Micronutrient Availability Research Articles

Moderate swidden agriculture inside dense evergreen ombrophilous forests can sustain soil chemical properties over 10–15 year cycles within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Swidden agriculture as a production system has been practiced for thousands of years, based on ecological processes of forest ecosystems. While this cultivation system has often been framed as contributing to environmental degradation, it can also be argued to be compatible with sustainable agricultural practices. Its sustainability strongly depends on the length of the recovery period, the period of secondary forest succession, after swidden agriculture. In this study we focused on soil fertility maintenance and recovery during secondary succession after swidden agriculture, compared to old-growth forests. Smallholders practiced a moderate form of swidden agriculture, abandoned the production field after one or two production cycles, and returned to the field after 10–15 years. Sampling took place in two traditional communities situated in the southeast portion of the Atlantic Rainforest at São Paulo state, Brazil. Soil samples were collected from forest fragments belonging to seven different Caiçara families (descendants from Amerindians, African Brazilian and European colonizers). Our chronosequence spanned a period of sixty years, while the old-growth forests were 100 years old. In all 28 sites were sampled, of which 19 were from ombrophilous forests on clay and 9 from restinga vegetation on sandy soil. Soils were analyzed for texture, macro- and micronutrient availability, bulk density, pH and nitrogen and carbon stocks. Linear regression, with clay content and fallow period as main factors, showed that successional age of the forest stand had only a significant effect on pH and Mn. Clay content of the soil influenced availability of nutrient bases and the CEC. Other soil properties, including stocks of carbon and nitrogen were not influenced by fallow period. Our data indicate that swidden agriculture might not lose key soil nutrients over time and hence can be considered an ecologically sustainable system in the region, challenging the negative perception of swidden agriculture.

Expanding information on the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iron and zinc in biofortified cowpea seeds

This work presents new findings on the nutritional quality of recently introduced biofortified and non-biofortified cowpea cultivars as well as some common beans. ICP-MS was used for the measurements. Biofortified cowpea cultivars showed high levels of Fe and Zn, greater than 60 and 40 mg kg−1 dry weight, respectively. The in vitro digestion protocol enabled simultaneous evaluation of bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Fe levels in cowpea cultivars were ca. 2.5-fold higher than in common beans. Cowpea seeds also had higher Zn levels, reaching 50.1% bioaccessibility and 44.2% bioavailability. Cooking improved the availability of micronutrients in bean seeds. The cooked biofortified Aracê cowpea showed a high Zn bioavailability above 60%. Consumption of 50 g of Aracê would contribute 27% and 48% of the Fe and Zn DRI for 1–3-year-old children. The new cowpea cultivars biofortified are a potential vehicle for improving the Fe and Zn status in groups in which the micronutrient deficiency is prevalent.

Availability of soil base cations and micronutrients along soil profile after 13-year nitrogen and water addition in a semi-arid grassland

Alteration in the availability of soil base cations and micronutrients is critical to maintain stable ecosystem functioning under the predicted global change scenarios. However, changes in these soil cations and their relationships with soil physiochemical properties along soil profile remain unclear under the combined increasing N deposition and precipitation changes. In this study, the concentrations of soil exchangeable base cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) were determined along an 80-cm soil profile after 13-year continuous N and water manipulation in a semi-arid grassland. Our results showed that N addition significantly decreased exchangeable Ca (− 25.4%, averaging across the three N addition rates) and Mg (− 7.8%) at the depth of 10 cm while increased available Fe (+ 70.5%), Mn (+ 64.7%), and Cu (+ 26.0%). Besides, the magnitude of the increase or decrease escalated with the rates of additional N. Such pattern was also true for the concentrations of available Fe, Mn and Cu in the 10–20 cm soil layer, but the magnitude of changes was much smaller than in the top 10-cm soil layer. Nevertheless, N addition increased the concentrations of the three available micronutrients across the entire profile, indicating that Fe, Mn and Cu were more sensitive to N addition in subsoils than surface soils. Nitrogen addition significantly reduced soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the top 10-cm and soil base saturation (BS) ratio in the top 20-cm soil, while water addition significantly increased soil CEC and BS ratio in the top 20-cm soil. Water addition significantly increased Na (+ 75.1%) in the entire soil profile and increased Ca (+ 14.8%), Mg (+ 12.7%) at the 0–10, 10–20 and 40–60 cm soil layers. Soil pH positively correlated with soil exchangeable Ca, Mg and Na, but negatively with available Fe, Mn and Cu in the upper 20 cm. Soil base cations and CEC positively correlated with clay and silt contents, but negatively with sand content along the profile. These results can extend our understandings on soil cation dynamics to deep soil profile under long-term N and water addition and suggest that precipitation effects should be considered when assessing N deposition effects on these soil cations.

The enhanced susceptibility of alcohol‐free and low alcohol beers to microbiological spoilage: implications for draught dispense

The spoilage of six alcohol-free (AFB, ≤ 0.05% ABV) and two low alcohol beers (LAB, ≤ 1.2% ABV) was assessed by challenge testing with microflora from draught beer. Spoilage of AFB and LABs was greater (2-5 x) than two ‘control’ premium lager beers (4.5% ABV). Measurement of spoilage by challenge testing was reproducible irrespective of the source of draught beer microflora (public house, date, or beer style). Spoilage was correlated with the level of ‘fermentables’ (glucose + fructose + maltose) in the product but was also dependent on the availability of micronutrients. The addition of ethanol (2-8% ABV) to three AFBs and a LAB resulted only in a modest inhibition of spoilage (collectively 24% at 8% ABV) and, it is suggested, that the complexity of the product composition provides protection. Given the vulnerability of AFBs and LABs to spoilage and susceptibility to microorganisms that are usually supressed by ethanol, it is strongly recommended that low or alcohol-free beer styles are not offered to consumers in the on-trade by conventional long line dispense systems. It is suggested that AFB and LABs in a draught format require innovative, hygienically designed stand-alone dispense systems that remove or significantly minimise the risk of microbiological contamination, growth and associated product spoilage. © 2021 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Food, energy, and nutrient supply in Mexican households from 1984 to 2018.

Introduction: information about changes in food and energy supply, macronutrient and micronutrient availability by processing level is required to understand the nutritional transition in Mexican society. Objective: to describe the food, energy, and nutrient supply in Mexican households from 1984 to 2018. Methods: five waves of a Mexican cross-sectional survey were analyzed to identify changes in food, energy, and nutrient supplies in households. Food groups were created using the NOVA classification. The content of energy and nutrients was estimated using Mexican and U.S. databases. The education and income interaction with energy and nutritional supply was analyzed. Results: in this period, the supply of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed meat and dairy, fish and seafood, prepared food, and ultra-processed food and drinks increased, whereas unprocessed or minimally processed (UMP) cereals and tubers, legumes, meat, dairy, eggs, and all processed culinary ingredients decreased. These changes have implied a higher supply of protein, total fat, cholesterol, vitamins A and C, calcium and sodium. Total energy, energy density, carbohydrates, and magnesium and potassium density decreased. Across waves, UMP and processed cereals were the main supply for energy, carbohydrates, fiber, iron and potassium. Dairy was the main supply of saturated fat. UMP and processed cereals were the main source of sodium in 1984, whereas ultra-processed cereals were the main source of sodium in 2018. Conclusions: although UMP foods remain the main group in most Mexican households, their supply has decreased over the years, whereas the supply of ultra-processed foods has increased.

Posicionamento BRASPEN sobre o uso de micronutrientes via parenteral em adultos

Introduction: micronutrients (vitamins and oligoelements) are essential components in human nutrition. Usually, they are obtained through a varied and balanced diet. However, when patients are stricken with some diseases, it is often necessary to utilize alternative feeding methods, which can interfere in micronutrient availability and acquisition. The objective of this work is to promote the rational use of micronutrients in parenteral nutrition to doctors and other staff in the multidisciplinary nutritional therapy team (MNTT). Methods: the text reflects a compilation of the current guidelines and literature by experienced healthcare workers in adult parenteral nutrition therapy (PNT). Results: in cases of severe illness, the micronutrient concentration deficiency must be corrected in order to improve clinical results. The correction is necessary due to the negative effects micronutrient deficiency have on antioxidant defense mechanisms, metabolic and general immunologic pathways. Final considerations: the present document has the intention of contributing the rational use of micronutrients as a daily integrant of the safe and responsible supply of nutrients in parenteral nutrition.

Monarch caterpillars are robust to combined exposure to the roadside micronutrients sodium and zinc.

Human activities are increasing the environmental availability of micronutrients, including sodium and some essential metals. Micronutrients are often limiting in animal diets but may have negative effects when consumed in excess. Though prior research has documented how elevated exposure to individual micronutrients can impact organismal development and fitness, we know less about combined effects of multiple micronutrients. In the wild, monarch butterfly larvae (Danaus plexippus) commonly consume plants in roadside habitats that contain elevated levels of sodium (from road salt) and zinc (from vehicle wear-and-tear). We reared monarch caterpillars to adulthood to test individual and combined effects of dietary sodium and zinc on components of fitness, sodium-linked phenotypes (proxies for neural and flight muscle development) and concentrations of sodium and zinc in adult butterflies. Monarch survival was not impacted by elevated sodium or zinc individually or in combination. Yet, monarchs feeding on sodium-treated milkweed developed relatively larger eyes, consistent with a positive effect of sodium on neural development. Measurements of element concentrations in butterfly and plant tissue indicated that monarchs had higher zinc levels than those present in zinc-treated milkweed but lower sodium levels than those present in sodium-treated milkweed. Monarchs developing on sodium-treated milkweed also had prolonged development time, which might be a cost associated with developing extra neural tissue or investing in mechanisms to excrete excess dietary sodium during the larval stage. Our results indicate that sodium, more than zinc, is likely influencing phenotypic development and performance of insect pollinators in roadside habitats. Yet, in contrast to previous work, our experiment suggests that the highest levels of sodium found along roads are not always harmful for developing monarchs. Future work could consider how potentially stressful effects of micronutrients could be mitigated by increased macronutrient availability or how developmental factors such as migratory status might increase micronutrient requirements.

Characterization and use efficiency of sparingly soluble fertilizer of boron and zinc for foliar application in coffee plants

Deficiencies of boron and zinc occur in coffee plantations despite the many fertilizer sources offered by the industry for the agriculture. Sparingly soluble fertilizers (SSF) have been used in several countries for many years. However, their effectiveness when applied to leaves is highly contested, and information about their use efficiency is still lacking. Experiments were set up to characterize the SSF of B and Zn according to particle size of fertilizers, and the spreading and retention of the particles in the leaf, comparing SSF (calcium borate, Zn oxide, and Zn borate) with soluble sources (boric acid and Zn sulfate) in four doses (mg.L-1): Experiment I (B 0, 130, 260, and 520), Experiment II (Zn 0, 200, 600, and 1,800), and experiment III (B 0, 43, 129, and 387, and Zn 0, 200, 600, and 1,800), to supply B and Zn for coffee plants. Microparticles of the SSF were found adhered to coffee leaves, and the Zn oxide was the one with the smallest particle size. SSFs were effective at increasing the Zn and B leaf concentrations in coffee. Dry matter of coffee increased 15% with applications of 270 mg.L-1 of B as calcium borate and 384 mg.L-1 of B as boric acid. Foliar application of Zn oxide at the dose of 1,800 mg.L-1 of Zn increased the leaf areas of the plants. High doses of Zn sulfate caused toxicity to coffee plants due to high saline concentrations. The microparticles found retained on the surface of the coffee leaves increased leaf concentration of B and Zn, which explained variations in the dry matter measurements and show the potential of the SSF for the development of fertilizers to improve the availability of micronutrients to coffee.

Impact of different altitudes on distribution of micro-nutrients under different land use systems of district Kupwara

In order to study the “Distribution of Micro-nutrients at Different Altitudes Under Different Land Use Systems in district Kupwara” soil samples from four land uses of high, mid and low altitude areas of Kupwara were collected up to a depth of 0-20 cm. The soil samples were studied for various physico-chemical properties and micro-nutrient status. The study revealed that texture of soils ranged between clay Loam, Silty clay loam to sandy loam. The soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. Bulk density and Particle density were decreasing with altitude increase. The organic carbon content was medium to high with higher amount in soils of high altitude. The pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity and organic carbon varied significantly with altitude. The DTPA-extractable zinc, copper, manganese and iron ranged from 0.81-2.87, 0.54-2.72, 5.75-50.2 and 21.78-53.43 ppm, respectively. The micro-nutrient status under study was almost medium to high and showed linear increasing trend with increase in altitude. All available micronutrients in soils exhibited significant differences with altitude. The correlation studies revealed that organic carbon showed positive and significant relationship with available micronutrients viz zinc, copper, iron and manganese. The pH and EC exhibited significant and negative relationship with available zinc, copper, manganese and iron. The calcium carbonate showed significant and negative correlation with available micronutrients. The OC and CEC content revealed significant and positive relationship with available micronutrients. These properties affect the availability of micronutrients in the soil.

Adaptability of Soil pH through Innovative Microbial Approach

Soil pH is a critical characteristic that regulates the abundance of essential nutrients in the soil system. Low soil pH reduces the supply of secondary macronutrients, whereas higher pH restricts soil micronutrient availability. In addition, soil nutrient sources such as organic and inorganic fertilizers by plants require an adequate pH for optimum plant growth and productivity. The soil pH is regarded as the “master of soil indices", which has a role to play in controlling biogeochemical cycles that influence plant growth. It also has an enormous influence on microbial biodiversity in the soil. Various approaches have been used to alter the soil pH, demonstrating that it is not easy to adjust soil pH. Therefore, a suitable but practical approach is required to control or change the pH of the rhizosphere. Microbial breeding technique such as genome replication may be an appropriate option to alter the pH of the rhizosphere. Genetically engineered microbes may have the exceptional ability to release sufficient acidic or basic compounds that could increase or decrease the pH levels in the rhizosphere. In recent years, this view has helped answer some common evolutionary concerns regarding how bacteria and their host species have evolved from their early ancestors. Greater exploitation of microbes in this respect would be necessary for sustainable crop production and helping to resolve issues related to soil-plant interactions for nutrients. To breed the microbes selectively for optimal nutritional interaction with plants, the genetic components of different traits must first be explored.

Glucose Starvation, Magnesium Ion Starvation, and Bile Stress Assays.

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a leading causative pathogen for food-borne gastroenteritis. During its course of infection, it confronts myriads of physiological barriers inside the host, such as nutrient deprivation, low micronutrient availability, and toxicity from bile salts, to promote bacterial survival and infection inside the host. The ability of the pathogen to overcome these stressful conditions determines the degree of virulence in the host. Therefore, assessment of the survival of a pathogen during different stress conditions, like glucose starvation, magnesium starvation, and bile stress, are important parameters to assess the virulence of the pathogen. Here, we describe protocols for estimating the survival of the pathogen during the above-mentioned stress conditions. We culture S. Enteritidis in an appropriate growth medium to a required O.D.600 and treat it with glucose starvation (M9 minimal culture medium containing 0.03% glucose), magnesium starvation (M9 minimal culture medium containing 20 µM MgSO4), and bile stress (bacterial cells treated with 15% bile salts in Luria Bertani (LB) culture medium) conditions. The number of surviving bacteria is obtained after the treatment by calculating the colony-forming units (CFU) of the surviving pathogen obtained on LB agar plates at relevant time intervals. The experiments are performed in biological replicates, and statistical analysis is performed to validate the experimental findings. The methodology of these stress response assays is simple and can be adapted to study the pathogenesis and stress response in other relevant and culturable enteric pathogens.

Effect of Different Levels of Fertilizers on Productivity and Nutrient Dynamics of Browntop Millet

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Baljigapade, Chikkaballapur taluk and district, which comes under the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka during Kharif season 2018. The experimental plot in the field was laid out following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with fourteen treatments and three replications. The treatments included two levels of N and P2O5 (20 and 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of K2O (10,20 and 30 kg ha-1). Farmyard manure was applied at the rate of 6.25 t ha-1 to all the treatments except absolute control. Results indicated that application of 30 kg N+30 kg P2O5+30 kg K2O ha-1 with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) increased the micronutrient availability in soil N (150.29 kg ha-1), P2O5 (17.60 kg ha-1), K2O (160.84 kg ha-1). Application of FYM @ 6.25 t ha-1+30 kg N+20 kg P2O5 +20 kg K2O ha-1 significantly increased growth, yield, macronutrient content and uptake by brown top millet grain and straw against absolute control. The grain yield of browntop millet was increased by 61.46 percent in T10 and 59.07 percent in T9 as compared to the absolute control.

Effect of application of some organic amendments on soil properties, extractable micronutrients and their chemical fractions in a sandy loam soil

In a 120-day incubation study, farmyard manure (FYM), mushroom compost (MC), poultry manure (PM), vermi-compost (VC), biogas slurry (BS) and biochar from Lantana sp.; a common weed (BC) each added at 15 t ha-1 significantly increased soil electrical conductivity and organic C content, however, only VC failed to increase soil organic C content significantly but increased soil pH when compared with the control sample. Among organic amendments, FYM, MC, VC and BS increased DTPA-extractable Zn and Mn in soil significantly when compared with the control sample, while BC was significantly effective in regard to increasing both DTPA-extractable Mn and hot water soluble B when compared with the control sample. Application of FYM and MC significantly increased DTPA-extractable Cu and Fe, respectively when compared with the control sample. Simple correlation and path coefficient analysis were performed to identify key chemical fractions of micronutrients in soil having the direct and indirect effects on availability of micronutrients in organically amended soils. Based on soil extractable concentrations of micronutrients in organically amended soils, FYM appeared to be the best source of Zn, Cu and Mn, while MC could serve as the best source of Fe. Biochar from Lantana sp. may serve as a good source of B.

Effect of Vermicomposting and Composting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chickpea

The present investigation was undertaken with an objective to understand the effect of municipal solid waste (MSW) vermicompost and compost on growth, yield and quality of chickpea. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments viz, T1 - RDF, T2 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 2.5 t ha-1, T3 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 5 t ha-1, T4 - RDF + vermicompost of MSW @ 7.5 t ha-1, T5 - RDF + compost of MSW @ 2.5 t ha-1, T6 -compost of MSW @ 5 t ha-1, T7 -compost of MSW @ 7.5 t ha-1. The field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Latur farm during the Rabi season 2016-2017. The recommended dose of fertilizer (25:50:00 N: P: K) and MSW vermicompost and compost was applied at the time of sowing. The results of field experiment revealed that the maximum availability of macro and micronutrients in soil, growth attributes viz. plant height and number of branches in all growth stages of chickpea were found at application of 7.5 tones of MSW vermicompost ha-1 along with 100% RDF (25:50:00 NPK) followed by application of 7.5 tones MSW compost ha-1 along with 100% RDF and which was significantly increased with increased levels of MSW vermicompost and compost. Similar trend was observed in case of yield and quality parameters viz., protein content of chickpea.

Foliar Micronutrient Application for High-Yield Maize

Nebraska soils are generally micronutrient sufficient. However, critical levels for current yields have not been validated. From 2013 to 2015, 26 on-farm paired comparison strip-trials were conducted across Nebraska to test the effect of foliar-applied micronutrients on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and foliar nutrient concentrations. Treatments were applied from V6 to V14 at sites with 10.9 to 16.4 Mg ha−1 yield. Soils ranged from silty clays to fine sands. Soil micronutrient availability and tissue concentrations were all above critical levels for deficiency. Significant grain yield increases were few. Micronutrient concentrations for leaf growth that occurred after foliar applications were increased 4 to 9 mg Zn kg−1 at 5 of 17 sites with application of 87 to 119 g Zn ha−1, 12 to 16 mg kg−1 Mn at 2 of 17 sites with application of 87 to 89 g Mn ha−1, and an average of 8.1 mg kg−1 Fe across 10 sites showing signs of Fe deficiency with application of 123 g foliar Fe ha−1. Foliar B concentration was not affected by B application. Increases in nutrient concentrations were not related to grain yield responses except for Mn (r = 0.54). The mean, significant grain yield response to 123 g foliar Fe ha−1 was 0.4 Mg ha−1 for the 10 sites with Fe deficiency symptoms. On average, maize yield response to foliar Fe application can be profitable if Fe deficiency symptoms are observed. Response to other foliar micronutrient applications is not likely to be profitable without solid evidence of a nutrient deficiency.

GPS Based Soil Profile Study in Respect to Morphological and Nutrient Analysis in Pedon of Ganjam District

GPS based two pedons- one each from up and medium land during dry season, studied in the field & analysis done in the laboratory. The difference in properties between two pedons was mostly due to lateritic and basaltic parent material in pedons. The morphology of mineral soils explains the evolution that occurs in the soil body during the process of soil formation, which is predominantly influenced by the parent material and climate. Determination of epipedon and endopedon of diagnostic horizons through description and interpretation of soil profile properties is the basis of land classification, as the knowledge of soil properties, capabilities, and utilization. The results of the study found that, based on its morphological and chemical characteristics, the soil in pedon 1 had brighter colors, higher micronutrient availability, and a thicker horizon compared to the soil in pedon 2. Meanwhile, the pedon 1 is light texture, crumb structure and pedon 2 is heavy texture and sub angular blocky structure. Both the form of density in two pedons was increasing downwards & the value were of a typical mineral soils, but the pore space showed a reverse trend on confirming the compactness and aging of soils towards subsurface horizons. Same results tendency found in micronutrients analysis where pedon 1 rich in micronutrients as compare to pedon 2.

Conservation Tillage, Residue Management, and Crop Rotation Effects on Soil Major and Micro-nutrients in Semi-arid Vertisols of India

Due to declining soil quality and increasing climate change, resource conservation technologies are often advocated for the food production system. Conservation agriculture (CA) is one of the technologies that increase soil nutrient status without jeopardizing the soil health and quality. The effects of conservation tillage, residue retention, and cropping systems on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties within the irrigated agricultural system are well established. However, scanty information is available on the combined impact of tillage, residue, and cropping system available on the major and micro-nutrient in the rainfed farming systems. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to measure the short-term effect of CA practices on soil properties and major (N, P, and K) and micro (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu)-nutrients in a Vertisol of Central India. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design consisting of two tillage systems (TS), conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT), as the main plots and six cropping systems (CS) as subplots. A total of 144 soil samples were collected after four crop cycles to assess soil properties and nutrient (major and micro-nutrient) status. Results demonstrated that in the surface soil layer (0–5 cm), the major and micro-nutrient concentrations were higher than subsurface layers, regardless of TS and CS. In the surface soils, soil organic carbon (SOC) varied from 0.58 to 0.60% under CT and from 0.60 to 0.62% under RT. Tillage and cropping systems had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on major available nutrients (N, P, and K) at 0–5-cm depth. The DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations exhibited decreasing trends with increasing depth. At 0–5-cm depth, the DTPA-Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn under CT varied from 7.56 to 9.58 mg kg−1, 15.04 to 15.91 mg kg−1, 1.37 to 1.80 mg kg−1, and 0.57 to 0.62 mg kg−1 and under RT varied from 8.25 to 11.16 mg kg−1, 15.65 to 17.73 mg kg−1, 1.54 to 1.80 mg kg−1, and 0.59 to 0.67 mg kg−1, respectively. We concluded that RT practices, coupled with crop residue retention, positively affected major and micro-nutrient distribution and availability in this soil. Results highlight the importance of nutrient dynamics under different tillage and cropping systems and thus improve the nutrient recommendation in the semi-arid eco-region of Central India.

Micronutrients accumulation under pearl millet-wheat cropping system in response of salinity levels amended with sewage sludge

Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge and saline water irrigation on micronutrients concentration in pearl millet- wheat cropping system. Methodology: The trial was conducted during 2017-2019 at Soil Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Haryana in a factorial random block design with three replications. There were three salinity levels of irrigation water, i.e., canal water (0.35 dS m-1), 8 and 10 dS m-1 EC of saline water; and five fertilization levels, i.e., control (no fertilizer), sewage sludge(5 t ha-1), SS (5 t ha-1) + 50% RDF, SS (5 t ha-1) + 75% RDF and 100 % RDF. However, sewage sludge was applied in Rabi seasons only. Results: Based on pooled analysis of two years, micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Cu) concentration in grain and stover/straw of pearl millet and wheat crops significantly reduced on application of saline water irrigation (ECiw 8 and 10 dS m-1) whereas, Zn concentration was non significantly affected with salinity levels. However, highest concentration of Fe, Mn and Cu was recorded with canal water irrigation. There was a significant increase in micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Cu) concentration in both crops with sewage sludge application in comparison of RDF and control treatments but in case of zinc treatment SS (5 t ha-1) + 75% RDF and 100% RDF were at par with each other. Among treatments, significantly higher concentration of micronutrients was recorded with SS (5 t ha-1) + 75% RDF treatment being at par with SS (5 t ha-1) + 50% RDF. Interpretation: Salinity affects micronutrient availability adversely. However, zinc content was not affected significantly. In such case, sewage sludge application may prove a feasible option that serves as a supplement of nutrients as well as sorting out the problem of dumping waste.

Identification and characterization of a tobacco metal tolerance protein, NtMTP2.

Metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) from the CDF (Cation Diffusion Facilitator) family are efflux transporters that play a crucial role in metal homeostasis by maintaining optimal metal concentrations in the cytoplasm. Here, a novel tobacco NtMTP2 transporter was cloned and characterized. It encodes a 512 aa protein containing all specific CDF family domains. A GFP-NtMTP2 fusion protein localizes to the tonoplast in tobacco cells. NtMTP2 expression in yeast conferred tolerance to Co and Ni, indicating that the protein mediates transport of both metals, but not Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, or Cd. Nonetheless, the expression level was not affected by Co or Ni, except for an increase in leaves at high Co concentrations. Its expression in plant parts remained stable during development, but increased in the leaves of older plants. Analysis of tobacco expressing a promoter-GUS construct indicates that the main sites of promoter activity are the conductive tissue throughout the plant and the palisade parenchyma in leaves. Our results suggest that NtMTP2 is a tonoplast transporter mediating sequestration of Co and Ni into vacuoles and an important housekeeping protein that controls the basal availability of micronutrients and plays a role in the sequestration of metal excess, specifically in leaves.

Does cereal, protein and micronutrient availability hold the key to the malnutrition conundrum? An exploratory analysis of cereal cultivation and wasting patterns of India

Background: High prevalence of maternal malnutrition, low birth-weight and child malnutrition in India contribute substantially to the global malnutrition burden. Rural India has disproportionately higher levels of child malnutrition. Stunting and wasting are the primary determinants of child malnutrition and their district-level distribution shows clustering in different geographies and regions. Methods: The last round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS4) has disaggregated data by district, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the prevalence of markers of malnutrition. We used data from NFHS4 and agricultural statistics datasets to analyse relationship of area under cereal cultivation with the prevalence of malnutrition at the district level. We analysed malnutrition through data on under-5 stunting and wasting; maternal malnutrition was assessed through prevalence of women’s low BMI and short stature by district. Results: Stunting and wasting patterns across districts show a distinct geographical and age distribution; districts with higher wasting showed relatively high prevalence of 40% before six months of age. Wasting was associated with higher cultivation of millets, with a stronger association seen for jowar and other millets (Kodo millet, little millet, proso millet, barnyard millet and foxtail millet). Stunting was associated with cultivation of all crops except other millets. Low women’s BMI was seen associated with cultivation of rice and millets. The analysis was limited by lack of fine-scale data on prevalence of low birth-weight and type of cereal consumed. Conclusions: Multi-site observational studies of long-term effects of type of cereals consumed could help explain the ecogeographic distribution of malnutrition in India. Cereals, particularly millets constitute the bulk of protein intake among the poor, especially in rural areas in India where high prevalence of wasting persists.