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Large-scale multiplication of quality planting material is needed to meet the huge demand of planting material in fruit crops. Little information is available on the effect of fertigation on rootstock growth, budding success, and buddling growth in containerized citrus nursery. The present studies were undertaken to study the effect of eight fertigation treatments viz. control (N0P0), N60, N80, N100, N0P100, N60P100, N80P100, and N100P100 on the growth of rough lemon rootstock and subsequently budded three citrus varieties. Among the treatments, N60P100 significantly improved seedling height, diameter, leaf number, root growth, leaf area in rough lemon, Blood Red orange, Kinnow mandarin, and Daisy mandarin over the control. The stomatal conductance was higher with treatments N60, N80, N60P100, and N80P100. While higher photosynthetic rates were observed with N60P100 and N80P100, N60P100 also improved the budding success in Blood Red, Kinnow, and Daisy. Fertigation treatments increased the nutrient concentration in leaves of all the varieties. The principal component analysis revealed that plant height and diameter were positively correlated with root length, root diameter, root number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content in rough lemon. In all the varieties, the sprout length and diameter showed a positive correlation with leaf area, leaf number, root length, root diameter, fibrous root number, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content. Among different treatments, N60P100 was the best treatment in improving the shoot growth, root growth, and physiological parameters of rough lemon rootstock. Besides, it also improved budding success and buddling growth in all three citrus varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional value of the Gluten-free products (GFPs) has been highly debated. Aiming to assess the nutritional value of the cereal-based GFPs in the Greek market, information from the nutritional label and the ingredients list, of all GFPs and their gluten-containing (GC) counterparts available in a supermarket offering the greatest availability in the capital of Greece, were recorded. The sample consisted of 913 products: 351 GFPs and 562 GCPs, classified into 12 categories (e.g., breads, melbas, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, pasta, flours, cookies). With minor exceptions, comparisons among all food categories regarding nutrient profile and nutritional claims showed mixed results, though supporting an overly comparable nutritional profile of the GFPs. Still, a quarter of all GFPs presented an unhealthy nutritional profile. The findings of the present study are highly in agreement with those of relevant studies in the literature, that do not support an inferior nutritional profile compared to GC counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The milling plays a crucial role in producing polished rice grains suitable for daily consumption. By using VOSviewer software, 522 articles on rice milling retrieved from the Web of Science database were analyzed to understand the changes in research hotspots. A novel computer simulation technology based on the discrete element method (DEM) can be utilized to simulate rice's motion state during milling. This technology can improve the parameters and configuration of rice milling machines. Furthermore, the integration of machine vision technology and near-infrared analysis enables more accurate classification of rice milling. Any form or degree of milling will bring a reduction in nutrient content. Moreover, changes occur in the proportion of starch, particle size, and structure, which in turn affect the thermal properties, pasting properties, and in vitro digestion of rice. These factors need to be taken into consideration when assessing the quality of milled rice. To improve milled rice quality, future research can focus on: (1) optimizing rice milling equipment and technology, (2) strengthening rice nutrition fortification to alleviate the loss caused by milling, (3) exploring the relationship between the degree of milling and rice composition to balance rice's health benefits and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neglected use of micronutrient greatly hampered the productivity of oilseed crop. Thus, to determine the optimal dose of S and B on toria under rice-fallow system, an experiment was carried out with five doses of S i.e. 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha and 3 doses of B i.e. 0, 1 and 2 kg/ha for two consecutive years (2018–19 and 2019–20). The plant growth parameters, i.e. plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and crop growth rate, and yield attributing parameters, i.e. siliqua/plant and seeds/siliqua, were greatly enhanced through application of S @ 30 kg/ha as well as B@ 2 kg/ha. The higher seed yield (10.11q/ha), stover yield (22.00q/ha) and oil yield (3.86 q/ha) were registered with the application of S @ 30 kg/ha + B @ 2 kg/ha, but it was at par with S@ 30 kg/ha + B @ 1 kg/ha. The combined application of S@ 30 kg/ha + B @ 2 kg/ha also noted higher plant nutrient uptake of N, P, K including S and B closely followed by S@ 30 kg/ha + B @ 1 kg/ha. But in terms of economics, conjugate application of S@ 30 kg/ha + B @1 kg/ha showed maximum monetary benefit with highest B:C (2.24). The pearson correlation indicated strong and positive correlation of seed yield with growth and yield parameters as well as nutrient uptake by plants. Regression analysis revealed that each one unit increase in plant dry matter accumulation showed an increase in seed yield by 4.56 unit and each one increase uptake in N, P, K, S and B showed an increase in seed yield by 0.19, 0.63,0.40,0.55 and 0.05, respectively. Henceforth, considering all the factors the combination of S@ 30 kg/ha and B@1 kg/ha may be recommended under the late sown toria in rice-fallow system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A root system is an important factor to increase soil resistance to detachment of soil particles. However, due to the large number of species, there is a need for studying the impacts of native plant species on soil quality and soil erodibility. This investigation did flume experiments at various soil slopes (9.2%, 18.1%, 25.1%, and 32.5%) and different water flow rates (0.56, 0.67, 0.74, 0.81, and 0.94 L/(m·s)), to evaluate sediment detachment capacity caused by rills (D c) and rill erodibility (K r) as well as the soil quality of hillslopes with three common species including Carpinus betulus (as a natural tree species), Alnus glutinosa (as a planted tree species) and Mespilus germanica (as a shrub species) in forestland of northern Iran. The variability of D c has been associated with soil properties and root characteristics of Carpinus betulus. D c was significantly lower (average, −45%) for soils under Carpinus betulus compared to soils with the two other plant species (p < 0.01). This was due to the higher values of soil properties including medium weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) as well as to the more extended root system, as confirmed by the negative correlations between D c and the studied variables. K r also was different among the studied soils and plant species. The root system of Carpinus betulus also played a useful role for increasing soil resistance to rill erosion yielding a safety factor (1.61) in the studied forest ecosystem. Overall, the current study supports a broader use of native species (such as Carpinus betulus) in areas exposed to surface erosion and instability, as an effective eco-engineering conservation technique and an alternative technology instead of utilizing artificial and expensive management practices. [Display omitted] • Sediment detachment capacity (D c) has been estimated by flume experiments for vegetated soils. • A natural species had lower D c compared to the planted and shrub species. • This reduction was due to higher soil quality and more extended plant roots. • Carpinus betulus species played a beneficial role for increasing slope stability. • The rill erodibility (K r) was the lowest in soils under Carpinus betulus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WC-10Co cemented carbides with finer WC and narrower grain size distributions are produced by using (Cr, V)2(C, N) as grain growth inhibitors. As a result, with the increase of (Cr0.9, V0.1)2(C, N) and (V0.9, Cr0.1)2(C, N), the grains size of WC and mean free path of Co phase decrease, and adjacency of WC increases. Refinement and homogenization of grains enhance the transverse rupture strength (TRS) and the hardness. Meanwhile, the deflection and bridging of cracks keep the fracture toughness at a respectable level. The WC-10Co-0.6(Cr0.9, V0.1)2(C, N)-0.025(V0.9, Cr0.1)2(C, N) cemented carbides exhibit excellent comprehensive mechanical properties with the TRS of 4 602.6 MPa, hardness of 1 835 kg/mm2, and fracture toughness of 10.39 MPa·m1/2, respectively. However, the large pores are caused by excess N larger than 0.03 wt% and deteriorates the mechanical properties. We provide a new approach to WC-Co cemented carbides preparation with a narrow grain size distribution by adding novel grain growth inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three treatments of sprayed humic acid water-soluble fertilizer (TF), fresh water (TW) and conventional fertilization without spraying (CK) were set up in a plot experiment to study the effects of spraying humic acid water-soluble fertilizer on the growth, yield, nutrient contents and economic benefits of asparagus. The results showed that TF was significantly superior to TW and CK in terms of the biological characteristics of asparagus stems (number of stems per plant, length, stem thickness and mass). TF increased significantly asparagus yield by 9. 5% and 13. 1% compared with TW and CK (P<0. 05), respectively. TF significantly (P<0. 05) increased the total flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides contents of asparagus shoots by 6. 8%, 2. 9% and 15. 1%, respectively, compared with CK. However, the amino acid content of asparagus shoots from the three treatments did not differ significantly (P>0. 05). TF increased the net economic benefits of asparagus by 9 966 and 12 552 yuan / hm 2 compared with TW and CK, respectively. Therefore, spraying humic acid water-soluble fertilizer on asparagus is worth further popularization and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] This paper aimed to clarify the change of nutrient content in Leguminous green manure crops and its impact on soil fertility with none extra chemical fertilizer. [Methods] The experiments were conducted to study the growth and development of four Leguminous green manure crops from October 2021 to May 2022 in field. They were Chinese milk vetch(Astragalus sinicus L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), broad bean (Vicia faba L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), respectively. The nutrient contents of nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P)and potassium (K) in green manure crops as well as the soil nutrient content were measured. [Results] The changes in N, P, K nutrient content of different Leguminous green manure crops during the seedling stage and later growth stage were similar. Four Leguminous green manure crops had significantly higher nutrient content at the later growth stage than at the seedling stage, with biomass of dry weight of over 1800 kg·hm-2, making them suitable for flipping. In later growth period, the total N content (3.34%) and total P content (0.29%) of hairy vetch were significantly higher than the others, while the total K content of Chinese milk vetch (3.58%) was the highest and the difference displayed a significant level. The accumulation of N, P and K nutrients in Chinese milk vetch and hairy vetch was relatively high, while that in broad bean and common vetch was relatively low. The pH value of soil did not change with green manure application. After growing Leguminous green manure, the organic carbon content in soil as well as total N, available P and available K contents increased, with a range of 2.71%-29.50%. Among them, the application of Chinese milk vetch to the field could significantly improve soil fertility, and the organic carbon, total N, available P and available K contents increased by 4.04%, 3.40%, 29.50% and 8.22% compared to fallow cultivation, respectively. [Conclusions] Under the condition of disappeared application of chemical fertilizer, Chinese milk vetch was conducive to improving soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term intensive tillage has led to soil environment degradation, reduced fertility, and difficulty in increasing crop yield in the Mollisol region of northeast China. In order to improve the soil'shydrothermal environment and nutrient content, we conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of different tillage practices and the amount of straw mulching on soil hydrothermal environment and nutrient content in agricultural soils in seasonal permafrost areas. Four treatments were established: no-tillage without straw (NT0), no-tillage with half straw mulching (NT1), no-tillage with full straw mulching (NT2), and rotary tillage without straw (CK) as the control treatment. The results indicate that the no-tillage with straw mulching treatments increased the soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) content, accompanied by improvements in the soil's water content and regulation of soil temperature changes, as compared to the CK treatment. Specifically, the soil's NH4+-N and NO3−-N content in the NT2 treatment were significantly increased by 25.65% and 38.81%, respectively. Our study indicates that NT2 treatment is the most suitable tillage practice and straw-returning method in the Mollisol region of northeast China. This study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the efficient utilization of farmland soil in seasonal permafrost areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heracleum dissectum Ledeb. (HD) with high edible and medicinal values is distributed in Northeast Asia. To provide a reference for selecting appropriate parts and periods to harvest HD, the nutrient contents in different parts of HD at three growth stages were determined. The nutrients being determined are essential nutrients closely related to human needs, and the crude protein content of HD was 3.58-28.43 g • 100 g-1 DW (dry weight), sugar content was 2.33-30.92 g • 100 g-1 DW, and soluble dietary fiber content was 9.71-26.09 g • 100 g-1 DW. Crude protein was mainly distributed in leaf blades and inflorescences, sugar was primarily found in roots, and dietary fiber was predominantly located in leaves. From the leaf development stage to the flowering stage and then to the late seed harvest stage, the content of moisture, crude protein and soluble sugar first decreased and then increased. In contrast, the content of dietary fiber and crude fat first increased and then decreased. Key words: nutrient content, vegetable, plant organ, developmental stage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biofilter used is a simple technology in anaerobic digestion to remove pollutants from the substrate to enhance biogas production and nutrient effluent, which can be used as liquid organic fertiliser. This study aims to determine the effect of using a biofilter to improve biogas production and biogas effluent as an organic fertiliser material. The results show that the highest methane concentration is 60.64% at a dosage 200 L·day-1. The total solid (TS) content of biogas effluent exhibits a decrease of approximately 44% across all substrate doses, with respective percentages of TS of 0.16%, 0.03%, 0.025%, and 0.034% for 50 L·day-1, 100 L·day-1, 150 L·day-1, and 200 L·day-1, respectively. The use of biofilters in an ABR can significantly enhance the quality of biogas effluent, rendering it suitable for use as a liquid organic fertiliser. By capturing and biodegrading pollutants, the biofilter component can further enrich the nutrient content of the effluent, which already contains essential nutrients due to the anaerobic conditions and compartmentalised design of the ABR. The nutrient content in the biogas effluent mix with nutrition (AB mix) namely; N-total 262.5 mg·L-1, P-available 0.399 mg·L-1, Ca 4.08 mg·L-1, Mg 25.24 mg·L-1, Cu 0.032 mg·L-1, and Fe 13.09 mg·L-1 follows the standard organic fertiliser of the Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and non-destructive machine learning approach was developed to identify the geographical origin and predict nutrient contents of dried wolfberries by analyzing the hyperspectral images. 1826 images of dried wolfberry samples from four different geographical origins in China were collected and used as the database for this study. The raw spectral data was pre-processed and the characteristic wavelengths between 370 and 1043 nm was extracted to establish the datasets applicable for the analysis. The novel lightweight neural network model was developed based on group convolution and average pooling. By comparing the new approach with the other two existing neural network methods, it shows that the new model performs as well as or better than the existing algorithms. This study demonstrates the feasibility of identifying the geographic origin classification and nutrient prediction based on hyperspectral data of dried wolfberries. The non-invasive method provides a reference for future research of other similar products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee growers often apply fertilizers very close to the plants, which results in accumulation of nutrients in one place leading to poor nutrient use efficiency, whereas soil sampling is done in the middle of four plants. Hence the objectives of this study was to compare nutrient status of soils sampled from drip circle and mid of four plants and recommend cost-effective fertilizer management.

The chemical characteristics of peat soil can be improved with soil amendments such as biochar derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), or by nitrogen (N) fertilisation. Our study aimed to determine the separate effects of OPEFB biochar and N fertiliser, along with their interaction, on the dynamics (loss, content, uptake) of nutrients in peat soil as well as on the growth of oil palm seedlings. A glasshouse experiment was carried out in North Sumatra (Indonesia) from December 2020 to February 2021 using a Complete Randomised Factorial design. The first factor was the OPEFB biochar dosages (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) and the second factor was the dosage of N fertiliser (30, 45, 60 kg ha-1), with three replicates. The data were analysed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan at P < 0.05. The results showed that biochar doses of 10 and 15 t ha-1 effectively reduced the losses of N and magnesium (Mg) by 15.7 and 7.56 %, respectively. These reductions were accompanied by increases in soil pH (by 5.12 %) and exchangeable potassium (by 48.3 %). The levels of the plant nutrients phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and boron (B) in the oil palm seedlings were 17.8, 27.0, 5.88, 7.89 and 0.18 %, respectively. Furthermore, N fertiliser doses of 30–45 kg ha 1 increased pH, total N and nutrient (N, B) content as well as the uptake of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B and Cu. The interaction of 10–15 t ha-1 biochar with 30–45 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertiliser inhibited leaching of N but increased exchangeable-K and nutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B, Cu) contents. Based on our results, only N doses of 30–45 kg ha-1 were effective in increasing the number of leaves, stem diameter and biomass of oil palm seedlings, while the effects of biochar and the interaction were insignificant. The findings of this study are relevant for oil palm plantations in peatland areas.

Abstract Choosing appropriate tillage methods and applying the right amount of chemical fertilizers are pivotal for optimizing wheat management and enhancing wheat quality. This study investigated the influence of conservation agriculture and phosphorus levels on nutrient content, yield components, and quality traits of wheat in a corn-wheat rotation. Conducted over five years in field conditions, the study employed a randomized complete block design with tillage treatments (conventional tillage, CT; minimum tillage, MT; and no tillage, NT) and phosphorus levels (no fertilizer use, P0; and 100% fertilizer recommendation, PR) as factors. Soil samples were collected during the fourth year (2021–2022). Results revealed significant impacts of tillage methods and phosphorus levels on wheat straw and grain nutrient composition, yield components, and quality traits. Conventional tillage yielded the highest values for protein content (12%), Zeleny sedimentation volume (20.33 mL), hardness index (45), water absorption (64.12%), and wet gluten content (25.83%). Additionally, phosphorus fertilizer application positively influenced protein percentage, gluten weight, and gluten index. The study highlights the potential of strategic soil management, particularly conventional tillage combined with phosphorus fertilization, to enhance wheat quality and yield. By elucidating these relationships, the findings contribute to optimizing wheat cultivation practices and advancing the development of superior wheat cultivars for baking applications.

In the light of the current fertilizer crisis in Sri Lanka, there has been a notable increase in the demand for organic fertilizers. Consequently, Gliricidia sepium, a nitrogen-fixing tree, has emerged as a viable option serving as green manure and soil amendment in coconut plantations. However, determining the most appropriate stage for lopping Gliricidia to obtain its optimal nutrient compositions remains uncertain. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to identify the optimal lopping stage of G. sepium as soil amendment in coconut plantations. The experiment was conducted over three months in an established Gliricidia field, following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Plant samples were collected at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after initial cutting, corresponding to different growth stages. The samples were further analyzed to measure various growth parameters and nutrient contents across the lopping stages. The collected data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a 5% significance level on Minitab 17 software. The results revealed significant differences (P

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of different watering amount and watering frequency on the growth characteristics and nutrient composition of the protein mulberry "Guisangyou 12", and to reveal preliminarily its water demand characteristics under arid environment. Total 160 plants of "Guisangyou 12" were coded and randomly divided into 8 groups, with 7 replicates per group and 3 plants per replicate, to apply for different watering amounts (SL1: 10 L/month, SL2: 7.5 L/month, SL3: 5 L/month, SL4: 2.5 L/month) and watering frequency (PC1: 1 time/month, PC2: 2 times/month, PC3: 3 times/month, PC4: 5 times/month). The results showed that: ① the weight ratios of fresh stem to fresh leaf in SL1 and SL2 groups were lower than that in SL4 group (P≤0.05), while the protein contents in SL1 and SL2 groups were significantly higher than those in SL3 and SL4 groups (P≤0.05); the plant fresh weight and leaf weight of SL1 group were higher than those of SL4 group (P≤0.05). Under this experiment condition, the watering amount should be higher than 7.5 L/month. ② Plant fresh weights in PC3 and PC4 groups were higher than those in PC1 and PC2 groups (P≤0.05), and leaf weight in PC3 group was higher than those in PC1 and PC2 groups (P≤0.05). The fresh weight of PC3 group was significantly higher than those of PC1 and PC2 groups (P≤0.05), and the protein content of whole plant in PC3 group was significantly higher than that in other treatment groups (P≤ 0.05). According to the test results, the watering frequency of 3 times/month is suitable. In conclusion, under the arid desert climate conditions in southern Xinjiang, the suitable watering amount of "Guisangyou 12" in this experiment is more than 7.5 L/month, and the watering frequency is 3 times/month. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are sap‐feeding plant pests that depend on their symbiotic relationships with the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to adapt to impoverished diets. However, how the host plant affects the aphid primary symbiont and aphid adaptation to host plant transfer are poorly known. In this study, aphid symbiont screening and genotype identification were used to establish 2 aphid strains (Rhopalosiphum maidis [Rm] and Rhopalosiphum padi [Rp] strains) containing only Buchnera without any secondary symbionts for both wheat aphid species (R. maidis and R. padi). Aphid fitness and Buchnera titers were unstable on some of these host plants after transferring to novel host plants (G1–G5), which were influenced by host plant species and generations; however, they stabilized after prolonged feeding on the same plants for 10 generations. The electropenetrography (EPG) records showed that the allocation of aphid feeding time was significantly distinct in the 6 host plants; aphids had more intracellular punctures and spent more nonprobing time on green bristlegrass which was not conducive to its growth compared with other plants. The content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amino acid in the leaves of the 6 host plants were also clearly separated. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that the nutrient contents of host plants had significant correlations with aphid feeding behaviors, fitness, and Buchnera titers. In the meantime, aphid fitness, and Buchnera titers were also affected by aphid feeding behaviors. Also, Buchnera titers of aphid natural populations on 6 host plants showed a visible difference. Our study deepened our understanding of the interaction among aphids, endosymbionts, and host plants, indicating that the host plant nutrient content is a predominant factor affecting aphid adaptation to their diet, initially affecting aphid feeding behaviors, and further affecting aphid fitness and Buchnera titers, which would further contribute to exploiting new available strategies for aphid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To evaluate the effects of the addition of POLY4 as a potassium fertilizer on tobacco yield and quality by comparing the new treatment (POLY4 and POLY4 compound fertilizer) with the traditional treatment (potassium sulfate). At the same time, the effects of potassium sulfate, POLY4 compound fertilizer sulfur and POLY4 in different proportions on tobacco yield and production value were compared, and the effect of new treatment (POLY4 and POLY4 compound fertilizer) on soil nutrient availability was evaluated finally, which provided a scientific basis for the application of new potassium fertilizer polyhalite and the reasonable fertilization ratio in tobacco production. [Method] Effect of applying heterohalite to replace part of potassium sulfate on flue-cured tobacco was studied through the effect of heterohalite combined with potassium sulfate on agronomic traits, yield, output value, internal chemical quality and nutrient content and absorption of flue-cured tobacco. [Result] The field growth performance and agronomic traits of tobacco plants without K fertilizer were poor. The field agronomic traits of tobacco plants with POLY fertilizer were better than those with habit treatment. The yield, output value, average price, proportion of fine tobacco and proportion of medium and fine tobacco in the treatment without potassium application were the lowest, which were significantly lower than those in other potassium application treatments. The yield, output value, average price, proportion of fine tobacco and proportion of medium and fine tobacco in the treatment with POLY fertilizer were generally better than those in the conventional treatment. The inner chemical quality of tobacco leaves in the three parts without potassium treatment was poorer, especially the potassium oxide content and two sugar difference did not meet the requirements, and nicotine was on the low side. The inner chemical quality of tobacco leaves treated with POLY fertilizer was better than that treated with poly fertilizer, especially the potassium content of tobacco leaves was relatively high, and the nicotine content was relatively moderate. Potassium content in stems and leaves in vigorous growth period and topping period was the lowest without potassium application. Total potassium content in treatment with POLY was higher than that in habitual treatment. Calcium, magnesium and sulfur contents in treatment with POLY were higher than those in habitual treatment. Potassium content in soil without potassium application was lower, and available potassium and electrical conductivity in soil with POLY application were higher than those without potassium application and habitual treatment. [Conclusion] Generally speaking, in tobacco fields where soil available nutrients were not high, polyhalite was a good fertilizer to promote the coordinated supply of potassium, calcium and magnesium in tobacco leaves. Applying appropriate amount of polyhalite and potassium sulfate could improve various indicators of tobacco and promote the improvement of yield and quality of tobacco leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical pesticides have been widely used in plantations, and their effects have more disadvantages to the environment as well as to humans. Therefore, this study tries to implement organic pesticides using bamboo vinegar. Bamboo vinegar is one of the organic pesticides to control insect pests in plantation crops. The role of this organic pesticide on the insect pests of Harumanis mango is still unknown. Hence, this study aims to determine the impact of applying bamboo vinegar on the insect pests, quality, and nutrient content of Harumanis mango (MA128). Bamboo vinegar was applied in February 2021 during the flowering phase at the Harumanis plot in the Plantation Unit, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis. This study used a randomized complete block design with three treatments (spraying intervals) and three replications: T1 (3-day interval), T2 (5-day interval), and T3 (no bamboo vinegar). Sticky traps were installed to determine the population of insect pests in Harumanis mango. Matured fruits have been harvested, and the standard procedure of Harumanis mango postharvest handling has been followed. Then, the fruits were determined for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), vitamin C, and sugar content. Bamboo vinegar significantly reduced the abundance of insects in Harumanis mango. Additionally, the highest TPC was observed from a 3-day interval of bamboo vinegar application. A similar trend was indicated for improving TFC with bamboo vinegar application. Similarly, there was a significantly higher vitamin C and sugar content after bamboo vinegar application compared to the control group. In conclusion, applying bamboo vinegar to Harumanis mango reduced insect pests and increased the quality and nutrient content of the Harumanis mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil stoichiometric ratios serve as valuable indicators for the composition and quality of soil organic matter. While available studies predominantly examine the soil stoichiometric ratios of carbon ( C), nitrogen ( N), and phosphorus ( P), limited attention has been paid on the influence of forest restoration on soil stoichiometric ratios of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). We analyzed soil K, Ca, and Mg content, as well as elemental stoichiometric ratios, in secondary forests with varying restoration periods (5, 8, 21, 27 and 40 years) and a natural forest, in order to examine the impact of forest restoration on soil stoichiometry. The results showed that soil C and N contents decreased significantly with increasing soil layers. Soil stoichiometric ratios decreased significantly with increasing soil layers except for K:P, Mg: P, and P : Ca. With the increases of forest restoration years, soil C and N contents significantly increased in 0-10 cm soil layer, Ca content in 10-20 cm soil layer significantly increased, and total P content in 20-40 cm layer significantly decreased. However, soil K and Mg contents in each soil layer did not differ among five restoration ages. With the increases of restoration years, C :Ca, N:Ca and P :Ca in 0-10 cm soil layer significantly increased, and C:P, N:P, and K:P in 20-40 cm soil layer significantly increased, while P:Ca in 20-40 cm soil layer significantly decreased. In all soil layers, K:P and Mg:P were significantly and negatively correlated with soil total P content, and C: Ca and N: Ca were significantly and positively correlated with soil mineral N, available P, and available K content. With the increases of the restoration ages of secondary forests, soils are gradually P-limited and progressively restricted by Ca element in the later years, leading to the limitation of multiple nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of three preservation methods (ultrasound, ZnO NPs, and ultrasound combined with ZnO NPs) on the odor, microstructure, and edible quality of fresh-cut lettuce were investigated in this study. When stored for 8 days, significant improvements were observed in the following when using ultrasound combined with ZnO NP treatment to better preserve fresh-cut lettuce (and were reduced when compared with the control group): the color (L* value (34.53); a* value (−5.89); b* value (15.00); browning index (40.63); firmness (25.66); propectin (2.12%); chlorophyll (2.75 mg/100 g); cellulose (20.35%); total phenolic content (0.95 mg/100 g); PAL activity (54.91 U·h−1·g−1); CAT activity (41.78 U·min−1·mg−1); ABTS free-radical scavenging ability (137.62 µmol/L); FRAP total reducing ability (94.42 µmol/L) (p < 0.05), PPO activity (0.85 U·min−1·g−1); MDA (1.97 µmol/g); and H2O2 (54.26 µmol/g). In addition, the results of the volatile components indicated that the use of ultrasound combined with ZnO NP treatment decreased the production of adverse flavor compounds by inhibiting the generation of aldehydes and ketones, as well as by promoting the generation of olefins, nitriles, and quinolines, and the contents of nitriles and quinolines were 20.07% and 2.07% of the total components, respectively. The resultant microstructure indicated that the microchannels generated by ultrasound allowed for the ZnO NPs to enter the intracellular cavity of the fresh-cut lettuce more efficiently; such a finding could serve as a basis for a hypothesis on the mechanism of ultrasound combined with ZnO NP treatment. The results of fresh-cut lettuce preservation when using ultrasound combined with ZnO NPs were better than those that were obtained when using ultrasound and ZnO NP treatment alone. And, using ultrasound combined with ZnO NP treatment as a new preservation method for fresh-cut lettuce provides a promising preservation idea for other fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to elucidate the response mechanisms of Gleditsia sinensis Lam. with different phosphorus (P) efficiencies to low P stress, this study set up low P treatment (0.01 mmol·L−1, LP) and normal P treatment (1.00 mmol·L−1, NP). The experimental materials included low P-tolerant G. sinensis families F10 and F13, and low P-sensitive G. sinensis families F21 and F29. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low P stress on the agronomic traits, nutrient content, and physiological indices of G. sinensis seedlings with different P efficiencies. The results showed that the agronomic traits, such as plant height, stem diameter, and so on, of the low P-tolerant family, were significantly higher than those of the low P-sensitive family under low P stress. Low P stress significantly increased the total root length, total root surface area, total root projected area, total root volume, and main root diameter of the tolerant family. The tolerant family exhibited significantly higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration rate compared to the sensitive family. Low P stress significantly increased the activities of protective enzymes, acid phosphatase activity, and malondialdehyde content in the low P-tolerant family. The tolerant family exhibited higher P absorption efficiency and P utilization efficiency compared to the sensitive family. Low P stress significantly increased the P utilization efficiency of the tolerant family. In summary, compared to the sensitive family, the low P-tolerant G. sinensis family has stronger reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and can accumulate more osmotic regulatory substances to maintain cell osmotic potential and better protect cells; this improves P utilization efficiency and nutrient content, thereby alleviating the harm caused by low P stress and maintaining normal growth and metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experiment aimed to investigate the impact of lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, molasses, lactic acid bacteria + cellulase, and lactic acid bacteria + molasses on the fermentation effect of the soybean-corn whole plant mixed (2∶3) wrapped silage feed in the southeastern region of Gansu. The experiment was divided into six groups, with three replicates in each group. The control group had no additives, while the additive groups were supplemented with 0.01 g/kg lactic acid bacteria, 0.005 g/kg cellulase, 50 g/kg molasses, 0.01 g/kg lactic acid bacteria + 0.005 g/kg cellulase, and 0.01 g/kg lactic acid bacteria + 50 g/kg molasses, respectively. After 60 days of aerobic storage at room temperature, the nutritional quality, fermentation quality, and aerobic stability of the mixed wrapped silage feed were tested and analyzed. The results showed that compared to the control group, the dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, phosphorus, and lactic acid content of the silage feed in the additive groups all increased, while the content of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, pH value, and the ratio of ammonia nitrogen to total nitrogen all decreased, with the largest change observed in the lactic acid bacteria + molasses group, which had the best fermentation effect and the longest aerobic stability maintenance time, significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of lactic acid bacteria, cellulase, molasses, lactic acid bacteria + cellulase, and lactic acid bacteria + molasses to the soybean-corn whole plant mixed wrapped silage feed can improve the nutritional quality of the mixed silage feed, enhance the fermentation effect, and increase the aerobic stability maintenance time of the feed, with the addition of lactic acid bacteria + molasses showing the best effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut trees on the Tibetan Plateau have sustainable and nutritious characteristics. They grow naturally without the use of any chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, the soil fertility of walnut orchards is a key factor influencing walnut yield and quality. This experiment measured and analyzed the basic soil nutrient content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), and leaf nutrient indicators in five types of representative walnut orchard soil parent materials in Gyaca County to clarify the fertility characteristics of different soil types and their correlations with walnut nutrients, providing a basis for the sustainable development of the plateau walnut industry. The results showed that there were significant differences in soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nutrient contents, and microbial activity among soil types with different parent materials. The comprehensive representation of available nutrient levels in the soils is as follows: gray-cinnamon soil and calcareous alluvial soil > mountain meadow soil > plateau prairie soil and brush prairie soil. The average MBC, MBN, and MBP contents in the five soils were 368.8 mg/kg, 28.4 mg/kg, and 23.6 mg/kg, respectively, and the content in the topsoil (0–20 cm) was higher than that of the subsoil (20–40 cm). The total nitrogen (PN), total phosphorus (PP), and total potassium (PK) contents in walnut leaves were found to be closely related to the soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity, among which five indicators, including soil TN, available nitrogen (AN), SOM, MBC, and slowly available potassium (SAK), had the greatest impact on leaf nutrient levels. These findings are valuable for the future management and development of walnut orchards. Therefore, for different soil parent materials and soil types, improving the soil fertility and actively applying nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers should be prioritized to improve the yield and quality of Tibetan Plateau walnuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the nutrient content, sensory profile, and shelf life of powdered coconut drink processed with freeze-drying method. The drink was made from a mixture of young coconut water and young coconut meat from freshly harvested fruit. The freeze-dried powdered coconut drink has high Mg and Fe but low Na content. The amino acid profile was dominated by lysine, leucine, valine, and arginine, while fatty acid profile contained mostly lauric, myristic, and oleic acids. The development of powdered coconut drink through freeze-drying showed that the process could maintain its sensory characteristics with a slight reduction in sweetness and loss of fermented aroma. It also could prolong the shelf life of the product to 59, 44, and 30 days at 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C, respectively. In conclusion, powdered coconut drink had nutritional content and sensory characteristics not significantly different to fresh products while having longer shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To explore the dynamic changes of vegetation-soil system biomass and soil nutrients in alpine meadows in the Sanjiangyuan area is favorable for the adaptive management of grassland and the related work of grassland ecological restoration. [Method] Vegetation biomass (aboveground biomass and root biomass), vegetation (aboveground and root system) and soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm) contents of total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, quick-acting nitrogen, organic carbon, total phosphorus and total potassium of alpine meadows were consistently observed from 2020 to 2022 during the months of July, August and September in the moderately degraded alpine meadows as the research objects. The dynamics of vegetation biomass, vegetation nutrients and soil nutrients were compared between months using One-way ANOVA. [Result] There was a significant incremental trend (P<0.05, the same as below) in vegetation biomass between months (except for 2021), with an overall maximum in September, with maximum values of 74.58 and 72.80 g/m² for aboveground bio-mass and 39.82 and 57.32 g/m² for root biomass, respectively. Significant inter-monthly dynamics existed between vegetation (aboveground and root system) and soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm) nutrient contents, as evidenced by the maximum values in August. Vegetation biomass was significantly correlated with total nitrogen content of vegetation aboveground and root system, and positively (P<0.05) correlated with total nitrogen content of soil in the 0-15 and 15-30 cm layers. [Conclusion] Nutrients of alpine meadow vegetation (aboveground and root system) and soil (0-15 and 15-30 cm soil layers) reach the peak in August. The results of the study can provide a reference for scholars in the field of alpine meadow nutrient management to crystallize scientific issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigated the impact of phosphorus and zinc on both yield and quality parameters of chickpea. Topics discussed include importance of maintaining a favourable balance between phosphorus and zinc to the optimum growth of plants, nutrient content and uptake of chickpea, and effect of phosphorus and zinc levels on nutrient uptake by chickpea.

Among the many inputs, nitrogen fertilizers are the main yield-limiting factor in agriculture. Liquid fractions of digestates can be a most promising substitute to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, using little energy to turn waste into valuable fertilizers. In this study, the efficacy of five digestates from different origin (C, cow slurry; P, pig slurry; PCE, pig slurry, cow slurry, energy crops; SS, sewage sludge; W, organic fraction of municipal waste) were assessed as fertilizers for the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L., compared to traditional mineral fertilization. Digestates showed promising results as fertilizers for Lactuca sativa L., as yield and chemical parameters were overall comparable to the mineral fertilizer. Analysis of nitrogen evolution showed that most digestates showed higher nitrates in the substrates than the mineral fertilizers at earlier stages. Another topic investigated in the study is the effect of the digestates on the bacterial populations of the growth substrate, investigated through quantification and sequencing of 16S gene. These results varied based on the digestate considered, but, in general, an increase in biodiversity could be linked to use of digestates. These results suggest that digestates might become an alternative to mineral fertilizers, contributing to the circular economy and waste reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a component of the biogeochemical cycle, litterfall contributes carbon and nutrients to forest ecosystems by transferring organic material to mineral soil. Litterfall therefore serves as an important indicator for soil fertility and ecosystem health. This study aimed to determine the impact of different levels of thinning (light, moderate, and heavy) on litterfall quantity (needles, branches, bark, cones, and miscellaneous parts) and on the amount of carbon and nutrients entering the ecosystem in black pine afforestation areas. Three levels of low thinning, namely light, moderate, and heavy thinning (15%, 25%, and 35% of breast height area, respectively), were applied as treatments. Additionally, a control plot was included in the experiment. Litterfall samples were collected four times per year (once per season) from 12 treatment plots for three years. In the laboratory, dry weight measurements and analyses of carbon and macro–micro nutrient elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) were performed on litterfall samples taken from the field. Differences between treatments in terms of litterfall and the amount of carbon and nutrient elements entering the ecosystem were evaluated through variance analysis and the Duncan test. According to the findings, the quantity of litterfall input into the forest floor was highest in the control treatment, at 6,543 kg ha−1 year−1 and lowest in the heavy treatment, at 4,378 kg ha−1 year−1, showing a significant variation in litterfall quantity. The input of C to the soil ranged between 2,233 kg ha−1 year−1 and 3,347 kg ha−1 year−1 depending on thinning treatment. Although thinning treatment reduced C input to the soil, there was no significant difference among treatments. This also applied to nutrient elements such as N, P, K, Mg, and S. Needles constituted the majority of litterfall components (60%) and had the highest C density among all components, at 51.2%. The weighted carbon ratio for litterfall was calculated at 50.8%. Considering carbon-focused planning, performing moderate thinning interventions in the study area or similar pine-afforested areas may be a suitable option for maintaining the sustainability and health of the forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing appropriate tillage methods and applying the right amount of chemical fertilizers are pivotal for optimizing wheat management and enhancing wheat quality. This study investigated the influence of conservation agriculture and phosphorus levels on nutrient content, yield components, and quality traits of wheat in a corn-wheat rotation. Conducted over five years in field conditions, the study employed a randomized complete block design with tillage treatments (conventional tillage, CT; minimum tillage, MT; and no tillage, NT) and phosphorus levels (no fertilizer use, P0; and 100% fertilizer recommendation, PR) as factors. Soil samples were collected during the fourth year (2021–2022). Results revealed significant impacts of tillage methods and phosphorus levels on wheat straw and grain nutrient composition, yield components, and quality traits. Conventional tillage yielded the highest values for protein content (12%), Zeleny sedimentation volume (20.33 mL), hardness index (45), water absorption (64.12%), and wet gluten content (25.83%). Additionally, phosphorus fertilizer application positively influenced protein percentage, gluten weight, and gluten index. The study highlights the potential of strategic soil management, particularly conventional tillage combined with phosphorus fertilization, to enhance wheat quality and yield. By elucidating these relationships, the findings contribute to optimizing wheat cultivation practices and advancing the development of superior wheat cultivars for baking applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of potassium fertilizer application and straw return are effective agronomic measures for increasing crop productivity; however, information on how straw return—when substituting potassium fertilizer—affects crop yield, efficiency, and quality in dryland remains limited. In this study, an experiment on a dryland summer maize and winter wheat rotation system was initiated in 2007. This study included four treatments: CK (no fertilizer and no straw return), NP (nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application without straw return), NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer application without straw return), and NPS (NP treatment with straw return, substituting potassium fertilizer as used in the NPK treatment). These treatments were employed to assess grain yield and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in 2015–2020. Additionally, we evaluated the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as the protein content and protein yield in maize and wheat grains and the protein components in wheat grains in 2019–2020. The results showed that compared to the CK treatment, NP, NPK, and NPS treatments not only significantly increased the yield, protein yield, and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in both maize and wheat but also increased the content of protein and protein components in wheat grains. Compared to the NP treatment, the NPK treatment significantly increased the contents of N, K, globulin, and gluten in wheat grains by 5.11%, 21.59%, 10.06%, and 15.14%. Compared to NPK treatment, NPS treatment significantly increased the average yield of summer maize by 21.33% and 20.91%, respectively, as well as the annual yield by 9.99% and 13.59%, the N fertilizer agronomic efficiency of summer maize by 132.47%, and the annual N and P fertilizer agronomic efficiency by 42.83% and 64.36%, over the five-year period. The NPS treatment also significantly increased the summer maize protein yield and annual protein yield by 10.43% and 23.08%, as well as the content of protein components, the protein content, and P content in wheat grains by 4.93–13.58%, 7.81%, and 28.89%, respectively. In conclusion, NPS treatment can not only enhance crop yield, protein yield, and fertilizer agronomic efficiency in summer maize annually but also has the advantage of promoting wheat quality. NPS is an efficient strategy to improve crop yield, efficiency, and quality in a dryland maize–wheat rotation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plant species are often characterized by superior resource acquisition capabilities compared with native species, contributing to their success in new environments. However, the dominance of these species varies, and not all invasive species become dominant, nor are all native species uniformly vulnerable to competitive exclusion. In this study, we analyzed 19 functional traits across 144 herbaceous plant species in Guangzhou, China. The studied species included 31 invasive dominant species (IDS), 19 invasive non-dominant species (INS), 63 native dominant species (NDS), and 31 native non-dominant species (NNS). Our findings reveal no significant differences in functional traits between IDS and INS, indicating a broad trait similarity within invasive categories. Pronounced similarities between invasive species and NDS suggest an ecological equivalency that facilitates successful integration and competition in new habitats. Notable differences in several key traits—height, leaf thickness, leaf water content, stoichiometry, photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, and nitrogen use efficiency—indicate a competitive superiority in resource acquisition and utilization for invasive species over NNS. These distinctions are vital for understanding the mechanisms driving the success of invasive species and are crucial for developing strategies to manage their impact on native ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelagic Sargassum landings (hereby referred to as sargasso) increased dramatically in 2011 throughout the equatorial tropical Atlantic due to the formation of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt (GASB). Despite increasing reports, understanding of local abundances and vegetative characteristics, especially in South Florida, remains limited. From 2018 to 2021, sargasso was collected at two South Florida beaches, with additional sampling at a third beach to assess nutrient and heavy metal concentrations. Biomass landings varied greatly, with S. fluitans III predominant during the "peak season" (May to July) and S. natans I predominant in the "off season", while S. natans VIII was consistently least abundant. This suggests that South Florida may receive sargasso from the Sargasso Sea during the low season and from the GASB during the peak sargasso season. Across all three morphotypes, mean nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents were 0.97% and 0.04% (dry weight), respectively. Out of the 16 heavy metals detected, our values were similar to those reported across the Caribbean. Arsenic was the most prevalent heavy metal, with sargasso containing epibionts having higher arsenic concentrations. These results provide comprehensive information to better understand the characteristics and potential origin of sargasso landings in South Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid restoration and renewal of the moso bamboo logging zone after strip logging has emerged as a key research area, particularly regarding whether nutrient accumulation and utilization in reserve zones can aid in the restoration and regeneration of the logging zone. In this study, a dynamic 15N isotope tracking experiment was conducted by injecting labeled urea fertilizer into bamboo culms. Logging zones and reserve zones of 6 m, 8 m, and 10 m widths were established. The conventional selective logging treatment served as a control (Con). Measurements were taken in May and October to assess the differences in nitrogen accumulation ability, utilization rates, and nutrient content across different organs in bamboo forests at different growth stages and under different treatments. Principal component analysis was conducted to evaluate and determine the importance of each indicator and strip logging treatment comprehensively. The results showed that various bamboo organs exhibited higher nitrogen accumulation and utilization rates during the peak growth period compared to the late growth period. Leaves had the highest nitrogen accumulation and utilization rates than the other organs. The average C content in various bamboo organs under different logging treatments exhibited subtle differences, irrespective of variation in logging width treatments. Bamboo culm exhibited the highest carbon accumulation. The C content in various bamboo organs was higher during the peak growth period than in the late growth period. The nitrogen content peaked in the leaves during the two growth stages and was significantly higher compared to the other organs. Most bamboo organs in the logging zones exhibited relatively higher nitrogen content than in the reserve zone and Con group. The P content was highest in bamboo leaves compared with other organs across the different strip logging treatments. Principal component analysis revealed relatively high absolute values of the coefficients for the C content, bamboo stump C content, and culm Ndff%. Log8 and Res10 zones had the highest comprehensive evaluation scores, indicating that Log8 and Res10 had the best effect on the promotion of nitrogen utilization and nutrient accumulation in various organs of moso bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been intentionally used in Chinese agriculture since the 1980s to improve crop yields. Around the world, REEs are also involuntarily applied to soils through phosphate fertilizers. These elements are known to alleviate damage in plants under abiotic stresses, yet there is no information on how these elements act in the physiology of plants. The REE mode of action falls within the scope of the hormesis effect, with low-dose stimulation and high-dose adverse reactions. This study aimed to verify how REEs affect rice plants' physiology to test the threshold dose at which REEs could act as biostimulants in these plants. In experiment 1, 0.411 kg ha−1 (foliar application) of a mixture of REE (containing 41.38% Ce, 23.95% La, 13.58% Pr, and 4.32% Nd) was applied, as well as two products containing 41.38% Ce and 23.95% La separately. The characteristics of chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchanges, SPAD index, and biomass (pot conditions) were evaluated. For experiment 2, increasing rates of the REE mix (0, 0.1, 0.225, 0.5, and 1 kg ha−1) (field conditions) were used to study their effect on rice grain yield and nutrient concentration of rice leaves. Adding REEs to plants increased biomass production (23% with Ce, 31% with La, and 63% with REE Mix application) due to improved photosynthetic rate (8% with Ce, 15% with La, and 27% with REE mix), favored by the higher electronic flow (photosynthetic electron transport chain) (increase of 17%) and by the higher Fv/Fm (increase of 14%) and quantum yield of photosystem II (increase of 20% with Ce and La, and 29% with REE Mix), as well as by increased stomatal conductance (increase of 36%) and SPAD index (increase of 10% with Ce, 12% with La, and 15% with REE mix). Moreover, adding REEs potentiated the photosynthetic process by increasing rice leaves' N, Mg, K, and Mn concentrations (24–46%). The dose for the higher rice grain yield (an increase of 113%) was estimated for the REE mix at 0.72 kg ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of the study was to determine the physiological aspects, including leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition of bush tea under varying water regimes. The tunnel experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments consisting of three water regimes: 100% of crop water requirement (ETa), 30% of ETa, and a control (no irrigation), all replicated three times. The morphological aspects were recorded on a weekly basis. However, yield, nutrient content, nutritional water productivity (NWP), and phytochemical composition were determined at harvest. The phytochemical analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled with visualization of the detected chemical spaces through molecular networking, indicated Athrixia phylicoides DC. to be rich in various bioactive compound derivatives, including methyl chlorogenate, flavonoids, tartaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and glutinane. The results showed that 30% ETa enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, and nutritional water productivity compared to other water treatments. Nevertheless, 100% ETa yielded more (95.62 kg ha−1) than 30% ETa (60.61 kg ha−1) and control (12.12 kg ha−1). The accumulation of chlorogenic acids was higher under 30% ETa compared to 100% ETa and control. Therefore, this study is the first to determine the accumulation of various bioactive compounds in bush tea leaf extracts under varying water regimes. This confirms that in areas with low water availability, bush tea is well adapted for production without limiting nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the water content of fresh daylily is high, the quality of fresh daylily decreases rapidly after harvest. It is very important to explore the suitable processing methods for extending the shelf life of daylily. The effects of different vacuum pulsating preventive technology (PVD) conditions on nutritional composition, color, flavor, rehydration rate and microstructure of daylily were investigated, so as to improve the quality of dried daylily. The effects of different drying temperatures (65, 70, 75, 80 " and 85 ") on the quality of daylilies were studied under the conditions of vacuum holding time (10 min) and atmospheric holding time (5 min) using PVD equipment. Furthermore, principal component analysis and partial least squares method were used to discriminate the drying process, flavor composition and characteristic taste of daylily. The results showed that the content of free amino acids in naturally dried (CK) daylily was the highest, at 0.858 mg/g. The !E value was the highest, at 16.47, further indicating that the overall quality of the sample was poor. After PVD drying, daylily has a bright and vibrant color, good rehydration performance, and significantly increased protein and flavonoid content. When PVD was 80 ", the primary color retention rate was the highest (!E= 7.28), and the free amino acid content was the highest (0.818 mg/g). When PVD was 75 ", the protein (7.331 g/L) and Ga (1072.445 "g/kg) content in the sample was the highest. When PVD was 70 the proportion of /3-fold and "helix content in the daylily sample was the highest, at 35%. When PVD was 65 the flavonoid content (1.653 mg/g) and rehydration rate are the highest (3.04%), and inorganic sulfides, nitrogen oxides, and terpenoids can be well retained. In addition, partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed that aspartic acid, histidine, serine, glutamic acid, and alanine are characteristic taste substances of daylily. Conclusion: Different PVD drying temperatures lead to differences in the physicochemical properties and nutritional components of daylily. The research results can provide suitable process parameters to meet different quality attribute requirements and consumer acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of selected PGPB on lettuce growth performance under heat-stress conditions. Bacterial plant growth-promoting potentials have been characterized and identified successfully in ongoing studies. Based on in vitro plant growth-promoting potential, the top five bacteria were ranked and identified as Acinetobacter sp. GRB12, Bacillus sp. GFB04, Klebsiella sp. LFB06, Klebsiella sp. GRB10, and Klebsiella sp. GRB04. They were mixed to inoculate on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in temperature-controlled greenhouses. Another in-vivo chamber experiment was conducted by using Bacillus sp. GFB04 and Klebsiella sp. GFB10. Plant physiological traits (chlorophyll fluorescence and transpiration) and nutrient contents were measured at harvest, along with growth, development, and yield component analyses. Uninoculated plants under heat-stress condition showed poor growth performance. In contrast, plants with PGPB inoculation showed improved growth under heat-stress conditions, as the uptake of nutrients was facilitated by the symbionts. Inoculation also improved lettuce photosystem II efficiency and decreased total water use under heat stress. In conclusion, the current study suggests that PGPB inoculation successfully enhances lettuce heat-tolerance. PGPB application could potentially help improve sustainable production of lettuce with less fertilization under increasing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Ethiopia indigenous browse species have the potential to serve as a sustainable supplement for poor quality feeds and enhance ruminant livestock production. Objective: To analyze the nutrient content, in vitro gas production, and post incubation parameters of indigenous browse species in northwestern Ethiopia. Methodology: Eight indigenous browse fodder trees were collected from each agroecological zone for this experiment. Leaf and pod samples of the fodder trees were collected, dried and ground for laboratory analysis. Analysis of variance was carried out for nutrient content, in vitro gas, and methane production of the samples within agroecological zones using standard analytical procedures. The statistical design used to analyze the data was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results: The highest CP content was recorded from Vernonia amygdalina (223.4 g/kg DM), Dodonaea viscosa (207.7 g/kg DM), and Acacia abyssinica (216.0 g/kg DM) in the highland, midland and lowland agro-ecology respectively. In lowland area, NDF, ADF and ADL contents were highest for Albezia amara leaves and lowest for Acacia brevispica respectively. V. amygdalina, Stereospermum kunthianum and Ficus vasta had the highest gas volume at 24-hour incubation time in high, mid and lowland, respectively. The estimated organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acid at 24 hour of incubation was the highest for V. amygdalina, S kunthianum and F. vasta in high, mid and lowland, respectively. Ficus sycomorus and Myrica salicifolia had the lowest methane production among the species in the low, mid and highland study areas, respectively. Implications: The present study provides a valuable resource for selecting suitable feed options for livestock in different agroecological zones. High CP and digestible browse species like V. amygdalina, S. kunthianum, and F. vasta could be prioritized for livestock feed. Low methane-producing species like F. sycomorus and M. salicifolia could be incorporated into diets to reduce enteric methane emissions. Conclusion: Based on their nutrient composition and in vitro gas production potential, these feed resources are of better quality to supplement grazing livestock during the seasons of critical feed shortage as the main feed resources are either limited in availability or lower in nutrient composition and digestibility in the study areas.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and filtered sludge are widely used to improve soil fertility and plant yields. In this study, we evaluated the impact of sludge and/or PGPR application on the nutrient contents and enzyme activities of the soil as well as on plant growth. We planted bare-root eucalyptus seedlings in (1) soil amended with filtered sludge from Nanning sugar factory (FS), (2) soil amended with filtered sludge + PGPR (BF), and (3) non-amended soil (control). Soil fertility and eucalyptus growth were determined after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results demonstrated that FS treatment significantly increased eucalyptus growth compared to the control, particularly after six months. Bacterial fertilizer (BF) also increased soil urease and sucrase activities, although differences diminished over the study period. Our findings suggest that the integration of bacterial fertilizers and filtered sludge can serve as an effective and environmentally friendly strategy to improve soil health and promote sustainable eucalyptus cultivation. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of bio-fertilizers in forestry practices, highlighting their potential to reduce or replace the use of chemical fertilizers while increasing plant productivity.

The critical period of crop-weed competition (CPCWC) varies by cultivars, management strategies, cropping seasons, soil, and climate. Hence, a study was done to assess CPCWC in green gram under different cropping seasons and its impact on nutrient mining, agro-physiological characteristics, and productivity of green gram during the summer and rainy seasons. The experiment comprised of 12 treatments (weed interference until 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 days after sowing (DAS) and crop maturity, weed-free until 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 DAS and crop maturity). The treatments were placed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that, summer green gram outperformed rainy green gram by boosting nutrient uptake, growth and productivity. Weed interference up to crop harvest lowered the green gram dry matter accumulation by 34.11 %, seed index by 8.98 %, grain yield by 76.21 % and biological yield by 31.06 %. However, weed-free until crop harvest boosted nitrogen content by 50.4 %, phosphorus by 87.7 % and potassium by 42.9 %. Similarly, weed-free environment until harvest of the crop raised chlorophyll-a content by 2.9–6.6 fold and 2.7–7.0 fold, chlorophyll-b by 3.8–5.8 fold and 3.8–6.5 fold over season-long weedy plots during summer and rainy season, respectively. This study suggested that the critical duration for crop-weed competition under 5 % relative yield loss (RYL) was 11–43 DAS in summer and 4 to 36 DAS in rainy. Whereas, critical duration for the crop-weed competition at 10 % RYL was 21–36 DAS in summer and 8 to 27 DAS in rainy seasons.