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Drought stress deteriorates agro-ecosystems and poses a significant threat to crop productivity and food security. Soil amended with biochar has been suggested to mitigate water stress, but there is limited knowledge about how biochar affects the physiology and vegetative growth of quinoa plants under soil water deficits. We grew three quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) varieties, Titicaca (V1), Quipu (V2), and UAFQ7 (V3) in sandy loam soil without (B0) and with 2% woodchip biochar (B2) under drought conditions. The drought resulted in significant growth differences between the varieties. V3 performed vegetatively better, producing 46% more leaves, 28% more branches, and 25% more leaf area than the other two varieties. Conversely, V2 displayed significantly higher yield-contributing traits, with 16% increment in panicle length and 50% more subpanicles compared to the other varieties. Woodchip biochar application significantly enhanced the root development (i.e., root biomass, length, surface, and projected area) and plant growth (i.e., plant height, leaf area, and absolute growth rate). Biochar significantly enhanced root growth, especially fresh and dry weights, by 122% and 127%, respectively. However, biochar application may lead to a trade-off between vegetative growth and panicle development under drought stress as shown for V3 grown in soil with woodchip biochar. However, V3B2 produced longer roots and more biomass. Collectively, we suggest exploring the effects of woodchip biochar addition to the soil on the varietal physiological responses such as stomatal regulations and mechanisms behind the increased quinoa yield under water stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality seedlings are essential for the successful establishment of forest stands. Seedling quality can be assessed by the morphological attributes (e.g., height, diameter, dry mass, Dickson’s quality index) measured in the nursery phase. The defining, producing, and handling of seedlings can be based on specific characteristics suited to a site, as proposed by the Target Plant Concept. However, a target plant concept is an important research gap for Amazonian tree species. Here, we explore the associations between morphological attributes of seedlings in the nursery and determine the combined effect of the seedling quality attributes and site preparation methods on one-year field performance to define a range for nondestructive morphological attributes that can be associated with successful establishment for Amazonian commercial forest species - Bertholletia excelsa, Dipteryx odorata and Tachigali vulgaris. We measured morphological attributes in the nursery and analyzed the correlations to detect better predictors of destructive attributes. Then, we related these initial morphological attributes to survival and growth one year after planting in two site conditions: manual holing preparation and mechanical site preparation (subsoiling plus harrowing). We represent growth using different metrics: one-year size, absolute and relative growth rates in height and root collar diameter. Site conditions were assessed by soil physical properties. For all species, root collar diameter was a good predictor of destructive attributes that evaluated seedling quality, such as Dickson’s quality index. Site preparation methods resulted in different site qualities. Mechanical site preparation improved the total porosity and reduced the bulk density and resistance to penetration. Survival was not affected by initial attributes or site preparation methods. The initial attributes were poor predictors of field growth for D. odorata and T. vulgaris. The field performance of B. excelsa seedlings was affected by initial attributes, site, and the combination of both. The definition of a range for operational attributes according to site conditions is true only for B. excelsa. These results are important to help fill research gaps related to technical procedures to establish large-scale reforestation projects using Amazonian tree species.

Abstract The reduction in crop productivity due to drought stress, is a major concern in agriculture. Drought stress usually disrupts photosynthesis by triggering oxidative stress and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The use of zinc-quantum dot biochar (ZQDB) and proline (Pro) can be effective techniques to overcome this issue. Biochar has the potential to improve the water use efficiency while proline can play an imperative role in minimization of adverse impacts of ROS Proline, functioning as an osmotic protector, efficiently mitigates the adverse effects of heavy metals on plants by maintaining cellular structure, scavenging free radicals, and ensuring the stability of cellular integrity. That’s why current study explored the impact of ZQDB and proline on chili growth under drought stress. Four treatments, i.e., control, 0.4%ZQDB, 0.1 mM Pro, and 0.4%ZQDB + Pro, were applied in 4 replications following the complete randomized design. Results exhibited that 0.4%ZQDB + Pro caused an increases in chili plant dry weight (29.28%), plant height (28.12%), fruit length (29.20%), fruit girth (59.81%), and fruit yield (55.78%) over control under drought stress. A significant increment in chlorophyll a (18.97%), chlorophyll b (49.02%), and total chlorophyll (26.67%), compared to control under drought stress, confirmed the effectiveness of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro. Furthermore, improvement in leaves N, P, and K concentration over control validated the efficacy of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro against drought stress. In conclusion, 0.4%ZQDB + Pro can mitigate drought stress in chili. More investigations are suggested to declare 0.4%ZQDB + Pro as promising amendment for mitigation of drought stress in other crops as well under changing climatic situations.

The reduction in crop productivity due to drought stress, is a major concern in agriculture. Drought stress usually disrupts photosynthesis by triggering oxidative stress and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The use of zinc-quantum dot biochar (ZQDB) and proline (Pro) can be effective techniques to overcome this issue. Biochar has the potential to improve the water use efficiency while proline can play an imperative role in minimization of adverse impacts of ROS Proline, functioning as an osmotic protector, efficiently mitigates the adverse effects of heavy metals on plants by maintaining cellular structure, scavenging free radicals, and ensuring the stability of cellular integrity. That's why current study explored the impact of ZQDB and proline on chili growth under drought stress. Four treatments, i.e., control, 0.4%ZQDB, 0.1 mM Pro, and 0.4%ZQDB + Pro, were applied in 4 replications following the complete randomized design. Results exhibited that 0.4%ZQDB + Pro caused an increases in chili plant dry weight (29.28%), plant height (28.12%), fruit length (29.20%), fruit girth (59.81%), and fruit yield (55.78%) over control under drought stress. A significant increment in chlorophyll a (18.97%), chlorophyll b (49.02%), and total chlorophyll (26.67%), compared to control under drought stress, confirmed the effectiveness of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro. Furthermore, improvement in leaves N, P, and K concentration over control validated the efficacy of 0.4%ZQDB + Pro against drought stress. In conclusion, 0.4%ZQDB + Pro can mitigate drought stress in chili. More investigations are suggested to declare 0.4%ZQDB + Pro as promising amendment for mitigation of drought stress in other crops as well under changing climatic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is one of the Brassica leafy vegetables and oilseed crops, which can withstand adverse environmental conditions. This study was conducted to characterize and evaluate the leaf attributes of 313 Ethiopian mustard accessions grown in the greenhouse and field in 2018/19 in Beijing, China. Data on 18 different leaf morphological attributes were collected based on the IBPGR for Brassica and Raphanus descriptor format and Fiji Image J. The collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics using JMP version 14 software. Results indicate that the majority of the accessions had serrated leaf margin, intermediate juvenile development, rounded apex leaf shape, absence of leaf pubescence, number of lobes > 5 and had intermediate number of leaves per plant with frequencies of 101, 213, 223, 244, 183 and 289, respectively. The accessions had also white midrib color, light green leaf color, purple petiole color, purple stem color and purple apex leaf color pigments with frequencies of 168, 165, 104, 113 and 122, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the accessions for leaf size attributes (p < 0.001) indicating their potential as leafy vegetables. Furthermore, there were significant accession × environment effects for the laminal length, total leaf length, leaf area, leaf weight and petiole length. Notably, 71% of the accessions had an average of 81 days flowering time. The multivariate cluster and principal component analyses divided the 313 accessions into eight groups with distinctive information; consisting of 81, 37, 79, 38, 14, 11, 6 and 47 accessions. Thus, this study provides important information about Ethiopian mustard germplasms that is vital for further advancement and genetic improvement of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martian impact craters record the modifications of fluvial, wind, and glacial forces, which are crucial for studying the resurfacing of Martian terrain. To the best of our knowledge, current global catalogs of Martian craters, represented as circles, contribute to dating the age of the planetary surface. However, these recorded circles may not meet the increasing requirements of degradation states assessment, rover navigation, and geomorphological and geological mapping, which rely on the actual boundaries of craters. Additionally, the existing Martian crater catalogs provided a regional degradation state of craters based on time-consuming manual assessment. To overcome these gaps, we proposed a global Martian crater catalog that records craters’ actual boundaries and degradation states. Construction of the catalog involved deep learning and manual inspection to efficiently delineate the actual boundaries. On the basis of these actual boundaries, we calculated 19 attributes, including morphological attributes and degradation states. Specifically, the crater shapes were classified into flat and bowl-shaped types by dividing the slopes of the crater bottoms and the walls. According to the erosion process, the state of degradation was classified into three classes: fresh, partly buried, and subdued. Degradation state was assessed globally using the random forest method and explained by the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model. The distribution of partly buried craters indicated the relationship between the degradation state and the valley networks. This catalog could be applied in further research on Martian terrain degradation, valley network erosion, and deep space exploration. Our catalog and the benchmark dataset of degradation state will soon be made publicly available at https://zenodo.org/records/11514787.

Drought stress deteriorates agro-ecosystems and poses a significant threat to crop productivity and food security. Soil amended with biochar has been suggested to mitigate water stress, but there is limited knowledge about how biochar affects the physiology and vegetative growth of quinoa plants under soil water deficits. We grew three quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) varieties, Titicaca (V1), Quipu (V2), and UAFQ7 (V3) in sandy loam soil without (B0) and with 2% woodchip biochar (B2) under drought conditions. The drought resulted in significant growth differences between the varieties. V3 performed vegetatively better, producing 46% more leaves, 28% more branches, and 25% more leaf area than the other two varieties. Conversely, V2 displayed significantly higher yield-contributing traits, with 16% increment in panicle length and 50% more subpanicles compared to the other varieties. Woodchip biochar application significantly enhanced the root development (i.e., root biomass, length, surface, and projected area) and plant growth (i.e., plant height, leaf area, and absolute growth rate). Biochar significantly enhanced root growth, especially fresh and dry weights, by 122% and 127%, respectively. However, biochar application may lead to a trade-off between vegetative growth and panicle development under drought stress as shown for V3 grown in soil with woodchip biochar. However, V3B2 produced longer roots and more biomass. Collectively, we suggest exploring the effects of woodchip biochar addition to the soil on the varietal physiological responses such as stomatal regulations and mechanisms behind the increased quinoa yield under water stress conditions.

Adaptation plasticity constitutes a key factor in the development of such plants under different ecoclimatic conditions. The current study was designed to determine the morphological and phenotypic variability of Ajuga iva collected from distinct geographical locations in Morocco and their phenolic content. Four samples of Ajuga iva were collected to evaluate the morphological variability and adaptability to ensure the sustainable growth of this medicinal plant known for its unique biological properties. Eleven morphological parameters were selected, including length, width, number, distance, and the thickness of different parts, as well as total phenolic content. Statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, and correlation were used to assess the change in the parameters under study based on the geographical origin. Treatment of the obtained results revealed a high variability of morphological parameters of different samples according to the site and altitude, and the interaction between the studied factors. The sample collected from Jbel Zerhoun registered the highest values of the following morphological parameters: APL (12.47 ± 2.09 cm), UPL (6.56 ± 0.40 cm), APW (3.28 ± 1.59 g), UPW (1.24 ± 0.19 g), LW (0.40 ± 0.10 cm), LN (44 ± 4), and NN (21.33 ± 2.51). The samples collected from an altitude above 1000 m showed the highest values of different morphological parameters (aerial part length and weight, underground part weight, leaf number and weight, and node number) and registered the maximum of TPC (124.12 mg GAE/g, 128.86 mg GAE/g, and 164.75 mg GAE/g for samples collected from Immouzzer Kander, Jbel Zerhoun, and Azrou, respectively). Therefore, the samples from high elevations can resist environmental critical conditions by the emergence of different biochemical processes to synthesize bioactive compounds with multifaceted effects.

The reforestation process is one of the most complex tasks for foresters since there are several factors that limit success, one of them has to do with the quality of the material to be planted. Hence, every day it is more important to guide studies that facilitate understanding the adaptation of plants to the site and the establishment of highly productive plantations, based on the production of quality plants in nurseries. The objective of this work was to evaluate the attributes and quality indices of the most appropriate plants in forest nurseries, through a systematic review, as a contribution to reforestation programs in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba. The methodology sought relevant data from the review of reliable sources related to the issue of plants quality in the nursery. The results reported the need to diagnose the quality of the plants in the nursery through the combination of morphological and physiological parameters that allow us to better understand the functioning of the plants and guarantee its response to the planting site. It was found that more than 90% of the studies expressed a positive relationship between the diameter of the plant in the nursery and the growth after planting, making these parameters a high priority for decision making regarding the quality of the forest plants, which would facilitate greater growth, survival and development in plantation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intended to explore the possibility of utilizing maize and different varieties of quality protein maize (QPM) for the enrichment of pasta. The blends (10, 20 and 30%) were prepared and assessed for their functional properties. The cooking quality, antioxidative properties, color values and in vitro digestibility were extensively assessed. Also, the effect of enrichment on the morphological attributes as well as on the secondary protein structure were analyzed. Enrichment improved the water absorption capacity (145.35 g/100–142.58 g/100 g) and swelling power (6.26–6.59 g/g) of the blends. The enriched pasta had significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein and crude fibre content, total phenolic content and flavonoids and remarkably better antioxidant activity (24.16–29.57%) than control. In vitro protein digestibility of QPM enriched pasta was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher (80.12%) than the maize (72.34%) and control pasta (71.91%). However, with the increase in the enrichment levels, an increase in the cooking time and gruel loss (5.78 to 8.4% for HQPM 1 and 6.85 to 9.12% for HQPM 1708) was observed. The acceptability index of pasta enriched with 20% HQPM1 flour was found the highest (96.99). Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of higher protein and phenolic groups in QPM enriched pasta. Thus, QPM enrichment in a versatile food like pasta can be an excellent source of high-quality and cost-efficient protein along with several antioxidative properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern times have required studies that take into account the main soil features, aligning the use of land with the protection of more sensitive environments. From this perspective, this study aimed to perform a morphological description and determine the physical and chemical attributes for soil classification in the community of Poção, located in the municipality of Martins/RN, by highlighting the more sensitive attributes in the differentiation of environments through multivariate analysis. Nine soil profiles were identified to perform the morphological description and collect samples for physical and chemical analyses. The study updates the soil classes found in the study area: Acrisols, Planosols, and Cambisols, with the relief being the main factor responsible for the difference between soil attributes. The influence of organic matter on the soil attributes highlights the importance of its maintenance. Aluminum and the clay fraction are responsible for the distinction of the Acrisol class, whereas silt, potassium sodium, total organic carbon, the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, and the cation exchange capacity allow the differentiation of Fluvisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation plasticity constitutes a key factor in the development of such plants under different ecoclimatic conditions. The current study was designed to determine the morphological and phenotypic variability of Ajuga iva collected from distinct geographical locations in Morocco and their phenolic content. Four samples of Ajuga iva were collected to evaluate the morphological variability and adaptability to ensure the sustainable growth of this medicinal plant known for its unique biological properties. Eleven morphological parameters were selected, including length, width, number, distance, and the thickness of different parts, as well as total phenolic content. Statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, and correlation were used to assess the change in the parameters under study based on the geographical origin. Treatment of the obtained results revealed a high variability of morphological parameters of different samples according to the site and altitude, and the interaction between the studied factors. The sample collected from Jbel Zerhoun registered the highest values of the following morphological parameters: APL (12.47 ± 2.09 cm), UPL (6.56 ± 0.40 cm), APW (3.28 ± 1.59 g), UPW (1.24 ± 0.19 g), LW (0.40 ± 0.10 cm), LN (44 ± 4), and NN (21.33 ± 2.51). The samples collected from an altitude above 1000 m showed the highest values of different morphological parameters (aerial part length and weight, underground part weight, leaf number and weight, and node number) and registered the maximum of TPC (124.12 mg GAE/g, 128.86 mg GAE/g, and 164.75 mg GAE/g for samples collected from Immouzzer Kander, Jbel Zerhoun, and Azrou, respectively). Therefore, the samples from high elevations can resist environmental critical conditions by the emergence of different biochemical processes to synthesize bioactive compounds with multifaceted effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl.) Master or thuya is facing several constraints to its successful natural regeneration in Morocco. Containerized seedlings plantation is the only method adopted in thuya forest restoration programs and post-transplant water stress produces high seedling mortality after the first summer following outplanting. There is thus a real need to improve nursery seedlings quality, especially enhancing the growth of the root system by improving the water holding capacity of the root plug. Our aim was to assess the effects of clay on the water holding capacity of the growing media and on various morphological and physiological traits of T. articulata seedlings in the nursery. T.articula seedlings were raised in nursery using nine composite substrates; seedlings quality was evaluated according to their morpho-physiological and performance attributes. This investigation determined that a clay content of 20–25% constitutes an optimum for obtaining seedlings with a good root growth potential and high root viability. Excessive clay content in the growing media resulted in water-logged root plug decreasing root growth potential. This investigation found that morphological attribute as Root Collar Diameter and Root/Shoot ratio could be considered good predictors of Root Growth Potential.

ABSTRACT Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth.

Aloe L. includes plants of economic interest worldwide for their medicinal properties and ornamental character. In this study, morphological and cytogenetic traits were evaluated in a hybrid obtained using Aloe jucunda Reyn. as pollen donor and A. vera (L.) Burm. f. as female parent, to characterize it, determine its ornamental and agronomic potentialities and aspects related to its reproduction. Conventional protocols for morphometric studies and cytogenetic analysis described for succulent plants were applied. Progeny showed intermediate expressiveness in most of the characteristics, except in the colour of the leaves and flowers (hybrid = A. jucunda), as well as for the length of teeth, number, and area of leaf spots and angle between continuous leaves, where it surpassed the expression of both parents, giving it a high ornamental value. The length, width, and thickness of the leaves improved with respect to the paternal genome, so its potential for the exploitation of the gel and latex of its leaves cannot be ruled out. Root tip cells showed a karyotype 2n = 2x = 14 = 8L + 6S = 1L(smsat) + 1L(sm) + 3L(st) + 3L(smsat) + 1S(m) + 5S(sm). Microsporogenesis showed chromosomal abnormalities in 47.4% of the meiocytes, the most frequent being micronuclei in prophase-I, sticky chromosomes in metaphase-I, one or two dicentric bridges accompanied or not by acentric fragments in anaphase-I, -II, and telophase-I, - II, as well as one or two additional microspores. These abnormalities reduce the fertility of their pollen grains and limit their sexual reproduction, providing a better explanation for their sterility.

In recent years, Opuntia cactus cultivation has been seriously threatened by the appearance of Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Morocco, and four species with eight cactus pear varieties have been identified by research as resistant to this cochineal, these varieties are already registered in the official catalog of species and varieties in Morocco. A morphological and phenological characterization using twenty morphological attributes of these eight varieties: Karama, Ghalia, Belara, Marjana, Cherratia, Angad, and Melk Zhar were performed. The principal component analysis allowed distinguishing five groups according to the studied characteristics. Aakria with the smallest bright red fruit and very small cladodes (15.8/7.7 cm), Belara with the highest number of cladodes per plant (101.2), large cladodes (36.4/25.8 cm) and very sweet large yellow-green fruit, Marjana with very thick cladodes (2.3 cm) and large and very sweet fruit. The group of varieties (Melk Zhar, Angad and Cherratia) is characterized by wide and thorny cladodes, the longest thorns and fruits of large size (202.5- 276.7 g). The group containing the varieties (Karama and Ghalia) is characterized by large cladodes (33.4- 36.0/16.4-25.6 cm) and medium size fruits (98.5-115.6 g). Also, the periods of vegetative and floral budding, and flowering were the longest for Aakria and the shortest for Marjana. The period of fruit development was the longest for Aakria and the shortest for Marjana. In conclusion, these morphological and phenological variations among the eight cactus pear varieties identified as resistant to D. opuntiae in Morocco could be the subject of breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor organic matter and nitrogen (N) deficiency along with salinity in arid and semiarid region soils are major hurdles to optimization of cereal's yield. In different cereals, maize productivity is significantly decreased due to less availability of N in low organic matter soils. Scientists suggest the incorporation of organic fertilizers to overcome this issue. That’s why the current study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of chemically produced nitrate blended acidified carbon (NBC). There were 3 levels of NBC i.e., 0, 0.50 and 1.00% applied under naturally normal and saline soils having EC 2.75 and 6.19 dS/m respectively. Results showed that the addition of 1.00NBC was significantly better compared to 0NBC for improvement in maize growth attributes i.e., root (32.86 and 77.84%) and shoot (74.17 and 67.57%) length, shoot fresh (53.98 and 97.42%) and dry weight (53.20and 84.20%), root dry (45.97 and 53.66%) and fresh weight (45.62 and 25.14%) in normal and saline conditions respectively. A significant enhancement in chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoids of maize leaves also validated the imperative role of 1.00NBC than 0NBC in saline and normal soil. Application of 1.00BC also significantly decreases leaves electrolyte leakage and Na concentration in root and leaves over 0NBC in saline soils. In conclusion, 1.00NBC is an effective amendment to improve maize growth in saline soil. More investigations are suggested on different cereal crops under variable agroclimatic zones to declare 1.00NBC as the most effective amendment for alleviation of salinity stress.

ABSTRACT Quesnelia quesneliana is an endemic species from Brazil with restricted distribution in restinga areas and has been suffering from changes in its habitat. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of light on the morpho-anatomy and pigment content of Q. quesneliana. The samples were collected in the Liberdade neighborhood in São Mateus, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, which is impacted by anthropization. The influence of light was tested comparing individuals completely exposed to it and individuals under shade. For a morphobiometric analysis, 150 individuals were measured for each light condition, and for pigment determination, 10 leaves were used for each light condition. For anatomical analysis, samples were fixed in 50% FAA and transferred to 70 % ethanol solution after 48 hours. Cross sections were made on roots and stems, and transverse and paradermal sections on leaves. It was concluded that individuals exposed to light are smaller, with higher carotenoid content, while shaded individuals are larger, with more succulent and darker leaves due to greater accumulation of chlorophyll. Anatomically, the individual’s structure is similar.

Growth analysis (GA) is used to quantify plant development based on morphophysiological changes. GA is a practical tool to evaluate nursery techniques to make them more efficient. The objective of this essay was to quantity measure morphophysiological growth variables of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla and Hymenaea courbaril (jatoba) container seedlings to characterize growth stages. The essay was conducted in a shade house located in the western state of Paraná. GA analyses were performed at 10-day intervals on seedlings of both species. When evaluating Hymenaea courbaril seedlings results indicated increased values of height, diameter, root and shoot dry biomass up to 130 days after emergence (DAE). Seedling growth stage-based GA were 70, 100 and 130 DAE for the Eucalyptus hybrid and 50, 80, and 110 DAE for jatoba which presented accelerated, intermediate and reduced seedling growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the use of nursery-produced seedlings is the most widely adopted method in forest restoration processes. To ensure and enhance the performance of transplanting seedlings into a specific area, soil amendments are often used due to their ability to improve soil physicochemical properties and, in turn, plant growth and development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate Populus euramericana growth and development on a growing substrate added with biochar and compost, both alone and in combination. To accomplish this aim, a pot experiment was performed to test biochar and/or compost effects on growing substrate physicochemical characteristics, plant morpho-physiological traits, and plant phenology. The results showed that biochar and/or compost improved growing substrate properties by increasing electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient concentrations. On the one hand, these ameliorations accelerated poplar growth and development. On the other hand, amendments did not have positive effects on some plant morphological traits, although compost alone increased plant height, and very fine and fine root length. The combined use of biochar and compost did not show any synergistic or cumulative beneficial effects and led to a reduction in plant growth and development. In conclusion, compost alone seems to be the best solution in both ameliorating substrate characteristics and increasing plant growth, highlighting the great potential for its proper and effective application in large-scale forest restoration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted at the Field Laboratory, Department of Crop Botany, Bangladesh Agricultural University during Aman season 2018 primarily to describe agro-morphological descriptors of a purple rice cultivar and to evaluate the effect of spacing on morphological traits, yield contributing characters and yield. The experiment comprised four rice cultivars; Purple rice and three other check cultivars viz. BR22, BRRI dhan34 and BRRI dhan46, and three spacing viz. 15cm×15cm,20cm×15cmand25cm×15 cm. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. All the studied morphological traits, yield contributing characters and yield were significantly differed among the cultivars and planting densities. Purple rice cultivar was 101.8 cm in height; the number of total tillers hill−1 12.88, number of non-effective tiller hill−1 1.37; leaf vertical and straight, purple in colour; panicle length 23.63 cm, number of primary and secondary branches panicle−113.28 and 15.56, length of primary and secondary branch 8.91 cm and 2.26 cm, number of total and unfilled grains panicle−1 140.5 and 57.95, respectively; 1000-grains weight 21.92 g, grain yield 3.55 t ha−1, harvest index 51.03% and lifespan 115 days. The spacing 25 cm × 15 cm was found to be better for both growth and grain yield of Purple rice. Purple rice could be used as potential breeding material for its exceptional morphological characteristics. [Fundam Appl Agric 2020; 5(2.000): 256-263]

Plant species exhibiting heavy metal tolerance are instrumental in phytoremediation of metalliferous sites. Most of the time, variations in plant functional traits (PFTs) are overlooked while identifying hyperaccumulators. However, investigating morphological, physiological, and phenological variations can contribute to our knowledge about stress tolerance, and aid in identifying potential hyperaccumulators. In the present study, we investigated variation in morpho-functional traits in Solanum nigrum, a known hyperaccumulator, under lead (Pb) stress. Twenty-one PFTs including 9 above-ground (leaf count, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, leaf thickness, leaf dry mass, shoot length, stem dry mass, stem diameter), 3 below-ground (root length, root dry mass, and root diameter), 4 reproductive (flower bud count, fruit count, flower count, and fruit dry mass), and 5 photosynthetic traits (total chlorophyll, total carotenoid, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and photosynthetic efficiency) under varying Pb concentrations (500–2000 mg kg−1) were assessed. Pillai's trace test (MANOVA) depicted significant variations in above-ground, below-ground, and photosynthetic traits, whereas reproductive traits did not vary significantly with progressive metal concentration. However, most of the studied traits except flower count, fruit dry mass, and chlorophyll b varied significantly under Pb stress. The study depicts that enhanced PFT's plasticity enables S. nigrum to grow in Pb-contaminated soil effectively without impacting plant fitness. Plasticity of morpho-functional traits, therefore, establishes itself as a resourceful approach in successful identification of phytoremediation capacity of a plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handroanthus heptaphyllus is a tree species with wood of high economic value, used in the manufacture of furniture and civil construction. When grown in soils with low availability of natural nitrogen (N), it demonstrates low growth potential. Thus, the study aimed to define the growth and physiological responses in H. heptaphyllus plants subjeted to N fertilization after planting. Five rates of N (0, 45, 90, 180 and 270 kg N ha−1) were tested at three vegetative phases of the plants (6, 12 and 18 months after planting). At each age, the height, stem diameter, concentration of N and photosynthetic pigments in leaves, chlorophyll a fluorescence and total N content in soil and tissue were determined. The addition of N increased total N content in the soil and the leaves, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, the use of light energy and the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, resulting in greater plant growth. In the period between the 6th and the 18th month after planting, the plants showed an increase of 135 cm in height. The concentrations of N and photosynthetic pigments in the leaves decreased over time, because of the effect of dilution and remobilization of N. The use of 260.0 kg N ha−1 kg divided in 35% of the dose added in small holes in the soil at planting; 32.5% three months after the first application; and the remainder in the sixth month after planting increased growth in height and stem diameter at 18 months after planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of genetic diversity among the genotypes is the mainstay of plant breeding. The present study was carried out to determine genetic divergence among 59 common beans genotypes collected from North West Himalaya for nine agro-morphological traits. The analysis of variance depicted significant variability among genotypes for all the traits under study indicating wide range of variability present in bean genotypes. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was high for seed yield per plant followed by days to bud initiation. High heritability was also observed for all traits except pod length. Cluster analysis grouped bean genotypes into five distinct clusters. The genotypes under group II, III, V have more number of pods per plant, seeds per pod and single plant yield which can be utilized as potential donors for enhancing the yield of other genotypes in breeding programmes. Hence, the selection based on these yield contributing traits may helpful in future crop improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the basin of Tom River (Russia) the distribution of laurel poplar Populus laurifolia Ledeb. populations is fragmentary due to its ecological requirements and to the anthropogenic transformation of the territory. Adaptability of P. laurifolia to well-aerated gravel-boulder alluvium results in its narrow ecological niche, confining it to grow mostly in the multi-stream areas of mountain rivers. Current distribution of poplar stands in the Tom River basin, their primary location near islands and tributary mouths are largely determined by human economic activity in the 20th century. At present the relative sustainability of these poplar stands under anthropogenic transformations in the region is ensured by their low accessibility. The natural dynamics of poplar stands is influenced by massive invasion of alien plant species into the indigenous floodplain plant communities. Spatial differentiation of P. laurifolia populations according to their composition takes place in the area. The grey-bark form with rounded wedge-shaped leaf blade base is common in the up-stream areas, while in the tributary basin and mid-stream areas the white-bark form with a heart-shaped leaf blade base is common as well. Combined analyses of quantitative and qualitative traits and phenotype frequencies also confirmed population differentiation according to their composition. The mid-stream laurel poplar stands display greater phenotype diversity and a higher proportion of inter-population differences in phenotype composition. The latter trait did not differ significantly among the up-stream populations with low differentiation. It was suggested that the current population structure in the Tom River basin area developed as a result of the original populations’ fragmentation due to the combined effect of neotectonics, valley glaciation in the Kuznetsk Alatau Mountains and anthropogenic influence.

The dynamicity of the coastal landforms necessitates monitoring from space-borne or aerial remote sensing platforms. Precise elevation information is an important requirement to delineate the subtle topographic variations along and across the coastal axes, indicative of coastal geomorphology at large scale. The study was carried out for a coastal stretch of 25 km, located between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada districts of Andhra Pradesh state, where the depositional activity is dominated. In the present study, we aim to demonstrate the utility of high resolution digital terrain model derived from the advanced Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, in identification and delineation of the micro-geomorphic units along this coastline. The four level classifications of the landforms were also proposed based on genesis of landforms, geological sub-provinces, landform shape and morphological attributes as level 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The higher-order landforms of level 4, such as beach berms, beach ridge crest, dune crest and toe, interdunal depression, etc. are delineated using the cross-shore elevation profile, slope and signed curvature information derived from LiDAR DTM with the subtle contrasts of elevation (1–2 m). The beach ridge–swale complex, dune and beach berms were chosen as the key depositional elements to define the morphological attributes in terms of shape and curvature values. This has enabled creation of micro-geomorphology map at 1:5000 scales over the study area as well as classification of the landforms into 4 levels, thus providing significant input for coastal resource mapping and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate nine commercial cultivars of tomato, in order to identify the most suitable cultivar in terms of morphological (plant height, fruit size, fruit weight and total yield) and physico-biochemical (color, firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing and non-reducing sugar, β-carotene and lycopene) attributes. Plants were cultured hydroponically in the greenhouse. Results revealed that the morphological attributes of Beefsteak Group (BG) of tomatoes was significantly better than that of Cherry Group (CG). In addition, CG has higher concentration of biochemical attributes, mainly β-carotene, sugars, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid contents. Within CG, cv. Aria was found to be the best for higher sugar contents, β-carotene and ascorbic acid contents; while, TSS was higher in the cv. Claree. Similarly in BG, cv. Sahel had the highest value of lycopene, β-carotene, TSS; whereas, lowest sugar contents were found in cv. Dirk. As far as firmness is concerned, cv. Naram (BG) was found to be more firm, than cv. Aria (CG). The highest total yield was recorded for cv. Vernal; in BG and in cv. Claree for CG, depicting that BG had significantly higher total yield, compared with CG.

The exploitation of agro-industrial wastes is a strategy to add value to seedling production and reduce environmental problems. The production chain for processed peaches generates, approximately, 21,000 tons of fruit worldwide, and the pits are used mainly to generate energy. The objective of the study was to investigate the use of different proportions of ground peach pits (GPP) as a substrate component for seedling growth of Eucalyptus dunnii in the nursery and field. Different proportions of GPP mixed with either commercial substrate (CS) or with brown peat (BP) were tested. The physical and chemical properties of the substrates, the morphological and physiological attributes of the seedlings and their correlation with substrate properties were evaluated. The GPP increased the density, aeration space and pH and reduced total porosity, liquid retention and electric conductivity of the substrate. The use of this component resulted in hormesis, a biphasic dose–response model in which low levels of exposure to this component stimulated biological performance of plants and high levels of exposure inhibited performance. For improved seedling growth in the nursery and adequate post-planting development of E. dunnii, GPP with CS is recommended at 20% of the total substrate and with BP between 15 and 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different organic substrates on the quality of the container-grown S. mahagoni seedling. For this purpose, an experimental trial was carried out in the technified nursery "Camarones", belonging to the Agroforestry Enterprise Baracoa. The substrates used were cocoa husk (Cc), coconut fiber (Fc) and pine sawdust (As) and volumetric mixtures of cocoa husk, coconut fiber and pine sawdust in a completely random experiment with eight treatments and five replicas. The substrates were characterized and the morphological parameters of the seedlings, destubetado characteristics, structural stability of the root ball and radical architecture were determined. The species showed a more favourable morphological response in mixtures Cc60 (Cc-60% + Fc- 20% + As-20%) and Cc50 (Cc-50% + Fc-30% + As-20%), attributable to physical and chemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amazonian floodplain lakes host a high diversity of predatory fish which coexist and exploit the high diversity of available prey. Morphology could be the characteristic most closely associated with their preferred feeding sources (prey). However, it is unclear whether this association is direct or indirect. If it is indirect, swimming performance or preferential position in the water column could be the most evident characteristic. To examine the degree to which fish morphology of predator fish species is correlated to their dietary inputs, we compared the existence of morphological and feeding dissimilarity among eight predator species with the association between predator morphologies and preferred prey. We collected, measured, and sampled the stomach contents of fish from two lowland floodplain lakes associated with the Solimões River, Brazil, in May, August, and November of 2014. Of 187 collected fish across eight species, five species showed fish to be the most important item in their diets and three preferentially ate shrimp. Principal components analyses of ecomorphological attributes divided the species according to their ability to find the prey, swimming performance of the predator, and prey size. While there was significant distinction between the varying morphologies of predators, we were unable to distinguish between the specific diet of these species and did not find a correlation between morphology and feeding. These results are likely due to the fact that there is great abundance and diversity of available prey in the Amazonian floodplain lakes, so opportunistic feeding may be the primary foraging strategy of predator fish species living in these environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The drifting climatic scenario and constant changes in temperature profiles has culminated into heavy crop losses that have set up an alarming situation across the world. A slight modification in temperature ranges results in detrimental effects on the life processes of crop plants as well as on yield attributes. To pursue the effects of temperature stress on plants, both heat and cold stresses are vital cues; hence, they are investigated in this study. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub, has been a test model for the present study due to its restricted pervasion and environmental limitations. The experimental setup included heat stress as well as cold stress (including chilling stress and freezing stress) given at the seedling stage in three replicates. Exposure to freezing stress affected the young seedlings severely, and they eventually collapsed and could not be studied further. The seedlings exposed to the chilling and heat-stress displayed varying degrees of survivability, and were carefully monitored till maturity. Various morphological parameters were recorded at the growing stage. With the advent of the reproductive stage, young floral buds were subjected to fixation in carnoy's fixative. The degree of cytological abnormalities showed a parallel ascend to the increasing stress, where cold stress had a more severe impact on microsporogenesis than heat stress. The morphological characters also exhibited a negative correlation after the treatment, but more profound deterrent results were retrieved in the case of cold stress. In conclusion, cold stress was found to introduce serious effects on plant growth and reproduction, and turned out to be more serious on plants compared with heat stress, for which plants express a degree of diligence and adaptability at short durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Zinc (Zn) concentration in soil varies from deficient to toxic. Its deficiency, as well as toxicity, through imbalanced application and cropping in industrial sites can reduce maize growth and yield. Therefore, balanced Zn application is necessary to save resources and achieve optimum growth and yield in maize. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can provide tolerance to the host plant against Zn-induced stress. Inoculation with AMF helps in regulating the uptake of Zn and enhances the growth and yield of crops. Different application rates of Zn (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 mg Zn kg−1) were applied with inoculation with AMF (AM) and without AMF (NM). Results showed that root colonization was 45% higher in AMF-inoculated plants than non-inoculated plants. A significant increase in plant height (15%), number of leaves (35.4%), cob weight (4.39%), 1000-grain weight (10.5%), and biological yield (42.2%) signified the efficacious functioning of Zn20 + AM over sole inoculation with AM. We also observed that AMF inoculation with Zn20 helped to improve photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Furthermore, both Zn20 + AM and Zn20 + AM significantly increased total soluble protein compared with AM. Higher application rates of zinc, i.e., Zn80 and Zn120, induced Zn toxicity with (AM) and without (NM) AMF. In conclusion, Zn20 + AM is an effective treatment to achieve better growth and maize yield without Zn deficiency or toxicity.

Highlights • High level of morphological diversity was observed not only among the samples of different species, but also among the accessions in the same species. • Fruit size and texture as well as leaf size were the most useful traits for genetic characterization of Iranian pear germplasm. • Bi-plot and cluster analysis divided the accessions into three main groups according to the species source. • The accessions belonged to the same geographical region showed higher phenotypic proximity than those collected from different regions. Abstract The morphological diversity and relationship of 48 accessions belonging to four Pyrus species including 25 P. communis , 11 P. glabra , 8 P. syriaca and 4 P. pyrifolia accessions were evaluated from different regions of Iran by using 32 morphometric traits of the trees and the fruits. Significant diversity was observed not only among the samples of different species, but also among the accessions in the same species. Several fruit characteristics including weight and dimensions of fruit, curvature of stalk, width of eye basin as well as tree attributes including thorns of shoots, width of leaf blade, and curvature of longitudinal axis were among the traits with high level of variation among the accessions. P. pyrifolia and P. glabra had the highest and the lowest fruit weight, dimensions and juiciness, respectively. There was significant positive correlation between fruit weight and leaf dimension and negative correlation between fruit weight with fruit firmness and TSS/TA. The shape of base, length and width of leaf blade were also negatively correlated with fruit firmness. According to principal components analysis (PCA), seven components accounted for 82.95% variance. Fruit size and texture as well as leaf size were prevalent in the first component with 41.82% of total variance and had the highest power of discrimination; they were the most useful traits for genetic characterization of Iranian pear germplasm. Bi-plot and cluster analysis divided the accessions into three main groups according to the species source with accessions from the same geographical areas, being more closely related and clustered in the same sub-groups. Our results provide useful information about morphological relationships of Pyrus spp. in Iran and indicate that there are high phenotypic (and presumably genetic) diversity in Iranian pears that merit conservation action and utilization in the breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful forest restoration requires planting quality seedlings with optimal growth potential. Thus, nurseries need to produce seedlings with plant attributes that favor the best chance of successful establishment once they are field planted. From the mid-twentieth century on, research foresters have critically examined plant attributes that confer improved seedling growth under various restoration site conditions. This review examines the value of commonly measured seedling quality attributes (i.e., height, diameter, root mass, shoot-to-root ratio, drought resistance, freezing tolerance, nutrient status, root growth potential, and root electrolyte leakage) that have been recognized as important in explaining why seedlings with improved attributes have better growth after planting. Seedlings with plant attributes that fall within the appropriate range of values can increase the speed with which they overcome planting stress, initiate growth, and become 'coupled' to the forest restoration site, thereby ensuring successful seedling establishment. Although planting high quality seedlings does not guarantee successful seedling establishment, it increases chances for successful establishment and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate nine commercial cultivars of tomato, in order to identify the most suitable cultivar in terms of morphological (plant height, fruit size, fruit weight and total yield) and physico-biochemical (color, firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing and non-reducing sugar, β -carotene and lycopene) attributes. Plants were cultured hydroponically in the greenhouse. Results revealed that the morphological attributes of Beefsteak Group (BG) of tomatoes was significantly better than that of Cherry Group (CG). In addition, CG has higher concentration of biochemical attributes, mainly β -carotene, sugars, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid contents. Within CG, cv. Aria was found to be the best for higher sugar contents, β -carotene and ascorbic acid contents; while, TSS was higher in the cv. Claree. Similarly in BG, cv. Sahel had the highest value of lycopene, β -carotene, TSS; whereas, lowest sugar contents were found in cv. Dirk. As far as firmness is concerned, cv. Naram (BG) was found to be more firm, than cv. Aria (CG). The highest total yield was recorded for cv. Vernal; in BG and in cv. Claree for CG, depicting that BG had significantly higher total yield, compared with CG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordilleran cypress ( Austrocedrus chilensis [D.Don] Pic. Serm. et Bizarri) forests occupy 140,000 ha along a sharp environmental gradient of central Andean-Patagonia in Argentina. Every summer, about 3200 ha of these forests are affected by wildfires, taking thereafter long time to recover. To accelerate forest recovery, we determined in xeric and mesic cypress stands burned 5 and 2 year before whether survival and growth of two planted cypress seedling stocktypes are affected by plant cover and contrasting precipitation conditions. Two experiments were conducted on each site, involving 100 replicates of two seedling stocktypes, having each significantly different morphological attributes. The experiments comprised a dry and humid growing season on each site. Both stocktypes performed similarly within stands, but differently between stands. In the xeric stand, plant cover had neutral effects on seedling survival, favored seedling height growth in the dry season, and was negative on collar diameter and stem growth. In the mesic site, high plant cover favored survival and height growth, but was inconsequential for collar diameter and stem growth. In this short-term post-fire period, and independent of precipitation received during both seasons (dry or humid), plant cover appears as playing a facilitative role, having neutral or even positive effects on survival and growth of planted seedlings. During the early post-fire successional stages, and besides seedling stocktype, there was a synergistic balance between light and soil moisture that seems to benefit planted seedling performance in burned cypress forests, and especially in mesic sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commonly used morphological attributes were correlated with nutrient concentration in order to standardize quality assessment of two-year-old hop hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia Scop.) seedlings. Diameter has proven to be the best single morphological indicator of seedling quality given its strong positive correlation with all other observed morphological attributes. Seedling dry mass (shoot and root dry mass) and Dickson Quality Index can be considered the most comprehensive indicators of hop hornbeam seedling quality. However, the measuring of mass is destructive and requires a certain amount of time. The absence of strong correlations between physiological and morphological attributes of two-year old seedlings of hop hornbeam suggests the need for further research. The only significant correlation between physiological and morphological attributes (weak and positive) was recorded between the potassium concentration in root and root collar diameter after the second growing season. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 43007: Studying climate change and its influence on the environment: impacts, adaptation and mitigation]

In order to be able to influence as efficiently as possible on transformation of segments and sub-segments of psychosomatic status of a man, it is very important to know the structure of that space and relations in that structure. The basic problem of this research was finding and checking correlations of certain segments of morphologic space with results in athletic discipline of the long jump. The purpose of this paper was to determine an influence of predictive variable system (anthropometrical indicators) on criterion variable (result in the long jump), as well as to determine correlation of any predictive variable from the applied predictive system with criterion variable, in terms of determining participation of predictive in explanation of the results in a criterion.

Due to the suitable climatic conditions, Iran is one of the most important growing centre for wild and domesticated species/varieties of almond. Because of the adaptability of wild almond species to severe environmental conditions and resistance to drought, salinity and some pest and diseases, these can be used as rootstock for almond cultivars and in breeding programs for rootstock improvement in Iran. In this study, seeds of Amygdalous scoparia, A.webbii and A. orientalis were planted. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference between species. However, A. scoparia had highest stem height and leaf length. At the end of the experiment, the thickest stems were developed by A. scoparia, whereas the thinnest stems by A. orientalis. A. webbii produced more number and longer roots per seedling than the other two species. The correlation between various morphological traits showed that a few shoot characters were significantly correlated with root traits. However, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, root number and root diameter for P. webbii, and leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length and root number characters for P.scoparia, and stem height, leaf number, leaf length, petiole length, internode length and root number for P. orientalis were found to be important morphological traits to evaluate seedling charactristics of wild almond genotypes before their nursery test.

A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of sub-soiling on plant growth, root morphology and yield of rainfed pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L. ) Millsp.] (Var LRG 41) during 2012-13 and 2013-14. Crop exposed to moisture stress condition from flowering to harvest (120 days) during 2013-14, compared to experiment conducted during 2012-13. The results indicated that sub-soil tillage sustained higher shoot, root growth and seed yield during the year 2013-14, which coincided with end of season drought compared to conventional tillage treatment. Crop growth in terms of plant height, leaf area/plant significantly improved due to sub-soiling compared to conventionally tilled treatment. Similarly sub-soiling recorded significant increase in drought tolerant traits, viz. root length (234%), root dry weight (274%) and relative water content (37%). Consequently, sub-soil tillage recorded significant increase in number of pods/plant by 59%, 100 seed weight by 12% and pod yield by 219% compared to conventionally tilled treatment. Sub-soil tillage proved efficient method of mechanical intervention for drought mitigation under rainfed pigeonpea cultivation.

In a covered root seedling production system, container characteristics are important because they can affect morphology and seedling quality, mainly root characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of container design (with and without lateral drainage) and color (black, transparent and white) on growth and development of Pinus greggii and P. oaxacana seedlings. The experimental design was completely randomized with a factorial array for drainage design and container color. Seedling evaluation assessed morphological variables: stem height and diameter, dry shoot and root weight, number of live roots, shoot/root ratio, and Dickson Quality Index (DQI). For color, significant differences were found in P. greggii stem diameter and in DQI in P. oaxacana; for the factor design, the container without lateral drainage produced taller plants (p=0.002) with larger stem diameter (p=0.015), as well as more total biomass (p⩽0.001) and root volume (p=0.002) in P. oaxacana. Similar behavior was obtained in P. greggii for these variables, but the container with lateral drainage caused a larger number of live roots in P. greggii (220.3 and 167.2; p=0.002), and in P. oaxacana (372.8 and 246.5; p=0.006). This variable is important since it is related to active radical meristems, which give the seedlings a higher probability of successful establishment in different site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor organic matter and nitrogen (N) deficiency along with salinity in arid and semiarid region soils are major hurdles to optimization of cereal's yield. In different cereals, maize productivity is significantly decreased due to less availability of N in low organic matter soils. Scientists suggest the incorporation of organic fertilizers to overcome this issue. That's why the current study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of chemically produced nitrate blended acidified carbon (NBC). There were 3 levels of NBC i.e., 0, 0.50 and 1.00% applied under naturally normal and saline soils having EC 2.75 and 6.19 dS/m respectively. Results showed that the addition of 1.00NBC was significantly better compared to 0NBC for improvement in maize growth attributes i.e., root (32.86 and 77.84%) and shoot (74.17 and 67.57%) length, shoot fresh (53.98 and 97.42%) and dry weight (53.20and 84.20%), root dry (45.97 and 53.66%) and fresh weight (45.62 and 25.14%) in normal and saline conditions respectively. A significant enhancement in chlorophyll a , b , total and carotenoids of maize leaves also validated the imperative role of 1.00NBC than 0NBC in saline and normal soil. Application of 1.00BC also significantly decreases leaves electrolyte leakage and Na concentration in root and leaves over 0NBC in saline soils. In conclusion, 1.00NBC is an effective amendment to improve maize growth in saline soil. More investigations are suggested on different cereal crops under variable agroclimatic zones to declare 1.00NBC as the most effective amendment for alleviation of salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology for recognizing, identifying and classifying built objects in dense urban areas, using a morphospectral approach applied to VNIR/SWIR hyperspectral image (HySpex). This methodology contains several image processing steps: Principal Components Analysis and Laplacian enhancement, Feature Extraction of segmented build-up objects, and supervised classification from a morpho-spectral database (i.e. spectral and morphometric attributes). The Feature Extraction toolbox automatically generates a vector map of segmented buildings and an urban object-oriented morphometric database which is merged with an independent spectral database of urban objects. Each build-up object is spectrally identified and morphologically characterized thanks to the built-in morpho-spectral database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree shelters are used in many forestry applications because they often improve survival, may stimulate early growth, and can help to maintain apical dominance. Quercus robur, widely used in multipurpose plantings in Europe, usually grows slowly and loses apical dominance in the early stages after establishment. We examined tree shelter effects on Q. robur seedling field establishment in Italy, focusing on the influence on shoot system structure (branching, apical dominance), root system development, and shoot versus root system balance. Three field treatments were evaluated: control and two diameter shelters. After 2 years, plants were measured by destructive analysis. Shelters increased height, as a result of multiple flushes during the growing season, which became more pronounced from the first to the second field season. Sheltered seedlings had fewer, shorter branches and maintained apical dominance. Both shoot and root system biomass allocation in sheltered plants was reduced relative to unprotected plants, and biomass was allocated mostly to the shoot system. In contrast, plants without shelters invested more resources toward a larger, wider root system. We conclude that shelters modify the above- and below-ground structure and balance of regenerating oak seedlings in the early field stages, promoting development of productive plantations that may require reduced cultural intensity. However, above-ground growth was not equally balanced by below-ground development, which may lead to disadvantages especially under harsh site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]