Fertility Conditions Research Articles

A rare deleterious missense mutation in the AXIN2 gene in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorders and characterized by polycystic ovary morphology and oligomenorrhea, affecting fertility and health condition of female around the world. The causative factors of PCOS are complex, and genetic structure remains a long-standing medical challenge in genetics. Previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) showed that Wing-less-related integration site (Wnt) signaling is the most affected pathway among PCOS-related risk genes, and genetic mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling may lead to abnormal development of PCOS. To explore the possibility of axis inhibitor-2 (AXIN2) variants in Chinese women with PCOS and assess their pathogenicities. A total of 365 Chinese women with PCOS and 905 women without PCOS as control were recruited from Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, All of the 11 exons and flanking regions of the AXIN2 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the potential variants were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. The evolutionary conservation analysis of the identified Axin-2 mutant was analyzed among 15 vertebrates from human to zebrafish. The protein structure change was analyzed between the wild-type and mutation-type. The pathogenicity of AXIN2 variant was further analyzed in silico. We totally identified 7 genetic variants of AXIN2 in this study, including 4 synonymous and 3 missense. Among them, we find a rare deleterious missense variant [p.R714W (c.2140C > T)]. The allele frequencies of this variant were 0.82% and 0.17% in PCOS cases and matched controls, respectively. And it was ranging from 7.89e-5 to 1.47e-4 in public databases. Fisher's exact test indicated that the allele frequencies in PCOS were p < 0.05 compared to both the controls and the databases. Especially, the mutant amino acid site is highly conserved in vertebrates, while the mutation changed the 714th arginine to tryptophan resulting in significant change in the protein structural of Axin-2. In this study, we identified a rare deleterious missense AXIN2 mutation [p.R714W (c.2140C > T)] in Chinese women with PCOS, and this mutant is probably pathogenic. This study may provide a new perspective on revealing the genetic variation of PCOS.

Differences in starch and protein composition, morphological and structure, and their impacts on eating quality of soft japonica rice under different light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions in southern China

Differences in starch and protein composition, morphological and structure, and their impacts on eating quality of soft japonica rice under different light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions in southern China

PERFORMANCE OF GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea L.) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCED BY PHOSPHORUS AND MULCHING IN THE NIGERIA SAVANNA

The study on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) performance under different rates of phosphorus and mulching in the Nigeria savannas addresses challenges of low soil fertility and harsh climatic conditions. Groundnut, an important crop in Nigeria, is limited by phosphorus deficiency and soil moisture stress in the savannas. Phosphorus is vital for root development, flowering, and seed production but is often deficient in the region’s alkaline soils. Mulching helps conserve moisture, reduce erosion, and improve fertility by adding organic matter. Identifying optimal combinations of phosphorus and mulching can enhance groundnut yield and sustainability. Field trials were conducted at the Irrigation Research Farms of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru and Kadawa in dry season of 2024 to evaluate two varieties of groundnut (SAMNUT-24 and SAMNUT-25), three phosphorus rates 0, 30 and 60 kgP205ha-1), and three mulch materials (no mulch, polythene sheet and rice straw). Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed SAMNUT-24 excelled in branches, canopy spread and shoots dry weight, while SAMNUT-25 produced higher pod yield and harvest index. Applying 60 kgP205 ha-1 improved leaves, pod yield and harvest index, while polythene sheets enhanced leaf number and canopy spread. Both varieties performed well under irrigation. SAMNUT-24 and SAMNUT-25 with 60 kgP2O5ha-1 and rice straw mulch is recommended for farmers. Further research is needed to explore phosphorus rates with new/improved varieties.

Differences in carbon and nitrogen metabolism of soft japonica rice in southern China during grain filling stage under different light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions and their relationship with rice eating quality

Light and nitrogen are crucial environmental factors that significantly impact rice growth and quality formation. Currently, there is a lack of systematic research on how light and nitrogen affect carbon and nitrogen metabolism during grain filling, subsequently affecting the eating quality of rice. To address this gap, field experiments were conducted under varying light intensities and nitrogen fertilizer levels to investigate the changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism during grain filling, the eating quality of rice at maturity, and the relationship between them. The findings revealed that, 50% light intensity suppressed carbon metabolism while stimulating nitrogen metabolism, resulting in a reduction in the C/N ratio, decreased starch content by 4.30% to 5.59%, and elevated protein content by 21.31% to 29.70%, thereby leading to decreased rice eating quality by 10.06% to 11.42%. Conversely, the application of panicle fertilizer boosted nitrogen metabolism while hindering carbon metabolism, leading to a decrease in the C/N ratio, increased protein content by 21.31% to 29.70%, and reduced starch content by1.60% to 2.93%, thereby leading to decreased rice eating quality by 4.13% to 6.71%. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the C/N ratio and carbon metabolism-related enzyme activities and products, along with a significant negative correlation with nitrogen metabolism-related enzyme activities and products, suggesting that the C/N ratio can serve as an indicator of carbon and nitrogen metabolism levels. Further analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the C/N ratio and taste value, indicating that higher levels of carbon metabolism promote the development of good rice eating quality, while nitrogen metabolism exerts an opposing influence. In summary, notable variances in carbon and nitrogen metabolism were observed within the same japonica rice cultivar under diverse light and nitrogen fertilizer conditions. These metabolic differences impact the synthesis of starch and protein in the endosperm, ultimately influencing rice quality. Our study contributes to a more profound comprehension of the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in rice by light and nitrogen fertilizer, as well as their role in determining eating quality.

Soil fertility differences due to tillage methods modulate maize yield formation at different planting densities

To address the problems of planting density and low soil nutrient content in maize cultivation and production in western Inner Mongolia. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism by which soil fertility augmentation affects maize yield formation under a variety of planting densities. In this study, nine soil fertility conditions were established by deep tillage, no-tillage and in situ straw return. Utilizing Xianyu 696 as the experimental subject, this study documents variations in the parameters of maize grain filling rate and yield components under differing planting densities. Enhancement of soil fertility can modify diverse parameters of maize grain filling characteristics, effectively undermining the adverse impact of a lower average filling rate on grain weight post-densification. The enhancement in soil fertility predominantly augments the grain weight by prolonging the active grain-filling period. This results in a reduced decline in final grain growth during densification under conditions of high soil fertility. The improvement of soil fertility significantly enhances the harvested number of panicles, the number of grains per panicle, and the 100-grain weight of maize, consequently increasing the maize yield. High soil fertility (0.73–0.82) is particularly advantageous for densification and yield increase, resulting in yield increments ranging from 0.99 to 2.16 t ha− 1. Appropriate tillage methods can significantly improve soil fertility, and the effects of straw incorporation with subsoiling (SSR) and straw incorporation with deep tillage (DPR) are the best. Enhancing soil fertility through tillage and straw return measures can markedly augment grain weight by changing maize grain filling characteristics, ultimately achieving the cultivation goal of increased density and yield.

Glasswort as a Strategic Crop in Coastal Wetlands: Intercropping Results with Swiss Chard

The Mediterranean region is experiencing severe droughts and unprecedented high temperatures. In terms of salinity, about 18 million ha of land, or 25% of the total irrigated area in the Mediterranean, is salt affected. The use of halophytes as intercropping species to mitigate the effects of salt stress is attractive. Halophytes have a great capacity to maintain their productivity in this extreme environment, thus supporting climate-appropriate agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productivity of Salicornia europaea L. subsp. ramosissima (glasswort) under field conditions and high soil salinity, grown as a sole crop (monocropping) and as a companion crop (intercropping) with Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla (Swiss chard) in a 1:1 cropping pattern. The field trials were conducted in the coastal wetland “King’s Lagoon”, a private nature reserve in the Apulia/Puglia region (southern Italy), during two consecutive spring–summer seasons in 2023 and 2024 and under different management conditions of irrigation and fertilization. These were performed to test for possible interaction effects. The results showed that both glasswort and chard can be grown sustainably under slightly saline conditions (ECe range 4–8 dS m−1). In contrast, strongly saline conditions (ECe &gt; 16 dS m−1) were prohibitive for chard, both as a sole crop and as an intercrop, but were largely beneficial for glasswort. Swiss chard can benefit from intercropping with glasswort when soil salinity is still tolerable (6.9 dS m−1), showing an LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) ≥ 1.19. Meanwhile, glasswort did not significantly improve the growth of the companion crop (Swiss chard) when the soil was considerably saline (16.6 dS m−1). Higher LER values were observed when the contribution of chard to the intercrop performance was significantly greater than that of glasswort, i.e., under slightly saline conditions. This means that glasswort can have a significant positive effect on chard growth and productivity as long as soil is still moderately saline. Glasswort can therefore be considered a valuable model crop in extreme environments. The integration of glasswort (possibly together with other local halophytes) into diversified cropping systems on saline marginal soils is a promising sustainable agricultural practice in environmentally fragile areas such as wetlands, swamps, brackish areas, and marshes.

Stenotrophomonas sp. SI-NJAU-1 and Its Mutant Strain with Excretion-Ammonium Capability Promote Plant Growth through Biological Nitrogen Fixation.

Legumes are well-known for symbiotic nitrogen fixation, whereas associative nitrogen fixation for nonlegume plants needs more attention. Most associative nitrogen-fixing bacteria are applied in their original plant species and need further study for broad adaptation. Additionally, if isolated nitrogen-fixing bacteria could function under fertilizer conditions, it is often ignored. Here, among 21 nitrogen-fixing bacteria isolated from barrenness-tolerance Jerusalem artichoke (JA), Stenotrophomonas sp. SI-NJAU-1 excelled in nitrogen fixation and boosted the growth of JA, wheat, barley, and rice. Additionally, SI-NJAU-1 was proven to decrease the application of compound fertilizers by 30%. To further promote plant growth, Gln K and gln B of SI-NJAU-1, which are crucial for bacterial ammonium assimilation, were mutated. Deletion of gln K but not gln B in SI-NJAU-1 reduced the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) and the unadenylylated GS and the content of glutamine, which led to ammonium secretion outside and significantly increased the biomass of barley. This work expands the scope of associative nitrogen-fixing endophytes, affirming their potential for plant growth promotion.

Response of Crop Yield and Productivity Contribution Rate to Long-Term Different Fertilization in Northeast of China.

To reveal the changes in crop yield and contribution rate of black soil productivity under long-term different fertilization conditions in black soil areas and to find the important significance of fertilization for sustainable and stable crop yield, high yield, and improving the contribution rate of black soil nutrients. Based on the long-term experiment of black soil fertility in Harbin, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, under the maize-wheat-soybean rotation system, crop yield, sustainability and stability of yield, the contribution rate of black soil productivity, and natural nutrient supply capacity under 10 fertilization treatments (CK, NP, NK, PK, NPK, M, MNP, MNK, MPK, and MNPK) were analyzed. Results showed that, compared with the treatment of chemical fertilizer, yields of maize, wheat, and soybeans increased under treatment of organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer, among which the yields of maize and wheat changed the most. As the rotation period lengthened, the sustainable yield index (SYI) values of chemical fertilizer treatment and its combination with organic fertilizer treatment gradually decreased. During the rotation period, the SYI value follows: chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer > chemical fertilizer > organic fertilizer. The coefficient of variation (CV) of yield stability showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing, with individual treatments showing a gradual increasing trend (NP and NPK; MNP and MNPK). Under different rotation periods, the overall contribution rate of soil productivity of long-term organic fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer treatment was higher than that of single chemical fertilizer treatment. With the extension of the rotation period, the contribution rate of soil productivity of NPK treatment was higher and slightly increased, while other treatments showed a downward trend. Although the contribution rate of soil productivity of organic-inorganic fertilizer combined treatment (MNP and MNK) showed a downward trend, it still remained at a high level (97.2% and 95.9%). In addition, the black soil has strong phosphorus and potassium supply capacity; nitrogen was lower than those two elements, with an average natural potassium supply capacity of 94.0-97.1%. Therefore, the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is one of the most effective fertilization measures to stabilize crop yield in the black soil region. Nitrogen fertilizer, as a limiting factor for crop growth in the black soil region, should be emphasized in its application.

Contribution of mycorrhiza and phosphate-solubilizing fungi in coffee seedling growth in four soils with different fertility conditions

Contribution of mycorrhiza and phosphate-solubilizing fungi in coffee seedling growth in four soils with different fertility conditions

EVALUASI STATUS KESUBURAN TANAH ULTISOL PADA DUA PENGGUNAAN LAHAN DI DESA PAK BULU KECAMATAN ANJONGAN KABUPATEN MEMPAWAH

Ultisols generally have low soil fertility status due to their acidic nature, low organic matter, and limited nutrient availability. The utilization of ultisols for oil palm plantations and secondary forests certainly affects the availability of nutrients, organic matter, and soil acidity. Soil management that does not align with the fertility conditions will result in other problems that can threaten the sustainability of agricultural production. The lack of comprehensive research on soil fertility, particularly in Pak Bulu Village, Anjongan Sub-District, limits the available information on the long-term impacts that could affect soil quality. This situation highlights the importance of conducting this research to determine the appropriate land management practices for soil fertility in each land use. This study employed a soil survey method, with sampling points determined by overlaying maps of soil types, slope classes, and land use, using a purposive sampling method, which was divided into four land units. The soil samples were analyzed for their chemical properties in the Soil Chemistry and Fertility Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University. The laboratory results were then categorized based on the criteria for evaluating soil chemical properties by the Soil Research Center (1983), and the soil fertility status was subsequently evaluated based on the soil fertility evaluation guidelines by the Soil Research Center Bogor (1995). The evaluation results showed that the soil fertility status of both land uses was at the same level; however, the oil palm plantation had limiting factors such as Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Base Saturation (BS), Total Phosphorus (P-total), and Total Potassium (K-total) that were classified as low to very low, while the secondary forest only had Base Saturation and Total Potassium classified as very low, with CEC classified as low.

Integrating vermicompost, black soldier fly, and inorganic fertilizers enhances corn growth and yield.

To achieve good agricultural practices and maximize the economic yield of corn, farmers should reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was conducted in the Chonnabot district, Khon Kaen province, Thailand, during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The aim was to assess the impact of different organic fertilizers and their combinations on the growth and yield of commercial sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and waxy corn (Zea mays L. var. ceratina) hybrids. The results showed that sweet corn had significantly higher ear fresh weight, protein, fat, and fiber content compared to waxy corn, with values of 7,529.20kgha-1, 14.48%, 4.74%, and 1.30%, respectively. Two treatments, F4 (190.63kgNha-1+46.88kgPha-1+46.88kgKha-1) and F3 (6,250kgha-1 of black soldier fly (BSF)+95.31kgNha-1+23.44kgPha-1+23.44kgKha-1) resulted in the highest ear fresh weight, with 6,569.90 and 6,275.40kgha-1, respectively. In contrast, F4 showed higher protein (12.04%), fat (4.62%), and fiber content (0.91%) than F3. Significant improvements were observed in SPAD value, biomass, and yield parameters. Corn plants treated with a combination of vermicompost, BSF, and inorganic fertilizer showed higher ear length, ear diameter, ear fresh weight, and dry biomass than control plants (no fertilizer management, F1). The F1 treatment led to higher carbohydrate content in both corn cultivars tested, with a notable impact on pink waxy corn (82.06%). Our findings suggest that using a combination of BSF and inorganic fertilizers is promising for reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and providing the highest net income among the three fresh corn cultivars. Pink waxy corn showed greater adaptability under low soil fertility conditions owing to better yield components than purple waxy corn when evaluated without fertilizers.

Responses of mycorrhizae-dependent pepper, tomato, and eggplant plants to mycorrhizal inoculation and zinc application in Zn- and P-deficient soil

Zinc is a critical mineral nutrient for plants and animals, yet soils in the Mediterranean region often have low zinc levels. Mineral fertilizers, commonly used to address this deficiency, pose environmental risks, making mycorrhizal fungi a sustainable alternative. These fungi enhance nutrient uptake, including zinc, from the soil. This study investigated the effects of Funneliformis mosseae mycorrhizal inoculation on the mycorrhizal dependency of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under varying zinc fertilization conditions. Seedlings were cultivated in glasshouse conditions, with sterile and non-sterile Zn-deficient calcareous soils, both with and without 6 mg Zn kg−1 application. Mycorrhizae were introduced at transplanting, and parameters such as shoot dry weight, root colonization, and shoot zinc and phosphorus concentrations were measured at harvest to calculate mycorrhizal dependency. Results revealed that under low zinc and phosphorus fertility, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly enhanced root colonization, plant biomass, and nutrient concentrations. While zinc fertilization improved tissue zinc and phosphorus concentrations, mycorrhizal inoculation alone had a greater impact, particularly in pepper plants, which displayed twice the mycorrhizal dependency of tomato and eggplant. In zinc-deficient conditions, mycorrhizal inoculation contributed up to twice as much to plant development compared to zinc fertilization alone. The study concluded that mycorrhiza inoculation could effectively replace or compensate the zinc fertilizers, providing a sustainable solution for enhancing plant growth and Zn and P uptake.

Evaluation of performance and yield of modern wheat cultivars through foliar nutrition strategies for sustainable agricultural development

This research investigates the evaluation of performance and yield of modern wheat cultivars through foliar nutrition strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The research. This research, conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 at the University of Rajshahi, evaluated the impact of reduced fertilizer through foliar feeding on two advanced wheat cultivars using a randomized complete block design with five treatments: T1 (control), T2 (1500 ml liquid fertilizer per hectare), T3 (2500 ml liquid fertilizer per hectare), T4 (1500 ml liquid fertilizer with 2.5 kg urea per hectare as spray), and T5 (1500 ml liquid fertilizer with 2.5 kg urea and 1.5 kg muriate of potash per hectare as spray). The study found that the highest plant height (97.86 cm), chlorophyll content (48.20 mg m-2), and yield attributes, including plant height (99.36 cm), total tillers per plant (8.057), productive tillers per plant (5.000), productive spikelets per spike (18.610), spike length (15.777 cm), 1000 grain yield (41.183 g), grain yield (3.247 t ha-1), straw yield (7.738 t ha-1), biological yield (10.985 t ha-1), and harvest index (29.558%), were achieved with T5. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of modern wheat varieties under reduced fertilizer conditions, highlighting the potential for sustainable wheat fertilizer management, particularly under drought conditions.

Soil Fertility and Influencing Factors of Cultivated Land Based on the Geodetector

Taihe County in Jiangxi Province was chosen as the study area to analyze the soil fertility condition and affecting elements of cultivation at the county level. Classical statistics, geostatistics, and geodetector were utilized to examine soil fertility quality and investigate its primary affecting aspects based on experimental data from 206 cultivated soil samples. The results showed that： ① Taihe County had an average soil pH of 4.87, indicating slightly acidic soil. A total of 97.39% of the sample sites had CEC contents of four and five levels, and the EC content levels were concentrated in the second level, 63.48% of the SOC contents were in the medium levels, 73.92% of the TN contents were higher than 1.5 g·kg-1, 72.17% of the TP contents were lower than 0.6 g·kg-1, and the AP contents were in the high level, greater than 20 mg·kg-1, accounting for 86.09% of the sample sites. The soil fertility in the research area was poor, and the soil was of light and medium salinization, lacking organic matter and total phosphorus. The lump gold effect values of pH, EC, AP, SOC, TN, and TP were 0.17, 0.21, 0.18, 0.52, 0.45, and 0.59, respectively. The spatial correlation between soil pH, EC, and AP was strong, while soil SOC, TN, and TP had a moderate degree of spatial correlation. The spatial variation of soil fertility in Taihe County was influenced by both structural factors （topography, climate, and soil type） and random factors （fertilization, cultivation methods, soil pollution, etc.）. ② The results of the weight coefficients of farmland soil fertility were TN （0.210）, SOC （0.195）, EC （0.190）, CEC （0.171）, TP （0.170）, AP （0.117）, and pH （-0.053）. Soil TN, SOC, and EC were key indicators that affected farmland soil fertility in the study area. The comprehensive score grading of soil fertility quality showed that most of the soil fertility quality in the study area was level three, and the soil fertility in Shangmo Township was relatively fertile. The soil fertility quality level was Level 2 and Level 3. The soil fertility in Yanxi Town and Wanhe Town was relatively poor, and the soil fertility quality level was Level 3 and Level 4. ③ X54, X31, X32, X21, and X14 were the main driving factors affecting farmland soil fertility. The explanatory power of each factor interaction was greater than that of single factor interactions, manifested in two types： double factor enhancement and nonlinear synergistic effect. The soil fertility of farmland was the result of the joint action of multiple influencing factors. The results of the research revealed the status quo and spatial distribution characteristics of soil fertility in the study area, investigated the factors influencing soil fertility in farmland, and analyzed the foundation for improving the intrinsic quality and output capacity of cultivable land and the ecological environment of agriculture.

From typology to criteria considered by farmers: what explains agroecological practice implementation in North-Sudanian Burkina Faso?

Cropping systems in the North-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso face significant challenges related to poor yields, declining soil fertility and harsh climatic conditions. Together these necessitate a shift toward more sustainable farming practices. Agroecology aims to enhance yields while minimizing environmental harm through the use of ecological functions and has been promoted by researchers and farmers’ organizations as a solution. However, its implementation remains limited. This study investigated the criteria farmers consider when implementing agroecological practices at the farm level and how these criteria and their implementation are influenced by farm characteristics. Data collection methods included the serious game TAKIT, together with baseline and complementary household surveys (108 farmers each). Farm diversity was analyzed using a statistical typology. The influence of farm types, farm structural variables and the village location on (1) whether or not agroecological practices were implemented and (2) the criteria considered by farmers was explored. Four distinct farm types were identified: low resource endowed farms relying on off-farm income, low resource endowed farms relying on livestock income, medium resource endowed farms relying on agricultural and livestock income, and high resource endowed farms with diverse sources of income. There were no significant differences in the implementation of agroecological practices across farm types. Crop rotations were the most frequently implemented practice (by 91% of the study farmers), while the 2-by-2 line intercropping of sorghum-cowpea was the least implemented (9% of farmers). Implementation of zai pits varied significantly between villages, with farmers in Nagreonkoudogo more likely to use them than those in Tanvousse, due to differing soil characteristics. Farmers considered several criteria when deciding whether to implement agroecological practices, including the ability to improve yield and preserve soil. Constraints to their implementation included a lack of knowledge and their high labor requirements. These criteria did not differ across farm types, likely because they stem from shared environmental constraints or conditions. The study highlights the complexity of agroecological transitions in sub-Saharan Africa, and illustrates the need to adequately consider contextual conditions. The co-design of new practices, and the redesign of existing ones, should align with criteria considered by farmers.

Effects of a Vegetable Eel Co-Culture System on the Soil Ammonia-Oxidizing Microbial Community

(1) Background: A vegetable eel co-culture system is an economically efficient way of agricultural cultivation, which can have an impact on the soil microbial environment and play a pivotal role in the soil nutrient cycle, but there is little research on its impact on soil ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms. (2) Methods: NovaSeq platform sequencing was employed to investigate the richness, structure, and diversity of soil ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities, exploring the effects of a vegetable eel co-culture system on soil nitrogen cycling. Four different planting treatments were set up: unfertilized without vegetable eel (CCK), fertilized without vegetable eel (CRT), unfertilized with vegetable eel (ICK), and fertilized with vegetable eel (IRT). (3) Results: A vegetable eel co-culture system significantly increased soil pH and decreased bulk density under fertilization conditions. The soil nitrification potential rate was enhanced by a vegetable eel co-culture system to an average of 26.3%. A vegetable eel co-culture system significantly altered the community structure of all ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, with a significant increase in the richness and diversity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and comammox clade-A, while fertilization significantly increased the diversity of all ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis showed that the main environmental factors affecting the structure of the ammonia-oxidizing microbial community were nitrate and total nitrogen. The number of amoA genes in AOB and comammox clade-B was significantly positively correlated with the soil potential N nitrification rate (PNR), which played a leading role in the nitrification of alkaline vegetable soil. The network analysis revealed that a vegetable eel co-culture system improved the modularity of AOB and comammox clade-B by 13.14% and 5.66%. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that the vegetable eel co-culture system stimulated the evolution of ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities by changing the physicochemical properties, which in turn promoted the soil nitrification reaction.

Growth and Economic Return of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) under Different Plant Spacing and Fertility Conditions

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a native of the Andes that has sparked a worldwide interest due to its unique nutritional value. Quinoa seed have an orthodox magnificent nutritional food quality and were also called “the mother grain”. To achieve optimal crop yield, farmers must meticulously manage various factors, ensuring a balanced approach to fertility levels, irrigation and pest control. It is crucial for farmers to find a delicate balance in achieving specific nutritional and yield targets. The current investigation was conducted in kharif 2022, with genotype “EC507742” at Research and Extension Centre, Gaja, College of Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment comprised of two factors viz., geometry (S): S1- 20 x10 cm, S2- 30 x 10 cm and S3- 40 x 10 cm in main plot and fertility levels (F): F1- Control, F2- 75% NPKS, F3- 100% NPKS and F4- 125% NPKS in sub plot with total of 12 treatment combinations that were evaluated in split plot design with three replications. The data was analysed using OPSTAT with figures from SAS (proc glm). Among the geometries, S2 (30 x 10 cm) excelled in field conditions and economics relative to others. Among different fertility levels, F3 (100% NPKS) demonstrated the greatest growth, yield characteristics, yield, and higher returns for quinoa compared to other fertility levels. The interactions between geometry and fertility levels were also found significant for growth, yield attributes and yield with higher in S2F3. Thus, it can be concluded that using the recommended fertilizer (100% NPKS) with the ideal spacing of 30 x 10 cm improves growth, yield and profitability of Quinoa.

HEMATOCELE TESTICULAR EM GARANHÃO EQUINO: RELATO DE CASO

The purpose of the andrological examination is to diagnose possible reproductive failures, as well as to investigate the animal's ability to mate. It includes physical examinations of the external and internal reproductive region, ultrasound examinations, semen collection and macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the semen to certify reproductive and fertility conditions. The aim of this paper was to report the clinical case of a stallion who presented with enlargement and asymmetry of the scrotal region with a diagnosis of hydrocele, hematocele and testicular degeneration. The case report is of a Mangalarga Marchador stallion with no reproductive history of low fertility or trauma. Physical examination revealed asymmetry in the testicular region. The ultrasound showed that the testicles were hyperechoic, with free fluid between the testicular parenchyma and the tunica albuginea on the left, characterizing a testicular hydrocele process. On the right side, there was a septate liquid characteristic of fibrin in the ventral region of the testicle near the tail of the epididymis, characterizing a hematocele process. The seminal evaluation showed an increase in total sperm pathologies (39.5%). Based on the tests, the clinical diagnosis was a hydrocele associated with a hematocele in the testicular region generating testicular degeneration. The treatment indicated was pentoxifylline 8 mg/kg, shower 3 times a day and that the stallion should be released in a paddock every day for 30 days. It was concluded that the prognosis and therapeutic approach adopted by the veterinarians were in line with the literature, providing the animal with comfort, well-being and clinical improvement.

Canadian organic wheat breeding with on-farm selection: A case study using landrace and modern parents

Participatory plant breeding (PPB) has the potential to be an alternative to a centralized breeding model for niche markets that are historically underserved. Our objectives were to evaluate the performance of two parental cultivars from a Canadian PPB program: a modern spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (5602HR) and a landrace (Red Fife)—with the progeny of the cross when selected by two farmers located 1800 km apart (denoted Farm1 and Farm2) and evaluate progeny differences from each other under organic conditions. Red Fife was 18 cm taller, matured 5 days later, and had greater lodging susceptibility, greater seed mass, and 3.5% lower protein concentration than 5602HR. Farmer genotypes were similar to 5602HR in protein concentration and lodging severity, and similar to Red Fife in plant height (14 cm taller than 5602HR) and seed mass. Farmer genotypes did not yield differently from either parent. Farmer genotypes did not differ from each other in most parameters measured; however, Farm1 had greater lodging resistance under high fertility conditions than Farm2 despite similar plant height. This research provides a proof of concept for the role that farmer selectors can play in selecting for positive traits for organic production and provide insight into organic farmers’ preferences. The research also demonstrated that using an older landrace (i.e., Red Fife) allowed positive features such as tall stature to be incorporated into the resulting progeny.

Molecular Mechanisms of Poplar Adaptation to Water–Fertilizer Coupling: Insights from Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses

The aim of this paper was to investigate the transcriptomic and metabolomic differences in Populus cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin1’ (P. cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin 1’) under varying irrigation and fertilization conditions. Ten-year-old P. cathayana × canadasis ‘Xinlin 1’ was selected as the test subject in this study; different irrigation and fertilization treatments were set up, and DEGs and DAMs in response to water and fertilizer regulation were identified. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were analyzed from both leaves and roots. A total of 22,870 DEGs were identified in response to water and fertilizer treatments, predominantly belonging to 48 transcription factor families, including MYB, ERF, and MYB-related ones. Additionally, 2432 DAMs were detected and categorized into 18 metabolite classes, with flavonoids being the most abundant (342 metabolites), followed by terpenoids, lipids, and others. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs and DAMs were significantly associated with pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The levels of ABA exhibited an initial decrease followed by an increase, with several key genes, including PYR/PYL, PP2C, SnRK2, and ABF, also differentially expressed in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. In the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways, sucrose was more hydrolyzed into D-fructose, which gradually translocated from roots to leaves. DEGs were significantly involved in sucrose synthesis and decomposition into D-fructose and 1,3-β-glucose, as well as starch synthesis and starch decomposition into cellulose dextrin, which underwent complete hydrolysis to glucose. In the starch hydrolysis process, 29 DEGs were involved, with 12 down-regulated and 17 up-regulated.