Improve Plant Growth Research Articles

An approach for modern gardening through monitoring and maintenance of plant health

The study explores the use of internet of things (IoT) devices in agriculture to improve sustainable practices and environmental concerns. It uses the ESP8266 microcontroller and the Blynk platform to create a revolutionary plant health monitoring and automated care system. The system is designed to handle continuous monitoring and plant maintenance in various environmental conditions. Sensors measuring light, temperature, humidity, and soil moisture are strategically placed to receive real-time data. The ESP8266 microcontroller analyzes this information and links it to the Blynk cloud for accessibility via mobile or web applications. The system is effective in monitoring ideal growing conditions, such as soil moisture and weather conditions. Automated care elements like irrigation and supplemental lighting have been shown to improve plant growth and health. The study contributes to smart farming by offering an affordable and easy way to automate and monitor plant health, demonstrating how IoT technologies can enhance agricultural practices, conserve resources, and enable remote management of plant ecosystems.

Formulation challenges associated with microbial biofertilizers in sustainable agriculture and paths forward

AbstractSustainable increase in agriculture productivity is confronted by over‐reliance and over‐use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. With a market projection of $5.02 billion by 2030, biofertilizers are gaining momentum as a supplement and, in some cases, as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers can improve the nutritional supply to the plant and simultaneously can improve soil health, reduce greenhouse emissions, and hence directly contribute towards environmental sustainability. Plant growth‐promoting microbes (PGPMs) are particularly receiving significant attention as biofertilizers. They are widely known for their ability to improve plant growth via increasing nutrient availability and use efficiency. However, except for a few successful cases, the commercialization of PGPM‐based inoculants is still limited, mainly due to lack of field efficacy and consistency. Lack of effective formulation technologies that keep microbial inoculants viable during storage, transport and field application is considered one of the key factors that drive inconsistent efficacy of microbial biofertilizers. In this review, we identify current challenges associated with the application and formulation of microbial inoculants. We propose future paths, including advancement in formulation technologies that are potentially efficient, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. We argue that to enhance the global adoption of biofertilizers, new innovations based on transdisciplinary approaches are indispensable. The emerging framework should encompass a robust quality control system at all stages. Additionally, the active partnership between the academic and industry stakeholders will pave the way for enhanced global adoption of microbial fertilizers.

Biochar Amendment and its Impacts on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction: Biochar application and research have experienced a significant increase in recent decades. It can produce different kinds of organic materials, and it can be employed for different purposes, such as soil conditioning, carbon sequestration and filtration of pollutants from gas and aqueous media. Biochar is a C-rich material, which can be obtained from different types of organic feedstock, such as animal manure, sewage sludge, wood and crop residues and other organic waste. It is also considered an environmentally friendly and resource-saving approach in medicinal and aromatic plants production. Biochar can lead to plant growth improvement and influence on chemical components of medicinal plants, stimulate the growth of soil microflora, increase soil carbonsequestration, bioremediation of soil, regulate carbon fluxes between atmosphere and biosphere, reduce biotic stress in plants, improve soil nutrient availability, decrease abiotic stress in plants, wastewater treatment, immobilization and sorption of soil heavy metal contaminants. Methods: Relevant literature has been obtained using the keywords “biochar”, “organic amendment”, “soil quality”, “medicinal Plants”, “natural products”, “soil quality”, “macronutrient”, and “chemical components” in scientific databases, such as “PubMed”, “SciFinder”, “Elsevier”, and “Web of Science”. Results: The aim of this literature review is to study the impact of different kinds of biochars on medicinal and aromatic plants, soil quality and soil fertility by considering case studies of successful paradigms. Conclusion: Conclusively, we consider our review article will provide an appropriate guide for practitioners and researchers for future studies as well as large-scale field applications.

Enhancing Corn (Zea mays L.) Productivity under Varying Water Regimes with At-Plant Application of Xyway Fungicide.

A fungicide's ingredients can play a physiological role in crop water-management decisions. Our greenhouse study in 2021 demonstrated that Xyway LFR@FMC at-plant fungicide can significantly improve water-saving potential in corn. In 2022 and 2023, a field study was conducted to validate this finding. The 1.11 L ha-1 of Xyway LFR@FMC and no-fungicide/check were the main plot effects. Three water regimes, high (HI) and low (LO) numbers of irrigation events and rainfed (RF), were the subplot effect. Plants treated with Xyway LFR@FMC had significantly higher plant height, stem diameter, and leaf water potential (LWP), and had 11.9, 13.4, and 18.3% higher yield under RF, LO, and HI, respectively, in 2022. In 2023, there were no significant differences for the yield components and growth parameters when the combined effect of fungicide treatments and water regimes was considered. However, plants treated with the fungicide had a higher number of rows per ear, kernel number per row, and cob diameter compared to the check. There was no significant separation for yield among the water regimes in 2023, but the crop yield was overall higher for the fungicide-treated plots. Our results indicate that Xyway LFR@FMC fungicide has the potential to improve plant growth and protect the yield when limited water is applied.

Microbial inoculants as a means of improving soil and crop yields

The article presented the results of studies of the influence of microbial inoculants Rhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense on the growth and development of soybean (Glycine max) at the initial stages of its development. The study was conducted on three experimental plots: a control plot without treatment, a plot with Rhizobium japonicum inoculum and a plot with Azospirillum brasilense inoculum. The main indicators were evaluated: plant height, number of leaves, root system development and total biomass at different stages of plant growth, as well as laboratory analysis of nitrogen content in plant tissues. The results of the study showed that the inoculants had a significant impact on all measured parameters compared to the control plot. In particular, the plants in the plot with Rhizobium japonicum showed 50% higher growth and development of the root system, which was confirmed by the formation of root nodules responsible for nitrogen fixation. Azospirillum brasilense also improved plant growth and root system development, but its effect was less pronounced compared to Rhizobium japonicum. Nitrogen content analysis showed that plants in the Rhizobium japonicum plot had 45% higher tissue nitrogen content compared to the control plot, indicating effective nitrogen fixation. In plants treated with Azospirillum brasilense, the nitrogen content was also 25% higher, but without nodule formation, the effect was less pronounced. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microbial inoculants in improving plant growth and development in the early stages of vegetation, to investigate their effect on root system productivity, nitrogen uptake and total plant biomass, and to determine the optimal conditions for maximising the impact of inoculants in agricultural conditions. The results emphasised the importance of using microbial inoculants to increase soybean productivity and resistance in the early stages of its development. The application of Rhizobium japonicum provided a greater increase in biomass, root system and nitrogen assimilation, which makes this inoculant more effective than Azospirillum brasilense

Exploring the impact of plant growth-promoting bacteria in alleviating stress on Aptenia cordifolia subjected to irrigation with recycled water in multifunctional external green walls

BackgroundRapid urbanization and population growth exert a substantial impact on the accessibility of drinking water resources, underscoring the imperative for wastewater treatment and the reuse of non-potable water in agriculture. In this context, green walls emerge as a potential solution to augment the purification of unconventional waters, simultaneously contributing to the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of urban areas. This study aims to optimize water management in green walls by investigating the impact of bacterial strains on the biochemical properties and performance of the ornamental accumulator plant, Aptenia cordifolia, grown with various unconventional water sources. The experiments were designed as split plots based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The main factor was recycled water with three levels (gray water, wastewater from the Kashfroud region of Mashhad, and urban water (control)). The sub-factor included different bacterial strains at four levels, composed of various bacteria combinations, (B1: Psedoumonas flucrecens + Azosporillum liposferum + Thiobacillus thioparus + Aztobactor chorococcum, B2: Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas fildensis + Bacillus subtilis + Achromobacter xylosoxidans + Bacillus licheniform, B3: Pseudomonas putida + Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus methylotrophicus + Mcrobacterium testaceum, and the control level without bacterial application (B0).ResultThe findings revealed significant differences at the 5% probability level across all morphophysiological traits, including plant height, the number and length of lateral branches, growth index, and plant coverage. Moreover, superior morphophysiological traits were observed in plants cultivated in substrates inoculated with wastewater irrigation. Substrates inoculated with bacteria exhibited the highest relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll levels, coupled with the lowest relative saturation deficit (RSD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and carotenoid levels. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), from a biochemical perspective, were associated with increased carbohydrates, total protein, and anthocyanin. They also contributed to controlling oxidative stress caused by free radicals by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. This led to increased resistance to stress, as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and proline levels. The study concludes that the MIX B3, being both ecofriendly and economical, represents an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of wastewater on plants.ConclusionThis study showed that plant irrigation using wastewater increases the levels of proline, phenols and oxidative stress. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing proline and phenol levels. These findings show the potential of bacterial treatments to improve plant growth and reduce adverse effects of recycled water irrigation.

Exposure to toxic cadmium concentration induce physiological and molecular mechanisms alleviating herbivory infestation in Wedelia

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity induces significant disruptions in growth and development, plants have developed strategies to alleviate metal toxicity promoting establishment even during herbivores infestation. The study demonstrates that W. trilobata maintains growth and development under the combined stress of Cd exposure and herbivore invasion by Spodoptera litura, in contrast to W. chinensis. Cd toxicity markedly reduce shoot elongation and total fresh biomass, and a significant decrease in the dry weight of the shoot biomass and leaf count by 19%, 18%, 16%, and 19% in W. trilobata compared to controls. An even more pronounced decrease of 35%, 43%, 45% and 43% was found in W. chinensis. Compared to W. chinensis, W. trilobata showed a higher increase in phytohormone production including abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and methyl jasmonic acid (JA-me) under both Cd and herbivory stress as compared with respective controls. In addition, leaf ultra-structure also showed the highest damage to cell membranous structures by Cd-toxicity in W. chinensis. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis revealed numerous genes viz., EMSY, MCCA, TIRI, BED-type, ABA, JAZ, CAB-6, CPSI, LHCII, CAX, HNM, ABC-Cd-trans and GBLP being differentially expressed between Cd-stress and herbivory groups in both W. trilobata and W. chinensis, with a particular emphasis on genes associated with metal transport and carbohydrate metabolism. Analyses employing the Gene Ontology (GO) system, the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) categorization, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, highlight the functional and evolutionary relationships among the genes of the Phenylpropanoid and Flavonoid biosynthesis pathways and brassinosterod metabolism, associated with plant growth and development under Cd-toxicity and herbivory. W. trilobata opposite of W. chinensis, significantly improve plant growth and mitigates Cd toxicity through modulation of metabolic processes, and regulation of responsible genes, to sustain its growth under Cd and herbivory stress, which can be used in stress improvement in plants for sustainable ecosystem biodiversity and food security.

Geographic bioprospection of maize rhizoplane-associated bacteria for consortia construction and impact on plant growth and nutrient uptake under low P availability

Application of beneficial microbial consortia for improving plant growth and productivity is considered a major approach to attain sustainable crop production. The construction of plant growth promoting (PGP) bacterial consortia (BC) is reliant on the design of microbial systems based on tuned inter-species interactions with known ecological functions. In this study, maize rhizoplane-associated bacteria were isolated from seven distinct agricultural regions in Morocco. Taxonomic and functional (related to phosphorus “P” use) diversity of 107 rhizoplane bacterial isolates were explored to construct BC while preserving the diversity of the niche they were isolated from. Thirty-six BC were generated, including 28 intra-zone consortia, seven intra-region consortia and one global BC. Quantification of three functional genes: glucose dehydrogenase encoding gene (gcd), pyrroloquinoline quinone (pqqC), and alkaline phosphatase encoding gene (phoD), involved in P cycling, confirmed the presence of gcd in nineteen BC, pqqC in eight BC and phoD in only one BC. In vitro functional characterization revealed that all BC were able to solubilize/mineralize P (50–88 ppm) through the production of organic acids and acid phosphatase (25 – 280 nmol.h−1). Assessment of above- and below-ground parameters of 45-day old maize plants identified five potential niche-constructed “intra-zone” BC (BC-6, -11, -12, -14, and -18) notably in terms of plant biomass, shoot nutrient (N, P, K) uptake and induced root morphological and physiological traits. These BC were associated with increased rhizosphere available P (80 ppm) and decreased microbial biomass P (17 ppm) while the remaining BC significantly increased microbial biomass P (30 ppm) at the expense of a decreased rhizosphere available P (35 ppm) with no significant effect on plant nutrient uptake and biomass. These findings demonstrate that intra-zone BC constructed from the same niche outperformed the intra- and inter-region consortia, supporting the niche-conservatism approach to construct P-efficient BC. This study lays a technical foundation for the construction of synthetic microbial consortia for plant growth and nutrient acquisition, through the optimization of inter-species bacterial interactions.

Fertigation with Nitrogen and Phosphorus Improve Plant Growth, Root Growth, and Buddability of Containerized Citrus Nursery Plants

ABSTRACT Large-scale multiplication of quality planting material is needed to meet the huge demand of planting material in fruit crops. Little information is available on the effect of fertigation on rootstock growth, budding success, and buddling growth in containerized citrus nursery. The present studies were undertaken to study the effect of eight fertigation treatments viz. control (N0P0), N60, N80, N100, N0P100, N60P100, N80P100, and N100P100 on the growth of rough lemon rootstock and subsequently budded three citrus varieties. Among the treatments, N60P100 significantly improved seedling height, diameter, leaf number, root growth, leaf area in rough lemon, Blood Red orange, Kinnow mandarin, and Daisy mandarin over the control. The stomatal conductance was higher with treatments N60, N80, N60P100, and N80P100. While higher photosynthetic rates were observed with N60P100 and N80P100, N60P100 also improved the budding success in Blood Red, Kinnow, and Daisy. Fertigation treatments increased the nutrient concentration in leaves of all the varieties. The principal component analysis revealed that plant height and diameter were positively correlated with root length, root diameter, root number, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content in rough lemon. In all the varieties, the sprout length and diameter showed a positive correlation with leaf area, leaf number, root length, root diameter, fibrous root number, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content. Among different treatments, N60P100 was the best treatment in improving the shoot growth, root growth, and physiological parameters of rough lemon rootstock. Besides, it also improved budding success and buddling growth in all three citrus varieties.

Impact of Bioagents on Growth and Yield Parameters of Root-knot Nematode Infested Mulberry Plants

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is a vital crop for sericulture and its productivity is crucial for the industry's sustainability. This study investigated the influence of bioagents viz., Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pochonia clamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens, alongside control treatments including carbofuran 3G and neem cake on growth and yield parameters in severely root-knot nematode infested mulberry plants. The treatments involved are generally recommended to manage root-knot nematode infestation. The results revealed that T. viride @ 5 kg/ha significantly improved plant growth, leaf area and leaf yield leading to enhanced productivity. The findings of this study underscore the potential of bioagents in fostering environmentally sustainable and economically viable sericulture. Aims: The study aims to assess the impact of bioagents on growth and yield parameters of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infested mulberry plants. Study Design: The data collected from the experimental field were analyzed statistically by using one-way RCBD. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the root-knot nematode infested mulberry garden in Kalyapura Village, Shidlaghatta Taluk, Chikkaballapura District, Eastern Dry Zone (Zone-5) of Karnataka, India between January to September 2022, covering three harvests. Methodology: The treatments were incorporated near the root zone of mulberry plants within a week after pruning as per the recommendations. The observations were recorded once before the imposition of the treatments (initial) and during the first (60 DAT) and second (120 DAT) shoot harvests in mulberry after imposing the treatments. Results: Among the bioagents Trichoderma viride showed better results for shoot height (120.00 cm), number of leaves per plant (511.75), leaf area (102.10 cm2) and leaf yield per plant (528.38 g) during the second harvest i.e., 120 DAT. The minimum leaf yield per plant was recorded in the untreated check (216.43 g). Conclusion: Incorporating T. viride @ 5 kg/ha mixed with 5 tons FYM near the root zone of mulberry infested with RKN showed promising results in promoting plant growth and yield.

Exploring the potential of ultrasound combined with sucrose treatments for germination and growth of sunflower sprouts

Ultrasound is a promising physical method for enhancing the germination of leguminous plants, while sucrose supplementation can boost plant growth and metabolism. However, limited studies have explored the synergistic effects and metabolic mechanisms of ultrasound and sucrose on sunflower sprouts. This study comprehensively investigated the impacts of ultrasound, sucrose, and their combination (US-Suc) on the germination and seedling growth of sunflower seeds. Overall, the combine treatment significantly increased the germination rate, length and weight of sunflower sprouts, compared to either individual treatment. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the US-Suc combination induced a distinct microstructural alteration, enhancing the water absorption capacity of sunflower seeds. Additionally, sunflower seeds exhibited increased activity of endogenous enzymes with antioxidant properties following US-Suc treatment. Lastly, Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics analysis demonstrated that the US-Suc treatment had a distinct regulatory impact on the metabolic profile compared to either treatment alone. The metabolism of carbohydrates and phenolic compounds was significantly up-regulated upon US-Suc treatment, leading to improved plant growth and resistance to environmental stress. In conclusion, pre-treating with ultrasound in combination with external sucrose application showed great promise in seed germination, enhancing nutrient accumulation in sunflower sprouts by accelerating water uptake and boosting enzyme activity. Thus, US-Suc represents an effective approach to increase both yield and nutritional value of sunflower sprouts.

Strategies for Achieving High and Sustainable Plant Productivity in Saline Soil Conditions

The accumulation of salt in arable lands is a source of significant abiotic stress, contributing to a 10% decline in the world’s total arable lands and threatening food productivity and the sustainability of agriculture. About 76 million hectares of productive land are estimated to have been affected by human-induced salinization such as extreme salt deposits in soil, which are mainly caused by the actions of humans. For instance, continued irrigation and the frequent use of chemical fertilizers need to be understood. To ensure food availability, it is essential to improve upon traditional farming methods using current technologies to facilitate the reclamation of saline-affected arable lands to achieve high and sustainable food production. This review details current innovative strategies such as the modification of metabolic pathways, manipulation of antioxidant pathways, genetic engineering, RNA interference technology, engineered nanoparticles, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), organic amendments, and trace elements for improving saline marginal lands. These strategies were identified to have contributed to the improvement of plants salinity tolerance in diverse ways. For instance, the accumulation of plant metabolites such as amino acids, sugars, polyols, organic acids, saponins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and tannins detoxify plants and play crucial roles in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative damage posed by salinity stress. Multiple plant miRNAs encoding the up- and down-regulation of single- and multi-ion transporters have been engineered in plant species to enhance salt tolerance. Nanomaterials and plant root system colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal increase water uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, and biomass allocation in plants exposed to saline stress by excluding 65 percent of the Na+ uptake and enhancing K+ uptake by 84.21 percent. Organic amendments and trace elements reduced salinity concentrations by 22 percent and improved growth by up to 84 percent in maize subjected to salinity stress. This study also discusses how researchers can use these strategies to improve plants growth, development, and survival in saline soil conditions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture. The strategies discussed in this study have also proven to be promising approaches for developing salinity stress tolerance strategies for plants to increase agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Dual PGPR-AMF Inoculation Offsets Salinity Stress Impact on the Fodder Halophyte Sulla carnosa by Concomitantly Modulating Plant ABA Content and Leaf Antioxidant Response

AbstractSalt-tolerant microbes are known to mitigate various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, the intimate mechanisms involved, as well as their effects on the production of signaling molecules associated with the host plant–microbe interaction remain largely unknown. The present work aimed to investigate the role and potential uses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Rhizophagus intraradices and/or halotolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus subtilis in improving plant growth, functional biochemical synthesis and signaling of endogenous abscisic acid during plant response to short- and long-term salt stress in the forage halophyte Sulla carnosa. Plant growth attributes and biochemical traits were determined at 2 different time intervals (45 and 60 d after transplanting time) when salinity was raised from 100 to 200 mM NaCl. S. carnosa showed significant reduction in dry biomass in response to NaCl stress at the second harvest (200 mM NaCl); however inoculating plants with B. subtilis alone or associated with R. intraradices offset salt impact. Leaf electrolyte leakage was significantly increased by salinity but was significantly reduced following dual microbial inoculation. The applied bacterial inoculants also mitigated oxidative stress as reflected by the higher activities of catalase (APX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) antioxidant enzymes and reduced H2O2 level. Inoculation with B. subtilis and R. intraradices upregulated 9-cisepoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 1 (NCED1) and SOD genes expression in S. carnosa plants upon salinity treatment. Furthermore, dual AMF-PGPR -inoculated plants accumulated significantly higher levels of abscisic acid (ABA) in both leaves and roots than non-inoculated and single inoculated plants under salinity stress at both harvest times, thereby accounting for their higher salt tolerance of salt-challenged S. carnosa plants. As a whole, the use of halophytic plants associated with beneficial soil microorganisms could improve the effectiveness of biological methods for saline soil rehabilitation. At the mechanistic level, ABA might represent a key player in the attenuation of salt impact in inoculated plants.

BARC Biostimulant 1, a novel Streptomyces rochei C3-based formulation for disease biocontrol and plant growth promotion

Pythium aphanidermatum is a very destructive plant pathogen causing damping-off disease of vegetable seedlings in nurseries. In addition, this plant pathogenic oomycete causes seed, stem and rhizome rot, as well as post-harvest diseases. Currently, the disease management relies heavily on high dosages of chemicals like metalaxyl and copper oxychloride biocides, which are not only expensive, but are hazardous to the ecosystem. In our quest for developing a disease management strategy that is economical and safe, we isolated a strain of an actinobacterium that is highly inhibitory to P. aphanidermatum, the major cause of damping-off disease. Based on morphology and 16S rRNA sequence analysis, we identified this isolate as Streptomyces rochei. Using an LC-MS/MS analysis, the inhibitory principle has been tentatively identified as (4 S)-4,5-dihydro-4-hydroxygeldanamycin.We developed a novel formulation “BARC Biostimulant 1” using split tamarind seeds as a substrate and talcum powder as a carrier and S. rochei as the active ingredient. In P. aphanidermatum-infested soil, seed treatment and drenching resulted in about 50 % improvement in germination in greenhouse assay and protected field experiments. Under open field conditions, the germination improved to the extent of 20 %. In addition to suppression of the disease, the formulation also improved plant growth parameters like weight and height of seedlings, and induced defense responses. We further undertook multi-location replicated field trials to evaluate this purely organic formulation as a biostimulant across four states of India. Seed treatment with BARC Biostimulant 1 at the rate of 5 g/ kg seeds enhanced germination of seedlings by 80 % and enhanced fresh weight by 105 % (average of four locations), indicating a good commercial potential of this formulation.

Insights into trehalose mediated physiological and biochemical mechanisms in Zea mays L. under chromium stress

BackgroundChromium (Cr) toxicity significantly threatens agricultural ecosystems worldwide, adversely affecting plant growth and development and reducing crop productivity. Trehalose, a non-reducing sugar has been identified as a mitigator of toxic effects induced by abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of exogenously applied trehalose on maize plants exposed to Cr stress.ResultsTwo maize varieties, FH-1046 and FH-1453, were subjected to two different Cr concentrations (0.3 mM, and 0.5 mM). The results revealed significant variations in growth and biochemical parameters for both maize varieties under Cr-induced stress conditions as compared to the control group. Foliar application of trehalose at a concentration of 30 mM was administered to both maize varieties, leading to a noteworthy reduction in the detrimental effects of Cr stress. Notably, the Cr (0.5 mM) stress more adversely affected the shoot length more than 0.3mM of Cr stress. Cr stress (0.5 mM) significantly reduced the shoot length by 12.4% in FH-1046 and 24.5% in FH-1453 while Trehalose increased shoot length by 30.19% and 4.75% in FH-1046 and FH-1453 respectively. Cr stress significantly constrained growth and biochemical processes, whereas trehalose notably improved plant growth by reducing Cr uptake and minimizing oxidative stress caused by Cr. This reduction in oxidative stress was evidenced by decreased production of proline, SOD, POD, MDA, H2O2, catalase, and APX. Trehalose also enhanced photosynthetic activities under Cr stress, as indicated by increased values of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids. Furthermore, the ameliorative potential of trehalose was demonstrated by increased contents of proteins and carbohydrates and a decrease in Cr uptake.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that trehalose application substantially improved growth and enhanced photosynthetic activities in both maize varieties. Trehalose (30 mM) significantly increased the plant biomass, reduced ROS production and enhanced resilience to Cr stress even at 0.5 mM.

Enhanced phytoaccumulation dynamics of chromium and nickel from spent engine oil-contaminated soil amended with biomass-derived bulking agent

Phytoremediation is a promising sustainable approach for the remediation of soil contaminated with inorganic and organic pollutants. In the lands affected by petroleum-derived compounds, their massive toxicity towards the plants, however, hinders the efficacy of the phytoremediation process. Hence, adopting a green approach to enhance phytoremediation is highly recommended and desirable. Here, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was used as a bulking agent enhancing the hyperaccumulation of heavy metals chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) by sunflower plants from 0.5%, 2.5%, and 5% oil-contaminated soil. Accumulation of Cr and Ni was observed higher in roots than shoots. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Cr and Ni was higher in soil amended with SCB than that without amended. The highest rate of Ni and Cr uptake was also noticed in all treatments amended with the bulking agent except in the case of 0.5% oil-contaminated soil without SCB. Overall, the phytoremediation of oil-contaminated soil is most effective when it is amended with SCB as a bulking agent which provides water and air well to plants, improving plant growth and then increasing phytoaccumulation of heavy metals.

Effects of silver nanoparticle on Morinda officinalis How

Nanosilver is a form of silver metal particles, extremely small nano-sized particles, about 1 to 100 nm. Nanosilver solution can be used to treat the soil before sowing or planting trees to control pathogenic microbes and improve plant growth and development. Nevertheless, the study on the effects of silver nanoparticles remains limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the effects of nanosilver concentration on the growth and development of Morinda officinalis How grown in Ba Che district, Quang Ninh province. The silver nanoparticle solution (2 to 10 ppm) mixed with the extract of sour star fruit was sprayed on the seedlings of M. officinalis How and their growth and development were measured. The results showed that the use of nano-silver solution affected the growth and development of Morinda officinalis How. The study successfully prepared a 500 ppm nanosilver solution by a chemical reduction method with reducing agent extracted from the sour star fruit. It has the dual effect of both promoting growth and development as well as producing the best tuber quality for Morinda officinalis How grown in Ba Che, Quang Ninh at 6 ppm.

The Mitigating Effects of Biostimulant Amendments on the Response of Purslane Plants Grown under Drought Stress Conditions

Portulaca oleracea L. is a wild edible plant with high potential for exploitation in commercial cropping systems due to its nutritional value and great adaptability to abiotic stress conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the response of purslane plants grown under drought stress conditions (100%, 80%, and 60% of field capacity (FC)) and the implementation of biostimulant amendments (control without amendment, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhiza, and effective microorganisms (EMs)) for two consecutive years. In the two-year experiment, the greatest height was recorded in plants grown under no-stress conditions and inoculated with PGPR. The highest branch number, and fresh and dry weight of aboveground and underground parts were observed under no-stress conditions at the mycorrhiza treatment. Moreover, mycorrhiza application in plants growing under 100% FC resulted in the highest N, P, total carbohydrates, and vitamin C and the lowest nitrate and proline contents in leaves. Purslane plants grown under 100% FC and inoculated with PGPR treatment resulted in the highest K and total chlorophyll leaf contents. Additionally, growing plants under mild drought stress (80% FC) combined with biostimulant application (e.g., inoculation with mycorrhiza, PGPR, and EM) may improve plant growth characteristics and mitigate negative stress effects. In general, the applied biostimulant amendments alleviated the adverse effects of drought on plant growth and leaf chemical composition indicating the importance of sustainable strategies to achieve high yield and sufficient quality within the climate change scenario.

Enhancing sustainable crop production through integrated nutrient management: a focus on vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and inorganic fertilisers – a systematic review

Securing a consistent food supply remains a pressing global challenge, particularly for small-scale farmers grappling with obstacles in enhancing agricultural yields, especially in tropical soils. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) techniques, employing organic manures like vermicompost and bio-enriched rock phosphate, emerge as recommended solutions. Vermicompost is lauded for its nutrient richness and positive soil health impacts. At the same time, bio-enriched rock phosphate serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional phosphorus fertilisers, specifically tailored for tropical soil conditions. Despite individual studies assessing the effects of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers on plant growth, a comprehensive overview of their combined application is noticeably lacking. To fill this gap, this study employs the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to explore the synergies of combining these elements and their impacts on crop production and the environment. This review is among the first to comprehensively summarize the complexities of combining vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and chemical fertilisers on various crops. It thoroughly examines potential advantages, disadvantages, effects on agricultural systems, socio-economic implications, and existing policies governing their usage. Our findings reveal that the combined application of vermicompost, bio-enriched rock phosphate, and soluble fertilisers leads to significant improvements in plant growth, yield, and soil properties. The optimal impact is observed when vermicompost constitutes 25% and soluble fertiliser comprises 75 or 100% of the recommended fertiliser dosage. Moreover, incorporating a mixture of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) strains in rock phosphate further enhances its positive effects. Despite these positive findings, we identified gaps in comprehensive approaches addressing socio-cultural dimensions and the lack of literature on prevailing policies regarding vermicompost use in agricultural systems highlighting the need for a more holistic understanding of vermicompost incorporation and a better grasp of the institutional frameworks guiding these practices. However, to secure sustainable crop production, farmers need to integrate vermicompost and biofertilisers with chemical fertilisers. In fostering the adoption of sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices on small rural properties, it is advisable to incorporate agricultural education into farmer training programs.

Enhancing arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis effectiveness through the involvement of the tomato GRAS transcription factor SCL3/SlGRAS18

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi improve plant growth, nutrition, fitness and stress tolerance while AM fungi obtain carbohydrates and lipids from the host. This whole process of mutual benefit requires substantial alterations in the structural and functional aspects of the host root cells. These modifications ultimately culminate in the formation of arbuscules, which are specialized intraradical and highly branched fungal structures. Arbuscule-containing cells undergo massive reprogramming to hosting arbuscule and members of the GRAS transcription factor family have been characterized as AM inducible genes which play a pivotal role in these process. Here, we show a functional analysis for the GRAS transcription factor SCL3/SlGRAS18 in tomato. SlGRAS18 interacts with SlDELLA, a central regulator of AM formation. Silencing of SlGRAS18 positively impacts arbuscule development and the improvement in symbiotic status, favouring flowering and therefore progress in the formation and development of fruits in SlGRAS18 silenced plants which parallel to a discernible pattern of mineral nutrient redistribution in leaves. Our results advance the knowledge of GRAS transcription factors involved in the formation and establishment of AM symbiosis and provide experimental evidence for how specific genetic alterations can lead to more effective AM symbiosis.