Cabbage Roots Research Articles

Microbial Basis for Suppression of Soil-Borne Disease in Crop Rotation

The effect of crop rotation on soil-borne diseases is a representative case of plant–soil feedback in the sense that plant disease resistance is influenced by soils with different cultivation histories. This study examined the microbial mechanisms inducing the differences in the clubroot (caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae pathogen) damage of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) after the cultivation of different preceding crops. It addresses two key questions in crop rotation: changes in the soil bacterial community induced by the cultivation of different plants and the microbial mechanisms responsible for the disease-suppressive capacity of Chinese cabbage. Twenty preceding crops from different plant families showed significant differences in the disease damage, pathogen density, and bacterial community composition of the host plant. Structural equation modelling revealed that the relative abundance of four key bacterial orders in Chinese cabbage roots can explain 85% and 70% of the total variation in pathogen density and disease damage, respectively. Notably, the relative dominance of Bacillales and Rhizobiales, which have a trade-off relationship, exhibited predominant effects on pathogen density and disease damage. The disease-suppressive soil legacy effects of preceding crops are reflected in compositional changes in key bacterial orders, which are intensified by the bacterial community network.

YOLOv5-POS: research on cabbage pose prediction method based on multi-task perception technology.

Accurate and rapid identification of cabbage posture is crucial for minimizing damage to cabbage heads during mechanical harvesting. However, due to the structural complexity of cabbages, current methods encounter challenges in detecting and segmenting the heads and roots. Therefore, exploring efficient cabbage posture prediction methods is of great significance. This study introduces YOLOv5-POS, an innovative cabbage posture prediction approach. Building on the YOLOv5s backbone, this method enhances detection and segmentation capabilities for cabbage heads and roots by incorporating C-RepGFPN to replace the traditional Neck layer, optimizing feature extraction and upsampling strategies, and refining the C-Seg segmentation head. Additionally, a cabbage root growth prediction model based on Bézier curves is proposed, using the geometric moment method for key point identification and the anti-gravity stem-seeking principle to determine root-head junctions. It performs precision root growth curve fitting and prediction, effectively overcoming the challenge posed by the outer leaves completely enclosing the cabbage root stem. YOLOv5-POS was tested on a multi-variety cabbage dataset, achieving an F1 score of 98.8% for head and root detection, with an instance segmentation accuracy of 93.5%. The posture recognition model demonstrated an average absolute error of 1.38° and an average relative error of 2.32%, while the root growth prediction model reached an accuracy of 98%. Cabbage posture recognition was completed within 28 milliseconds, enabling real-time harvesting. The enhanced model effectively addresses the challenges of cabbage segmentation and posture prediction, providing a highly accurate and efficient solution for automated harvesting, minimizing crop damage, and improving operational efficiency.

Antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effect of solvent fractions from Chinese cabbage roots (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis).

In this study, Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) roots were solvent fractioned, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were investigated. The antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS radicals, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) was the highest in the ethyl acetate fraction (CREE) at 26.74, 69.81, 253.23, and 54.77mg TEAC/g, respectively. The inflammatory responses were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (1µg/mL). CREE decreased nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 by 53.37% and 16.30%, respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 were inhibited by 36.85%, 62.99%, and 54.78%, respectively. Furthermore, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-6 genes were inhibited by 43.38%, 24.23%, and 80.85%, respectively. The results suggest that CREE is responsible for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Effect of iodine species on biofortification of iodine in cabbage plants cultivated in hydroponic cultures

Iodine is an essential trace element in the human diet because it is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency affects over 2.2 billion people worldwide, making it a significant challenge to find plant-based sources of iodine that meet the recommended daily intake of this trace element. In this study, cabbage plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system containing iodine at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 mg/L in the form of potassium iodide or potassium iodate. During the experiments, plant physiological parameters, biomass production, and concentration changes of iodine and selected microelements in different plant parts were investigated. In addition, the oxidation state of the accumulated iodine in root samples was determined. Results showed that iodine addition had no effect on photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content. Iodide treatment did not considerably stimulate biomass production but iodate treatment increased it at concentrations less than 0.5 mg/L. Increasing iodine concentrations in the nutrient solutions increased iodine content in all plant parts; however, the iodide treatment was 2–7 times more efficient than the iodate treatment. It was concluded, that iodide addition was more favourable on the target element accumulation, however, it should be highlighted that application of this chemical form in nutrient solution decreased the concetrations of selected micoelement concentration comparing with the control plants. It was established that iodate was reduced to iodide during its uptake in cabbage roots, which means that independently from the oxidation number of iodine (+ 5, − 1) applied in the nutrient solutions, the reduced form of target element was transported to the aerial and edible tissues.

A method for cabbage root posture recognition based on YOLOv5s

Efficient, non-destructive cabbage harvesting is crucial for preserving its flavor and quality. Current cabbage harvesting mainly relies on mechanized automatic picking methods. However, a notable deficiency in most existing cabbage harvesting devices is the absence of a root posture recognition system to promptly adjust the root posture, consequently impacting the accuracy of root cutting during harvesting. To address this issue, this study introduces a cabbage root posture recognition method that combines deep learning with traditional image processing algorithms. Preliminary detection of the main root Region of Interest (ROI) areas of the cabbage is carried out through the YOLOv5s deep learning model. Subsequently, traditional image processing methods, the Graham algorithm, and the method of calculating the minimum circumscribed rectangle are employed to specifically detect the inclination angle of cabbage roots. This approach effectively addresses the difficulty in calculating the inclination angle of roots caused by occlusion from outer leaves. The results demonstrate that the precision and recall of this method are 98.7 % and 98.6 %, respectively, with an average absolute error of 0.80° and an average relative error of 1.34 % in posture. Using this method as a reference for mechanical harvesting can effectively mitigate cabbage damage rates.

Response of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) to bacterial soft rot infection by change of soil microbial community in root zone.

Chinese cabbage, scientifically known as Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis, is a highly popular vegetable in China for its delectable taste. However, the occurrence of bacterial soft rot disease poses a significant threat to its growth and overall development. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the defense mechanisms employed by Chinese cabbage against bacterial soft rot disease. Specifically, the investigation focused on understanding the relationship between the disease and the microbial communities present in the soil surrounding the roots of Chinese cabbage. Significant disparities were observed in the composition of microbial communities present in the root-zone soil of healthy Chinese cabbage plants compared to those affected by Pectobacterium brasiliense-caused soft rot disease. The analysis of 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing results revealed a lower abundance of Proteobacteria (8.39%), Acidobacteriot (0.85), Sphingomonas (3.51%), and Vicinamibacteraceae (1.48%), whereas Firmicutes (113.76%), Bacteroidota (8.71%), Chloroflexi (4.89%), Actinobacteriota (1.71%), A4b (15.52%), Vicinamibacterales (1.62%), and Gemmatimonadaceae (1.35%) were more prevalent in healthy plant soils. Similarly, the analysis of ITS gene high-throughput sequencing results indicated a reduced occurrence of Chytridiomycota (23.58%), Basidiomycota (21.80%), Plectosphaerella (86.22%), and Agaricomycetes (22.57%) in healthy soils. In comparison, Mortierellomycota (50.72%), Ascomycota (31.22%), Podospora (485.08%), and Mortierella (51.59%) were more abundant in healthy plant soils. In addition, a total of 15 bacterial strains were isolated from the root-zone soil of diseased Chinese cabbage plants. These isolated strains demonstrated the ability to fix nitrogen (with the exception of ZT20, ZT26, ZT41, ZT45, and ZT61), produce siderophores and indole acetic acid (IAA), and solubilize phosphate. Notably, ZT14 (Citrobacter freundii), ZT33 (Enterobacter cloacae), ZT41 (Myroides odoratimimus), ZT52 (Bacillus paramycoides), ZT58 (Klebsiella pasteurii), ZT45 (Klebsiella aerogenes), and ZT32 (Pseudomonas putida) exhibited significant growth-promoting effects as determined by the plant growth promotion (PGP) tests. Consequently, this investigation not only confirmed the presence of the soft rot pathogen in Chinese cabbage plants in Hangzhou, China, but also advanced our understanding of the defense mechanisms employed by Chinese cabbage to combat soft rot-induced stress. Additionally, it identified promising plant-growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) that could be utilized in the future to enhance the Chinese cabbage industry.

An activatable fluorescence probe for rapid detection and in situ imaging of β-galactosidase activity in cabbage roots under heavy metal stress

β-Galactosidase (β-gal), an enzyme related to cell wall degradation, plays an important role in regulating cell wall metabolism and reconstruction. However, activatable fluorescence probes for the detection and imaging of β-gal fluctuations in plants have been less exploited. Herein, we report an activatable fluorescent probe based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), benzothiazole coumarin-bearing β-galactoside (BC-βgal), to achieve distinct in situ imaging of β-gal in plant cells. It exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity to β-gal with a fast response (8 min). BC-βgal can be used to efficiently detect the alternations of intracellular β-gal levels in cabbage root cells with considerable imaging integrity and imaging contrast. Significantly, BC-βgal can assess β-gal activity in cabbage roots under heavy metal stress (Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+), revealing that β-gal activity is negatively correlated with the severity of heavy metal stress. Our work thus facilitates the study of β-gal biological mechanisms.

Wheat companion plants reduced aphid and flea beetle infestations in Brassica vegetable crops in a multiple-year field study in central Germany

Alternative pest control systems such as companion plants are increasingly gaining importance owing to a reduced range of available synthetic insecticides and more rigorous regulation of their use in the EU. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of Brassica vegetables grown with wheat companion plants on relevant pests, respective natural enemies and harvest weight. Six trials were conducted in white cabbage and three in Chinese cabbage between 2017 and 2021. We identified an overall aphid-regulating effect for Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulz.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in white cabbage and a regulating effect on flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in both tested Brassica crops. Feeding by cabbage root fly Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) larvae on white cabbage roots was not consistently affected. Natural enemies including ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), hoverfly larvae (Diptera: Syrphidae), spiders (Araneida), ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), and rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) were assessed on crop plants or in pitfall traps. The activity density of rove beetles was increased by wheat companions in both Brassica crops, while that of ground beetles was reduced in white cabbage. The weight of harvested white cabbage was reduced by wheat companions, varying between a mean reduction of 7.67% and 40.08% in different experiments. In conclusion, wheat companion plants can be an additional tool for regulating pests in Brassica vegetables. However, competition effects on crop yield and the compatibility with other cultivation aspects, e.g. crop rotation, have to be considered.

Сравнително проучване на коренова и почвена микробиологична активност при самостоятелно и съвместно отглеждане на зеле (Вrassicа oleraceae L. var. capitata L.)

A comparative study of root and soil microbiological activity was carried out during independent and co-cultivation of cabbage with other crops: leeks, beans, tagetes, fennel and flower mix. The intercropping of cabbage and flower mix increases the amount of microorganisms in the immediate vicinity of the cabbage roots to the highest degree. The biogenicity of the root zone is the lowest in the variant with cabbage and tagetes. In the independent cultivation of cabbage, a higher value of the total microflora is established compared to the variants with the main cabbage crop and additional tagetes or leek crops. Combining cabbage with flower mix, beans or fennel increased the amount of microorganisms from the rhizoplane and rhizosphere to a higher degree than growing cabbage alone. The main share in the composition of the total microflora is occupied by non-sporeforming bacteria, followed by bacilli. Regrouping was found in the co-cultivation of cabbage and flower mix, and in this variant the amount of spore-forming bacteria was higher than that of non-spore-forming bacteria. Actinomycetes and mold fungi are less represented. Catalase activity was highest in the control, followed by the variant with co-cultivation of cabbage and leek, and lowest in cabbage and flower mix, and cabbage and fennel, depending significantly on the humidity of the variants. Cellulase activity was higher in the variants with crops compared to the control - highest in the co-cultivation of cabbage and leek, and cabbage and tagetes, and lowest in cabbage and beans, depending significantly on the total microflora.

Biochar Derived from Urban Green Waste Can Enhance the Removal of Cd from Water and Reduce Soil Cd Bioavailability.

The beneficial utilization of potentially increasing urban green waste (UGW) is critical for sustainable urban development in China. In this study, UGW was pyrolyzed at different temperatures, and the resulting biochar was used to amend Cd-contaminated soils to grow cabbage. Our results showed that the Cd adsorption capacity of UGW-biochar was positively correlated with the surface area, O/C, and (O+N)/C value of biochar. Furthermore, UGW-biochar was incorporated into three Cd-contaminated soils, including one acidic soil and two neutral soils, to assess its impact on the availability of Cd. The most substantial reduction in the concentration of available Cd was observed in the acidic soil, of the three tested soils. In the neutral soils, a more substantial reduction was found in the heavily Cd-contaminated soil compared to the lightly Cd-contaminated soil. UGW-biochar amendments to the three Cd-contaminated soils resulted in an increase in the cabbage biomass in acidic soil, whereas in neutral soils, it increased in lightly contaminated soils but decreased in heavily contaminated soils. Additionally, the Cd bioaccumulation factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF), and removal efficiency (RE), as impacted by the biochar application, were calculated in the lightly Cd-contaminated soil-cabbage system. The BCF decreased from 5.84 to 3.80 as the dosage of the UGW-biochar increased from 0% to 3%, indicating that the UGW-biochar immobilized Cd and reduced its bioaccumulation in cabbage roots. Based on our investigations, UGW-biochar effectively immobilizes Cd by reducing its mobility and bioavailability in a lightly contaminated environment matrix.

A study of the Effect of the Interaction Between the Secretions of the Roots of some Plants of the Cruciferous Family and the Biocontrol Factor Trichoderma spp. in Controlling fusarium wilt Disease on Okra Plants

This study surveyed, identified, and biologically controlled fusarium wilt on okra plants. The field survey found fusarium wilt on okra farms in Najaf, Diwaniyah, and Babylon. 18-73% were infected. Six Fusarium spp. isolates were found in wilted plants. Besides spore shapes and colours, the separated fungus differed in culture colour and growth rate. Fusarium spp. isolates also have different okra plant pathogenicities. However, isolate F2 (Abbasiya isolate) was the most harmful and adopted in following trials as the most virulent. The example isolate was PCR-diagnosed using rDNA-ITS marker. Fusarium solani. Thus, GenBank registered OQ729824. The effect of evaporated and non-evaporated compounds secreted from the tissues of cruciferous plants (Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower) on the culture medium P.S.A 1/4 showed that the compounds secreted from the roots of cabbage and broccoli inhibit and prevent the diagonal growth of the pathogenic fungus F. solani at an average rate of 0.00 cm compared to other treatments. Trichoderma spp. biological isolates tolerate cruciferous plant tissues better. The field experiment to assess the efficiency of the interaction between the root secretions of cruciferous family plants (Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower) and okra plants in the presence of the bioagent factor T. longibrachiatum T2 showed a significant increase in okra plant growth and production. The interaction treatments between the roots of cabbage or broccoli plants in soil contaminated with the pathogenic fungus F. solani, with or without the biological fungus T2, completely protected the okra plants from disease during growth and harvest. Control treatment had 83.33% infection.

EVALUATION OF TOXIC HEAVY METALS AND MINERAL ELEMENTS UPTAKE BY LEAFY VEGETABLES CULTIVATED WITH SOIL SAMPLES OF RIVER GINZO IRRIGATION SITES, KATSINA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

The present study is aimed at determining the levels of toxic heavy metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Zinc) and mineral elements (Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Calcium) in parts of spinach and cabbage collected at Kofar Marusa, Kofar Durbi and Kofar Sauri irrigation areas located along Ginzo River, Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 40 samples were analysed for the presence of toxic heavy metals and mineral elements using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Concentration of chromium, lead and zinc in leaves of cabbage we found to be within the permissible limits except cadmium (0.40ppm and 0.39ppm) that exceeded the 0.2ppm WHO/FAO, 1984 permissible limit in leaves of Kofar Marusa and Kofar Durbi samples. In roots of cabbage, cadmium level exceeded the standard. Concentration of elements in head of cabbage is within the permissible, except cadmium in all samples. In leaves, stems and roots of spinach, cadmium showed exceeded level and have highest values of 0.50±0.01ppm, 0.59±0.0ppm and 069±0.01ppm all obtained in Kofar Marusa samples. The findings showed that Ginzo River is suitable for agricultural purpose. Level of cadmium in soil, water, roots, stems and leaves have exceeded the permissible limit while concentration of chromium, lead and zinc in all samples is similar with set standards.

Bioaccumulation of PFASs in cabbage collected near a landfill site in China: Laboratory and field investigations

Previous studies found that the bioaccumulation of PFASs in vegetables poses potential risks to the health of residents in local areas near landfills in China. Therefore, our study investigated the uptake of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their accumulation and distribution in cabbage roots, stems, and leaves under both field and laboratory hydroponic conditions. It was found that the sum of concentration of 15 PFASs (designated as Σ15PFASs) in roots, stems, and leaves ranged from 24.8 to 365 ng/g, 49.2 to 204 ng/g, 11.9 to 115 ng/g, respectively, in the order of roots > stems > leaves, which were generally higher than the range in soil samples (6.07–63.91 ng/g). The dominant compounds in cabbage were PFBA and PFDA in field and hydroponic samples, respectively. The hydroponic experimental results revealed that the sum concentration of 10 PFASs (designated as Σ10PFASs) was the highest in roots, and PFDA was the dominant compound in different cabbage fractions. Bioconcentration factors of short-chain PFBA, PFPeA, and PFBS in hydroponics followed the trend of leaves > stems > roots, indicating that they were readily transported from roots to stems, and then to leaves, with the majority stored in leaves at abundance levels of 53 %, 71 %, and 60 %, respectively. Additionally, the much higher concentration factor for 6:2 FTS in leaves suggested a higher potential health risk than PFOS in terms of dietary consumption of cabbage leaves.

Cotton-based bionic tree-shaped photothermal evaporator for extraction of heavy metals from river sediment

Pollution of river sediments with heavy metals poses significant threats to both ecological and human health. Thus, in-situ extraction of heavy metals from sediments has emerged as a challenging and important research issue. To address this issue, a cotton-based bionic tree-shaped photothermal evaporator was designed to enhance water evaporation and facilitate heavy metals extraction from sediment porewater. The evaporator demonstrated a remarkable evaporation flux of 3.25 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 sun illumination. Over a 28-day solar-driven evaporative remediation (SDER) process, the removal efficiencies of total Pb and Cd were 17.4% and 29.9%, respectively. Importantly, the bioavailable fractions of residual Pb and Cd were also reduced by 46.3% and 25.0%, respectively. Furthermore, cabbage cultivation experiments to assess the practical efficacy of SDER showed that accumulation of Pb and Cd in cabbage roots was decreased by 66.0% and 46.3%, respectively, and accumulation in shoots was decreased by 57.2% and 55.7%, respectively. Thus, SDER was demonstrated to effectively reduce biological toxicity in sediment. This study introduces a novel approach that efficiently utilizes sunlight for the rapid extraction of heavy metals from sediment, presenting a promising general strategy for the low energy remediation of heavy metals-contaminated sediments.

Nano-biochar uptake and translocation by plants: Assessing environmental fate and food chain risk

Nano-biochar (N-BC) is an emerging nanomaterial with potential applications in various fields. Understanding its behavior in the environment and its interaction with plants is crucial for assessing its ecological implications and potential risks to the food chain. In this study, we investigated the absorption and transportation of N-BC by wheat and Chinese cabbage plants using microscopy techniques and stable isotope analysis. Our results revealed that N-BC particles were readily absorbed by the plants through their root systems and transported to the aboveground tissues. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy provided visual evidence of N-BC particles inside the plants, predominantly located in the xylem and cell walls of the cortical tissue. Stable isotope analysis confirmed the uptake and transportation of N-BC, with elevated isotopic values observed in the plant tissues exposed to 13C-N-BC. Our results demonstrated that around 50.2 %–52.4 % of the absorbed N-BC by plants was accumulated in the roots of wheat and Chinese cabbage, and the remaining fraction was transferred to the shoots including steam (31.0 %–32.1 %) and leaf (16.5 %–17.6 %). Importantly, we observed significant accumulation of N-BC in the edible parts of Chinese cabbage, raising concerns about its potential entry into the food chain and associated health risks. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore the specific pathways and modes of N-BC uptake and transport in plants. Monitoring the presence of N-BC in the environment and its potential impact on the food chain is crucial for ensuring food security and safeguarding human health.

Combination of Bacillus and Low Fertigation Input Promoted the Growth and Productivity of Chinese Cabbage and Enriched Beneficial Rhizosphere Bacteria Lechevalieria.

Long-term overfertilization increases soil salinity and disease occurrence and reduces crop yield. Integrated application of microbial agents with low fertigation input might be a sustainable and cost-effective strategy. Herein, the promoting effects of Bacillus velezensis B006 on the growth of Chinese cabbage under different fertigation conditions in field trials were studied and the underlying mechanisms were revealed. In comparison with normal fertigation (water potential of -30 kPa and soluble N, P, K of 29.75, 8.26, 21.48 Kg hm-2) without B006 application, the combination of B. velezensis B006 and reduced fertigation input (-50 kPa and N, P, K of 11.75, 3.26, 6.48 Kg hm-2) promoted cabbage growth and root development, restrained the occurrence of soft rot disease, and improved the yield. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses indicated that B006 application promoted the production of indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in cabbage roots, which are closely related to plant growth. Rhizosphere microbiota analyses indicated that the combination of low fertigation input and B006 application promoted the enrichment of Streptomyces, Lechevalieria, Promicromonospora, and Aeromicrobium and the abundance of Lechevalieria was positively correlated with the root length and vitality. This suggested that the integrated application of reduced fertigation and Bacillus is highly efficient to improve soil ecology and productivity and will benefit the sustainable development of crop cultivation in a cost-effective way.

Hydrochar reduces oxytetracycline in soil and Chinese cabbage by altering soil properties, shifting microbial community structure and promoting microbial metabolism

The efficient remediation of antibiotic-contaminated soil is critical for agroecosystem and human health. Using the cost-effective and feedstock-independent hydrochar with rich oxygen-containing functional groups as a soil remediation material has become a hot concern nowadays. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of hydrochar amendment in antibiotic-contaminated soil still remain unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the remediation effect and potential mechanisms of different hydrochars from cow manure (H-CM), corn stalk (H-CS) and Myriophyllum aquaticum (H-MA) at two levels (0.5% and 1.0%) in oxytetracycline (OTC)-contaminated soil using a pot experiment. Results showed that compared with CK, OTC content in the soils amended with H-CM and H-MA was decreased by 14.02–15.43% and 9.23–24.98%, respectively, whereas it was increased by 37.03–42.64% in the soils amended with H-CS. Additionally, all hydrochar amendments effectively reduced the OTC uptake in root and shoot of Chinese cabbage by 10.41–57.99% and 31.92–65.99%, respectively. The response of soil microbial community to hydrochar amendment heavily depended on feedstock type rather than hydrochar level. The soil microbial metabolism (e.g., carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism) was enhanced by hydrochar amendment. The redundancy analysis suggested that TCA cycle was positively related to the abundances of OTC-degrading bacteria (Proteobacteria, Arthrobacter and Sphingomonas) in all hydrochar-amended soils. The hydrochar amendment accelerated the soil OTC removal and reduced plant uptake in soil-Chinese cabbage system by altering soil properties, enhancing OTC-degrading bacteria and promoting microbial metabolism. These findings demonstrated that the cost-effective and sustainable hydrochar was a promising remediation material for antibiotic-contaminated soil.

Communities of nematodes, bacteria and fungi differ among soils of different wild cabbage populations

Plants exhibit significant variation in morphological and chemical traits of shoots and roots in response to an array of biotic and abiotic selection pressures, and this variation in turn affects their interactions with the biotic and abiotic environment. Thus far, most studies examining these interactions have focused on the aboveground domain, which is easier to study than the belowground domain. However, soil organisms significantly affect plant fitness directly through mutualisms e.g. growth promotion, or antagonisms e.g. herbivory and disease. Natural populations of wild Brassica oleracea L. growing along the south coastline of Great Britain exhibit significant differences in growth form and secondary chemistry. Studies in the field have shown that these differences affect aboveground plant-insect interactions, whereas soil communities have not been explored. We sampled belowground communities of nematodes, bacteria and fungi associated with roots, rhizosphere and bulk soil in five coastal wild cabbage populations in Dorset, England, and found significant differences among these communities. Site-related differences in nematode community composition were primarily found for nematodes in bulk soil and were consistent over two years of sampling. Nematode communities in roots of wild cabbage did not significantly differ across the cabbage populations but did differ between the two years. Results for communities in rhizosphere soil were spatially and temporally variable. The composition of nematode communities in cabbage roots differed strongly from those in the rhizosphere and bulk soil, showing that plants attract a subset of nematodes from the bulk soil community. For microbes, we analysed only rhizosphere samples, and found that fungal communities differed more strongly among plant populations than bacterial communities. Thus, while there is spatio-temporal variation in belowground communities, soil and/or plant properties differentially affect the assembly of nematodes, fungi and bacteria.

Multifunctional Probe Based on CTAB-Cu Nanoparticles for Fluorescence and Colorimetric Dual-Read-Out Determination of p-Nitrophenol and Glyphosate

The quantitative analysis of glyphosate has significant implications for the evaluation of food quality and environmental safety risks. First, copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a stabilizing agent, which resolved the limitation associated with atmospheric oxidation of Cu NPs and provided excellent fluorescence stability. Interestingly, the fluorescence of blue-emitting CTAB-Cu NPs was quenched by pH-responsive p-nitrophenol (p-NP) via Förster resonance energy transfer. Herein, a dual read-out sensor based on CTAB-Cu NPs and p-NP was constructed for glyphosate detection. Specifically, acetic acid (HAc) from acetylcholine (ACh) via hydrolysis catalyzed by acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) reduced the pH of the mixed solution and prevented the loss of protons from p-NP, which allowed the fluorescence emission by CTAB-Cu NPs. The presence of glyphosate inhibited the activity of AChE, and the increased pH resulted in proton loss. The fluorescence intensity of CTAB-Cu NPs was quenched, and the solution color changed from colorless to yellow with a UV absorption peak at 400 nm. The sensor can detect ultra-trace levels of glyphosate residues with a limit of detection of 5.43 ng/L. The obtained biosensor was successfully utilized to monitor the degradation of glyphosate in the roots of cabbage and cultivated soil.

A turn-on NIR fluorescent probe for risk-assessing oxidative stress in cabbage roots under abiotic stress.

Oxidative stress is closely related to the crop health status under stress conditions. H2O2 is an important signaling molecule in plants under stress. Therefore, monitoring H2O2 fluctuations is of great significance when risk-assessing oxidative stress. However, few fluorescent probes have been reported for the in situ tracking of H2O2 fluctuations in crops. Herein, we designed a "turn-on" NIR fluorescent probe (DRP-B) to detect and in situ-image H2O2 in living cells and crops. DRP-B exhibited good detection performance for H2O2 and could image endogenous H2O2 in living cells. More importantly, it could semi-quantitatively visualize H2O2 in cabbage roots under abiotic stress. Visualization of H2O2 in cabbage roots revealed H2O2 upregulation in response to adverse environments (metals, flood, and drought). This study provides a new method for risk-assessing oxidative stress in plants under abiotic stress and is expected to provide guidance for the development of new antioxidant defense strategies to enhance plant resistance and crop productivity.