Concentrations Of Essential Nutrients Research Articles

Impact of Bacillus cereus SPB-10 on Growth Promotion of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Arsenic-Contaminated Soil.

This study investigates the impact of bacteria on arsenic reduction in wheat plants, highlighting the potential of microbe-based eco-friendly strategies for plant growth. In the present study, bacterial isolate SPB-10 was survived at high concentration against both form of arsenic (As3+ and As5+). SPB-10 produced 5.2g/L and 11.3g/L of exo-polysaccharide at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively, whereas qualitative examination revealed the highest siderophores ability. Other PGP attributes such as IAA production were recorded 52.12mg/L and 95.82mg/L, phosphate solubilization was 90.23mg/L and 129mg/L at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+, respectively. Significant amount of CAT, APX, and Proline was also observed at 20ppm of As3+ and As5+ in SPB-10. Isolate SPB-10 was molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus through 16S rRNA sequencing. After 42days, wheat plants inoculated with SPB-10 had a 25% increase in shoot length and dry weight, and 26% rise in chlorophyll-a pigment under As5+ supplemented T4 treatment than control. Reducing sugar content was increased by 24% in T6-treated plants compared to control. Additionally, SPB-10 enhanced the content of essential nutrients (NPK), CAT, and APX in plant's-leaf under both As3+ and As5+ stressed conditions after 42days. The study found that arsenic uptake in plant roots and shoots decreased in SPB-10-inoculated plants, with the maximum reduction observed in As5+ treated plants. Bio-concentration factor-BCF was reduced by 90.89% in SPB-10-inoculated treatment T4 after 42days. This suggests that Bacillus cereus-SPB-10 may be beneficial for plant growth in arsenic-contaminated soil.

Impact of dietary Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation on gut morphometry, behaviour and physiological parameters in growing male rabbits

AbstractMoringa oleifera (MO), a cultivated species of the Moringa, is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients that promote growth. To assess its impact on rabbits' gut morphometric, behavioural, and physiological parameters, a study was conducted using sixty growing male white New Zealand rabbits at 40 days old. The rabbits were divided into four groups and supplemented with dried MO leaves at varying levels (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% of body weight) for four weeks. The results revealed significant increases in organ weights, such as liver and intestinal length, and the height of intestinal villi and crypt depth in the large intestine. The muscular layer's and submucosa's thickness also increased in different parts of the intestine in rabbits fed with MO compared to the control group. No significant effect was observed on the caecum mucosa depth. Interestingly, no significant differences were found in body weight or weight gain between the Moringa supplementation groups and the control group. However, rabbits offered 0%, 0.5% and 1% MO spent more time feeding and resting than those given 2% MO. The grooming and sniffing percentage remained unaffected by Moringa supplementation. Regarding blood parameters, rabbits that received MO leaves in their diet showed improvements in red blood cell count, haemoglobin levels, packed cell volume, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, total protein, globulin, and A/G ratio. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione and high‐density lipoprotein levels, indicating an antioxidative effect. Overall, the study concluded that MO leaves supplementation in the rabbit diet positively influenced the rabbits' health by modulating the immune system, improving histological aspects of the intestine, liver, and spleen, and enhancing physiological parameters through its antioxidative properties.

Deciphering the Contribution of Traits Influencing Yield and Micronutrient Content in F2 Generation of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat, a crucial food crop, provides substantial dietary energy and has been intertwined with human civilization throughout its cultivation history. It meets 20 % of daily protein and calorie requirement worldwide. However, cereal grains, which form the staple diet for most people with limited content of certain essential nutrients, leading to a condition often referred to as “hidden hunger.” Micronutrients like zinc and iron are vital for human health, and deficiencies in these elements contribute to micronutrient malnutrition, a significant health concern. To combat malnutrition, biofortification emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of staple crops. In this study, we explored the relationship between morphophysiological and biochemical traits and their impact on yield. Notably, the grain yield per plant exhibited a positive correlation with both plant height and chlorophyll content in the F2 populations resulting from crosses between HD2733 × Rajendra Genhu 4 and Rajendra Genhu 1 × PBW Zn 1. Further analysis revealed that traits such as days to 50 % flowering, days to maturity, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, and NDVI directly contributed to yield improvement. However, grain zinc and iron content had a negative effect on yield. These findings suggest that plant height and chlorophyll content could serve as indirect selection criteria for enhancing crop yield.

Hermetia illucens Frass Fertilization: A Novel Approach for Enhancing Lettuce Resilience and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Drought Stress Conditions

Agriculture is faced with the need to reduce mineral fertilizers in order to reduce costs but also to meet political goals. Resilience-enhancing climate change, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, has become another issue. The dynamically increasing production of insects for feed and food purposes has become one of the answers to this challenge. This study assesses the fertilizing efficacy effect of frass derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) production on lettuce (Lactuca L.) growth, including aspects such as yield, photosynthesis activity, photosystem II performance (chlorophyll fluorescence), mineral profile, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the properties of the soil were assessed by measuring the gas exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. The lettuce plants grew under two water regimes—optimal irrigation and induced drought. The efficiency of frass fertilization was compared with the control and traditional cattle manure. The results indicate that H. illucens frass (HI frass) used as a fertilizer increased the content of essential nutrients in plants—such as potassium and iron. As the dosage of frass increased, the content of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) doubled. The plants that were subjected to drought and properly fertilized showed greater resistance; therefore, a reduction in the synthesis of polyphenolic compounds was observed. Fertilizer had a positive effect on the efficiency of photosynthesis. This study underscores the promising impact of unconventional organic fertilizers, such as H. illucens frass, on enhancing plant performance, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Fertilizers obtained from insect production can be green chemicals in a sustainable food production model.

Research on Nutritional Composition of Tomatoes Fruit (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Grown in Vietnam

Tomatoes are consumed worldwide as fresh vegetables because of their high content of essential nutrients. Some physiological and biochemical indicators of ripe tomatoes grown in Vietnam were analyzed to determine the nutritional components. Research results show that tomatoes should be harvested 46 days after anthesis (DAA) to ensure the yield and nutritional value of the fruit during storage. At this time, the fruit contains many main nutrients such as reducing sugars, vitamin C, amino acids, organic acids, mineral elements.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate-induced tolerance to cadmium stress involves increased flavonoid synthesis and nutrient homeostasis in tomato roots

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal, increasingly accumulating in the environment and its presence in various environmental compartments represents a significant risk to human health via the food chain. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) is a prominent secondary metabolite, which can safeguard plants from biotic and abiotic stress. However, the role of EGCG in flavonoid synthesis, nutrient acquisition and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism under Cd stress remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of EGCG and Cd treatment on leaf photochemical efficiency, cell ultrastructure, essential element acquisition, antioxidant system, and secondary metabolism in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The results showed that O2•−, H2O2, and malondialdehyde levels increased after Cd treatment, but Fv/Fm decreased significantly, suggesting that Cd induced oxidative stress and photoinhibition. However, EGCG mitigated the adverse effects of Cd-induced phytotoxicity in both the roots and leaves. A decrease in ROS accumulation under EGCG + Cd treatment was mainly attributed to the significant enhancement in antioxidant enzyme activity, flavonoid content, and PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA-LYASE expression in roots. Moreover, EGCG reduced Cd content but increased some essential nutrient contents in tomato plants. Transmission electron microscopy-based observations revealed that EGCG treatment safeguards leaf and root cell ultrastructure under Cd stress. This implies that tomato plants subjected to Cd stress experienced advantageous effects upon receiving EGCG treatment. The present work elucidated critical mechanisms by which EGCG induces tolerance to Cd, thereby providing a basis for future investigations into environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in areas contaminated with heavy metals, for utilizing naturally occurring substances found in plants.

Effect of Graded Levels of Phosphorus & Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

The present investigation entitled "Effect of Graded Levels of Phosphorus and Phosphorus Solubilizing Microorganisms on Growth and Yield of Green gram" during kharif season of the year, 2022-2023 at the research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur. The experiment was layout in FRBD with three replications and a recommended variety of green gram BM 2003-2 as a test crop along with twelve treatments. The results in nutshell indicated that the growth and yield were significantly influenced by the application of 125% RDP, combined with Aspergillus awamori. The growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves & no. of nodules plant-1, significantly increased with application of 125 % RDP, combined with Aspergillus awamori. The combined approach of incorporating phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, particularly Aspergillus awamori, with the application of 125% RDP, resulted in a noteworthy increase in the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. This improvement was attributed to the enhanced solubilization of inorganic phosphorus and the secretion of organic acids, which facilitated an increase in the content of other essential nutrients in the soil. The nutrient content in both grain and straw exhibited significant increases due to seed inoculation with Aspergillus awamori in conjunction with the application of 125%RDP. This approach outperformed treatments involving Tricoderma viridae and Bacillus megaterium in combination with 100% RDP, and the control. The incorporation of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, particularly Aspergillus awamori, alongside the application of 125% RDP, proved to be significantly more effective than treatments involving a Tricoderma viridae with 100% RDP, as well as the control.

Deciphering the genetic variability for biochemical parameters influencing rancidity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br.) flour in a set of highly diverse lines and their categorization using rancidity matrix

Pearl millet is renowned for its exceptional nutritional value due to its high concentration of essential nutrients. However, a substantial hurdle hindering its global adoption is the issue of rancidity, which manifests as the development of undesirable odours and flavors in millet flour. The present work aims to evaluate a set of highly diverse 255 accessions for exploring genotypic variations related to biochemical parameters influencing rancidity and their categorization using a rancidity matrix. These parameters include comprehensive acid value (CAV), comprehensive peroxide value (CPV), as well as lipase and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme activities under both fresh and stored conditions. High heritability and genetic advance for CPV and LOX under both fresh and stored conditions indicated the presence of additive genetic effects. Positive associations were noted among all the rancidity-related biochemical parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) further illustrated the positive correlation between CAV and lipase activity, and between CPV and LOX activity. Based on lower values of CAV under fresh conditions and all other biochemical parameters under fresh and stored conditions, lines IP 5695 and IP 19334 were identified as low rancid lines. Additionally, genotypes were categorized into low, medium, and high rancidity groups based on CAV and CPV, providing valuable insights into trait variability. These findings hold significant promise for the development of breeding material, variety and hybrids of pearl millet with longer shelf life and wider utilization.

Evaluating the hidden potential of deashed biochar in mitigating salinity stress for cultivation of fenugreek

Soil salinity, the second most prominent cause of land degradation after soil erosion, has posed a persistent challenge to agriculture. Currently, approximately 1 billion hectares of Earth's land surface, equivalent to 7%, are affected by salinity. While biochar has proven effective in mitigating salinity stress, the specific role of deashed biochar in salinity mitigation has not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impact of four levels of deashed biochar (0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%) on the growth and physiological attributes of Fenugreek under both non-saline conditions (2.54 dS/m EC) and salinity stress conditions (5.46 dS/m EC). The results revealed a notable enhancement in various parameters under salinity stress. Compared to the control, the application of 1.20% deashed biochar led to a significant increase in shoot fresh weight (30.82%), root fresh weight (13.06%), shoot dry weight (17.43%), root dry weight (33.44%), shoot length (23.09%), and root length (52.39%) under salinity stress. Furthermore, improvements in internal CO2 concentration (9.91%), stomatal conductance (15.49%), photosynthetic rate (25.50%), and transpiration rate (10.46%) were observed, validating the efficacy of 1.20% deashed biochar in alleviating salinity stress. The study also demonstrated a significant decrease in the activities of oxidative stress markers such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde (MDA). Simultaneously, there was an increase in the concentrations of essential nutrients, namely nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), in both shoot and root tissues. These findings collectively suggest that deashed biochar, particularly at a concentration of 1.20%, is recommended for achieving enhanced crop production under conditions of salinity stress.

Technology of apple desserts for functional purpose

The article deals with the relevance and development of technologies of dessert dishes of functional purpose - apple mousse with fructose and quinoa flour. Organoleptic, technological and physicochemical studies have been carried out, which proved the feasibility of using fructose and quinoa flour. In the process of technological developments, taking into account organoleptic evaluation, a prototype was selected and the technology of apple mousse with fructose and quinoa flour was developed. Technological developments were carried out to replace semolina with quinoa flour. It was introduced in the amount from 10 to 100% of semolina weight. It was established that the optimal is the dosage of quinoa flour in the amount of 45%. Organoleptic evaluation of apple mousse with full extraction of sugar and semolina with the use of quinoa, gelatin and fructose on a 5-point scale, where such quality indicators as appearance, colour, smell, taste, consistency were determined. According to the results of the conducted research the technology of apple mousse with fructose and quinoa with improved content of essential nutrients was developed. On the basis of the obtained data we can conclude that the developed apple mousse with fructose and quinoa, enrich the human diet with deficient nutrients and reduce the amount of easily digestible carbohydrates.

Pengaruh Larutan Hara dan Pupuk Organik Cair Urin Kelinci terhadap Pertumbuhan Pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) pada Teknik Hidroponik

The demand for pakcoy (Brassica rapa L.) a nutritious vegetable is increasing without being balanced due to the limited of agricultural land. The Wick system hydroponic cultivation technique can be a solution to increase pakcoy productivity. AB mix hydroponic nutrient solution is difficult to reach because it is expensive and has a negative impact on plants. It can be combined with rabbit urine LOF to provide essential nutrients for plants. This research aims to determine the effect of the combination of AB mix with LOF rabbit urine on the growth of pakcoy plants. The research design is CRD, 1 factor, 8 treatments, and 3 replications. Treatments include A1P0=AB mix 100% +0mL/L LOF rabbit urine, A1P1=AB mix 100% + 1mL/L LOF rabbit urine, A1P2=AB mix 100%+2mL/L LOF rabbit urine, A1P3=AB mix 100% +3 mL LOF rabbit urine, A2P0=AB mix 75%+0mL LOF rabbit urine, A2P1=AB mix 75%+1mL/L LOF rabbit urine, A2P2=AB mix 75%+2mL/L LOF rabbit urine, and A2P3=AB mix 75%+3mL/L L of rabbit urine.The addition of rabbit LOF gave the best results with AIP3 treatment on growth parameters, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight of shoots, and roots, dry weight of shoots and roots, respectively 27.41 ± 1.44 cm, 17.33 ± 0.95 pieces 632.89±228.20cm2, 61.88±13.42g, 1.648±0.374g, 3.132±0.614g, and 0.101±0.021g. The essential nutrient content of rabbit urine LOF increases the availability of internal nutrients which are influenced by metabolism, absorption capacity, water and sunlight.

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS UNDER SPONTANEOUS BIOCOVER OF PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA L. IN SERBIA

To investigate the quality of soils suitable for the growth of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) L., soil samples and plant material were taken from six different sites in Serbia where the plant grows spontaneously. The basic fertility of the soil was analysed to determine the soil type on which the reed canary grass grows and the content of essential nutrients in the plant material. The soil samples from sites where reed canary grass grows had different pH values, ranging from strongly acidic to almost neutral. The soils differed in humus content, ranging from slightly humic to very humic. The nitrogen content and the available forms of phosphorus in the soil samples were low, while the content of available forms of potassium was medium to well supplied. The lowest nitrogen content and the highest content of potassium and phosphorus were measured in the stalks of reed canary grass.

Effect of prolonged feeding of broodstock diet with increased inclusion of essential n-3 fatty acids on maturing and spawning performance in 3-year-old Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock recruits are normally fed a specialized diet with a higher content of essential nutrients for a limited time period prior to fasting and transfer to freshwater. Typically, this period lasts for about six months, but may vary among producers. Reduced use of marine ingredients in commercial salmon diets during the last decades has affected the content of essential nutrients, such as n-3 long chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), minerals and vitamins. Furthermore, to minimize the risk of losses and implement new breeding achievements faster, breeding companies have shortened the production cycle of broodstock from 4 to 3 years, which may affect the number of fish that are large enough to mature. In the present study, we have extended the broodstock feeding period from 6 to 15 months prior to the freshwater transfer giving a higher content of n-3 LC-PUFA (higher inclusion of marine oils) from February to December (Phase 1), and thereafter a diet with a higher energy content to ensure growth towards the spring and maturation (Phase 2). Four sea cages with approximately 80.000 salmon postsmolt, two sea cages with males and two with females, were given a control diet and an experimental diet. Samples were taken in Phase 1 at start (1.7 kg), mid (3.4 kg) and end Phase 1/start of Phase 2 (8.3 kg), and end of Phase 2 (13.4 kg). The fish were thereafter fasted, and selected fish transferred to landbased freshwater tanks where light and temperature were used to manipulate the spawning time of the fish in two groups (early or late). Due to disease in the facility, measures of egg quality and hatching were only obtained from the early group. During the trial and spawning period, biometrical measurements were recorded, and samples of liver, gonad, fillet and red blood cells (RBC) were collected for fatty acid composition and blood plasma for analysis of lipid and health-related parameters. Samples were also collected for gonadal transcriptomic analysis by microarray and qPCR (end Phase 2) and plasma steroids (end Phase 2, mid maturation and spawning). Males fed the test diet had a larger body size compared to the control group at the end of Phase 2, while no differences were observed between dietary groups for the females. Total mortality in the trial was lower in the test group compared to the control, losses were caused mainly by sea lice treatments, loser fish or cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS). The dietary LC-PUFA levels in the test diet were reflected in the tissues particularly during Phase 1, but only different in the fillet samples and eggs at the end of Phase 2 and at spawning. Plasma sex steroids content increased at mid maturation and showed lower levels of androgens and estrogens in females fed the test diet compared to the control. At the end of Phase 2, transcriptional analysis showed upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes, although not reflected in changes in plasma steroids in Phase 2, indicating changes to come during maturation. The differences in LC-PUFA content in tissues and plasma steroids did not appear to affect fecundity, sperm quality, egg survival or hatching rate, but the test group had larger eggs compared to the control in the early spawner-group. Prolonged feeding of n-3 LC-PUFA to pre-puberty Atlantic salmon broodstock appears to be important for higher survival in challenging sea cage environments and has an effect on sex steroid production that, together with high energy diet during early maturation, cause the test group to produce larger eggs.

Changes in phytochemical properties and water use efficiency of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) using superabsorbent polymer under drought stress

Water consumption management and the application of advanced techniques in the agricultural sector can significantly contribute to the efficient utilization of limited water resources. This can be achieved by improving soil texture, increasing water retention, reducing erosion, and enhancing seedling germination through the use of superabsorbent polymers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aquasource superabsorbent (AS) on the morphological characteristics, phytochemical properties, antioxidant content, and water use efficiency of peppermint. It was conducted under different irrigation management and using different superabsorbent levels. Therefore, a 3 × 4 factorial design was used to determine the effects of irrigation intervals (2-, 4-, and 6-day) and different levels of AS amount (zero [control], 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%). The effects of these factors on various parameters (morphological characteristics, essential oil percentage, nutrient, protein, proline, carotenoid, antioxidant, and chlorophyll content, leaf area index, relative water content, and water use efficiency [WUE]) were evaluated. The results showed that morphological characteristics and essential oil percentage decreased significantly under drought stress (increasing the irrigation intervals). However, the addition of 0.5 (wt%) AS improved plant growth conditions. Increasing the amount of superabsorbent used to 1 and 2 (wt%) decreased the measured traits, which indicates the creation of unsuitable conditions for plant growth. AS application improved the growth of the root more than the leaf yield of peppermint. A 0.5 (wt%) addition of AS resulted in root length increases of 3, 13, and 15%, respectively, at irrigation intervals of 2, 4, and 6 days, respectively. Additionally, at 0.5 (wt%) AS, root weight increased by 8, 15, and 16% in 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals, respectively. Also, the height of the plant increased by 3, 5, and 17% at 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals when 0.5 (wt%) of AS was used compared to the control. As well, essential oil percentage increased by 2.14, 2.06, and 1.63% at 2-, 4-, and 6-day irrigation intervals. The nutrient and protein contents decreased as irrigation intervals and AS usage increased, indicating a similar trend. However, compared with the control, the addition of 0.5 (wt%) of AS resulted in some improvements in nutrients and protein. The highest WUE (3.075 kg m−3) was attained in the 4-day irrigation interval and 1 wt% AS addition. This was followed closely by the 2-day irrigation interval with 1 wt% AS addition at 3.025 kg m−3, and the 4-day irrigation interval with 0.5 wt% AS addition, which reached 2.941 kg m−3. Overall, the use of AS in appropriate amounts (0.5 wt%) can reduce water consumption and enhance essential oil yield and WUE in peppermint cultivation in water-scarce arid and semi-arid regions.

The selenium-promoted daidzein production contributes to its induced nodulation in soybean plants

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient to humans. Se biofortification in crops provides an effective means to enhance dietary Se intake. However, the effects of Se treatment on plant growth and development remain to be fully studied. In this study, we applied Se to soybean plants grown hydroponically and in soil. We observed that selenate treatment increased nodule number and fresh weight. Furthermore, Se supplementation increased isoflavone daidzein accumulation in roots and nodules. An exogenous supply of daidzein but not kaempferol was found to increase nodule number and fresh weight significantly, suggesting a role of daidzein in the Se-induced nodulation in soybean plants. In addition, the total sugar levels in nodules, roots, and leaves were significantly enhanced following selenate treatment. Subsequently, the N-compounds were greatly increased after Se treatment in all tissues examined. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Se treatment altered various metabolic and cellular processes to affect nodulation and nodule development. Se treatment upregulated GmNIN2b, an important nodule organogenesis gene, as well as genes associated with sugar metabolism and ureide transport. Our study provides insights underlying the Se-induced nodulation in soybean plants and further documents that Se biofortification in soybean can simultaneously improve not only the essential nutrient content but also nodulation for biological nitrogen fixation, a critically important agronomic trait in soybean plants.

Technology of functional dessert dishes with ancillary products

The article considers the possibility of increasing the biological value of dessert dishes thanks to the use of fruit powders and apiproducts. There is a shortage of minerals, vitamins and other minor nutrients, dietary fibers in the diets of the population of Ukraine against the background of consumption of excessive amounts of sucrose and animal fats. One of the ways to solve this problem is the development of functional food products, in particular functional dessert dishes using dietary supplements and plant raw materials. Promising raw materials for use in dessert dishes are fruit powder and apiproducts, which contain a significant amount of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. The expediency of their use in order to improve the nutritional value and increase the biological value of dessert dishes has been proven. It is advisable to introduce desserts into the diet as healthy, therapeutic and preventive dishes. Based on the results of the research, the technology of functional desserts with an improved content of essential nutrients was developed. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that the developed desserts enrich the human diet with deficient nutrients and reduce the amount of easily digestible carbohydrates. Developed desserts can be recommended in diets to prevent diabetes, to improve digestion and strengthen immunity. The social effectiveness of the developed dessert technology consists in expanding the range of dessert dishes with a reduced amount of easily digestible carbohydrates. The developed dessert products can be recommended for children's nutrition, in the daily diets of people working in heavy industry, living in ecologically polluted areas and all strata of the population, to meet consumer demand for functional food products, as well as for people with diabetes and will contribute to improving the quality of nutrition and improving the health of the population of Ukraine. Developed desserts can be used in restaurants.

Increasing intraspecific diversity of wheat affects plant nutrient contents but not N recovery in the plant-soil system

Crop homogenization in conventional agriculture has been pervasive while ecology has shown positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning, that arise from complementarity/facilitation and sampling/selection effects. These effects are well documented for interspecific diversity in both natural ecosystems and agroecosystems but remain less documented at an intraspecific level, particularly for the rates of nutrient uptake by plants and nutrient losses from ecosystems. We conducted a field experiment with 88 experimental plots cultivated with 1, 2, 4 or 8 wheat varieties and 1, 2, 3 or 4 functional groups to assess the effects of the number of varietal and functional diversity of winter wheat on plant biomass production, plant nutrient contents (N, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Na and Zn) and fertilizer N recovery in the plant-soil system using a 15N labeling method. We found both negative and positive effects of the number of varieties or number of functional groups on shoot Cu, Fe, Zn, Na and P contents, but no significant effects of intraspecific diversity on biomass production, N content and 15N recovery in the plant-soil system. Our results show differential responses to an increase of intraspecific diversity of wheat on the contents of several essential nutrients in plants and highlight the need to jointly analyze multiple nutrients. Our study also suggests that increasing intraspecific diversity had no overall negative effects on biomass production or N content. Using knowledge on variety functional traits to target specific complementarity mechanisms when designing variety mixtures could thus lead to a positive effect on nutrient absorption and biomass production.

Enhancing the nutritional value of sweet bell pepper through moderate NaCl salinity

Salinity presents a significant obstacle to crop productivity, particularly in dry and semi-arid regions. Sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), a widely grown and consumed horticultural crop, is especially vulnerable to salinity. Consequently, it is vital to determine the salinity threshold that impacts bell pepper growth and quality, enabling sustainable production in salinized areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying sodium chloride concentrations (0, 50, and 75 mM) on bell pepper growth, nutritional value, and phytochemical composition, aiming to identify the adaptable threshold in salinized environments. The results suggested that the application of 75 mM NaCl not only had no adverse impact on fruit quality in terms of biomolecules and phytochemicals but also led to significant improvements. Specifically, under these conditions, there was a remarkable increase, in respect to control, in total protein (TPRO by 50 %), total carbohydrates (TCARB by 18 %), lycopene (LIC by 68 %), total Carotenoids (TCAR by 13 %), and total phenols (TPHE by 18 %) in terms of antioxidants.In contrast, the content of ascorbic acid and antioxidant activities remained consistent. Moderate salt stress exhibited the most positive influence on sweet bell pepper quality, leading to higher concentrations of essential nutrients and nutraceutical compounds, including minerals, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.

The Effect of Clearing Diseased Wood on the Soil’s Physicochemical Properties in Black Pine Forests

Clearing diseased wood is a common measure used to reduce the continued spread of pine wilt disease and prevent infecting other pines. However, the impact of clearing diseased wood on the physicochemical properties of the soil is still unclear. To elucidate this matter, we conducted a series of soil experiments and observations in Changdao, mainly focused on uncut black pine, cut black pine, and the inter-forest zone. The results showed the following. (1) The soil beneath the forest underwent a transition towards the characteristics of forest and grassland after clearing diseased wood, which indicated a potential shift in the ecosystem’s structure and function. (2) Clearing diseased wood led to an increase in the soil pH of 0.15, indicating that it facilitated the recovery of acidic soil. (3) The clearing of diseased wood can coarsen the soil’s texture. Moreover, it effectively reduced the surface soil temperature (0–20 cm) in summer by 1.52 °C, as well as significantly decreasing the surface (0–20 cm) soil moisture in spring and summer by 1.3% and 2.43%, respectively. (4) Clearing diseased wood clearing can effectively modify the content of essential nutrients in the soil. It reduced the available nitrogen by 26.86 mg·kg−1, increased the available phosphorus by 0.57 mg·kg−1, and decreased the available potassium by 1.68 mg·kg−1. Meanwhile, clearing diseased wood exacerbated soil salinization and increased the soil’s salt content by 0.70 g·kg−1. The findings of this study provide scientific solutions for the sustainable ecological development of black pine forests in Changdao.

SOIL FERTILITY ISSUES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA

Information on the soil cover structure in the Republic of Crimea and the soil's essential nutrient content is presented. An analysis of numerous literature sources and statistical data was conducted to highlight the main issues affecting the efficiency of agricultural production. The main problem lies in the need for more supply of cultivated crops with nutrients and organic matter. Weak accumulation of organic matter and nutrients leads to their deficiency and a shortfall in the quantity and quality of the obtained products. There needs to be more application of organic fertilisers to allow for the complete restoration of soil fertility. Although chernozem soils and their varieties dominate the soil structure of the Crimean Peninsula, there is a low content of available phosphorus and organic matter. The content of exchangeable potassium is characterised as elevated. Among micronutrients, the reserves of zinc, cobalt, copper, and manganese are characterised by low content, while the range of molybdenum and boron shows high levels. Agricultural producers can obtain environmentally friendly products since their concentration does not exceed the maximum permissible level.