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• Strawberry plants supplemented with nutrient formulation 2 (hydroponic) perform better growth and showed 2.19-fold increase in fruit yield as compared to soil control group plants. • Strawberry plants grown in Treatment 3 (semi- hydroponic) perform better growth and had 3.08-fold increase in fruit yield as compared to soil control group plants. • Strawberry plants cultivated in soilless hydroponics showed better growth, nutrient uptake, physiology, fruit yield and anthocyanin content. The widely grown octoploid strawberry (2n = 8x = 56) (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.), cherished for its delectable flavour, rich nutritional content, and pleasing aroma has consistently held a significant position in global fruit market. Despite of rising demand, strawberry plants are not grown universally, likely due to variations in weather conditions across regions, available of infectious soil pathogen and insufficient knowledge of soilless hydroponic cultivation. The current research aims to establish an efficient nutrient medium that enhances the growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn, using soilless hydroponic and semi-hydroponic cultivation methods. The fruit fresh weight and total fruit yield of formulation 2 treated plants (EC 2.41 mScm−1) in hydroponic condition exhibited a 1.73-fold and 2.18-fold higher respectively as compared to soil control plants. Among the five different growing medium treatments in semi-hydroponic condition, the fresh weight and total strawberry fruit yield was found to be maximum in treatment 3 and observed 2.04-fold and 3.03-fold increase respectively as compared to plants grown in soil control condition. The high yield may be due to higher uptake of macronutrients (NPK) by the plants supplemented with F2 formulation and T3 substrate medium the plants. As a result, the strawberry fruits of these plants accumulated higher amount of anthocyanin, which ultimately enhanced the fruit quality. The studies concluded that formulation 2 in hydroponic and treatment 3 in semi-hydroponic were most effective in terms of growth, nutrient uptake, physiology, fruit yield and anthocyanin content. The result of this study gives an alternative to the farmers for cultivation of strawberry plants in soilless hydroponic and semi-hydroponic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The performance of the hybrids was primarily affected by the environment, planting dates, and their interactions. • The magnitudes of the GEI sum of squares were more than five times that of the hybrid sum of squares for the grain yield. • The stability of hybrids did not show the same trend across environments among the planting dates. • AMMI, Pi, GGE, YSI, and ASV analysis methods effectively identified stable and high-yielding hybrids. • Dealing with GEI is a valuable strategy to optimize resources in maize breeding programs. Maize is one of the most important field crops for feed, food, and raw material in South Africa. It is the main staple food for the majority of the people impoverished households in South Africa. Maize is susceptible to drought, and erratic rainfall and extreme climate variation are major maize production constraints in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the influence of planting dates on the grain yield stability of six maize genotypes in five environments for three (2019/20 to 2021/22) consecutive seasons. The additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model indicated that the environment contributed 59.20 % and 47.76 % of the total variation in grain yield at planting dates one (PD1) and two (PD2), respectively. The magnitudes of the genotype x environment interaction sum of squares were 5.20 for PD1 and 12.30 for PD2 times that of the genotype (genotype) sum of squares for the grain yield (GEI). The first principal component accounted for 53.14 % (PD1) and 47.76 % (PD2) of the total variation in the dataset. The AMMI genotype superiority measure (Pi), genotype and genotype by environment interaction (GGE), yield stability index, and AMMI stability value analyses identified genotypes DKC75–65BR and DKC78–45BRGEN as stable and high yielding across environments and planting dates. Genotype DKC71–44B was the least stable at both planting dates. Bothaville (E7) for PD1 and Coligny 2021/22(E13) for PD2 had high yield potential and were favorable environments, whereas Potchefstroom 2019/20 and 2021/22 were the least favorable environments for PD1 and PD2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In the present study, accessions that excelled in yield performance across the tested 184 minicore germplasm were characterized phenotypically. • Minicore accessions; ICG 15419, ICG 6022, ICG 11426 ICG 6407 were superior for many yield related traits. • The PIC value of the markers ranged from 0.08 (AhTE303) to 0.37 (AhTE0107, AhTE0119, AhTE0218, AhTE0324, AhTE0360, AhTE0373, AhTE0391). • A total of 39 markers showed significant association at 5% probability level. Amongst 48 MTAs, 43 MTAs showed major marker-trait associations. • Maximum number of marker-trait associations was detected for NPP (12 MTAs), followed by TW (11 MTAs), PYPP (6 MTAs) and SMKWP (8 MTAs). Groundnut is one of the world's most significant commercial oilseed crops. Previously, superior breeding lines and cultivars were primarily employed in most of the groundnut breeding programmes, resulting in a limited genetic base. A thorough evaluation of core collections makes it possible to access germplasm for crop development. A total of 184 mini core genotypes of groundnut were used for validating already reported 55 AhTE molecular markers (Arachis hypogaea transposable element) in the present study (6 AhTE markers for number of primary branches, 5 for plant height, 7 for pod yield per plant, 12 for number of pods per plant, 2 for shelling percentage, 12 for test weight, 9 for sound mature kernel weight percentage and 2 for oil content). Phenotyping was done during kharif 2018 (June to October) and twelve yield related parameters were recorded across 184 genotypes. Single marker analysis indicated a significant association of 40 markers (48 MTAs) at 5% probability level. Amongst these 48 MTAs, 39 MTAs exhibited utmost marker-trait associations with PVE estimate greater than 10%. Yield related AhTE markers validated in the present study might be used as viable tools for marker aided groundnut breeding for yield and yield-related parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy-driven generation units can assist in moderating energy-linked environmental issues. For this target, a new solar heliostat-based generation unit is suggested for electricity generation as the crucial product. A heliostat-based solar unit with a closed Brayton cycle and thermal energy storage unit is coupled with a Kalina cycle and an absorption refrigeration unit through a single-effect absorption chiller as an inimitable series of power plants. Exergy, economic, and energy investigations are carried out to scrutinize the efficiency of the introduced unit, and a thorough parametric evaluation is performed. Multi-aspect optimization is implemented to identify the optimum decision values, regarding four various scenarios, namely exergy performance/ sum unit cost of the product, exergy performance/ coefficient of performance, NPV/exergy performance, and exergy performance/ cooling load. In this regard, The Grey Wolf Optimizer is the multi-objective optimization method, and TOPSIS, LINMAP, and Shannon entropy approaches assist the optimization procedure in acquiring the optimal solution in each scenario. The results indicate that the optimized exergy performance, coefficient of performance, and sum unit cost of the product are computed as 33.48 %, 0.817, and 3.44 $/GJ, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CIM-Sukhda is a linalool rich cultivar of basil. • Densely grown plants have better height and canopy • Higher amount of essential oil is produced in full bloom stage • Post harvest drying methods influence essential oil composition Ocimum basilicum L., popularly known as "sweet basil," is native to South Africa, America, and Asia. In India, numerous cultivars and varieties of O. basilicum have been released for commercial cultivation, which are rich in specific essential oils. In this study, the effects of phenological stages and plant density on the productivity of high-quality essential oil of CIM-Sukhda cultivar of O. basilicum and the effects of drying methods on essential oil quality were investigated. In the present study, four plant spacing (45cm × 30cm, 45cm × 40cm, 45cm × 45cm, 45cm × 60cm), four growth stages (vegetative, semi-flowering, full flowering and seed formation) and drying up to one month were compared. A total of 20 compounds were identified by GC and GC-MS, with linalool (66.9-84.2%), geranial (1.1-9.0%), neral (0.8-7.0%) and 1,8-cineole (0.5-3.4%) as the main constituents. The results showed that both plant density and growth stages affected herb and essential oil yield. The essential oil yield of CIM-Sukhda plants is higher at the time of full flowering (106.2 kg ha−1) with > 75.0% linalool content in the essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the roles of selenium (Se) application on the profile of photosynthetic pigments, oxidant metabolism, flavonoids biosynthesis, nodulation, and its relation to agronomic traits of peanut plants. Two independent experiments were carried out: one conducted in soil and the other in a nutrient solution. When the plants reached the V2 growth stage, five Se doses (0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 μg kg−1) and four Se concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 15 μmol L−1) were supplied as sodium selenate. The concentration of photosynthetic pigments, activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentration of total sugars in peanut leaves increased in response to Se fertilization. In addition, Se improves nitrogen assimilation efficiency by increasing nitrate reductase activity which results in a higher concentration of ureides, amino acids and proteins. Se increases the synthesis of daidzein and genistein in the root, resulting in a greater number of nodules and concentration and transport of ureides to the leaves. Se-treated plants showed greater growth, biomass accumulation in shoots and roots, yield and Se concentration in leaves and grains. Our results contribute to food security and also to increase knowledge about the effects of Se on physiology, biochemistry and biological nitrogen fixation in legume plants. • Se enhances enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant metabolism of peanut plants increasing protection against abiotic stress. • Nitrogen assimilation enzymes are boosted by Se increasing amino acids, protein and crop yield of peanut plants. • Se increases isoflavonoids synthesis, nodulation and ureide production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress is one of the major abiotic constraints that limit plant growth and yield, which thereby is a serious concern to world food security. It adversely affects crop production by inducing hyperosmotic stress and ionic toxicity as well as secondary stresses such as oxidative stress, all of which disturb optimum physiology and metabolism. Nonetheless, various strategies have been employed to improve salt tolerance in crop plants, among which the application of Melatonin (Mel) could also be used as it has demonstrated promising results. The ongoing experimental evidence revealed that Mel is a pleiotropic signaling molecule, which besides being involved in various growth and developmental processes also mediates environmental stress responses. The current review systematically discusses and summarizes how Mel mediates the response of plants under salt stress and could optimize the balance between plant growth performances and stress responses. Specifically, it covers the latest advances of Mel in fine-tuning the signaling in plants. Furthermore, it highlights plant-built tolerance of salt stress by manifesting the biosynthesis of Mel, its cross talks with nitric oxide (NO), and Mel as a multifaceted antioxidant molecule. • Salt stress is one of the major emerging environmental constraints around the globe. • Mel promoted salt tolerance by regulating physio-metabolic processes in plants. • Mel acts as a potent signaling molecule under salt stress. • Mel counteracted salt-induced toxicity by regulating redox homeostasis. • The application of Mel is a novel approach for conferring salt tolerance in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VPD is crucial for microclimate indoor cultivation. • Managing VPD is important for the growth of spinach microgreens in McPF. • Dry weight rose by 71 % eight days after transplanting. • The height of plants increased 57 % in 8 days post-transplant. • VPD control enhaces yield by 18.9 % in McPF and 167 % in UMPF. Harnessing the power of Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) control, this novel research illuminates a pathway to enhanced plant growth and yield within Micro-Plant Factory (McPF) and Urban Mini-Plant Factory (UMPF) environments. The research focused on the growth parameters of spinach microgreens, with the experimental data originating from each system's upper, central, and lower shelves. Results indicated significantly enhanced plant height and dry weight on the central shelves, attributed to optimal VPD control. Growth analysis also revealed higher relative growth rates (RGR) under tightly managed VPD conditions on the central shelves, even amidst varying environmental parameters. Most notably, effective VPD control translated these growth metrics into increased yields. For instance, a 71 % and 66 % increase in final plant dry weight over the lower and upper shelves was noted. These advances were mirrored in the plant height, which also saw 57 % and 103 % growth. Overall, the findings underscore the critical role of VPD control in plant growth and yield enhancement within structured environments like McPF and UMPF, offering significant insights for future research in manipulating VPD for optimal plant growth and productivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lespedeza potaninii Vass is a highly drought-resistant China native legume plant, which plays an important role in animal husbandry and ecological restoration. However, there are few reports on the agricultural practices of its seed production. We evaluated the effect of four plant densities (33,333, 44,444, 66,666, and 133,333 plants ha−1) and five phosphate fertilizer rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg ha−1) on seed yield, seed yield components and agronomic traits from the year 2020–2022. Correlation and structural equation model (SEM) analyses were used to determine the contribution of yield components to seed yield per plant. Year, plant density, phosphorus fertilizer rate and their interaction (P <0.05) significantly influenced the seed yield of L. potaninii Vass. The maximum average seed yield over 3 years (570 kg ha−1) occurred at the plant density of 44,444 plants ha−1 and phosphate fertilizer rate of 90 kg/ha. All the yield components, except 1000-seed weight, were significantly correlated with seed yield per plant. The racemes per stem, florets per raceme and pods per raceme had significant positive correlation, and stems per square meter and biomass had significant negative correlation with seed yield per plant. Increasing phosphorus fertilizer increased seed yield per plant. However, increasing plant density decreased seed yield per plant. Our findings enable further understanding of the mechanism of seed yield response to plant density and phosphorus fertilization in L. potaninii Vass and provide a reference for appropriate agronomic measures to improve seed yield of L. potaninii Vass and similar shrubs. • Increasing L. potaninii production promote its further utilization. • Optimum plant density and phosphate fertilizer improving L. potaninii seed yield. • Plant density and phosphate fertilization affect yield components. • Racemes and florets positively correlated with seed yield of L. potaninii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) plays an important role in nitrogen metabolism and biological nitrogen fixation in legume plants. Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Ni fertilization on soybean nodulation and crop yield; however, the physiological mechanism regulating Rhizobia chemotaxis is not understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ni fertilization on urease activity, flavonoid profile, nodulation, ureide metabolism and its impact on plant growth and yield. We tested fertilization with three Ni doses (0.0, 1.5, and 3.0 mg kg−1) and two soybean genotypes (commercial soybean (TMG 2158) and urease-null (eu3- a), which is a near-isogenic line (NIL), cultivated under greenhouse conditions. Ni fertilization decreased nitrate reductase activity of the NIL and increased the activity for TMG 2158 plants. Ni increased urease activity, breaking down urea into ammonia in the leaves. Ni enhanced daidzein and genistein in roots and nodulation mainly for TMG 2158 plants. There was a positive correlation between daidzein, nodulation, ureides and seed yield in response to Ni fertilization, only to the genotype TMG 2158. These results suggest that Ni plays a role in flavonoids metabolism (mainly daidzein) inducing chemotaxis between soybean plants and rhizobia boosting nodulation and ureide metabolism. Enhanced biological nitrogen fixation induced by Ni fertilization promoted higher nodulation generating more organic nitrogen available to soybean plants resulting in a higher number of pods per plant and seed yield. This study showed important information on how Ni modulates nodulation to increase the yield of commercial soybean plants. • Ni increase nodulation of soybean plants. • Ni enhance biological nitrogen fixation by increased ureides in soybean plants. • Ni fertilization enhanced flavonoid profile mainly daidzein in roots of soybean plants. • Ni increased plant growth and yield of soybean plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Morphological differentiation in Vachellia karroo may initiate speciation. • We assessed local adaptation using an inland and coastal morphotype. • A greenhouse and field reciprocal transplant experiments were used. • Morphological variation maintained by each morphotype. • The coastal morphotype had superior performance at both sites. Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso (formerly Acacia karroo) is the most widespread tree in southern Africa, and exhibits wide morphological variation such that the phenotypes have been considered as separate species. We sought to determine whether local adaptation was occurring in two neighboring Vachellia karroo populations (ca. 15 km apart) in South Africa that show tremendous size variation as adults. We examined seedling and sapling performance of genotypes grown in reciprocal environments that differ in climatic and edaphic conditions. We used a field reciprocal transplant experiment at Richards Bay and Empangeni, and complemented this with a common garden study. We measured total height, stem diameter, thorn length, leaf area, leaf weight, plant aboveground dry weight and specific leaf area after 4 months and 16 months for common garden and field-grown plants, respectively. For greenhouse-grown plants, root dry weight was also measured. Phenotypes of seedlings and saplings from the two populations maintained their differences in the greenhouse and in the field. Greenhouse-grown plants showed lower proportional root allocation for Richards Bay than Empangeni (i.e. root mass fraction: 0.20 ± 0.01 vs 0.60 ± 0.02). In the field, there were significant genotype-by-environment interactions for two of the seven performance traits for reciprocally-transplanted populations. We found limited evidence for local adaptation that is attributed to variation in edaphic conditions. Local adaptation was evident in two leaf traits (leaf area and leaf dry weight) that showed a genotype-by-environment interaction. These two traits clearly have important fitness consequences for photosynthesis. However, plants from one population grew taller and had longer thorns at both sites. We conclude that the magnitude of divergent selection in the two populations is relatively low and may be accompanied by processes such as genetic drift, leading to limited local adaptation and genetic differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamines, due to their positive charges, bind to ROS Reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby stabilizing the plasma membrane (PM). Drought is one of the main limiting factors affecting tea plant yield and quality. However, the effect of Spermidine (Spd) or Spermine (Spm) on membrane stability and fluidity in tea plants under drought stress is poorly understood. In this investigation, an exogenous supply of 1 mM Spd or Spm did not mitigate drought stress-induced damage, however, an exogenous supply of 0.2 mM Spd or Spm application significantly alleviated drought-induced damage in tea plants. To further illustrate the role of 0.2 mM Spd or Spm in maintaining membrane integrity and fluidity, the fatty acid percentage and PM H+-ATPase activity were analyzed. Spd and Spm application significantly increased PM H+-ATPase activity by 43.79% compared with that without the addition of polyamine under drought stress. In addition, exogenous application of Spd and Spm also significantly increased C18:3 by approximately 10%, hence alleviating drought-reduced fatty acid unsaturation. In contrast, Spd and Spm metabolic inhibitors dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) further impaired PM H+-ATPase activity and fatty acid desaturation under the drought + DCHA treatment compared with the drought treatment, respectively. Taken together, 0.2 mM Spd and Spm application significantly enhanced drought tolerance by increasing fatty acid unsaturation and maintaining PM H+-ATPase activity in tea plants. Therefore, foliar application of 0.2 mM Spd or Spm can be a potential foliar-spraying substances for improving tea drought tolerance. • An exogenous supply of 0.2 mM Spd or Spm significantly alleviated drought-induced damage in tea plants. • 0.2 mM Spd and Spm application significantly increased drought-reduced plasma membrane H+-ATPase activity and fatty acid unsaturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Supplementation of acetic acid (500–1500 mg/L) decreased plant yields in bioponics. • Acetic acid did not significantly affect N, P, and COD concentrations. • Acetic acid affected some microbial OTUs and metabolic genes in the bioponics. • Organic degradation and nutrient mineralization by microbes occurred symbiotically. • Root microbes functioned symbiotically for nutrient transformation and recovery. Bioponics has the potential to recover nutrients from organic waste streams, such as chicken manure and digestate with high volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents through crop production. Acetic acid, a dominant VFA, was supplemented weekly (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/L) in a chicken manure-based bioponic system, and its effect on the performance of bioponics (e.g., plant yield and nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities) was examined. Microbial communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the functional gene abundances were predicted using PICRUSt. Although acetic acid negatively affected plant yield, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was noted in the average nitrogen or phosphorus concentration. In terms of nutrient recovery, the bioponic systems still functioned well, although higher concentrations of acetic acid decreased plant yield and altered the bacterial communities in plant roots and chicken manure sediments. These data suggest that an acetic acid concentration of < 500 mg/L or a longer loading interval is recommended for the effective operation of chicken manure and digestate-based bioponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The intensity and duration of supplemental blue light co-regulate plant growth, anthocyanin and vitamin C production in red lettuce. • Given the same total amount of supplemental light, high-intensity blue light applied over a short duration was more effective at enhancing chlorophylls and carotenoids, while low-intensity blue light over a long duration resulted in the highest yield. • Adequate intensity and application duration of supplemental blue light are both required for anthocyanin production. • Vitamin C was enhanced under the lowest intensity blue light applied over long duration only. Red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) typically requires high light intensities for adequate production of anthocyanins, which are phytopigments with antioxidant properties and potential health-promoting benefits. Plants grown under relatively low light conditions, e.g., in an indoor farm, often have low anthocyanins accumulation and may be perceived as lower in quality. Blue light has been shown to promote anthocyanin production, however, high-intensity blue light often causes reductions in leaf expansion and biomass accumulation. We investigated whether the same daily cumulative amount of supplemental blue light applied at varying intensities and durations (i.e., lower intensity over a longer duration or higher intensity over a shorter duration) at the end of production (EOP) may differentially affect plant growth and the accumulation of beneficial phytochemicals. Two red lettuce cultivars, 'Rouxai' and 'Red Salad Bowl', were grown under six light treatments: 1). white light applied at 180 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h/day throughout production (W 180 ; control), 2–5). EOP supplemental blue light applied during the last seven days of production at 45 µmol m−2 s−1 for 24 h/day (EOP B 45), 67.5 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h/day (EOP B 67.5), 135 µmol m−2 s−1 for 8-h/day (EOP B 135), or 270 µmol m−2 s−1 for 4 h/day (EOP B 270), and 6). higher-intensity white light applied at 247.5 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16-h/day throughout production (W 247.5). The EOP supplemental blue light treatments significantly enhanced anthocyanins production in both lettuce cultivars compared to both the control and the W 247.5 treatments, with the highest anthocyanins content under intermediate supplemental blue light intensities and application durations (i.e., EOP B 67.5 and B 135). The extraction-based anthocyanin index in the EOP B 67.5 and B 135 treatments increased by 161–168 % in 'Rouxai' and by 180–181 % in 'Red Salad Bowl', compared to the control. However, a significant increase in total vitamin C level (by 47.2 %) was only found in 'Rouxai' receiving the B 45 treatment compared to the control. Plant yield also differed among the EOP blue light treatments, with B 45 resulting in the highest leaf area and fresh/dry biomass in both lettuce cultivars, comparable to those in W 247.5. Interestingly, EOP B 67.5 and B 135 treatments led to the lowest yield among the four blue light treatments in both cultivars, likely due to reduced leaf expansion and possibly lower photosynthetic light use efficiency because of high anthocyanins accumulation. Our results indicate that, given the same amount of EOP supplemental blue light, plant growth, and quality could be more effectively promoted by controlling the blue light intensity and application duration. Adequate intensity and application duration of supplemental blue light are both required for optimal anthocyanin production in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-harvest short-term continuous lighting (CL) of 150 μmol m−2 s−1 and 2 days is an economical and effective supplementary lighting condition for improving the nutritional and flavor quality of lettuce. • Pre-harvest short-term CL improves the nutritional quality by promoting anthocyanin and ascorbic acid accumulation and reducing nitrate content in lettuce. • Pre-harvest short-term CL improves the flavor of lettuce by increasing the soluble sugar content and decreasing the content of lactucin and lactucopicrin. Enhancing nutritional and flavor quality has always been a pursuit of growers in the hydroponic production of lettuce in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). While continuous lighting (CL) is a unique lighting mode that promotes plant yield and quality by eliminating the in-darkness period and prolonging the photosynthetic duration of plants, the specific method of CL that takes into account energy conservation is still unclear. In this study, the purple-leaf lettuce variety, 'Zixiangye', was used to investigate the effects of continuous LED lighting with different intensities and durations before harvest on the plant growth and quality of hydroponic lettuce. The results show that pre-harvest short-term CL with LED exerted a positive influence on the dry matter, as well as the nutritional and flavor quality of hydroponic purple-leaf lettuce. CL with increased light intensities (50,100,150 μmol m −2 s−1) and durations (2 days and 4 days) improved the levels of carotenoids, ascorbic acid (AsA), and anthocyanin, accompanied by a decrease in the content of nitrate, where CL of 150 μmol m−2 s−1 and 2 days is a better supplemental light condition in the study. Furthermore, 150 μmol m−2 s−1 CL gradually improved the nutritional and flavor quality of lettuce within 48 h, by promoting the accumulation of soluble sugar content and decreasing the content of lettuce bitterness, lactucin, and lactucopicrin. In summary, the utilization of pre-harvest short-term continuous LED lighting could improve the nutritional and flavor quality of hydroponic purple-leaf lettuce in PFALs. Our study proposes a light-environment strategy that uses pre-harvest short-term CL to enhance the nutritional quality and flavor of lettuce, which provides theoretical and technical guidance for the energy-efficient production of lettuce in PFALs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic experiments to establish the relationship between yield and plant population density (PPD) are widespread but remain inconclusive because management and environmental conditions modulate the responses. We analysed and synthesised yield-to-PPD responses in faba bean (Vicia faba L.), with a focus on Australia. We compiled a database of 204 yield-to-PPD responses from 77 Australian experiments and included 33 experiments from other regions for comparison. Our framework comprises two steps: 1) estimate the plant population density required to achieve 95% of the grain yield asymptote (critical PPD) in each yield-to-PPD response, 2) explain variation in critical PPD with environmental and agronomic variables. Median critical PPD was 34 plants m-2, with an interquartile range of 21 to 49 plants m-2. Critical PPD decreased with higher environmental yield, with higher soil pH, and for indeterminate cultivars compared with determinate ones, factors that favour yield, and decreased with hot springs and low in-season rainfall, factors that do not favour yield. Grain yield, seed number, pod number, branch number, and biomass increased to an asymptote with plant population density at the crop-level, and decreased following a power model at the plant-level; seed size, seeds per pod and crop height did not vary with plant population density. Compared to the current standard of 20 plants m-2, the profit-to-PPD response for Australian experiments was more negative at 10 and 15 plants m-2 than positive at 25 and 30 plants m-2. This supports the standard recommendation but highlights the risk of reduced profitability when establishment is compromised. Our framework can be used to tailor faba bean plant population density recommendations to local conditions and can be adapted for other crops. • We synthesised grain yield, phenotype and profit responses to plant density (PPD). • Critical PPD was defined as 95% of maximum yield. • Modulators of critical PPD identified, including environment and management factors. • Response of critical PPD to environmental yield changes between crop species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Foliar application of iodine is effective for iodine accumulation in tomato fruit. • 1 mM KIO 3 solution was the most suitable rate for tomato biofortification. • Foliar application localized on the leaves close to the fruit maximizes its iodine concentration. • Rates of KIO 3 solution less than or equal to 5 mM do not affect yield and plant health. • Iodine application can improve the nutritional profile of tomatoes. Iodine is an essential mineral for the human body and inadequate intake causes iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) worldwide. Agronomic biofortification is a promising complementary approach to other strategies to avoid IDDs. It consists of the enrichment of fruit and vegetables with nutritional elements through preharvest techniques. Tomato is an important, nutritious, and widely consumed crop. Despite a poor iodine accumulation in the fruit, tomato is an iodine accumulator. Our research focused on iodine enrichment of two table tomato types (cherry and mini-plum) in a commercial mediterranean greenhouse. Potassium iodate (KIO 3) was applied four times through foliar spray at three concentrations (0, 1, 5 mM) at two localized sites of application (at plant apex and at the three leaves above the target truss, "target leaves") until the mature green stage of a target truss (untreated and the same for each treatment). The application of 1 mM KIO 3 solution at the target leaves was the most suitable approach for adequate fruit enrichment. The accumulation of 110 μg∙100 g−1 of fresh weight (FW) in cherry and 130 μg∙100 g−1 FW for mini-plum tomato largely satisfy the iodine recommended dietary allowance for adults, pregnant and lactating women. Plant health, yield and commercial quality of fruit (color, size, dry matter content, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH) were not affected, while some carotenoids and total phenolics were slightly incremented, indicating a possible positive influence on the nutritional quality. In conclusion, foliar application of iodine for the preharvest enrichment of tomato was a successful approach to biofortification in a commercial greenhouse. That suggests further research is needed to investigate and improve the iodine biofortification techniques in different crops and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher-yield and superior-quality rice are the major goals in rice breeding and nitrogen management. Genetic modification combined with optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization is expected to realize it. Modification in transaldolase (TAL) expression alters both the number and pattern of vascular bundles in rice plants, but its interactions with N rate remains unknown. We employed three representative lines with different expression levels of TAL in the same genetic background (Wuyunjing 7, WT), and analyzed their responses in dry matter accumulation (DMA), carbohydrate transport, grain filling, yield, yield components, and grain quality under a wide range of N rate. Increased expression of TAL (OE) promoted rice yield by producing more spikelets per panicle and higher 1000-grain weight, while decreased expression of TAL lowered the seed setting rate and grain weight significantly. Under a fixed N rate, when TAL expression was altered, the direct path coefficients of the seed setting rate and 1000-grain weight to the yield were higher than other yield components, especially at a high N rate. Decreased expression of TAL (RNAi) significantly reduced the starch and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) contents in the stems, but enhanced the soluble sugar retention, whereas increased expression of TAL enhanced the translocation of NSC. The grain weight at maturity and mean grain-filling rate (mg d−1) increased significantly along with the TAL expression, but their differences among RNAi, WT and OE narrowed at higher N rate. Decreased expression of TAL enhanced the apparent amylose content (ACC) and protein (PC), reduced the starch granule size, and caused a loose starch arrangement and elevated chalkiness, as a consequence, significantly reduced the peak viscosity, hot viscosity, final viscosity, and taste value in a N rate dependent manner. The taste values of OE and WT were similar and the highest value was attained under a moderate N rate. TAL expression plays an important role in the regulation of assimilate supply, grain filling, yield formation, and grain quality. Increased expression of TAL alleviates competition effect among the yield components and enhances the yield potential, especially under moderate to high N rate. Higher TAL expression combined with a moderate N rate improves ECQ. TAL expression and N rate interacts to regulate yield components and quality. This finding provides meaningful knowledge to administering N rate and genetically modifying TAL expression in a rice variety. • Altered TAL gene expression impacts seed setting and grain weight dependent on N-rate. • High TAL level improves grain filling and final weight via more assimilate supply. • Higher TAL under mild N rate improves taste value by amylose and protein contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new strategy of environment control is proposed based on Bouguer's law. • Energy loss is significantly reduced in the high-reflection environment. • Weight growth of lettuces increases 4.12 times in the high-reflection environment. Energy utilization for plant lighting is one of the primary constraints of the development of plant factories. Most researchers overlook the impact of energy attenuation during the propagation process on energy efficiency utilization, and the redistribution process of energy lacks corresponding theoretical guidance. Based on the expansion of Bouguer's law, a new strategy of environmental control is proposed to solve this problem by interfering the form of energy propagation and redistributing the energy. Through the method of environment control, we establish two different environments (by changing surface reflectance): high-reflection environment and high-absorption environment (resembling an unbounded space). Near the leaf canopy in the high-reflection environment, the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and illumination intensity are 116.15 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 and 7069 lx, respectively. In contrast, in the high-absorption environment, the values are significantly lower: 30.59 μmol∙m−2∙s−1 for the PPFD and 1815 lx for the illumination intensity. The results of further plant growth experiments show that the average weight and leaf number growth of lettuces increased by 4.12 and 3.22 times, respectively, in high-reflection environment. The growing status of plants is also better in the high-reflection environment compared with the high-absorption environment. The strategy of environmental control provides a new direction to reduce energy loss and increase crop yield in plant factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a new multivariable control concept for falling film evaporators (FFEs). Our concept solves the major challenges encountered in modern FFE control: large transport delays, additional control of the output mass flow, coupling of controlled variables, and disturbances due to time-varying input dry matter content. The challenges are addressed together, for the first time, by the following control design. Based on a dynamic nonlinear input–output model, we consider a linearizing output transformation to enable application of classical linear control methods composed of feedforward design, disturbance rejection, and a decoupling network. Due to these features, we are able to design robust PID and PI controllers that substantially compensate plant-model mismatches. Connecting our concept to a digital twin of the plant yields good performance, which encourages future application of the design in the real-world process. • The main control challenges w.r.t. falling film evaporators (FFEs) are addressed. • Robustness w.r.t. parametric plant-model mismatch is shown in a simulation study. • Robustness w.r.t. structural plant-model mismatch is shown via a digital twin. • An automated ramp-up strategy for the FFE process is proposed and validated. • Simple implementation of the concept to standard digital control systems is enabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a form of soil contamination that causes losses in plant growth and yield. Understanding the effects of Cd-induced changes in physiological and cellular processes will help scientists develop better scientific strategies for sugar beet plant improvement. Cd toxicity triggered a substantial decrease in morphological parameters and total soluble protein in sugar beets, as well as membrane damage and cell death. Furthermore, the SPAD score and photosynthetic OJIP parameters in leaves were severely affected due to Cd stress. This was correlated with the decreased FCR activity and BvIRT1 expression in roots, suggesting the adverse effect of Cd in Fe acquisition in sugar beet. Our findings also revealed that BvHMA3 and BvNRAMP3 were upregulated in Cd-exposed roots, indicating that these genes might be involved in Cd uptake in sugar beet. In silico analysis of BvHMA3 and BvNRAMP3 proteins showed close partnerships with several Arabidopsis genes mainly linked to metal tolerance protein, cation diffusion facilitator, vacuolar metal transporter, and vacuolar Fe transporter. Subsequently, Cd-exposed sugar beet showed severe sensitivity to oxidative damages resulted in elevated H 2 O 2 and O 2 .- without possessed efficient antioxidant defense. Finally, growth retardation in Cd-exposed sugar beets is linked to photosynthetic inefficiency caused by low Fe levels and oxidative stress in cells. These results may be used to improve Cd-sensitive sugar beet plants by breeding or transgenic programs. • Cd-stress causes substantial morphological and photosynthetic disruptions in sugar beet. • Cd-induced damages were correlated with the reduced Fe uptake and redox imbalance. • The upregulation of BvHMA3 and BvNRAMP4 is possibly associated with Cd uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) are pathogenesis-related (PR5) proteins, which are induced in response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. The present work was carried out to clone TLP of Camellia sinensis (CsTLP) and to evaluate the response of transgenic lines of Arabidopsis constitutively expressing CsTLP under drought conditions. Data showed that transgenic lines exhibited lower relative electrolyte leakage and higher water retention capacity as compared to the wild-type (WT) plants under drought stress. In addition, results with confocal microscopy showed CsTLP + GFP fusion protein to be localized in the cell membrane which moved to the intercellular spaces under prolonged drought stress. Expression of CsTLP enhanced seed yield and the plant survival in transgenic lines as compared to the WT plants under drought stress. Results suggested the importance of CsTLP in improving drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. • Thaumatin like protein from tea (CsTLP) was cloned from tea and characterized. • Constitutive expression of CsTLP increases drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. • Transgenic lines exhibited enhanced seed yield and the plant survival and under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained source-activity is imperative for vigor plant growth and yield. In present study, physio-biochemical responses of wheat plant contributing to source-activity were measured after application of salicylic acid-chitosan nanoparticles (SA-CS NPs). SA-CS NPs slowly release SA for sustained availability to plant. In seedling bioassay, as compared with salicylic acid (SA), SA-CS NPs incurred up to ~1.5 folds increased activities of seed reserve food remobilizing enzymes for substantial mobilization of reserve food to growing seedlings and enhanced seedling vigor index (SVI) by 1.6 folds. At booting stage, foliar application of SA-CS NPs (0.01–0.08%; w/v) enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (1.94 folds), catalase (1.33 folds), peroxidase (1.99 folds) and polyphenol oxidase (1.04 folds) in flag leaf. SA-CS NPs further contrived cellular homeostasis by comforting reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents in flag leaf. SA-CS NPs (0.08%; w/v) significantly increased chlorophylls (a-b) contents (1.46 folds), spike length without awns, spike lets per spike and grain weight per pot as compared with SA. Study categorically explicates that slow release of SA from SA-CS NPs could exert significant effect on source-activity by maneuvering various physio-biochemical responses of wheat plant. [Display omitted] • Food remobilization promoted by SA-CS NPs. • Antioxidant status and photosynthesis improved by SA-CS NPs. • SA-CS NPs manage ROS and lipid peroxidation. • SA-CS NPs enhanced wheat grain weight. • Slow release of salicylic acid by SA-CS NPs enhanced the source activity in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as potential agents for agriculture as fertilizers, growth enhancers and pesticides. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for their effects is important. Various studies demonstrated that the application of nontoxic concentrations can promote seed germination, enhance plant growth and increase the yield. Moreover, NPs can be used to protect plants from environmental impacts such as salt or drought stress and diminish accumulation and toxicity of heavy metals. NPs can serve as a source of micronutrients (e.g. ZnO, iron- and manganese-based NPs), thus increasing fitness and helps plants to cope with stress conditions. TiO 2 and iron-based NPs are able to delay senescence and speed-up cell division via changes in phytohormonal levels. The application of some NPs can promote the activity of enzymes such as amylase, nitrate reductase, phosphatase, phytase and carbonic anhydrases, which are involved in metabolism and nutrient acquisition. E.g. ZnO and TiO 2 NPs can stimulate chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthetic activity. Iron-based and CeO 2 NPs enhance stomata opening resulting in better gas exchange and CO 2 assimilation rate. NPs can also modulate oxidative stress by the stimulation of the antioxidant enzymes such peroxidases and superoxide dismutase. However, the knowledge about the fate, transformation, and accumulation of NPs in the environment and organisms is needed prior to their use in agriculture to avoid negative environmental impacts. Higher or lower toxicity of various NPs was established for microorganisms, plants or animals. In this overview, we focused on the possible mechanisms of Ag, ZnO, TiO 2 , Fe-based, CeO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , and manganese-based NPs responsible for their positive effects on plants. Image 1 • Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) can promote germination, growth and yield of plants. • Broad spectrum of mechanisms is responsible for their positive effects. • NPs can increase water uptake and metabolism of stocks nutrients in exposed seeds. • NPs can serve as source of micronutrients such iron, zinc or manganese. • NPs are able to promote photosynthesis, affect hormonal balance or oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Morphological and SSR analyses of sixteen jute mallow cultivars were examined. • The morphological traits show moderate to high variability in jute mallow cultivars. • A total of 41 alleles are amplified by 13 polymorphic markers, with a mean of 2.75 per locus. • SSR data indicate moderate genetic dissimilarity in the study of jute mallow cultivars. • Jute mallow cultivars from Ghana and Togo are different from those grown in Nigeria. The jute mallow (C. olitorius L.) is an important nutritious green leafy vegetable in the tropical region of Africa. This study assesses the extent of genetic diversity and intra-specific relationships among 16 cultivated jute mallows of Nigeria (14), [Ghana (1) and Togo (1), used as checks, evaluating 16 dark jute SSR markers and 16 morphological traits (quantitative and qualitative). The study reveals moderate to high variation among the cultivars in the number of pods, pod yield and plant height traits. Based on the principal component (PC) analysis of the quantitative traits, the pod length, pod width, number of pods, pod yield and plant height are important traits composing PC1. On the other hand, the pod pedicel length and days of 50% flowering traits are highly correlated variables in PC2. Pod length, pod width, pod pedicel length and plant height account for the total diversity. Two main groups (I and II) and an outgroup are identified among the 16 cultivars based on the quantitative traits. among the cultivars, leaf shapes identified are ovate (38% of cultivars), lanceolate (6%), oblanceolate (25%) and palmately lobed (31%). Three markers which have monomorphic alleles are excluded and thirteen markers are used to analyse the genetic diversity. A total of 41 alleles are amplified using the 13 polymorphic markers with an average of 2.75 per locus. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC) value is 0.42, ranging from 0.06 to 0.73. The mean gene diversity or expected heterozygosity = 0.05 (from 0.06 to 0.76). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranges from 0.00 to 0.88, with a mean of 0.60. The mean genetic dissimilarity is 0.35. Thus, the SSR data indicate a moderate genetic dissimilarity within jute mallow under study. Clustering using the neighbour-joining dendrogram predicated on the SSR data separates the cultivars into three major groups in which the two cultivars from Ghana and Togo show distinctiveness from the cultivars from Nigeria. Principal coordinate analysis of SSR data is consistent with neighbour-joining groupings. The study based on a set of dark jute markers and morphological traits reveals that the extent of genetic diversity of cultivated jute mallow and could be used in germplasm evaluation. In addition to the knowledge of the high genetic variability observed in the number of pod and the yield of some of the studied cultivars, further efforts are needed to characterise the cultivar pods' nutritive values for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a novel chitosan-silicon nanofertilizer (CS–Si NF) wherein chitosan-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nano-matrix has been used to encapsulate silicon (Si) for its slow release. It was synthesied by ionic gelation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The developed CS-Si NF exhibited slow release of Si and promoted gowth and yield in maize crop. Seeds primed with different concentrations of CS-Si NF (0.04–0.12%, w/v) exhibited up to 3.7 fold increased seedling vigour index (SVI) as compared with SiO 2. Its foliar spray significantly induced antioxidant-defence enzymes' activities and equilibrated cellular redox homeostasis by balancing O 2 −1 and H 2 O 2 content in leaf as compared with SiO 2. Application of nanofertilizer (0.01–0.16%, w/v) stirred total chlorophyll content (21.01–25.11 mg/g) and leaf area (159.34–166.96 cm2) to expedite photosynthesis as compared with SiO 2. In field experiment, 0.08% CS-Si NF resulted in 43.4% higher yield/plot and 0.04% concentration gave 45% higher test weight as compared with SiO 2. Fecund and myriad effects of developed nanofertilizer over SiO 2 could be attributed to slow/protective release of Si from nanofertilizer. Overall, results decipher the enormous potential of CS-Si NF for its use as a next generation nanofertilizer for sustainable agriculture. Image 1 • CS-Si NF showed slow and protective release of Si for sustained effect. • CS-Si NF divulge higher seedling vigour index. • CS-Si NF promote plant antioxidant-defense and photosynthesis of plant. • CS-Si NF enhanced maize crop yield by seed and foliar application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of age and location on various narcissus alkaloids is quantified in this paper. • Results clearly indicate that age have a significant effect on different alkaloid contents specifically galanthamine. • It is also evident that effect of location on galanthamine contents is not significant but contents of other alkaloids vary significantly due to location. Narcissus is mostly grown for horticultural/decorative purposes in the fields and home gardens. Previously, galanthamine isolation (from the bulbs to produce medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease) has been established as a novel use. Moreover, recent studies have also shown that Narcissus bulbs are also a source of several other interesting biologically active compounds and particularly some alkaloids. Various metabolites are produced at different time points during the growth cycle of plants. Also, for Narcissus bulbs it is important to find from an economical point of view the optimum time point for harvesting in its growth cycle, as the levels of galanthamine might be correlated with the age of the Narcissus bulbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the metabolites and specifically in the alkaloid contents based on a 1, 2- or 3-years harvesting cycle of Narcissus bulbs. Moreover, the effect of the cultivation site was studied for Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv Carlton which is well known for galanthamine production. Different methods were used for the analysis of these alkaloids. Untargeted NMR based metabolomics was used for overall metabolic changes and galanthamine quantitation. Whereas targeted GC-FID and GC–MS were used respectively for quantitative and qualitative analysis of major and minor alkaloids. An alkaloid specific acid-base extraction method was used in the GC–MS and GC–FID analysis. The results show that the contents of the metabolites vary significantly with the age of the bulbs. The contents of galanthamine were highest in two years old bulbs. It was also found that the alkaloid contents from the same variety grown at different locations differ from each other. Results presented here clearly indicate that] age of the bulb are important factors to consider for the industrial production of certain alkaloids from the plants as yields of alkaloids may vary, certain conditions may lead to an increase of the yield with 10–15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vastly expanding global population raised the demand for profuse food grain production. For food security in India, high yield and nutritional quality of grain crops, both are essential. Zinc is a crucial micronutrient generally deficient in food grains grown in India, reflecting their deteriorating nutritional quality. To address these issues, in the present study, a novel tri-component nanoparticle of chitosan‑zinc-salicylic acid (CS-Zn-SA NPs) has been synthesized by ionotropic gelation method. The average size of synthesized CS-Zn-SA NPs was recorded 13.5 nm by dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy. The presence of chitosan, zinc and salicylic acid and crosslinking among these components in synthesized nanoparticles has been demonstrated by Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, synthesized CS-Zn-SA NPs at various concentrations (50–200 ppm) were evaluated for seed germination via seed priming, yield, grain zinc content and defence enzyme activity through the foliar application. CS-Zn-SA NPs revealed significant seed germination activities, 19.8 % higher grain yield, 45.5 % increased grain zinc content and manyfold defence enzyme activities than the control. The obtained results exposed the potential of CS-Zn-SA NPs as a stimulant for effective seedling development, higher yield, a virtuous micronutrient fortifying agent and defence enzyme promoter. • A novel nanoparticle of chitosanzinc-salicylic acid (CS-Zn-SA NPs) has been synthesized by ionotropic gelation method. • The synergistic effect of chitosan, zinc and salicylic acid in CS-Zn-SA NPs stimulated higher grain zinc content accumulation and plant yield in wheat. • CS-Zn-SA NPs improved defence enzyme activities indicated its effectiveness under stressed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification and purification of the landrace Chittimuthyalu using stability and molecular heterozygosity can be useful for rice diversity. The present study reports the characterization of 12 genotypic variants of Chittimuthyalu in terms of (i) variation and correlation among agromorphological, grain quality and nutrient traits, viz., Zn and Fe; (ii) stability across years; and (iii) characterization and heterozygosity. A total of twelve genotypic variants were identified based on field-level agromorphological observations in the Chittimuthyalu landrace. For identification of a stable genotypic variant for grain Zn, genotype by environment (G × E) interaction was analyzed across three years using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model and genotype main effects plus G × E (GGE) model for multienvironment data analysis along with principal component analysis (PCA). Correspondingly, twenty-five high polymorphism information content (PIC) RM markers were used for the identification of molecular heterozygosity in landrace. Stepwise regression analysis of phenotype revealed the interdependence of zinc in polished rice (ZPR), iron in polished rice (IPR), and single plant yield (SPY) and the positive association of grain Zn with IPR and SPY. Based on GGE and AMMI analyses of the variants, MCM3 was found to be stable across the environments for ZPR. Out of 46% polymorphic RM markers, seven markers (RM10149, RM13347, RM21749, RM13263, RM10361, RM12276 and RM474) were heterozygous. Heterozygous alleles were observed in eight variants (MCM2, MCM3, MCM5, MCM6 MCM7, MCM8, MCM10 and MCM12). The polymorphic information content (PIC) of the markers ranged from 0.58 to 0.88, with an average of 0.64. The percentage of the most common allele frequencies ranged from 4.2 to 95.8 across the markers. RM13347 showed nine marker trait associations with P ≤ 0.05 and R2 ranging from 2.3% to 14.3% with a mean of 7.74%. The present study has revealed the inherent heterogeneity in landraces in terms of their agromorphological, yield-related and nutritional quality traits. A promising genetic stock (MCM3) was identified as a donor for high grain ZPR and was registered as genetic stock. The identified genetic stock is being shared with breeders in the breeding programme and farmers for the multiplication of high grain Zn rice. ● The research has highlighted the heterogeneity in the landraces grown by farmers. ● In a single landrace "Chittimuthyalu", 12 genotypic variants were identified. ● Molecular characterization has shown the variability by heterozygous alleles. ● The purification of landraces before deployment in rice breeding is underscored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-three different Hypericum perforatum genotypes were characterized in terms of morphological (plant height, herbage yields), physicochemical (ash, cellulose, protein, and colour), and bioactive properties. The antioxidant and antibacterial capacity were also assessed. All genotype samples were characterized as flower part and whole plant (aerial part). It was observed that the plant height ranged between 21.6 and 96.6 cm and whole plant drog yield was in the range of 11–146 g. Bioactivity showed wide distribution for the samples and all bioactive parameter values were measured as lower for the whole plant compared to the flower part. Total phenolic content ranged between 60.39-110.54 and 49.08–89.53 mg GAE/g for the flower part and whole plant, respectively. Flower extracts also showed good inhibition activity against some Gram (+) bacteria. The GT-Biplot statistical mathematical classification approach was applied to reveal the promising genotypes. • Hypericum perforatum genotypes were morphologically investigated. • The antioxidant and antibacterial capacity were also assessed. • Extracts from flower parts showed higher bioactivity than those from whole plants. • Flower extracts inhibited some Gram (+) bacteria. • GT-Biplot approach was applied to unravel the promising genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw starch is commonly modified to enhance its functionality for industrial applications. There is increasing demand for 'green' modified starches from both end-consumers and producers. It is well known that environmental conditions are key factors that determine plant growth and yield. An increasing number of studies suggest growth conditions can expand affect starch structure and functionality. In this review, we summarized how water, heat, high nitrogen, salinity, shading, CO 2 stress affect starch biosynthesis and physicochemical properties. We define these treatments as a fifth type of starch modification method - agricultural modification - in addition to chemical, physical, enzymatic and genetic methods. In general, water stress decreases peak viscosity and gelatinization enthalpy of starch, and high temperature stress increases starch gelatinization enthalpy and temperature. High nitrogen increases total starch content and regulates starch viscosity. Salinity stress mainly regulates starch and amylose content, both of which are genotype-dependent. Shading stress and CO 2 stress can both increase starch granule size, but these have different effects on amylose content and amylopectin structure. Compared with other modification methods, agricultural modification has the advantage of operating at a large scale and a low cost and can help meet the ever-rising market of clean-label foods and ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An advanced control method has been proposed for the boost PFC converter for smart farming lighting application. • Enhanced second-order generalised integrator filter-based quasi type-1 PLL is developed as the grid detection scheme. • Nonlinear proportional-integral controllers are applied for the voltage and current control loops. • Comparative results across several practical challenging test scenarios showed the effectiveness of the proposed method over conventional counterparts. Controlled environment farming has become an attractive solution to increase the food production with limited use of resources. LED lights are often used in this type of farming to increase plant yield. LED lights are dc load, whereas the grid provides ac power. This necessitates the use of power factor correction (PFC) converter as an interface between the grid and the lights. This paper proposes an innovative control method for the boost PFC converter, where an advanced phase-locked loop scheme is developed that can eliminate measurement dc offset and provide harmonic robust estimation of the grid voltage fundamental component. The applied nonlinear control uses the existing two-loop control architecture. Based on a baseline PI controller, a nonlinear function is added to make the controller react faster when it is far from the reference and vice-versa. Comprehensive simulation studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed method under various challenging test scenarios. Compared to the baseline method, the proposed technique achieved 42 % ∼ 65 % reduction in total harmonic distortion depending on the test cases, which makes the technique a suitable candidate for improving the operational efficiency and, consequently, the running cost of a smart farming lighting system on an industrial scale. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed method over the conventional counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive bioflocs are becoming a novel challenge to the development of biofloc technology (BFT). The present study assessed the viability of utilizing short-term anaerobic fermentation as a potential technique for the reclamation of bioflocs waste (BW). According to the different composition of fermentation substrates, the experiment was divided into: a group fermented with BW only (BG), a group fermented with the mixture of BW and straw (BSG), and a group fermented with the mixture of BW, effective-microorganism products (EM), and straw (BESG). Our results indicated that the contents of total potassium (TK) and organic matter (OM) were improved through 30 days fermentation, and the highest TK (1.3 g·100 g−1) and OM (53.4%) were both found in BESG. However, the fermentation process altered the microbial structure of the original bioflocs and reduced microbial diversity. The highest abundance of representative microorganisms of fermentation such as Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 sp., and Ureibacillus sp. were detected in the BG group, and the obvious ammonification process was also detected in the BG. The final germination index (GI) values ranged between 98.8%-113.7% and all fermented products met the criteria for fertilizer maturity since day 20th. The application of fermented products was tested through the pot experiment with Brassica rapa L. chinensis , and the highest fresh weight (14.1 g) and yield (312.6 g·m−2) were found in the group with BG fermented products. However, a prominent improvement in Brassica rapa L. chinensis ' quality had not been found. Overall, the anaerobic fermentation improves the quality of the original bioflocs, and the addition of fermented products based solely on the BW can significantly increase plant yield. • The anaerobic fermentation process can enhance the physicochemical properties of the initial bioflocs. • The bioflocs waste can achieve the standard of maturity after fermentation. • Adding fermentation products based on bioflocs waste only can significantly improve the yield of Chinese little greens (Brassica rapa L. chinensis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Plant height (PH) is a good predictor of maize grain yield (MGY) in North Florida. • A strong correlation between in-field PH (IFPH) and unmanned aerial vehicle-derived PH (UAV-PH) was observed. • Crop-height model (UAV-PH) efficiently estimated maize IFPH in North Florida. • Machine learning algorithms were more predictive of MGY for both IFPH and UAV-PH. Monitoring crops and producing correct yield estimates are both crucial components of decision-making in agricultural systems. This is particularly important for crops like maize, with a national gross production value above US $82 billion in 2021. Several crop parameters, e.g., plant height (PH), leaf nutrient status, etc., are in use for improving maize grain yield (MGY) prediction models. Traditional PH measurements can be time-consuming and labor-intensive; thus, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) might be efficient and practical tools to predict in-season MGY. Two small-plot trials were conducted in North Florida to estimate in-field PH (IFPH) using UAVs (UAV-PH) and compare different regression approaches to estimate MGY using different time points (from 17 to 133 days after planting [DAP]). A multispectral camera was mounted onto an Aurelia X6 Standard hexacopter to capture crop canopy height. Overall, the IFPH values were higher than UAV-PH but strongly correlated (r = 0.95). Moderate to strong correlations were observed between MGY and PH at all time points except 17 DAP. The prediction of MGY using IFPH or UAV-PH was better through machine learning algorithms (Random forest regressor [RFR] and Support vector regression [SVR]) compared to simple/multiple linear regression (S/MLR), with R2, MAE, RMSE, and nRMSE ranges of 0.91–0.94, 553.86–1574.62 kg ha−1, 708.94–195.04 kg ha−1, and 14.2–39.1 % for best-performing models of RFR and SVR, respectively. Furthermore, S/MLR usually overestimated low-yielding plots (MGY < 12000 kg ha−1) and underestimated high-yielding plots (MGY > 12000 kg ha−1). The results showed that UAVs are a potential tool for quicker decision-making in maize cropping systems in North Florida since the crop-height model accurately estimated ground PH measurements (IFPH) at different time points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought has become the most important limiting factor to crop productions. Research thus far has been devoted to identifying drought-responsive genes (DRGs) via breeding and engineering approaches. Still, these efforts have not resulted in a solution to combat drought's effects because the ectopic expression of most DRGs causes adverse effects that reduce plant growth and yields. Lately, we discovered that two DRGs, Response to Desiccation (RD) 29A and RD29B , induced by Paenibacillus polymyxa CR1, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium capable of priming drought tolerance and concurrently stimulating plant growth, play pivotal roles in defense responses against drought. In this study, we employ the ChlP and qRT-PCR analyses and further clarify that P. polymyxa CR1 reformats the chromatin/transcriptional memory of RD29 s, positioned as upstream controllers that fine-tune the temporal dynamic of stress-regulating transcription factors (TFs) in elaborating induced systemic drought tolerance without growth penalties. Two genes coordinate the upregulation of NAC TFs, while feedback inhibiting CBF TFs, which regulate downstream DRG expressions. This supports that RD29 s are unique, feasible transgene candidates for improving plants' survival capacity in both optimal and drought conditions. However, the mode of action of RD29A and RD29B are partly independent, exerting distinct roles in disparate ecological states. When subjected to increasing NaCl concentrations, the KO mutant of RD29A (rd29a) displayed enhanced tolerance compared to WT and rd29b plants, proposing that RD29B, but not RD29A, a key player in conferring WT-like tolerance to salinity stress; further studies will be needed to optimize/maximize their applications in engineering for-profit drought and/or broad-spectrum stress tolerant crops. • RD29A and RD29B are Paenibacillus polymyxa CR1-inducible drought-responsive genes. • P. polymyxa CR1 upregulates and primes RD29A and RD29B expressions. • RD29A and RD29B control differential expressions of drought-related TFs and genes. • RD29A and RD29B convey local and systemic (i.e., IST) defense responses against drought. • RD29B , but not RD29A , is essential player in plant salinity responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil fertility was enhanced by the addition of fish effluents. • Fertilisation with fish effluents resulted in higher plant yields than manure. • Manure resulted in a higher species diversity compared with fish effluents. • Soil microbial species number increased after fish effluent supplementation. • The fish effluents' superiority questions their prohibition in organic agriculture. Although waste waters from aquaculture farms, known as fish effluents, have been shown to be a viable source of nutrients for crop production, their use is not permitted in organic production under the current European regulatory framework, Council Regulation (EU) 2018/848. In contrast, the use of livestock manure as fertiliser is allowed and indeed encouraged. In this work we tested the effects of two types of fish effluents – filtered and unfiltered fish waters – from an aquaponic system on the yield of onions (Allium cepa) and the soil nutrients and microbiome, compared with a fertilisation regime using composted horse manure. Soil fertility was enhanced by the addition of fish effluents, in particular in the soil treated with unfiltered fish water or sludge, which resulted in the soil with the highest nitrate content. Fertilisation with fish water and aerobically treated fish sludge resulted in higher yields than the manure, performing the best in all growth and yield measurements. The bulb weight and bulb diameter in the onions fertilised with manure were 102.43 g ± 7.26 and 61 mm ± 2.05 respectively, the ones fertilised with filtered fish effluents were 126 g ± 6.64 and 66.52 mm ± 2.17, and the ones fertilised with filtered (fish water) and unfiltered (sludge) fish effluents were 133.32 g ± 6.86 and 67.66 mm ± 1.81. The horse manure significantly affected the microbial community structure of the soil, resulting in a higher species diversity compared with the fish effluents, with the most predominant genus types being Flavobacterium, Pseudarthrobacter, Sphingomonas, Massilia, Nitrososphaera, Pseudomonas and Nocardioides. However, the microbial activity in the soil with fish effluents was also significant, which indicates that the soil treated in this way can be considered a 'living soil', as required for organic certification in the EU. Overall, the results confirm the findings of previous studies on the effectiveness of fish effluents as fertilisers, and highlight the superior performance of fish effluents compared with a livestock manure, thus directly questioning the prohibition on using fish effluents in organic agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton has a complex branching pattern including sympodial and vegetative branching. Traditionally managed cotton mainly depends on sympodial branching for formation of yield-contributing fruit. Whether seedcotton yield based solely on vegetative branching is comparable with that based solely on sympodial or both types of branching is unclear. The study determined how terminal removal at first square to avoid formation of sympodial branches (SBs) regulated vegetative branching and yield under different plant densities. A two-year split-plot design field experiment had main plots with plant density (4.5 and 9.0 plants m−2) and subplots with plant pruning mode. Pruning modes were terminal removal at first square (TRS) to avoid formation of sympodial branches but retain only vegetative branches (VBs), removal of VBs (RVB) to retain only SBs, and no pruning (CK), with both branch types remaining intact. Canopy photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and partitioning, and seedcotton yield and yield components were examined. At low plant density (4.5 plants m−2), compared with other pruning modes, TRS increased seedcotton yield and biological yield but did not affect harvest index. At high plant density (9.0 plants m−2), compared with other pruning modes, TRS decreased seedcotton yield and harvest index, although biological yield increased. The yield increase with TRS at low plant density was attributed to the increase in biological yield, which was due to significantly higher canopy photosynthesis with TRS than with other pruning modes. At high plant density, photosynthesis with TRS was higher than that with no pruning at peak boll-setting and boll-opening stages and higher than that with RVB from peak squaring to boll-opening. Compared with other pruning modes, TRS increased dry matter partitioning to vegetative organs but decreased partitioning to reproductive organs. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between canopy apparent photosynthesis and biological yield, biomass partitioning, and harvest index, irrespective of plant pruning and plant density. Plant pruning and plant density interacted to affect seedcotton yield. With TRS, cotton yield at low plant density was higher than that with other pruning modes, which was attributed to an increase in biological yield associated with an increase in canopy photosynthesis. At high plant density, the yield decrease with TRS was attributed to low harvest index associated with reduced reproductive partitioning. Cotton cultivation relying solely on vegetative branching can be an alternative to obtain moderate yields and economic benefits under conditions of low plant density. • Plant pruning and density affected cotton branching and yield formation. • Terminal removal at first square led to the highest seed cotton yield at low plant density. • Terminal removal at first square increased yield by promoting canopy photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uneven crop stands result from natural variation in emergence time that is related to soil moisture and temperature, and variation of within-row plant-to-plant distance caused during planting operations. Understanding the effect of the spatial and temporal variation of plant emergence on crop yield can help farmers make improved management decisions about planting. The objectives of this work were to i) compare the timing of maize plant emergence across and within sub-field yield stability zones, ii) evaluate the impact of delayed emergence on crop yield and yield components by yield stability zone, and iii) compare the effect of spatial and temporal variability of plant emergence on crop yield and yield components. Ten experiments were conducted in farmers' maize fields in Springport (Michigan, US), Portland (Michigan, US), and Parana (Entre Rios, Argentina). Several years of yield monitored data for each field were used to delimitate yield stability zones (YSZ). Individual plant emergence was recorded daily, across yield stability zones. Emerged plants were tagged and the distance between plants within the row was recorded and used to calculate plant growing space (cm2 plant−1), and to classify them within plant stand as uniform, double or skips. Tagged plants were hand harvested to analyze the individual plant yield, number and weight of grains, and total crop yield. Individual plant emergence time ranged from 3 to 31 days after planting (DAP). The variation in timing of plant emergence had a greater impact than the variation of within-row plant spacing on crop yield and yield components. In general, the impact was larger in stable low yield areas. On average, plant yield was reduced by 7 %, grain number by 6 %, and final crop yield by 8.5 % per day of emergence delay after planting. The greater variation in the days of emergence delay when compared to within-row plant spacing variation can be related to the small overall spatial variability within the rows. Plant emergence temporal variability had a higher impact than within-row plant spatial variability on crop yield and its components. The decrease in maize yield caused by the delay in emergence was not statistically related to yield stability zones. However, a trend of a more negative impact of delayed emergence in the low yield stability zones was observed. Understanding factors affecting the spatial and temporal plant emergence patterns of crops can help farmers optimize their planting operation and may help them with decisions on using more precise and tailored inputs (such as seed rate and nitrogen fertilizer) on different sub-field yield stability zones. Incorporating emergence data and information into crop models will also help improve yield simulation results. [Display omitted] • Plant emergence was quantified in yield stability zones across multiple farmers' fields. • Plant yield was reduced by 8.5 % per day of emergence delay after planting. • Temporal variation in crop emergence had higher impact than spatial variation on crop yield. • Delayed in emergence lead to lower kernel number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential microelement for humans and a beneficial element for plants. Increasing grain yield and Se content simultaneously in crop is of great significance. In the present study, we hypothesize that the delay in the application of appropriate concentrations of Se contributes to increased grain yield and Se content. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three concentrations of selenite (0, 5, or 20 g ha−1) sprayed at two stages (initial or peak flowering stage) on the yield, yield components, agronomic traits, photosynthetic characteristics, dry matter, and Se accumulation and distribution of common buckwheat plants. Results indicated that low concentration of Se promoted leaf photosynthesis more than higher concentration. The grain dry matter weight and Se content increased linearly with increasing Se application concentration. Delayed growth stages resulted in 2.65 and 1.66 times higher grain Se content in plants sprayed with low and high Se concentrations, respectively. Both Se application rate and spray time contributed significantly to grain yield. The grain produced under low-concentration spraying of Se at the IFS was safe for human consumption. In the present study, we suggest that foliar application of Se at 5 g ha−1 at the IFS is the most efficient way to improve grain Se accumulation and yield in common buckwheat. Future research may focus on quantifying the species of Se and localizing the Se element distribution in grains. [Display omitted] • Low Se rate (5 g ha−1) promoted the growth and grain yield of common buckwheat. • The delay of spraying stage increased the Se content in common buckwheat grain. • The interaction of Se rates and spraying stage significantly affected grain yield. • Se content in common buckwheat grain correlated positively with Se application rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing global food and oil security problems, improvement in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) yield become urgent. Moreover, previous studies rarely used the semi-dwarf and compact plant type of rapeseed to improve yield potential. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of different nitrogen application rates and plant density on root growth and yield-related traits using three genotypes with different plant types to clarify various regulatory mechanisms using semi-dwarf and compact plant type mutants to achieve high yield. Split-split-plot experiments with three nitrogen application rates (N1: N2: N3, 120: 240: 360 kg ha−1) and three plant densities (D1: D2: D3, 15 × 104: 45 × 104: 75 × 104 plants·ha−1) were conducted during the three growing seasons (2019–2022) using semi-dwarf mutant HS5 sca , and HS5 (wild type) as well as their F 1 hybrid HS5 +/sca. With decreasing nitrogen application rate (N3 to N2), the expression level of IAA signal response genes BnaA07. GH3 and BnaA03. IAA13 was decreased in root, while increased in shoot at the early-flowering stage. Moreover, IAA content was decreased in roots and aboveground parts, whereas soluble sugar content of root bleeding sap was increased and volume of root bleeding sap was decreased in three genotypes at early-flowering stage. Additionally, nitrogen accumulation per plant and yield per plant was decreased, while population nitrogen accumulation and population yield were increased with decreasing nitrogen application rate in three studied genotypes. On the other side, with increasing plant density, the expression of BnaA07. GH3 and BnaA03. IAA13 genes were first increased and then decreased in root tissues. In addition, root surface area, the total volume of root bleeding sap, and nitrogen accumulation were decreased, which decreased dry matter and yield per plant. However, total root area, population nitrogen accumulation, and population yield in the three genotypes were increased, and yield was the highest at D2. The population yield of HS5 sca , HS5 +/sca , and HS5 achieved the largest increase of 26.0%, 10.3%, and 9.5% under N2D2 in 2019, 6.9%, 8.4%, and 4.7% under N3D2 in 2020, respectively, as compared to N3D1. Moreover, the morphological indices of HS5 +/sca were greater than other genotypes, with the highest population yield. Appropriate nitrogen application rate with plant density optimized the root architecture and aboveground type of HS5 +/sca that improved auxin level through affecting the downstream auxin-related genes, as well as improved dry matter accumulation and distribution, which increased yield potential. Compared with the two parents, F 1 genotype HS5 +/sca was suitable for nitrogen fertilizer (240 kg ha−1) and plant density (45–75 × 104 plants ha−1). + /sca heterozygous genotypes might promote root growth under low nitrogen application rate and high plant density. A strong root system is an important guarantee of high yield; thus, this heterozygous site could use to introduce excellent hybrids in rapeseed production to further improve root traits and optimize cultivation factors to increase seed yield. • Various plant architecture rapeseeds responded differently to nitrogen and density. • HS5 +/sca was suitable for reducing nitrogen rate and increasing plant density. • BnaA3. IAA7 mutation caused more lateral roots and root biomass in HS5 +/sca. • Auxin level and its signaling genes expression affected root-crown growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage has become one of the major threats to global food security. To meet the challenge of increasing food demand and water scarcity, water-saving and drought-resistant rice (WDR) is increasingly cultivated in China. However, there are few comprehensive studies on the effect of WDR on grain yields as well as CH 4 and N 2 O emissions in the literature. A three-year field experiment was conducted with one common rice (CR) and three WDR varieties in a rainfed paddy field in Southwest China. The results showed that in the WDR treatments, both CH 4 emissions and the global warming potential of CH 4 and N 2 O emissions decreased by 6.2–15% on average. Seasonal CH 4 emission was positively correlated with the mean tiller number but negatively correlated with the harvest index. Moreover, WDR increased the mean grain yield by 18–23% compared to CR, and especially in 2017, an increase within the range of 31–61% was observed when precipitation was low. The increasing grain yield was mainly due to the rise in the percentage of filled grains, and as a result, the greenhouse gas emission intensity was higher by 12–83% in CR than in WDR, while the lowest value was observed in one of the WDR varieties (Hanyou 73). Here, we report for the first time that planting water-saving and drought-resistance rice, especially the Hanyou 73 variety, under rainfed conditions would increase plant grain yield and decrease greenhouse gas emission intensity in regions with water shortage in Southwest China. ● Both CH 4 emissions and GWP were 6.2–15% lower in WDR than in CR. ● Seasonal CH 4 emission was positively correlated with the mean tiller number. ● Seasonal CH 4 emission was negatively correlated with the harvest index. ● WDR increased mean yield by 18–23% due to increase in percentage of filled grains. ● The greenhouse gas emission intensity was higher by 12–83% in CR than in WDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves are the primary structures responsible for photosynthesis, making leaf morphology one of the most important traits of rice plant architecture. Both plant architecture and nutrient utilization jointly affect rice yield, however, their molecular association is still poorly understood. We identified a rice mutant, leaf width 5 (lw5), that displayed small grains and wide leaves and possesses characteristics typical of a small "sink" and a large "source". Map-based cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing indicated that LW5 affects both the plant architecture and yield. It is an allele of D1 , encoding the rice G protein α subunit. The loss of LW5 functioning leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis, vascular bundles, and chlorophyll content. However, the grain-straw ratio and the rate of grain filling decreased significantly. The detection results of 15N-ammonium nitrate and an expression analysis of genes associated with nitrogen demonstrated that LW5 serves an important role in nitrate uptake and transport. LW5 affects plant architecture and grain size by regulating nitrogen transfer. These results provide a theoretical foundation for further research surrounding the molecular mechanism of "source-sink" balance in rice and suggest novel methods of molecular design for the cultivation of breeding super rice in ideal plant types. • The plant architecture and the nutrients utilization are jointly affect rice yields. • lw5 displayed small grains and wide leaves, and possessed typical characteristics of small "sink" and large "source". • LW5 encoded the rice G protein α subunit. • LW5 affects the plant architecture and grain size by regulating nitrogen uptake and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) toxicity is a major nutritional disorder that affects growth and yield in plants. Understanding the responses or damages due to Fe-toxicity may provide useful knowledge to improve tomato varieties. This study investigates the physiological and molecular responses in Fe-toxic tomato plants. The tomato plants were grown in separate hydroponic containers with two concentrations of Fe-EDTA (25 μM and 5 mM) in addition to the other nutrient elements. Fe-toxicity showed a severe reduction in growth parameters, which was accompanied by the increased electrolyte leakage and cell death in tomato. However, the SPAD score, quantum efficiency of PSII, and photosynthesis performance index did not show any changes in leaves, suggesting that damages due to Fe-toxicity are not related to the photosynthetic disturbance in tomato. The FCR (ferric chelate reductase) activity in root along with the Fe concentration in root and shoot significantly increased, being consistent with the upregulation of Fe-related genes (SlNramp1 and SlFRO1) in roots. It suggests that inefficiency to cope with elevated Fe is closely linked to Fe mobilization and uptake in roots of tomato. Consequently, this sensitive genotype was more prone to oxidative damages because of the inefficient antioxidant defense linked to antioxidant enzymes and metabolites. In conclusion, the growth retardation in Fe-toxic tomato is not related to photosynthetic inefficiency but highly associated with oxidative injuries in cells. These findings could be targeted in breeding or transgenic program to improve tomato plants sensitive to Fe toxicity. • Fe-toxicity caused growth reduction and cellular damages in tomato. • Increased Fe accumulation was related to the upregulation of SlNramp1 and SlFRO1 genes in roots. • Fe-toxicity did not affect chlorophyll synthesis and PSII activities in leaves of tomato. • Fe-toxicity induced retardation was closely related to the redox imbalance in tomato plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-strength acetaldehyde seriously inhibited biological acidification process. • Biological acid-producing inhibition rate (EC 50) under acetaldehyde was 1,118.36 mg/L. • Acetaldehyde mainly interacted with aromatic protein-like substances of extracellular polymeric substances. • The phyla of Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes increased for adapting acetaldehyde. Research on the biological removal of high-strength acetaldehyde solution is severely lacking; consequently, this study comprehensively investigated the impact of acetaldehyde on biological acidification. Our results indicate that the yield of acid production significantly decreased with increasing acetaldehyde concentration; the yield declined 14.83%–71.12% under the selected initial acetaldehyde concentrations of 100 to 2000 mg/L. Moreover, the acid-producing inhibition rate (EC 50) was 1,118.36 mg/L according to calculations and non-linear fitting. Furthermore, DNA content under 1000 mg/L at 96 h was 2.22 times higher than that without acetaldehyde, which indicated that the inhibition of biological acidification by acetaldehyde was caused by microbial consortium death. In particular, microbes secreted more extracellular polymeric substances to resist toxicity with 500 mg/L acetaldehyde, and protein-like substances in extracellular polymeric substances interacted with acetaldehyde. Finally, microbial consortiums were changed into a high-tolerance community of Chloroflexi , Actinobacteria , and Firmicutes at the phylum level after 96 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genes encoding HKT1-like Na+ transporters play a key role in the salinity tolerance mechanism in Arabidopsis and other plant species by retrieving Na+ from the xylem of different organs and tissues. In this study, we investigated the role of two HKT1;2 allelic variants in tomato salt tolerance in relation to vegetative growth and fruit yield in plants subjected to salt treatment in a commercial greenhouse under real production conditions. We used two near-isogenic lines (NILs), homozygous for either the Solanum lycopersicum (NIL17) or S. cheesmaniae (NIL14) allele, at HKT1;2 loci and their respective RNAi- Sl/ScHKT1;2 lines. The results obtained show that both ScHKT1;2 - and SlHKT1;2 -silenced lines display hypersensitivity to salinity associated with an altered leaf Na+/K+ ratio, thus confirming that HKT1;2 plays an important role in Na+ homeostasis and salinity tolerance in tomato. Both silenced lines also showed Na + over-accumulation and a slight, but significant, reduction in K+ content in the flower tissues of salt-treated plants and consequently a higher Na+/K+ ratio as compared to the respective unsilenced lines. This altered Na+/K+ ratio in flower tissues is associated with a sharp reduction in fruit yield, measured as total fresh weight and number of fruits, in both silenced lines under salinity conditions. Our findings demonstrate that Na+ transporter HKT1;2 protects the flower against Na+ toxicity and mitigates the reduction in tomato fruit yield under salinity conditions. • Role of SlHKT1;2/ScHKT1;2 in tomato salt tolerance in terms of vegetative growth and fruit yield in a commercial greenhouse. • Two NILs, homozygous for SlHKT1;2 and ScHKT1;2, and their respective Sl/ScHKT1;2 -RNAi-lines were used. • SlHKT1,2 and ScHKT1,2 Na+ transporters prevent Na+ over-accumulation in leaf tissues. • Sl/ScHKT1; 2 Na+ transporters mitigate reductions in fruit yields by reducing floral sodium content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safflower plant as an attractive feedstock for development of a biorefinery through the multi-biofuel production was evaluated. The safflower plant, composed of straw (79.6 wt %) and oilseed (20.4 wt%), was used for bioethanol, biogas, and biodiesel production. The oil was extracted from the seeds and subjected to methanolic transesterification process to produce biodiesel. The remained seed cake was converted to biogas by anaerobic digestion process. The ethanol production from safflower straw was not satisfactory; thus, the straw was hydrothermally pretreated at 120–180 °C for 1–5 h to maximize the bioethanol production. The increase in the pretreatment time and temperature considerably improved the ethanol yield, and the highest yield of 60.3% was obtained performing the pretreatment at 180 °C for 5 h. The biodiesel and methane production yields from oilseeds and seed cake were 90.3% and 185.8 mL/g volatile solids, respectively. Overall, each kg of safflower plant yielded 97.2 g ethanol, 22.4 L methane, and 46.6 g biodiesel that are totally equivalent to 0.168 L gasoline per kg of safflower plant in this biorefinery concept. Image 1012 • All parts of the safflower plant were used for biofuel production. • Safflower straw was subjected to SSF after hydrothermal pretreatment. • High-temperature pretreatment is necessary to obtain high ethanol yield from straw. • The seed cake remained from oil extraction was subjected to anaerobic digestion. • Each kg of plant yielded 22.4 L methane, 46.6 g biodiesel, and 97.2 g ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) native to plants tend to be less cationic. • Expression in Nicotiana benthamiana only successful with anionic AMPs. • AMPs fused to elastin-like polypeptide were active even without protease cleavage. • Antimicrobial activity was 10x greater than previously reported for AMPs. As antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens become an ever-increasing concern, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have grown increasingly attractive as alternatives. Potentially, plants could be used as cost-effective AMP bioreactors; however, reported heterologous AMP expression is much lower in plants than in E. coli expression systems and often results in plant cytotoxicity, even for AMPs fused to carrier proteins. This suggests that there may be a physical characteristic of the previously described heterologous AMPs which impedes efficient expression in plants. Using a meta-analysis of protein databases, this study has determined that native plant AMPs were significantly less cationic than AMPs native to other taxa. To apply this finding to plant expression, the transient expression of 10 different heterologous AMPs, ranging in charge from +7 to -5, was tested in the tobacco, Nicotiana benthamiana. Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) was used as the carrier protein for AMP expression. ELP fusion allowed for a simple, cost-effective temperature shift purification. Using this system, all five anionic AMPs expressed well, with two at unusually high levels (375 and 563 μg/gfw). Furthermore, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis was an order of magnitude greater (average minimum inhibitory concentration MIC of 0.26μM) than that typically seen for AMPs expressed in E. coli systems and was associated with the uncleaved fusion peptide. In summary, this study describes a means of expressing AMP fusions in plants in high yield, purified by a simple temperature-shift protocol, resulting in a fusion peptide with high antimicrobial activity and without the need for a peptide cleavage step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural biogas plants can suffer occasional feedstock shortages (poor harvest, storage ...) and recirculation of solid digestate (SD) into digester has been identified as a simple way to offset methane production loss from these situations. Calculations show that recirculation of SD could offset for losses in plant methane production by up to 2.4%. In that context, two post-treatments were evaluated to enhance residual potential methane of agricultural SD. Effect of fungal solid state fermentation (SSF) of SD on subsequent methane production has never been explored before. It was hypothesized that: (i) ligninolytic fungi would be able to specifically use the complex fraction of SD for their growth and (ii) energy generation from the subsequent anaerobic digestion of the colonized SD will be enhanced. However, experiments showed that thermo-alkaline treatment of SD (used as alkalinization and sterilization process) and a high spawn level (20% w/w) were necessary to perform fungal SSF. Besides, the observed fungal activities on SD did not target specifically the most complex fractions. This led to uncontrolled organic matter losses and subsequent decreases of biodegradability and methane yield of SD (up to 50%). Therefore, fungal SSF of SD before its recirculation into biogas plants appeared not to be a viable option. Only thermo-alkaline treatment (CaO 2% w/w and 121 °C 30 min) enhanced methane yield of SD by 13% and decreased its complex fraction by 25%. Further studies on optimization of this post-treatment may enhance efficiency of SD recirculation strategy to offset plant methane production losses. Image 1038572 • SD recirculation could compensate loss in plant methane yield by up to 2.4%. • Necessary sterilization and high spawn level to allow fungal SSF of SD. • Observation of losses in biodegradability and methane yield of SD after fungal SSF. • No specific degradation of the lignin-like fraction of SD during fungal SSF. • Thermo-alkaline treatment increases residual methane potential of SD (+13%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MLE) contains a mixture of essential elements, which promotes the growth and yield of many plant species. In this study, the effects from foliar application of MLE on the plant growth parameters as well as phytochemical composition of Ocimum basilicum plants cultivated under 1000 ppm salt stress were investigated. In addition, the effect of MLE on gene expression was examined by monitoring the expression of a multi-stresses' responsive gene, ObOLP. MLE displayed similar bio-stimulant effects on Ocimum plants growth and yield as for other plant species. Furthermore, our study also indicated that MLE has altered the expression of ObOLP gene and the alteration trend was positively correlated with the plant growth and yield enhancement. Therefore, it is suggested that MLE might directly or indirectly affects gene expression in the Ocimum plants. The phytochemical composition analyses have implicated that MLE is a potential biofertilizer to modify the composition of major bioactive compounds, such as estragole and eucalyptol in the Ocimum plants. Among the three concentrations of MLE tested, the 5 g/L of MLE was the most effective concentration for growth and yield enhancement, as well as induction of the highest estragole and eucalyptol contents (approximately 5 times higher) as compared to non-treated plants. • Foliar application of Moringa leave extract enhances growth and yield of Ocimum basilicum plants. • Enhancement of Ocimum plant growth and yield is positively correlated with the increase in ObOLP gene expression. • Moringa leave extract increases the compositions of estragole and eucalyptol in the O. basilicum plant leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]