Chia Plants Research Articles

Competitiveness of chia against brassica weeds improves through a narrow spatial arrangement

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a promising crop valued as a sustainable source of omega-3. However, chia yield and quality are reduced because of weed competition and the lack of registered herbicides. This study evaluated how chia spatial arrangement suppresses weed growth and provided management options for this crop. The performance of chia plants was assessed over three growing seasons in field experiments using a factorial design that considered spatial arrangement (narrow and wide), weed management (control without weeds, soil bank brassica (Brassica rapa L.), and sown brassica), and cover crop (with or without a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop during chia fallow). Chia and brassica are not complementary, leading to resource competition (relative yield total around 1) and negative effects on each other. A significant decrease in chia grain yield of 0.9% per unit increase in the percentage of weeds in total biomass was observed. As chia had a competitive advantage over brassica, the grain yield reduction was ameliorated with a narrow spatial arrangement. Narrow spatial arrangement promotes faster canopy closure during the early growth stages, decreasing light penetration and suppressing weed growth. The high extinction coefficient of chia (0.91) and the low critical LAI (3.3) contributed to this light interception behavior. Accordingly, to maximize chia productivity and profitability, a narrow spatial arrangement is an effective management strategy to suppress weeds. This study contributes valuable insights into chia-weed interactions and emphasizes the importance of sustainable crop management practices.

Response of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant to organic and bio fertilization under organic cultivation conditions

Response of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant to organic and bio fertilization under organic cultivation conditions

Inoculation of halotolerant plant-growth-promoting bacteria improved the growth of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in saline and nonsaline soils

Context Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a nutrient-rich crop with potential application in different industries, is sensitive to salinity. Halotolerant plant-growth promoting bacteria could be a biotechnological strategy to increase chia’s salinity tolerance. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the morphological and physiological response of chia plants inoculated with free-living halotolerant plant-growth promoting bacteria and grown in saline soils under greenhouse conditions. Methods A total of 15 bacterial treatments were inoculated to plants potted in soils with three electrical conductivity levels: 0.5, 4, and 6 dS m−1. Mortality and morphological and physiological parameters were evaluated. The measured variables were used to calculate a relative growth index. Key results Bacterial inoculation had a positive effect on plants at 4 dS m−1. Plants inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. AN23, Kushneria sp. T3.7, and C6 (Halomonas sp. 3R12 + Micrococcus luteus SA211) exhibited the best morphological and physiological performance (51% longer shoots, up to 90% heavier roots and up to 400% higher photosynthetic rate than control plants). Moreover, plants inoculated with Kushneria sp. T3.7 and C5 (Halomonas sp. 3R12 + Pseudomonas sp. AN23) showed significant increase in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate (up to 12 times) and in proline production (up to 345 μg g−1 leaf fresh weight) with respect to control plants (8 μg g−1 leaf fresh weight) under saline conditions. Conclusions The analysed extremophilic plant-growth promoting bacteria enhanced growth and stress tolerance in chia, a salt-sensitive crop. Implications Free-living plant-growth promoting bacteria isolated from hypersaline environments have potential for bioinoculant formulation for salinity-sensitive crops.

Effect of foliar organic fertilization and some biostimulants on growth and productivity of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant.

Effect of foliar organic fertilization and some biostimulants on growth and productivity of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a functional 'superfood': new insights into its botanical, genetic and nutraceutical characteristics.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers due to their high content of ω-3 fatty acids, which provide various health benefits. Comprehensive chemical analyses of chia seeds' fatty acids and proteins have been conducted, revealing their functional properties. Recent studies have confirmed the high ω-3 content of chia seed oil and have hinted at additional functional characteristics. This review article aims to provide an overview of the botanical, morphological, and biochemical features of chia plants, seeds, and seed mucilage. Additionally, we discuss the recent developments in genetic and molecular research on chia, including the latest transcriptomic and functional studies that examine the genes responsible for chia fatty acid biosynthesis. In recent years, research on chia seeds has shifted its focus from studying the physicochemical characteristics and chemical composition of seeds to understanding the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms that contribute to their nutritional benefits. This has led to a growing interest in various pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agricultural applications of chia. In this context, we discuss the latest research on chia, as well as the questions that remain unanswered, and identify areas that require further exploration. Nutraceutical compounds associated with significant health benefits including ω-3 PUFAs, proteins, and phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity have been measured in high quantities in chia seeds. However, comprehensive investigations through both in vitro experiments and in vivo animal and controlled human trials are expected to provide greater clarity on the medicinal, antimicrobial, and antifungal effects of chia seeds. The recently published genome of chia and gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR, facilitate functional studies deciphering molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis and metabolic pathways in this crop. This necessitates development of stable transformation protocols and creation of a publicly available lipid database, mutant collection, and large-scale transcriptomic datasets for chia.

Effect of planting dates and some growth stimulants on growth and productivity of chia plant

Effect of planting dates and some growth stimulants on growth and productivity of chia plant

Bio-stimulants as alternatives to mineral fertilizers: influence on chia (Salvia hispanica L.) growth, yield, and fatty acid composition

One of the main components of sustainable agricultural strategies in crop production is substitution of chemical fertilizers with alternatives. This study aimed to examine the effects of partial replacement of mineral fertilizers with bio-stimulants (yeast and/or moringa leaves extract). Field experiment was conducted during two successive seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The fertilization treatments were distributed in a factorial design. Treatments included 75%, 50% or 0% NPK combined with yeast, moringa extract, or their combination in comparison with control treatment (100% NPK). The partial substitution of mineral fertilizers with yeast and/or moringa extract had significant impacts on growth, yield and quality components. Decreasing NPK level significant decreased growth and yield components of chia plants, except for 75% NPK combined with yeast and/or moringa. In contrast, decreasing NPK level significantly increased the chemical and quality components of chia. Treating with 75% NPK combined with yeast and/or moringa gave the highest micronutrients and fatty acid content. GC analysis showed definition of nine main components, and the major components were linolenic and linoleic acids. Linolenic acid increased with decreasing NPK, and the highest values obtained with bio-stimulant treatments with zero % NPK. The results of this study recommended that partial substitution of 25% of mineral fertilizers with bio-stimulants (yeast and/or moringa) is the best alternative not only for maintaining the growth and yield component, but also improving the quality of chia plants.

Characterization of Endophyte Microbiome Diversity in Chia Plant (Salvia hispanica L.)

A total of 9347 fungal and bacterial endophytes were isolated from the roots, stem and leaves of chia plant. Roots harbored more number of fungal endophytes than either stem or leaves whereas stem supported more number of bacterial endophytes than either roots or leaves. The nutritious plant supported more of gram negative compared to gram positive bacterial endophytes. The most common bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas Bacillus, and Cocci. The fungal endophytes isolated from root, stem and leaves of the chia plant showed the presence of Penincillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Macrophomina spps. Dominant fungal endophyte was Aspergillus spp. which was found in all the plant parts instigated. Roots of the plant possessed maximum nitrogen fixers followed by stem and leaves. A proportion of 55% for the bacterial endophytes isolated from the plant chia plant were able to fix nitrogen whereas 25% were able to solubilize phosphorous. The phosphate solubilization efficiency was found to be highest for the Aspergillus spp at 83%

Identification of Rhizosphere Endophytes and Evaluation of Their Impact on Growth of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Endophytic microorganisms promote root growth, improve nutrient uptake efficiency and produce more yields. By collaborating with endophytic microorganisms, plants experience enhanced growth. This study was focused on endophytes from Chia plants in Bhukkapatna, Tumakur with the objective of molecular characterization of efficient endophytic microorganisms and its impact on growth of Chia. Twelve bacterial isolates were identified, with eight displaying nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilisation, potassium fixation, production of IAA, GA, siderophore and exopolysaccharide production. Molecular characterization using 16S rRNA revealed their identities as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter cloacae. Among these, Enterobacter cloacae (CEPB8) exhibited highest positive impact on Chia plant growth. In greenhouse conditions, treatments involving combinations of all four demonstrated the highest plant height (35.467cm) and biomass (158.37 grams) at harvest, surpassing the control group. Combined treatments outperformed individual strains, highlighting synergy. The study affirms that endophytic microorganisms significantly enhanced growth in Chia plant.

Performance of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under Spacing and Nutrient Management Practices in Cauvery Command Area

An investigation was carried out at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Vishweshwaraiah Canal Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, spanning from September to December in both 2020 and 2021. The purpose was to analyze how varying spacing and nutrient management practices affect the yield and growth rate of chia plants. The study involved two different spacings (S) and six levels of organic nutrients (N). Employing a 2 × 6 × 3 factorial experiment design within a randomized complete block framework with three replications, the experiment was conducted over a two-year period. The spacing of 60 cm × 15 cm (S2) resulted in notably higher absolute growth rates (1.00 and 1.87 g/day, respectively at 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) and biomass duration (221.84, 893.45 and 2182.73 days, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS). Conversely, for relative growth rate (1.67 and 1.19 g/g/day × 10-2, respectively at 30 – 60 DAS and 60 – 90 DAS) and leaf area ratio (2180.90, 1967.19 and 1522.35 cm2/g × 10-2, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS), higher values were observed with 45 cm × 15 cm spacing (S1). Among the various organic nutrient levels, the highest absolute growth rate (1.09 and 2.01 g/day, respectively at 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) and biomass duration (259.18, 1009.48 and 2403.23 days, respectively at 0 – 30, 30 – 60 and 60 – 90 DAS) were recorded with N6, while greater relative growth rate (1.86 and 1.20 g/g/day × 10-2, respectively at 30 – 60 DAS and 60 – 90 DAS) and leaf area ratio (2616.15, 2206.54 and 1723.31 cm2/g × 10-2, respectively at 30, 60 and 90 DAS) were found with N1. The interaction between spacing and organic nutrient levels did not yield any significant differences with respect to absolute growth rate, biomass duration, relative growth rate and leaf area ratio.

Metagenomics and vegetative growth of Salvia hispanica inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum.

The soil is a dynamic environment, influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, which can result in changes in plant development. This study aimed to assess the impact on vegetative growth of chia (Salvia hispanica L) inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum and on the rhizosphere microbiome. The experimentation was conducted in a greenhouse under controlled conditions growing chia plants in pots containing soil with a clayey texture. Different concentrations of T. harzianum (0; 2.5; 5.0; 10.0; 20.0 µL. g-1 of seed) were applied to the chia seeds before planting. Morphological parameters, including plant height (cm), number of branches, stem diameter (mm), number of days to flowering and shoot and root dry masses (g) were quantitatively assessed. After the cultivation period, soil samples from the rhizosphere region were collected for subsequent chemical and metagenomic analyses. These samples were also compared with the control soil, collected before installing the experiment. The results showed that increasing doses of T. harzianum promoted a significant increase in the diameter of the stem, number of branches, dry biomass of the root system and the number of days to flowering, without modifying the overall height of the plants. Soil metagenomics indicated that T. harzianum inoculation modified the microbial diversity of the rhizosphere environment, with more pronounced effects observed in samples treated with higher concentrations of the inoculant. Furthermore, there were changes in the chemical composition and enzymes related to soil quality in correlation with the concentrations of the applied inoculant. This study demonstrated that inoculating chia seeds with T. harzianum not only promotes specific morphogenetic characteristics of the plant, but it also has a significant impact on the microbial diversity and biochemical functionality of the soil, including an observed increase in the populations of T. harzianum and T. asperellum.

Brief characterisation of Fe chlorosis in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plants grown in nutrient solution

ABSTRACT Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) plant is a well-known plant due to the nutraceutical value of its seeds. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the response of Chia plants to Fe deficiency. Chia plants were grown for 12 days in Hoagland’s nutrient solutions without Fe (Fe0) and with Fe (Fe10-10 µM Fe). Biomass parameters and root ferric chelate-reductase activity (FC-R; EC 1.16.1.17) were determined at the end of the experiment. Chlorophyll estimations (expressed as SPAD readings) decreased progressively, showing the typical symptoms of iron chlorosis. In addition, iron-deficient chia plants exhibit smaller biomass (number of leaves, root, and shoot growth reduction) compared to control plants. These plants also showed morphological changes in roots. Furthermore, root FC-R activity was significantly lower in Fe0 plants.

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica l.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica l.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

Effect of Glomus manihotis inoculation and salt stress on antioxidant and biochemical properties of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

<p>Plant productivity is often constrained by abiotic stress in the form of high salt levels. However, a symbiosis between plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can reduce the severity of the effect of salt stress on cultivated plants. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of salt stress on the antioxidant substances and biochemical parameters of chia (<em>Salvia hispanica</em> L.) plants that had been inoculated with the fungus <em>Glomus manihotis</em>. A factorial completely randomized design with seven replicates was used with status of inoculation by the fungus <em>G. manihotis</em> (inoculated vs. not inoculated) as one of factors and the concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) (0, 50, 100, and 200 mM) as the other status factor. Several parameters in the chia plants were measured including: root infection, phosphorus content, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and malondialdehyde content. The results showed that chia plants inoculated with <em>G. manihotis</em><em> </em>(mycorrhizal plants), even under salt stress conditions, had higher phosphorus content than non-mycorrhizal plants. High salt levels reduced the percentage of root infection by the mycorrhizal fungus of <em>G. manihotis</em>. Under salt stress conditions, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of chia leaves were higher in mycorrhizal plants than in non-mycorrhizal plants. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase of mycorrhizal chia plants were higher than those of non-mycorrhizal plants, even though they were grown under conditions of high salt levels. The malondialdehyde content of chia plants increased with salt concentration, but decreased in chia plants inoculated with <em>G. manihotis.</em> The findings of this study indicate that <em>G. manihotis</em> inoculation is effective in reducing the effect of salt stress on chia plants.</p>

Increasing Yield, Quality, and Safety of Chia Grains Through Sowing and Plant Population Managements Under Organic Production System

Purpose: The objective of this study was to propose changes in sowing and plant population managements for chia crops under organic production system to improve agronomic characteristics and promote higher yields while ensuring environmental quality and nutrition safety. Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with four replications, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of 2 sowing methods (sowing in rows spaced 0.20 m apart and hand broadcasting) and 4 population densities (10, 40, 80, and 120 plants m-2). Plants in the plots of both sowing methods were thinned approximately 20 days after emergence to achieve the desired plant density. Grain yield and other agronomic characteristics of interest were evaluated under an organic cropping system. Results and conclusion: The arrangement of 55 chia plants m-2 through sowing in rows or by broadcasting ensures a satisfactory crop yield without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The adoption of these more sustainable practices contributes to the improvement of agriculture quality and safety, yielding high-quality nutraceutical foods. Originality/value: This study provides a significant contribution to the advancement of research involving chia in Brazil, bringing new information that benefits farmers, technical assistance professionals, consumers, and the food industry, promoting nutrition safety, environmental protection, and the well-being of the population.

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

Effect of Foliar Application with Putrescine and Benzyladenine on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Its Components and Seed Oil Contents of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) Plants Grown under Water Stress Conditions

Response of chia plants to some fertilization treatments

Response of chia plants to some fertilization treatments

Propagation of Chia Plants Using Plant Tissue Culture Technique

Back Ground: The plant tissue culture technique is one of the biotechnologies that meansisolating a plant cell, tissue or organ, sterilizing it and cultivating it on sterile artificial foodmedia under conditions completely free of pathogens, and then the transplanted part developsinto a complete plant similar to the original from which it was taken. Under controlledenvironmental conditions of temperature, humidity and lighting, as defined by others as sterilecultivation of cells, tissues, organs and their components under certain chemical and physicalconditions in vitro.Objectives: This study aimed to propagate the medicinal chia plant using the technique ofplant tissue culture.Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratoryof the College of Agriculture, Anbar University. Sterilized chia seeds were sown on the MSnutrient medium equipped with the GA3 growth regulator for the purpose of obtainingvegetative growths in the cultivation tubes, at the rate of one seed per vial, using tweezerspreviously sterilized with alcohol and flame. After obtaining the required growths, the stemnodes were cut into pieces 1 cm long and planted on MS medium prepared with differentconcentrations of BA (0.5, 1, 2, 3) mg L -1 . And by interfering with NAA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3) mg L -1with the aim of the emergence and multiplication of vegetative branches within a factorialexperiment with two factors (4 × 4) with 10 replications for each treatment. 16 hours and 8hours dark. In the rooting experiment, different concentrations of IBA (0, 1, 2) mg L -1 wereused, interfering with BR (0, 0.1, 0.2) mg L -1 , and measurements were taken after one month.
 Results: It was observed through the obtained results that there were significant differencesbetween the different concentrations of growth regulators used in the experiment in themultiplication and rooting of the branches.Conclusions: Regarding the doubling stage, there is an increase in the number of branches asthe concentration of the growth regulator BA increases. For rooting, the growth regulatorbrassinosteroids outperformed auxin indole butyric acid in root lengths and numbers.Keywords: Chia Plants, Gibberellin hormone, Leaves, Stem Nodes, Tissue Culture Technique

Correction: Youssef et al. Foliar Spray or Soil Drench: Microalgae Application Impacts on Soil Microbiology, Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses, Oil and Fatty Acid Profiles of Chia Plants under Alkaline Stress. Biology 2022, 11, 1844

There were three errors in the original publication [...].

IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE CALLUS OF THE CHIA PLANT (SALVIA HISPANICA)

The latest research aimed to study the effects of plant growth regulators on inducing callus from the chia plant (Salvia hispanica) and stimulating it to produce some medicinal compounds in vitro. The study transpired at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Iraq. The use of Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrient medium containing 2,4-D Auxin (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) had concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mg L-1 and cytokinin benzyl adenine (BA) with concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg L-1. The use of their interactions continued to induce a perpetuation of callus. In another experiment, the salicylic acid at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg L-1 stimulated the callus to produce medicinal compounds. The results showed that for induction of callus and its sustainability in the leaves of the chia plant, the best concentration revealed 2,4-D at a rate of 3 mg L-1, which achieved the highest fresh and dry weight and dry matter percentage with values of 0.5151 g, 0.0723 g, and 13.531%, respectively. The results also showed that the addition of salicylic acid at the concentration of 10 mg L-1 to the nutrient media stimulated the formation of the active compounds.