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Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. is an obligatory halophyte species showing optimum growth at elevated soil salinity levels, but the ionic requirements for growth stimulation are not known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of sodium, potassium and calcium in the form of chloride and nitrate salts on the growth, physiological performance, ion accumulation and mineral nutrition of M. crystallinum plants in controlled conditions. In a paradoxical way, while sodium and potassium had comparable stimulative effect on plant growth, the effect of calcium was strongly negative even at a relatively low concentration, eventually leading to plant death. Moreover, the effect of Ca nitrate was less negative in comparison to that of Ca chloride, but K in the form of nitrate had some negative effects. There were three components of the stimulation of biomass accumulation by NaCl and KCl salinity in M. crsytallinum: the increase in tissue water content, increase in ion accumulation, and growth activation. As optimum growth was in a salinity range from 20 to 100 mM, the increase in the dry biomass of plants at a moderate (200 mM) and high (400 mM) salinity in comparison to control plants was mostly due to ion accumulation. Among physiological indicators, changes in leaf chlorophyll concentration appeared relatively late, but the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter, Performance Index Total, was the most sensitive to the effect of salts. In conclusion, both sodium and potassium in the form of chloride salts are efficient in promoting the optimum growth of M. crystallinum plants. However, mechanisms leading to the negative effect of calcium on plants need to be assessed further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare morphological and physiological responses to increasing salinity of the two subspecies of Mertensia maritima during in vitro propagation in two different systems, and subsequent ex vitro cultivation. Plants were brought into culture using seeds and further propagated on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with thidiazuron and naphthaleneacetic acid either on agar-solidified or liquid medium with a temporary immersion system (Plantform bioreactors). Salinity tolerance were tested both in tissue culture and with ex vitro greenhouse-cultivated plants. Low concentration of NaCl increased explant biomass in agar-solidified medium, with no negative consequences even at high concentration. However, the effect of salinity on liquid medium was genotype-specific. Explants in Plantform bioreactors showed several-fold higher biomass in comparison to that on agar-solidified medium, but the multiplication potential was not significantly affected. Ex vitro plants were negatively influenced by increasing NaCl concentration in substrate. In contrast to in vitro plants, accumulation potential of Na+ in ex vitro plants was low. One of adaptations to salinity at the whole plant level was maintenance of adequate tissue mineral nutrient homeostasis, as mineral nutrient concentrations were not negatively affected by increasing salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was aimed to examine the effects of growth media (GM) consisted of peat and different domestic materials on nutrition, growth and yield of tomato as alternative to cocopeat in Turkiye. For this, cocopeat(GM1), perlite(GM2), leonardite(GM3), vermicompost(GM4), and peat(GM5) were used as substrates. Each substrate was used as a control in itself, and a total of 17 combinations were tried by keeping the peat constant and mixing in 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 (V/V) ratios. The mixtures were filled in 7-liter pots where seedlings were planted, irrigated with water for the first week, and then irrigated with nutrient solution. The research was established as a 4-replications pot experiment and the Solanum lycopersicum cv.Vitello tomato variety was used as the plant material. The nutrient solution was applied with a drip irrigation. The volume of the applied nutrient solution was adjusted manually to obtain 10-30% leaching ratio. In general, vermicompost and its mixtures with peat were the most effective growth media on leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations. The highest fruit yields were obtained from plants grown in solely peat and 1:1 peat + vermicompost medium. Similarly, the highest biomass weight was recorded from the plants grown under 1:1 peat + vermicompost mixture. In addition to this findings, it was observed that some peat-containing mixtures were also found to be competitive with widely used media in terms of the other parameters studied. As a result, it was seen that most of the peat containing GM especially peat + vermicompost mixtures, can be used in soilless tomato cultivation as alternative to cocopeat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid and semi-arid regions are characterised by extreme conditions including drought stress and salinity. These factors profoundly affect the agricultural sector. The objective of this work is to study the effect of drought and re-watering on leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and mineral nutrition in Pistacia vera and Pistacia atlantica. Water stress was applied to individuals of P. vera and P. atlantica for 23 days, followed by rehydration for 7 days. The results showed a clear reduction in water relations, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll content in P. vera. Compared to P. vera, P. atlantica maintained less affected water status, total chlorophyll content, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, stable Zn and Fe proportion, and even elevated K and Cu. The changes in the chlorophyll fluorescence parameter were manifested particularly at the maximal fluorescence (Fm). In contrast, no change was recorded at the minimal fluorescence (F0). After re-hydration, although water status was fully recovered in both species, stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthesis (A) and transpiration rate (E) remain with lower values than the wellwatered seedlings. P. atlantica was better adapted to drought stress than P. vera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrients and light are critical factors for sustained Centella asiatica L. Urban production under a controlled environment. The growth, triterpene glycosides, and antioxidant activities of C. asiatica grown under a controlled environment with different nutrient solution formulations (NFFs) and LED light intensities were investigated. Four different NSFs were tested on plant growth, bioactive compounds, and their activities in a conventional greenhouse. The results showed that the plants grown with Houghland and Arnon solution exhibited better growth performance, whereas the use of Resh's Tropical Dry Summer solution led to increased bioactive compounds and their activities. Subsequently, Resh's Tropical Dry Summer solution was selected to evaluate the effect of light intensity in a controlled environment. Plants were grown under three LED light intensities (110, 220, and 330 µmol/m2/s PPFD) compared with fluorescent and natural lights (45 and 326 µmol/m2/s PPFD, respectively). We found that light intensity had the strongest influence on growth, triterpene glycosides, and antioxidant activities. Significantly higher values of the most studied parameters were observed in plants grown under high light intensity compared to those grown under low light intensity. The optimal light intensity was 330 µmol/m2/s PPFD, representing an efficient approach for commercially producing this medicinal plant with a higher yield and medicinal properties in a controlled environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The animal husbandry industry is the leading branch of our country’s agro-industrial complex, on the one hand, its development determines the level of public consumption of valuable food products, and on the other hand, the economic well-being of the agricultural sector of the economy. It is known that the productivity of farm animals depends on feeding and keeping conditions by 70–80 % and on genetic potential by 20–30 %. Balanced animal nutrition is an important part of the efforts to increase livestock productivity, it is based on meeting the energy and nutrient needs of animals and poultry at different ages. If this requirement is met, you can expect high growth and development of young animals, and high productivity. The application of biologically active substances, including minerals, as catalysts for metabolism is one of the means to increase animal productivity and resistance. Numerous studies have proven their significant role in the processes of tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, reproduction, nervous and endocrine system functions, and consequently in the processes of strengthening the natural immune defenses of animals. Breeders use different sources of macro- and microelements to compensate mineral deficiencies in the diet. It can be mineral additives of industrial production, or natural sources or industrial waste containing certain mineral elements. The availability of certain macro- and microelements in mineral sources, the cost of these additives, and the costs of their purchase and transportation are important. Particular attention is paid to the mineral nutrition of poultry, which has high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. Special attention is focused on the mineral nutrition of poultry, as they have high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. An unbalanced mineral nutrition significantly reduces the body’s productivity and resistance, causes significant metabolic disorders, reproductive disorders and diseases, which can often cause poultry death. The most common reason for the declining productivity and immune system is insufficiently balanced feeding in the conditions of production intensification. The intensive use of poultry causes changes in metabolism, reducing the content of micro and macro elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances in the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The necessity for sustainable agricultural practices has propelled a renewed interest in legumes such as faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as agents to help deliver increased diversity to cropped systems and provide an organic source of nitrogen (N). However, the increased cultivation of faba beans has proven recalcitrant worldwide as a result of low yields. So, it is hoped that increased and more stable yields would improve the commercial success of the crop and so the likelihood of cultivation. Enhancing biological N fixation (BNF) in faba beans holds promise not only to enhance and stabilize yields but also to increase residual N available to subsequent cereal crops grown on the same field. In this review, we cover recent progress in enhancing BNF in faba beans. Specifically, rhizobial inoculation and the optimization of fertilizer input and cropping systems have received the greatest attention in the literature. We also suggest directions for future research on the subject. In the short term, modification of crop management practices such as fertilizer and biochar input may offer the benefits of enhanced BNF. In the long term, natural variation in rhizobial strains and faba bean genotypes can be harnessed. Strategies must be optimized on a local scale to realize the greatest benefits. Future research must measure the most useful parameters and consider the economic cost of strategies alongside the advantages of enhanced BNF.

ABSTRACT Although zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient, excessive amounts in the soil can have toxic effects on plants. Fertilizers, limestone materials, pesticides, and fungicides added with Zn have contributed to increasing the concentration of this element in agricultural soils. Accordingly, it is necessary to find Zn-tolerant plant species to be properly used in degraded soil restoration programs. Thus, the current study aims to investigate the influence of different Zn concentrations on photosynthetic variables, antioxidant activity, and growth of I. marginata and A. edulis seedlings to determine their potential to be used as phytoremediation species. The experiment was installed in a 2×5 factorial scheme, with the first factor being two species (Allophylus edulis and Inga marginata), and the second factor: five concentrations of Zn (2, 75, 150, 225, and 300 μM), with three replications per treatment. Each sampling unit consisted of a pot with five plants. Photosynthetic, morphological variables of the shoot and root systems, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and Zn accumulated in the roots and shoot were evaluated. Zn stress has activated an efficient antioxidant system, which reduced oxidative damage in the leaves of both species; consequently, it did not decrease shoot biomass production in Inga marginata and Allophylus edulis seedlings. High Zn accumulation in plant tissues and lack of negative effects on Inga marginata and Allophylus edulis shoot have suggested that these plant species are tolerant to Zn and may be indicated for Zn-polluted soil phytoremediation purposes.

Sweet potato yields in Brazil are well below the crop’s potential due to inadequate soil fertility and fertilization management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of phosphate fertilizer on sweet potato yield and nutrition under field conditions. Five rates of P2O5 (0, 100, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1) were evaluated in areas of Humic Cambisol, in two cropping seasons. The maximum technical efficiency (38.5 t ha-1) occurred with a rate of 380 kg ha-1 of P2O5, and the economic optimum rate with 121 kg ha-1 of P2O5, corresponding to the marketable yield of 33.3 t ha-1. The sweet potato’s response to the phosphate fertilizer application in Humic Cambisol decreases or ceases if the available P level is higher than 13 mg dm-3, corresponding to the marketable yield of 37.7 t ha-1. The increase in the P2O5rates in the soil resulted in a negative correlation between P and Fe, P and B, P and Cu, and P and Zn in the shoot, and a negative correlation between P and K in the shoot, storage root and whole plant.

Abstract Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects one-third of the world’s population, and agronomic biofortification is a good way to fight against this problem. Biofortification of leafy vegetables has been driven by their consumption, and, in this scenario, the waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) demonstrates good potential. Thus, this work aimed to verify the efficiency of agronomic biofortification of waterleaf with Zn applied via root. For the experiment, seedlings obtained with vegetative propagation by cuttings were used and cultivated in a mixture of sand and commercial substrate, initially in the laboratory. After acclimatization, the seedlings were transferred to a plant nursery, where NPK and Zn were applied, in six treatments (source Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate, ZnSO4.7H2O), T1: control; T2: 12.5 mg kg-1; T3: 25 mg kg-1; T4: 50 mg kg-1; T5: 100 mg kg-1; T6: 400 mg kg-1. The length, number of leaves, shoots, inflorescences, and diameter of the collection were measured. The leaf dry mass (LDM), stem (SDM), root (RDM), root-shoot ratio (R S-1), leaf weight ratio (LWR), Dickson’s Quality Index (DQI), leaf and soil Zn levels, total proteins and soluble sugars (TSS) were analyzed. The dose of 400 mg kg-1 provided toxicity to plants, and the dose of 100 mg kg-1 demonstrated better results in plant growth and development and contents of proteins and zinc, with an increase of 4081% of Zn, indicating which is the most effective dose to be used in the biofortification of this species.

Background: Selenium (Se) is an important trace element with several positive impacts for animal and human health. Salinity poses a substantial problem to agriculture and crop production worldwide, that necessitates innovative procedures to enhance salt tolerance of crop species. Selenium (Se) and Selenium nanoparticles (Se–NPs) application is a simple and effective practice for boosting growth and productivity of crop species under salt conditions. Objective: The aim of this review was to summarize recent literature on about the efficiency of Se and Se–NPs amendments to enhance plant growth and crop productivity under saline conditions. Methodology: In this review, we have delved the effects of Se and Se-NPs on seed priming and germination under salt stress. We explored the effects of Se on plant growth, mineral nutrition and photosynthesis activity. Different effects modulated by Se and Se-NPs to improve the water relations, oxidative defense system and osmolyte production are also reviewed. Conclusion: We have concluded that Se and Se-NPs supply offer a very promising solution to improve plant growth and salt stress tolerance of crop species. We emphasize the requirement of further investigations to elucidate the forms, accurate doses, and timing of Se amendments on plants subjected to salt stress, and to assess their long-term environmental impacts.

The production and consumption of soybeans are widespread due to their nutritional and industrial value. Nutrient enrichment is vital for improving the nutritional quality of soybeans. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar application of amino acids (AA) and zinc (Zn) on agronomic traits and the accumulation of grain Zn in soybeans. The experimental design comprised 16 treatment combinations involving four levels of amino acid application (0, 50, 100, and 150 ml 100 L-1) and Zn (0, 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1) following a randomized complete block design with three replications in field conditions. The results demonstrated that the application of foliar Zn and AA did not affect the yield, whereas that of AA50*Zn2 and AA150*Zn2 affected the number of pods and branches. The effects of AA application on N and the protein content in grains were determined to be significant. The application of AA100*Zn6 emerged as the most effective treatment for the enhancement of Zn biofortification in soybean grains. The combined foliar application of AA and Zn contributed to enhanced Zn accumulation in the grains.

Structural yield indicators are the ratio of the main components of wheat, which determine the productivity of its crops, as well as the share of the commodity part in the total harvest volume. Establishing patterns in the formation of the harvest of winter and spring durum wheat in connection with the changing structure of the crop, gives grounds to reveal the weak elements in the adopted system of agrotechnological measures, to use natural factors to the maximum extent to form a guaranteed yield, while giving it the necessary structure. Identification of the patterns of yield formation and its structure is required for targeted management of the production process of durum wheat development. The purpose of the experiment was to establish the effect of biofertilizers and mineral nutrition on the quality characteristics of spring and winter durum wheat grain. The objectives were to establish the role of mineral nutrition on the technological and baking characteristics of durum wheat and their influence on the cereal properties. The experimental part was carried out on the territory of «Eliseev A.N.» peasant farm in 2018...2022, which was located in the black soil zone of the southern Mikhailovsky district, the Volgograd region. The experiment involved regionalized and promising varieties of durum spring wheat: Donskaya Elegiya, Krasnokutka 13 and winter wheats Agat Donskoy and Aksinit. Blago+ and Gumi 20 biofertilizers and calculated norms of mineral fertilizers for a given yield were used. These indicators were the best for the winter durum wheat variety Aksinit and they were accordingly equal to: glassiness – 92%, protein content – 15.1%, microsedimentation – 69, grain yellowness index – 22.9%, color of the resulting pasta 4.9 points, all this applies to the option with the addition of N74P28K45. In the variant with the treatment of seed material with Numi biofertilizer, these indicators for this variety were respectively: 90%, 15.0%, 64, 22.8% and 4.7.

Billbergia nutans H. Wendl. ex Regel (Bromeliaceae), is an ornamental species widely commercialized and produced by nurserymen. There is scarce diffusion and bibliography available in Spanish about the production and management of this species. Furthermore, the availability of improved species and hybrids is scarce in Argentina. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for the asexual propagation of this species, useful for nurserymen. The first phase of the study was to propagate plants of Billbergia nutans by clumps division. Then, one group was subjected to apical bud removal of the growing apex (decapitation) by mechanical methods, while the other was a control group. Thereafter, variables such as number of offspring produced, length of offspring and leaves were measured. In the second phase, we evaluated the effect of the application of mineral nutrition with synthetic auxins on relative growth rate and root variables using RhizoVision Explorer (RVE) software (©Noble Research Institute, LLC). Apical bud removal by destruction of the apical meristem in Billbergia nutans plants generated a greater number of offspring and a better morphological conformation for the sale of seedlings for commercial purposes. In addition, decapitated plants had a higher relative growth rate with mineral nutrition with synthetic auxins.

The wet (rain, snow, fog, sleet, dew) and dry (transport of aerosol, particles and gases) deposition of acidic substance in environment results due to human, automobile, fossil fuel burning and industrial activities. Acid deposition is worldwide environmental degradation problems and in recent years these acidic materials are increasing at alarming scale in the environment both in developed and developing countries, including Pakistan. Some scientific literature survey reports suggest that plant growth and agriculture yield decrease due to consequence of acid rain. In addition, acid rain is found responsible for producing toxic effects on the morphological parameters of agricultural crop. The evidence collected from last more than fifty years showed the common significant effects of acid rain on seed germination percentage, seedling height, root hair and structure, alteration in leaf anatomy, size and area, stomatal structure, size, pollen germination, photosynthetic pigments and physiological changes in herbs, shrubs and trees. Still, little is known on the impact of acid rain on plant growth. This study was aimed to review the effects of acid mist on growth performances of some selected plant species. This review is contributed with the help of literature survey, research work published on the impact of acid rain on the plant growth.

Agronomic properties are more likely to be impacted by water deficits that affect the nutrient uptake and production of secondary metabolites based on their timing and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the water deficit on the nutritional quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids. For that purpose, a factorial, completely randomized experiment was conducted by considering three forage sorghum hybrids (AGRI 002-E, BREVANT SS318, and BRS 658) and two levels of evapotranspiration water replacement (50% and 100% of ETc). Parameters relating to water consumption, secondary metabolites (isoflavones daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin), leaf nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn), and bromatological attributes (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral material) were evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Isoflavone levels differed between the hybrids and were highest in water-deficient sorghum. There was a significant interaction between the factors only for the daidzin. The leaf content of the other compounds was influenced either by hybrids (genistein) or by the replacement of evapotranspired water levels (daidzein). The leaf content of P and S was influenced by the interaction between the factors, while the levels of K, Ca, and Mg were influenced by the effect of a single factor. The leaf contents of Mn and Zn were not influenced by the treatments. There was a difference between the hybrids for dry mass and crude protein contents, and hybrids x water deficit was only significant for dry mass. The hybrids Brevant SS318 and BRS 658 had the highest crude protein. The presented results are novel and demonstrate that water deficits can significantly affect the levels of secondary metabolites and the nutritional quality of forage sorghum, depending on the hybrid. The mentioned indices are important parameters for evaluating the nutritional quality and development of agricultural crops, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress.

We studied the recovery of the growth and physiological parameters of Scots pine seedlings after long-term zinc toxicity. The removal of excess zinc from the nutrient solution resulted in the rapid recovery of primary root growth but did not promote the initiation and growth of lateral roots. The recovery of root growth was accompanied by the rapid uptake of manganese, magnesium, and copper. Despite the maximum rate of manganese uptake by the roots, the manganese content in the needles of the recovering plants did not reach control values during the 28 days of the experiment, unlike magnesium, iron, and copper. In general, the recovery of ion homeostasis eliminated all of the negative effects on the photosynthetic pigment content in the needles. However, these changes, along with recovery of the water content in the needles, were not accompanied by an increase in the weight gain of the recovering seedlings compared with that of the Zn-stressed seedlings. The increased accumulation of phenolic compounds in the needles persisted for a long period after excess zinc was removed from the nutrient solution. The decreased lignin content in the roots and needles is a characteristic feature of Zn-stressed plants. Moreover, the removal of excess zinc from the nutrient solution did not lead to an increase in the lignin content in the organs.

To assess the effect of pure castor meal and a mixture of castor meal with ground hydrothermalized phonolite rock (CM+HP mixture) in providing nutrients, particularly N and K, and optimizing yield and quality of sweet potato, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design. Treatments were the absence and presence of synthetic N and K fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and KCl) combined with rates of organic fertilizers (1.2 and 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal, 2.25 and 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture, plus a treatment without organic fertilizers). The CM+HP mixture maintained adequate N and K status in plant leaves. Organic fertilizers increased the number of storage roots per plant and the sweetness of the storage roots, while synthetic fertilizers increased the storage root mean weight. Castor meal combined with synthetic fertilizers improved soil health (increased organic matter and enzyme activity in the soil). The combined application of synthetic fertilizers with 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal or 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture had the greatest benefit on storage root yield, with an average increase of 128% (10.9 Mg ha−1) on marketable storage root yield, and the nutrient removal compared with the sole application of organic fertilizers.

The problem of improving the sustainability and efficiency of grain production, increasing its gross quantity and improving quality is a key one for farmers in the Stavropol region. Due to the lack of financial resources for most agricultural producers, the problem is largely solved by selecting the most effective cultivation technology elements, including new highly productive varieties due to the agrotechnology. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of forecrops, the level of mineral nutrition, sowing dates and seeding rates on productivity, grain quality and economic efficiency of cultivating new winter wheat varieties developed by the FSBSI “North-Caucasus Federal Research Agricultural Center”. As a result of study carried out on winter wheat crops of various varieties developed by the FSBSI “North-Caucasus FRAC”, productivity of the varieties sown in weedfree fallow was 5.71 t/ha, which was 3.41 t/ha more than after cropped fallow. The application of mineral fertilizers contributed to productivity improvement of the varieties sown in weedfree fallow on 1.27 t/ha, and on 1.8 t/ha when sown after winter wheat on average during 2018–2021. The maximum grain yield was identified at the optimal sowing time in September 30 – October 5 (an average of 6.8 % more than at early and late time). Different seeding rates did not have a significant effect on productivity. Based on the estimation of the effect of winter wheat cultivation technologies on productivity, grain quality and economic efficiency of cultivation, there have been given agrotechnological characteristics of the new winter wheat varieties developed by the North-Caucasus FRAC.

In this experiment, we investigated the effects of drought combined with exogenous silicon (Si) and potassium application on super sweet corn growth and development. Drought stress caused decreases in the stem diameter, leaf area, cob length, cob diameter, 100 seed weight, seed number, cob yield, biologic yield, and relative water content (RWC), but proline content and catalase activity were higher under drought stress conditions. The results of a two-year experiment showed that potassium sulfate application and foliar application significantly increased RWC in drought stress conditions, and the highest increase was related to treatment with potassium sulfate in an amount of 25 kg/ha. Under normal irrigation conditions, with 25 kg of potassium sulfate per ha and Si foliar application, the maximum cob diameter (5.85 cm) was observed. Si application did not significantly affect proline content under normal irrigation conditions but increased proline content under drought stress. The highest proline content (10.77 mmol/g fresh weight) was recorded in the Si application using 25 kg of potassium sulfate per ha under drought stress conditions. Also, applying potassium sulfate with silicone foliar spraying had no significant effect on biologic yield under normal irrigation conditions. However, under drought stress treatments, biologic yield increased by applying 15 and 25 kg/ha of potassium sulfate and Si foliar spraying. In summary, applying potassium sulfate and exogenous Si can enhance the antioxidant system of the plant, promote the RWC, thus improving biologic and cob yield, and enhance the drought resistance of super sweet corn.

The effects of melatonin (MT) on the growth and antioxidant responses of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) exposed to copper and zinc excess stress are investigated. For this purpose, seedlings were exposed to different concentrations of copper oxide (0, 50 and 150 µM), zinc oxide (0, 50 and 100 µM) and melatonin (0 and 100 µM) for 14 days. Growth and biochemical parameters, the activity of some antioxidant enzymes, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and some of the main nutritional elements in the shoot and root of seedlings were measured. The results of this study showed that the excess of copper (Cu 50 and 150 µM) and zinc (Zn 50 and 100 µM) causes a decrease in growth, and a higher oxidative stress indicator such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The homeostasis balance of mineral nutrition of basil seedlings was also disrupted under copper and zinc stress. Melatonin treatment in Cu, Zn stressed seedlings improved growth parameters by reducing the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the activity of PAL and antioxidant enzymes. Melatonin also regulated the distribution of minerals in basil seedlings under Cu and Zn stress conditions. The results of this research showed that MT can improve the tolerance of basil seedlings against copper and zinc stress by modulate growth and antioxidant responses and regulating mineral nutrition.

Jambu, a plant native to the Amazon, is rich in essential oils, particularly spilanthols and phytols. Although hydroponic cultivation of this vegetable is practiced, the process remains relatively understudied. In this context, this study aimed to assess the influence of electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions on jambu production. Greenhouse experiments were conducted at Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense (UENF), Brazil, employing a randomized block design encompassing six blocks comprising six Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solutions with electrical conductivities of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 4.0 mS cm−1. Harvesting occurred 72 d after sowing, and the plants exhibited improved growth at electrical conductivity close to 3.5 mS cm−1. The levels of N, P, K, B, Zn, Mn, and essential oils of jambu plants increased linearly with increasing electrical conductivity. Twenty-three compounds were detected among the investigated essential oils, with spilanthol, phytol, and acmellonate present in the highest amounts. Increase in electrical conductivity led to increases in the percentage areas of several compounds, such as (Z,Z)-1,8,11-heptadecatriene, caryophyllene, 6-pentadecen-1-ol, 1-pentadecene, spilanthol isomer 1, (E)-β-ionone, kessane, and caryophyllene oxide. Furthermore, higher electrical conductivity resulted in decreasing percentages of compounds such as spilanthol, phytol, and Compound 2. Notably, a 609.74 % increase in caryophyllene and a 25.65 % reduction in spilanthol were observed with increasing electrical conductivity. These results suggest that the productivity of jambu plants is improved, including the production of essential oils, with cultivation in solutions with electrical conductivities above 2.5 mS cm−1. However, this condition may negatively affect most cultivated vegetables. The mechanisms underlying the increased tolerance of jambu to higher electrical conductivities require further investigation.

Symbiotic interactions play a vital role in maintaining the phosphate (Pi) nutrient status of host plants and providing resilience during biotic and abiotic stresses. Serendipita indica, a mycorrhiza-like fungus, supports plant growth by transporting Pi to the plant. Despite the competitive behaviour of arsenate (AsV) with Pi, the association with S. indica promotes plant growth under arsenic (As) stress by reducing As bioavailability through adsorption, accumulation, and precipitation within the fungus. However, the capacity of S. indica to enhance Pi accumulation and utilization under As stress remains unexplored. Axenic studies revealed that As supply significantly reduces intracellular ACPase activity in S. indica, while extracellular ACPase remains unaffected. Further investigations using Native PAGE and gene expression studies confirmed that intracellular ACPase (isoform2) is sensitive to As, whereas extracellular ACPase (isoform1) is As-insensitive. Biochemical analysis showed that ACPase (isoform1) has a Km of 0.5977 µM and Vmax of 0.1945 Unit/min. In hydroponically cultured tomato seedlings, simultaneous inoculation of S. indica with As on the 14thday after seed germination led to hyper-colonization, increased root/shoot length, biomass, and induction of ACPase expression and secretion under As stress. Arsenic-treated S. indica colonized groups (13.33 µM As+Si and 26.67 µM As+Si) exhibited 8.28–19.14 and 1.71–3.45-fold activation of ACPase in both rhizospheric media and root samples, respectively, thereby enhancing Pi availability in the surrounding medium under As stress. Moreover, S. indica (13.33 µM As+Si and 26.67 µM As+Si) significantly improved Pi accumulation in roots by 7.26 and 9.46 times and in shoots by 4.36 and 8.85 times compared to the control. Additionally, S. indica induced the expression of SiPT under As stress, further improving Pi mobilization. Notably, fungal colonization also restricted As mobilization from the hydroponic medium to the shoot, with a higher amount of As (191.01 ppm As in the 26.67 µM As+Si group) accumulating in the plant's roots. The study demonstrates the performance of S. indica under As stress in enhancing Pi mobilization while limiting As uptake in the host plant. These findings provide the first evidence of the As-Pi interaction in the AM-like fungus S. indica, indicating reduced As uptake and regulation of PHO genes (ACPase and SiPT genes) to increase Pi acquisition. These data also lay the foundation for the rational use of S. indica in agricultural practices.

The influence of microbial preparations (MP) on mineral nutrition, the productivity of the fruit plant nursery, as well as soil fertility indicators in the steppe Crimea were studied. The research was carried out in field small-plot experiments. The variants of experiment were: Azotobacterin (AB) and Diazophyte (DA)—diazotrophs; Phosphoenterin (PE) is a phosphate mobilizer; Complex of microbial preparations (CMP). It was established that MPs increase the total nitrogen content in the leaves of apricot seedlings: AB—by 73%; mahaleb cherry: DA—by 25%. The content of total phosphorus in the leaves of apricot and almond seedlings increased by 9–29% under the influence of PE and CMP relative to the control. The potassium content in the leaves of cherry plum and mahaleb cherry seedlings increased under the influence of CMP by 7 and 44% respectively. The use of PE and CMP led to an improvement in plant nutrition with nitrogen—on apricot and peach seedlings by 28–64%, phosphorus—by 9–70%, potassium—on cherry plum and apricot by 6–33% when growing seedlings in the second field of the nursery. The use of MP had little effect on the content of mobile forms of basic nutrients and humus in the soil. Improving the mineral nutrition of fruit plant seedlings using MP contributed to an increase in the output of standard planting material per unit area. The most effective were PE on peach and cherry seedlings, CMP—on apricot and cherry plum, which made it possible to obtain additional 3–29 thousand seedlings per hectare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing water resources rationally has become critical due to the expected increase in water scarcity. Cacti are capable of surviving with minimal water requirements and in poor soils. Despite being highly drought-resistant, cacti still faces limitations in realizing its full potential under drought-stress conditions. To this end, we investigated the interactive effect of humic substances (Hs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on cactus plants under drought stress. In the study, a cactus pot experiment had three irrigation levels (W1: no irrigation, W2: 15% of field capacity, and W3: 30% of field capacity) and two biostimulants (Hs soil amendment and AMF inoculation), applied alone or combined. The findings show that the W1 and W2 regimes affected cactus performance. However, Hs and/or AMF significantly improved growth. Our results revealed that drought increased the generation of reactive oxygen species. However, Hs and/or AMF application improved nutrient uptake and increased anthocyanin content and free amino acids. Furthermore, the soil's organic matter, phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium contents were improved by the application of these biostimulants. Altogether, using Hs alone or in combination with AMF can be an effective and sustainable approach to enhance the tolerance of cactus plants to drought conditions, while also improving the soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Melatonin is a multifunctional, low molecular weight signaling molecule. • Melatonin involved in key physiological processes under stress conditions. • Melatonin interacts with macro and micronutrients in plants. • Melatonin and nutrients are upcoming candidate under abiotic stresses. Plants are subjected to constant environmental changes, which lead to deleterious mineral deficiencies resulting in constraints in plant growth, and thereby limiting productivity. Essential elements are vital for the production of optimum biomass and yield, while some surplus elements are beneficial for their survival under stress and/or improvement in the quality of economic productivity. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a low molecular weight signaling molecule, earlier considered as animal hormone, is now known to be synthesized and taken actions in plants. Its impact on plants ranging from dormancy, root and shoot growth, leaf senescence, osmoregulation, and flower and fruit development has been reported. Melatonin has recently gained considerable importance as a mitigator of various abiotic stressors and a multitude of studies has depicted its role in enhancing the nutritional status of crops. Subsequently, it navigates through the multifaceted relationship of melatonin with macronutrients as well as micronutrients. Melatonin modulates nutrient acquisition, assimilation, and distribution within plants, ultimately influences aspects like plant growth and crop yield. This review is a comprehensive approach to understand the role of melatonin biosynthesis, physiological responses, and melatonin interaction with different types of macronutrients and micronutrients under stressed conditions in detail, and its future scopes using genome editing tools in plants to make them more tolerant for the same. It also provides a thorough exploration of the intricate interplay between melatonin and essential macronutrients and micronutrients within the context of plant physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This study investigates the effects of potassium (K) and rootstock on the growth, photosynthetic activity, and mineral nutrition of lemon trees; (2) Methods: Lemon trees (cv. Adamopoulou) grafted onto sour orange (Citrus aurantium) (SO) or Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana) (VL) rootstock were cultivated hydroponically under 0.00, 0.75, 1.50, 3.00, and 6.00 mM K. Plant growth and nutrition parameters, as well as leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intracellular CO2, chlorophyll, and carotenoid concentration were assessed; (3) Results: Under K deficiency (0 mM K), plants exhibited chlorotic and necrotic symptoms, more pronounced in older leaves. Potassium deficiency adversely affected various physiological processes in lemon leaves, including a decrease in photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency, CO2 utilization efficiency, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and carotenoid concentrations (some effects were rootstock-dependent). Low photosynthetic rates under K deficiency were due to both stomatal- and non-stomatal limitations. Elevated K in the nutrient solution consistently reduced the total plant uptake of P, Ca, Mg, B, Mn, and Zn, resulting in nutrient imbalances, as evidenced by the significant decrease in P, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations found in scion tissues (especially at the 6 mM K treatment). Rootstock-dependent responses were also observed in scion leaf and stem growth and in mineral nutrient concentrations, uptake, and distribution across plant parts; (4) Conclusions: Our study reveals interesting aspects on how to optimize K fertilization in lemon trees in the context of sustainable agriculture by considering nutrient interactions and rootstock-dependent effects. Understanding these complex interactions and improving K fertilization practices is expected to improve lemon tree performance, yield, and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is one of the essential mineral micronutrients most demanded by cacao. Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic to plants and other living beings. There are indications that Mn can interact with Cd and mitigate its toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of Mn on the toxic effect of Cd in young plants of the CCN 51 cacao genotype, subjected to different doses of Mn, Cd, and Mn+Cd in soil, through physiological, biochemical, molecular, and micromorphological and ultrastructural changes. High soil Mn doses favored the maintenance and performance of adequate photosynthetic processes in cacao. However, high doses of Cd and Mn+Cd in soil promoted damage to photosynthesis, alterations in oxidative metabolism, and the uptake, transport, and accumulation of Cd in roots and leaves. In addition, high Cd concentrations in roots and leaf tissues caused irreversible damage to the cell ultrastructure, compromising cell function and leading to programmed cell death. However, there was a mitigation of Cd toxicity when cacao was grown in soils with low Cd doses and in the presence of Mn. Thus, damage to the root and leaf tissues of cacao caused by Cd uptake from contaminated soils can be attenuated or mitigated by the presence of high Mn doses in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quadrennial International Deer Biology Congresses reflect the world-wide interest in the ecology, biology, and conservation biology of deer and use of cervine products. The origins and development of the International Deer Biology Congress are described in this article. The International Deer Biology Congresses grew out of a series of international conferences on deer biology. The origins and development of the International Deer Biology Congress are described in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fenugreek is an annual medicinal plant with several biologically active compounds. • The bacteria improved the plant's physiological metabolism and nutrient uptake. • Seed bio-priming+PGPB fertigation+nutrients foliar application) improved the fenugreek dry matter production. • Biofertilizers can reduce the application of chemical fertilizers to reach sustainable agriculture. Legumes have a significant role in increasing soil sustainable fertility. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could be a significant part of agricultural sustainability. To investigate the PGPB-induced alterations in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) morpho-physiological traits, nutrient absorption, and dry matter production, an experiment was carried out with two levels of seed priming (unprimed and PGPB bio-priming) and four fertilization methods (control, PGPB fertigation [B], nutrients foliar application [F], and B+F. The results indicated that the highest leaf nitrogen (5.22 %) was observed in PGPB bio-priming and nutrients foliar application treatments by 1.7 times greater than the control. The highest leaf potassium and phosphorus were observed in the B+F-treated plants, which were 1.19 and 2.14 times higher compared with the control, respectively. The B+F-treated plants showed the highest leaf K+/Na+ ratio which was ∼3 times higher compared with the control. The seed-primed plant's leaf, stem, and total plant dry matter were 34, 13, and 24 % greater than the unprimed treatment, respectively. B+F also increased the leaf, stem, root, and total dry matter of plants by ∼50, 45, 37, and 47 %, respectively, compared with the control. Generally, the combined treatment (seed bio-priming + PGPB fertigation + nutrients foliar application) more efficiently improved the fenugreek morpho-physiological traits and dry matter production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth and development depend on sufficient nutrient availability in soils. Agricultural soils are generally nitrogen (N) deficient, and thus soils need to be supplemented with fertilizers. Ammonium (NH4+) is a major inorganic N source. However, at high concentrations, NH4+ becomes a stressor that inhibits plant growth. The cause of NH4+ stress or toxicity is multifactorial, but the interaction of NH4+ with other nutrients is among the main determinants of plants' sensitivity towards high NH4+ supply. In addition, NH4+ uptake and assimilation provoke the acidification of the cell external medium (apoplast/rhizosphere), which has a clear impact on nutrient availability. This review summarizes current knowledge, at both the physiological and the molecular level, of the interaction of NH4+ nutrition with essential mineral elements that are absorbed as cations, both macronutrients (K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and micronutrients (Fe2+/3+, Mn2+, Cu+/2+, Zn2+, Ni2+). We hypothesize that considering these nutritional interactions, and soil pH, when formulating fertilizers may be key in order to boost the use of NH4+-based fertilizers, which have less environmental impact compared with nitrate-based ones. In addition, we are convinced that better understanding of these interactions will help to identify novel targets with the potential to improve crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in crop farming has led to a decrease in crop quality and negative impacts on soil and the environment. It is crucial to adopt alternative strategies to maintain soil and environmental quality while enhancing crop growth and yield. To explore this, a study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to investigate the effect of Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 alone, as well as in association with mycorrhizae (Rhizophagus irregularis) and endophytic fungus (Serendipita indica), on the growth, yield, and nutrient status of snap bean plants. At harvest, the rhizobial strain CIAT 899 demonstrated the highest effectiveness. It significantly increased the number of nodules in both Contender and Garrafal Enana varieties by 6.97% and 14.81%, respectively, compared with the control without inoculation. Furthermore, the results indicated that co-inoculation of Rhizobium and symbiotic fungi had positive effects on nitrogen content, phosphorus availability, and overall plant growth. Regardless of the variety, plants inoculated with R. tropici CIAT 899 and Serendipita indica exhibited the highest values for plant growth parameters. This combination resulted in 168% and 135% increases in root dry biomass, as well as 140% and 225% increases in the number of pods for Contender and Garrafal Enana, respectively, compared with the control at harvest. Additionally, this study highlights the potential benefits of combining R. tropici with either Serendipita indica or Rhizophagus irregularis in terms of nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. These symbiotic microorganisms demonstrated synergistic interactions with snap bean plants, leading to improved mineral nutrition and enhanced growth. Overall, these findings suggest that utilizing these symbiotic microorganisms can effectively enhance the mineral nutrition and growth of snap bean plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) are essential nutrients for plant and animal growth. The ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) in forage is considered as an indicator of grass tetany. While atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is declining or projected to decline in many countries, it remains unknown whether historical N inputs would have legacy effects on K, Ca, and Mg nutrition in soil and plants. Methods: After the cessation of 6-yr N addition with wide-ranging rates, we measured the concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg in soil and plants in a temperate steppe of northern China during three successive years from 2016 to 2018. Results: Soil K/(Ca + Mg) ratios were increased by historical N addition across the three years. Soil K/(Ca + Mg) ratios were higher than 0.08, indicating potential occurrence of grass tetany for ruminants. Plant mineral concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios at the plant community level showed no variation with increasing historical N addition rates in all the three years, except for the increasing K and Ca concentrations in 2017. All plant functional types showed strong stoichiometric homeostasis with respect to nutrient concentrations, which contributed to the stable forage K/(Ca + Mg) ratio under the N-induced increasing soil K/(Ca + Mg) ratio. Conclusion: Our results highlight the critical role of stoichiometric homeostasis in maintaining forage non-N mineral nutrition of natural grasslands under the background of soil nutritional alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to evaluate the animal response and the chemical and physical changes of free-choice mineral mixtures fed to grazing cattle. Growing beef cattle were fed either powder (POW) or agglomerated (AGL) mineral mixtures in three different experiments (Exp.), carried out in pastures of Brachiaria grass. In Exp. 1 and 2, the mineral mixtures were disposed in unsheltered troughs (POWun vs. AGLun), being delivered once (D0, Exp.1) or twice (D0 and D8, Exp. 2), throughout 14-day periods. In Exp. 3, POWun and AGLun were additionally compared to POW in sheltered troughs (POWshe), and the mineral mixtures were disposed in D0, throughout 21-day periods. Non-consumed supplement was removed and sampled on D14 (Exp. 1 and 2) or D21 (Exp. 3). Evaluations included average daily body weight gain (ADG), daily disappearance of the supplement (DSD), penetration force of the supplement mass, faecal chemical composition and serum levels of Ca, P and Mg. In Exp. 1, no effects were observed on ADG and faecal mineral concentrations, however, changes in mineral concentrations and a 40% reduction in Na concentration in the supplement were observed, compared to the initial concentration. AGLun had a lower penetration force. In Exp. 2, there were no effects on DSD and faecal mineral concentrations. POWun showed a smaller reduction in Na content compared to AGLun, and AGLun showed lower penetration force. In Exp. 3, the treatments did not affect ADG, but there was a trend towards higher DSD and serum phosphorus (P) concentration for AGLun (p = 0.08). Higher faecal Na concentration was observed for AGLun and higher Na concentration occurred in non-consumed mixture of POWshe. Mineral supplements offered in uncovered troughs showed altered chemical and physical characteristics, with possible effects on supplement intake. However, the general changes are unlikely to alter animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco decides to launch a program to create additional argan orchards to meet the high national and worldwide demand for argan products, which is a specie so unique in the world threatened by the global climate change effect. The current study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a multi-species consortium of autochthonous mycorrhizal fungi 'Rhizargan' isolated from 15 Moroccan argan soils in promoting mineral nutrition intake, phosphatase activities, and plant growth of argan trees. The research was conducted on two contrasting ecotypes of argan (Admine and Lakhsas). For 25 months, the performance of argan seedlings inoculated with Rhizargan consortium was monitored and compared to those inoculated with a pure commercialized strain of Rhizophagus irregularis. The results showed that inoculation with the 'Rhizargan consortium' improved plant growth, mineral nutrition, and phosphatases activity more than R. irregularis inoculation. Inoculated Lakhsas and Admine seedlings with Rhizargan consortium increased shoot height by 19% and 26%, and alkaline phosphatase activity by 27% and 14%, as compared to R. irregularis. Our findings can significantly benefit the arganiculture program, as an ecofriendly strategy, by using Rhizargan consortium as biofertilizers adapted to a wider range of argan forest' pedoclimatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health. Aims: The aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage. Methods: The effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities. Results: Zinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution has significant toxicity to plants, so it is necessary to take measures to reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, especially cadmium (Cd). While engineered nanomaterials provide great benefits in environmental remediation, and nano-silicon dioxide (nSiO2) has been considered as a potential new safer agrochemical for establishing plant resistance to Cd stress recently, but the systematically studies remain limited, especially in bitter gourd. The current study was conducted to study the mitigation effects and potential mechanism of exogenous nSiO2 upon Cd toxicity in bitter gourd seedlings. Generally, the application of nSiO2 reduced Cd concentrations in stems and roots. It mitigated Cd-induced root length, plant height, leaf area, and biomass inhibition in all tissues, with the mitigation effect of root length being the most obvious then followed by root dry weight (DW). In addition, exogenous nSiO2 affected the plant mineral elements' balance, by stimulating leaf/root Zn, leaf/root Na, and Mg content, and depressing Cu, leaf Fe, leaf/root Ca, and stem Na content, in comparison with Cd treatment alone. Moreover, the supplementation of nSiO2 counteracted the changes of certain antioxidase induced by Cd, such as enhanced Cd depressed stem superoxide dismutase (SOD), and stem/root ascorbate peroxidase (APX), meanwhile reduced Cd elevated leaf SOD and peroxidase (POD) activities. In addition, exogenous nSiO2 obviously depressed the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by Cd stress. The results clearly showed that the mitigated Cd toxicity by nSiO2 addition was interrelated to the reduced MDA content and Cd concentration, balanced mineral element content and certain antioxidase activities, suggesting that nSiO2 might play a vital role in providing tolerance against Cd stress in bitter gourd seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate and thoroughly discuss the effect of olive mill waste water (OMWW) on mineral nutrition and phytomass production of Atriplex halimus (A. halimus), and to identify the mechanisms of tolerance. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. Treatment was induced on vigorous plants aged of 1 year, during 3 months. The treatment applied are 0 (Control), 50 (C1), 100 (C2), and 500 ml/L OMWW (C3). During the test, the measured parameters were mineral nutrition and phytomass production. The results showed that irrigation with OMWW improves the mineral nutrition of A. halimus seedlings. It increased the Cu, Mn, Fe, and K content. The root phytomass is kept stable for the concentrations C1 and C2 slightly reduced for the concentration C3. Whilst, OMWW significantly reduces the shoot phytomass for the different concentrations compared to the controls. At the contrary, the ratio root/shoot phytomass increased for the different concentrations indicating that the allocation of resources is in favor of the roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to identify the influence of mineral nutrition conditions on morphogenesis and absorption of macronutrients by spring barley plants of two varieties in the period from germination to earing under controlled conditions of light culture. The objects of the study were plants of two-row barley of the Takmak variety and the Salome variety. The plants were grown by hydroponics on expanded clay under controlled environmental conditions. Four variants of nutrient solutions were prepared for watering plants: variant one (control)—Knop solution of standard concentration; variant two—Knop solution was prepared with 50% concentration from its standard concentration; variant three—solution was prepared on the basis of Knop solution but with 50% of N concentration from its standard concentration; variant four—solution was prepared on the basis of Knop solution but with 25% of P concentration from its standard concentration. As a result, variants two and three showed a decrease in total bushiness by more than 30% compared to the control. The mass of plants in variants two and three turned out to be 50 and 35%, respectively, less than in the control. The decrease in plant mass was mainly due to a decrease in the mass of lateral shoots. The level of consumption of mineral elements, closely related to the composition of solutions, affected not so much the chemical composition of plant tissues as the amount of plant biomass, which manifested itself in high correlations between the consumption of mineral elements and the gross content of these elements in plants with rather weak links between consumption and the content of mineral elements in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was focused on a production potential of cup plant Silphium perfoliatum L. grown in marginal heavy soils with the following intensity of mineral nutrition: (i) intensive 245.0 kg/ha NPK, (ii) semi-intensive 122.5 kg/ha NPK and (iii) untreated control 0.0 kg/ha NPK. The large-scale pilot field experiments with ÓVÁRI-ÓRIÁS cultivar were carried out on 2 sites under semi-humid to humid Central European temperate climate during 4 years. Overall, it was achieved 13.59 t/ha of dry matter yield on average and the yields varied from 2.37 t/ha to 42.56 t/ha. During the three productive years (2018 – 2020) the crop yield was affected mainly by years (F-ratio 70.67, P-value 0.00), then by nutrition (F-ratio 30.50, P-value 0.00), followed by sites (F-ratio 1.92, P-value 0.17) and finally by replications (F-ratio 0.00, P-value 1.00). In general, cup plant productivity was increasing by a higher number of utility years and similarly, by increasing of nutrition intensity. Although the effect of the sites seems to be almost negligible, the present study does not include sites with arid or semi-arid climate, where the crop productivity may be completely different, especially if the soils are easy soils with an already drying water regime. This study focused on cup plant is probably one of first original research papers published as study based on large-scale experiments conducted in Slovakia, the crop is recognized as suitable perennial crop for energy as other purposes and therefore further agronomic as follow-up studies are needed.

Obtaining soybean yield under artificial conditions is possible when developing techniques that provide a high level of mineral nutrition and good illumination, as it is a light demanding crop. In this regard, the objectives of the research included the selection of optimal nutrient substrate and a mineral solution with a ratio of nutrients corresponding to the biological characteristics of soybeans, ensuring the level of illumination of plants for the active flow of photosynthesis and the formation of reproductive organs when growing an early maturing soybean variety Sentyabrinka. The research was carried out in laboratory experiments in 2019-2020 when growing plants on hydroponic installations PGS 2-3. For nutritional conditions, 3 nutrient solutions with different ratios of elements in solution were studied on two types of substrate: high-moor peat and mineral wadding in the form of cubes. To illuminate the plants, OSRAM 36 W fluorescent lamps were used with the intensity of plant illumination controlled by a light meter. For the early maturing variety Sentyabrinka, an illumination level of 19 thousand lux with a day length of 14 hours was used, which ensured active growth, development and fructification of soybean plants with a seed productivity of 0.88 g/plant and a vegetation period of 87 days. A nutrient solution with a content of mineral elements N158P25K179Ca120Mg49 mg/l and an optimal sub-stratum mineral wadding cubes were selected. The use of mineral wadding and nutrient solution N200P120K200Ca280Mg50 mg/l increased the number of beans in soybean plants by 3 pcs/plant compared with growing on peat, which led to an increase in the growing season by 3 days compared to the variant where a solution of N158P25K179Ca120Mg49 mg/l was used.

Yerba mate is a forest species of both cultural and economic importance growing in the subtropical regions of South America, especially in the south of Brazil. Despite its importance, yerba mate has never received enough attention from researchers, so the nutritional sufficiency ranges and critical levels have not yet been determined. This research aimed to establish these parameters for yerba mate to enable its foliar diagnosis. A total of 167 leaf samples were collected from production fields located in the five yerba mate-growing regions in Rio Grande do Sul, and the leaf nutrients were determined by standard chemical methods. The yield of each production field was accessed, and the cutoff value separating low- and high-yield groups was calculated in 16.75 Mg ha−1. The multivariate compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) standards were determined, and nutrient interactions were estimated by correlation and principal component analyses. There was no positive correlation between any single nutrient and yield, even in the high-yield population, evidencing that a higher yield is the outcome of the balance among all nutrients. Excess of B occurred in one-third of the low-yield samples, while deficiency of Cu and K occurred in one-fourth of these samples. Finally, we established the adequate leaf nutrient levels for yerba mate.

An experiment was conducted with two-year-old ‘Fino 95’ lemon plants (Citrus limon Burm. f. cv. Fino) grafted on C. macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla Wester) to study the effects of salinity on plants inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Half of the inoculated (+AM) and non-inoculated (−AM) plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland solution, and the remainder were inoculated with half-strength Hoagland solution + 30 mM NaCl. Ninety-eight days later, results showed that AMF had alleviated the negative effect of salinity on growth. Inoculation with AMF provided some protection against the damage that salinity caused on cellular membranes and improved the plant water status and turgor under saline conditions (Ψx and Π increased by 16% and 48%, respectively). The responses of mineral nutrition to salinity and AMF treatments were complex. P concentrations in the leaves and roots of +AM plants were lower than in those of −AM plants, but inoculation improved Ca2+ (by 20%), Mg2+ (24%), Fe2+ (21%), and Zn2+ (7%) nutrition in roots and also the Mg2+/Na+ ratio in leaves (33%), reducing the antagonistic effect of Na+ on Mg2+ nutrition in salt-treated plants. AMF could protect plants against salt stress through the maintenance of the gas exchange capacity and due to a better antioxidant response. All these positive effects of AMF contributed to mitigating the harmful effects of salinity stress on the plant growth performance of lemon trees grafted on C. macrophylla rootstock under salinity conditions.

Abstract Phosphorus (P) is one of the main nutrients capable of increasing yields of tropical grasses. The definition of adequate P fertilizer rates can contribute to improving forage production of pastures. However, the efficiency in the response of different genotypes of Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) Dandy (Bushveld herringbone grass) to P fertilizer rates is not known. This study aimed to quantify the response of U. mosambicensis genotypes to P fertilizer levels and classify the genotypes as to efficiency and responsiveness. The experiment was carried out in pots, under controlled conditions, in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 9 factorial with five replications. The factors consisted of equivalent P rates of 10 and 90 kg ha-1 of P2O5 (triple superphosphate) and eight genotypes of U. mosambicensis (UmCO-1 (2), UmCO-2 (2), UmCO-4 (1), UmCO-8 (1), UmCO-11 (2), UmCO-12 (2), UmCO-13 (2) and UmCO-14 (2)), in addition to a control, Urochloa brizantha syn. Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. Each experimental unit consisted of one pot. Biometric attributes and dry mass yield were evaluated over four cutting cycles. There was no effect of the P fertilization x genotypes interaction for the variables evaluated. However, the highest fertilizer rate increased dry mass yield and tiller population density in all genotypes and cuttings evaluated. The genotype UmCO-4 (1) and the cultivar BRS Piatã proved to be responsive to and efficient in P use. The highest P rate promoted greatest production of dry mass and greatest number of tillers in all genotypes of U. mosambicensis.

Abstract West Indian cherry cultivation has proved to be an important economic activity in northeastern Brazil. However, irrigation with brackish waters limits cultivation, requiring new strategies to minimize the effect of salt stress. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) combinations on the photosynthetic pigments and quantum yield of West Indian cherry cultivated under salt stress, in the second year of production. The assay was conducted in a protected environment by adopting an experimental design in randomized blocks, with treatments distributed in a 2×10 factorial arrangement referring to two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 and 4.0 dS m-1) and 10 NPK fertilization combinations - FC (80-100-100; 100-100-100; 120-100-100; 140-100-100; 100-80-100; 100-120-100; 100-140-100; 100-100-80; 100-100-120, and 100-100-140% of the recommendation, in the second year of production), with three replications, each consisting of one plant. Irrigation with the electrical conductivity of 4.0 dS m-1 negatively affected the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and the photochemical efficiency of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca. The NPK combinations did not attenuate the effects of salt stress on the analyzed variables. However, the combinations referring to 120-100-100%, 140-100-100%, and 100-120-100% of NPK recommendation improved the quantum yield of photosystem II by reducing the initial fluorescence and increasing the maximum fluorescence of the West Indian cherry cv. Flor Branca.

Background: Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop that has a widespread cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions globally. The decline in cotton production over the last two decades may be attributed to the effects of climate change and imbalances in mineral nutrition. However, mineral nutrition, particularly micronutrients has been less focused in cotton production. Silicon (Si) and boron (B) are considered crucial micronutrients that play diverse functions in the physiological and biochemical development of plants, as well as in enhancing their resistance to abiotic stress. Methods: The present study investigated the impact of individual and combined foliar application of Si and B on the development of transgenic (Bt) cotton, as well as their impacts on boll retention, seed cotton production, and fiber quality indicators. Treatments included individual application of 2.0- and 4.0-mM Si and 0.5- and 1.0-mM B, and combined application 2.0 mM Si + 0.5 mM B, 2.0 mM Si + 1.0 mM B, 4 mM Si + 0.5 mM B and 4.0 mM Si + 1.0 mM B. Water spray and no foliar application were regarded as controls for comparison. Results: Combined application of 4 mM Si + 1.0 mM B resulted in the highest ginning out turn (39%), fiber uniformity (83%) and fiber length (28 mm). The longest plant height and the highest number of closed bolls per plant were recorded with sole application of 0.5 mM B, while sole application of 1 mM B produced the highest number of monopodial branches (20.26), sympodial branches (33.53) and total number of bolls (37.03) per plant. The highest boll weight (18.39 g), boll retention (64.38%) and seed cotton yield (1253.7 kg ha−1) were recorded for sole application of 1.0 mM B. Conclusion: The results revealed that combined foliar application of 4.0 mM Si + 0.5 or 1.0 0.5 mM fiber quality traits, whereas sole application of 1.0 mM B improved growth and yield related traits. Therefore, B and Si can be applied in combination to improve the fiber quality, whereas sole application of B could increase yield-related traits.