Lotus Corniculatus Research Articles

NaCl Kaynaklı Tuz Stresinin Lotus corniculatus L. cv. 'Leo'nun Çimlenmesi ve İlk Fide Büyümesi Üzerindeki Etkisi

Lotus corniculatus L. is one of the agronomically and economically important perennial legume forage species with moderately salt-tolerant. It is well known that even the cultivars of the same species in plants have different responses in salinity. However, studies on the salt response of L. corniculatus and its cultivars, which are more advantageous than other forage crops such as white clover (Trifolium repens) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), in the use of marginal agricultural lands affected by abiotic stress factors such as salinity, are limited. Under salt stress, the most crucial phases of the plant life cycle that are directly related to the survival of the plant are seed germination, growth, and vigour. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the germination and growth responses of L. corniculatus cultivar 'Leo', which is known to have higher tannin content than other cultivars, under NaCl-derived salt stress in vitro. For this purpose, L. corniculatus seeds were cultured in MS (Murashige and Skoog/Gamborg) medium containing 0, 40, and 80 mM NaCl for 14 days. Seed germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index, shoot-root length, root to shoot length ratio, shoot-root fresh dry weight, shoot-root dry matter, the ratio of root to shoot dry matter, shoot-root water content and seedling vigour index parameters were measured. According to the results of the research, the germination percentage did not change in the applied NaCl treatments, but the germination rate decreased. However, shoot length decreased and root length increased. Although there was no statistically significant change in shoot and root fresh-dry weight, both decreased in 80 mM NaCl treatment. The shoot and root dry matter increased and the water content decreased. Also, the seedling viability index decreased. In 40 mM NaCl treatment, on the other hand, there was an increase in shoot fresh-dry weight, dry matter ratio and seedling viability index with the positive effect of low dose. Within the scope of this study, comprehensive information was presented for L. corniculatus (cultivar 'Leo'), an important forage plant, in terms of germination and seedling growth under salt stress.

High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Lotus corniculatus using DsRed2 positive selection and vermiculite-based rooting method

High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Lotus corniculatus using DsRed2 positive selection and vermiculite-based rooting method

Leaf area index and forage productivity indicators of Lotus corniculatus L. at different soil moisture contents and seasons of the year

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la respuesta del índice de área foliar y productividad forrajera de genotipos del trébol Lotus corniculatus bajo dos contenidos de humedad del suelo en condiciones de malla-sombra. Se usó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar en arreglo de parcelas divididas con tres repeticiones. Las parcelas grandes fueron los contenidos de humedad en el suelo: óptimo (COHS: 26 % ± 1.5) y subóptimo (CSHS: 22 % ± 1.5); y las parcelas chicas las accesiones de L. corniculatus: 255301, 255305, 202700, 226792 y la variedad Estanzuela Ganador. Las variables medidas fueron el índice de área foliar (IAF), producción de biomasa en materia seca (MS) (g planta-1), tasa de incremento de forraje seco (TIFS) (g planta-1 dia-1) y relación hoja/tallo (H/T), más las variables climáticas de temperatura (°C) y humedad relativa (%) en la malla sombra. La accesión 255305 fue la de mejor respuesta en IAF, MS y TIFS, con valores de 3.2, 94.9 g planta-1 y 0.30 g planta-1 d-1, respectivamente, en COHS; en tanto que Estanzuela Ganador tuvo la mejor respuesta en IAF en CSHS. No hubo diferencias (P≤0.05) entre los materiales genéticos evaluados en MS y TIFS con valores promedios de 82.4 g planta-1 y de 0.26 g planta-1 día-1, respectivamente. Las accesiones 255301 y 226792 fueron las de mejor relación H/T con valores de 2.9 y 2.5, respectivamente. En general, el mejor comportamiento productivo en términos de MS se tuvo en primavera, verano, y verano-otoño con valores de 17.5, 11.7 y 17.7 g planta-1, respectivamente.

Különböző gyepkezelések hatásának cönológiai és természetvédelmi vizsgálati eredményei üde gyepen

In grassland management systems, the various agrotechnical elements have to be used in many cases on "primitive grasslands", where the coordination of agricultural and nature conservation tasks is necessary. Here, animal husbandry is the main aspect, which includes the long-term preservation of the quality of the pasture, as well as the most economical use of the pasture and keeping the animals as cheap as possible. The tests were carried out on a grassy area on the border of the settlement of Aba. We examined the vegetation of 8 plots of the same size in the area and the quantitative and qualitative composition of the biomass produced there. In this thesis, we provide data on the vegetation composition and evaluation of the following treatments. The plots and treatments were as follows: I. plot-ventilated; II. parcel-relaxed; III. plot loosened and ventilated; ARC. parcel control; V. plot-ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VI. plot loosened and 15 t/ha manure; VII. plot loosened, ventilated and 15 t/ha manure; VIII. plot loosened, ventilated and 30 t/ha manure. In each plot, 5 ceenological recordings were made using 4 x 4 m quadrats. The estimated coverage of each species was given in %, taking into account the proportion of grasslands and other species. Among Borhidi's plant ecological indicators, the species were evaluated based on the NB (relative values of nitrogen demand) and WB (relative soil water and soil moisture indicator numbers). The social behavior types (SZMT) were also defined based on Borhidi's work, and the nature conservation value categories (TVK) were defined according to Simon. The lifestyle analysis was performed based on Pignatti's lifestyle types. Based on the data, the composition of the vegetation of each plot changed significantly compared to the data of the control plot IV. A direct proportionality can be discovered between the increase in the cover value of the dominant lawn grasses, primarily Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, and Fabaeceae species (e.g. Lathyrus tuberosus, Lotus corniculatus) and the amount of applied nutrients. Based on the coenological survey of the eight examined areas, the control area (IV.) showed the most natural state, which was confirmed by the species composition and number of species. The IV. plots are close to I., II. and III. for plot recordings, which proves that aeration and loosening do not worsen the condition of the lawn, but rather promote the preservation of its natural state. The VII-VIII. plots have the smallest number of species, but based on the life form spectrum, naturalness indicators, nature conservation value categories and social behavior types, they are not very disturbed habitats. No significant difference can be detected between the effect of lawn loosening and lawn aeration, but III. plot, where both treatments were carried out, was closer to the control area. Regarding the effect of the lawn management methods, it was possible to produce a starting data set in the long term (with the same environmental conditions). Overall, the study gave valuable results regarding the age of change occurring during the application of different lawn management methods, and was also effective from an economic point of view.

BIOMETRIC AND PRODUCTION CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME LOTUS CORNICULATUS L. GENOTYPES

The Lotus corniculatus L. species is important from the point of view of its nutritional quality, used as animal feed, contributing to increased lactation in ruminants. It is also used due to its high adaptation to harsh weather conditions and resistance to acidic and arid soils, in this sense it is introduced for soil remediation and cover crop in orchards due to its nitrogen-fixing capacity. The study was conducted in the research fields of ARDS Lovrin, Romania within the laboratory for the improvement of fodder and protein plants, during 2022-2023. The purpose of the study is represented by 10 Birdsfoot Trefoil genotypes harvested from the wild flora in the plain area of Banat, Romania, on which were made quantitative measurements and determinations, of production evaluating the following characters: plant size, number of flowers, number of pods, number of seeds/pods. The results obtained from these determinations have highlighted four valuable genotypes that can be introduced in the breeding process as potential genitors for the creation of new varieties. Analysis of the studied genotypes shows that the number of flowers varies between 200 and 580 from a surface of 1 square meter, and the number of pods per square meter is between 70 and 2900, according to the study, the length of the pods is between 18.75 and 30.66 mm, the average number of seeds/pods differs between 18.3 and 22.90, and the length of the plant varies between 20 and 45 cm. The statistical analysis and interpretation of the results highlights genotypes Lc119, Lc108, Lc73 and Lc62 in terms of analyzed productivity characteristics.

Low nitrogen status affects isoflavonoid production and flavonol decoration in Lotus corniculatus

Nitrogen availability is key factor for plant metabolism and has a strong impact on the biosynthesis of secondary plant metabolites. A number of these metabolites are involved in the response to stress. In this paper, we investigated the effect of different N conditions in leaves of Lotus corniculatus. Low nitrogen conditions strongly enhanced the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in leaves, inducing the expression genes encoding for key enzymes of phenolic metabolism such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase and isoflavone synthase. Kaempferol and quercetin glycosides as well as isoflavanes accumulated in leaves. Surprisingly, if the nitrogen availability was limited, but without nitrogen deprivation symptoms, an increase in the levels of phenylpropane acids and a decrease in the levels of kaempferol glycosides was detected. Especially the decrease in malonylated kaempferol derivatives and the kaempferol glycosides substituted by rhamnose in the 3-O position. The L. corniculatus malonyltransferase 1 gene is likely involved in the malonylation of the kaempferol glycosides.

Germination and Seedling Properties of Lotus corniculatus L. Under Simulated Drought Stress

Drought is an important abiotic stress factor that reduces agricultural production and yield in many crops, including forage crops, in agricultural areas around the world. Lotus corniculatus L. is the agriculturally crucial perennial legume forage crop that can tolerate moderate drought. However, studies to determine the responses of L. corniculatus to drought are limited. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the seed germination and early seedling growth properties of L. corniculatus at different PEG6000 induced-drought treatments under in vitro conditions. In order to do this, L. corniculatus (cv. ‘AC Langille’) seeds were planted in MS (Murashige and Skoog/Gamborg) medium containing 0%, 4%, and 8% (w/v) PEG6000 for 14 days. In this study, germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate index (speed of germination), shoot and root length, root to shoot length ratio, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, shoot and root dry matter ratio, root shoot dry matter ratio, shoot and root water content and seedling vigor index parameters were measured. Our results showed that increasing drought levels resulted in an overall significant reduction in germination and seedling growth parameters except shortened mean germination time (especially, 4% PEG6000 treatment) and increased shoot and root dry matter ratio at higher (especially, 8% PEG6000 treatment) drought levels. When important growth parameters such as length, fresh and dry weight, dry matter ratio and water content, which show the development of root and shoot organs, are evaluated together, it has been determined that the root is negatively affected by drought stress at a higher rate. Based on these data, it can be concluded that the L. corniculatus will suffer a high yield loss under the drought stress at the osmotic potential (-1.03 bar) created by 8% PEG6000 treatment.

Effects of interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria on the growth of Lotus corniculatus L.: From the perspective of regulating rhizosphere fungal community

Effects of interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria on the growth of Lotus corniculatus L.: From the perspective of regulating rhizosphere fungal community

Multiple bHLH/MYB-based protein complexes regulate proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in the herbage of Lotus spp.

Main conclusionThe complexes involving MYBPA2, TT2b, and TT8 proteins are the critical regulators of ANR and LAR genes to promote the biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in the leaves of Lotus spp.The environmental impact and health of ruminants fed with forage legumes depend on the herbage's concentration and structure of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Unfortunately, the primary forage legumes (alfalfa and clover) do not contain substantial levels of PAs. No significant progress has been made to induce PAs to agronomically valuable levels in their edible organs by biotechnological approaches thus far. Building this trait requires a profound knowledge of PA regulators and their interplay in species naturally committed to accumulating these metabolites in the target organs. Against this background, we compared the shoot transcriptomes of two inter-fertile Lotus species, namely Lotus tenuis and Lotus corniculatus, polymorphic for this trait, to search for differentially expressed MYB and bHLH genes. We then tested the expression of the above-reported regulators in L. tenuis x L. corniculatus interspecific hybrids, several Lotus spp., and different L. corniculatus organs with contrasting PA levels. We identified a novel MYB activator and MYB-bHLH-based complexes that, when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, trans-activated the promoters of L. corniculatus anthocyanidin reductase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase 1 genes. The last are the two critical structural genes for the biosynthesis of PAs in Lotus spp. Competition between MYB activators for the transactivation of these promoters also emerged. Overall, by employing Lotus as a model genus, we refined the transcriptional network underlying PA biosynthesis in the herbage of legumes. These findings are crucial to engineering this trait in pasture legumes.

Management of perennial forbs sown with or without self‐regenerating annual clovers for forage and nectar sources in a low‐input dryland production system

AbstractForage systems can be designed to produce high quality feed for ruminant livestock while providing habitat for insect pollinators. We compared forage productivity, nutritive value, and selenium uptake as well as late summer nectar production of perennial forage species; alfalfa (Medicago sativa), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), red clover (Trifolium pratense), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), and chicory (Cichorium intybus) as monocultures and intercropped with either subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) or balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum) for two successive years in Oregon. Red clover intercropped with balansa clover out‐performed other stands, producing over 11 t DM ha−1 in 2019 and 9.4 t DM ha−1 in 2020. Birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin mixtures were dominated by subterranean clover, negatively affecting total forage yield and flower abundance. Chicory intercropped with subterranean clover formed a more balanced mixture with improved DM yield and nutritive value relative to chicory monocultures. Chicory was most responsive to Se‐fertilisation in both years, having a higher concentration of Se relative to the other perennial species. Chicory also had high levels of condensed tannins (18.1–43.3 mg/g DM) relative to the other forages (1.8–17.5 mg/g DM). Red clover had the most consistent bloom in 2019, with 170 inflorescences per square meter at peak bloom and yielded an estimated total of 16.9 kg ha−1 sucrose. Birdsfoot trefoil produced the most inflorescences during peak bloom in 2020 at 279 inflorescences per square meter. However, alfalfa had a higher estimated sucrose yield in 2020 at 241 kg ha−1.

426 Forages Containing Plant Secondary Compounds Can Improve Digestibility, Rumen Ammonia and Rumen Metabolites of Pasture: an in Vitro Continuous Culture Case Study

Abstract Forages containing plant secondary metabolites (PSM) have been investigated for use in reducing nitrogen waste in feedlot and dairy cattle diets but use as supplements to grazing beef cattle to capture the positive effects of PSM is unclear. Here we investigate potential improvement in rumen digestibility and metabolome, rumen ammonia production and flow from feed protein due to PSM bioactivity in forages used to supplement pasture grass using in vitro methods. Can PSM-containing forages offer a practical way to improve range nutrition and provide delivery of phytochemical benefits? Phytochemical- containing forages birdsfoot trefoil (BFT), sainfoin (SAN), small burnet (SMB) and cicer milkvetch (CMV) supplemented grass pasture diets (200 g/kg of DM). In vitro true dry matter digestibility was determined using 2-stage in vitro methods. Randomly assigned diets of PAS supplemented with one of the PSM-containing forage diets (PAS+X) or not supplemented (PAS) were randomly applied to in vitro dual flow continuous culture (CC) vessels inoculated with grazing beef cow rumen fluid as a metabolic host. For 2-stage digestibility, SMB digestibility exceeded that of CMV, followed by BFT and SAN. The grass diet (PAS) was the least digestible (Table 1). Saponin was detected in CMV samples, which is a new finding. For CC, compared with PAS, minimum culture pH for PAS+CMV was highest (P < 0.02) but no differences were observed in pH between PAS, and PAS+BFT and PAS+SAN. Compared with PAS, the molar proportion of the fatty acid propionate increased with PAS+CMV(P = 0.03) in contrast to the acetate- to- propionate ratio found highest for PAS and decreased for all diets with supplementation of PSM forages. Concentration of rumen NH3–N flow to rumen fluid per gram of protein intake was lower (P < 0.01) with PAS+CMV and PAS+SMB, compared with grass only. Feeding CMV and SMB to grazing cattle may improve nutrient utilization, metabolome, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle production by improving diet digestibility and reducing ammonia waste.

Land use influences the nutrient concentration and composition of pollen and nectar rewards of wildflowers in human-dominated landscapes

Plant biodiversity is crucial to satisfy the trophic needs of pollinators, mainly through nectar and pollen rewards. However, a few studies have been directed to ascertain the intraspecific variation of chemical features and the nutritional value of nectar and pollen floral rewards in relation to the alteration of landscapes due to human activities. In this study, by using an existing scenario of land use gradients as an open air laboratory, we tested the variation in pollen and nectar nutrient profiles along gradients of urbanization and agriculture intensity, by focusing on sugar, aminoacids of nectar and phytochemicals of pollen from local wild plants. We also highlighted bioactive compounds from plants primary and secondary metabolism due to their importance for insect wellbeing and pollinator health. We surveyed 7 different meadow species foraged by pollinators and common in the main land uses studied. The results indicated that significant variations of nutritional components occur in relation to different land uses, and specifically that the agricultural intensification decreases the sugars and increases the antioxidant content of flower rewards, while the urbanization is positively associated with the total flavonoid content in pollen. These effects are more evident in some species than in others, such as Lotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae) and Malva sylvestris L. (Malvaceae), as shown by the untargeted metabolomic investigation. This study is crucial for understanding the nutritional landscape quality for pollinators in association to different land uses and sets a base for landscape management and planning of pollinator-friendly strategies by improving the quality of plant rewards to provide benefits to pollinator health in various environmental contexts.

In vitro responses of Lotus corniculatus L. cultivar “Leo” to PEG‑induced drought stress

In vitro responses of Lotus corniculatus L. cultivar “Leo” to PEG‑induced drought stress

The contributions of flower strips to wild bee conservation in agricultural landscapes can be predicted using pollinator habitat suitability models

Abstract Sowing flower strips along field edges is a widely adopted method for conserving pollinating insects in agricultural landscapes. To maximize the effect of flower strips given limited resources, we need spatially explicit tools that can prioritize their placement, and for identifying plant species to include in seed mixtures. We sampled bees and plant species as well as their interactions in a semi‐controlled field experiment with roadside/field edge pairs with/without a sown flower strip at 31 sites in Norway and used a regional spatial model of solitary bee species richness to test if the effect of flower strips on bee species richness was predictable from the modelled solitary bee species richness. We found that sites with flower strips were more bee species rich compared to sites without flower strips and that this effect was greatest in areas that the regional solitary bee species richness model had identified to be particularly important for bees. Spatial models revealed that even within small landscapes there were pronounced differences between field edges in the predicted effect of sowing flower strips. Of the plant species that attracted the most bee species, the majority mainly attracted bumblebees and only few species also attracted solitary bees. Considering both the taxonomic diversity of bees and the species richness of bees attracted by plants we suggest that seed mixes containing Hieracium spp. such as Hieracium umbellatum, Pilosella officinarum, Taraxacum spp., Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Stellaria graminea and Achillea millefolium would provide resources for diverse bee communities in our region. Spatial prediction models of bee diversity can be used to identify locations where flower strips are likely to have the largest effect and can thereby provide managers with an important tool for prioritizing how funding for agri‐environmental schemes such as flower strips should be allocated. Such flower strips should contain plant species that are attractive to both solitary and bumblebees, and do not need to be particularly plant species rich as long as the selected plants complement each other.

The oral administration of Lotus corniculatus L. attenuates acute and chronic pain models in male rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLotus corniculatus L. (Fabaceae) traditionally used in Persian folk medicine to heal peritoneal inflammation and back pain. Aim of the studyTo explore the antinociceptive (acute pain) and anti-neuropathic (chronic pain) activities of Lotus corniculatus leaves essential oil (LCEO) in addition to uncovering the possible mechanisms of antinociception. Materials and methodsLCEO as well as the pure oleanolic acid (OA) compound, were assayed for their effects on acute (formalin induced paw licking test or FIPT) and chronic (cervical contusion injury models on the fifth cervical vertebra or CCS; 14-day intervals) pain. The possible involvements of NO-cGMP-K+ channel, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid, PPAR, adrenergic, and opioid mechanisms in the antinociceptive activity of LCEO have studied by formalin test. The levels of p53 and inflammatory markers were measured using a streptavidin biotin immune peroxidase complex and ELISA methods, respectively. ResultsThe LCEO and OA exerted antinociceptive activity in the first-phase of FIPT. Pretreatment with antagonists of TRPV1, dopamine D2, cannabinoid type1 and 2, and NO-cGMP-K+ channel blockers (glibenclamide, L-NAME and methylene blue) attenuated the antinociceptive effect of LCEO in FIPT. In addition, LCEO and OA meaningfully reduced hyperalgesia (days 6–14) and mechanical allodynia (days 2–14) in the CCS model. LCEO suppressed the apoptotic marker (p53) in CCS model and also ameliorated IL-2, TNF-α, and IL-1 in the spinal cord. ConclusionFinally, LCEO inhibited acute (possibly via the modulation of opioid, TRPV, dopamine, cannabinoid mechanisms as well as NO-cGMP-K+ channel) and chronic pain (via suppressing apoptotic and inflammatory markers) in male rats. The results also suggest that OA has analgesic activity against acute and chronic pain conditions.

Assessment of Herbaceous Plant Composition, Diversity, and Indicator Species in the Juniperus drupacea Forest Openings of the Mountain Parnonas in Greece

A significant challenge in community ecology is the establishment of ecological baselines, which permit the evaluation of the variations in ecological dynamics at different temporal and spatial scales. To our best knowledge, few studies have been conducted in the forest openings of Mt. Parnon to establish a baseline for future monitoring. Hence, a floristic study of the herbaceous plant species composition, diversity, cover, and biomass was conducted in the forest openings of the Mt. Parnon-Natura 2000 Site in Greece to develop an ecological baseline that could be utilized in decision making for conservation and the sustainable use of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services in the forest ecosystem of Mt. Parnon. In the spring season, a thorough floristic survey was performed on Mt. Parnon for two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022. Herbaceous plant composition, diversity, cover, biomass, and plant indicator species (indicator value analysis) in the forest openings of Mt. Parnon were assessed. In the studied area, 63 plant species belonging to 58 genera from 20 families were recorded. The most numerous families were Asteraceae and Poaceae, followed by Fabaceae. Variable plant diversity, herbaceous plant cover, and produced biomass were recorded in different sites. It is noteworthy that some plant species could be regarded as indicators of the sites in the study area [Geranium molle L., Cerastium candidissimum Correns, Vicia villosa Roth, Euphorbia myrsinites L., Odontarrhena muralis (Waldst. & Kit.) Endl., Medicago lupulina L., Lotus corniculatus L., Crepis fraasii Sch. Bip., Bellis sylvestris Cirillo, and Trifolium stellatum L.], and information about these indicators, including Ellenberg type indicator values, is also provided. This study contributes to the understanding of the relevant ecological topics and provides key elements that could be utilized in decision making for the conservation and sustainable use of forest biodiversity and ecosystem services on Mt. Parnon.

Resequencing of global Lotus corniculatus accessions reveals population distribution and genetic loci, associated with cyanogenic glycosides accumulation and growth traits

BackgroundLotus corniculatus is a widely distributed perennial legume whose great adaptability to different environments and resistance to barrenness make it an excellent forage and ecological restoration plant. However, its molecular genetics and genomic relationships among populations are yet to be uncovered.ResultHere we report on a genomic variation map from worldwide 272 L. corniculatus accessions by genome resequencing. Our analysis suggests that L. corniculatus accessions have high genetic diversity and could be further divided into three subgroups, with the genetic diversity centers were located in Transcaucasia. Several candidate genes and SNP site associated with CNglcs content and growth traits were identified by genome-wide associated study (GWAS). A non-synonymous in LjMTR was responsible for the decreased expression of CNglcs synthesis genes and LjZCD was verified to positively regulate CNglcs synthesis gene CYP79D3. The LjZCB and an SNP in LjZCA promoter were confirmed to be involved in plant growth.ConclusionThis study provided a large number of genomic resources and described genetic relationship and population structure among different accessions. Moreover, we attempt to provide insights into the molecular studies and breeding of CNglcs and growth traits in L. corniculatus.

Research on the Control of Gastrointestinal Strongyles in Sheep by Using Lotus corniculatus or Cichorium intybus in Feed.

The general practice of sheep farmers in gastrointestinal helminth control is based on the use of commercial drugs, making chemoresistance very common. Considering this, our study focused on the biological control of gastrointestinal parasitism using high-tannin plant hay. Three groups of 30 animals each were formed. The control group was additionally fed meadow hay, while the other two groups received chicory (group 2) and bird's foot trefoil hay (group 3). The number of gastrointestinal strongyle eggs, shed through faeces (EPG), was surveyed for 28 days for all animals. The amounts of total tannins for meadow, chicory, and Lotus corniculatus hay supplements were 13.92 mg/g, 78.59 mg/g, and 94.43 mg/g, while their condensed tannin contents were 2.58 mg/g, 29.84 mg/g, and 15.94 mg/g, respectively. Compared to experimental day 0, there was an increase in EPG of 80.83% in the control group, a decrease of 24.72% in group 2, and a 20% decrease in group 3, by day 28. The p-value was <0.05 between group 1 and the other groups, showing significant differences between the control and experimental groups. The decrease in EPG rates in the experimental groups compared to the control group demonstrates an antiparasitic effect of Lotus corniculatus and chicory.

Selection of rhizobial strains differing in their nodulation kinetics under low temperature in four temperate legume species

AbstractBackgroundWinter climate change including frequent freeze‐thaw episodes and shallow snow cover will have major impacts on the spring regrowth of perennial crops. Non‐bloating perennial forage legume species including sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, and alsike clover have been bred for their adaptation to harsh winter conditions. In parallel, the selection of cold‐tolerant rhizobial strains could allow earlier symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation to hasten spring regrowth of legumes.MethodsTo identify strains forming nodules rapidly and showing high N‐fixing potential, 60 rhizobial strains in association with four temperate legume species were evaluated over 11 weeks under spring soil temperatures for kinetics of nodule formation, nitrogenase activity, and host yield.ResultsStrains differed in their capacity to form efficient nodules on legume hosts over time. Strains showing higher nitrogenase activity were arctic strain N10 with sainfoin and strain L2 with birdsfoot trefoil. For clovers, nitrogenase activity was similar for control and inoculated plants, likely due to formation of effective nodules in controls by endophyte rhizobia present in seeds.ConclusionsSelection based on nodulation kinetics at low temperature, nitrogenase activity, and yield was effective to identify performant rhizobial strains for legume crops. The use of cold‐tolerant strains could help mitigate winter climatic changes.

The use of Lotus corniculatus in the study of biodegradation of TPH and PAHs assisted by phytoremediation

W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienia związane z etapową bioremediacją gleby zanieczyszczonej substancjami ropopochodnymi. Badania procesu bioremediacji gleby G6 wykonywano w dwóch etapach. W etapie I przeprowadzono biodegradację zanieczyszczeń ropopochodnych na drodze inokulacji biopreparatem B1, opracowanym na bazie niepatogennych mikroorganizmów autochtonicznych. Badania prowadzono metodą pryzmowania ex situ przez okres 3 miesięcy w ściśle kontrolowanych warunkach temperaturowych. W II etapie badań wstępnie oczyszczoną glebę poddano procesowi biodegradacji (inokulacja biopreparatem B2) wspomaganej fitoremediacją w warunkach ex situ (metoda wazonowa) przez okres 6 miesięcy. W badaniach fitoremediacji wykorzystano komonicę zwyczajną (Lotus corniculatus), należącą do grupy naftofitów. Eksperymenty prowadzono w trzech układach: układ 1 – gleba G6-3 + komonica zwyczajna, układ 2 – gleba G6-3 + biopreparat B2 + komonica zwyczajna, układ 3 – gleba G6-3 + biopreparat B2 z dodatkiem γ-PGA (kwas γ-poliglutaminowy) + komonica zwyczajna. Oceny efektywności I i II etapu bioremediacji dokonano na podstawie przeprowadzonych analiz chromatograficznych i testów toksykologicznych. Zrealizowane badania wykazały, że efektywność I etapu bioremediacji gleby G6 wynosiła 41,67% dla TPH (całkowita zawartość węglowodorów) i 34,73% dla WWA (wielopierścieniowe węglowodory aromatyczne). Największą efektywność II etapu bioremediacji odnotowano w układzie 3, natomiast najniższą – w układzie 1. W wyniku II etapu bioremediacji wspomaganego fitoremediacją za pomocą komonicy zwyczajnej po 6 miesiącach badań osiągnięto spadek stężenia TPH w badanych układach o: 13,32% (układ 1), 39,65% (układ 2) oraz 51,79% (układ 3), natomiast efektywność II etapu biodegradacji WWA wynosiła 8,00% w glebie G6-3(1), 37,10% w glebie G6-3(2) oraz 51,34% w glebie G6-3(3). Wykonane testy toksykologiczne z zastosowaniem Phytotoxkit™, Ostracodtoxkit F™ oraz Microtox®SPT wykazały spadek właściwości toksycznych gleby po przeprowadzeniu procesu oczyszczania. Uzyskane wyniki analiz chromatograficznych i toksykologicznych wykazały, że wykorzystanie fitoremediacji w II etapie remediacji pozwala na zwiększenie efektywności procesu biodegradacji TPH i WWA.