Fertile Plants Research Articles

THE IMPORTANCE OF BREEDING PROGRESS IN WINTER WHEAT PRODUCTION

The impact of breeding on winter wheat yields and the use of the generated yield potential in production were assessed. The results of trials of Research Centre for Cultivar Testing (COBORU) from 1966-2022, data from the Seed Inspection (IN) from 1986-2001 and Plant Health And Seed Inspection (PIORiN) from 2002-2023 regarding the varietal structure of seed production of winter wheat and production data on wheat yield in production were used according to Statistics Poland. To assess the effects of breeding, the method of changing the yield potential of varieties was used. In this method, we use indexes determining the yield-producing capacity of individual varieties in relation to the standard. Changes in yield trends in variety experiments and production were analyzed. The growing importance of the variety as a factor enabling further increase in yield and the effect of breeding on the increase in yield potential has been demonstrated despite limitations in the use of nitrogen fertilization and chemical plant protection products. The existing yield gap between trials and production, amounting to approximately 55%, indicates great opportunities to further increase yields in production through better use of the yield potential of varieties created by breeding.

Mapping of Rf20(t), a minor fertility restorer gene for rice wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility in the maintainer line 'Zhenshan97B'.

Three-line hybrid rice has primarily been developed on wild abortive (WA)-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and has helped increase the yield of rice globally. The development of WA-type CMS lines and hybrids was expedited through the identification and mapping of the fertility restorer gene (Rf) in maintainers. This study observed fertile plants in WA-TianfengA/Zhenshan97B//TianfengB population, indicating that the maintainer line 'Zhenshan97B' should carry Rfs for WA-type CMS. Several advanced backcross populations were generated with the genetic background of the 'WA-TianfengA,' and the pollen fertility levels of the backcrossed individuals in BC3F1, BC4F1 and BC4F2 populations are governed by a new gene, Rf20(t), from 'Zhenshan97B.' Employing bulk segregant analysis of fertile and sterile pools from the BC4F1 population, Rf20(t) was genetically mapped to a candidate region on chromosome 10. Subsequently, Rf20(t) was located between RM24883 and RM24919 through recombination analysis of molecular markers using the BC4F2 population. Implementing a substitution mapping strategy, Rf20(t) was ultimately mapped to a 245-kb region between the molecular markers STS10-122 and STS10-126 and obtained the most likely candidate gene LOC_Os10g02650, which is predicted to encode pentatricopeptide repeat-containing (PPR) protein. These results enhance our understanding of the fertility restoration of WA-type CMS lines, facilitating the development of high-quality pairs of WA-type CMS and maintainer lines.

A combined compost, dolomite, and endophyte addition is more effective than single amendments for improving phytorestoration of metal contaminated mine tailings

Background and aimsRe-vegetation of mining-impacted landscapes reduces transport of toxic elements while improving soil fertility. This study evaluated whether the planting of a native perennial grass with a consortium of diazotrophic microbial endophytes and municipal waste compost—alone and in combination—enhanced plant growth while stabilizing metal(loids) in dolomite-amended tailings from a historically mined polymetallic mineral deposit.MethodsWe grew Bouteloua curtipendula seedlings in tailings with hazardous concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Zn. We evaluated how plant growth, organic matter accumulation, and major, minor, and trace element mobilization and phytostabilization responded to microbial endophyte and/or compost amendments after the 45-day growth experiment.ResultsAlthough most of the added endophytes were not uniquely identified, the best plant growth and fertility outcomes were achieved with a combination of amendments: dolomite to reduce acidity, compost to increase nitrogen, and a mixed consortium endophyte seed coating to synergistically increase organic carbon and grass biomass yields. Compost reduced shoot and root concentrations—but not yields—of contaminant metals. Endophytes increased foliar Cd, Co, Mn, and Pb yields but mobilized Pb and Zn from the tailings. Root stabilization of Cd, Co, Mn did not require amendments.ConclusionThe most effective means of revegetating these acidic, polymetallic tailings with the native B. curtipendula is with a simultaneous dolomite, compost, and endophyte seed treatment. Due to potential phosphate solubilization and siderophore production by this consortium of endophytes, strategies to capture solubilized metal(loids) may be needed for sulfidic tailings with metal(loids) associated with mobile mineral phases.

The Nutritional Content Found in Rhizophora Mangrove Fruits in Sondaken Village, Tatapaan Subdistrict, South Minahasa

Mangroves are fertile plants that dominate the coastal areas. The fruit of the Rhizophora mangrove can be used as food and beverage ingredients, containing numerous nutrients for the human body. The mangrove fruit contains carbohydrates, water, protein, fat, as well as secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins, and saponins. The aim of this research is to determine the nutritional content of the Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, and Rhizophora stylosa mangrove fruits in Sondaken Village, Tatapaan Subdistrict, South Minahasa. This study employs a descriptive research method, where laboratory experiments were conducted using the SNI 01-2891-1992 method at the Baristand Manado laboratory. The nutritional analysis results for Rhizophora apiculata showed a water content of 62.17%, ash content of 1.09%, protein content of 0.59%, fat content of 0.79%, crude fiber content of 5.45%, and carbohydrate content of 35.36%. For Rhizophora mucronata, the analysis revealed a water content of 65.54%, ash content of 3.07%, protein content of 1.27%, fat content of 0.74%, crude fiber content of 7.52%, and carbohydrate content of 29.38%. Lastly, Rhizophora stylosa had a water content of 64.77%, ash content of 3.547%, protein content of 1.30%, fat content of 1.63%, crude fiber content of 7.14%, and carbohydrate content of 28.76%. These results indicate that mangrove fruits have numerous benefits and contain valuable nutrients and good nutritional value for the body. By preserving the mangrove ecosystem and utilizing the nutrients found in the fruits and leaves, there is an opportunity to explore their potential as alternative natural remedies

RICE RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHALLENGES EXPLORING DROUGHT RESPONSE IN RICE GENOTYPES

Climate change is posing significant challenges to agriculture, threatening global food security. Among these challenges, drought stress is a formidable obstacle to rice production, a staple food for billions. Drought stress disrupts vital physiological processes, causing yield losses and impacting grain quality. Developing drought-tolerant rice varieties is essential to ensure food production and farmers' livelihoods. This study explores the drought tolerance potential of six Basmati rice genotypes: Basmati 198 (G1), Basmati 385 (G2), Rachna basmati (G3), Super Basmati (G4), Shaheen basmati (G5), and Basmat 2000 (G6). These genotypes have previously demonstrated submergence tolerance. By subjecting them to drought stress, we aim to assess their adaptability to multiple stressors, crucial in changing climates. A Randomized Complete Block Design was employed, ensuring methodological rigor. Seedlings were transplanted into the field, and drought stress was induced during the booting stage. We monitored various traits, including plant height, productive tillers, panicle length, spikelet numbers, fertility, branches, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Statistical analyses revealed significant genotype-specific responses to drought. Results showed significant differences among genotypes under both control and drought conditions, underscoring genetic variability. Drought stress significantly impacted most traits. Basmat 2000 (G6) demonstrated superior performance under drought conditions. Clustering analysis revealed genetic diversity among genotypes, offering insights for breeding programs. Correlation analysis highlighted the importance of specific traits for grain yield. In conclusion, this study contributes to understanding genetic diversity among Basmati rice genotypes under drought stress. The findings emphasize the need for developing drought-tolerant rice varieties and offer valuable insights for sustainable rice cultivation in changing climates.

In Vitro Peanut Culture: From Seed to Seed

AbstractIn vitro plants are widely used in biotechnology studies. In general, tissue culture requires special skills in order to obtain healthy and fertile axenic plants. Peanuts are considered recalcitrant, meaning they are difficult to regenerate under in vitro conditions. Thus, in vitro completion of the peanut plant cycle is the limiting factor in projects that require plant and seed recovery when applying molecular tools such as CRISPR. The protocols presented here allow for obtaining multiple shoots by micropropagation and inducing these shoots to produce flowers that successfully result in fertile pegs and pods, completing the life cycle under in vitro conditions. This is a significant step to perform studies that require axenic conditions in their entirety. These protocols outline the steps required to micropropagate Georgia 06G peanut plants under aseptic conditions, prepare culture medium, maintain shoot multiplication cultures, induce flowering and pegging, and maintain culture conditions to allow the development of pods. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.Basic Protocol 1: Seed sterilization and germinationBasic Protocol 2: Shoot multiplicationBasic Protocol 3: Flower inductionBasic Protocol 4: Peg formation

Pengaruh Kombinasi Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan Konsentrasi Pupuk Organik Briket terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Varietas Prancis Petite Orange .

Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) is an ornamental plant that has benefits in various sectors. The quantity of marigold flower production is related to the cultivation technique used. Soil conditions also affect the level of plant fertility. This can be overcome by means of fertilization. The aim of this study was to obtain a combination of doses of cow manure and bricket organic fertilizer concentration which gave the highest growth and yield of marigold plants (Tagetes patula L.) var French Petite Orange. The research was conducted at the Soursop Gardens of Casamora, City Parks and Forest Service, Ciganjur, Jagakarsa, DKI Jakarta in March - June 2023. The research method used was an experimental method with a Single Factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 5 treatments repeated 5 time. The treatment consisted of A (0 ton/ha Cow Manure + 0 ml Organic Fertilizer Briquette) (control), B (15 ton/ha Cow Manure + 1.5 ml/liter of water Briquette Organic Fertilizer), C (20 ton/ha Manure Cattle + 1.5 ml/liter of water Organic Fertilizer Briquettes), D (15 tons/ha Cow Manure + 3 ml/liter of water Organic Fertilizer Briquettes), E (20 tons/ha Cow Manure + 3 ml/liter of Briquette Organic Fertilizer water ). The results showed that there was a significant effect of giving a combination of doses of cow manure and briquette organic fertilizer concentration in treatment E (20 tons/ha of cow manure + 3 ml/liter of water of briquette organic fertilizer) on flower diameter (32.49 mm), number of flowers (7.47), the number of branches (6.07) the yield of fresh weight of flowers (10.19 g), the yield of dry weight of flowers (3.74 grams), the yield of total fresh weight of plants (192.69 g), and the yield of dry weight total plant (54.55 g).

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.

Defoliation and fertilisation differentially moderate root trait effects on soil abiotic and biotic properties.

Root functional traits are known to influence soil properties that underpin ecosystem functioning. Yet few studies have explored how root traits simultaneously influence physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, or how these responses are modified by common grassland perturbations that shape roots, such as defoliation and fertilisation.Here, we explored how root traits of a wide range of grassland plant species with contrasting resource acquisition strategies (i.e. conservative vs. exploitative strategy plant species) respond to defoliation and fertilisation individually and in combination, and examined cascading impacts on a range of soil abiotic and biotic properties that underpin ecosystem functioning.We found that the amplitude of the response of root traits to defoliation and fertilisation varied among plant species, in most cases independently of plant resource acquisition strategies. However, the direction of the root trait responses (increase or decrease) to perturbations was consistent across all plant species, with defoliation and fertilisation exerting opposing effects on root traits. Specific root length increased relative to non-perturbed control in response to defoliation, while root biomass, root mass density, and root length density decreased. Fertilisation induced the opposite responses. We also found that both defoliation and fertilisation individually enhanced the role of root traits in regulating soil biotic and abiotic properties, especially soil aggregate stability. Synthesis: Our results indicate that defoliation and fertilisation, two common grassland perturbations, have contrasting impacts on root traits of grassland plant species, with direct and indirect short-term consequences for a wide range of soil abiotic and biotic properties that underpin ecosystem functioning.

INFLUENCE OF WINTER WHEAT PLANTS’ FOLIAR ERTILIZATION ON CROP’S YIELD AND QUALITY

The article presents the results of experimental studies on the effect of foliar fertilization of winter wheat plants of sort Amandus with complex water-soluble fertilizers NAIS grain and Accelerator Micro on the background of N100Р58К100 on grain yield and quality. The research was conducted at Normagro LLC, Berdychiv district, Zhitomir region. The experiment included fertilizing winter wheat plants at the IV-V stages of crop organogenesis. The research was conducted on gray forest loamy soils. The use of these fertilizers proved to be quite effective. Compared with the background, the addition of conventional fertilizer with the studied fertilizers contributed to the increase in ear length and increase in the number of ears in the ear. The effect of using Акселератор Мікро was especially noticeable. The addition of background doses of fertilizers to the studied foliar fertilizers in our experiment affected the mass fraction of the crop, as evidenced by the data. At fertilizer N100P58K100 – received a crop – 6,08 t/ha, at N100P58K100 + «NAIS grain», 1,5 l/ha – productivity was 6,56 t/ha, at N100P58K100 + «Accelerator Micro» 1,5 kg/ha – 6,78 t/ha. In addition, the effect of combining the usual doses of fertilizers with foliar fertilization on the formation of the structure of the ear of wheat was studied. Among the studied parameters were the weight of one ear, the weight of 1000 grains, the nature of the grain. The weight of the ear with fertilizer N100R58K100 was –1,12 g, with N100R58K100 + «NAIS grain» (1,5 l/ha) – 1,17 g, and with N100P58K100 + «Accelerator Micro» (1,5 kg/ha) – 1,21 g, weight of 1000 grains – 42,3 g, 45,6 g, 48,9 g and nature of grain – 735 g/l, 745 g/l, 751 g/l respectively. The effect of the use of these fertilizers on the quality of the grain seed, in particular on the content of protein, gluten, ash and glassiness of the grain, was positive. A significant increase was obtained with the use of «Accelerator Micro», compared with «NAIS grain».

Enhancing Biocrust Development and Plant Growth through Inoculation of Desiccation-Tolerant Cyanobacteria in Different Textured Soils.

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utilization of cyanobacteria for the purpose of land rehabilitation via enhancements in soil fertility, prevent erosion, and counter desertification. This study evaluated the ability of Nostoc calcicola BOT1, Scytonema sp. BOT2, and their consortia to form biocrusts on the substrate of coarse sand, fine sand, and loamy soil. A nutrient- and water-deficient substrate was inoculated with cyanobacteria to facilitate biocrust formation and evaluate their impact on agriculture. Cyanobacteria inoculation resulted in significant improvements in soil fertility, especially in coarse and fine sand, which initially had the lowest fertility. The findings of this investigation underscore that the consortium of cyanobacteria exhibited greater efficacy than individual strains in enhancing soil fertility and stimulating plant growth. The loamy soil treated with the consortium had the highest plant growth across all soil types, in contrast to the individual strains. The consortium of cyanobacteria showed promising results in promoting biocrust formation and fostering rice seedling growth in fine sand. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the potential utility of cyanobacterial consortia as a valuable tool for the rehabilitation of degraded land. Furthermore, the results indicate that cyanobacterial species can persist in soil environments even following prolonged periods of desiccation.

Use of marine minerals obtained through an innovative process with added silver for the cultivation and protection of Solanum lycopersicum

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of (FertilTomix: a product based on minerals and organic molecules from the sea) obtained from an innovative extraction process and its ability to increase plant defence capabilities following the addition of silver to seeded Solanum lycopersicum plants. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in January 2023, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Solanum lycopersicum cv “Siccagno”. The plants were placed in ø 24 cm pots; 30 plants per thesis, divided into 3 replicas of 10 plants each. The experimentation was divided into two parallel trials, one concerning the growth and biostimulation of tomato plants. The second experiment, instead, concerned the use of sprayed FertilTomix in the protection from pathogenic fungi (Phytophthora infestans, Leivellula taurica). On August 28, 2023, plant height (measured at 70 days after transplanting), plant nodes (measured at 70 days after transplanting), leaf area index, total dry biomass, fruit fresh weight and total fruit number have been evaluated. In addition, plants affected by diseases were counted. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, irrespective of the extraction process, was able to significantly increase total plant growth, berry yield and weight, and reduce the mortality of Solanum lycopersicum plants. As found in the experiment in the treated theses, a significant increase in plant height and number of nodes per plant was noted, as well as a significant increase in total LAI. Differences were also noted between FertilTomix as such and FertilTomix enriched with silver; the former product worked better in the vegetative and root stimulation of the plants, while the product enriched with silver defended the plants better against attacks by Phytipthora infestans and Leivellula taurica. The use of this product is very interesting especially for those places where there is no water for irrigation and where fertilisers are scarce. The use of this product could obviate both problems. There are as yet no cost-effective technologies and processes in the world that can extract useful minerals from seawater for plant fertilisation and recycle the process water that can be used for irrigation. Conclusions: The test demonstrated a significant effect on plant growth after the application of certain extracts obtained from an innovative process of extracting minerals from seawater. In addition, it emerged that the product could also be used for plant protection when enriched with silver. This product would be very useful especially in countries where water resources and fertilisers are scarce, with the possibility of producing them on site through innovative facilities.

Community regeneration based on the distribution and population structure of Syringa fauriei H. Lév. (Oleaceae), a rare and endemic plant in Korea

To meet the specific targets of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation of 2020 (GSPC-2020), data of species traits for each plant species are investigated. This study investigated a Korean endemic plant (Syringa fauriei H. Lev.) in terms of its current distribution across the southern-central regions of the Korean peninsula, vegetative conditions in natural habitats, distributional characteristics, and population structure. Syringa fauriei was located at the river borders, where vegetative conditions were either limestone and non-limestone zones. The upstream limestone zones offered suitable areas for the distribution of S. fauriei and were epicenters of their distribution. The mature individuals produced seeds. The population structure displayed a stable, reverse J-shape, consisting of an abundance of seedlings and young plants with a few fertile plants that supplied the seeds for population growth; this was termed the ‘ecological founder effect’. In the limestone zones, the S. fauriei community formed on the borders of streams with water flow, implying that the cycle of community generation, growth, and extinction was repeated according to the stream disturbance dynamics. For S. fauriei conservation, naturality of stream environments should be maintained.

The Effect of Different Fertilization Frequency on Some Nutrient Content of Palm Plant Grown in Peat Swamp

The lack of suitable land (S1) for oil palm plantations is the reason for the current use of marginal land (S3) in oil palm plantations, both for companies and smallholders. Peat swampland has good potential if the care and fertilization of plants is carried out according to the standards according to the conditions of the land. Peat swampland has high acidity, and land conditions are often flooded. Application of fertilizer in a timely manner and the right dose is one of the keys to the success of oil palm plantations. This study aimed to determine the effect of the frequency of fertilizer application on the nutrient content of oil palm leaves. There were three fertilization treatments, namely 1) 0.6 kg/tree was applied once a month, 2) 1.8 kg/tree was applied once per three months, and 3.6 kg/tree was applied once per six months. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design. The results showed that the frequency of fertilization significantly affected the nutritional content of oil palm leaves. The average nutrient content of fertilization with a frequency of six months has the lowest nutrition compared to other frequencies. The best frequency of fertilization is 0.6 kg/tree, which is applied every month. Fertilization on peatlands that is carried out regularly and in a balanced dose is more important than the application of high doses of fertilizer with a long frequency of fertilization. This is related to palm oil feeding root distribution, which is limited to a swamp depth of 0-60 cm.

Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization on plant growth, element levels in plants and soil, and the relationships among nutrient concentrations, plant yield, and nutrient status in Erythropalum scandens (Blume)

Erythropalum scandens is a leafy vegetable that grows in southern and southwestern China. While nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization as well as organic fertilization in early-stage plants have been well-studied, little is known about the nutrient requirements of it. We therefore conducted a series of pot experiments based on the 3414 strategy (3 factors, 4 levels, and 14 treatments) for N, P, and K fertilization to examine the effects on the soil properties, plant growth morphology, and NPK status of 1.5-year-old E. scandens seedlings. The Diagnosis Recommendation Integrated System was applied at the end of the fertilization period to determine the relationships between nutrient concentration, plant yield, and nutrient status. The results showed that, compared to the control, a better growth status was achieved in response to all treatments except the N0P2K2 treatment. The N, P, and K concentrations and contents in the roots, stems, and leaves of the seedlings differed depending on the treatment. Excessive fertilization, especially excess P, led to soil acidification (N2P3K2, pH 5.88). The optimum concentration ranges of N, P, and K in leaves were 17.138–18.434, 0.002–1.106, and 6.325–10.087 g/kg, respectively. Our study indicates that E. scandens seedlings have a stronger sensitivity to N levels than to K or P levels. A deficiency of N caused yellow, scarce leaves, and a low yield whereas excessive N poisoned the roots and adversely affected the growth of aboveground parts of the plants. Most treatments in the high-yield group resulted in a balanced nutrient status.

Differential Effects of Organic Inputs on Soil Fertility and Growth of Tea Plants

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate how newly planted biclonal Tocklai stock tea varieties (TS 462, TS 463, TS 520, and TS 589) respond to compost in a series of treatment including control (without application), cow dung, vermicompost, municipal solid waste compost, and homemade kitchen waste compost applications. A total of 20 tea plants (5 plants of each tea variety) were planted in plastic buckets of equal size (16 litres). 300 gm. of compost was applied to each plant continuously at an interval of 25 to 30 days for the initial six months, and then compost application was discontinued for the next six months. Data were collected before, during, and after compost application. The highest growth in plant height (11cm to 51 cm), number of leaves (33 to 95), and number of branches (8 to 15) were recorded in the tea plants of the TS 463 variety. The pH of soil samples was found in the range of 4.72 to 6.61. The pH level of the acidic soil was slightly increased by the compost application. The average SOM% ranged from 6.88% to 11.94%, and it was found that a good SOM% was supportive of the good growth of the tea crop. N% was found between 0.85% and 0.217%, and P levels were found between 18 ppm and 50 ppm. The suitable N% and P levels affect plant growth most significantly in terms of the number of leaves and the number of stems. SOM% was found to be highest in vermicompost-treated soil, N% and P levels were optimal in home-made kitchen waste compost, and K levels were highest in cow dung-treated soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that an integrated compost application can be recommended for ideal growth and good plant health status for sustainable tea production.

Transformation of Poultry Wastes and Oil Palm Residues into Liquid Fertilizers and its Use in the Fertilization of Oil Palm at the Juvenile Stage

The use of organic fertilizers is beneficial and less expensive if applied in adequate doses. This is how the present investigation aims to determine the optimal quantities of vermiwash based on poultry waste and oil palm residues to be applied to oil palms in prenurseries and in nurseries. To do this, different quantities of this locally manufactured vermiwash constituted the treatments applied to the oil palms at the juvenile stage. Growth parameters such as collar diameter, length of longest leaf, number of leaves emitted, and height of seedlings and plants were assessed. At the prenursery stage, the results obtained showed that, whatever the growth parameter, the maximum values were recorded at a dose of 30 ml of vermiwash per seedling. In the nursery, the maximum values were recorded, on the one hand, at the dose of 100 ml in foliar application and, on the other hand, at the dose of 150 ml in application on the substrate. These different doses therefore constitute the optimal doses for the development of the oil palm at the prenursery and nursery stages. Vermiwash from poultry waste and oil palm residues therefore contributes to the development of oil palm at the prenursery and nursery stages and, thus, can be an alternative to chemical fertilization of plants.

A dirty job: dishwasher wastewater reuse and upcycle through an ad hoc engineered microbial consortium

In the framework of regenerative circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals #6, water demand and wastewater production are a crucial environmental issue. To cope with this, a system called Zero Mile has been conceived to reuse/upcycle the dishwasher wastewater in both fertilisation of a vertical garden (for home plant production at zero mile) and the subsequent dishwasher rinsing cycle. The core of the Zero Mile system is a biofilter constituted by an ad hoc engineered microbial consortium, based on the mutualistic relationship between autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial partners, that makes the biodegradative process sustainable over time. Two semi-batch tests were performed to evaluate the capability and the efficiency of the microbial consortium to operate in conditions mimicking the Zero Mile system: consortia were challenged in two dishwasher wastewater volumes (50 and 500 mL), with a replenishing rate of 4 days for ¼ of the dishwasher wastewater volume. The results of these tests showed that the consortium thrives well in dishwasher wastewater over time and can survive with the volume and rates of replenishments. Next Generation Sequencing showed that the microbial consortium maintains a stable taxonomic composition, and chemical analyses demonstrated a very high bioremediation efficiency (total nitrogen and phosphorus removal). Aiming to contribute to the circular economy approach, the consortium ‘treated’ dishwasher wastewater was useful for plant fertilisation, as demonstrated by pigment content and quality indices (total phenols and flavonoids, soluble solids) measured in the lettuce plants grown in the Zero Mile demonstrator and watered with consortium reclaimed dishwasher wastewater.

Silicon application influences the imbalance between nitrogen and potassium fertilization in young olive plants

Silicon application influences the imbalance between nitrogen and potassium fertilization in young olive plants

Sage leaf rock rose water extract: a bio-solution for enhancing the growth and salt stress resistance of sorghum plants.

Sorghum bicolor, a versatile cereal grain, holds significant agronomic importance globally and plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. However, salinity, a major abiotic stress, poses a threat to food production by reducing soil fertility and hindering plant growth and yield. In this study, we investigated the potential of Cistus salviifolius water extract (CSE) in mitigating salt stress in sorghum plants. Salt stress severely impacted plant growth, biomass, and chlorophyll production, and reduced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels, which negatively affected plant development. Salt stress also led to the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hence, resulting in oxidative harm to sorghum plants and also affecting their carbon and nitrogen metabolism. On the other hand, CSE treatments increased IAA and chlorophyll content which promoted growth under stress. Furthermore, this extract exhibited strong ROS scavenging capacity and safeguarded plants against oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione reductase) and increasing the production of osmolytes. Additionally, CSE treatments enhanced the activities of carbon/nitrogen enzymes (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and glutamine synthase), promoting energy synthesis and crop growth. This led to a significant increase in sorghum growth in salted soil with the highest rise recorded for 5mg/L of CSE (an increase of 48.23% and 158.36% in length and weight compared to the salt control), which highlights this extract's potential as a biostimulant to enhance crop tolerance to salinity and contribute to sustainable agriculture.