Mineral Nutrition Research Articles

Study on Distribution Characteristics of Mineral Nutrients in Fritillaria hubeiensis

The contents and correlation of various mineral elements in soil and roots, stems and leaves of Fritillaria hubeiensis were analyzed and evaluated to supply basis for diagnosis of soil mineral nutrition and rational fertilization of Fritillaria hubeiensis. The contents of Phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper were tested by the inductively coupled plasma, and the results were analyzed by SPSS11.5 software. The total contents of manganese, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in soil and roots, leaves and stems of Fritillaria hubeiensis were different with different cultivation bases. The order of Fe and Cu contents was root > leaf > stem. The distribution of Zn showed a trend of “root > stem > leaf.” Between potassium content of soil and root, it was a significant positive correlation. But there was a significant negative correlation between Zinc content of soil and root. The total contents of calcium and iron were positively correlated between roots and stems. The total contents of Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper were positively correlated among stems and leaves, while the contents of Mn were positively correlated. Therefore, Fritillaria hubeiensis mainly regulates the amount of mineral nutrients through selective absorption.

Ways of growth stimulation of piglets with the help of biologically active drugs

Providing the population of Ukraine with meat and meat products largely depends on the efficiency of the pig industry, one of the urgent problems of which is the increase in pork production. There are many problematic stages in pig farming, one of which is raising suckling piglets, the complexity of which is determined by a number of physiological features of the development of the body of newborn piglets. During the period of intrauterine development and in the first days of life, piglets receive nutrients exclusively from the sow. Therefore, improving the rations of farrowing and suckling sows in a certain way affects the fertility, growth, and survival of piglets. An important place in this belongs to mineral nutrition. One of the ways to eliminate mineral deficiency in feed is the use of mineral additives. Among the wide arsenal of biologically active substances used to regulate metabolic processes in the body, drugs of complex action are of particular importance. Today, there are relatively inexpensive fertilizers based on natural minerals, which include trace elements and amino acids. The balance of rations in terms of biologically active substances remains an important factor affecting animal productivity. In a number of studies, it has been proven that the use of chelated compounds of microelements as a feed additive ensures better assimilation of metals than when they are introduced into the diet in an inorganic form, which in turn helps to achieve higher productivity in animals, as well as reducing feed costs per unit of production. Therefore, the development of new biotechnological methods of stimulating growth, increasing the percentage of survival of suckling piglets, and improving the reproductive capacity of sows using biologically active substances is relevant. A necessary condition for the normal development of piglets and the recovery of sows in the postpartum period is their full feeding, in particular, balanced feed in terms of macro- and microelements. After all, mineral substances take an active part in metabolic processes, activate the functions of hormones, vitamins, and enzymes, contribute to increased digestibility and utilization of nutrients in diets, better provision of intrauterine development of offspring, the birth of physiologically mature piglets, more intensive growth and development after birth. The significant influence of trace elements on physiological processes is explained by the fact that they are part of the so-called accessory substances: vitamins, hormones, enzymes, and coen-zymes involved in the regulation of vital processes. In addition, they affect the formation of cellular immunity of newborn piglets. In this regard, in recent years much attention has been paid to the study of the influence of various vitamin and mineral supplements of organic origin on the productivity of animals.

Changes of mineral nutrition (K, Ca, and Mg) in soil and plants following historical nitrogen inputs in a temperate steppe: the implications for grass tetany

Changes of mineral nutrition (K, Ca, and Mg) in soil and plants following historical nitrogen inputs in a temperate steppe: the implications for grass tetany

An analysis of hormones and mineral nutrients in fruit from terminal and lateral racemes of two blueberry cultivars

BACKGROUND: In general, fruit that develops from early-opening flowers ripens earlier than fruit from late-opening flowers. However, the opposite has been observed in the rabbiteye blueberry cultivar “Brightwell” (Vaccinium ashei). OBJECTIVE: From the differences of endogenous hormones and mineral nutrition, with attempt to analyze the reasons for fruit from late-opening flowers on lateral racemes of “Brightwell” ripened earlier than fruit from early-opening flowers on terminal racemes. RESULTS: Fruit from late-opening flowers on lateral racemes of “Brightwell” ripened earlier than fruit from early-opening flowers on terminal racemes. This may be associated with the higher levels of giberellin 1, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, phosphorus, iron and boron in the early developmental stages, and the higher ABA level and lower giberellin 9 level in the fruit ripening stages on lateral racemes, compared with on terminal racemes. However, the fruit borne on the terminal racemes of “O’Neal” grew faster than fruit borne on lateral racemes, this may be correlated with the higher IAA, iron, manganese, zinc and boron levels, and the lower ABA level, in the early fruit developmental stages on terminal racemes, compared with on lateral racemes. CONCLUSIONS: The growth and ripening differences in fruit set at the two positions of the two blueberry cultivars may be associated with hormonal and nutritional control during fruit development.

Growth, nutrient uptake and transcriptome profiling of rice seedlings in response to mixed provision of ammonium- and nitrate-nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) is a principal macronutrient and plays a paramount role in mineral nutrition of rice plants. Mixed provision of ammonium- and nitrate-nitrogen (MPAN) at a moderate level could enhance N uptake and translocation and promote growth of rice, but current understanding of their molecular mechanisms is still insufficient. Two rice lines of W6827 and GH751, with contrasting ability of N uptake, were subjected to four levels of MPAN (NH4+/NO3− = 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75) in hydroponic experiments. In terms of plant height, growth rate and shoot biomass, growth of GH751 tended to increase firstly and then decrease with enhancement in NO3−-N ratio. It attained maximal level under 75:25 MPAN, with an 8.3% increase in shoot biomass. In general, W6827 was comparatively less responsive to MPAN. For GH751, the uptake rate of N, phosphor (P) and potassium (K) under 75:25 MPAN was enhanced by 21.1%, 20.8% and 16.1% in comparison with that of control (100:0 MPAN). Meanwhile, the translocation coefficient and content in shoots of N, P and K were all increased significantly. In contrast to transcriptomic profile under control, 288 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected to be up-regulated and 179 DEGs down-regulated in transcription under 75:25 MPAN. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that some DEGs were up-regulated under 75:25 MPAN and they code for proteins mainly located in membrane and integral component of membrane and involved in metal ion binding, oxidoreductase activity and other biological processes. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs related to nitrogen metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, photosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and zeatin biosynthesis were up- or down-regulated in transcription under 75:25 MPAN, and they are responsible for improved nutrient uptake and translocation and enhanced growth of seedlings.

Effects of glutamic acid applications on the yield and growth parameters in garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivation

Since exogenous amino acid applications to agricultural plants provide ready mineral nutrition for plants, they are widely used to enhance the yield and quality of crops as well as to strengthen resistance to environmental impacts. In the present study, the effects of L-Glutamic acid (GLU) (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mg L-1) treatments on the growth parameters, bulb yield, chemical contents, and weight loss of Taşköprü garlic were analyzed. Given the findings, 800 GLU dose was found to have the highest values in shoot length and width, fresh weight, width, and length of the bulb, length and of large and small cloves, and yield per plot. On the other hand, the lowest results in total free amino acid, nitrate, polyphenol, ascorbic acid, and % ash amounts were obtained with 400 GLU, while the maximum leaf length and width was obtained with 1000 GLU dose. The first and third weight losses were obtained in 100 GLU and control groups and the second weight loss value obtained in all groups were higher than in the control. Considering all the data, the doses of 800 GLU and 400 GLU yielded the most positive effect on growth parameters, bulb yield, and weight loss measurements in garlic, whereas the lowest level of effect was observed in the control and 100 GLU groups. In conclusion, it can be stated that the foliar application of L-Glutamic acid in garlic cultivation might increase the yield and quality.

Photosynthetic activity of old-aged crops of Echinacea purpurea in the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region

Plant nutrition is effective if optimal conditions are created for the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Forming agrocenoses, with the help of elements of technology and the energy of the sun, their high productivity created by photosynthesis is ensured. Therefore, the purpose of the research is to determine the indicators of photosynthetic activity of Echinacea purpurea of the fourth year of life on various backgrounds of mineral nutrition, depending on foliar top dressing with the Zircon growth regulator. To increase the duration of the use of Echinacea purpurea in 2018-2020, a two-factor field experiment was carried out on old-growth crops on the meadow-chernozem soil of the experimental plot of the Penza State Agrarian University. On average, over three years, in the stemming phase, the most favorable conditions for Echinacea plants developed on a mineral background from two foliar top dressings with Zircon, carried out in the rosette phase of leaves followed by budding, where the leaf area was 25.62 thousand m2/ha and the coverage index was 1.15 times higher than in crops on a natural background. The increase in the photosynthetic apparatus to the budding phase in relation to stalking was 1.47 thousand m2/ha, and during the flowering period, the leaf area increased to 28.31 thousand m2/ha. On average, during the growing season, the photosynthetic potential against the mineral background increased by 1.16 times. Here, during the period of budding - flowering, the highest net productivity of photosynthesis was noted - 1.84 g/m2?day.

The influence of field crop rotations on the contamination of crops in the conditions of the Kostanay region

The research was carried out in order to study the influence of precursors of agricultural crops cultivated in grain and fruit-bearing crop rotations using No-till system with elements of precision farming on the contamination of crops in the conditions of southern chernozems of Kostanay region. Two types of crop rotations were studied – 4-pole grain-steam (steam – wheat – wheat – wheat) and 4-pole fruit-bearing (peas – wheat-oilseed flax – wheat). On each crop rotation crop, variants with different levels of mineral nutrition were laid-without fertilizers (control) and P15. All records and observations were carried out according to standard methods. A correlation of an average degree was established between the clogging of crops by full shoots in the grain-pair crop rotation and wheat yield (dyx=0.40), as well as between the clogging of crops before harvesting in the fruit-bearing crop rotation and the yield of cultivated crops (dyx=0.49). A decrease in clogging was revealed in the grain-steam crop rotation on the second wheat after steam (12.7-12.9 pcs./m2), in the fruit-bearing crop rotation – on wheat after peas (15.9-38.4 pcs./m2). The use of herbicides in the grain-steam crop rotation on the first wheat after steam made it possible to obtain an increase in yield on the control – 0.18 t/ha and on the P15 variant – 0.20 t/ha. In the fruit-bearing crop rotation, a high increase was noted on the variant of sowing peas – 0.36 t/ha (control) and 0.48 t/ha (P15).

Ectopic co-expression of endosome located V-ATPase subunit gene and NHX transporter gene from Helianthus tuberosus enhances rice growth and nutrient uptake

V-type H+-ATPase (VHA) at vacuolar and endosome systems can provide the driving force for activating intracellular Na+(K+)/H+ (NHX) antiporters. We have previously shown that expression of an endosomal located HtNHX2 from Helianthus tuberosus increased rice tolerance to K+-limited salt stress or general deficiency of nutrients. In this study, we cloned HtVHA-c” also from Helianthus tuberosus and found that HtVHA-c” is mainly located on endosome and trans-Golgi network/Golgi network. Expression of HtVHA-c” enhanced salt-tolerance of BY2 cells at the cellular level and growth of rice at salt-stress by increasing K+ acquisition. Co-expression of HtVHA-c” and HtNHX2 could further promote K+ uptake and increase growth and grain yield of rice at non-salt-stress and sufficient nutrient supply condition in both hydroponic culture and paddy field. Notably, HtVHA-c” acidified while HtNHX2 alkalized luminal of prevacuolar compartments/multivesicular bodies and vacuoles, while these effects were neutralized when both genes were expressed in rice. These results demonstrate the novel synergistic function of VHA-c” and NHX2 in regulating the luminal pH of endosomes for improving plant mineral nutrition and salt tolerance.

Specific features of nitrogen nutrition of winter wheat in No-till technology

The results of the study of nitrogen nutrition of winter wheat plants cultivated by No-till technology in the zone of unstable moisture in the Stavropol Territory are presented. The studies were conducted in 2020-2022 in a stationary experiment using two technologies: direct seeding (no tillage) and conventional technology on different backgrounds of mineral nutrition. Nitrogen accumulation in plant organs at different stages of winter wheat development (by V.T. Kurkaev method) and nitrate reductase enzyme activity in leaves (by Mulder method modified by B.I. Tokarev) were studied. It has been established that the use of mineral fertilizers in the technology of direct seeding has a positive effect on such a physiological process as mineral nutrition of winter wheat plants significantly increasing the accumulation of nitrogen in them. The use of a cover-ground culture in the crop rotation by direct seeding technology contributed to an increase in the nitrogen content in winter wheat plants by 32.7% compared to the variant where only fertilizers were used, as well as by 29.1% compared to the variant with the same background mineral nutrition in conventional technology. High activity of nitrate reductase enzyme in leaves during the reproductive period indicates the presence of large amounts of nitrates in winter wheat plants. The enzyme activity in the leaves of plants grown according to the technology without soil treatment against the background of using fertilizers and cover-ground cultures was significantly higher than in the other variants at the beginning of the reproductive period (by 72-89%) and reached its maximum after 14 days (4.15 μM/g ‧ h).

OPTIMIZATION OF THE MINERAL NUTRITION CONDITIONS OF MUSTARD

The article gives an assessment of one of the promising and valuable oilseeds - mustard, the cultivation of which is provided by the program of diversification of grain production in Kazakhstan, in particular, crop production. It was revealed that the conditions of mineral nutrition of mustard in the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan were not studied. Therefore, experiments were laid to study the optimization of the conditions for the mineral nutrition of mustard. A 14-variant scheme was presented to create different levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil in order to determine the quantitative connection between the level of nutrients in the soil and the productivity of mustard varieties. The purpose of the research (2019-2021) was to study the features of mineral nutrition and fertilizer of mustard in the conditions of the steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan. Their main directions were: to study the requirements of this crop to the level of fertility and soil properties; study the properties of the soil and determine its ability to meet the needs of crops. The conclusions of the research suggest that in all year’s mustard has developed under conditions of phosphorus deficiency in the soil, an average supply of nitrogen, and an increased supply of potassium. The application of nitrogenphosphorus fertilizers contributed to an increase in the content of nitrogen, nitrates and mobile phosphorus in the soil by 2-3 times and was determined by the amount of fertilizers applied.

Effect of Biostimulants on Leafy Vegetables (Baby Leaf Lettuce and Batavia Lettuce) Exposed to Abiotic or Biotic Stress under Two Different Growing Systems

Plant biostimulants are substances or microorganisms aimed at promoting plant growth by increasing the mineral nutrition efficiency, tolerance to environmental stress, and crop quality traits. This new category of crop inputs has been capturing the interest of both researchers and agriculture takeholders in light of the promising effects they could have on crop productivity and sustainability. This study investigated a variety of biostimulants for their effect on germination rates, plant health, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, SPAD index, and growth of baby leaf lettuce and Batavia lettuce submitted to biotic (absence/presence of Pythium ultimum in the growing medium) or abiotic (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM NaCl L−1 concentrations and −0.5, −2, −4, and −6 kPa water potentials) stresses when grown in a greenhouse under conventional and organic cultivation. The results obtained show that lettuce response to biostimulants was influenced by the type or level of stress applied and the growing system used. The effects of the tested biostimulants varied from strongly detrimental to strongly beneficial.

Genotypic differences for salt tolerance in bael (Aegle marmelos) cultivars

Salinity induced changes in physiological relations and the concomitant effects on plant growth were recorded in four bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) cultivars, viz. NB-5, NB-9, CB-1 and CB-2. Plants raised in normal soil (ECe 1.3 dS/m) were irrigated with tap (ECiw 0.5 dS/m) and saline (ECiw 3 and 6 dS/m) waters. Data were recorded for growth, physiological parameters and mineral nutrition 180 days after imposing the salt treatments. NB-5 outperformed other cultivars under saline conditions by maintaining higher leaf chlorophyll and proline levels, retaining Na+ ions in stem and root tissues and by preferentially accumulating K+ and Ca2+ ions to overcome the toxic effects of Na+. Break down of salt tolerance in other cultivars at 6 dS/m salinity can be explained by build up of Na+ to the toxic levels and an accompanying decrease in leaf and stem K+ concentrations. Based on these findings, bael cultivar NB-5 appears to be suitable for commercial cultivation in salt-affected soils.

Effect of Increasing Levels of Mineral Nutrition on the Quality of Various Fractions of Winter Rye Grain

Data are presented on the change in the main quality indicators of various fractions of winter rye grain grown against the background of increasing levels of mineral nutrition. Studies have shown the absence of any statistically significant dependences of the weight of 1000 grains weight of a certain (specific) fraction of winter rye grain on the level of mineral nutrition. In this case, the dependence of the 1000 grains weight on the grain thickness was described as accurately as possible (by R2) by a second-order equation. In contrast to the 1000 grains weight, the content of protein and pentosans, as well as the value of the falling number indicator, significantly depend both on the level of mineral nutrition and on the thickness of the grain. At the same time, the dependencies of the content of protein and pentosans on the level of mineral nutrition and the of the caryopsis reflect the equations of the second, and the falling number indicator, of the third order as accurately as possible.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promote the Degradation of the Fore-Rotating Crop (Brassica napus L.) Straw, Improve the Growth of and Reduce the Cadmium and Lead Content in the Subsequent Maize

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely present in heavy metal-polluted soils, but their effects on straw degradation and plant growth of rotated crops are poorly understood. In this study, a pot experiment was used to simulate the return of fore-rotating crop (Brassica napus L.) straw to farmland with a subsequent planting of maize in a lead–zinc mining area on the Yunnan Plateau, Southwest China, which included four treatments: control (CK), addition of rape straw (SR), inoculation of AMF (AMF), and both AMF inoculation and straw addition (AMF + SR). The effects of AMF on the degradation and nutrient release of the fore-rotating rape straw and the growth, mineral nutrition and the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contents of the subsequent maize were investigated. Compared with the CK treatment, AMF significantly promoted the degradation of rape straw and the release of mineral nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) as well as the Cd and Pb, increased the content of available nutrients in soil, and improved the mineral nutrient contents in the maize. AMF + SR significantly increased the maize height and biomass by 32–35% and decreased the available Cd and Pb contents in soil and the Cd and Pb contents in the maize by 20–30% and 18–25%, respectively. Moreover, the available Cd and Pb contents in the soil presented significant positive correlations with their contents in the maize but negative correlations with the height and biomass of the maize. Thus, AMF played an important regulatory role in the nutrient cycling and heavy metal accumulation of the crop rotation.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED FERTILIZATION APPROACHES ON SOIL HEALTH AND CROP PRODUCTIVITY OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS

The study was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to monitor the impact assessment of tillage systems on soil health indicators by integrating organic and inorganic resources to sustain wheat production in arid and semi-arid conditions i.e. high temperature and low rainfall. The field experiment was conducted in 2019-20 and carried out in alkaline soil (pH 8.2) with low organic matter (0.45%) to grow wheat after rice and treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmyard manure (FYM 20.5 Mg/ha), rice crop residues application (CRA 100%) and chemical fertilizers (CF) N-P-K 100-80-60 kg/ha, respectively were used under conventional and conservation tillage systems. During this research different growth and yield parameters were noted and evaluated the level of N, P, K and organic matter contents from soil and plant at the harvest. The results indicated that the combined application of FYM and CRA with CF improved the chlorophyll contents (20% in conventional tillage and 39% in conservation tillage) which helped in nutrient translocation (N, P, K) and increased growth, biological and grain yield by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter contents in soil. Growth parameter i.e. germination percentage upto 64%, plant height 27% and spike length upto 35% were increased by T7 . The conservation tillage method was the best where we used T7 i.e. CF + 25% FYM + 50% CRA, and CF + 50% FYM + 25% CRA by conserving moisture and built OM (0.90%), soil organic carbon (0.49%) and mineral nutrition in soil as well as in wheat leaves. It is concluded that the integrated use of organic and inorganic resources are helpful for sustainable wheat production by enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) to improve soil health especially in arid to semi-arid climate conditions in alkaline soil.

Could conservation tillage increase the resistance to drought in Mediterranean faba bean crops?

Climate change, especially in Mediterranean countries, might have a detrimental effect on agro‑ecosystems and agricultural production, as well as on the price, quantity and quality of the products. This study assesses the potential impact of drought predictions on a faba bean crop, and evaluates the adoption of conservation tillage practices to reduce this effect. For this purpose, a rainfall exclusion experiment was carried out in a Mediterranean rotation in Southwest Spain, where a long-term tillage experiment was running since 2008. Soil water storage (SWS), crop productivity and mineral nutrition, plant ecophysiology and biomass quality, as well as the colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria were evaluated over one growth cycle to study the combined effect of different tillage systems - non-tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT) and traditional tillage (TT)- and rainfall reduction. Rainfall reduction had a negative impact on faba bean germination on the TT system, and on its aboveground biomass across the three tillage systems, but did not affect grain production. The percentage of biomass yield reduction by rainfall exclusion was 30% for NT, 50% for RT and 20% for TT. In the case of RT, low yields were influenced by a high incidence of weeds under rainfall reduction. The negative effect of water exclusion was especially evident on photosynthesis rates and stomatal conductance across all tillage types, while leaf water potential was affected by drought only in the TT system. These ecophysiological indicators were positively associated to some variables of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and Rhizobium nodulation in roots. Changes in the patterns of symbiotic interactions in response to drought depended on the tillage type. We conclude that, despite no effect on soil water storage, in the conservation tillage systems the increase in the mycorrhizal colonization in roots, particularly under NT, could be beneficial for plants to face drought stress. However, in a scenario of reduced rainfall it will be necessary to invest more resources in weed control under RT.

Influence of Polyhalite on growth and yield of sugarcane var. Co 11015 in typic Ustropepts

Polyhalite is a natural mineral which contains potassium (K2O, 14%), sulphur (SO3, 48%), calcium (CaO, 17%) and magnesium (MgO, 6%). It is used as fertilizer for high value crops. Soil fertility, selection of fertilizer sources and application practices are all crucial factors in maximizing mineral nutrition during the cropping season. With an increasing demand for fertilizer, polyhalite was identified as a potassium source for crops. In view of this context, a present experimental work was conducted during 2021-22 at farmer’s field, Arachalur, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India to study the influence of polyhalite on growth attributes, yield attributes and yield of sugarcane var. Co 11015. The experiment was conducted in sandy loam soil laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus was applied uniformly to all treatments. The potassium was applied in two sources, muriate of potash (MOP) and polyalite in different ratios and levels except control. The results of the field experiment revealed that sugarcane significantly responded to the application of two potassium sources and levels. The maximum values of growth attributes like plant height, number of leaves per stalk, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content, yield attributes and yield like, number of internodes per stalk, length of internode per millable cane, length of millable cane, diameter of millable cane, single cane weight, number of tillers per plant, number of millable cane, cane yield and sugar yield were recorded with application of RDF (NP alone) + 150% K (169.5 kg K2O/ha) as polyhalite (T8). The lowest respond was found in the treatment T1, which received RDF (NP alone).

Effect of microfertilizers on the content of trace elements in soil during cultivation of medicinal plants

Relevance. At present, the issues of mineral nutrition of medicinal plants with essential elements remain unstudied, and the lack of certain microelements in soils is an underestimated agroecological factor. This necessitates the study of the effect of different doses of zinc and copper fertilizers on the content of mobile forms of zinc and copper in the meadow-chernozem soil when cultivating Achillea millefolium L. and Tanacetum vulgare L. in the southern forest-steppe conditions of Western Siberia.Methods. The research objects were meadow-chernozem soil, Achillea millefolium L., Tanacetum vulgare L. The field experiment was conducted during 2012–2015 on the experimental field of the Omsk State Agrarian University. Microfertilizers in the experiments were applied once in the year of planting medicinal plants. Zinc fertilizers (CH3COOH)2Zn) were applied in doses of 20, 40, 60, 80 kg/ha, copper (CH3COOH)2Cu) in doses of 2.4, 4.9, 7.2, 9.7 kg/ha against macrofertilizer (N135P45K45). Soil samples were collected and analyzed annually in the growing phase.Results. The research revealed that zinc and copper fertilizers on optimal macroelement background at low zinc (< 2,0 mg/kg) and copper content in soil (< 1,5 mg/kg) provided increase of zinc and copper mobile forms content in soil by 108,3% and 54,5% (Achillea millefolium L.) and 672,7% and 61,5% (Tanacetum vulgare L.), respectively, when applied in soil in acetate form. Optimal levels of the content of mobile forms of zinc and copper in the soil were 2.5 mg/kg and 0.17 mg/kg for Achillea millefolium L. respectively, 8.5 mg/kg and 0.21 mg/kg for Tanacetum vulgare L.

How to build a lichen: from metabolite release to symbiotic interplay.

Exposing their vegetative bodies to the light, lichens are outstanding amongst other fungal symbioses. Not requiring a pre-established host, 'lichenized fungi' build an entirely new structure together with microbial photosynthetic partners that neither can form alone. The signals involved in the transition of a fungus and a compatible photosynthetic partner from a free-living to a symbiotic state culminating in thallus formation, termed 'lichenization', and in the maintenance of the symbiosis, are poorly understood. Here, we synthesise the puzzle pieces of the scarce knowledge available into an updated concept of signalling involved in lichenization, comprising five main stages: (1) the 'pre-contact stage', (2) the 'contact stage', (3) 'envelopment' of algal cells by the fungus, (4) their 'incorporation' into a pre-thallus and (5) 'differentiation' into a complex thallus. Considering the involvement of extracellularly released metabolites in each phase, we propose that compounds such as fungal lectins and algal cyclic peptides elicit early contact between the symbionts-to-be, whereas phytohormone signalling, antioxidant protection and carbon exchange through sugars and sugar alcohols are of continued importance throughout all stages. In the fully formed lichen thallus, secondary lichen metabolites and mineral nutrition are suggested to stabilize the functionalities of the thallus, including the associated microbiota.