Major Nutrients Research Articles

Association between empirically derived nutrient patterns and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country

PurposeThe risk of breast cancer (BC) and related mortality have increased in Middle-East countries during recent decades. The relationship between several nutrient intakes and the risk of BC has been investigated in several studies. However, few studies have estimated the effects of patterns of different nutrient intake on the risk of BC in this region.MethodsA total of 453 patients who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and 516 healthy women participated in the current case–control study. To evaluate the dietary intakes, we used a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the last year. Nutrient Patterns (NPs) were extracted through factor analysis (FA) of energy-adjusted twenty-six nutrients. The relationship between nutrient patterns and the risk of breast cancer in pre and post-menopausal women was estimated by multivariable regression.ResultsFour major nutrient patterns were identified in the current study. The first nutrient pattern was rich in animal protein, retinol, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, and calcium. Higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), and lower intakes of niacin were observed in nutrient pattern 2. The third nutrient pattern was rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Nutrient pattern 4, was associated with higher intakes of vegetable protein, alpha-tocopherol, and magnesium. A significant inverse relationship was observed between adherence to nutrient pattern 3 and the risk of BC in all participants [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.97, P = 0.03) and pre-menopausal women (OR = 0.59 (0.39–0.89), P = 0.01).ConclusionDecreasing odds of breast cancer were observed by adherence to a nutrient pattern high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Future prospective investigations are recommended to confirm these findings.

The Effect of Potassium Dosage and Branch-Pruning on the Growth and Yield of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata Durch)

Butternut squash (C. moschata) is a honey squash plant (Cucurbita moschata Durch) which is an introduced plant from the lowlands of South America and has adapted to Indonesia. The research was carried out in the planting area of Kampung Labu Madu, Toyoresmi Village, Ngasem District, Kediri Regency from January to June 2021. Potassium is among major nutrients needed by plants in their growth and development. Potassium fertilization can help plants improve the regulation of photosynthetic mechanisms, carbohydrate translocation, protein synthesis This research was a two-factor factorial experiment prepared using a Split Plot Design. The first factor (main plot) was the branch pruning (P) treatment which consisted of 2 levels and the second factor (subplot) was the dose of KCl (K) fertilizer which consisted of 4 levels. The results of the research showed that there was a real influence in the treatment without pruning on the parameters of the number of male flowers and on the parameter of fruit weight with the best treatment being pruning, whereas for the treatment the dose of KCl fertilizer had a real effect on the parameters.

Effect of slow-release mineral fertilizer on the intensity of phosphorus and potassium mobilization in soil

The search for new technologies for effective regulation of yield and soil fertility is an urgent task. The use of slow-release fertilizers can simultaneously solve both problems – reducing fertilizer rates and increasing the mobilization of soil nutrients. In this paper, the mechanism of slow-release fertilizer effect on the mobilization rate of soil nutrients was investigated using mathematical modeling on the data of field trials with winter wheat. It is shown that in the plots with the slowest dissolving fertilizer (azofoska with 20% content of polyvinyl alcohol), the highest efficiency of azofoska was achieved (an increase in yield of 1.3 t/ha and an increase in mobile forms of phosphorus in the soil of 2.5 mg/100 g soil, potassium – 8.8 mg/100 g soil and nitrate nitrogen – 4.7 mg/100 g soil). The results of phosphorus modeling quantitatively confirmed the assumption that the low rate of dissolution of fertilizer enhances the mobilization of nutrients from soil due to the absence of an excess of plant available nutrients. We provide estimates of the polymer added efficiency for a series of polymer-modified fertilizer. It is shown that this form of fertilizer can be applied to effectively reduce the amount of fertilizer required for the planned harvest, simultaneously with the possibility of bringing the soil to a higher level of effective fertility in major nutrient elements.

Efficacy of Nano-fertilizers Applications on Growth Parameters and Flowering Dynamics in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar nano-fertilizers on the growth and flowering of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) during the Zaid seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. A Factorial Randomized Block Design with 15 treatment combinations and three replications was employed, utilizing five major nutrients and three levels of micronutrients. The combination of 75% recommended soil applied NPK with foliar nano NPK (4 ml/L) and nano Zn and Fe (1g/4L) showed maximum improvements in growth parameters, including plant height (120.35cm), number of leaves/plant (55.38), number of nodes/plant (15.30), number of branches/plant (4.61), stem diameter (2.77cm) and minimum inter-nodal length (7.67cm) and flowering traits such as earlier first flowering (39.88 days), days to 50% flowering (44.36days) and increased flower production (22.60 flowers/plant).

Nutrient responsiveness and correlation analysis of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cv. Balabhadra for vegetative, reproductive traits and nut yield under coastal Odisha condition

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutrient management approaches on vegetative, reproductive growth and yield of cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. cv. Balabhadra. Methodology: Trial was conducted during 2021-22 to 2022-23 to study the foliar application of different macro, secondary and micro- nutrients of cashew plant. The experiment was designed in RBD with six treatments and four replications. Foliar spraying was done at three stages viz., pre-flowering, flowering and nut set stages. Results: Treatment schedules i.e., 100% RDF+10 kg FYM/plant /year+ foliar spray of major nutrients (3% urea+0.5% MAP+1% K2SO4)+ foliar spray of secondary and micro-nutrients (0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.1 % Solubor + 0.5 % MgSO4) witnessed better performance of cashew for most of the vegetative and reproductive traits under study. Multivariate analysis showed formation of five principal components, where PC1 contributed maximum (97.80 %) towards total variance. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed positive association of yield relevant traits (P < 0.001) and negative correlation for number of flowering laterals and nut drop (%). Interpretation: Foliar spraying of macro, secondary and micronutrients in combination significantly influenced the vegetative and reproductive traits which may influence the nut yield of cashew. Key words: Cashew, Foliar spray, Nutrients

46 Feeding the weaned pig gut and beyond with non-nutritional additives

Abstract Weaning imposes simultaneous stress, resulting in reduced growth performance, increased susceptibility to diseases, and increased morbidity and mortality in weaned pigs. Weaning stress can induce negative changes in the intestine, including damaged intestinal integrity, disturbed digestive and absorptive capacity, increased intestinal oxidative stress, and microbial dysbiosis. Improving intestinal development and health is critically important for enhancing disease resistance and overall health of weaned pigs. This, in turn, can increase their survival rate during this vulnerable stage and improve their productive performance in later stages. A healthy gut may include, but is not limited to, several important features: a healthy proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, an integrated gut barrier function, a preferable or balanced gut microbiota, and well-developed intestinal mucosa immunity. Burgeoning evidence suggests that many non-nutritional additives can enhance overall intestinal health and beyond by targeting one or several functions of the gut. However, the exact protective mechanisms may vary and are still not completely understood. For example, direct-fed microbials may confer health benefits on the host by producing antimicrobial products, regulating gut microbial profile or immunity, and/or enhancing gut barrier function. Non-digestible carbohydrates and prebiotics exhibit striking impacts on reshaping the composition of gut microbiota in the host by boosting the production of health-promoting bacteria. Phytochemicals, a large variety of secondary plant metabolites, have been known for their broad and promising biological properties, including anti-microbial, antioxidant, and immune-modulating activities. Several short chain fatty acids derivatives aim to target the upper gastrointestinal tract, where the major nutrients are digested and absorbed, to promote intestinal health of pigs. Moreover, butyrate and valerate glycerides exhibit strong in vitro antimicrobial effects against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18, one of the dominant pathogens causing post-weaning diarrhea globally. There are more candidates in the list that have been used in weaned pigs and shown promising results on growth and health promotion. Therefore, increasing our current understanding of non-nutritional additives and their influences on intestinal function during weaning will facilitate the development of more dietary strategies that increase stress resilience of weaned pigs.

A genome-wide investigation of the mechanism underlying the effect of exogenous boron application on sugar content and overall quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries

In recent years, the widespread application of growth regulators and nutrients to boost yield and quality of strawberry fruits has led to the rapid growth of strawberry industry globally. Although the effects of major nutrients on strawberry yield have been widely studied, investigations into the effect of trace elements such as boron remain limited. This study examined the effect of boron application on the yield and quality of “Benihoppe” strawberry fruits. Nutrient solutions with varying boron concentrations (0, 0.024, 0.048, 0.072, and 0.096 mM) were applied to the plants, and their effect on fruit quality was evaluated. The results indicated that boron application enhanced the yield per plant, nutrient composition (total amino acid and vitamin C content), antioxidant properties (total phenol) and volatile components (esters) in strawberry fruits. Specifically, treatment with 0.048 mM boron concentration significantly increased the accumulation of soluble sugars, such as sucrose, whose concentration was 154.29% higher than that of the control treated with 0 mM concentration. This enhancement is attributable to the regulated expression of sucrose phosphate synthase (maker-Fvb2-2-augustus-gene-229.38) and β-fructofuranosidase-1/2/3 (augustus-masked-Fvb5-4-processed-gene-2.0, maker-Fvb5-3-augustus-gene-272.30, and maker-Fvb5-1-augustus-gene-0.37) genes, which play crucial roles in sugar metabolism and enzyme activity. Overall, boron application enhanced the quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries. The findings of this study offer substantial theoretical and practical guidance for using boron fertilizers in strawberry farming.

Review On Potato Peels: Great Sources Of Healthy Ingredients

The potato is one of the mankinds and valuable food crops. Potatoes are also fat-free, gluten-free, plant-based, affordable, and a quality carbohydrate. Since potatoes are the common vegetable in kitchen and huge quantity used per day, so like many others, we also throw potato peels into the garbage bin for disposed it. Due to high content of polyphenols and phenolic acids in potato peels it act as a strong natural antioxidant and recorded to be 10 times higher than their flesh concentration and useful to reduced hyperglycemia, oxidative stress etc. Peels of potatoes are the good source of iron, potassium, calcium and Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the predominant vitamin in potatoes. Also several B vitamins (niacin, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine) are present in peels of potato. In a word potato peels are the natural source of major nutrients, vitamins. In this review paper, We mainly emphasis on the chemical compositions, nutritional values and other applications of potato peels

The Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Major Nutrient Status and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

The Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Major Nutrient Status and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

Rapid Analysis of Soil Organic Carbon in Agricultural Lands: Potential of Integrated Image Processing and Infrared Spectroscopy

The significance of soil in the agricultural industry is profound, with healthy soil representing an important role in ensuring food security. In addition, soil is the largest terrestrial carbon sink on earth. The soil carbon pool is composed of both inorganic and organic forms. The equilibrium of the soil carbon pool directly impacts the carbon cycle via all of the other processes on the planet. With the development of agricultural systems from traditional to conventional ones, and with the current era of precision agriculture, which involves making decisions based on information, the importance of understanding soil is becoming increasingly clear. The control of microenvironment conditions and soil fertility represents a key factor in achieving higher productivity in these systems. Furthermore, agriculture represents a significant contributor to carbon emissions, a topic that has become timely given the necessity for carbon neutrality. In addition to these concerns, updating soil-related data, including information on macro and micronutrient conditions, is important. Carbon represents one of the major nutrients for crops and plays a key role in the retention and release of other nutrients and the management of soil physical properties. Despite the importance of carbon, existing analytical methods are complex and expensive. This discourages frequent analyses, which results in a lack of soil carbon-related data for agricultural fields. From this perspective, in situ soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis can provide timely management information for calibrating fertilizer applications based on the soil–carbon relationship to increase soil productivity. In addition, the available data need frequent updates due to rapid changes in ecosystem services and the use of extensive fertilizers and pesticides. Despite the importance of this topic, few studies have investigated the potential of image analysis based on image processing and spectral data recording. The use of spectroscopy and visual color matching to develop SOC predictions has been considered, and the use of spectroscopic instruments has led to increased precision. Our extensive literature review shows that color models, especially Munsell color charts, are better for qualitative purposes and that Cartesian-type color models are appropriate for quantification. Even for the color model, spectroscopy data could be used, and these data have the potential to improve the precision of measurements. On the other hand, mid-infrared radiation (MIR) and near-infrared radiation (NIR) diffuse reflection has been reported to have a greater ability to predict SOC. Finally, this article reports the availability of inexpensive portable instruments that can enable the development of in situ SOC analysis from reflection and emission information with the integration of images and spectroscopy. This integration refers to machine learning algorithms with a reflection-oriented spectrophotometer and emission-based thermal images which have the potential to predict SOC without the need for expensive instruments and are easy to use in farm applications.

Cultivation and Cultural Practices Followed in Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) for Better Production: A Review

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) from dicotyledonous Caryophyllaceae family is one of the important floricultural crop is cultivated all-year-around in temperate areas. In addition, the lengthy vase life of carnations may have great implications for wholesale and retail markets. It is genetically a quantitative long day plant and sensitive to temperature, which is a major factor that influences the growth and flowering, color, grade and the quality of cut flowers. Commonly grown Chaubad and Marquerite carnation are propagated by seed and other different types can be propagated through different ways of propagations like terminal cutting and tissue culture. The soil should be ploughed thoroughly up to 80-100 cm. deep and organic manure is to be mixed with soil properly. Soil sterilization should be done prior to planting. Rooted cuttings of standard carnations are planted on raised beds with a spacing of 20×20 cm and spacing of 30×30 cm is ideal for spray carnations. However, the lateral shoot development is best at a density of 50 plants/m². Apart from major nutrients like N, P and K, Ca, Mg, B and Fe also play a crucial role in carnation nutrition. Spray of 0.1% urea and potassium nitrate (KNO3) and 1 ppm Boron at 10 days interval till flowering produces good quality flowers. The plastic nets having a mesh of 7.5-10cm supported by stakes of metal fixed at the corner of beds is an ideal method. During pinching, the tip of the stem is removed to encourage the growth of the standard or Sim Carnations. Only 4-6 well grown lateral shoots will be allowed to grow. Splitting carnation flower calyces; is one of major limiting factor that affect both pre and post-harvest quality of carnation flowers. The problem of calyx splitting can be controlled by regulating temperature. Higher nitrate to ammoniacal nitrogen ratio during low light periods are recommended to reduce splitting. The optimum stage of standard carnation for distant market is paint brush stage when petals have started to elongate outside the calyx. The spray varieties are harvested with 2 open flowers on each stem. The flowers after harvesting and grading should be pulsed with 10% sucrose+1mm silver thiosulfate (STS) for 8-10hr before transportation to increase storability and vase-life of cut carnations.

The Effect of an Exercise Paddock on Dairy Cow Behavior, Health, and Nutrient Digestion during the Transition from Pregnancy to Lactation.

Providing an exercise paddock may improve the behavior and health of cows in their dry period. We compared a control group of cows in a shed with no exercise paddock and an experimental group in the same shed but with access to an exercise paddock. Both groups had ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR) indoors combined with access to a paddock (Group EX). The other group was just offered TMR indoors (Group IN). Total lying time was longer for cows without the exercise paddock (859 min/d) than for those with the paddock (733 min/d) (p = 0.012). Lying bouts were shorter, there were more allogrooming bouts, and drinking time was longer if an exercise paddock was provided. Cows with the paddock spent on average 76 min/d in paddock activity. Non-esterified fatty acids in the blood were increased by providing the exercise paddock. No significant differences in postpartum milk yield and calf weight of dry cows with or without access to exercise paddock were observed. However, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were increased by providing the exercise paddock. The results suggest that providing an exercise paddock for cows in their dry period increased activity, including allogrooming, reduced lying, and improved digestibility of some major nutrients in the feed.

Diet and Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Indigenous Communities of Attappady, Kerala, India.

The dietary patterns and quality of diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) significantly affect their health and that of their children. The suboptimal diet among women can lead to issues such as intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, premature birth, and malnutrition. To examine the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of WRA in the indigenous communities of the Attappady tribal block in Kerala, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 randomly selected villages in 2022. The study involved 24 h dietary recall surveys, anthropometric measurements, and estimation of hemoglobin concentration to assess nutrient intake and nutritional status. A total of 446 women aged 15-49 from 423 households participated, with 92 households included in the diet survey. The findings indicated that the diet was primarily based on cereals and root-based starchy staples, with low consumption of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The estimated intakes of major nutrients, except for protein, were lower than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Nearly 50% of the WRA were malnourished. About 32% of non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) women and 40% of lactating mothers suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). Conversely, 13.4% of NPNL women and 15% of lactating mothers were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). A total of 12.5% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 were thin (BAZ < -2 SD), and 10.5% were overweight or obese (BAZ > +1 SD). Since the co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition is rooted in the socio-cultural aspects of indigenous tribes, a culturally sensitive nutrition intervention model would be appropriate for the better health and wellbeing of women in the community.

Minerals and heavy metals profiling of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L.): A comparative study across diverse agro-ecological areas

With growing consumer concern regarding food quality and composition. This study was performed to analyze the content of major inorganic nutrients, trace elements, potentially toxic elements and ash content in 48 saffron samples. These were collected from four distinct Moroccan regions: “Taliouine, Taznakht, Azilal, and Beni Mellal”. The analysis was done in accordance with the guidelines set by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC). The findings of this study reveal that essential nutrient elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and sodium were present in important amounts. The average content of these macro-elements was found in the following order: K > P > Mg > Ca > Na, with mean concentrations of 16500±1119 mg/kg, 3290±220 mg/kg, 1430±97 mg/kg, 960±65 mg/kg, and 75±5 mg/kg, respectively. Significant differences among sampling sites as revealed by ANOVA and principal component analysis in selected samples. Furthermore, the levels of potentially harmful elements, including nickel, arsenic, lead, and cadmium, were found below the harmful limits. These results provide valuable scientific information that supports the optimal utilization of saffron, enriching the medicinal plant database. This research sheds light on the compositional, nutritional, and safety aspects of saffron, laying the groundwork for future research in this field.

Standardization of Crop Geometry and Major Nutrients for Enhancing the Growth, Yield and Quality of Davana (Artemisia pallens Wall) cv. Theni under Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted on the effect of spacing and fertilizers on growth, quality and yield of Artemisia pallens Wall. cv. Theni in northern Karnataka (Zone III) for two consecutive years in rabi 2021 and 2022. The research was set out in a factorial RCBD and replicated thrice in nine treatment combinations, that is three levels of spacing (S1: 15 x 7.5 cm, S2: 20 x 10 cm and S3: 30 x 10 cm) and three fertilizer levels (F1: 60:30:20 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1, F2: 90:30:30 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 and F3: 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1). The pooled data of two years was statistically analysed using the Fisher's method of "Analysis of variance". Among the spacing levels, 20 x 10 cm spacing was noticed the maximum inflorescences plant-1 (87.40), hundred flower weight (3.83 g), fresh herbage yield (11.29 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (2.83 t ha-1) &amp; essential oil yield (13.23 kg ha-1). Among various fertilizer doses application of F3 (120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1) was noticed economically feasible, it has obtained maximal growth and yield parameters. The highest fresh herb yield (12.78 t ha-1), dry herbage yield (3.16 t ha-1) and essential oil yield of (15.46 kg ha-1) were noticed with 120:40:40 N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) application. Spacing of 20 x 10 cm (S2) and application of 120:40:40 N N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1 (F3) found to be economical with highest benefit cost ratio of 4.08.

Characterization of Ancient Cereals Cultivated by Intensive and Organic Procedures for Element Content.

According to their nutritional value, their ability to adapt to the various environmental conditions, and their versatility, cereals are among the most cultivated plants in the world. However, the ongoing climate changes subject crops to important environmental stress that for some varieties leads to high production losses. Therefore, the selection of species and varieties that are more versatile and adaptable to different environmental conditions can be important. However, the characteristics of some cereals are not completely known; this is a priority before aiming to improve their cultivation. The aim of this study is to characterize select species that are potentially suitable for local environmental conditions and that possess nutritional value. The elemental composition was assessed in different cereal species grown following intensive and organic agriculture practices. Six species were grown for this study with techniques of intensive agriculture: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli, Triticum durum Desf., variety Claudio, and Avena strigosa Schreb.; four of these were also grown following organic procedures: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, and Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli. The study considered twenty elements, including major nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, and S), seven micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn), and trace elements with toxic properties (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Na, Rb, Sc, and Sr) that can be accumulated at the seed level. The results highlight the differences in the element concentrations in the cereal seeds in relation to the genus and species; the highest concentrations of the major nutrients appeared in T. monococcum; the concentrations were 6.9, 2.09, 7.2, and 2.9 mg/g for K, Mg, P, and S, respectively. The highest concentrations of certain micronutrients, B, Ca, Mo, and Se (16, 785, 3.69, and 0.34 μg/g), were in A. strigosa. There is also evidence that the element content can be affected by the adopted cultivation procedure; however, the effects of the growing procedure can be significantly different when different species are considered. T. monococcum, grown by an organic procedure, presented lower concentrations of the major nutrients, while it demonstrated a modest increase in the micronutrients in the T. durum variety organic S. Cappelli, and the production procedure did not affect the elemental composition of the T. aestivum variety Verna. The survey also highlights that the studied species and the growing procedure affected the capacity to accumulate and translocate trace hazardous elements for human health at the seed level.

Stress Management Practices in Rainfed Sorghum (K12) on Yield, Economics and Plant Nutrient Uptake Through Foliar Plant Nutrition Under Typical Vertisols (Typic chromusterts) of Semiarid Region

ABSTRACT Foliar fertilization has great potential to give higher yields under intensive cropping system and in enhancing the crop tolerance to drought conditions. Different responses of yield to foliar fertilization are probably associated with incorrect timing of application, use of inappropriate fertilizer and lack of concern of soil available nutrients and environmental conditions. Though soil application of nutrients cannot be replaced totally with foliar fertilization, but under various situations like rainfed condition, foliar nutrition can play very important role in enhancing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Focusing on this, a field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, under rainfed situation from 2017 to ‘20 to evaluate the response of foliar application of plant nutrients sprayed during moisture stress condition and to improve the growth and yield of sorghum under rainfed condition. This experiment was laid out in split plot design with replicated thrice and the treatments consisted of main plots: M1 – foliar spray during dry spell, M2 – foliar spray after relieving of stress/dry spell (with favorable soil moisture) and subplots: S1 – urea@1%, S2 – urea@2%, S3 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5%, S4 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% + recommended dose of micronutrient for foliar spray (to be decided based on soil test: zinc, boron, iron, manganese, etc.), S5 – ZnSO4@0.5%, S6 – water spray, S7 – control (no spray of any material/water) under rainfed vertisols of semiarid region. The obtained results showed that the application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% sprayed during the dry spell significantly increased the plant height, earhead length and grain test weight. This attributes resulted in higher grain yield (1448 kg ha−1), stover yield (2288 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs. 8748 ha−1), B:C (1.16) and rainwater use efficiency (3.85 kg ha−1-mm) when compared to other practices in rainfed sorghum. There is a gradual increase in total major plant nutrient uptake, viz. nitrogen (22.3 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4.56 kg ha−1) and potassium uptake (26.0 kg ha−1) with the foliar application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% applied during the dry spell condition (S3) during drought stress condition (M1). Foliar application of nutrients along with soil application has several advantages in supplementing the nutritional requirements of crops such as rapid and efficient response by the plants, less product needed and independence of soil conditions. Foliar nutrition designed to eliminate the problems like fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognized as an important method of fertilization during the dry spell under rainfed condition in modern agriculture.

Recovery of nutrients from biofuel ash via organic acid-facilitated solid-liquid extraction

Solid-liquid extraction was investigated to obtain selected major plant nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg) from biofuel ash using weak organic acids like salicylic acid, citric acid, and oxalic acid as sacrificial leaching agents. In this study, three organic acids were compared to determine the most effective leaching agent for maximizing the P, K, Ca, and Mg extraction from biofuel ash. The findings indicated that 0.1 M citric acid was the most efficient for plant nutrient recovery, with 81.9% of P recovered after 30 min, 82.4% of Ca, 76.8% of Mg, and 47.3% of K. after 120 min. The highest amount of K, with 59.3% was recovered after 180 min of extraction with 0.1 M oxalic acid. However, recovery of P–80.7% was lower, and much lower recovery of Ca–2.3%, and Mg–68.6% after 180 min of extraction with 0.1 M oxalic acid. The leachates were not contaminated with heavy metals, just 0.47 mg/L of Zn, 7.67 mg/L of Al, and 1.99 mg/L of Fe were detected after 180 min of extraction with 0.1 M oxalic acid. The formation of calcium oxalates after extraction with 0.1 M oxalic acid was seen by SEM-EDS. The findings indicated that to achieve the highest recovery of all beneficial nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg) different extraction times and different extraction agents are required.

Characterization and stress-responsive regulation of CmPHT1 genes involved in phosphate uptake and transport in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

BackgroundPhosphorus (P) deficiency, a major nutrient stress, greatly hinders plant growth. Phosphate (Pi) uptake in plant roots relies on PHT1 family transporters. However, melon (Cucumis melo L.) lacks comprehensive identification and characterization of PHT1 genes, particularly their response patterns under diverse stresses.ResultsThis study identified and analyzed seven putative CmPHT1 genes on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 using the melon genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed shared motifs, domain compositions, and evolutionary relationships among genes with close histories. Exon number varied from 1 to 3. Collinearity analysis suggested segmental and tandem duplications as the primary mechanisms for CmPHT1 gene family expansion. CmPHT1;4 and CmPHT1;5 emerged as a tandemly duplicated pair. Analysis of cis-elements in CmPHT1 promoters identified 14 functional categories, including putative PHR1-binding sites (P1BS) in CmPHT1;4, CmPHT1;6, and CmPHT1;7. We identified that three WRKY transcription factors regulated CmPHT1;5 expression by binding to its W-box element. Notably, CmPHT1 promoters harbored cis-elements responsive to hormones and abiotic factors. Different stresses regulated CmPHT1 expression differently, suggesting that the adjusted expression patterns might contribute to plant adaptation.ConclusionsThis study unveils the characteristics, evolutionary diversity, and stress responsiveness of CmPHT1 genes in melon. These findings lay the foundation for in-depth investigations into their functional mechanisms in Cucurbitaceae crops.

Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil

Aim: Under intensive farming system, use of high analysis fertilizers with rare use of organic manures, depleted the organic carbon status in the soil leads to decrease in productivity though applying improved technologies. After N, P, K fourth major nutrient now days considered as S (Sulphur) which play important role in oilseed and pulse crop productivity and its application with organics to soil found beneficial. Considering this, the proposed research as “Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil.” was carried out with five organic amendments having different quality and maturity parameters which showed the significant results with yield and quality of Kharif groundnut. Study Design: Randomized Block design with seven treatments and four replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The field research trial was conducted during Kharif 2019 at Post Graduate Farm, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: As per the treatments details, the five organic amendments viz: FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost were incubated with 40 kg ha-1 elemental Sulphur for 30 days prior to application in field plots. The treatment wise incubated organic amendments and RDF applied to groundnut crop. The initial soil analysis, initial and after incubation, the characteristics and quality and maturity parameters of five organic amendments were analyzed by using standard methods. The growth observations and post-harvest observation of groundnut crop were recorded and data were analyzed statistically. Results: The application of different organic amendments incubated with elemental Sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 namely FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost along with RDF to Kharif groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol soil, significantly improved yield contributing characters, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared to absolute control and RDF. Amongst the different organic amendments, application of good quality and maturity poultry manure and vermicompost found significantly superior over rest of organic amendments incubated with Sulphur for improving the growth, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared rest of organic amendments.