Biomass Dry Weight Research Articles

Influence of Silicate Concentrations on Growth, Carotenoid, and Fatty Acid Profiles of the Marine Diatom Conticribra weissflogii

Enhancing microalgal growth and bioactive compound production is becoming a duty for improving photosynthetic microorganisms. In this study, the growth, carotenoid, and fatty acid profiles of Conticribra weissflogii were studied under four different silicate concentrations and silicate-deficient conditions in an f/2 medium with continuous aeration, light intensity (30 ± 2 µmol m−2 s−1), salinity (25 ± 2‰), pH (8), and temperature (25 ± 2 °C). At the end of the experiment, we observed that a silicate concentration of 120 mg L−1 produced the maximum biomass dry weight (0.86 g L−1), carotenoid content (1.63 µg mL−1), and fucoxanthin content (1.23 mg g−1) in C. weissflogii. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (11,354.37 µg g−1), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2516.16 µg g−1), gamma-linolenic acid (C18:3n6) (533.51 µg g−1), and arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) (1261.83 µg g−1) contents were significantly higher at Si 120 mg L−1. The results further showed the maximum fatty acid content in C. weissflogii at Si 120 mg L−1. However, the silicate-deficient conditions (Si 0 mg L−1) resulted in higher levels of saturated fatty acids (38,038.62 µg g−1). This study presents a practical approach for the large-scale optimization of biomass, carotenoid, fucoxanthin, and fatty acid production in C. weissflogii for commercial purposes.

Production of Sorghum Seed and Straw Biomass for Feed as Affected by Different Harvesting Ages

This study evaluated the sorghum “Samurai Two” production for feed harvested at different times after planting during the rainy season. A randomized block design was employed with five groups and five treatments representing different harvesting ages: 90, 95, 100, 105, and 110 days after planting. The variables measured included panicle length, weight, dry weight, seed dry weight per panicle, 1000-seed weight, number of seeds, dry seed production, total fresh and dry weight of panicles, moisture content, and total fresh and dry weight of straw biomass. Harvesting between 90 and 100 DAP resulted in a higher fresh and dry panicle weight, fresh and dry biomass, seed dry weight per panicle, 1000-seed weight, and dry seed production. The optimal seed production for “Samurai Two” occurred at 90 DAP during the rainy season. Conversely, harvesting at 95 DAP significantly increased straw biomass's total fresh and dry weight, with this age being optimal for straw biomass production.

Study of Different Aged Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Rootstocks on Softwood Grafting Success under Different Environmental Conditions

An investigation was conducted to find out the optimum Jackfruit rootstock age for softwood grafting and to find out the suitable environmental condition for the success of Jackfruit grafts was conducted at Department of Biotechnology and Crop Improvement, College of Horticulture, Kolar, Karnataka during the year 2023. Six different aged Jackfruit rootstocks (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days old) were softwood grafted and evaluated under three environmental conditions (Shadenet, Polytunnel and Polyhouse) in a factorial completely randomised design with four replications. The morpho-physiological results revealed that, 15 days old rootstock grown under shadenet took highest number of days for sprout initiation (24.02 days) compared to others. Significantly highest graft success (50.20 %) was recorded in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse condition 30 days after grafting. Maximum number of leaves per graft (4.95, 6.95 and 9.15) and maximum RWC % (83.63, 86.98, and 90.61 %) was recorded in 90 days old rootstock grown under polyhouse at 30, 60 & 90 days after grafting respectively. Similarly, significantly highest chlorophyll (4.70 mg/g FW), root length (18.52 cm), root fresh weight (9.43 g/plant), root dry weight (1.35 g/plant) and root biomass (3.64 g/plant) found in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse conditions. The maximum root-to-shoot ratio was recorded on fresh weight (0.73 g) and dry weight (0.56 g) in 90 days old rootstock grown under polyhouse condition. Significant maximum graft survival (44.71 %) recorded in 90 days old rootstock grafts grown under polyhouse. Significantly highest graft dry matter (3.95 g/plant) was recorded in 90 days old rootstocks grafts grown under polyhouse whereas least in shadenet (2.99 g/plant). In conclusion, it is found that grafting of 90 days old Jackfruit rootstocks performed better under polyhouse conditions for most of the traits.

Co-Inoculation of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria and Rhizobia Increases Phosphorus Availability and Promotes the Development of Forage Legumes

Tropical grassland soils, especially those with alkaline properties, often exhibit limited phosphorus availability due to its precipitation in insoluble forms. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and rhizobia have demonstrated their potential to enhance the availability of this nutrient and promote the growth of forage legumes. This study, conducted under controlled conditions in a mesh house, evaluated the effect of co-inoculation with PSB, including Micrococcus sp. Sfcm-14-01, Agrobacterium sp. Sfl-043-09, and Enterobacter sp. Sfcm-014-02 and Sfcm-054-06, along with rhizobia (Ensifer terangae R1-012-02 and Bradyrhizobium glycinis Rcm-025-01), under different levels of phosphorus fertilization on the legumes Leucaena leucocephala and Centrosema macrocarpum. The results indicate significant increases in various growth parameters, such as chlorophyll levels (SPAD), biomass (dry weight of roots and aerial parts) (mg), the foliar phosphorus concentration (ppm), and the concentration of available phosphorus in the soil, particularly under low-phosphorus fertilization conditions. The highest level of available phosphorus in the soil was achieved with 75% of the recommended fertilization dose, resulting in concentrations of 13.73 ppm for L. leucocephala and 7.69 ppm for C. macrocarpum, representing increases in phosphorus availability of 170.81% and 240.27%, respectively, compared with no fertilization or inoculation. These findings suggest that the co-inoculation of PSB and native rhizobia is a promising strategy to enhance the biomass productivity and mineral content of forage in tropical grazing systems, especially under phosphorus-limited conditions.

First report of Fusarium falciforme causing root and stem rot in cowpea (syn. black-eyed pea; Vigna unguiculata) in California.

In both April 2018 and September 2019, cowpeas / black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) in one field in Tulare County, California were observed with tap root rot, both underground (foot) and aboveground stem rot, and in some cases canopy decline, compromising bean formation. In both fields, < 5% of plants appeared affected. Foot and stem segments (~1 cm) of 5-10 plants / field were disinfested sequentially with 0.1% Tween 20 (dip), 70% ethanol for 30 s, and 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min and placed on 1:10 potato dextrose agar with 0.03% tetracycline and Fusarium selective medium (Leslie and Summerell 2006). Fusarium-like isolates (dominant in isolation plates) were transferred to 0.6% KCl agar, where fusiform, curved macroconidia and varied microconidia in false heads on elongated monophialides were observed, characteristic of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) (Leslie and Summerell 2006). Isolates CS221, CS222, and CS520 (representing different plants and locations) were saved as single hyphal tip cultures. An Illumina-derived genome sequence was assembled (Burkhardt et al. 2019) and partial tef1ɑ and rpb2 sequences (O'Donnell et al. 2022) were extracted from genome sequences in silico. Sequences were 99.9-100% identical to one another and to deposited F. falciforme isolates based on Fusarium ID and Fusarium MLST for tef1ɑ and rpb2, respectively (tef1a accessions: NRRL 28562 and NRRL 32331; rpb2 accession: NRRL 22857), and were deposited in GenBank (accessions in supplementary table). Pathogenicity was evaluated in three-week-old cowpea plants (cv. CB46rk2) in the greenhouse (13.5-33.6℃; 12:12 h L:D). The tap root / stem was wounded (1 mm wide, 2 mm deep) ~ 2 cm below the soil line and drenched with 50 ml of 106 spores / ml 0.1% water agar or with 0.1% water agar (negative control). The trial was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three blocks and 2-3 plants / isolate / block, and conducted twice. 52 d post-inoculation, below ground tap root / stem rot developed in 83% of F. falciforme-inoculated plants, with lesion lengths ranging from 25.2 ± 4.2 to 29.2 ± 8.0 mm (P = 0.893 for isolate, ANOVA). Canopy decline developed in 33-50% of plants across treatments in trial 1 (P = 0.859 for isolate) but not in trial 2, likely due to cooler conditions in trial 2 (January-March) vs. trial 1 (May-July), which were less stressful. F. falciforme isolates did not affect bean biomass (dry weight) vs. negative controls (12.5-14.8g / plant; P = 0.949 for pathogen treatment). FSSC isolates were recovered from 100% of symptomatic plants in the inoculated treatments but not in negative controls (both trials) and representative isolates from all treatments were confirmed as F. falciforme (tef1a analysis; trial 2 only). This study establishes F. falciforme as a root and stem rot pathogen of cowpea in California-a disease previously attributed to the morphologically and phylogenetically distinct F. phaseoli (syn. F. solani f. sp. phaseoli), but which lacked modern etiological studies (Frate et al. 2018; Geiser et al. 2021). This work is consistent with previous reports of F. falciforme as a root / stem rot pathogen in cowpea (Ajamu et al. 2023) and other beans (Sousa et al. 2017; Duarte et al. 2019). Clarification of disease etiology will improve accurate diagnosis and effective crop rotation-based management, since F. falciforme is also a pathogen of other California crops including melon, tomato and pistachio.

The effect of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato gold phytomining

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining has commonly used the mercury amalgamation method for gold ore extraction. The processing waste or tailings often contain gold and other metals. This study examined the effects of cow manure amendment and the ratio of gold mine tailings on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) gold phytomining. The pot experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture greenhouse at Padjadjaran University in Indonesia. The sweet potato MZ119 clone (an orange-fleshed sweet potato) was planted on a polybag (40 x 40 cm) consisting of 10 kg of planting media, which was a mixture of gold mine tailing and soil. The design used was a completely randomized design factorial with three replications. The first factor was ratios of gold mine tailing consisting of three levels, namely 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% (w/w). The second factor was doses of organic manure, namely without cow manure, 250 g pot-1, 500 g pot-1, and 750 g pot-1. The results demonstrated that the application of cow dung and the gold mine tailings ratio (w/w) had a significant (p = 0.05) effect on plants' dry weight biomass, gold accumulation, and gold phytomining by sweet potato. The highest gold mass yield of 0.066 mg gold plant-1 was achieved by a 50% (w/w) gold mine tailing ratio and 750 g pot-1 cow manure treatment.

The impact of plasma-activated water on the process of nickel bioremediation by Neowestiellopsis persica A1387

Cyanobacteria provide an economical, feasible, and environmentally friendly solution for heavy metal removal. In addition, plasma can facilitate the removal of heavy metals across various time frames. In this study, we applied plasma-activated water (PAW) to prepare Neowestiellopsis persica A1387 strain medium culture for 0, 10, 15, and 20 min via an Atmospheric Cold Plasma Jet device (ACPJ-17A). Nickel removal efficiency was evaluated after 48 hours of cultivation under controlled conditions at 0, 10, 30, 60, and 90 min. Further investigation was performed through FTIR, GC-MS, and XRD techniques. Statistical analysis of ANOVA and Tukey's test indicated that the samples treated for 15 min had the highest biomass dry weight, polysaccharide content, and nickel removal rate (p ≤ 0.05). The GC-MS analysis presented elevated concentrations of ethanol, 1,3-dimethylbenzene, acetic acid, 3-methylbutyl ester, aromatic chemicals, 2-methyl-1-propanol, and 3-octen-2-ol in all samples treated with plasma. The functional group analysis using the FT-IR approach showed increased peak intensities with more extended treatment periods, indicating the addition of methyl, methylene, and hydroxyl groups to the cyanobacterium cell wall. Furthermore, a peak at 468 cm⁻¹ wavelength was observed, correlating to the Ni-O stretching mode after absorption of Ni on the cyanobacterium surface. The XRD data exhibited prominent peaks in all diffraction patterns angles below 20 degrees, suggesting the presence of amorphous and non-crystalline chemical structures within the cyanobacterial structures. The peak intensity increased with longer treatment durations. The 15-min plasma treatment optimized Ni removal, but the efficiency decreased with prolonged exposure due to adverse effects such as increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Pemanfaatan Analisis Komponen Utama dalam Mendeskripsikan Ciri Morfoagronomi Padi yang Berkorelasi dengan Yield

Rice is an important food crop with a crucial role in global food security. Study on correlation between morphoagronomic traits and yield is an important step in the development of superior rice varieties. Research data were collected from 20 rice varieties grown in the experimental field. A total of 10 morphoagronomic trait variables were measured, including plant height, number of productive tillers, flowering age, dry weight of biomass, hollow grain, 1,000-grain weight, grain weight, panicle number, panicle length, and harvest index. Data were analyzed using variance, correlation, and principal component analyses. The results of PCA showed that 3 principal components (PC) explained 80.88% of the data variation. PC1 was associated with plant height, flowering age, biomass dry weight, empty grain, panicle length, grain weight per clump. PC2 was associated with 1,000-grain weight and harvest index, while PC3 was associated with number of productive tillers and number of panicles. Correlation analysis showed that 1,000-grain weight was positively correlated with harvest index, while biomass dry weight was negatively correlated. These results suggest that all observed morphoagronomic traits except biomass dry weight have an important role in increasing rice yield. Furthermore, the results of this study provide basic informations for the development of high-yielding rice varieties.

Potato and dairy industry side streams as feedstock for fungal and plant cell cultures

Utilization of industrial side streams as nutrient source for cellular agriculture is a promising option to improve the sustainability of the production processes. The aim of the study was to evaluate usability of two liquid food industry side streams, potato cell fluid and acid whey, as nutrient source for production of food ingredients with plant cell cultures (arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.) and tobacco BY-2 (Nicotiana tabacum L.)) and filamentous fungi (Paecilomyces variotii, Rhizopus oligosporus and Trichoderma reesei). The side streams were found to contain various sugars and other potential nutrients suitable for the studied organisms. The side streams were used as a sole nutrient source (fungi) or as a replacement of selected nutrients in the growth media (fungi and plant cells) in flask scale cultivations. Acid whey was successfully used as a growth medium for filamentous fungi, but it inhibited plant cell growth presumably due to high organic acid content (14 g/l). Potato side stream was found suitable as a fungal and plant cell growth media supplement, and it was used together with glucose for filamentous fungi, or as a partial replacer of macronutrients for plant cells, in bioreactor cultivations yielding high fungal (up to 36 g/l dry weight) and good plant cell (9.5 g/l dry weight) biomass production. Analyses of the produced biomasses revealed good nutritional value in terms of amino acid (17–27 % of dry matter) and dietary fiber (23–30 % of dry matter) contents, giving good premises for utilization in human nutrition.

Validation of In-House Imaging System via Code Verification on Petunia Images Collected at Increasing Fertilizer Rates and pHs.

In a production environment, delayed stress recognition can impact yield. Imaging can rapidly and effectively quantify stress symptoms using indexes such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Commercial systems are effective but cannot be easily customized for specific applications, particularly post-processing. We developed a low-cost customizable imaging system and validated the code to analyze images. Our objective was to verify the image analysis code and custom system could successfully quantify the changes in plant canopy reflectance. 'Supercascade Red', 'Wave© Purple', and 'Carpet Blue' Petunias (Petunia × hybridia) were transplanted individually and subjected to increasing fertilizer treatments and increasing substrate pH in a greenhouse. Treatments for the first trial were the addition of a controlled release fertilizer at six different rates (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/pot), and for the second trial, fertilizer solution with four pHs (4, 5.5, 7, and 8.5), with eight replications with one plant each. Plants were imaged twice a week using a commercial imaging system for fertilizer and thrice a week with the custom system for pH. The collected images were analyzed using an in-house program that calculated the indices for each pixel of the plant area. All cultivars showed a significant effect of fertilizer on the projected canopy size and dry weight of the above-substrate biomass and the fertilizer rate treatments (p < 0.01). Plant tissue nitrogen concentration as a function of the applied fertilizer rate showed a significant positive response for all three cultivars (p < 0.001). We verified that the image analysis code successfully quantified the changes in plant canopy reflectance as induced by increasing fertilizer application rate. There was no relationship between the pH and NDVI values for the cultivars tested (p > 0.05). Manganese and phosphorus had no significance with chlorophyll fluorescence for 'Carpet Blue' and 'Wave© Purple' (p > 0.05), though 'Supercascade Red' was found to have significance (p < 0.01). pH did not affect plant canopy size. Chlorophyll fluorescence pixel intensity against the projected canopy size had no significance except in 'Wave© Purple' (p = 0.005). NDVI as a function of the projected canopy size had no statistical significance. We verified the ability of the imaging system with integrated analysis to quantify nutrient deficiency-induced variability in plant canopies by increasing pH levels.

Neodymium and zinc stimulate growth, biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake of lettuce plants in hydroponics

ABSTRACT We evaluated the effects of neodymium (0.000, 2.885, 5.770 and 8.655 mg · L−1) and zinc (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg · L−1), as well as their interaction on lettuce plants in hydroponics. Applications of 2.885 mg Nd · L−1 and 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 increased plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, as well as fresh and dry stem, root and total biomasses. Root volume was greater in plants treated with 2.885 mg Nd · L−1. With 0.1 mg Zn · L−1, plant height, leaf area and fresh stem, root and total biomass were greater, while applying 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 increased the ratio of dry biomass of stems and roots. Plants exposed to 5.770 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1 exhibited greater leaf length. The ratios of fresh and dry biomass of stems and roots increased in plants treated with 8.655 mg · L−1 Nd + 0.3 mg Zn · L−1. Dry biomass weights of stems, roots and total were the highest in plants treated with 20 mg Nd · L−1 + 0.1 mg Zn · L−1. Nd significantly increased foliar concentration of N, P and K. Hence, Nd and Zn improve growth and nutrition.

Response surface methodology-based optimization of Inonotus hispidus' liquid fermentation medium and evaluation of its exopolysaccharide activities.

Inonotus hispidus, commonly referred to as the Sanghuang mushroom, is a species that is consumed as a tea. To date, this is the only species of the same fungus that has been successfully cultivated. A single-factor test was conducted using Inonotus hispidus MS-5 and MS-9 as test materials. The response surface methodology was adopted to design and optimise the liquid fermentation medium for them. As indicated in the results, the optimum fermentation conditions for MS-5 include 24.09 g/L glucose, 7.88 g/L yeast extract, 0.99 g/L dandelion powder, 1.5 g MgSO4, 2 g KH2PO4, 0.01 g vitamin B1, and 1 L deionized water; the optimum fermentation conditions for MS-9 include 24.64 g/L glucose, 7.77 g/L yeast extract, 0.98 g/L dandelion powder, 1.5 g MgSO4, 2 g KH2PO4, 0.01 g vitamin B1, and 1 L deionized water. Under such conditions, the mycelial biomass (dry weight) values were able to reach 16.02 g/L and 14.91 g/L for MS-5 and MS-9, respectively, which were 1.6 and 1.54 times those measured before optimization. As revealed in the antioxidant and anticancer experiment, Inonotus hispidus exopolysaccharides has corresponding functional effects at the cellular level. This research optimised the liquid culture formulation of Inonotus hispidus and demonstrated that the function of it as a traditional Sanghuang herbal tea is well-documented.

Field assessment of Lake Erie dredged sediment for specialty crops cultivation

AbstractAnnually, approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sediment are dredged from federal navigational channels in Lake Erie. Recognizing the potential influence of Lake sediments on soil compaction, structure, water retention capacity, and aeration, this research assessed the agronomic performance of selected specialty crops under varying sediment ratios in an open‐field production system. The experimental design involved three sediment application rates: 0 tonne (100% farm soil), 0.7 tonne (90% farm soil and 10% sediment), and 7 tonnes per bed (100% sediment). Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) were harvested 35 days after planting, with assessments including fresh and dry weights of leaves root biomass and root length measurements. Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) were evaluated for root length, leaf fresh weight, root fresh weight, and diameter. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were monitored for plant height and stem diameter. Fruit harvest occurred at days 70 and 75 post‐transplant. Metrics such as total number of marketable fruits, total fruit weight, number of US grade‐1 fruits, and polar and equatorial diameters were recorded. The results revealed significant positive effects of the 7‐tonne sediment treatment on lettuce, including increased dry leaf and root biomass, root lengths, and fresh weight. Similarly, radishes exhibited enhanced weight and length when grown in beds with 7 tonnes of sediment. Tomatoes from the 7‐tonne sediment treatment displayed higher values in plant measurements and harvested fruits. Overall, the findings indicate that soils treated with Lake Erie sediment positively influence the development and production of lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes compared to untreated soils.

The use of amino acids as bioactive substance: a strategy to increase yield in summer arugula (Eruca sativa L. Mill) crops

Foliar application of amino acids can assist crops to maintain homeostasis under diurnal temperature variations and excessive solar irradiance. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of the organic fraction and mineral nutrients of an amino acid solution on arugula plants and the effects of weekly applications of this solution on their growth and biomass yield. Two experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design, in a greenhouse (Experiment 1) and on open-field benches (Experiment 2), in Iracemápolis, SP, Brazil. Experiment 1 consisted of foliar applications of water (control), a solution containing 59 and 40.9 g ha-1 of nitrogen and sulfur, respectively (N+S), and a solution containing 85 g ha-1 of amino acids, with seven replications. Experiment 2 consisted of four different number (0, 1, 2, and 3) of weekly foliar applications of 85 g ha-1 of amino acids, with six replications. Chlorophyll a fluorescence, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and fresh and dry biomass weights were evaluated in both experiments. In Experiment 1, shoot fresh weight of plants treated with amino acids increased by 21% and 6% compared to those in the control and N+S treatment, respectively. Amino acid application increased chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, improving photosynthetic performance by increasing effective quantum efficiency of photosystem II and photochemical quenching. In Experiment 2, weekly application of 85 g ha-1 of amino acids increased shoot fresh weight by approximately 10% per application. Therefore, foliar application of amino acids can increase fresh biomass of arugula plants grown under both mild and warmer climate conditions.

Effects of cadmium stress on the growth, physiology, mineral uptake, cadmium accumulation and fruit quality of 'Sharpblue' blueberry

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is becoming a widespread environmental problem, and Cd toxicity risk is increasing in blueberries, typical acidophilous plants. However, studies on the physiological mechanisms of Cd toxicity affecting the growth of blueberry plants and fruits remain limited. Herein, a pot experiment involving four treatments, CK (0 mg·kg−1), Cd1 (2.5 mg·kg−1), Cd2 (15 mg·kg−1) and Cd3 (50 mg·kg−1), was conducted to investigate the effects of Cd stress on the growth, fruit quality, physiological characteristics, mineral composition and Cd uptake of 'Sharpblue' blueberry cuttings, and relationships between physicochemical indices and phenotypic data under Cd stress were analyzed via principal component analysis and Mantel's test. Compared with CK, Cd treatment led to chlorosis (decrease in SPAD and N content) in 'Sharpblue' leaves and inhibited increases in plant height, basal stem, crown width and biomass (dry weight), with the most significant changes in the 50 mg·kg−1 Cd treatment. The size and thickness of the upper epidermal cells, as well as the thickness of the palisade mesophyll and spongy tissues of 'Sharpblue' were significantly reduced at Cd > 15 mg·kg−1, while the density of stomata was significantly increased. Moreover, Cd stress reduced the yield (decrease in size and single-fruit weight) and quality (decrease in anthocyanin, flavonoid and total phenol content and increase in titratable acid content) of 'Sharpblue' fruits, and Cd content in fruit exceeded the Chinese food safety threshold of 0.05 mg·kg−1 when Cd > 15 mg·kg−1. The Cd enrichment capacity of different organs of 'Sharpblue' plants was in the following order: root > shoot > leaf > fruit, and the 50 mg·kg−1 Cd treatment significantly inhibited the uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn. Additionally, 'Sharpblue' plants responded to H2O2 and malondialdehyde accumulation in different organs under Cd stress by regulating levels of osmoregulatory substances (soluble protein (SP), soluble sugar, and proline) and altering the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbic acid, and glutathione in the antioxidant system. Finally, correlation analysis revealed that Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, H2O2, SP, SPAD, N, anthocyanin, titratable acid, flavonoids, and total phenols were strongly correlated with 'Sharpblue' growth, leaf and fruit phenotype under Cd stress. These findings provide theoretical information for soil safety management and the breeding of Cd-tolerant cultivars during blueberry cultivation, as well as for the study of Cd stress response mechanisms in acidophilous plants.

Exposure to toxic cadmium concentration induce physiological and molecular mechanisms alleviating herbivory infestation in Wedelia

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity induces significant disruptions in growth and development, plants have developed strategies to alleviate metal toxicity promoting establishment even during herbivores infestation. The study demonstrates that W. trilobata maintains growth and development under the combined stress of Cd exposure and herbivore invasion by Spodoptera litura, in contrast to W. chinensis. Cd toxicity markedly reduce shoot elongation and total fresh biomass, and a significant decrease in the dry weight of the shoot biomass and leaf count by 19%, 18%, 16%, and 19% in W. trilobata compared to controls. An even more pronounced decrease of 35%, 43%, 45% and 43% was found in W. chinensis. Compared to W. chinensis, W. trilobata showed a higher increase in phytohormone production including abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and methyl jasmonic acid (JA-me) under both Cd and herbivory stress as compared with respective controls. In addition, leaf ultra-structure also showed the highest damage to cell membranous structures by Cd-toxicity in W. chinensis. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed numerous genes viz., EMSY, MCCA, TIRI, BED-type, ABA, JAZ, CAB-6, CPSI, LHCII, CAX, HNM, ABC-Cd-trans and GBLP being differentially expressed between Cd-stress and herbivory groups in both W. trilobata and W. chinensis, with a particular emphasis on genes associated with metal transport and carbohydrate metabolism. Analyses employing the Gene Ontology (GO) system, the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) categorization, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, highlight the functional and evolutionary relationships among the genes of the Phenylpropanoid and Flavonoid biosynthesis pathways and brassinosterod metabolism, associated with plant growth and development under Cd-toxicity and herbivory. W. trilobata opposite of W. chinensis, significantly improve plant growth and mitigates Cd toxicity through modulation of metabolic processes, and regulation of responsible genes, to sustain its growth under Cd and herbivory stress, which can be used in stress improvement in plants for sustainable ecosystem biodiversity and food security.

Biochar and soil contributions to crop lodging and yield performance - A meta-analysis

Applying biochar has beneficial effects on regulating plant growth by providing water and nutrient availability for plants due to its physicochemical characteristics. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how soil and biochar interactions strengthen crop lodging resistance. The objective of the current study was to find out how soil physicochemical conditions and alterations in biochar affect lodging resistance and crop productivity in cereals. To do this, a meta-analysis was carried out using nine groups of effective variables including type of feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, application rate, soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, organic matter (OM), and soil texture. Results showed that straw-derived biochar caused the highest positive effect size in the dry weight of biomass (20.5%) and grain yield (19.9%). Also, the lowest lodging index was observed from straw (−8.3%) and wood-based (−5.6%) biochars. Besides, the high application rate of biochar results in the highest positive effect sizes of plant cellulose (8.1%) and lignin content (7.6%). Soils that contain >20 g kg−1 OM, resulted in the highest positive effect size in dry biomass (27.9%), grain yield (30.2%), and plant height (4.7%). Also, fine-textured soil plays an important role in increasing polymers in the anatomical structure of plants. Overall, the strong connection between biochar and soil processes, particularly the availability of OM, could strengthen plants' ability to tolerate lodging stress and contribute to high nutrient efficiency in terms of crop output and cell wall thickening.

Conditional Optimization of Single Cell Protein Production from Crude Oil by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

The study was carried out to investigate the possible biodegradation of crude oil as a carbon by the bacterium &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; isolated from marine environment (Ras El-Menkar- Benghazi- Libya) using basal yeast extract protease peptone-3 (BYP) enriched medium. The isolated bacterium was identified and characterized according to its cultural condition and microbial biochemical properties. Different experiments were developed throughout this study to stimulate bacterial growth and production of single cell protein (SCP). The results show that the optimal concentration of crude oil as a carbon source for the highest bacterial growth (1.14g/l), and production of SCP (0.65g/l; 57.02% of the biomass dry weight) was 1%. This was required to utilize up to 50.6% of oil as a carbon source. As to the nitrogen source, the optimal concentration of ammonium chloride was 0.1%, in which the bacterial growth and SCP production increased to 1.23 g/l and 0.67 g/l respectively. The stimulating effects of organic and inorganic factors on the bacterial growth and SCP production was also tested. Addition of inorganic nutrients such as potassium phosphate (0.05%), magnesium sulphate (0.01%), and organic nutrient in the form of yeast extract (0.1%) to the fermentation medium slightly promoted the bacterial growth which reflected positively on SCP production and the percentage of the consumed crude oil, (&amp;gt;57%) at final pH value of 8.0. The obtained results indicated that the isolated&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Pseudomonas aeruginosa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; posses the ability to utilize the crude oil and use it as a carbon for bacterial growth and production of SCP.

Enhancing cauliflower growth under cadmium stress: synergistic effects of Cd-tolerant Klebsiella strains and jasmonic acid foliar application.

The pollution of heavy metals (HMs) is a major environmental concern for agricultural farming communities due to water scarcity, which forces farmers to use wastewater for irrigation purposes in Pakistan. Vegetables grown around the cities are irrigated with domestic and industrial wastewater from areas near mining, paint, and ceramic industries that pollute edible parts of crops with various HMs. Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely toxic metal in arable soil that enters the food chain and damages the native biota, ultimately causing a reduction in plant growth and development. However, the use of microbes and growth regulators enhances plant growth and development as well as HM immobilization into the cell wall and hinders their entry into the food chain. Thus, the integrated use of bacterial consortium along with exogenously applied jasmonic acid (JA) mitigates the adverse effect of metal stress, ultimately reducing the metal mobility into roots by soil. Therefore, the current study was conducted to check the impact of Cd-tolerant bacteria and JA on the growth, nutrient status, and uptake of Cd in the cauliflower (Brassica oleracea). Our results demonstrated that increasing concentrations of Cd negatively affect growth, physiological, and biochemical attributes, while the use of a bacterial consortium (SS7 + SS8) with JA (40 μmol L-1) significantly improved chlorophyll contents, stem fresh and dry biomass (19.7, 12.7, and 17.3%), root length and root fresh and dry weights (28.8, 15.2, and 23.0%), and curd fresh and dry weights and curd diameter (18.7, 12.6, and 15.1%). However, the maximum reduction in soil Cd, roots, and curd uptake was observed by 8, 11, and 9.3%, respectively, under integrated treatment as compared to the control. Moreover, integrating bacterial consortium and JA improves superoxide dismutase (SOD) (16.79%), peroxidase dismutase (POD) (26.96%), peroxidase (POX) (26.13%), and catalase (CAT) (26.86%). The plant nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents were significantly increased in soil, roots, and curd up to 8, 11, and 9.3%, respectively. Hence, a consortium of Klebsiella strains in combination with JA is a potential phytostabilizer and it reduces the uptake of Cd from soil to roots to alleviate the adverse impact on cauliflower's growth and productivity.

Phytophthora cinnamomi: extent and impact in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia (1983–2024)

Context Phytophthora cinnamomi has been present in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia for decades, with impacts observed in susceptible plant communities. Aims This study aimed to examine the past and present impact of P. cinnamomi on ecosystems. Methods The distribution of P. cinnamomi was mapped 1983–1995 and reassessed in 2024. The long-term spread of the pathogen was measured. Plant densities were assessed, dry-weight biomass measured, and visits by avifauna quantified in infested and healthy vegetation. The persistence of chlamydospores was assessed. Key results Mapping confirmed the widespread distribution of P. cinnamomi in the Reserve, with some areas mapped as disease-free up to 1995 now infested. Phytophthora dieback has spread in Banksia shrubland at an average of 1.5 m/year over a 33-year period. The density of species from the Proteaceae, Fabaceae, Ericaceae, and Hibbertia was significantly reduced; and the biomass of non-sedge species and visits by avifauna lower in infested compared with healthy Banksia shrubland. However, pockets of healthy habitat persist in infested areas and two highly susceptible Ericaceae (Leucopogon glabellus, Styphelia flavescens) were observed in high numbers in infested vegetation. Recovery of chlamydospores confirmed the persistence of the pathogen behind the dieback front. Conclusions The impact of P. cinnamomi is long term and irreversible, however, some susceptible species may have mechanisms to ensure their persistence through prolific seed production. Implications Protection of areas of healthy susceptible habitat from the introduction and spread of P. cinnamomi, the implementation of existing control measures and research into alternative measures continue to be a priority.