Biomass Yield Research Articles

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions.

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

A whole process study of dual microalgae cultivation coupled to domestic wastewater treatment and wheat growth.

The multiple microalgal collaborative treatment of domestic wastewater has been extensively investigated, but its whole life cycle tracking and consequent potential have not been fully explored. Herein, a dual microalgal system was employed for domestic wastewater treatment, tracking the variation in microalgal growth and pollutants removal from shake flask scale to 18L photobioreactors scales. The results showed that Chlorella sp. HL and Scenedesmus sp. LX1 combination had superior growth and water purification performance, and the interspecies soluble algal products promoted their growth. Through microalgae mixing ratio and inoculum size optimized, the highest biomass yield (0.42±0.03g/L) and over 91 % N, P removal rates were achieved in 18L photobioreactor. Harvested microalgae treated in different forms all promoted wheat growth and suppressed yellow leaf rate. This study provided data support for the whole process tracking of dual microalgal system in treating domestic wastewater and improving wheat growth.

Unearthing hybridization opportunities for augmenting biomass yield and harvest index in rajmash (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

In present study, 21 F1 hybrids derived from crossing between seven female genotypes and three male testers following a line × tester mating design were evaluated for analyzing the component of genetic variation and heterosis of yield contributing traits. The components of variances due to gca and sca revealed the predominance of non-additive gene action for biomass and harvest index. The average better parent heterosis (BPH) and standard heterosis (SH) for Biomass yield (BY) was 43.71 and 114.67, respectively, and the average BPH and SH for the Harvest index (HI) was -13.04 and -20.45, respectively. The higher magnitude of the BPH and SH recorded for BY indicated that the scope for increasing the HI in Rajmash is limited and that further increases in productivity have to come mainly through enhanced BY. The parent RR21-01 and GR 1 were good general combiners for biomass, TRCR 3, TRCR 2, SKAU-R-19 and RKR 1033 for harvest index. Cross combinations IPR-277- 19 × HUR recorded positively significant sca effect for BY and IPR-277-19 × GR, TRCR 3 × GR 1, TRCR 2 × GR 1, IPR-205-19 × HUR, IPR-277-19 × GR 1, SKAU-R-19 ×RKR 1033, RR-21-01 × HUR and RR-21-12 × GR 1 for HI. These results demonstrate that the selection of parents should not only be based on per se performance but also on combining ability and heterosis for achieving genetic improvement in Rajmash,

Construction of an enzyme-constrained metabolic network model for Myceliophthora thermophila using machine learning-based kcat data

BackgroundGenome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) serve as effective tools for understanding cellular phenotypes and predicting engineering targets in the development of industrial strain. Enzyme-constrained genome-scale metabolic models (ecGEMs) have emerged as a valuable advancement, providing more accurate predictions and unveiling new engineering targets compared to models lacking enzyme constraints. In 2022, a stoichiometric GEM, iDL1450, was reconstructed for the industrially significant fungus Myceliophthora thermophila. To enhance the GEM’s performance, an ecGEM was developed for M. thermophila in this study.ResultsInitially, the model iDL1450 underwent refinement and updates, resulting in a new version named iYW1475. These updates included adjustments to biomass components, correction of gene-protein-reaction (GPR) rules, and a consensus on metabolites. Subsequently, the first ecGEM for M. thermophila was constructed using machine learning-based kcat data predicted by TurNuP within the ECMpy framework. During the construction, three versions of ecGEMs were developed based on three distinct kcat collection methods, namely AutoPACMEN, DLKcat and TurNuP. After comparison, the ecGEM constructed using TurNuP-predicted kcat values performed better in several aspects and was selected as the definitive version of ecGEM for M. thermophila (ecMTM). Comparing ecMTM to iYW1475, the solution space was reduced and the growth simulation results more closely resembled realistic cellular phenotypes. Metabolic adjustment simulated by ecMTM revealed a trade-off between biomass yield and enzyme usage efficiency at varying glucose uptake rates. Notably, hierarchical utilization of five carbon sources derived from plant biomass hydrolysis was accurately captured and explained by ecMTM. Furthermore, based on enzyme cost considerations, ecMTM successfully predicted reported targets for metabolic engineering modification and introduced some new potential targets for chemicals produced in M. thermophila.ConclusionsIn this study, the incorporation of enzyme constraint to iYW1475 not only improved prediction accuracy but also broadened the model’s applicability. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating of machine learning-based kcat data in the construction of ecGEMs especially in situations where there is limited measured enzyme kinetic parameters for a specific organism.

Influence of Agro-Industrial Waste Composts on Soil Characteristics, Growth Dynamics, and Yield of Red Cabbage and Broccoli

In this work, environmentally sound technologies for converting organic wastes into fertilizers to improve soil sustainability and crop yield have been identified and assessed. Wet wastes were combined with 50% wood sawdust and 50% wet wastes (Compost 1) or (10% Straw + 90% wet wastes) (Compost 2) to produce soil improvers with a balanced level of nutrients, and their effectiveness on soil ecosystem functioning have been tested and compared to horse manure (HM) and nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) fertilizers. Unfertilized soil was used as a control. Soil chemical and biological properties have been detected after the harvesting of broccoli and red cabbage (90 days from the initial treatments). Three independent experiments have been conducted in an open field in a randomized complete block design with three replications (n = 9). The results showed that Compost 1 had the highest C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC), indicating a better humification of the wet material. Compost 1, even if it contained a minor amount of organic carbon, as well as less activity of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and dehydrogenase (DHA) than Compost 2, was the most effective in improving soil quality, significantly increasing the labile fraction of organic matter, the oxidative enzyme (DHA), microbial biomass, and crop yield. Both composts increased crop productivity.

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal the cadmium tolerance mechanism of Miscanthus lutarioriparia.

Miscanthus lutarioriparia is a promising energy crop that is used for abandoned mine soil phytoremediation because of its high biomass yield and strong tolerance to heavy metals. However, the biological mechanism of heavy metal resistance is limited, especially for applications in the soil restoration of mining areas. Here, through the investigation of soil cadmium(Cd) in different mining areas and soil potted under Cd stress, the adsorption capacity of Miscanthus lutarioriparia was analyzed. The physiological and transcriptional effects of Cd stress on M. lutarioriparia leaves and roots under hydroponic conditions were analyzed. The results showed that M. lutarioriparia could reduce the Cd content in mining soil by 29.82%. Moreover, different Cd varieties have different Cd adsorption capacities in soils with higher Cd concentration. The highest cadmium concentrations in the aboveground and belowground parts of the plants were 185.65 mg/kg and 186.8 mg/kg, respectively. The total chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities all showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. In total, 24,372 differentially expressed genes were obtained, including 7735 unique to leaves, 7725 unique to roots, and 8912 unique to leaves and roots, which showed differences in gene expression between leaves and roots. These genes were predominantly involved in plant hormone signal transduction, glutathione metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, ABC transporters, photosynthesis and the metal ion transport pathway. In addition, the number of upregulated genes was greater than the number of downregulated genes at different stress intervals, which indicated that M. lutarioriparia adapted to Cd stress mainly through positive regulation. These results lay a solid foundation for breeding excellent Cd resistant M. lutarioriparia and other plants. The results also have an important theoretical significance for further understanding the detoxification mechanism of Cd stress and the remediation of heavy metal pollution in mining soil.

Transcription factor ZmEREB97 regulates nitrate uptake in maize (Zea mays) roots.

Maize (Zea mays L.) has very strong requirements for nitrogen. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulations of nitrogen uptake and translocation in this species are not fully understood. Here, we report that an APETALA2/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (AP2/ERF) transcription factor ZmEREB97 functions as an important regulator in the N-signaling network in maize. Predominantly expressed and accumulated in main root and lateral root primordia, ZmEREB97 rapidly responded to nitrate treatment. By overlapping the analyses of differentially expressed genes and conducting a DAP-seq assay, we identified 1446 potential target genes of ZmEREB97. Among these, 764 genes were co-regulated in two lines of zmereb97 mutants. Loss of function of ZmEREB97 substantially weakened plant growth under both hydroponic and soil conditions. Physiological characterization of zmereb97 mutant plants demonstrated that reduced biomass and grain yield were both associated with reduced nitrate influx, decreased nitrate content and less N accumulation. We further demonstrated that ZmEREB97 directly targets and regulates the expression of six ZmNRT genes by binding to the GCC box-related sequences in gene promoters. Collectively, these data suggest that ZmEREB97 is a major positive regulator of the nitrate response and that it plays an important role in optimizing nitrate uptake, offering a target for improvement of nitrogen use efficiency in crops.

Diminishing legacy effects from forest fertilization on stand structure, vegetation community, and soil function

While there is consensus that fertilization with nitrogen (N) is a cost-effective way of increasing both forest biomass yield and timber harvest profitability, the strength and longevity of legacy effects are debated. To quantify legacy effects of past fertilization, we analysed 21 mixed Pinus sylvesteris and Picea abies stands. The stands, on average 23 years old at the time of this study, were either unfertilized (n=7), fertilized with 150 kg N ha−1 once 36 years ago (n=7), or twice, 45 and 36 years ago, respectively (n=7), during the previous stand rotation. We performed measurements on soil N mineralisation and N availability, forest growth, ground vegetation community composition, soil and vegetation C/N ratios and soil C and N stocks, many of which responded to legacy N fertilization earlier in stand development. Our results show that the legacy effects of fertilization during the previous stand rotation have diminished through time, indicating an eventual convergence of stand properties. Specifically, all significant effects present in the previous measurement period (over a decade ago), were weaker or completely absent in the current study (i.e. 36 years after fertilization and 23 years after initiation of the new stands). None-the-less, this indicates a longer legacy effect of N fertilization than what is normally considered and suggests that care should be taken to mitigate unwanted, long-term effects when utilizing N addition to promote tree growth in boreal forests.

The genotypic variation in the positive response of sorghum to higher sowing density is linked to an increase in water use efficiency

In semi-arid tropical areas, sorghum is sown at very low planting densities. Hence, increasing plant density represents an opportunity to improve productivity. However, assessing the expected increase in water needs is critical prior to testing higher densities under rainfed conditions. This was tested with a panel of elite cultivars in field and lysimiter experiments, and testing the effects of two density treatment, high (HD, 22 plants.m-²) and low (LD, 11 plants.m-²), on grain and biomass yield and on water use and water use efficiency (WUE). Doubling the conventional sowing density significantly increased biomass and grain yield, with a genotypic variability in the biomass response. No link was found between the response to density and the maintenance of the tillering capacity, whereas the response to density was somewhat explained by a differential increase in the leaf area index under high density (r=0.43 P<0.05). Lysimeter experiments showed that, compared with the conventional density, the high-density treatment had 62% increase in biomass vs a 38% increase in water use, resulting in a 17% higher WUE on average of the genotypes tested. There was an appreciable genotypic variability in this degree of WUE increase under high density. The most striking result was the very tight positive link between the biomass response to density and the differential increase in WUE in the dry season (r=0.91 P<0.0001), whereas in the wet season this link was negative (r=-0.48 P<0.02). This work shows that intensifying sorghum production by increasing sowing density is possible, in the short term using cultivars that show the largest WUE increase under high density, in the longer term by breeding high-density adapted cultivars, targeting plant traits that explain the tight link between higher WUE and higher yield under high density.

Impacts on Various Management Practices on Crops Yield and Soil Biology in Maize-Wheat Cropping System

Aims: Integrated approaches that consider the synergies and trade-offs among tillage, residue, and nitrogen management are essential for optimizing agricultural sustainability to highlight the complex interplay between agronomic, environmental, and biological factors. We intended to evaluate the impact of tillage, residue, and nitrogen management on crop growth and soil biological properties under a maize-wheat cropping system in an inceptisol. Study Design: Split-split plot design. Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-IARI research farm, New Delhi, since 2014. Methodology: We collected soil samples at the anthesis stage of wheat crop and silking stage of maize crop at 0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm soil depth. Soil properties, namely soil organic carbon, dehydrogenase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil microbial biomass phosphorus, and glomalin content by using standard procedures. Results: We observed that the soil organic carbon, enzyme activities, microbial biomass carbon and phosphorus, and glomalin content were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher under no-tillage and residue treatment at 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. Enzyme activity and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were significantly higher by application of 100 and 150% RDN, respectively, at 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. The effect of nitrogen treatment on biomass yield was significant (P&lt;0.05) and found to be higher at 150% Recommended dose of Nitrogen (RDN). The biomass yield of maize was 15.3% and 44.5%, and wheat was 7.8% and 20.4%, significantly increased by applying 150% RDN over the 100% and 50% RDN respectively. Conclusion: Farmers can successfully adopt NT with 5 t ha-1 crop residue mulch with 150% RDN to attain better soil health and higher biomass yield under the maize-wheat cropping system.

Registration of ‘Independence’ switchgrass

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a valuable forage and bioenergy crop, is established more easily than other native perennial warm‐season grasses, but its establishment is still slower than that of annual crops. Vigorous switchgrass establishment is crucial for achieving its full potential yield and for effectively competing with weeds for water and nutrient availability. To satisfy this demand, ‘Independence’ (Reg. no. CV‐295, PI 704577) switchgrass was developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign. Independence was selected for establishment vigor, winter survivorship, and high biomass yield for two cycles from ‘Kanlow’. It is characterized by rapid establishment, robust seedling growth, and the capacity to achieve peak production by the second year. Independence is well adapted to USDA hardiness zones 5b–7b. In field experiments conducted from 2016 to 2017, averaged over seven locations and all years, Independence annually yielded 13 Mg ha−1 of biomass, outperforming ‘Cave‐in‐Rock’ by 31%, ‘Liberty’ by 15%, ‘Shawnee’ by 42%, ‘Summer’ by 81%, and ‘Sunburst’ by 129%. In wet marginal sites in Illinois from 2020 to 2023, Independence exhibited an average biomass yield of 12 Mg ha−1, outperforming Shawnee by 31%, Liberty by 27%, and Kanlow by 19%, indicating its potential use on less productive land for annual crops. Independence was publicly released by the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign in October 2021.

Yield Comparison of Sweet Potato Grown in Four Commercial Organic Soils

Aims: The experiment was conducted to observe the effects on comparative yields of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas ‘Beauregard’) grown in four different soilless media. Study Design: Mention the design of the study here. Place and Duration of Study: Pullen Farm at Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky, USA., between May 2018 and August 2018. Methodology: 16 3.048m x .3046m troughs (four of each treatment) each containing five sweet potato plants were established. No treatments received supplemental fertilization. Descriptive statistics and quantitative analysis were performed on yield characteristics of the sweet potato crop (sweet-potato tuber and biomass yields). Results: While a significant difference in mass of above-ground biomass between the treatments could not be determined, growth parameters of the Organiloc treatments (A, B) were marginally greater than treatments C and D (Table 1). The fresh weight of treatments A (38.91 t ha-1) and B (42.75 t ha-1) were statistically greater than treatment C (21.23 t ha-1). Treatment B was also statistically greater that treatment D (23.92 t ha-1). The number of tubers in treatment A and B were not significantly different than treatment D, but were significantly greater than treatment C (Fig. 2). Conclusion: The results of this one cropping season study suggest that yields of sweet potatoes grown in these two biochar-based treatments (A + B), in which they were statistically greater than the Miracle Gro treatment (C), and Treatment B was statistically greater than the Magic Dirt treatment (D), may help to fulfill the increasing demand for locally-produced food and agricultural products while providing an efficient means of disposing of agricultural waste products and may promote sustainable crop production and food security.

Nitrofurazone biodegradation kinetics by batch fermentation of Aspergillus tamarii

Nitrofurazone (NFZ) compound contains a 5-nitrofuran ring structure that has been widely used as feed additives in animal husbandry. Due to the benzene ring structure, the residues are highly toxic to humans and animals. A kinetics study of NFZ biodegradation in batch fermentation with Aspergillus tamarii KX610719.1 was conducted. The main objectives were to determine the kinetic parameters of fungal growth, glucose consumption, protein production, and biodegradation of NFZ using fungal biomass. Kinetic parameters were determined using Polymath 6.0 software, and regression analysis was done using linear and non-linear methods. After 168 hours of batch fermentation, the maximum specific growth rate (µmax), and maximum cell concentration (Xmax) for cultivation without NFZ were 0.062 h-1, and 0.529 g L-1, respectively. The maximum specific growth rate (µmax), and maximum cell concentration (Xmax) for cultivation with NFZ were 0.092 h-1, and 0.327 g L-1, respectively. For glucose consumption, kinetic parameters of Yield of biomass over the substrate (YXS) and cell maintenance (mS) were estimated at 0.139 g g-1 and 0.239 h-1, respectively. Based on the Luedeking Piret model, the estimated growth-associated (α) and non-growth-associated (β) constants were 1.142×10-2 g g-1 and 5.680×10-5 h-1, respectively. The rate constant (k1) of NFZ biodegradation was estimated at 2.696×10-2 h-1 following the first-order model where the rate constant of NFZ removal is dependent on the NFZ concentration. The application of A. tamarii batch fermentation in the removal of NFZ compound was sufficient with a total percentage removal of 85.9 % or 0.430 g L-1 recorded.

Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates in Cupriavidus necator B-10646 on Saturated Fatty Acids.

It has been established that the wild-type Cupriavidus necator B-10646 strain uses saturated fatty acids (SFAs) for growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesis. It uses lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids as carbon sources; moreover, the elongation of the C-chain negatively affects the biomass and PHA yields. When bacteria grow on C12 and C14 fatty acids, the total biomass and PHA yields are comparable up to 7.5 g/L and 75%, respectively, which twice exceed the values that occur on longer C16 and C18 acids. Regardless of the type of SFAs, bacteria synthesize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), which have a reduced crystallinity (Cx from 40 to 57%) and a molecular weight typical for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) (Mw from 289 to 465 kDa), and obtained polymer samples demonstrate melting and degradation temperatures with a gap of about 100 °C. The ability of bacteria to assimilate SFAs opens up the possibility of attracting the synthesis of PHAs on complex fat-containing substrates, including waste.

Evaluation of single and mixed cover crops species in a sandy loam soil under corn production

AbstractInformed selection of cover crop species is critical for optimizing their benefits by considering the costs of adoption and potential initial negative impact on yields against the proven benefits for sustainable production. The Lower Mississippi Delta region is lagging in cover crop adoption, partly due to a paucity of this information from the area, despite being one of the major row crop‐producing regions in the United States. Common cover crop species in the region, cereal rye (CR) (Secale cereale), hairy vetch (HV) (Vicia villosa), and crimson clover (CC) (Trifolium incarnatum), and their possible two‐ and three‐combination mixes were evaluated for their impact on biomass production, enzyme activities, nutrient cycling, and corn (Zea mays) yields. HV + CC + CR and HV + CR produced the highest biomass and lowest yields compared to all treatments. HV and CC produced the least biomass but comparable yields to no cover crop. HV + CC + CR, HV + CR, CR, CC, and HV treatments had comparable total nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil organic carbon levels in the surface 0‐ to 5‐cm depth. Generally, CC alone and the HV + CR mix consistently displayed significantly higher phosphatase, N‐acetylglucosaminidase, β‐glucosidase, and cellobiohydrolase activities compared to all other treatments, while CR had the lowest. The single species of CC or HV may be the best option in the short term for initial cover crop implementation, rotating with CR a few years down the line for optimum long‐term benefits under corn production in this region.

Changes in soil N2O emissions and nitrogen use efficiency following long-term soil carbon storage: Evidence from a mesocosm experiment

Policy and market incentives are rapidly expanding to promote soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in global croplands. Evidence suggests that long-term increases in SOC can influence both crop yield and nitrogen (N) fertilizer requirements, with the potential to help address two important sustainability challenges. However, increases in SOC may also trigger higher soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which would represent an important tradeoff for climate change mitigation. We tested the hypothesis that long-term increases in SOC are associated with higher crop yields and fertilizer N use efficiency (NUE), but at the cost of higher N2O emissions. Wheat was grown in two soils (SOClow and SOChigh) under three N fertilizer rates (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha−1) in a mesocosm experiment. Soils were obtained (0–25 cm) from a 22-yr field experiment on no-till and cover cropping in California. Results indicate that total biomass and grain yield were higher for SOClow than SOChigh at 100 kg N ha−1 but not the other N levels. Crop N uptake was also 28% greater for SOClow at 200 kg N ha−1, resulting in higher overall NUE. Soil N2O emissions increased for SOChigh by 25–112% compared to SOClow, likely due to long-term changes in labile C and N pools, microbial activity, and soil structure influencing porosity and gas diffusion. While there are well-documented crop and environmental benefits from enhancing SOC in agricultural soils, results from this study suggest that changes in soil N2O emissions should be considered to accurately determine net GHG emission reductions.

Enhanced Torrefied Oil-Palm Biomass as an Alternative Bio-Circular Solid Fuel: Innovative Modeling of Optimal Conditions and Ecoefficiency Analysis

Energy production from coal combustion is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions including SOx and NOx. This study aims to produce solid biomass fuels from oil-palm residues by torrefaction, having a high heating value (HHV) equivalent to fossil coals. The experiments were designed using Design Expert version 13 software to optimize the conditions affecting the fuel characteristics of the torrefied products. The statistical analysis suggested that the optimal conditions to achieve a high HHV and fixed carbon content while retaining the mass yield of biomass mainly depended on the temperature and torrefying time, while the size played a less important role in affecting the properties. The optimal conditions were observed to be at 283 °C (120 min) for EFBs, 301 °C (111 min) for PF, and 285 °C (120 min) for PKSs. The maximum HHV of 5229, 5969, and 5265 kcal/kg were achieved for the torrefied EFBs, PF, and PKSs, respectively. The energy efficiency of torrefied biomass was increased to 1.25–1.35. Ecoefficiency analysis suggested that torrefaction should be carried out at high temperatures with a short torrefying time. This low-cost bio-circular torrefied biomass showed promising fuel characteristics that could be potentially used as an alternative to coals.

Statistical Experimental Designs for cLTB-Syn Vaccine Production Using Daucus carota Cell Suspension Cultures.

The carrot-made LTB-Syn antigen (cLTB-Syn) is a vaccine candidate against synucleinopathies based on carrot cells expressing the target antigen LTB and syn epitopes. Therefore, the development of an efficient production process is required with media culture optimization to increase the production yields as the main goal. In this study, the effect of two nitrogen sources (urea and glutamate) on callus cultures producing cLTB-Syn was studied, observing that the addition of 17 mM urea to MS medium favored the biomass yield. To optimize the MS media composition, the influence of seven medium components on biomass and cLTB-Syn production was first evaluated by a Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Then, three factors were further analyzed using a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed a 1.2-fold improvement in biomass, and a 4.5-fold improvement in cLTB-Syn production was achieved at the shake-flask scale. At the bioreactor scale, there was a 1.5-fold increase in biomass and a 2.8-fold increase in cLTB-Syn yield compared with the standard MS medium. Moreover, the cLTB-Syn vaccine induced humoral responses in BALB/c mice subjected to either oral or subcutaneous immunization. Therefore, cLTB-Syn is a promising vaccine candidate that will aid in developing immunotherapeutic strategies to combat PD and other neurodegenerative diseases without the need for cold storage, making it a financially viable option for massive immunization.

Nitrogen acquisition and retention pathways in sustainable perennial bioenergy grass cropping systems

AbstractPerennial tall grasses show promise as bioenergy crops due to high productivity and efficient nutrient use. Ongoing research on bioenergy grasses seeks to reduce their reliance on synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer, the manufacture of which relies on fossil fuel combustion. Excessive use of fertilizers also causes adverse environmental consequences and leads to the evolutionary loss of plant traits beneficial to sustainable N cycle. Notably, perennial tall grasses have exhibited the potential to maintain high biomass yield without the need for N fertilizer or causing soil N depletion. Perennial grasses can be adept at interacting with their microbial partners to facilitate N acquisition and retention via mechanisms such as biological N fixation and nitrification inhibition. These inherent N management traits should be preserved and optimized at the this early stage of bioenergy grass breeding programs. This review examines the impact of external N on bioenergy grass production and explores the potential of leveraging advantageous N‐cycling attributes of perennial tall grasses, laying groundwork for future management and research efforts. With minimized dependency on external N input, the cultivation of perennial energy grasses will pave the way toward more resilient agricultural systems and play a significant role in addressing key global energy and environmental challenges.

Increasing the planting density of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt increased root biomass and cryptolepine yield

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlt. is an important multipurpose medicinal plant used for the treatment of ailments such as malaria. Despite the ongoing efforts in domesticating the herb, the ideal planting density and its benefits are unknown. A study was conducted to determine the influence of six C. sanguinolenta accessions and three planting densities (15, 30 and 45 plants/1.8 m2) on root biomass, cryptolepine concentration and cryptolepine yield. Also, benefit-cost ratios were determined for each plant density across the four cultivation periods (9, 12, 15 and 18 months). The cultivation of C. sanguinolenta at the highest planting density (45 plants/1.8 m2) increased root biomass (value), cryptolepine content (2.08 mg/100 mg dry root) and cryptolepine yield (23.31 mg mg/1.8 m2) compared to those cultivated at lower planting densities (15 and 30 plants/1.8 m2). The duration for growing C. sanguinolenta had a more significant influence on cryptolepine yield but not the cryptolepine content. Plants cultivated for 15 months gave the maximum cryptolepine yield (10.33 g/bed), indicating 15 months as the optimum time to harvest the roots. The benefit-cost analysis revealed that growing the plant at a density of 45 plants/1.8 m2 (25,920 plants/acre) for 18 months was a more profitable venture with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.45. Commercial cultivation of C. sanguinolenta at 45 plants per bed area of 1.8 m2 (25,920 plants/acre) for 15–18 months is recommended as the most profitable and promising cropping practice to ensure the sustainable supply of planting material.