Foliar Analysis Research Articles

The Potential Benefits of Palm Oil Waste-Derived Compost in Embracing the Circular Economy

The environmental impact of peat extraction in plant nurseries requires urgent attention due to climate change and habitat destruction. Substituting peat moss with compost derived from palm oil waste in oil palm nurseries presents a viable solution. However, the challenges in its implementation must be considered. This research focuses on optimizing composting conditions for palm oil waste and examines the impact of the compost on soil quality, nutrient availability, and seedling growth. Measurements such as the culling rate, plant height, leaf length, and chlorophyll content were taken to assess seedling growth in nurseries. The compost was also tested as a soil amendment for 5-year-old palm trees, with foliar analysis conducted to evaluate the nutrient assimilation. The results show that optimized compost significantly enhanced the seedling growth by 20–50%, evidenced by the increased plant height, longer leaf length, and higher chlorophyll content. Additionally, the foliar analysis demonstrated an improvement of 5–15% in the nutrient assimilation in the 5-year-old palm trees. This research highlights the potential of optimizing oil palm waste composting for sustainable planting media in nurseries, mitigating environmental impacts and promoting productivity in oil palm plantations. Adopting this circular economy model can address waste management challenges while ensuring a resilient and sustainable approach in the palm oil industry.

Nitrogen rate affects fruit production and leaf nutrient concentration of nine pot-grown blueberry cultivars

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of four ammonium N rates on fruit yield and leaf nutrient concentration in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivars grown on a substrate. The experiment was conducted with increasing ammonium sulfate (NH4–N) rates 0, 100, 200, and 300%), using plants of two-year-old of pot-grown nine highbush blueberry cultivars, grown in 35 liters (L) pots with soilless media, consisting of coconut fiber, peat, and perlite at 2:2:1 (v/v). Leaf nutrient concentration was affected by cultivar and nitrogen (N) rate. Increasing the N rate increased N, P (phosphorus), Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), S (sulfur), and Mn (manganese) concentrations and decreased K (potassium), Cu (copper), and B (boron) concentrations in most cultivars. Increasing the N rate increased fruit yield per plant equivalent to 67%, 93%, and 152% concerning the control. Considering the highest fruit production obtained with NH4–N rates from 100% to 300% leaf nutrient concentrations (%) ranged from 1.83 to 2.82 for N, 0.10 to 0.15 for P, 0.62 to 1.04 for K, 0.31 to 0.63 for Ca, 0.13 to 0.24 for Mg, and 0.20 to 0.59 for S. The main conclusions obtained are: leaf N and S concentration responded positively to applied N, yield was almost always positively affected by N, and the reference standard for foliar analysis in blueberry should be adjusted according to the cultivar.

Effects of Successive Top-Dressing Application of Lime on a Sweet Cherry Orchard in Southern Chile

Annual top-dressing application of agricultural lime is a common practice in fruit orchards on acidic soils in southern Chile, which could result in surface over-liming and base imbalances. A trial was performed in a cherry orchard with an 8-year history of surface liming to evaluate the effectiveness of lime materials in neutralizing acidity in the soil profile and the effect on the tree nutritional status. No-lime (NL), calcitic (AgL), hydrated (HL), and liquid (LL) lime treatments were applied on soil surface at commercial rates, and soil acidity variables were measured at depths of 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm in samples collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 225 days after application. Tree nutritional status was evaluated through foliar analysis. Top-dressing application of AgL was ineffective in ameliorating subsoil acidity at depths >5 cm, even in high-rainfall conditions. HL did not exhibit greater alkalinity mobility compared to AgL, although it had a faster but shorter-lived reaction. At the manufacturer-recommended rates, LL application was ineffective. After 8 years of top-dressing liming with AgL, a significant stratification of soil pH, Al, and Ca was observed. However, foliar concentration of bases did not reflect the surface Ca accumulation in soil, discarding an antagonistic cation competition for tree uptake.

Advancing Leaf Nutritional Characterization of Blueberry Varieties Adapted to Warm Climates Enhanced by Proximal Sensing

Blueberries offer multiple health benefits, and their cultivation has expanded to warm tropical regions. However, references for foliar nutritional content are lacking in the literature. Proximal sensing may enhance nutritional characterization to optimize blueberry production. We aimed (i) to characterize the nutrient contents of healthy plants of three blueberry varieties adapted to warm climates (Emerald, Jewel, and Biloxi) using a reference method for foliar analysis (inductively coupled plasma (ICP)) and a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer on fresh and dry leaves and (ii) to differentiate blueberry varieties based on their nutrient composition. Nutrient content was statistically compared per leaf moisture condition (fresh or dry) with ICP results and used to differentiate the varieties via the random forest algorithm. P and Zn contents (ICP) in leaves were different among varieties. Dry leaf results (pXRF) were strongly correlated with ICP results. Most nutrients determined using ICP presented good correlation with pXRF data (R2 from 0.66 to 0.93). The three varieties were accurately differentiated by pXRF results (accuracy: 87%; kappa: 0.80). Predictions of nutrient contents based on dry leaves analyzed by pXRF outperformed those based on fresh leaves. This approach can also be applied to other crops to facilitate nutrient assessment in leaves.

Long‐term assessment of macro‐ and micronutrients in foliage of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in thinned versus unmanaged old‐growth stands

AbstractBackgroundScience‐based decisions regarding forest management require the knowledge of the impact of thinning regimens on the forests’ vitality and resilience. There is no systematic study analysing the role of forest management approaches on the nutritional status of forests, serving as a surrogate for their health and growth.AimsWe assessed the impact of ‘heavy thinning from above’ versus ‘no management’ on the foliar chemistry of old‐growth European beech stands on a calcareous site with cambisol/chromic luvisol soil in Thuringia, Germany.MethodsMacro‐ and micronutrients were analysed by serial foliar analysis of six trees per experimental plot over 13 years (2009–2021). To assess potential differences of foliar chemistry between the two plots and over time, a linear mixed‐effects model was applied.ResultsFoliar concentrations of all macro‐ and micronutrients were not significantly different between the two plots (p > 0.05), demonstrating that the management approach had no relevant impact on the nutritional status of beech trees growing at the calcareous site. Furthermore, all foliar concentrations were dynamic over the 13‐year evaluation period. Hence, long‐term forest monitoring is crucial to capture the complex interplay between the trees and environmental conditions.ConclusionsSerial foliar analysis allows for a reliable evaluation of a forest's nutritional status. The results indicate that either regimen, that is, ‘heavy thinning from above’ or ‘no management’, shall not pose any risk in terms of growth and stability. Our results add to the understanding of beech forest dynamics and may provide a further piece for science‐based strategies of sustainable forest management.

Assessment of coffee leaves nutritive value via portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and machine learning algorithms

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry is a non-destructive technique that has been successfully used to analyze different matrices. Foliar analysis is challenging because some plant nutrients cannot be detected by pXRF. Even so, the uptake interactions among nutrients which reflect different concentrations of macro- and micronutrients can be accessed via pXRF, constituting a basis to obtain predictive models of plant nutrients. The objective of this work was to compare and assess the accuracy of linear regression and non-linear models (support vector machine – SVM; and random forest – RF) to predict the actual concentration of macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) in coffee leaves. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using Hoagland and Arnon solution to obtain leaves with contrasting elemental composition. Ground and oven-dried leaf samples were analyzed via pXRF using: i) a manufactured pXRF calibration developed for general earth-materials (Geoexploration mode); ii) the Spectrometer mode with varying voltage and current (15 kV and 25 μA; 10 kV and 10 μA). The same samples were also analyzed via conventional acid digestion and quantified via inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The best predictions were obtained using SVM and RF algorithms, with high R2 (0.82 to 0.99) and high residual prediction deviation (RPD) (2.35 to 9.34) values. However, some elements (e.g., K, Ca, Cu, Mn) were successfully predicted using linear models (LR and MLR). Even elements not detected (N and B) by pXRF were accurately predicted using the RF model. The pXRF operational conditions influenced the performance of the models. However, by parsimony, Geoexploration mode provided data for accurate prediction of macro- and micronutrients. This comprehensive study can potentially spark further investigations into examining coffee leaves from plants cultivated under various environmental and management conditions. Additionally, the methodological framework outlined here holds promise for ongoing experimentation across diverse crops, offering a streamlined, non-invasive, eco-friendly, and rapid approach for foliar analysis.

Greenhouse production of baby leaf vegetables using rainbow trout wastewater in a high-tech vertical decoupled aquaponic system

IntroductionAquaponics is an integrated food production system that links recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics, leading to higher water use efficiency than conventional food production systems while also saving on fertilizers. In the present study, baby lettuce and baby rocket plants cultivated hydroponically in a deep water culture system using wastewater from rainbow trout were evaluated as part of a vertical decoupled aquaponic system.Materials and methodsMore specifically, three different nutrient solutions were supplied: a) using fish wastewater only (designated as Fish); b) fish wastewater enriched with synthetic fertilizers (Mix); and c) a typical nutrient solution (Hoagland) as the control. Both lettuce and rocket plants were monitored in these nutrient solutions and in two different substrates, peat and perlite, as an organic and an inert substrate, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess a vertical decoupled aquaponic system with regard to the resource use efficiency, such as water, land, and energy, while evaluating plant cultivation in the different treatments in terms of yield, growth, nitrate concentration on the leaf tissue, and foliar analysis. The photosynthetic rate and leaf color indices were also considered in the plant evaluation.ResultsThe Mix–Peat treatment was the most efficient growing combination in terms of land and water use efficiency, with approximately 7% better land use efficiency while using 38% less water and 10% less fertilizer than Hoagland–Peat. Moreover, lettuce plants had the highest yield in the Mix–Peat treatment, at 2,497 g m−2, which was approximately 6% higher than that of Hoagland–Peat while not being inferior in the quality measures. On the other hand, the yield of rocket was significantly higher in the Hoagland–Peat treatment, being 18% higher than that of Mix–Peat and 30% higher than that of Fish–Peat. Overall, the study confirmed that aquaponic systems could lead to higher water use efficiency and savings in fertilizers without undermining the yield and quality of lettuce, while the vertical arrangement developed within the scope of this study can increase the land useefficiency of the system.

Studies in the Foliar Analysis of Sal (<i>Shorea robusta</i> Gaertn. F.) and the Physico-Chemical Status of the Underlying Soils in Madhya Pradesh

The paper describes the foliar analysis of sal (Shores robusta Gaertn. f.) and the physico-chemical status of soils under the respective sal forests of Madhya Pradesh.The soils are fresh, immature to leached down ones. The best growth of sal, as determined by Relative Growth Index (RGI-a new concept) is base poor, leached-down sandy loams. Coarse, fresh and thin soils under sal climate have poor growth of the species; and medium growth is registered in comparatively base richer soils.The soils are discussed to have been derived so by the process of 'laterisation' under the forest floor and the existing climate.Further, foliar analysis confirms the chemical status of the soils and reveals that sal is not a heavy demander of soil bases.

Foundation and evaluation of a diagnosis and recommendation integrated system for star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.)

Diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) is a greatly accurate and reliable mean of evaluating the exact nutrition status of crops via foliar analysis. DRIS has been applied to many types of crops, but DRIS has not been established for and applied to star apple, which is an important fruit in many countries. Therefore, this study aims to (i) detect soil obstacles in star apple cultivation, (ii) create a DRIS for star apple, and (iii) apply the created DRIS norms to evaluate the macro-nutrition status of star apple. In total, 90 leaf samples were obtained from 90 different star apple farms, where 90 soil samples were also collected. The soil analysis results revealed that concentrations of available nitrogen and soluble phosphorus were low and medium, indicating a high risk of reduction in star apple yield. The average yield of star apple was 200.0 kg plant−1. The high-yielding group had higher concentrations of N, K, and Mg in the leaf than the low-yielding group; however, the concentrations of Fe and Mn in the leaf were opposite, and the concentrations of P, Ca, Cu, and Zn were equivalent in the two groups. The DRIS norms have been established for star apple with 28 nutrient ratio pairs and consisted of means, coefficients of variation, variances (S2), and variance ratios (S2 l/S2 h), whose values were 0.136–182.6, 21.0–69.5%, 0.0024–10400.9, and 1.89–34.3, respectively. The results of applying the DRIS norms revealed that the nutrient status of star apple was deficient of N, K, and Mg.

Autonecrotic Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Line as a Potential Model for Applications in Proximal Sensing of Biotic and Abiotic Stress

The autonecrotic tomato line V20368 (working code IGSV) spontaneously develops necrotic lesions with acropetal progression in response to an increase in temperature and light irradiation. The process is associated with the interaction between tomato and Cladosporium fulvum, the fungal agent of leaf mold. The contemporary presence of an in-house allele encoding the Rcr3lyc protein and the resistance gene Cf-2pim (from Solanum pimpinellifolium) causes auto-necrosis on the leaves even in the absence of the pathogen (hybrid necrosis). The aim of the work was (i) to examine the potential value of the necrotic genotype as a model system for setting up theoretical guidance for monitoring the phytosanitary status of tomato plants and (ii) to develop a predictive model for the early detection of pathogens (or other stresses) in the tomato or other species. Eighteen IGSV tomato individuals at the 4–5th true-leaf stage were grown in three rows (six plants per row) considered to be replicates. The healthy control was the F1 hybrid Elisir (Olter). A second mutant line (SA410) deriving from a cross between the necrotic mutant and a mutant line of the lutescent (l) gene was used during foliar analysis via microspectrometry. The leaves of the mutants and normal plants were monitored through a portable VIS/NIR spectrometer SCIOTM (Consumer Physics, Tel Aviv, Israel) covering a spectral range between 740 and 1070 nm. Two months after the transplant, the acropetal progression of the autonecrosis showed three symptomatic areas (basal, median, apical) on each IGSV plant: necrotic, partially damaged, and green, respectively. Significantly lower chlorophyll content was found in the basal and median areas of IGSV compared with the control (Elisir). A supervised classification/modelling method (SIMCA) was used. Applying the SIMCA model to the dataset of 162 tomato samples led to the identification of the boundary between the healthy and damaged samples (translational critical distance). Two 10 nm wavelength ranges centred at 865 nm and 1055 nm exhibited a stronger link between symptomatology and spectral reflectance. Studies on specific highly informative mutants of the type described may allow for the development of predictive models for the early detection of pathogens (or other stresses) via proximal sensing.

Fate of atrazine in soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) succession in Brazilian subtropical conditions

This work aimed to evaluate the distribution of atrazine via surface runoff, leaching, and retention in a Rhodic Ferralsol and to analyze the effect of a succession of corn and soybean crops in Brazilian subtropical edaphoclimatic conditions on the distribution of this herbicide. The mobility of atrazine was evaluated using a drainage lysimeter under conditions of intensely simulated precipitation, carried out 24 h and 48 h after a single herbicide application at 17 days after corn emergence. Surface runoff and leaching were sampled during the rainfall simulations at intervals of 5 min until completing 1 h. Corn foliar analyses were carried out to measure the residual amounts of atrazine. In addition, laboratory studies of sorption (equilibrium and thermodynamics) and dissipation were carried out to understand the dynamics of atrazine in the soil. Freundlich's non-linear isotherms presented an excellent fit in the description of atrazine sorption in a Rhodic Ferralsol. The high content of organic matter in the soil and the temperature variation directly influences the retention of atrazine in the soil. The half-life (t1/2) of atrazine in soil under controlled conditions indicates a non-persistent pesticide, with 14.44 days. However, the herbicide can persist in deep soil layers for more than 93 days after spraying. When high-intensity rainfall occurs 24 h after application, large proportions of atrazine are lost by runoff within the first 20 min of rain. At the same time, significantly inferior losses are observed when rainfall occurs 48 h after spraying. High-intensity rainfall within 24 h of atrazine application leads to substantial losses, causing an approximate 84% reduction in its concentration in corn leaves and a 94% reduction in soil. Conservationist agronomic practices that protect the soil, especially during the initial periods of corn cultivation, are essential to reduce atrazine losses by runoff or leaching. In addition, increasing the concentration of organic matter in the soil can be extremely promising in increasing the retention of this pesticide to soil colloids, preventing its loss in soils with a low content of clay minerals.

The Combination Impact of Various Rates Of (N, P, K) Fertilizers on The Critical Point Concentration and Nutrient Balance of the (NPKS) In the Local Red Onion Leaf

The research was taken place in Grdarash field the experimental farm of the College of Agriculture Engineering Science, Salahaddin University Erbil . Spilt-spilt plot design was used in the field with different NPK-fertilizer applications [ Nitrogen ( 0 , 40 , 80, 160 ) , Phosphorus ( 0 , 80 , 160 ) and Potassium ( 0 , 50 , 100 ) Kg ha -1 ] .The amount of Macro and Micro nutrients are excessive which used in Onion crop production . Nutrient balance impacted the crop production and quality. This study aimed to know the influence of the different rates of Nitrogen, Phosphorus &Potassium on the onion-yield to establish Nutrient Indexes and critical points concentrations for the elements (N P K S) , by using foliar analysis , so we can obtain the conditions of the elements-concentration in the leaf of the crop ( balance , imbalance , deficiencies , excessive ). The results show that there was high Significant interaction between (N P K) elements and Onion bulb yield. The best combination between Potassium and Nitrogen elements was (K50 N40) between Potassium and Phosphorus was (K50 P80). The treatment K1 P2 N 1 (K 50 , P 160 & N 40 Kg ha-1 ) has the highest Significant Onion-yield and recorded the best interaction between the ( Nitrogen , Phosphorus , Potassium ) elements .The critical concentration points for the Nutrients ( N P K S ) were ( 2.65 , 0.10 , 2.14 , 1.36 ) % respectively . The N-indexes, P-indexes, K- indexes and S-indexes ranged from (- 20.18 to 21.38 ) , ( - 27.30 to 17.07 ) , ( - 20.61 to 14.55 ) , ( - 11..22 to 23.11 ) respectively .

Nutritional standards through Integrated Differential Diagnosis (IDD) in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

The foliar analysis is a useful tool to detect the nutritional status of plants, predict future problems in the reproductive cycles of fruit production and implement preventive and corrective measures to achieve a mineral balance in fruit trees, obtaining higher productivity. There is little information available on nutrient sufficiency ranges in pomegranate leaf and the literature reported differs due to diverse cultivation practices, cultivars, and agroecological conditions. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the mineral content of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate leaves for each the nutritional elements and the cation balance, and to establish the nutritional standards using Integrated Differential Diagnosis (IDD). The mineral content of the pomegranate leaves was determined and based on the results, nutritional standards for macro elements, cation balance and microelements were generated through the IDD, which evaluate whether there are mineral and/or physiological imbalances. The macro elements in the cultivation of the pomegranate were the following: NO3 3747.5 µg g-1, Total Nitrogen 1.35%, P 0.14%, K 0.88%, Ca 1.65%, Mg 0.19%, Na 0.006%. For the cation balance, the optimal values ​​were: (Ca+Mg)/K 4.48 mEq 100 g-1, Ca/(K+Mg) 2.13 mEq 100 g-1, Mg/(K+Ca) 0.16 mEq 100 g-1, Ca/Mg 5.06 mEq 100 g-1, K/Mg 1.36 mEq 100 g-1. Finally, the optimal values ​​for the microelements were: Fe 59.5 µg g-1, Mn 31.4 µg g-1, Zn 6.3 µg g-1, Cu 6.1 µg g-1. The values ​​obtained for the micro and macro elements were like those reported. In the case of cation balance and foliar nitrate content, they have not been previously reported. The IDD is a promising and effective auxiliary tool to characterize the nutritional status of pomegranate trees and, in turn, an alternative to conventional methods of nutritional diagnosis with the advantage of establishing a nutritional deficiency (soil-plant relationship) or a physiological imbalance (relation plant - climate) for this crop.

A Proximal Sensor-Based Approach for Clean, Fast, and Accurate Assessment of the Eucalyptus spp. Nutritional Status and Differentiation of Clones.

Several materials have been characterized using proximal sensors, but still incipient efforts have been driven to plant tissues. Eucalyptus spp. cultivation in Brazil covers approximately 7.47 million hectares, requiring faster methods to assess plant nutritional status. This study applies portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry to (i) distinguish Eucalyptus clones using pre-processed pXRF data; and (ii) predict the contents of eleven nutrients in the leaves of Eucalyptus (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, S, and Zn) aiming to accelerate the diagnosis of nutrient deficiency. Nine hundred and twenty samples of Eucalyptus leaves were collected, oven-dried, ground, and analyzed using acid-digestion (conventional method) and using pXRF. Six machine learning algorithms were trained with 70% of pXRF data to model conventional results and the remaining 30% were used to validate the models using root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2). The principal component analysis clearly distinguished developmental stages based on pXRF data. Nine nutrients were accurately predicted, including N (not detected using pXRF spectrometry). Results for B and Mg were less satisfactory. This method can substantially accelerate decision-making and reduce costs for Eucalyptus foliar analysis, constituting an ecofriendly approach which should be tested for other crops.

Risk Assessment and Limiting Soil Factors for Vine Production—Cu and Zn Contents in Vineyard Soils in Galicia (Rías Baixas D.O.)

Characteristics of vineyard soils and management practices can be assessed to determine the soil trend evolution, risks, and limits of soils for vine production through soil factors and foliar diagnosis. This study was made with soils from a vineyard divided into two plots belonging to the Rías Baixas D.O. The vineyard soils were sampled and characterized for three years. The total and available Cu and Zn contents and the physicochemical characteristics of the soils were determined annually and every four months, respectively. The main objective was to assess edaphic properties, phytosanitary treatments, fertilization, and tillage applied to indicate the quality of the vineyard soils. The soils presented certain limitations associated with mechanization, trafficability, and ease of tillage for cultivation. The soils showed a sandy loam texture, which makes the application of compost necessary to improve water retention and cation exchange capacity. Phytosanitary treatments and fungicides caused phytotoxic contents of Cu and Zn in the soils without being detrimental to the vines. In conclusion, the edaphic factors and foliar analysis were adequate to evaluate the condition of the soils and vines and to establish the necessary measures to improve the edaphic conditions of the vineyard soils to improve plant production.

Soil - to - leaf relationship in micro and macroelements content on the vineyard microlocation

The conducted research aims to ascertain the variations in macro and microelement content within the soil-to-leaf relationship in small vineyards. The vineyard block (1.2 ha), located in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, planted with Grasac (Riesling Italico), was divided into 20 subplots. Each subplot served as an individual location for soil and leaf sampling. Soil samples were collected at three depths, while leaf sampling occurred at two phenophase (end of flowering and at ripening), with separation into petiole and blade parts. Vari?ability of soil physico-chemical characteristics between subplots was determinate, with the greatest variability in the 30-60 cm soil layer. The soil generally displayed low levels of organic matter and available P, K, Zn and B. Erosion processes were indicated by the spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters. Differences in nutrient contents were noted among leaf parts and phenophases, aligning with existing literature. Comparing leaf nutrient status to optimal values from literature, N and P content was found at lower limits, confirming K and B deficiencies. Identically, fertilization recommendations can be inferred from soil and foliar analyses, primarily for N, K and B. Additionally, based on soil analysis, a slight increase in P and Zn application is advisable. Established correlations among all observed variables revealed connections between soil parameters, across all depths, and nutrients in the leaf blade at the end of flowering. It is notable to say that nutrient content in soil, particularly N, K, Mn and Zn, exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with its content in the leaf blade, respectively. Further research is necessary to lay the foundation for the development of ac?curate and reliable criteria for diagnosing nutrition, not only for the whole species but also among grapevine leading varieties. Given the significant variations in nutrient requirements and accumulation among these genotypes, this research will be instrumental in ensuring op?timal nutrient supply while minimizing deficiencies or excesses.

Relationship between Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>) Nutrition and the Severity of the Vascular Fusariosis

The vascular fusariosis is one of the main obstacles in the tomato crop production. Currently, the management of the nutrient solution is presented as a control option for fusariosis, for such reason different nutrient solutions with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) modifications; in four saladette tomato varieties Bony Best (BB), Manapal (M), Walter (W) and FLA were evaluated in this research, in order to analyze the damage caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) severity. Tomato plants were inoculated with 3 FOL breeds, establishing a completely random design with a factorial arrangement with six repetitions. Disease’s severity was evaluated 30 days after the inoculation using levels of (0 - 4) of the methodology established by Marlatt and Correll (1988). Afterwards, a statistical analysis was done through the Kruskal Wallis test, in which it was observed that treatments 93 (Ca 207 mg∙L-1, R3, variety BB), 95 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety W), 81 (0Ca, R3, BB) showed less disease severity. In the foliar analysis, the best treatments were 22 (193 mg∙L-1 N, R3, M) for N, the greatest P content was treatment 94 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, M) for K treatment three and 93 (207 mg∙L-1 Ca, R3, variety BB) greatest Ca content.

Artisanal stone-mining impacts on leaf microstructures and biochemical parameters of some plants at Eziani, Nsukka, Nigeria

Plants are determinant of air quality and are useful in mitigating air pollution and biomonitoring of the pollution stresses. Present study assessed the effect of stone-mining dust accumulation on foliar parameters and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of five plants (Annona senegalensis, Bridelia ferruginea, Ficus capensis, Nauclea latifolia and Protea madiensis) commonly growing around an artisanal stone-mining site at Eziani Nsukka and Botanic Garden of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the control. Dust load was estimated gravimetrically. The foliar analysis carried out on the epidermises was obtained by clearing method and studied under microscope and all photomicrographs were taken with Moticam Camera 2.0 attached to the microscope. Biochemical parameters and APTI were determine following standard methods. Dust accumulated on polluted plant leaves was high and resulted in distortion and deformation of the epidermal and guard cells. The cells appeared stretched and broken compared to the control plants. Quantitative stomatal indices such as length, width, size and density were also significantly affected by dust pollution. Polluted plants showed increase in ascorbic acid, reduction in pH values, relative water content and total chlorophyll content, and produced low tolerance index than the controls. Highest and lowest APTI were found in A. senegalensis and B. ferruginea. At polluted site, A. senegalensis had APTI (17.14 ± 0.24) and B. ferruginea had (11.38 ± 0.07) which differed significantly from the APTI of A. senegalensis (18.92 ± 0.24) and B. ferruginea (13.49 ±0.28) at the control site. A. senegalensis was the most tolerant to air pollution while other plants were intermediate tolerant plants. The abnormalities in artisanal stone-mining plants may be due to prolonged exposure to dust. However, ability of the plants to tolerate air pollution makes them potential good environmental cleaners and as such, are recommended as choice plants around stone-mining and dust-polluted sites for safer environments and better health of both miners and the inhabitants.

Cultivar-Specific Assessments of Almond Nutritional Status through Foliar Analysis

Mediterranean almond growing is increasing, as confirmed in Italy where new almond orchards in areas not previously interested in this nut crop have been recently established. In these new areas, as in the coastal of Latium region, the knowledge of eco-physiological behavior as a complex interaction among cultivars, pedoclimate conditions and orchard management is still poor. Optimizing fertilization strategies according to cultivar needs is one of the main key factors to guarantee high yields and nut quality, as well as to reduce environmental pollution. With this aim, an almond field collection has been established planting medium- and late-bloom cultivars. During the growing seasons 2019–2020, leaf samples were collected at 90 and 120 days after full bloom (DAFB) analyzed for biometrical and eco-physiological traits and leaf nutrients content through foliar diagnostics. Differences in foliar nutrient content depend on both cultivar and phenological stage. According to Pearson correlation heatmap, leaf nitrogen content showed a medium–high positive correlation with Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI) either at 90 or 120 DAFB, highlighting reciprocal influences among leaf nutrient contents and some eco-physiological traits. The findings of this study will help to develop novel environmentally friendly nutrition and fertigation strategies supported by foliar diagnostics which also consider accurate cultivar requirements.

Physiological behavior and nutritional status of almond scion-rootstock combinations in a high-density planting system under warm Mediterranean conditions

• High-density planting with new almond cultivars and Prunus rootstocks in warm area. • SPAD and Fv/Fm affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. • Significant differences in mineral status among almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. • DOP analysis demonstrated low values on less vigorous rootstock R40 than Garnem. • R40 suitable for high-density with medium canopy and balanced nutritional status. • Guara, Lauranne and Tuono on R40 best choice for physiological and mineral parameters. Nowadays, the new tendency for a high-density plantings system for almond requires smaller and more efficient canopies. In this way, appropriate scion-rootstock combination is an important factor in adapting to local conditions and specific training systems. This investigation was dedicated to identify the most suitable scion-rootstock combination for high-density planting of almond under warm Mediterranean conditions. Four almond cultivars ‘Lauranne’, ‘Tuono’, ‘Guara’ and ‘Belona’ budded on two Prunus rootstocks ‘Garnem’ and ‘Rootpac-40′ (R40) and planted at 2m×4m spacing were followed for five successive years. Measurements focused on physiological parameters and the mineral foliar analysis. As a result, strong variability between the scion-rootstock combinations of almond was observed. For all surveyed parameters, significant effects of rootstock, cultivar, and year and their interactions were recorded. Less tree vigor was induced by ‘R40’ with similar medium tree vigor obtained with ‘Lauranne’, ‘Tuono’, and ‘Belona’ cultivars, whereas ‘Guara’ performed the lowest vigor. A significant yearly difference in vigor level could be related to local conditions and crop yield with negative impact during warm and drought year. For physiological parameters, SPAD and quantum yield Fv/Fm values were significantly affected by the scion-rootstock combinations and the monitoring year. ‘Belona’ and ‘Tuono’ performed high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on ‘Garnem’ and ‘Lauranne’ and ‘Guara’ showed the high SPAD and Fv/Fm values on ‘R40’. Mineral tree status revealed differences in leaf macronutrient and micronutrient content for almond cultivars on Prunus rootstocks. Optimal macro elements contents ​​were detected for ‘Guara’ and ‘Lauranne’ on ‘R40’. However, variable microelements contents were observed within different combinations. DOP analysis demonstrated low values on ‘R40’ with the best-balanced and highest imbalanced nutritional status (average ∑DOP index) performed by ‘Lauranne’/‘R40’ and ‘Belona’/‘R40’, respectively. In conclusion, less vigorous rootstock ‘R40’ seems to perform well in high-density planting almond orchards in a warm area. Their best performances were associated with ‘Guara’, ‘Lauranne’ and ‘Tuono’. These scion-rootstock combinations inducing size-controlling effect could be considered to implement a new high-density planting system for almond in a warm area.