Shoot Dry Biomass Research Articles

Application of hydrogen-rich water modulates physio-biochemical functions and early growth of fragrant rice under Cd and Pb stress.

Application of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) could improve plant growth under stress conditions; however, its effects on early growth and related physiological functions of fragrant rice under cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) toxicity are unknown. The present study was composed of two HRW treatments, i.e., H0: without H2 and HRW: with 500ppb H2 gas, three treatments with two metals, i.e., M0: without heavy metal, Cd: 75 μmol l-1 of Cd, Pb: 750 μmol l-1 of Pb applied to two popular fragrant rice cultivars, i.e., Yuxiangyouzhan and Xiangyaxiangzhan. The growth and physio-biochemical attributes of fragrant rice at 5 and 10 days after treatment (DAT) were assessed. Results showed that HRW treatment promoted the growth of rice seedlings in terms of increased dry biomass of shoot, root, and the whole seedling at 10 DAT. Moreover, HRW also improved early growth of fragrant rice under Pb stress with substantial increase in fresh and dry weight of roots and the whole seedling at 5 and 10 DAT. Application of HRW slightly alleviated the root inhibition caused by Cd toxicity in rice seedlings at 10 DAT. In addition, antioxidant activities, i.e., catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), were increased with HRW application at 10 DAT while decreased root Pb and Cd contents of both rice cultivars. Overall, HRW alleviated the inhibitory effects of Cd and Pb toxicity by regulating the antioxidant defense response in growing rice plants.

Genetic diversity among Brazilian carioca common bean cultivars for nitrogen use efficiency

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity among Brazilian carioca common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars for traits related to nitrogen use efficiency (NUsE). An additional objective was to identify potential parents and promising parental combinations to assist common bean breeding programs in the development of cultivars with improved NUsE. The experiments were carried out at the Experimental Stations of the Instituto de Desenvolvimento Rural do Paraná (IDR–Paraná) in Londrina and Ponta Grossa, Brazil, during the rainy season in 2017. Thirty‐nine common bean cultivars were evaluated under high (40 kg N ha−1) and low N (0 kg N ha−1) applied as top‐dressing. The cultivars were genotyped using the genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach with restriction enzyme CviAII. A total of 23,823 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were identified throughout the common bean genome. A wide genetic variability was observed for NUsE‐related traits under high and low N conditions. In addition, correlations were found between shoot dry biomass and NUsE, N uptake efficiency (NUpE), and N utilization efficiency (NUtE) under low N, indicating the possibility of indirect selection of these traits by the plant shoot dry biomass. Interestingly, the most low‐N‐tolerant cultivars were not necessarily the most responsive and/or NUsE, suggesting that different morphophysiological mechanisms control these traits. The cultivars that stood out positively in this study can be used as parents in breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars that are adapted to N limitation.

Evaluation of Agricultural Byproducts and Cover Crops as Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation Carbon Sources for Managing a Soilborne Disease Complex in High Tunnel Tomatoes

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a viable option for disease management in tomato production and reduces damage due to a soilborne disease complex consisting of Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, Colletotrichum coccodes, Verticillium dahliae, and Meloidogyne spp. There are plentiful options for ASD carbon sources using byproducts of Midwestern United States agriculture or cover crops, yet these carbon sources have not been evaluated for use in Midwestern settings. Low (10.1 Mg/ha) and high (20.2 Mg/ha) rates of corn gluten meal, distillers dried grains, soybean meal, wheat bran, and dry sweet whey were evaluated as ASD carbon sources in growth chamber and greenhouse bioassays. Cover crops including buckwheat, cowpea, crimson clover, mustard, oilseed radish, sorghum-sudangrass, white clover, and winter rye were evaluated in similar bioassays with one amendment rate (20.2 Mg/ha). Reducing conditions developed in soils regardless of carbon source or rate. Use of high rates of corn gluten meal, distillers dried grains, soybean meal, and wheat bran led to the lowest levels of root rot severity compared to non-treated controls. The higher rate of any byproduct carbon source was always more effective than the lower rate in reducing root rot severity. Use of both rates of soybean meal or corn gluten meal and the high rate of distillers dried grains or dry sweet whey led to significant increases in dry root and shoot biomass compared to controls. For cover crops, ASD with crimson clover, sorghum-sudangrass, white clover, or winter rye amendments reduced root rot severity relative to the aerobic control, but not relative to the anaerobic control. Use of cover crops did not significantly impact plant biomass. A subset of three ASD carbon sources [distillers dried grains, soybean meal, and wheat middlings (midds), all 20.2 Mg/ha] were evaluated in five on-farm ASD trials in high tunnels. Soil temperatures were low during the application period, limiting treatment efficacy. Reducing conditions developed in all soils during ASD treatment, and a moderate but significant reduction in root rot severity was observed following ASD with the soybean meal or wheat midds compared to ASD with distillers dried grains. Tomato yield was not significantly affected by ASD treatment.

English

Nitrate is one of the key sources of nitrogen in natural and agricultural soils. The distribution and concentration of nitrate determine root system architecture in plants. Soybean (Glycine max L) is one of the key leguminous crops, while farmers rarely apply nitrogen in soybean crops except for a starter nitrogen dose at the time of sowing. However, the effects of severe deficiency nitrate on early seedling establishment of soybean before nodulation are not yet studied. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of high dose of nitrate (54.3 mM) and its deprivationon (0 mM) on the root system architecture of soybean during seedling establishment. Results showed that the root traits including primary root length, fresh biomass, total length, surface area, tips, forks, and its crossings were significantly higher under no nitrate condition than nigh nitrate condition except for root volume, its dry biomass and diameter. Shoot growth attributes such as shoot length, shoot fresh biomass, shoot dry biomass, single leaf area, soil-plant analysis development value, and photosynthesis was significantly decreased while leaf dry mass per area was increased significantly under no nitrate condition. Furthermore, high nitrate supply significantly enhanced the content of nitrate in root tissue, but there was no significant difference between low and optimal nitrate supply. In summary, this study indicated that soybean root system architecture adopts a foraging strategy under nitrogen deprived environment. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Cultivation of Nostoc sp. LS04 in municipal wastewater for biodiesel production and their deoiled biomass cellular extracts as biostimulants for Lactuca sativa growth improvement

In this study, seven different cyanobacteria (LS01-LS07) were isolated from paddy field water and among them, the isolate LS04 was able to grow well on municipal wastewater. The LS04 isolate was identified as Nostoc sp. (designated as Nostoc sp. LS04) based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Strain LS04 grew well in 75% wastewater and had the greatest nutrients removal efficiency (81.02–95.17%). Strain LS04 obtained the higher biomass (1.31 ± 0.08 g L−1) and productivity of 131.33 ± 8.08 mg L−1 d−1. The lipid content and productivity of LS04 were 14.85 ± 0.86% (dry cell weight) and 19.46 ± 0.05 mg L−1 d−1, respectively. The high proportion of C16–C18 fatty acids found in the lipids of LS04 indicated the high suitability for biodiesel production. In addition, Nostoc sp. LS04 cellular extracts were potentially used as a biostimulant for Lactuca sativa cultivation. The foliar application of 60% LS04 cellular extracts showed the maximum shoot length, root length, fresh biomass, dry biomass, Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids in lettuce plants compared to control plants. Similarly, 60% of LS04 cellular extracts treatment improved the concentrations of macro and micronutrients, and biochemical compounds in the leaves. Therefore, these results reveal that the Nostoc sp. LS04 is a promising candidate for the nutrients removal from wastewater and their biomass is a potential resource for biodiesel production and biostimulant for sustainable crop production.

Las Nanopartículas de SiO2 Mejoran la Absorción de Nutrientes en Plantas de Tomate Desarrolladas en Presencia de Arsénico

The nutritional status of a plant can be negatively modified by toxic elements that have an analogy with essential nutrients or by the stress caused at the absorption sites. The absorption and distribution of nutrients in roots and leaves of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) developed under conditions of contamination by arsenic in the nutrient solution and treated with nanoparticles of silicon dioxide was evaluated. The plants were grown for 150 days in greenhouse conditions and soilless culture. Different concentrations of arsenate (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 mg L-1) were applied through the nutritive solution, and three concentrations of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (0, 250 and 1000 mg L-1) applied via drench. The dry root and shoot biomass production was determined, as well as the concentration of micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn) and macronutrients (K, S, P) in roots and leaves. Exposure to arsenic in low doses resulted in a reduction in dry biomass. The application of only silicon dioxide nanoparticles also significantly reduced biomass. The presence of arsenic in the nutrient solution decreased the uptake of Fe, Cu, Zn and P in roots, but increased the uptake of K. The nanoparticles of silicon dioxide increased the uptake of macronutrients in roots and leaves. The uptake of nutrients by tomato plants is negatively affected by the presence of arsenic in the nutritive solution; however, this effect can be reversed with the application of nanoparticles of silicon dioxide since it favors the uptake of nutrients.

Carbon Nanotubes Decrease the Negative Impact of Alternaria solani in Tomato Crop.

The diseases that attack the tomato crop are a limiting factor for its production and are difficult to control or eradicate. Stem and fruit rot and leaf blight caused by Alternaria solani causes severe damage and substantial yield losses. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could be an alternative for the control of pathogens since they have strong antimicrobial activity, in addition to inducing the activation of the antioxidant defense system in plants. In the present study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes were evaluated on the incidence and severity of A. solani. Moreover, to the impact they have on the antioxidant defense system and the photosynthetic capacity of the tomato crop. The results show that the application of CNTs had multiple positive effects on tomato crop. CNTs decreased the incidence and severity of A. solani. Furthermore, CNTs increased the fruit yield of tomato crop and dry shoot biomass. The antioxidant system was improved, since the content of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and the activity of the glutathione peroxidase enzyme were increased. The net photosynthesis and water use efficiency were also increased by the application of CNTs. CNTs can be an option to control A. solani in tomato crop, and diminish the negative impact of this pathogen.

Trichoderma asperellumand rhizobacteria improving biomass accumulation and gas exchange of lowland rice

Rice the main source of energy to maintain the metabolism for almost four billion people worldwide. Riceplants treated with multifunctional microorganisms may be a good wayfor sustainable improvement of crop grain yield. Aimedstudy the effect of types and ways of microorganisms application in tropical lowland rice production, evaluated by biomass production and gas exchange. The greenhouse trial was in a completely randomized design, in factorial scheme 7 x 3 + 1, with four replication. Treatments were the combination of seven microorganisms: Bacillussp. (BRM32109 e BRM32110); Pseudomonas fluorescens(BRM32111); Pseudomonassp. (BRM32112); Burkholderia pyrrocinia(BRM32113); Serratiasp. (BRM32114) and Trichoderma asperellumpool (UFRA.T06 + UFRA.T09 + UFRA.T12 + UFRA.T52), with three forms of application (1. microbiolized seed; 2. microbiolized seed + soil drenched with microorganism at eight and 15 days after sowing (DAS)and 3. microbiolized seed + microorganism spray plant at eight and 15 DAS). Microbiolized seed was the best form of application,which allowed highest instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and yield of biomassproduction in lowland rice. Rhizobcteria BRM32114, followed by BRM32111, BRM32112 and fungi T. asperellumimproved, an average, 17% in instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and 20% in dry shoot biomass production of lowland rice compared to the control plants.

Search for Resistant Genotypes to Cuscuta campestris Infection in Two Legume Species, Vicia sativa and Vicia ervilia.

The dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are parasitic plants that feed on the stems of their host plants. Cuscuta campestris is one of the most damaging parasitic plants for the worldwide agricultural production of broad-leaved crops. Its control is limited or non-existent, therefore resistance breeding is the best alternative both economically and environmentally. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) are highly susceptible to C. campestris, but no resistant genotypes have been identified. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify in V. sativa and V. ervilia germplasm collections genotypes resistant to C. campestris infection for use in combating this parasitic plant. Three greenhouse screening were conducted to: (1) identify resistant responses in a collection of 154 accessions of bitter vetch and a collection of 135 accessions of common vetch genotypes against infection of C. campestris; (2) confirm the resistant response identified in common vetch accessions; and (3) characterize the effect of C. campestris infection on biomass of V. sativa resistant and susceptible accessions. Most common vetch and bitter vetch genotypes tested were susceptible to C. campestris. However, the V. sativa genotype Vs.1 exhibited high resistance. The resistant phenotype was characterized by a delay in the development of C. campestris posthaustorial growth and a darkening resembling a hypersensitive-like response at the penetration site. The resistant mechanism was effective in limiting the growth of C. campestris as the ratio of parasite/host shoot dry biomass was more significantly reduced than the rest of the accessions. To the best or our knowledge, this is the first identification of Cuscuta resistance in V. sativa genotypes.

Yield Enhancement of Biostimulants, Vitamin B12, and CoQ10 Compared to Inorganic Fertilizer in Radish

Two pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of radish crops against different plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and leaf extracts at Yale University, USA. The first experiment examined the marginal effect of vitamin B12 when added to the Berlyn Laboratory’s proprietary biostimulant formula (GPB Core). Increasing concentrations of vitamin B12 were added, as investigated in groups SL (0 mg/L), SB1 (0.5 mg/L), SB2 (1.0 mg/L), and SB3 (1.5 mg/L). The addition of vitamin B12 conferred no significant incremental benefit over the GPB Core. However, the GPB Core formula (SL) increased fresh shoot biomass by 172.9%, dry shoot biomass by 136.4%, fresh root biomass by 64.7%, and dry root biomass by 29.1% over plant treated with inorganic fertilizer alone (p < 0.01). The second experiment examined the combined marginal effect of vitamin B12 and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) when added to the GPB Core. The three experimental groups included the GPB Core plus inorganic fertilizer (S+); GPB Core, vitamin B12, CoQ10, and inorganic fertilizer (SBQ+); and GPB Core, vitamin B12, CoQ10, and no inorganic fertilizer (SBQ0). SBQ0 outperformed the inorganic fertilizer control in fresh shoot, dry shoot, fresh root, and dry root biomass by 190.3%, 127.1%, 128.5%, and 41.3%, respectively (p < 0.01), indicating that inorganic fertilizer can be replaced by biostimulants while simultaneously increasing yield. Additionally, the differences between SBQ+ and SBQ0 in the biomass metrics were statistically insignificant, indicating that in the presence of biostimulants, inorganic fertilizers confer a slight marginal benefit. There was no evidence, however, that the addition of CoQ10 and vitamin B12 conferred benefits over S+. Overall, the application of biostimulants statistically significantly improves radish biomass. Both experiments indicate that under low stress conditions, biostimulants can replace inorganic fertilizer while simultaneously increasing yield.

The potential of microbes and sulfate in reducing arsenic phytoaccumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants.

Arsenic (As) contamination in soil-plant system is an important environmental, agricultural and health issue globally. The microbe- and sulfate-mediated As cycling in soil-plant system may depend on soil sulfate levels, and it can be used as a potential strategy to reduce plant As uptake and improve plant growth. Here, we investigated the role of soil microbes (SMs) to examine As phytoaccumulation using maize as a test plant, under varying sulfate levels (S-0, S-5, S-25mmolkg-1) and As stress. The addition of sulfate and SMs promoted maize plant growth and reduced As concentration in shoots compared to sulfate-treated plants without SMs. Results revealed that theSMs-S-5 treatment proved to be the most promising in reducing As uptake by 27% and 48% in root and shoot of the maize plants, respectively. The SMs-S treatments, primarily with S-5, enhanced plant growth, shoot dry biomass, Chl a, b and total Chl (a + b) contents, and gas exchange attributes of maize plants. Similarly, the antioxidant defense in maize plants was increased significantly in SMs-S-treated plants, notably with SMs-S-5 treatment. Overall, the SMs-S-5-treated plants possessed improved plant growth, dry biomass, physiology and antioxidant defense system and decrease in plant shoot As concentration. The outcomes of this study suggest that sulfate supplementation in soil along with SMs could assist in reducing As accumulation by maize plants, thus providing a sustainable and eco-friendly bioremediation strategy in limiting As exposure.

The Effect of Additional Effective Microorganisms in Vegetative Growth of Aerobic Paddy

The influence of effective microorganisms (EM), microbial inoculant containing yeasts, fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes was evaluated in field trials of Aerob 1 paddy cultivation in Jasin, Melaka. Aerobic paddy is a new way of rice cultivation in areas where water resources have been scare and affected by the climate change. As water shortage and climate change is becoming severe, the technology of growing rice with aerobic rice systems need to be further refined or developed to ensure the quality of rice production in water-short areas. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of additional EM on the growth pattern, and to evaluate the efficiency of EM uptake on the aerobic plant. This experiment was carried out by using random controlled Randomized Controlled Block Design (RCBD) consisted of three treatments with two replications in four blocks. Aerobic seed cv. Aeron1 was used as planting materials and has been applied by three different treatments of EM during vegetative growth. The treatment for this study was T1 = 1.8 g NPK with urea (control) while T2 was 1.8 g NPK and T3, with 0.9 g NP with 100 mL of EM respectively during 15 (early vegetative stage) and 45 DAS (late vegetative stage). The RCBD experimental design was used with two replications in each treatment in four blocks. There are three series of harvesting (35, 50 and 60 DAS) was conducted throughout this study. The growth parameter studied was shoot and root dry biomass, number of tillers, RGR at each of harvesting. Our finding revealed that the application of EM did not improve plant growth parameter but the growth pattern of T2 and T3 showed steady improvement, although not significant compared to T1. The application of EM at different growth stages did not enhance the relative plant growth rate of Aeron 1 under aerobic condition, but in comparison to T1 and T2, T3 treatment with 50% reduction of NPK and EM could significantly reduce the cost of land management and fertilizer.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus in spilanthol and phenolic compound yield in jambu plants

ABSTRACT Jambu has spilanthol and phenolic compounds that are responsible for several medicinal properties. Besides improving nutrient absorption, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can change secondary metabolites’ yield. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate AMF inoculation and P influence on shoot dry biomass yield, macronutrient content (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), total phenol contents and spilanthol percentage in jambu plants. The experiment followed a randomized block design at 3x4 factorial arrangement, with two AMF (Rhizophagus clarus and Claroideoglomus etunicatum) and without AMF, at four P doses (0, 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg of soil), with four replicates. Plants inoculated with R. clarus and C. etunicatum, grown without phosphate fertilization, presented increase by 23 and 12 times, respectively, in comparison to plants without AMF. The relative spilanthol area in plants inoculated with R. clarus, without phosphate fertilization, reached 2.4%. Shoot dry biomass yield of jambu plants and the P, K, Ca and Mg contents were higher when plants were inoculated with R. clarus at the lowest P doses. The AMF also increased the contents of total phenols in plants fertilized with 60 mg kg-1. This P dose increased spilanthol concentration in jambu plants inoculated with C. etunicatum.

Successive Harvests Modulate the Productive and Physiological Behavior of Three Genovese Pesto Basil Cultivars

In the Italian culinary tradition, young and tender leaves of Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) are used to prepare pesto sauce, a tasty condiment that attracts the interest of the food processing industry. Like other leafy or aromatic vegetables, basil is harvested more than once during the crop cycle to maximize yield. However, the mechanical stress induced by successive cuts can affect crucial parameters associated with pesto processing (leaf/stem ratio, stem diameter, and dry matter). Our research accordingly aimed to evaluate the impact of successive harvests on three field-grown Genovese basil cultivars (“Aroma 2”, “Eleonora” and “Italiano Classico”) in terms of production, physiological behavior, and technological parameters. Between the first and second harvest, marketable fresh yield and shoot dry biomass increased by 148.4% and 172.9%, respectively; by contrast, the leaf-to-stem ratio decreased by 22.5%, while the dry matter content was unchanged. The increased fresh yield and shoot dry biomass at the second harvest derived from improved photosynthetic efficiency, which enabled higher net CO2 assimilation, Fv/Fm and transpiration as well as reduced stomatal resistance. Our findings suggest that, under the Mediterranean environment, “Italiano Classico” carries superior productive performance and optimal technological characteristics in line with industrial requirements. These promising results warrant further investigation of the impact successive harvests may have on the qualitative components of high-yielding basil genotypes with respect to consumer expectations of the final product.

Soil physico-chemical properties, biomass production, and root density in a green manure farming system from tropical ecosystem, North-eastern Brazil

Soil physico-chemical properties, biomass production, and root density are considered key factors indicating soil health in an agroecosystem. The soil physico-chemical changes and plant growth (e.g., shoot biomass production and root density) in a 6-year cultivation of plant species used as green manure in a sandy soil from Tropical ecosystem, North-eastern Brazil, were investigated between July and December 2019. We characterized soil physical and chemical properties, shoot biomass production, and root density under ten plant species used as green manure: Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk, Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC, Crotalaria juncea L., Crotalaria ochroleuca G. Don, Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) J.A. Lackey, Pennisetum glaucum L., and Stilozobium aterrimum Piper and Tracy. The highest values of soil pH, exchangeable cations, CEC, and soil available water capacity were found on the plots where Poaceae plants were cultivated, whereas for H++Al3+, C.E.C., soil available water, and soil available water capacity were found on the plots where Fabaceae plants were cultivated. On the plots where C. ensiformis and N. wightii were cultivated, we found the highest shoot dry biomass and root density, respectively. The results highlight the importance to consider plant species from both Poaceae and Fabaceae family used as green manure as soil conditioner (by promoting soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and hydraulic properties into plant root zone), and thus creating a positive plant-soil feedback. Our findings suggest that (1) a consecutive green manure practice without any input of fertilizers after 6 years changed positively both soil physical and chemical properties, and improve plant growth (e.g., shoot dry biomass and root density) in tropical savanna climate conditions; and (2) by altering soil fertility, both Poaceae and Fabaceae plants used as green manure may create a sustainable cycle into the soil profile thus promoting soil health.

Influence of Rhizobium Inoculation and Phosphate Rock Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield Components of Green gram (Vigna radiata) in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Green gram is an important drought tolerant grain legume crop in Kenya. In Tharaka Nithi County green gram is as a major source of food security. Hence, there is need for a cheap and sustainable system of agricultural production is needed to increase its production. The legume/Rhizobium symbiosis in combination with phosphate rock offers a natural system for improving green gram nitrogen fixation. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the effect of Rhizobium and phosphate rock fertilizer application on growth and yield attributes of N26 and KS20 varieties. The study was carried out at Chuka University Horticultural Research Farm for two seasons, November 2019 to January 2020 and February to April 2020. Factorial experiment of 2x2x2 was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were three factors, variety (N26 and KS20), phosphate rock (0 and 30 kg P ha-1) and Rhizobium MEA 716 (0 and 100 g ha-1). The experiment contained eight treatments which were replicated three times. The data was collected fortnightly on four randomly selected plants on parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, branches, pods, total dry biomass, shoot and root dry weight and grain yield. These data was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Significant means are separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at probability level of 5%. Results for both seasons indicated that combined application of Rhizobium MEA 716 Rhizobium 100 g ha-1 and phosphate rock 30 Kg ha-1 phosphate under variety in treatment (R1P1V2) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher plant height (76.07 cm), number of branches (14.08 plant-1), shoot dry biomass (52.01 g plant-1), root dry biomass (7.60 g plant-1), total dry biomass (146.4 g plant-1), number of pods (84 plant-1) and yield (2158 kg ha-1) compared to variety N26 in treatment (R1P1V1). Therefore, combination of Rhizobium MEA 716 100 g ha-1 and phosphate rock 30 Kg ha-1 under variety KS20 led to improved growth attributes equally yield components of KS20 variety over N26. From these findings, application of Rhizobium MEA716 at 100 g ha-1, and 30 Kg ha -1 phosphate rock under variety KS20 was recommended for improved and a sustainable green gram production in the study area.

Assessment of Acidic Biochar on the Growth, Physiology and Nutrients Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) Seedlings under Salinity Stress

The application of an acidic biochar can improve plant growth and soil properties in saline conditions. In this study, we investigated the effect of acidic biochar on plant growth and nutrients contents in saline soil. Seven treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design, including control (CK), 0, 30, and 45 g biochar added to a soil having 1% and 1.5% salts; these treatments were termed as B0S1, B30S1, B45S1 and B0S1.5, B30S1.5, B45S1.5 respectively. Experimental results showed that the plant height, leaves plant−1, leaf area, and shoot fresh and dry biomass, and root fresh and dry biomass were increased for the B45S1.5, respectively. Similarly, the highest total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and total sodium (Na) concentration in maize shoot were observed for B30S1, B0S1.5, CK, and B0S1.5, respectively. The highest concentrations of TN, TP, TK, and Na in root were obtained with the treatments B0S1, B0S1, B45S1, and B0S1, respectively. Soil pH, and EC decreased and nutrients concentration improved by the addition of acidic biochar. We conclude that the use of acidic biochar can be a potential source for the improvement of maize plant growth as well as mitigate the adverse effect of salt stress.

Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration Improved C4 Xero-Halophyte Kochia prostrata Physiological Performance under Saline Conditions.

A significant increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and associated climate aridization and soil salinity are factors affecting the growth, development, productivity, and stress responses of plants. In this study, the effect of ambient (400 ppm) and elevated (800 ppm) CO2 concentrations were evaluated on the C4 xero-halophyte Kochia prostrata treated with moderate salinity (200 mM NaCl) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. Our results indicated that plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration had different responses to osmotic stress and salinity. The synergistic effect of elevated CO2 and osmotic stress increased proline accumulation, but elevated CO2 did not mitigate the negative effects of osmotic stress on dark respiration intensity and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency. This indicates a stressful state, which is accompanied by a decrease in the efficiency of light reactions of photosynthesis and significant dissipative respiratory losses, thereby resulting in growth inhibition. Plants grown at elevated CO2 concentration and salinity showed high Na+ and proline contents, high water-use efficiency and time required to reach the maximum P700 oxidation level (PSI), and low dark respiration. Maintaining stable water balance, the efficient functioning of cyclic transport of PSI, and the reduction of dissipation costs contributed to an increase in dry shoot biomass (2-fold, compared with salinity at 400 ppm CO2). The obtained experimental data and PCA showed that elevated CO2 concentration improved the physiological parameters of K. prostrata under salinity.

Response of maize to coniferous tree woods biochar and sheep manure application to contaminated mine soil

Metallic trace element (MTE) soil contamination is a serious problem needed to be urgently faced to ensure safe food supply and protect human health over the world. The present work is a potting experiment conducted using two levels of biochar (2.5%; 5%) and animal manure (10%; 20%) to investigate their potential role in soil improvement and development of maize seeds grown in a former iron mine soil. Results show that both amendments increased soil pH. A successful growth of maize has been observed in presence of both organic amendments. Plants were well developed with leaves which were large, green, and longer comparing to untreated contaminated soil suggesting that biochar and animal manure reduced physical symptoms of metal toxicity. Biochar and animal manure amendments increased almost all the measured morphological characteristics especially shoot length (biochar: 16.44 cm, animal manure: 18.26 cm, and untreated soil: 13.37cm) and dry biomass of shoots (biochar: 0.11 g, animal manure: 0.18g, and untreated soil: 0.05g) and roots (biochar: 0.29 g, animal manure: 0.17 g, and untreated soil: 0.16 g) as well as length and numbers of leaves and leaf area. However, more studies are needed to explore the amendment role on biochemical, physiological, and accumulation of MTE by maize.

Rice cultivars responses to different salinity levels at coastal agricultural land of Yogyakarta

At present, the coastal sandy soil in special region of Yogyakarta has developed to be a potential agricultural field. Salinity has become one main obstacle in this specific field. The research aimed to examine the growth and yield responses of three rice cultivars in several salinity levels in this coastal sandy soil. The research was carried out in Srigading and Baros Villages, Bantul District of Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. A split plot design was applied, with salinity levels (0.1; 1.0 and 2.5) dS.m−1 as main plot and rice varieties (IR 64, Situbagendit and Dendang) as sub plot. The treatments were replicated three times. The results showed that there was hardly significant difference in most of the growth and yield variables in IR 64 and Situbagendit. However, at 2.5 dS.m−1 Dendang (the salt resistant rice) performed the highest chlorophyll content. With salinity up to 2.5 dS.m−1, there was an increase in stomatal conductance, shoot dry biomass and grain yield. Overall, adding salinity up to 2.5 dS. m−1 in coastal sandy soil promoted better growth and yield of rice. However, with higher salinity levels, grain yields decreased. The decrease in grain yield was larger in salt resistant variety, than in salt sensitive varieties.