Plant Growth Quality Research Articles

Management of Root-Knot Nematode on Okra through Bio-Agents

A pot study was conducted to assess the efficacy of various fungal and bacterial antagonists as seed coating treatments against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode that infects okra plants. The seeds of okra cv. Pusa Sawani were subjected to treatments with Trichoderma viride, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens at a rate of 2 g/kg seed. As a comparison, Carbosulfan 3G was used as a control, applied at a rate of 3g/kg soil. The treated seeds were then planted in soil infested with two second-stage juveniles of the root -knot nematode per gram of soil. After 45 days of sowing, it was observed that the okra plants exhibited enhanced growth, while the population of root-knot nematodes was significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the untreated control. Among the different bio agents tested, Purpureocillium lilacinum exhibited the best treatment followed by Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for increase plant growth characters as well as reduced nematode reproduction.

Evaluating methane emissions from rice paddies: A study on the cultivar and transplanting date

Climate change, driven by increased greenhouse gas emissions, is a pressing environmental issue worldwide. Flooded rice paddy soils are a predominant source of methane (CH4) emissions, accounting for approximately 11 % of global emissions. Factors such as rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, transplanting date, water management, and soil characteristics significantly influence these emissions. This study aimed to evaluate the CH4 emissions from rice paddies in relation to the cultivar and transplanting date. The experiment included two rice cultivars (an early-maturing cultivar, Unkwang, and a medium–late-maturing cultivar, Samkwang) and four transplanting dates (Times 1–4). In the present study, CH4 emissions were higher with earlier transplanting dates and decreased significantly with delayed transplanting. Weather conditions, such as cumulative mean air temperature, cumulative soil temperature, and total sunshine hours, were positively correlated with total CH4 emissions. The recommended regional transplanting date (Time 3) resulted in the highest rice grain yields for both cultivars. However, the earlier transplanting dates (Time 1 and Time 2) were more effective in improving plant growth characteristics such as rice straw weight, root biomass weight, and chlorophyll content. A significant positive correlation was observed between the root biomass weight of the rice and CH4 emissions in both cultivars, implying that an increase in root biomass weight led to an increase in CH4 emissions. Consequently, adhering to the advised regional transplanting dates is the most sensible approach for transplanting rice seedlings. This ensured lower CH4 emissions without compromising rice productivity or quality for both cultivars. Further research should focus on identifying the most appropriate rice-transplanting dates and management practices to effectively reduce CH4 emissions without compromising rice production.

Effect of Organic Fertilizer and Ground Nutrition with Chelated Iron and Zinc on Vegetative Growth Characteristics of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Soil with Low Gypsum

A field experiment was conducted at a research station of soil science Water Resources Department, College of Agriculture, University of Tikrit, for the agricultural season 2022 AD, according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eighteen treatments and three replications for aim of studying effect of organic fertilizer applicatiion and ground nutrition with chelated iron and zinc on vegetative growth characteristics of potato plants in low content soil. Of gypsum, the experiment included three factors each of organic fertilizer at level of (0, 1)%, symbolized M0 and M1, respectively, and chelated iron at three levels (0,2,4) kg ha-1, symbolized F0, F1, and F2, respectively, and chelated zinc in three levels (0,1,5,3) kg ha-1, symbolized Z0, Z1, and Z2, respectively. The results showed that adding organic fertilizer, chelated iron and zinc separately led to a significant increase in the studied traits (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content of leaves, number of leaves per plant, and number of stems per plant). The interaction between organic fertilizer, chelated iron and zinc resulted in a significant increase, as the triple interaction treatment M1F2Z2 excelled as it gave the highest values and amounted to 106.48 cm and 7656 cm2 plant-1, 446.18 mg gm-1, 69.88 leaf plant-1 and 6.01 stem plant-1 for the above studied traits, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment M0F0Z0.

Effect of zeolite–sponge iron combined substrate on microbial community in ecological floating bed

Substrate has been proven to be a useful way to enhance the purification effect of ecological floating bed (EFB), and it also affected the microbial community. While at cold temperature, there was a lack of research on the effect of substrates on plant growth and microbial communities. In this study, three EFBs, namely plant EFB (EFB-P), substrate EFB (EFB-S) and plant–substrate EFB (EFB-PS), were constructed. The effects of zeolite–sponge iron combined substrate on pollutant removal, plant growth and microbial community in the EFBs were investigated at low temperature (3.1 ∼ 11.7 °C). Results showed that the removal efficiencies of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and nitrate nitrogen by EFB-PS (60.35%, 95.09% and 64.43%) was significantly better than that of EFB-P (47.71%, 88.59% and 51.65%), but the relative growth of the aboveground biomass of plants (50.41%) was less than that of EFB-P (81.16%). In addition, the microbial biomass in EFB-PS (69.14 mg/(g DW·day)) and EFB-S (68.76 mg/(g DW·day)) was much larger than that in EFB-P (50.69 mg/(g DW·day)). High-throughput sequencing showed that the microbial diversity (Shannon (6.06 ∼ 8.33) and Simpson (0.88 ∼ 0.97)) and richness (Chao1 (1621.7 ∼ 2556.2) and Observed _ species (1437 ∼ 2423.3)) of EFB with adding zeolite–sponge iron combined substrate were also higher than those of EFB-P. In addition, the addition of combined substrates changed the microbial community structure, some genera with denitrification and nitrogen fixation functions, including Rhodobacter (36.03 ∼ 48.59%), Hydrogenopha (2.21 ∼ 5.89%), were abundantly enriched in the EFB with adding zeolite-sponge iron combined substrate. These results improved the effects of substrate low temperature operation on plant growth and microbial characteristics in EFB, and provide a theoretical basis for strengthening the operation of the low temperature conditions of the EFB.

Plant Dynamics and Growth in Forest and Land Rehabilitation Activities in Menamang Village, Muara Kaman District, Kutai Kartenegara Regency

This research was conducted in the planting area of ​​PT Kideco Jaya Agung, Muara Kaman District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province. The aim was to evaluate the growth success of plants planted 1 (one) year old. 2.5 hectares, plots are placed systematically representing a 25-hectare crop with a distance of 100 m between the centres of the plots. The results of research that has been done on 25 plots are 1830 plants with an average of 74 plants, and the average percentage of growth is 96.44%. The quality of plant growth is classified into 3 categories: healthy, languishing, and dead plants. Size plot 12 is the plot that has the worst plant conditions among the others, while the plot that has the best crop conditions is plot 19. The plot with the highest plant height is plot 20, with an average plant height of 76.98cm. In contrast, the plot with the lowest plant height was plot 7, with an average plant height of 68.01 cm. Overall, the average plant height is good, namely 73.84 cm.

Conservation Tillage in Medicinal Plant Cultivation in China: What, Why, and How

Ecological cultivation is a promising regime for medicinal plant production. For a long time, unreasonable farming methods have threatened soil health and medicinal agriculture and restricted the sustainable development of ecological agriculture for medicinal plants. However, there is a lack of comprehensive discourse and discussion about the pros and cons of different tillage regimes. Here, the research trend and application prospects of no-tillage (NT) are comprehensively reviewed, and the ecological benefits, challenges, and opportunities of the NT system in ecological agriculture of medicinal plants are scrutinized, aiming to call for an about-face in the sustainable conservation and utilization of both phytomedicine resources and agricultural/ecological resources. An exhaustive literature search in PubMed, Bing, Scopus, and CNKI was performed to outline the research trend in conservation tillage and medicinal plants during the recent four decades. The application of NT has a long history and can reduce tillage frequency and intensity and protect soil from erosion and deterioration. NT is often combined with organic mulch to significantly reduce soil disturbance. NT and stover mulching have the advantages of saving manpower and resources and improving soil quality, crop yield, and quality. The ecological and economic benefits of NT in long-term medicinal plant cultivation could be prominent. In developing medicinal plant cultivation, competing with food crops should be avoided as much as possible, and the impact on the production of major grain crops should be minimized. Therefore, the full utilization of soil resources in forests, mountains, and wasteland is advocated, and sustainable soil utilization is the core issue in the process of land reclamation. NT and stover mulching not only inherit the traditional concept of “natural farming”, conform to the basic laws of ecology, as well as the growth characteristics of medicinal plants, but also protect the ecological environment of the production area. It would become the core strategy of ecological agriculture for medicinal plants. Our summary and discussions would help propose countermeasures to popularize NT and organic mulch, promote relevant research and scientific allocation of resources, and adapt to local conditions to achieve precise management and harmonize conservation and production of medicinal plants.

Growth of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Salinity Stress Condition With Additional Biostimulan of Gotu Kola Extracts (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.)

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a palawija plant that is widely cultivated in Indonesia and includes glycophyte plants that are sensitive to salinity. Salinity stress can affect changes in morphological characters and growth in plants. The addition of gotu kola extract biostimulants can be a solution to reduce the effect of salinity stress on plants. This study aims to determine the effect and concentration of gotu kola extract biostimulant on the morphological and growth characteristics of mungbean plants experiencing salinity stress. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, namely NaCl concentration consisting of controls A1 (0‰), A2 (1.6‰), A3 (3.2‰), A4 (4.8‰) and A5 (6.4‰) as well as the concentration of biostimulants consisting of controls B1 (0mg/L), B2 (12.5mg/L), B3 (25mg/L), B4 (50mg/L) and B5 (100mg/L). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan’s Multi Range Test with a 95% level of confidence. The results showed that the combination treatment of NaCl and gotu kola extract biostimulants had a significant effect on shoot fresh weight (grams), total fresh weight (grams), shoot dry weight (grams), total dry weight (grams), but had no significant effect on mungbean height. (cm), number of leaves (stalk), leaf area (cm2), root fresh weight (grams) and root dry weight (grams). Combination treatment of 3.2‰ NaCl and 25 mg/L biostimulant was the treatment that produced the best shoot dry weight and dry weight from the growth of mungbean plants experiencing salinity stress.

Impact of Different Shed Houses and Growing Media on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry

Partial controls of the microclimatic conditions have a major influence on plant growth and productivity. Moreover, plant growth is largely dependent on the physicochemical properties of the growing media. The purpose of this study was to see how different growing media and shade houses affected strawberry plant growth, yield, and quality attributes. The experimental treatments include net house, UV poly shade house, and open field (control) conditions; and three different growing media i.e., 50% soil + 50% cowdung, 50% soil + 50% vermicompost, and 50% soil + 50% cocopeat were studied. According to the findings, strawberries grown in a net house with cocopeat substrate had the highest chlorophyll content (SPAD value) (46.1), fruit yield (289.16 g plant-1), total soluble solid (8.0%), reducing sugar (8.75 mg g-1) and total anthocyanin (30.80 mg 100 g-1). In contrast, fruits grown under UV poly shed with cocopeat substrate exhibited increased plant height (20.33 cm) and ascorbic acid (46.94 mg 100 g-1). Vermicompost based growing media showed no satisfactory improvement in the reproductive growth characteristics of strawberry plants. Therefore, cocopeat based growing media and net house shade may be recommended to obtain better strawberry yield and quality.

Effect of adding Nano-NPK fertilizer and humic acid on some vegetative growth characteristics and active components of Myrtle Myrtus communis L.

The current study was conducted during the 2019–2020 growing season in Dhi-Qar University's Alsaran Canopy. Nano fertilizer was used to test the effects of adding Nano- 1 macro elements NPK at three concentrations (0, 30,60) mg l-1 on some growth characteristics of Myrtle plant, Myrtus communis, Three replicates of the experiment were used in the RCBD design. Important Difference Test at 0.05 probability. Results appear that The Nano fertilizer is 60mg l-1 significantly increased the average plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, chlorophyll and carbohydrates leaf content, and percentage of oil, fresh weight. The concentration of humic acid Significantly increasing plant height, branch count, stem diameter, chlorophyll content, carbohydrates, and the highest percentage of oil. It recorded an average of (87.44 cm, 12.13 mm, 10.56 branches). 2, 105.44 mg.100 g fresh weight, 82.00 g. dry matter and 0.51%, respectively, while H1 treatment excelled with the largest leaf surface area of8.79 cm2.The interaction treatment H2N1 was superior to the control treatment H0N0 and the rest of the treatments in the study regarding plant height, stem diameter and leaf area, while H2N2 was superior in fruit content of chlorophyll and carbohydrates.

Productivity of strawberry as influenced by mulch materials and gibberellin under net house condition

Plant growth regulators in combination with mulch materials have been shown to regulate physiological processes related to plant growth and development. The experiment was conducted to investigate the responses of different mulch materials and GA3 on plant morphological, physiological and yield attributes of strawberries during the period from November 2020 to March 2021. The experimental treatments included three different mulch materials: black polythene, white polythene, saw dust, and control (no mulch); and GA3 (0 and 200 ppm) were studied. According to the findings, strawberries grown with sawdust and GA3 had the highest chlorophyll content (SPAD value) (48.23), relative water content (76.45%), leaf area (48.23 cm2), maximum number of fruits (19.66) and fruit yield (321 g/plant). In contrast, individual fruit weight (18g) was the highest for plants grown in sawdust without GA3. Black polythene mulch showed no satisfactory improvement in the growth and yield characteristics of strawberry plants. Therefore, sawdust based mulching and GA3 may be recommended to obtain better strawberry growth and yield.

The impact of nitrogen fertilization, bio-fertilizers and molasses on the growth and morphological characteristics of sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris L.)

The impact of nitrogen fertilization, bio-fertilizers and molasses on the growth and morphological characteristics of sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris L.)

Nitrogen Addition Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity in Eleocarpus glabripetalus Seedlings

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soil is a serious form of heavy metal pollution affecting environmental safety and human health. In order to clarify the tolerance mechanisms to Cd-contaminated soils under N deposition, changes in plant growth, root architecture and physiological characteristics of Eleocarpus glabripetalus seedlings under combined nitrogen (N) and cadmium (Cd) treatments were determined in this study. The results indicated that Cd-induced negative effects inhibited the growth of E. glabripetalus seedlings through increased underground biomass allocation, and affected transpiration and respiratory processes, resulting in a decreased soluble sugars concentration in leaves and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the roots. Root systems might play a major role in Cd absorption. Cd stress restricted the growth of fine roots (<0.5 mm), and affected the uptake of N and P. N addition alleviated the Cd-induced negative effect on plant growth through improving the root system, increasing starch and NSC contents in the roots and increasing total biomass. These findings have important implications for understanding the underlying tolerance mechanisms of Cd pollution under N deposition in arbor species.

Role of Biotransformation of Acacia nilotica Metabolites by Aspergillus subolivaceus in Boosting Lupinus termis Yield: A Promising Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

Biotransformation plays a significant role in sustainable agriculture. This process involves utilizing microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, to transform organic compounds and metabolites into bioactive compounds which have beneficial effects on plant growth, yield, and soil characters. Accordingly, the present study aims to explore the role of biotransformation of Acacia nilotica metabolites by Aspergillus subolivaceus in boosting L. termis yield, as an important strategy in agricultural sustainability. A pilot experiment was performed on five fungal strains (Fusarium oxysporium A. aculeatus, Aspergillus. subolivaceus, Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma viride) which were grown on different parts of plants (A. nilotica leaves; green tea leaves, green pepper fruits and pomegranate fruits), and the results indicated that the most active metabolite for the growth of L. termis seeds was the fungal metabolite of A. subolivaceus growing on A. nilotica. More specifically, we assess how metabolites produced by Aspergillus subolivaceus using A. nilotica leaves affect the biochemical properties and chemical composition of L. termis seeds. A. subolivaceus was grown on leaves from A. nilotica to obtain metabolites and fractionated into four extracts. Two concentrations of each extract were examined by pretreating the seeds of L. termis. The study found that all four extracts contributed to an increase in yield and some biochemical properties of the yielded seeds. The best results were obtained by treating the L. termis seeds with an extract obtained from diethyl ether, which led to a significant increase in total nitrogen, amino nitrogen, glucose and protein contents of the seeds. According to 1H NMR guided GC/MS analysis, our results showed an increase in phytochemicals such as terpenes, fatty materials, and flavonoids including 3′,4′,7-trimethoxyquercetin and 4-methyl-p-menth-8-en-3-one, which have not been stated before from A. nilotica suggesting that biotransformation may have occurred due to the presence of A. subolivaceus.

Risk, hazard, and vulnerability for stone biodeterioration due to higher plants: The methodological proposal of a multifactorial index (RHV)

The growth of higher plants on buildings and stone monuments can cause various biodeterioration phenomena. Along with careful management of higher plants in archeological sites and monumental areas, a comprehensive method for assessing the risk they pose to stone conservation still needs to be developed. We propose, therefore, a multi-factorial index of risk from higher plants which will evaluate relevant threats to stone structures and local conditions of vulnerability (RHV). We suggest associating such threats with the environmental conditions (defined by bioclimate and environmental context) and with the plant growth characteristics (defined by life forms, root systems and stem development features, ecological preference, and physiological characteristics). We also suggest associating vulnerability with edaphic factors (stone typology and colonization microsites) and with conservation status, including management activities. The proposed index was tested at a number of international sites in a bioclimatic gradient varying from a temperate climate (Lucca, Italy) to Mediterranean (Rome, Italy) and sub-Mediterranean xeric (Pasargadae, Iran) and tropical (Angkor, Cambodia) conditions. The results show how useful such an index can be in performing analytical assessments of the risk posed by ruderal plants in cultural heritage sites.

The effects of different pineapple wastes on soil chemical properties and growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The high demand for pineapple fruit generates several waste products that can be recycled through composting. This study examined the impact of pineapple waste compost on the chemical properties of soil and its effect on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.). T0 (control), T1 (pineapple peel compost), and T2 (pineapple core compost) of pineapple compost were added to the okra growth medium, and these treatments were arranged in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) along with five replications. The pineapple peel and core compost were applied at a homogeneous rate (10% of the volume of the polybag). The treatments were applied one week before the transplants of the okra seedlings. Base fertiliser NPK Green (15:15:15) was applied one week after transplanting, with the same amount for all treatments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare all of the data in this study, and the Tukey Test to separate the statistically different means at p<0.05. There was no significant (p≥0.05) variation in plant growth characteristics such as plant height, leaf number, fruit number, root length, and plant biomass in this study. Pineapple peel compost (T1) showed better growth performance than other treatments except for the parameter of root length. The application of pineapple waste compost enhanced soil pH, macronutrients (K, Ca, and Mg), and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, and Mn). However, no significant (p≥0.05) differences were identified except for soil pH, exchangeable calcium (Ca), and total zinc (Zn). Using both composts revealed that they could improve the chemical properties of the soil, which led to better plant growth compared to the control treatment (T0).

Study of Five Clones with Combinations of Growth Regulators Based on Growth and Anatomical Characteristics of Rubber Plant (Hevea brasiliensis L.)

As an export commodity, rubber is a major contributor to Indonesia's foreign exchange. Regarding the increase in rubber production, a study on combinations of growth regulators and rubber clones has been carried out based on plant growth and anatomical characteristics during the immature plant period. This research is conducted for eighteen months at the KSO Karang Inong plantations, PTPN-I, and PTPN-III, East Aceh District, using five clones. This study adopts a nested design with three factors: clones, Growth Regulators (GRs), and paclobutrazol. The clones used are PB 260, IRR 104, IRR 112, IRR 39, and 105. The GRs combination factor between IAA and Kinetin consists of seven levels and three levels of paclobutrazol. The results show that the rubber clones PB260 and IRR105 give higher stem girth and plant height than the other clones when applied with GRs at six different levels. The most expansive leaf area is found in clone IRR 104 compared to other clones. In addition, paclobutrazol affects plant height. Applying paclobutrazol can reduce plant height for all clones but increases stem girth, skin thickness, number and diameter of latex vessels, and total chlorophyll at 46 months after treatment.

Pre and postharvest characteristics of Dahlia pinnata var. pinnata, cav. As affected by SiO2 and CaCO3 nanoparticles under two different planting dates

Agriculture faces many challenges because of climate changes. The nutrients present in nano-sized form improve plant productivity, especially when used at the appropriate planting time. Field experiments were conducted as a factorial experiment for evaluating two planting dates (20th September and 20th October), foliar application with nanoparticles (NPs) including silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) at 1.5 and 3 mM, calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3-NPs) at 5 and 10 mM and distilled water (control) on pre- and post-harvest characteristics of Dahlia pinnata var. pinnata Cav. The results indicate that the interactions during the late planting time (20th October) and exogenous applications of SiO2-NPs at 1.5 mM or CaCO3-NPs at 10 mM have improved plant growth including plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weights of plant, leaf area, inflorescence diameter, inflorescence stalk length, branches number, tuber numbers, inflorescences number on the plant, and the vase life. At the same time, insignificant differences appeared in the interaction during the planting dates and SiO2 or CaCO3 -NPs concentrations on inflorescence stalk diameter, total soluble solids, membrane stability index, maximum increase in fresh weight (FW), and Si and Ca contents. In addition, all exogenous applications of NPs at the late planting time promoted the plant growth characteristics like lignin %, cellulose %, inflorescence water content, change in FW, and total water uptake. Moreover, the controls through the two planting dates recorded the maximum change in water uptake and water loss values. In short, it can be recommended to use SiO2-NPs at 1.5 mM or CaCO3-NPs at 10 mM as a foliar application at the late planting time (20th October) for obtaining the optimum quantitative and qualitative parameters of D. pinnata.

Cadmium exposure is associated with increased transcript abundance of multiple heavy metal associated transporter genes in roots of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has demonstrated promise for phytoremediation due to an extensive root system, large biomass, and ability to survive under relatively high levels of heavy metals. However, little research has been conducted to determine the impact of heavy metal uptake in hemp grown for medicinal use. This study evaluated the potential for cadmium (Cd) uptake and its impact on growth, physiological responses, and transcript expression of metal transporter genes in a hemp variety grown for flower production. The cultivar 'Purple Tiger' was exposed to 0, 2.5, 10, and 25 mg·L-1 Cd in a greenhouse hydroponic study in two independent experiments. Plants exposed to 25 mg·L-1 Cd displayed stunted plant growth characteristics, reduced photochemical efficiency, and premature senescence suggesting Cd toxicity. At the two lower concentrations of Cd (2.5 and 10 mg·L-1 Cd), plant height, biomass, and photochemical efficiency were not affected, with chlorophyll content index (CCI) being slightly lower at 10 mg·L-1 Cd, compared to 2.5 mg·L-1 Cd. There were no consistent differences between the two experiments in total cannabidiol (CDB) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations in flower tissues at 2.5 and 10 mg·L-1 Cd, compared to the control treatment. Root tissue accumulated the highest amount of Cd compared to other tissues for all the Cd treatments, suggesting preferential root sequestration of this heavy metal in hemp. Transcript abundance analysis of heavy metal-associated (HMA) transporter genes suggested that all seven members of this gene family are expressed in hemp, albeit with higher expression in the roots than in the leaves. In roots, CsHMA3 was up-regulated at 45 and 68d after treatment (DAT), and CsHMA1, CsHMA4, and CsHMA5 were upregulated only under long term Cd stress at 68 DAT, at 10 mg·L-1 Cd. Results suggest that expression of multiple HMA transporter genes in the root tissue may be upregulated in hemp exposed to 10 mg·L-1 Cd in a nutrient solution. These transporters could be involved in Cd uptake in the roots via regulating its transport and sequestration, and xylem loading for long distance transport of Cd to shoot, leaf, and flower tissues.

Impact of Soil Conditioners and Cyanobacteria under Varied Irrigation Levels on Growth and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Sandy Soil

During the winter seasons 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, two field experiments were conducted at the Ismailia Experiment Research Station in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, to assess the effect of soil conditioners and cyanobacteria at different irrigation levels on the growth and productivity of wheat plants grown in sandy soil. The experimental treatments were arranged in the split-split plot design shown below: Two bio fertilizer treatments were represented by subplot A0: no application and A1: cyanobacteria (Anabaena crcinalis) inoculation. Four natural soil conditioner treatments at a rate of 2.4 mg ha-1 were arranged in sub-sub plot (control): no application, (Z) zeolite, (B) bentonite, and (F) feldspar. The results revealed that cyanobacteria inoculation combined with natural soil conditioners resulted in positive and statistically significant increases in all parameters studied. The highest mean values were obtained in the majority of cases when cyanobacteria and feldspar were combined in a 70% irrigation level, with no significant difference when cyanobacteria and feldspar were combined in full irrigation level. All growth parameters were increased per plant. The investigated factors had a significant impact on NPK uptake by grains and straw, total amino acid percentages in wheat grains, and available NPK in soil. Furthermore, the presence of cyanobacteria associated with soil conditioners led to an increase in soil dehydrogenase, indole acetic acid levels. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to use cyanobacteria and soil conditioners as natural resources to minimize water use while boosting the production and growth characteristics of wheat plants. Finally, the findings of this study suggested that inoculating wheat plants with cyanobacteria in combination with soil conditioners can reduce up to 30% of the total amount of water required by wheat plants, and that using natural resources and bio fertilizer can be recommended to improve soil fertility while minimizing the environmental impact of chemical fertilizer.

Mitigation of Salinity Stress on Soybean Seedlings Using Indole Acetic Acid-Producing Acinetobacter pittii YNA40

Soybean is an important oil crop with multiple uses. Soybeans can grow in various soil types and climates; however, salt stress reduces their yield. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms are an environmentally benign way to combat stress and boost plant tolerance. In the present study, we have identified plant growth-promoting bacteria that can produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and induce distinct growth characteristics in soybean plants under salt stress. The YNA40 isolate was identified as Acinetobacter pittii through 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. A pure culture of Acinetobacter pittii YNA40 was subjected to chromatographic and mass spectrometry selected-ion monitoring (GC-MS/SIM) for IAA quantification. The results revealed that the YNA40 bacterial strain showed a significantly higher IAA concentration (473.88 ng/mL) at 4% sodium chloride (NaCl). Moreover, in a salt-stress condition, inoculation with Acinetobacter pittii YNA40 was able to induce increased shoot length (23.48%), shoot weight (24%), root length (2.47%), and root weight (44.82%) compared to the uninoculated control. Therefore, soybean seedlings were inoculated with YNA40 to examine their potential for promoting growth and reprogramming after salt stress. Inoculation with YNA40 isolates mitigated the salt stress and significantly improved the growth of the plant, enhanced the chlorophyll contents, and improved the quantum efficiency of chlorophyll fluorescence, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, the diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, and antioxidant activities of soybean plants during and after salt stress. The present research demonstrated that the application of the YNA40 isolate is promising for reducing salt stress in soybean plants and helps plants grow better in a salt-stressed environment.