were grown under optimal conditions using sand-culture hydroponics for precise control of the root environment. Plants were grown to maturity with six different P concentrations followed by biomass and nutrient partitioning analysis of various maize parts. All non-P nutrients achieved maximum grain content at P uptake levels that coincided with the maximum grain yield, while the partitioning of K, Mg, Mn, B, N, S, and Fe into other non-grain tissue continued with further P uptake. With luxury P consumption beyond the point corresponding with maximum grain yield, the N, S, Fe, Cu, and Zn grain content significantly decreased along with the grain yield. With luxury P consumption, Cu, Zn, and Fe accumulated in the roots. Grain production with luxury P uptake may have been limited by P-inhibited translocation of Cu, Zn, and Fe from roots to grain. This decrease in translocation did not prevent further non-grain tissue growth since those nutrients were not as limiting as they were for grain. Data suggest that these micronutrients limited protein production, which was evident from the decrease in grain N and S content and concentration that coincided with the decrease in grain yield concomitant with luxury P uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar application or minerals is a methodology to promote growth and/or yield and to protect plants against different kinds of stresses. Currently there is a great interest in evaluating the effect of nanoparticles for enhancing the effect of these treatments. This study was performed to evaluate and compare the effect of foliar application of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the growth and yield of safflower under different irrigation regimes. Foliar applications of ZnO in all concentrations (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 g L−1) led to an increase in biomass yield, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, and grain yield of plants compared with control plants. The maximum increase in the studied traits was obtained with a ZnO concentration of 6, 8, and 10 g L−1. In a second round of experiments, we observed the effect of nanoparticles and found that spraying with ZnO and ZnO-NPs at a concentration of 10 g L−1 may ameliorate the deleterious effects of water deficit. The results of the present study support the idea that foliar application of ZnO improves safflower yield, especially under drought stress, and showed that using of nanoparticles increases the efficiency of the application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low nutrient and high pH of circulating water represent two of the main issues to overcome for a successful combination of aquaculture and hydroponics in aquaponics offering a sustainable and circular economy solution for vegetable production. The purpose of this study was to screen the tolerance of four herbs to high pH and low nutrient concentration in hydroponics, i.e., green and red basils, mint, and rocket salad, with a focus on plant yield and nutraceutical aspects. Results highlighted green basil as the most tolerant species to low nutrient and high pH conditions followed by mint. On the contrary, negative effects from high pH and low nutrient were reported on red basil and especially rocket salad, which strongly affect their marketability parameters. Rocket salad fresh biomass was more than halved under the combination of high pH and low nutrients. Results on green and red basil showed the importance of testing the tolerance to these agronomic conditions at both species and variety levels. Despite the reduction in biomass, leaf pigments were not influenced by high pH and low nutrients and therefore can be considered parameters of minor importance for the evaluation of these species. In conclusion, the tolerance of green basil and mint to high pH and low nutrients under hydroponic conditions has been highlighted. Further investigation coupled with fish farming will be able to reinforce the convenience of using these species for aquaponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee plant is one of the main crops grown in Brazil. However, strategies to estimate its yield are questionable given the characteristics of this crop; in this context, robust techniques, such as those based on machine learning, may be an alternative. Thus, the aim of the present study was to estimate the yield of a coffee crop using multispectral images and machine learning algorithms. Yield data from a same study area in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Sentinel 2 images, Random Forest (RF) algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Neural Network (NN) and Linear Regression (LR) were used. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the absolute Pearson correlation and coefficient of determination values. The Sentinel 2 satellite images proved to be favorable in estimating coffee yield. Despite the low spatial resolution in estimating agricultural variables below the canopy, the presence of specific bands such as the red edge, mid infrared and the derived vegetation indices, act as a countermeasure. The results show that the blue band and green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) exhibit greater correlation with yield. The NN algorithm performed best and was capable of estimating yield with 23% RMSE, 20% MAPE and R² 0.82 using 85% of the training and 15% of the validation data of the algorithm. The NN algorithm was also more accurate (27% RMSE) in predicting yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice leaf is a solar panel of photosynthesis and determines the light energy utilization and yield of plants. Leaf numbers appear as S-type or parabola-type growth curves throughout their development. However, the ways in which the genes regulate the process of leaf numbers still remain poorly understood. This paper first identified five QTLs associated with leaf numbers using single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). Then, the epistatic effects between double QTLs were estimated via the decomposition of the QTL polymerization effects. Additionally, further the expression patterns and functions for these five QTLs and their epistasis were revealed by the methodologies of conditional QTL mapping and functional QTL mapping, respectively. The five SSSLs were detected as having significant additive and/or dominant effects at one or more stages, all of which increased the leaf numbers, except for the negative additive effect of the first SSSL. Seven pairs of QTLs interacted each other via three or four epistatic components, with the opposite effects in the case of single genes, i.e., most epistatic effects were negative. The five QTLs expressed their effects mainly in three stages, namely within 14 days, from 28 days to 42 days, and from 49 days to 63 days after transplantation. Positive effects and negative interactions of the QTLs were observed in the early and the late stages, but opposite interactions were observed in the middle stage. Mainly, three functional parameters, including the inflexion point, the peak value, and the degradation rate, were regulated via the QTL effects and their opposite interactions. This paper uncovered the genetic rule of five QTLs on the leaf numbers, including the interaction, expression, and function features. The information will be helpful to understand the genetic mechanism for developmental traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how Indian farming practices affect German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). This study examines the effects of the sowing date and spacing of plants on flower productivity, essential oil concentration, and the composition of German chamomile grown in the arid zone of Rajasthan, India. In a factorial randomized block design (FRBD), the treatments consisted of four sowing dates (15 and 25 October, 5 and 15 November) and three spacings of plants (20 × 10 cm, 30 × 10 cm, and 40 × 10 cm). The dried flower yield (Kg ha−1), fresh flower yield (Kg ha−1), and number of flowers per plant of chamomile crop were significantly affected by the varying spacing of plants and the date of sowing. The highest values for dry weight, fresh weight, and number of flowers were obtained from the second date of sowing (25 October) with 40 × 10 cm geometry. Likewise, the highest values for total oil (12.44%) and essential oil (0.94%) contents were also obtained from the D2P3 combination (D2—sowing date 25 October, P3—40 × 10 cm spacing of plants). GC/MS analyses of the samples showed that p-menth-1-en-4-ol, acetate, cis-alpha-farnesene, anethole+estragol, 1,4-cyclohexadiene,1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)- and 3,6-dihydro-4-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-1,2-dithiin were the main identified compounds in the essential oil of chamomile fresh flowers. The treatments altered the quality profile of the essential oils in general. The principal components of chamomile essential oil were significantly affected by the D2P3 treatment. The findings of this study add to our understanding of how to grow high-quality chamomile flowers in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction (pBLUP) is an effective method for genetic evaluation. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of pBLUP to develop superior inbred lines, using field and simulated data. This study was based on the data of 30,986 plants from six S0 generations and eight inbred progeny trials (S1–S4), performed over eight years. We measured the grain yield and the expansion volume (EV). We also simulated the EV and grain yield of 5000 plants (S0–S4) in two in silico populations, assuming 300 and 400 genes distributed across 10 chromosomes of 200 cM, respectively, and 10% of pleiotropic genes. We selected selfed plants based on the predicted additive value for EV by fitting the individual model in inbred population. The use of pBLUP provided total genetic gains in EV in the range of 1 to 45%, inversely proportional to the level of improvement of the population, and indirect changes in grain yield in the range of −17 to 3%. Only from the analysis of the in silico populations, assuming selection based on the true additive value and genetic gain computed from the genotypic values, there was evidence that pBLUP is superior to phenotypic mass selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is a fundamental activity for human development. However, its sustainable practice is required to ensure the perpetuity of future resources. In this way, bacteria can benefit crops by making available nutrients and metabolites, mainly contributing to reducing the demand for chemical fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the biofertilizing capacity of Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus megaterium, and Brevibacillus fluminis and their effects on improving the physiological and morphoanatomical properties of strawberry seedlings. In vitro tests were performed to evince their potential to supply nutrients (P and K) and produce siderophores and indole-acetic acid. In an inoculation experiment, these strains were inoculated in isolation and mixed in pairs and triples. This experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design (CRD). The inoculated treatments were fertilized with 30% N and P demands; the uninoculated control received 30% and 100% of these demands. Leaf gas exchange, total chlorophylls, and crown diameter were evaluated during cultivation. After 138 days, leaf number, nutrient content, root length, root and shoot fresh and dry weight, and total seedlings were evaluated. The bacteria tested positive in all in vitro evaluations except for siderophore production. The strawberry responded positively to inoculation. The inoculation, either in isolation or in a mixture, improved stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration, internal CO2 concentration, leaf N and Mg contents, crown diameter, leaf area, and root elongation. We can conclude that the intermediation of microorganisms improves nutrient use efficiency and reduces the strawberry's fertilizer demand by up to 70%, leading to plant development and yields comparable to complete fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain yield is a quantitatively inherited complex trait that is strongly influenced by interacting genetic and environmental factors. The identification of major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for plant height (PH) and yield component traits (YCT) is important for improving yield potential through wheat breeding. We performed a QTL analysis for PH and YCT in the Tugela-DN × Elands doubled haploid (DH) population using a genotype-by-sequence single nucleotide polymorphism and a silicoDArT-based genetic map. Field trials were conducted under rain-fed conditions across five environments in the Free State Province of South Africa during the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 cropping seasons. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) among DH lines and the environments. However, for G × E interactions, significant differences (p < 0.05) were only observed for spikelet number per spike. Broad-sense heritability estimates of all traits ranged between 0.44 and 0.81. Nine QTL, viz. QPh.sgi-6A.2 and QPh.sgi-4D for PH, QSl.sgi-6A.2 and QSl.sgi-7A for spike length, QGns.sgi-3B for grain number per spike (GNS), QGwps.sgi-7B for grain weight per spike (GWPS), QGw.sgi-2A and QGw.sgi-7A for grain width, and QGl.sgi-3B for grain length (GL), were identified on chromosomes 2A, 3B, 4D, 6A, 7A, and 7B, in two or more environments. Some of these QTL exhibited pleiotropic effects. The QPh.sgi-6A.2 QTL for PH and QGwps.sgi-7B for GWPS appear to be novel QTL, while the rest of the reported QTL validated previously identified QTL for PH and YCT. The study also reported a trade-off between GL and GNS. The findings of this study will be useful in elucidating the genetic architecture of yield component traits contributing to the development of new dryland wheat varieties with high and stable yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of different light conditions on the growth of pepper seedlings and the development of these pepper seedlings after transplanting were explored. Based on the control light, pepper seedlings were grown under radiation with different proportions of added blue, UV-A, and far-red light for 18 days. Compared with the control, supplementation with UV-A and far-red light increased the seedling height whereas blue light decreased. Blue and UV-A treatments increased seedling compactness and the seedling index while far-red light treatments have obvious inhibitory effects. The chlorophyll content of the UV-A treated seedlings was significantly increased, but far-red light reduced the carotenoid content. Far-red light increased the activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the MDA content of seedlings. After transplanting, there was no obvious difference in the flowering time of all treated pepper plants. An increase in pepper yield was discovered when pepper seedlings were supplemented with blue and UV-A light. Overall, our results demonstrated that proper supplementation of UV-A and blue light at the seedling stage positively produces strong and healthy pepper seedlings, and could increase the yield of pepper plants after transplanting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of humic acid on plant yield, essential oil content, the composition of essential oil and the antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link.) (cv. Tinmaz) cultivated in 2017 and 2018 under Eskisehir ecological conditions were evaluated. Three humic acid (HA) doses in response to 50.0 L ha−1 (HA 50), 30.0 L ha−1 (HA 30) and 0.0 L ha−1 (HA 0, as control) were applied to soil at the vegetative stage and beginning of the blooming stage of the plant throughout each harvest in both years. Essential oil composition was determined using GC-FID/GC-MS. The antibacterial and antifungal activity were determined by the well-diffusion method. Fresh herb yield, dry herb yield and dry leaf yield were highest at HA 50 both years, although essential oil content increased in 2017 at both HA 50 and HA 30, but was greatest at HA 50 in the second year. The essential oil content differences between the control dose and 50.0 L HA ha−1 were 0.46% and 0.42% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil samples against two bacteria species (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and two yeast species (Candida albicans and Candida parapisilosis) was generally higher than that of the control drugs, and the activity increased with increasing HA doses. Analysis of the essential oil components showed that the carvacrol and γ-Terpinene ratios generally increased as the HA doses increased to 50.0 L HA ha−1. Soil HA applications could be recommended for higher quality, plant yield and antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum growing temperature is necessary for maximum yield-potential in any crop. The global atmospheric temperature is changing more rapidly and irregularly every year. High temperature at the flowering/reproductive stage in rice causes partial to complete pollen sterility, resulting in significant reduction in grain yield. Green Super Rice (GSR) is an effort to develop an elite rice type that can withstand multiple environmental stresses and maintain yield in different agro-ecological zones. The current study was performed to assess the effect of heat stress on agronomic and physiological attributes of GSR at flowering stage. Twenty-two GSR lines and four local checks were evaluated under normal and heat-stress conditions for different agro-physiological parameters, including plant height (PH), tillers per plant (TPP), grain yield per plant (GY), straw yield per plant (SY), harvest index (HI), 1000-grain weight (GW), grain length (GL), cell membrane stability (CMS), normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), and pollen fertility percentage (PFP). Genotypes showed high significant variations for all the studied parameters except NDVI. Association and principal component analysis (PCA) explained the genetic diversity of the genotypes, and relationship between the particular parameters and grain yield. We found that GY, along with other agronomic traits, such as TPP, SY, HI, and CMS, were greatly affected by heat stress in most of the genotypes, while PH, GW, GL, PFP, and NDVI were affected only in a few genotypes. Outperforming NGSR-16 and NGSR-18 in heat stress could be utilized as a parent for the development of heat-tolerant rice. Moreover, these findings will be helpful in the prevention and management of heat stress in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of high-yielding, short-duration rice cultivars is essential for the double-rice cropping system. High hill density could be achieved with less labor under machine transplanted conditions. Therefore, dense planting is more practical for machine-transplanted rice. While few studies have been conducted to certify the feasibility of short-duration cultivar combined with dense planting in machine transplanted conditions. The current study was executed to determine the effects of dense planting on yield attributes and grain yield of short-duration cultivars under mechanically transplanted conditions. A field experiment comprises two treatments—i.e., the short-duration cultivar Lingliangyou104 cultivated at a high planting density (SDH) and the long-duration Taiyou390 cultivar cultivated at a low planting density (LDL)—were conducted in the 2018 and 2019 late seasons. The results showed that the SDH exhibited 17% and 19% higher panicle number in a unit, 26% and 24% higher spikelet filling, 8% and 8% higher grain weight, 21% and 11% higher harvest index, and consequently 12% and 4% higher grain yield and 13 and 15 days shortened growth duration compared to the LDL in the 2018 and 2019, respectively. The data revealed that the difference in grain yield between the SDH and LDL was mainly due to the higher harvest index and reasonable dry matter distribution of the SDH, which was conducive to improving yield components and increasing rice grain yield. As a result, short-duration rice cultivars combined with dense planting is a feasible strategy for improving the grain yield of mechanically transplanted late rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the economy, the demand for cucumber quality is quickly increasing. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role that plant density plays in leaf photosynthesis, shoot dry matter distribution, yield and quality of cucumber in different cultivation periods under greenhouse conditions. Experimental treatments based on three plant density treatments (2.25, 3.0 and 3.75 plants m−2) were conducted in turn during three growth and harvest periods in a year. The results showed that the changes in photosynthesis and weekly yield per unit area were different and dependent on the harvest time, which was mainly induced by temperature and radiation. Interestingly, we found that reducing plant density did not significantly affect the photosynthesis of leaves and did not decrease weekly yield per unit area and total yield. Low-density treatment had the highest weekly yield per plant and total yield per plant in the three harvest periods, the highest ratio of dry matter being allocated to fruits and the highest contents of soluble sugar, total phenols, flavonoid, soluble protein, vitamin C (Vc), chlorophyll and carotenoids in fruits. Moreover, a relatively low nitrite content was found in fruits following low-density treatment. The study indicated that low-density treatment was associated with a high quality of fruits without reducing the cucumber's total annual yield under natural light in the greenhouse. Hence, our study suggests that properly reducing cucumber plant density to 2.25 plants m−2 could be a practicable approach for greenhouses in Shanghai, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a medicinal and edible plant, basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.) has rich nutrition and significant economic value. The increase in heat stress caused by global warming adversely affects the growth and yield of plants. However, the response mechanism of basil to heat stress is poorly understood. This work investigated the changes in phenotype, metabolome, and transcriptome in basil under heat stress. The results showed that heat stress triggered severe oxidative damage and photosynthesis inhibition in basil. Metabonomic analysis showed that, compared to the control group, 29 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified after 1 d of heat treatment, and 37 DAMs after the treatment of 3 d. The DAMs were significantly enriched by several pathways such as glycolysis or gluconeogenesis; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. In addition, transcriptomic analysis revealed that 15,066 and 15,445 genes were differentially expressed after 1 d and 3 d of heat treatment, respectively. Among them, 11,183 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were common response genes under 1 d and 3 d heat treatment, including 5437 down-regulated DEGs and 6746 up-regulated DEGs. All DEGs were significantly enriched in various KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, most dominated by glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, followed by starch and sucrose metabolism, and by the biosynthesis and metabolism of other secondary metabolites. Overall, all the above results provided some valuable insights into the molecular mechanism of basil in response to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Susceptibility to drought stress has restrained chickpea productivity at a global level, and the development of drought-tolerant varieties is essential to maintain its productivity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate genetic divergence in selected genotypes of chickpea and their morpho-physiological responses under irrigated and stressed conditions to identify the traits that account for the better performance of these genotypes under stressed conditions, as well as genotypes with improved drought tolerance. The genotypes were evaluated for two years under irrigated and drought stressed conditions, and significant variation was found amongst the genotypes for different morpho-physiological and yield traits. The maximum reduction was observed for plant yield (33.23%) under stressed conditions. Principle component analysis (PCA)-based biplots and correlation studies established its strong positive correlation with relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll index (CI), secondary branches (SB) and yield traits and negative correlations with drought susceptibility index (DSI), days to maturity (DM) and 100 seed weight (100 SW) under drought stress, suggesting their use in selecting drought-tolerant germplasm. Ten genotypes with high values of RWC, MSI, CI, SB, yield traits and lower DSI were identified as drought-tolerant and might serve as ideal donors in the forthcoming breeding of elite chickpea cultivars. The seed-filling stage began earlier in these genotypes, with significantly reduced days to maturity under stressed conditions. Our results indicate selection for earliness offers a promising strategy for the development of drought-tolerant chickpea cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern hydroponic substrates have contributed significantly to the popularity and progress of hydroponic cultivations worldwide, nevertheless, their development, transportation, and disposal often come at a significant environmental cost. Here we investigate the feasibility of partial to total replacement of conventional organic growing media constituents, such as cocodust (C), in a 20% perlite (P) and 80% cocodust substrate (hereafter control 8C), with compost from locally sourced grocery waste (W). For this purpose, four treatment mixtures were developed (6C:2W, 4C:4W, 2C:6W, 8W), with the grocery waste-compost fraction ranging from 20 to 80%, respectively (perlite constant at 20%). The new substrates were tested on hydroponic lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Tanius) cultivation. During the 35-day experiment, lettuce physiology was evaluated using chlorophyll concentration [SPAD], chlorophyll fluorescence [Fv/Fm], number of leaves, and plant growth index. At harvest, the plant yield was evaluated using leaf area [cm2], leaf fresh and dry weight [g], as well as leaf firmness [g]. Results show that substrates with compost led to superior physiology and yield characteristics, with 8W inducing a significant increase in leaf area, chlorophyll concentration, dry weight, and firmness, by 11.6%, 5.4%, 19.8% and 12.8%, respectively, compared to the control treatment 8C. Results indicate that grocery waste-based compost is an excellent sustainable alternative for the soilless cultivation of lettuce. After its use in hydroponic cultivation, substrate material is safe to dispose of or be used as a soil amendment, thus contributing to a circular agro-food economy model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicompost is the product of composting or breaking down organic matter through the use of earthworms. It is rich in essential plant nutrients, and has the ability to enhance the condition and increase the quality of the soil. In the present study, a field trial was conducted from January 2015 until March 2016 to elucidate the effects of vermicompost application (compared to supplementation with chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer) on the sandy loam soil and plant nutrients of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. MD2). The morphophysiology and yield performance of MD2 pineapple grown with vermicompost in the field were also evaluated. In this study, vermicompost was applied onto the sandy loam soils during transplanting, followed by a second application at seven MAP (months after planting) at the rate of 10 t ha-1. On the other hand, the chemical fertilizer was applied based on the normal conventional cultivation practice. The soil and D-leaf samples at six MAP (S1) and during the red bud stage (S2; 10 MAP) were used to determine the soil and plant nutrient contents. The morphology of the plants was evaluated every month, and the fruits that were produced were subjected to quality analysis. Data analysis revealed that soil pH was increased after a second supplementation of vermicompost and contained significantly higher total N (0.15%) in the soils compared to the control (0.07%). There was no significant difference between plants supplied with chemical fertilizer and vermicompost in terms of plant height, number of leaves, or the length and width of D-leaves. However, different fertilization treatments were found to affect the yield and physical characteristics of the resulting fruits. Plants supplied with chemical fertilizer produced the highest fruit yield (136.97 t ha-1) with the largest fruit size, followed by vermicompost (121.39 t ha-10) and the control (94.93 t ha-1). However, fruits supplied with vermicompost were observed to have the smallest crowns. Taken together, these results indicated that the use of vermicompost produced pineapple plants with excellent growth performance, comparable to that obtained when chemical fertilizer was used. Also, based on the cost analysis conducted, it was shown that the total cost (fertilizer and labor) for plants grown with vermicompost was lower than plants grown with chemical fertilizer. However, the usage of vermicompost as the single source of nutrients is not suggested for this type of soil and field conditions, but can be used as a supplement to maintain the soil quality and ensure agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought and phosphorus deficiency in the soil are the major production limitations of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study measured the yield responses of low phosphorus-tolerant common beans to drought stress. A field experiment was conducted under two drought conditions codenamed, non-drought-stress (NDS) and drought-stress (DS). The former was located at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MUZARDI) in Mukono District, characterised by rainfall of more than 400 mm season-1. The latter was situated at Wabinyonyi in Nakasongola District, characterised by less than 300 mm season-1; both in central Uganda. Treatments included the two study conditions (NDS and DS); and four test bean genotypes, AFR703-1, AFR 708, JESCA, and MCM 2001, against a local check, K131. A water deficit of 156 mm season-1 was observed in the DS site causing a drought intensity index (DII) of 40%. That pattern contrasted considerably in the NDS site where the actual rainfall did not significantly (p > 0.05) vary from the required water by the bean plant. Whereas genotypes AFR703-1 and AFR708 out-yielded the local check in NDS by 213 and 681 kg ha-1, respectively; their grain yield harvested was comparable to the control yield in DS. When grown under DS, low P-tolerant beans, especially the AFR703-1 and AFR708, survived drought stress through faster development by reducing the number of days to flower, reach physiological maturity and develop seeds. AFR703-1 and AFR708 sufficiently withstand drought stress, and are therefore recommended for inclusion in cropping systems that are characteristically constrained by the combined soils' P deficiency and/or drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress frequently imposes a strong negative impact on vegetative and reproductive development of plants leading to severe yield losses. Wheat, a major temperate crop, is more prone to suffer from increased temperatures than most other major crops. With heat waves becoming more intense and frequent, as a consequence of global warming, a decrease in wheat yield is highly expected. Here, we examined the impact of a short-term (48 h) heat stress on wheat imposed during reproduction at the pollen mitosis stage both, at the physiological and molecular level. We analyzed two sets of summer wheat germplasms from Australia (Kukri, Drysdale, Gladius, and RAC875) and Europe (Epos, Cornetto, Granny, and Chamsin). Heat stress strongly affected gas exchange parameters leading to reduced photosynthetic and transpiration rates in the European cultivars. These effects were less pronounced in Australian cultivars. Pollen viability was also reduced in all European cultivars. At the transcriptional level, the largest group of heat shock factor genes (type A HSFs), which trigger molecular responses as a result of environmental stimuli, showed small variations in gene expression levels in Australian wheat cultivars. In contrast, HSFs in European cultivars, including Epos and Granny, were strongly downregulated and partly even silenced, while the high-yielding variety Chamsin displayed a strong upregulation of type A HSFs. In conclusion, Australian cultivars are well adapted to moderate heat stress compared to European summer wheat. The latter strongly react after heat stress application by downregulating photosynthesis and transpiration rates as well as differentially regulating HSFs gene expression pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG) and phenazine (PCA)-producing Pseudomonas inhibit wheat pathogens' development, but the relationship between communities of pathogens and genotypes of these bacteria has been little studied. Relationships between wheat crown fungi associated with the presence of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing pseudomonads were evaluated in four commercial wheat crops located in the La Araucanía and Los Lagos Regions of Chile, during two crops seasons. Portions of the base of the first internode of the culm collected during the grain-filling stage were cultured in an artificial medium for fungal isolation, while roots of the same wheat plants and from plants collected previous harvest, and also used to assess yield and plant height, were used for the detection of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing Pseudomonas spp. using PCR with specific primers. Genera Phaeosphaeria, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Microdochium were repeatedly isolated (52.6%, 22.1%, 7.8%, and 4.9%, respectively) and the genetic composition of 2,4-DAPG and PCA-producing Pseudomonas spp. varied between fields and sampling periods. Genetic groups A, B, D, K, L, and P associated with the phlD gene were detected. The presence of 2,4-DAPG-producing bacteria benefited crop health, relating their existence with increasing yield and plant height, and the reduction in the incidence and severity of disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms on the first internode of wheat culms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effects of different fertilizer types and their application rates on leaf nutrient content and avocado yield are unclear. An evaluation of eucalyptus-wood-based compost applied at 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha−1 year−1 on foliar nutrient content, yield, and fruit size distribution (%) was completed at Mooketsi and Politsi, Limpopo Province, South Africa, from 2016 to 2018. Methods: A completely randomized block design with three replicates was used. Data were collected annually, and fruit size was classified as classes; 1 (>275 g), 2 (197–274 g), 3 (148–196 g), and 4 (0–147 g). Results: Leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Na, Cu, and Zn, fruit yield and size distribution (%) were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by compost quantity and proportionally increased with application rates in each year. Compost had cumulative effects on the measured parameters; the highest values were recorded in 2018 under a 15 t ha−1 application rate, which corresponded to the highest yield (19.6 t ha−1) and the largest proportion of fruits in class 1. Conclusions: The ≥10 t ha−1 year−1 application rate can be used, though the compost saturation levels of the soils should be determined to avoid possible danger of nutrient toxicity if high application rates are continuously used for >3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to supply food for a growing world population, while protecting the environment by using sustainable agriculture, presents a major challenge, in terms of decreasing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The application of Pseudozyma aphidis cells onto crop plants considerably reduced infection by several pathogens, as well as significantly enhancing plant growth and yield. It was demonstrated in the current work that P. aphidis can enhance cucumber and tomato growth, both in vitro and in the greenhouse. P. aphidis was active when applied either via spray treatment or by seed coating. A significant promotion effect of P. aphidis on tomato and cucumber growth, flowering, and tomato yield and ripening, as compared to control plants, was demonstrated. Specifically, a 10–30% increase in tomato and cucumber plant height and leaf number, a 45% increase in average fruit weight, a 120% increase in tomato fruit ripening, and a flowering time advanced by two weeks were demonstrated. In conclusion, P. aphidis can significantly enhance the growth and yield of crop plants and can, thus, be used as bio-fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea growth, development and grain yield are affected by a range of climatic and environmental factors. Experiments were conducted across four sowing dates from mid-April to the end of May, over two years at Trangie in central western New South Wales (NSW), and Leeton, Wagga Wagga and Yanco (one year) in southern NSW, to examine the influence of sowing time on biomass accumulation, grain yield and plant yield components. Climatic and experimental location data were recorded during the growing seasons. Early sowing (mid-April) resulted in taller plants, higher bottom and top pod heights, fewer pods, more unfilled pods and greater biomass accumulation, but low harvest index due to reduced grain yield compared with late sowing (end of May). Grain number was positively correlated with grain yield and was the main yield component accounting for most of the variation in yield. There was largely a positive correlation between biomass and yield, especially with delayed sowing except for Leeton experiments. This study concludes that sowing around the end of April in central western NSW and mid-May in southern NSW is conducive to higher grain yield as it minimises exposure to abiotic stresses at critical growth periods and allows efficient conversion of biomass to grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased agricultural activities driven by rising food demand have led to environmental problems mostly arising from the high levels of external inputs and resources that are required. Additionally, environmental changes, such as global warming, can lead to various biotic and abiotic stresses, which have negative impacts on crop production. Numerous solutions and agricultural strategies have been introduced to overcome these problems. One of the ways to improve plant production as well as to increase resistance towards biotic and abiotic stresses is by utilizing beneficial microbes as soil inoculants. A better understanding of the ability of Trichoderma to enhance crop production and the mechanisms that are involved are important for deriving maximum benefits from their exploitation. These versatile fungi hold great promise for the development of viable commercial products that can be used widely in agriculture for increasing crop productivity in a more sustainable way. Many previous reviews on Trichoderma have tended to focus on the mechanisms of Trichoderma in enhancing plant growth and yield. This current review discusses the sustainability aspect of using Trichoderma as plant growth regulators, the impact on plant growth and yield as well as their effects in regulating biotic and abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the third and fourth most important tuberous crop in terms of human consumption and production, respectively. However, its growth and development are affected by drought, which is an emerging threat to agriculture especially in arid and semiarid areas. Potassium (K) is a well-known macronutrient that improves the performance of crops under drought. Therefore, the present study was enacted with the aim of evaluating the impact of K fertilizer on potato crop growth, productivity, and drought tolerance under full root irrigation (FRI) and partial root irrigation (PRI) conditions. Two potato cultivars (Lady Rosetta and Hermes) were grown under normal field conditions followed by FRI and PRI applications. Potassium sulfate was applied in three doses (T0 = 50 kg·ha−1, T1 = 75 kg·ha−1, and T2 = 100 kg·ha−1). The experiment was laid out under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement. The main plot was allocated to irrigation, along with a subplot to potassium and a sub-subplot to potato cultivars. The results indicated that K application significantly improved the plant growth and yield by exhibiting better performance in morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes under FRI and PRI conditions; however, a more remarkable change was noticed under PRI compared with FRI. K application alleviated drought stress regardless of cultivars. This study suggests that K application at the rate of 100 kg·ha−1 is an effective approach for inducing drought tolerance in potato crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize's (Zea mays L.) nutrient content can be modified through selection. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritive value of 13 maize hybrids from four endosperm types, and the relationship between nutrient concentration, agronomic and rheological value. The hybrids were evaluated in two locations of Northwestern Spain over two years. There was genetic diversity among endosperm types and genotypes for all nutrients, with significant environmental effects, but few genotype × environment interactions. Flint hybrids had the highest protein and lipid content. The mutant wx1 significantly increased protein and reduced lipid, and both wx1 and o2 reduced ash and starch content and increased total fiber. Variability among hybrids within the wx1 endosperm was significant for most nutrients. Correlations between nutrients were rarely significant, implying that protein and lipid can be improved independently. Protein and lipid were negatively correlated with grain yield and plant height. However, improving nutrient content could alter agronomic performance, as nutrients had significant negative effects on rheological factors, particularly protein and lipid, which had negative effects on whole meal and on bread characteristics. Therefore, nutrient content can be improved in maize, but negative effects on agronomic and quality have to be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being not essential to plants, Silicon (Si) has proven to have promoting effects on plants growth, yield, and resistance against biotic and abiotic stressors. The increase of concentration in specific minerals in plant tissues can also improve shelf-life, which, in fruits like strawberries, is also affected by the epiphytic microbial community. The present research was carried out to assess whether Si biofortification of strawberry plants, grown in soilless system, could affect plants yield and post-harvest feature of fruits during the storage period, carried out at three different temperatures (i.e., 1, 4 and 10 °C) for 7 and 14 days. Furthermore, we investigated whether the plant nutritional regime, specifically the Si fertilization, can impact the composition of microbial community. Our results showed that biofortification did not significantly affect fruits firmness, whereas, at the highest Si levels, an increase in titratable acidity was observed. The microbial community analysis highlighted for the first time the presence of probiotic bacteria, as Bacillus breve, which could present interesting technological features as strains adapted to the strawberry fruit-sphere. In addition, with the increasing levels of Si biofortification, the depletion of potentially pathogenic microorganisms, like Escherichia coli and Terrisporobacter glycolicus, was also observed. In conclusion, data here reported highlight for the first time the possible role played by the nutritional regimes of strawberry plants in shaping composition of the fruit epiphytic microbial community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]