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Background: Potatoes are regarded very prone to chloride toxicity, and the application of sulfate‐based potassium fertilizers is therefore recommended. However, in several studies, no significant differences between KCl and K2SO4 on tuber yield and starch concentration were found. In addition, plant shoots occasionally showed more pronounced stress symptoms after sulfate compared to chloride treatment. Aims: This study aimed to identify reasons for enhanced stress occurrence of potato plants after K2SO4 instead of KCl fertilization. Methods: We conducted a pot experiment with the potato cultivar Marabel, which showed to be chloride‐resistant in our previous study, and applied 1 g K or 2 g K either as K2SO4 or KCl. Plant shoots were analyzed for nutrients, sugars, and antioxidative capacity shortly before start of flowering (intermediate harvest), and tubers were harvested at physiological maturity and their starch concentration and yield were determined. Results: With sulfate‐based K fertilization, the start of flowering and ripening as well as the achievement of physiological maturity occurred earlier than with KCl supply. However, the accelerated development of K2SO4‐treated plants did not affect shoot fresh and dry mass shortly before flowering and at maturity, showing similar values as in the KCl treatment. With 2 g K as K2SO4, the potato plants produced much larger and less than half the number of tubers compared to 2 g K as KCl, resulting in a significantly reduced tuber fresh mass. Tuber starch concentration as well as starch yield per plant were not significantly affected by the kind of K fertilization. In plant shoots shortly before flowering, calcium and magnesium concentrations were significantly decreased, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity after application of 2 g K as K2SO4 compared to KCl. Sugar concentrations and contents in potato shoots at flowering were mostly unaffected by the kind of K fertilizer. Conclusions: Stronger toxicity symptoms and growth inhibition after sulfate compared to chloride application, combined with a significant increase in antioxidative capacity, provide evidence for sulfate‐induced oxidative stress. A higher production of organic anions such as succinate may be involved in the stress reaction. This needs to be investigated in more detail in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aril paleness is a physiological disorder that might be related to genetics, climate, and orchard management, and is progressed to negatively influence the quality of pomegranates in Iran. The final fruits are not economically valuable for costumers and not exportable. Thus, the present research investigated the intensity of aril paleness disorder in different cultivars including Shisheh Kab, Malas-e-Saveh, and Malas-e-Yazdi cultivated in Birjand, Southern Khorasan, Iran. Treatments included spraying potassium sulfate concentrations of 0 (control), 3 and 5% at late summer (exactly at aril color change stage) on trees for two consecutive years. Fruit and aril weight, anthocyanins, and phenols significantly increased on treated fruit compared to control. Comparison among cultivars indicated that the lowest amounts of quality parameters were observed in Shisheh Kab. Considering the multiple variables that affect the severity of the aril paleness, attention to cultivar type, climate, and the use of nutritional elements based on the soil and leaf analysis was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lacustrine alkenones are increasingly reported in freshwater lakes worldwide, which makes them a very promising proxy to reconstruct past continental temperatures. However, a more systematic understanding of ecological preferences of freshwater alkenone-producers at global scale is lacking, which limits our understanding of alkenones as a proxy in lakes. Here we investigated 56 Swiss freshwater lakes and report Group 1 alkenones in 33 of them. In twelve of the lakes containing alkenones, a mixed Group 1/Group 2 alkenone signature was detected. We used a random forest (RF) model to investigate the influence of 15 environmental variables on alkenone occurrence in Swiss lakes and found sodium (Na[sup +]) concentration and mean annual air temperature (MAAT) to be the most important variables. We also trained a RF model on a database that included Swiss lakes and all freshwater lakes worldwide, which were previously investigated for alkenone presence. Water depth appeared as the most important variable followed by MAAT and Na[sup +], sulfate and potassium concentrations. This is very similar to results found for freshwater and saline lakes, which suggests that Group 1 and Group 2 alkenone occurrence could be controlled by the same variables in freshwater lakes. For each tested variable, we defined the optimal range(s) for the presence of alkenones in freshwater lakes. The similarity of the results for the Swiss and global models suggests that the environmental parameters controlling the occurrence of freshwater alkenone producers could be homogenous worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-natural transformation can convert artificial monoculture forests into mixed forests with diverse ages, multi-layered structures, and enhanced ecological functions. This transformation optimizes stand structure, improves soil physical and chemical properties, and enhances stand productivity and species diversity. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the underground roots and aboveground growth of Pinus tabuliformis and Populus tomentosa under conditions of nutrient heterogeneity, with the goal of advancing plantation transformation. This research focused on 1-year-old Populus tomentosa and 5-year-old Pinus tabuliformis, employing two planting densities (25 cm and 50 cm) and three fertilization levels, low (50 g·m−2), medium (100 g·m−2), and high (200 g·m−2), using Stanley Potassium sulfate complex fertilizer (N:P:K = 15:15:15). Each treatment had three replicates, resulting in a total of nine experimental groups, all planted in circular plots with a radius of 1 m. Standard major axis (SMA) regression was used to analyze the allometric relationship between underground fine root biomass and aboveground organ biomass. This study further explored correlations between fine root length, root surface area, volume, biomass, and aboveground biomass, culminating in a mixed-effects model. The mixed-effects model quantified the relationships between underground roots and aboveground growth in varying soil nutrient environments. The results indicated optimal root growth in Populus tomentosa and Pinus tabuliformis, characterized by maximum root length, surface area, and volume, under conditions of 200 g·m−2 soil nutrient concentration and 50 cm planting distance; Populus tomentosa fine roots had a vertical center at a depth of 8.5 cm, whereas Pinus tabuliformis roots were centered at depths of 5–7.5 cm, indicating differing competitive strategies. Pinus tabuliformis exhibited competitive superiority in the soil's surface layer, in contrast to Populus tomentosa, which thrived in deeper layers. The study of the allometric growth model revealed that under conditions where the nutrient gradient was 200 g·m−2 and the planting distance was 25 cm, Populus tomentosa demonstrated its highest allometric growth index (2.801), indicative of positive allometric growth. Furthermore, there was a notable inclination of resource allocation towards the aboveground, which enhances the accumulation of aboveground biomass. The mixed-effects model equation showed a clear linear relationship between underground roots and aboveground biomass. The final fitting coefficient of the model was high, providing a robust theoretical basis for future management practices. The mixed-effects model revealed the following hierarchy of fixed-effect coefficients for root system characteristics affecting aboveground biomass: fine root volume (132.11) > fine root biomass (6.462) > root surface area (−4.053) > fine root length (0.201). In subsequent plantation reconstruction and forest management, increasing soil fertility and planting distance can promote the growth of underground roots and biomass accumulation. Appropriately increasing soil fertility and reducing planting distance can effectively promote aboveground biomass accumulation, achieving sustainable forest development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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 Uzbek Chemical Journal / O'Zbekiston Kimyo Jurnali is the property of Institute of General & Inorganic Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of Republic of Uzbekistan 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 aim of this study was to determine the quality of organically grown red clover herbage and silage after being influenced by supplementary mineral fertilization. The experimental treatments were as follows: control treatment without fertilization (group C), treatment where kalimagnesia (Patentkali) was applied (group P), and treatment where potassium sulfate (SOP) was applied (group S). In each year of the experiment, first-cut herbage was harvested at the beginning of flowering and ensiled. The year of the study had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) influence on the analyzed parameters of herbage and silage, excluding the content of calcium (Ca), acetic acid (AA), and ammonia nitrogen (N-NH3). The organic production system exerted a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the concentrations of crude protein (CP), acid detergent lignin (ADL), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), minerals (P, K, Ca, Na), lactic acid (LA), ethanol, and N-NH3. The pattern of fermentation was affected by both experimental factors. True protein (TP) content was determined at 70–84% CP in herbage and 53–65% CP in silages. The energy value and the protein value of herbage varied significantly across years of the study and in response to the combined effects of both experimental factors (p ≤ 0.05). Red clover grown in organic production systems supplied high-quality forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril whitening (AW) which is a frequently observed disorder in hot and dry climates, that leads to decline in desirable fruit quality. Color, antioxidant, and mineral contents of the arils are of prime importance as quality traits. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of shading and foliar minerals on fruit quality during the fruit development stages of pomegranate. Treatments included shaded (50% green net) and unshaded trees and foliar application of trees with potassium sulfate (K, 1% and 2%) or sodium silicate (Si, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%) during two growing seasons. Results showed that the severity of AW at harvest decreased significantly when trees were covered with shading compared to control. The color values of L* and ⁰hue for arils were lower in fruits grown under shading conditions indicating darker red arils. Shading significantly reduced chilling injury in cold storage compared to open field fruits. Shading and Si 0.15% increased superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes activity while decreased Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. Covering trees with shading and Si 0.15% spray resulted in the highest total anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content in the arils. Shading as well as Si 0.15% increased macronutrients content of the arils. The study concluded that covering pomegranate trees and spraying with Si in hot climate reduced AW, increased antioxidant traits, and led to higher fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monodispersed spherical particles of γ- and α-alumina were synthesized by urea-based homogeneous precipitation, using potassium sulfate and aluminum nitrate as the precursor and urea as a precipitating agent. The influence of various synthesis parameters like concentration of reactants, temperature, and reaction time, on the morphological features of alumina were investigated. Results showed that all the experimental parameters had a considerable effect on the morphology of the synthesized alumina, and control of these parameters resulted in monodispersed spherical particles with good dispensability and filtering performance. Extensive optimization of the experimental parameters led to produced alumina precursors with spherical morphology and an average particle size of 610 nm. The precipitated solids were characterized by various techniques and it was noted that the as-prepared particles were amorphous. Relatively well-dispersed and crystalline γ- and α-Al2O3 with higher sintering activity were obtained by calcining the as-synthesized precursors at 1000 and 1200 °C, respectively. The crystallographic results showed that crystallite size increased with an increase in annealing temperature. It was observed that the crystallite size of γ-Al2O3 was much smaller (5.71 nm ± 7.21%) than α-Al2O3 (35.40 nm) ± 4.58%. The Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the calcined alumina showed that the particle morphology was retained to a greater extent after calcination. The synthesized alumina particles can be used as a reinforcement filler in the Ni/Al2O3 composite coatings to enhance the tribological and mechanical properties of Ni-composite coating on a steel surface. The incorporated alumina particles in the composite may improve the properties of the coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted to explore the role of potassium nutrition in improving biomass and physio-chemical alterations to reduce the adverse effects of salinity in mungbean. A sand-culture experiment was carried out under different salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl) with two levels of potassium (0 and 50 mM K2SO4) and two mungbean cultivars (NM-92 and Ramzan), and the alterations in mungbean biomass and metabolic activities were investigated. The results suggested that salinity significantly reduced the biomass, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), nitrite reductase activity (NiRA), total soluble proteins, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous contents in both mungbean cultivars in comparison to the control. However, K2SO4 at 50 mM significantly improved all the parameters in both mungbean cultivars except for the sodium content. A significant increase in the total free amino acids, carotenoids, and sodium content in both mungbean cultivars was observed due to salt stress. Moreover, principal component analysis and heatmaps were developed individually for both mungbean cultivars to assess the variability and correlation among the studied attributes under all applied treatments. Under saline conditions, the mungbean 'Ramzan' showed more marked reductions in almost all the growth parameters as compared to 'NM-92'. The results suggest that the application of K2SO4 ameliorates the adverse effects of salinity by regulating osmolyte production, NRA, and NiRA, thus promoting plant growth and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional mapping of surface structures is important in a wide range of biological, technological, healthcare, and research applications. Neutral helium atom beams have been established as a sensitive probe of topography and have already enabled structural information to be obtained from delicate samples where conventional probes would cause damage. Here, we empirically demonstrate, for the first time, a reconstruction of a complete surface profile using measurements from a modified scanning helium microscope using the heliometric stereo method and a single detector instrument geometry. Results for the surface profile of tetrahedral aluminum potassium sulfate crystals demonstrate that the areas of surfaces and facet orientations can be recovered to within 5% of the expected values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate how different mixtures of urine and chemical fertilizer impact the quality and characteristics of lettuce, as well as the soil's microbial community, a study was conducted using lettuce as the focus. The study employed potted cultivation to explore the best combination of urine and chemical fertilizer for optimal lettuce growth. The treatments were as CK (no fertilizer), T1 (1.0 g urea + 3.3 g monocalcium phosphate + 0.9 g potassium sulfate), T2 (0.235 gN equivalent of human urine + 0.5 g urea + 3.19 g monocalcium phosphate + 0.75 g potassium sulfate), and T3 (0.47 gN equivalent of human urine + 3.05 g monocalcium phosphate + 0.6 g potassium sulfate). The study also examined the effects of different ratios of urine and chemical fertilizer on soil's physical and chemical properties, soil microbial diversity, and soil microbial community structure. The results indicated that combining urine and chemical fertilizer could boost the weight and height of lettuce. At the T2 level, lettuce has the highest plant height and fresh weight, with a 25.01% and 138.89% increase in plant height compared to T1 and T3, respectively. The fresh weight increased by 48.81% and 67.79% compared to T1 and T3, respectively. Various soil proper ties like total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N), soil organic matter (SOM), and electrical conductivity (EC) all showed improvements under different urine fertilizer ratios, with T3 demonstrating the most significant increases. Applying human urine and chemical fertilizer together was found to decrease the abundance of bacteria in the lettuce soil. This effect was more pronounced with higher proportions of urine application, particularly affecting the Proteobacteria phylum. Treatments T1 and T2 increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria by 27.54% and 6.68% respectively, while T3 reduced Proteobacteria abundance by 8.32%. In conclusion, com bining urine and chemical fertilizer can enhance both lettuce quality and soil health. However, excessive use of urine can reduce the abundance of microorganisms in the soil. Under normal phosphorus and potassium fertilizer usage, the best ratio for application is 65 mL of urine combined with 0.5 g of urea (in a 11 ratio based on nitrogen content). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences 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.)

Selective catalytic reduction by methanol (Methanol-SCR) on FER zeolite is a promising technology for the deNOx treatment of flue gas with a high concentration of sulfur. However, the resistance to alkali metal and sulfate ions is crucial for the practical application of Methanol-SCR catalysts. In this study, we investigated the poisoning mechanism of H-FER zeolite by K+ and sulfate ions. It was observed that K+ ions induce deactivation at high temperatures, whereas the decline at low temperatures (< 320 °C) can be attributed mainly to sulfate ions. Furthermore, surface modification of H-FER zeolite with metal oxide nanoparticles, such as alumina, has proved to be an effective method for improving its potassium sulfate resistance performance by preventing the diffusion of sulfate into zeolite pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress significantly constrains agricultural productivity and vegetation decline worldwide, particularly in Iran. Potassium, the second most prevalent nutrient in plants, is well known to be essential for cell metabolism. Here, the effects of potassium fertilizer in two biogenic nanoparticles (K-NPs) and conventional (potassium sulfate) forms (0.1 mg/ml) on Melissa officinalis L. under salinity (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM) were investigated. The results demonstrated that stress markers (electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide) increased as salinity levels increased. Plant growth parameters (shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root) and physiological and photosynthetic parameters (stomatal conductance, relative water content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthetic pigments) were reduced in salinized plants. The highest reduction in fresh weight root, dry weight root, fresh weight shoot, dry weight shoot, root length, and shoot length was recorded under 150 mM NaCl by 30.2%, 51.6%, 30.5%, 24.7%, 26.4%, and 21%, respectively. In contrast, bulk potassium sulfate and K-NPs increased these parameters. Furthermore, K-NPs improved M. officinalis tolerance to NaCl toxicity by enhancing the content of osmolytes such as proline, soluble sugars, and antioxidant enzymes, improving antioxidant contents such as phenols, tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids; increasing total protein; and lowering stress markers in plant tissues. Given the results of the physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical parameters obtained from this study, it can be stated that K-NPs, in comparison to the conventional form of potassium fertilizer, exhibit a greater potential to mitigate damages caused by salinity stress in M. officinalis plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit yield and quality in fig (Ficus carica L.) are highly influenced by mineral nutrition, especially Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). In this study, the impact of soluble potassium sulfate (K2SO4) foliar application on yield, fruit quality, and leaf nutrient content was assessed during three consecutive years (2017-2019) on fig cv. 'Bouhouli' grown in Northwest Tunisia. Potassium sulfate was sprayed at 2% concentration on leaves of 'Bouhouli' trees twice each year during fruit development. This improved fruit weight by 29.5% and 34.9% in the first and second years, respectively, while yield and fruit quality were improved in 2018 only. The fruit ostiole-end cracking, which is one of the fruit quality criteria, was reduced under potassium treatment by 3-fold (17%) compared to the control (53%), in 2018. Also, potassium treatment increased significantly the content of total soluble solids in the fruits during the first two seasons. Besides, K leaf concentration significantly increased after the 2% K2SO4 treatment in 2018 and 2019. These results suggest that potassium sulfate foliar sprays could be used as part of an efficient and sustainable fertilizer program to improve fig tree yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences is the property of Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences Editorial Office 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.)

Red-bed mudstone (RBM) has the characteristics of being easily softened and disintegrated under dry and wet cycles. To investigate the weakening and disintegration characteristics of the RBM, typical mudstone from Guangxi highway slope was taken as the research object in this study. Disintegration tests, water chemistry tests, and microscopic tests were performed to investigate the disintegration mechanism of this RBM. The results indicate that the RBM exhibits strong disintegration, releasing soluble salts such as potassium chloride and sulfates during the disintegration process. The hydrolysis of clay minerals is the main cause of changes in ion concentration in the solution. Throughout the dry and wet cycles, the proportion of macro-pores and meso-pores significantly increases, while the percentage of small and micro-pores gradually decreases. Under the influence of dry and wet cycles, the contact area between particles gradually decreases, transitioning from face-to-face contact to face-edge contact and finally to edge-to-edge contact. These research findings provide a basis for the stability analysis and prevention of landslide hazards in the red-bed soft rock areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the crystallization kinetics of potassium sulfate in a stirred bed crystallizer through experimental investigation. Using classical nucleation theory, the homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation mechanisms of potassium sulfate are studied. The induction time and critical nucleation parameters, including surface tension (γ), critical nucleation radius (r*), critical nucleation free energy (ΔG*), and critical nucleation molecule number (i*), are measured under different temperatures and supersaturation ratios. Experimental results show that as temperature and supersaturation ratio increase, induction time, critical nucleation free energy, critical nucleation radius, and critical molecule number decrease while nucleation rate increases. The crystal shape remains relatively unchanged with temperature and supersaturation ratio, but the average particle size increases with increasing supersaturation and temperature. Changes in measured nucleation parameters are consistent with classical nucleation theory. In addition, the kinetic equations of crystal nucleation and growth rate in a stirred crystallization system are fitted using population balance equations, and the results show that the growth rate increases with increasing supersaturation and stirring speed. In addition, the effects of the parameters in the nucleation rate equation suggest that suspension density has the greatest impact, followed by supersaturation ratio and stirring speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationally adjusting the interface between SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) and the perovskite (PVK) buried surface plays a key role in achieving efficient and stable PVK solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a cost‐effective organic salt, 5‐bromo‐6‐chloro‐3‐indolyl sulfate potassium salt (SPS), used as an interface modifier is deposited on the SnO2 ETL. SPS has played a multifunctional role in ETL and PVK layer: 1) the highly electronegative SO4− group of SPS can be adsorbed on the surface of SnO2 films, resulting in the energy levels of the PVK layer and SnO2 ETL becomes more compatible. 2) The lower contact angle of the modified SnO2 film is conducive to the formation of pinhole‐free PVK films. 3) The functional groups in SPS are helpful for the decrease of defect density in the PVK films. As a consequence, the defect density reduces from 8.17 × 1015 to 5.57 × 1015 cm−3. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of modified PSCs increases from 19.82% to 21.33%. Furthermore, the unencapsulated modified devices retain 91.7% of the initial PCE after 624 h. These results indicate that using SPS as a multifunctional interface modifier is a promising strategy to achieve efficient and stable PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified latex is prepared via the soap-free emulsion polymerization of ethyl acetate (VAc) and vinyl versatate (VeoVa10). DFHMA is used as modified monomers. The composite surfactants of SR-10 and ANPEO-10 are used as the composite emulsifiers. The polymerization is initiated by potassium sulfate (KPS). The structure of latex film was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The latex films were tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle (CA) determinator. The particle size of the latex emulsion particle size is determined by the Zetatrac dynamic light scatter. Results show that the optimum condition of preparing the modified latex can be obtained, i.e. the amount of emulsifier is 4.0%; the mass ratio of SR-10 to ANPEO-10 is 1:1; the amount of initiator is 0.5%; the mass ratio ofVAc to VeoVa10 is 1:1; the amount of DFHMA is 5.0%. The appearance of the latex is blue and translucent with a small particle size. The conversion rate is more than 98%. Compared with the conventional latex, the hydrophobicity and heat resistance of the film have been improved. Moreover, the latex has good chemical stability and mechanical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the kinetics of the crystallization of potassium sulfate in a stirred bed crystallizer through experimental investigation. Employing classical nucleation theory, the homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation mechanisms of potassium sulfate were investigated. The induction time and critical nucleation parameters, including the surface tension (γ), critical nucleation radius (r*), critical nucleation free energy (ΔG*), and critical nucleation molecule number (i*), were meticulously determined under varying temperatures and supersaturation ratios. The experimental findings revealed that as the temperature and supersaturation ratio increased, the induction time, critical nucleation free energy, critical nucleation radius, and critical molecule number decreased whereas the nucleation rate increased. The crystalline shape remains relatively unaltered with respect to temperature and supersaturation ratio, yet the particle size (D10, D50, D90) increases as the supersaturation and temperature increase. The variations in the measured nucleation parameters align well with the predictions of classical nucleation theory. Furthermore, the kinetic equations of crystal nucleation and the growth rate in a stirred crystallization system were fitted using population balance equations. The results demonstrate that the growth rate increases with increasing supersaturation and stirring rates. Additionally, the effects of the parameters in the nucleation rate equation suggested that the suspension density exerted the greatest influence, followed by the supersaturation ratio and stirring rate. This extensive research provides invaluable theoretical guidance for optimizing the crystallization process and designing industrial crystallizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) is an effective sclerosing agent for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. ALTA therapy with rectal mucopexy (AM) is a new approach for treating hemorrhoidal prolapse. This study investigated the midterm outcomes of AM surgery in patients with hemorrhoids. Methods: Patients with grade III hemorrhoids who underwent AM surgery were enrolled in this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a single institution. Cumulative success rates, postoperative symptoms, including pain scores, analgesic requirements, and postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Results: The median number of ALTA injection procedures was 3 (range 1–4), and the median total injection dose was 19 mL (range 7–32 mL). The median number of mucopexy procedures was 2 (range 1–4). The median postoperative pain score (0 = no pain at all, 10 = worst pain imaginable) at rest or during defecation were ≤2. The total dose of analgesics administered during the first two weeks after surgery was 1 (range 0–25). Six patients (5.3%) showed postoperative complications: five showed Clavien–Dindo (C-D) grade I and one showed C-D grade IIIa complications. Cumulative success rates at one, three, and five years were 96.5%, 85.3%, and 85.3%, respectively. Patient satisfaction scores, which were assessed using a 10-point scale, were ≥9 at each postoperative year. Conclusions: AM surgery is an effective non-excisional surgery with satisfactory mid-term results for grade III hemorrhoids, and is associated with lower complication rates, postoperative analgesic requirements, and higher patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress poses a significant challenge for carrot cultivation, leading to decreased yield and inefficient water use efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to provide plants with suitable supplements that enhance their stress resistance. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of humic and potassium applications on carrot growth, yield characteristics, root quality, and water use efficiency under varying irrigation levels. A split-split plot experiment was conducted, with two levels of gross water requirements (GWR) (100% and 80%) assigned to the main plots. The subplots were treated with humic acid through foliar application (Hsp) or soil drenching (Hgd). The sub-subplots were further divided to assess the impact of foliar potassium sources (potassium humate, Kh) and mineral applications (potassium sulfate, K2SO4). The results revealed a substantial reduction in carrot yield under limited irrigation, reaching about 32.2% lower than under GWR100%. Therefore, under limited irrigation conditions, the combined application of Hgd and K2SO4 resulted in a significant yield increase of 78.9% compared to the control under GWR80%. Conversely, under GWR100%, the highest average yield was achieved by applying either Hsp and Kh or Hsp and K2SO4, resulting in yields of 35,833 kg ha−1 and 40,183 kg ha−1, respectively. However, the combination of Hgd and Kh negatively affected the yield under both GWR100% and GWR80%. Nonetheless, applying Kh in combination with Hgd under GWR80% led to improved nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, potassium/sodium ratio, and total sugar concentrations, while reducing sodium content in carrot roots. Based on this study, it is recommended to adopt GWR80% and treat plants with a combination of Hgd and foliar K2SO4. This approach can help plants overcome the negative effects of water stress, improve yield and root quality, and achieve optimal water use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic beads are used to treat local bacterial infections by delivering high drug concentrations to infected tissue. Objectives: This study examined the elution characteristics of metronidazole from metronidazole-calcium sulfate (MCa) and metronidazole-calcium-potassium sulfate (MCaK) beads over 20 days and the antibacterial efficacy of the beads after storage. Methods: The MCa and MCaK beads were prepared by mixing 250 mg of metronidazole and 10 g of calcium sulfate hemihydrate with water and a 3% potassium sulfate solution, respectively. The beads were placed in phosphate-buffered saline for the elution study. The metronidazole eluents were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by a microbioassay. Results: For the 20-day study, the total amount of metronidazole released was greater in the MCa beads than in the MCaK beads by 6.61 ± 0.48 mg (89.11% ± 3.04%) and 4.65 ± 0.36 mg (73.11% ± 4.38%), respectively. The amounts of eluted drugs from the MCa and MCaK beads were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration at 0.5 µg/mL against anaerobic bacteria at both 20 days and 14 days. SEM showed that calcium crystals on the outer surface had dissolved after elution, and thinner calcium crystals were prominent in the MCaK beads. The MCa and MCaK beads exhibited antibacterial activity after setting, followed by storage at room temperature or 4°C for 21 days. Conclusions: The MCa beads could release more drug than the MCaK beads, but all eluted metronidazole amounts were effective in controlling bacterial infections. Both metronidazole beads could be stored at ambient temperature or in a refrigerator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless, there is controversy over the effects of different aluminum salts as an adjuvant for the bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) vaccine. In order to find a suitable adjuvant, we studied the effects of two adjuvants (i.e., aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] and aluminum potassium sulfate [AlPO4]) on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for an experimental BPIV3 vaccine. The animals under study (Guinea pigs) were randomly assigned to five groups of experimental vaccines containing Al(OH)3 (AH), AlPO4 (AP), Al(OH)3-AlPO4 mixture (MIX), commercial vaccine (COM), and control (NS). The treatment groups were immunized with two doses of vaccine 21 days apart (on days 0 and 21), and the control group received normal saline under the same conditions. The animals were monitored for 42 days, and blood samples were then taken. The results indicated that all vaccines were able to induce the production of NAbs at levels higher than the minimum protective titer (0.6). An increase in titer was observed throughout the monitoring period. Moreover, an increase in both the level and mean titer of NAbs obtained from the vaccine containing Al(OH)3 adjuvant was significantly higher than in the other studied groups (P≤0.005). The comparison of NAbs titer in other groups did not display a significant difference. Considering the speed of rising and the optimal titer of NAbs production in the experimental vaccine, the Al(OH)3 adjuvant is a suitable candidate for preparing a vaccine against BPIV3 for immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combined approach is suggested to the mathematical simulation of electric baromembrane separation of potassium sulfate solution with varying transmembrane pressure and a fixed value of current density, which consists of using material balance equations for the solvent, dissolved substance, and empirical dependences for kinetic coefficients. A static mathematical model of the process of electric baromembrane separation of potassium sulfate solution in a flat-chamber apparatus with permeate outflow through two semi-permeable walls has been developed, which makes it possible to calculate the target indicators of the electric baromembrane system (volumetric flow rate and total salt content of the dissolved substance in the retentate). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Uzbek Chemical Journal / O'Zbekiston Kimyo Jurnali is the property of Institute of General & Inorganic Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of Republic of Uzbekistan 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.)

IntroductionFood security is one of the basic needs of any society. Studies have been conducted on the foliar application of elements, especially silicon, calcium, and potassium, to reduce the adverse environmental effects on the physico-mechanical properties of cereals and improve their growth and development in order to maintain food security. Lodging, which is caused by a decrease in the mechanical properties of the plant stem's flexural strength, is characterized by bending or fracture that changes the angle of the grain stem from the vertical position. Due to the important factors involved, an important aspect of performance is directly and indirectly related to the occurrence of fungal diseases and nutrient-related issues affecting the physico-mechanical properties of the plant, such as flexural strength. The efficacy of silicon, calcium, and potassium in addressing these concerns is notable.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahroud University of Technology, located in Bastam. The seeds of the Reyhan cultivar, a high-yielding and early spring-type barley plant suitable for regions with mild winters and short springs, were used in this study. Planting operations followed agricultural principles, and irrigation was carried out using atmospheric and ridge methods. The first irrigation took place after planting, and subsequent irrigations were performed at eight-day intervals. Harvesting was done manually at the end of the growing period, specifically 115 days after planting.The experiment followed a factorial design and utilized a randomized complete block design with three replications. On July 11 (115 days after planting), a harvest sample measuring 50 cm2 was taken from each experimental plot, accounting for the margins, to determine the yield.For the barley stem bending test, a three-point bending test was conducted using a material testing machine. The probe applied a loading speed of 5 mm.min-1. A specially designed jaw was used for the barley stem cutting test, taking into consideration the characteristics of the barley plant. The incision test was performed on the second median, and the loading speed was set at 20 mm.min-1.Results and DiscussionThe main axial stem serves as a storage organ, supporting the filling grains through stock re-transference. A desirable trait is having a higher dry weight in the stem. Among the treatments, foliar application of 6 mM calcium chloride, along with sodium silicate at all three levels and spraying with 12 mM silicon at concentrations of 150 and 300 mg.L-1, showed statistically superior results.Stem diameter is an important attribute related to plant strength, stability, resistance to lodging, and certain fungal diseases. The control plants had a stem diameter of 2.63 mm, which significantly improved with the treatment compounds. Barley stem wall thickness increased significantly with both 150 and 300 mg.L-1 levels of calcium chloride, combined with all three levels of sodium silicate spraying. These factors play a role in determining the ultimate photosynthetic destination, as well as the efficiency and economic production of the target seed cultivar or crop.The results indicated a significant increase in grain yield when simultaneously applying 10 mg.kg-1 silicon with 6 mM calcium chloride, showing a 65% improvement compared to the control. Treatment with three potassium sulfate variations, combined with either 6 or 12 mM calcium chloride, or 12 mM calcium chloride alone, enhanced the flexural strength of the stem by 75%, 60%, and 62%, respectively. Among the treatment compounds studied, the shear strength of barley stems ranged from 2.63 MPa to 5.43 MPa. Plants treated with sodium silicate at concentrations of both 150 and 30 ml.L-1, in conjunction with 6 mM calcium chloride foliar application, exhibited higher shear strength compared to other treatments.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the tripartite effect of the treatments. The treatment composition derived from a surface area of 300 ml.L-1 of sodium, combined with 6 and 12 mM calcium chloride without potassium sulfate, had the greatest impact on flexural strength and stem diameter.

The present investigation was conducted to explore the role of potassium nutrition in improving biomass and physio-chemical alterations to reduce the adverse effects of salinity in mungbean. A sand-culture experiment was carried out under different salinity levels (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl) with two levels of potassium (0 and 50 mM K2SO4) and two mungbean cultivars (NM-92 and Ramzan), and the alterations in mungbean biomass and metabolic activities were investigated. The results suggested that salinity significantly reduced the biomass, nitrate reductase activity (NRA), nitrite reductase activity (NiRA), total soluble proteins, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous contents in both mungbean cultivars in comparison to the control. However, K2SO4 at 50 mM significantly improved all the parameters in both mungbean cultivars except for the sodium content. A significant increase in the total free amino acids, carotenoids, and sodium content in both mungbean cultivars was observed due to salt stress. Moreover, principal component analysis and heatmaps were developed individually for both mungbean cultivars to assess the variability and correlation among the studied attributes under all applied treatments. Under saline conditions, the mungbean ‘Ramzan’ showed more marked reductions in almost all the growth parameters as compared to ‘NM-92’. The results suggest that the application of K2SO4 ameliorates the adverse effects of salinity by regulating osmolyte production, NRA, and NiRA, thus promoting plant growth and productivity.

Introduction Drought is the most important limiting factor for the yield and quality of products in the world. Fertilizer application can mitigate drought stress in plants. Most farmers prefer to use inorganic (chemical) fertilizers because of their fast impact on plant growth. The reasonable cost of inorganic fertilizers and their availability are the other reasons. However, the long-term effects of organic fertilizers on plant growth and soil fertility has been proved. The grapevines are one of the most important garden products in the world as well as in Iran. It has been reported that the application of biochar has significant effects on soil fertility as well as plant growth. Biochars have properties such as highly porous structure, high specific surface area, higher water holding capacity of the soil, the long-term stability in the soil. In addition, our previous study indicated that it could decrease the hazard of sodium in soil compared with compost. In Iran, the cultivation area of grapevines was the second grade after the pistachio cultivation area in 2019. According to statistical data on agriculture in 2019, the cultivation area of irrigated and rain-fed grapevines in Kermanshah province was 7710 and 1515 ha, respectively. According to this report, the production of irrigated and rain-fed grapevines in Kermanshah province in 2019 was 82718 and 1763 tons, respectively. The effect of application of some inorganic and organic fertilizers under drought stress on yield, water use efficiency, and some biochemical characteristics of the grapevine leaves cultivar Bidane-Ghermez has been previously studied. In this research, the effect of drought stress and the application of potassium sulfate, compost, and biochar on antioxidant activities of the grapevine leaves cultivar Bidane-Ghermez was investigated. Materials and Methods A greenhouse study with a factorial experiment based on a block of randomized completely design was conducted with fertilizer treatments including control, potassium sulfate (1250 mg kg-1), compost (5% w/w), and biochar (10% w/w) without and with drought stress conditions (80 and 40% FC, respectively) during 2017-2018. For this research, the biochar was produced from apple tree pruning under low oxygen conditions by slow pyrolysis at 400 ◦C. The compost was purchased from the municipal compost factory of Kermanshah province. To evaluate drought stress and inorganic and organic fertilizers' application on antioxidant enzymes activities, the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities and total soluble protein of grapevine leaves were determined. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and the mean of studied characteristics was compared by Duncan’s test at 5% probability level using SAS software. Results and Discussion the results indicated that the interaction effect of fertilizers treatments and drought stress on the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities as well as total soluble protein was significant (P

Background: The present study revealed the grafting of extracted oleo gum resin of Boswellia serrata with polyacrylamide by conventional method with a principle of radical polymerization by using potassium per sulfate/ascorbic acid as redox initiator. A series of copolymer were synthesized using varying concentration of acrylamide at varying temperature. The optimum ratio for grafting was selected (1:2.5), on the basis of percent grafting and grafting efficiency. The grafted gum was further used as a nanocarrier to encapsulate cefuroxime axetil for their sustained release. Then, the nanoparticles were further analyzed by FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy, and DLS. The encapsulation efficiency (%), loading capacity (%) and drug content (%) was also calculated. Result: The optimized nanoparticles have shown spherical morphology with dimension of 209.4 ± 20.46 nm along with entrapment efficiency (62.47 ± 4.23%), loading capacity (33.57 ± 3.01%) and drug content (89.35 ± 6.47%). The prepared nanoparticles had found to be more stable at 4 °C. The experiential results rationalize the effectiveness of cefuroxime axetil-loaded boswellic acid nanoparticles owing to higher cellular uptake, nonstop intercellular drug withholding and improved antiproliferative effect by initiating apoptosis. Conclusion: The significant anti-arthritic effect of developed nanoparticles may be endorsed due to its dimension, encapsulation efficiency, and long-lasting drug release profile. Thus, the developed nanoparticles may assume to be a hopeful formulation for rheumatoid arthritis, which requires further investigation and may recommend a novel track to arthritis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work was done in the shade house covered in Saran cloth at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, during the agricultural seasons of 2022–2023, to study the effect of nitrogen and potassium treatments on myrtle plants growing under saline stress and their interaction. Urea was used as a nitrogen source at concentrations of (0, 50, 100) mg L-1, and potassium sulfate was used as a potassium source at concentrations of (0, 50, 100) mg L-1. As for saline water, drainage water was used at concentrations of (1, 3, 6) ds.m-1. The results showed what the three study factors did. When the salinity stress level was set to 6 ds.m-1, many of the traits of the plants did better, including their rate of growth, number of stems, leaf area, and percentage of dry matter in their vegetative mass, reaching (76.67 cm, 4.81 branches plant-1, 8.93 cm, 5960 cm2, 60.07 %) respectively. The salinity stress treatment at 1 ds.m-1 outperformed the relative water content % rate and protein ratio % (54.13%, 12.15%), respectively. Meanwhile, the urea treatment at 50 mg L-1 outperformed the rate of vegetative mass dry matter percentage, nitrogen percentage, and protein (58.34%, 1.86%, 11.66%), respectively. A 50 mg L-1 dose of potassium sulphate was used for the treatment outperformed the rate of relative water content, nitrogen, and protein (54.63%, 1.83%, 11.46%), respectively. The binary and tertiary interactions were significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Drought stress is usually caused by a water deficit. Various compounds such as jasmonates and potassium are involved in mitigating stressful conditions such as drought. In the present study, the effects of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were evaluated on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of fodder corn (Zea mays L. cv. NS0616). The treatment included different levels of drought stress over a two years' period. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in growth and yield, starch content, chlorophyll (a, b, and total) and potassium content in leaves and seeds. A significant increase in catalase activity, soluble carbohydrates, protein, proline, carotenoids and malondialdehyde content was observed compared to the control. Exogenous K2SO4 and MeJA alleviated the adverse effects of drought stress on plants. K2SO4 and MeJA counteracted the inhibitory effects of water deficiency by increasing CAT enzyme activity, proline, soluble carbohydrate, potassium, and protein contents. The results revealed that K2SO4 and the MeJA foliar spray were useful in mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit on fodder maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Inorganic Chemicals Industry is the property of Editorial Office of Inorganic Chemicals Industry 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.)

WATER deficit is a major environmental stress that has a tremendous effect on the physiological processes and productivity of rice. Thus, it is crucial to enhance rice tolerance to drought stress, especially under unpredictable climate changes and the increasing global population. This investigation aimed to study the impact of foliar-supplied nano-silica (Si-NPs) and potassium sulfate (K-sulphate) on some physiological, agronomic characters and crop water productivity of rice plants under water deficit and well-watered conditions during two summer seasons. The experimental design was a spilt-plot with four replications. The main plots were assigned to the two irrigation treatments; every 4 days (well-watered) and 12 days (water-deficit) after transplanting. The sub-plots were allocated by the three foliar treatments, namely, untreated control (distilled water application), foliar application of Si-NPs, and K-sulphate. The results displayed that the foliar applications, irrigation treatments, and their interactions had a significant influence on all the evaluated traits. Drought stress significantly reduced number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. However, water deficit considerably elevated antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) proline content compared to well-watered conditions. The foliar application of Si-NPs and K-sulphate was efficient in boosting drought tolerance by promoting antioxidant enzymes (CAT and POD) as well as proline accumulation compared with untreated plants. These positive influences were displayed in improving grain yield and its related traits as well as crop water productivity under drought stress conditions. Consequently, the utilization of foliar-applied Si-NPs and K-sulphate represents an applicable approach to enhance yield traits and crop water productivity of rice under water shortage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of six potassium inorganic salts: potassium carbonate (K2CO3), potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO3), potassium sulfate (K2SO4), dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate (K2HPO4), monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) and potassium aluminum sulfate (KAl(SO4)2.12H2O) towards duckweed (Lemna minor L.) was studied. The results showed that all tested chemicals were with low toxicity but similar salts as potassium carbonate and potassium hydrogen carbonate or dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate and monopotassium phosphate can express different toxic action towards the tested object. Potassium aluminum sulfate, was toxic to duckweed at very narrow ranges: up to 0.8 % concentration but the salt did not cause any damage to the plants. At 1 % concentration, the first phytotoxic symptoms appeared and at 1.44% concentration LC50 was established and LC90 was reached at concentration of 1.65%. The most toxic chemical was potassium carbonate due to the higher pH of its solutions, but KH2PO4 was found to be more toxic than K2HPO4 although its solutions were with neutral pH, while a pH of solution of K2HPO4 over 1 % concentration was slightly alkaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials (cement stone samples) in the CaO-K2O-SO3-H2O system with the target phase compositions, including syngenite K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O and calcium sulfate dihydrate CaSO4·2H2O, were prepared from powder mixtures of calcium sulfate anhydrite CaSO4, and/or calciolangbeinite K2Ca2(SO4)3, and potassium sulfate K2SO4 via hydration reactions at a water/powder ratio within an interval of 0.5–0.9. It was revealed that samples with contents of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mol% of syngenite K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O demonstrated a nonlinear dependence of their respective microstructures on their phase compositions. The microstructures of samples with phase compositions of 25 and 75 mol% of syngenite K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O consisted of pillar crystals. The microstructures of samples with phase compositions of 50 and 100 mol% of syngenite K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O consisted of plate crystals. An explanation of microstructure formation was set forth, taking into account equilibria of the dissolution–crystallization processes during cement stone formation. Materials obtained in the CaO-K2O-SO3-H2O system consisting of biocompatible and resorbable (soluble in water) phases can be recommended for testing as potential substances for bone defect treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of exogenous sulfate components on the nutritional quality of vegetables has been well documented. In this study, we examined the effects of adding K2SO4 to broccoli on its nutritional quality, active components, and the genes involved in glucosinolate synthesis. Different concentrations of exogenous K2SO4 of 25, 75, and 150 g·m−2 were applied to the "Naihan Youxiu" broccoli cultivar, while the control treatment received no potassium sulfate. Our primary objective was to gain insights into strategies for enhancing broccoli's nutritional and active components. The results showed that broccoli's vitamin C content in each treatment was lower than that in the control treatment. The contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, polyphenols, and total flavonoids in the treatment of 150 g·m−2 K2SO4 were the highest. They increased by 23.51%, 87.49%, 146.00%, and 22.73% more than the control, respectively. MDA was significantly inhibited after the 75 g·m−2 treatment, whereas SOD had the highest activity under the 75 g·m−2 treatment. Therefore, the 150 g·m−2 treatment was beneficial in improving the nutritional quality and antioxidant capacity of broccoli. The contents of PRO, SIN, NAP, GBC, 4ME, NEO, total indole glucosinolates, and total glucosinolates reached the peak at the 150 g·m−2 K2SO4 treatment, RAA and total aliphatic glucosinolates reached the peak at the 75 g·m−2 K2SO4 treatment, and ERU and 4OH reached the highest at the 25 g·m−2 K2SO4 treatment. The sulforaphane content was the highest in the 150 g·m−2 treatment, and myrosinase activity was the highest in the 75 g·m−2 treatment. It can be seen that the 150 g·m−2 treatment significantly increased the content of glucosinolates, total indole glucosinolates, total glucosinolates, and sulforaphane in broccoli. CYP79B2, CYP83B1, CYP83A1, AOP2, UGT74B1, and MYB34 were significantly up-regulated under 150 g·m−2 K2SO4 treatment and reached the peak value. CYP79F1, CYP81F4, and MAM1 showed significant inhibitory effects when treated with 150 g·m−2 of K2SO4. The expression levels of BCAT4, CYP81F1, ST5a, ST5c, and SUR1 were down-regulated under the 150 g·m−2 K2SO4 treatment, but not significantly. In summary, the K2SO4 150 g·m−2 treatment had the best effect on nutritional quality, antioxidant activity, the content of glucosinolates, total glucosinolates, sulforaphane, and expression of CYP79B2, CYP83B1, CYP83A1, FMO2, UGT74B1, AOP2, and MYB34 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different types of basil have attracted the attention of experts due to their antioxidant properties and supply of vitamins. To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area. Introduction Basil (Ocimum basilicum L., 2n = 2x = 48) as a member of the Lamiaceae family has annual and perennial varieties and more than 60 species are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and South America. Fresh food, medicinal, cosmetic and spice uses for this plant are mentioned and the amount of its essential oil varies from 0.1 to 0.45% depending on the variety, weather conditions and soil. In the comparison of 12 purple and green basil genotypes in Isfahan and Mazandaran provinces, the yield of the second harvest was higher in all genotypes, and in addition, the genotypes in the two regions showed completely different reactions, so that the (Mazandaran 2) genotype in Isfahan region was the lowest (11 t.ha-1) and It produced the highest yield (29.6 t.ha-1) in Mazandaran. Comparing some characteristics of purple and green basil in hydroponic conditions in Ahvaz, it was found that purple basil was superior to green basil in terms of chlorophyll content, carotenoid content and antioxidant capacity. This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the compatibility and selection of the advanced purple basil population in Isfahan province. Materials and Methods To select the best purple basil genotype in terms of yield potential and adaptation to climatic conditions of the Isfahan region, six basil genotypes (native populations of Dastgerd, Isfahan and Ghaemshahr and advanced populations of Mazandaran, Ghaemshahr and Dastgerd) in two years (2016-2017) evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications at Kabootarabad station. In order to prepare a suitable substrate, land preparation including plowing and two disks perpendicular to each other was done. Chemical fertilizers of urea (150 kg.ha-1), triple superphosphate (100 kg.ha-1) and potassium sulfate (70 kg.ha-1) were used based on the soil test. All the phosphorus and potash needed at the time of planting and nitrogen in divided form, 75 kg in each field at the time of plant activity, 75 kg were given as top dressing fertilizer one month later. To measure the yield, 50 cm from the sides of the plots were considered as margins and the rest of the plot was used to measure the yield. The performance of different harvests was recorded separately for each variety. To measure the final leaf area, eight plants were selected from the middle of each plot before harvesting, and finally, the total average for the total plots was calculated for each genotype. Composite variance analysis of traits was performed with SAS software version 2.9 and the averages were compared with Duncan's multiple range test. Results and Discussion The effect of year and the interaction of year and genotype on the studied traits were not significant, but genotypes showed significant differences in terms of leaf yield and weight (at 5% level) and the number of leaves (at 1% level). The advanced population of Dastgerd purple basil with a yield of 22177 kg.ha-1 was significantly higher than the Dastgerd, Ghaemshahr and Mazandaran purple basil populations. The weight of the leaves ranged from 756 g.m-2 (in the Isfahan population) to 1056 g.m-2 (in Ghaemshahr purple basil population). The number of leaves per plant in the Dastgerd purple basil population was 26, and significantly was more than other genotypes (except Dastgerd basil mass). According to the results of this research, for fresh consumption, Dastgerd purple basil population, Isfahan native population and Ghaemshahr purple basil population were more desirable, while Mazandaran genotype was recognized as the superior genotypes with more dry matter yield and essential oil production per unit area. Conclusion The presence of indigenous masses of crops are considered among the blessings of God in our country. Purple basil is one of the plants that has significant genetic diversity in the country. Results The present study showed that Dastgerd purple basil population along with Ghaemshahr purple basil population and Isfahan purple basil population were significantly superior to the genotypes used in this research with 22177, 18418 and 18397 kg of fresh yield, respectively. The acceptable performance of these genotypes and their compatibility with the weather conditions that have led to the production of four crops during the growing season can support the consumer market well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research carried out in Konya ecology, Arslanbey camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] genotype which was planted in 2 different times as winter and summer, in the vegetation period of 2020, was determined at 6 different doses (0 kg da-1, 10 kg da-1, 15 kg da-1, 20 kg da-1, 25 kg da-1, 30 kg da-1) potassium sulphate fertilizer was applied to the soil and its effects on some agricultural properties were determined. Field trials of the study were established according to the Random Blocks trial design with 3 replications. As the results of the research in summer plantings, plant height 50.23-54.01 cm, number of branches per plant 5.60-8.80, number of capsules per plant 30.87-58.80, number of seeds per capsule 14.10-17.60, first capsule height 39.55-45.28 cm, seed yield per plant 0.28-1.27 grams, the number of seeds per plant 252.53-1166.13, thousand grain weight 0.78-1.12 grams, grain yield 63.76-77.75 kg da-1, oil rate 22.54%-29.66%, oil yield between 14.05-22.25 kg da-1. Additionally, the values obtained as a result of the winter planting of camelina; plant height 52.04-57.74 cm, number of branches per plant 8.33-11.70, number of capsules per plant 199.80-274.67, number of seeds in capsule 11.50-13.23, height of first capsule 41.01-47.17 cm, grain yield 1.24-1.65 grams per plant, number of seeds per plant 1754.43-2424.00 pieces, thousand grain weight 0.69-0.85 grams, grain yield 80.65-125.93 kg da-1, oil rate 14.47-18.77%, oil yield 11.97-19.74 kg da-1. It can be said that it is essential to carry out long-term different agronomic studies in different locations related to camelina, an important and alternative oil plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops used globally for nutritional and industrial purposes. In the pursuit of sustainable agriculture goals, understanding plant-microbe interactions is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seven levels of potassium sulfate fertilizer (K2SO4; 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg ha−1), which at each of the following five potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB; non-inoculated, Pantoea agglomerans, Rahnella aquatilis, co-inoculation (P. agglomerans+R. aquatilis) and a commercial biofertilizer 'PotaBarvar-2'), on potassium uptake and yield of canola under saline and non-saline soil conditions. The results indicated that among KSB treatments, the highest values for all traits were observed when P. agglomerans and R. aquatilis together were applied, which could be considered as the best KSB treatment in both soil conditions. However, grain yield was increased by 39.7% (1226.4 kg ha−1) and 51.1% (1325.0 kg ha−1); the application of K2SO4 was reduced by 13.3% (10.9 kg ha−1) and 12.4% (13.9 kg ha−1) when the co-inoculation compared to the non-inoculated treatment under non-saline and saline soil conditions, respectively. Consequently, the application of P. agglomerans and R. aquatilis together can be recommended in sustainable canola production systems, particularly under saline soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)