Responses of Ginkgo biloba to water stress

The issues of optimizing the operation of micro hydropower plants in conditions of water scarcity, performed by additional connection to the grid of an energy storage system and wind power turbine, as well as optimal load management, are considered. It is assumed that the load of the system is a concentrated autonomous power facility that consumes only active power. The paper presents a rigorous mathematical formulation of the problem, the solution of which corresponds to the minimum cost of an energy storage system and a wind turbine, which allows for uninterrupted supply of electricity to power facilities in conditions of water shortage necessary for the operation of micro hydropower plants (under unfavorable hydrological conditions). The problem is formulated as a nonlinear multi-objective optimization problem to apply metaheuristic stochastic algorithms. At the same time, a significant part of the problem is taken out and framed as a subproblem of linear programming which will make it possible to solve it by a deterministic simplex method that guarantees to find the exact global optimum. This approach will significantly increase the efficiency of solving the entire problem by combining metaheuristic algorithms and taking into account expert knowledge about the problem being solved.

Abstract. Globally, freshwater shortage is one of the most dangerous risks for society. Changing hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions have aggravated water scarcity over the past decades. A wide range of studies show that water scarcity will intensify in the future, as a result of both increased consumptive water use and, in some regions, climate change. Although it is well-known that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects patterns of precipitation and drought at global and regional scales, little attention has yet been paid to the impacts of climate variability on water scarcity conditions, despite its importance for adaptation planning. Therefore, we present the first global-scale sensitivity assessment of water scarcity to ENSO, the most dominant signal of climate variability. We show that over the time period 1961–2010, both water availability and water scarcity conditions are significantly correlated with ENSO-driven climate variability over a large proportion of the global land area (> 28.1 %); an area inhabited by more than 31.4 % of the global population. We also found, however, that climate variability alone is often not enough to trigger the actual incidence of water scarcity events. The sensitivity of a region to water scarcity events, expressed in terms of land area or population exposed, is determined by both hydro-climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Currently, the population actually impacted by water scarcity events consists of 39.6 % (CTA: consumption-to-availability ratio) and 41.1 % (WCI: water crowding index) of the global population, whilst only 11.4 % (CTA) and 15.9 % (WCI) of the global population is at the same time living in areas sensitive to ENSO-driven climate variability. These results are contrasted, however, by differences in growth rates found under changing socioeconomic conditions, which are relatively high in regions exposed to water scarcity events. Given the correlations found between ENSO and water availability and scarcity conditions, and the relative developments of water scarcity impacts under changing socioeconomic conditions, we suggest that there is potential for ENSO-based adaptation and risk reduction that could be facilitated by more research on this emerging topic.

This article analyzes the inheritance, variability, and formation of the trait for the number of monopodial and sympodial branches in the parent and F4 hybrid combinations of the G. hirsutum L species under optimal irrigation and water deficit conditions. Accordingly, by the formation of the number of sympodial branches, in F4 generation hybrid plants under optimal irrigation conditions compared to the standard variety C-6524, hybrid combinations F4 C-6580 x Acala-40 (M=17.32), F4Sulton x Saenr Pena-85 (M=17.20) and F4Sulton x Catamarca 811 (M=17.00) were isolated, under water deficit conditions in the F4 generation compared to the standard variety C-6524, hybrid combinations F4 C-6580 x Acala-40 (M=14.00), F4Sulton x Saenr Pena-85 (M=13.50) and F4Sulton x Catamarca 811 (M=13.00) were isolated based on individual selections and studied as families and lines to create a water deficit-resistant variety. In terms of the number of monopodial shoots under optimal irrigation conditions, the F4Nam-77 x Hapicala-19 hybrid (M=2.40) surpassed the standard variety C-6524, and under water deficit conditions, the F4Nam-77 x Acala-40 (M=2.05), F4Nam-77 x Hapicala-19 (M=2.28), F4Nam-77 x Catamarca 811 (M=2.36), F4C-6580 x Acala-40 (M=2.15), F4Sulton x Saenr Pena-85 (M=1.98), F4Sulton x Acala-40 (M=2.00) hybrid combinations surpassed the standard variety C-6524 and the parental forms. Also, these samples with the best indicators in conditions of water scarcity will be taken into account in further breeding and genetic studies.

Exogenous application of nano-silicon, potassium sulfate, or proline enhances physiological parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and agronomic traits of diverse rice genotypes under water deficit conditions

Water scarcity is emerging as one of the most pressing constraints to smallholder crop production in semi-arid regions, threatening the very basis of rural livelihoods that rely heavily on rainfed agriculture. In this context, small household gardens stand out as resilient spaces of food production, often more reliable and manageable than larger croplands exposed to climatic stress. This study explores how households in a semi-arid communal area of South Africa mobilize strategies to sustain crop production in gardens amid condition of persistent water scarcity. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating a structured survey of 192 households and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using chi-square tests, while qualitative data were thematically coded to capture local narratives. The results show that 63.1% of households are female-headed, with women more likely than men to experience crop failure due to water scarcity (53.3% vs. 27.2%). Education emerged as a significant factor ( p < 0.05), with higher attainment associated with reduced vulnerability to water stress. While irrigation was widely practiced (78%), adoption of water-saving practices remained modest and skewed toward households with basic education and grant-based income. A clear distinction was observed between indigenous practices such as manuring and rainwater harvesting, commonly applied at the household level, and formal Climate-Smart Agriculture strategies, of which awareness and adoption remained low. The findings highlight compounded vulnerabilities among aging, female-led, low-income households and underscore the necessity for targeted, education-sensitive interventions to strengthen resilience in semi-arid food systems.

The article presents the results of a study of the influence of land reclamation regime due to cotton irrigation, biological reduction of the salinity of collector-drainage waters using aquatic plants to create additional water sources, irrigate crops, and obtain sustainable results yields in conditions of water shortage. Experience increased mineralization of drainage water in the small ponds. From water plants, such as Lemna minor, Azolla caroliniana and Eichhornia crassipes. When analyzing the salt regime of the soil, the content of chlorine ions in the control variant with direct irrigation with drainage water at the end of the growing season was 0.034%. With the method of reduced mineralization using aquatic plants, the content of chlorine ions in the soil was 0.025-0.029 %. It is less salt build-up. The yield of cotton was 31.9 c/ha in the control variant and more than the control 7.9-8.4 c/ha in other experiment variants.

The problem of water saving for modern human civilization is becoming more and more important. In general, there is a tendency towards the dynamics of an increase in the shortage of fresh water in the world. At the same time, entire states have existed and developed in conditions of water shortage for many decades and even centuries. In this regard, water saving technologies, and renewal, development are becoming an increasingly urgent problem. In this regard, modern scientific and technological progress is becoming the most important factor in the development of water saving technologies. Scientific and technological progress also makes it possible to develop a water saving strategy. The article presents the results of studies devoted to water-saving irrigation technology on steep slopes and specifies the elements of irrigation technique for discrete irrigation in the south of Uzbekistan.

The purpose of the scientific experiment is to study the use of local plant materials for cold-smoked fish. Tasks: to study the organoleptic features of cold-smoked herring of control and experimental samples; to investigate the chemical indicators of herring; to study the microbiological parameters of the studied samples; to give an economic assessment of research. In three options under study herring was smoked using: in the control variant – aspen chips, in the 1st experimental variant – rowan wood chips, and in the 2nd – pine nut shells. In all variants, the herring retained its taste properties, acquired: in the control variant, a rich tart aroma, in the 1st variant – a light rowan aroma, in the 2nd variant – a harsh aroma of pine nuts. The surface of the fish of the control variant was dry; the surface of the experimental variants was slightly dry. The color of the fish skin surface was: in the control variant – uniform dark brown with a dense texture, in the 1st experimental variant – light golden with a delicate dense texture, in the 2nd – brown-golden with a dense texture. Physical and chemical studies showed that in the experimental variants, the mass fraction of moisture increased by 7.8 and 4.9 %, respectively, compared with the control; the mass fraction of fat in the 1st experimental variant was 0.2 % lower, and in the 2nd experimental variant it was 1.1 % lower than in the control; protein – decreased in experimental variant 2 – by 1.1 % compared with control one and by 1.4 % compared with experimental variant 1; the content of table salt in the control and experimental variants remained unchanged. Option 1 has the best degree of staining, as indicated by a higher optical density coefficient (0.66). The total number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative aerobic microorganisms (QMAFAnM) in experimental variants 1 and 2 decreased by half compared to the control, and pathogenic microorganisms were not detected. An economic analysis has shown that it is more profitable to use rowan wood chips for cold smoking herring.

The regional features of water use within the steppe biome and in conditions of water scarcity is analysed. It has established a steady trend of increasing summer temperature extremes and identified a trend in the seasonal distribution of precipitation. Rivers of the Ural River basin are found to be characterized by a decline in the percentage of spring flood runoff and an increase in the percentage of low-water seasonal runoff. This transformation of intra-annual flow is even more significant for rivers with a regulated regime. The paper defines also regional specific features concerning the use of water resources in the Ural River basin. In the Russian regions, the main portion of water resources is spent on industrial and utilities needs, and the minimum portion spent on the needs of agriculture. Another specific is a high portion of recycled water in the Russian regions, which confirms the rather efficient use of water resources in various economy sectors. The structure of water consumption in Kazakhstan regions is characterized by predominance of water use for industrial and utilities needs and preservation of a significant portion of water for agricultural supply. The results obtained show that an ambiguous and poorly predicted situation with water resources emerges in the transboundary basin of the Ural River. In this context, the priority task is to ensure the cost-effective and environmentally safe use of water resources in regions of the studied basin.

Purpose: scientific substantiation of methodological and information support for decision-making on water distribution in inter-farm irrigation systems. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out at the Gorodischenskaya irrigation system, which is typical for the conditions of the arid Volgograd region. The methodological basis of the study was systematic, comparative, heuristic and mathematical-statistical approaches. The implemented methods of formalized decision-making support include mathematical optimization, as well as forecasting the expected result, including on the basis of artificial intelligence methods. Results. Methodological approaches to planning system water distribution under conditions of water scarcity or under limited production and economic conditions are considered. The analysis of the methodology on managerial decision-making support based on artificial intelligence methods is carried out. The main requirements for the priority methods of information support of control actions are determined, including their practical applicability, rationality of the planned results, as well as ensuring sufficient accuracy of solving the optimization problem. Criteria for optimizing water distribution planning under conditions of low-water irrigation source or with limited production and economic conditions are systematized. It has been determined that using mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence contributes to the development of information technologies for optimizing water distribution. A basic economic-mathematical model including the gross output as a target function has been developed and tested. Conclusions. Testing the model on the materials of the Gorodischenskaya irrigation system data showed the possibility of increasing production up to 78.8 thousand rubles/ha. This is achieved by improving the quality of planning and management of water distribution under the conditions of water scarcity in the Lower Volga region.

This article presents the results of scientific research on the use of cotton drip irrigation technology in conditions of water scarcity, saving water resources, assessing the growth and yield of cotton. At the same time, the technology of drip irrigation in the cultivation of the “Bukhara-102” variety of cotton was compared with the options grown in the traditional way. During the experiments, in the control field for the cultivation of the Bukhara-102 variety of cotton, i.e. in the 1st variant, which was irrigated by land invasion, irrigation was carried out 5 times during the growing season according to the scheme 1-3-1. 1240 cbm·ha-1, the seasonal irrigation norm, was 4780 cbm·ha−1; in drip irrigation in variant 2, the irrigation regime was 8 times. The cotton was irrigated according to the scheme 2-5-1. During the period of cotton growing and irrigation, irrigation works were carried out at the rate of 462-488 cbm·ha−1 and seasonal irrigation at the rate of 3339 cbm·ha−1. Less water was used in 1916 cbm·ha−1. When the effect of drip irrigation technology on the yield of cotton was studied, the yield of cotton in the first variant was 3.58 t·ha−1, while in the second variant of drip irrigation was 4.49 t/ha−1. This is 0.91 t·ha−1 higher than the control variant.

This article presents the results of scientific research on the use of cotton drip irrigation technology in conditions of water scarcity, saving water resources, assessing the growth and yield of cotton. At the same time, the technology of drip irrigation in the cultivation of “Bukhara-102” variety of cotton was compared with the options grown in the traditional way. During the experiments, in the control field for the cultivation of Bukhara-102 variety of cotton, ie in the 1st variant, which was irrigated by land invasion, irrigation was carried out 5 times during the growing season according to the scheme 1-3-1. 1240 cbm∙ha–1, the seasonal irrigation norm was 4780 cbm∙ha–1, drip irrigation In variant 2, the irrigation regime was 8 times the cotton was irrigated according to the scheme 2-5-1. During the period of cotton growing and irrigation, irrigation works were carried out at the rate of 462-488 cbm∙ha–1 and seasonal irrigation at the rate of 3339 cbm∙ha–1. less water was used than in 1916 cbm∙ha–1. When the effect of drip irrigation technology on the yield of cotton was studied, the yield of cotton in the first variant was 3.58 t∙ha–1, while in the second variant of drip irrigation it was 4.49 t/ha–1. This is 0.91 t∙ha–1 higher than the control variant.

Here we approach eucalypt profile to meet a breeding program aiming at water stress tolerance. Eucalyptus embrace over 700 species although the core of genotypes used in commercial plantations has as little as nine species and their hybrids. Plantations are expected to fulfill the demand for harvesting timber and other commercial uses, sometimes, notwithstanding with plant survival resilience as not all tolerance strategies will fit industry interests. The diversity of eucalyptus strategies in response to drought join its variability in size, from shrubs to high trees, and adaptations to climates, from xeric to lowlands. There are several reports on eucalypts submitted to abiotic stress that contribute to the understanding of the sustained growth, although only a few recommend genotypes to be cultivated under these conditions. Different sets of structural, nutritional, physiological and other features, subsidize plant adaptability and growth, in a kind of functional homeostasis. Growth and adaptability traits are considered as markers for water stress tolerance or, at least, as a baseline for comparison. Some of these traits are found in responses to abiotic stresses other than water deficit and may be inherent or evolved for particular species. These processes may be the result from acclimatization or speciation/environmental selection what support selection for tolerance be performed under water deficit conditions. Our early experience indicates that joint analysis of selected, high accuracy and suitable heritability biomarkers support the identification of commercial eucalypt genotypes to be cultured under water scarcity conditions.

Stipa caudata is a grass native to low rainfall areas in Argentina and Chile, considered an excellent potential candidate for biofuel production or soil restoration programmes. This study aimed at analysing the effects of ammonium sulphate (AMS) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the productivity and biochemical traits of plants of this species under water scarcity conditions. The experimental work was carried out on plants grown outdoors using a randomised block plot design. Several yield and biochemical parameters related to resistance to water scarcity were analysed in plants treated with AMS or ASA. Plants in the treatments with ASA and AMS had higher total chlorophyll content than the others. Concerning ion content, water-restricted plants treated with AMS had similar values to irrigated plants. Regarding the osmoprotectants and antioxidants, treated plants had increased concentrations of proline and total flavonoids. Under water stress, plants had higher APX activity and there was an A x B interaction for CAT and SOD activity. The results obtained show that the use of ASA and AMS in some crops or in environmental restoration programmes could be a useful tool to cope with future climate scenarios of water scarcity.

This work was conducted to evaluate the impact of water deprivation on physiological responses, serum hormones, metabolites, electrolytes, haematology and thermoregulatory parameters of Ossimi ewes during summer months. Total of 12 healthy, non-pregnant and non-lactating Ossimi ewes (2-2.5 years of age and average BW of 43.44 ±1.14 kg) were divided into 2 groups, control and ewes exposed to water deprivation cycles 24h, 48h and 72h /week for 3 months. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated. Thermoregulatory response, rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were determined. Serum hormones [aldosterone, thyroid hormones (T3&T4), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4)], IgG, total proteins (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (Chol), glucose (Glu), creatinine (Creat), urea, Na+, Cl-, K+, and liver enzymes (ALT, AST) were assayed. Haematological parameters (CBC) in blood were measured. Results showed that RR and RT were higher (P≤0.05) in deprived ewes after 24h, while their values of 48h and 72h were the same as compared to the control. No changes in serum hormones were observed in deprived ewes, except aldosterone level which increased (P≤0.05) in deprived ewes. There were no variations in serum TP, Glob, Creat, urea and liver enzymes (ALT, AST) while Alb, TG, Chol, Na+, and Cl- were elevated (P≤0.05), while Glu and K+ declined (P≤0.05) by water deprivation. Haematological parameters sustained unaffected after deprivation. It is concluded that Ossimi ewes could easily maintained under the conditions of water scarcity or drought without adverse influences.