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The leaf economics spectrum (LES) is based on a suite of leaf traits related to plant functioning and ranges from resource‐conservative to resource‐acquisitive strategies. However, the relationships with root traits, and the associated belowground plant functioning such as N uptake, including nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+), is still poorly known. Additionally, environmental variations occurring both in time and in space could uncouple LES from root traits. We explored, in subalpine grasslands, the relationships between leaf and root morphological traits for three dominant perennial grass species, and to what extent they contribute to the whole‐plant economics spectrum. We also investigated the link between this spectrum and NO3− and NH4+ uptake rates, as well as the variations of uptake across four grasslands differing by the land‐use history at peak biomass and in autumn. Although poorly correlated with leaf traits, root traits contributed to an economic spectrum at the whole plant level. Higher NH4+ and NO3− uptake abilities were associated with the resource‐acquisitive strategy. Nonetheless, NH4+ and NO3−‐uptake within species varied between land‐uses and with sampling time, suggesting that LES and plant traits are good, but still incomplete, descriptors of plant functioning. Although the NH4+:NO3− uptake ratio was different between plant species in our study, they all showed a preference for NH4+, and particularly the most conservative species. Soil environmental variations between grasslands and sampling times may also drive to some extent the NH4+ and NO3− uptake ability of species. Our results support the current efforts to build a more general framework including above‐ and below‐ground processes when studying plant community functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, Iraq during the autumn season of 2017. The objectives of this research were to study the effects of different mineral fertilizers and root enhancers on the growth and yield of kohlrabi plants. The effects of five fertilizer treatments viz., Control - 25% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); RDF (100 kg N/ha, 120 kg P2O5/ha and 120 kg K2O/ha; 25% RDF with adding of high nitrogen (FAN) NPK fertilizer (30:10:10); 25% RDF with adding of high phosphorus (FAP) NPK fertilizer (13:40:13) and 25% RDF with adding of high potassium (FAK) NPK fertilizer (15:5:30) and three root enhancer treatments viz., Control (No root enhancer); Inicium @ 1 ml/L and Disper @ 1 ml/L. The experiment was laid out in factorial experiment with randomized complete blocks design (RCBD), with three replications. The results showed that 25% RDF with FAN treatment of fertilizers excelled significantly better compared to other treatments for the vegetative growth traits represented by plant height (68.57 cm), number of leaves/plant (19.53), leaf area/plant (906.50 cm2) and dry weight/plant (236.60 g). The root enhancer inicium @ 1 ml/L produced significantly higher plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf area/plant and dry weight/plant amounting to 67.18 cm, 18.60, 854.90 cm2 and 226.14 g, respectively compared to control where no root enhancer was applied. The interaction of 25% RDF with FAK x Inicium @ 1ml/L gave significantly higher stem diameter (10.21 cm), stem weight (465.70 g) and stem yield (27.32 t/ha) of the kohlrabi plant compared to other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agronomic biofortification is the fastest and less expensive method to overcome micronutrient deficiencies of iron, zinc and selenium. Fertilizers also help in augmenting vitamins and other food qualities. Although fertilizers have contributed vastly toward increase in food production, their misuse or rather abuse has led to severe environmental pollution. These include eutrophication of sea and inland waters, depletion of ozone layer and global warming. Fertilizers also contribute toward an increase in mineral and vitamin content in crops. Micronutrient fertilizers can increase concentration of iron and zinc in grains and vegetables, the deficiencies of which are widespread in Asian and African countries. Nitrogen fertilization can increase content of carotene in carrots. Liming is reported to increase calcium concentration in vegetables. Similarly, sulfur (S) fertilization can increase the content of S-containing amino acids in grains, glucosinolates in many Brassica species and alliin content in garlic and onion. As regards, vitamin C, there are increases as well decreases due to nitrogen reported in literature; the minor decreases are well compensated by an increase in yield. Potassium fertilization is reported to increase vitamin C content in some vegetables. Nitrogen fertilization increases nitrate content in vegetables, which is considered harmful, but some recent reports suggests advantages of this increase. Instead of blaming fertilizer for quality of food and environmental degradation, sincere efforts are needed toward its judicious application and avoiding its overuse or abuse and biofortification is the best suited method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CloudRoots field experiment was designed to obtain a comprehensive observational data set that includes soil, plant and atmospheric variables to investigate the interaction between a heterogeneous land surface and its overlying atmospheric boundary layer at the sub- hourly and sub-kilometre scale. Our findings demonstrate the need to include measurements at leaf level in order to obtain accurate parameters for the mechanistic representation of photosynthesis and stomatal aperture. Once the new parameters are implemented, the mechanistic model reproduces satisfactorily the stomatal leaf conductance and the leaf-level photosynthesis. At the canopy scale, we find a consistent diurnal pattern on the contributions of plant transpiration and soil evaporation using different measurement techniques. From the high frequency and vertical resolution state variables and CO2 measurements, we infer a profile of the plant assimilation that shows a strong non- linear behaviour. Observations taken by a laser scintillometer allow us to quantify the non-steadiness of the surface turbulent fluxes during the rapid changes driven by perturbation of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) by clouds, the so-called cloud flecks. More specifically, we find two-minute delays between the cloud radiation perturbation and ET. The impact of surface heterogeneity was further studied using ET estimates infer from the sun-induced fluorescence data and show small variation of ET in spite of the plant functional type differences. To study the relevance of advection and surface heterogeneity on the land-atmosphere interaction, we employ a coupled surface-atmospheric conceptual model that integrates the surface and upper-air observations taken at different scales: from the leaf-level to the landscape. At the landscape scale, we obtain the representative sensible heat flux that is consistent with the evolution of the boundary-layer depth evolution. Finally, throughout the entire growing season, the wide variations in stomatal opening and photosynthesis lead to large variations of plant transpiration at the leaf and canopy scales. The use of different instrumental techniques enables us to compare the total ET at various growing stages, from booting to senescence. There is satisfactory agreement between evapotranspiration of total ET, but the values remain sensitive to the scale at which ET is measured or modelled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millions of people have Zn-deficient diets, so Zn-biofortified crops could prevent such deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of agronomic Zn biofortification of broccolini – a new hybrid crop variety derived from a cross between kalian cabbage and broccoli. Plants were grown in pots using a Zn deficient soil. Four fertiliser treatments were tested: (1) control; (2) soil application of 5 mg ZnSO4•7H2O kg–1 soil; (3) foliar application at the early flowering stage of 0.5% (w/v) ZnSO4•7H2O; (4) combined soil and foliar treatments. Florets were harvested in four sequential harvests. There was a decrease in both growth and leaf composition of Zn, Ca, Fe and Mg. Soil Zn application increased floret production. There were increases in the Zn concentration stem+leaves and florets of 12- and 2.5-fold in foliar and soil+foliar treatments respectively. PA:Zn molar ratios decreased under both foliar and soil+foliar treatments. Boiling reduced Zn concentration by 40%, along with a decrease of other mineral nutrients. A soil+foliar treatment can increase both plant growth and Zn concentration in broccolini, and boiled 100 g portion of biofortified florets fertilised at rates in this study would deliver ~49 mg Zn, a 46% increase than in the non-biofortified broccolini. Although zinc is an essential micronutrient for human health, over 1 billion people worldwide (in both developing and developed countries) suffer zinc deficiencies. Fertilising food crops with zinc could help to solve the problem, especially in crops already rich in zinc, such as broccolini (a new hybrid between broccoli and kailan cabbage). In the present study we found zinc increases up to 46%, covering ~30% of the daily requirements by eating 100 g of these delicious florets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High CO2 concentrations stimulate net photosynthesis by increasing CO2 substrate availability for Rubisco, simultaneously suppressing photorespiration. Previously, we reported that silencing the chloroplast vesiculation (cv) gene in rice increased source fitness, through the maintenance of chloroplast stability and the expression of photorespiration‐associated genes. Because high atmospheric CO2 conditions diminished photorespiration, we tested whether CV silencing might be a viable strategy to improve the effects of high CO2 on grain yield and N assimilation in rice. Under elevated CO2, OsCV expression was induced, and OsCV was targeted to peroxisomes where it facilitated the removal of OsPEX11‐1 from the peroxisome and delivered it to the vacuole for degradation. This process correlated well with the reduction in the number of peroxisomes, the decreased catalase activity and the increased H2O2 content in wild‐type plants under elevated CO2. At elevated CO2, CV‐silenced rice plants maintained peroxisome proliferation and photorespiration and displayed higher N assimilation than wild‐type plants. This was supported by higher activity of enzymes involved in NO3− and NH4+ assimilation and higher total and seed protein contents. Co‐immunoprecipitation of OsCV‐interacting proteins suggested that, similar to its role in chloroplast protein turnover, OsCV acted as a scaffold, binding peroxisomal proteins. This work, follows our initial characterization of chloroplast vesiculation (cv), a protein associated with stress‐induced chloroplast degradation [Plant Cell 26:4875–4,888 (2014); J. Exp. Bot 69:867–878 (2018)]. Here, we tested whether CV silencing in rice affected yields and N assimilation of rice grown under high CO2. We show that under high CO2, OsCV was targeted to the peroxisome and interacted with OsPEX11‐1 and delivered OsPEX11‐1 to the vacuole for degradation. Under high CO2, CV‐silenced rice plants maintained peroxisome proliferation and displayed photorespiration and higher N assimilation than WT plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to determine the distribution of some heavy metals from the soil in root vegetables, cultivated in a plain area of Banat: Cenad place, area considered unpolluted with such metals. The physico-chemical properties of the soils and surface waters, also the climatic factors specific to this area, allows ecological production and encourages the cultivation of vegetables with a normal content of heavy metals. The concentrations in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn from the soil (total and mobile forms) and from some root vegetables (total concentration) were determined: carrot, parsley, celery and potatoes. The obtained results of the heavy metals determination, made by atomic absorption spectrometry in acetylene-air flame method (FAAS), shows that their distribution in soil and vegetables is non-uniform, depending on the nature of the metal and also vegetables. The analysis of heavy metals contents from carrots, parsley, celery and potatoes show that the vegetables contain significant amounts of essential mineral elements and insignificant contents of toxic or potentially toxic metals. Translocation of heavy metals from soil to the plant is conditioned by a series of factors, among which the most important are the nature of the heavy metal, the physicochemical soil properties, the mineral needs of the plant. Considering the accessible concentrations (mobile forms) of heavy metals in the soil and the average heavy metal concentrations in the vegetables (average values for the four analyzed vegetables) it can be stated that fraction of metal translocated from soil to vegetables has the following values (%): 13.79 (Fe), 3.82 (Mn), 91.99 (Zn), 24.73 (Cu), 70.83 (Co), 62.32 (Ni), 76.32 (Cr), 2.98 (Pb) and <15 (Cd). For a healthy nutrition it is very important to know these contents. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil samples and in the analyzed vegetables are below the toxicity limits provided by the legislation. Therefore, vegetables grown in this area do not present a risk of contamination with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High CO2 concentrations stimulate net photosynthesis by increasing CO2 substrate availability for Rubisco, simultaneously suppressing photorespiration. Previously, we reported that silencing the chloroplast vesiculation (cv) gene in rice increased source fitness, through the maintenance of chloroplast stability and the expression of photorespiration‐associated genes. Because high atmospheric CO2 conditions diminished photorespiration, we tested whether CV silencing might be a viable strategy to improve the effects of high CO2 on grain yield and N assimilation in rice. Under elevated CO2, OsCV expression was induced, and OsCV was targeted to peroxisomes where it facilitated the removal of OsPEX11‐1 from the peroxisome and delivered it to the vacuole for degradation. This process correlated well with the reduction in the number of peroxisomes, the decreased catalase activity and the increased H2O2 content in wild‐type plants under elevated CO2. At elevated CO2, CV‐silenced rice plants maintained peroxisome proliferation and photorespiration and displayed higher N assimilation than wild‐type plants. This was supported by higher activity of enzymes involved in NO3− and NH4+ assimilation and higher total and seed protein contents. Co‐immunoprecipitation of OsCV‐interacting proteins suggested that, similar to its role in chloroplast protein turnover, OsCV acted as a scaffold, binding peroxisomal proteins. This work, follows our initial characterization of chloroplast vesiculation (cv), a protein associated with stress‐induced chloroplast degradation [Plant Cell 26:4875–4,888 (2014); J. Exp. Bot 69:867–878 (2018)]. Here, we tested whether CV silencing in rice affected yields and N assimilation of rice grown under high CO2. We show that under high CO2, OsCV was targeted to the peroxisome and interacted with OsPEX11‐1 and delivered OsPEX11‐1 to the vacuole for degradation. Under high CO2, CV‐silenced rice plants maintained peroxisome proliferation and displayed photorespiration and higher N assimilation than WT plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Random Forest (RF) was used to assess relationships between a ball mill variables. • Monitored variables of a full-scale ball mill are used as inputs and the output. • Variable importance measurement (VIM) is used to assess the importance of variables. • Power-draw of the mill was predicted accurately by RF based on VIM. Estimation of mill power-draw can play a critical role in economics, operation and control standpoints of the entire mineral processing plants since the cost of milling is the single biggest expense within the process. Thus, several empirical power-draw prediction models have been generated based on a combination of laboratory, pilot and full-scale measurements of different milling conditions. However, they cannot be used in industrial plants, where in full-scale operations, only not few numbers of input parameters used in those models are measured. Moreover, empirical models do not assess the relationship between input features. This investigation is going to introduce random forest (RF), as a predictive model, beside of its associated variable importance measures system, as a sensible means for variable selection, to overcome drawbacks of empirical models. Although RF as a powerful modeling tool has been used in several problem solving systems, it has not comprehensively considered in the powder technology areas. In this investigation, an industrial ball mill database from Chadormalu iron ore processing plant were used to develop a RF model and explore relationships between power-draw and other monitored operating parameters. Modeling results indicated that RF can highly improve the prediction accuracy of power-draw as compared to the regression as a typical method (R2: 0.98 vs. 0.60, respectively) and rank operational milling parameters based on their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity and drought stresses are critical for Phaseolus vulgaris L. growth and development. They affect plants in various ways, including tissue mineral element content. Micro- and macro-elements in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (cv. 'Blue lake' and cv. 'Terli') subjected to deficit irrigation and salinity treatments were investigated, both analytically and with regards to their effect on the leaves' spectral reflectance. B (boron), K (potassium), Mn (manganese), Na (sodium), Si (silicon) and Zn (zinc) appeared to be influenced by stress factors, mainly responding to salinity increase. The leaf spectral reflectance of the plants appeared to be significantly correlated with most of the elements under investigation. Multivariate regression identified a relationship of the reflectance at particular regions of the spectrum with phosphorus and NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and indicated a significant correlation with B, Fe (iron), K, Mn, P (phosphorus) and Zn. Moreover, customized spectral indices, exhibiting significantly high correlation with B, Fe, K, Mg (magnesium), Mn, Na, P, Zn and N (nitrogen), were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to investigate the chemical content of plant extracts of nettle (Urtica dioica), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and to determine their effect on the chemical content of blackberry leaves grown in organic production. Field and laboratory analysis were conducted over a two-year period. The plant extracts were fermented for 14 days before analysis. The field trial adopted a randomised block design with four repetitions. Each repetition included five blackberry bushes. The following properties were analysed: the chemical composition of plant extracts, macroelement concentration (%), microelement concentration (mg kg-1) and the fresh and dry weights of blackberry leaves (g). Analysis of the macronutrient content revealed the highest N content in the alfalfa plant extract, the highest P concentration in nettle plant extract, while the highest concentration of K was found in dandelion plant extract. The N and P concentrations were higher in all treatments than in the controls. The Fe concentration in blackberry leaves ranged from 70.63 mg/kg-1 (treatment with alfalfa plant extract) to 76.68 mg kg-1 (treatment with nettle plant extract). The difference in blackberry leaf Mn concentration between the dandelion treatment and the control were highly significant. The nettle and dandelion plant extracts influenced the Cu content of blackberry leaves. The Zn concentration in blackberry leaves treated with plant extracts was significantly higher than that in the controls. The highest dry mass content was found in blackberry leaves treated with nettle plant extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) is needed for plants growth and human's balanced diet. The non-availability or less mobilization of Zn affects crop yield and nutritional quality and when such produce is consumed, it causes malnutrition in the consumers. Biofortification of staple cereals and vegetables like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the strategies to fight such type of hidden hunger, particularly to crumble Zn deficiency. This needs the understanding of the molecular mechanism of Zn assimilation in plants. ZIP genes have not been annotated and characterised earlier. Therefore, the genes of ZIP family were identified from genome database by homology search. After carrying out the phylogenetic analysis, the 10 diverse genes of tomato ZIP family were selected for the transcript profiling in two selected genotypes; one with the highest Zn assimilation (LA-2662) and the other with the lowest one (NTH-242) was done. The RT-PCR results showed that in genotype LA-2662, genes SLZIPL, SLZIP3 SLZIP5L and SLZIP5 were upregulated in roots and leaf tissues, while their transcript level was the lowest in genotype NTH- 242. In addition, the genes; SLZIPL, SLZIP3, LeIRT1 and LeIRT2 were upregulated under Zn deficient environment and downregulated in high Zn environment. The better performance of LA-2662 for Zn assimilation might be linked to the upregulation of SLZIPL and SLZIP3 genes. It showed that the attenuation of these candidate genes might improve the capability of tomato for the development of Zn fortified tomato genotypes. It further showed that tomato can be bred for biofortification of various nutritional elements to fight hidden hunger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different nitrogen (N) treatments on the nutrient contents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. 'Tayfun F1') under different boron (B) concentrations were investigated in greenhouse conditions with four replications. Four different levels of B (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg kg-1) and three levels of N (100, 200, 300 mg kg-1) were used in this research. The results showed that tomato plant growth was negatively affected with increasing B concentrations and symptoms of boron toxicity were observed. The tomato leaf nutrient concentrations were increased in all plants with B and N treatments and 20 mg kg-1 B and 300 mg kg-1 N treatments were determined to be more effective compared to the others. 20 mg kg-1 B and 100 mg kg-1 N treatment caused the highest micro element concentrations of tomato leaf. This could be interpreted as N application having a dilution effect to be able to maintain development under conditions of toxicity of B. The plants growth under boron toxicity conditions showed increased vegetation with increasing N applications which was attributed to the dilution effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme climatic events, such as heat waves, may induce changes in nutrient acquisition by omnivorous ectotherms. Likely modulated by the intensity, frequency and duration of these events, dietary shifts during heat waves may threaten the stability of freshwaters. We investigated the effects of heat wave duration on diet assimilation and life-history traits of the freshwater gastropod Radix balthica. We compared the magnitude of the effects of a short (1 week) and a long heat wave (7 weeks) on the assimilation of animal- and plant-based diets, measuring performance in terms of growth rate and reproduction. We hypothesized that heat waves should increase the proportion of plant material assimilated on the mixed diet and change the performance of snails on the animal and plant-based diets. Both heat waves increased the assimilation of plant material on the mixed diet and growth rate, with minor negative effects on reproduction. However, responses were disproportional to heat wave duration, as the short heat wave elicited swift and relatively stronger responses. Our findings showcase the role of phenotypic plasticity in aiding ectotherms to cope with increased thermal stress and acclimate. Temporarily changing the strength of trophic interactions, heat waves may alter community dynamics in freshwater habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Photosynthesis is currently a focus for crop improvement. The majority of this work has taken place and been assessed in leaves, and limited consideration has been given to the contribution that other green tissues make to whole‐plant carbon assimilation. The major focus of this review is to evaluate the impact of non‐foliar photosynthesis on carbon‐use efficiency and total assimilation. Here we appraise and summarize past and current literature on the substantial contribution of different photosynthetically active organs and tissues to productivity in a variety of different plant types, with an emphasis on fruit and cereal crops. Previous studies provide evidence that non‐leaf photosynthesis could be an unexploited potential target for crop improvement. We also briefly examine the role of stomata in non‐foliar tissues, gas exchange, maintenance of optimal temperatures and thus photosynthesis. In the final section, we discuss possible opportunities to manipulate these processes and provide evidence that Triticum aestivum (wheat) plants genetically manipulated to increase leaf photosynthesis also displayed higher rates of ear assimilation, which translated to increased grain yield. By understanding these processes, we can start to provide insights into manipulating non‐foliar photosynthesis and stomatal behaviour to identify novel targets for exploitation in continuing breeding programmes. Significance Statement: Measurements of photosynthesis focus on leaves, however non‐foliar green tissue can make significant contributions to total plant carbon assimilation. This review evaluate photosynthesis and stomatal behavior in non‐foliar organs with a view to manipulate these processes for improved yield or quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a study to evaluate the interactive effect of NO and H2S on the cadmium (Cd) tolerance of wheat. Cadmium stress considerably reduced total dry weight, chlorophyll a and b content and ratio of Fv/Fm by 36.7, 48.6, 26.7 and 19.5%, respectively, but significantly enhanced the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), endogenous H2S and NO, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Exogenously applied sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), donors of NO and H2S, respectively, enhanced total plant dry matter by 47.8 and 39.1%, chlorophyll a by 92.3 and 61.5%, chlorophyll b content by 29.1 and 27.2%, Fv/Fm ratio by 19.7 and 15.2%, respectively, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, but lowered oxidative stress and proline content in Cd‐stressed wheat plants. NaHS and SNP also considerably limited both the uptake and translocation of Cd, thereby improving the levels of some key mineral nutrients in the plants. Enhanced levels of NO and H2S induced by NaHS were reversed by hypotuarine application, but they were substantially reduced almost to 50% by cPTIO (a NO scavenger) application. Hypotuarine was not effective, but cPTIO was highly effective in reducing the levels of NO and H2S produced by SNP in the roots of Cd‐stressed plants. The results showed that interactive effect of NO and H2S can considerably improve plant resistance against Cd toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and uptake of Cd in plants as well as by enhancing antioxidative defence system and uptake of some essential mineral nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineral composition of Allium cepa L. leaves was measured by using the scanning electron microscope of Japanese company JEOL, model JSM600LA with EDS system. 11collection samples of FRC "All-Russian Institute of Plants Genetic Resources named after N. I. Vavilov" and 4 samples of FSBSI "Research Institute of Agriculture of the Crimea" were studied. 12 main elements (in mass., %) contained in onion leaves were evaluated. The samples with the maximum macro- and micronutrient elements accumulation in the leaves used for the sourthern subspecies breeds and hybrids selection were revealed. These samples can be used to prevent the elements deficiency in the human body. The following samples number with a high accumulation of the elements in the leaves was revealed: K - nine (from 20.0 to 3.3 max %: B12132B, trimontzium, Rouge pale, Red Wetherstfield, Blood red flat, Valensiya, Tavricheskiy, Yaltinskiy lux, Yaltinskiy rubin), P - five (from 1.8 to 2.8 mass., %:B12132B, Mestniy, Valensiya, Yaltinskiy lux, Yaltinskiy rubin), Mg - one (2.23 mass., %: Rouge pale), Ca - nine (from 5.4 to 8.3 mass., %: Mestniy, Rouge pale, Mestniy, Red Wetherstfield, Blood red flat, Valensiya, Brown Beauty, Yaltinskiy lux and Yaltinskiy rubin), Fe - two (from 0.5 to 0.8 mass., %: B12132B, Tavricheskiy), S - seven (from 2.2 to 2.5 mass., %: B12132B, Mestniy, Red Wetherstfield, Tavricheskiy, Yaltinskiy lux, Yaltinskiy rubin, Yaltinskiy model No. 3), Na - two (from 1.3 to 1.5 mass., %: B12132B, Mestniy), Cl - five (from 4.0 to 7.0 mass., %: Mestniy, B12132B, Trimontzium, Red Wetherstfield, Yaltinskiy model No. 3), Cu - one (1.9 mass., %: Yaltinskiy model No. 5), Mo - eight (from 5.2 to 7.0 mass., %: Tavricheskiy, Yaltinskiy lux, Yaltinskiy rubin, Yaltinskiy model No. 3, Mestniy, Trimontzium, Red Wetherstfield, and B12132B), Zn - seven (from 0.5 to 4.97 mass., %: Yaltinskii model No. 3, Mestniy, B12132B, Rouge pale, Blood red flat, Brown Beauty, Yaltinskiy rubin) and Si - one (0.5 mass.%,%: Yaltinskiy lux). The order of the elements accumulation variation in the onion samples was distributed as follows: Zn > Fe > Si > Na > P > Cl > Mo > Mg > S > Ca > Cu > K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants can change leaf forms, adjusting light conditions on their adaxial and abaxial surfaces, to adapt to light environments and enhance their light use efficiencies. The difference between photosynthesis on the two leaf sides (dorsoventral asymmetry) is an important factor that affects light use efficiency. However, photosynthetic dorsoventral asymmetry is rarely compared under direct and diffuse light conditions. To estimate the impacts of recently reported alterations in direct and diffuse light in the sky radiation on plant carbon assimilation, variations in morphology between the two leaf sides in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) were investigated, and the dorsoventral responses of photosynthesis to illuminating directions were compared in direct and diffuse light. Dorsoventral asymmetry was reflected in stomatal densities, anatomic structures, and photochemical traits, which caused markedly different photosynthetic rates as well as stomatal conductances both in direct and diffuse light. However, the degree of photosynthetic asymmetry was weakened in diffuse light. The diffuse light caused a greater stomatal conductance on the abaxial side than direct light, which resulted in reduced photosynthetic asymmetry. In addition, the photosynthetic dorsoventral asymmetry could be affected by the photosynthetic photon flux density. These results contribute to understanding the dorsoventral regulation of photosynthesis in bifacial leaves, and provide a reference for breeding to cope with the increase in the proportion of diffuse light in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The nursery is the production of vigorous seedlings for field transplantation. Fertilization improves the quality of Moringa oleifera in the greenhouse. Thus, the effect of composts amendments on the survival rate and mineral composition of M. oleifera was studied. Methods: A randomized complete block (RCB) design comprising fourteen treatments and twelve repetitions (pots referring to as repetitions), was led out in greenhouse. Varying compost receipts (0.1 kg, 0.2 kg, and 0.3 kg) were used and an increasing amount of a chemical fertilizer (NPK: 20:10:10) was added in some treatment at 25 days after sowing. Parameters such as germination rate, survival rate, biomass, and mineral composition of M. oleifera plants were assessed. Results: The germination rate was maximal (100%) in the combined treatment PM1 (0.8 kg of soil + 0.1 kg). A considerable reduction of germination rate and high plantlet mortality were observed in treatments that received chemical fertilizer, although the mineral components' uptake in young M. oleifera plants was considerably improved. The highest dry root biomass was obtained from the treatments MF1 (0.8 kg of soil + 0.032 kg each of cow dung, goat, chicken manures + 0.003 kg NPK) and CM1 (0.8 kg of soil + 0.1 kg of cow dung compost), with, respectively, 0.62 g and 0.59 g per plant. Conclusions: All composts types used in this study have appeared as appropriate amendments to improve the M. oleifera production in nursery, through an increase of the vigour and mineral composition of this valuable plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sulfur-based CWs could achieve the satisfactory nitrate removal (95%) • Excessive sulfate production in sulfur-based CWs stressed the plants. • Autotrophs denitrifies (e.g., Thiobacillus) were enriched in sulfur-based CWs. • Sulfur cycle was proved to be occurred in sulfur-based CWs. Nitrate is widely distributed in groundwater, posing an increasing threat to both water resources and human health. In this study, the treatment performance, removal mechanisms and environmental risks of sulfur-based constructed wetlands (CWs) for purifying nitrate-contaminated groundwater were investigated. Results showed that sulfur-based CWs could achieve the highest nitrate removal (95%). However, sulfate was largely produced as a by-product in sulfur-based CWs, which declined the nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation by plants. Metagenomic analysis indicated that autotrophs denitrifiers (e.g., Thiobacillus) were enriched, and the abundance of nitrate removal genes was enhanced in sulfur-based CWs. Additionally, sulfur cycle was formed in sulfur-based CWs, which explained the highest nitrate removal reasonably. This study provides comprehensive insights into the nitrate removal mechanisms in sulfur-based CWs and the associated environmental risks in purifying the polluted groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional agro-systems are characterised by low nitrogen conversion efficiencies, primarily due to excessive loads and limited plant nitrogen assimilation into grains by plants. Therefore, it is crucial to explore technologies that can achieve higher nitrogen assimilation efficiencies in food production. This study shows the development of a sustainable bioelectrochemical platform for ammonium recovery and upgrading into bacterial protein-rich biomass. Electrochemically-assisted batch fermenters were operated in galvanostatic mode to examine the impact of current density (0.0 – 1.0 mA·cm−2) on bacterial growth. The results revealed a linear increase in volumetric biomass productivity rate with the increment in current density. At the high current densities tested (1.0 mA·cm−2), the more elevated growth and ammonium removal rates were achieved (473 ± 164 mgTSS·L−1·d−1 and 93 ± 39 mgN·L−1·d−1, respectively). Adjusting the current density allowed for the production of biomass with high hydrogen (H 2) and nitrogen yields, indicating the influence of H 2 availability on these values (up to 2.6 gTSS·gH 2 −1 and 6.9 gTSS·gN−1, respectively). This study confirms the potential of the electro-microbial platform in recovering and transforming nutrients, particularly nitrogen, into microbial biomass that can be utilised as edible protein or organic fertiliser. The findings highlight the viability of this approach for achieving efficient nitrogen assimilation and biomass production, offering promising prospects for addressing nitrogen utilisation challenges in conventional agro-systems. [Display omitted] • Electricity-driven biomass production at different current densities (0–1 mA·cm−2). • Maximum biomass growth rate of 473 mgTSS·L−1·d−1 at 1 mA·cm−2. • Maximum ammonium removal rate of 93 mgTSS·L−1·d−1 at 1 mA·cm−2. • Hydrogen and nitrogen yields varied with current density applied. • Microbial community dominated by Xanthobacter and Thiobacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing maize grain yield has been a major focus of both plant breeding and genetic engineering to meet the global demand for food, feed, and industrial uses. We report that increasing and extending expression of a maize MADS-box transcription factor gene, zmm28, under the control of a moderate-constitutive maize promoter, results in maize plants with increased plant growth, photosynthesis capacity, and nitrogen utilization. Molecular and biochemical characterization of zmm28 transgenic plants demonstrated that their enhanced agronomic traits are associated with elevated plant carbon assimilation, nitrogen utilization, and plant growth. Overall, these positive attributes are associated with a significant increase in grain yield relative to wild-type controls that is consistent across years, environments, and elite germplasm backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring, mixed litter decomposes at unpredictable rates when individual components do not decompose in mixtures as they do individually. Consequently, nutrient, carbon and energy fluxes associated with decomposition may be difficult to predict. However, predictability is improved when we understand the mechanisms responsible for such non-additive decomposition. In this study, we explored mechanisms to explain our previous observation that an approximately 30% increase in oat straw decomposition due to the presence of clover litter is associated with a significant increase in the activity of cellobiohydrolase, an enzyme involved in litter decomposition. We hypothesized that resources limiting decomposer microbe enzyme activity in oat straw can be supplied by clover litter. Amendment of oat straw with water, NH4Cl, glucose, or NH4Cl combined with glucose did not account for the significant, positive effect of clover litter on oat straw decomposition and cellobiohydrolase activity. However, amendment of oat straw with a complete set of mineral nutrients for plant growth did account for the entire effect of clover litter, and the addition of the complete set of mineral nutrients without N accounted for the majority of the clover effect. In our system, therefore, the majority of the positive effect of clover litter on oat straw decomposition and cellobiohydrolase activity was unexpectedly not attributable to the transfer from clover to oat straw of labile N. We found that mineral soil could substitute for the mineral nutrients other than N. This highlights the role of soil as a potential source of limiting resources for microbes decomposing litter. It may also explain why positive, non-additive decomposition has been observed in some previous studies but not in others depending on whether the soil supplied a resource that limited decomposer activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroplast located Glutamine Synthetase (GS2) is believed to play a major role in the reassimilation of ammonium generated by photorespiration, being GS2 knockout mutants unable to grow under photorespiratory conditions (low-CO 2 atmosphere) in the species characterized so far (Barley, Lotus). To investigate the importance of GS2 in A. thaliana nitrogen metabolism mutant plants devoid of this GS isoenzyme were characterized. It was shown that GS2 mutants although smaller, slightly chlorotic and with the nitrogen metabolism impaired, were able to grow and complete their life cycle under ordinary air conditions. Surprisingly, GS2 mutants were more tolerant to salt stress than wild-type plants. The lack of GS2 seems to be compensated by higher expression of some GS cytosolic isogenes, namely GLN1;2 and GLN1;3 and by glutamate dehydrogenase, whose activity and expression is enhanced in the GS2 mutant plants and might account for the increased tolerance to salt stress. Under conditions that minimize photorespiration (CO2-enriched atmosphere) plant growth and ammonium assimilation impairment is less evident in the GS2 mutant plants and is accompanied by an adjustment of levels of expression of the cytosolic isogenes, with an increase in the expression of GLN1;3 and a decrease in the expression of the GLN1;1 and GLN1;2. Altogether the results confirm a major role of GS2 in the assimilation of ammonium released during photorespiration, but suggest a redundancy of activity with cytosolic GSs and GDH and further support the involvement of the chloroplastic isoenzyme in primary nitrogen assimilation and plant growth and development in A. thaliana. • A. thaliana GS2 knockout mutants are able to survive under photorespiratory conditions. • A species-specific compensatory mechanism leads to survival of A. thaliana GS2 mutants under low CO 2. • In A. thaliana GS2 mutants GS1 acts redundantly with GDH assimilating photorespiratory ammonium. • The role of GS2 in primary nitrogen assimilation can be partially replaced by a GS1 isoenzyme, GLN1; 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a major food crop. Due to urbanization and climate change, rice production is declining, posing a threat to the increasing food demand. For this, a modified technique of priming is used to enhance plant vigor. In the present study an endogenous rice cultivar was treated with two different iron salts for 72 h and grown for 14 days in nutrient solution. This increased the iron content of the samples which further escalated the photosynthetic efficiency and carbon assimilation in the treated plants. Photosynthesis being correlated to nitrogen assimilation, nitrogen assimilation intermediates and protein content were also elevated in treated plants. Plants showed no symptoms of stress as evident from low malondialdehyde content and increased antioxidant enzymes' activity. From this study it can be inferred that, treatment with iron during germination, helps to trigger growth by facilitating photosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation. Image 1 • Two different iron salts were used for pulse treatment (72 h) during germination. • Treated plants showed enhanced growth and vigor at 14 day post germination. • Nitrogen assimilation intermediates and total protein content increased in the treated seedlings. • Pulsing also enhanced photosynthetic efficiency of the seedlings. • Iron pulsing is found to be a novel, simple & affordable technique to escalate growth and vigor of rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a main feature of plant autotrophy, assimilation of inorganic nitrogen (N) is not only of fundamental interest to the crop, but also a crucial factor in crop productivity. N is the main plant mineral nutrient needed for chlorophyll production and other plant cell components (proteins, nucleic acids and amino acids). I highlighted the novel aspects of N responsive sensors, transporters and signaling molecules recently identified in the monocot rice plant, and discussed their potential roles in N sensing and transporting. Furthermore, over the last couple of years, N sensing has been shown to be affected by different external factors, which act as local signals to trigger systemic signaling coordinated by long-distance transport or mobile signals in plant body. Understanding of this complex regulatory network provides a foundation mechanism for the development of novel strategies to increase the acquisition and transportation efficiency of nitrogen under varying N conditions for rice production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania 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.)

Copyright of Mycosystema is the property of Mycosystema Editorial Board 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.)

This study aimed to address the importance of glutamine synthetase II (GSII) during nitrogen assimilation in macroalga Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. The cDNA full‐length sequence of the three glGSII genes was revealed to have the 5′ m7G cap, 5′‐untranslated region, open reading frame (ORF), 3′‐untranslated region, and a 3′ poly (A) tail. The three glGSIIs were classified into plastid glGS2 and cytosolic glGS1‐1 and glGS1‐2, having conserved GSII domains but different cDNA sequences. The complicated 5′ end flanking region indicates complex function of glGS genes. glGS1 genes were significantly up‐regulated under the different NH4+: NO3− ratio (i.e., 40:10, 25:25, 10:40, and 0:50) except glGS2 which dramatically up‐regulated under the low NH4+: NO3− ratio (i.e., 10:40 and 0:50) during different cultivation times. These different expression patterns perhaps are due to the different biological roles of GS1 and GS2 in the gene family. Furthermore, hypothetical working model of nitrogen assimilation pathway exhibiting the role of glGS1 and glGS2 is proposed. Finally, glGS2 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the optimal conditions for culture (15°C, overnight), purification (500 mM imidazole washing), and activity (pH 7.4, 37°C) were established. This study lays a very important foundation for exploring the role of GS in nitrogen assimilation in algae and plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators in many plant biological processes. However, it remains unknown whether lncRNAs can respond to nitrate or function in nitrate regulation.We detected 695 lncRNAs, 480 known and 215 novel, in Arabidopsis seedling roots; six showed altered expression in response to nitrate treatment, among which T5120 showed the highest induction.Overexpression of T5120 in Arabidopsis promoted the response to nitrate, enhanced nitrate assimilation and improved biomass and root development. Biochemical and molecular analyses revealed that NLP7, a master nitrate regulatory transcription factor, directly bound to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐element (NRE)‐like motif of the T5120 promoter and activated T5120 transcription. In addition, T5120 partially restored the nitrate signalling and assimilation phenotypes of nlp7 mutant, suggesting that T5120 is involved in NLP7‐mediated nitrate regulation. Interestingly, the expression of T5120 was regulated by the nitrate sensor NRT1.1. Therefore, T5120 is modulated by NLP7 and NRT1.1 to regulate nitrate signalling.Our work reveals a new regulatory mechanism in which lncRNA T5120 functions in nitrate regulation, providing new insights into the nitrate signalling network. Importantly, lncRNA T5120 can promote nitrate assimilation and plant growth to improve nitrogen use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioretention systems have been extensively studied as a highly efficient technical measure to tackle the global threat of nitrogen pollution during global rainfall runoff. However, the migration and transformation of various forms nitrogen in bioretention system is unclear. So, in this paper, the bioretention systems with different flow regimes and planted configurations were designed to study the nitrogen removal performance and migration and transformation mechanism. The dynamic changes of NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N were continuously monitored within 60 h after rainfall, and the abundance of 15N isotopes in soil layer NH 4 +-N was simultaneously measured. The results indicated that NH 4 +-N was mainly intercepted in soil layer in four constructed bioretention systems with similar removal efficiencies (95.42–97.69%). However, NO 3 −-N was retained in submerged layer with significant different removal efficiencies (43.03–83.00%). After fitting calculation, the nitrification rate of NH 4 +-N (0.0626 mg kg−1 h−1) in soil was 5.31 times higher than that of the accumulation rate of NO 3 −-N (0.0118 mg kg−1 h−1). During the elimination process of residual NH 4 +-N in soil, 41.46% removed by denitrification and plant absorption assimilation, another 57.28% stored in the form of organic nitrogen or inorganic nitrogen, only 1.26% leaked out. Based on this, the content variation of TN, NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N could be analyzed by a system-wide and established the nitrogen balance model, which provides a new insight into the enhancement of nitrogen removal in the bioretention system. Image 1 • Dynamic changes of NH 4 +-N and NO 3 −-N were continuously monitored in bioretention. • Take the lead in using 15N tracer technology to ascertain the fate pathway of NH 4 +-N. • NH 4 +-N mainly intercepted in soil layer and most NO 3 −-N retained in submerged layer. • Determined the proportion of each pathway in the NH 4 +-N elimination process. • Macroscopically analyzed the nitrogen variation and established the balance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to investigate the four different drying methods i.e., shade, sun, oven and tray drying on the proximate composition and some minerals of Moringa oleifera. The proximate analysis and some minerals were analyzed using standard analytical procedures. The study revealed that the tray drying method was observed suitable for dehydration of drumstick leaves. The results revealed that four different drying methods varied from 4.26 to 6.30 per cent, 19.86 to 25.42 g, 2.79 to 4.44g, 10.17 to 14.90g, 7.60 to 9.80g, 41.18 to 53.28g, 306 to 317 Kcal, 20.03 to 26.17mg, 86.03 to 168.30mg, 27597 to 35488.53 µg/100g for moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate, energy, iron, vitamin C and β - carotene. The study revealed that in tray drying method the retention of nutrients is more when compare to other processing methods and suitable for dehydration of Moringa oleifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a research study aimed at the development of a hybrid biofilter that can serve for two different applications. This is a unique approach due to the prolonged dry period in Israel covering 7-8 months of the year. The tactic suggested herein is to use the same system for stormwater harvesting/treatment during winter, and for bioremediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater during summer. Crude cotton and Eucalyptus wood-chips served as alternative carbon sources for denitrification, and both proved to support efficient reduction of nitrate with minimal release of nitrite and organic matter. During the stage of stormwater treatment, two types of biofilter-columns (120 & 70 cm long) were tested, with a minimal saturation zone and no addition of organic carbon. Complete nitrification could be achieved, even under high instantaneous hydraulic loads for both column types. Vegetation on top of the biofilters contributed to improved removal of the nitrate formed, by plant assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fossil plant gas‐exchange‐based CO2 reconstructions use carbon (C) assimilation rates of extant plant species as substitutes for assimilation rates of fossil plants. However, assumptions in model species adoption can lead to systematic error propagation.We used a dataset of c. 2500 extant species to investigate the role of phylogenetic relatedness and ecology in determining C assimilation, an essential variable in gas‐exchange‐based CO2 models. We evaluated the effect on random and systematic error propagation in atmospheric CO2 caused by adopting different model species.Phylogenetic relatedness, growth form, and solar exposure are important predictors of C assimilation rate. CO2 reconstructions that apply C assimilation rates from modern species based solely on phylogenetic relatedness to fossil species can result in CO2 estimates that are systematically biased by a factor of > 2.C assimilation rates used in CO2 reconstructions should be determined by averaging assimilation rates of modern plant species that are (1) in the same family and (2) have a similar habit and habitat as the fossil plant. In addition, systematic bias potential and random error propagation are greatly reduced when CO2 is reconstructed from multiple fossil plant species with different modern relatives at the same site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The significance of foliar uptake of nitrogen (N) compounds in natural conditions is not well understood, despite growing evidence of its importance to plant nutrition. In subalpine meadows, N‐limitation fosters the dominance of specific subalpine plant species, which in turn ensures the provision of essential ecosystems services. Understanding how these plants absorb N and from which sources is important in predicting ecological consequences of increasing N deposition.Here, we investigate the sources of N to plants from subalpine meadows with distinct land‐use history in the French Alps, using the triple isotopes (Δ17O, δ18O, and δ15N) of plant tissue nitrate (NO3−). We use this approach to evaluate the significance of foliar uptake of atmospheric NO3− (NO3−atm).The foliar uptake of NO3−atm accounted for 4–16% of the leaf NO3− content, and contributed more to the leaf NO3− pool after peak biomass. Additionally, the gradual 15N enrichment of NO3− from the soil to the leaves reflected the contribution of NO3−atm assimilation to plants' metabolism.The present study confirms that foliar uptake is a potentially important pathway for NO3−atm into subalpine plants. This is of major significance as N emissions (and deposition) are predicted to increase globally in the future. See also the Commentary on this article by Soper, 223: 1687–1689. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Restoring plants to the riparian zone is regarded as management best practice in river restoration and has the potential to reduce the impact of nitrogen (N) pollution on aquatic organisms and improve water quality for human use. Plant characteristics and the interplay of hydrology and biogeochemistry control N retention in the riparian zone. The balance between processes such as denitrification and plant assimilation determines riparian N retention. Plant traits are likely to mediate these N removal processes through variations in root form, growth character, foliage production (quantity, quality and rate of return to the soil) and by altering conditions in the rhizosphere soil. Vegetation can slow N transfer via direct plant uptake of N (during periods of rapid vegetation growth) and changes induced to soil hydrology, nutrient cycling and microbial activity, principally denitrification. Few studies have focused on species‐dependent effects on N movement through soil and across boundaries. We propose a new framework, based on a literature review of plant traits with respect to N cycling, which can be used to select plant species with traits likely to maximise N removal during transport through the riparian zone. In the proposed framework, inter‐specific differences in traits known to influence N mobility: root form, growth rate, foliar characteristics and rhizosphere processes, are used to describe species' potential impact on N removal. Plant trait data may be drawn from studies outside the riparian zone; for example forest ecology, horticulture or forestry research, and candidate species are scored to predict N removal efficiency. We apply the framework to New Zealand's native riparian plant assemblages to demonstrate the trait‐based approach. This framework can guide restoration management decisions and investment in riparian revegetation in a manner that is not restricted to geographically specific or well‐studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants under conditions of essential mineral deficiency trigger signaling mechanisms that involve common components. Among these components, nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as a key participant in responses to changes in nutrient availability. Usually, nutrient imbalances affect the levels of NO in specific plant tissues, via modification of its rate of synthesis or degradation. Changes in the level of NO affect plant morphology and/or trigger responses associated with nutrient homeostasis, mediated by its interaction with reactive oxygen species, phytohormones, and through post-translational modification of proteins. NO-related events constitute an exciting field of research to understand how plants adapt and respond to conditions of nutrient shortage. This review summarizes the current knowledge on NO as a component of the multiple processes related to plant performance under conditions of deficiency in mineral nutrients, focusing on macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, as well as micronutrients such as iron and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the population of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae – twospotted spider mite - TSSM) submitted to mineral fertilizer or crescent doses of organic compost (OC) and find its correlation with nitrogen, potassium and phenolic compounds in strawberry leaves. Production were also evaluated. Plants were cultivated in pots, in a greenhouse, for two strawberry crop cycles. Treatments were: mineral fertilization; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 kg of OC plant−1, and control (no fertilization). Mobile TSSM forms on young leaves were evaluated. Production were evaluated by weighting ¾ red (mature) pseudofruits. Levels of nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and total phenolic content were also measured. Plants cultivated with mineral fertilization had higher TSSM populations and foliar nutrients and lower level of phenols. In the first experiment, a higher incidence of TSSM was observed on mineral fertilized plants and plants fertilized with higher dose of OC, compared to other treatments. In the second experiment, higher TSSM incidence was observed on mineral fertilizer plants compared to 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg of OC plant−1. Positive correlation between foliar nitrogen and TSSM populations and negative correlation between phenolic compounds and TSSM populations were found. Mineral fertilized plants presented higher TSSM population than OC fertilized plants despite of similar levels of N in the leaves. Pseudofruits production were higher with 1.5 OC plant−1 fertilization on both cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the recovery of Leaf Area Index (LAI) time series in intense agriculture areas from moderate resolution remote sensing data (MODIS or SENTINEL). Although their resolution limits an analysis at a parcel level, their high temporal rate enables to monitor land use/land cover through the temporal evolution of key biophysical parameters as LAI. However in practice, frame-by-frame estimation is unsatisfactory since the quality of each single data is subjected to undesirable effects due to atmosphere disturbance, sun geometry, viewing geometry, etc. These effects lead to a lack of temporal consistency of resulting time series. The reconstruction of such time series is delicate using conventional interpolation methods since underlying physical processes are not taken into account. In this paper, we tackle this issue by exploiting the prior information of a plant growth model, namely GreenLab, using stochastic data assimilation techniques. Our experiments on challenging situations, such as few data and fragmented landscapes, demonstrate the approach is robust on various challenging situations and enables to extract additional information about observed fields.. • Reconstruction of consistent series of LAI from moderate spatial resolution images. • Assimilation in a plant growth model (GreenLab) using stochastic techniques. • Quantitative results on data with: ground truth, estimated LAI and real ones. • Great interest to process MODIS or SENTINEL data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corchorus olitorius is an underutilized, but nutrient-rich leafy vegetable. However, the nutritive value and micronutrient bioavailability of this vegetable has not been wellresearched in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed at using a novel breeding technique, that is, utilization of colchicine treatment on mineral content of C. olitorius leaves. C. olitorius seeds were treated with 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 g/l of colchicine for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h. Treated seeds were sown in pots and laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Tender leaves were harvested at 49 days after planting for mineral content analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were subjected to ANOVA, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. Treatment with 0.025 g/l of colchicine for 2 h resulted in the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and iron content in C. olitorius leaves. Other studied leaf minerals decreased with an increase in colchicine concentration and prolonged treatment duration. All minerals were correlated positively with each other, but sodium, manganese and copper had an exclusive association with one another. Again, all minerals were positively associated with first principal component, while Na, Mn and Cu were associated with the second principal component. Biplot and dendrogram grouped treatments mainly according to treatment duration. The study also demonstrated high levels of variation among the colchicine treatments in the nutritional traits evaluated. This implies that colchicine has the potential to induce genetic variability which can be used for future C. olitorius crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur is an essential element for all organisms. Plants must assimilate this nutrient from the environment and convert it into metabolically useful forms for the biosynthesis of a wide range of compounds, including cysteine and glutathione. This review summarizes structural biology studies on the enzymes involved in plant sulfur assimilation [ATP sulfurylase, adenosine-5'-phosphate (APS) reductase, and sulfite reductase], cysteine biosynthesis (serine acetyltransferase and O -acetylserine sulfhydrylase), and glutathione biosynthesis (glutamate-cysteine ligase and glutathione synthetase) pathways. Overall, X-ray crystal structures of enzymes in these core pathways provide molecular-level information on the chemical events that allow plants to incorporate sulfur into essential metabolites and revealed new biochemical regulatory mechanisms, such as structural rearrangements, protein–protein interactions, and thiol-based redox switches, for controlling different steps in these pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of copolymers with β-diketone groups (PABn) were synthesized by free radical copolymerization using 2-(acetoacetyloxy) ethyl methacrylate (AAEM) and N-butyl acrylate (BA) as monomers, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. Then the adjacent dihydroxyl groups were attached to the copolymers to give rise to PABn-2OH via the reaction between β-diketone and primary amines. Finally, with the addition of boric acid, a series of crosslinked copolymers (PABn- 2OH-B) were obtained via boron esterification. The mechanical properties of PABn-2OH and PABn-2OH-B samples and the influence factors were studied by tensile measurements and dynamic mechanical tests. It was shown that the compositions of copolymer, the content of adjacent dihydroxyl and crosslinking density presented significant impacts on the mechanical performances. The presence of dihydroxyl groups can not only effectively improve the mechanical properties via the hydrogen bonds among copolymers, but also provide accesses for boric acid into the polymer network to form crosslinked inorganic-organic hybrids connected by boron esterification bonds. In this context, soaking of PABn-2OH in aqueous solution of boric acid could form boron ester cross-linking, resulting in significant mechanical enhancement with only 1% mass fraction of boron in PABn-2OH-B samples, which was analogous to the mineralization process of mineral elements in plants. Inspired by the phenomenon in nature, the mechanical properties of copolymer were effectively tailored via controlling the content of hydroxyl groups and their reactions with boric acid. Furthermore, the boron ester bonds were reversible in acid and base solution, and various shape transformations could be realized via controlling the environmental pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Traditionally, leaves were thought to be supplied with CO2 for photosynthesis by the atmosphere and respiration. Recent studies, however, have shown that the xylem also transports a significant amount of inorganic carbon into leaves through the bulk flow of water. However, little is known about the dynamics and proportion of xylem‐transported CO2 that is assimilated, vs simply lost to transpiration.Cut leaves of Populus deltoides and Brassica napus were placed in either KCl or one of three [NaH13CO3] solutions dissolved in water to simultaneously measure the assimilation and the efflux of xylem‐transported CO2 exiting the leaf across light and CO2 response curves in real‐time using a tunable diode laser absorption spectroscope.The rates of assimilation and efflux of xylem‐transported CO2 increased with increasing xylem [13CO2*] and transpiration. Under saturating irradiance, rates of assimilation using xylem‐transported CO2 accounted for c. 2.5% of the total assimilation in both species in the highest [13CO2*].The majority of xylem‐transported CO2 is assimilated, and efflux is small compared to respiration. Assimilation of xylem‐transported CO2 comprises a small portion of total photosynthesis, but may be more important when CO2 is limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of two-jet plasma atomic emission spectrometry for analysis of different plants using solid sample preparation and unified calibration samples was investigated. The certified reference materials of wheat, maize, rice, potato, grass mix, birch leaves, and Elodea canadensis were used for analysis. On the basis of the behavior of these plants in the plasma, they were divided into two groups: starch-containing materials (cereal and root crops) and leaves/grass. It was found that the previous sample carbonization should be used for analysis of starch-containing plants while leaves and grass could be analyzed by the direct technique. Carbonization was only applied for determining low concentrations of trace elements in leaves and grass. The calibration samples based on graphite powder and simple sample preparation, dilution of powdered sample with a spectroscopic buffer, were used for both direct analysis and analysis after carbonization. Such an approach allowed estimation of B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Sr, V, and Zn in different plants. The limits of detection (LODs) provided by the direct technique were at the level of (µg·g−1): n × 0.1 for Cd, Cu, and Mn; n for B, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, and Zn; n × 10 for Si. Carbonization allowed improving LODs of elements several times depending on the thermal stability and mineral composition of plants. The LODs of elements in plants obtained after carbonization are the following (µg·g−1): n × 0.01 for Be, Cd, Cu, and Mn; n × 0.1 for Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn; and n for Si. The techniques suggested are fast, easily workable, and do not require harmful chemical reagents. In some cases, the influence of variable matrices and different element species on analytical signal of elements was not completely suppressed; the deviation of element concentrations from the true values was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Net photosynthetic assimilation in C3 plants is mostly viewed as a simple balance between CO2 fixation by Rubisco‐catalyzed carboxylation and CO2 production by photorespiration (and to a lower extent, by day respiration) that can be easily manipulated during gas exchange experiments using the CO2 : O2 ratio of the environment. However, it now becomes clear that it is not so simple, because the photosynthetic response to gaseous conditions involves 'ancillary' metabolisms, even in the short‐term. That is, carbon and nitrogen utilization by pathways other than the Calvin cycle and the photorespiratory cycle, as well as rapid signaling events, can influence the observed rate of net photosynthesis. The potential impact of such ancillary metabolisms is assessed as well as how it must be taken into account to avoid misinterpretation of photosynthetic CO2 response curves or low O2 effects in C3 leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the early colonization of land, plants depend, to various extents, on mycorrhizal fungi to meet their nutrient demands. In most mycorrhizal symbioses, plants provide sugars derived from photosynthesis to the fungi, whereas the fungi provide essential minerals to the plant. However, in some plants, the flow of carbon has reversed and the fungi provide carbon to the plants. These plants are called mycoheterotrophs. However, it remains unclear how and under which circumstances trophic modes change and whether transitions in trophic modes are associated with changes in mycorrhizal communities.Here, we review the available literature on mycorrhizal associations and trophic modes in plants. We first outline how trophic modes can be determined and how they differ across plants. We then investigate the evolutionary context under which mycoheterotrophy originated. We also examine the mycorrhizal communities associating with autotrophic, partially mycoheterotrophic and fully mycoheterotrophic plants within different plant families and investigate whether commonalities can be observed.Our overview shows that mycoheterotrophy has originated more than 40 times through evolutionary time and can be found in a wide range of plant groups, including liverworts, lycophytes, ferns, monocots and dicots. Partial mycoheterotrophy appears to be much more common than previously anticipated and represents an almost continuous gradient between autotrophy and full mycoheterotrophy.Comparison of the mycorrhizal communities associating with autotrophic, partial and full mycoheterotrophic plants indicates that, although they share some commonalities, shifts from autotrophy to full mycoheterotrophy are accompanied by either losses or shifts in mycorrhizal partners, suggesting that full or partial loss of photosynthesis selects for different mycorrhizal communities.Synthesis. Partial mycoheterotrophy appears to be much more common than previously thought and represents an almost continuous gradient from autotrophy to full mycoheterotrophy. Evolution to full mycoheterotrophy is challenging as it requires specific adaptations and often a switch to other mycorrhizal partners. More detailed analyses of the functionality of different mycorrhizal systems co‐occurring in the roots of a single plant and the costs of mycorrhizal switching are needed to understand the precise mechanisms leading to full mycoheterotrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine if Selenium (Se) in the forms of Se (IV) and Se (VI) interact during uptake and assimilation by spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.), when they are applied together. That might affect selected physiological and morphological characteristics, and crop yield. Plants were foliar sprayed with different concentrations of Se as selenite and selenate, separately (each at the rate of 5, 10, 15 mg Se L-1), and simultaneously with selenite plus selenate (each at the rate of 5 mg Se L-1). Se accumulation in the spinach leaves was monitored, along with selected physiological and morphological characteristics. These foliar Se treatments had little or no effects on crop yield, content of photosynthetic pigments and UVA and UVB absorbing compounds, respiratory potential and plant biomass, and potential efficiency of photosystem II. This demonstrated the good conditions of the spinach plants under these foliar Se treatments. The spinach plants readily accumulated both forms of Se into the leaves. Direct comparison of their combined application (5+5 mg L-1) with their individual applications (10 mg L-1) showed that in the combined application, the plants accumulated Se more than in selenite alone treatment, but less Se than in the selenate alone treatment. Foliar spraying with all tested concentrations of selenite, selenate, or their combination ensured that spinach leaves were safe for use in human nutrition. According to our results, exogenous treatment with selenate in concentration of 15 mg L-1 was the most efficient treatment for production of Se enriched spinach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the mineral contents and some nutritional properties of Trachystemon orientalis L. growing in the Central Black Sea Region, Turkey, and that is consumed as vegetable. Surveys and field studies were started during the spring semester of 2011 (April-May) and they were collected from Samsun and Ordu, where they are intense. In the study, it is was observed that pH, dry matter, content of ash, N, protein, vitamin C, macro- and microelements examined in Trachystemon orientalis varied considerably. The pH, dry matter, ash, N, protein and C content of the plants ranged from 6.61 to 6.88, 13.0 to 22.1%, 9.2 to 17.0%, 2.3 to 3.3%, 14.1 to 20.3% and 0.12 to 39.03 mg/100g, respectively. Mineral analysis showed that Trachystemon orientalis contained considerably high amounts of potassium (3883.8 to 5791.4 mg/100g), phosphorus (339.7 to 540.9 mg/100 g), calcium (159.4 to 432.4 mg/100g), magnesium (108.0 to 176.4 mg/100 g), iron (10.7 to 63.1 mg/100 g), sodium (22.1 to 66.3 mg/100g), copper (0.6 to 1.5 mg/100 g), manganese (1.5 to 3.6 mg/100g) and zinc (2.3 to 7.6 mg/100g). Mineral compositions of the plants varied significantly depending on the genotypes. T. orientalis was determined as abundant in contents of vitamin C, minerals and protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: A large volume of vinasse is generated annually in Argentinean ethanol producing provinces. It has been proposed that vinasses could be used for sugarcane or soybean fertigation. However, basic research to know the effect of vinasse on soil, morphology and crop physiology is scarce in the Argentine northwest. M&M: We provide data on the effect of diluted vinasse (1:1, 1:5 and 1:10 v/v) on photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in soybean plants grown under semicontrolled conditions (greenhouse). Results: Maximum photosynthetic assimilation rate (Amax) was strongly affected by all vinasse dilutions. In the lowest dilution (1:1) the Amax decreased 35% while in highest dilution (1:10) a 15.9% decrease was observed. Changes in Amax were correlated with decreases in stomatal conductance, leaf nitrogen content (Nf) and total chlorophyll. Data of chlorophyll fluorescence show a decrease in Fv/Fm at 1:1 dilution, which indicate a photosystem II (PSII) stress. Conclusions: We can conclude that the application of diluted vinasse affects gas exchange parameters and if it is used it should be done with dilutions 1:10 or higher. Long-term studies are essential to know the effect of vinasse on physicochemical and biological characteristics of soils as well as the probable accumulation of heavy metals in fertirrigated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]