Increased Nutrient Uptake Research Articles

The Roles of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Influencing Plant Nutrients, Photosynthesis, and Metabolites of Cereal Crops—A Review

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are one of the important microbiota involved in a relationship with plant roots in which the plants and fungi both share and exchange nutrients and shelter. Cereal crops are the most essential sources of carbohydrates, dietary protein, and vitamin B for humans, and they supply the most fundamental diets. AM fungi are introduced as the optimal approach for real agricultural systems for increasing growth and productivity. According to a study from the previous decade, AM fungi were shown to promote crop growth and production, particularly in cereal crops. The AM fungi symbiosis provides a pleasant environment for microorganisms in the root and soil system, which promotes plant nutrition and water availability. AM fungi increase nutrient uptake and assimilation and also increase photosynthetic activity, which is directly associated with plant growth. Furthermore, AM fungi increase the primary and secondary metabolites, as well as soluble proteins and carbohydrates, in cereals crops. AM fungi have been shown to improve plant biomass, yield, and productivity in cereal crops. Additionally, the use of AM fungi enhances plants’ stress tolerance against various environmental stresses. In this review, we integrate the recent findings regarding the effects of AM fungi application on soil, root systems, nutrient availability and uptake, photosynthesis, metabolites, plant growth, and productivity. Furthermore, a large number of studies have been reviewed, and several limitations and research gaps have been identified that must be addressed in future studies.

Bermudagrass Establishment, Aesthetics, and Function in Response to the Microbial Inoculant Klebsiella variicola and Fertilizer Timing

The incorporation of biostimulants, including microbial inoculants, into turfgrass management programs has increased during the past decade as a result of the potential benefits of their use, including increased nutrient uptake, enhanced growth, and improved stress tolerance. However, minimal research has been conducted on warm-season grasses, and questions still exist regarding microbial inoculant application timing, frequency of inoculation, and need for supplemental nitrogen. Therefore, the objective of our research was to investigate the influence of nitrogen fertilizer and microbial inoculant application timings on the establishment of common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] in the field and in a controlled environment. Treatments containing fertilizer had a consistently greater normalized difference vegetation index, turfgrass color, and turfgrass quality than treatments that contained only the Klebsiella variicola microbial inoculant (KV). Establishment of bermudagrass plots in response to treatments containing fertilizer had more than 90% cover at the conclusion of the study (8 weeks after seeding), whereas KV treatments and the untreated check never exceeded 70% cover. However, the greatest change in carbon efflux was often observed in the field in response to treatments that supplied KV 3 weeks after seeding. In the greenhouse, the greatest root and shoot weights were typically observed in response to treatments containing fertilizer, whereas KV-alone treatments resulted in root and shoot weights either similar to or less than the untreated check.

Changes in phosphorus mobilization and community assembly of bacterial and fungal communities in rice rhizosphere under phosphate deficiency.

Rhizosphere microorganisms are closely associated with phosphorus (P) uptake in plants and are considered potential agents to mitigate P shortage. However, the mechanisms of rhizospheric microbial community assembly under P deficiency have yet to be elucidated. In this study, bacterial and fungal communities in rice rhizosphere and their P mobilization potential under high (+P) and low (−P) concentrations of P were investigated. Bacterial and fungal community structures were significantly different between −P and +P treatments. And both bacterial and fungal P-mobilizing taxa were enriched in-P treatment; however, the proportion of P-mobilizing agents in the fungal community was markedly greater than that in the bacterial community. A culture experiment confirmed that microbial phosphate solubilizing capacity was significantly higher in −P treatment compared with that in +P treatment. −P treatment lowered bacterial diversity in rice rhizosphere but increased fungal diversity. Further analysis demonstrated that the contribution of deterministic processes in governing bacterial community assembly was strengthened under P deficiency but was largely weakened in shaping the fungal community. These results highlighted that enriching P-mobilizing microbes in the rhizosphere is a vital way for rice to cope with P deficiency, and that fungi contribute considerably to P mobilization in rice rhizosphere. Findings from the study provide novel insights into the assembly of the rhizosphere microbiome under P deficiency and this will facilitate the development of rhizosphere microbial regulation strategies to increase nutrient uptake in plants.

Biochar-graphene oxide composite is efficient to adsorb and deliver copper and zinc in tropical soil

Highly weathered soils have low micronutrient availability and very low efficiency for most soluble fertilizers . In this article the effect of poultry litter biochar-graphene oxide composite (PLB-GO) as a novel adsorbent for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) was evaluated, as well as its fertilizing effects on plant growth, nutrient use efficiency and soil fertility . In order to do so, poultry litter biochar (PLB) and PLB-GO were produced, characterized and evaluated by isotherm adsorption and kinetics studies regarding their Cu and Zn sorption and desorption properties. Cu and Zn loaded on PLB and PLB-GO as biochar-based fertilizers (BBF) were also evaluated. PLB-GO showed 16.2% and 17.7% higher Cu and Zn adsorption capacity , respectively, than pristine PLB, and in both cases <0.5% of the sorbed metal content was released in water. Plant effects on growth and nutrient uptake were, in general, higher or similar to the results obtained for sulfates . The application of PLB increased Cu availability while PLB-GO increased Zn availability after cultivation, even after increasing nutrient uptake and being little soluble in water. Addition of small amounts (≤0.5%) of GO in biochar has potential to increase its properties to retain micronutrients and enhance the fertilizer use effectiveness in highly weathered soils. • Biochar enrichment with graphene oxide increased metals adsorption from 16.2% to 17.7%. • Copper and zinc adsorbed by graphene oxide-biochar showed low water solubility (<0.5%). • Biochar-based micronutrient fertilizer increased grain production from 8% to 17%. • Biochar-based micronutrient fertilizer showed enhanced efficiency in highly weathered soil.

Nutrient Homeostasis of Aegilops Accessions Differing in B Tolerance Level under Boron Toxic Growth Conditions.

Simple SummaryBoron toxicity stress is known to obstruct the uptake of nutrients in plants inhibiting their proper growth. Thus, the root-shoot nutrient homeostasis of plants under B toxicity stress is an important criterion that should be focused on understanding nutrients’ role in providing tolerance to tolerant genotypes under excess B. Thus, in this study, the effect of toxic and highly toxic B on the nutrient uptake of Aegilops genotypes differing in B tolerance was studied for the first time. The results suggested that the readjustment of nutrient element levels in root-shoot tissues under high B stress are attributable to improved B toxicity tolerance. The information could be used to alleviate high B stress symptoms in modern wheat cultivars via breeding programs.Boron (B) is a crucial microelement for several biological processes in plants; however, it becomes hazardous when present in excess in the soil. B toxicity adversely affects the wheat yield all around the world, particularly in the arid and semiarid regions. Aegilops, the nearest wild wheat relatives, could be an efficient source to develop B toxicity tolerance in modern cultivars. However, to potentially utilize these species, it is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms that are involved in providing them tolerance. Other than hampering cellular and physiological activities, high B inhibits the uptake of nutrients in wheat plants that lead to nutrients deficiency causing a hindered growth. Thus, it is crucial to determine the effect of B toxicity on nutrient uptake and finally, to understand the role of nutrient homeostasis in developing the adaptive mechanism in tolerant species. Unfortunately, none of the studies to date has explored the effect of high B supply on the nutrient uptake in B toxicity tolerant wild wheat species. In this study, we explored the effect of 1 mM B (toxic B), and 10 mM B (very toxic B) B on the nutrient uptake in 19 Aegilops genotypes differing in B tolerance in contrast to Bolal 2973, the familiar B tolerant genotype. The obtained outcomes suggested a significant association between the B toxicity tolerance and the level of nutrient uptake in different genotypes. The B toxicity tolerant genotypes, Ab2 (TGB 026219, A. biuncialis genotype) and Ac4 (TGB 000107, A. columnaris genotype) were clustered together in the nutrient homeostasis-based heat map. Though B toxicity mostly had an inhibitory effect on the uptake of nutrients in root-shoot tissues, the tolerant genotypes revealed an increase in nutrient uptake under B toxicity in contrast with Control. The study directs towards future research where the role of external supply of few nutrients in enhancing the B toxicity tolerance of susceptible genotypes can be studied. Moreover, the genotype-dependent variation in the nutrient profile of the studied Aegilops genotypes under high B suggested that increasing number of Aegilops germplasm should be screened for B toxicity tolerance for their successful inclusion in the pre-breeding programs focusing on this issue.

Microplastics in soil can increase nutrient uptake by wheat

Microplastics can perturb microbial nutrient-mining strategies. However, the mechanism by which microplastics affect the resource-acquisition strategies of crops in agricultural systems remains unknown. The nutrient-acquisition potential of crops and microbes was investigated under treatments with two common microplastics (polyethylene [PE] and polyvinyl chloride [PVC]) at 0%, 1%, and 5% (w/w). Different root resource-acquisition strategies disturbed microbial nutrient turnover in the rhizosphere in response to microplastic addition. Specifically, the β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) hotspot expanded, whereas the rhizosphere expansion of BG activity decreased. A decrease of less than PE1% (w/w) and an expansion of less than PE5% (w/w) in the 1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) hotspot with wider rhizosphere expansion of NAG activity indicated that higher doses of PE allow roots to uptake additional N. The phosphomonoesterase (PHOS) hotspot decreased in PE1% (w/w) and expanded in PE5% (w/w), but rhizosphere expansion did not change under PE treatments. However, both NAG and PHOS hotspots expanded with decreasing rhizosphere expansion under PVC treatments, indicating that PVC limits the utilization of available N and P, forcing the crop to obtain nutrients from the narrow root zone. These results indicate that adding PE microplastics increases the demand for and consumption of NH4+-N and NO3--N by wheat.

Impact of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Restoring Soil and Crop Attributes

Background: To evaluate the effect of selected plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Paenibacillus polymyxa, Pseudomonas putida and Azospirillum brasilense) and Trichoderma sp. in the restoration of selected attributes of soil fertility and the crop productivity in Indian Vindhyan semi-arid region. Methods: An experiment was conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, with test crop brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). Fourteen treatments: four mono-inoculants (T1 to T4), six bi-inoculants (T5 to T10), two tri-inoculants (T11 and T12), one tetra-inoculant (T13) and control (T14) were included in the present study. Paenibacillus polymyxa, Pseudomonas putida, Trichoderma sp. and Azospirillum brasilense were used in single or in combination in all treatments. Result: The results showed a positive increment in organic C and total N in all treatments. This increase was maximum in T13 (Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas putida + Trichoderma sp. + Azospirillum brasilense) treatment followed by T11 greater than T12 greater than T8 greater than T9 greater than T5 greater than T6 greater than T10 greater than T2 greater than T3 greater than T4 greater than T1 compared to control. Positive increment in plant height, number of leaves and flowers were also noted in T13, T11 and T12 treatments. Maximum above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass were recorded in tetra inoculant treatment. Improved nutrient acquisition in T13 (tetra-inoculant) and T11 and T12 (tri-inoculant) treatments is due to increasing nutrient uptake of N from nitrogen-fixing bacteria and uptake of P from phosphate mineralizing. Thus, for restoration of selected soil and crop attributes through PGPR and Trichoderma sp. especially through tetra-inoculants or tri-inoculantsis considered to be a good technique.

Effectiveness of Dyella japonica and Enterobacter cloacae as biofertilizers to increase maize (Zea mays) production on andisol soil

Abstract. Sembiring M, Sabrina T. 2022. Effectiveness of Dyella japonica and Enterobacter cloacae as biofertilizers to increase maize (Zea mays) production on andisol soil. Biodiversitas 23: 3338-3343. Nitrogen is a very important nutrient in plant growth because it is one of the constituents of plant cells. The availability of nitrogen nutrients in the soil is very low, and this is because nitrogen is easily leached and easy to evaporate. Application of N-fixing microbes is one way to increase the availability of nitrogen in the soil. This study aims to utilize nitrogen-fixing microbes to increase nutrient uptake, production, and efficiency of urea fertilization. The study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of Factor I, namely biofertilizer consisting of 4 treatments, namely without the application of bacteria (N0), Dyella japonica 5g (N1), Enterobacter cloacae 5g (N2) and D. japonica 2.5g + E. cloacae 2.5g (N3). Factor II is urea fertilizer with 5 levels U0 = No urea fertilizer, U1 = 1.25 g, U2 = 2.50 g, U3 = 3.75g and U4 = 5g. Parameters observed were plant height observed in weeks I-VIII, plant nitrogen (N) uptake (mg/plant), phosphorus (P) uptake (mg/plant), potassium (K) uptake (mg/plant), and plant production (g). Sampling of plants for analysis of nutrient uptake was carried out at the end of the vegetative period, namely the 8th week, while for plant production parameters, plant samples were taken at the 12th week. The results showed that the applications of nitrogen-fixing bacteria could increase N uptake up to 89.35%, P uptake up to 79.57%, K uptake up to 48.81%, and crop production increase up to 49.76%. The applications of nitrogen-fixing microbes can streamline the use of urea fertilizer by up to 50%. In general, the best treatment is the applications of D. japonica and E. cloacae plus 2.5g urea (N3U2).

Can co-application of silicate rock powder and humic-like acids increase nutrient uptake and plant growth in weathered tropical soil?

ABSTRACT Silicate rock powder (SRP) restores the fertility of weathered soils. However, its slow nutrient release is a disadvantage for short-duration crops. Humic-like acids (HLAs) are plant biostimulants that enhance root development and nutrient uptake. This work evaluates the effects of the co-application of HLA extracted from a vermicompost and SRP on the nutrient uptake and growth of maize cultivated in weathered soil in Brazil. The chemical composition of HLA was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 13Carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance, revealing an overall characteristic of hydrophobicity. A preliminary trial with different HLA concentrations (0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg L−1) revealed that 40 mg L−1 HLA resulted in the highest increase in the root area, dry root weight, H+ efflux, and the number of lateral roots, compared with other concentrations. The main experiment using soil treated with SRP at different rates (0, 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 kg ha−1) showed that the co-application of SRP and HLA caused a significant difference in the root and total plant weights, compared with the sole SRP application. Furthermore, it increased the nutrient content of the plants. These effects are mainly because of increased proton pump activity and the hydrophobicity of HLA.

Rhizobacteria of Bali With Obvious Growth-Promoting Properties on Corn (Zea mays L.)

Corn productivity in Indonesia is still relatively low compared with other countries. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the productivity of corn by using rhizobacteria, which have multiple traits. This study was conducted to obtain indigenous rhizobacteria of Bali that have multiple traits, can produce indoleacetic acid (IAA), fix nitrogen from atmosphere, produce siderophores, colonize roots, increase seed germination, and promote the growth of corn. Isolation of rhizobacteria was carried out from the rhizosphere of plants belonging to the Gramineae family that grows in Bali Island, Indonesia. Six isolates, namely, Sr3, Tb9, Rg1, Rg23, Al27, and Jg8, could produce IAA, fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, produce siderophores, and increased germination rate and vigor index of corn seedling. Among them, three isolates, namely, Rg1, Sr3, and Jg8, significantly (p &amp;lt;0.05) increased the germination rate of corn seeds, increased vigor index, increased root dry weight and shoot dry weight of corn at the age of 7 days, and were able to colonize corn roots. Compared with the control, the rhizobacteria treatment increased the germination of corn seeds ranging from 5.04 to 13.05%. Based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA gene, it was found that these rhizobacteria species were Glutamicibacter nicotianae strain Rg1 (accession number OM349119), Brevibacillus invocatus strain Sr3 (accession number OM327515), and Micrococcus luteus strain Jg8 (accession number OM362349). Under a greenhouse condition, all the three isolates significantly (p &amp;lt;0.05) increased nutrient uptake, the leaf chlorophyll content, net assimilation rate, and crop growth rate of corn when compared with control. These results suggested that these isolates of rhizobacteria obviously promoted the growth of corn and can be developed as biostimulant to promote the growth and increase the corn yield in Bali, Indonesia.

Towards Balanced Fertilizer Management in South China: Enhancing Wax Gourd (Benincasa hispida) Yield and Produce Quality

Balanced fertilizer management promotes plant growth, enhances produce quality, minimizes inputs, and reduces negative environmental impacts. Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida) is an important vegetable crop species in China and in South Asia. Two crop nutrition options, NPK and the natural mineral polyhalite, were tested, separately and combined, with the aim of enhancing wax gourd yield and quality and simultaneously to increase nutrient use efficiency and reducing inputs. The experiments tested the optimization of NPK by reducing the proportion of phosphorus (P), and the effect of enriching the soil with essential macronutrients by the use of the supplementary mineral fertilizer polyhalite containing magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S). Two experiments were carried out in Foshan County, Guangdong, China, in 2018 and 2019. Experiments included four treatments: (1) Conventional NPK (15:15:15); (2) Optimized NPK (16:8:18); (3) Conventional NPK + polyhalite; (4) Optimized NPK + polyhalite. Fertilizers were applied prior to planting. While optimized NPK alone had no effects on fruit yield and quality, supplementary polyhalite resulted in a 10–17% increase in yield and significantly improved produce quality due to increased nutrient uptake from polyhalite, resulting in better foliar biomass. We conclude that the combined crop nutrition options improved yield and quality, enhanced nutrient use efficiency, and reduced risks of nutrient pollution. Inclusion of polyhalite in balanced fertilization practices as a supplementary source of secondary macronutrients seems promising. Nevertheless, plenty of space remains open for further adjustments of NPK application management, focusing on reduced rates, optimized ratio, and accurate timing of application for each nutrient.

Seasonality in Environmental Conditions Drive Variation in Plankton Communities in a Shallow Tropical Lake

Factors influencing the spatio-temporal dynamics of plankton communities in small tropical lakes are not well-understood. This study assessed plankton communities in response to spatial (six sampling sites) and seasonal (wet vs. dry seasons) changes in environmental variables in Lake Kanyaboli, a small satellite lake on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Water quality variables, including pH, conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, Secchi depth (SD), nitrates (NO3-), nitrites (NO2-), ammonium (NH4+), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll-a(Chl-a), were monitored monthly at six sites spread throughout the lake for 1 year. Phytoplankton and zooplankton samples were collected and analyzed for taxon composition and abundance. Two-way ANOVA showed no significant interaction between site and season for all variables. Likewise, there were no significant spatial differences for all variables except Chl-a. At-test showed significant seasonal differences in SD, DO,NH4+,NO3-,NO2-, and TN. Thirty phytoplankton genera were identified belonging to Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenoidae, Trebouxiophyceae, and Zygnematophyceae, with Chlorophyceae being the most dominant (42.30%). Zooplankton comprised of 15 genera, belonging to Copepoda (55.4%), Rotifera (27.9%), and Cladocera (16.7%). Two-way ANOVA for plankton abundance showed no significant interaction between site and season, but there were significant differences in community composition between the wet and dry seasons. Canonical correspondence analysis identified water clarity (Secchi depth) and concentrations of dissolved fractions of nitrogen and phosphorus as the major water quality variables driving variation in the composition of plankton communities in the lake. This study showed that seasonality was a major driver of changes in plankton community composition between dry and wet seasons through changes in the concentrations of nutrients (NH4+,NO3-,NO2-, TN, and TP). Lake Kanyaboli's phytoplankton community indicated a non-equilibrial state, perhaps due to short residence times of water, especially during the wet season, and dense macrophytes fringing the lake that increase nutrient uptake and limit the dominance of select phytoplankton species. This study shows the importance of long-term studies covering dry and wet seasons to understand the dynamics of plankton communities and their drivers in small tropical waterbodies to inform management and conservation.

Green nanosilica enhanced the salt-tolerance defenses and yield of Williams banana: A field trial for using saline water in low fertile arid soil

Nanotechnology offers great opportunities for sustainable management of degraded soils and using of saline water. The use of green nanoagrochemicals (e.g., nanofertilizers) derived from plant biowastes is highly concerning from an agro-environmental point of view. The impacts of nanoagrochemicals on salt tolerance mechanisms of Williams banana (Musa spp.) plants under field conditions, particularly in soils with low fertility under salinity stress and low organic matter content, have not yet been verified. Therefore, in this study, a two-year field trial was conducted to investigate the impacts of green nanosilica (GNS) application on the enhancing the salt tolerance of Williams banana plants in arid sandy soil. Banana plants were irrigated with fresh Nile River water (EC = 0.53 dS m−1) or saline groundwater (EC = 4.12 dS m−1) and sprayed with GNS at doses of 0 mg L−1 (control), 150 mg L−1 (GNS1), and 300 mg L−1 (GNS2) in spring, summer, and autumn. Spraying the saline water-irrigated plants with GNS1 and GNS2 significantly increased the total fruit yield by 30% and 45% in the first year and by 21% and 38% in the second year and reduced the concentrations of Na+ in leaves by 32% and 36%, respectively, compared with the control. Moreover, the foliar application of GNS1 and GNS2 improved the total sugar content in the banana fruits under salinity stress by 42% and 50%, respectively. We assume that GNS application induced an increase in nutrient uptake and that antioxidant and osmoregulation compounds (e.g., proline and soluble carbohydrates) enhanced banana plant tolerance to salinity stress. Although the use of GNS reduced the negative effects of saline irrigation water, banana plants that were irrigated with Nile River water remained significantly better than the saline ground water. In conclusion, the foliar application of GNS improved the productivity and quality of Williams banana fruit in sandy poor soils and enhanced their tolerance to salinity stress, which provides opportunities to expand banana cultivation using saline water in low fertile sandy arid soils. These findings might be an aid for sustainable management of degraded sandy arid soils and reusing of saline water.

SERAPAN DAN EFISIENSI PENYERAPAN HARA N DAN P PADA PAKCOY (Brassica rapa L.) SISTEM VERTIKULTUR DI LAHAN KERING

The use of vertical systems is increasingly being modified. Fertigation verticulture is used as an effort to implement pakcoy cultivation in dry land. The purpose of this study was to determine the fertigation time, composition of planting media and the distance between planting holes and their interactions in increasing nutrient uptake and efficiency of N and P absorption for pakcoy plants. This research was carried out in the agricultural garden of the Main Seed Center of the North Central Timor Regency Agriculture Office from June to December 2021. The study used an experimental method with a Separate Plot Design with 3 plots where the main plot was the fertigation time which consisted of 3 levels, namely W1 (60 seconds). ), W2 (90 seconds), and W3 (120 seconds). The main subplot is the composition of the growing media which consists of 4 levels, namely: M1 (Soil: Sand (1:1)); M2 (Soil : Biochar (1:1)); M3 (Soil : Biochar (1:1)); and M4 (Soil: Sand: Biochar (1:1:1)). The subplots are the spacing of the planting holes consisting of 3 levels, namely: J1 (15 cm); J2 (20 cm); and J3 (25 cm). There were 36 treatments which were repeated 4 (four) times in order to obtain a total of 144 treatments. Data analysis used a comparative test using the Duncan Multiple Range Test method at 5% level. The results showed that the fertigation time of 120 seconds (W3) and the composition of the growing media: biochar (1:1) (M2) and their interactions increased the N and P uptake of pakcoy plants grown in a verticulture system on dry land by treatment. The fermentation time of 120 seconds (W3) and the composition of the growing media: biochar (1:1) (M2) also increased the efficiency of N and P nutrient absorption

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Nutrient Uptake by Pericopsis mooniana in Media Post Gold Mining Land

This study aims to determine the levels and nutrient uptake of kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana Thwaites) mycorrhizal plants aged four months in post-gold mining field scale. Sampling was carried out in the post-Bombana gold mining area. Leaf drying and weighing wass carried out at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Halu Oleo University and measurement of nutrient content and uptake at the SEAMEO BIOTROP Soil and Plants Laboratory Bogor, this study started from May to Jully 2021. This research method used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 treatments, namely control (A), G. coronatum (B), G. claroideum (C) and mixed AMF (B+C). This study was divided into 3 groups where each group contained 1 plant so that the total plants used are 12 kayu kuku plants. The results showed that AMF G. coronatum significantly increased N, P and Mn nutrient levels. Mixed AMF (G. coronatum + G. claroideum) was effective in increasing nutrient uptake of N, P, Mn and Fe. AMF was effective in increasing the levels and nutrient uptake of the four month old P. mooniana on post-Gold Mining

Sex peptide receipt alters macronutrient utilization but not optimal yeast-sugar ratio in Drosophila melanogaster females

Upon mating, females alter a multitude of physiological and morphological traits to accommodate the demands of reproduction. Changes not only include reproductive tissues but also non-reproductive tissues. For example, in Drosophila melanogaster the gut increases in circumference after mating, likely to facilitate a higher absorption and provision of macronutrients to maturing eggs. A male ejaculatory protein, the sex peptide, is instrumental to mediating several post-mating changes and receipt increases nutrient uptake as well as shifts taste preferences in mated females. We here tested whether sex peptide receipt also alters the protein: carbohydrate ratio at which females maximize their fitness. To test this, we mated females to males lacking sex peptide or control males and fed them with known volumes and concentrations of sugar and yeast. This enabled us to determine how the sugar to yeast ratio affects lifetime egg output as well as lifespan of females mated to the two male types. Sex peptide did not shift the optimal ratio. Instead, sex peptide receipt aided females in increasing their egg output at low macronutrient concentrations, but this advantage disappeared at higher macronutrient intake rates. Assuming that nutrient limitation might be common, then receipt of SP is beneficial under poor conditions.

EFFECTS OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF POTASSIUM OXIDE ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND FLOWER QUALITY OF GLADIOLUS CV. AMERICAN BEAUTY

A field trial was done to investigate the effect of foliar spray using different concentrations of potassium oxide on flower quality and yield attributes of Gladiolus cv. American Beauty, at Horticultural Farm, Rampur- Chitwan during the winter season of 2021/2022. Seven different concentrations of K2O (1gm/L, 2gm/L, 4gm/L, 6gm/L, 8gm/L, 10gm/L, and control) were applied for the experiment, laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results illustrated that foliar spray of 4gm/L K2O treatment greatly enhanced most of the recorded parameters i.e., plant height (110.51 cm), number of leaves (8.86), spike length (79.92 cm), rachis length (40.16 cm), day for spike initiation (68.46 days), days for 50% flowering (79.53 days), number of florets per spike (13.5) and total days for flowering (85.26 days) as compared to control. Foliar spray of potassium can be applied as a partial substitute for the recommended soil amended potassium for increasing nutrient uptake and thus stimulating plant growth and floral characteristics.

Impact of Mulch, Cover Crop and Herbicides on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background: Direct seeded rice is very much prone for weed infestation in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The aim of this trial is to find out appropriate option for improving rice growth and yields besides increasing nutrient uptake. Methods: A field investigation was conducted during the Kharif season of 2014 and 2015 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Rice variety MTU-7029 was sown with Sesbania and sunhemp cover crop bispyribac Na 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS and 2, 4 -D 0.5 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS were applied to find out best weed control practice for enhancing growth, yields and nutrient uptake in direct seeded rice. Result: Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS markedly improved plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, chlorophyll content. Consequently, Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS influenced statistically grain and straw yields. Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS recorded significantly lower nutrients (NPK and Zn) depletion by weeds and higher nutrients (NPK and Zn) uptake as compared to hand weeding at 15 and 35 DAS in rice.

Indigenous rhizobacteria possessing abiotic stress tolerant traits promote vigorous growth of coconut seedlings via increased nutrient uptake and positive plant–microbe feedback

A total of 20 bacteria including seven fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. and 13 Bacillus spp., out of 483 previously isolated bacteria from rhizosphere and roots of healthy and high yielding coconut palms from major coconut growing States in India, were tested for their growth promotion efficacy on West Coast Tall variety coconut seedlings. Firstly, they were characterized for (i) ability to grow under different environmental stress parameters, (ii) carbon use pattern determined with BIOLOG and (iii) their genetic diversity using RFLP analysis. Seedling response to PGPR inoculation was measured by recording the leaf numbers, girth, root and shoot fresh and dry biomass weights in relation to nutrient uptake efficiency and plant–microbe feedback. Tolerance studies for abiotic parameters showed that Pseudomonas spp. were efficient in growing in 5.2 to 8.2 pH, 15–30 °C temperatures and 0.5 to 10% NaCl concentration, whereas, Bacillus spp. grew well in pH 4.2–8.2, temperatures 20–40 °C and 0.5 to 10% NaCl concentration. The BIOLOG analysis highlighted Bacillus spp. to be more suited to coconut rhizosphere milieu compared to Pseudomonas spp. based on the carbon oxidizing capabilities. Among the four different enzymes used in RFLP analysis, HaeIII and HinfI were observed to be most discriminatory for Bacillus and Pseudomonas PGPR genera, respectively. Inoculation of coconut seedlings resulted in significant increase in seedling length (1–16% increase), girth of the seedlings (7–27%) and dry weight (7–38% increase) compared with control. Between the two genera, the gram-positive Bacillus spp. were seen to outperform the gram-negative Pseudomonas spp. in the growth promotion studies. The endophytic B. megaterium TEB2 (T2) resulted in highest dry weight biomass increase (38%) in coconut seedlings followed by another endophytic B. cereus HEB10 (T3) and a rhizospheric isolate B. licheniformis RSB14 (T17) indicating their potential for development of bioinoculant formulation. Our studies, thus, offer a bouquet of indigenous PGPR, possessing abiotic stress tolerant traits, to choose upon to develop either an effective singular bioinoculant or a minimum effective microbiome set (MEMS) for raising vigorous and robust coconut seedlings for supply to coconut farmers.

Nitrogen and Silicon Application Can Increase Nutrient Uptake and Fruit Quality of Cucurbita pepo L.

Nitrogen and Silicon Application Can Increase Nutrient Uptake and Fruit Quality of Cucurbita pepo L.