Foliar Fertilization Research Articles

Enhancing Okra Growth and Yield Through Foliar Nutrient Application in Conjunction with Mulching and Drip Irrigation

Background: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is an important vegetable crop that belongs to family malvaceae and is grown both in tropical and subtropical regions of India. In north-coastal Andhra Pradesh, okra is cultivated frequently so, optimizing the nutrient management practice is an efficient method for increasing yield. Among those practices, foliar fertilizers, mulching and irrigation methods are essential in maximizing the yield and quality of okra. Therefore, the present investigation deals with the combined effects of foliar nutrients, mulching and irrigation methods, providing valuable data for sustainable okra production in a particular area. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during June to September 2023, with seven different treatments using randomized block design. This experiment mainly focuses on combinations of mulching and foliar sprays of 19:19:19 and 13:0:45 at different concentrations. Collected data were analyzed using ANOVA and fisher’s least significant difference test at a 5% significance level. Result: Among all the treatments, 100% RDF along with the foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1.0% + 13:0:45 @ 2% at 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing has proven the best treatment, where it recorded the highest yield of 101 q per hectare (Q/ha) due to the application of sufficient nutrients. Whereas, the lowest yield was recorded with control plot due to insufficient nutrient supply in relation to growth and yield parameters.

Pengaruh Pemberian Nutrisi Daun dan Jenis Pupuk terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Cabai Merah Besar (Capsicum annum L.)

The research was carried out in an experimental garden at the Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinagor District, Sumedang Regency. The altitude of the place is 700 meters above sea level. This research was conducted from May to August 2022. The purpose of this study is to determine the interaction of foliar nutrition and fertilizer type on the growth and yield of large red chili plants (Capsicum annum L). The environmental design of this research is a Split Plot Design which consists of two treatments and is repeated four times. The main plot is the administration of a foliar nutrient solution (F) consisting of two levels: f0 (without administration) and f1 (one-time 10-day administration). The plot is a type of fertilizer (P) consisting of three levels: p1 cow manure 4 t ha-1 p2, Soil Conditioner Growth Booster (SCGB) 6 kg ha-1 and p3 ameliorant plus 4 t ha-1. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan's double-spacing advanced test at a rate of 5%. The results showed that there was an interaction with growth (Plant height 1 Week After Planting (WAP), 2 WAP, 3 WAP, Number of leaves 3 WAP, stem diameter 2 WAP, 3 WAP, 4 WAP, 5 WAP) and yield (Weight per fruit). The best results were shown in foliar nutrition and SCGB administration against plant height growth of 2 WAP, 3 WAP, leaf count of 3 WAP and stem diameter of 3 WAP as well as foliar nutrition and ameliorant plus feeding of 5 WAP stem diameter. Types of ameliorant plus fertilizers that were not fed foliar nutrition show the best results against plant height growth of 1 WAP stem diameter of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and weight yield per fruit.

Foliar Fertilization Improves the Nitrogen Nutrition of Sugarcane

Increasing the recovery of N fertilizer (RNf) is the main challenge in managing nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of complementary foliar fertilization in managing nitrogen nutrition in sugarcane. Four fertilization managements, combining soil (5.0 and 4.5 g plot−1 of N) and foliar (1.0 and 1.5 g plot−1 of N) fertilization in up to two application events (0.5 + 0.5 and 0.75 + 0.75 g plot−1 of N), were compared with conventional fertilization (6.0 g plot−1 of N in soil). The change from 6.0 g plot−1 to 4.5 g plot−1 of N reduced the RNf by 46% before the first foliar fertilization. The RNf (26%) was similar between managements after the first foliar fertilization. After the second foliar fertilization, the RNf was 38% higher than that for conventional management. The accumulation of N in the aerial part of sugarcane was similar between managements until the first foliar fertilization. After the second foliar fertilization, the accumulation of N increased by 3.5% with foliar fertilization. The biomass accumulated by the managements was similar before and after the first and second foliar fertilization. The splitting of foliar fertilization increased the accumulation of N and RNf by 22% and 24%, respectively. The fertilization management with 4.5 g plot−1 of N applied to the soil, with two applications of 0.75 g plot−1 of N on the leaf, obtained greater accumulations of N and RNf. Foliar fertilization increases the efficiency of fertilization and improves the N nutrition of sugarcane.

Overlapping Transcriptome Alterations Reveal the Mechanism of Interaction between Selenium and Zinc and Their Common Effect on Essential Nutrient Metabolism in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.).

Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies have become serious global food security and public health problems. Biofortification through foliar fertilizer is a nonspecific, low-tech, and cost-effective strategy. Se and Zn have overlapping physiological roles and interacting relationships in plants. Mung bean is superior for Se enrichment and an excellent Zn carrier. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between Se and Zn in the mung bean remains unclear. Herein, Se and Zn accumulation, antioxidant activities, physiological determination, and transcriptomic analysis were performed under both Se and Zn treatments. Common essential roles of Se and Zn in mung bean were reflected by the comprehensively altered ten physiological indexes under both Se2 (24 g·ha-1) and Zn1 (1.2 kg·ha-1) treatments. Overlapping transcriptome changes and common DEGs in two compared groups revealed that the upregulated expression of sulfate transporters (SULTRs), phosphate transporters (PHTs), and Zinc-regulated/Iron-regulated-like protein (ZIP) family genes under Se and Zn treatments directly promoted both Se and Zn intakes. Furthermore, the altered Se/Sulfur, nitrogen, and carbohydrate metabolisms are closely interlinked with the uptake and assimilation of Se and Zn via the 20 key genes that we filtered through the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Further analysis indicated that l-methionine γ-lyase (E 4.4.1.11) genes may play an important role in the transamination of selenomethionine and its derivatives; glutamine synthetase (GS), nitrate reductase (NR), and starch synthase (SS) genes may regulate the nitrogen assimilation and carbohydrate metabolism, which provide more carriers for Se and Zn; glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and serine acetyltransferase (SAT) genes may accelerate the GSH-GSSH cycle and promote Se and Zn storages. This study provides new molecular insights into the comprehensive improvement of the nutritional quality of mung beans in Se and Zn biofortification productions.

Zinc outperforms other foliar fertilisers in enhancing lentil yield and harvest index in semi-arid regions

ABSTRACT Lentil yield in semi-arid regions is limited by heat, drought stress and nutrient deficiencies induced by high soil pH and water scarcity. In this study, we investigated the effect of foliar fertiliser treatments on lentil yield and yield components in a semi-arid region of South-East Anatolia, Türkiye. The control treatment and six foliar treatments were as follows: (i) Control: non-amended control, (ii) Zn: zinc sulphate, (iii) K: potassium sulphate, (iv) Zn + K (zinc sulphate + potassium sulphate), (v) Flo: Florea-UPL (containing boron and molybdenum), (vi) Mac: Macarena-UPL, an organomineral foliar fertiliser and (vii) Flo + Mac. Foliar fertilisers were applied at the first blooming stage of field-grown lentils. Total biomass yield was largely unaffected across treatments except in the K treatment. However, foliar Zn supply was the only treatment that significantly increased grain yield (55% higher), harvest index and total grain N uptake compared to the control, likely due to enhanced translocation of nitrogen-containing assimilates. SPAD values and total N analysis showed that stover N content depleted more rapidly in the Zn treatment than in other treatments during the grain-filling phase. The tested commercial products slightly increased SPAD values, biomass and grain yield. Among the treatments, Zn, as a foliar fertiliser, was the most cost-effective solution for improving grain yield in this region.

Effect of foliar fertilization of nano urea and 2% urea on yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

Effect of foliar fertilization of nano urea and 2% urea on yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)

Does foliar fertilization with zinc enhance physiological pro-cesses and biofortify grains in bean cultivars?

Beans are one of the staple grains of the Brazilian diet and are strategic in combating malnutrition, since their grains are rich in iron. However, zinc (Zn) is another relevant micronutrient in issues related to malnutrition, but little is known about it in bean grains. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization with Zn on physiological and productive processes and grain biofortification in bean cultivars. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, in a 10x2 factorial scheme, with 10 bean cultivars (BRS FP403; BRS Campeiro; BRS Esplendor; BRS Esteio; BRS FC310; BRS FC402; BRS FC415; BRS FC409; BRS Estilo and BRS Pérola) fertilized via foliar or not with Zn, with four replicates. The yield components of beans, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophylls a, b and total, carotenoids and pigments in leaves and Zn content in leaves and grains were evaluated. The evaluated characteristics showed significant differences by the multivariate tests of Wilks' Lambda, Pillai's Trait, Hotelling-Lawley's Trait and Roy's Maximum Root. Foliar fertilization with zinc enhanced physiological processes and biofortified grains in bean cultivars, especially in the materials BRS FC409, BRS FC310, BRS FC402 and BRS Pérola.

Optimizing Olive Production: The Role of Foliar Fertilizers in Boosting Yield and Quality

To enhance yield and produce high-quality olive products, it is crucial to implement accurate and balanced fertilization programs. Like other crops, olive trees require the application of specific macro and micronutrients in addition to basic fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilizer applications containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B, in addition to basic fertilization, on the yield and quality parameters of the Gemlik olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Gemlik) variety, known for its high economic value and use in black table olives and oil production, during two consecutive seasons in 2021–2022. The research evaluated the effects on olive fruit yield, fruit nutrient content (N, Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn), oil yield, and quality. In addition to traditional basic fertilization (NPK fertilizer), foliar fertilizers containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B nutrients were applied before flowering and after fruit set. These applications were organized using a randomized block design with three replicates, each consisting of three trees. The results showed that foliar fertilizer applications, in addition to basic fertilization, had a significant impact on the yield and quality parameters. Specifically, foliar K applications positively affected olive yield in the second year. Moreover, foliar fertilizer applications improved the fruit nutrient content, oil quality (K-232, K-270, peroxide, acidity, and total phenol), and oil composition (%). Therefore, it is recommended that foliar fertilizers are applied during similar periods under similar conditions. However, ensuring the continuity of an optimal fertilization management plan is crucial for olive, as it is a perennial plant.

Effect of probiotics 'Bio-health' and foliar fertilization with zinc sulfate on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

The experiment was conducted in a private field in Jaflawiya, Al-Mishkhab District, Najaf Governorate, for the spring season 2021, to study the effect of soil application with probiotics Bio health and foliar fertilization with aqueous zinc sulfate on some vegetative growth characteristics and yield of okra Husainawia variety. The experiment was a factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) with 2 factors and 3 replicates. The first factor was ground application with probiotics Bio health at 3 levels (0, 2500, 5000 g ha-1) and the second factor is the foliar spraying of zinc in (ZnSO4.7H20) using 3 concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mg L-1). Both factors were applied 3 times during the growing season. The first application was in the stage of 4 true leaves and zinc was sprayed a week later. The second and third were 30 and 60 days after the first addition respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed and the averages were compared using the least significant difference test. Least Significant Difference Test (L.S.D.) at 0.05 probability level. The highest results were recorded in the treatment of adding the Bio health at a level of 5000 g ha-1, which led to the highest rates of vegetative growth indicators, quantitative and qualitative yield and chemical indicators, including plant height, leaf area, knot ratio, number of pods, total yield, nitrogen and phosphorous ratio in pods, zinc content in pods and protein % in pods. In general, the ground application of Bio health at 5000 g ha-1 with zinc 150 mg L-1 significantly outperformed most of the single and interaction treatments. It gave the highest significant increase in vegetative growth indicators, yield, chemical and qualitative indicators.

Use of microbiological preparations in the cultivation of promising soybean varieties in the Oryol region

We studied the effect of microbiological preparations on increasing the yield of soybeans of different varieties. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Oryol region in 2019–2023. Objects of research: soybean varieties Leader 1, Mezenka, Orleya, Osmon, Zusha, as well as Biostim Start preparations, Rizoform Soya, Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux, used in pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of soybean plants in phases 1…3 of trifoliate leaves and budding. The highest increase in soybean yield (6.0 %) compared to the control is provided by inoculation of seeds of the Zusha variety with Rizoform Soya in combination with Biostim Start. Pre-sowing seed treatment in combination with foliar fertilizing with preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux in the presence of native races of rhizobacteria in the soil contributed to the introduction of microorganisms included in their composition into the rhizosphere community of plants with subsequent participation in the activation of nitrogen nutrition processes of the latter. On average, for varieties, the number and weight of nodules in the variant with pre-sowing treatment and 2 foliar applications increased by 57.6 and 65 %, respectively, compared to the control, nitrogenase activity – by 67.3 %. The use of a combination of the preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3 and Biodux by pre-sowing seed treatment and one foliar feeding in the phase 1…3 of trifoliate leaves provided the greatest increase in the yield of the Leader 1 variety 0.29 t/ha, Zusha – 0.35, Mezenka – 0 .40 t/ha. The maximum increase in protein content in grain was observed in the Mezenka variety in the variant with pre-sowing seed treatment and 1 or 2 foliar fertilizers – by 1.1 and 1.0 %, respectively.

Evaluation of efficiency of foliar nutrition of spring wheat in conditions of Zhytomyr district

The article presents the generalised results of 3 years of research on the influence of foliar fertilization on the yield of spring wheat when grown on sod- podzolic soil in the conditions of Right-Bank Polissya of Ukraine.

The Effects of Water Management, Foliar Fertilizers, and Lime Application on the Accumulation of Cd and As in Rice Grains Based on a Field Trial

The aim of this study was to explore the feasible measurement of the control of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grains. A field experiment was carried out to research the effect of different treatments, including spraying silicon (Si)/selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers, the application of lime (CaO), water management (continuous flooding), and the co-application of foliar fertilizers and flooding, on Cd and As accumulation in rice grains in Guangxi Province. The results indicate that Cd accumulation in rice grains decreased under different treatments and Cd content in rice grains reached the threshold of 0.2 mg kg−1. In the single technical treatments, CaO application, flooding, spraying foliar Se fertilizer, and spraying foliar Si fertilizer decreased Cd content by 73.15%, 60.44%, 45.76%, and 36.07%, respectively. However, flooding and CaO amendment enhanced As accumulation in rice grains. The co-application of flooding and spraying foliar fertilizer can simultaneously reduce Cd and As in rice grains. In addition, they resulted in lower Cd content than the single technical treatments. Among the treatments, the lowest bioaccumulation factors of Cd and As were found after the co-application of flooding and Si foliar fertilizer, which decreased these factors by 74.02% and 22.72%, respectively. These results suggest that spraying foliar Si fertilizer combined with flooding may be a promising method to synchronously inhibit the accumulation of Cd and As in rice.

Smallholders’ willingness to pay for ZM-GrowTM foliar fertilizer in Dangla District of Northwestern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Using primary data collected from 389 sample households in Dangla district, Amhara region of Ethiopia, this study examined smallholder farmers’ willingness to pay for ZM-GrowTM foliar fertiliser. The study employed the Tobit model to estimate the determinants of the maximum willingness to pay and a seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model to estimate the mean willingness to pay for foliar fertiliser. The results of the Tobit regression model showed that the education level of the farm household, total annual income, access to credit service, access to agricultural extension service, perception about fertiliser, and cost of the existing fertiliser have a positive and significant effect on farm households’ willingness to pay. On the other hand, the age of farm households, availability of labour, and initial bid price have negative and significant effect on farm households’ willingness to pay for ZM-GrowTM foliar fertiliser. The mean willingness to pay for ZM-GrowTM foliar fertiliser, estimated using the seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model, was 121.16 birr/litre (2.75 USD/litre). The corresponding mean willingness to pay amount estimated from an open-ended format was 161.105 Birr/litre (3.65 USD/litre). The results suggest that foliar fertilisers could be good alternatives to the existing fertilisers and its adoption can be further facilitated through improved access to knowledge and finance/credit.

Productivity, quality and suitability for processing of various potato varieties when grown in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation

Relevance. The study of the reaction of potato varieties, especially new ones, to the use of a complex of agrotechnical techniques, including foliar top dressing with water-soluble fertilizers, is an urgent task. For this purpose, 4 potato varieties of different ripeness groups (Red Scarlett, Nevsky, Golubizna, Grand) were studied in two regions of Russia using agrochemicals Agrovin Micro. Methods. The article presents experimental data on the study of biometric indicators, yield and quality of potatoes for non-root top dressing in conditions of leached chernozem and sod-podzolic sandy loam soils of the Central region of Russia. The objects of research were potato varieties of various ripeness groups. Foliar fertilization of plants with agrochemicals Agrovin Micro was carried out in the phases of germination, budding and 20 days after the last treatment in two consumption rates – 1.0 and 2.0 l / ha. Control – without processing (K) with background N90Р90К135.Results. On average, over the years of research, the best options for all varieties turned out to be options with the use of additional leaf treatment with an agrochemical at a maximum dose of 2 liters /ha. Due to three-fold foliar top dressing for the critical phases of potato plant growth, the greatest yield increases and maximum values of dry matter and starch content to the mineral background were obtained. In the conditions of the Tambov region, the increase in yield, depending on the variety, ranged from 24.2 to 59.3% or 6.0-10.5 /ha and in the conditions of the Moscow region – 3.3-28.9% or 1.2-7.1 t/ha. The most suitable for processing into fried potato products from the studied varieties turned out to be Red Scarlett and Grand. All other things being equal, the color index of crispy potatoes and fries on these varieties was higher than the Nevsky variety by 1.0-1.5 points.

Mathematical approach used for the assessment of foliar application of biostimulant and fertilizers to coriander varieties (Coriandrum sativum L.)

The biostimulants and fertilizers applied as foliar spray or directly to soil play a crucial role in enhancing the development and quality of coriander by supplying essential macro- and micro-nutrients. The ecological approach to reducing soil fertilizers prioritizes the utilization of foliar nutrients. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of foliar applying products on the seed yield, essential oil content and composition of coriander cultivars in Central Bulgaria. The field trial was carried out on alluvial-meadow soil type in the region of Plovdiv, Central Bulgaria, in the period 2020–2022. The experiment was conducted using the approach of fractional parcels with four repetitions. Three foliar products were examined in the relevant rates: Energy 20–8–60 – 25 L ha−1; Fulvin 40–22 – 80 L ha−1; Isabion – 30 L ha−1. The treated plants were compared to an untreated control. The tested products were applied in the end of the budding stage to five coriander varieties: Yantar, Moroccan, Mesten Drebnoploden, Thüringen and Marino. Results showed that the application of foliar products, compared to the control, led to an increase in seed yield by 4.2–9.6 % and essential oil content up to 11.8 %. Statistical analysis has demonstrated that the utilization of the Energy 20–8–60 has the most significant impact on the concentration of essential oils, while Isabion has the biggest influence on the quantity of seeds produced. The Isabion biostimulant increased the content of the main compound – β-linalool in the essential oil of Moroccan variety up to 8.9 % and Marino and Mesten Drebnoploden by 3.6 and 5.4 % respectively, compared to the control. The foliar application of Energy 20–8–60 fertilizer led to a decrease of β-linalool percentage in Marino, Moroccan, Mesten Drebnoploden and Thüringen. All studied varieties exhibited the presence of aldehyde 2E-tridecen-1-al under the impact of foliar fertilizers, whereas the untreated plants did not.

Respon Pertumbuhan Bibit Single Bud Tanaman Aglaonema Varietas Donna Carmen Terhadap Aplikasi Zat Pengatur Tumbuh dan Pupuk Daun

Ornamental plants now become a trend among the public. The hobby of growing ornamental plants causes the demand for ornamental plant is increased day by day, especially the Aglaonema ornamental plant. In general, the propagation of Aglaonema plants is carried out by using separation of tillers and stem cuttings of 4-7 segments. Due to the high demand for Aglaonema plants, a new method of plant propagation is needed, in order to produce more plants in a short time, by using the single bud nursery method. Aglaonema stem cuttings are difficult to do because Aglaonema plants has bud's dormancy period. Dormancy of Aglaonema plant buds is triggered by apical dominance. The way to break bud dormancy on Aglaonema cuttings is using zpt auxin (Rootone-f). In addition, plants also need nutrients to grow, by providing fertilizer. Fertilization for ornamental plants generally uses foliar fertilizer (Gandasil D). This research was conducted using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) which consisted of 2 factors, the first factor zpt auxin (Rootone-f) which consisted of 4 levels (0 ppm, 100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300 ppm), and the second factor was Gandasil D foliar fertilizer which consisted of 3 treatment levels (0 g/l, 1 g/l, 2 g/l) so there are 12 treatment combinations. Each combination was repeated 3 times, thus forming 36 experimental units. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the effect of the treatment and those whose effects were significantly different were further tested using the Ducan Multiple Range (DMRT) with a 95% confidence level. The combination of auxin zpt treatment (Rootone-f) with a concentration of 200 ppm and Gandasil D foliar fertilizer with a concentration of 2 g/l showed the best treatment combination on the parameters of observing fresh weight of Aglaonema plants. The concentration of zpt auxin (Rootone-f) 200 ppm gave the highest average value of shoot length, number of leaves, root length, and number of roots of Aglaonema plants. The concentration of Gandasil D 2 g/l foliar fertilizer gave the highest average leaf length and leaf width of Aglaonema plants.

Reduced Fertilization and Magnesium Supplementation: Modulating Fruit Quality in Honey Pomelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.)

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in the Guanxi honey pomelo production area has led to severe soil acidification and magnesium (Mg) deficiency, adversely affecting pomelo fruit quality. To address this issue, an integrated nutrient optimization model crucial for ensuring the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of the Guanxi honey pomelo industry has been explored. In a three-year experiment, two fertilizer treatments were implemented: a farmer fertilizer practice (FP) and an NPK reduction plus foliar Mg fertilizer (OPT + fMg). We investigated the impact of this integrated optimized fertilization measure on pomelo fruit quality from three aspects: flavor (sugars and organic acids), nutrition (vitamin C and mineral elements), and antioxidant properties (phenolics, flavonoids, and phytic acid). The results revealed that the OPT + fMg treatment improved fruit flavor by reducing acidity (titratable acid, citric acid, and quinine), while having a minimal impact on sugar components (sucrose, fructose, and glucose). Additionally, the OPT + fMg treatment increased the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and phytic acid in the fruit peel, enhancing its potential antioxidant quality. However, the OPT + fMg treatment reduced the mineral nutrient quality (excluding calcium) in the fruit. As for the fruit developmental period, the OPT + fMg treatment significantly increased the total flavonoid concentration in the peel from the mid-expansion fruit stage, followed by notable increases in phytic acid in the peel during the mid-to-late expansion fruit stage. The total phenolic concentration in the peel significantly rose only during the late fruit development stage. The most pronounced effect was observed on phytic acid in both peel and pulp. The influence of the OPT + fMg treatment on the mineral nutrients (excluding calcium) primarily occurred during the mid-to-late expansion fruit stage. Overall, the OPT + fMg treatment significantly improved the comprehensive nutritional quality of pomelo fruit, providing valuable insights for scientifically reducing fertilizer application while enhancing fruit quality.

Integrated physiological and transcriptome analyses of the effects of water-soluble amino acid fertilizer on plant growth

Tobacco is a key component of China’s economy, serving as a major cash crop. With traditional fertilizers reaching their maximum potential in promoting tobacco growth, the exploration of new fertilizers has emerged as a viable solution for advancing experimental sustainable development. Spraying foliar fertilizer is a key measure to improve tobacco yield and quality. This study employed a combination of field and pot experiments to investigate the effects of applying water-soluble amino acid fertilizers on the growth, development, and quality of tobacco. The results of transcriptome analysis and physiological index measurements indicate that the application of water-soluble amino acid fertilizer can enhance the area of tobacco leaves, promote photosynthesis, and improve the chemical composition of the leaves. This research determined that the optimal concentration for spraying water-soluble amino acid fertilizer is diluted 500 times. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 6,489 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 3,843 genes that were up-regulated and 2,646 genes that were down-regulated. Gene Ontology (GO)analysis demonstrated that these DEGs were significantlyassociatedwithprocessesincludingcell recognition, photosynthesis,thylakoidcomponents, calcium ion binding, and carbohydrate binding.Additionally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis emphasized that the DEGs were largely found in pathwaysrelated tophotosynthesis-antenna proteins, interactions between plants and pathogens, photosynthesisitself, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, andplant hormone signaling. Further research revealed that a significant number of genes involved in the auxin, gibberellin, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid signal transduction pathways exhibited varying expression patterns following the application of water-soluble amino acid fertilizers.Additionally, the expression levels of bZIP, MYB, WRKY, bHLH, and AP2/ERF transcription factors exhibited significant variations following the application of water-soluble amino acid fertilizer. These results analyze the mechanisms of action of water-soluble amino acid fertilizers, offering new effective strategies to enhance both the yield and quality of tobacco.

Enhanced tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and soil biological properties through integrated use of soil, compost, and foliar fertilization under greenhouse conditions

This study investigates the combined effects of standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization on tomato yield, soil nutrient content, and soil biological properties under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted from March to October 2023 using a completely randomized block design with four replications. The treatments included: 1) Control (no fertilization), 2) Standard soil fertilization (30 kg N/da, 8 kg P2O5/da, 40 kg K2O/da), 3) Standard soil fertilization + composted animal manure (2 t/da), 4) Standard soil fertilization + foliar fertilization (1 kg 17-17-17/100 liters of water every 20 days), and 5) Standard soil fertilization + compost + foliar fertilization. Tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma) were transplanted into pots filled with clay soil. Throughout the experiment, soil moisture content was maintained at field capacity. Plants were harvested on October 30, 2023, and data on fruit yield, soil nutrient content (NPK), and soil biological properties (microbial biomass C, CO2 production, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity) were recorded. The highest yield (4.5 kg/plant) was observed in the treatment combining standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization, representing a 275% increase compared to the control (1.2 kg/plant). The standard soil fertilization treatment alone yielded 2.8 kg/plant (133.3% increase), while the combination with composted animal manure yielded 3.5 kg/plant (191.7% increase), and with foliar fertilization, 3.9 kg/plant (225% increase). Soil analyses showed significant increases in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the combined treatments. The highest biological properties were also recorded in the combined treatment.

Enhancement of bud dormancy release and development, leaf nutrition, flower and fruit quality of kiwifruit cv. ‘Hayward’ induced by BUD 14 biostimulant

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of a foliar fertilization program, consisted of the BUD 14 nitrogen-calcium commercial formulation (N: 14% w/w, CaO: 5.5% w/w) as a biostimulant, on bud development percentage, flowering rate, classification of flowers into open, closed and triple, flower and pollen quality traits, fruit quality attributes, and leaf nutritional status of the ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit cultivar. The study was realized during a two-year experimental period in Naoussa, Central Macedonia, Greece. The results showed that BUD 14 induced synchronization in bud development relative to different vegetative stages including initiation of bud expansion, appearance of leaf apices covered by hair and deployment of 2-8 leaves and increased the flowering rate of open flowers. Pedicel length, ovary fresh weight, and dry weight, dry matter and length in female flowers as well as maximum pollen grain diameter and area in polar view in male flowers were significantly enhanced in the BUD 14 treatment. Fruit quality characteristics like average weight and dry mass were significantly augmented, and a 1.5-fold and 2-fold increase was recorded in canes length and number of kiwifruits per cane. In addition, leaf nutrient Ca and Mg concentrations were significantly enhanced, compared to the control. The efficacy of BUD 14 as a more target-oriented and environmentally friendly alternative method of supplying plants with smaller and controlled amounts of nutrients for breaking bud dormancy and improving their development was demonstrated, enhancing flower and fruit quality, leaf nutrition, kiwifruit developmental characteristics, and finally the total production per fruit per tree.