High Potassium Concentration Research Articles

Preliminary Study on Existing Scenario of Selected Soil Properties in Cheddikulum Grama Niladhari Division Vavuniya District, Sri Lanka

The productivity of the soil has changed into the worst condition knowingly or unknowingly by anthropogenic activities as well as natural phenomena. The study was conducted to quantify selected soil properties in Cheddikulum Grama Niladhari division, Vavuniya District and find reclaim the problem soil and make suggestions to cultivate the crop variety suitable for the existing soil properties since this area is a recently rehabilitated area. Fifty composite samples were selected for the research using the stratified random sampling method. Stratification was based on the type of land cover, and following land cover patterns were identified agriculture land patches, forest patches, and grassland patches. Soils were collected from top to 30 cm depth (root zone) using a core sampler, and subsamples were collected to obtain composite samples. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter content, total nitrogen, exchangeable potassium, and available phosphorous. 14.8% of agricultural land area was acidic soil and 4.7% alkaline soil. 15.3% of agricultural land area was identified as saline soil. 67.11% of agricultural lands contain more phosphorous concentration than the optimum range. 4.7% of agricultural lands contain higher potassium concentrations than the optimum range. 94% of forest lands and 100% of grasslands contains phosphorous concentration higher than the optimum range. But forest lands showed a lower level of potassium concentration. 23.6% of grasslands contain higher potassium than the optimum level. Organic matter ranged between 0.01% to 5.43% in agricultural lands where 82% of total nitrogen concentrations were the optimum level. Agriculture practices lead to change in the soil; hence identified soil problems should be reclaimed in order to maintain the fertility of the soil for sustainable production. Proper management of soil can be a better solution for supporting the successful agricultural activity of the community in the future and socio-economic development of this region and need to be adhering to crop variety selection and soil reclamation practices.
 Keywords: Productivity, Soil problems, Soil reclamation

High-temperature corrosion in a multifuel circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler co-firing refuse derived fuel (RDF) and hard coal

In this work samples of corrosion products collected from waterwalls made of P235GH and 16Mo3 steel are investigated. The samples originated from a full-scale circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler co-firing refuse derived fuel (RDF) with hard coal. The samples were analyzed using SEM-EDS technique to determine the composition and distribution of corrosion products. Two types of corrosion spots were distinguished: these rich in chlorine and potassium (up to 46.6% and 26.3%, respectively) and these rich in chlorine and sodium (up to 47.7% and 34.8%, respectively). Moreover, laboratory corrosion tests were performed to determine the corrosion characteristics at 510 and 410 °C and to investigate the influence of fuel additives on corrosion rates. High contents of chlorine (5.07%) and sodium (5.58% of Na2O) in RDF ash together with high potassium content (4.34% K2O) in coal ash resulted in high corrosion rate. To mitigate this unwanted effect, additives such as halloysite, kaolin and sulfur were tested and halloysite was proven to be the most effective. The oxide scales formed on the steel within deposits varied in terms of thickness, structure and porosity. It was found that the porosity and adhesion of the oxide layer play a key role in the corrosion process.

Agrochemical characteristics of soils in the vicinity of the village of Mishkino, Mishkinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan

The article is devoted to the analysis of the dynamics of the content of such important elements of fertility as phosphorus and potassium and the acidity of arable soils in the vicinity of the Mishkino Mishkinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan is determined. The data on the content of phosphorus and potassium and the determination of acidity in the soils of the Mishkinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan from 1976 to 2000 were compared. Studies on the phosphorus content in the soils of the Mishkino district conducted in 1976 showed an average level of phosphorus availability. Studies conducted in 1992 showed a slight increase in the availability of phosphorus in the soil. Studies in 2015 and 2020 showed a continuing trend of increasing the availability of phosphorus in the soil. Studies conducted to study the potassium content showed a fairly low potassium content in 1976. In 1992, in general, there were changes in the classes of security and in the amount of potassium content in the soil. Studies in 2015 and 2020 showed a steady trend towards an increase in potassium content in the soils of the district and the presence of soils only with an increased and high potassium content. Studies on soil acidity conducted in 1976 showed that the area of arable soils is mainly represented by medium-acid and slightly acidic soils. Studies in 1992 showed an increase in soil acidity. In the following years, the farm undertook methods of agrochemical effects on soils in order to reduce acidity. Research 2015. and 2020 showed a significant decrease in the acidity of arable soils. It has been established that due to the use of methods of rational nature management of territories, the area of agricultural soils with an average and increased content of mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium increases, processes of neutralization of strongly acidic soils occur.

Phytoremediation potential of flowering plants in relation to copper under the conditions of a model laboratory experiment

This paper describes the results of studying the phytoremediation potential of flowering plants in relation to copper ions in laboratory experiment conditions. The test crops were tansy-leaved phacelia, white mustard, small-flowered marigolds and a mixture of grasses consisting of red fescue, pasture ryegrass and meadow bluegrass in a ratio of 40%, 50%, 10% respectively. Under experimental conditions copper ions in concentrations of 2 and 10 MPC were introduced into the soil selected from the territory of agricultural lands (leached medium-sized heavy loamy chernozem with a high content of humus, mobile phosphorus and exchangeable potassium and a low content of nitrate nitrogen, gross and mobile forms of copper). It has been found that all the selected crops accumulated copper ions from the soil to varying degrees, which makes them suitable for phytoremediation of agricultural lands planned for organic farming. The ability to accumulate copper ions increases in a row: white mustard small-flowered marigolds tansy-leaved phacelia a mixture of grasses. The maximum effect of phytoremediation of the soil in relation to copper ions has been revealed in the variant with a cereal mixture: the content of copper ions in the soil decreases by 38,8% when applying 2 MPC, by 47,8% when applying 10 MPC.

Petrogenesis of an Early Cretaceous Xiabie Co I‐type Granite in Southern Qiangtang, Tibet: Evidence from Geochemistry, Geochronology, Rb‐Sr, Sm‐Nd, Lu‐Hf and Pb isotopes

AbstractCretaceous magmatism is widely distributed on both sides of the Bangong–Nujiang suture zone (BNSZ). These rocks record the subduction to closure history of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNO) and the collisional history between the Lhasa (LS) and Qiangtang (QT) terranes. The Xiabie Co granite in Nyima County, which located on the southern margin of the QT terrane, Tibet. In this study, whole‐rock geochemistry; Rb‐Sr, Sm‐Nd, and Pb isotopes; and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) zircon U‐Pb ages and Lu‐Hf isotopes of the Xiabie Co granite in the Nyima area have been studied to constrain its petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Our study can help explain the tectonic evolution of the BNSZ and crust‐mantle interaction. Zircon U‐Pb dating indicates that the granite was emplaced at ca. 120 Ma. The granite contains a small amount of hornblende and has high silicon (SiO2 = 73.97–78.03 wt%), potassium (K2O = 4.75–6.53 wt%), and total alkali (K2O + Na2O = 7.98–8.98 wt%) contents; low calcium content (CaO = 2.33–4.11 wt%); and variable A/CNK (1.00–1.18) and A/NK (1.09–1.22) values. The P2O5 content of the granite negatively correlated with the SiO2 content. Thus, the Xiabie Co granite is a weakly peraluminous I‐type granite belonging to the high‐K calc‐alkaline to Shoshone series. It is enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and relatively depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with LREE/HREE ratios of 8.03–16.40 and LaN/YbN ratios of 10.2–27.1. Samples show right‐leaning chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu∗ = 0.67–0.76). The primitive‐mantle‐normalized trace element spider diagrams of the samples are right‐leaning zigzag curves, showing relative enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs, e.g., Rb, Th, U, and K) and depletion in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSEs, e.g., Nb, P, Ti, and Yb) and displaying striking Sr and Ba negative anomalies. The granite εHf(t) values were positive (2.9–9.9), whereas the whole‐rock εNd(t) values were negative (–2.841 to –2.33). The calculated (87Sr/86Sr)t, (206Pb/204Pb)t, (207Pb/204Pb)t, and (208Pb/204Pb)t values are 0.7014–0.7057 (0.7044 on average), 18.422–18.851 (18.670 on average), 15.625–15.642 (15.633 on average), and 38.332–38.681 (39.571 on average), respectively. On the basis of the aforementioned data, we propose that the Xiabie Co granite was derived from a primitive magma that originated from partial melting of juvenile lower crust with the addition of mantle materials. In addition, strong fractional crystallization occurred during the rock‐forming process. Given the geodynamic setting, our new data, together with previously reported achievements, imply that the Xiabie Co granite was formed during the LS–QT collision.

Clinical and electrocardiogram presentations of patients with high serum potassium concentrations within emergency settings: a prospective study

BackgroundElevated potassium level is a common and reversible peri-arrest condition. Diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia in a short time is critical, where electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations might be helpful. We aimed to investigate the role of clinical features and ECGs in early diagnosing and treating hyperkalemia.MethodsProspectively, adult patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) from July 2019 to March 2020 with hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.5mmol/L) were included. History was obtained, and laboratory investigations and ECGs were performed at the presentation and before initiating hyperkalemia therapy. Hyperkalemia severity was divided into mild (5.5–5.9mmol/L), moderate (6.0–6.4mmol/L), and severe (≥6.5mmol/L). A cardiologist and emergency physician blinded to laboratory values, study design, and patients’ diagnoses interpreted ECGs and presenting symptoms independently to predict hyperkalemia.ResultsSixty-seven hyperkalemic patients with a mean (±SD) serum potassium level of 6.5±0.7mmol/L were included in this study. The mean age was 63.9±15.1, and 58.2% were females. Hyperkalemia was mild in 10.4%, moderate in 40.3%, and severe in 49.3%. Almost two thirds of patients (71.6%) had hypertension, 67.2% diabetes, and 64.2% chronic kidney disease. About one-quarter of patients (22.4%) were asymptomatic, while fatigue (46.3%), dyspnea (28.4%), and nausea/vomiting (20.9%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Normal ECGs were observed in 25.4% of patients, while alterations in 74.6%. Atrial fibrillation (13.4%), peaked T wave (11.9%), widened QRS (11.9%), prolonged PR interval (10.5%), and flattening P wave (10.5%) were the most common. Peaked T wave was significantly more common in severe hyperkalemia (87.5%) than in mild and moderate hyperkalemia (12.5%, 0.0%, respectively) (p=0.041). The physicians’ sensitivities for predicting hyperkalemia were 35.8% and 28.4%, improved to 51.5% and 42.4%, respectively, when limiting the analyses to severe hyperkalemia. The mean (±SD) time to initial hyperkalemia treatment was 63.8±31.5 min. Potassium levels were positively correlated with PR interval (r=0.283, p=0.038), QRS duration (r=0.361, p=0.003), peaked T wave (r=0.242, p=0.041), and serum levels of creatinine (r=0.347, p=0.004), BUN (r=0.312, p=0.008), and CK (r=0.373, p=0.039).ConclusionsThe physicians’ abilities to predict hyperkalemia based on ECG and symptoms were poor. ECG could not be solely relied on, and serum potassium tests should be conducted for accurate diagnosis.

Assessment of Liquid and Solid Digestates from Anaerobic Digestion of Rice Husk as Potential Biofertilizer and Nutrient Source for Microalgae Cultivation

The need to embrace a circular economy model for sustainable growth and development is increasing due to the rise in human population and the dwindling natural resources available to meet the demands for energy and food. In this study, anaerobic digestion of rice husk (RH) was carried out under mesophilic conditions to produce biogas and digestates. Two particle sizes (300 and 600 μm) and three dilution ratios (1:4, 1:6, and 1:8) were employed to determine the optimum conditions for biogas production. The best anaerobic digesters (300 μm/1:6 and 600 μm/1:4) in each of the categories produced a cumulative biogas of 3205 + 290 mL and 2310 + 320 mL, respectively. The digestates were separated into solid and liquid fractions and characterized to evaluate their potential as biofertilizers and nutrient sources for microalgae cultivation. The nitrogen and phosphorus contents of the solid fractions (1.00 ± 0.01 and 0.97 ± 0.04) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the liquid fractions whereas the liquid fractions had a higher potassium content than the solid fractions. The absence of heavy metals in the digestates confirmed their safe application as biofertilizers. The pH values of 4.70 and 5.50 reported in this study for liquid digestates are appropriate for the cultivation of some strains of microalgae that thrive in an acidic medium. The ammonium nitrogen contents of the liquid digestates (0.03% + 0.00% and 0.04% ± 0.00%) were moderate and not as high as some values reported to inhibit the growth of some species of microalgae. However, the brownish color of the liquid digestates could impair microalgae growth; thus, there is a need for dilution to increase light penetration.

Effect of Boiling, Oven Drying and Roasting On the Proximate Composition and Microbial Loads of Cane Rat

The study examined the effect of proximate composition, mineral and microbial loads of cane rat (Thryonomys swindarianus) meat of different processing methods. Three (3) live adult cane rats were purchased from reputable cane rat domestication farm in Abeokuta and transported to the wildlife laboratory of the Federal University of Agriculture where the samples were slaughtered and subjected roasting, boiling and oven drying. Small piece of each processed cane rat meat was extracted and placed in sterile plastic containers for proximate, mineral and microbial loads for three (3) consecutive days. The standard procedure described by Holt et al., (1994) method was used for the analysis of moisture content, crude protein, total available carbohydrate and ash. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using least significant difference to separate the means and line graph was used for the microbial count. The results showed that from day 1 to day 3 oven dried meat had the highest ash, F. extract, C. protein and C. fat content compared with other processing methods. In the same vein, high potassium, iron and magnesium content was recorded in oven dry cane rat. Furthermore, there are presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli in the meat samples which can cause serious health problems. To encourage sustainable utilization of bush meat consumption in urban and rural areas, oven dried bush meat is the most appropriate method of processing, this should be used and encourage by the seller.

Association of prolonged nightly fasting with cardiovascular, renal, inflammation, and nutritional status biomarkers in community-dwelling older adults

Prolonged fasting as a dietary strategy has been linked to metabolic benefits; however, data supporting these benefits corresponded to studies in very small samples of young participants in controlled environments, with few cardiovascular risk markers, who were studied for short periods of time. We sought to assess the association of habitual prolonged nightly fasting with a wide array of cardiovascular, renal, inflammation, and nutritional status biomarkers among community-dwelling older adults. Cross-sectional analysis of data were obtained from 1047 adults aged ≥65 y from the Seniors Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain 2 (Seniors-ENRICA-2) cohort. Habitual diet was assessed through a validated diet history. Fasting time was classified into the following categories: <10, 10 to<12, and 2 h/d, the latter being considered prolonged nightly fasting. Adjusted geometric means of biomarker concentrations in blood and serum were estimated using linear regression models, by categories of fasting time. Main confounders included overall diet quality, defined as adherence to a Mediterranean diet score, and BMI (in kg/m2). Longer fasting time was associated with: lower concentration of HDL cholesterol (difference between the longest and shortest fasting category: -2.94mg/dL; 95% CI: -4.80, -1.09; P-trend: 0.01); higher potassium concentration (0.11mEq/L; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.19; P-trend: 0.01); and lower concentration of chloride (-0.50mEq/L; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.09; P-trend: 0.03). These results were slightly attenuated after additional adjustment for BMI. Habitual prolonged nightly fasting did not show beneficial associations with the examined biomarkers. By contrast, some modest detrimental associations were found suggesting that extended periods of time between meals may not be beneficial for older adults.

The nutrient, hormone, and antioxidant status of scion affects the rootstock activity in apple

In grafted plants, rootstock growth and stress resistance are influenced by scion traits, but the underlying mechanism is unclear in apple. In this study, we analyzed seedlings comprising wild-type (WT) or increased-branching mutant (MB) scions on Malus robusta rootstock on the basis of RNA-seq data, physiological and biochemical indices, and gene expression. Gene functional analysis of RNA-seq data revealed plant–pathogen interaction was the most significantly enriched biological pathway in the axillary buds and roots compared MB with WT. Most genes related to stress responses had up-regulated expression in the MB roots. The leaf water potential, chlorophyll content, and photochemical efficiency were lower in the MB leaves, whereas the water loss rate was higher. The sucrose, glucose, fructose, and sorbitol contents increased significantly in the MB leaves, but decreased in the stems. In the MB roots, there was no change in sucrose and glucose contents, but the fructose and sorbitol contents increased and decreased, respectively. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents were higher in the MB roots, while lower nitrogen and phosphorus and higher potassium contents in MB leaves. The abscisic acid, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide levels increased significantly in the MB seedlings, whereas the antioxidant enzyme activities decreased, especially in the roots and leaves, which was in accordance with the down-regulated expression of the genes related to antioxidant enzyme synthesis. These changes in the MB roots were apparently due to MB scion traits, suggesting that rootstock vitality in grafted apple trees may be affected by the nutrient distribution, hormone level, and antioxidative stress tolerance of the scion.

Effect of Extract-Added Water Derived from Deep-Sea Water with Different Hardness on Cognitive Function, Motor Ability and Serum Indexes of Obese Mice.

Deep-sea water (DSW) contains multiple minerals and is widely used as drinking water, for cosmetic purposes, and as seasoning. In this study, several types of extract-added water with different levels of hardness (200, 300, 500) were prepared from DSW collected off the coast of Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture. We administrated it to obese mice for two months and tested it for several effects. Although there was no anti-obesity effect for any hardness level in obese mice, the cognitive functions of each DSW-extract-added water-treated group were significantly improved compared to control obese mice in the water maze test. Time-to-fall by the rota-rod test was also dramatically improved in the DSW-extract-added water-treated groups. The levels of triglycerides and blood urea nitrogen were significantly decreased in DSW-extract-added water-treated obese mice. However, these results did not depend on the hardness. Hardness levels of 200 or 300 of DSW-extract-added water had greater effects on cognitive function and serum scores compared to a level of 500. We analyzed DSW using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. High concentrations of magnesium and potassium were detected, but sodium was not detected at very high concentrations. Although the detailed mechanisms of its effects are not yet understood, chronic intake of DSW-extract-added water may have a beneficial effect on health.

Yeast Trk1 Potassium Transporter Gradually Changes Its Affinity in Response to Both External and Internal Signals.

Yeasts need a high intracellular concentration of potassium to grow. The main K+ uptake system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the Trk1 transporter, a complex protein with four MPM helical membrane motifs. Trk1 has been shown to exist in low- or high-affinity modes, which reflect the availability of potassium in the environment. However, when and how the affinity changes, and whether the potassium availability is the only signal for the affinity switch, remains unknown. Here, we characterize the Trk1 kinetic parameters under various conditions and find that Trk1’s KT and Vmax change gradually. This gliding adjustment is rapid and precisely reflects the changes in the intracellular potassium content and membrane potential. A detailed characterization of the specific mutations in the P-helices of the MPM segments reveals that the presence of proline in the P-helix of the second and third MPM domain (F820P and L949P) does not affect the function of Trk1 in general, but rather specifically prevents the transporter’s transition to a high-affinity state. The analogous mutations in the two remaining MPM domains (L81P and L1115P) result in a mislocalized and inactive protein, highlighting the importance of the first and fourth P-helices in proper Trk1 folding and activity at the plasma membrane.

Effects of potassium-silicate, sands and carbonates concentrations on metakaolin-based geopolymers for high-temperature applications

Geopolymers can be optimized to have interesting physical characteristics, which are influenced by the raw materials and additives utilized in their formulations. For this reason, various formulations of two metakaolin-based binders with filler additions of different natures, i.e., sands and carbonates, were tested. The aluminosilicate source used is a commercial metakaolin (Si/Al = 1.44). The feasibility of the consolidated samples and their thermal behaviors were evaluated. The viscosity tests of the fresh geopolymer pastes indicated that their setting times are controlled by their potassium concentrations. The evaluation of the thermal stabilities of consolidated samples was carried out before and after heat treatment at 1000 °C by means of compressive tests. Geopolymers with low potassium concentrations showed mechanical strengths that were 16% greater (37–43 MPa) than geopolymers with high potassium concentrations, both before and after heat treatment. The exposure to different conditions did not influence the final mechanical properties of the geopolymers. XRD analysis of the geopolymers was performed and the crystallization of kalsilite was found in samples high potassium concentrations. Different mechanisms during geopolymerization, specifically the kinetic and thermodynamic mechanisms of geopolymers with high and low potassium concentrations, respectively, can explain the diverse mechanical responses of the geopolymers at room temperature, while the presence of kalsilite can explain the differences of geopolymers at high temperatures. Hence, it is possible to develop fire-resistant geopolymers by controlling the concentrations of potassium and fillers.

Physico-chemical Characteristics and Nutrient Status of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Orchards in North-Western India

One hundred eight soil samples were collected from 12 guava orchards existing at different locations as well as 108 soil samples from non-orchard soils adjoining in the vicinity of selected orchards spread over five blocks of district Rewari namely Bawal, Rewari, Jatusana, Khol and Nahar. The samples were collected from 3 depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-60 cm) and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and available nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The composite leaf sample of guava plants was also collected from each orchard. Rewari district soils (orchard and non-orchard) were sandy loam to loamy sand in nature. The calcium carbonate content in soils showed an increasing trend with depth and it increased significantly with an increase in sand and pH. Soils were alkaline with low organic carbon and nearly one-third of samples were saline. Available nitrogen was low, available phosphorus was low to medium while available potassium was medium to high in soil samples. Despite the high content of available potassium in soils, the plant leaves were found deficient in potassium. Therefore, the use of balanced fertilizers is required for sustainable and enhanced productivity of the guava orchards.

A polishing the harmful effects of Broad Bean Mottle Virus infecting broad bean plants by enhancing the immunity using different potassium concentrations

Broad bean mottle virus (BBMV) infects a wide range of hosts, resulting in significant production reductions. The lack of adequate and effective control methods involves implementing novel BBMV control strategies. Herein, we demonstrate the effect of different potassium concentrations (20, 40, and 60 mM) against BBMV in broad bean plants. Potassium could control BBMV infection in broad bean by inhibiting the virus. In addition, infection with BBMV caused a significant decrease in morphological criteria, SPDA, photosynthetic characteristics, phytohormones, and mineral content in broad bean leaves compared to control plants. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and oxygen anion) and ROS scavenging enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, phenylaniline ammonia-lyase, chitinase, and 1,3 - glucanase) increased significantly in plants inoculated with BBMV alone or in the presence of K+. In addition, proline and phenolic compounds increased significantly after being infected with BBMV. In conclusion, treatment with a high potassium concentration (60 mM) alleviates the adverse effect of BBMV on broad bean plants by boosting secondary metabolites, phytohormones, and enzymatic antioxidants.

Grain yield, nutritional, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in accessions of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Sorghum is an economically important crop in developing countries. The objective of this study was to compare the agronomic performance, and the chromatic, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of nineteen sorghum accessions cultivated in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Results showed that the grain yield (15.22 to 70.18 g per plant), days to flowering (73 to 92 days), panicle length (16.63 to 27.67 cm), luminosity (27.14 to 57.75), chromaticity (5.65 to 15.33) and hue angle (38.49 to 82.66) varied. The percentage of protein (7.33 to 3.43%), fiber (0.60 to 3.03%) and carbohydrates (70.17 to 78.39%) also varied. Grains had a high concentration of magnesium, phosphorus and potassium; the content of total phenols and total flavonoids (free + bound) was found in a range of 117.61 to 2367.01 mg GAE/100 g and 22.52 to 613.92 mg CE/100 g, respectively. The antioxidant capacities (free + bound) showed ranges from 65.09 to 2,017.58 μmol TE/100 g, 43.13 to 1,907.99 μmol TE/100 g and 107.20 to 3,523.20 μmol TE/100 g using the ABTS, DPPH and FRAP methods, respectively. A negative correlation (-0.36) was observed between grain yield and days to flowering. In addition, a positive correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. These results confirm an important genetic diversity among the studied accessions of sorghum.

Genomic Identification of HKT, AKT and KEA Gene Families Involved in Potassium Transport

Potassium is considered a key nutrient for plants and plays a vital role in the growth of plants by affecting various metabolic processes. Further, potassium can be used as a supplement and helps to protect plants from numerous diseases. Various genes have been reported for their involvement in the potassium transportation of plants. However, potassium transportation mechanisms are still unclear. Plants have an organized and complex potassium distribution system (channels and transporters). These channels and transporters are responsible for the uptake of K+ from the soil and its distribution among different parts of the plant. In the present studies, the potassium transportation system of wheat (Triticum aestivum) was identified along with the characterization of 25 genes (11 K+ channels and 14 K+ transporters). Protein structure predictions were performed, and 3D structures of the identified genes were reported, including their domains and motifs. Gene structural analyses showed that the introns and exons have similarities with the known sequences of rice and Arabidopsis thaliana. The identifications and characterization of potassium transportation genes may help to introduce new varieties of wheat with higher content of potassium.

Geochemical features of the devonian plutonic rocks of the Reftinsky massif (Middle Urals)

This article examines the Devonian plutonic rocks of two massifs – Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky, which are located in the western part of the Reftinsky massif. The rocks of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs are divided into gabbroid and granitoid associations. Their chemical composition, the content of pertrogenic, rare and trace elements were studied. Based on the data obtained, the rocks were assigned to the calc-alkaline series, according to the ratio of sodium and potassium, they are rocks with a sodium type of alkalinity. The peculiarity of the studied formations lies in the differences in the nature of alkalinity, thus the rocks of the gabbroid association in terms of the K2 O content are transitional from low to moderate potassium varieties, and the rocks of the granitoid association are characterized by a sufficiently high potassium content and correspond to the high potassium calc-alkaline series. Comparative analysis with basalts and granites of island arcs allows us to conclude that the Khomutinsky and YuzhnoKhomutinsky massifs were formed in an island arc geodynamic setting. Relevance. The geochemical features of the rocks of the Devonian intrusions in the Eastern zone of the Middle Urals have been studied very poorly to date, which makes it difficult to restore the geodynamic conditions of their formation and compare the processes of magmatism in the East of the Middle Urals with other regions of the mobile belt. The data presented in the work will make it possible to fill the existing gap to some extent and thereby help to clarify the patterns of magmatism evolution and the history of the formation of the Urals. The purpose of the work. Study of the contents of petrogenic, rare and trace elements of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs. Comparison of the geochemical features of the rocks of these intrusions with similar formations formed in island-arc geodynamic conditions. Research methodology. The chemical composition of rocks was studied by the X-ray fluorescence method, which was performed on a multichannel spectrometer SRM-35 with the determination of losses on ignition by the gravimetric method and the determination of the content of ferrous iron by the titrimetric method. Analysis of the content of rare and trace elements in rocks was carried out on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers ELAN 9000 and NexION 300S. Analytical data are presented in the form of discrimination diagrams. Results. The rocks of the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs are divided into gabbroid and granitoid associations. Based on the obtained geochemical data, the rocks were assigned to the calc-alkaline series. According to the ratio of sodium and potassium, they are rocks with a sodium type of alkalinity. It is shown that the rocks of the gabbroid and granitoid associations differ in the character of alkalinity. The former in terms of K2O content are transitional from low to moderate potassium varieties, the latter are characterized by a fairly high content of potassium and correspond to the high potassium calc-alkaline series. Conclusion. Comparison of the studied rocks in terms of geochemical features with basalts and granites of island arcs allows us to conclude that the Khomutinsky and Yuzhno-Khomutinsky massifs were formed in an island-arc geodynamic setting.

Mineral composition, content of phenolic compounds and in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of aqueous and organic extracts of the seeds of Peganum harmala L.

Peganum harmala L. is well known as a traditional therapy in Morocco. The objective of this study was to determine the mineral composition for the first time, the chemical profile and the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Peganum harmala L. seeds. The aqueous extracts were prepared by three modalities: decoction, infusion and maceration, while the organic extracts methanolic, ethyl acetate, chloroformic and petroleum ether were obtained by Soxhlet, and the methanolic macerated extract by cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was conducted on both the seed powder and the extracts prepared from it. Similarly, the content of phenolic and flavonoid products was determined. In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated by five different methods: H2O2, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and PR. The correlation between chemical composition and antioxidant activity was evaluated using PCA. Finally, the antibacterial activity by the disc diffusion method, minimal inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations of the organic extracts were evaluated against six gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The results obtained showed that the seeds of Peganum harmala L. are characterized by a particularly high content of potassium (111.6200 mg/l) and iron (64.4080 mg/l). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. The methanolic macerated extract is the richest in polyphenol (94.37 ± 0.62 µg GAE/mg E) and the ethyl acetate extract in flavonoids (366.13 ± 1.88 µg QE/mg E). Petroleum ether and aqueous infusion extracts have the strongest percentages of H2O2 inhibition (21.02±1.13% and 21.02±1.07%) which is greater than that of ascorbic acid (14.35±0.002%) with a significant difference. Ethyl acetate extract showed the best activity by the DPPH (IC50= 146.20±13.41 µg/ml) and ABTS (49.84±1.15 µg TE/mg E) tests, methanolic macerate by the FRAP test (68.04±1.52 µg TE/mg E) and the methanolic extract by the reducing power test (61.77±1.41 µg AAE/mg E). The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and PR showed a positive correlation between the 4 tests, and with the content of polyphenols and flavonoids with the exception of the activity measured by H2O2, where the correlation is negative. The study of the antibacterial effect showed that the four organic extracts: methanolic, methanolic macerate, ethyl acetate and chloroform have an inhibitory effect on six microorganisms with inhibition zones that vary between 8 ± 0.00 and 23.7 ± 2.60 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most sensitive strain with an inhibition zone diameter of 23.7 ± 2.60 mm with the methanolic macerate extract, while the petroleum ether extract showed no effect. In addition, the MICs obtained range from 1.56 to 12.5 mg/ml and the MBCs vary from 1.56 for Proteus mirabilis with ethyl acetate extract to 100 mg/ml. In conclusion, polar organic extracts of Peganum harmala L. are a promising source of antioxidants and antibacterial agents and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that the four methods ABTS, DPPH, FRAP and PR are correlated with each other and that the antioxidant capacity of the extracts is related to their content of total polyphenols and flavonoids. This activity can also be related to the mineral composition of the plant, such as copper, manganese, zinc, which are considered an important class of antioxidants.

SELECTION OF MESOAMERICAN COMMON BEAN LINES FOR FAST COOKING AND MINERAL BIOFORTIFICATION

ABSTRACT Developing fast-cooking, mineral-biofortified common bean lines represents an important innovation for breeding programs. Thus, this study was conducted to determine whether elite Mesoamerican common bean lines differ for cooking time and mineral concentration and to select fast-cooking, mineral- biofortified lines. The experiments were carried out in two growing seasons, in which 16 common bean genotypes were evaluated. Cooking time was determined using a Mattson cooker, and the minerals were analyzed by acid digestion. The resulting data were subjected to individual analysis of variance, combined analysis of variance, clustering by the Scott-Knott test, and selection index (multiplicative). There was a significant genotype × environment interaction effect for cooking time and the concentrations of potassium, iron, zinc and copper. Only the phosphorus concentration showed no genetic variability between the common bean lines. The ranking of the best common bean lines differed for all traits examined in the different environments, according to the Scott-Knott test. The use of the multiplicative selection index allows selecting superior common bean lines for all traits, namely, DF 07-11, DF 08-21, DF 08-20 and DF 08-28. These lines exhibit a very short cooking time (up to 15 min), high potassium concentration (&gt; 12.00 g kg-1 of dry matter) and the highest mean values of micromineral concentration, and will thus be selected by the breeding program.