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Context: Long-term negative potassium (K) balances in crop production have depleted soil K levels in Western Australia (WA). Previous research has focussed on sand-textured soils, but recently, monitoring of crops grown on loam-textured soils has shown deficient or marginal shoot K concentrations where Colwell K 0–10 cm is above current critical levels. Aims: The aims were to examine whether grain yield responses to fertiliser K can be detected on loam-textured soils and if soil test calibration curves can be identified for these soils. Methods: Eight field trials were conducted with wheat on loam-textured soils. The same experimental design was used at all sites; six levels of K applied at sowing, from 0 to 200 kg K ha−1 with one treatment including a split application. Soil and plant test calibration curves were modelled using measurements from the trials. Key results: Grain yield responses of 0.69 to 1.37 t ha−1 to fertiliser K (P < 0.05) occurred in 4 of 8 trials. Relative yield was closely related to soil exchangeable K and the goodness of fit of the soil test calibration curves increased as the depth of sampling increased. The best soil test calibration curve was for sampling 0–40 cm. Conclusions: This research confirms that on some loam-textured soils, yield loss is occurring to K deficiency if no K fertiliser is applied. Implications: As soil K reserves are run down, soil sampling at 0–40 cm on loam-textured soils will provide the most accurate monitoring of soil K deficiency for wheat production. Long term negative balances for potassium (K) in Western Australia have led to the appearance of K deficiency in crops grown on loam-textured soils. A series of trials confirmed that K deficiency is occurring in wheat grown on these soils and that soil testing to 0–40 cm depth is required to confidently assess the adequacy of soil K supply. Monitoring of shoot K concentration at stem elongation can be used to guide in-season fertiliser K applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional balance of crops is one of the most important factors which affect the quantitative and qualitative yield of crops. The method of deviation from optimum percentage (DOP) is one of the suitable methods in interpret the results of the nutrients analysis in crops, the nutrients requirements and the nutritional balance status in crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of sugarcane by the DOP method in 25 plant fields, 72 first ratoon fields and 44 second ratoon fields in Hakim Farabi Agro-Industry Company, Khuzestan province. Leaf samples were collected from studied fields and concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were measured. In order to interpret the nutrient concentration data and assess the nutritional status of sugarcane, the fields were divided into two groups with high and low yield. Then nutrient norms, nutrient DOP indices and nutritional balance index (∑DOP) were calculated. The results indicated that in the low-yield fields, K and P (as macronutrients) had more negative indices, as well as Fe and Zn (as micronutrients). Based on DOP indices, the order of crop nutrients requirement in low-yield fields were as K>P>Mg>Ca>N, K>P>N>Mg>Ca and P>K>N>Mg>Ca in plant, first ratoon and second ratoon, respectively. In general, fertilizer inappropriate management resulted to the imbalance of nutritional in sugarcane that it affect sugarcane yield. Therefore, balanced and optimal fertilization with integrated application of chemical, organic and biological fertilizers should be considered in sugarcane fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing efficiency of agribusiness depends on the development of technology. A key challenge regards the determination of plant mineral content, which help farmers to make a decision about fertilizer use. Currently, such nutritional status diagnoses are made based on wet chemical methods; they are usually slow and generate chemical wastess. In this context, an in‐house manufactured XRF benchtop for agri‐samples is proposed in this study. This XRF system was furnished with a manual primary filter changer, vacuum chamber, dual interlock radiological protection system, which were installed in the equipment cover, and light signals. Analytical capabilities were also evaluated. The equipment presented spurious peaks of Ti, Fe, Ni, and Zn, which is not ideal for some agronomical applications; this issue might be overcome in the future by means of additional primary filters. The total x‐ray spectrum counting rate is roughly one magnitude order lower than two other commercial XRF systems, but the signal‐to‐noise ratio is quite similar. The vacuum chamber under partial vacuum improves the Al, Si, P and S signals from 1.5 to 2.2. The limits of detection (LOD, mg kg−1) for P (261), S (168), K (68), and Ca (50) macronutrients and Mn (14), Fe (15), Cu (9), and Zn (8) micronutrients are close to the ones reported in the literature. The limits of detection for P, S, K, and Ca are suitable for plant analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional farming has led to the implementation of synthetic fertilizers to compensate for the food demand globally. Macronutrients like N, P, and K are supplemented to the crop both naturally and chemically. Micronutrient such as selenium (Se) is needed for the physiological growth of the crop and the human system. Micronutrient Se is produced biologically and can be incorporated along with PGPR which serves as a macronutrient provider and is used as an eco-friendly nanobiofertiliser (Se + PGPR). A nanoparticle is feasible to use which has controlled release to the target (plant) to enrich and boost the crop quality and crop production thereby decreasing anthropogenic pollution. In the current study, we identified a multipotent selenium nanoparticle-producing bacterial strain–Pseudomonas libanesis which could also act as a micronutrient provider altogether works as an efficient nanobiofertiliser. Comparative analysis of biofertilizer with nanobiofertiliser was studied to assess the effectiveness of Okra. SEM analysis showed the average of selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) to be 93.31 nm. Further SeNP is characterized by FT-IR, XRD, and AFM. There was a 30–40% increase in germination percentage in Pot S3 when compared to the control. The present study also deals with the increased phytochemicals of 25–35% of okra, rise in shoot and root length by 25–35%, and increased production of the fruiting body with the implementation of 75 ppm of SeNP to avoid the bioaccumulation of SeNP in the soil environment. The Uptake of Se in the plant was estimated to be 80%. This study gives insight into biological SeNP along with PGPR which could act efficiently in improving soil quality and crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This review focuses on the critical role of potassium (K) in potato cultivation, addressing its essential functions in plant metabolism and the challenges in managing soil K levels, specifically under sandy soils. The K use efficiency is higher in potatoes, with the maximum potential up to 55%, compared to cereals at 19%. Potatoes require high quantities of K, especially in well‐drained sandy soils, to maximise growth and yield. Because K is a highly leaching‐prone nutrient in these soils, its deficiencies could affect plant health, metabolism (K is required to activate more than 60 enzymes) and productivity. Optimal potato growth necessitates maintaining 1.8% K in the tubers, corresponding to a need of 0.22 kg K2O ac−1 for a substantial yield. The review article highlights the significant use of potash fertilisers in the United States, with an average consumption of 4.43 million metric tons between 2010 and 2021, underscoring the importance of K in agricultural practices. The paper also highlights the difference in K requirement and removal among different potato varieties that require the maximum amount in processing types. This manuscript discusses K's management schemes through soil testing, plant tissue analysis and artificial intelligence. The integration of various machine‐learning methods could offer promising prospects for predicting K response in potatoes, aiming to improve nutrient management and sustainable crop production. By synthesising current knowledge and advancements in K fertilisation techniques, this paper provides insights into overcoming the challenges of K management in potato cultivation, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and improved crop quality.

This dataset holds 9,175 entries that report the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper and boron contents of various plant species, with a focus on crops. The dataset accounts data of 94 plant species, and present nutrient concentration of 14 different plant tissues. The data are derived from the Soil and Plant Nutrition Lab of the Chilean Agricultural Research Institute, which provided services to farmers in the Chilean Central Valley between 2006 and 2020. The analytical methods used to generate these data were consistent across all years, ensuring the reliability of the information. Specifically, nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, while all other analytes were quantified via colorimetry (phosphorus and boron) or atomic absorption spectrometry following high-temperature oxidation and dilution of the ashes with hydrochloric acid. The dataset has numerous potential applications, including the estimation of crop nutrient extraction rates, the identification of nutrient deficiencies or excesses, and the provision of reference or prior information for researchers studying plant physiology. The dataset includes 21 Chilean endemic species, which might be of particular interest to researchers studying the biodiversity and ecology of Chile's Central Valley.

Significant losses in agricultural production are due to abiotic stresses, such as herbicide phytotoxicity. Dicamba (diglycolamine salt) is a herbicide used for post-emergent control of broadleaf weeds. It has a possibility to vapor-spread into neighboring fields causing damage to other crops. However, not every stress can be easily identified. Therefore, remote sensing has the potential as a new tool in early injury detection. This study evaluated the effects of simulated dicamba drift on the occurrence of phytotoxicity in soybeans (Glycine max). Soybean was assessed in seven dicamba doses (0, 0.056, 0.56, 5.6, 11.2, 28, 112 g ha−1) for changes in plant injury (scale of notes), spectral aspects (triangular greenness index (TGI), and shoot dry mass. The plants were photographed using a digital camera positioned at 1.2 m above the planting media level. The results indicate a positive effect of low dicamba doses (0.56 and 0.056 g a.e. ha−1) on TGI canopy distinction and shoot dry mass. Soybean TGI canopy distinction and the injury scale estimated at 45 days after sowing, and the soybean shoot dry mass observed at 99 days after sowing, presented significant and moderate Pearson’s r coefficient of correlations (r = −0.609 and 0.625), indicating TGI as a valid and practical spectral index for plant dicamba-injured evaluations.

The study presents the results of a three year field trial aimed at assessing the nutritional status of maize in critical growth stages by means of a plant analysis in the cultivation of three maize cultivars differing in their agronomic and genetic profile. The main research problem was to demonstrate whether the availability of nitrogen from stabilized fertilizers for "stay-green" maize varieties is consistent with the dynamics of the demand for this component. This is very important from both the economic and agronomic aspect of maize cultivation. The research showed a significant response of the maize cultivars to different nitrogen fertilizer formulations, which was observed in the period from the five-leaf stage to the full flowering stage. The advantage of the fertilizer, UltraGran stabilo, over other nitrogen fertilizers in the BBCH 15 stage was demonstrated only for the cultivar, ES Metronom, which produced a greater aerial mass while maintaining the nitrogen concentration at the level of the other two maize cultivars. The nitrogen and potassium content shaped the kernel weight in the ear in the flowering stage, confirming the importance of the interaction of these two elements in forming this feature of maize as the main predictor of the grain yield. This trait (expressed by the R2 coefficient) manifested each year of the study, but especially in the years with optimal weather patterns (i.e., the first year). The response of the maize cultivars to nitrogen fertilizers, especially the cultivar, ES Metronom, was manifested by an increase in the content of nutrients and chlorophyll in the ear leaf, that is considered a predictive organ for grain yield. The fertilizers, Super N-46 and UltraGran stabilo, had a positive effect on the chlorophyll content (CCI parameter) and increased its efficiency of excitation energy transfer (the F0 parameter). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the transport of ions and nutrients in the plant stem is determined by destructive techniques or by radiolabeled compounds. Here, materials science and mathematical modeling have been combined to develop a sensor device that can monitor in real time and simultaneously the concentration of ions and the saturation in the plant's xylem. The device, based on the technology of organic electrochemical transistors, is biomimetic, biocompatible, low‐cost, and minimally invasive. The mathematical model decodes the sensor's response and decouples the effects of concentration and saturation over time. In this work, this scheme is demonstrated by monitoring the condition of tomato plants subjected to vapor pressure deficit for 16 d, and to drought and salt stress for up to 25 d. Results of the work have the potential to impact on the analysis of plant's physiology, improve water use efficiency in small and large‐scale agriculture, and maximize yield with a minimum amount of fertilizer/nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant losses in agricultural production are due to abiotic stresses, such as herbicide phytotoxicity. Dicamba (diglycolamine salt) is a herbicide used for post-emergent control of broadleaf weeds. It has a possibility to vapor-spread into neighboring fields causing damage to other crops. However, not every stress can be easily identified. Therefore, remote sensing has the potential as a new tool in early injury detection. This study evaluated the effects of simulated dicamba drift on the occurrence of phytotoxicity in soybeans (Glycine max). Soybean was assessed in seven dicamba doses (0, 0.056, 0.56, 5.6, 11.2, 28, 112 g ha−1) for changes in plant injury (scale of notes), spectral aspects (triangular greenness index (TGI), and shoot dry mass. The plants were photographed using a digital camera positioned at 1.2 m above the planting media level. The results indicate a positive effect of low dicamba doses (0.56 and 0.056 g a.e. ha−1) on TGI canopy distinction and shoot dry mass. Soybean TGI canopy distinction and the injury scale estimated at 45 days after sowing, and the soybean shoot dry mass observed at 99 days after sowing, presented significant and moderate Pearson's r coefficient of correlations (r = −0.609 and 0.625), indicating TGI as a valid and practical spectral index for plant dicamba-injured evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Academic Journal of Agriculture / Akademik Ziraat Dergisi is the property of University of Ordu, Faculty of Agriculture, Academic Journal of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article reviews part of the history of ultra-high dilution (UHD) research or homeopathy applied to plants and water. The scientific relationship between European and Brazilian groups has resulted in solid research, producing evidence that had not previously been proposed. Amidst this evolution, new technologies have emerged, and some are discussed here. This review emphasizes diagnostic experiments using low-power laser and cold plasma generated images. Both technologies are methods discussed to assess seed germination and identify beneficial effects of UHDs in plants and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the possible use of flower analyses in assessing the nutritional status of apple orchards at the initiation of vegetation. In successive years, samples were taken from 150 orchards at the initiation of bloom for flowers and at seven different time points covering the timeframe between 14 and 98 days after full-bloom for leaves. When the flower nutrient contents were ordered from lowest to highest, the lower and upper percentage quartile was accepted as the reference value for each nutrient and as the cutoff for nutrient deficiency or excess. Reference values were 3.33–3.98% N, 0.46–0.54% P, 2.10–2.47% K, 0.39–0.51% Ca, 0.25–0.31% Mg, 67–110 ppm Fe, 35–65 ppm Cu, 20–31 ppm Mn, 37–50 ppm Zn and 55–79 ppm B. Correlations between nutrient contents of the flowers and leaves sampled at all time points were also investigated. The presence of significant correlations showed that flower analysis can be used to determine the nutritional status of apples. Positive outcomes were observed for P, Mg, Mn and B. In addition, cultivar-induced differences were also observed in flower for Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical sensors that can determine single/multiple analytes remain a key challenge in miniaturized analytical systems and devices. In this study, we present in situ synthesis and modification of gold nanodendrite electrodes to create an electrochemical system for the analysis of hydrogen peroxide. The sensor system consisted of the reference and counter electrodes as well as the working electrode. Electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide, ErGO, on the thin-film gold and gold nanodendrite working electrodes was used to achieve an efficient sensor interface for the adsorption of a biomimetic electrocatalytic sensor material, Mn(III) meso-tetra(N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin complex, with as high as 10–10 mol cm−2 surface coverage. The sensor system demonstrated a detection limit of 0.3 µM H2O2 in the presence of oxygen. Electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide in plant material in the concentration range from 0.09 to 0.4 µmol (gFW)−1 using the electrochemical sensor system was shown as well as in vivo real-time monitoring of the hydrogen peroxide dynamics as a sign of abiotic stress (intense sunlight). Results of the electrochemical determination were in good agreement with the results of biochemical analysis with the spectrophotometric detection. We anticipate that this method can be extended for the synthesis and integration of multisensor arrays in analytical microsystems and devices for the quantification and real-time in vivo monitoring of other analytes and biomarkers.

Nitrogen management is a challenging task and several methods individually and in combination are in use to manage, nevertheless, nitrogen use efficiency has not been ameliorated to a level as predicted by the researchers while developing nitrogen management tools and methods. The experiments were carried out from 2012 to 2014 on meadow-chestnut heavy loamy soil at "Bikesha" farm in Tarumovsky district of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia to study the influence of previous crops which include winter wheat for green manure and fodder production, row crops and alfalfa on the winter wheat. Six treatments used in the experiment were winter wheat-three years without rotation, winter wheat-two years without rotation + natural phytocenosis for green fertilizer, winter wheat-two years without rotation + natural phytocenosis for fodder production, corn for grain, sunflower for seeds and alfalfa for hay. Nitrogen concentration in the phytomass during harvesting of precursors was determined before ploughing and mowing the natural phytocenosis for fodder production. The results showed that the maximum content of plant material in soil (25.82 t/ha), the highest nitrogen concentration (2.18 to 3.32 %) and higher productivity of winter wheat (4.67 t/ha) were demonstrated when the previous crop was alfalfa and natural phytocenosis. These findings can be used to design crop rotations enriched with the main food crop of up to 80 to 100% without compromising crop yields and soil fertility in small farms, which have a small set of crops, as well as insufficient material and technical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Among the different approaches currently being used to evaluate the contamination level of street dust, the magnetic susceptibility of dust and urban tree leaves has received little attention. The key objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the feasibility of using pine needles as a bioindicator and biomagnetic indicator for estimating the concentration of selected metals in street dust, and (ii) to predict the contamination level of street dust by selected metals using magnetic susceptibility. Street dust and pine tree needle samples were taken from 60 locations in three adjacent cities in Kerman province (Kerman, Rafsanjan, and Sirjan), southeastern Iran. The total concentrations of selected metals, including Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb, and the magnetic susceptibility (χ lf and χ hf) values of both pine tree needles and street dust samples were determined. Among the three cities studied, samples from Kerman showed the highest magnetic susceptibility and metal concentration values. This could be attributed to the larger size and much higher population density of this city, with more industrial activities and urban traffic than the other two cities investigated. The results also showed that the concentrations of metals in pine needles were strongly correlated (p < 0.01) with those in street dust. The magnetic susceptibility of pine needles and the concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Mn in street dust showed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01). A strong and statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01) was also found between magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of metals in pine needles. In conclusion, strong relationships between magnetic properties and metal concentrations of pine needles with those of street dust samples seem to make pine needles a good bioindicator and biomagnetic estimator of the contamination level of metals in street dust. [Display omitted] • Pine needles were found to be a good biomagnetic indicator of metal contamination in street dust. • The strong correlation between the concentration of metals of pine needles and street dust makes it a good bioindicator. • Pollution level of urban street dust can be estimated using its magnetic susceptibility. • Multivariate analysis revealed anthropogenic and/or natural sources of metals. • The population density influenced the magnetic susceptibility and metal concentration of street dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, soil and plant samples were taken from 20 parks which have a grass area and located in Esenler county of Istanbul, were analysed of macro elements (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and the nutritional status of the grass was evaluated by statistical analysis. The average N content of the soil samples is 0.102%, according to this value they were classified as "sufficient levels of nitrogen". On the other hand, the average P, K, Ca and Mg contents of soils were 11.45, 67.45, 7 978.91 and 726.18 mg kg1. According to the results of the statistical analysis, the relationship between all parameters analyzed between the soil used in the research is "significant" (P <0.01). Total N contents of plant samples were determined as the lowest level 20.29% and the highest level 31.69%. Then P, K, Ca and Mg contents of the plant samples from macro elements an average value were respectively 0.46%, 3.06%; 0.88% and 0.36%. The relationship between all parameters analysed of grasses used in the research is statistically "significant" (P <0.01). According to the analysis of soil and plant in the grass areas in the parks, the applications such as fertilization, irrigation, spraying is extremely im¬portant in terms of healthy growth and longevity of grass. As a common opinion, the application of N, P and K is usually carried out in order to fertiliza¬tion of the parks in Istanbul. Therefore, essential macro elements were taken into consideration in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy Sources investments are scaling up across the Mediterranean region. The small scale utilization of the forest biomass for bioenergy purposes could boost the socio-economic benefits in a decentralized level, tackle the energy poverty and reduce the forest fire risk. This research contributes to a more sustainable use of the forest biomass for bioenergy purposes. From plant tissues analysis was proven that both macronutrients and micronutrients are being allocated differently between the aboveground biomass parts. This knowledge of content differentiation and distribution of nutrients in aboveground biomass contributed to the creation of hierarchy content of significance and protection of those parts. The foliage is the main carrier of the macronutrients. The bark of the stem and the foliage are the main carriers of the micronutrients. Thus, foliage extraction should be strictly prevented. In addition, the stem should be extracted without the bark. The leaves and the stem bark are vital ecosystem's residues. Further analyses reveal remarkable knowledge for the integration of suitable silvicultural treatments for ecological managing of coppice forests, for the sustainability criteria of forest energy harvesting and the ecosystems' nutrient balance. Accordingly, practical implications are presented. The ecological restrictions of the present research can shape an ecological and modern legislation framework as regards the forest biomass extraction for energy purposes in Greece and enhance in parallel the forest management policy in the Mediterranean region. Finally, future challenges are presented. Image 1 • Nutrients' mean content is differentiated among the aboveground biomass' parts. • Foliage is the main carrier of the macronutrients in trees' aboveground biomass. • Foliage extraction should be prevented as leaves are vital ecosystem's residues. • Stem bark and foliage are main carriers of micronutrients in aboveground biomass. • Stem should be extracted without bark, as stem bark is vital ecosystem's residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel voltammetric approach for the selective determination of total capsaicinoids has been developed using glassy carbon electrode modified with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and poly(gallic acid) (PGA/MWNT/GCE). The modified electrode provides significant improvements in the capsaicinoids voltammetric characteristics in comparison to GCE and MWNT/GCE. The electrooxidation of capsaicinoids is irreversible adsorption‐controlled process with the anodic transfer coefficient of 0.49–0.53 and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant of 1300–2400 s−1. The analytical ranges of 0.010–1.0 and 1.0–50 μM for capsaicin, 0.025–0.75 and 0.75–75 μM for dihydrocapsaicin and 0.025–5.0 and 5.0–75 μM for nonivamide with the detection limits of 2.9, 5.9 and 6.1 nM, respectively, have been obtained using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The selectivity of the capsaicinoids quantification in the presence of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol and carotenoids is shown. The method has been tested on the samples of red hot pepper spices and Capsicum annuum L. tinctures. The results correspond to the chromatographic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorogenic acids (CQAs), the esters of caffeic and quinic acid, are biologically important phenolic compounds present in many plant species. Nowadays the knowledge about their pro-health properties including anti-cancer activity is great. Yet the supposition that they may be helpful in fighting obesity and modify glucose-6-phosphatase involved in glucose metabolism has led to some revival of research on CQAs properties and their natural occurrence. Considering the growing interest in natural products rich in CQAs, it is not surprising that more efficient extraction methods, leading to obtained extracts with increased CQAs content, are currently being sought. It is worth mentioning here that this task is not very easy since these compounds readily degrade/transform to others. Much attention is also paid to the proper analysis of CQAs content in plants and plant products due to the fact that the main CQAs representative in nature i.e. 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) is commonly employed as a marker in the quality control of various natural products. Yet due to their structural similarity and instability, and the fact that the number of commercially available standards of CQAs is limited to just a few, the correct analysis of these compounds in plants is another challenge that should be faced. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the chemical analysis of chlorogenic acids, including their natural sources, properties, and methods that have been developed to improve CQAs extraction and analysis, with special attention paid to 5-CQA as the compound of the CQAs family with many beneficial effects on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolithic fillings used in chromatography are of great interest among scientists since the first reports of their synthesis and use were published. In the 20 years since silica-based monolithic columns were introduced into the commercial market, numerous papers describing their chromatographical properties and utility in various branches of industry and scientific investigations were presented. This review is focused on possible applications of commercially available silica-based HPLC monolithic columns in the analysis of biological samples.

The installation of passive autocatalytic recombiners (PARs) in the containment of operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) is increasingly based on three-dimensional studies of severe accidents that accurately predict the hydrogen pathways and local accumulation regions in containment and examine the mitigation effects of the PARs on the hydrogen risk. The GOTHIC (Generation Of Thermal-Hydraulic Information for Containments) code is applied in this paper to study the effectiveness of the PARs installed in the Gösgen NPP in Switzerland. A fast release of a mixture of hydrogen and steam from the hot leg during a total station blackout is chosen as the limiting scenario. The PAR modeling approach is qualified simulating two experiments performed in the frame of the OECD/NEA (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency) THAI (Thermal-hydraulics, Hydrogen, Aerosols and Iodine) project. The results of the plant analyses show that the recombiners cannot prevent the formation of a stratified cloud of hydrogen (10% molar concentration), but they can mitigate the hydrogen accumulation once formed. In the case of the analyzed fast release scenario, which is characterized by increasing loads with large initial flow rate and high hydrogen concentration values, it is shown that, when a large number of recombiners are installed, the global outcome in relation to the combustion risk does not depend on the details of the single PAR behavior. The hydrogen ignition risk can be fully mitigated in a timeframe ranging from 15 to 30 min after the fast release, according to the dependence of the PAR efficiency model on the adopted parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A technique for the analysis of saccharification reactions by a specific enzyme was developed on the basis of Raman spectroscopy using multivariate analysis. It is a microvolume, quantitative, and in situ technique, which can be used for studying saccharification processes in plant tissues. Prediction models for quantitative analysis of maltose, glucose, and starch were built with partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis to monitor the saccharification process caused by α-amylase. We examined the reliability of the prediction models built using seven test samples. The spectral regions used to build the models were optimized for each sugar and were selected in such a manner that they did not overlap with strong protein and lipid bands that generally exist in plant tissues. The models were validated by monitoring the composition of reduced sugars and starch in a reactor and by comparing the results with those obtained by a conventional method. The results of Raman analysis and the conventional method showed good agreement for the reaction with α-amylase; however, it is not perfect for reactions with a different enzyme, especially β-amylase. The results suggest that the present Raman technique is reliable and useful for sugar analysis. However, the prediction model built for a specific enzyme is valid only for that enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint is an important aromatic and medicinal plant used across the world in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. However, there is a lack of agronomic research on this crop which hinders the implementation of best agricultural practice at farm level. Plant analysis, for instance, cannot be used as a tool to implement a suitable fertilizer recommendation program, since sufficiency ranges and crop nutrient removals have not yet been established. Thus, the main objectives of the present work were to assess the response of peppermint to varying nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B) rates, to establish sufficiency ranges from macro, micronutrients and SPAD-readings and to estimate crop nutrient removals in the aboveground biomass. Field trials and pot experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015 in a wide range of conditions involving 12 N, P, K or B fertilizer trials and a total of 48 cuts of biomass. Nitrogen fertilization increased dry matter yield of peppermint on the vast majority of sampling dates. In contrast, P, K, or B did not produce a significant effect on dry matter yield in any of the experiments. The sufficiency ranges set for macronutrients N, P, K, Ca and Mg are respectively 32.0 - 42.0, 1.2 - 4.5, 10.0 - 30.0, 7.0 - 23.0, and 4.0 - 10.0 g kg−1. Those for micronutrients B, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) are respectively 20 - 200, 5 - 25, 100 - 600, 25 - 300, and 30 - 200 mg kg−1. Sufficiency range for SPAD-readings is 45 - 50 SPAD units. All these ranges were established for the commercial harvesting date. The amounts of N, P, K, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) removed in aboveground biomass are respectively 22.7, 1.6, 26.4, 16.4 and 4.8 kg Mg−1 of dry biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of fertilizer experiments were conducted during three growing seasons with the aim of establishing sufficiency ranges and crop nutrient removals for Melissa officinalis L. Critical nutrient concentrations were determined by the Cate-Nelson method or by removing 10% of extreme high and low values, respectively if a positive response to a given nutrient was recorded or not. Sufficiency ranges for macro, micronutrients, and SPAD-readings were set as: 27.0-40.0 g N kg−1; 0.8-2.7 g P kg−1 (May-August); 1.5-3.8 g P kg−1 (September-November); 10.0-25.0 g K kg−1 (May-August); 18.0-32.0 g K kg−1 (September-November); 5.0-25.0 g Ca kg−1; 3.5-8.5 g Mg kg−1; 18-125 mg B kg−1; 5-25 mg Cu kg−1; 75-500 mg Fe kg−1; 20-300 mg Zn kg−1; 30-250 g Mn kg−1; 30-45 SPAD-units. These results will allow laboratories to use plant analysis as an important tool in improving the fertilizer recommendations for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For over a decade, the incidence of Huanglongbing (HLB) has grown at an alarming rate, affecting citrus crops worldwide. Current methods of nutrient therapy have little to no effect in alleviating symptoms of HLB, and scarce research has been put forth towards non‐destructive tools for monitoring zinc transport in citrus plants. Here, we have developed and characterized a solid contact micro‐ion‐selective electrode (SC‐μ‐ISE) for the determination of zinc transport in sour orange seedlings using a non‐invasive microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) technique. The SC‐μ‐ISE displayed a 26.05±0.13 mV decade−1 Nernstian response and a LOD of (3.96±2.09)×10−7 M. Results showed a significant Zn2+ uptake in the leaves and roots of sour orange seedlings when bulk concentrations were higher than 5.99 mM. Above this concentration, a linear relationship between flux and bulk Zn2+ concentration was observed. This relationship suggests passive diffusion may be a key mechanism for Zn transport into plants. Overall, this study is the first to use a Zn2+ SC‐μ‐ISE for the determination of ion transport processes in plants. This novel tool can be used to further knowledge the effect of nutrient therapy and disease progression on HLB infected citrus plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt to study the effect of two green bean cultivars (Paulista and Samantha) and three rates of rock phosphate (fine and granules) as a natural resource of P mixed with sand substrate in comparison with calcium superphosphate with recommended level on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under plastic house conditions. Regarding the green bean cultivars, Paulista gave higher plant height, number of leaves, canopy and root fresh and dry weight than Samantha cultivar. Paulista cultivar produced the highest values of total pod yield per plant during the two successive seasons. Increasing phosphorus level (fine or granule rock phosphate) up to 150% enhanced pod yield with both used cultivars. The highest vegetative growth and yield were obtained from 150% fine rock phosphate combined with Paulista cultivar. Tissue nutrient analysis show that increase phosphorus level by rock phosphate source led to increase nutrient percentage for NPK in green beans leaves in comparison with recommended phosphorus dose applied as calcium superphosphate. The economic consideration among phosphorus and different P sources revealed that fine rock phosphate with Paulista cultivar gave the highest net income per greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different spectrometers from UV to MIR were compared to estimate plant nutrients. • Regardless of spectral region, models could accurately predict 7 plant nutrients. • Dry ground leaf scans produced the highest accuracies in general. • Dry-intact leaf scans accurately predicted N, P and Mg. • Some portable spectrometer performances were similar to the lab-only instrument. Spectroscopy has been explored as a potential tool to estimate various nutrients in plant tissues rapidly and nondestructively. Compared to visible and near-infrared regions, ultraviolet and mid-infrared (MIR) regions have been sporadically investigated for predicting various nutrients in plant leaf tissues. Sample grinding is one of the tedious steps recommended for MIR spectroscopy. Still, dry-intact samples may potentially estimate leaf nutrients eliminating the need for grinding, which could reduce the cost and time of analysis. In light of this, five different spectrometers (four portable and one laboratory-only) were compared to estimate eleven macro and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, S, Cu, B, Fe, Mn) using dry-intact and ground leaf spectra. A total of 154 maize (Zea mays L.) and 308 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) leaves from different genotypes subjected to different abiotic stress treatments, were collected and used to acquire spectral data. Partial least squares regression was used to calibrate models using 70% of the data and validate on the remaining data (30%). Five macronutrients (N, P, K, S and Mg) and two micronutrients (Mn and Fe) were predicted accurately (R2 > 0.6), and the ground scan accuracies were superior to the dry-intact scans for all the spectrometers used. Some of the critical elements (N, P, Mg, Mn, Fe and Zn) were successfully predicted (R2 = 0.6–0.89) with dry intact scans as well. Overall, the results suggested that portable spectrometers can accurately estimate leaf nutrients using ground or dry-intact leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnuts have always been a marginal fruit crop, and the trees seldom fertilized as a result. Few studies have been devoted to the management of soil fertility and the nutritional status of this crop. This work reports results of soil and plant analyses of a population of respectively 1041 and 198 soil and leaf samples taken across nine municipalities in the district of Bragança, NE Portugal. A second population of 80 soil, leaf and fruit (only 64) samples were taken across the three most productive municipalities in the district of Bragança, from the same orchards, to allow the establishment of relationships between soil fertility parameters and the nutritional status of the trees. The results of the two soil populations showed high soil acidity, low organic matter content, low phosphorus and high potassium content. A high percentage of leaf samples showed concentrations of nutrients below the lower limit of the sufficiency range in both the first and second sample populations, for nitrogen (respectively 63 and 47%), phosphorus (18 and 15%), potassium (34 and 31%), calcium (19 and 52%), magnesium (21 and 13%) and boron (40 and 43%). In the case of boron, 6 and 8% of leaf samples of the first and second populations displayed values within the excessive concentration range. The results of this work also revealed absence or poor relationships between soil properties and/or soil available nutrients and leaf concentration of nutrients. In this crop, therefore, it seems necessary to start applying regular fertilization programs, mainly based on regular evaluation of the nutritional status of trees through leaf analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Metals in fourteen plants were analyzed in parallel by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for the possible integration of the analytical techniques. INAA correlates well with ICP-OES for Ca, K, Fe, Mn, Mg, and Zn. Advantages of INAA include its nondestructive nature and ease of sample preparation. ICP-OES requires destructive sample digestion, but provides superior limits of detection. Therefore, ICP-OES is the method of the choice for low elemental concentrations. In general, ICP-OES is a better choice for Cr, Sr, and Cu in plant analysis for accuracy. On the other hand, a simple mathematical model was developed for predicting the concentrations of Cu and Cr that were measured by INAA. The predicted values of the elements showed consistency to their corresponding certified values as well as to the concentrations measured by ICP-OES, specifically for Cu or when the concentrations exceeded 5 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mid-summer leaf analyses are commonly used as the standard method worldwide to assess the nutritional status of fruit trees. It may be too late to correct nutritional disorders by mid-summer. In this study, reference values that will be used to evaluate the nutritional status of apple trees early in the growing season were derived. To determine the reference values for all sampling periods, the regression curves were created by using the reference values of each period. Correlations were examined between the sixth period and earlier sampling times. The presence of statistically significant correlation coefficients was interpreted as leaf analysis can be used to determine the nutritional status of apples in the early season. It was concluded that leaf analysis can be carried out anytime from commencing two weeks after full loom to lasting 98 days after full bloom for all elements except Iron and Cupper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees as alive components of an ecosystem are able to convert some of the environment contaminants to unharmful substances and store some of them in their tissues and reduce their density and intensity in the air and soil by breath, root absorption and photosynthesis and other biotic functions. Trees function in such condition is completely related to environmental and habitat circumstances and their physiological potential. At beginning, five research sites at Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces were selected among the contaminated area by the Gulf War. At each site, soil sampling was made from three levels of depth (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm). Soil physical and chemical characteristics test was made to measure nine metal elements and 12 other soil properties. The eucalypt species consisted of: E. camaldulensis, E. camaldulensis 9616, E. microtheca and E. sargentii which were planted under the Randomized Complete Blocks statistical design with three replicates. Before sampling the trees for determining the contaminant elements. Three individual trees were selected at each plot per one replicate to make sampling for leaf (four specimens per tree at four mean geographical directions). The data were analyzed under the variance analysis and Duncan test programs, using Excel and SAS computer soft wares. Overall, amount of the contaminants in different sites and at three levels of depth was not significantly different. The best eucalypt species and the best sites for absorbing the contaminants in their leaves are respectively as follows: 1- E. camaldulensis, E. microtheca, E. sargentii and E. camaldulensis 9616 2- Dezful, Isvand, Shooshtar, Karkheh and Kaki. The species which made the best performance in relation to their site interaction are respectively as follows: 1- E. microtheca firstly at Karkheh and shooshtar sites and secondly at Dezful and Isvand sites. 2- E. camaldulensis 9616 3- E. camaldulensis and E. sargentii.