Elements Potassium Research Articles

Unveiling the Synergistic Role of Elemental Sulfur, Potassium Supplements and Methionine in Improving Yield and Quality of Onion

Unveiling the Synergistic Role of Elemental Sulfur, Potassium Supplements and Methionine in Improving Yield and Quality of Onion

Optimization, Characterisation and Evaluation of Biochar Obtained from Biomass of Invasive Weed Crotalaria burhia

Invasive weed plants are unwanted and hazardous waste biomass; and have extraordinary potential to serve as raw materials for biochar production. To evaluate the potentiality of invasive weed for bioenergy production in the form of biochar, Crotolaria burhia was investigated. The response surface modeling and optimization of the biochar parameters were conducted using the experimental design expert 13.0. The optimum value of the desirability function was obtained at a pyrolysis temperature of 450°C and a particle size of 50-100 mm. The model represents a p-value less than 0.0500 and a high F value, which denotes its reliable and accurate prediction of experimental data. A strong correlation was observed between actual and predicted values for biochar composites fixed carbon, carbon, surface area, pore size, and pore volume. In the present study, C. burhia biochar production was carried out by slow pyrolysis at 450°C under vacuum conditions. Biochar was found to be alkaline, with a 33.23% yield. Proximate analysis of C. burhia revealed 3.35% moisture content, 8.48% volatile matter, 81.24% fixed carbon and 6.94% ash content. The elemental analysis shows major concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen as 57.77%, 6.123%, and 27.60%, respectively. Low H/C and O/C molar ratios were quantified as 0.10% and 0.47%, respectively. It possesses a honeycomb structure having mesoporous surface porosity with a surface area of 155.19m²/g and the presence of a remarkable concentration of mineral elements calcium and potassium. Biochar rich in hydroxyl, carboxylic, and alkene functional groups enhances its applicability areas. These findings make C. burhia a potential feedstock for the production of good-quality biochar.

Optimized Cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata Using Winter Jujube Wastes and Safety Risk Assessment of the Cultivated Mushrooms

Substantial agricultural waste, including winter jujube residues, pits, and sawdust, is generated during the planting and processing of winter jujubes. To recycle these wastes, they were used to cultivate Stropharia rugosoannulata. The nutrient composition, mineral elements, 179 pesticide residues, and heavy metals in the wastes and S. rugosoannulata were tested. Cultivating the liquid spawn of S. rugosoannulata with 40 g/L winter jujube residue as a substitute for glucose significantly increased the mycelial pellets’ biomass by 136%, resulting in more uniform pellets. Secondary strains of S. rugosoannulata were cultured using winter jujube pits, showing no significant difference in mycelial growth rate and vigor compared to the control (CK) across additive levels of 10%–30%. The fruit bodies of S. rugosoannulata cultivated with winter jujube sawdust exhibited no detectable pesticide residues and a lower heavy metal content than the allowable limits, with a protein content of 36.7 g/100 g. Additionally, the mineral element potassium surpassed sodium by over 200 times, rendering it a potassium-rich, low-sodium food source. Utilizing winter jujube wastes for S. rugosoannulata cultivation effectively repurposed these wastes through sustainable recycling. This approach not only reduces cultivation costs but also yields safe and nutritious edible fungal products.

Impact of Toxoplasma gondii on Serum Protein Levels and Mineral Content in Sheep and Goats at a Small Dairy Farm in White Nile State, Sudan

Aim: This study aims to investigate the effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the serum proteins and macro elements (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphate) for sheep and goat. Introduction: In sheep and goats, Toxoplasma infection is a major cause of abortion and stillbirth. Subclinical infections are also quite common in adult animals of affected flocks and herds. Serum proteins and macro elements plays an essential role in animal metabolism. Materials and Methods: Serological survey of T. gondii was conducted using Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) for 20 sera collected from sheep and goats (8 and12 respectively) in white Nile State, Sudan. Results: Out of twelve goats’ serum and eight sheep serum samples, seven samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (58.33%) in goats and four samples were found to be positive for Toxoplasma (50%) in sheep, the remaining samples were negative. It was observed that serum Total protein (Tp) level was increased significantly (p<0.05) in both species, and albumin (Alb) level decreased significantly (p<0.05) in goats, while Globulin (Glob) was significantly (p<0.05) low in sheep compared with control animals. The results showed that some minerals (Na and K) concentrations in the serum were higher in both sheep and goats compared to the controls. Conclusion: In conclusion infestation of goats with Toxoplama gondii increases the total protein, globulins and significantly decreases the albumin concentrations. For sheep the infestation increases the total protein, albumin and significantly decreases the globulin concentrations. Sheep and goats infected with Toxoplasma gondii showed increased serum sodium, potassium and magnesium levels affecting most of the enzyme systems.

Radiogenic heating sustains long-lived volcanism and magnetic dynamos in super-Earths.

Radiogenic heat production is fundamental to the energy budget of planets. Roughly half of the heat that Earth loses through its surface today comes from the three long-lived, heat-producing elements (potassium, thorium, and uranium). These three elements have long been believed to be highly lithophile and thus concentrate in the mantle of rocky planets. However, our study shows that they all become siderophile under the pressure and temperature conditions relevant to the core formation of large rocky planets dubbed super-Earths. Mantle convection in super-Earths is then primarily driven by heating from the core rather than by a mix of internal heating and cooling from above as in Earth. Partitioning these sources of radiogenic heat into the core remarkably increases the core-mantle boundary (CMB) temperature and the total heat flow across the CMB in super-Earths. Consequently, super-Earths are likely to host long-lived volcanism and strong magnetic dynamos.

Content of Biogenic Elements in Sheep Wool by the Regions of Slovakia.

The quality of nutrition and environmental pollution are crucial chemical indicators influencing animal health, reflected in element concentrations in animal tissues and coats. This study investigates the concentrations of biogenic elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron) in sheep wool from various regions of Slovakia to compare concentrations and identify possible correlations between individual elements. Samples were collected from six different regions, and concentrations of elements were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in element levels among the examined regions. Calcium concentrations ranged from 729.2 to 4065ppm, with the highest concentrations in the Kysuce region and the lowest in the Šariš region. Potassium concentrations ranged from 2315 to 3282ppm, with the lowest values in the Zemplín region and the highest in the Liptov region. Magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron also exhibited varying concentrations across the regions. Correlation analysis identified significant associations between several elements. The findings suggest that regional environmental differences influence element concentrations in sheep wool, highlighting the importance of monitoring biogenic elements for assessing environmental pollution and animal health. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms driving element accumulation in wool and its implications for animal welfare and environmental management.

Produksi Dan Kualitas Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Pada Konsentrasi Dan Waktu Pemberian Pupuk Mono Kalium Phospate (MKP)

Potassium is really needed by melon plants to increase the sweet taste of the fruit. The element potassium can improve the size and quality of fruit during the plant's generative period and can add a sweet taste to the fruit. Meanwhile, phosphorus functions in the process of forming plant flowers and fruit as well as increasing fruit production and ripening. The aims of the research were to study interaction between the concentration and time application of MKP fertilizer on the production and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.) and the effect of concentration and time application of MKP fertilization on the production and quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.). This experiment used Randomized Complete Block Design, which consist 2 factors, first factor was concentration of MKP fertilizer. Second factor was time application of MKP fertilizer. Data obtained were analyzed with F test, and were continued with HSD at 5 percent when significant. Results showed that there is an interaction between the concentration of MKP fertilizer and the time of application of MKP fertilizer for melon production and quality on the parameters of fruit weight, fruit diameter and total soluble solids. Providing MKP fertilizer with a concentration of 9 g.l-1 and application time of MKP fertilizer 42 and 49 days after planting is a good combination for melon production and quality in the parameters of fruit weight (3.16 kg), fruit diameter (13.65 cm), and total dissolved solids (13.73 °brix). Providing MKP fertilizer with a concentration of 9 g.l-1 is the best fertilizer concentration for melon production and quality in the parameters of fruit weight (3.16 kg), fruit diameter (13.65 cm), and total soluble solids (13.73 °brix). MKP fertilizer application time of 42 and 49 HST is the best time for melon production and quality in the parameters of fruit weight (3.16 kg), fruit diameter (13.65 cm), and total soluble solids (13.73 °brix).

Electrical impedance spectroscopy for potassium content analysis and botanical origin identification of honey

Minerals are reported to dominate the electrical properties of honey and indicate its botanical and geographical origins. In this study, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to assess the relation between mineral elements, electrical properties and botanical origin using three honey varieties - Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., and Erica sp. These varieties are identified through pollen analysis and market labelling. Flame atomic absorption and emission spectroscopies were used to quantify the concentrations of eight elements (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron). Among all the mineral elements, potassium showed a consistent correlation with impedance. The potassium estimation in honey and standard solutions (calibration curve) had similar sensitivities of 153.43 nF/mM and 132.68 nF/mM, respectively. Additionally, the analysis revealed that potassium dominates the mineral composition, with the other species present in minimal quantities. The EIS technique showed high sensitivity to potassium and other ionisable species, making it possible to classify the botanical origin of these three honey types. The EIS technique proved to be both time and cost effective, yielding a classification rate higher than that achieved by analysing mineral composition.

Estimation of Total Proteins and Minerals Content of Bovine Brucellosis and Anaplasmosis in Some Local Dairy Farms in Kosti, Sudan

Bovine brucellosis, caused by Brucella abortus, is a significant bacterial infectious zoonotic disease not only poses a threat to animal health but also presents economic challenges and public health concerns due to its potential transmission to humans. Humans can contract the disease through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Bovine anaplasmosis is a haemolytic disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale which can cause adult mortality, abortion, weight loss, and a reduction in performance. This paper described the results obtained from the effects of brucellosis and anaplasmosis on serum proteins and the level of the macro elements (Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium). These minerals play an essential role in animal metabolism. Out of fourteen Bovine serum samples, five samples were found to be positive for Brucella (35.72%) and four samples were found to be positive for Anaplasma (28.57%), the remaining samples were negative. Total protein (Tb) and (Alb) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01) in both brucellosis and anaplasmosis cattle compared with controls. On the other hand Globulin (Glob) was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in brucellosis cattle compared to the controls, also the present study showed that, concentration of Na, Ca, and Mg minerals were significantly increased in case of Brucellosis compared to the controls and significantly low (P<0.05) in potassium level, while animals infected with anaplasmosis showed an increased level of Na and K and decreased level in Mg. In summary, comprehension of laboratory medicine parameters is crucial for monitoring animal health and diagnosing diseases like brucellosis and anaplasmosis. These parameters are essential for implementing effective control measures and ensuring livestock well-being. The objective of this study was to estimate the total proteins and minerals content of Bovine Brucellosis and Anaplasmosis in ...

Concentration Weathering of some Agrochemicals in Runoff and Soil Interface on the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Farm, Ilorin, Nigeria

Agrochemicals are needed to boost agricultural productivity, but substantial quantities are either transported into surface water through runoff or leached into groundwater, which may eventually lead to environmental degradation and pollution. Although several studies have been carried out on the effects of agrochemicals o soil and water qualities but the rate of dissipation of agrochemicals along their pathways are not fully understood yet. The aim of this study therefore was to investigate the level of dissipation of agrochemical elements and compounds as they moved along the furrow. Four experimental fields - NPK fertilizer, urea fertilizer, pesticides (organochlorine) and herbicides (glyphosate) were prepared for this study. The selected agrochemicals were applied on the experimental field and the concentration of chemical elements (electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium, glyphosate and organochlorine) along the furrow were measured at intervals (1 m on a 20 m row) using standard techniques. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, magnesium and potassium concentrations for runoff from NPK fertilizer applied field were: 95.75 - 174.51 µS/cm, 5.72 - 7.54, 0.21 - 0.68%, 0.09 - 0.36%, 0.1 - 0.47 mg L-1, 0.25 - 0.66 mg L-1, 4.63 - 7.88 mg L-1 and 7.28 - 16.15 mg L-1; for runoff from Urea fertilizer applied field, the range were: 176.25 - 186.33 µS/cm, 7.14 - 7.64, 0.21 - 0.48 %, 0.21 - 0.38%, 0.41 - 0.65 mg L-1, 0.23 - 0.49 mg L-1, 5.48 - 7.64 mg L-1and 8. 23 - 10.46 mg L-1. The range of electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and magnesium concentrations for runoff from glyphosate applied field were: 114.00 - 283.78 µS/cm, 6.49 - 7.82, 0.13 - 0.67 mg/kg, 0.03 - 0.09%, 0.41 - 1.60 mg L-1, 0.45 - 2.59 mg L-1, 8.35 - 12.76 mg L-1; and for runoff from organochloride applied field the range were: 344.37 - 380.48 µS/cm, 6.66 - 7.86, 0.30 - 0.56 mg/kg, 0.05 - 0.18%, 0.68 - 0.91 mg L-1, 0.81 - 1.45 mg L-1 12.48 - 14.68 mg L-1. The concentration of agrochemical elements and compounds disintegrate along the furrows on all agrochemical fields except in the case of pH.

Contribution to the optimization of citrus (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka) fruit fertilization using mobile lysimetry in orchards of the Souss-Massa region, Morocco

The growth and development of citrus trees and the quality of their fruits are significantly influenced by the essential role of mineral plant nutrition. This study aimed to improve the productivity of the citrus (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tanaka) orchards by optimizing mineral nutrition through well-monitored fertilization and fertigation aspects using lysimetry. The first phase consisted of studying the behavior of the nutrients in the soil solution at the high root concentration level, analysis of the nutritional status of five varieties of clementines (Sidi Aissa, Cadoux, Orogrande, Nules, and Nour), and the variation of leaf composition in major elements (Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) for the five varieties along phenological stages, through the exploitation of the results of analyses carried out for the management of mineral nutrition in 47 plots of citrus fruit in the Souss-Massa region with the use of lysimetry. The results obtained in this first part revealed an important variation of the nutrients in the soil solution (55.24%) in terms of water inputs, fertilizers, and edaphic conditions, as well as a large variation of foliar compositions (62.98%). The second phase, consisting of regular monitoring of the mineral nutrition dynamics targeting the “Nules” variety grafted on “Citrus macrophylla” affirmed the importance of the citrus fertilization approach for determining the availability, distribution, nutrient interactions in soil solution and plant response by regular leaf diagnostics. Thus, mobile lysimetry offered a powerful tool for achieving both productivity and sustainability in citrus fertilization programs.

Extraction, phytonutrients, the nutraceutical, and mineral analysis of coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil

Coconut oil is edible oil which is derived from the kernels, meat, and milk of the coconut palm fruit. This study aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties, mineral elements, phytochemical content of coconut oil and determines the susceptibility pattern of coconut oil against bacteria. The results revealed the average values of the coconut oil contains for alkaloid, tannin, saponins, flavonoid, phenol, steroid, terpenoid, and glycoside were 38.230 mg/100g, 28.124 mg/100g, 16.185 mg/100g, 29.745 mg/100g, 79.167 mg/100g, 0.915 mg/100g, 1.251 mg/100g, and 0.506 mg/100g respectively; which are considered to be responsible for the many benefits attributed to coconut consumption. The mineral elements such sodium (75.350 ppm), calcium (105.400 ppm), potassium (502.55 ppm), magnesium (24.502 ppm), phosphorus (20.372 ppm), and copper, zinc, iron and manganese were present in moderate amounts of 0.442 ppm, 0.393 ppm, 0.772 ppm, 0.629 ppm respectively. The physicochemical analysis reveal the pH level to be neutral, while other parameters such as nitrate, phosphate and ammonia were not detected. The assay of antibacterial activity of standard bacteria organisms showed that Staphylococcus aureus had the highest susceptibility to coconut oil while Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the least. The utilization of coconut oil should be promoted as a functional food in Nigeria and the use of coconut seed flesh in our diets should be encouraged for health supporting functions.

Analysis of Proximate, Mineral and Phytochemical Composition of fresh and dry Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) in Bida Metropolis, Niger State

Vernonia amygdalina is tropical shrub with high biomass yield which is used to prepare several dishes, it is also utilized as herb for health improvement. This study was carried out to determine, the proximate, mineral and phytochemicals composition of fresh and dry bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) leaves in Bida metropolis. The Vernonia amygdalina leaf samples were evaluated using standard procedures. The result of the proximate analysis show that percentage dry matter and moisture content shows significant (p<0.05) difference between the samples. The percentage ash content and the crude fiber of both samples does not differ significantly (p>0.05). The mean percentage of crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the dry bitter leaf when compared with the values of the fresh bitter leaf. The mineral composition shows Sodium (0.07 ± 0.00 and 0.08 ± 0.00), potassium (0.04 ± 0.00 and 0.06 ± 0.00), calcium content (0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.47 ± 0.02), magnesium (1.33 ± 0.10 and 0.98 ± 0.00) and Phosphorus (2.11 ± 0.17 and 2.18 ± 3.41). The phytochemical analysis shows that flavonoid value was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the fresh bitter leaf sample than the dry bitter leave sample. The dry bitter leaf sample significantly (p<0.05) recorded high value in alkaloid, oxalate and cyanide when compares to the values obtain from the fresh bitter leaf sample. Both the dry and fresh better leaf sample did not differ significantly in term of phytate and tannin composition. According to this study, the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina, both fresh and dry, have varying and significant amounts of secondary metabolites (alkaloid, flavonoid, cyanide, oxalate, and phytate), mineral elements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and Phosphorus), and proximate compositions (moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, protein, and carbohydrate). The outcomes demonstrate the significant health benefits of the two leaves.

Assessment of radioactivity level and associated radiological hazard in fertilizer from Dhaka.

Miners, factory workers, traders, end-users, and foodstuff consumers all run the risk of encountering health hazards derived from the presence of elevated levels of radiation in fertilizers, as these groups often come into direct or indirect contact with fertilizers as well as raw materials throughout various linked processes such as mineral extractions, fertilizer production, agricultural practices. A total of 30 samples of various kinds of fertilizer produced in different factories in Dhaka megacity were analyzed to quantify the concentrations of primordial radionuclides using HPGe detector. Among the analyzed samples, average (range) concentration of 40K was found to be 9920 ± 1091 (8700 ± 957-11,500 ± 1265), 9100 ± 1001 (8600 ± 946-9600 ± 1056), 2565 ± 282 (2540 ± 279-2590 ± 285), and 3560 ± 392 (2620 ± 288-4500 ± 495) Bq/kg in the samples of Muriate of Potash Fertilizer, Sulphate of Potash Fertilizer, Humic Acid Fertilizer, and NPKS Fertilizer, respectively. Elevated concentration of 226Ra was found in Triple Super Phosphate Fertilizer with a mean (range) of 335 ± 37 (290 ± 32-380 ± 42) Bq/kg. The higher activity of 40K can be linked to the greater levels of elemental potassium in phosphate fertilizer. Elevated concentrations of radionuclides may also result from variations in chemical processes as well as the local geology of the mining areas where the raw materials were extracted for fertilizer production. Numerous fertilizer brands surpass prescribed limits for various hazardous parameters, presenting significant health risks to factory workers, farmers, and consumers of agricultural products. This study provides baseline information on the radioactivity of fertilizers, which could be used to develop mitigation methods, establish national fertilizer usage limits, justify regulatory frameworks, and raise public awareness of fertilizer overuse. The findings of the study could potentially help to explore the impact of fertilizer on the food chain.

Enhanced biomimetic catalysis via self-cascade photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production over modified carbon nitride nanozymes for total antioxidant capacity evaluation

The peroxidase mimics usually requires the addition of exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which greatly hinder their practical applications. Herein, through rational co-modification of multiple elements (potassium (K), chlorine (Cl) and iodine (I)), the modified carbon nitride nanomaterials (KCl/KI-CN) could serve as efficient bifunctional catalysts. The multiple elements doping and the incorporation of cyano groups (CN) are deemed to enhance their photocatalytic and peroxidase-like activity, respectively. Based on the photocatalytic function, H2O2 can be produced continuously and steadily via two-electron oxygen reduction over modified carbon nitride under visible light irradiation. Subsequently, the KCl/KI-CN could catalyze the chromogenic substrate by the in-situ produced H2O2. Taking advantage of the bifunctional properties of modified carbon nitride, we for the first time demonstrate a self-cascade catalytic process and apply successfully for the ascorbic acid (AA) detection and versatile total antioxidant capacity (TAC) evaluation. This paper not only prepares an efficiently bifunctional catalyst but also provides a new self-cascade photocatalytic H2O2 production strategy for the peroxidase-like application.

Anthropogenic impact on soil and vegetation in Turkistan region: Chemical composition and heavy metal contamination

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the anthropogenic impact on the soil and vegetation cover of the landscapes of the Turkistan region (southern part of Kazakhstan), and to investigate the chemical composition of elements and pollutants. The current state of landscapes with patterns of distribution of chemical elements and the influence of anthropogenic activity have been revealed. Quantitative indicators of the content of chemical elements (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, potassium, calcium, titanium, iron, lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, thallium, manganese, and strontium) were studied based on soil samples. The levels of concentration of chemical elements of vegetation cover, aboveground and underground parts (carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, iron and copper) were assessed. The results of the chemical analysis of the soil cover revealed an excess of the maximum permissible concentration of chemical elements (lead, copper, zinc, arsenic, and chromium), while elevated levels of insoluble ash were observed in plants.

Structural Characterization of Biomass from Crassiphycus birdiae in natura and Residual

Macroalgae contains micro and macromolecules of great interest for various sectors, for example, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These compounds can be obtained through different extraction methods, among them the use of organic solvents with varying polarities. In this study, materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry in the seaweed biomasses before and after an extraction process with organic solvents. The red macroalgae Crassiphycus birdiae, cultivated on the northeast coast of Brazil, appeared, after extraction, as an amorphous material with some porosity. Its composition includes the elements carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and iron. The presence of the agar polysaccharide was also verified by infrared spectroscopy. The decomposition of this polysaccharide was observed using differential scanning calorimetry.

Effect of Spraying Potassium and Selenium on the Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Bean Plant (Phaseolus vulgares L.) Affected by Water Stress

A field experiment was conducted at the University of Diyala - College of Agriculture - site of graduate students’ research projects during the spring season 2022, for the purpose of studying the effect of spraying the elements selenium and potassium on climbing bean plants in addressing the harmful effect of water stress and its effect on vegetative characteristics (plant height, leaf area, Chlorophyll content, number of leaves and dry weight of the plant) of the bean plant. The experiment was designed according to the split split plot design (RCBD). It was a factorial experiment with three factors. The experimental parameters included the following: Three levels of water stress according to the field capacity (20%)., 40%, 60%) denoted by the symbol (W1, W2, W3) and three levels of spraying with potassium (0, 500, 1000) mg.L-1 denoted by the symbol (K0, K1, K2) and three levels of spraying with selenium (0, 5, 10) are symbolized by (Se0, Se1, Se2), The climbing bean plant was cultivated, and the results showed that water stress at (60%) of the field capacity led to a decrease in the studied characteristics. The triple interaction between the three factors of the study treated the damage of water stress through the presence of an increase in the percentage of all studied vegetative characteristics when spraying with potassium and selenium.

The Effect of Inoculation with Mycorrhiza Fungi and Organic Fertilization on the Content of Plant Nutrient-Absorbing and Heavy Elements of Chrysanthemum Calendula Officinalis L.

The experiment was carried out in the wooden canopy of the Department of horticulture and garden Engineering - Faculty of Agriculture-Tikrit University - during the agricultural season 2020-2021 in plastic pots and planting Chrysanthemum seedlings, the seeds of which were planted in Cork dishes on 10/1/2020, transferring seedlings to plastic pots with a diameter of 14 cm. When forming from 5-4 real leaves. 1-Use Two-level compost (with and without compost) manufactured from printing papers in a ratio of (1: 3), i.e. 3 paper compost and 1 soil. It will be served by an industrial batmoos with a ratio of (2-1). And mixed soil for (Control). 2-inoculation with mycorrhiza fungus of the type Glomus mosseae at two levels (with and without inoculation. 3-use chemical fertilizer with three levels (without fertilizer, half recommendation and full recommendation) It produces 18 transactions that are repeated three times to make 54 trial units. The results showed that inoculation with mycorrhiza fungi led to a significant increase in the dry weight rate and the relative chlorophyll content of the Chrysanthemum plant, the favorable increase for pollinated plants over non-pollinated plants was (32.3, 7 %) the increase in the absorbing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (37, 37, 33.3 %) respectively, while inoculation with mycorrhiza fungi reduced the absorption of heavy elements by (45.7,60,40,16.6 %) for the elements zinc, lead, cadmium and arsenic respectively, The results showed the importance of inoculation with mycorrhiza fungi in increasing plant growth by increasing the efficiency of absorption of plant nutrients and reducing the absorption of heavy elements.

Effect of Cucumber mosaic virus Infection on Certain Mineral Elements, Vitamin C, Carbohydrates and Enzymes of some Tomato Cultivars

This study aimed to test the response of certain components in tomato plants against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and to understand the impact of the infection on the content of some mineral elements (calcium, potassium, and phosphorus), vitamin C, carbohydrates, and enzymes (peroxidases and catalases), as well as the amino acid proline in tomato fruits for ten tomato cultivars. The study was conducted in the Plant Viruses Laboratory and plastic greenhouses, Plant Protection Department at the College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, during the growing season 2022-2023. The results of sensitivity testing for the ten cultivars used in the study showed that sensitivity varies among different cultivars. Some cultivars, namely Madena, Zenga, and Joleen, demonstrated lower sensitivity (44.44%, 46.66%, and 50% respectively) compared to certain cultivars classified as highly sensitive to CMV, such as Heba and Bayan, with sensitivity values of 88.88% and 100% respectively. The results showed that viral infection had a clear effect on reducing the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the cultivars infected with CMV. The Basmah and Heba cultivars were the most affected, with levels reaching 28.10 mmol.L-1 and 1.92 mmol.L-1, respectively. These levels were significantly different from their levels in non-infected plants, which were 44.30 mmol.L-1 and 3.22 mmol.L-1, respectively. Furthermore, viral infection also had a significant impact on reducing the levels of carbohydrates and vitamin C, with rates of 27.03% and 6.62 mg g-1 FW (fresh weight), respectively. On the other hand, the levels of potassium, peroxidases, catalases, and the amino acid proline increased in the cultivars infected with CMV, reaching levels of 79.93 ppm, 11.53 U.mL-1, 1.47 U.mL-1, and 62.4 μg ml-1, respectively. These levels were significantly different from those in non-infected plants, which were 45.57 ppm, 4.49 U.ml-1, 0.63 U.ml-1, and 28.6 μg ml-1, respectively.