Differences In Growth Parameters Research Articles

Light-Regulated Growth, Anatomical, Metabolites Biosynthesis and Transcriptional Changes in Angelica sinensis

Angelica sinensis is an alpine medicinal plant that has been widely used as a general blood tonic and gynecological indications over 2000 years, which depend on the bioactive metabolites (e.g., volatile oils, organic acids, and flavonoids). Although the accumulation of these metabolites is significantly affected by the environmental factors (e.g., altitude, temperature, and sunshine) as found in previous studies, the regulatory mechanism of different lights has not been clearly revealed. Here, growth parameters, contents of bioactive metabolites, and expression levels of related genes were examined when A. sinensis was exposed to different white-light (WL) and UV-B radiation treatments. The results showed that the differences in growth parameters (e.g., plant height, root length, and plant biomass) and leaf tissue characteristics (e.g., leaf thickness, stomatal density and shape, and chloroplast density) were observed under different light treatments. The contents of Z-ligustilide and ferulic acid elevated with the increase of WL (50 to 150 µmol·m2/s) and maximized under the combination of WL-100 and UV-B (107 µW/m2, UV-107) radiation, while the total flavonoids and polysaccharides contents, as well as in vitro antioxidant capacity, elevated with the increasing of WL and UV-B. mRNA transcripts encoding for the biosynthesis of volatile oils, ferulic acid, flavonoids, and polysaccharides were found to be differentially regulated under the different WL and UV-B treatments. These morphological, anatomical, and transcriptional changes are consistent with the elevated bioactive metabolites in A. sinensis under the combination of WL and UV-B. These findings will provide useful references for improving bioactive metabolite production via the cultivation and bioengineering of A. sinensis.

Sex-specific differences in the growth and population characteristics of Sand crab Ovalipes punctatus (De Haan, 1833) in coastal waters of Korea

The sex-specific differences in the growth and population characteristics of the high-commercial-value sand crab Ovalipes punctatus were investigated in Korea. The estimated allometric growth between the sexes showed significant differences in all morphometric measurements. In the classification of growth types, carapace width-chela length exhibited positive and negative allometric growth in males and females, respectively. Carapace width-abdominal width showed positive relative growth in both sexes, and orbital spine width exhibited negative relative growth in both sexes. Consequently, sexual dimorphism was evident in all measured traits. Growth parameters estimated using the ELEFAN function of the FiSAT II program indicated higher values in males compared to females. Asymptotic length (CW∞) for males was estimated at 139.2 mm, whereas for females it was 116.6 mm. Additionally, the growth coefficient (K) was higher in males (0.65) than in females (0.54), suggesting faster growth in males. The winter point (WP) was 1 for males and 0.7 for females, indicating slower growth in males during the colder December and slower growth in females during the spawning period in August. The modified von Bertalanffy growth curves indicated asymptotic growth in all sexes, and the growth performance index (φ') showed higher values in males (4.10) compared to females (3.87), reflecting differences in growth curves. The steady increase in recruitment rates from July to September was associated with the appearance of larvae and their subsequent growth into juveniles, leading to their recruitment into the population during this period. Therefore, O. punctatus exhibited sex-specific differences in growth parameters, suggesting distinct growth strategies between the sexes.

The influence of environment on invasive Carpobrotus sp. populations across genetic clusters

The study aims to explore the natural variation in the metabolome of different populations of the invasive plant Carpobrotus from different genetic clusters and geographical origins to enhance our comprehension of its involvement in the adaptation process and phenotypic diversity. The metabolomic profile of shoots was analysed in four populations from two different genetic clusters (Cluster A: Cádiz and A Lanzada; Cluster B: La Marina and Samil) and two different biogeographical regions in Spain (Atlantic: Samil and A Lanzada; Mediterranean: Cádiz and La Marina), collected in the field and subsequently grown in the greenhouse. In addition, climatic, and physiological parameters were analysed. The Mediterranean populations (Cádiz and La Marina) showed lower initial weight and length measurements in morphological parameters than the Atlantic populations. On the contrary, only root parameters showed significant differences in growth parameters among populations. The analysis of ion levels revealed a consistent pattern of higher concentrations in shoots compared to roots, with significant differences among populations, particularly in sodium (Na+) and chlorides (Cl−) levels. Regarding metabolomic analysis, clear correlations between the metabolome, genetic and climatic conditions of Carpobrotus sp.pl populations are described. Pairwise comparisons using t-tests and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the differences in metabolomic profile between the Samil and La Marina populations, which correspond to the same genetic cluster (cluster B), were smaller than in the rest of the comparisons indicating that populations from the same genetic cluster were more similar metabolically than those from the same climatic region. The study identified key metabolites representative of each cluster, with significant differences in amino acids, organic acids, and sugars contributing to the variation among populations. Pathway analysis highlighted the impact of climatic conditions on metabolic pathways, particularly in populations from Cluster A. In conclusion, the different populations were more similar according to the genetic cluster than to the climatic region of origin when studied at the metabolomic level. Consequently, the metabolites more representative of each cluster were also identified.

In vitro analysis of postbiotic antimicrobial activity against Candida Species in a minimal synthetic model simulating the gut mycobiota in obesity

Gut fungal imbalances, particularly increased Candida spp., are linked to obesity. This study explored the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cell-free extracts (postbiotics) to modulate the growth of Candida albicans and Candida kefyr, key members of the gut mycobiota. A minimal synthetic gut model was employed to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum postbiotics on fungal growth in mono- and mixed cultures. Microreactors were employed for culturing, fungal growth was quantified using CFU counting, and regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of postbiotics on fungal growth. Postbiotics at a concentration of 12.5% significantly reduced the growth of both Candida species. At 24 h, both C. albicans and C. kefyr in monocultures exhibited a decrease in growth of 0.11 log CFU/mL. In contrast, mixed cultures showed a more pronounced antifungal effect, with C. albicans and C. kefyr reductions of 0.62 log CFU/mL and 0.64 log CFU/mL, respectively. Regression analysis using the Gompertz model supported the antifungal activity of postbiotics and revealed species-specific differences in growth parameters. These findings suggest that L. plantarum postbiotics have the potential to modulate the gut mycobiota by reducing Candida growth, potentially offering a therapeutic approach for combating fungal overgrowth associated with obesity.

Strain-Specific Benefits of Bacillus on Growth, Intestinal Health, Immune Modulation, and Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress Resilience in Hybrid Grouper.

In the dynamic field of intensive aquaculture, the strategic application of probiotics has become increasingly crucial, particularly for enhancing resistance to environmental stressors such as ammonia-nitrogen. Over a 42-day period, this study investigated the effects of different probiotic strains-Bacillus subtilis (BS, 6-3-1, and HAINUP40)-on the health and resilience of hybrid groupers. Each strain, distinct in its origin, was assessed for its influence on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune gene expressions, and ammonia-nitrogen stress response in the hybrid grouper. The experimental design included a control group and three experimental groups, each supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/g of the respective probiotic strains, respectively. Our results demonstrated notable differences in growth parameters, including final body weight (FBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The 6-3-1 strain, originating from grouper, exhibited significant improvements in growth, oxidative capacity, and intestinal health. Conversely, the BS strain achieved the highest survival rates under ammonia-nitrogen stress, indicating its superior ability to regulate inflammatory responses despite its less pronounced growth-promoting effects. The HAINUP40 strain was distinguished for its growth enhancement and improvements in intestinal health, though it also showed significant activation of inflammatory genes and decreased resistance to ammonia-nitrogen stress after extended feeding. The uniqueness of this study lies in its detailed examination of the strain-specific effects of probiotics on fish in the context of ammonia-nitrogen stress, a significant challenge in contemporary aquaculture. The research revealed that host-derived probiotics, particularly the 6-3-1 strain, provided more comprehensive benefits for growth performance and stress resilience. In contrast, the BS and HAINUP40 strains exhibited varying efficiencies, with BS excelling in stress resistance and HAINUP40 promoting growth and gut health. In conclusion, this study underscores the complex roles of different probiotic strains in aquaculture, contributing to the understanding of probiotic applications and presenting new approaches to address the challenges of intensive farming.

An alternative peptone preparation using Hermetia illucens (Black soldier fly) hydrolysis: process optimization and performance evaluation.

Hermetia illucens (HI), commonly known as the black soldier fly, has been recognized for its prowess in resource utilization and environmental protection because of its ability to transform organic waste into animal feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. However, the potential of the black soldier fly's high protein content for more than cheap feedstock is still largely unexplored. This study innovatively explores the potential of H. illucens larvae (HIL) protein as a peptone substitute for microbial culture media. Four commercial proteases (alkaline protease, trypsin, trypsase, and papain) were explored to hydrolyze the defatted HIL, and the experimental conditions were optimized via response surface methodology experimental design. The hydrolysate of the defatted HIL was subsequently vacuum freeze-dried and deployed as a growth medium for three bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli) to determine the growth kinetics between the HIL peptone and commercial peptone. The optimal conditions were 1.70% w/w complex enzyme (alkaline protease: trypsin at 1:1 ratio) at pH 7.0 and 54 °C for a duration of 4 h. Under these conditions, the hydrolysis of defatted HIL yielded 19.25% ±0.49%. A growth kinetic analysis showed no significant difference in growth parameters (μmax, Xmax, and λ) between the HIL peptone and commercial peptone, demonstrating that the HIL hydrolysate could serve as an effective, low-cost alternative to commercial peptone. This study introduces an innovative approach to HIL protein resource utilization, broadening its application beyond its current use in animal feed.

Growth performance, hematological and oxidative stress responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to polypropylene microplastics

AbstractThe present study investigated the effect of polypropylene (PP) microplastics on the growth performance, hematological profile and oxidative stress responses in the liver and brain tissues of Oreochromis niloticus juvenile. The microplastic exposure was done by offering microplastic‐incorporated feed to the fish. The feed was prepared by mixing microplastics and the feed in three different ratios; Low (1.5 g/kg), Medium (3.0 g/kg), High (4.5 g/kg), and a control with no plastics in it. The trial was done for 7 weeks. A significant impact on the growth performance of the fish was observed in terms of body weight gain, specific growth rate, metabolic growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and energy retention. All the treatments had a significant difference in growth parameters compared to the control. The results of the hematological profile confirmed erythropoietic impairment in the fishes due to high microplastic exposure which led to an anemic condition in the fishes and mortality in the early juvenile stage. The antioxidant enzyme analysis also shows significant oxidative stress induced in liver and brain tissues in a dose‐dependent manner. Exposure to PP microplastics significantly affected the growth, health and metabolism of O. niloticus. Further studies on genetic and cellular levels should be done to elucidate the wide‐ranging effects of MPs on fish species.

Study on Italian Onion Cultivars/Ecotypes towards Onion Yellow Dwarf Virus (OYDV) Infection

The onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) represents a limiting biotic stress in onion (Allium cepa L.); little information is available regarding resistant varieties. In Italy, onion production is limited but represented by a wide diversity of ecotypes. A two-year trial was carried out to test the OYDV-susceptibility/tolerance of different Italian onion cultivars by rating symptom severity and plant growth parameters and assessing post-harvest secondary infections. The cultivar and ecotypes included in the study were characterized by simple sequence repeats (SSR) analysis, and the expression analysis of two genes (Eukaryotic translation initiation factors, EIFs) involved in potyvirus replication was also performed. Two susceptible and one tolerant cultivar were identified based on symptom expression and virus impact on plants. Although differences in growth parameters were limited to the first-year trial, the infection was correlated to a higher incidence of secondary infections in post-harvest, with altered water balance in infected bulbs. This correlation was also demonstrated during the long-term storage of bulbs. SSR analysis identified different clusters and only one gene isoform (EIF4eiso1) showed different expression levels in the OYDV/onion pathosystem. In conclusion, this study defines the genetic profile of Italian onion cultivars and provides evidence on susceptibility/tolerance features which will be useful in the future for the identification of viral resistance traits in onion.

Alternate feeding between high- and low- carbohydrate based diets improves the growth digestive capacity, liver glycometabolism for common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Use of high-concentrate carbohydrate in fish diets will bring negative influence on the growth and glycometabolism. The current research, with common carp, was designed to investigate the efficiency of alternate feeding between high- and low- carbohydrate based diets in weakening these negative effects. Two control groups were, respectively, fed to the low carbohydrate diets (LC group, 100 g/kg cassava starch) and the high carbohydrate diets (HC group, 400 g/kg cassava starch) for 56 d, meanwhile other groups were subjected to every 1 d, 7 d, 14 d and 28 d alternation between the HC and LC diets, respectively (referred as R1, R7, R14 and R28). All experimental diets were fed to triplicate groups of 30 common carp (initial weight 1.17 ± 0.03 g). All four alternate groups achieved optimal growth and feed efficiency compared to the HC group. The R14 group possessed significantly higher weight growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate, intestinal index and condition factor, and significantly lower feed conversion ratio compared to the HC group. Fish in that group had higher protein content in whole body, higher expressions of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 in hepatopancreas and elevated intestinal activities of trypsin, amylase and alkaline phosphatase. Relative expressions of rapamycin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B, Forkhead frame protein 1 A/1B, hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, glucose transporter 2, glucose transporter 4, and sodium glucose cotransporter were also enhanced in the R14 group compared to HC group. Additionally, there was no difference in growth parameters between the LC group and four alternate groups. Alternate feeding between different carbohydrate level diets could enhance the growth, improve the digestive capacity and strengthen the glycometabolism to heighten the utilization ability of fish to high-carbohydrate diets, but this alternate cycle should be within reasonable limits. Briefly, it was concluded that the alternate cycle of 14 d was best.

EVALUATION OF GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT, AND YIELD POTENTIAL OF SEVERAL IMPORTED WAXY CORN VARIETIES IN NORTHERN VIETNAM

This study aims to evaluate the growth, development, and yield potential of several imported waxy corn (Zea mays L. var. ceratina) varieties in Northern Vietnam. A series of field trials were conducted across multiple locations to assess various agronomic traits, including germination rate, plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and grain yield. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications for each variety. Data were collected and analyzed using statistical methods to compare the performance of the different varieties. The results indicated significant differences in growth parameters and yield among the tested varieties. Certain varieties exhibited superior adaptability and productivity under the specific climatic and soil conditions of Northern Vietnam. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders and farmers in selecting the most suitable waxy corn varieties for cultivation in this region. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing the observed variations in performance.

Effect of Different Electrical Conductances and Vertical Hydroponics Systems on Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn

The experiment entitled “Effect of Different Electrical Conductances and Vertical Hydroponics Systems on Yield and Yield Attributing Traits of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn’’ was carried under a Naturally Ventilated Polyhouse in the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat, Assam during the year 2019-21. The experiment was laid out in a factorial completely randomized block design with three types of vertical hydroponics systems viz., T1 , T2 , and T3 , and two EC levels viz., L1 (1.8 dSm-1) and L2 (2.5 dSm-1) and six replications. Among the three vertical hydroponics systems T1 and L1 were found to be the best for yield and yield contributing characteristics. The significant effect of vertical hydroponics system T1 and L1 was observed in NAR (1.35mg cm-2 day-1) and (1.34 mg cm-2 day-1), yield (357.88 g./plant) and (316.91g./plant), fruit weight (25.61g) and (24.03g), number of fruits per plant (13.92) and (12.97), Number of fruits per system (295.00) and (247.08), weight of fruit per system (5.84 kg) and (5.84 kg), fruit length (6.96cm) and (5.88cm), fruit girth (10.35cm) and (9.89cm) and Fruit volume (10.56 cc) and (9.74 cc) was found highest in T1 , L1 and T1 xL1 . Among the two EC and three vertical hydroponic systems, significant differences in growth parameters were observed primarily due to differences in Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) availability. A higher NAR availability led to a higher rate of photosynthesis, better quality of the fruits of the plants in the T1 . Therefore, some modifications such as A-shape or V-shape designs are suggested in the vertical hydroponics system to improve NAR availability in the column type and Shelf-type. Among both E.C levels, the effect of EC 1.8 was found to be the best for yield contributing characters of strawberries.

Dietary administration of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) hydrolysate from sugar byproducts promotes the growth, survival, immunity, microbial community and disease resistance to VP (AHPND) in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study investigated the effects of yeast hydrolysate (YH) from sugar byproducts on various parameters in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The study found no significant differences in water quality parameters across all treatment tanks, ensuring that the observed effects were not due to environmental variations. There were no significant differences in growth parameters between the control group and groups receiving YH at different dosages. However, the group given YH at 10.0 g/kg feed exhibited a notably higher survival rate and higher expression of growth-related genes (IGF-2 and RAP-2A) in various shrimp tissues. YH was associated with enhanced immune responses, including lysozyme activity, NBT dye reduction, bactericidal activity, and phagocytic activity. Notably, the 10.0 g/kg feed group displayed the highest phagocytic index, indicating a dose-dependent immune response. Expression of immune-related genes (ALF, LYZ, ProPO, and SOD) was upregulated in various shrimp tissues. This upregulation was particularly significant in the gills, hepatopancreas, intestine, and hemocytes. While total Vibrio counts remained consistent, a reduction in green Vibrio colonies was observed in the intestine of shrimp treated with YH. YH, especially at 5.0 and 10.0 g/kg feed dosages, significantly increased survival rates and RPS values in response to AHPND infection. The findings of this study suggest that incorporating additives derived from yeast byproducts with possible prebiotic properties obtained from sugar byproducts can lead to positive results in terms of enhancing growth performance, immunity, histological improvements, and resistance to V. parahaemolyticus, the causative agent of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND).

Effects of NPK Fertilizer on Growth, Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora)

Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) is a succulent plant that contains phytochemicals including flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenolic acids, sterols, and reducing agents. The pharmacological properties of this plant include antioxidant activity, and the plant is used in sore throat and skin rashes medications, and for detoxification purposes. The plant’s secondary metabolite content is influenced by mineral nutrition. The types and amounts of plant secondary metabolites are determined by soil nutrients. Therefore, this research aimed to observe and analyze the NPK fertilizer effect on plant growth, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity in purslane. Purslane planting was carried out by applying NPK fertilizer (doses of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha) in August-October 2022 at the Green House of the Department of Biochemistry, IPB University, Indonesia. The total number of leaves and branches was found to be highest with 200 kg/ha dose of NPK fertilizer treatment. The highest total phenolic content, 0.7346 mg GAE/g FW, was found for the treatment with 100 kg/ha dose of NPK fertilizer. The highest increase in antioxidant activity was observed in extracts treated with 100 kg/ha (FRAP, CUPRAC) and 200 kg/ha (DPPH, ABTS) of NPK fertilizer. Therefore, applying NPK fertilizer at optimal doses can increase the plant growth, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of purslane. From the research, the recommended doses was 100 kg/ha, which gave the highest total phenolic, and the highest single electron transfer antioxidant activity (FRAP, CUPRAC). Moreover, there was no significant difference in growth parameters at higher doses.

Research Note: Effect of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and specific cecal bacteria in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the prebiotic effect of xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplemented in a corn-soybean meal (SBM) based conventional diet on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and quantification of specific bacteria in the ceca of broilers. A total of 240 d of hatch Cobb 500 male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (corn-SBM-based control diet) containing 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% XOS. The broilers were raised for 21 d in 6 replicate cages, each containing 10 birds. Growth performance parameters were obtained weekly. Additionally, small intestinal tissues were collected to evaluate histomorphometry and whole ceca were collected to quantify bacterial populations on D21. The results showed that inclusion of XOS has similar body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as the control group during the 21-day study. The results further indicate a tendency for the jejunum villus to crypt ratio (VH:CD) to increase in birds given 0.05 and 0.2% XOS (P=0.08). Cecal bacteria quantification showed a linear increase in Bifidobacterium with increasing XOS levels (P < 0.0001) and a decrease Clostridium perfringens levels compared to birds fed the control diet (P < 0.0001). However, there were no differences in the total counts of Lactobacillus and E. coli. Together these results showed that while there were no differences in growth parameters up to 21 d, the histomorphology findings and the increase in Bifidobacterium, along with the reduction in C. perfringens observed in the XOS groups, suggest a beneficial impact of XOS inclusion on gut health. Further research with longer feeding periods and higher XOS levels should be conducted to explore potential positive effects on both growth and gut health parameters.

Clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants exposed to intravenous fish- and soybean oil-based lipid emulsions.

The optimal composition of lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition (PN) for premature infants remains controversial. This study examined the effects of a combination of soybean oil-based (SoyLE) and fish oil-based (FishLE) lipid emulsions compared to FishLE as monotherapy on the lipid and fatty acid profiles and clinical outcomes of premature infants requiring prolonged PN. 42 premature infants received FishLE+SoyLE or FishLE. Serum concentrations of lipoproteins and 29 fatty acids (FA) were measured at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks of PN and growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes were measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of life. Lipid profiles were similar between groups. Plasma concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids tended to decrease over time in both groups. Concentrations of most ω-3 fatty acids, in particular docosapentaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, were significantly increased over time in the FishLE+SoyLE group whereas they did not change in the FishLE alone group. However, serum concentrations of almost all fatty acids were similar between groups at the end of the study period. No differences in growth parameters including weight, height, fronto-occipital circumference (FOC), body mass index (BMI) were observed up to two years of age. Similarly, there were no differences in neurodevelopmental test scores at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of age. No substantial differences in lipid profiles and short clinical outcomes were found in infants exposed to FishLE+SoyLE when compared to FishLE.

Alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation and organic fertilization decreases root rot and promotes root growth of Panax notoginseng by improving soil environment and microbial structure in rhizosphere soil

It is a challenge to improve Panax notoginseng production and soil environment in arid area of Southwest China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to propose a new and promising alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation (D2) to cope with the challenge based on moderate deficit micro-sprinkler irrigation (D1) and slight deficit micro-sprinkler irrigation (D3). A two-year greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the root rot incidence of Panax notoginseng among of the D1, D2 and D3 treatments by analyzing the soil water content (SWC), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK), soil available nutrients(AN, AP and AK), soil enzyme activity, soil microbial structure, plant growth parameters, plant dry matter, nutrients uptake (N, P and K), and root rot incidence. Experiment treatments consisted of three irrigation amounts (D1, D2 and D3) and four organic fertilizer levels [500 (F1), 1000 (F2), 1500 (F3), and 2000 (F4) kg hm−2] in 2017 and 2018, respectively. All treatments were designed using a randomized complete block with three replications. The results indicated that no significant differences in growth parameters [PH (plant height), SD (stem diameter), and LAI (leaf area index)] of Panax notoginseng were found among of the D1, D2 and D3 treatments in 2017 and 2018. Compared with the D1 and D3, the D2 treatment significantly increased shoot dry weight (SDW), root dry weight (RDW), total N, P, K uptake and decreased SMBC, SMBN, TP, TK, AN, AP, AK and root rot incidence in 2017 and 2018. The result suggested the D2 treatment had greater production advantages than the D1 and D3 treatments. In addition, compared with the F3 treatment, other F treatments (F1, F2, and F4) in the D2 treatment significantly enhance total plant dry matter, total N, P and K uptake. However, root rot incidence significantly increased with the increase of application F levels, and D2F3 can significantly decrease fungi/bacteria and fungi/actinomycetes in rhizosphere soil of healthy Panax notoginseng in 2018. According to analyzing the root rot incidence of different application F treatments, we found that 1500 kg hm−2 in the alternate micro-sprinkler irrigation might be recommended as an appropriate application F level to decrease root rot incidence of Panax notoginseng in the semi-arid area of Southwest China.

Effect of replacing inorganic iron with iron-rich microbial preparations on growth performance, serum parameters and iron metabolism of weaned piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing of dietary inorganic iron with iron-rich Lactobacillus plantarum and iron-rich Candida utilis on the growth performance, serum parameters, immune function and iron metabolism of weaned piglets. Fifty-four 28-day-old healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire castrated male weanling piglets of similar body weight were randomly and equally divided into three groups. The piglets were kept in three pens per group, with six pigs in each pen. The dietary treatments were (1) a basal diet + ferrous sulfate preparation containing 120mg/kg iron (CON); (2) a basal diet + iron-rich Candida utilis preparation containing 120mg/kg iron (CUI); and (3) a basal diet + iron-rich Lactobacillus plantarum preparation containing 120mg/kg iron (LPI). The entire feeding trial lasted for 28 days, after which blood, viscera, and intestinal mucosa were collected. The results showed no significant difference in growth parameters and organ indices of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of weaned piglets when treated with CUI and LPI compared with the CON group (P > 0.05). However, CUI and LPI significantly reduced the serum contents of AST, ALP, and LDH (P < 0.05). Serum ALT content was significantly lower in the LPI treatment compared to the CON group (P < 0.05). Compared to CON, CUI significantly increased the contents of serum IgG and IL-4 (P < 0.05), and CUI significantly decreased the content of IL-2. LPI significantly increased the contents of serum IgA, IgG, IgM and IL-4 (P < 0.05), while LPI significant decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α compared to CON (P < 0.05). CUI led to a significant increase in ceruloplasmin activity and TIBC (P < 0.05). LPI significantly increased the contents of serum Fe and ferritin, and increased the serum ceruloplasmin activity and TIBC compared to CON (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CUI resulted in a significant increase in the relative mRNA expression of FPN1 and DMT1 in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). LPI significantly increased the relative mRNA expression of TF, FPN1, and DMT1 in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). Based on these results, the replacement of dietary inorganic iron with an iron-rich microbial supplement could improve immune function, iron absorption and storage in piglets.

Exogenous Sorbitol Application Confers Drought Tolerance to Maize Seedlings through Up-Regulating Antioxidant System and Endogenous Sorbitol Biosynthesis.

This study aims to explore the impacts of exogenous sorbitol on maize seedlings under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought stress. Six treatments were set: normal condition (CK), PEG (P), 10 mM sorbitol (10S), PEG plus 10 mM sorbitol (10SP), 100 mM sorbitol (100S) and PEG plus 100 mM sorbitol (100SP). Maize seedlings' growth under PEG-simulated drought stress was significantly inhibited and exogenous sorbitol largely alleviated this growth inhibition. The seedlings under 10SP treatment grew much better than those under P, 100S and 100SP treatments and no significant difference in growth parameters was observed between the control and 10S treatment. The seedlings treated with 10SP had higher contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, proline, ascorbic acid (AsA), reduced glutathione (GSH), sorbitol and relative water content, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes and aldose reductase, but lower contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and relative electrical conductivity than those treated with P, 100S and 100SP. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the transcript levels of genes encoding putative aldose reductase (AR) under P treatment were significantly up-regulated in sorbitol-applied treatments. Taken together, the results demonstrated that exogenous sorbitol application conferred drought tolerance to maize seedlings by up-regulating the expression levels of AR-related genes to enhance the accumulation of intracellular osmotic substances such as sorbitol and improve antioxidant systems to tone down the damage caused by drought stress.

Utilization of pulp and paper industrial wastewater for production of polyhydroxybutyrate by Bacillus sonorensis NAM5

Given the environmental pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics, finding alternative substitutes for sustainability has become critical. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a storage food material that is accumulated by several bacteria, is biodegradable, safe, environment friendly and comparable to conventional plastics. However, scale-up is an issue due to high production cost. Substrate replacement using renewable, plentiful, sustainable and low-cost carbon sources derived from industrial waste facilitates waste reduction, while also enabling the synthesis of value-added products. In this context, inexpensive pulp and paper industrial waste as carbon source was exploited for production of PHB by using previously isolated (Source: hot springs of Manikarn, Himachal Pradesh, India) thermophilic bacteria Bacillus sonorensis NAM5 under optimized conditions in a fermenter. Production was done in a fermenter under optimized conditions (72 h of incubation at 50 °C temperature and 7 pH) to enhance the accumulation of PHB. The bacterial strain was able to produce 5.28 ± 0.11 g L−1 after 72 h of growth without any carbon and nitrogen source supplementation to the industrial effluent. The culture accumulated 66% PHB of cell dry weight (CDW). The produced polymer was characterized through FTIR, NMR and TGA. Additionally, bacteria-treated industrial wastewater was used for phytotoxicity assay on agriculturally important crops such as wheat, maize and mung, which exhibited considerable difference in growth parameters.

Allelopathic effects of the invasive species (Prosopis juliflora) on seedlings of two common arid plants: Does free proline play roles?

Prosopis juliflora is an invasive plant, representing a threat to native flora of arid lands. Its invasion appears to be driven by allelopathy. Arid plants have been reported to express increased content of proline when stressed by various ecological circumstances, but little is known about this when they are subjected to P. juliflora invasion. Here, allelopathic effects of P. juliflora were investigated in two common arid plant species (Prosopis cineraria and Vachellia tortilis). Seedlings of P. cineraria and V. tortilis were germinated in soils with P. juliflora leaves/pods powders and observed for 28 days. There were no demonstrated differences in growth parameters (i.e., root length, fresh mass, and length-to-fresh mass ratio) and chlorophylls content between the two species. Unlike V. tortilis seedlings, proline content of P. cineraria seedlings was profoundly augmented after exposure to P. juliflora powders, likely indicating a stressful condition imposed by the invasive species. Our findings support the inclusion of measurement of free proline, as an ecophysiological marker, in the future studies on P. juliflora invasion.