Micronutrient Mixture Research Articles

Inhibitory effects of specific combination of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants.

Despite vaccine availability, the global spread of COVID-19 continues, largely facilitated by emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations. Our earlier research documented that a specific combination of plant-derived compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 binding to its ACE2 receptor and controlling key cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a defined mixture of plant extracts and micronutrients against original SARS-CoV-2 and its Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Kappa, and Mu variants. The composition containing vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, resveratrol, theaflavin, curcumin, quercetin, naringenin, baicalin, and broccoli extract demonstrated a highest efficacy by inhibiting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding of SARS-CoV-2 to its cellular ACE2 receptor by 90%. In vitro exposure of test pseudo-typed variants to this formula for 1 h before or simultaneously administrated to human pulmonary cells resulted in up to 60% inhibition in their cellular entry. Additionally, this composition significantly inhibited other cellular mechanisms of viral infectivity, including the activity of viral RdRp, furin, and cathepsin L. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of natural compounds against SARS-CoV-2 including its mutated forms through pleiotropic mechanisms. Our results imply that simultaneous inhibition of multiple mechanisms of viral infection of host cells could be an effective strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Effect of different sources and application mode of zinc and vermicompost on macro and micronutrient availability in sandy loam soil

Field experiments on rice crop were conducted on sandy loam soil at crop research center chirodi of SVBP university of Agriculture and Technology Meerut during 2011 and 2012 to evaluate “Effect of different sources and application mode of zinc and vermicompost on residual soil fertility in sandy loam soil”. The treatments comprised of 4 sources of Zn (zinc sulphate heptahidrate, mono zinc sulphate, chelated zinc and micronutrient mixture) and vermicompost with the combination of RDF (NPK @ 120:60:60) in different mode of application (soil application and foliar spray). There were 12 treatments combinations replicated thrice in a factorial randomized block design. The vermicompost @ 3 t ha-1 were applied before transplanting with the combination of RDF during 2011 and 2012. While the graded level of Zn were applied at the time of transplanting, tillering and panicle initiation. The experimental soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and higher in potassium with slightly alkaline in pH. NPK availability in soil at harvest stage was influenced significantly by different treatments during both the years. The highest availability of N (228.36 and 241.44), P (25.17 and 26.29) and K (260.54 and 259.22) kg ha1 during 2011 and 2012 was found in T2 (100% RDF) and it is similar to the treatment T12 where VC @ 3 ton ha-1 + RDF was applied. The highest zinc availability 2.53 and 2.24 ppm during 2011 and 2012 found in T3 (5kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4 ) was significantly higher than the rest of the treatments while minimum zinc availability recorded in T1 (control). The application of 3t ha-1 vermicompost with recommended NPK in rice crop significantly increased the content of DTPA- extractable Cu, Fe and Mn in soil and also similar to the T11 where micronutrient mixture with recommended NPK was used during both the years. There is no appraisal change was found in soil pH, EC, during both the years.

Simultaneous Elevation Of Antioxidant And Endocannabinoid Defense System May Prevent Dementia And Improve Cognitive Function In Humans

The incidence of dementia with or without Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasing despite extensive mechanistic studies and holistic approaches. There are no effective strategies for prevention or treatment with drugs. Analysis of cellular and molecular investigations suggest that increased oxidative stress is the earliest damage that initiates subsequent cellular defects such as chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased production of Ab1-42 by cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP), hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, proteasome inhibition, and shortening of telomere, which are involved in increasing the risk of dementia. Humans have developed an antioxidant defense system (ADS) and endocannabinoid defense system (ECDS) to protect against external and internal stressors. Increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation damage both defense systems. Therefore, the simultaneous elevation of these two defense systems may reduce the risk of dementia, improve cognitive function, and the effectiveness of drug therapy. Treatment with individual antioxidant compounds or elevation of endocannabinoids alone has failed to achieve the above goals. This review has proposed that a comprehensive mixture of micronutrients together with a stimulator of ECDS may simultaneously enhance the levels of ADS and ECDS, which can lead to a decrease in the risk of dementia, enhanced cognitive function, and improved efficacy of drug therapy in humans. Such an approach would simultaneously reduce the levels of oxidative damage and markers of chronic inflammation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies should be initiated to test the effectiveness of the proposed hypothesis.

Attenuation of the onset and progression of age-related vision impairments by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation by micronutrients

The major eye diseases refractive error, cataract, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness without an early intervention. The treatments include eye glasses for refractive error, surgery for cataract, and medications for glaucoma and ARMD. These therapies do not address oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to these eye diseases. Therefore, supplementation with antioxidants could be useful. However, administration with single or multiple dietary antioxidants with or without carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), and omega-3-fatty acids, produced no benefits or only modest benefits in certain eye diseases. The problems associated with such antioxidant’s approaches were identified, and potential causes for not producing optimal benefits were presented. The major objectives are to show that enhanced oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the age-related major eye diseases. This review presents rationales for using a comprehensive mixture of micronutrients containing dietary and endogenous antioxidants, vitamin D3, and carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, all B-vitamins, and minerals Zn and Se for simultaneously reducing oxidative and inflammatory damage. Since elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are found in the wet ARMD and diabetic retinopathy, this mixture has ingredients, which reduce VEGF levels. Supplementation with this micronutrient mixture may delay the onset and progression of major eye diseases, and may improve the effectiveness of standard therapy.

Effect of organic fortified zinc on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiata (L). Wilczek) in typic chromustert

Zinc is a crucial micronutrient for crop growth and enzymatic regulations. The present study was formulated to reveal the effect of organic fortified Zn composite on growth and yield parameters of green gram in Typic chromustert at Vellakulam village, Kalligudi block, Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. A total of eight treatments with three replications were designed to grow in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatments consisted of recommend dose fertilizers (25:50:25 Kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O) + various sources organics applied such as vermicompost (1:5), poultry manure (1:5), biochar (1:5), FYM (1:10) incubated with ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University micronutrient mixture enriched with FYM (1:10) for 30 days. Among the treatments, application of RDF (25:50:25 Kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O) + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 incubated with 125 kg Vermicompost (1:5) recorded maximum plant height (64 cm), leaf area index (LAI) (3.11), dry matter production (16.33 g plant-1), pods plant-1 (28.46), grains pod-1 (13.5), test weight (3.48 g), seed yield (950 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (1520 kg ha-1) followed by biochar and TNAU MNM shown on par results with each other. The lowest yield parameters were spotted in absolute control. A considerable increase in yield (25 %) was detected when the crop was supplemented with organically fortified Zinc than the commercial ZnSO4. The study concluded that the application of biofortified Zn will deliver higher growth and yield in green gram.

Protective Role of Combined Polyphenols and Micronutrients against Influenza A Virus and SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro.

Polyphenols have been widely studied for their antiviral effect against respiratory virus infections. Among these, resveratrol (RV) has been demonstrated to inhibit influenza virus replication and more recently, it has been tested together with pterostilbene against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In the present work, we evaluated the antiviral activity of polydatin, an RV precursor, and a mixture of polyphenols and other micronutrients, named A5+, against influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections. To this end, we infected Vero E6 cells and analyzed the replication of both respiratory viruses in terms of viral proteins synthesis and viral titration. We demonstrated that A5+ showed a higher efficacy in inhibiting both influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to polydatin treatment alone. Indeed, post infection treatment significantly decreased viral proteins expression and viral release, probably by interfering with any step of virus replicative cycle. Intriguingly, A5+ treatment strongly reduced IL-6 cytokine production in influenza virus-infected cells, suggesting its potential anti-inflammatory properties during the infection. Overall, these results demonstrate the synergic and innovative antiviral efficacy of A5+ mixture, although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effect.

Advancement in Knowledge and Adoption of Grape Growing Farmers in Theni District of Tamilnadu

Grape (Vitis grape L.) could be a temperate fruit crop and conjointly cultivated beneath tropical and climatic zone regions within the world. This study on improved grape knowledge and adoption of recommended grape practices among farmers was conducted in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu by employing a combination of purposive and proportionate random sampling methods with 120 grape growers. The data were collected with the help of a well-structured and pretested interview schedule during July to August 2020-21. The district contributes significantly to the state's area of production in grapes. The area of cultivation of grapes to the state is substantial (79.80%). In the study it was concluded that cent percent of the grape growers had correct knowledge about soil type, planting, gap-filling, recut, supporting, weeding, irrigation type, training, pruning time, bud dormancy breaking chemical, micronutrient mixtures, fertigation, shoot thinning, subcane development, training the shoots, tipping, cluster and berry thinning, mealybug control, and downy mildew control. About 60.83 per cent of the grape growers belonged to medium level of knowledge about recommended practices of grape cultivation. The results showed overall adoption of the grape growers wasmedium level of adoption (71.67%). This study explores the keen view of the advancement in knowledge and adoption followed by grape cultivators in Theni District.

The Exogenous Application of Micro-Nutrient Elements and Amino Acids Improved the Yield, Nutritional Status and Quality of Mango in Arid Regions.

The mango is one of the most valuable and appealing tropical fruits due to its color, aroma, tasteful remarkable flavor, and nutritive value; however, improving the yield and quality of mango is an urgent goal in order to combat global population growth. The application of amino acids and a micronutrient mixture might improve the yield and quality features but further research is still required in arid regions. To study the combined effect of a micronutrient mixture (MM) and amino acids (AA) at different rates, twenty-seven Fagri Kalan mango trees (15 years old) were carefully selected. The foliar application effect of MM and AA on vegetative growth, total chlorophyll, leaf chemical constituents, productivity, and the fruit quality of mango trees (cv. Fagri Kalan) was investigated. The findings revealed that the investigated growth measurements and leaf chemical contents, as well as the fruiting aspects and the fruit quality improved significantly due to the application of MM and AA. A higher application rate of the micronutrient mixture (2 g L−1) in combination with the highest amino acid concentration (2 mg L−1) was the most effective combination that increased the yield, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars (TS), and total carbohydrates by 28.0%, 3.0%, 5.8% and 15.0%, respectively, relative to untreated plants. The relationship between such characteristics revealed a strong positive correlation (0.80–0.95), confirming the importance of these materials in increasing the yield and quality of mangoes. Thus, using doses of MM and AA as a foliar spray four times during each growing season is recommended under similar environmental conditions and horticulture practices used in the current experiment.

A Micronutrient Mixture may Reduce the incidence and Improve the Effectiveness of Drug Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease

Costus species is a significant restorative and decorative plant used to fix various illnesses. In India 6,000 plants are used for traditional and herbal medicine. The plant Costus spicatus commonly known as ‘Spiral ginger’ as ‘insulin plant’, a wonder drug down blood sugar level and hypoglycemic properties. The plant has been found to have numerous pharmacological exercises, for example, antibacterial, antifungal, anticholineesterase, cancer prevention agent, antihyperglycemic, calming, pain relieving, antipyretic, antidiuretic, antistress and estrogenic action. The rhizomes of Costus species are harsh, astringent, bitter, cooling, love potion, laxative, anthelminthic, depurative, febrifuge, expectorant, tonic, improve assimilation, and is an energizer herb that clears poisons. It additionally has against richness, anabolic properties. This audit plainly demonstrates the need to perform logical investigations with therapeutic vegetation featuring potential for Costus species because of its antidiabetic, pharmacological and cell reinforcement properties. The rhizome is credited with purgative and tonic properties. India is a botanical garden of the world for natural resources.

EFFECT OF INTERACTION BETWEEN WATER STRESS AND FOLIAR APPLICATION BY ASCORBIC ACID OR MICRONUTRIENTS ON MAIZE PRODUCTIVITY AND IRRIGATION WATER USE EFFICIENCY

Two field experiments were conducted in a new soil in extention field in El Qantra- West, Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during 2017 and 2018 summer seasons. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of six exogenous application levels of ascorbic acid (AsA) and micronutrients mixture on yellow corn hybrid 352 (three way cross) under three amounts of irrigation water (3750, 3000 and 2250 m3/fad., of the estimated crop evapotranspiration) using surface irrigation system. A randomized complete block split plot design with three replicates was used in each season. The irrigation treatments and the levels of AsA and micronutrients mixture were randomly allocated in the main and sub-plots, respectively. The most important findings could be summarized as follows. Decreasing the amount of irrigation water from 3750 to 2250 m3/fad., significantly diminished ear leaf blade area, relative water content and total chlorophyll at 85 days from sowing. Also, at harvest, ear length, 100-grain weight and grain yield/fad., were decreased, but irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) was significantly ameliorated. Generally, foliar application by AsA or micronutrients mixture significantly increased these traits with increasing irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) compared with their untreated analogues. The interaction between both studied factors showed that 350 ppm AsA treatment protected about 500 kg/fad., grains from collapse under moderate and severe water stress. Application of AsA saved approximately 750 m3/fad of irrigation water without yield reduction under stress conditions.

Yield Enhancement and Better Micronutrients Uptake in Tomato Fruit through Potassium Humate Combined with Micronutrients Mixture

The deficiency of micronutrients and low organic matter (OM) status of soils are major hurdles in the optimum crop yield achievements. Humic substances can play an imperative role in the micronutrient bioavailability and improved crop yield by ameliorating the physicochemical soil properties. consumed as fresh food and in processed form. However, its susceptibility towards micronutrient deficiency causes a significant reduction in yield. That is why a current study was done to examine the influence of different potassium humate (KH) levels, i.e., 0, 5, 10, and 15 kg ha−1 with micronutrients mixture (MC), i.e., 0, 50 (Zn = 2.50, B = 0.75, Fe = 2.50 kg ha−1), 75 (Zn = 3.75, B = 1.125, Fe = 3.75 kg ha−1) and 100% (Zn = 5.0, B = 1.5, Fe = 5.0 kg ha−1) on the yield, biomass, harvesting index and uptake of the micronutrients in tomato. The results showed that increasing the level of K-humate significantly improved the yield (7.4 and 7.17%), total biomass (6.38 and 6.59%), and harvesting the index (0.46 and 0.76%) of tomato. It also enhanced Fe uptake but did not affect B and Zn concentrations in the tomato fruit at 100% MC + 15 kg ha−1 KH over control in the autumn and spring seasons. In conclusion, both levels of K-humate 10 and 15 kg ha−1 and MC 75 and 100% effectively enhance the yield, biomass, harvesting the index, and micronutrients (B, Zn, and Fe) uptake in tomatoes.

Impact of Foliar Nutrition of Micronutrients on the Morphometric and Qualitative Traits of Annual Moringa (Moringa oleifera): The Miracle Tree

The objective of the research was to discern the impact of micronutrients as a foliar spray in annual moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) var. PKM 1. The plants were sprayed at three different phases—vegetative, flowering and pod setting phase with micronutrients singly or in combination of ferrous sulphate + citric acid, boric acid, zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate or a mixture of all. The experimental results revealed that all treatments performed significantly better when compared to control with respect to all morphological and yield attributes. The maximum plant height, number of primary branches, number of flowers per panicle, number of panicles per tree, fruit setting percentage, pod yield per tree, protein, ascorbic acid, carotenoid content and micronutrients status in leaves and pods were recorded highest in T8 (FeSO4 1% + Citric Acid 0.1%) + ZnSO4 0.5% + MnSO4 0.5% + H3BO3 0.2%) (micronutrient mixture) than other treatment combinations. The research has proven that the foliar spray of these micronutrient combinations increased the growth, quality and yield of annual moringa var. PKM-1 significantly. The research outcome is in corroboration that the nutrient status of moringa leaves is found to be higher when compared to the pods. Hence, the consumption of moringa leaves will be more beneficial than the pods in terms of nutrient supplement to alleviate malnutrition and sustain nutritional security.

Micronutrients as growth limiting factors in cyanobacterial blooms; a survey of freshwaters in South East Australia

The role of trace metal micronutrients in limiting cyanobacterial growth and structuring the phytoplankton community is becoming more evident. However, little is known regarding the extent of micronutrient limitation in freshwaters or which micronutrient conditions favour potentially-toxic cyanobacteria. To assess how freshwater phytoplankton respond to micronutrient and macronutrient additions, we conducted nutrient amendment bioassays at seven sites across South Eastern-Australia. Sites were variable in cyanobacterial cell densities and phytoplankton community compositions. At two sites, Mannus Lake and Burrendong Dam, micronutrient additions (iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum and zinc) increased cyanobacterial growth, indicating micronutrient limitation. Both sites had cyanobacterial blooms present at the onset of the experiment, dominated by Chrysosporum ovalisporum at Mannus Lake and Microcystis aeruginosa at Burrendong Dam. This suggests that micronutrients may be an important regulator of the severity of cyanobacterial blooms and may become limiting when there is high competition for nutrient resources. The addition of the micronutrient mixture resulted in a higher proportion of cyanobacteria compared to the control and a lower diversity community compared to phosphorus additions, indicating that micronutrients can not only influence cyanobacterial biovolume but also their ability to dominate the phytoplankton community. This reinforces that micronutrient requirements of phytoplankton are often species specific. As micronutrient enrichment is often overlooked when assessing nutrient-constraints on cyanobacterial growth, this study provides valuable insight into the conditions that may influence cyanobacterial blooms and the potential contribution of micronutrients to eutrophication.

Foliar Feeding With Micronutrients to Overcome Adverse Salinity Effects on Growth and Nutrients Uptake of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

A POT experiment was carried out at the green house of Fertilization Technology Department to investigate the effect of salinity through irrigation water (0.0 and 4000ppm NaCl) and foliar feeding with chelated 12% Fe, Zn and Mn in the form of EDTA each at rate of 1g /L as individual nutrient in addition, to mixture of them on growth and macro and micronutrients uptake of bean bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Results revealed that salinity resulted in significant reduction in dry weight. However, foliar feeding showed significant increments in the bean dry weight. Moreover, normal soil condition in combination with foliar feeding with the mixture of micronutrients achieved the highest dry weight increments Results also showed that salinity had significant negative effects on micronutrients uptake, while it had no marked effects on macronutrients uptake except K where salinity markedly reduced its uptake. Foliar feeding with micronutrients treatments either as individual nutrient or mixture of them showed significant increases in macro and micronutrients uptake. Spraying bean plants with the mixture on micronutrients showed the highest marked increments as compared with control (water foliar spray) and the other micronutrient treatments. Moreover, the interaction between salinity and micronutrient treatments on macro and micronutrients uptake was significant, where; most of calculated macro and micronutrients uptake showed the highest values by spraying bean plants with the mixture treatment and under the normal soil condition. The only exception was N uptake which calculated in bean, stem where, the highest value resulted from the spraying plants with Fe in combination with normal soil condition.

Maize grain yield formation depending on macro- and microfertilizers

The research results of the foliar fertilization influence with different levels of mineral nutrition on the maize grain yield were presented, and the economic efficiency of growing of grain products was clarified. It was found that when increasing the mineral fertilizer dose from N30P30K30 to N45P45K45 and N60P60K60, the height of plants increased by 3 and 7 cm, the leaf surface area of one plant – by 4.8 and 10.9 %, respectively. Due to foliar fertilization, the height of plants increased by 2–5 cm, and the leaf area changed insignificantly. Depending on the background of mineral nutrition, it was accounted 98–99 ears per 100 maize plants, and in the case of foliar fertilization – 98–100 ears. The maize grain yield on the background of N30P30K30 was 7.56 t/ha, on the background of N45P45K45 and N60P60K60 – 8.65 and 8.68 t/ha, respectively. In the control variant (without spraying) the yield was 7.77 t/ha, and when plants fertilizing with urea (15 kg/ha) – 8.09 t/ha. The grain yield in the variants with maize plant fertilizing with a mixture of urea and micronutrients reached to 8.30–8.78 t/ha. The prime cost of 1 ton of maize grain when growing on the background of N30P30K30 was 1808 UAH, with increasing the fertilizer dose to N45P45K45 and N60P60K60 – 1781 and 1903 UAH, respectively. In the control variant, it was equal to 1828 UAH, in the variants under maize fertilization with urea (15 kg/ha) or a mixture of urea and micronutrients – 1827–1836 UAH. The conditional profit on the background of N30P30K30 was 21878 UAH/ha, it enlarged to 24264–25265 UAH/ha in the case of fertilizer dose increasing. In the control variant (without spraying) the conditional profit was equal to 22310 UAH/ha, when plants were fertilized with urea (15 kg/ha) – 23257 UAH/ha, with a mixture of urea and micronutrients – 23823–25155 UAH/ha. The highest level of profitability (163.9 %) was on the background of N45P45K45; the impact of foliar fertilization on this indicator was insignificant. Key words: maize, fertilizers, foliar fertilization, grain yield, economic efficiency.

Nutrient and PGR Based Foliar Feeding for Yield Maximization in Pulses: A Review

Pulses are the cheapest and pioneer source of protein for human diet. They have immense potential in improving human health, conserving soil, protecting the environment and contributing to global food security. However, productivity of pulses is lower compared to cereals. Application of nutrients via foliage, in addition to recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) at critical growth stages is a unique and easy way to increase the pulse productivity by curbing the barriers encountered during flowering and pod setting. Nutrients applied via foliage will be absorbed and translocated into the vascular system and made available for plant metabolism. The commonly used fertilizers for foliar application are urea, DAP, K2SO4 and micronutrient mixtures. Foliar application of PGRs can modify the source-sink relationship by stimulating the photo-assimilate translocation leading higher productivity. PGRs like NAA, IBA, salicylic acid, brassinosteriods etc. are effective for foliar application. Providing nutrients as wells as PGRs are known to enhance the yield by 15-25% compared to soil nutrition alone.

Effect of different sources and application mode of zinc on growth, yield attributing characters and yield of rice variety Pusa basmati 1121 in sandy loam soil

The kharif season experiment comprised of twelve treatments in randomized block design with three replications consisting four levels of zinc sources (Zinc Sulphate, Mono Zinc suphate, Chelated Zinc and micronutrient mixture) with two mode of application (soil and foliar) with recommended NPK @120:60:60 and vermicompost @ 3t ha-1+ RDF thus, making 36 treatment combinations. The experimental soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and higher in potassium with slightly alkaline in pH. The kharif season experiment comprised of twelve treatments in randomized block design with three replications consisting four levels of zinc sources (Zinc Sulphate, Mono Zinc suphate, Chelated Zinc and micronutrient mixture) with two mode of application (soil and foliar) with recommended NPK @120:60:60 and vermicompost @ 3t ha-1+ RDF thus, making 36 treatment combinations. The experimental soil was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and higher in potassium with slightly alkaline in pH.

Evaluation of Micronutrient Mixture as Seed Treatment and Foliar Nutrition in Grain Cowpea

Background: Micronutrient formulation is a liquid mixture of micronutrients which can be used as a fertilizer. It is a mixture of two solutions viz., solution A and solution B. Solution A is a mixture of zinc sulphate (50 gL-1), boric acid (10 gL-1), copper sulphate (20 gL-1), manganous sulphate (0.5 gL-1), ferrous sulphate (10 gL-1) and ammonium molybdate (0.5 gL-1) whereas solution B is an organic acid which act as a chelate. The mixture can be diluted to specific concentrations for application. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of micronutrient formulation as seed treatment and foliar nutrition. Methods: The study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kerala Agricultural University and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode during 2018–19. The investigation was carried out in three parts: (i) standardization of micronutrient formulation for cowpea (ii) seed treatment study (iii) field experiment. The proportion of mixing micronutrient formulation and the duration for seed treatment was standardized in experiment I. In experiment II, a seed treatment study was carried out in a completely randomised design with seven treatments and three replications which included seed treatment with micronutrient formulation @ 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.5 and 2 percent as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively. T7 (seed treatment with water) was the control. Three, a field experiment was carried out in randomized block design (factorial) with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatment consisting of combination of four levels of seed treatment - factor A [no seed treatment (S1), seed treatment with rhizobium (S2), seed treatment with best concentration from experiment 1 (S3) and second best seed treatment from experiment 1 (S4)] and three levels of foliar application of micronutrient - factor B [no foliar application (F1), one foliar application at 15 DAS (F2) and two foliar applications at 15 and 30 DAS (F3)]. Result: Through lab experiments, solution B was standardized and the formulation was developed by mixing solution A and solution B in the ratio 1:2. Duration for seed treatment was also standardized as 6 hours. Thus micronutrient formulation was standardized. In seed treatment study, seeds treated with 2% micronutrient formulation (T6) showed highest plant height at three leaf stage (24.23 cm) and seedling vigour index (2423). In the field experiment seed treatment with 2% micronutrient formulation (S3), foliar spray at 15 and 30 days after sowing (F3) and their interaction (S3F3) was found to be highly effective to the crop in terms of plant height, stem diameter, number of pods per plant, pod weight per plant, grain yield and nutrient content in grain. These results clearly indicate the role of micronutrient formulation in enhancing the growth, yield and nutrient content of cowpea.

Response of Growth and Productivity of Cowpea Plants to Nano Mixture of Micronutrients Under Different Potassium Sulphate Fertilizer Rates

The response of cowpea cv. Cream 7 growth and productivity to potassium fertilization mixed with or without Nano mixture of micronutrients were studied during the summer of 2017 and 2018 seasons at Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt. The experiment aimed to assessed the effect of potassium fertilization levels (0.0, 24, 48 and 72 kg K2O/Fed), Nano mixture of micronutrients rate (0.0, 0.50, 1.0 and 2.0 g/l) and their interactions on growth, seed yield, macronutrients concentration in shoot and seeds and seed quality of cowpea plants. Source of potassium levels was potassium sulphate (48-52% K2O). The used Nano mixture of micronutrients called "Magrow NanoMix" and it contained Fe (6%), Zn (6%), B (2%), Mn (5%), Cu (1%) and Mo (0.1%). These treatments arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. The results referred to that fertilizing cowpea plants with potassium at 72 kgK2O/Fed. significantly increased cowpea growth (plant height, branch and leaf numbers per plant as well as branch, leaf and total dry weights/plant), yield components(pod diameter and length, hundred seeds weight, pod number/plant and seed yield/ plant and /Fed.) as well as chemical constituents (N, P and K percentages in each leaves and seeds as well as total carbohydrates and protein percentages in seeds, also, total chlorophyll content (SPAD) in cowpea leaves compared with control and the lowest levels under study. The same trend was achieved by using the highest rate of Nano mixture of micronutrients (2g/l) regarding the increase in most of abovementioned parameters of growth, yield and chemical constituents of cowpea compared with unsprayed plants (control). In general, application of potassium fertilization at 72kg K2O/ Fed. as soil application with Nano- mixture of micronutrients at 2g/l rate as foliar spray was recorded the best treatments for increasing all cowpea growth and seed yield components as well as N, P, K and carbohydrates percentage in seeds such as compared with control treatment (without using mineral potassium or Nano mixture of micronutrients) in growing season.

Dietary micronutrient supplementation in low fishmeal based diets for optimum growth and immune status of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

The present study aimed to evaluate the optimal dietary micronutrient supplementation of plant-based diets for juvenile European sea bass. A 90-day feeding trial was performed, where fish were fed a high fishmeal (FM) based diet (62% DM; positive control) or low FM diets (12.5% FM and krill meal), supplemented with increasing levels of a micronutrient mixture (Nutrient Package, NP) consisting of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. The supplementation levels ranged from 0% (no supplementation, negative control) to 400%, where 100% supplementation level corresponded to the requirement levels recommended for other fish species. Fish growth and feed performance (SGR, DGI, FCR, PER) were significantly impaired at levels NP0 and NP25 compared to the FM control. Body Fe and Zn concentrations were positively affected by the graded levels of the NP, while Mn and Se concentrations remained stable. Growth parameters were particularly correlated to body Fe and Zn, while immune parameters were mainly correlated to body Zn. Significant immunosuppression was evidenced (concerning the respiratory burst activity) when low FM diets were not supplemented with NP. High inclusion levels of the NP showed a negative impact on lysozyme activity. Histological examinations did not reveal any significant effects on gills, gut and liver morphology. At identical NP supplementation level (50%), fish fed low and high FM diets showed similar growth and innate immunity suggesting that long-term feeding with plant-based diets do not significantly affect the fish when adequate minerals and vitamins supplementation is provided. Quadratic regression analysis showed that the inclusion of the NP between 260 and 300% improves growth and immune parameters of fish fed low-FM diets as well as Zn body incorporation. Overall, the present study suggested the positive impact of NP supplementation of PM-based diets on both fish growth and health but future NP could include less Mn, more Fe, closer to levels obtained in fish fed FM (245 mg·kg−1), and Zn at 122 mg·kg−1.