Leaf Mineral Content Research Articles

Response of Olive Saplings cv. Khistawi to Soil Application with Humic Acid and Foliar Spray with Urea

The experiment was conducted in the lath house belonging to the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening- College of Agriculture - Anbar University, for the period from the beginning of March 2022 to mid of November 2022, to study the effect of soil application with humic acid at three levels (0, 10, 15, g sapling−1) denoted by H0, H1, H2 respectively, and foliar spray with urea at three concentrations (0, 10, 15 g L−1) denoted by N0, N1, N2 respectively, and the interaction between them in the vegetative growth traits and leaf mineral content of olive saplings cv.khistawi. The results showed a positive effect when adding humic at concentration 15 g.sapling−1 which showed a. Adding 15 g seedling−1 significant superiority in the rate of sapling height increment, increment of number main branches stem branches, leaf area, and the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the leaves, reaching 23.367 cm, 17.275 branch.sapling−1, 5.190 cm2, 1.824%, 0.454%, 1.813%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Foliar spraying with urea (15 g L−1) also resulted in a significant improvement in the aforementioned traits when adding humic acid, reaching 24.259 cm, 17.616 branch.sapling−1, 5.607 cm2, 1.844%, 0.466%, 1.802% respectively, compared to the control treatment. The interaction between the studied factors showed a similar behavior to the individual factors for all studied traits.

Effect of Amino Acids Addition and Spraying with Glutathione and Kaolin in Growth Apricot Transplants

This study was conducted in a lath house, Dept. Of Hort. and Landscape, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Univ. Baghdad, Al-Jadriya during 2022 growing season to investigate influence of liquid organic fertilizer (Siapton 10 L) and spraying with glutathione and kaolin on some vegetative growth characteristics and leaf mineral content of two year’s old of “Red” apricot transplants. Factors of study experiment included addition of two levels of liquid organic fertilizer (Siapton 10 L) containing a group of amino acids to soil, without addition (S0), and 3 ml.transplant-1 (S3), while glutathione spray was sprayed with three levels; without spray (G0), spraying at 200 mg.L-1 (G200) and spraying at 400 mg.L-1 (G400), As for kaolin spray, they were sprayed in three levels (0, 500, and 1000 mg.L-1), which are denoted by symbols K0, K500, and K1000, respectively. Treatments were replicated three times (three transplants in experimental unit) at factorial experiment in a RCBD and thus number of transplants used was 162 transplants. The experimental results showed that liquid organic fertilizers at 3 ml.L-1(S3) significantly increased in plant height of 27.47 cm, highest leaf area of 20.51 cm2, leaf nitrogen content of 1.42 % and leaf phosphor content of 0.26 %. Results also showed that glutathione spray especially at 400 mg.L-1 (G400), showed significant superiority in increased in plant height of 27.60 cm, leaf area of 22.89 cm2, leaf nitrogen content of 1.44 % and leaf phosphor content of 0.30 %. Kaolin spray also affected, especially spraying at 1000 mg.L-1 and gave highest increasing of plant height of 26.37 cm, highest leaf area of 18.17 cm2, leaf nitrogen content of 1.41 % and leaf phosphor content of 0.25 %. Twice and triple interactions between study factors significantly affected in all studied traits.

Performance of Mango Trees under the Spraying of Some Biostimulants

Ensuring the sustainability of horticultural production is crucial to meeting consumer demand, and the most effective approach involves enhancing the efficient utilization of resources to support the production of wholesome foods. Plant biostimulants are substances defined by their ability, when applied to plants or the rhizosphere, to enhance root development, resulting in heightened vigor. They facilitate the more effective uptake and translocation of nutrients and water throughout the growing season. Additionally, these biostimulants contribute to improved plant health and quality by supplying essential nutrients that stimulate overall growth and metabolic processes. Therefore, this study was performed to examine the impact of some biostimulants on the possibility of improving vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, and the leaf mineral content of mango cv. Keitt. Mango trees were sprayed with Putrescine at 25, 50, and 100 mg/L; Brassinosteroids at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L; and Chitosan at 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/L four times starting from mid-April, with three-week intervals during the seasons of 2021 and 2022. The results showed that the foliar application of these three biostimulants improved the growth, yield, and fruit quality of mango trees as opposed to untreated trees during two study seasons. The results also showed that the foliar application of 1500 mg/L of Chit, 2 mg/L of Brs, and 100 mg/L of Put gave the highest increments for inducing the number, length, and thickness of shoots, leaf area, and leaf chlorophyll over the other applied treatments. In addition, it also heightened the fruit set, fruit yield, and the fruit’s physical and chemical characteristics in both experimental seasons.

Effect of shading and fertilization with iron and sulfur on some vegetative growth and leaves mineral content of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis.

This study was conducted in a glass house, Dept of Hort. and Landscape, College of Agriculture, Univ. Anbar, during the 2021-2022 growing season, to investigate the influence of shading and fertilization on the growth and leaf mineral content of gardenia plants. This study included two factors: two levels of shading at 0 (S0), shading 50 % (S1) and four treatments of fertilizations, control (F0), chelated iron spray at 2 ml.L-1 (F1), addition of magnesium sulfate to pots at 7 gm.plant-1 (F2) and chelated iron spray at 2 ml.L-1 + addition of magnesium sulfate to pots at 7 gm.plant-1 (F3) and their interaction. Treatments were replicated three times at Split plots design (Shading is the main plot) in an RCBD. The number of plants used was 36 plants. The results showed that interaction treatment (S1F3) significantly increased the plant height by 6.517 cm, the highest increase in shoot length of 11.267 cm, and the number of 94.107 leaves.plant-1 , highest leaf area of 9437.463 cm2 , highest leaf nitrogen content of 1.877 % and highest leaf potassium content of 0.561 %, while lower values of these traits were in interaction treatment (S0F0). Keywords: iron, sulfur, vegetative growth, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis

Effect of silicon and humic substances on the productivity and absorption of minerals in cucumber

O Objective: To evaluate the effect of potassium silicate and humic substances in the mitigation of salt stress in cucumber grown in a greenhouse. Design/Methodology/Approach: A completely randomized design with factorial arrangement was used. The first factor was the cucumber varieties (Var): Induran (I) and SV2516 (SV). The second factor was potassium silicate (Si), with doses of 0, 10, and 20 mL·L-1. The third factor was humic substances (SH), with doses of 0, 10, and 20 kg/ha. Results: The best interaction for the NFP and Y variables was SV*SH20. The N and Ca content in the fruit was I*SH10, while the K and P content was SV*Si20. Meanwhile, Mg, Fe, and Cu interactions stood out with SV*Si10, SV*Si20, and I*Si10, respectively. The best interaction in leaf mineral content was I*SH20 (N), SV*SH10 (P and K), and SV*Si20 (Cu). Study Limitations/Implications: There was no significant difference in Ca, Mg, and Fe in leaf. Findings/Conclusions: At least one of the interactions between cultivars and bio stimulant doses favored agronomic traits, quality, and mineral absorption in fruit.

Leaf yield and mineral content of mizuna in response to cut-and-come-again harvest, substrate particle size, and fertilizer formulation in a simulated spaceflight environment

The Veggie plant-growth unit deployed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) grows leafy vegetables to supplement crew diets. “Cut-and-come-again” harvests are tested to maximize vegetative yield while minimizing crew time. Water, oxygen, and fertilizer delivery to roots of leafy greens growing in microgravity have become the center of attention for Veggie. Current Veggie technology wicks water into particulate root substrates incorporating controlled-release fertilizer (CRF). Mizuna mustard (Brassica rapa) was grown under ISS-like environments in ground-based Veggie-analogue units comparing crop response to combinations of two different substrate particle sizes, two different fertilizer formulations, and three leaf-harvest times from each plant. Fine-particle porous ceramic substrate (Profile©) was compared with a 40:60 mix of fine-particle porous ceramic Profile© + coarse porous ceramic Turface© substrate. Identical 18-6-8 (NPK) CRF formulations consisting of [50% fast-release (T70) + 50% intermediate-release (T100) prills] vs. [50% fast-release (T70) + 50% slow-release (T180) prills] were incorporated into each substrate, and leaf tissues were harvested from each treatment combination at 28, 48, and 56 days after sowing. The combination of T100 CRF in 100% Profile© substrate gave the highest fresh mass (FM) and leaf area (LA) across harvests, whereas T180 CRF in 40% Profile© gave the lowest. Dry-mass (DM) yields varied with effects on leaf area. Tissue nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) specific contents declined across harvests for all treatment combinations but tended to be highest for T100 CRF/100% Profile©, and lowest for T180 CRF/40% Profile©. These major macronutrients were taken up faster by roots growing in small particle-size substrate incorporating intermediate-rate CRF, but also were depleted faster from the same treatment combination, suggesting it may not continue to be the best combination for additional harvests. Micronutrients did not decline in tissue specific content across treatment combinations, but manganese (Mn) accumulated in leaf tissue across treatments and apparently comes mainly from the ceramic substrate, regardless of particle size. Substrate leachate analysis following final harvest indicated that pH remained in the range for nominal availability of mineral nutrients for root uptake, but electro-conductivity measurements suggested depletion of fertilizer salts from root zones, especially from the treatment combination supporting the highest yields and major macronutrient contents. Although 100% Profile© was the better growth substrate for mizuna in combination with intermediate-rate CRF and three cut-and-come-again harvests in ground-based studies, mixed-particle-size substrates may be a better choice for plant growth under microgravity conditions, where capillary forces predominant and tend to cause saturation of a fine medium with water. Since there were no statistically significant interactions between substrate and fertilizer in this study, our ground-based findings for CRF choice should translate to the best substrate choice for microgravity, but if NASA wants to consider additional cut-and-come-again harvests from the same mizuna plants, more complex CRF formulations likely will have to be investigated.

Response of Three Citrus Rootstocks to Organic and Biological Fertilizers

This study was conducted in a lath house, Dept of Hort. and Landscape, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Univ. During the 2021 growing season, Baghdad will investigate the influence of organic and Biological fertilizers on three Citrus rootstocks' growth and leaf mineral content. The first factor is the addition of liquid organic fertilizers Vit-Org (O) at three levels without addition (O0), soil addition at 10 ml.L-1 (O10) and soil addition at 20 ml.L-1 (O20). The second factor is the addition of nitrogen-fixing bacteria without addition (N1), add 30 ml.Transplant-1 of Azotobacter chroococcum (N2) and add 30 ml.Transplant-1 of Azospirillum brasilemse (N3). The third factor is three citrus rootstocks: sour orange (R1), Rangpur (R2), and C-35 Citrange (R3). Treatments were replicated three times (three transplants in the experimental unit) at split blocks design in an R.C.B.D. The number of transplants used was 243 transplants. The experimental results showed that the addition of Vit-Org liquid organic fertilizer had a significant effect in increasing vegetative growth characteristics and leaves mineral content, as treatment with a concentration of 20 ml.L-1 (O20) was superior to increase in stem diameter of 2.99 mm and increase in leaves nitrogen content of 1.49%, phosphorous was 0.35%. Treatment with a concentration of 10 ml.L-1 (O10) was superior in increased leaves number of 66.27 leaves: transplants-1 and leaf area of 17.70 cm2 . The addition of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, especially the addition of Azospirillum brasilemse (N3), showed significant superiority in most vegetative growth traits; it gave the highest increase in leaves, the number of 65.28 leaves.transplant-1 , highest leaves nitrogen content of 1.56%, phosphorous 0.32%. The addition of these bacteria did not significantly affect the increase in stem diameter and leaf area. Rootstocks varied among themselves in vegetative growth characteristics and leaf minerals content, as Rangpur rootstocks (R2) excelled in increasing the stem diameter of 2.32 mm and the leaves number of 83.90 leaves.transplant-1 . In contrast, sour orange rootstock (R1) was superior in increased leaf area of 21.49 cm2 and leaves phosphors content of 0.30%. In contrast, C-35 rootstock (R3) outperformed in leaves nitrogen content by 1.44%. Twice and triple interactions between the study factors significantly affected all studied vegetative growth traits and leaf mineral content. Keywords: Citrus Rootstocks, Organic, Biological Fertilizers

Plant Height and Stem Diameter of Solanum quitoense Lamarck Improved with Applications of AMF and Biostimulants

The lulo plant (Solanum quitoense Lamarck) is native to South America. In Mexico, this species shows potential for the conversion of agroecosystems. It is used as food and pharmaceutical sources for metabolites. However, there are few papers related to how this species can grow under conditions outside of the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru). The objective of this research was to evaluate the development of lulo under cloud forest conditions and the effect of inoculating the plant with mycorrhizae (Funneliformis mosseae (T. H. Nicolson and Gerd.) C. Walker and A. Schüssler, and Entrophospora colombiana Spain and N. C. Schenck) and diammonium phosphate (DAP: NPK 18-46-00) fertilization. The plant growth, leaf area, mycorrhizal colonization, and leaf mineral content were evaluated from transplant to fruit formation. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in volcanic soils (clayey Vertisol) in a cloud forest. The inoculation of E. colombiana was 86.19% of the colonization, and the content of N, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe in the leaves was the higher in these plants. The highest P content was obtained from the DAP treatment and the height of the plant was 11.8% and 12.5% in the treatments using DAP and E. colombiana, respectively. The plant growth was significantly higher in the plants inoculated with E. colombiana followed by DAP. The plants inoculated with F. mosseae registered lower values than the control. Lulo plants grow in the climate and soils of volcanic origin of the cloud forest. The results showed that AMF colonization was beneficial and outperformed the native strains. The results are new for the introduced lulo plants in Mexico and can help reduce the learning path for commercial cultivation.

Improving Chemical Properties of Inceptisol Media Applied with Calcite and Kiserite and its Effect on Yield and Mineral Content of Moringa Leaves (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

This research is about the improvement of the chemical properties of Inceptisol media applied by Calcite and Kiserite and its effect on yield and mineral content of Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera Lam.) was carried out to consider the importance of growth and productivity of Moringa plants on Inceptisol soils with high leaf Mg levels. This study aims to determine the effect of interaction and the main effect of Calcite and Kiserite treatment on improving the chemical properties of Inceptisol media, increasing the yield and mineral content of Moringa leaves. The research was conducted at Karen Nisrina Agro, Kampar Regency, with a 4x3x3 factorial Completely Randomized Design. The first factor is Calcite with 3 dose levels, 0.0 tons ha-1., 2.11 tons ha-1 and 4.22 tons ha-1. The second factor is Kiserit with 4 levels, 0.0 tons ha-1., 0.35 tons ha-1.,0.45 tons ha-1, and 0.55 tons ha-1. Observation parameters: chemical properties of the media (pH, Ca and Mg), leaf yield and stover, and leaf mineral content (Ca and Mg). Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance at 5% significance level, followed by Duncan's multiple distance test at 5% significance level. On the chemical properties of the soil, the interaction of giving Calcite and Kiserite occurred at pH and Ca media. Calcite increases the pH and Ca media. Kieserite increases Mg and decreases Ca media. The application of Calcite and Kiserite significantly increased the yield of leaves and stover, but there was no interaction between them. For leaf mineral content, the interaction of giving Calcite and Kiserite was found in the Ca content of the leaves. Calcite and Kiserite application had no significant effect on the Ca and Mg levels of the leaves.

Effect of Organic Fertilizer Type and Level of Add on Vegetative Growth Traits of Olive Cultivar Ashrasi

The experiment was conducted on Rawa area at AL-Anbar Governorate- Iraq, during the 2021 and 2022 seasons by using 72 olive trees (cultivar Ashrasi) treated with 0, 15, and 25 kg per olive tree from composted of common reed waste + cow, sheep, and poultry manure, also tree treated with 0 and 50 liters from aqueous extract of compost. The results of the statistical analysis showed that: The treatment of 25 kg.tree−1 from compost consisting of 80% common reed waste with 20% poultry manure with 50 liters of aqueous extract of the compost led to a highly significant improvement in vegetative growth traits (shoots length, number of leaves per shoots and leaf area), concentration of chlorophyll and leaf mineral content (N, P, and K) compared with control treatment during 2021 and 2022 seasons.

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CASSAVA MUTANT GENOTYPES WITH HIGH LEAF MINERAL CONTENT AT THE MV10 GENERATION

Cassava leaves’ consumption as vegetables are common in several Asian countries. They contain various nutrients, such as, anthocyanins, carotene, minerals, and vitamins. New varieties with high mineral contents in leaves need development to increase the leaves’ quality as vegetables. This study aimed to identify and characterize cassava genotypes of the MV10 generation resulting from gammaray- induced mutations based on the leaves' morphology, growth characteristics, and mineral contents, using two cultivars and 10 cassava genotypes. All genotypes planted in a randomized complete block design had three replications. The leaf's morphology and mineral contents underwent scrutiny on the third to fifth leaf below the apical shoot. The mineral content analysis used the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. Data analysis comprised the ANOVA test and descriptive analysis. This study revealed petiole length, leaf lobe length, and leaf lobe width were significantly different between genotypes at four months after planting (MAP). However, no meaningful difference showed for the plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves among genotypes. In general, the leaf morphology consisted of purplish green apical leaves with present pubescence; the shape of the central leaflet is lanceolate; the petiole color is reddish to greenish; leaves are dark green with five to seven leaf lobes; leaf veins are reddish-green; smooth lobe margins; and horizontal petiole orientation. The genotypes affect mineral contents, as the genotype with the highest Mg contents was G6-2-15-5-3, and the one with the highest Zn contents was G2D1-422. Fe contents showed more variations between genotypes, and no genotype showed consistently high Fe contents. This research produced promising genotypes for Mg or Zn contents in leaves for future cassava varieties for vegetable production.

Comparative Effect of Natural and Chemical Farming Systems of Apple Production on Soil Physio-chemical Properties, Leaf Mineral Content and Fruit Quality

The present study was conducted to compare the effects of natural and chemical farming system of apple production on soil, leaf nutrient status and fruit quality. The results indicated significant difference in primary (N, P, K) and secondary ((6.12, 0.48 dS m-1) in CFS than NFS (5.77, 0.38 dS m-1), while OC was reported to be higher (2.03 %) in Ca, Mg) macronutrient status of leaf and soil samples collected from the study orchards (p<0.05). Among micronutrients, status of Cu and Zn were recorded to be significantly different in both the farming systems whereas, Fe and Mn were recorded to be non-significant. Soil pH and EC were recorded to be higher NFS than CFS (1.78 %). Fruit length, breath, weight and TSS showed significant difference in both the farming systems. Mean fruit length, breadth, weight, and acidity was recorded to be higher (65.80 mm, 71.62 mm, 159.65 g, 0.64 %) in CFS than NFS (58.87 mm, 62.72 mm, 122.41 g, 0.48 %). While firmness and TSS were recorded to be higher (6.95 kg inch-2, 12.27 ᵒBrix) in NFS than CFS (5.64 kg inch-2, 10.91 ᵒBrix). It can be concluded that nutrient status of soils and leaves was higher in CFS.

Leaf Mineral Contents and Growth Characteristics of Strawberry Grown in Aquaponic System with Different Growing Media in a Plant Factory

This study was aimed to determine the effects of grow media on the mineral contents of the leaves and growth characteristics of strawberry grown under aquaponics system in a plant factory. For aquaculture, 12 fish (Cyprinus carpio) (total weight, 2.0 kg) were raised in an aquaponics tank (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.45 m, 472.5 L) filled with 367.5 L of water at a density of 5.44 kg·m-3 and total 34 of strawberry seedlings were transplanted in the pots filed with 200 g of orchid stone, hydroball or polyurethane sponge in the growing bed (W 0.7 m × L 1.5 m × H 0.22 m) laid out with holly acrylic sheet (140×60 mm, Ø80) on the top of the system. The pH and EC of the aquaponic solution was ranged from 7.6 to 4.9 and 0.24－0.91 dS·m-1, respectively. The concentration of NO3-N was about 28% lower than that of the hydroponic standard solution, and K, Fe and B were 10, 27 and 3.8 times lower, respectively; however, the mineral contents of strawberry leaves were in the appropriate ranges with lower contents in the leaves grown with sponge media. The organic content (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) of the sludge were 61.5, 5.72, 8.92, and 0.24%, respectively. The leaf area, leaf number, and dry and fresh weights of shoot at 81 DAT were significantly higher in the hydroball, and the average number of fruits per plant was significantly higher in both the orchid stone and hydroball. There was no significant difference in the fresh and dry weights of fruits. Integrated all the results suggest that the orchid stone and hydroball media are more effective to utilize nutrients in solid particles of aquaponic solution, compared to the polyurethane sponge.

The Effect of Organic Fertilization on Leaf Mineral Content of Three Citrus Species

A field experiment in RCBD design was carried out in the College of Agric. Engine. SCI./The University of Baghdad. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of inorganic and organic fertilizer (as three levels of sheep and cattle manure) on the leaf content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, of three citrus species, lemon (Citrus limon L.), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) and, mandarin (Citrus reticulata), grafted on Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) rootstock. Results indicated that lemon trees grafted on Citrus aurantium were the most responsive to organic fertilization and the accumulation of most of the macro and micro elements, followed by orange trees grafted on the same rootstock, while it was noted that mandarin trees grafted on Citrus aurantium were the least responsive among the three types, In addition, sheep manure was efficient in providing plants with N, K, Ca, and Mg elements, while cattle manure was the most efficient in providing plants with P, Fe, Zn, and Mn nutrients.

Impact of Different Fertilization Levels on the Growth, Leaf Mineral Content, Yield and Fruit Quality of Pummelo (Citrus maxima) Trees

Impact of Different Fertilization Levels on the Growth, Leaf Mineral Content, Yield and Fruit Quality of Pummelo (Citrus maxima) Trees

Temperature and Light Spectrum Differently Affect Growth, Morphology, and Leaf Mineral Content of Two Indoor-Grown Leafy Vegetables

This study was carried out to determine the effect of three commercial LEDs of different spectra with or without far red (FR) photons on the growth, morphology, and mineral content of two leafy vegetables under two temperatures (30 °C and 21 °C). The two leafy greens were ‘Cegolaine’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and ‘Petite Star’ pak choy (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis). In each temperature, there were three light spectra: red and blue LED, and white LED with or without FR. All spectra of lights were adjusted to a total photon flux density of 250 μmol m−2 s−1 at the top of the plant canopy. Results indicated that temperature treatment had a significant influence on most measured parameters. When temperature increased from 21 to 30 °C, lettuce shoot fresh and dry weights increased by 30% and 53%, respectively, while those of pak choy increased by approximately 22%. For both species, plants at high temperature had a larger leaf area but lower mineral content compared to those at low temperature. The spectrum treatment had a minor or no effect on the measured traits. In conclusion, the 5% FR did not impact the yield or biomass of either crop and the plant responses to spectra varied with temperature and species. The two temperatures resulted in significant differences in growth, morphology, and leaf mineral content in both species.

Molecular and ionomic responses of Solanum lycopersicum L. (cv. Micro-Tom) plants treated with a novel calcium-based plant biostimulant

In this study, we investigated the leaf treatment effects of a novel trace elements calcium-based fluid mixture with a supposed biostimulant action on Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Micro-Tom. Seedlings were grown on standard peat substrate and treated with two different products: a calcium-based fluid mixture and a common calcium fertilizer, CaCl2. Both treatments were compared to an untreated control. We first investigated the effects of treatments on fruit yield and dry matter production in greenhouse-grown tomato. These effects were then assessed in leaves by gene expression profiling of 60 genes involved in different biological pathways and functional categories, and by ionomic analysis. Leaf treatment on tomato with the calcium-based fluid mixture allowed the highest fruit yield per plant (6.17 fruits plant−1) and above-ground dry matter (13.99 g plant−1) to be obtained. Also, 4 genes related to the nutrient transporter category, NCX, NRAMP3, SI BOR2, and CHLM, were upregulated in plants treated with the novel product. CRK, a gene related to the calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK), was upregulated in plants treated with the novel product whereas SODCC.1, a gene related to the superoxide dismutase family, was downregulated in the same plants. A substantial reduction of elemental contents was observed for CaCl2-treated plants, while the novel Ca-based mixture increased the leaf mineral content of Zn (+61%) and Mn (+65%). These results highlighted the biostimulant activity of the novel product resulting in changes in fruit yield and dry matter production, gene expression, and ionome profiles of tomato leaves.

The beneficial effects of overhead shading net on fruit cracking control, productivity and quality of pomegranate fruits

A field experiment was carried out during 2020 and 2021 seasons to examine the effects of different overhead shading net colors (white and blue) on fruit cracking percentage, productivity, leaf chlorophyll and leaf mineral content, also fruit quality of M 116 pomegranate trees grown under sandy soil conditions compared with the farm treatment (coving fruits with Kraft paper) and the untreated trees (control). The obtained results showed that shading pomegranate trees with blue or white net significantly increased number of fruits per tree, the total yield (kg), fruit weight (g) and reduced fruit cracking percentage when compared with the control and farm treatments. Blue and white colors surpassed the other treatments including the untreated trees in the most parameters under investigation. Finally, it could be recommended that shading pomegranate trees with blue followed by the white one are beneficial for maintaining good fruit quality with high yield. Additionally these treatments reduced the fruit cracking percentage compared with the other ones.

Concentração mineral da folha do pessegueiro após o uso de indutores de resistência

ABSTRACT: This research studied the effect of the inducers acibenzolar-S-Methyl, potassium phosphite, and potassium silicate on the leaf mineral concentration of peach. The experiment was carried out in Tezontepec, Puebla, in the years 2017 and 2018. The treatments consisted of the foliar application of the resistance inducers acibenzolar-S-Methyl, potassium phosphite, and potassium silicate. Inducers were applied at commercially recommended dose. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replicates. Foliar quantification of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper and silicon was carried out. The use of resistance inducers increases the leaf concentrations of calcium. The interaction of resistance inducers and years of application modified the foliar concentration of magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur in peaches.

Effects of electromagnetic irrigation water treatment on soil properties and arbequina olive trees in Tunisia (Sminja, Zaghouan)

ABSTRACT The scarcity of water is a major problem in Tunisia. Thus, 50% of water resources are with salinity higher than 1.5 g L−1 and 16% with salinity exceeding 3 g L−1. To use this saline water in crop irrigation, new technologies for water treatment can be applied such us electromagnetic irrigation water device. In this context, a field experiment was carried out at Zitouna Agricultural Development Company in Zaghouan governorate to study the impact of magnetized irrigation water on clay soil and on leaf mineral content of Arbequina olive tree growing under drip irrigation with saline water. Bimonthly soil samples were taken with an auger every 20 cm over 1 m depth. Olive leaf samples were taken from the trees located above the soil sampling points. The results showed that soil parameters variations are the same throughout the depths 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm. As a consequence, the interpretation of the effect of magnetized irrigation water was restricted to 0–100 cm soil depth. However, a slight decrease of the pH was observed with the use of magnetized water. On other side, we reported that the electromagnetic treatment of irrigation water increases the soil moisture (Hs) and favors the absorption of N, P, K+, and Na+ by olive tree leaf tissues. Also, water use efficiency (WUE) in the plot irrigated with treated water is equal to 1.3 compared to that irrigated with untreated water. Thus, 30% improvement in yield using treated water.