Comparison of the growth of royal paulownia strains (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) suitable for biomass production under stressful conditions

Purpose. Identification of the patterns of dry aboveground and underground biomass yield as affected by the background of mineral fertiliser and pre-planting soaking rhizomes in the solutions of biological products Quantum Gold and Vympel-K followed by single and double foliar dressing of giant miscanthus plants. Methods. Field experiments, mathematical-statistical and graphic models. Results. Based on research (2016–2019), it was found that against an increased background of mineral fertiliser N60P60K60, single foliar dressing with Quantum Gold appeared more efficient compared to double (2.4 vs. 2.1 t/ha). On the contrary, double foliar dressing with Vympel-K increased dry biomass yield by 0.5 t/ha. Dry biomass yield was the most significantly influenced by the interaction of factors of mineral fertiliser/foliar fertilisation (32%). The factor of year caused the variability of this indicator by 33%, while the factors of the fertiliser background and foliar fertilisation 22 and 10%, respectively. The highest aboveground biomass yield (3.5 t/ha) was recorded in the treatment with soaking rhizomes in Quantum Gold with the cross-action of both products at double foliar dressing. The factor of influence of pre-planting soaking rhizomes on this indicator was the largest (34%), for the formation of underground biomass (5%). Conclusion. New cultivation practices – mineral fertilisation background and foliar dressing – were equal in terms of the influence on the formation of yields of both aboveground and underground biomass (22 and 24, 10 and 9%). The factor of year was more important for the formation of the underground biomass (47 vs. 33%). In the formation of the dry aboveground biomass yield, the largest increase (1.1 t/ha) was obtained with soaking rhizomes in Vympel-K and two treatments with the same product.

The paper presents the results of research on comparative study of seed yield formation and aboveground biomass yield of soybean in years with different moisture availability, under the conditions of the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. It has been found that the maximum accumulation of both raw and dry aboveground biomass, crude protein and fodder units in soybean agrocenosis is observed at the stage of full seed (R6). The average values for maximum yields in the experiment were the following: of aboveground raw biomass – 24.8 t/ha, aboveground dry biomass – 6.82 t/ha, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1 278 kg/ha, yield in fodder units – 3.68 t/ha, the contribution of leaves to the yield of aboveground dry biomass being 23.0%, leaves accumulated 20.0% of protein where its content being 20.9%; the contribution of stems to the yield of aboveground dry biomass was 36.0%, stems provided 11.0% of protein accumulated where its content being 5.8%; the contribution of beans reached 41.0%, beans ensured 69.0% of crude protein where its content being 30.1%. Increased moisture availability contributed to a significant growth of the yield of aboveground raw biomass – 1.09-1.19-fold, aboveground dry biomass – 1.08-1.15-fold, protein yield in aboveground dry biomass – 1.10-1.21-fold, yield in fodder units in aboveground dry biomass – 1.07-1.14-fold. On average in the experiment seed yield reached 2.54 t/ha, yield of protein accumulated in seeds was 1 008 kg/ha, of fodder units – 3.40 t/ha. Increased level of available moisture contributed to increase in seed yield – by 1.14-1.21 times, collection of crude protein per unit area – by 1.19-1.31 times, yield of fodder units – by 1.13-1.21 times. It was found that the yield of aboveground biomass harvested at the stage of full seed (R6) significantly exceeded the seed yield: in terms of dry matter yield – by 2.69 times, protein yield – by 1.27 times, fodder units yield – by 1.08 times.

This study was carried out to assess genotypic variability in abscisic acid content, carbon isotope ratio, and their relationship to storage root yield and yield components in cassava under irrigation and moisture stress. The study involved 20 cassava genotypes arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation water was applied using a drip irrigation system with a discharge rate of approximately 5.33 L m-2 hr-1. Significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variability was observed for all physiological, growth, and yield traits assessed. Abscisic acid content was higher under stress than irrigation and negatively correlated with root yield (r = -0.45), harvest index (r = -0.43), and above-ground biomass yield (r = -0.20) indicating that it can be used as indirect selection criteria against unproductive genotypes. Carbon isotope ratio was significantly and positively correlated with above-ground biomass yield (r = 0.20) but not root yield (r = 0.09). Estimates of genotypic variability indicated high values for most of the growth and yield components but low heritability values for abscisic acid content, carbon isotope ratio, stomatal conductance, and root yield under stress conditions. However, higher estimates were recorded under irrigation and in the combined analysis. It was also found from this study that carbon isotope ratio influences above-ground biomass but not storage root yield under stress conditions. The results from this study provide useful information on the relationship between abscisic acid content, carbon isotope discrimination, and storage root yield in field-grown cassava.

JA (Jerusalem artichoke) cultivars react differently to mineral fertilization. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of mineral fertilization on the yield and yield structure of this species in terms of its aboveground biomass. The research was based on a field experiment carried out in 2016–2018 in Central and Eastern Poland using the randomized subblock method, in a split-split-plot-dependent system. The factors of the first-order experiment were the cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (‘Albik’, ‘Rubik’ and ‘Violet de Renes’), while the second-order factors were differentiated mineral fertilizers (N0P0K0 as a control object and P43, K124, N100, P43K124, N50P43K124m N100P43K124, and N150P43K124) converted to their elemental forms compared with the full dose of manure. The third-order factors were nitrogen forms, including ammonium nitrate and amide. The aboveground biomass yield and its structure were determined. The tested cultivars did not differ significantly in yield, but had different yield structures. The use of mineral fertilization brought measurable effects in the form of an increase in the yield of aboveground biomass. The ‘Albik’ cultivar responded best to mineral fertilization, with the highest yield of aboveground biomass being obtained after applying 150 kg N ha−1 in the form of ammonium nitrate against the background of constant phosphorus–potassium fertilization. The ‘Rubik’ cultivar responded most favorably to the addition of 50 kg N ha−1 in the amide form against the background of phosphorus–potassium fertilization, while the ‘Violet de Renes’ cultivar produced the highest yield of aboveground biomass after the application of 100 kg N ha−1 in the amide form, including PK fertilization. It was found that it was advantageous to use a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus–potassium fertilization.

Twenty winter wheat genotypes were evaluated under both post-anthesis drought stress and normal conditions in Ardabil Agricultural Research Station in two successive growing seasons 2005 - 2007 using randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that there were significant differences between genotypes in stem reserve under both normal and post anthesis drought stress conditions. Post-anthesis drought stress did not affect kernel numbers per spike. The rate of dry matter accumulation by kernels considerably decreased by water deficit. Dry weight of vegetative organs decreased in grain filling period under stress and normal conditions, contrasting anthesis stage. But, the rate of translocated dry matter was much higher in genotypes nos. 14, 15, 16, 18, 19 and 20 under drought stress condition. 1000 GW and weight of kernels per spike were more severely reduced by water deficit. The positive correlation of grain yield with grain weight per spike, 1000 GW, remobilization of dry matter, harvest index and stress tolerance index (STI) and significant negative correlation of grain yield with drought susceptibility index (SSI) revealed that selection must be exercised for high harvest index, grain weight per spike, 1000 GW, remobilization of dry matter and STI in stress condition. The negative correlation of ‘STI’ with ‘SSI’ indicated the efficiency of ‘STI’ as a selection criterion for identifying the drought tolerant with high yield potential in winter wheat genotypes. Key words: Winter wheat, drought stress, dry matter, remobilization.

Sorghum is one of the world’s major crops, expresses traits for resilience to climate change, and can be used for several purposes including food and clean fuels. Multiple-trait genomic prediction and selection models were implemented using genotyping-by-sequencing single nucleotide polymorphism markers and phenotypic data information. We demonstrated for the first time the efficiency genomic selection modelling of index selection including biofuel traits such as aboveground biomass yield, plant height, and dry mass fraction of the fresh material. This work also sheds light, for the first time, on the promising potential of using the information from the populations grown from seed to predict the performance of the populations regrown from the rhizomes—even two winter seasons after the original trial was sown. Genomic selection modelling of the optimum index selection including the three traits of interest (plant height, aboveground dry biomass yield, and dry mass fraction of fresh mass material) was the most promising. Since the plant characteristics evaluated herein are routinely measured in cereal and other plant species of agricultural interest, it can be inferred that the findings can be transferred in other major crops.

Evaluation of anaerobic digestates from sewage sludge as a potential solution for improvement of soil fertility

Early bulking in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a very important trait in semi-arid ecologies of the tropics. Farmers tend to select early-maturing cassava varieties to escape terminal drought and destruction by domestic animals during the dry season. However, early harvesting is associated with yield penalty due to unavailability of high-yielding early-maturing cassava varieties. In order to develop early-bulking cassava varieties for the savanna ecologies, this study was carried out to assess genetic variation in the pattern of storage root bulking and as well as traits associated with early storage root bulking under moisture stress and well-watered conditions. Twenty cassava genotypes were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications under irrigation and no irrigation. The genotypes were sequentially harvested at 6, 8, 10 and 12 months after planting to study their pattern of dry matter accumulation. Irrigation water was supplied using a drip irrigation system with a discharge capacity of 1.6 l/h. Analysis of variance indicated significant effect of genotype, harvesting time and irrigation on most of the yield traits studied. The interaction between genotype and irrigation effect was significant for all traits except mean storage root weight, storage root girth, storage root length and storage root dry matter content. Apart from storage root girth and storage root dry matter content, genotype × harvesting time interaction was not significant. Pearson correlation analysis of root yield at different times showed significant positive correlation between early storage root yield and final root yield indicating the possibility of selecting early-bulking genotypes with high yield potential. The study indicated that dry matter is partitioned more for root elongation than expansion in root girth under moisture stress conditions compared with irrigation, resulting in high storage root length: girth ratio. This ratio can be used to study the pattern of photosynthates accumulation in cassava roots under stress conditions. The study helped to provide improved understanding of the genetic basis and the mechanism of storage root bulking in cassava under moisture stress conditions, which can be exploited to develop high-yielding cassava varieties for drought-prone areas to ensure food security.

Among abiotic stresses, drought is undoubtedly one of the most important ones, that have great impact on crop growth and productivity worldwide. Therefore, identifying of plants' performance against drought stress and estimating drought tolerance become a necessary part of the breeding phase. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of several indices that combine drought tolerance and high yield potential in chickpea. The trials were conducted under both stressed and no-stressed environments for two growing seasons (2015/2016-2016/2017) in Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. Varyans analysis results showed that there were significant differences among genotypes regarding Yp, Ys, MP, MRP, GMP, REI, STI, MISTIk 1, MISTIk 2, HM, YI, PI, ATI, SNPI and RDY. The genotypes FLIP09-51C, FLIP97-503C and FLIP06-97C had high yield under non-stressed condition, while the genotypes FLIP09-51C, FLIP06-97C and ‘Aksu’ displayed high amount under stressed condition. Thus, the genotypes FLIP09-51C and FLIP06-97C were found as good candidates for commercial recommendation in both conditions. Spearman rank correlation matrix showed that drought indices were significantly related to each other. The yields in stress and no-stress conditions (Yp and Ys) showed a significant and positive correlation with MP, MRP, GMP, REI, STI, MSTIK1, MSTIK2 and HM and showed a negative correlation with PI and RDY. As a result, it has been found that MISTIK2, DI, HM, STI and YI can be used as optimal indicators for screening drought-tolerant genotypes, while FLIP09-51C, FLIP06-97C, EN934 and ‘Aksu’ varieties have been the most tolerant genotypes in terms of these indices examined in study.

An emphasis in maize breeding for areas with acid soils is the development of varieties with tolerance to P-deficiency plus high yield potential in acidic as well as normal soils. This study was carried out to assess the (i) genetic diversity within a set of tropical inbred lines developed from acid soil-tolerant populations; (ii) F1 yield performance, mid-parent heterosis (MPH), high-parent heterosis (HPH), and specific combining ability (SCA) in a diallel set of crosses under P stress (low P) and non-stress (high P) conditions; and (iii) the effect of P stress on the relationship between genetic distance (GD) and hybrid performance. Using field evaluation and molecular marker studies, the results show that these germplasm from the South American maize breeding program of CIMMYT for improving tolerance to acid soils had only a moderate level of genetic diversity. The utility of GD as a predictor of hybrid value is best up to a certain threshold, as correlations with GD became inconsistent when the inbred parents were greatly divergent. There was no correlation between GD and F1 grain yield, MPH, HPH and SCA when the GD was >0.77. The high correlation of GD with F1 grain yield and with SCA in specific subsets of crosses having a narrower range of GD shows that GD can be put to practical use in predicting hybrid performance. The highest correlation between GD and SCA, seen in the subset of crosses between lines within a cluster, was reasonably stable even when the environment had a severe effect on yield.

Bioenergy from perennial grasses mitigates climate change via displacing fossil fuels and storing atmospheric CO2 belowground as soil carbon. Here, we conduct a critical review to examine whether increasing plant diversity in bioenergy grassland systems can further increase their climate change mitigation potential. We find that compared with highly productive monocultures, diverse mixtures tend to produce as great or greater yields. In particular, there is strong evidence that legume addition improves yield, in some cases equivalent to mineral nitrogen fertilization at 33–150 kg per ha. Plant diversity can also promote soil carbon storage in the long term, reduce soil N2O emissions by 30%–40%, and suppress weed invasion, hence reducing herbicide use. These potential benefits of plant diversity translate to 50%–65% greater life-cycle greenhouse gas savings for biofuels from more diverse grassland biomass grown on degraded soils. In addition, there is growing evidence that plant diversity can accelerate land restoration. Bioenergy from perennial grasses mitigates climate change via displacing fossil fuels and storing atmospheric CO2 belowground as soil carbon. Here, we conduct a critical review to examine whether increasing plant diversity in bioenergy grassland systems can further increase their climate change mitigation potential. We find that compared with highly productive monocultures, diverse mixtures tend to produce as great or greater yields. In particular, there is strong evidence that legume addition improves yield, in some cases equivalent to mineral nitrogen fertilization at 33–150 kg per ha. Plant diversity can also promote soil carbon storage in the long term, reduce soil N2O emissions by 30%–40%, and suppress weed invasion, hence reducing herbicide use. These potential benefits of plant diversity translate to 50%–65% greater life-cycle greenhouse gas savings for biofuels from more diverse grassland biomass grown on degraded soils. In addition, there is growing evidence that plant diversity can accelerate land restoration.

Clonal micropropagation is an effective method for plant reproduction, applicable in both scientific and industrial domains. However, a significant number of microclones are lost during the ex vitro acclimatization process. To address this, the introduction of beneficial microorganisms into the rhizosphere of micropropagated plants could have a positive effect on the survival rates and external characteristics of acclimatized plantlets. The aim of this study was to determine the protective and growth-promoting potential of Enterococcus italicus ONU547 and its effect on micropropagated plants during acclimatization. The antagonistic activity of the bacteria was determined using the agar block method. Lepidium sativum L. seeds were inoculated with bacterial suspensions at concentrations of 106, 107, and 108 CFU/ml. Subsequently, the roots of the microclones were treated with suspensions of 106 and 107 CFU/ml, and biometric characteristics were measured. The results demonstrated antagonistic properties against various phytopathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Penicillium expansum, and Paecilomyces variotii. Inoculation of L. sativum L. seeds resulted in improved germination rates, increased root numbers, and enhanced root and shoot lengths. Similarly, the effects of the studied bacteria on Rubus fruticosus L. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. during the acclimatization stage led to higher survival rates, increased shoot lengths, greater node numbers, and larger leaf areas. A concentration of 107 CFU/ml was identified as optimal for inoculating the microclones. The findings indicate that E. italicus ONU547 holds promise for the inoculation of micropropagated plants during the acclimatization process. Further research is recommended to establish the specific interaction mechanisms between these bacteria and plants.

The effects of screw type, moisture content, and grain direction on the screw and nail withdrawal strength and bonding strength were investigated for paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) wood grown in Turkey. The withdrawal strength was carried out according to the ASTM-D 143 and ASTM-D 1761 and Turkish Standard 6094 in three directions (tangential, radial, and longitudinal) on 60 samples. The moisture content of half of the samples was 12 % and that of the other half 28 %.The experiment of bonding strength (BS EN 205) was applied to both sanded surfaces jointed by poly-vinly acetate and Desmodur-VTKA adhesives. Results of the tests indicate that, the withdrawal strength values at 12 % moisture content were higher than the 28 % for screws whereas the withdrawal strength for 28 % moisture content was higher than 12 % for nails. The maximum withdrawal strength value was found in the chipboard screw. In the case of directions, the withdrawal strength values of radial direction were found to be higher than the others for all parameters. The lowest withdrawal strength values were found in the longitudinal directions for both nails and screws. For adhesive types, the highest bonding strength of D-VTKA was found to be 5.64 N mm−2 and it was higher than the bonding strength with PVAc (5.33 N mm−2). However, there were no significant statistical differences between the two adhesive types. The results show that paulownia wood can be used for different purposes such as house construction, roof systems, and box cases as it possesses enough strength.

Objects of the nature reserve fund, including parks-landscape art landmarks are the subject of protection. Besides scientific, they perform aesthetic, recreational, and educational functions. They are valuable not only as architectural ensembles but also for plants that have remained since the creation of the parks and have a centuries-old history. Such plants are entered into databases and their condition is monitored for a better understanding of the features of their development in modern microclimatic conditions. For research, a plant inventory is carried out, according to which the phytosanitary condition, quantitative, and species structure of plant elements of greened areas is assessed. Individual indicators must comply with the standards specified in the State Building Regulations. Phenological observations give an idea of the decorative features of plants throughout the year and the aesthetic condition of plants under certain environmental conditions. To know the relative age of woody plants, formulas consider the trunk circumference and the empirical coefficient of plants of each species. Analysis of scientific sources of information showed that the square was created in 1871. After the reconstruction in 2023, it has 19 locations, 17 of which involve plant compositions. The main compositional accent is the solitaire Fagus sylvatica L. in the central area of ​​the landscape object, which symbolizes Bukovyna. This is the only location that corresponds to the thematic concept of the square. According to the results of a comparative analysis of the species structure of woody plants, it was found that the removal of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Hibiscus syriacus L. plants led to a decrease in the number of plants with decorative flowering, and Cotoneaster horisontalis Decne. with decorative fruiting. The removal of Buxus sempervirens L. is natural for Chernivtsi, as a large part of it is affected by Cydalima perspectalis Walker. To improve the artistic and decorative design of the territory of the square during the reconstruction, the addition of Fagus sylvatica L. 'Purpurea', Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula' plants was carried out. Acer palmatum Thunb. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. with decorative leaves. To improve the artistic and decorative design of the territory of the square during the reconstruction, the addition of Fagus sylvatica L. 'Purpurea', Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea Pendula', Acer palmatum Thunb and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. with decorative leaves was carried out. As a result of the research, plant species approaching the age limit and requiring more careful care, conservation, and protection measures were identified. The obtained results will be useful for further monitoring and making proposals for improving the landscape organization of the square following its thematic concept and the norms defined by law for individual components of the space of similar objects.

To increase the efficiency of feed production in Russian regions where there is a shortage of atmospheric soil moisture and unstable weather conditions, it is necessary to develop a set of measures to obtain highly nutritious feeds based on the rational use of local plant resources, which in specific soil and climatic conditions provide the highest output per unit area. From 2021 to 2023, the natural phytocenosis of the southern cane in the floodplain of the Volga River in the Trusovsky district of the Astrakhan region was studied: morphobiological features in different phases of development; dynamics of accumulation of raw and dry aboveground biomass; yield, feed value and protein productivity of dry aboveground biomass in the phase of its maximum accumulation. It was found that in an arid climate (HTC – 0.45-0.46) due to the use of groundwater, the yield of raw and dry aboveground biomass of the southern cane reached: in the «shooting» phase – 19.0 and 5.1 t/ha, in the «earing» phase – 22.8 and 7.2 t/ha, in the «full ripeness» phase – 38.4 and 8.2 t/ha, respectively. The collection of feed units by growth and development phases amounted to 2.24; 3.39; 3.61 t/ha, protein content – 4.5; 10.0; 11.0 %, protein harvest – 0.20; 0.77; 0.91 t/ha, crude fiber content – 13.6; 30.1; 36.0 %, crude fiber harvest – 0.69; 2.32; 2.95 t/ha, respectively. Southern cane in the full ripeness phase contains a complete set of proteinogenic amino acids, while the proportion of essential amino acids exceeds the proportion of non-essential amino acids by 1.32 times, which is atypical for cereals. The significant content of critical amino acids (10.6 %) makes it a promising protein source comparable to legumes. It has been revealed that in terms of yield, feed value and protein productivity, southern cane (raw and dry aboveground biomass) is of undoubted interest as a fodder crop and should be involved in domestic feed production technologies in order to create a solid feed base.