Micronutrient Uptake Research Articles

Impaired amino acid uptake leads to global metabolic imbalance of Candida albicans biofilms

Candida albicans biofilm maturation is accompanied by enhanced expression of amino acid acquisition genes. Three state-of-the-art omics techniques were applied to detail the importance of active amino acid uptake during biofilm development. Comparative analyses of normoxic wild-type biofilms were performed under three metabolically challenging conditions: aging, hypoxia, and disabled amino acid uptake using a strain lacking the regulator of amino acid permeases Stp2. Aging-induced amino acid acquisition and stress responses to withstand the increasingly restricted environment. Hypoxia paralyzed overall energy metabolism with delayed amino acid consumption, but following prolonged adaptation, the metabolic fingerprints aligned with aged normoxic biofilms. The extracellular metabolome of stp2Δ biofilms revealed deficient uptake for 11 amino acids, resulting in extensive transcriptional and metabolic changes including induction of amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate and micronutrient uptake. Altogether, this study underscores the critical importance of a balanced amino acid homeostasis for C. albicans biofilm development.

A win-win scenario for photosynthesis and the plasma membrane H+ pump.

In plants, cytosolic and extracellular pH homeostasis are crucial for various physiological processes, including the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients, cell elongation, cell expansion, and enzyme activity. Proton (H+) gradients and the membrane potential are generated by a H+ pump consisting of an active primary transporter. Plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a PM-localized H+ pump, plays a pivotal role in maintaining pH homeostasis in plant cells and extracellular regions. PM H+-ATPase activity is regulated by protein abundance and by post-translational modifications. Several stimuli have been found to activate the PM H+-ATPase through phosphorylation of the penultimate threonine (Thr) of the carboxy terminus. Light- and photosynthesis-induced phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase are conserved phenomena among various plant species. In this work, we review recent findings related to PM H+-ATPase regulation in the photosynthetic tissues of plants, focusing on its mechanisms and physiological roles. The physiological roles of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation are discussed in the context of nitrate uptake and cytoplasmic streaming in leaves.

Effect of Cadmium on Macro and Micronutrient Uptake and Translocation by Leucaena leucocephala.

Environmental contamination with Cadmium (Cd) is of great concern due to its hazardous effects on living organisms.Query In the present research, Leucaena leucocephala plants were exposed to Cd concentrations of 5, 10, and 15mg/L to determine their potential use in Cd remediation. Different parameters including Cd uptake, macro/micronutrient content, chlorophyl, and catalase production were determined. Results indicated that Cd uptake by L. leucocephala roots did not show a significant difference between treatments. However, a significant increase in Cd content (Tukey´s HSD) was observed in stems as Cd levels in the media augmented. The highest Cd content (830 ± 20mg/kg) was determined in stems of plants exposed to 15mg/L Cd, and no Cd was detected in leaves. Data showed that as Cd concentration increased in the media, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, and Mn decreased. Moreover, while the presence of Cd reduced catalase activity in roots, chlorophyll production was not affected.

Performance of ash from Amazonian biomasses as an alternative source of essential plant nutrients: An integrated and eco-friendly strategy for industrial waste management in the lack of raw fertilizer materials

The increasing use of Amazonian biomass as a bioenergy source has contributed to the increased demand for fertilizers and the production of a large amount of ash. In addition to facing the challenges of an insufficient supply of agricultural inputs, the Amazon region has also faced problems in managing industrial wastes, which are not well characterized and for which few recycling options are available. Within this context, this study aimed to expand the knowledge regarding the use of Amazonian biomass ash , for which an integrative system between bioenergy and fertilizer production and waste management was proposed. This study evaluated ash applied as an alternative fertilizer, focusing on the availability and uptake of nutrients and heavy metals in acidic soils and the P dynamics using 31 P-NMR. Three soils with different SOM values were treated with one of three doses of mineral fertilizer, namely, ash (35 Mg ha −1 ), phosphate fertilizer (2 Mg ha −1 ), or a mixture of ash and phosphate (35 and 2 Mg ha −1 , respectively), and Avena sativa was grown to verify plant availability and the treatment effect on growth. The experiment was conducted for 60 d in a growth chamber . The ash application in pure form and mixed with phosphate slightly increased the pH (0.3–0.5 unit) and promoted significant increases in the availability of P (∼212%), Ca (∼165%), Mg (∼110%), and K (∼32%). In SOM-rich soils, the high microbial activity favored the transformation of inorganic P into organic P (2–21%), preventing fixation. The ash applications promoted positive effects on biomass production (∼62%) and increased the uptake of P (∼306%), Ca (∼181%), Mg (∼131%), and K (∼38%). Thus, Amazon biomass ash could be an alternative fertilizer source, representing a sustainable option for local socioeconomic development and the establishment of a circular economy system. • The ash from Amazonian biomass improves the pH of acidic soils. • The biomass ash application increases the availability of macro and micronutrients. • The biomass ash use increases the uptake of macro and micronutrients by plants. • The biomass ash application favors the transformation of inorganic P into organic P. • Ash recycling can be a sustainable and integrative way for soils and waste management.

Zinc and Iron Biofortification and Accumulation of Health-Promoting Compounds in Mycorrhizal Cichorium intybus L.

The positive impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbionts on plant growth and health has been reported for many species, and supports their use as biofertilizers and bioenhancers. Here, the potential role of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiont Funneliformis mosseae in the improvement of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) nutritional value, in terms of nutrient uptake and accumulation of health-promoting compounds, was studied using an in vivo whole-plant system, allowing both plant and fungal tissue collection. Biomass and nutrient distribution were determined in plant and extraradical mycelium, and photosynthetic pigments and fructooligosaccharide concentrations were evaluated in chicory shoots and roots. Zinc shoot concentration of mycorrhizal chicory was significantly increased, as well as the whole-plant Fe uptake, while root Cu concentration was decreased, compared with uninoculated controls. F. mosseae extraradical mycelium accumulated Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe at high concentrations, compared with those of the host plant tissues, suggesting that it plays a double functional “scavenging-filtering” role, by its ability to balance the uptake of microelements or to limit their translocation depending on plant-soil concentrations. The higher Zn and Fe uptake by mycorrhizal plants was significantly correlated with higher carotenoid, inulin, and fructose levels, suggesting a relationship among the modulation of micronutrient uptake by mycorrhizal symbionts and the biosynthesis of health-promoting molecules by the host. Overall, data from this work may boost the implementation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation aimed at inducing plant biofortification and enhancement of nutritional value of plant-derived food.

Status of soil and plant micronutrients and their uptake by barley varieties intercropped with Populus deltoides plantation

In Agroforestry systems, crops grown in interspaces of tree plantations undergo different kind of interactions with the environment, consequently affecting soil fertility in different ways. In the present study, soil and plants micronutrients and their uptake by five barley varieties (BH 946, BH 959, BH 393, BH 885 and BH 902) grown under poplar plantation as well as sole crop were examined. During this investigation, a significant increase in DTPA (Diethylene triamnine penta acetic acid) extractable micronutrients (Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Iron) was observed at all depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm) under poplar plantation than sole crop. Sole crop exhibited higher micronutrient uptake than under poplar plantations. Maximum uptake of soil micronutrients like Zn, Mn and Cu (495.5, 527.06 and 53.8 g ha-1) were recorded in variety BH 946. However, variety BH 959 exhibited minimum uptake of soil micronutrients (401.85, 439.46 and 44.07 g ha-1) during this study.

Killing two birds with a single stone-genetic manipulation of cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) genes for enhancing crop productivity and amelioration of drought stress response.

The development of high-yielding, bio-fortified, stress-tolerant crop cultivars is the need of the hour in the wake of increasing global food insecurity, abrupt climate change, and continuous shrinking of resources and landmass suitable for agriculture. The cytokinin group of phytohormones positively regulates seed yield by simultaneous regulation of source capacity (leaf senescence) and sink strength (grain number and size). Cytokinins also regulate root-shoot architecture by promoting shoot growth and inhibiting root growth. Cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) are the only enzymes that catalyze the irreversible degradation of active cytokinins and thus negatively regulate the endogenous cytokinin levels. Genetic manipulation of CKX genes is the key to improve seed yield and root-shoot architecture through direct manipulation of endogenous cytokinin levels. Downregulation of CKX genes expressed in sink tissues such as inflorescence meristem and developing seeds, through reverse genetics approaches such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in increased yield marked by increased number and size of grains. On the other hand, root-specific expression of CKX genes resulted in decreased endogenous cytokinin levels in roots which in turn resulted in increased root growth indicated by increased root branching, root biomass, and root-shoot biomass ratio. Enhanced root growth provided enhanced tolerance to drought stress and improved micronutrient uptake efficiency. In this review, we have emphasized the role of CKX as a genetic factor determining yield, micronutrient uptake efficiency, and response to drought stress. We have summarised the efforts made to increase crop productivity and drought stress tolerance in different crop species through genetic manipulation of CKX family genes.

Biomass production and uptake of sulfur, chromium and micronutrients by Tanzania guinea grass grown with sulfur and chromium.

Soil contamination caused by improper waste disposal can affect plant growth. Tropical forage plants have rapid growth, high biomass production and vigorous regrowth. Chromium (Cr) is one of the most common contaminants in the environment. Sulfur (S) is a nutrient involved in various cell detoxification processes. The objective was to assess the effects of excess Cr on biomass production and concentrations of this metal, S and cationic micronutrients, under conditions of varying supply of S for Tanzania guinea grass. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete blocks in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to three levels of S (0.1, 1.9 and 3.7mmol L-1) and four levels of Cr (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0mmol L-1) in three replicates. Root surface area, shoot and root biomass production, concentrations of total S, sulfate-S, Cr and cationic micronutrients, and Cr transport factor were determined. S level of 1.9mmol L-1 reduced the toxicity by Cr in Tanzania guinea grass, expressed by the higher shoot and root dry weight production, greater stability in the cellular concentration of sulfate-S and higher concentrations of micronutrients. It was concluded that the high availability of S reduced the toxicity by Cr(VI) in Tanzania guinea grass, expressed by the higher shoot and root dry weight production, greater stability in the cellular concentration of sulfate-S and higher concentration of micronutrients in the grass shoots.

Interactive Effects of Molybdenum, Zinc and Iron on the Grain Yield, Quality, and Nodulation of Cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp.) in North-Western India

Micronutrient deficiency is a major constraint for the growth, yield and nutritional quality of cowpea which results in nutritional disorders in humans. Micronutrients including molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) play a pivotal role in crop nutrition, and their role in different metabolic processes in crops has been highlighted. In order to increase the nutritional quality of cowpea, a field experiment was conducted for two years in which the effect of Mo along with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on productivity, nitrogen and micronutrient uptake, root length and the number of nodules in cowpea cultivation was investigated. It was found that the foliar application of Fe and Zn and their interaction with Mo application through seed priming as well as soil application displayed increased yield, nutrient concentration, uptake and growth parameters which helped to enhance the nutritional quality of cowpea for consumption by the human population. The results of the above experiments revealed that among all the treatments, the soil application of Mo combined with the foliar application of 0.5% each of FeSO4·7H2O and ZnSO4·7H2O (M2F3 treatment) enhanced the grain and stover yield of cowpea, exhibiting maximum values of 1402 and 6104.7 kg ha−1, respectively. Again, the M2F3 treatment resulted in higher Zn, Fe and Mo concentrations in the grain (17.07, 109.3 and 30.26 mg kg−1, respectively) and stover (17.99, 132.7 and 31.22 mg kg−1, respectively) of cowpea. Uptake of Zn, Fe and Mo by the grain (25.23, 153.3 and 42.46 g ha−1, respectively) as well as the stover (104.2, 809.9 and 190.6 g ha−1, respectively) was found to be maximum for the M2F3 treatment. The root length (30.5 cm), number of nodules per plant (73.0) and N uptake in grain and stover (55.39 and 46.15 kg ha−1) were also higher for this treatment. Overall, soil application of Mo along with the foliar application of FeSO4·7H2O (0.5%) and ZnSO4·7H2O (0.5%) significantly improved yield outcomes, concentration, uptake, root length, nodules plant−1 and N uptake of cowpea to alleviate the micronutrient deficiency.

The Ubiquitin Proteasome System and Nutrient Stress Response.

Plants utilize different molecular mechanisms, including the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) that facilitates changes to the proteome, to mitigate the impact of abiotic stresses on growth and development. The UPS encompasses the ubiquitination of selected substrates followed by the proteasomal degradation of the modified proteins. Ubiquitin ligases, or E3s, are central to the UPS as they govern specificity and facilitate the attachment of one or more ubiquitin molecules to the substrate protein. From recent studies, the UPS has emerged as an important regulator of the uptake and translocation of essential macronutrients and micronutrients. In this review, we discuss select E3s that are involved in regulating nutrient uptake and responses to stress conditions, including limited or excess levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and copper.

Effect of Biochar on Micronutrient Availability and Uptake Into Leafy Greens in Two Urban Tropical Soils With Contrasting Soil pH

Biochars have been proposed as a novel biotechnology to increase crop yields in acidic soils due to a liming effect. However, the application of biochar to soils with a neutral soil pH is less likely to improve yield. A rise in pH typically increases the availability of macronutrients (e.g., PO43-, NO3-) but biochar is known to immobilize some elements due to a pH increase and adsorption on the biochar surface. Therefore, biochar application may reduce the uptake of important micronutrients (e.g., Cu, Fe, and Zn) into the edible portions of food crops. Before recommending indiscriminate biochar application to tropical soils, an understanding of the potentially negative impacts of biochar application to contrasting soil types should be fully appreciated to prevent unintended consequences. Our aim was to determine the impact of biochar amendment to an acidic soil and a neutral soil on micronutrient availability and uptake into leafy greens. We produced biochars from 3 different organic feedstock materials (corn cobs, rice husk and teak sawdust) and applied these in pot experiments to an acidic tropical soil (pH 4.5) and a neutral tropical soil (pH 6.9) collected from urban farms in Tamale and Kumasi, respectively, in Ghana. We grew leafy greens (Amaranthus, Corchorus, and Lettuce) and measured their growth and the uptake of Cu, Fe, and Zn, alongside supporting measurements of soil pH and micronutrient availability in the soil. We also measured water soluble Cu, Fe, and Zn in the soils amended with biochars pyrolyzed at different temperatures. The corn cobs biochar increased soil pH and considerably increased plant growth in the acidic soil from Tamale. In the neutral soil from Kumasi we found that, while corn cob biochar increased soil pH, rice husk biochar decreased soil pH. Furthermore, corn cob biochar considerably reduced plant growth in the neutral soil. The concentration of micronutrients in the edible portions of leafy greens was not greatly affected by biochar application, but the total uptake (i.e., concentration multiplied by biomass) of micronutrients into leaves was generally increased by biochar application in the acidic (Tamale) soil and application of the corn cob biochar generally decreased total uptake of micronutrients in the neutral (Kumasi) soil. Our results highlight the need for site-specific information on biochar feedstock and soil pH prior to recommending biochar application to tropical urban soils so that the benefits can be optimized and unintended consequences can be prevented.

Concentration and Uptake of Micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) in Soybean and Wheat under Organic, Biodynamic and Inorganic Nutrient Management in Semi-arid Tropical Conditions of Central India

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, the concentration and uptake of four micronutrients (iron-Fe, zinc-Zn, copper-Cu, and manganese-Mn) in soybean (Glycine max, cv. JS 335) and wheat (Triticum durum, cv. HI 8498) crops under organic, biodynamic, and inorganic nutrient management was studied. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments in four replications. The treatments involved different nutrient inputs, namely, organic manure (OM) (T1); biodynamic preparation (BD) (T2); OM+ panchagavya (OM+PG) (T3); OM+BD (T4); OM+PG+BD (T5); control (T6); and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (T7). Cattle dung manure on N equivalent basis to soybean in kharif and cattle dung manure (CDM) + vermicompost (VC) + poultry manure (PM) (1:1:1 on N equivalent basis) to wheat were applied as organic manure, whereas nutrients were supplied in the form of chemical fertilizers in RDF treatment. The results revealed that the micronutrient concentration in soybean seed under organic nutrient management registered an increment of 13–16% in Fe, 16–19% in Zn, 20–23% in Cu, and 19–25% in Mn over the treatment T7 (RDF). Similarly, an increment of 16–19% in Fe, 21–27% in Zn, 20–23% in Cu, and 20–26% in Mn content of wheat grain was also observed over RDF. The micronutrient uptake by soybean-wheat sequence was found higher under organic treatments (Fe:20–29%; Zn:13–22%; Cu:11–19%; and Mn:12–19%) as compared to RDF. The availability of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn was increased by 30–36%, 32–45%, 5–12%, and 20–36%, respectively, under organic treatments over RDF.

Effect of Humic Acids on Soybean Seedling Growth under Polyethylene-Glycol-6000-Induced Drought Stress

Humic substances (HS) are the most important natural biostimulant of plants. However, the relationship between their structure and biological activity in plants is still not well recognized. The objective of this paper was to assess the influence of molecular fractions of humic acids (HA) (HA < 30 kDa and HA > 30 kDa) on reducing negative effects of drought stress in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seedlings of Progres and Nawiko cultivars. Drought stress was induced in laboratory conditions by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) to make a water potential of −0.5 MPa. HA were extracted according to the International Humic Substances Society procedure, and then were separated into two molecular fractions by membrane filtration. The following physiological and biometric parameters were determined: chlorophyll content, photosynthesis activity, electrical conductivity, fresh and dry mass of overground and roots, and plant length. The enzyme activity and ion contents were also measured. Differences in response to drought stress with the addition of HA < 30 kDa and HA > 30 kDa or not to the Hoagland’s solution were observed among studied cultivars. Drought stress caused a decrease in the most physiological parameters and increase in peroxidase activity in the case of both studied cultivars. However, the results of biometric measurements showed that the Progres cultivar appears to have better tolerance to drought stress. The significant influence of water deficit on most macroelement content in dry matter leaves of both studied cultivars was not observed, while its effect on microelement uptake by soybean plants was concluded. In the case of the Progres cultivar, the results showed a significant decrease in microelement content in the dry matter of leaves, whereas in the leaves of Nawiko cultivar there was a significant increase. The influence of HA > 30 kDa and HA < 30 KDa fractions on physiological features of both studied cultivars was varied. HA > 30 kDa fraction better up-regulated the antioxidant defense system. Unfortunately, no effect of either HA fraction on the macro- and micronutrients uptake system of both studied cultivars was observed.

Effect of Slag Based Gypsum on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in an Alkaline Soil

A pot culture study was undertaken to study the effect of slag based gypsum as a source of nutrient to the rice crop in an alkaline soil. The treatments included recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control, 450, 600, 750 and 900 kg ha-1 of slag based gypsum (SBG) along with RDF. The treatments were replicated thrice and complete randomized design (CRD) was followed for statistical analysis. The results revealed that application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded significantly higher rice grain (8.85 g pot-1) and straw (9.00 g pot-1) yield when compared with other treatments. Further, application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher nitrogen (N) (137.68 mg pot-1), phosphorus (P) (48.37 mg pot-1) and potassium (K) (45.38 mg pot-1) uptake by rice grain and also a significantly higher exchangeable calcium (Ca) (12.19 c mol (p+) kg-1) and magnesium (Mg) (12.93 c mol (p+) kg-1) in post-harvest soil. Whereas, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher N (75.64 mg pot-1), P (17.95 mg pot-1) and K (49.78 mg pot-1) uptake by rice straw and also higher pH (8.95), electrical conductivity (EC) (1.28 dS m-1), available N (160.53 kg ha-1) and available sulphur (S) (182.50 kg ha-1) in post-harvest soil. Moreover, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 was also reported to give higher micronutrient uptake and availability in post-harvest soil of our studies.

Prospecting potential of endophytes for modulation of biosynthesis of therapeutic bioactive secondary metabolites and plant growth promotion of medicinal and aromatic plants.

Medicinal and aromatic plants possess pharmacological properties (antidiabetes, anticancer, antihypertension, anticardiovascular, antileprosy, etc.) because of their potential to synthesize a wide range of therapeutic bioactive secondary metabolites. The concentration of bioactive secondry metabolites depends on plant species, local environment, soil type and internal microbiome. The internal microbiome of medicinal plants plays the crucial role in the production of bioactive secondary metabolites, namely alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, peptides, polyketones, flavonoids, quinols and phenols. In this review, the host specific secondry metabolites produced by endophytes, their therapeutic properties and host-endophytes interaction in relation to production of bioactive secondry metaboloites and the role of endophytes in enhancing the production of bioactive secondry metabolites is discussed. How biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, micronutrient uptake, phytohormone production, disease suppression, etc. can play a vital role in enhacing the plant growth and development.The role of endophytes in enhancing the plant growth and content of bioactive secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants in a sustainable mode is highlighted.

Bio-Priming with Compatible Rhizospheric Microbes Enhances Growth and Micronutrient Uptake of Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is known as the millennium’s functional food, which has a lot of importance in our diet because of the health-promoting ingredients present in it. The current study investigated the synergistic relationship of rhizospheric-competent microbial agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis) in modulating the performance of red cabbage under the field conditions of Middle Gangetic Plains, India. Growth parameters were studied at three developmental stages, viz., pre-cupping, early head formation, and maturity. Our results suggested that the dual application of T. harzianum + P. fluorescens along with the 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) increased the number of leaves (24.6), leaf area (537.2 cm2), root length (19.8 cm), and micronutrient uptake (Fe, Mn, and Cu) by head of the crop, whereas the co-inoculation of P. fluorescens and B. subtilis along with 75% RDF enhanced plant spread (39.0 cm), earliness (95.2 days), and Zn uptake. Maximum plant height (28.7 cm) and chlorophyll (SPAD, 77.3) were recorded in 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg ha−1) and the combination of T. harzianum + B. subtilis along with 75% RDF, respectively. Interestingly, consortium (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) bio-primed plants recorded about 14% higher root length in comparison to plants receiving sole fertilizers. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship of Fe and Mn uptake with chlorophyll (SPAD) and between Zn uptake and the earliness of the crop. The present study indicated that seedling bio-priming with the dual consortium of efficient bio-agents is a viable strategy to lessen our dependence on chemical fertilizers for improving red cabbage production.

Productivity and Quality of Horticultural Crop Capsicum (Capsicum Annum L) Through Co-Inoculation of Novel Microbial Consortium Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, Glycoprotein Producing AM Fungi and Chemical Fertilizer under Low-Cost Protected Cultivation

Capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) is a common vegetable crop with a wide range of culinary utilization worldwide. In horticultural practices, inoculating the planting medium with a beneficial microbial consortium is a novel approach to cultivating highquality, healthy plants with abundant nutrition. In the following study, inoculation of a selected microbial consortium consisting of PGPR (Azotobacter, Pseudomonas, Fraturia, Azospirillum, and Bacillus spp.) and glycoprotein producing AM fungi (Aculospora logula-15%, Glomus fasciculatum-20%, Glomus intraradices-40%, Gigaspora margarita-15%, and Scutellospora heterogama-10%) was inoculated to the planting medium in beds to raise capsicum plants in a low cost protected cultivation. Plant height, stem girth, fruit weight, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, and weight of fruit per plant parameters to be considered in the study. Mycorrhizal root colonization, macro, and micronutrient uptake, and quality yield, were increased the most with multiple microbial inoculations. Treatments revealed that plants inoculated with the multiple microbial consortia increased substantially faster than plants treated with chemical fertilizer (100 % RDF) and control. Maximum yield (742.5 q ha-1) was recorded in treatment Absolute’s consortium PGPR+ AM Fungi along with maximum values of shelf life (7.10 DAS), TSS (Brix0 5.63), the number of fruit/plant (8.20), fruit length (8.5cm), fruit diameter (7. 81cm) and fruit weight (224g) as compared with control and other biological treatments. The best treatment with respect to projected yield was Absolute consortium PGPR + AM fungi followed by control. Based on the various growth and microbiological parameters studied, it was concluded that inoculation with the multiple microbial consortia (Absolute consortium PGPR+AM fungi) was beneficial for raising healthy, vigorously growing capsicum plants under low-cost protected conditions.

OsbHLH061 links TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED repressor proteins with POSITIVE REGULATOR OF IRON HOMEOSTASIS 1 to maintain iron homeostasis in rice.

As excess iron (Fe) is toxic, uptake of this essential micronutrient must be tightly controlled. Previous studies have shown that Oryza sativa (rice) POSITIVE REGULATOR OF IRON HOMEOSTASIS1 (OsPRI1) acts upstream of the iron-related transcription factor 2 (OsIRO2) and OsIRO3 to positively regulate root-to-shoot Fe translocation. However, as expression of OsPRI1 is constitutive it is unclear how the Fe-deficiency response is turned off to prevent toxicity when Fe is sufficient. The bHLH transcription factor OsbHLH061 interacts with OsPRI1, and this study used molecular, genetics, biochemical and physiological approaches to functionally characterise OsbHLH061 and how it affects Fe homeostasis. OsbHLH061 knockout or overexpression lines increase or decrease Fe accumulation in shoots respectively. Mechanistically, OsbHLH061 expression is upregulated by high Fe, and physically interacts with OsPRI1, the OsbHLH061-OsPRI1 complex recruits TOPLESS/TOPLESS-RELATED (OsTPL/TPR) co-repressors to repress OsIRO2 and OsIRO3 expression. The OsbHLH061 ethylene-responsive element-binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif is required for this transcriptional repression activity. These results define a functional OsTPL/TPR-OsbHLH061-OsPRI1-OsIRO2/3 module that negatively controls long-distance transport of Fe in plants for adaptation to changing Fe environments and maintain Fe homeostasis in rice.

Impact of Different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Nutrient Status and Their Uptake by Melia azedarach Seedling

Melia azedarach belongs to the family Meliaceae, is a deciduous tree with a short bole and a spreading crown and one of the most important trees in arid and semi-arid area. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil microorganisms composing the essential components of the sustainable soil-plant system. These AMF form extensive extraradical mycelia which increases accessible soil volume for the plant to absorb phosphorus and water. The effect of three different species of Glomus (G. mosseae, G. intraradices and G. fasciculatum) of AM fungi inoculated with Melia azedarach drupes was observed in the nursery of the Forestry Department, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019. The results revealed that application of three Glomus species in combination produced synergistic increase in soil macro and micro nutrient contents after harvest i.e. N = 119.86 kg ha-1, P = 16.91 kg ha-1, K = 260.86 kg ha-1, Fe = 5.95 ppm, Zn = 0.66 ppm, Cu =0.42 ppm and Mn = 1.63 ppm. Similarly, there was significantly higher macro and micronutrient (N = 1.39 %, P = 0.27 %, K = 0.63 %, Fe = 90.43 ppm, Zn = 32.24 ppm, Cu = 9.96 ppm and Mn = 31.28 ppm) concentrations in leaves after 180 days in the treatments when soil was inoculated with all three Glomus species. The seedlings uptake of macro and micronutrient was also found highest when three Glomus species were inoculated artificially and simultaneously in soil. Inoculation of the AM fungi improved soil fertility, nutrient content and uptake in Melia azedarach.

Impact of Inorganic Iron and Siderophore Producing Microbes on Growth and Content of Nutrient in Indian Sorrel Leaves (Rumex vasicarias)

A pot culture experiment entitled “Biofortification of Iron in Indian Sorel Leaves using Graded Levels of Iron and Siderophore Producing Microbial Cultures” was planned and conducted during summer season of 2021 at Department of soil science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The experimental results revealed that significant higher values of biometric observation in 45, 55 DAS and nutrient content a nd uptake in sorrel leaves at after harvest of crop were recorded. The maximum value regarding growth attributes as well as quality parameter was recorded under the treatment of 100% RDF + 60 mg FeSO4 kg-1 soil + Azospirillum lipoferum. In which maximum plant height recorded with 23.14, and 29.44cm, leaves number (10.50 and 21.92) at 45 and 55 DAS respectively, chlorophyll 3.42 mg g-1, fresh leaf yield and dry matter yield (214.33, 30.87 g pot-1) respectively which were superior among the rest of treatments. Moreover, regarding to quality attributes of sorrel leaves via. macro and micronutrient uptake significantly higher under the treatment of 100% RDF + 60 mg FeSO4 kg-1 soil + Azospirillum lipoferum as compared to control (only RDF).